Klein-Rogge in the role of Czar Peter, III
All I can possibly say is this must have been the result of some very pent up playfullness that had been waiting for release... This has to be Rudolf's best silent comedic role ever. In an already-raucous romp of a film, Rudi just seems to add more seasoning to the wild mix of hilarity.
As the eccentric, mad Czar Peter, Rudolf renders the audience helpless with cackles as he raves insanely on the screen with such lines as "Well, then order all of the sick seamen to get well immediately!!", and his impish moments of merriment only make us laugh even harder. Even though this is a silent film, you can almost hear Klein-Rogge's happy giggles at his own naughty little acts.
You may very well get the idea that this blue-blooded little tyrant is not a good choice to run the country....at all. He cheats on his wife with the portly Countess Worontzoff, drinks until he can no longer stand on his own, ignores the problems of his people while he gets a manicure, wants to be left alone when he has a toothache - it seems that no matter what he does, it will make you just roll with mirth. And don't expect such refined scenes of madness like the sort he usually performed in films like Dr. Mabuse. Here, you will see something much more akin to a spoiled royal brat throwing a temper tantrum!
