Review of 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.