Nigel-Hawthorne Movie Reviews

The year--1788. The loss of that place that must not be mentioned by England has gradually sent King George III down the slope to insanity, so some ministers say. His emotional rantings, rushing out in the early morning in bedclothes with his attendants in tow, and even an imagined flight from a flood causes tumult within the Royal household. Some actions in his "catalog of regal nonconformities" are harmless, as he plays cricket with a group of peasant children, and visits a farmer, admiring the pigs.

This causes a political struggle between the Whigs and Tories. Prince George, the future George IV, wants the take advantage of his father's deterioration to be named Regent, translation: "king in all but name and all the power, subject to Parliament... and certainly all the funds." He also wants his secret marriage Maria Fitzherbert, a Catholic widow, to be recognized in the open. In this, he has enlisted Charles James Fox, former foreign secretary under Rockingham and now an opposition leader who supports America to the point of saying, "If a few ramshackle colonists can send him packing why can't we?", Doctor Warner, and later, the Lord Chancellor, Edward Thurlow, 1st Baron Thurlow. Supporting the king is William Pitt the Younger, prime minister (1783-1801), who advocates parliamentary procedure and insists that Parliament has the right to decide who should be regent and under what terms. Queen Charlotte and Lady Pembroke, the king's mistress, are also on the king's side, as is his new equerry, the eager and loyal Captain Greville. The political struggle is another type of madness, as it has torn at the fabric of the government that is the envy of all nations.

The king's contempt for doctors is shown when he rants at Dr. Baker, who has given him senna, a mild purgative. "Mild? Forteen motions and you call it mild? I could have manured the whole palace." His views on sleep are amusing, as he wakes his handlers at four AM. "Six hours is enough for a man. Seven for a woman, and eight for a fool." That places me between a woman and a fool, then.

The role of the royal family as the symbol of England is also an issue. Prince George wants to do something, like handle some things in government. A line from his mother as they wave to their public is telling. "Smile, you lazy hound. It's what you're paid for. Smile and wave." I wonder Prince Charles has heard that from his mum.

The classical music score includes Handel's Water Music, adding to the splendour of the Georgian court. And this is based on Alan Bennett's play, Bennett of course being a collaborator of Dudley Moore, Peter Cook, and Tim Brook-Taylor in the 1960's.

However, the sobering lack of knowledge of porphyria, which is the modern diagnosis of what ailed the king, and is a hereditary metabolic disorder of which George suffered acutely and intermittently, is also a kind of madness of the ignorance of 18th century medicine. Yet, Dr. Willis does the best he can in avoiding the usual pronouncements and recommendations of the court physicians.

Nigel Hawthorne should've gotten a Best Actor award from some ceremony for playing the monarch, displaying the manic ups and downs, and sufferings of George III with great aplomb. Ian Holm gets the next honours as Dr. Willis, who stubbornly defies convention and sees the king nor as the king, but as a patient, and dares to look him in the eyes. Helen Mirren of Prime Suspect is Charlotte and Rupert Everett does a good turn as the Prince. However, Julian Wadham plays Pitt with great dignity and honour. And Geoffrey Palmer (As Time Goes By) is Warner. Also, the petitioner who attacks the king is played by Janine Duvititski (Jane in the Waiting For God series). Interesting look at one of the most misunderstood monarchs of England, what what?

I was thrilled when Nigel Hawthorne was nominated for the Best Actor oscar for his performance as George III in this film, not only because this was a stunning performance, but because of his history on the stage (which I was privileged to attend often in London) and with BBC productions. Sir Nigel (as he is now fashioned) is perhaps best known by television audiences as Sir Humphrey Appleby, the scheming civil service mandarin from the Yes, Minister and Yes, Prime Minister series. I have admired him for years (and most recently got to see his great performance of Lear in London).

This film also starred such British acting heavy-weights as Helen Mirren as the queen (think of the Prime Suspect series on the BBC/PBS Mystery, among others), Ian Holm as the physician (most recently noted for his performance of Lear, now available on video), and Rupert Everett as the chomping-at-the-bit Prince of Wales.

