This elaborate costume drama/romance, filmed on magnificent sets, was based on a novel and boasted many popular stars of silent cinema. It was produced by Goldwyn Pictures Corporation and released on October 28 1923. Tragically it now remains a lost film and all I can offer the reader is a brief synopsis.
King Philip of Spain ( Sam De Grasse ), jealous of the popularity of his brother, Don John ( Edmund Lowe ), sends him to fight the Moors, hoping that will be his demise. Don John is in love with beautiful Dolores Mendoza ( Blanche Sweet ), daughter of General Mendoza ( Hobart Bosworth ), but Mendoza discourages Dolores, knowing that if Don John does return, he is to marry the Queen of England's sister. Don John returns triumphantly, but in a quarrel over a secret letter, the king wounds Don John with his sword and leaves him for dead. When Mendoza takes the blame, Dolores, who was nearby and knows that the king is guilty, tells the court she had been dishonoured by Don John--thus the reason for her father's wrath. Then Dolores threatens the king that she will tell the truth to his subjects unless her father is pardoned. Don John recovers, the king pardons Mendoza, and Dolores marries her sweetheart.
King Philip of Spain ( Sam De Grasse ), jealous of the popularity of his brother, Don John ( Edmund Lowe ), sends him to fight the Moors, hoping that will be his demise. Don John is in love with beautiful Dolores Mendoza ( Blanche Sweet ), daughter of General Mendoza ( Hobart Bosworth ), but Mendoza discourages Dolores, knowing that if Don John does return, he is to marry the Queen of England's sister. Don John returns triumphantly, but in a quarrel over a secret letter, the king wounds Don John with his sword and leaves him for dead. When Mendoza takes the blame, Dolores, who was nearby and knows that the king is guilty, tells the court she had been dishonoured by Don John--thus the reason for her father's wrath. Then Dolores threatens the king that she will tell the truth to his subjects unless her father is pardoned. Don John recovers, the king pardons Mendoza, and Dolores marries her sweetheart.
