AllMovie

A Royal Family was produced by Columbia Films -- no relation to the later Columbia, but instead a division of Metro Pictures. Prolific "B"-picture "regular" William Nigh both directed the film and played a leading role, while other familiar names in the cast included Montague Love and Fuller Mellish Sr. The story takes place in the mythical kingdom of Arcacia, where in the first scene the infant heir-apparent to the throne is kidnapped. Nearly two decades later, the prince, unaware of his true identity, works as a bartender in the tavern owned by his abductor. Meanwhile, the Cardinal of Arcacia (Fuller Mellish Sr.) attempts to avert a war with neighboring Kurland by arranging a marriage of state between the Princess of Arcacia (Ann Murdock) and the Crown Prince of Kurland (Montague Love). Travelling to Arcacia incognito on a secret mission, the Crown Prince meets the Princess, who immediately falls in love with him without realizing his true identity. Thus, when ordered to return to the palace for her upcoming marriage, the Princess tearfully bids her sweetheart goodbye, totally unaware that he is actually slated to be her future husband. At this point, the true Prince of Arcacia (remember him?) becomes aware of his birthright, whereupon he makes short work of the treacherous Prime Minister who intends to break up the wedding, thereby forcing Arcacia into war with Kurland. Which so much story and so little time to tell it, it is amazing that the actors in A Royal Family found any time to act.