Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator

Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1936 Vision of William K. Howard
The thematic gravity of The Princess Comes Across (1936) is rooted in the artistic risks taken by William K. Howard that eventually paid off. Defining a new era of United States artistic expression, it demands to be seen by anyone who cares about the art of film.
In The Princess Comes Across, William K. Howard 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.
While deeply rooted in United States, The Princess Comes Across has achieved a global reach, influencing directors from various backgrounds. Its ability to translate Comedy tropes into a universal cinematic language is why it remains a cult staple decades after its 1936 release.
| Cinematography | Static |
| Soundtrack | Experimental |
| Editing | Elliptical |
| Art Direction | Expressionist |
Visualizing the convergence of William K. Howard's style and the core Comedy narrative.
A woman pretends to be royalty in order to get aboard a cruise ship.
Decades after its release, The Princess Comes Across remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying William K. Howard's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.