DANILO OF “RURITANIA"

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1054, 19 August 1930, Page 13

DANILO OF “RURITANIA"

__..__v.____. ROMANTIC PERSON VISITS ENGLAND STORY OF “MERRY WIDOW” FILM Prince Danilo of Montenegro, with his princess, visited London recently for the first time since the war. \Vhen he was last in England, in 1913, he came with all the pomp and honour of the heir to the Monteregrin thronkyoung, romantic, ~ and acclaimed. Now there is no throne for ‘him to come to; his kingdom has been :absorbed in the post-war formation of the Balkan kingdoms, and he is star:‘ing in an hotel like any commoner. A bowler~hatted detective on duty outside the double doors‘ of his suite is the only indication of his Royalty. ‘ He is a. romantic person still—a crown prince of that part of Europe ‘where all Ruritanian comedy is born ——and despotism has lost him nothing of his glamour, although he has been subjected to bitterly unkind ridicule. A few months ago an action of some years' standing was decided in his favour, granting him £BOO damages against an American film company for their version of “The Merry Widow,” which was adjudged to be libellous. “SCENES 0F SCANDAL" Prince Danilo gave his view of the affair to a Press representative, speak~ ing softly in French, with slight gestures. “One would not believe," he said. “that anyone could be so lacking in sensibility and good taste. It is, perhaps. 26 years ago that the original ‘V'euve Joyeuse’ was written—a. charming thing. My name was taken for the principal role, and I had no objection. because—well, because it is delightful music. and altogether a pretty piece. “Then, five years ago, this film is made. It bears the same name, but it is in every way different. I am made to appear in scenes of scandal. ‘drunken, and with many women. ‘ "But now. thank heaven. it is ’righted. and the honour of the Monteinegrin court is vindicated."