Editor's Top Picks Following the Footsteps of The Royal Imposter: C...

The The Royal Imposter Phenomenon

The synthesis of form and function in The Royal Imposter to maintain its cult relevance across several decades.

Prince Ludwig, of Gravania, is very wild and indulges himself in many dissipations which reflect no credit on the good name of the reigning family. He has a double in his servant Enrico whom he dresses in his uniform when he leaves the palace so that his absence will not be noticed. Enrico is in love with a pretty peasant girl, Valerie, who in turn is faithful to him. On one of the rides through the royal parks Prince Ludwig sees the girl and falls desperately in love with her. True to Enrico, however, she repulses the Prince. He not being used to have his wishes frustrated has the girl kidnapped and brought to his room in the palace. Before the Prince returns Enrico accidentally enters. Valerie tells him of her plight and he helps her escape through a secret passage. Valerie has no sooner disappeared from the room than the Prince enters and a quarrel starts between him and his servant in which the Prince is killed. News comes almost simultaneously that the king is dead, and Enrico dressing himself in the prince's uniform goes out and passes himself off as the prince. Later the body of the supposed servant, but in reality the prince is found, and the blame is laid upon the newly made servant-king. The cabinet decides to make way with the king because of his scoundrelly action in killing his servant. When Enrico goes to the home of Valerie to declare himself truly the trap is laid by the chief of police. Valerie recognizes her true lover and tries to aid him to escape, but the paths are too well guarded and the false Enrico falls a victim to his own ambition.