His Majesty Bunker Bean (play)

His Majesty Bunker Bean is a three-act comedy play written by Lee Wilson Dodd. It is adapted from the novel of the same name by Harry Leon Wilson. The play debuted on Broadway in 1916.

The play tells the story of Bunker Bean, a timid and unremarkable office worker who is convinced by a charlatan fortune teller, Dr. Lamprey, that he is the reincarnation of Louis XIV. This belief transforms Bunker's personality, emboldening him and leading to unexpected successes in his personal and professional life. A central theme of the play is the power of suggestion and the influence of belief on one's actions and perceived destiny.

The play enjoyed a successful Broadway run and was later adapted into several film versions. It is considered a lighthearted social satire exploring themes of identity, self-perception, and the gullibility of society. It is remembered primarily for its comedic elements and its portrayal of a character whose life is dramatically altered by a fabricated past.