The Barretts of Wimpole Street a Love Story
Jennifer Jones Stars as Poet Elizabeth Barrett as Young Woman
Aug 17, 2009
The Barretts of Wimpole Street is a classic movie, from 1957, starring Jennifer Jones as the poet Elizabeth Barrett. The move explores her relationship with her controlling father Edward Mounton-Barrett (John Gielgud) and her love for Robert Browning (Bill Travers). The 1957 film was a remake of the 1934 film starring Norma Shearer and Charles Laughton.
Victorian Era Love Story of Poets Elizabeth Barrett and John Browning
The Barretts of Wimpole Street was set in Victorian era London. The Producer, Sam Zimbalist, decided that the film would be made at the MGM British studio, for additional authenticity. The movie was based on the real life love story of the poets Elizabeth Barrett and John Browning.
Elizabeth Barrett (Jennifer Jones) was a sickly invalid, kept in confinement by her tyrannical and overly protective father, who forbade his children to wed. Much of the story takes place in Elizabeth’s chambers in the house in Wimpole Street. Wilson (Jean Anderson) portrays Elizabeth’s devoted caretaker.
In one scene Mounton Barrett (John Gielgud) professed that of all his children, Elizabeth was the only child borne out of love and professed his love for his favorite daughter. Later Elizabeth Barrett realized that her father’s obsession with her was potentially incestuous.
Elizabeth gradually got stronger and started to walk on her own, even through her father discouraged her from stressing herself, attempting to keep her imprisoned. Edward Barrett’s heavy handed control of his children makes him a character that the viewer comes to detest, as do his children.
Poet Robert Browning (Bill Travers) admired Elizabeth Barrett and began calling on her and the couple fell in love. When her father learned of their relationship his temper erupted and he planned to move the family away from London. Eventually Elizabeth was forced to stand up to her father and seek happiness with the man she loved, along with her beloved pet cocker spaniel, Flush.
The movie is set in the Victorian era, when young women were ruled over by their fathers and husbands Escaping the tyranny of her father would have taken a great deal of courage on the part of Elizabeth Barrett.
Cast of The Barretts of Wimpole Street
- Jennifer Jones as Elizabeth Barrett
- John Gielgud as Edward Moulton-Barrett
- Bill Travers as Robert Browning
- Virginia McKenna as Henrietta Barrett
- Susan Stephen as Bella
- Vernon Gray as Captain Surtees Cook
- Jean Anderson as Wilson
- Maxine Audley as Arabel
- Leslie Phillips as Harry Bevan
- Laurence Naismith as Dr. Chambers
- Moultrie Kelsall as Dr. Ford- Waterlow
- Michael Brill as George
- Kenneth Fortescue as Octavius
- Nicholas Hawtrey as Henry
- Richard Thorp as Alfred
The Barretts of Wimpole Street was written by Rudolph Besier (play) and John Dighton (screenplay). The director was Sidney Franklin. Sam Zimbalist was the producer.
Resources: TCM (Turner Classic Movies) and IMbd
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