"When royalty marry they don't quarrel like common people. They can't afford to."
Royalty has always fascinated me. This is in large part due to my mother, a self-professed "royal watcher," who's always good for gossip about the British monarchy. As an American, I probably shouldn't care about these people. They are, after all, the direct descendants of the monarchy that my ancestors fought to gain their freedom from. But I just can't help myself. Their regimented lifestyle is interesting, if only because I cannot fathom what it would be like to live that way. They are philanthropic, and use their influence to further some excellent social and environmental causes. And some of them are pretty good-looking, which never hurts (Harry's gotten quite handsome, hasn't he?).
While my fascination with the British Royal Family began as a school-girl crush on Prince William (which has mostly ceased due to unfortunate pre-mature balding), it has evolved to include more sociological issues. My primary question being: how does it feel to be the consort of the Queen, in a world where men are expected to be the dominant partner?
The Love Parade addresses this issue, in a not-so-subtle gender roles-reinforcing way. Maurice Chevalier plays Count Alfred Renard, the military attache to the Sylvanian Embassy in Paris, who is recalled due to a string of affairs. Meanwhile, Queen Louise of Sylvania (Jeanette McDonald), is annoyed by her country's preoccupation with her marriage prospects. Predictably, Alfred and Louise fall in love and marry, and then things get complicated. [SPOILER ALERT: The rest of this post pretty much gives away the ending of the movie. I apologize, but there's really no way to make my point without doing so.]
As Prince Consort, Alfred basically becomes a glorified sperm donor. He's expected to spend his days playing tennis, and napping to "keep up his strength." Alfred must also vow to be an "obedient and docile husband," and his wife takes precedence over him in all matters. This riles his male sensibilities so much that he chooses to divorce Louise. So how does the bereaved Queen get him to stay? By giving him command of affairs of state and of her, basically elevating him to the title of King.
I'll come right out and say it: I'm probably waaaaaaay over-thinking this film. It is a comedic "battle of the sexes," after all, and over 80 years old. It's position on gender norms really must be taken with a grain of salt by modern viewers. But I think that's what really bothers me about it; some things haven't changed all that much since 1929.
For all the advances we've made toward gender equality, women are still expected to become subservient to their husbands on some level. Even if women do not do this, the cultural expectation for them to do so is still there. Every time a sitcom husband is annoyed by his nagging wife, or a man is derided for being a stay-at-home dad, society is showing its discomfort with strong, independent wives who have a life outside their home and family. Even Kate Middleton's choice to omit the words "to honor and obey" from her wedding vows caused more of stir than it really should have, in my opinion. (Honestly, how many women actually include this portion anymore? And how many of those who do are just saying to for traditions sake?) And it really shines a spotlight on the marriage of Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip. Being married to a woman so powerful and revered must be daunting, but he rarely seems to rankle under the pressure. Really, who would have thought that a union so steeped in tradition could also be progressive?
Setting my feminist turmoil aside, The Love Parade was a rather cute film. It's considered the first true musical, fully integrating songs as part of the story line. Maurice Chevalier gives a great performance, and once again it was nice putting a face to the name. So definitely watch it if you get the chance. Just don't take it as seriously as I did.
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