Beethoven

I enjoyed this film although it wasn't entirely satisfying. The plot centers around old Beethoven's fixation on the welfare of his nephew, for whom he fought a lengthy custody battle against his brother's former wife. Beethoven thought she was a bad influence on the boy. Sadly, the nephew isn't receptive to Beethoven's "overtures," pardon me, and resents his boorish uncle's efforts on his behalf. The nephew is a complete nonentity, lacking in both interest and talent. He seems to wish only to be left alone. One excellent scene has pug-faced Beethoven frantically trying to rescue his nephew from the clutches of a maidservant, charging down a hallway, huffing and puffing, with mounted antlers passing by overhead as he approaches the bedroom where his nephew lies. The whole film portrays Beethoven as we don't like to imagine him.