This stirring historical drama brought Laurence Olivier (<I>Hamlet</I>, <I>Richard III</I>) and Vivien Leigh (<I>Gone With the Wind</I>, <I>That Hamilton Woman</I>) together on screen for the first time. Set during the reign of Elizabeth I, William K. Howard's (<I>The Power and the Glory</I>) <I>Fire Over England</I> boasts dazzling cinematography, grand sets and costumes, and a first-rate cast. The then-unknown Olivier stars as a dashing naval officer whose daring leads the British to victory over the Spanish Armada. Proving himself a true swashbuckler, he charms many a maiden, infiltrates King Philip's court, and escapes by his sword and his wit. Leigh is exquisite as the lady-in-waiting who wins his heart forever. Other outstanding performances include Flora Robson as the courageous yet vulnerable queen and Raymond Massey as the power-hungry Philip.
Viewer Reviews Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier were already in love during production of this film and it`s because of them this is still of interest. Flora Robson still excell(she was to meet Vivien as her servant Ftattateeta in CAESAR AND CLEOPATRA - by the way my first review on this site on this very day - and a nice switch since Vivien is Robson`s lady-in-waiting here)...
The battle was always a bathtub-affair(noted even in 1936). Olivier`s crying of grief was cut in the US because the thought of the time was that is wasn`t manly enough.
Note also a cameo by James Mason in an ealy scene. Vivien Leigh is at her best and it`s the only film pre-Scarlett that she gives a star performance.
The film does have a good storyline, but halts because we miss the interplay between Leigh and Olivier when their not on screen together....
