Thirty-five years after his death, Noël Coward may be unknown to many young viewers. But as this exceptionally fine 1998 three-part BBC documentary reminds us, writer-composer Coward was a towering figure in British popular culture during the first half of the 20th century. Combining archival material (stills, film footage, and extensive excerpts from a 1969 interview with Coward, as well as interviews with relatives, friends, and colleagues) and newly-shot commentary from critics, biographers, and Coward's long-time (now late) partner Graham Payn, the series covers Coward's life and career with insight and sensitivity. The initial segment looks at Coward's childhood, followed by his extraordinary success, first as an actor and then as a playwright in the London theatre of the 1920s and ‘30s, where his work came to represent the very epitome of both cutting-edge drama and effortlessly sophisticated wit. The second episode charts his travels during the late ‘30s, his role entertaining troops during World War II, and his contribution to the war effort as writer, co-director, and star of In Which We Serve in 1942. The final program looks at Coward's later years, during which he remained in the public eye as a raconteur, nightclub entertainer, and supporting actor, but no longer found success as a writer or composer (the film does exaggerate the success of his final musical Sail Away—although it's wonderful to hear star Elaine Stritch reminisce about the production). An excellent portrait that's part tribute and part critique, this is highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)
The Noël Coward Trilogy
(1998) 149 min. DVD: $24.99. Kultur International Films. ISBN: 978-0-7697-8706-0. Volume 23, Issue 6
The Noël Coward Trilogy
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