Zeus

The Young Rajah (1922)

• Director
  • Phil Rosen
• Writers
  • Alethea Luce(from the play: "Amos Judd" by)
  • John Ames Mitchell(and the novel by)
  • June Mathis(written for the screen by)
• Stars
  • Rudolph Valentino
  • Wanda Hawley
  • Pat Moore

  Having played a sheik, it only made sense to cast Rudolph Valentino -- whose first name was still being spelled Rodolph -- as an Indian rajah. At least, that's how Paramount saw things, and that's really the only excuse for the creation of this drama. The Judds, Caleb (Spottiswoode Aitken) and Sarah (Fanny Midgley), find a pair of Hindus on their doorstep one stormy night. They are holding a baby and a note from Caleb's brother, Joshua (Charles Ogle), informs them that he is heir to a throne and that they should take care of him. The Judds do so, naming the boy (Pat Moore) Amos. Amos grows up (to be played by Valentino) and except for his dark good looks, becomes a typical all-American college boy at Harvard. He's on the rowing team, loves to ride horses, has a sweetheart in Molly Cabot (Wanda Hawley) -- and oh yes, and he has visions. He sees himself in danger, and he is right -- the throne has been usurped and the Judds are compelled to tell him his true identity, as his people are demanding him. The day before his wedding to Molly, he leaves for India to once again become his people's leader. But all is not lost for his girl -- he has another vision and knows they will reunite.