Lost Empires

In WWI, British soldier Richard Herncastle (Colin Firth) recognizes performer Nancy Ellis on the front. He is hit by the shelling as she cries out to get help for him. Before the war, Richard loses his mother and is recruited by his uncle Nick who plays magician Ganga Dun. They go from town to town in the traveling Empire Theatre. Richard finds romance and adventure in the short time before the war. That's where he meets Nancy performing in the first act.

This is impeccably made. It is well-costumed and gives a great sense of the old variety theater world. It is also one of the last performances of the late Sir Laurence Olivier in a minor role as a fading comedian well past his usefulness. The character is losing his mind and Olivier is great. I can do without Firth's narration. Firth does a cool romantic performance. He is the personification of a beautiful heartthrob. I'm not usually a fan of narrations and this one seems to keep some distance. The story can meander. It's a long, winding road. Overall, it's a compelling recreation of this lost empire.