Watch Lord Montagu

Lord Montagu is a British documentary film released in 2013, directed by Luke Korem, which portrays the life of Edward Douglas-Scott Montagu, 3rd Baron Montagu of Beaulieu, who was a pioneer of automotive culture in the United Kingdom. The film shows the ups and downs of the eccentric aristocrat who rose to fame as a member of the House of Lords, but also had to face social scandal, imprisonment and public scrutiny.

The film opens with some background information on the Montagu family and the history of the Beaulieu estate, which is located in the New Forest in Hampshire. We learn about the family's wealth, privilege, and political influence, as well as their passion for motoring, which began in the early 20th century with Edward's father, John Montagu.

As a young man, Edward Montagu was a keen racing driver and collector of vintage cars, and he soon became a fixture in the British car scene, promoting rallies, shows, and museums. He also became friends with some of the most famous personalities of the car world, such as Enzo Ferrari, Stirling Moss, and Donald Healey, who appear in the film through archive footage and interviews.

However, Edward's life took a dramatic turn in 1953 when he was accused of homosexuality, which was then considered a crime in the UK. The film explores this scandal through interviews with Lord Montagu himself, as well as his former lover Peter Wildeblood, who was also arrested and convicted at the time. The film shows how Montagu's reputation and career were severely affected by the trial, which was widely reported by the press and sparked a public debate on sexuality and the law.

Despite this setback, Lord Montagu did not give up his love for cars and went on to found the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu in 1972, which is now one of the largest and most popular car museums in the world. The film shows some of the museum's highlights and displays, as well as interviews with its staff and visitors.

The film also explores Lord Montagu's personal life, including his marriage to Belinda Crossley, which ended in divorce, and his relationship with his children and grandchildren. We see how Montagu's passion for cars and his estate sometimes conflicted with his responsibilities as a family man and a public figure.

Throughout the film, we get a sense of Lord Montagu's personality and charm, which is imbued with a mix of wit, eccentricity, and resilience. He is portrayed as a complex and contradictory figure, who was both a victim of circumstance and a master of his own destiny.

The film uses a mix of archival footage, re-enactments, interviews, and narration to create a multi-layered and engaging portrait of Lord Montagu and his world. It also features appearances by other members of the Montagu family, such as his cousin Prince Michael of Kent, who shares some anecdotes and insights into the family's history and traditions.

Overall, Lord Montagu is a fascinating and entertaining documentary that offers a unique glimpse into the life and times of a remarkable man and his passion for cars. Whether you are a fan of the Montagu family, British history, or vintage automobiles, this film is sure to delight, educate, and inspire.

Lord Montagu is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.