A Queen Is Crowned

A Queen Is Crowned is a historical documentary film from 1953, directed by Christopher Fry and narrated by the legendary actor Laurence Olivier. The film gives audiences an intimate and grand view of a critical event in British history - the coronation of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Notable appearances include young Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip themselves, marking their presence in the film as both the subjects and the stars.

The context for producing A Queen Is Crowned is monumental. In 1952, King George VI, Queen Elizabeth II's beloved father, passed away, propelling a young Elizabeth, only 25 at the time, onto the throne. The film captures the preparation, the culmination, and the aftermath of the regal ceremony held on 2nd June 1953, symbolizing the formal installment of Queen Elizabeth II as the reigning monarch.

The overall treatment of the film is impactful. Laurence Olivier, a master of Shakespearean and dramatic roles, lends the narration a sense of reverence, potency, and respect befitting a queen's coronation. His deep and distinctive voice guides the audience through the film, enhancing the historical and granular detailing, thus adding depth, clarity, and magnificence to the telling of this tale.

Given the gravity of the subject, Christopher Fry directs A Queen Is Crowned with utmost care, treading the fine line between paying homage to the royal ceremony and bringing out the human elements of the saga. His eye for identifying and translating these intricate details into film provides viewers an inside look into the centuries-old traditions, the intricate rituals, the regalia, and the pageantry associated with a British monarch's coronation.

From the arrival of dignitaries to Westminster Abbey, the service itself, and the subsequent royal procession, A Queen Is Crowned sketches an elaborate visual portrait of the coronation day. It showcases the pomp, circumstance, and attention to detail associated with the ceremony, the collective national mood of celebration and deference, and the magnitude of the international participation, with attendees from over 129 nations and territories.

Then, there are the subjects of the film, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. Seeing a young Queen Elizabeth II partake in rituals, pledge oaths, and acknowledge the euphoria of millions in the movie further enunciates the reality of her heavy responsibility. She becomes more relatable as a young woman, a newly married wife, a mother, and a daughter who has suddenly shouldered the responsibility of a monarchy, embodying grace under pressure. Prince Philip, seen supporting his wife throughout the ceremonies, adds another layer of emotional depth to the film. Both of them together make for a compelling watch.

The film is historic not only for its content but in its delivery. It was the first time such a ceremony was ever televised, enabling millions worldwide to witness the grandeur of a British coronation. A Queen Is Crowned played a significant role in making this spectacle accessible to the broader public, greatly increasing its audience.

Furthermore, the usage of color in the film helped bring the glittering ceremony to life. Early 1953 saw only the advent of colored cinemascope, which the filmmakers made full use of, enveloping audiences in the vibrant, resplendent atmosphere of the coronation day. The film was also later released in 3-D, symbolic of the technological innovations of its time.

In summary, A Queen Is Crowned is a fascinating watch for those interested in historical events or the British monarchy. The ceremonial grandeur, combined with elements of human emotion and Laurence Olivier's riveting narrative, offers viewers a once-in-a-lifetime look into a defining moment in British history. The film also stands as a testament to notable moments in film-making history, marking unique strides in technology and accessibility.