The drama was intensified by collapsing or conflating actual historical events (alas, the play and movie would have one think that good king George actually recovered his wits and ruled; the truth is more sad, that he had recurring bouts of delirium and hysteria until finally succumbing to a dementia that lasted for years, and thus the Regency was established).

Poor George has gotten a 'bum rap' in America for being the 'tyrant' against whom the colonials rebelled; history shows, however, that far from the being the evil dictator, he was in fact perhaps the kindest and most enlightened monarch in Europe at the time, well loved by the people, and concerned for government more than his own pleasure. Artistic, well humoured and well mannered, George was perhaps the last monarch in Europe who should have been so tarred by the negative history with which he has been saddled.

This movie gives a little insight into that character of man. Set after the war with the colonies, George begins a slow process of deterioration. Seen here are the inhumane treatments prescribed for such people (I wonder if our modern medicine with machines and contraptions will look similarly barbaric 200 years from now?).

Lavish sets and costumes accentuate the film to give a very royal feel. Political intrigue, disfunctional family dynamics, and social class consciousness all arise in differing measure to make this a truly intricate plot; however, much of the politics and psychology are more for modern audiences than are actual re-creations or representations.

My favourite scene has to be the one in which George is reciting, in the gardens at Kew, a scene from Lear, in which Lear is slipping into madness.

'Lear!? Is this wise?'
'I don't know, I'd never read it!' came the doctor's response.

To see the king slip into sanity so subtly as his performance of Lear presents a slide into insanity is a treasure.

The postscript at the end, a direct criticism of the royal family, in which the king pronounces that their main purpose is to be a model family (and the hint in the closing that the disease of porphyria, George's most-likely ailment, is hereditary) is amusing if not entirely appropriate.

In all, a fabulous film.

King Lear comes back to life! This time as the demented (or is it all too lucid!) King George III, who shakes up his familly, court and even Parliament with his seemingly absurd antics. This glorious little period piece gives us an accurate slice of 18th century English life, as well as providing laugh after laugh. More than that, this film artfully and subtly examines the serious subject of madness and what it means to see things a little differently.

Nigel Hawthorne's performance as George is flawless. He brings to life a very complex and misunderstood historical figure. Whether we follow the Mad George rushing to the rooftops trying to save his family from some paranoic threat, gallop after him darting across the dales, nightgown and all, or snigger while he 'instructs' the Court orchestra on how to 'properly' play their instruments, we feel the profound human spirit of a man trapped within confines not of his own making. Like Lear's, his mad roar is that of a free spirit shackled in chains. And for George, these are the shackles of propriety and royal duty. While the end of the film makes mention of the obscure aliment which supposedly tormented poor George, the film leaves open other possibilities as well. The film poignantly shows how madness and idiocy are far from being synonomous. In rare moments of clarity, George not only seems to know his condition better than his quack doctors do.....'I'm here, but not all there,' but he also shows some keen perception into the limits of the human mind. As he told his beloved 'Mrs Queen,'(the ever professional Mrs. Mirren), 'I just want to talk it all out,' maybe his true problem lies in not being able to accept the limits thrust upon him by his political responsibilities.

The film poses some interesting questions not only about the nature of madness and self-control, but about being a leader or public figure. The only doctor who manages to reach the far-gone King(brilliantly acted by Ian Holm), shrewdly states that he who is unable to govern himself is not fit to govern a country. Self-discipline appears to be the lacking ingredient.

In addition to the entertaining laughs and hidden questions, the film is supremely well-crafted. All the performances are well above board. The best supporting roles are those of Rupert Graves, as the proper and reserved Mr. Pitt, who valiantly defends his King when all others have abandonned him and the sultry Amanda Donohoe as the loyal Lady Pembroke, capable of making any sacrifice for her Majesty. Rupert Everett's Prince of Wales is the weakest link. Somehow, he seemed out of place in the film. Better stay by Madonna's side.

All in all, a great piece of entertainment. Stay in tonight and rent it....or better yet, buy it. A must for any serious collection. Even hardened Anglophobes and anti-royalists (like myself) will find it impossible to hold back the laughs and tears. Well, maybe we colonists shouldn't have sent old Georgie packing after all!

