Watch King Rene's Daughter

King René's Daughter is a silent film from 1913, directed by Chicago-based filmmaker Sidney Olcott. The movie is a historical drama that tells the story of a blind princess who falls in love with a knight. The film opens with the introduction of the royal family of Provence in the 15th century, including King René (John St. Polis), his queen (Gerda Holmes), and their daughter, the blind princess Iolanthe (Maude Fealy). Unlike other princesses, Iolanthe spends most of her time in solitary confinement, as her father fears for her well-being in the court.

One day, the knight Sir Roland (Harry Benham) arrives at the court, and Iolanthe is immediately drawn to him. Despite her blindness, Iolanthe is able to sense the qualities of Sir Roland and is fascinated by his chivalry and bravery.

As they spend more time together, Iolanthe and Sir Roland fall deeply in love. However, their love is forbidden by King René, who believes that a blind princess should not marry anyone. Sir Roland leaves the court, and Iolanthe falls into a deep state of sorrow and despair.

In the meantime, King René is approached by a powerful noble, Duke Henri (Marshall Neilan), who tries to convince him to arrange a marriage between his own daughter, Yolande (Mignon Anderson), and Iolanthe's brother, Frederick (Bryant Washburn). King René agrees to the proposal, believing that this will secure the alliance between his kingdom and Duke Henri's.

However, Duke Henri has his own agenda, as he is secretly in love with Iolanthe and hopes to eliminate her as a rival for Sir Roland's affections. He arranges for Iolanthe to be kidnapped and brought to his castle, where he plans to force her into marriage.

As events unfold, Sir Roland learns about Duke Henri's treachery and rushes to Iolanthe's aid. The two lovers are reunited, but there are many obstacles they need to overcome. Eventually, they manage to escape and return to the court, where they confront King René and challenge his beliefs about a blind princess's worth.

The film ends with a dramatic and emotional climax, as Iolanthe demonstrates her strength and bravery by participating in a jousting tournament. Her triumph leads to a joyful reunion between her and Sir Roland, and the promise of a future together.

King René's Daughter is a beautifully crafted film that showcases the skills of Sidney Olcott and his talented cast. Maude Fealy delivers a stunning performance as the blind princess, conveying her vulnerability, sensitivity, and courage. Harry Benham is also impressive as Sir Roland, bringing a charming and heroic quality to the role.

The film's visual style is striking, with the use of delicate photography and elaborate set designs that capture the medieval ambiance. The costumes are gorgeous, with intricate details that accurately reflect the fashion of the period.

The film's themes focus on love, loyalty, and social class, highlighting the conflict between personal desire and the expectations of the monarchy. The subplot involving Duke Henri adds a layer of intrigue and danger to the story, creating a sense of suspense and unpredictability.

Overall, King René's Daughter is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of silent cinema, and for those who appreciate a good love story with a strong female character at its center.