This film is very similar to two of Harold's later films, A SAILOR-MADE MAN and WHY WORRY? though HIS ROYAL SLYNESS is a bit rougher and features a relatively big-name supporting star, Snub Pollard. In the 20s when Harold became perhaps THE preeminent comedian, he no longer needed or used a co-star.
The film features Harold's real life brother, Gaylord. While Gaylord DID appear in a few other of Lloyd's films, this one is unique because with the same glasses and hairstyle, the two brothers looked almost like identical twins! Oddly, though, Gaylord did not receive an acting credit for the film (though he is listed on IMDb). It was so cool to see them side-by-side--what a treat.
When Harold and Gaylord meet, Gaylord is supposed to be a prince from a far away land that is potentially engaged to a princess. However, Gaylord likes it in America and convinces Harold to go in his place.
When he arrives, Harold finds that the people of this fictitious nation are on the verge of revolution, as most of the country's royalty are a bunch of self-indulgent jerks. One on the only nice ones turns out to be the princess--who is dressed like a commoner. When a crowd recognizes Harold as the prince, they actually try to kill him because their hatred of the nobles is so great! He is able to escape and makes his way to the castle. He notices quickly that the royals and their friends are jerks, but decides to stay because he is thrilled to see who the princess is. The princess could chose Harold or a real prince, played by Snub Pollard. Pollard is a lazy git and she already was infatuated with Harold, so the choice is easy! However, just when she chooses Harold, the real prince he was taking the place for shows up and Harold is pitched out of the castle.
In a rather contrived but funny moment, Harold accidentally fires the cannon at the mansion--signaling the start of a very brief revolution. The revolution is a great success and as a reward for his "bravery", he is made the president! And, considering the princess is Mildred Davies, she is thrilled with marrying him--something she also did in real life! A very cute film that tells a complex and entertaining story. Great stuff and well worth your time.
The film features Harold's real life brother, Gaylord. While Gaylord DID appear in a few other of Lloyd's films, this one is unique because with the same glasses and hairstyle, the two brothers looked almost like identical twins! Oddly, though, Gaylord did not receive an acting credit for the film (though he is listed on IMDb). It was so cool to see them side-by-side--what a treat.
When Harold and Gaylord meet, Gaylord is supposed to be a prince from a far away land that is potentially engaged to a princess. However, Gaylord likes it in America and convinces Harold to go in his place.
When he arrives, Harold finds that the people of this fictitious nation are on the verge of revolution, as most of the country's royalty are a bunch of self-indulgent jerks. One on the only nice ones turns out to be the princess--who is dressed like a commoner. When a crowd recognizes Harold as the prince, they actually try to kill him because their hatred of the nobles is so great! He is able to escape and makes his way to the castle. He notices quickly that the royals and their friends are jerks, but decides to stay because he is thrilled to see who the princess is. The princess could chose Harold or a real prince, played by Snub Pollard. Pollard is a lazy git and she already was infatuated with Harold, so the choice is easy! However, just when she chooses Harold, the real prince he was taking the place for shows up and Harold is pitched out of the castle.
In a rather contrived but funny moment, Harold accidentally fires the cannon at the mansion--signaling the start of a very brief revolution. The revolution is a great success and as a reward for his "bravery", he is made the president! And, considering the princess is Mildred Davies, she is thrilled with marrying him--something she also did in real life! A very cute film that tells a complex and entertaining story. Great stuff and well worth your time.