George Arliss again plays the gentle giant in this short -ish film from Warner Brothers. He starts out as the King Phillip, but after an assassination attempt, steps down to what he thinks will be a quiet, private life. This was a strategic move, to avoid much bloodshed in the revolution that he sees coming ahead. Arliss had made a few silent films, and of course won the Oscar for his "Disreali" role. Marjorie Gateson is Helen who has her own plans in the works. After Arliss abdicates, things don't go according to plan... or at least according to HIS plans. His former wife has things all mapped out for him... which is a little confusing. Phillip catches his new fiancée in a lie, and will have to sort things out. Florence Arliss, George's real life wife, plays Margaret. The royalty aspect plays a small role here, and Phillip actually could have had any occupation, but I guess the fact that he was king adds a sense of loyalty and duty to the profession. It's an okay story. No real issues, but nothing too exciting. Directed by John Adolfi. He and Arliss worked together on seven films, but sadly, Adolfi died quite young at 52.
Review of The King's Vacation
