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5.9/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 5.9/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Her Majesty, Love remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
Alright, so if you’re looking for something that just came out, or a gritty drama, "Her Majesty, Love" from 1931 is probably not your jam. Seriously, *skip it*. 🙅♀️ But if you’ve got a soft spot for early musicals, for the kind of straightforward, sweet romance where rich boys fall for poor girls and everyone sings about it, then pull up a chair. This one’s got a certain *old-timey sparkle* that might just hit right.
It’s a story we’ve seen a million times. Fred von Wengen, played by Ben Lyon, is this super rich guy, and he falls head over heels for Lia Toerrek, Marilyn Miller’s character, who’s a cigarette girl. Of course, his family, especially his mother (Florence Roberts, who plays a magnificent snob), is absolutely *horrified* at the idea of him marrying someone beneath their station. It’s all very dramatic, in a 1930s way.
Marilyn Miller, who was a huge Broadway star, really carries a lot of the charm here. Her singing is just lovely. There’s this one number where she’s just kinda sitting around, and her voice just floats. It’s not a huge, showy performance, but it’s *warm*. You can see why Fred is smitten. Her smile feels very genuine, you know?
Ben Lyon is… well, he’s a handsome leading man. He does his part, but sometimes he just feels like he’s waiting for his cues. The chemistry with Miller is there, but it’s more on her side doing the heavy lifting.
Now, let's talk about the real scene-stealer, or at least the one that made me perk up: W.C. Fields. He pops up as a butler, and he’s just *so* W.C. Fields. He’s got that signature grumble, those knowing glances. There's a bit where he’s trying to discreetly pour himself a drink, and it’s a tiny moment, but it’s classic him. He adds this wonderful, cynical edge to the whole thing, which is a nice break from the sweet, earnest romance.
The musical numbers are plentiful. Some feel a bit… *inserted*, rather than growing organically from the story. Like, suddenly everyone stops what they're doing for a song and dance. But then, it’s an early talkie musical, so that’s kinda par for the course. The choreography isn't super complex, but it’s lively enough.
There's a scene at a party where the family is just *dreadful* to Lia. You can feel the tension, even if the acting is a little broad by today's standards. Lia handles it with a kind of quiet dignity that really makes you root for her. It’s not flashy, but it works.
The pacing is a bit all over the place. Sometimes scenes linger a little too long on people just staring at each other. Then other times, a big plot point happens and it’s brushed past quickly. You can almost feel the movie trying to figure out its rhythm. It's a product of its time, still figuring out how to tell a story with sound and music.
And the sets! They're opulent, especially the von Wengen mansion. Lots of grand staircases and huge rooms. But sometimes they feel a little *too* grand, like a stage play. It’s missing a bit of that lived-in feel, I guess.
It's not a deep film. It’s light, it’s fluffy. It’s got a very clear message about love being more important than money, which is always nice. The ending is predictable, but you want that with these kinds of movies, right? You want everyone to be happy.
If you're a fan of Marilyn Miller or W.C. Fields, this is probably worth a look. If you're just dipping your toe into 1930s cinema, it's a perfectly *fine* starting point, though there are certainly stronger musicals from the era. It's a pleasant way to spend an evening, not demanding too much from you. Just sit back and enjoy the old-school charm. ✨
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