Charles Laughton was a man who could do just about anything. His acting ranged from the classical to the contemporary, and he made his mark with such popular films as This Land Is Mine, Rembrandt, and Les Miserables. He was also a very successful television producer.
White Woman
White Woman is a fun romp through the jungles of Malaya, and it’s not for the faint of heart. Among its slew of tetrapods, the most memorable character is the well dressed blonde. It’s only when she gets a taste of the real thing that she realizes what she’s missing. In the end, the biggest challenge is keeping her love secret a secret, lest she arouse her husband’s ire. A sidekick worthy of a second billing is a fellow by the name of David, who is the hunk of the female.
Despite a few bumps along the way, White Woman holds up as an enjoyable romp. The best parts of the film are in the foreground. One of the most gratifying moments is watching the lead character come to terms with her predicament, which she does with panache and grace. Moreover, the female lead is no longer the harried spouse she once was, a feat of the highest caliber.
It also helps that the production quality is top notch. Considering that the budget was in the tens of thousands, it is no surprise that the movie lasted less than two hours. This also allows for an on set romance that will be talked about for years to come. If you’re in the market for a fling, White Woman should be on your list of stops.
Les Miserables
Charles Laughton’s Les Miserables is as good as any motion picture version of the musical. A little bit more than one hundred pages long, the film is based on Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel. There are many flaws in the film, however.
The most notable one is the portrayal of Javert, a former convict turned policeman. His obsession with law and order seems to be more about a law unfulfilled than it is about a redeemed soul. In the movie, the first name given to him is Emile, as opposed to Emile, the name given to him in the book.
Another example of the omen is Jean Valjean’s (Frédéric March) attempt to flee Paris with his daughter Cosette (Louise Fontaine). In the novel, it isn’t until Fantine (Fantasy) dies that Valjean learns of her identity.
It is not surprising then that the Les Miserables film is based on a long and complicated story. However, there are several interesting moments.
The movie is anchored around three big moments. The most important is Jean Valjean’s attempt to save Marius. Although the movie has a few minor hiccups, it is still a worthy watch.
The movie has a number of other lesser known characters. For instance, it also features Jean Valjean’s sister, M. Gillenormand. She is played by Elsa Lanchester.
Not to be outdone, there are many deformed souls. Among them is Champmathieu, a prostitute. Unlike the novel, Valjean does not sell his hair or teeth in the film.
Rembrandt
The Charles Laughton’s Rembrandt movie is a biopic of the 17th century painter. It shows how he navigated the world of beggars and kings and became an artist.
Aside from his creative independence, Rembrandt also suffered from the loss of his wife and muse. His son died from plague while he was still in his twenties. Eventually, he was buried in an unmarked grave.
A cliche, but true to Rembrandt’s life. This is an ambitious biopic focusing on the late years of the great Dutch painter. With its superb central performance, fine visuals and sensitivity, the film is a fascinating look at the man behind one of the most acclaimed paintings of all time.
Charles Laughton gives an impressive performance as Rembrandt. The actor’s empathetic and heartfelt portrayal of the great artist makes him a compelling figure. He also has an impressive stage background. As a member of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, he was trained in theatrical acting.
Rembrandt is an ambitious movie with plenty of drama. It’s a good example of what Alexander Korda can do with a period piece. From the heights of fame to the rags of poverty, this movie takes a look at the lives of some of the greatest artists of all time.
The screenplay is a solid, well-written work. George Perinal’s cinematography pays tribute to the famous Dutch artist’s use of chiaroscuro technique. Although the movie focuses on the downfall of Rembrandt, it also gives a good glimpse into his personal life.
This Land Is Mine
This Land Is Mine is the tale of a small town in Nazi occupied Europe. It’s a tale of one man’s quest to keep his family safe. Despite his best efforts, he eventually succumbs to a horde of Nazis. In the process, he meets the love of his life. The ensuing love fest is the stuff of nightmares. One thing is for sure, it won’t be the last time.
This Land Is Mine is not for the faint of heart. However, if you’re a film buff with a heart that has a beating, you’ll be able to appreciate the effort. Aside from its slick production, it is also notable for a few reasons. First, it was made on a tight budget. Second, the cast is a mix of mediocre actors. Finally, the script is a mix of gibberish and over the top dialogue. But despite all of this, the film’s strengths are in its understated sex and a surprisingly hefty dose of humor. That’s why the movie has been dubbed as a classic.
If you’re in the mood for a romp, this may be the movie to see. Fortunately, it is available on demand. You might want to save up your cash until after the wedding though. Or just wait until your spouse isn’t on the prowl. Luckily, it’s already been picked up by a few streaming services. And while the film itself is not a bad choice, the cast could use some love.
Witness for the Prosecution
If you are a fan of classic courtroom dramas, then you’ll want to check out Witness for the Prosecution. It’s an American legal mystery thriller film released in 1957, and was directed by Billy Wilder. Featuring Charles Laughton, Marlene Dietrich and Tyrone Power, the tale of a British lawyer who gets embroiled in a scandalous marital affair is both comical and awe-inspiring.
The film’s main protagonist, lawyer Sir Wilfrid Robarts (David Horne) is not a man of few words. In addition to his legal work, he is also involved in a clandestine romance with his partner Romaine (Patricia Jessel). But when the two are arrested for a murder, things take a turn for the worst.
Using a clever mixture of modern cinematography and old-fashioned wit, director Billy Wilder provides an exciting and entertaining experience. The film was produced by Peter Saunders. Originally, it was a limited release in the United Kingdom, but was later issued as a standalone feature. A more recent television version restored the original ending, and featured Sarah Phelps.
While the film does not have a perfect score, it is still a very enjoyable movie. Thanks to Laughton’s performance, as well as his co-stars, the film is a worthy addition to any collection.
Whether you watch it in the theatre or on DVD, you’ll be impressed by the quality of the production. This includes an impressively crafted script by screenwriters Peter Saunders and William Fletcher. Not to mention the excellent cast including Patricia Jessel, Elsa Lanchester and Tyrone Power.
Sparta
Charles Laughton’s performance as Sparta is a work of art. The actor’s commanding presence and unmatched dramatic flair made him one of the most iconic figures in Hollywood.
The actor began to develop a sexual relationship with another man, and later came to terms with homosexuality. While he had been active in homosexuality since the 1920s, he never considered it a serious issue until he was in his fifties.
After receiving a lot of criticism for his role as Sparta, Laughton was reworked by two other directors. Peter Ustinov, who won two acting Oscars, rewrote some scenes. Another, Michael Douglas, worked on the film as producer.
Eventually, Laughton and Douglas divorced. He remained active in his career, appearing in films including The Hunchback of Notre Dame and The Sign of the Cross.
His final role was in Sparta, an epic movie that depicts a slave rebellion against the Roman Empire. It also won Laughton an Academy Award for his portrayal of the character.
The story is based on the novel by Gracchus. Although the novel is considered a work of fiction, Kubrick’s interpretation of the tale is no different from the novel.
In the film, the rebels are led by Sparta, a Thracian slave. Once he has finished training as a gladiator, he begins to turn against his owners. This leads to the Thracian Spartacus Rebellion, which spreads across southern Italy.
