Marie Antoinette (1938)

VHS CASE/SIDE

Length of film:  157 Minutes

Rated: U

Genre: Biography, Drama, History

Director: W.S. Van Dyke, Julien Duvivier

Starring: Norma Shearer, John Barrymore, Tyrone Power, Robert Morley, Anita Louise, Joseph Schildkraut

IMDB Rank: 7.3/10

Part 1 Time:  81 Minutes

Part 2 Time:  76 Minutes

Where does the first part end? Marie Antoinette (Norma Shearer) and Count Axel de Fersen (Tyrone Power) speak in a garden sanctuary. Count Axel de Fersen tells Marie Antoinette that he cannot continue their secret relationship.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “Goodbye, my love” Marie Antoinette embraces Count Axel de Fersen.

First line of dialogue on the second part: “One hundred and one guns will announce the birth of a son and heir… 21 guns, the birth of a daughter.” French commander speaks to the French infantry unit outside of the Place of Versailles.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Somewhat, with Marie Antoinette as the Dauphine of France gaining popularity within the royal court due to her lavish lifestyle, many common folk are beginning to question what impacts this spending is having on the economy of France. With the death of King Louis XV, Marie Antoinette prepares to become Queen of France and officially ends her relationship with Count Axel de Fersen, her true love. Will Marie Antoinette’s popularity increase among the common folk or will her reign come to a disastrous end?

Which part is better? Norma Shearer gives a top tear performance as Marie Antoinette giving us a glimpse of this iconic royal figure. Part two is significantly better as we get to experience the events leading up to and during the French revolution.

Academy Awards: Best Leading Actress (Nominated- Norma Shearer), Best Leading Actor (Nominated- Robert Morley), Best Art Direction (Nominated), Best Music-Original Score (Nominated)