Sixty Glorious Years is an exercise in the creation of iconography, both for Victoria and its star, Anna Neagle (who subsequently became known as __APOS__Regal Neagle__APOS__). Just as Elizabeth I commissioned artists to create flattering iconic images for public consumption, so this film performs a similar function, for Neagle is more beautiful than the real life Victoria. Controversial events (such as the __APOS__Irish problem__APOS__) are omitted and unpleasant aspects of Victoria__APOS__s character (her petulance, arrogance, favouritism and __APOS__right to privilege__APOS__) are glossed over as endearing little __APOS__whims__APOS__. Albert acts as a moderating influence when she goes too far.
The film followed a year after the highly successful Victoria the Great (d. Herbert Wilcox, 1937). Again the screenplay is by Miles Malleson and Robert Vansittart, and many of the supporting cast (the cream of acting talent of period) repeat their roles, this time for the colour cameras. This was the first full length Technicolor film of cinematographer Freddie Young, who captures the spectacle of royal weddings, grand balls and opulent interiors, with scenes actually filmed at royal palaces. Vivid battle scenes, set in Alexander Korda__APOS__s empire territory (Sevastopol and the Sudan), rival those in The Four Feathers (d. Zoltan Korda 1939).
The title music sets the tone: a regal choir sings over a shot of the crown. Elgar__APOS__s 1901 __APOS__Pomp and Circumstance__APOS__ march is heard during the diamond jubilee celebrations and, as Victoria__APOS__s coffin lies in state, the film concludes with Anthony Collins__APOS__ stately music accompanied by the text of Rudyard Kipling__APOS__s __APOS__Lest we forget__APOS__. Combined with the emotional appeal of scenes of Victoria connecting with her __APOS__ordinary folk__APOS__, this is stirring stuff.
The film connects with contemporary events of 1938. The release of two celebratory royal films was intended to boost public affection for the monarchy in the wake of Edward VIII__APOS__s abdication. Anglo-German relations were another touchy subject. With another war on the horizon, influential voices wanted appeasement, and the film could be seen to fit that agenda. Victoria herself was of mainly German descent, nicknamed __APOS__the grandmother of Europe__APOS__, while Albert is a __APOS__good German__APOS__, charmingly played by Anton Walbrook as a cultured, decent man.
Sixty Glorious Years now seems unduly formal and reverential. Had movies existed during Victoria__APOS__s reign (they only emerged at the end) this might have been the kind of film produced. Unlike Mrs Brown (d. John Madden, 1997), it is all so very __APOS__Victorian__APOS__.
Roger Philip Mellor
