Royal Journey

Royal Journey is a brilliant narrative documentary film that offers an intimate glimpse into the royal life in a way seldom depicted on the big screen. Released in 1951 by the National Film Board of Canada (NFB), the movie showcases a significant historical event: the extensive tour of Canada and the United States by King George VI's young princess Elizabeth and her husband, Prince Philip.

The film beautifully represents a variety of aspects, from the regal personalities to the political nuances of the era, the cultural significance of the visit, and the exploration of the towering, enchanting landscapes of North America. With Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, and Maurice Duplessis at the helm, Royal Journey successfully manages to cover a ground-breaking royal tour, vividly bringing to the fore the constitutional and popular appeal of monarchies in the twentieth century's latter half.

Directed by David Bairstow, Gudrun Parker, and Roger Blais, the film opens with the royal couple embarking on a journey aboard the Canadian Pacific liner, Empress of Scotland. The remarkable voyage of the Royal couple, which lasted from 1951 to 1952, took them to several cities across Canada and the United States over 45 impressive days. The historic nature of this tour is further illuminated by the fact that Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Elizabeth at the time, was stepping in for her ailing father, King George VI, marking one of the first significant symbolic gestures of the transition of power that was soon to take place.

In its portrayal, Royal Journey doesn't just focus on the regal pomp and ceremony, but additionally highlights the humanity that often goes unnoticed behind closed palace doors—revealing a recognizable, relatable element of the royal pair. This humanity is seen in the informal moments the young Royals share, the warmth they extend to the public, and the enthusiasm they display as they traverse through the North American terrains—be it the Blackfoot reserve in Alberta or the Niagara Falls.

Undoubtedly, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip steal the limelight, but Maurice Duplessis delivers his own brand of prowess. As the Premier of Quebec at the time, Duplessis's unique portrayal adds a crucial political context to the film, revealing the delicate post-war balance between monarchy, nationhood, and constitutional power dynamics. The juxtaposition of monarchy and democracy that the film subtly analyses is a key element of this film, highlighting the complex relationship between Britain and its former colonies.

The title of the film, Royal Journey, brilliantly captures the core essence of the narrative. A royal journey not just by name, but by nature too—it's the voyage of a young princess on the brink of her ascension to the throne, a journey through a continent on the brink of significant social and political change, and a journey in understanding the intricate harmonies of monarchy, democracy and post-colonial North America.

One of the significant reasons why this film is worth watching is its pioneering nature. Royal Journey was the first-ever feature length colour film made in Canada—it is not just a film but a slice of cinematic and royal history. Besides, the documentary style shooting and the technical prowess are noteworthy. The unique angles and the application of Technicolor contribute to the stunning visuals throughout the film, capturing both the elegant grandeur of the royal couple and the mesmerizing expanses of the North American landscapes.

While Royal Journey indeed chronicles historical events and personalities, it manages to accomplish something difficult—it engages and captivates with a delightful blend of personal engagement, historical storytelling, and breathtaking visuals. This film is not just for history buffs or royal followers, but for anyone who appreciates a good story—the story of a young queen-to-be, her prince, their journey, and the intriguing world that surrounds them.