The stunning Oscar-nominated documentary of Her Majesty's coronation has not been seen on the big screen since its initial release in 1953. Carefully restored and remastered, the film is all pomp, all ceremony, all the time. Remarkably, the production was churned out in a rush, hitting cinemas worldwide less than a week after the big event. There are no signs of haste on the finished product, which mesmerisingly captures the atmosphere and sense of occasion of a bygone era.

The opening scenes span the length and breadth of Britain, offering some sombre perspective about the imposing nature of the job the demure princess was taking on at the age of 27. From there, it's straight on to the lavish service at Westminster Abbey, where every head of state on the right side of the Iron Curtain showed up to pay their respects.

Just as impressive as the time-honoured rituals enacted during the ceremony are the scenes outside on the streets of London, where more than three million subjects gathered for a glimpse of their new ruler.

This is a genuine cinematic coup in celebration of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee..


Herald Sun
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