Soldiers of the King (film)

Soldiers of the King

Company type	Film
Industry	Film industry
Founded	1933 (1933)
Founder	Maurice Elvey (director)
Products	Historical comedy film

Soldiers of the King is a 1933 British historical comedy film helmed by director Maurice Elvey, featuring performances by Cicely Courtneidge, Edward Everett Horton, and Anthony Bushell. Marking Courtneidge's fourth cinematic appearance, it was notably her initial project without her spouse Jack Hulbert. She portrays the matriarch of a music hall family, with the narrative shifting between the Victorian era and the 1930s.

Production commenced in August 1932 across several locations including Islington, Beaconsfield, and Welwyn Studios. The visual design was managed by art director Alex Vetchinsky. The film achieved sufficient popularity to warrant a re-release in 1939.

Cast

• Cicely Courtneidge as Jenny Marvello / Maisie Marvello
• Edward Everett Horton as Sebastian Marvello
• Anthony Bushell as Lieutenant Ronald Jamieson
• Dorothy Hyson as Judy Marvello
• Frank Cellier as Colonel Philip Markham
• Leslie Sarony as Wally
• Bransby Williams as Dan Marvello
• Albert Rebla as Albert Marvello
• Herschel Henlere as Mozart Marvello
• Ivor McLaren as Harry Marvello
• Olive Sloane as Sarah Marvello
• Arty Ash as Doug
• O. B. Clarence as Tom
• David Deveen as Frank Marvello
• André Rolet, Betty Semsey, William Pardue as members of the Marvello Adagio Troupe
• Ian Wilson as Customer at Coffee Stall

Critical reception

In 1933, The Sydney Morning Herald observed that Cicely Courtneidge’s vibrant personality was instrumental in bringing Soldiers of the King to modest success. The critique pointed out a common tendency among English studios to depend on weak narratives but commended Courtneidge’s lively and comedic portrayal, which drew upon her roots in music hall entertainment. Although she did not fit traditional standards of beauty, her unique charisma and burlesque flair connected well with viewers. Edward Everett Horton contributed strong support, while Anthony Bushell served as an appealing youthful lead. The storyline held promise for both dramatic and comedic elements but ultimately did not fully realize its potential. Distributed by the Fox Film Corporation, the film was shown at Sydney’s Plaza Theatre.

Bibliography

• Harper, Sue. Picturing the Past: The Rise and Fall of the British Costume Film. British Film Institute, 1994.
• Sutton, David R. A Chorus of Raspberries: British Film Comedy 1929-1939. University of Exeter Press, 2000.
• Wood, Linda. British Films 1929-1939. British Film Institute, 1986.