I really enjoy George Arliss' films and wish he'd made more of them. But this Oscar-winning actor was quite old when sound movies came along and his best years were spent on stage. This is why, although very popular and well respected, he only made about two dozen films. But nearly each is a complete joy to watch thanks to his gentle and natural acting style. Because of my love of his film, it's no surprise that I decided to watch "The King's Vacation".
The film is in many ways a bit like a fairy tale placed in the 20th century. Because of this, you just have to suspend disbelief and not question the story. Sure it's far-fetched...but still very satisfying.
The film is set in a fictional country that is governed by a constitutional monarchy. In other words, although they have a king, he has no power and is much like the Queen of Britain today. However, this is NOT a happy country and the people are very dissatisfied by their government...and, interesting, their king (George Arliss) is also dissatisfied. He never wanted to be king-- at least not in a country where it's all ceremony. If he could actually improve the lot of the people, he'd be happy. So, when a chance comes to abdicate, he's thrilled.
On the ship leaving his country, the King has a talk with his Queen. It seems that their marriage was one of convenience and was politically motivated. In fact, the King was originally third in line to the throne and he had already married a commoner in the United States. But to become king, he foolishly agreed to divorce her and leave not only her but his young daughter back in the States. The Queen knows this and urges him to return to his old family--which the king is eager to do but which he didn't plan to do because he's a decent sort of guy and planned on honoring this second marriage.
What follows is the King reconnecting with these people BUT learning that you really can never go back. His ex- had changed...and so had he. What's next? See the film and see how it all works out for the man and his family.
Aside from the sappy and ubiquitous song "Drink to Me Only With Thine Eyes" blaring throughout the film, this is a very gentle and sweet film. It's hard to describe why other than the viewer is naturally drawn to like the King and wish him the best. Well worth seeing.
The film is in many ways a bit like a fairy tale placed in the 20th century. Because of this, you just have to suspend disbelief and not question the story. Sure it's far-fetched...but still very satisfying.
The film is set in a fictional country that is governed by a constitutional monarchy. In other words, although they have a king, he has no power and is much like the Queen of Britain today. However, this is NOT a happy country and the people are very dissatisfied by their government...and, interesting, their king (George Arliss) is also dissatisfied. He never wanted to be king-- at least not in a country where it's all ceremony. If he could actually improve the lot of the people, he'd be happy. So, when a chance comes to abdicate, he's thrilled.
On the ship leaving his country, the King has a talk with his Queen. It seems that their marriage was one of convenience and was politically motivated. In fact, the King was originally third in line to the throne and he had already married a commoner in the United States. But to become king, he foolishly agreed to divorce her and leave not only her but his young daughter back in the States. The Queen knows this and urges him to return to his old family--which the king is eager to do but which he didn't plan to do because he's a decent sort of guy and planned on honoring this second marriage.
What follows is the King reconnecting with these people BUT learning that you really can never go back. His ex- had changed...and so had he. What's next? See the film and see how it all works out for the man and his family.
Aside from the sappy and ubiquitous song "Drink to Me Only With Thine Eyes" blaring throughout the film, this is a very gentle and sweet film. It's hard to describe why other than the viewer is naturally drawn to like the King and wish him the best. Well worth seeing.