That Hamilton Woman

Another home run from the Kordas, That Hamilton Woman (1941) is a superior historical romance. Husband-and-wife stars Laurence Olivier and Vivian Leigh bring legendary lovers to life in this mature, tragic film.

Emma Hamilton (Vivien Leigh) is unhappily married to Sir William Hamilton (Alan Mowbray), England's milquetoast ambassador to Naples during the Napoleonic Wars. Emma makes acquaintance of Horatio Nelson (Laurence Olivier), a dashing British naval officer who enlists Emma in a diplomatic mission. Five years pass before the two meet again: France threatens to overrun Naples, while Emma is shocked to see now-Admiral Nelson badly disfigured from several naval battles. The two fall in love, and their open affair becomes a scandal when their respective spouses find out.

In lesser hands That Hamilton Woman could be a mopey soap opera. But Alexander Korda crafts it into a remarkably mature film, full of perfectly-realized characters. Emma is a frustrated social climber betrayed by men: her initial beau dumps her off on Sir William, who considers her an "ornament" to his lavish residence. She's an interesting proto-feminist, rebelling against social mores by negotiating with Neapolitan royals, carrying on an open affair and raising a child alone. History deals Emma an unhappy fate but we can certainly admire her chutzpah.

Admiral Nelson is one of Britain's great heroes but he, too, is crafted in very human terms. The stiff-necked but charming young captain becomes a haunted admiral, missing an eye and arm, acclaimed as a hero but unhappy. His love for Emma rejuvenates him, inspiring him to reckless acts of courage (saving the King of Naples, attacking the French fleet at Trafalgar) that makes him a living legend. Lovers caught up in historical events is a familiar trope, but Hamilton does it with uncommon style and grace. So successful is the story that the final battle is almost superfluous: just seeing Emma's reaction is powerful enough.

Lest we view the romance idyllically, writers Walter Reisch and R.C Sheriff present its consequences. Sir William accepts Emma's infidelity but Lady Nelson (Gladys Cooper) behaves with frosty dignity. She humiliates the Admiral in a very public incident and refuses to divorce him, forcing the lovers to "live in sin." Emma's disinherited by Sir William, and her refusal to accept Nelson's generosity drives her to the poor house and beyond. It's not a pretty picture, the situation tragic within perfectly human dimensions.


Made at the height of World War II, Hamilton makes no bones about its contemporary parallels. "Dictators can't be reasoned with, they must be destroyed!" thunders Nelson while diplomats urge peace with Napoleon. The Kordas take for granted Britain's role as "world policeman," standing alone against tyranny. Winston Churchill reportedly claimed this as his favorite film; I'm sure he found its straightforward patriotism more palatable than The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp's subtleties. Modern viewers may find the jingoism disconcerting, but it fairly reflects a moment when Britain seemed the last bastion of freedom.

The Kordas marshall a modest but effective production. The entire film takes place indoors, but there's excellent set design, costumes and matte work to keep things from getting stuffy. Rudolph Mate's expressive photography deserves special praise: one scene features a brilliant deep focus effect, cloaking Emma in shadow while Lady Nelson knits in the background. The depiction of Trafalgar makes use of some impressive miniatures: Nelson's flagship spewing a thunderous broadside makes a stirring image.

Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh with both newly-minted stars and make a brilliant screen pairing. Leigh breaths life into her complex protagonist with her usual brassy strength and gravitas. Olivier gives one of his best performances, effective as the battle-scarred veteran, life rekindled by love. The two make a most agreeable couple, looking good and delivering perfect chemistry and passion.

Gladys Cooper (My Fair Lady) gets the meatiest supporting role, all cold politeness and barely-restrained fury. Alan Mowbray (My Darling Clementine) plays his cuckold role with dry humor, and Henry Wilcoxcon has some nice moments as Nelson's loyal aide. Halliwell Hobbes gets an amusing role as Nelson's pastor father.

That Hamilton Woman is a superb period melodrama. If Winston Churchill liked it, who am I to argue?