QUEEN KELLY (1929) Gloria Swanson, Walter Byron & Seena Owen | Drama | B&W | Vintage Cinema

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Queen Kelly is an American silent film produced in 1928–29 and released by United Artists. The film was directed by Erich von Stroheim, starred Gloria Swanson, in the title role, Walter Byron as her lover, and Seena Owen. The film was produced by Joseph P. Kennedy, who was Swanson's lover at the time.

In 1932, Swanson was able to release a part-sound version in Europe and South America only because of her contract with Stroheim.[citation needed] This version had an alternate ending directed by Richard Boleslawski and filmed by cinematographer Gregg Toland.

Synopsis

Prince Wolfram (Byron) is the betrothed of mad Queen Regina V of Kronberg (Owen). As punishment for partying with other women, he is sent on manoeuvres. He sees Kitty Kelly (Swanson) walking with other convent students and flirts with her. She is embarrassed when he makes a comment after seeing that her underwear is visible, so she takes it off and throws it at him, to the horror of the nuns, who punish her for her "indecency".

Enthralled by her beauty, he kidnaps her that night from the convent, takes her to his room and professes his love for her. When the queen finds them together the next morning, she whips Kelly and throws her out of the castle. Regina then puts Wolfram in prison for not wanting to marry her.

Cast & Crew

Gloria Swanson - Kitty Kelly, aka Queen Kelly
Walter Byron - Prince Wolfram
Seena Owen - Queen Regina V
Sylvia Ashton - Kelly's Aunt
Wilson Benge - Prince Wolfram's Valet
Sidney Bracey - Prince Wolfram's Lackey
Florence Gibson - Kelly's Aunt
Madge Hunt - Mother Superior
Tully Marshall - Jan Vryheid
Madame Sul-Te-Wan - Kali Sana, Aunt's Cook
Wilhelm von Brincken - Prince Wolfram's adjutant
Gordon Westcott - Lackey

Directed by: Norman Walker
Written by: Arline Lord, Alma Reville, Garnett Weston
Starring: Alexander D'Arcy, Marguerite Allan, Randle Ayrton, Cecil Barry
Cinematography: Claude Friese-Greene
Production Company: British International Pictures
Distributed by: Pathé Pictures
Release Dates: May 1929, July 1930 (sound version)
Running Time: 62 minutes
Country: United Kingdom
Languages: Sound (Synchronized) English Intertitles