Watch Royal Wedding
- Approved
- 1951
- 1 hr 33 min
-
6.7 (6,211)
Royal Wedding is a musical comedy movie released in 1951. The film tells the story of Tom (Fred Astaire) and Ellen Bowen (Jane Powell), a brother-sister dance duo who travel to London to perform at the royal wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip. Although they are thrilled to perform for the future King and Queen of England, they both face romantic challenges along the way.
The film opens with the Bowen siblings performing on stage in America. Tom, the older brother, falls for Anne Ashmond (Sarah Churchill), the dancer who performs with him. Ellen, his sister, is in love with Lord John Brindale (Peter Lawford), a British nobleman she met on the cruise to London. Tom, however, is hesitant to pursue any romantic relationship with Anne, afraid that it might affect their professional partnership.
Once in London, the Bowens meet their British counterparts, including the charming Lord John. Ellen is thrilled to see him again, but is soon struck by his aloofness towards her. Meanwhile, Tom is swept off his feet by Anne, who happens to be the daughter of the Duke who has invited them to perform at the wedding. Despite his initial hesitation, Tom and Anne soon fall in love.
As the wedding approaches, the tension between Tom and Ellen grows. Tom is determined to start his solo career with Anne, leaving Ellen behind in America. Ellen is heartbroken by his decision and is left to face her feelings for Lord John. In the end, Ellen must decide whether to follow her heart or support her brother's dreams.
Royal Wedding is a classic musical comedy with outstanding performances by the lead actors. Fred Astaire, who was then in his fifties, showcases his remarkable dancing talent in several musical numbers including the iconic 'You're All the World to Me', where he dances on the walls and ceiling of his hotel room. He also performs a memorable duet with Jane Powell in 'How Could You Believe Me When I Said I Loved You When You Know I've Been a Liar All My Life'.
Jane Powell is equally impressive as Ellen Bowen, the charming and talented dancer who must face the difficult choice between her career and her love life. Peter Lawford perfectly captures the essence of a British gentleman and adds a touch of sophistication to the film.
Apart from the outstanding performances by the lead actors, the film also features a wonderful soundtrack, with songs written by Burton Lane and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner. Songs like 'Too Late Now' and 'Open Your Eyes' are still popular among music lovers and have become classics of the era.
The movie is also notable for its colorful and sumptuous visuals. The dance performances, both in America and England, are beautifully choreographed and capture the joy and energy of the era. The scenes shot in London, especially at the Buckingham Palace, give a glimpse of the British royal family and their grandeur.
In conclusion, Royal Wedding is a delightful musical comedy that showcases the talent of some of the best actors and musicians of the era. It is a classic movie that still manages to captivate audiences with its charming story, great music, and stunning visuals.
Royal Wedding is a 1951 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.