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Nevertheless, the marriage goes ahead and is successful until
the appearance of romantic poet Lord Byron (Richard Chamberlain).
Caroline and Byron embark upon a stormy love affair that
becomes a society scandal.
Eventually his mentor, Prime Minister Lord Canning (John
Mills) and King George III (Ralph Richardson) give Lamb a
stark alternative to get rid of his wife or kiss his career
goodbye.
Lady Caroline Lamb is a visual delight; with authentic locations
and impeccable studio interiors through the brilliant work
of director of photography Oswald Morris.
The music score by Richard Rodney Bennett is perfect.
The script by Robert Bolt is well crafted, even taking into
account historical inaccuracies for the sake of a good line.
Director, the same Robert Bolt, has a good eye for the visuals
and ear for the aurals but in casting and performance is not
very good. Each of the many old pros in the cast is true to
character, including Laurence Olivier (Duke of Wellington);
but two of the three main actors let the show down.
Richard Chamberlain, perhaps carried away by high campery
in The Music Lovers, portrays Lord Byron as an over the top,
made up, regency queen.
Worse is leading lady Sarah Miles (the director's wife) who
spends most of the time drenched in white make up, suffering
from colic, and going mad with the subtlety of a pantomime
dame.
For lovers of period drama there is something here; but you
have to search for it, or be happy with pretty pictures and
sound.
DVD Extras
An audio commentary is included.
Conclusion: Movie 70% Extras 50%
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