Review of A Royal Scandal (1945) by David H — 07 Jul 2009

It's hardly a history lesson and only mildly diverting, retaining a little of the lubitsch charm even under the heavy-handed direction of otto preminger. the main point of interest here is the notorious tallulah bankhead playing catherine the great, in one of only a handful of leading roles in her film career.

ms. bankhead was a celebrity before the cult of celebrity, a sensation on the stage, who famously hated making films and only came to hollywood 'to fuck that divine gary cooper.' her presence never quite translated to the screen altho her out-sized personality inspired characters from margo channing to cruella deville.

ms bankhead was 42 when she made this film, part of a two picture deal with lifeboat, her most famous screen performance. also starring vincent price in a very small role and anne baxter, who later played eve harrington opposite bette davis doing her best bankhead in all about eve.