Prince of Tempters

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Prince of Tempters
Prince of Tempters.jpg
Theatrical poster held by Federation University Historical Collection
Directed by Lothar Mendes
Written by Paul Bern
Based on The Ex-Duke
by E. Phillips Oppenheim
Produced by Robert Kane
Starring
Cinematography Ernest Haller
Production
company
Robert Kane Productions
Distributed by First National Pictures
Release date
  • October 17, 1926 (1926-10-17)
Running time
82 minutes
CountryUnited States
Language Silent (English intertitles)

Prince of Tempters is a 1926 American silent romance film directed by Lothar Mendes and starring Lois Moran, Ben Lyon, and Lya De Putti. It is based on the 1924 novel The Ex-Duke by the British writer E. Phillips Oppenheim. [1]

Contents

Plot

While in Italy, the Duke of Chatsfield clandestinely marries a peasant woman, and they have a son named Francis. After the parents pass away following their separation, Francis is raised in a monastery. Upon reaching the age of 20, Francis takes his final vows. Meanwhile, his uncle, a duke, discovers that Francis is the rightful heir to the dukedom. With a dispensation granted by the Pope, Francis assumes the title. In London, Mario, a destitute novice posing as Baron Giordano, seeks to wed Monica, Francis' attractive cousin. To eliminate his competition, Mario recruits Dolores, his former lover, to entrap Francis. Despite falling prey to Dolores' tactics, Francis falls in love with Monica during a visit to his relatives, and they become engaged. However, Monica breaks off the engagement upon learning of Dolores' affections for Francis. Disheartened, Francis returns to London and engages in a series of flirtations. Upon discovering Monica's acceptance of Mario's proposal, Francis returns to the monastery. Dolores reveals Mario's deceit to Monica before taking her own life, leading to the reconciliation of the lovers.

Cast

Still with Lya De Putti. Film actress Lya De Putti in "Prince of Tempters" (SAYRE 23086).jpg
Still with Lya De Putti.

Production

The film was made at the Cosmopolitan Studios in New York. It was the first film made in America by the German director Lothar Mendes, who married Dorothy Mackaill while working on the production. [2]

Preservation

A copy of this film is held at the Museum of Modern Art, New York. [3]

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References

  1. The AFI Catalog of Feature Films: Prince of Tempters
  2. Koszarski p. 131
  3. The Library of Congress American Silent Feature Film Survival Catalog: Prince of Tempters

Bibliography