The Story of Gilbert and Sullivan (1953)

The Story of Gilbert and Sullivan Poster

The career of W. S. Gilbert, a barrister turned comic librettist, and Arthur Sullivan, a composer turned against his will to light music, who together wrote fifteen comic operas between 1871 and 1896, to great public acclaim.

Summary
"The Story of Gilbert and Sullivan" is a biographical film launched in 1953 that recounts the collaborative works of the distinguished British musical duo - lyricist and dramatist W.S. Gilbert and author Arthur Sullivan. Directed by Sidney Gilliat and produced by British Lion Films, the movie features Robert Morley as Gilbert, Maurice Evans as Sullivan, and includes their world-famous comic operas.

Story
The film illustrates the artistic union and arguments of Gilbert and Sullivan, running for over 20 years throughout the Victorian era's brightest days. It traces their journey from the inception of their collaboration, the production of the world-renowned 'D'Oyle Carte Opera Company,' and after that presents their most famous comic operas, consisting of "H.M.S Pinafore", "The Pirates of Penzance" and "The Mikado".

Gilbert and Sullivan's Partnership
Showing the significant differences between the personalities of Gilbert and Sullivan, the movie has actually showcased an effective and balanced narrative. In the motion picture, Gilbert is presented as stuffy, pedantic, and irritable, while Sullivan is revealed as a jovitarian character, thinking about the company of females, frivolity, and fun. It takes a more detailed take a look at the dynamic in between the duo, showing their imagination deriving from the stimulate of these contrasting attributes.

The Successes and the Struggles
The film follows their successful career, sparkling with humorous humor and unforgettable music, recording the Victorian spirit's essence. Nevertheless, it also supplies insight into the struggles behind this success. The movie represents how Sullivan constantly wanted to compose grand operas and handle more serious musical issues in contrast to Gilbert's fondness for light opera, which leads to their famous 'carpets quarrels'. They even different, however the love for their work and the need from the public lead them back together, resulting in the development of "The Mikado".

The D'Oyly Carte Opera Company
One essential story in the movie is the formation of the 'D'Oyly Carte Opera Company.' Impresario Richard D'Oyly Carte, played by Peter Finch, forms this performers to produce Gilbert and Sullivan's comic operas. The film beautifully portrays the creation, growth, and popularity of the business, which played a crucial role in bringing Gilbert and Sullivan's work to life.

Performance Review
Robert Morley embodies Gilbert's character, depicting the intricacies and brilliance of the lyricist with an outstanding display screen of acting. Maurice Evans, an accomplished Shakespearean actor, convincingly draws out the appeal of the ever-amiable Sullivan. In particular, their representation of the duo's innovative process produces engaging watching.

Conclusion
"The Story of Gilbert and Sullivan" supplied a wonderful, albeit somewhat dramatized, glimpse into the lives and works of two of the most beloved musical figures in British history. It's an exceptional reflection on not simply the creators, however their production and its far-reaching and lasting result. The film is an outstanding mix of humor, music, drama, and history, typically presented versus a backcloth of gorgeous Victorian Era sets and outfits.

Top Cast

  • Robert Morley (small)
    Robert Morley
    William S. Gilbert
  • Maurice Evans (small)
    Maurice Evans
    Arthur Sullivan
  • Eileen Herlie (small)
    Eileen Herlie
    Helen D'Oyly Carte
  • Peter Finch (small)
    Peter Finch
    Richard D'Oyly Carte
  • Martyn Green (small)
    Martyn Green
    George Grossmith
  • Dinah Sheridan (small)
    Dinah Sheridan
    Grace Marston
  • Isabel Dean (small)
    Isabel Dean
    Mrs. Gilbert
  • Wilfrid Hyde-White (small)
    Wilfrid Hyde-White
    Mr. Marston
  • Muriel Aked (small)
    Muriel Aked
    Queen Victoria
  • Michael Ripper (small)
    Michael Ripper
    Louis
  • Bernadette O'Farrell (small)
    Bernadette O'Farrell
    Jessie Bond