It Happened on Wimpole Street

If you like poetry, the Victorian period, or romance, I have found a movie for you to watch. The original 1934 film, The Barrett's of Wimpole Street, is a truly classic film made from the play of the same name by Rudolph Besier. The story follows along with the real life romance of Victorian poets, Robert Browning and his later wife, Elizabeth Barrett Browning.

This film verison, directed by Sidney Franklin, stars Norma Shearer in the role the invalid Elizabeth Barrett Browning, who, along with her siblings, is forbidden to marry by their opressive father, played by Charles Laughton. Despite her stern father, Elizabeth falls in love with the dashing poet Robert Browning, played by Frederic March, and the two conspire to marry with the help of Elizabeth's sister Henriette, played by Maureen O'Sullivan. Through the course of the film, Robert's love helps Elizabeth recover from her mysterious illness and stand up to her opressive father. Always at Elizabeth's side is her loving dog Flush, who played himself.

This film truly is a great love story with an amazing cast who portray their characters so well. Whereas a film can never truly recreate the events of history, this film comes pretty close to echoing what really transpired during Brown and Barrett's courtship.The acting and cast work wonderfully as indiviuals and together. In fact, the film was so good it was nominated for Best Picture.

Sidney Franklin later remade the film in 1957, a remake that was nearly identical, word for word and scene by scene. Shearer's husband, Irving Thalberg, was the producer and cast her in the role, angering William Randolph Hearst, who wanted the part to go to his actress mistress, Marion Davies. This action caused a fall-out between Hearst and MGM, as well as Shearer. Marion then went to work for Warner Brothers.

For those of you who want more information, you can go here and get some review and analysis by classicfilmguide.com. The blog Colet and Company also discusses the various stage and film versions of the film, which can be read here. So, for any of you looking for a good romance, I would say The Barretts of Wimpole Street is an excellent pick.