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Beau Brummell Blu-ray Review

“Beau Brummell” is an acting showcase.

Based on the play of the same name and adapted for the screen by writer Karl Tunberg, 1954’s “Beau Brummell” is a historical costume drama about the famous titular Royal Captain turned adviser to the Prince of Wales. The story primarily concerns the friendship (and working dynamic) between Beau and the Prince. 

While undoubtedly not very accurate, director Curtis Bernhardt’s “Beau Brummell” is nonetheless a winning classic Hollywood film about friendship and pride. Rather than focusing on plot, ‘Beau’ wisely focuses on the film’s strengths- Stewart Granger (Beau) and Peter Ustinov (Prince of Wales). Together these two actors put on quite the show. Not only do they play so well off of each other, but they make the characters they play positively come alive. Granger seems to be having a blast as the proud, egotistical, risk taking and broke Beau while Ustinov makes the Prince seem both dignified and vulnerable. Whenever the two share scenes together the movie is at its best as you simply can’t get enough of their interactions.

Some may tune in to see Elizabeth Taylor and, while she is good, she doesn’t have a ton to do. She plays the conflicted Lady Patricia who is torn between lovers and her own desires. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.75:1 1080p. How does it look? The print is a bit inconsistent. Sometimes the colors are crisp and other times they look washed out or blotchy. There are a few print flickers here and there as well. 

Audio Track: 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? A nice clean 2.0 track. 

The lone extra is a “Beau Brummell” trailer

April 7, 2020 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Beau Brummell Blu-ray Review, Classic Movie, Elizabeth Taylor, Peter Ustinov, Stewart Granger, Warner Archive