The Private Life of Helen of Troy

The Private Life of Helen of Troy

1927 · 87 min · ★ 4.4 · Comedy

Setting the standard for his later light-hearted biopics The Private Life of Henry VIII and Rembrandt, producer-director Alexander Korda steadfastly refuses to take any of The Private Life of Helen of Troy seriously. Maria Corda, wife of the director, plays the title character as a fetchingly underdressed coquette, oblivious to all the political turmoil she's causing when she allows the handsome Paris (Ricardo Cortez) to kidnap her. Meanwhile, poor King Menelaus (Lewis Stone), Helen's husband, stands by in stoic silence, just as he's done on previous occasions when his wife succumbed to the charms of various sexy suitors (one of whom is played by future cowboy star "Wild Bill" Elliot). Finally galvanized into action, Menelaus reclaims his bride, who seems none the worse for wear for her experiences.

Directed by Alexander Korda · Written by Gerald C. Duffy

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Cast

Lewis Stone Menelaus
Ricardo Cortez Paris
George Fawcett Eteoneus
Alice White Adraste
Bill Elliott Telemachus
Tom O'Brien Ulysses
Bert Sprotte Achilles
Károly Huszár Malapokitoratoreadetos
María Corda Helen

Make it a double feature

3h 4m together

The Private Life of Helen of Troy

The Scarlet Pimpernel

Both from Alexander Korda.

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