15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
THE TRAGIC PRINCESS OF CELLE..., January 5, 2003
This is a lavish British film that attempts to tell the truly tragic tale of a German Princess who would go on to become the wife and captive princess of the uncouth boor who would one day be crowned as George I of England.
William of Celle and his wife Eleanore had a beautiful, pampered daughter, Sophia Dorothea. His younger brother, Ernest Augustus, ruled in the rival principality of Hanover. He was married to Sophia, daughter of the King of Bohemia. Together they had a number of children, the oldest of whom was George Lewis, an ugly, coarse, and boorish man, born to be a soldier, rather than a statesman or diplomat.
There came a time when Sophia Dorothea, as a result of some underhanded political intrigues, was forced into a loveless marriage with her first cousin, George Lewis, much to her and her mother's despair and dismay. George Lewis was also not thrilled with the match, given as he was to coarser delights. Sophia Dorothea, however, tried to make the most of her unpleasant situation, buoyed by her own innate charm and disposition.
In the end, however, Sophia Dorothea became undone by her love for the dashing Count Konigsmarck of Sweden. Through the political machinations and intrigues of the jealous and sexually insatiable Countess Clara von Platen, her father-in-law's long time mistress and Konigsmarck's spurned lover, Sophia Dorothea and Count Konigsmarck were betrayed. Ruined, Sophia Dorothea ended her days as a captive princess, the tragic and pitied Princess of Celle. George Lewis would go on to undeserved heights as George I of England, and the house of Hanover would become a force with which to be reckoned.
This film gives a decent account of the tragedy that befell Sophia Dorothea, played with dainty and delicate sensibility by Joan Greenwood. Stewart Granger was never more handsome as the dashing adventurer, Count Konigsmark. Francoise Rosay gives an excellent performance as Sophia, the Electress of Hanover. Daughter of the King of Bohemia and wife of Ernest Augustus, the Elector of Hanover, she always kept her eye on the prize, the throne of England. Peter Bull gives a good account of himself as the boorish and unattractive Hanoverian Prince, George Lewis, the future King of England. It is Flora Robson who steals the show, however, as the aging and wicked doyenne of political intrigue, Countess Clara von Platen, infusing the character with a compelling pathos.
The one shortcoming of the film is that a viewer who may be unfamiliar with the underpinnings of this true life story may find themselves a little lost, as the film touches on many aspects of the story but fails to fully flesh them out. Still, those with a penchant for historical dramas, as well as those who are interested in Hanoverian history will appreciate this otherwise enjoyable period piece.
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11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Lavish drama of Hanoverian plot to rule Britain, July 29, 1999
Fine British drama of the Hanoverian plot to take over the British crown, placing George I on the throne. Fine acting from all concerned. Joan Greenwood as the discarded queen who finds solace in the arms of a young guardsman (Granger). The acting trophy goes to Flora Robson who should have netted a Supporting Oscar nom for her finely shaded ruthless, yet human, spy and intriguer. The extremely lavish sets and costumes are stunning. Oscar nom for Art Direction.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Classic film not to be missed., June 26, 2009
This review is from: Saraband for Dead Lovers ( Saraband ) [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.2 Import - United Kingdom ] (DVD)
After many years, I was thrilled to see this film back on DVD, in a good edition. It is a classic. with a superb cast. All previous dvd editions around are in terrible condition, but this one is as good as one can expect. Maybe someone will do one of those hi-tech restorations in the future, but at least this one can be looked at and enjoyed without pain.
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