Drake Of England

Canadian-born stage actor and playwright Matheson Lang was one of the 20th centuries greatest Shakespearian players, so it is only befitting that he should end up playing one of Britain’s greatest sea captains and privateers – Sir Francis Drake!

Hero to the English, but pirate to the Spaniards, facts and legends surrounding the controversial explorer and daring navigator are as manifold as the tales surrounding Drake. As part of the ‘British Film Collection’, director Arthur Wood’s portrayal of the flamboyant adventurer who founded Britain’s sea fortunes is now available on DVD and presented in a brand-new transfer from the original elements in its as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio.

The 1935 period romp charters the many conquests (at sea and private) of Drake, offering a panoramic overview of his life. M. Lang, a striking and imposing figure, is worthy of taking on the role of such a colourful and famous character – effortlessly switching from fierce to charming, from bold to witty and humorous. Although almost too old to portray Sir Francis Drake, Lang manages to add gravitas to the role when needed, while at the same time swashbuckling his way through battles in the best Errol Flynn manner.

If there is some serious miscasting to be mentioned, then it has to be Athene Seyler’s portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I. Her over the top and often too emotional performance is less fit for a Queen but would be perfect for a pantomime show. That said, her outrageous costumes and bad wigs are an absolute riot to watch. Did I just mention pantomime?
On the other end of the spectrum moves Jane Baxter’s Elizabeth Sydenham in humble and dignified manner, nothing – not even her disapproving parents – can stop her from getting the very man she’s set her eyes on: yes, our Sir Francis! The forbidden romance culminates in a secret wedding.

In between romance, intrigue at court, and various fights on South American shores, the absolute highlight here is Drake’s victorious 1588 battle that led to the defeat of the invading Spanish Armada. A serious amount of money must have gone into the audacious fight scenes, the canon duels, feisty swashbuckling-between-the galleons sequences, the opulent costumes and weapons, and what have you.
As Drake is welcomed back a triumphant hero, a cast of a thousand seemed to have been employed to cheer and to salute him!
Truly impressive and a must for fans of period romps, the DVD’s retail price is worth it for the Armada spectacle alone!