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The Great Garrick

1937, Movie, NR, 82 mins

The Great Garrick: Review

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A very amusing picture that could have been a comedy classic if more attention had been given to the script. Aherne is the great David Garrick, a renowned 18th century British actor who is finishing a stint at the Drury Lane Theater in London when he tells the crowd that he is about to work at Paris' Comedie Francaise as a guest artist. Some in the crowd don't appreciate the fact that he will be going off to the "City of Light," and he remarks facetiously that he might be able to teach the French actors a thing or two. When the people at the Comedie Francaise hear about that comment, they decide to play a prank on him. The idea is to embarrass Garrick. They take over an inn on the Calais-Paris road and stage an entire play for Aherne's benefit. Everyone from the innkeeper to the servants is part of the comedy troupe. Even the guests are actors. Arguments occur, duels are fought, a murder is committed, all for the sake of the British actor. Eventually, he sees through their sham and decides to play along with it. It's then that de Havilland, a legitimate guest, arrives at the inn. Aherne believes she is one of the conspirators. In the end, Aherne informs the others that he knew the truth from somewhere near the middle of their act. He looks for de Havilland, whom he has fallen in love with, and discovers that she is not one of the actors. She has run off to Paris. Aherne is to play "Don Juan" at the Comedie Francaise, but is so heartsick at the loss of de Havilland that he feels he cannot go on stage. When he looks up at a box and sees de Havilland, he goes on to perform the greatest "Don Juan" of his career. Aherne and de Havilland were an item during the making of the film, but they eventually broke up, and two years later he married her sister, Joan Fontaine. Lots of good work from all the second bananas, especially Horton and Cooper. Lana Turner and Marie Wilson supply what little sex appeal can be sensed under the heavy dresses. leave a comment
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