This was one of the great MGM musicals of it's day. But for me, what really makes it shine are great character performances and memorable lines: For example, the opening scene; the royal valet Lutz, expertly played by character actor John Williams (1902-1983); he is sent to fetch the royal tutor Professor Juttner, played by Welsh born actor Edmund Gwenn (1875-1958), best remembered as Kris Kringle in Miracle on 34th Street. "Late as usual, Professor Juttner!", Lutz scolds. "You're a teacher and you can't even tell time!" "Small minds tick by the clock, my dear Lutzy!" "But the Prince is always punctual!" "Yes, that's what I've been trying to do, educate him out of it!"
Because of his military upbringing, Prince Karl walks, talks and even dances with firmness and precision. He's informed by his grandfather that the treasury is empty and the only way to save the dynasty is to marry into money.
The much anticipated event finally arrives, the royal reception to announce the engagement of Prince Karl to Princess Johanna of Northausen. It's not until after dancing with the ramrod-straight prince that it become's clear to her that this isn't going to work out. "Prussian virtues are impressive but cold comfort on a long winters night", she tells him.
The princess' grandmother, Queen Matilda, played by character actress Evelyn Varden (1893-1958), tells the king, "Yohanna is interested in a husband, not a Prussian machine!" "You've taken a perfectly good boy and turned him into a Prussian pickle".
"Warmth and Charm!", bellows the king, marvelously portrayed by Louis Calhern (1895-1956), best remembered as Buffalo Bill in Annie Get Your Gun. "That's what you need, warmth and charm!" So, it is decided that he attend Heidelberg University to meet people his own age and introduce him to "the graces of living".
Upon arrival at the Heidelberg train station, Lutz and his luggage are immediately lifted up and passed from student to student and carried away. Dr. Juttner remarks, "Well, I don't know if Lutz will enjoy Heidelberg, but Heidelberg is certainly enjoying Lutz!"
When the royal entourage arrive at the inn, they are greeted by innkeeper Joseph Ruder played by the unforgettable Hungarian-born character actor S.Z.(Cuddles) Sakall (1884-1955). A veteran of German, Hungarian and British roles, The Student Prince was to be his final film role but what a memorable one it was, (sheesh!) He died the following February at the age of 71.
The students are in the courtyard singing and drinking bear and we are introduced to the innkeepers niece Kathi, played by the charming Ann Blyth(1928-present) Early in their relationship, Karl asks her to treat him as an equal, and she responds, "That's impossible, after all you're a prince and I work here." He says, "Don't worry so much about my reputation." And she says, "Oh no your Highness, it's MY reputation I'm worried about!" At first he thinks of her as just "the ordinary women one might encounter on maneuvers". But after she pushes him away and he falls down, he quickly find out, she's not that kind of a girl!
Nearby, Lutz witnesses "the assault" and reports it to Uncle Ruder. "In Karlsberg, what your niece dared to do, she would be beheaded!" "Please, heir Lutz, you and me, we are men of the world." "I am not!" "Neither am I, I'm just trying to make a living!"
So, Uncle Ruder finds a job for Kathi as a waitress in a restaurant across the river. Karl finds out and goes over to bring her back. He then creates a commotion to get her fired. She's angry with him, but while walking back through the park he shows his devotion for her by singing the beautiful song, "Beloved". She then realizes his feelings for her are genuine.
After the masquerade ball, they talk of forgetting about the world and running away to Paris together. On her way to pack, she has second thoughts, but he confirms his love for her by singing the stirring song "Serenade". But just as they are ready to leave, the Prime Minister Von Mark shows up. "Your grandfather is very ill, and he requests that you return at once".
After meeting with his grandfather, Karl tells him that he's relieved to find that his condition has improved but he's also anxious to get back to Heidelberg. "It's that barmaid, isn't it?" says the king, "Barmaids are as plentiful as gooseberries". "Freedom is a luxury no king can afford". "Then I don't want to be king", Karl says, "I just want to be a man". "Running away from your duties will hardly make a man of you", the king replies. A few days later the king dies unexpectedly.
On his way to Northausen for the wedding, Karl thinks of Heidelberg, Kathi and the promise he made to her, "I'll be back". He instructs Lutz to stop the train in Heidelberg. "But your Highness. it's not on the schedule!" "It is now, Lutz", he says "It is now". "He makes his way back to Ruder's Inn and the students are singing. But you can tell the mood is more somber, it's not the same since he left. "I thought I'd never see you again", she says. "I told you I'd come back", he says. "We lived in the same world then", she says. "It's all the world I ever wanted", he says. It's a touching scene and it's hard not to get choked up when you see the look of devastation on her face when he leaves.
In the final scene, while riding back to the train, Karl's best friend, Dr. Juttner turns to him, pats him on the sleeve, smiles and says, "Let us rejoice while we are young!"
This movie celebrates honor, friendship and true love, all of the qualities that should be celebrated now.
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