The Sultana 1916
"A weird and amazing story produced in the beautiful "Pathecolor." Five supreme and exquisite acts."
In the glamorous yet treacherous world of 1916 high-society intrigue, a reckless playboy's dangerous game of cat-and-mouse unfolds in Sherwood MacDonald's silent-era comedy-crime caper, *The Sultana*.
Director: Sherwood MacDonald
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Sultana (1916) about?
A wealthy young playboy bets he can steal the *Sultana* diamond tiara—without getting caught. His scheme backfires when he chickens out, forcing an unwitting woman to return the jewel, setting off a chain of comedic and chaotic mishaps.
Who directed The Sultana?
Sherwood MacDonald directed *The Sultana*, bringing a blend of slapstick humor and early cinematic flair to this forgotten silent-era comedy.
Who stars in The Sultana?
The film features Ruth Roland, William Conklin, Charles Dudley, Frank Erlanger, and Daniel Gilfether in pivotal roles.
Is The Sultana (1916) worth watching?
*The Sultana* offers a fascinating glimpse into early 20th-century cinema, blending crime, comedy, and a touch of social satire. While it's a silent film with dated aesthetics, its clever plot and vibrant Pathecolor visuals make it a curiosity worth exploring for silent-film enthusiasts.
How long is The Sultana?
Runtime details are not listed.
About The Sultana (1916) — Silent-Era Comedy-Crime Gem with a Dazzling Diamond Heist
In the glamorous yet treacherous world of 1916 high-society intrigue, a reckless playboy's dangerous game of cat-and-mouse unfolds in Sherwood MacDonald's silent-era comedy-crime caper, *The Sultana*. Gregory Kirkland, a wealthy young thrill-seeker, stumbles upon a newspaper headline about a daring heist and impulsively bets his skeptical friends that he can pull off an equally audacious stunt: stealing the dazzling *Sultana* diamond tiara—not once, but twice—without ever getting caught. The stakes are high, the plan is reckless, and the consequences are anything but predictable. As Gregory's scheme spirals into chaos, themes of arrogance, guilt, and unintended consequences collide in this forgotten gem of early cinema.
With its vibrant "Pathecolor" visuals adding a surreal, dreamlike quality, *The Sultana* blends slapstick humor with the suspense of a high-stakes jewel theft. Ruth Roland shines as the unsuspecting accomplice Virginia Lowndes, while William Conklin's portrayal of the tiara's designer, Robert Sautrelle, grounds the absurdity in a touch of realism. Directed with a playful yet sharp eye, MacDonald crafts a narrative that's as much about human folly as it is about crime, leaving audiences to wonder: was Gregory's downfall his own bravery or his inability to face the consequences?