November 21, 2022

You have to pity poor old Edmund Purdom - the Crown Prince of Karslberg - who is about to marry a woman he neither knows nor loves, to ensure the survival of his dynasty. Before he does however, he determines to enjoy something of a normal life by going to study at Heidelberg University. Initially grand and imperious, he meets the niece of his innkeeper - Ann Blyth ("Kathie") and begins to fall in love for real. Neither Purdom nor Blyth were ever… read the rest.

You have to pity poor old Edmund Purdom - the Crown Prince of Karslberg - who is about to marry a woman he neither knows nor loves, to ensure the survival of his dynasty. Before he does however, he determines to enjoy something of a normal life by going to study at Heidelberg University. Initially grand and imperious, he meets the niece of his innkeeper - Ann Blyth ("Kathie") and begins to fall in love for real. Neither Purdom nor Blyth were ever much good as actors, but this charming love story has the benefit of a good supporting cast - Louis Calhern as the King; Edmund Gwenn as his shrewd advisor "Prof. Juttner" and a scene stealing John Williams as valet and general factotum - and snob - "Lutz". It also has some cheerfully colourful cinematography to compliment the mellifluous voice of Mario Lanza who sings Purdom's part with some decent numbers in "Drink, Drink, Drink!" and the suitably anthemic "I Walk with God!". Had it been cast with more charismatic leads, it could easily have been more memorable, but as it is, it is nice to watch, but nicer to listen to.

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