The Undying Flame Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for The Undying Flame.
The Undying Flame Ending Explained: In ancient Egypt a Princess is loved by a simple Shepherd, to the great displeasure of the King, who orders the offending lover be buried alive, for he had promised his daughter to the builder of the Temple. Directed by Maurice Tourneur, this 1917 drama film stars Olga Petrova (The Princess / Grace Leslie), alongside Edwin Mordant as The King, Herbert Evans as The Architect, Mahlon Hamilton as The Shepherd / Captain Paget. Rated 0/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of The Undying Flame?
In ancient Egypt a Princess is loved by a simple Shepherd, to the great displeasure of the King, who orders the offending lover be buried alive, for he had promised his daughter to the builder of the Temple. Breaking a double scarab in two, the shepherd and the Princess each keep a broken half and pledge that their souls will be reunited in death. Centuries later Capt. Harry Paget of the English garrison at the Sudan is enchanted by Grace Leslie, the daughter of Sir Hector Leslie, commander of the garrison.
Maurice Tourneur's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Olga Petrova (The Princess / Grace Leslie)'s journey. Breaking a double scarab in two, the shepherd and the Princess each keep a broken half and pledge that their souls will be reunited in death.
How Does Olga Petrova (The Princess / Grace Leslie)'s Story End?
- Olga Petrova: Olga Petrova's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Edwin Mordant (The King): Edwin Mordant's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Herbert Evans (The Architect): Herbert Evans's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Undying Flame Mean?
The ending of The Undying Flame brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Olga Petrova's story may not satisfy all audiences.