This movie was extremely inspirational. I so enjoyed it! It covers a full span of the Holy Father's life from boyhood to adulthood. The story line shows the Pope's humaness, his intellect, and his great love of God. It also revealed the struggles and strength of the Polish people during World War II. I have recommended it to friends who have equally enjoyed it.

Many people today think of John Paul II as some sort of well-intentioned preachy old-timer set in his church's archaic ways, with little, if nothing, relevant to say in our present troubled times. As this movie shows, they couldn't be more wrong! We're talking about a bigger-than-life hero here, if ever there was one!

Albert Finney is astounding in the role of a Polish working class priest witnessing first hand the worst atrocities of the XX century, and putting his own life on the line in order to stop and ammend them. I don't know if Finney ever recieved any award for this perfomance, but I do know John Paul II will go down in history not only as a great pope, but as an example of what being human means!

You don't have to be a Catholic to apreciate this, nor to watch the movie!

I really forgot I was watching an actor, both young Karol and the man Karol, the acting was so well done by all. Patrick Stewart as an antagonist was superb. One can not help but feel the emotions that Karol felt as his character is formed by the experiences of his life, from the loss of his mother at an early age and his father as a young man, the ocupation by the Germans, the plight of the Jewish families that led him to risk his life for them. Also his meeting with a mentor who intoduces him to St. John of the Cross, he became a Secular Carmelite as a result and the Carmelite St. John of the Cross was to influence his life right up to the present day. It was his dealings with the Communists, as Bishop of Cracow, that gave such hope to the Polish people. An example was at Nowa Huta. This is the story of a man who was formed by the experiences of his life which brought him to the understanding of the true meaning of love. Not the passive kind, but the love that acts to restore the dignity of the human being. It shows his ability to be empathic with the suffering of everyone. It reveals his capacity to understand all sides and to mediate well, which is part of what got him elected to the highest position in the church. It also shows his astute mind and strong-willed commiment to his principles in dealings with the Communists and others. Keep your kleenex handy, you will feel this story very deeply.

I first happened upon the 'Yes, Minister' series while living in Britain and working in Parliament. How is that for timeliness! Paul Eddington and Nigel Hawthorne (both knighted for their services to entertainment and the theatre, so the official story went -- Maggie loved the show so they both got awards, if you must know the truth) are perfectly matched as the new Cabinet Minister and experienced, somewhat jaded Permanent Secretary, poised to spar over virtually every detail of work together.

The series begins with Jim Hacker becoming a Cabinet Minister for the first time. It proceeds through his gradual process of gaining experience and then surprisingly being elevated to the position of Prime Minister; at the same time, Sir Humphrey Appleby is elevated to the position of Cabinet Secretary (the most senior of civil servants) and the 'Yes, Minister' series graduated to become 'Yes, Prime Minister', made all the more hilarious by virtue of the fact that Jim Hacker becomes PM largely due to a crisis about sausage (narrowly escaping being called an offal (pronounced awful) tube).

Political situations large and small are highlighted throughout the series. The humour shifts from being blatant to being very subtle; the common wisdom about the House of Commons with regard to the accuracy of the programme was that 'Reality is twice as true but half as funny'. The issues of promotions, wages, policies, inter-departmental struggles, down-in-the-dirt politics (British-style) all arise at various points. Sir Humphrey and Jim Hacker win their share of victories over each other, shifting back and forth in their pericoretic movement that typifies politics, from as minor as who has which office, to recognising heads of state and setting election dates.

The duo of Hacker and Sir Humphrey are wonderfully served by Bernard, a faithful PPS (personal private secretary) whose subtle shifting loyalties provides grist for both mills. Those who will be so enamoured of the series that they seek out the printed form will be happy to learn that eventually Bernard becomes Sir Bernard, and is himself eventually Cabinet Secretary. The books of 'Yes, Minister' and 'Yes, Prime Minister' are done in the fashion of diaries, with the neat addition of verbatim letters, photographs, charts, etc., providing a wonderful companion to the series.

Alas, not all the episodes of these wonderful series are available on tape in the USA. There are some episodes of both, but occasionally American PBS stations carry the entire schedule of episodes. This is British political satire at its best.

