This movie was the beginning of the legendary Lubitsch touch. This was telling entertaining stories that take place in fairy tale kingdoms. There was also the use of elaborate sets, as well as costumes. They are in the vein of Gilbert and Sullivan operettas. This film is the story of Prince Karl, (Ramon Navarro).He has led a sheltered life, and has just finished his primary education, with his teacher, Dr. Juttner, (Jean Hersholt). The doctor having completed his duties, is summoned by the King. He believes he will be relieved of his duties, and bids Prince Karl, farewell.
Dr. Juttner, receives a surprise. He is told he is to be retained. That is only part of it. The young prince is going to Heidelberg to finish his studies, accompanied by the good doctor. The prince attends his studies. He also like many students is distracted by partying and much drinking. Dr. Juttner is also persuaded by Karl to enjoy himself. He relents and indulges in drinking and making merry.
Prince Karl, isn’t just partying and studying. He meets a young woman, Kathi, (Norma Shearer), who serves drinks at the tavern. She not only pours beer, but can drink with the best of them. Karl is smitten with her. She is also bitten by the love bug.The two begin a romance. Their budding romance is shown with beautiful flowers and grass being blown by the wind. They enjoy each other’s company, but fate steps into their happy life. Karl’s father,King Karl VII, is ill. The prince must leave for his homeland immediately. The two happy lovers must face a hard reality about life and responsibility.
The Student Prince in Old Heidelberg was based on a broadway play performed on and off in the early part of the century. Lubitsch was able to adapt it, and bring a story that could have been forgotten to the big screen. The only downfall is that it was a musical, but because the movie is silent, their couldn’t be music. Despite this, it does entertain. Navarro and Shearer play their parts well. Navarro was a big star. He was the star of the original Ben-Hur. Shearer was starting her career. It was boosted by her relationship with Irving Thalberg. He was a top executive at MGM, who she married shortly after the release of this picture.
It is often said that the supporting actors make the lead actors better. It was the case with Walter Brennan, Thomas Mitchell and many others. Jean Hersholt certainly does in this movie. He gives the comic relief, and is a true friend and confidant to the prince. This Danish actor made a name for himself in radio, playing a kindly doctor. His acting roles were many. His great legacy isn’t his many appearances on camera. It is for his kindness to his fellow man. This great legacy is remembered by the humanitarian award named after him. It is presented every year at the academy awards. Hersholt was also president of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences from 1945-1949.
A movie like The Student Prince in Old Heidelberg may not be for everybody. It is a dated film, but carries a lesson. Hollywood later produced many movies with strong messages. Ernst Lubitsch was a pioneer in doing this. His later film, To Be or Not to Be, used Shakespeare as a backdrop, and pointed out the Nazis as bad men. This was his enduring legacy to the motion picture industry, and it started with The Student Prince in Old Heidelberg.