“The Dragon” was played by Pope Pius XII in an uncredited role, or so the backstage rumor mill had it.
The Golden Coach (1952) is one of those whimsical productions which indulge in sundry bits of unlikely occurrences in order to make a point, and whether you like it or not depends on your taste in drama.
A troupe of the commedia dell’arte type is commissioned to travel from its home in Italy to Peru, to perform for the local colonists. Their dreams of performing in a city where the streets are paved in gold go up in dust, when not only the cold reality of colonial Peru means the gold is being drained away by the colonial governors, but productions such as there’s are expected to perform for free, and depend on the largesse of the local colonial administration to cover their costs.
Fortunately for them, the local administrator, the Viceroy, takes a liking for the leading lady of the troupe, Camilla, a woman who wears her emotions on her sleeve, has lost the leash for same, possesses a hot temper, and pursues a wide variety of, ah, interests. Through the Viceroy’s support, they can continue to perform, if only to earn enough for passage back to their homes. Meanwhile, Camilla finds, besides the Viceroy, two other men of surpassing interest: the gracious Don Antonio, who came over on their ship, and the local champion bullfighter, Ramon, an intensely popular man whose enthusiasm for the work of the troupe also contributes much to its success.
And what of the eponymous golden coach? The Viceroy ordered it from Spain, and it was also on the ship. He wishes to use it to impress other Administrators, the Dons under his jurisdiction, and, well, it’s useful for impressing Camilla as well, now that he’s met her.
But there is a war brewing. and Don Antonio leaves to fight; soon enough, the war impacts the Viceroy, whose financial acumen is already lamentable. But with Camilla still to win, even as he presses his unwilling Dons to contribute more in taxes, he gifts the golden coach to her.
As well as to another woman.
Soon enough, the Viceroy’s position is threatened, as he can be stripped of his post by the nobility, the Dons, if the local Bishop agrees that the Viceroy has become unsuitable to the job. What is to be done? What of Don Antonio, back from the war and world-weary, and the impetuous Ramon? Will the Bishop sign on to the removal of the Viceroy?
And will Camilla, dismayed at the sudden timidity of her wooer, ever respect him again?
It’s all a bit silly, but not in that way where you wonder why you bothered; it’s a professional production, and in English, rather than the expected Italian or Spanish. If you need something to take the weight of the world off your shoulders, this may be a good tonic.
