18th Century Movie Page
This page is dedicated to movies made about the 18th century.
It's purpose is to allow you discover an 18th Century movie you might not have seen.
The movies are listed in alphabeticalorder, with title followed by the director's name and the year screened. Comments after the movies are just opinions, meant to give you a feeling for the movie, and perhaps how others have reacted to it.. If there is a movie missing that should be on here, please let me know and even provide a little review of it like that below. Although there are many good movies about earlier times (The Black Robe, Braveheart, Restoration, etc.) and later times, they will have to be on a different page than this one. Please make sure your candidate is about the 18th century, not the 17th or 19th. Also, this list only includes movies with a theatrical release. TV shows or made-for-TV movies will be done on another page, if there is interest.
1776(Hunt, 1972) Musical comedy about the writing and signing of the Declaration of Independence - Broadway melody in breeches. Although the music is not very memorable, it does have a lot of fun moments, and does get across many of the issues of the time very economically. Howard Da Silva was born to play Ben Franklin, and William Daniels has played John Adams several times before. This is musical comedy before it is history, but it is still makes for a fun rental.
Alexander Hamilton(Adolfi, 1931) Story of Alexander Hamilton after the Revolution. Haven't seen this one - I am not even sure if it survives. Anybody know anything about it?
Allegheny Uprising(Seiter, 1939) [black and white] Based on a novel The First Rebel, it loosely (very loosely) tells the story of Jim Smith and his "black boys" in western Pennsylvania between the French and Indian Wars and the Revolution. George Sanders plays the snobbish English officer to the hilt. John Wayne has the lead and its kind of interesting to watch "the Duke" pledge allegiance to old King George. You can pretty much forget authenticity from movies of this era. Probably not high on anybody's list, but I thought it was fun to watch, nevertheless.
Amadeus(Forman, 1984) Highly acclaimed story of Mozart, as told through the jealous eyes of his rival, Salieri. Set mostly at the court of the Austrian emperor in the late 18th century. If you are into the music, you've already seen it; if not, this might just do it for you. Very good movie. Winner of an Oscar for best picture and best actor (F. Murray Abraham), while Mozart (Tom Hulce) was nominated for best actor. Also won Oscars for best art direction, screenplay, sound, costume design, makeup, and several other Golden Globe and misc. awards.
Bedlam (Robson, 1945) Boris Karloff plays the supervisor of an 18th century insane asylum, who is confronted by a woman who is appalled at the treatment of the inmates. Since she is a willful woman, she must obviously be crazy ;^) and becomes an inmate herself, but manages to lead the inmates to revenge. This movie was supposed to be based on scenes in "The Rake's Progress" by Hogarth.
Barry Lyndon(Kubrick, 1975) Excellent movie, although some find it a bit slow in places. From Thackeray's 19th.century novel, it traces the life of an Irish rogue across Europe, with a life as a soldier, lover, gambler, husband of an heiress, and father. Wonderful cinematography, with many night scenes shot in natural candlelight. Many of the costumes used were genuine antique clothing of the period. Winner of an Oscar for best art direction, music, costumes, and cinematography. Nominated for an Oscar for best picture and best director.
Beau Brummell (Bernhardt 1954) An uppity dandy, Captain Brummel offends his prince, and eventually becomes his sidekick for standing up to him. Stewart Granger is the lead, and Elizabeth Taylor is his love. Robert Morley is George III, and Peter Ustinov is the Prince of Wales.
Black Magic (Ratoff, 1949) Based on a Alexandre Dumas novel, this is about a person who tries to convince some European royalty that he can make people do his bidding through hypnotism and superstition. Orson Wells plays the mesmerist.
The Beggar's Opera(Brook, 1953) John Gay'soperetta about the mishaps of an English Captain who takes several lovers at once, and gets jailed for it. While in jail, a beggar writes an opera about his mishaps. Musical score updated from Gay's. Sir Laurence Olivier in the lead. Dated, but very interesting scenes and great for studying the language - its the original dialogue with lots of period in-jokes. It helps to have an annotated copy of Gay's work while watching it. See the online version of the script.
Cartouche (de Broca, 1962) Set in France, it tells the swashbuckling adventures of a highwayman (Jean-Paul Belmondo) turned Robin Hood figure. Was reissued under the name "Swords of Blood" for some unknown reason.
The Crimson Pirate (Siodmak, 1952) Burt Lancaster in a comedy oriented pirate movie. OK, so you know what you're going to get, but it is still in the 18th century.
Damn the Defiant (Gilbert, 1962) This picture is technically the best sailing navy picture ever done. It is set during the great fleet mutinies of 1797 and involves plenty of ship-board conflict, terrific ship to ship action and a pretty good story line. Too bad most of the history is bogus. Alec Guinness plays the sympathetic Captain Crawford, and Dirk Bogarde plays the villanous Lieutenant Scott-Padgett. This is one of my favorite movies of all time. - Lee Bienkowski
Dangerous Liaisons(Frears, 1988) French intrigue of relationships where two thoroughly wicked people bet that one cannot seduce an innocent person. Winner of Oscars for best costumes, writing, and art direction, nominated for best actress, music, supporting actress, and best picture. Even though the actors are famous (I like Malkovich and Close) and the costumes and staging had a huge budget, my personal opinion is that it just doesn't come off well. It is also interesting to compare it with "Valmont." Based on the18th c French novel that shocked Paris, Les Liasons Dangeureuse.
