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Nell Gwyn main poster

Nell Gwyn

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6.8/10 • 6

1926-01-021h 20m

DramaRomance

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

Directors
Herbert Wilcox
Writters
Herbert Wilcox
Editors
J.W. McConaughty

Top Billed Cast

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  1. Dorothy Gish

    Dorothy Gish

    Nell Gwyn

  2. Randle Ayrton

    Randle Ayrton

    Charles II

  3. Juliette Compton

    Juliette Compton

    Lady Castlemaine

  4. Sydney Fairbrother

    Sydney Fairbrother

    Mrs. Gwyn

  5. Donald Macardle

    Donald Macardle

    Duke of Monmouth

  6. Johnny Butt

    Johnny Butt

    Samuel Pepys

  7. Gibb McLaughlin

    Gibb McLaughlin

    Duke of York

  8. Judd Green

    Judd Green

    Toby Clinker

  9. Edward Sorley

    Edward Sorley

    Dickon

Reviews1

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CinemaSerf Avatar

CinemaSerf

Jun 6, 2022

6/10

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.

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  • Nell Gwyn poster
  • Nell Gwyn poster

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Status
Released
Original Language
English
Budget
--
Revenue
--
Keywords
biographymistresskingrestoration