The Maharaja's favorite wife. Second part
| Movie | |
|---|---|
| German title | The Maharaja's favorite wife. Second part |
| Original title | Maharajahens Yndlingshustru II |
| Country of production | Denmark |
| original language | Danish |
| Publishing year | 1919 |
| length | approx. 89 minutes |
| Rod | |
| Director | August Blom |
| script |
Alfred Kjerulf Marie Luise Droop Tschempak Araman |
| production | Nordisk Film Kompagni |
| camera | Sophus Wangøe |
| occupation | |
| |
The Maharaja's favorite wife. The second part is a Danish silent film drama from 1918 by August Blom with Gunnar Tolnæs in the male lead.
action
In the parliament of a European colonial state, MEP Armine Robert gives a speech in which he claims that the government is doing far too little for the development of the colonies. As a result of this speech, Robert is now sent to the land of the Maharajah of Bhagalpur as a financial adviser. Robert's interest in Bhagalpur is also aroused by the fact that he has heard of the dramatic experiences of the European-born Maharani Elly, who is now called Gul. As soon as he arrives, Robert makes suggestions to the Maharajah on how he can restore his country financially. Instead of paying interest on the piling up national debt, grain could be delivered instead. But the people reacted to Robert's colonial ideas with great unrest, fearing a shortage of supplies and, as a result, famine. When a great drought breaks out, the Fama spreads that the gods are angry. The main cause of the anger of the gods is the marriage of their maharajah to the foreigner, the European.
The Maharaja's First Minister encourages the people's superstition and seeks to oust the Maharani from office and state again. When you go out by car, your little son is there too. The vehicle is quickly surrounded and the Maharani, who is not recognized by most as their ruler, but is only viewed suspiciously as a foreigner, is massively harassed. Robert bravely places himself between her and the mob and ensures safe conduct. Ghul is deeply distressed that she is not even recognized as a Maharani by her now own people. To seek advice from the priests, she wants to go to the Temple of Siwa. So she asks Robert to get her Hindu robe and to accompany her on the way to the temple. But Robert takes more than he deserves. In his apartment he storms the Maharani with oaths of love. The Maharajah fears (as in the first part) that his favorite wife might look for an opportunity to leave him and the country secretly, and he joins them. He surprises both of them in a compromising situation when Robert Ghul becomes intrusive.
The European financial advisor is immediately expelled from the country, but not without first boldly claiming that the Maharani agreed to everything he did. The maharajah overreacts in anger. He now treats his favorite wife like a prisoner and deprives her of what is dearest: her little son. The First Minister sees a good opportunity to get rid of the "stranger" once and for all and bribes a compliant servant to murder the Maharani. Only in this way, he claims, can the gods be appeased in their anger. Ghoul is given poison and the Maharaja's favorite wife actually appears dead. She is then laid out for the upcoming cremation. But the priest called for this ritual act realizes that the Maharani is still very much alive and prevents the worst. Finally there is reconciliation with her husband.
Production notes
As a result of the great box office success of The Maharaja's Favorite Wife, the film was shot in Denmark in 1918 and was presented to a professional audience in Austria (and thus probably also in Germany) in the first weeks of 1919. The Danish premiere of the 1828 meter long film can be determined for October 27, 1919 in Copenhagen.
Maharajah star Tolnæs resumed his old role here as well as in the German third part (1920) by Max Mack . As in the first part (1916), Lilly Jacobson plays his “favorite woman” in the second .
criticism
“The colossal success of the first part of this very strange film should also be granted to the second part. Again, the rich furnishings, the mystical subject and the glamorous portrayal of Gunnar Tolnäs are the main attractions. The symbolism of the piece, the victory of innocence over guilt, the victory of good over evil, is developed with masterful skill. You are not only attracted by the appearance, but also stimulated to think. The deep wisdom of the Brahmin opens up a view into the world of metaphysics and lets one suspect the liberation of their spiritual power. Gunnar Tolnäs is the best representative for the representation of spiritual love, Lilly Jacobsen is his understanding partner. "