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The Royal Visit

The Royal Visit (1939)

Nov 18, 1939 1h 27m Documentary

This feature documentary offers a complete record of the 1939 Royal Tour of Canada by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. The film opens as the royal couple makes a stop in Québec city, where Premier Duplessis greets them. They then visit Montréal and meet mayor Camilien Houde. A visit to Ottawa brings them to Parliament, where Prime Minister MacKenzie King is present. The visit continues throughout Ontario, the prairies, and western Canada. The Royal couple also makes a brief stop in Washington and meets President Franklin Roosevelt. They then stop in on the Maritime provinces before boarding a Royal yacht for the journey back to England.

Directed by Frank Badgley

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Frank Badgley

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Thematic Analysis

The Royal Visit represents a fascinating example of Documentary cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director Frank Badgley brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1939, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of The Royal Visit took approximately 12 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 87 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 144 minutes long.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.

Historical Context

  • In 1939, when this film was released:
  • Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
  • The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

While The Royal Visit shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Golden Globe - Kanada Highlights, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Royal Visit offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Arctic Summer and Coming Home explore similar territory, The Royal Visit stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: November 18, 1939
  • Runtime: 1h 27m

Where to Watch

Amazon Prime Video
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