The Royal Bed (1931)

The King (Lowell Sherman) of a small middle European country must not only deal with an impending revolution by his subjects but also with his daughter (Mary Astor) refusing to accept a politically arranged marriage. Based on the 1928 play THE QUEEN'S HUSBAND by Robert E. Sherwood (THE PETRIFIED FOREST) and directed by Lowell Sherman. The word quaint comes to mind when viewing this stage bound pre-code political satire. Although it half heartedly shows us some brief "action" scenes (the storming of the palace), it's still not very cinematic. As in a play, the actors make their entrances and exits and play to the balcony. But it's not bad, really. As an actor, director Sherman gives a droll delivery to his lines and Nance O'Neill as the domineering Queen makes a good foil for him. There was also a French language version (with Francoise Rosay) shot simultaneously. A not unpleasant example of early sound film. With J. Carrol Naish, Anthony Bushell and Robert Warwick.