THE ETERNAL CITY (1923) Barbara La Marr, Bert Lytell, Mussolini & King Emmanuel

Description

Vintage original 11x14 in. US title lobby card
from the 1920's historical WWI fascism-themed silent film drama,
THE ETERNAL CITY
, released in 1923 by Associated First National Pictures and
directed by George Fitzmaurice
. Based upon the story by Sir Hall Crane, David Rossi (Bert Lytell), an orphan in Rome, is taken care of by a homeless man, Bruno (Richard Bennett). The wealthy Dr. Roselli adopts David and raises him with his daughter, Roma (Barbara La Marr). When they grow up, David and Roma become engaged. Dr. Roselli dies and David and Bruno join the army when war erupts. Roma becomes a well-known sculptor, backed by Baron Bonelli, who is secretly the head of the Rome branch of the Communist party. Returning from the war, David becomes a follower of Benito Mussolini. Complications ensue when David finds out that Roma is backed by Baron Bonelli (Lionel Barrymore), his arch-enemy. The cast includes Montagu Love and uncredited appearances by future stars Joan Bennett, Betty Bronson, Ronald Colman, with a rare on-screen appearance of King Victor Emmanuel III and Benito Mussolini reviewing troops.
The image features a melodramatic scene on a balcony of David Rossi (
Bert Lytell
) at the feet of Donna Roma Valonna (
Barbara La Marr
) as he holds her hand with his eyes closed as the couple are near the ruins of a Roman city. It is unrestored in fair+ condition only with several vertical creases in the right border; two pinholes in the top border; creases, chips of varying sizes, small tears and discoloration in the borders; and small scattered water stains. Fortunately, the image area is essentially untoched by any of these flaws except for a few of the small water stains.
The Eternal City
was the first of nine film collaborations between Ronald Colman and director George Fitzmaurice (Colman has only a small, uncredited part in this film, however).
The filmmakers got footage of King Victor Emmanuel III and Benito Mussolini reviewing troops. This was not newsreel footage, and both knew they were being filmed for this movie, which was being shot in and around Rome. The king even visited the film's set later on and met star Barbara La Marr.