Nell Gwyn

1926

1h 20m

IMDb RATING

6.8/10

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Drama

Romance

An actress becomes the king's mistress and persuades him to convert the palace to a serviceman's home.

Directors

Herbert Wilcox

Writers

Herbert Wilcox(writer by)

Marjorie Bowen(novel by)

Stars

Dorothy Gish

Randle Ayrton

Juliette Compton

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Top cast

Nell Gwyn

Charles II

Lady Castlemaine

Mrs. Gwyn

Duke of Monmouth

Samuel Pepys

Duke of York

Toby Clinker

Dickon

Charles Hart

Earl of Shaftesbury

Evelyn

Tom Killigrew

Innkeeper

Messenger

Maid

Directors

Herbert Wilcox

Writers

Herbert Wilcox(writer by)

Marjorie Bowen(novel by)

All cast & crew

Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

This is quite an entertaining romp with Dorothy Gish playing the eponymous orange seller who captivates and captures the heart of King Charles II (Randle Ayrton) much to the chagrin of one of his other "companions" - Juliette Compton ("Lady Castlemaine") and of his ill-fated brother James, Duke of York (Gibb McLaughlin). Some of this borders on the burlesque with an enjoyable, and occasionally provocative, bawdiness from the star that would surely have challenged the censors had it been made just a few years later. Aside from providing this rather rakish King with some pleasures of the flesh, she also proved to be a decent influence on him - and even today, his former palace at Chelsea in west London is still the home for retired soldiers she inspired him to establish. Gish is on great form here, she plays her part with gusto and vigour, tempered with a degree of sensitivity as the plot follows the declining health of her Royal patron. Unfortunately, the remainder of the cast are pretty static, indeed McLaughlin looks like he has been sucking on a lemon for most of his scenes, but the comedy - of which there is plenty - raises a smile as the rivalry between the two women gathers pace. The production is basic, but I rather enjoyed it.

Geronimo196706 Jun, 2022