The Queen's Messenger! - A Lost Gem of 1928 Television Featuring Intrigue and Espionage with a Dash of Comedy

Imagine, if you will, a time before talking pictures, before color television, before streaming services flooded our living rooms with endless options. It is the year 1928, and the nascent medium of television is taking its first tentative steps. In this pioneering era, amidst static-filled screens and flickering images, a captivating drama unfolded: “The Queen’s Messenger.”

This forgotten gem, sadly lost to the ravages of time (or perhaps tucked away in some dusty archive), tells the story of Reginald Hawthorne, a seemingly ordinary clerk who finds himself thrust into the world of international espionage. He is recruited by the enigmatic Queen Victoria herself (yes, that Queen Victoria!) to deliver a secret message across Europe, navigating treacherous landscapes and dodging shadowy figures who seek to intercept his vital cargo.

“The Queen’s Messenger,” though lost to modern audiences, stands as a testament to the ingenuity of early television pioneers. Conceived by renowned playwright Cecil Arthur Barnes, the series was lauded for its innovative use of shadow puppets and intricate stagecraft to bring the story to life. Imagine, if you will, the thrill of watching flickering silhouettes enact daring escapes and cloak-and-dagger encounters on a screen no larger than a postage stamp!

But “The Queen’s Messenger” wasn’t just about intrigue and adventure; it also injected a healthy dose of humor into its narrative. Reginald Hawthorne, portrayed by the renowned stage actor Arthur Wontner (who would later go on to play Sherlock Holmes in several films), was not your typical stoic spy. He was a bumbling, accident-prone fellow, prone to mishaps and misunderstandings, adding a comedic element that balanced the suspenseful plot.

Think of it as a precursor to modern spy comedies like “Get Smart” or “Austin Powers,” but stripped down to its barest, most theatrical essence.

The series was also noteworthy for its ambitious scope, spanning multiple episodes and taking viewers on a whirlwind tour across Europe. From the misty streets of London to the sun-drenched piazzas of Rome, Reginald Hawthorne’s journey mirrored the spirit of exploration and adventure that defined the early 20th century.

Episode	Location	Plot Highlights
Episode 1	Buckingham Palace	Reginald Hawthorne receives his mission from Queen Victoria herself.
Episode 2	Paris	Hawthorne narrowly escapes capture by enemy agents while disguised as a mime.
Episode 3	Berlin	A tense standoff at the Brandenburg Gate reveals Hawthorne’s true identity.

“The Queen’s Messenger,” though lost to history, leaves behind a fascinating legacy. It serves as a reminder of the creative spirit that fueled the early days of television and the enduring appeal of espionage tales with a touch of humor.

Perhaps one day, through some stroke of luck or diligent archival research, “The Queen’s Messenger” will resurface, allowing us to experience this lost gem for ourselves. Until then, we can only imagine the thrill of witnessing Reginald Hawthorne’s escapades unfold on that tiny screen, a testament to the boundless imagination and pioneering spirit of early television.