Lovely, demure Lillian Gish (as Princess Alexandra) is expected to marry randy, royal Rod La Rocque (as Prince Albert). Instead, Ms. Gish is attracted to someone out of her societal class, her brothers' tutor Conrad Nagel (as Nicholas Haller). Gish's dalliance with Mr. Nagel puts her "arranged" royal wedding with Mr. La Rocque in jeopardy. As he finds his prospective bride slipping away, La Roque finds himself falling in love with Gish. Who will the Princess choose?
This re-titled version of Molnár's "The Swan" was certainly an unsuitable talking picture debut for Gish. Although she speaks well, the script and direction offer Gish little opportunity to show her considerable dramatic skills. Reportedly, the legendary actress clashed with director Paul L. Stein; and, George Fitzmaurice was called in to complete the film. The supporting cast, including Marie Dressler and Philippe De Lacy, and cinematography (Karl Struss), are attractive. La Rocque is unusually weak as the winning man; probably, his performance suffers due to the lack of direction (un-unified Fitzmaurice, Gish, and Stein). The unhappy experience resulted in Gish concentrating her energies on stage work.
***** One Romantic Night (5/3/30) Paul L. Stein ~ Lillian Gish, Rod La Rocque, Conrad Nagel, Marie Dressler
This re-titled version of Molnár's "The Swan" was certainly an unsuitable talking picture debut for Gish. Although she speaks well, the script and direction offer Gish little opportunity to show her considerable dramatic skills. Reportedly, the legendary actress clashed with director Paul L. Stein; and, George Fitzmaurice was called in to complete the film. The supporting cast, including Marie Dressler and Philippe De Lacy, and cinematography (Karl Struss), are attractive. La Rocque is unusually weak as the winning man; probably, his performance suffers due to the lack of direction (un-unified Fitzmaurice, Gish, and Stein). The unhappy experience resulted in Gish concentrating her energies on stage work.
***** One Romantic Night (5/3/30) Paul L. Stein ~ Lillian Gish, Rod La Rocque, Conrad Nagel, Marie Dressler