Download The Great Garrick (1937) Colorized HD | Brian Aherne | Historical Comedy Classic

A Theatrical Battle of Wits: The Great Garrick (1937) in Stunning Color

Step into the glamorous world of 18th-century theater with “The Great Garrick,” a sparkling historical comedy from 1937, now beautifully colorized for a viewing experience like never before. This film, directed by the versatile James Whale, delivers a delicious blend of wit, romance, and theatrical shenanigans as it follows the misadventures of the legendary British actor David Garrick. Perfect for classic film enthusiasts and those seeking a taste of Golden Age Hollywood’s sophisticated comedies, this HD download brings a star-studded gem of cinematic history to your screen.

The Great Garrick Storyline: A Comedy of Errors and Egos

“The Great Garrick” is set in 1750 and follows the renowned English actor David Garrick (Brian Aherne) as he accepts an invitation to perform with the prestigious Comédie-Française in Paris. When a misunderstanding leads the French actors to believe Garrick has boasted he will “teach the French how to act,” they devise an elaborate scheme to humble the arrogant Englishman13.

The Comédie-Française troupe takes over an inn where Garrick is set to stay on his journey to Paris. They plan to stage a series of outrageous performances, hoping to unsettle and embarrass their guest. However, Garrick is tipped off about the plot and decides to turn the tables by playing along, determined to out-act his would-be pranksters34.

The carefully orchestrated chaos at the inn includes staged duels, feigned madness, and various other theatrical antics. Complications arise when Germaine (Olivia de Havilland), a genuine damsel in distress, arrives at the inn seeking refuge. Garrick mistakes her for part of the French troupe’s act, leading to a series of misunderstandings and a blossoming romance13.

As the night unfolds, Garrick’s wit and acting prowess are put to the test as he navigates the increasingly absurd situations, all while falling for the charming Germaine. The film culminates in a clever resolution that showcases Garrick’s talent and humility, bringing together the British and French theatrical worlds in mutual respect and admiration34.

Stellar Cast

“The Great Garrick” boasts an impressive ensemble of Hollywood talent:

• Brian Aherne as David Garrick

• Olivia de Havilland as Germaine

• Edward Everett Horton as Tubby (Garrick’s valet)

• Melville Cooper as M. Picard

• Lionel Atwill as Beaumarchais

• Luis Alberni as Basset

• Lana Turner as Auber

• Marie Wilson as Nicolle

• Etienne Girardot as Jean Cabot

Movie Genre

“The Great Garrick” is a historical comedy that blends elements of romance, farce, and period drama. Its witty dialogue, theatrical setting, and exploration of cultural misunderstandings make it a quintessential example of sophisticated 1930s Hollywood comedy.

Historical Context: Theater in the 18th Century

While the film takes liberties with historical accuracy, it captures the spirit of rivalry and showmanship that existed between British and French theater in the 18th century. David Garrick was indeed a real and highly influential actor of his time, known for revolutionizing theatrical practices and bringing a more naturalistic style of acting to the stage1.

The film’s portrayal of the Comédie-Française, France’s national theater company, reflects the prestige and importance of this institution in French cultural life. By pitting Garrick against the French actors, the movie playfully explores the artistic tensions and national pride that often characterized European theater of the period.

Colorization Details

This colorized version of “The Great Garrick” has been meticulously restored using state-of-the-art digital techniques. The process involved carefully analyzing the original black and white footage and assigning appropriate colors to each scene, bringing new life to the elegant costumes, lavish set designs, and the overall ambiance of 18th-century Europe.

The colorization enhances the visual splendor of the film’s period setting, from the opulent theaters of London to the charming French countryside inn. It allows modern viewers to fully appreciate the film’s production design and costume work, which were integral to establishing its historical atmosphere and comedic tone.

Technical Details

• Director: James Whale

• Screenplay: Ernest Vajda

• Based on: the play “Ladies and Gentlemen” by Ernest Vajda

• Cinematography: Ernest Haller

• Edited by: Warren Low

• Music by: Adolph Deutsch

• Production Company: Warner Bros.

• Distributed by: Warner Bros.

• Runtime: 89 minutes

Technical Specifications

• Download Format: MP4

• Resolution: HD (1080p)

• Compatibility: Compatible with most devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs.

Critical Reception and Legacy

“The Great Garrick” was well-received upon its release, praised for its witty script, stylish direction by James Whale, and the charming performances of its lead actors. While it may not have achieved the same level of fame as some of Whale’s horror classics, the film has gained appreciation over the years as a delightful example of Hollywood’s sophisticated historical comedies.

Film critic Jonathan Rosenbaum included “The Great Garrick” in his alternative list of the Top 100 American Films, highlighting its often-overlooked status in cinema history1. The film’s blend of theatrical farce, historical setting, and romantic comedy continues to entertain modern audiences, offering a glimpse into both the Golden Age of Hollywood and the world of 18th-century theater.

FAQs

• Q: Is “The Great Garrick” based on a true story?

  • A: While David Garrick was a real historical figure, the specific events of the film are fictional, based on a play by Ernest Vajda4.

• Q: How does the colorized version enhance the viewing experience?

  • A: The colorization brings out the rich details of the period costumes and settings, making the historical context more vivid for modern viewers.

• Q: Who are the main stars of “The Great Garrick”?

  • A: The film stars Brian Aherne as David Garrick and Olivia de Havilland as Germaine1.

• Q: What is the significance of the Comédie-Française in the film?

  • A: The Comédie-Française was (and still is) the most prestigious theater company in France, adding to the film’s exploration of theatrical rivalries and national pride3.

• Q: Is this film suitable for fans of James Whale’s horror movies?

  • A: While different in tone from Whale’s famous horror films, “The Great Garrick” showcases the director’s versatility and wit, making it an interesting watch for his fans.

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