Gielgud is billed as the star, but he doesn't show up until the last part of the movie, and he appears in just a couple scenes. Nevertheless he chews up the scenery, especially in his scenes with Ralph Richardson. The two of them have a rip-roaring time the few brief moments they appear together. And this with scenes that, in the hands of lesser actors, you'd barely notice. I kept imagining how wonderful if there had been more of their handiwork to be seen in this movie.
There is a lot of top-drawer talent on display here, and they do justice to the interesting and literate screenplay by blacklisted writer Millard Lampell. Despite all this talent, it's difficult to call this a truly superior film. There's nothing to complain of, really, and, in fact, overall I liked it. It's just that without the historical context, there isn't much of a story. Perhaps that's an unfair criticism, given the unique and fascinating circumstance of Napoleon in exile. But a lot of other human dynamics are introduced into this situation that don't seem to add up to all that much.
The movie held my attention well enough, but it wasn't until Gielgud showed up that I realized how much was lacking. If you're a Napoleon buff, or a fan of Gielgud, Richardson, or Billie Whitlaw, this is worthwhile. If you're not, you may find it a bit of a disappointment.
Another reviewer notes that this is the most difficult movie on Napoleon to find. I saw it as part of a 50 DVD Movie Pack "War Classics." The print they transferred was in terrible condition, almost shockingly so. The movie deserves better.
