Anyone who claims that anything directed by an 'auteur' is automatically more worthy of your time than a film by a mere 'metteur en scene' should be forced to spend all eternity watching 'A Song is Born' and 'Donovan's Reef' at least three times a day.
Having endured so many dreary films directed by Herbert Wilcox, I am prepared to concede him at least two decent films: this and 'Laughing Anne' (1953). I saw 'Nell Gwynn' (1934) about twenty-five years ago and was very unimpressed with it; and and have always been more interested in seeing this. Today I finally got my wish and it proved a double-whammy: a sequel better than the original and an enjoyable film by Mr Wilcox. It can happen!