In this particular tape, Yes, Minister: Volume I, there are four episodes.

--Open Government--
In this episode, prior to the usual opening credits we get a shot of Jim Hacker being re-elected to his seat in Parliament. Nervously awaiting the call, he finally gets contacted by the PM to become Minister for Administrative Affairs, a bit of a political graveyard, we are informed. There is his introduced to Bernard Wooley, his Principal Private Secretary, and Sir Humphrey Appleby, the mandarin of the department. They spar, with Sir Humphrey easily manipulating the inexperienced Hacker through near political-suicide in pursuit of his name in the paper. It ends with the words, 'Yes, Minister' -- which is one of the hallmarks of the series.

--The Official Visit--
In this episode, Hacker engineers an unknown African leader's visit to Britain to help the struggling party's by-elections in Scotland, much to the dismay of Sir Humphrey, who would much rather have the visit take place in London (much greater chance to wear medals at a state function). In the end, the African leader turns out to be Hacker's friend from the LSE, who was sharp as a tack then, and turns out to be still a formidible adversary. In the end, Hacker and Sir Humphrey agree to an interest-free loan of 50 million pounds, to keep egg (or, at least imperialist yolk) off their faces.

--The Economy Drive--
Frustrated at every turn with trying to cut expenses, Hacker is persuaded by the manipulative Sir Humphrey that 'economy begins at home' -- so he gives up his fancy office, staff car, and all the perks to get his name highlighted in the paper. When his own car breaks down and he is found face-down in the gutter after a champagne reception at the French embassy, he thinks better of it all, acquiesing to Sir Humphrey's juggling the figures to make it seem as if all is being cut after all.

--Big Brother--
Hacker, as the minister responsible for wiretaps, has been dubbed 'Britain's chief bugger' by the press. Anxious at first to limit the scope of government to eavesdrop, Sir Humphrey informs Hacker that his name is on a death list, and this was discovered by the methods Hacker wants to prevent. After several agonising days of police escorts and protective custody, his security is removed when the terrorists had rearranged their priorities, or, in Sir Humphrey's analysis, 'they don't think you're important enough to kill.' Hacker then welcomes the petition to limit government involvement in wiretaps, saying that, after all, 'ministers are expendable, but liberty is indivisible.'

Sir Paul Eddington and Sir Nigel Hawthorne
Both stars of this incredible, lesser-known series have passed away, Sir Paul several years ago, and Sir Nigel just days prior to this writing. Both were ubiquitous in the London stage, screen, and television during the 80s and 90s. Both were very talented Shakespeareans who had no trouble with comedy subtle and gross. Sir Paul was honoured with a television tribute a very short time ago which gave insight into his true wit and character. Sir Nigel, best known in his later years with the success of 'The Madness of King George', was a modest and unassuming actor, capable of remarkable bits of genius.

The series is finding a toehole in this first volume. It is great fun but having seen later episodes, has not reached the peak of performance of, "Yes, Prime Minister". We have ordered the entire selection available. That is how sure we are that it will be one of our all time favorites.

This show represents some of THE best British comedy written in the 80s. What's neat about this particular set of episodes is that they represent the very first introduction of the European population to the workings of politics in general and of British civil-service madarins in particular. From the very get-go, Sir Humphrey Appelby (played by genius Nigel Hawthorne) attempts to 'house train' the new & overzealous Minister of Administrative Affairs (played by the equally genius, late Paul Eddington).

The four (inital) episodes shown here represent a sampling of what was covered in all the episodes during its long run. From the public's (ie. the so-called 'great unwashed') need-to-know to protecting citizen's privacy, from distinctly British vs. European attitude to life in general, the writings of Anthony Jay and Jonathan Lynn capture an era, a strange profession, a behind-the-scenes peek and an overall satisfying (albeit frustraing) morsel of a dinner to which none of us will ever be invited.

My husband and I watched it. We both loved it. Fabulous depiction of WWII and events of the camps. Excellent story with many twists in the plot. Fabulous acting by Dyan Cannon and cast.

