Long Live the King (1923)

Metro pulled out all the stops on this picture, which was based on the novel by Mary Roberts Rinehart and starred eight-year-old Jackie Coogan. The studio spent upwards of a million dollars on mob scenes and spectacular sets for this mythical kingdom tale. Coogan's father, Jack Coogan Sr., supervised the production, as he did on many of his son's pictures. King Karl of Livonia (Alan Hale Sr.) has grown old and feeble and the hopes of his country are all on little Prince Otto (Coogan), an orphan who is the only heir to the throne. As a result, Otto is not allowed any childish pleasures -- it's all about court formalities. The boy isn't even allowed to have a puppy. Naturally, the young prince is frustrated and when he gets the opportunity to run off with an American boy, Bobby (Raymond Lee), he takes it. After he returns, the guard keep a closer eye on him -- the country is about to break out into revolution and his life is in danger. But Otto manages to escape once again on his birthday, and while he is gone, the King dies. Without the presence of Otto, the people start rioting. As the prince tries to get back to the palace, the revolutionists kidnap him. Otto's friend, Lieutenant Nikky (Allan Forrest), comes to the rescue and the boy returns to become King. If the name of Raymond Lee doesn't strike a bell, his face should; he's the boy who gives Coogan a black eye in The Kid. ~ Janiss Garza, Rovi