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Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator
Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1931 Vision of Lowell Sherman
To understand the modern evolution of United States film, one must first look at The Royal Bed and the meticulous attention to detail that Lowell Sherman applied to every frame. Reflecting the political and social shifts of the 1931s, it showcases the power of Comedy as a tool for social commentary.
In The Royal Bed, Lowell Sherman pushes the boundaries of conventional narrative. The film's unique approach to its subject matter has sparked endless debates and interpretations among cinephiles and critics alike.
The visual language of The Royal Bed is defined by its use of shadows and framing, a hallmark of Lowell Sherman's style. By utilizing a 1931-era palette, the film creates an immersive experience that perfectly complements its Comedy themes.
| Cinematography | Noir-Inspired |
| Soundtrack | Diegetic |
| Editing | Elliptical |
| Art Direction | Expressionist |
Visualizing the convergence of Lowell Sherman's style and the core Comedy narrative.
More interested in playing checkers with the servants than in governing his people, King Eric VIII is dominated by Martha, his queen, a humorless woman who believes in doing her royal duty above all else. Her daughter, Princess Anne, however, loves commoner Freddie Granton, the king's secretary, and refuses to marry her mother's political choice, the foppish Prince William. After the queen leaves for a promotional tour of America, a long-fomenting revolution erupts on the night of Anne's birthday ball, and the palace is bombed. The king agrees to meet with the revolution's leader and, after hearing his cause, promises him that if the revolutionaries lay down their arms, he will oust General Northrup, the powerful, dictatorial premier. After some manipulation and collaboration, the king rids the country of Northrup, while insuring better living conditions for his subjects. With the uprising squelched and the queen back from America, Anne's wedding to William proceeds as planned, though under protest from the princess. Minutes before the ceremony, however, the rejuvenated king, in final defiance of his wife, secretly marries Anne and Freddie himself and arranges for their passage to common freedom.
Decades after its release, The Royal Bed remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying Lowell Sherman's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.