THE DUCHESS OF BUFFALO
starring Constance Talmadge
PHOTOPLAY
October, 1926

Brisk, racy and lightly amusing - but by no means the equal of this star, Constance Talmadge's "Her Sister From Paris." An American dancer in Russia falls in love with a young officer of dragoons, but is pursued by a gay old grand duke. The usual farce complications. Miss Talmadge gives a performance of considerable verve, but Tullio Carminati is a wooden hero. The acting honors go to Edward Martindel, who takes the part of the flirtative duke.


THE DUCHESS OF BUFFALO
starring Constance Talmadge
PICTURE PLAY
November, 1926

"The Duchess of Buffalo," Constance Talmadge's latest, is typical of her recent comedies, which means that it is a Continental story done by the invaluable Hans Kraly, with adroit direction by Sidney Franklin, who understands her requirements so well, with rich and beautiful settings and an air of gay humor. It is civilized entertainment at its best, a bit more plausible than "Her Sister From Paris," yet not quite, in my opinion at least, so amusing.

There is no particular reason for calling it "The Duchess of Bufffalo" except, perhaps, for the fact that Connie is an American dancer enlivening Russia. However, she might just as well have been "The Duchess of Oil City." But that, after all, is a trivial detail in a charming and tasteful picture which shows Connie girlishly in love with Lieutenant Vladimir Orloff, but forced to cope with the amorous attentions of a grand duke whom she dare not offend. All of which sounds usual, but isn't at all when you see it. For one thing, there is the duke's wife who has suspicions worthy of a duchess, and a hotel proprietor most drolly played by Chester Conklin who mistakes Connie for the Duchess. Through it all, there isn't a dull or an obvious moment.

Tullio Carminati is an excellent leading man. Rose Dione is a duchess in the grand manner, and I found Edward Martindel exceedingly effective as the fatuous grand duke.


For more information, see "The Duchess of Buffalo" as our "Feature of the Month"

Return to reviews page