Long Fliv the King
"He married a Princess to die—and lived to regret it!"
Plot
Princess Helga of the fictional kingdom of Thermosa is visiting America when she receives an urgent ultimatum: she must marry within 24 hours or forfeit her right to the throne to her rival, the villainous Hamir of Uvocado. Desperate to keep her crown but lacking a suitor, her lady-in-waiting suggests a pragmatic but macabre solution—marry a man condemned to death so she can become an immediate royal widow. They select Charles Chase, a man scheduled for execution, and the ceremony is performed behind bars just moments before his sentence is to be carried out. However, a last-minute gubernatorial pardon arrives, sparing Charles's life and leaving Helga with a very much alive, and very American, king-consort. The couple returns to Thermosa where Charles must navigate royal etiquette, survive a deadly duel with the jealous Hamir, and ultimately decide if the crown is worth the chaos.
About the Production
The film was produced during the peak of the Hal Roach 'All-Stars' era, where the studio was experimenting with pairing different comedic talents. It was filmed between February 22 and March 6, 1926, under the working title 'The Royal Reprieve.' The production utilized the studio's standing 'European' sets, which were frequently repurposed for various Ruritanian-themed comedies of the 1920s.
Historical Background
In the mid-1920s, American cinema was obsessed with 'Ruritanian' romances and satires—stories set in fictional, tiny European monarchies. This reflected a post-WWI American sentiment that mocked the old-world aristocracy while simultaneously being fascinated by its glamour. The film was released during a period of transition in Hollywood where short subjects were becoming more sophisticated in their narrative structure, moving away from pure slapstick toward the 'situation comedy' style that McCarey would later perfect in features like 'The Awful Truth.'
Why This Film Matters
The film is a prime example of the 'Hal Roach style,' which prioritized character-driven humor over the frantic 'thrill-comedy' of Mack Sennett. It serves as an important bridge in the career of Leo McCarey, showing the early development of the screwball comedy tropes he would later introduce to mainstream Hollywood. Additionally, the presence of Oliver Hardy in a villainous role provides a fascinating look at his career trajectory before becoming one half of the world's most famous comedy duo.
Making Of
Director Leo McCarey was instrumental in developing Charley Chase's screen persona as the 'polite' everyman who finds himself in increasingly absurd social embarrassments. During production, McCarey encouraged improvisation, particularly in the dueling scene where Chase uses a giant scabbard that actually contains a tiny dagger. The chemistry between Chase and Max Davidson was so effective that they were frequently paired in subsequent shorts. The film also showcases the high production values of Hal Roach's 'Two-Reelers,' which often rivaled feature films in terms of set design and cinematography.
Visual Style
Shot by Floyd Jackman, the film utilizes standard silent-era lighting but excels in its use of depth during the palace scenes. The camera work during the climactic duel and the subsequent car chase is notably dynamic for a 1926 short, using tracking shots to maintain the sense of frantic movement.
Innovations
The film is noted for its seamless integration of large-scale sets and physical gags, particularly the 'stretcher' sequence during the duel, which required precise timing between the actors and the camera movement.
Music
As a silent film, it had no synchronized score. Original screenings would have been accompanied by a live piano or organ, likely featuring upbeat, 'regal' marches contrasted with frantic 'hurry' music for the chase sequences.
Famous Quotes
Intertitle: 'Princess Helga of Thermosa—who came to America to buy a new wardrobe and found she needed a new husband.'
Intertitle: 'Charles Chase—A man with a great future behind him.'
Intertitle: 'I'll marry him! He's going to be hanged anyway, and I'd rather be a widow than a wife to Hamir!'
Memorable Scenes
- The Prison Wedding: A darkly comedic scene where Helga and Charles are married through the bars of a jail cell while the executioner waits in the background.
- The Ice Cream Crown: Charles is crowned King, only to realize the crown has been used to hide a melting sundae, leading to a messy and undignified royal procession.
- The Duel: A masterclass in visual comedy where Charles attempts to fight a duel while being followed by two men carrying a stretcher, anticipating his immediate demise.
Did You Know?
- The film is a loose remake of the 1920 Harold Lloyd short 'His Royal Slyness,' which also featured a kingdom called Thermosa.
- Oliver Hardy appears in a supporting role as the Prime Minister's assistant, just a year before his legendary partnership with Stan Laurel was officially formed.
- The title is a pun on the phrase 'Long Live the King' and the word 'flivver,' which was slang for a cheap, unreliable car (like a Model T) or a failure.
- Max Davidson, who plays Warfield, was a specialist in 'Jewish' character comedy and often played Chase's foil in Roach comedies.
- John Aasen, who appears uncredited as the Giant Swordsman, was one of the tallest actors in Hollywood history, standing at over 7 feet tall.
- The film features a recurring gag involving a crown filled with melted ice cream, a classic piece of Leo McCarey physical comedy.
- Despite being a short, it features a high-speed motor car chase at the climax, a staple of Charley Chase's more ambitious productions.
What Critics Said
At the time of its release, 'Long Fliv the King' was praised as one of Charley Chase's strongest efforts, with critics noting the cleverness of the 'marriage to a convict' plot. Modern film historians like Leonard Maltin have cited it as a highlight of the silent era's short-form comedy, particularly for its witty intertitles (written by H.M. Walker) and the playful subversion of royal tropes. It is often compared favorably to the Harold Lloyd original for its more polished direction.
What Audiences Thought
Contemporary audiences responded enthusiastically to Charley Chase's 'everyman' charm, making him one of the most popular short-subject stars of the 1920s. The film's blend of romantic comedy and slapstick made it a versatile crowd-pleaser that played well in both urban theaters and rural houses.
Film Connections
Influenced By
- His Royal Slyness (1920)
- Seven Chances (1925)
- The Prisoner of Zenda
This Film Influenced
- The Awful Truth (1937)
- Duck Soup (1933)
- The Princess Diaries (2001)
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Film Restoration
The film is well-preserved and has been restored. It is currently available in various silent film archives and has been released on DVD as part of Charley Chase comedy collections.