Pair of Kings
Not only did Larry Semon spoof The Prisoner of Zenda in this comic two-reeler, he also seemed intent on giving his film the same elaborate budget that Zenda had. Exhibitor trade weekly Moving Picture World accurately called this film "low comedy dressed up in silks and ermines." In the kingdom of Serenia, Princess Lucille, the rightful ruler (Lucille Carlisle), has been deposed by August (Semon), who has taken over the throne. August, however, may not be king for long -- General Alarm (Oliver Hardy) is plotting to overthrow him. A modest country boy (Semon again) lands on the shores of Serenia and winds up at the castle. When August sees the strong resemblance the stranger has to him, he decides to switch places to escape from Alarm. Through a good dose of slapstick, the stranger manages to halt the revolution in its tracks, and he gives the throne back to Princess Lucille. This was the last Larry Semon film that Vitagraph paid for; in his next contract, Semon became the producer. Since Semon never did learn the value of a dollar when it came to filmmaking, being his own producer predictably hastened his downfall. more..
Director: Larry Semon
Starring: Lucille Carlisle,Oliver Hardy,Larry Semon