FILM REVIEWS

Diana Wynyard gave a performance full of sympathy and feeling as Jane Marryot, the strong mother who loses both of her sons in tragic circumstances. Equally important to the film was Clive Brook, as her husband, Robert.

The saga begins on the New Year’s Eve in 1899, and Robert leaving the next day for South Africa as an officer. Jane hates war and she dislikes seeing her twp little boys playing with toy cannon and soldiers; the music of martial bands gets on her nerves. Months later, Jane is jubilant at her husband’s return. The War is over. Years roll by. Edward Marryot, one of their sons, goes on a honeymoon as passenger aboard the Titanic, and finds his death when the ship sinks. Without ever a nasty word between them, the couple console themselves that they still have one son, Joe. Then, in 1914, WWI erupts and Joe goes forth to fight in the front and gets killed. But life must go on and in the last scene, Jane and Robert drink to each other’s health, welcoming the new year of 1930.

Oscar Nominations: 4

Picture, produced by Winfield Sheehan Director: Frank Lloyd Actress: Diana Wynyard Interior Decoration: William S. Darling

Oscar Awards: 3

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Director

Interior Decoration

Oscar Context

In 1933, “Cavalcade” competed with nine other films for the Best Picture Oscar: “A Farewell to Arms,” Forty-Second Street,” “I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang,” Capra’s “Lady for a Day,” “Little Women,” “The Private Life of Henry VIII,” She Done Him Wrong,” “Smiling Through,” and “State Fair.”

“The Private Life of Henry VIII” was the first British film to be nominated for Best Picture and to score a huge success at the box-office, largely due to Charles Laughton’s Oscar-winning performance. “She Done Him Wrong” is the only Mae West picture to be nominated for the top award. She had never been nominated for an Oscar.