King's Rhapsody (film)
| Company type | Film production company |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film production |
| Founder | Herbert Wilcox |
| Parent | British Lion (distributor) |
King's Rhapsody is a 1955 British musical film helmed by director Herbert Wilcox and features performances by Anna Neagle, Errol Flynn, and Patrice Wymore, who was Flynn’s spouse at the time of production. The movie adapts the acclaimed stage musical King's Rhapsody created by Ivor Novello.
Plot
Following the death of his father, Prince Richard of Laurentia comes back from exile accompanied by his lover Marta (played by Anna Neagle) to fulfill his royal responsibilities. He is expected to wed Princess Cristiane of Norseland (portrayed by Patrice Wymore) to secure an heir. Despite his initial attachment to Marta, Richard gradually develops affection for his new spouse.
Cast
- Anna Neagle as Marta Karillos
- Errol Flynn as Richard, King of Laurentia
- Patrice Wymore as Princess Cristiane
- Martita Hunt as Queen Mother
- Finlay Currie as King Paul
- Francis De Wolff as The Prime Minister
- Joan Benham as Countess Astrid
- Reginald Tate as King Peter
- Miles Malleson as Jules
- Edmund Hockridge as The Serenader
Production notes
This film marked the second release from Everest Productions, a company established by Herbert Wilcox. After negotiations with Republic fell through, Wilcox secured distribution through British Lion. The project initiated a planned six-picture agreement valued at £2.5 million across three years, intended to position Flynn and Neagle as a prominent cinematic duo, echoing Neagle’s earlier collaboration with Michael Wilding. Originally set to work together on The White Witch of Rose Hall in Jamaica, Flynn and Neagle ultimately completed only two films together.
The financial plan accounted for £227,680 covering British production expenses, Errol Flynn’s salary, and location costs in Yugoslavia.
Reception
Commercially, the film did not meet expectations. Filmink remarked that King’s Rhapsody sometimes resembled an amateur stage show, featuring spirited yet unpersuasive acting. In his book Errol Flynn: The Life and Career, Thomas McNulty condemned the film for its stiff performances—particularly Flynn’s—and described the storyline as "a disaster disguised as a screenplay." Likewise, Allmovie identified it among the rare unsuccessful ventures involving Neagle and Wilcox.
Release
At the box office, King’s Rhapsody failed to achieve significant success. In September 1955, a shortened 45-minute adaptation derived from the film’s soundtrack was aired on BBC Radio as a play.
References
External links
- King's Rhapsody at Brit Movie