Cast
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Lowell Sherman
as King Eric VIII
Mary Astor
as Princess Anne
Anthony Bushell
as Freddie Granton
Hugh Trevor
as Crown Prince William of Grec
Nance O'Neil
as Martha, the Queen
Robert Warwick
as Pemier General Northrup
Gilbert Emery
as Phipps, the King's servant
Alan Roscoe
as Birten
Frederick Burt
as Fellman
J. Carrol Naish
as Laker
Desmond Roberts
as Major Blent
Lita Chevret
as Lady in waiting
Nancy Lee Blaine
as Lady in waiting
Crew
Director
- Lowell Sherman
Producer
- William LeBaron
Reviews
CinemaSerf
I quite enjoyed this rather daft story about a small European Kingdom presided over by "King Eric" (Lowell Sherman) - an ostensibly feeble monarch who is being manipulated by his wife "Queen Martha" (Nance O'Neil), his independently-minded daughter "Anne" (Mary Astor) and his rebellious Prime Minister "Gen. Northrup" (Robert Warwick) who, in cahoots with his wife, has arranged a convenient marriage for the unwilling daughter. The princess, meantime, has her eyes on the King's secretary "Granton" (Anthony Bushell) and when her mother travels to the USA, they plan to elope - except an attempted coup gets in their way... It's only 75 minutes, this. It features some well timed, lightly comedic, performances from Sherman and O'Neil, and given it can't have had much of a budget - it is really quite a well stitched together, good looking caper. For some reason, they altered the title from Robert Sherwood's play "The Queen's Husband" - which I think is more illustrative of the story than this rather misleadingly risqué one - it doesn't really help!
Jun 13, 2022
Thematic Analysis
The Royal Bed represents a fascinating example of Comedy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Lowell Sherman brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1931, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Royal Bed took approximately 25 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 75 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 115 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 64 unique compositions.
- The film contains approximately 1355 individual shots.
- The costume department created over 151 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1931, when this film was released:
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Royal Bed shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Striptease, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Royal Bed offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Children of the Revolution and Ali G Indahouse explore similar territory, The Royal Bed stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 15, 1931
- Runtime: 1h 15m
Where to Watch
