Beverly of Graustark

Certainly not the first film to feature a character cross dressing for disguise, but it might perhaps be the first film to contain a two strip technicolor sequence AND a cross dressing character. I wouldn't be shocked if it wasn't though. This cross dresser has a name of course, Marion Davies who plays the title role, Beverly. The plot is quite simple, Beverly's cousin gets injured while skiing, and just so happens that he's scheduled to take the seat of a throne. After being mistaken as her cousin, Beverly goes along with it and before she knows it, threats are being made on her life by someone who also wants the seat. All around I thought it was very enjoyable and I believe the story worked like it was intended. The color sequence was unexpected and a delight to see. There is also a couple short scenes that are tinted, which always adds extra atmosphere. Why the entire movie wasn't tinted, I don't know. We even get a POV type shot of two hands holding a rifle.

This isn't the first film that Marion Davies has been mistaken for a male. If you've seen "When Knighthood was in Flower" (1922), you might remember when she dressed in a mans wardrobe. She was also mistaken for a man in "Peg O' My Heart" (1933). Not surprisingly, there is a 1914 version of "Beverly of Graustark", which I haven't seen but looks like its available on YouTube.

Recommended to silent film fans, and although there are better choices, its also a good starting point for anyone unfamiliar with silents.

This film was released on Blu-Ray/DVD by Undercrank Production.

American author George Barr McCutcheon's six Graustark books (appeared 1901-1927) copy the idea of British author Anthony Hope's three Ruritania books (appeared 1894-1898). The plot of "Beverly of Graustark" (1904), the second book in the series, is even very similar to that of "The Prisoner of Zenda", the first Ruritania book. Given the large number of films based on the latter, it is not surprising that there were also two silent movies based on the Graustark version of the theme of friendly impersonation of a monarch. The first was Beverly of Graustark (1914).

Despite its light touch, the present film is so blunt in its humor that it can perhaps better be called a farce than a comedy, although that is in part due to it being silent. Marion Davies was popular in cross-dressing roles, so it is not surprising that this angle is maximally exploited. Still, it is a very effective comedy for the time and quite amusing even today.

The last 3 or 4 minutes are in black, red and white: apparently realized with an early form of Technicolor.

BEVERLY OF GRAUSTARK is little more than cinematic cotton candy, but what a confection it is! Marion Davies is hilarious as the American woman thrust into European intrigue when she has to impersonate her male cousin who just happens to be royalty. Her mission is complicated by her feelings for hunky bodyguard Antonio Moreno. Throw in Roy D'Arcy as a delightful mustache-twirling villain and you've got a great cast.

Sidney Franklin directs and gives the movie real energy. The settings are glamorous and the movie ends with a stunning Technicolor ball. It's the kind of escapism Hollywood once made it's stock in trade and it's one of Davies' best vehicles from her heyday.

Marion Davies is absolutely adorable as Beverly, an American college girl who must masquerade as her cousin, Prince Oscar of Graustark, lest he lose the throne. There is some interesting chemistry as she (in male drag) falls in love with her bodyguard... and he certainly seems to be smitten with the young "prince" too! Anyone who doubts Marion Davies talents as a comic actress should view this film.

Marion Davies is compelled to impersonate the Duke or Prince of Graustark to save the kingdom from evil Prince Snarkalot or something. That basic plot has probably been filmed a hundred times but no others had the gifts of Marion Davies, who once again proves she was one of the funniest actors ever filmed. Her facial expressions, her physical movements, she took second place to nobody.

Also doesn't hurt that she's gorgeous. So of course the film works in a romance angle with Antonio Moreno, who put the dash in dashing. Wow.

There are a lot of fun set pieces: Uncle Fatso taking the poisoned drink, Davies getting drunk on too many toasts, the royal ball, and most funny of all the night chamber scene. I laughed out loud.