THE GREAT MR HANDEL
UK, 1942, 89 minutes, Colour.
Wilfred Lawson, Elizabeth Allen, Malcolm Keen, Hay Petrie, A.E.Matthews.
Directed by Norman Walker.
This was an early British film photographed in colour. It was made during the early years of World War II and commentators have noted its potential for propaganda at the period.
As regards propaganda, it is interesting that this is a story of a German who opted to make his home in England, following the German Royal house which move to rule Britain. And, he was made British by an act of Parliament. In terms of British attitudes towards Germany during the war, the story is somewhat complex – but, with Britain winning.
Handel is very well known for his oratorio, Messiah, always referred to as Handel’s Messiah. This is not the most interesting biography of a composer. Some have described it as rather stodgy and, for the most part, it is. However, the last 40 minutes or so focus on Handel’s composing Messiah, culminating in a performance of the Hallelujah Chorus.
Wilfred Lawson is very serious as Handel. He is seen initially as successful a composer, oratorios, operas. In the 1720s, the public is with him. The screenplay suggests that he was going out of fashion although George II was favourable towards him. However, Prince Frederick wanted to be his patron but was rebuked during performance by Handel for being noisy and this set up enmities. Handel lost popularity, lost income, and rowdy crowds disturbed performances at the instigation of the Prince.
There is no romance in the film. The main woman character is Mrs Cibber, Elizabeth Allen, a singer who sometimes clashed with Handel but, gave fine renditions of his music. The film pauses at one stage for her to sing Handel’s Largo to everyone’s admiration. The other main character is a servant, Phineas, played by Hay Petrie. A loyal servant, he is particularly supportive during the composition of Messiah.
Handel is also shown in contact with a ship’s captain who brings to his attention two young boys, sons of a musician who died of starvation. Handel brings these stories to the attention of the authorities and intends to set up an orphanage. However, he succumbs to illness.
The pompous CharlesJ ennes who wrote oratorios and collaborated with Handel comes to him with the text of Messiah, scriptural texts suggested and chosen by his assistant, Pooley. When Handel hears the subject (and Handel has been shown praying in his illness) he feels that this is the great work that he is to compose. There are scenes of his composing at his desk, completely absorbed in the music, ignoring food, crotchety with Phineas, hearing some of his music sung by Mrs Cibber.
The Lord ruler of Ireland invites Handel to Dublin for the premiere of Messiah, a great success, and it is later performed in the presence of the king, Prince Frederick who has to acknowledge the music, and the London public. The King institutes the custom of standing with applause and recognition at the end of the oratorio.
Another film about Handel is probably needed.
