The story of The Student Prince began life as the German novel "Karl Heinrich" by Wilhelm Meyer-Forster. It was later transformed into an operetta by Dorothy Donnelly and Sigmund Romberg. D.W. Griffith produced a silent five-reel version of the story in 1915. It was remade as a lavish Hollywood musical in 1954. Germany, of course, has also made several film versions over the years.

But the definitive performance of The Student Prince is said to be the 1927 silent classic. The film came with a luxurious orchestral score, adapted from the operetta. Mexico-born Ramon Novarro, best known for his starring role in the 1925 action epic Ben-Hur, played the young German prince with surprising restraint and sensitivity.

MGM kingpin Irving Thalberg produced, and cast his newlywed wife Norma Shearer as the prince's energetic, working-class love interest. It was only appropriate that the director should be from Germany. Ernst Lubitsch took the assignment, after Erich von Stroheim proved unavailable.

The story takes place in Germany, circa 1890 to 1905. It begins with young Karl Heinrich (played as a boy by Philippe de Lacey) as the heir to the German throne, held by his imposing, stern uncle (Gustav von Seyffertitz). Poor Heinrich is isolated from his peers, and raised by elderly tutors and servants. (This pattern will be repeated later in the film, when Heinrich is removed from his young friends and surrounded by humorless, elderly ministers.)

Heinrich's only real friend is his jolly tutor, Dr. Juttner (Jean Hersholt). Now a man (played by Novarro), he is allowed to travel to Heidelberg to continue his studies. Finally freed from the rigor mortis of the court, he has the time of his life. He parties with his fellow students, and romances a deeply emotional maid working at his hotel (Shearer). The two fall in love, but marriage is out of the question given their differences in class.

The film's great irony is that the King, considered by many to a man of great freedom and power, is actually a figurehead tightly controlled by his courtiers. He is unable even to marry the woman of his choice. It is also ironic that while many would gladly take his place, Heinrich has no interest in being either prince or king. He just wants to be one of the guys.

The Student Prince is a good silent film. It has a very good score, and the direction and acting is both straightforward and charming. Perhaps the only real complaint can be due to the characters. The Prince, his girlfriend, and his tutor are all completely innocent, without a trace of ambition or avarice. Absolute power may corrupt absolutely, but the impotence of a figurehead does not corrupt at all. (60/100)




Recommended: Yes