Archie, ITVX review: Cary Grant biopic reveals the man behind the myth – but was his tan really that bad?

In the beginning stages of Archie (ITVX), towards the end of his life, Cary Grant admits something to a group of theatre-goers. He confesses, "I created something I like to call Cary Grant." Apparently, he constructed the ideal man to help him get through life.

A lot of individuals are aware that Grant's original name in Bristol was Archibald Leach. Yet, this biopic revolves around the primary source of melancholy in his existence. The tale is so compelling that it could serve as the foundation for an excellent drama, regardless of whether the adolescent lead developed into one of Hollywood's most prominent celebrities.

Let's revisit Archie's sorrowful past during his childhood. Elsie (played by Kara Tointon), his mother, was severely depressed and devastated after losing Archie's brother to sickness. His father, Elias (portrayed by Henry Lloyd-Hughes), was a worthless individual who had Elsie institutionalized, lying to Archie that she had either gone away or had passed away. Archie doesn't uncover the truth until later in life when he changes his name to Cary Grant at the age of 31.

Jeff Pope has made a four-part drama that tells the story of how Grant dealt with the pain of loss and betrayal throughout his life. This included his failed marriages, the worry of having children, and his need for privacy. The show also tells the story of Grant's rise from being a poor vaudeville performer to becoming a Hollywood legend. However, the main focus is on Grant's fourth marriage to Dyan Cannon, who was much younger than him. This is because the show is based on memoirs written by Cannon and the couple's daughter, Jennifer, who are both producers of the show.

Jason Isaacs fits the role of Grant nicely, despite bearing a closer resemblance to Bob Monkhouse. The character doesn't call for him to portray Grant's charismatic, public persona, only his vulnerable and sorrowful side. Laura Aikman is an uncanny doppelganger for Cannon and exudes a vibrant, youthful energy. It's natural to imagine how Grant developed feelings for her and equally understandable for her to feel stifled by her partner who was 33 years her senior and seemed to be fixated on cardigans. Although Grant's employment of LSD as a form of therapy seems odd, it was an actual occurrence.

Grant saves his mother from the institution and stays in touch with her despite being far away. Harriet Walter's portrayal of Elsie, who is older, challenging, and traumatized, is exceptional. The mother-son relationship is captivating, and I wish the story had paid more attention to it instead of concentrating on a brief marriage.

The biggest flaw of the show is that it's trying to replicate the glamour of Hollywood on a limited budget. Even though the weather is sunny, it does not make us believe that we're actually in California. The American accents do not sound authentic and the appearance of characters such as Mae West and George Burns comes off as cheap and unimpressive. It feels like seeing wax figures at the seaside instead of an actual show.

This creates a sense of fake superficiality to the narrative, which is attempting to reveal the true character beneath the surface. Furthermore, regarding the cosmetics: While Grant may have had a substantial complexion, did it truly resemble being submerged in wood varnish?