I saw this movie a few years ago and have looked for it since to buy it. Any mother will watch through tears. Absolutely one of the greatest works on the WWII era for war time drama and life.

A most sensitive and moving film. The love the young boy has for his horse is especially touching. Great acting all around, especially by Jenny Agutter. This film is one that children of all ages will enjoy, and all adults should appreciate.

The movie is basically about a tale of devotion between a mute boy and his horse. The boy saves his horse from being killed because the horse was considered bad luck. And from then on the horse, Sham, and the boy stay together.I thought the movie was really great and I recomend this movie to any one who loves horses or a story of devotion.

A Right Honourable Riot

I first happened upon the 'Yes, Minister' series while living in Britain and working in Parliament. How is that for timeliness! Paul Eddington and Nigel Hawthorne (both knighted for their services to entertainment and the theatre, so the official story went -- Maggie loved the show so they both got awards, if you must know the truth) are perfectly matched as the new Cabinet Minister and experienced, somewhat jaded Permanent Secretary, poised to spar over virtually every detail of work together.

The series begins with Jim Hacker becoming a Cabinet Minister for the first time. It proceeds through his gradual process of gaining experience and then surprisingly being elevated to the position of Prime Minister; at the same time, Sir Humphrey Appleby is elevated to the position of Cabinet Secretary (the most senior of civil servants) and the 'Yes, Minister' series graduated to become 'Yes, Prime Minister', made all the more hilarious by virtue of the fact that Jim Hacker becomes PM largely due to a crisis about sausage (narrowly escaping being called an offal (pronounced awful) tube).

Political situations large and small are highlighted throughout the series. The humour shifts from being blatant to being very subtle; the common wisdom about the House of Commons with regard to the accuracy of the programme was that 'Reality is twice as true but half as funny'. The issues of promotions, wages, policies, inter-departmental struggles, down-in-the-dirt politics (British-style) all arise at various points. Sir Humphrey and Jim Hacker win their share of victories over each other, shifting back and forth in their pericoretic movement that typifies politics, from as minor as who has which office, to recognising heads of state and setting election dates.

The duo of Hacker and Sir Humphrey are wonderfully served by Bernard, a faithful PPS (personal private secretary) whose subtle shifting loyalties provides grist for both mills. Those who will be so enamoured of the series that they seek out the printed form will be happy to learn that eventually Bernard becomes Sir Bernard, and is himself eventually Cabinet Secretary. The books of 'Yes, Minister' and 'Yes, Prime Minister' are done in the fashion of diaries, with the neat addition of verbatim letters, photographs, charts, etc., providing a wonderful companion to the series.

Alas, not all the episodes of these wonderful series are available on tape in the USA. There are some episodes of both, but occasionally American PBS stations carry the entire schedule of episodes. This is British political satire at its best.

In this particular tape, Yes, Minister: Volume 2, there are three episodes.

--The Writing on the Wall--
In this episode, the department is under attack, and not just in the usual political fashion. Sir Humphrey must engineer a way to save both Hacker and the department from becoming the easy budget cut the Prime Minister is in search of; playing on the fear of National Identity Cards inland and Euro-phobic identity abroad, Sir Humphrey and Hacker team up (a rare occasion) when the enemy without seems greater than the enemy within. It ends with the words, 'Yes, Minister' -- which is one of the hallmarks of the series.

--The Right to Know--
In this episode, Hacker has finally had enough of the double-speak and silences Sir Humphrey uses to keep the him in the dark. Ironically, Sir Humphrey floods Hacker with so much information, it is worse than ever. However, when Hacker's political career hangs in the balance over his daughter's protest over a badger colony (the operative phrase would be 'nude protest' at a badger colony), Hacker concedes, once Sir Humphrey defuses the issue, that perhaps there are some things better left unknown.

--Jobs for the Boys--
Sir Humphrey's cronies are looking for Government top-up consultancies; Hacker is looking for sainthood a la St. Francis. When the animal farm he used for a photo opportunity is about to become a carpark on his order, Sir Humphrey uses the opportunity to get his friend a Quango, Hacker's name on the new zoo, and Hacker's political advisor (and Humphrey's greatest pain) a well-deserved and well-removed Quango of his own, in Tahiti.

