Nell Gwyn (1934 film)

Nell Gwyn is a 1934 British historical drama film directed by Herbert Wilcox and starring Anna Neagle, Cedric Hardwicke, Jeanne de Casalis, Miles Malleson and Moore Marriott. The film portrays the historical romance between Charles II of England and the actress Nell Gwyn. In the opening credits, the dialogue is credited to "King Charles II, Samuel Pepys and Nell Gwyn" with additional dialogue by Miles Malleson. It was also released as Mistress Nell Gwyn.

Cast

 * Anna Neagle as Nell Gwyn
 * Cedric Hardwicke as Charles II
 * Jeanne De Casalis as Duchess of Portsmouth
 * Muriel George as Meg
 * Helena Pickard as Mrs. Pepys
 * Dorothy Robinson as Mrs. Knipp
 * Esmé Percy as Samuel Pepys
 * Miles Malleson as Chiffinch
 * Moore Marriott as Robin
 * Craighall Sherry as Ben
 * Lawrence Anderson as James, Duke of York

Production
Herbert Wilcox had enjoyed a big success with the Nell Gwynn story in 1926 with Dorothy Gish and decided to remake it with Anna Neagle (who would become his wife in 1943). Part of the finance was raised by United Artists. The film encountered censorship difficulties in the US, insisting on the deletion of some scenes and addition of others, including a marriage between James and Nell, and an ending where Nell winds up in the gutter.

Reception
The film flopped in the US but was a big success in the rest of the world. According to Film Weekly it was the third most popular film in Britain in 1935.

Critical reception
The New York Times wrote, "Sir Cedric Hardwicke's superb portrait of a monarch who combined dignity and a love of pleasure sets the tone for the entire film, its easy graciousness and its pungent humours. Anna Neagle gives us a gay and sprightly Nell, seasoning the part with wantonness and edging it with vulgarity. These two, with Herbert Wilcox's fetching production at their back, set a gallant age in motion on the screen... All of the English players wear their laces and plumes with that true nonchalance which is one of their special gifts to the cinema. This "Nell Gwyn" is a costumed comedy of grace and wit"; and Graham Greene wrote, "I have seen few things more attractive than Miss Neagle in breeches."