Customer Reviews

Lloyd's of London [VHS]

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Freddie Bartholomew steals each scene he's in during the first half-hour or so of this lavish production, and then he grows up into Tyrone Power and we forget him until the very last scene.

This was the film that made Tyrone Power a star. With all the costumes and the historical names being used and the moral clash of patriotism and monetary gain, the plot's more than a little leaden at times, and we're left to ponder if the end does in fact justify the means. The plot sometimes lectures, sometimes enlightens, but mostly yawns for two hours.

It takes someone with considerable charm to all but carry such a film, and that's just what Tyrone Power does. The character of Johnathan Blake is that much more likeable and sympathetic because of him. And top it all off with his famous good looks, which the camera made sure to capture, and you have yourself the birth of a star.

This isn't at all one of the best historical movie ever made, but it's worth the viewing for Tyrone Power fans, if only for the close-ups. That's eye candy, to be sure, and then some. Just don't expect a British accent. Nobody's perfect.

This semi-historical drama features a young, rail-thin Tyrone Power in his first starring role, as Jonathan Blake, a fictional English entrepreneur who has a rags-to-riches career at the famed Lloyd's insurance company. He is also the (again, fictional) childhood friend of Lord Horatio Nelson, naval hero of the Battle of Trafalgar, where the British turned aside and decisively defeated the combined armada of Napoleonic France and his Spanish allies. Power is attractive, but a bit stiff; the film is surprisingly engaging, though a bit disappointing due to the liberties it takes with history. Mostly, though, this is good, clean fun, classic 'Thirties fluff. Plenty of good character actors, too!

It's pretty easy to understand why Tyrone Power became a huge name given his dramatic presence in this, his first starring role as Jonathan Blake, a 19th century barmaid's son who rises to fame and glory as the top man at the famous early insurance firm while his best pal, Horatio Nelson, goes on to fight Napolean at Trafalgar. Elements of the swashbuckler mingle with some obvious rah-rah pro-England flagwaving and plenty of romantic intrigue; I doubt the insurance industry was so exciting even two centuries past in London, but we can forgive some artistic license here.

On hand to provide extra enticements if Power isn't enough are Freddie Bartholomew as Blake's younger version, spotting apparent pirates who are really insurance frauds in the early minutes, which eventually leads him to the position at Lloyd's; C. Aubrey Smith as a typically randy old aristocrat; Madeleine Carroll and Virginia Field as the two women - upper-class and barmaid - vying for his affection; and George Sanders playing the same wonderful sneering scoundrel that he seemed to play in every film but which never gets tiresome. The production is first-rate "A" level grandeur, with director Henry King moving things along nicely amidst the sumptuous sets. One wonders whether or not this is a film that might have been considered as a Technicolor project, but the early scenes of the boys playing at discovering smugglers looks just right in sharp-toned monocolor. In any case, if not on the level of the best of the Errol Flynn adventures from this era, worth a look at least and very much deserving of a DVD release.

I found this movie to be intriguing from start to finish. As did the people I watched it with. It may help if you have an interest in history, since it takes places in the British Isles around the latter part of the 18th century. But it opens with two young boys making a pact with each other. They are good friends in spite of differing social backgrounds. Their adult lives diverge and taken on different career paths. But eventually, the two are able to help each other out for the aid of their country. Tyrone Power of course is the lead Jonathan Blake. A fellow who works at Lloyd's coffee shop and eventually becomes an insurer himself. I took several business classes in college and I have to admit, I didn't fully realize the basic principle of insurance until I saw this film. The love story is complex and I actually was rooting for the "serving wench" Polly over the society lady. Although, the society lady is quite nice as well. But, I recommend this film and it is good for family viewing as well.

I am a huge fan of the Golden Age of leading men.... Errol Flynn, Tyrone Power, Clark Gable.... I enjoy this film immensely.... George Sanders is the ultimate villain throwing a damper on Power's and Carroll's heart-aching relationship... The scene where Carroll is having her portrait painted as Power looks on is magic, and when they embrace as they (finally) have a brief private moment, just try hard not to smile knowingly.... There are costumed fops and dandies aplenty, and C Aubrey Smith is charming as he woos Polly, the serving wench..... You want to cheer when Carroll is released of her loveless bond with Sanders to pursue her heart's desire... Delightful.... A must have....

A little off the beaten track but a great introduction to that British Institution Lloyds of London and the birth of the Insurance Industry. Yeah I know it sounds boring but give it a chance! Tryone Powers is in it!

I bought it for my uncle, he is a 80 years old fan of Tyrone Power, and according to him this picture rocks,and is superb!

Long ago, my wife and I had one of those Saturday nights when we didn't feel like sleeping. We thought we would watch this boring black-and-white movie to help fall asleep, but instead we enjoyed the movie. When I found it on Amazon, I thought I would give it a try. That was a mistake. When the movie arrived the VHS tape was un-watchable. The movie jumped, skipped and was full of snow. Ended up tossing the movie and the vendor returned my money. Sure wish I could buy this movie in good condition somewhere on modern media.