Sir Paul Eddington and Sir Nigel Hawthorne
Both stars of this incredible, lesser-known series have passed away, Sir Paul several years ago, and Sir Nigel just days prior to this writing. Both were ubiquitous in the London stage, screen, and television during the 80s and 90s. Both were very talented Shakespeareans who had no trouble with comedy subtle and gross. Sir Paul was honoured with a television tribute a very short time ago which gave insight into his true wit and character. Sir Nigel, best known in his later years with the success of 'The Madness of King George', was a modest and unassuming actor, capable of remarkable bits of genius.

This video contains timeless episodes from the Classic TV series. The humor is one you never grow tired of and no matter how many times I see it, I can still see it once more. Ideal for relaxing after a hard day's work! After a while, you really begin to understand each character and appreciate both the humor and the subtle messages hidden beneath the humor - highly recommended!

This short but charming video chronicles an old man's trip to the north pole with his dog, as narrated from the letters he writes his grandchild. The story is enjoyable, the animals are all either adorable or hilarious, the design is charming, and the main character very likeable. Far better than much of what's out there!

This is a marvelous period piece that deals with an intriguing subject: the apparently intermittent madness of King George III. Nigel Hawthorne brilliantly plays the role of the King, creating a benevolent personage, a sort of aristocratic populist, who is, at heart, a family man. Yet, he understands, all too well, his role as King. His Queen, a loving and caring wife, is played to perfection by Helen Mirren. Rupert Everett wonderfully plays the part of their eldest son, the indolent Prince of Wales.

The King begins his strange journey along the highway of dementia by shouting obscenities and behaving in a shockingly unseemly fashion towards his Queen's gorgeous lady-in-waiting, Lady Pembroke, played to ice maiden perfection by the always stunning Amanda Donohoe. He undergoes a total personality change. His doctor is mystified by these mental, as well as physical changes, which are broken up by moments of lucidity.

The Prince of Wales see this weakness in his father as an opportunity for him to make a bid for control of the crown, and he rallies a slew of supporters. The ensuing palace intrigues depict the gamesmanship in which the King's supporters involve themselves in order for the King not to lose his crown in addition to his wits. The only question is whether the King will succeed in recovering his wits in a timely enough fashion in order for them to prevail.

This is a wonderful film with a first class supporting cast. The production values and cinematography are also first rate, and the film won an Oscar in 1994 for its art direction. The film also addresses an issue which did, in fact, arise during the reign of King George III. It is now believed that the King may have suffered from a hereditary illness of the nervous system known as Porphyria. In any case, this is a brilliant, award calibre film that lovers of historical dramas and period pieces will, no doubt, enjoy.

The movie was Hitchcock(isque,) I have admiration for such a well rounded cast both starring and supporting! Bravo Mitch Ward (court clerk), I've followed your stage career for years. You are equally impressive on the big screen. Jimmy Smit's performance was depressing but his being a T.V. star probably explained his inability to achieve silver screen excellence here - but he notably tries. Nigel Hawthorne is great as in most of his efforts. Mary Louise Parker was very believable as a street girl turned millionaress turned butcherer! See it. It's worth it! Scotch and Soda.

I salute the actors and the director but the movie did not show the suffering of the other side. The Movie was too bias to the isreali side without mentioning much about the palestinian side. I am not a palestinian but I think that the sufferings that they went through because of Golda should have been mentioned.... I still enjoyed the movie and I once again Salute Ingrid for her outstanding performance.

A quality drama of a unique portion of 20th century history. Fairly accurate in historical detail in describing the struggles of the reborn state of Israel. Despite all contrary odds and the concerted effort of four arab nations to annihilate the state of Israel, this young struggling nation under Golda's leadership not only survives but "blooms" in the desert.

A quality drama of a unique portion of 20th century history. Fairly accurate in historical detail in describing the struggles of the reborn state of Israel. Despite all contrary odds and the concerted effort of four arab nations to annihilate the state of Israel, this young struggling nation under Golda's leadership not only survives but "blooms" in the desert.