Prince of Players (1955)

A tragic and sentimental story that depicts the early career of the 19th century American actor, Edwin Booth with some mention of the events leading to the assassination of President ... See full summary »

Director:

Philip Dunne

Writers:

Moss Hart, Eleanor Ruggles (book)

Stars:

Richard Burton, Maggie McNamara, John Derek

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Richard Burton	...	Edwin Booth
Maggie McNamara	...	Mary Devlin Booth
John Derek	...	John Wilkes Booth
Raymond Massey	...	Junius Brutus Booth
Charles Bickford	...	Dave Prescott
Elizabeth Sellars	...	Asia Booth
Eva Le Gallienne	...	Gertrude in 'Hamlet'
Christopher Cook	...	Edwin Booth at 10
Dayton Lummis	...	English Doctor
Ian Keith	...	Ghost of Hamlet's Father in 'Hamlet'
Bill Walker	...	Old Ben (as William Walker)

Storyline

A tragic and sentimental story that depicts the early career of the 19th century American actor, Edwin Booth with some mention of the events leading to the assassination of President Lincoln by Edwin's brother, John Wilkes Booth. In the film, Edwin's days in the spotlight dwindle shortly after his brother is caught and killed for assassinating Lincoln.

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Plot Keywords:

title in title | reference to mary todd lincoln | based on book

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Genres:

Biography | Drama

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

24 June 1955 (West Germany)

Also Known As:

König der Schauspieler

Filming Locations:

20th Century Fox Studios - 10201 Pico Blvd., Century City, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation

Technical Specs

Runtime:

102 min

Sound Mix:

4-Track Stereo (Western Electric Recording) (magnetic prints)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.55 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

At Edwin's opening of Hamlet in London's Prince Charles Theatre there is a lady in a red hat. She must have liked his performance, because she's in the audience for every subsequent performance.

User Reviews

Enjoyed the Movie

I'm a fan of Richard Burton. If you would like to see a classic Shakespearian performance, I definitely recommend this movie. I wanted my son, who was involved in his High school play at the time to learn the delivery style and presence from a master. I first viewed this movie 25 years ago when I was a teenager. I enjoyed it more the first time I watched this movie then I did just recently. With this recent viewing with my son I was able to point out some of the characteristics of great acting and presence.

The story of the brother of a high profile figure who shot President Lincoln was also compelling. Edwin Booth's great career on stage was overshadowed by his brother's political actions.

This was also a great performance by Raymond Massey as the Father of both John and Edwin. These were great stage actors giving great performances.

The movie gave me an appreciation of a performers life back in the days when actors where not making the big money and performed because they loved the art. I recommend it!!