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The Bogus Napoleon
(1912) United States of America
B&W : One reel
Directed by Charles Kent
Cast: Charles Kent [Napoleon’s double], William Humphrey [Napoleon Bonaparte], Ralph Ince, Edwin R. Phillips, John Bunny, William Shea, Charles Chapman, Morris McGee, Edward Lee, Richard C. Travers, Herbert L. Barry, Harry T. Morey
The Vitagraph Company of America production; distributed by The General Film Company, Incorporated. / Released 16 August 1912. / Standard 35mm spherical 1.33:1 format.
Drama: Historical.
Synopsis: [?] [From The Moving Picture World]? Napoleon going away upon a secret mission, entrusts the key of his private chamber to his chancellor. Two of his courtiers are seen by his private detective, watching the proceedings from behind the portieres. The secret spy knows that they mean mischief, and keeps close watch of them. He overhears their plot to secure the key. They hire two ruffians to find a man to impersonate the emperor to deceive the chancellor and secure the key. They post a bill for men who resemble Napoleon to call at their headquarters. The secret spy applies, and so well imitates the actions of the emperor, he is employed to portray his majesty. He reports to the emperor, who agrees to take the part himself. His man writes the ruffians that he is sick, and requests them to call to see him at once. They arrive, and when they see their sick accomplice, they are furious. Napoleon is introduced, and offers to take his place. He is put through a course of drilling and then told that he will be acceptable. The emperor goes to the palace and has no trouble in securing the key from the chancellor. The two dishonest noblemen are waiting in the ante-chamber and as the emperor opens the door, they pass in with him, where they are held prisoners by the soldiers, who have been waiting, and are then taken into custody. The emperor demands the price offered, for the work which he has done, and the noblemen, in addition to their arrest, are obliged to pay the purse.
Reviews: [The Moving Picture World, 31 August 1912, page ?] A good comedy release giving a thoroughly delightful situation, quite fresh and laughable. Its early scenes are, as was proper, very serious; but when the conspirators, who have advertised for a man who looks like Napoleon to play a part in a theater, look over those who are applying for the job, the audience gets plenty of hearty laughs. It is a long scene and it is fine. Ralph Ince and E.R. Phillips, with the good help of Messrs. Bunny, Shea, Chapman and M’Gee, have the honors in this part. Another phase of the same situation is given when these two are considering Napoleon himself for the job, and this scene also is “a scream.” The climax stands up with the rest of the picture which, as a whole, is a very desirable release. It was produced by Wm. Humphrey, who plays in it an excellent Napoleon. Messrs. Kent, Edward Lee, Travers, Barry and Morey have good parts.
Survival status: (unknown)
Current rights holder: Public domain [USA].
Keywords: Napoléon Bonaparte (1769-1821)
Listing updated: 10 June 2024.
References: Website-IMDb.
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