Enjoy the Show! _______________________ I Believe all media should be enjoyed ______________________ So here is a classic! _______________________ Title: Eagle in a Cage Director: Fielder Cook Screenwriter: Millard Lampell Based on: Lampell's 1965 teleplay for Hallmark Hall of Fame Producers: Millard Lampell, Albert Schwartz Cinematography: Frano Vodopivec Editing: Max Benedict Music: Marc Wilkinson Studios: Group W Productions, Ramona Productions Distributor: National General Pictures Runtime: 98 minutes (U.S.), 103 minutes (U.K.) Language: English Country of Origin: United States / United Kingdom Format: Color Sound: Mono Release Date: January 9, 1972 (U.S. limited release) Status: Not public domain Genres: Historical Drama, Biographical Film, Political Drama --- Cast: Kenneth Haigh as Napoleon Bonaparte John Gielgud as Lord Sissal Ralph Richardson as Sir Hudson Lowe Billie Whitelaw as Madame Bertrand Moses Gunn as General Gaspard Gourgaud Ferdy Mayne as Count Henri Gatien Bertrand Lee Montague as Cipriani Georgina Hale as Betsy Balcombe Michael Williams as Barry Edward O'Meara Hugh Armstrong as British Soldier Athol Coats as Sentry --- Synopsis: Set in 1815, Eagle in a Cage portrays the final years of Napoleon Bonaparte, exiled to the remote island of St. Helena after his defeat at Waterloo. The film delves into the psychological and political dynamics of his captivity, exploring his interactions with British officials, loyal followers, and the island's inhabitants. As Napoleon grapples with his diminished power and legacy, he is presented with an opportunity to return to France under British terms. However, his declining health and the complexities of international politics thwart any chance of reclaiming his former glory. --- Production Notes: Origins: The film is an adaptation of Millard Lampell's Emmy-winning 1965 teleplay, which starred Trevor Howard as Napoleon. Filming Locations: Originally planned for Italy, budget constraints led to filming in Yugoslavia, utilizing locations near Split and the fortress of Klis. Casting: Lampell specifically wrote the role of General Gourgaud for Moses Gunn, highlighting the historical presence of Black generals in Napoleon's army. Historical Accuracy: While based on true events, the film takes creative liberties for dramatic effect. --- Themes & Analysis: Power and Exile: The narrative examines the psychological impact of exile on a once-powerful leader and the shifting dynamics of authority. Political Intrigue: The film highlights the strategic maneuvering of British officials and their attempts to use Napoleon as a political pawn. Legacy and Mortality: Napoleon's reflections on his past and concerns about his historical legacy are central to the story. --- Reception & Legacy: Critical Response: The film received mixed reviews. While performances by Gielgud, Richardson, and Whitelaw were praised, some critics felt Kenneth Haigh's portrayal of Napoleon lacked depth. Cultural Impact: The film contributes to the cinematic exploration of Napoleon's life, focusing on a less frequently depicted period. Availability: As of now, Eagle in a Cage is not in the public domain and is available through various streaming platforms and DVD releases. --- Trivia: Blacklisting Acknowledgment: During his Emmy acceptance speech for the original teleplay, Lampell publicly acknowledged being blacklisted during the McCarthy era, bringing attention to the Hollywood blacklist. Historical Figures: The character of Betsy Balcombe, portrayed by Georgina Hale, was a real teenager who befriended Napoleon during his exile. _______________________ Thank you for watching — feel free to like, comment, and subscribe for more classic movies and other content that might be of interest. _______________________ #PublicDomain #PublicDomainMovies #ClassicMovies #FreeMovies #VintageMovies #RetroCinema #OldMovies #FullMovie #MovieNight #FreeToWatch #ClassicCinema #MovieLovers #CinemaHistory #FilmHistory #TimelessMovies #MustWatch #OldSchoolCinema #CultClassic #HiddenGems #NowPlaying #GoldenAgeOfCinema #MoviesOnline #WatchFree #ClassicHollywood #RetroMovies #PublicDomainFilm #FreeFilm #ClassicEntertainment #WatchNow #StreamingFree #MovieArchive #HistoricCinema #LegendaryMovies #FilmBuff #MovieBuff #IndependentCinema #ClassicAdventure #VintageFilm #OldSchoolMovies #ReliveTheClassics #PublicDomainCinema #TimelessClassics #CinematicTreasures #GoldenOldies #MovieClassics #RetroFilm #ClassicScreen #OldMovieNight #CinemaLovers