The Duchess of Buffalo

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The Duchess of Buffalo
Duchess of Buffalo lobby card.jpg
Lobby card with Constance Talmadge and Edward Martindel
Directed by Sidney Franklin
Written by Hanns Kräly (scenario, adaptation)
George Marion Jr. (intertitles)
Based onSybil
by Max Brody and Franz Martos
Produced by Constance Talmadge
Joseph M. Schenck
StarringConstance Talmadge
Cinematography Oliver T. Marsh
Edited byHal C. Kern
Distributed by First National Pictures
Release date
  • September 5, 1926 (1926-09-05)
Running time
75 minutes; 7 reels (6,940 feet)
CountryUnited States
Language Silent (English intertitles)

The Duchess of Buffalo is a 1926 American silent romantic comedy film, produced by and starring Constance Talmadge, alongside Joseph M. Schenck, and released through First National Pictures. It is based on the 1916 Broadway stage musical Sybil, which is this film's alternate title. [1] [2] [3] [4]

Contents

Set in pre-revolutionary Russia, the plot follows Marian Duncan, an American dancer, who catches the attention of a dashing army officer, Vladimir Orloff. Their budding romance is overshadowed when the Grand Duke, Orloff’s commanding officer, becomes infatuated with Marian, leading to a series of farcical misadventures. Mistaken identities and romantic confusion ensue amid snowy hotel corridors and grand fashion, which created a perfect platform for Talmadge’s wit and expressive performance [5]

Critics of the era praised Talmadge’s sparkling presence and graceful comedy. Photoplay described the film as “brisk, racy and lightly amusing”, highlighting its spirited pacing and condescending rival from royalty. The Picture-Play review noted its Continental flair and refined humour, calling it “civilised entertainment at its best,” and commending Sidney Franklin’s direction for being both tasteful and well-suited to Talmadge’s strengths [6] .

Cast

References

  1. The American Film Institute Catalog Feature Films: 1921–30 by The American Film Institute c.1971
  2. "Sybil – Broadway Musical – Original | IBDB". ibdb.com. Retrieved September 15, 2022.
  3. Progressive Silent Film List: The Duchess of Buffalo at silentera.com
  4. "The Duchess Of Buffalo". September 15, 1926. Retrieved September 15, 2022 via memory.loc.gov.
  5. "Silent Era : Progressive Silent Film List". www.silentera.com. Retrieved August 19, 2025.
  6. "Duchess of Buffalo review". www.silentsaregolden.com. Retrieved August 19, 2025.