The Royal Bed

The 1931 satirical comedy, The Royal Bed, will undoubtedly tickle your funny bone while keeping you at the edge of your seat right from the beginning until the end. Directed by Lowell Sherman, who also stars in the principal role, this film successfully marries political comedy with romantic melodrama. Co-starring with Sherman are the mesmerizing Mary Astor and the charismatic Anthony Bushell, who collectively make the film engaging and thoroughly watchable.

The Royal Bed revolves around a fictitious European kingdom, attended by a deliciously outrageous entourage of servants and subjects, where the seemingly inconsequential King Eric VIII (Lowell Sherman) rules. Sherman brilliantly portrays King Eric VIII as an endearing yet somewhat impotent monarch. His perfect comic timing and use of jovial humor makes his performance unforgettable. Despite the regal title, he spends much of his day listlessly going about his royal duties, facing an uprising against his monarchy from his country's common folk and fending off a rival coup from his own ministers.

Meanwhile, the queen, more ambitiously, focuses on the more substantial matters of state. Mary Astor, portraying the devoted yet duty-bound queen Martha, brings forth a powerhouse performance. She is compelling and convincing as a queen who is a ferociously proud guardian of her family's long-standing monarchy yet struggles with her own heart's desires. Martha tries to secure an advantageous political alliance by arranging the marriage of their daughter, Anne, to the socially superior Prince William of Grec.

However, Anne, the princess, played by youthful and vivacious Mary Astor maintains a secret relationship with the handsome commoner Freddie Granton (Anthony Bushell), and has plans of her own. This sets off a merry chaos of events and misunderstandings. A backdrop of political machinations, including an attempted coup and a brewing revolution, add a layer of intrigue to the movie.

The film offers plenty of visual feast for fans of period dramas. The royal bed, for instance, is a grandiose piece of velvet and gold that becomes a centerpiece of several comedic moments. From the aristocratic attires to the aesthetic settings, the film paints an amusing image of royal life.

Directed with great gusto by Lowell Sherman, The Royal Bed is a delightful romp filled with quick-paced dialogue and discerning satire which mocks both the pomposity of the nobility and the ineffectiveness of the politicians. Yet the film is more beyond a simple farce. The screenplay by J. Walter Ruben adeptly highlights witty dialogues and bawdy jokes interspersed with more generalized social commentary on loyalty, power and love.

The cinematography and set design are also praiseworthy, capturing the grandeur and opulence of royal life. All these elements combined create an atmosphere of drama, suspense, and humor.

Beyond the comedic front, The Royal Bed showcases remarkable performances by its ensemble cast. Mary Astor, in her dual roles, shines in contrast, effortlessly displaying the maturity of the queen and the naivety of the princess. Anthony Bushell excels in his role as the clamoring revolutionist with a secret royal love story.

In a nutshell, The Royal Bed is not just a tale of royal life. It is a satire that uses its hilarity to explore themes of politics, power, royal hierarchies, and secret love affairs. It's also a homage to the screwball comedies of the early 1930s, offering laughs, drama, and plenty of unexpected twists and turns.

The Royal Bed, with its brilliant performances, incisive writing, and steady direction, is a delightful escape for those who appreciate classic comedies endowed with a touch of dramatic satire. The film is a cornerstone of early talkies, setting a benchmark for future comedies. So, if you're in the mood for a satirical, royal-themed cinematic experience, The Royal Bed is indeed a must-watch!