A waiter fakes being royalty, then learns he actually IS. The 1920s were WILD.
Jack Straw (Warwick) is an iceman who becomes a waiter to be closer to the girl (McComas) he is interested in. Later, to impress her, he impersonates an Archduke from Pomerania. A Count from Pomerania (Brower) who is the ambassador arrives and learns of the long-missing son of royalty. The girl's mother (Ashton) learns of the trick being played by Jack. Just when Jack is exposed as being a fraud, it turns out that he is the genuine article.
Direction
DeMille's efficient visual storytelling in 50 minutes flat.
Costume
The Pomeranian royal drag vs. waiter whites contrast.
Director
William C. deMille
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This adaptation of a 1908 W. Somerset Maugham play captures 1920s America's obsession with European aristocracy and the 'self-made man' myth.
William C. deMille was Cecil B. DeMille's elder brother and a respected stage director; this was his silent transition to film before talkies sidelined him.
US
