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5.8/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 5.8/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. My Old Duchess remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
Honestly, only if you have a massive soft spot for mid-century stagey comedies. If you’re looking for high-stakes drama or something that feels modern, you’ll hate this. It’s for the folks who want to see an actor sweating through a wig while trying to keep a lie from falling apart. 🎭
The whole premise hinges on the idea that an American producer—who we’re told is savvy—can’t tell the difference between a real duchess and a man in a dress. It’s preposterous. But, you know, it’s also kind of the point.
Fred Duprez is doing a lot of heavy lifting here. There’s a specific scene where he’s trying to navigate a hallway while holding a teacup that feels like it lasts for an eternity. He’s clearly terrified of dropping the prop, and you can see him thinking about his next line rather than just being the character. It’s endearing, if a bit clumsy.
The pacing is all over the place. Sometimes it sprints through the plot points, and other times it just parks itself in a room for ten minutes of banter that doesn't really go anywhere. It reminded me a bit of the awkward pacing in The Forward Pass, where you just want the scene to shift already.
It’s not a masterpiece, but it’s not trying to be. It’s just a weird little artifact. The way the movie leans into the absurdity—especially when the American producer gets suspicious—actually made me chuckle a bit. It’s far more fun than The Scarlet Road, which takes itself way too seriously for what it is.
I left the screen feeling like I’d just had a cup of lukewarm tea. Fine, but not exactly exciting. Still, if you like watching people try to keep a straight face while everything goes sideways, you’ll probably find something to like here. Just don't expect it to change your life. ☕