The Student Prince

This is the only talking film version of Romberg's famous 1924 operetta--unfortunately, and it took MGM thirty years to get around to making it after they did a silent version. Although from all reports the silent version, directed by the great Ernst Lubitsch is excellent (I haven't seen it), in spite of the fact that it IS a "silent operetta", this 1954 sound version is a considerable letdown. Mario Lanza was supposed to have played the Prince, but his temper and weight problems got him fired, so the film was released with Edmund Purdom acting the role and lip-synching to Lanza's singing. Purdom is a considerably better actor than Lanza, but that's really not saying much. Ann Blyth, who does her own singing, is very good. However, the MGM adapters and screenwriters have done their dirty work. New, hopelessly bad dialogue has been added, as in the 50's remakes of "The Desert Song", "Show Boat", and "Rose Marie", but in this case the adapters have gone a few steps further. Only about half the original music (the score alone is ninety minutes long) is used; only Purdom/Lanza, Blyth, and the chorus sing, and they even filch the songs given to other characters in the stage version. Worse yet, new songs (not by Romberg and Dorothy Donnelly) have been added,and in EVERY SINGLE ONE of the original songs, only the first few lines of the lyrics have been retained----the rest have all been changed.

Audiences who are undemanding or completely unfamiliar with even a recording of the songs won't mind, but although the original lyrics weren't on the level of Hammerstein, Porter, Berlin, Ira Gershwin, Larry Hart, or Alan Jay Lerner's efforts, "Student Prince" fans will--and should---be outraged at this musical mangling.

Fans of Mario Lanza and operetta will find The Student Prince a treat to watch and to listen to. The Student Prince is not a faithful treatment of Romberg's operetta('mangled' is pretty apt here), but to me that didn't matter, what was more important was how The Student Prince fared on its own merits as a film and it fares very well.

It has sumptuous production values in costumes, lighting and most sets(apart from a couple of very studio bound-looking outdoor exteriors) and is shot in lavish Technicolour, so it looks pleasing. Romberg's score is stylish and whimsical and his songs wonderful, both in the operetta and in the film. In the film, the standout songs and renditions are Deep in my Heart, Dear, Serenade and the very emotional I'll Walk with God. The Student Prince also boasts some very witty dialogue, an engaging story that still resonates today and is less creaky than the story of the operetta(better than any of the stories from any of the films with Mario Lanza on screen) and the ending is heart-breaking.

Even when Lanza is not on screen(he was meant to originally star in the leading man role) and present in voice only, he still makes a great impression. Lanza had one of the most beautiful and most immediately recognisable voices for any tenor and even singer, and he sounds magnificent here as to be expected, his phrasing, vocal emotion and musicality also top-tier. Edmund Perdum had a truly daunting task replacing Lanza and then having to act to his singing voice, and he does a more than credible job with it, while stiff in demeanour at times(but that worked for the character actually) he plays the role with more likability and and charm than Lanza most likely would have done if he did it. Ann Blyth is radiant and noble as well as playing with natural spunk, her voice blending very nicely with Lanza's. Edmund Gwenn, Louis Calhern, John Williams and SZ Sakall provide seasoned support.

On the other hand, Richard Thorpe's direction is very limp and lacking inspiration in places, some scenes that came over as a little tedious as a result did cry out for a more light-footed and wittier touch, something that Vincente Minnelli would have brought if he'd been chosen. Some of the additional dialogue veers on a bit banal and corny, though most of the dialogue sparkles.

In conclusion, looks and sounds wonderful and an entertaining film. 8/10 Bethany Cox

Mario Lanza's beautiful tenor soars on the soundtrack of this fairytale, loosely based on Sigmund Romberg's beautiful operetta.

In an interview on a Lanza bio program, Music Director George Stoll shared how Lanza came into the recording studio and rendered perfect one-takes on the entire score, within a remarkable single session.

The glorious timbre of his voice is a highlight of this film. A special treat is hearing the pleasant lyric soprano of Ann Blythe, who was a trained, experienced singer even before making her film debut. The two are heard to advantage in the lovely "Deep in My Heart" park scene duet.

Composer Nicholas Brodszky contributed two ravishingly beautiful added songs, "Beloved" and "I'll Walk With God," intoned to perfection by Lanza.

Alas, Director Richard Thorpe lets the production down with very routine and uninspired direction, allowing for often tedious pacing and formatting. Despite having a great cast to work with, his contribution produces a lethargic bent to the proceedings.

In the end, "The Student Prince's" attributes rest primarily on a beautiful soundtrack, rich score, attractive players, and Lanza's thrilling singing.

It probably was fortunate that Mario Lanza was overweight and Purdom played the prince. I can't think of anyone who would have done a better job. Great soundtrack, great atmosphere. Makes you feel right there sharing the lovers' dreams. I visited Heidelberg with the express intent of living a bit of the story. I find myself there each time I watch the film again.

Definitely for the romantic at heart, for those capable of enjoying an adult fairy tale without losing touch with reality. I wonder how few of the current generation would appreciate such a charming production.

In an old German kingdom, the arranged marriage between handsome prince Edmund Purdom (as Karl Franz) and a wealthy princess is canceled. He has proved himself amorous enough to produce sons, but Mr. Purdom is found to be lacking in "warmth and charm" by the potential bride. To work on these qualities, Purdon is sent to college and becomes "The Student Prince (in Old Heidelberg)". Unfortunately for his royal subjects, Purdom falls in love with beautiful, but common barmaid Ann Blyth (as Kathie Ruder). When summoned home during a crisis, Purdom must choose between love and duty...

This film was supposed to star operatic superstar Mario Lanza, who made a big screen splash for MGM with "The Great Caruso" (1951). Alas, Mr. Caruso was fired due to problems with both an expanding ego and an expanding waistline. With an appetite for destruction, he died of a heart attack in 1959 (at age 38). Fortunately, Caruso began by recording all the vocals for this production, reportedly in single takes. The studio wisely included them in the soundtrack and Lanza's received a screen credit larger than anyone who actually appeared in the film. His vocals are outstanding and the story remains engaging...

Put in the unenviable role of "lip-synching" Caruso's singing, Purdom handles the assignment well. He obviously doesn't match the excitement in Lanza's voice; nor is he in possession of the inherent charisma brought to the role by the likes of Wallace Reid or Ramon Novarro, who starred in "silent" versions of this story in 1915 and 1927. However, Purdom's good looks kept him before the camera and his acting skills grew. To be painfully honest, Lanza wouldn't have impersonated the prince well. The MGM cast and crew is in fine form, and character actor S.Z. Sakall (as "Uncle" Ruder) delivers a delightful last appearance.

******* The Student Prince (6/15/54) Richard Thorpe ~ Edmund Purdom, Ann Blyth, Mario Lanza, S.Z. Sakall