Movie Reviewed: The student prince in old Heidelberg

Movie Reviewed: The student prince in old Heidelberg

The love story of 1927

This movie reminded me of films like Love Story (1964), starring Ryan O’Neal and Ali McGraw, and Romeo and Juliet (1936), starring Leslie Howard and Norma Shearer. This film is the movie version of the original 1902 play “In old Heidelberg”; the bitter sweet romance of a Ruritanian prince and an inn keeper’s niece. Ramon Novarro and Norma Shearer have offered splendid performances under the direction of highly regarded Ernst Lubitsch. When filming started, Norma Shearer had problems working with Lubitsch and bitterly complained to MGM producer Irving Thalberg who would later become her husband. The problem was that Lubitsch thought Novarro and Shearer were not the ideal players for the role, but he was working with them when MGM convinced him that they are fine for the role. Eventually peace prevailed on the set and it went on to become a huge box office success.

This is no doubt a lavish production that illustrates the exquisite direction of Ernst Lubitsch and wonderful screen writing by Hans Kraly. The 1924 operetta with the same title was highly popular which helped MGM’s strategy of producing this movie and turning into a fine romantic tragedy. I loved this movie and I am sure you will too. A must have for all silent movie buffs and the fans of Novarro and Shearer.