Der var engang (Once Upon a Time) (1922)

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This odd, amateurish fantasy picture was apparently the first and only cinematic endeavor of Ruth Bryan Owen, daughter of lawyer and politician William Jenning Bryan. Owen wrote the story, directed, and acted in it. The cast, according to trade paper Moving Picture World, consisted of members of the… More This odd, amateurish fantasy picture was apparently the first and only cinematic endeavor of Ruth Bryan Owen, daughter of lawyer and politician William Jenning Bryan. Owen wrote the story, directed, and acted in it. The cast, according to trade paper Moving Picture World, consisted of members of the Community Players of Coconut Grove, FL. The story involves a legend of "old India," in which the Shah of an Eastern province is dethroned by a corrupt subordinate. As the new ruler, his favored pastime is to put young girls to death when they cease to entertain him. The most beautiful girl of the land manages to elude him until the very end, when the Shah -- who everyone thought to be dead -- returns. He rescues the girl and all is well. Owen went onto a much more successful political career, first serving as a U.S. Representative from Florida, and then as Minister to Denmark. ~ Janiss Garza, Rovi