The Loves of Pharaoh | 1922 | Historical Drama

Title: The Loves of Pharaoh | 1922 | Historical Drama Director: Ernst Lubitsch Studio: Ernst Lubitsch-Film / Europäische Film-Allianz Starring: Emil Jannings, Dagny Servaes, Harry Liedtke, Paul Wegener, Lyda Salmonova, Albert Bassermann, Paul Biensfeldt, Friedrich Kühne Based on: Original screenplay by Norbert Falk and Hanns Kräly Release Date: February 22 1922 (New York premiere); March 14 1922 (Berlin) Runtime: Approximately 110 minutes (restored ~100 minutes) Format: Silent black and white (tinted) Country: Weimar Republic (Germany) Language: Silent with German intertitles Genres: Historical Drama Epic --- Chapters: 00:00:00 Pharaoh Amenes and royal politics 00:15:00 Arrival of Ethiopian delegation 00:30:00 Ramphis and Theonis meet 00:45:00 Betrayal and sentence 01:00:00 Royal conflict and war 01:15:00 Battle and aftermath 01:30:00 Resolution and tragic fate --- Summary: The Loves of Pharaoh is a 1922 German silent historical drama about Pharaoh Amenes whose plans to secure an alliance through marriage are upended when he becomes infatuated with Theonis, a despised Greek slave, igniting conflict both within his court and with rival kingdoms. As power struggles escalate and rebellion breaks out, romance, loyalty, and political intrigue intertwine amid grand settings and epic action. The narrative blends personal passions and dynastic tensions against an exoticized ancient Egyptian backdrop. --- Background: Directed by Ernst Lubitsch as his final major German production before moving to Hollywood, The Loves of Pharaoh was one of the most ambitious and expensive films of its era, featuring large crowds, elaborate sets, and a commissioned original score. Considered a historical epic, it showcased Lubitsch’s mastery of scale and melodrama while marking a transition in his career from European to American cinema. --- Trivia: The film was restored and reconstructed from surviving fragments after being considered lost for many years. It was released internationally, including a U.S. version distributed by Paramount Pictures under the title *The Loves of Pharaoh*. The production engaged famed German actors Emil Jannings and Paul Wegener in leading roles. Original music by composer Eduard Künneke was commissioned for the film’s theatrical release. --- Public Domain / Rights: Original Release: February/March 1922 Original Studio / Distributor: Ernst Lubitsch-Film / Europäische Film-Allianz Copyright Status: Public Domain (USA) Renewal: Unknown --- Hashtags: #TheLovesOfPharaoh1922 #ErnstLubitsch #SilentFilm #HistoricalEpic #EmilJannings #ClassicCinema #PublicDomain