Watch Beau Brummell

Beau Brummell, released in 1954, is a biographical drama film directed by Curtis Bernhardt. The film stars Stewart Granger as the titular character, Elizabeth Taylor as Lady Patricia Belham, and Peter Ustinov as Prince of Wales. The movie follows the life of George "Beau" Brummell, a British fashion icon of the 18th century, who revolutionized men's fashion and challenged society's obsession with class and status.

The film opens with Brummell, a young army officer, being reprimanded by his superiors for his unkempt appearance. Unphased, Brummell sets out to revolutionize men's fashion, much to the chagrin of the upper class society he moves in. Meanwhile, he forms a friendship with the Prince of Wales, who is also keen on establishing his own identity outside of his royal status. Despite their conflicting interests, the two form a bond that would later be tested by Brummell's irreverence towards the Prince's entourage.

As Brummell's fame grows, so does his arrogance. He becomes increasingly disillusioned with the superficiality of the society he moves in, becoming more and more reckless with his words and actions. Meanwhile, his relationship with Lady Patricia Belham becomes strained due to his growing resentment for her social standing. Despite this, the two continue their tumultuous romance, which eventually comes to a dramatic end.

As the story progresses, Brummell's fortunes take a turn for the worse, as he finds himself drowning in debt and facing social ostracization. His friendship with the Prince of Wales also suffers a blow, with the latter refusing to bail him out of his debts. In the end, Brummell is forced to flee to France, where he lives out the rest of his life in obscurity.

The film is beautifully shot, with stunning period costumes and exquisite set pieces. The acting is top-notch, with Granger delivering a charismatic and nuanced performance as Brummell. Elizabeth Taylor shines as the headstrong Lady Patricia, while Peter Ustinov is excellent as the flamboyant Prince of Wales. The supporting cast is also strong, with Robert Morley giving a standout performance as the witless King George III.

Overall, Beau Brummell is a thought-provoking and entertaining film that sheds light on the life and legacy of one of history's most enduring fashion icons. It succeeds in capturing the spirit of the era, and the performances are exceptional, making the movie a must-watch for fans of historical dramas.

Beau Brummell is a 1954 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 53 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.