I consider this to be among the best swashbuckling tales I’ve experienced – and this silent film adaptation is as excellent as it gets. Lewis Stone portrays “Rassendyll,” an English baron traveling through the area, who finds himself in the small kingdom of Ruritania at a most unfortunate time: the day before their new king, "Rudolf," is to be crowned. While out walking, he’s approached by two soldiers – “Sapt” (Robert Edeson) and “Fritz” (Malcolm McGregor), both closely associated with the king – who are stunned to realize that this Englishman looks exactly like their ruler. They go to his hunting lodge where, likewise surprised, the king and his distant relative share a few drinks. The following morning, things aren't right; the king has been given something that will prevent him from attending his coronation. “Sapt” reveals that the crown would probably pass to his scheming half-brother "Michael" (Stuart Holmes), who is likely behind this wicked scheme – unless they can figure out a way to get the king to the ceremony. A temporary replacement seems necessary, but only for a short period—and it might stop the duke’s nefarious plans... However, the stand-in “King” encounters his future bride "Flavia" (Alice Terry), and things become even more tangled from there. Will they be able to save the real king before it's too late? That's essentially the story, and Rex Ingram manages to keep things moving along nicely. Alice Terry is charming as the Princess, and Lewis Stone brings a great deal of charisma and elegance to his role. As with these kinds of stories, it all comes down to the final fifteen minutes—and there’s plenty of sword-fighting action then. The sets and costumes are superb, and the intertitles keep the narrative clear and easy to follow. There's no question that color enhanced later versions of this story, but otherwise, this film stands up remarkably well when compared to them.

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