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Otis Ferguson

The New Republic

One of those historical-colossals where the pageant is actually secondary to a rather fresh story of love and personal tragedy.

May 7, 2024

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Ann Ross

Maclean's Magazine

The astonishing thing about Marie Antoinette is that, though it runs a full two hours and a half and is weighted down with over two million dollars worth of production, it is wonderfully absorbing to watch almost all of the time.

Jul 22, 2019

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Tim Brayton

Antagony & Ecstasy

[Norma Shearer is] enough to make this dodgy, obese slab of prestige moviemaking turn into something sparkling and engaging.

Rated: 6/10

May 30, 2014

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S R

I enjoyed learning more about the history and the people. However, the accuracy must certainly be called into question. Regardless, I enjoyed it despite its positive side to all of it; glossing over the questionable moral issues. Saw on TCM.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/28/24

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Daryl S

Very good movie. It skips over some of the politicking that ultimately resulted in her death, but was an excellent and moving picture that was very factual as we know the history of the time.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/14/23

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Audience Member

MGM's lavishly budgeted look at the French Revolution during the reign of King Louis and his famously selfish MARIE ANTOINETTE spares no expense in detailing the grim background of court conspiracies and the people's unrest that led to their downfall. Too bad none of this eye-popping splendor wasn't captured in Technicolor, as originally planned--but with a budget well over 1.5 million it was decided to film it in glorious B&W. No matter, it's still a spectacle for sore eyes. There can be no doubt about NORMA SHEARER's triumph in the title role nor is any of the acting in the large cast below standard. ROBERT MORLEY as the weak and indecisive Louis is immensely touching and effective as he realizes the gravity of their predicament. JOHN BARRYMORE is fine and Joseph SCHILDKRAUT is wonderful as an aristocratic fop. TYRONE POWER lends his romantic presence to a role that requires little more than his good looks. He and Shearer make a physically appealing romantic team. It's interesting that Irving Thalberg died before production began on the film. One wonders whether his influence on it might have made it an even stronger production. There are definite lulls in the telling but it builds dramatically to all of the final scenes. It's the kind of film that leads one to read more about the actual events and that's always a good thing. Summing up: Sumptuously produced, well acted and well directed--what more could you want for an interesting glimpse of a life of royalty among a time of social upheaval? Shearer's triumphant return to the screen after a two-year absence.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/08/23

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william d

They spent some money on this one. The sets are lavish and the extras are numerous. The film is even (reasonably) historically accurate, although it makes the title character more sympathetic by glossing over her profligate spending and partying. Two things prevent me from giving a stronger recommendation. The first is Norma Shearer's overacting. The second is the film's first hour. It is quite dull; the film doesn't really pick up until the events of the Revolution kick in.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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steve d

Norma Shearer is absolutely fantastic and it still works.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

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Frances H

Dated acting and total romantic white-washing of history in favor of the vain, selfish Queen and the facts of her history , but a good cast does as well as they can with the script. I saw this film with my mom when I was little and bought the noble queen schtick then, but she really helped to create the French Revolution.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/18/20

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W. S. Van Dyke II

Director

Norma Shearer

Marie Antoinette

Tyrone Power

Count Axel de Fersen

John Barrymore

King Louis XV

Gladys George

Mme. du Barry

Robert Morley

King Louis XVI

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Synopsis

The young Austrian princess Marie Antoinette (Norma Shearer) is arranged to marry Louis XVI (Robert Morley), future king of France, in a politically advantageous marriage for the rival countries. The opulent Marie indulges in various whims and flirtations, including Count Axel (Tyrone Power). When Louis XV (John Barrymore) passes and Louis XVI ascends the French throne, his queen's extravagant lifestyle earns the hatred of the French people, who despise her Austrian heritage.

Director: W. S. Van Dyke II
Distributor: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Production Co: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Genre: Biography
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 26, 1938, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 21, 2016
Runtime: 2h 29m

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