All told, however, this is a thrilling, engrossing and visually appealing production, and I can't wait until it's released on DVD with an appropriate music score. On the other hand, I thought Forrest Stanley made a rather dull hero and the fact that he and Ernest Glendinning who played his friend, Caskoden, were virtually interchangeable look-a-likes did not help.
#When knighthood was in flower plus
Of course the overwhelming richness of the production, tight plotting that most effectively builds up to two separate climaxes, plus spellbinding acting (particularly from Miss Davies herself, Lyn Harding, William Norris and William Powell) all contributed to the movie's appeal. I thought I'd been watching the action for no more than 90 minutes. I was amazed to find that I'd been glued to the screen for well over two and half hours. Nonetheless, he does maintain the pace of his tale with admirable dexterity.
#When knighthood was in flower movie
Were it not for his fondness of editing constantly from a group shot to a tight two-shot, the whole movie is otherwise presented as if it were a stage play. Throughout the entire length of "When Knighthood", Mr Vignola does not move his camera so much as a single half-inch. A look at "The Scarlet Letter" (1934) confirms the impression that he learnt his craft back in 1911 and stuck with it. Vignola directed no less than 99 movies, starting way back in 1911 and continuing through to 1937. This new restoration (July 2107) is a must-see film for all fans of Davies in particular and silent films in general.Īlthough he is not remembered to-day for anything else but this production, Robert G. This is first and foremost a Marion Davies film, and she is spectacular. Others include Ruth Shepley as Jane, Theresa Maxwell Conover as Queen Catherine, Flora Finch as a lady of the French court, Ernest Glendinning as Caskoden, Pedro de Cordoba as Buckingham, Arthur Forrest as Wolsey, Gustv von Seyffertitz as the soothsayer, Paul Panzer as captain of the guards, and William Kent as the court tailor. Johnny Dooley plays the court jester who has an important scene.
William Powell is appropriately oily as the king's nephew. Forrest Stanley is a suitable Brandon, Lyn Harding is impressive as Henry. She is willful, impetuous, determined, and throws herself into the role of the princess who, at one point, masquerades as a boy in an attempt to escape the English court of Henry. Marion Davies is nothing short of superb as Mary Tudor. The fabulous sets by Joseph Urban and costumes by Gretl Urban Thurlow make for a sumptuous film experience that enhances the exciting story of medieval court intrigue. The breathtaking restoration on this film, with the original tinting scheme and digital hand-coloring restored, is a great achievement, one that lets us view this film as it was seen in 1922. After old Louis dies, the nephew pounces on Mary, but she escapes with Brandon's help in a race across France with an army in pursuit. Mary goes off to France to marry old Louis (William Norris) but his nephew and heir (William Powell) has designs on beautiful Mary. She counters that she will agree if she can choose her second husband. After Brandon is framed for murder, Mary agrees to bargain with Henry: he'll spare Brandon's life if she willingly marries old Louis. But she's in love with the dashing Charles Brandon (Forrest Stanley). Marion Davies plays Mary Tudor, sister of Henry VIII and intended bride of old Louis of France. This 1922 production (now restored) was at the time the most expensive picture ever made.
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