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7/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 7/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. The Vagabond Queen remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
Alright, let’s be honest from the jump: The Vagabond Queen from way back in 1928 isn’t exactly a Saturday night popcorn flick for everyone. If you’re looking for snappy modern pacing or deep, complex character arcs, you’ll probably find yourself a bit bored. But for those of us who get a kick out of silent cinema, particularly the energetic charm of Betty Balfour, this one is absolutely worth digging up. It’s a whimsical, slightly messy little gem. 👑
The premise is classic Ruritanian stuff: a princess, a country on the brink of revolt, and a plucky commoner who happens to be her spitting image. Betty Balfour plays both roles, and she is just *so much fun* to watch. Her Princess, Iris, has a certain regal stiffness, but it’s the other half of her performance, Sally, the Cockney flower seller, where the film truly sparks. Sally is all quick wit and street smarts, a delightful contrast to the stuffy palace.
There's this moment early on where Sally first sees the Princess Iris, and her expression just screams, "Blimey, that's me, innit?" You can almost see the gears turning, her mind already cooking up some mischief. It’s not subtle acting, mind you, but it’s **perfect** for the silent screen, really sells the whole idea.
The plot, with its rebels and political intrigue, is mostly just an excuse for Sally to bumble through royal life. Honestly, the rebels themselves are not very convincing. They mostly just stand around looking vaguely menacing in the background. Their big plan to overthrow the government feels a bit like a secondary thought, which is fine, because we’re here for the comedy.
Balfour’s physical comedy is really the star here. Watching Sally try to navigate formal dances, or stumble through royal etiquette, is genuinely charming. There's a scene where she’s trying to eat soup with a fork at a fancy dinner. It’s a simple gag, but her wide-eyed confusion and the subtle ways she tries to hide it? **Hilarious**. You can tell she’s really committing to the bit. 🤣
Ernest Thesiger, playing the villainous Count Maritsa, does his usual excellent job of looking wonderfully sinister without overdoing it. He’s got that understated menace that works so well. You just know he’s up to no good, even when he’s just politely bowing. He's a welcome presence, adding a touch of real threat, even if it feels a little bit like he's in a slightly more serious film.
The film’s pacing is, well, *of its time*. Some scenes linger a bit, letting the visual gags play out, while others rush through crucial plot points with a flurry of title cards. The whole sequence where Sally is being prepped for her royal debut, getting fitted in lavish gowns and learning her manners, could have been a bit shorter. But then again, it really lets you appreciate the contrast once she finally steps out as the 'queen'.
And those costumes! Even in black and white, they’re pretty grand. The big ball scene is quite a spectacle, even if the crowd feels a little sparse in some shots. You can almost feel the budget stretched thin, but they tried, bless 'em. The palace sets have this charmingly artificial feel, like a well-dressed stage play.
One small thing I noticed: there’s a recurring extra in the background of the palace scenes, a guard with an enormous mustache, who keeps looking utterly bewildered by all the goings-on. He doesn't do much, but his consistent look of confusion was oddly comforting. It made me smile every time. 🤔
The romance element, as you’d expect, is pretty straightforward. Sally, naturally, catches the eye of a dashing officer. Their interactions are sweet, if a little predictable. It’s the kind of innocent, earnest love story you often find in these older films. No deep complexities, just longing glances and some polite hand-holding.
Overall, The Vagabond Queen isn't a masterpiece, but it’s a **delightful** little romp if you’re in the mood for some historical cinematic fun. It’s imperfect, sure, but Betty Balfour's performance as Sally makes it shine. It’s got heart, some genuine laughs, and a star who just radiates pure joy. Go on, give it a watch if you're a silent film fan. You won't regret it.
IMDb 6.8
1926
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