The Barretts of Wimpole Street

The Barretts of Wimpole Street is a 1934 romantic drama film that showcases the captivating performances of Norma Shearer, Fredric March, and Charles Laughton. The film is a retro cinematic masterpiece that manages to articulate the spirit of the Victorian era effectively while delivering a spellbinding narrative anchored on romance, societal norms, familial relationships, and individual desires. The film was directed by Sidney Franklin and written by Claudine West, Donald Ogden Stewart, and Ernest Vajda.

Set in mid-nineteenth century London, the film unfolds in the claustrophobic and oppressively controlled world of the Barrett household on Wimpole Street. This is where we meet Elizabeth Barrett (Norma Shearer), an enigmatic woman enveloped with frail health, intense emotions, and impressive poetic talent. Elizabeth lives under the oppressive rule of her domineering and rigid father, Edward Moulton-Barrett (Charles Laughton), whose patriarchal authority and profound eccentricities dictate the lives of his numerous children.

Edward Moulton-Barrett, an enormously wealthy man is incredibly controlling and forbids his children from marrying, his paranoia stemming from the loss of his wife, which he cryptically associates with childbirth. His word is unquestionable law, allowing him an ironclad influence over his offspring, and he's willing to go to inhumane lengths to maintain his dominance.

Living in this stifling environment, the film’s focal character, Elizabeth, evolves from a suppressed poetess to a spirited woman battling for her freedom and love. Norma Shearer’s splendid performance as Elizabeth captures the heart and soul of a woman who, despite her physical handicaps, has an unfathomable strength of spirit.

The plot ascends to a new height with the entrance of the dashing and persistent Robert Browning (Fredric March). A renowned poet himself, Browning aims to win Elizabeth's love and help her break free from the stifling clutches of her father's oppressive rule. Hats off to March, who adds a vibrant dynamic to the narrative with his invigorating performance and robust on-screen charisma. His character, Robert, is instrumental in reshaping Elizabeth's life and igniting a spark of freedom, courage, and love.

The assurance of a better life, freedom, and reviving Elizabeth's weakened self-respect becomes Robert's life mission. Their mutual love for poetry becomes a medium for their growing affection, and their nuanced and beautifully dramatized love story forms the backbone of this film. The journey of their romance, filled with quite a few hurdles and emotional struggles, captivates the audience and keeps them engrossed. Both Shearer and March have a palpable on-screen chemistry that's difficult to resist.

With Charles Laughton playing the role of the oppressive and somewhat mad Edward Moulton-Barrett, the film takes a more fascinating turn. Laughton's excellent performance effortlessly evokes both repulsion and pity for his character. His role as the manipulative father is menacing and repelling, yet the power he brings to the character captures the essence of this complex personality.

Director Sidney Franklin expertly uses the gloom of a repressed Victorian era household to heighten the impact of the film. The use of shadows, the brooding ambience, the set-design, and costuming truly take you back to that period. Franklin's uncanny ability to capture the raw emotions of the characters, their subtle feelings, and the electric chemistry between Shearer and March is commendable.

Overall, The Barretts of Wimpole Street is a film that beautifully captures the essence of an oppressive Victorian era society and weaves a sweeping tale of romance and the fight for personal freedom. It's an exquisite cinematic portrayal of the real-life love story between two famed poets, Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning. The warmth of the lead performers, the powerhouse acting and the Victoriana-tinted production design, along with the sharply structured script, deserves a salute. This 1934 classic offers not only a portal into history but a timeless tale of love and strength over adversity.