Watch Peg Of Old Drury

Peg Of Old Drury is a British historical drama film released in 1935. The movie revolves around the life of a famous actress named Peg Woffington, played by Anna Neagle. The film is set in the 18th century London during the Georgian era. Peg Woffington was a real-life actress who was hugely popular in London during the 1700s. She was known for her beauty, wit and talent. In the film, Peg is shown as a struggling actress who rises to fame through sheer hard work and determination. She starts working at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane as a dresser for the lead actresses. However, her talent as an actress is soon recognised, and she is given a chance to perform on stage. Her performance is so good that she becomes an overnight sensation, and her fame spreads throughout the city. She becomes a household name, and her beauty and charm attract the attention of the men in the audience.

The movie portrays the challenges and obstacles that Peg faced in her personal life. She was in love with a man named Harry Barry, played by Laurence Olivier. Harry was a notorious womaniser and an alcoholic. Peg was torn between her love for him and her career. She knew that being seen with Harry would ruin her reputation, but she could not resist his charm. The movie shows the ups and downs of their relationship and how it affected Peg's career.

Apart from her love life, Peg also had to deal with jealous rivals who were envious of her success. The movie shows how she dealt with the criticism and negativity that came her way. Despite all the obstacles, Peg remained steadfast in her determination to succeed.

The film also explores the dynamics of the theatre world in 18th century London. It shows how the actors and actresses were treated by the theatre owners and the wealthy patrons who funded the productions. It also highlights the class divide that existed in society at the time.

The performances in the movie are first-rate. Anna Neagle is brilliant as Peg Woffington. She portrays the character with grace, charm and intelligence. She brings to life the struggles and triumphs of a remarkable woman who defied the odds and became a legend in her own time. Laurence Olivier is equally impressive as Harry Barry. He captures the essence of a charming but flawed man who cannot resist the bottle or the ladies. Margaretta Scott and Maire O'Neill also deliver strong performances as Peg's rivals.

The movie is directed by Herbert Wilcox, who was Neagle's husband in real life. He brings a sense of authenticity to the film, capturing the essence of 18th century London with exquisite attention to detail. The production design, costume and makeup all contribute to the film's period feel.

In conclusion, Peg Of Old Drury is a well-crafted historical drama that pays homage to an extraordinary woman who overcame adversity and became a legend in her own time. It is a movie that captures the essence of a bygone era and showcases the talents of some of Britain's finest actors. It is a must-see for anyone interested in theatre, history or classic cinema.

Peg Of Old Drury is a 1935 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 11 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.