Bardelys The Magnifient

Just recently added the 1926 edition of Bardelys The Magnificent by Rafael Sabatini.

Rafael Sabatini, of Italian and English decent, was born in 1875 and died in 1950.  Starting out writing short stories, his first novel was published in 1902 – “The Lovers of Yvonne aka The Suitors of Yvonne”.  His first big success came with “Scaramouche” in 1921 followed by “Captain Blood” in 1922.  “Sea Hawk” was published in 1915.  His books were considered romantic, historical fiction and adventure genres featuring ‘bad boy’ swashbuckler ladies’ men. 

Bardelys The Magnificent, his third novel, was published in 1905.  In 1926 the book was adapted into film (silent) starring John Gilbert, Eleanor Boardman and Roy D'Arcy.  Three uncredited actors who would later become pretty famous were Joan Crawford (court gossip), Lou Costello (extra) and John Wayne (guard).  John Wayne was 19 at the time. 

I love these quotes from Bardelys: 

• Strange these men never notice their wives until I take a fancy to them.
• If they catch me, I'll lose my head -- and I have too good a head to lose.
• I could almost believe I had been slain, Mademoiselle -- and this is Heaven -- and you are an angel.  

The book for sale at CAROLINABLUELADY Book Treasures is the 1926 photoplay book that was published at the time the film was released with pictures of scenes of the MGM movie - pretty cool

Think I may want to read the book and see this movie.  They have shown it on TCM.  It would be fun to see these uncredited and now famous actors in the beginning of their careers.