Princess O'Rourke
| Princess O'Rourke | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster |
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| Directed by | Norman Krasna |
| Produced by | Hal B. Wallis |
| Written by | Norman Krasna |
| Starring | Olivia de Havilland Robert Cummings Charles Coburn |
| Release date(s) | October 23, 1943 |
| Running time | 94 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Princess O'Rourke is a 1943 romantic comedy film.[1][2] It was directed and written by Norman Krasna and starring Olivia de Havilland, Robert Cummings and Charles Coburn. Krasna won the Academy Award for Writing Original Screenplay.
Contents |
[edit] Plot
Princess Maria (Olivia De Havilland) and her uncle Holman (Charles Coburn) are forced into exile in New York City when their country is invaded by the Nazis in World War II. Holman is anxious to have his niece get married and produce a male heir as soon as possible, but she is not interested in his choice, Count Peter de Candome (Curt Bois).
On an airplane flight, the princess takes too many sleeping pills. When the plane is forced to return to New York, Maria is fast asleep. The pilot, Eddie O'Rourke (Robert Cummings), takes charge of her while under the impression that she is just another European refugee. They become acquainted and fall in love.
Holman is apprised of these developments by a government agent who keeps Maria under surveillance. When he learns that O'Rourke's family seems to produce only large numbers of sons (Eddie is one of nine brothers and his father is one of eleven), he is intrigued. He also realizes that it would help cement American support if she married a citizen, and gives his approval.
After a brief official courtship, Maria and Eddie are invited to visit the White House as guests of the President (who is never seen, though his dog Fala plays a key role). During an evening session where Eddie is expected to sign over such things as his right to succession and deciding the education of his future children, he draws the line at giving up his American citizenship. After making a brief impassioned speech about being an American, he makes Maria choose. After much thought, Maria obeys her uncle and leaves the room. Taking no chances, Holman locks her in her bedroom.
After much crying however, Maria changes her mind. She writes a note and slips it through the door to Fala to deliver to his master. The President summons a Supreme Court justice in the middle of the night who marries Eddie and Maria. The pair sneak out of the White House to begin their life together. Eddie mistakenly tips a White House "butler" he bumps into who turns out to have been the President.
[edit] Cast
- Olivia de Havilland as Princess Maria
- Robert Cummings as Eddie O'Rourke
- Charles Coburn as Holman
- Jack Carson as Dave Campbell, Eddie's friend and co-pilot
- Jane Wyman as Jean Campbell
- Harry Davenport as Supreme Court Judge
- Gladys Cooper as Miss Haskell
- Minor Watson as Mr. Washburn, the understanding State Department official who tutors Eddie
- Nan Wynn as Nightclub Singer
- Curt Bois as Count Peter de Candome
- Ray Walker as G-Man
[edit] References
- ^ Variety film review; September 22, 1943, page 12.
- ^ Harrison's Reports film review; September 25, 1943, page 154.
[edit] External links
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