The Student Prince (1954)

Review by All Movie Guide
Operetta is never as satisfying an experience on film as it can be onstage, but The Student Prince is one of the better treatments of this genre. Clearly its biggest asset is its Sigmund Romberg songs (and, to a lesser extent, the enjoyable if not as distinguished additions by Nicholas Brodzky and Paul Francis Webster.) While the purple-tinged lyrics and the unashamedly open emotionalism of "Serenade," "Deep in My Heart" and "Golden Days" make the score seem far removed from contemporary tastes, most music lovers will find it hard to resist the beauty of Romberg's soaring melodies. The screenplay is serviceable, but it unfortunately does not dig deeper into characters and situations that by 1954 were rather well worn and in need of specificity, invention and surprise. The cast does relatively well, especially the always charming Edmund Gwenn and the appropriately supercilious John Williams. In the lead roles, Ann Blyth puts her operatic chops to good use and sounds quite nice, making one wish she had been given more to sing. Her dramatic talents are not greatly challenged, but she makes a more than decent barmaid/love interest. The male lead is more problematic. Edmund Purdom is rather too bland and predictable; there's nothing wrong with what he does, but aside from his looks, there is not a lot to command attention. As a result, when he opens his mouth and Mario Lanza's vigorous tones pour out, it seems rather unnatural. Matters are not helped by the fact that the role really requires a baritone rather than Lanza's tenor, nor by the fact that several of his high notes come off too pinched. Still, most of the score is well served, and there's lots of color, lusty and rousing choristers and attractive sets to cover over the rougher spots. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide