A Prince There Was is a lost 1921 American silent drama film directed by Tom Forman and written by Darragh Aldrich, George M. Cohan, and Waldemar Young. The film stars Thomas Meighan, Mildred Harris, Charlotte Jackson, Nigel Barrie, Guy Oliver, Arthur Stuart Hull, and Sylvia Ashton. The film was released on November 13, 1921, by Paramount Pictures.
Based upon a summary in a film publication, Jim Montogmery (Meighan) escapes from Sing Sing prison and goes west to start a new life under the name Jack Nelson. He becomes superintendent of a large mill and falls in love with the owner's daughter Molly (Wilson). He tells her of his past life and she believes that he is innocent, so they are married. Prison officials pardon Old Bill (Everton), who planned Jim's escape, as bait in their attempt to recapture Jim. Detective Mike Kearney (MacQuarrie) finally lands his man but Jim places his fingers in the mill machinery to spoil the tell-tale fingerprints. Later Old Bill wins a confession from the crook that actually did the crime for which Jim was sentenced, leading to a pardon for Jim.
When an underworld figure inherits a fortune, he goes straight and endeavors to become a respectable businessman. But on a Trip to Paris, He encounters a few not-so-honest types who think he is ripe for picking.
Danny O'Rourke is the son of a police officer who was killed in the line of duty. Eager to join the police force, Danny fails his exams. The failure causes him to neglect his sweetheart Maggie, whose father is a police lieutenant. His attentions turn instead towards society girl Miriam Welton. When Danny’s sister, Shannon, is arrested for shoplifting, Danny turns to boxing to save her. He works his way towards the championship but discovers the final bought has been rigged. Danny fights anyhow and he is beaten, but it is discovered that a mistake had been made on his exams and he actually was eligible to join the police force after all.