Daniel Boone(Howard, 1936) [black and white] Haven't seen this one, but has George O'Brien as Daniel, and John Carradine as Simon Girty. (John played the British bad guy in Drums along the Mohawk as well.)
The Devil's Disciple(Hamilton, 1959) [black and white] Sir Laurence Olivier as General "Johnny" Burgoyne just before the surrender at Saratoga. With Burt Lancaster as a minister turned rebel and Kirk Douglas as an irreverent cad who stands trial for treason by Burgoyne. Based on the play by George Bernard Shaw. Great line by Burgoyne when he learns that orders from London for Howe to move North to support him was never sent: "The British soldier can withstand anything except the British War Office."
Drums along the Mohawk (Ford 1939) Henry Fonda plays a farmer who marries and is burned out of his home by English inspired Indians during the Revolution. Henry joins the militia, which has some interesting moments while they learn to drill. One the classic movies of the time, John Ford directs this one. Portrays the stereotype Tory leader of the Indians (John Carradine) as simply an evil man - not as someone who was trying to be loyal to his king. Nominated for an Oscar for best supporting actress and cinematography.
The Elusive Pimpernel (Powell, 1950) David Niven has the lead, with Jack Hawkins as the Price of Wales, and Cyril Cusack as Chauvelin, a persecutor of nobility during the French Revolution. Its the Scarlet Pimpernel story (see below.) Set against the French Revolution, with scenes in both England and France. One thing about the movie is that many of the costumes in this one are on the extreme of rococco design. Overall, a good romantic treatment. Most showings I have seen of it lately shows the film quality very faded.
Fanny Hill (Meyers, 1964) One of the Russ Meyer sex films of the sixties. Based on a bawdy 18th c novel that is set in a London brothel, there is not much redeeming value here; I hesitate to include it, except for completeness and perhaps save someone a buck or two for the rental.. Really forgettable.
Janice Meredith (Hopper, 1924) [black and white, silent] Comedy in 1774 with W.C. Fields playing a drunken British sergeant. Janice is from a Tory family, but is loved by a "patriot." Now I know where some of the British sergeants I have seen get their material ;^) (Also known as "The Beautiful Rebel.")
Jefferson in Paris (Ivory, 1995) Nick Nolte plays Jefferson against backdrop of the French Revolution in Paris. Golden Palm nominee at the Cannes film festival. Really interesting scenes of France. Unfortunately, the movie is almost entirely about Jefferson's relationship with Sally, and you learn very little about Jefferson otherwise. Gweneth Paltrow is very good in this, and I was surprised to find Nick Nolte believable in this role, although the script does offer much about his character, really.
John Paul Jones(Farrow, 1959) a rather wooden Robert Stack in the lead, it tells an interesting story of Jones' adventures, including how he fights with his new government, and ends up in Russia with Catherine the Great (played coyly by Bette Davis.)
Johnny Tremain (Stevenson, 1957) In Boston, a silversmith apprentice joins the Sons of Liberty. It's a Walt Disney movie - has Paul Revere using a magic marker! On the other hand, who knows how many re-enactors were influenced by it in their youth?
Joseph Andrews (Richardson, 1977) Based on a Fielding novel about a footman who attempts to have an affair with a noble lady. Ann Margaret plays the lady Booby. Didn't get very good reviews. However, esteemed list member Jay Callham thought:
"It is a fun movie! Where Barry Lyndon drug and had virtually no real plot, "JA" had so many plots and sub plots it was hilarious!! The costuming was excellent. Scenes of the London streets and Bath were Hogarth prints brought to life. In fact, if Hogarth had directed Barry Lyndon - Joseph Andrews would have been the result. It has resurrectionists, seductions, attempted seductions, bad guys, good guys, harlots, gypsies, vagabonds and an honest preacher as well as plenty of corrupt officials. There are scenes that are Hogarth's "Rake's Progress" brought to life. You ought to see it!! It's well worth a rental. My wife loves the costuming."
King of the Wind (Duffel, 1989) The story of the founding of the Arabian line of thoroughbred horse, starting in north Africa in 1724. From there, it goes to France, and from there to England. Richard Harris plays King George II, and Glenda Jackson plays Queen Caroline. Critics found it boring.
Kitty (Leisen, 1945) [black and white] A Pygmalion story of a London street wench turned into nobility through the training of a rogue. Ray Milland plays the rogue quite well, and Paulette Goddard plays the lead. Great part for the painter Gainsborough. I thought the movie was charming, and I especially liked the scenes at the artist's studio and the gallery. Oscar nomination for best art direction.
