Watch The Royal Bed

The Royal Bed is a 1931 comedy film directed by Lowel Sherman, who also stars in the lead role. The film tells the story of King Eric VIII of Koronia, a pampered and self-centered ruler who is more interested in his own personal pleasures than the welfare of his kingdom or his subjects. However, his frivolous lifestyle is threatened when his mistress, the beautiful and ambitious Madame Royale, decides to use him as a pawn in her own political machinations.

The film begins with King Eric VIII providing the film's opening monologue addressing his subjects. He shares his views on ruling a kingdom and making history while an orchestra plays beautifully. King Eric is portrayed as a carefree monarch who is more interested in his own pleasure than State affairs. He is introduced to Madame Royale, a beautiful woman who has ambitions to become the Queen. From the start, it becomes clear that Madame Royale's desires may be difficult to achieve, especially with an unpredictable and flighty king.

What ensues is a series of political maneuvers and romantic entanglements as Madame Royale does whatever it takes to solidify her own position of power, including using her feminine wiles to control the king. The King is convinced to propose to her, but then he becomes suspicious, causing him to abandon his plans for marriage. When he finally decided to marry her, King Eric loses his nerve and his courage to carry through the wedding. In between all these happenings, Mary Astor plays the character of the daughter of the Prime Minister, who is also interested in the King's affections.

The Royal Bed is a delightful mix of political intrigue, romantic comedy, and lavish spectacle with a witty script and engaging performances. The chemistry between the lead actors is electrifying, with Lowell Sherman delivering a standout performance as the vain and self-absorbed King Eric VIII, while Mary Astor shines as the charming and determined young woman vying for his affections. Anthony Bushell completes the trio with his portrayal of a dashing and charming foreign prince, who is also interested in Mary Astor's character.

The film's highlight is the opulent production design and costume design, which includes sumptuous gowns, impressive palace sets, and a grand coronation ceremony. The camera work is excellent, capturing the grandeur of the setting and lavish spectacle. The movie also benefits from a great score with an opening orchestral performance and vivacious tunes that add to the romantic mood.

Overall, The Royal Bed is a charming and entertaining film with great performances, an engaging storyline, and lavish spectacle. The film has a fast-paced narrative that keeps the viewers entertained until the end. The witty humor of the script translates well and still resonates with audiences of today. The movie's themes of political intrigue, romance, and power have stood the test of time, making it a classic in the romantic comedy genre.

The Royal Bed is a 1931 classic with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.