Rembrandt – 1936 | 85 mins | Drama | B&W

Plot Synopsis

Following on from the international success of The Private Life of Henry VIII, Alexander Korda once again teamed up with Charles Laughton for this stylish biographical production. Laughton’s depiction the painter is solid throughout, and Vincent Korda meticulously recreates Rembrandt van Rijn’s Amsterdam at Denham, but the film lacks the expected vibrancy and dramatic tension.

A wonderfully revealing account, chronicling the last twenty-five years in the life of Dutch painter Rembrandt (Charles Laughton), told with dignity and restraint. Beginning shortly after the death of his first beloved wife, Rembrandt sinks towards poverty, his art no longer appreciated by his patrons. He becomes entangled with his housekeeper, Geertje (Gertrude Lawrence), but the relationship turns sour as Rembrandt slips further into debt. Then he is uplifted by the love of a serving-maid, Hendrickje (Elsa Lanchester), she is soon pregnant and marriage follows quickly. But she too dies, leaving him alone once again.