Lafayette (Dreville, 1961) The story of Washington's favorite French officer. It was done originally in French, but yet Orson Welles played Franklin, and Jack Hawkins played Cornwallis. One of our eminent list members thought it competes directly with "Revolution." for bad picture. I bought a copy of it for sale from Scholar's Bookshelf, and the quality of the film is in terrible shape - its a good example of what the film preservation people are talking about. Not worth the investment, IMHO. A German version was also released, under the title "Der Junge General."
Last of the Mohicans (Mann, 1991) Story of Hawkeye, a frontier hunter during the French and Indian War - the betrayal at Ft. Henry specifically. Great movie, wonderful images. Although a favorite pastime is to pick holes in its authenticity, I believe this came from an early expectation that it was going to be very authentic. Relative to most Hollywood movies (that's not saying very much), it's authenticity isn't that bad, but the rest of the movie overwhelms most criticisms. Won an Oscar for best sound. [There were a couple of other pre W.W.II versions in black and white.]
Light in the Forest (Daugherty, 1958) Walt Disney movie of the Conrad Richter novel about a young boy who is captured by Indians, and then released due to the terms of a treaty. After returning home, the boy struggles to adapt back in white society. Period is 1764 on the frontier. Reccomended by Ellis Delahoy.
The Madness of King George (Hytner, 1994) Great movie about the affliction that King George III suffered from during his reign. Lots of great lines, the doctors are a lot of fun, and I especially love the scene with the reading from King Lear. Winner of the Oscar for best art direction, nominated for best supporting actress, best actor, best writing. Winner of best actress (Helen Mirren as Queen Charlotte) at Cannes.
Marie Antoinette (Van Dyke, 1938) [black and white] The story of the "Let them eat cake" queen, culminating in the French Revolution. F. Scott Fitzgerald worked on the screenplay for this one. Oscar nominations for best music, actress, supporting actor, and art direction. Norma Shearer has the lead, with Tyrone Power, John Barrymore, and Robert Morley.
The Master of Ballantrae (Keighley, 1953) Based on the Robert Louis Stevenson novel of the same name, it is a swashbuckler with Errol Flynn playing a Highlander hero of Culloden, who gets flees from the recoats and ends up as a pirate to return with enough wealth to marry his love. There is also an interesting pirate captain who is played as a French dandy that is excellent with a cutlass. I thought it was a good weekend movie. See the online text.
The Mission (Joffe, 1986) Its the 18th century in South America, and tells the story of a man (Jeremy Irons) who becomes a missionary among the natives, and deals with the slavers (Robert De Niro) of the time. It is written by Robert Bolt, whom I have a lot of respect for (Lawrence of Arabia, a Man for All Seasons, Doctor Zhivago) but this one was not nearly as good. It pretty much was panned by the critics, and I have to agree with them. It did win a Golden Palm from Cannes, and several other minor awards, though.
Moll Flanders (Densham, 1996) A loose look at Defoe's story (there was one called "The Amorous Adventures of Moll Flanders" in 1965 with Kim Novack that was closer to Defoe) where a woman goes through many changes. Defoe's original title was: "The Fortunes and Misfortunes of Moll Flanders, &c. Who Was Born in Newgate, and During a Life of Continu'd Variety for Threescore Years, Besides her Childhood, was Twelve Year a Whore, Five Times a Wife [Whereof Once to her Own Brother] Twelve Year a Thief, Eight Year a Transported Felon in Virginia, at Last Grew Rich, Liv'd Honest, and Died a Penitent." which pretty much tells you the plot. See the online text. Robin Wright plays the lead, with Morgan Freeman a fascinating servant. Panned by most critics, its still makes a good rental (but then again, I like just about anything of the 18th century.)
Northwest Passage (Vidor, 1940) Spencer Tracy gives us Robert Rogers on an impossible mission to discover a passage to the Pacific, and destroys an Indian villiage in 1759. Robert Young accompanies the mission as an artist who shares in the hardship, and Walter Brennan plays his classic old timer role. Classic movie based on the first part of Kenneth Robert's novel. It's a shame they never made Part Two. Academy Award nominee for best cinematography.
Revolution (Hudson, 1985) Al Pacino is a fur trapper whose son is conscripted into the King's army, and Al searches for him throughout the movie. Nominated for Razzie awards (they're for real) for worst musical score, worst actor, and worst picture of 1985.
Two other list members have reported that the movie wasn't that bad; one even rents it regularly. List member Terry Smith provided this better description:
"This film is the story of a widowed fur trapper who, with his only surviving child, a boy of 12 or so are caught up in the A.W.I. This film, while no documentry has many good scenes and details in it including a cameo by Anne Lennox. Good performances by all cast members. If you can get past Pachino's N.Y. accent and the lame farewell scene near the end, IMHO it's worth seeing."
I saw it some time ago and just couldn't get past Pacino, and I guess for me, that ruined everything else. I have since softened on the movie, finding Donald Sutherland's portrayal interesteing. As with any review, good or bad, it is always worth a shot to see it and judge for yourself.