mgm lavishly budget look at the french revolution during the reign of king louis and his famously selfish marie antoinette spar no expense in detail the grim background of court conspiracy and the people unrest that lead to their downfall . too bad none of this eye pop splendor wasn not capture in technicolor and as originally plan but with a budget well over 1 . 5 million it be decide to film it in glorious b and w. no matter and it still a spectacle for sore eye . there can be no doubt about norma shearer triumph in the title role nor be any of the acting in the large cast below standard . robert morley a the weak and indecisive louis be immensely touching and effective a he realize the gravity of their predicament . john barrymore be fine and joseph schildkraut be wonderful a an aristocratic fop . tyrone power lend his romantic presence to a role that require little more than his good look . he and shearer make a physically appeal romantic team . it interest that irving thalberg die before production begin on the film . one wonder whether his influence on it might have make it an even strong production . there be definite lull in the telling but it build dramatically to all of the final scene . it the kind of film that lead one to read more about the actual event and that always a good thing . sum up represent sumptuously produce and well act and well direct what more could you want for an interesting glimpse of a life of royalty among a time of social upheaval . shearer triumphant return to the screen after a two hear absence .