The Young Mr. Pitt
The Young Mr. Pitt
NR
5.7
·

1942

·

118m

The Young Mr. Pitt

Summary

This biopic tells the story of the life of Pitt The Younger, who became Prime Minister of Great Britain at the age of 24.

Director

Carol Reed

Screenplay

Sidney Gilliat

Screenplay

Frank Launder

Reviews

Geronimo1967

Geronimo1967

June 26, 2022

6

Robert Donat is another of that rare breed of actor who rarely made a duff film - but this rather drudging effort comes pretty close. He portrays William Pitt, who became Prime Minister to King George III at the tender age of just 24, and who had to deal with the fallout from the French Revolution, the Napoleonic Wars and the mysterious illness that afflicted his King. Donat tries hard, but though Pitt was doubtlessly a patriot, he was also relatively charm free - a solitary, almost aloof, figure who makes for quite a difficult part to play with any kind of passion or enthusiasm. Robert Morley fares slightly better as his Whig opponent Charles Fox, he has more of a character to work with - and the best parts of the film are when the two engage in a bit of parliamentary hustings. Despite some decent contributions from Felix Aylmer and Raymond Lovell, John Mills is just a bit too annoying as the effervescent William Wilberforce and much of the time this is little better than an historical chronology in which Donat features all too infrequently, and statically, to inject much life into this biopic.

Media

Status:

Released

Original Language:

English

Budget:

$0.00

Revenue:

$0.00

Keywords

biography
napoleonic wars
british prime minister
british history
18th century
member of parliament