That Hamilton Woman(1941). British historical film drama produced and directed by Alexander Korda for Alexander Korda Films. Stars Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier were newlyweds at the time of filming and were considered a "dream couple". That Hamilton Woman is one of three films they made together. Their first film, Fire Over England, was also produced by Korda. In one scene Nelson (Laurence Olivier) says he has received orders from Admiral Hood; Olivier played Admiral Hood 43 years later in The Bounty (1984). That Hamilton Woman(1941)is said to be Winston Churchill's favorite movie. He claimed to have seen it 83 times.
In Calais, a destitute woman is caught stealing a bottle of wine and put in jail, where she tells Mary Smith, another prisoner that she really is, Lady Hamilton:
In 1786, young Emma Hart travels to Naples with her mother, Mrs. Cadogan-Lyon, to the palace of Sir William Hamilton and uncle of her lover, Charles Greville. Emma, is heartbroken when Hamilton, tells her that Charles, never intended to marry her and that he sent her to Naples, to pay off his debts. Hamilton, promises Emma a new life in Naples as his wife.
They are soon visited by Horatio Nelson, a British naval officer, who tells them that England is now at war with France. Nelson, has come to Naples wanting military support and Emma asks the queen to send troops.
After five years of war, they run out of resources and the support of the European countries. Nelson receives a visit from Emma, who can not believe that he has lost an arm and is blind in one eye. She tells him that the queen, promises to send more troops and Nelson goes on to defeat Napoleon in Egypt.
After winning the war he returns to Naples, Nelson is very ill and nursed back to health by Emma, with whom he falls in love. Nelson, who is married and leaves for Malta, but disobeys orders and returns to Naples when he learns that a revolution has broken out. He saves the royal family and the Hamiltons, which angers the British Admiralty, who order him to return to England.
While waiting for Nelson at a London hotel, the Lady Frances Nelson and her father-in-law, Reverend Nelson, are visited by Lord Spencer, who tell them that Nelson has arrived, with Emma. After Emma faints Lady Nelson, knows that Emma is pregnant, confronts her husband and promises never to divorce him. Reverend Nelson, tells his son to do the right thing and end his affair with Emma, but Nelson refuses.
After Emma gives birth to a daughter, Horatia, her mother thinks that she should go back to the very ill Hamilton, to protect her inheritance, but Emma refuses and is left penniless.
Nelson and Emma move to the country, where they live happily until 1805, when Nelson is called to defend England against Napoleon. Nelson leads his men to victory at the Battle of Trafalgar, but is killed. Captain Hardy, brings the sad news to Emma and years later, in the jail at Calais, she says that her life ended when Nelson was killed.
Vivien Leigh, is wonderful in the role that came not long after her success in the film, 'Gone With The Wind'. Her character Emma is flirty and scheming. The part of Nelson is performed by Laurence Olivier, and his performs the role perfectly. In supporting roles, Alan Mowbray and Gladys Cooper, also give excellent performances.
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