NR | 1h 32m | Adventure, History, Romance | 1937
A recent observation can sometimes be like catching up with history with the powerful parallels already in plain sight. This could be a movie viewer’s experience with “Fire Over England” (1937), a historical adventure with a healthy dollop of romance.
The title appears to suggest a World War II picture about England’s Blitz, Nazi Germany’s relentless bombing of Britain from 1940 to 1941. Vivid scenes unfold of sirens blaring and fires rising from bombed-out British buildings.
Cynthia (Vivien Leigh) and Michael Ingolby (Laurence Olivier), in “Fire Over England.” (GJW+)
Instead, the film takes us back to the 16th century and the reign of Queen Elizabeth I (Flora Robson), when England faced the threat of invasion from King Philip II of Spain (Raymond Massey) and the once mighty Spanish Armada.
The film could also have been a premonition of Nazi Germany’s assault on its cities. Historical parallels are hard to miss.
The Queen’s Secret Weapon
It’s 1587, and Queen Elizabeth I (Robson) has plenty to worry about. King Philip II (Massey) rules Spain with a huge naval force to counter English captains from taking Spanish ships returning from the New World with heaps of treasure. Duplicitous forces within England are willing to betray their queen.
Into all of this turmoil comes Michael Ingolby (Laurence Olivier), a dashing young Englishman whose encounter with the Spanish becomes personal after his father, Sir Richard Ingolby (Lyn Harding), is captured and executed. Michael survives, partly through the kindness of Don Miguel (Robert Rendel), and spends time recovering under the care of Miguel’s daughter, Elena (Tamara Desni).
Back in England, Michael reunites with Cynthia (Vivien Leigh), the woman he loves. But Queen Elizabeth soon has other plans for him. A Spanish agent named Hillary Vane (the great James Mason) has died before giving up the names of his English accomplices.
Michael fits Vane’s description and speaks Spanish, making him an ideal replacement. Soon, he’s headed for Philip’s palace under a false identity, with a list of traitors to uncover and a Spanish war fleet looming in the background.
Court Intrigue and Cannon Fire
The costumes of many historical dramas seem to have been ordered by the yard; this one appears to have been ordered by the acre. Queen Elizabeth’s wardrobe alone includes collars that could have received radio signals.
The acting comes from several very different directions. Olivier begins with so much youthful theatrical enthusiasm that Michael seems ready to conquer Spain through sheer acting energy. His undercover assignment suits him well. It gives him opportunities for a multifaceted dance of humor, charm, and a bit of physical action thrown in for good measure.
Leigh pops in and out as Cynthia, looking impossibly young and already possessing the screen presence that would soon make her a major star. Leigh and Olivier fell in love during production, complicated by the fact that both were already married. Massey brings an imposing manner to Philip II and avoids turning into a cartoon villain.
Robson’s Elizabeth is allowed to be a monarch and a person at the same time. She’s proud of her authority while still very aware of age, appearance, and the dangers surrounding her throne. She also somehow manages to look perfectly at home beneath all of those enormous Elizabethan ruffs, an achievement in and of itself.
Not all is perfect, however, as the film does have some creaky machinery. Its early exposition occasionally feels as though the screenplay is checking names off a Tudor history exam. The miniature Armada has all the nautical menace that 1937 technology could muster; it reminded me of toy ships in my bathtub as a child. But once spies and conspirators start running around through palaces, director William K. Howard keeps things moving at an enjoyable clip.
For all of its antiquated visual effects and occasional stiffness, “Fire Over England” remains a lively historical adventure. There’s plenty of swordplay, palace intrigue, romance, and unabashed patriotism. Robson gives the film its strongest performance, while Olivier and Leigh offer an early glimpse of two actors who would soon become screen legends.
Nearly 90 years later, the film still has enough personality and historical fascination to make the voyage worthwhile.
“Fire Over England” is available on GanJingWorld.
‘Fire Over England’
Director: William K. Howard
Starring: Laurence Olivier, Flora Robson, Vivien Leigh
Not Rated
Running time: 1 hour, 32 minutes
Release Date: March 5, 1937
Rated: 4 stars out of 5
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