Forty Winks (1925 film)

Forty Winks is a 1925 American silent comedy film directed by Paul Iribe and starring Raymond Griffith, Dorothy Mackaill, and Lucien Littlefield. The film is a satirical take on royal romance and political intrigue, featuring Griffith as an American traveling in Europe who becomes embroiled in the affairs of a fictional kingdom.

The plot revolves around the mistaken identity of the American as a visiting prince, leading to humorous situations involving a scheming prime minister, a beautiful princess, and various assassination attempts. The film utilizes sight gags, slapstick humor, and witty intertitles characteristic of silent comedy.

Forty Winks is notable for its visual style, reflecting the influence of director Paul Iribe's background as a caricaturist and designer. The film's sets and costumes are stylized and exaggerated, contributing to its comedic effect.

While not as widely recognized as some of Griffith's other works, Forty Winks is considered a well-crafted example of silent comedy and offers a glimpse into the satirical humor of the era. It is preserved in various film archives.