Watch The Divine Lady
- NR
- 1929
- 1 hr 39 min
-
6.2 (957)
The Divine Lady is a silent historical drama film that tells the story of Lady Hamilton (Corinne Griffith), an English beauty who becomes involved with both Admiral Lord Nelson (Victor Varconi) and William Hamilton (H.B. Warner), the British Ambassador to Naples. The film has a runtime of 99 minutes and was released on September 23, 1928, by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
The film takes place in the late 18th century, a time when Great Britain was at war with France. Lady Hamilton, a socially ambitious woman, uses her charm to attract the attention of wealthy men, including her future husband, William Hamilton. She quickly becomes the toast of Naples society and captures the heart of the aging Hamilton. However, her life takes a dramatic turn when she meets Admiral Nelson, a charismatic and bold naval commander who is considered a national hero in England.
Lady Hamilton is drawn to Nelson's strength and courage, and the two begin a passionate love affair. However, their relationship is complicated by the existence of Nelson's wife, who refuses to grant him a divorce. As their love affair intensifies, Lady Hamilton becomes embroiled in a web of political intrigue and betrayal as she tries to help Nelson with his war efforts against the French.
Meanwhile, William Hamilton, who is aware of the affair between his wife and Nelson, becomes increasingly frustrated with their behavior. His anger and sense of betrayal eventually lead him to betray his own country by sharing secrets with the French. When Lady Hamilton discovers his deception, she must decide which man she truly loves and where her loyalties lie.
The Divine Lady is a beautifully filmed picture that features sweeping shots of grand ballrooms and luxurious estates. The film's costumes and sets are extravagant and add to the grandeur of the time period. The acting is also notable, particularly the performance by Corinne Griffith, who brings depth and nuance to her portrayal of Lady Hamilton. She captures both the character's ambition and ferocity as well as her vulnerability and compassion.
Victor Varconi is equally impressive as Admiral Nelson, a man torn between his love for Lady Hamilton and his duty to his country. H.B. Warner's performance as William Hamilton is also noteworthy, as he manages to infuse the character with a sense of pathos, despite his actions.
Overall, The Divine Lady is an engaging and entertaining film that combines romance, drama, and history to great effect. Its themes of love, loyalty, and betrayal are universal and still resonate today. While the film was made nearly a century ago, its timeless story and stunning visuals make it a must-see for fans of classic cinema.