Queen of Destiny

I saw only the first fifteen minutes of this talking-waxworks show, but that was more than enough. This picture is lame and prissy, the kind where the viewer is expected to feel a naughty thrill and a glow of pride at Victoria's daring--"Oh, look! the Queen is dancing the waltz!" Anton Walbrook is debonair but demure, and Anna Neagle is a typical dim debutante. After seeing several real-life royal weddings live on TV, the spectacle of actors stiffly pretending to get married is less than overwhelming, especially with no attempt at characterisation or humour. People who worship the royal family on bended knee may like this kind of thing, but anyone wanting a movie with intelligence or charm had best look elsewhere. Give me The Smiling Lt., with Maurice Chevalier in the title role, who raises havoc in the bedrooms of the royal palace, any day!