Watch Lola Montes

Lola Montes is a French-German movie from 1955, directed by the famous German filmmaker Max Ophüls. The movie stars Martine Carol as the lead character, Lola Montes, a famous and scandalous French courtesan who lived in the 19th century. The movie is a biopic that chronicles the life and times of Lola Montes, offering a look into the fascinating world of dancing, love, and politics.

As the movie begins, Lola is depicted as a performer in a circus in New York City. She is famous all over the world for her exotic dancing skills, and the people pay a fortune to watch her perform. As Lola takes the stage, she begins to recollect her past and everything that has led her to this point. From here, the movie takes us back in time to explain how Lola ended up in the circus.

We learn that Lola was born into a wealthy family but was forced to leave when she refused to marry a man of her parents' choice. Left to fend for herself, she ends up in France, where she starts her career as a courtesan. Her charm and beauty quickly gain her the attention of the upper class, including King Ludwig I of Bavaria (played by Anton Walbrook), who falls deeply in love with her.

As Lola's career progresses, we see her become involved with a series of men, all of whom desire her. Her reputation as a seductress makes her a controversial figure in society, and she becomes a political pawn. With her influence over the king and her willingness to use it to her advantage, Lola gets involved in political scandals that threaten to unravel everything she has worked for.

Throughout the movie, Lola's story is told through a series of flashbacks, as she recounts her life to the circus audience. We see glimpses of her past love affairs and the impact they had on her life. We also see her struggle with her own emotions and question her value as a person. At one point, Lola gives a speech emphasizing the fact that she's not just a pretty face but a complex individual with hopes, dreams, and fears. This speech humanizes her quite a bit and makes her more than just a sex symbol.

The movie is shot in an incredibly unique way. Ophüls used a revolving circular stage that allows for seamless scene transitions. The camera pans around the stage following the actors as they move around. The effect is visually stunning and adds a sense of fluidity to the film.

Martine Carol delivers an outstanding performance as Lola Montes, easily embodying the courtesan's captivating charm and unmatchable allure. With her bold beauty and magnetic presence, Martine Carol effortlessly brings Lola Montes to life over the course of the film.

Peter Ustinov appears as the showman who introduces Lola to the circus audience, providing the narration that frames her story. Ustinov's narration is witty, comical, and adds a bit of levity to the movie at times. Anton Walbrook, on the other hand, plays the role of King Ludwig I of Bavaria excellently, his performance adding an authenticity and credibility to the storyline.

One of the standout features of Lola Montes is the exquisite design of the costumes and the sets. The film's colorful visual palette is stunning, and the attention to detail is impeccable. The lavish dresses, intricate hairstyles, and grand interiors all come together to create a sumptuous and elegant vision of belle époque-era Europe.

Overall, Lola Montes is a beautifully crafted movie that offers an immersive and unforgettable experience. The breathtaking visuals, Martine Carol's captivating performance, and the fascinating story all come together to create a masterpiece of cinema.

Lola Montes is a 1955 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 56 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.