Prince Karl Franz of Karlsburg (Edmund Purdom, looking like a rugged Montgomery Clift) – a “Prussian pickle” – is spoiled, stubborn, petulant and haughty but vulnerable to the lessons of democratic behaviour that barmaid Kathie (Ann Blyth) is in a position to teach him.
Kathie is the daintiest, most aristocratic-looking, musically-inclined barmaid imaginable, and Prince Karl learns more from her than from the entire faculty of Old Heidelberg.
In featured roles are John Ericson, Louis Calhern, Edmund Gwenn, SZ Sakall, Betta St. John, John Williams and Evelyn Varden.
Even with the CinemaScope, the colour, the modified story, and the new songs, Romberg’s lilting melodies remain pretty much the film’s highlight.
MGM made no secret that Mario Lanza was singing for Edmund Perdom in the title role. Originally cast in the part, Lanza was too fat by the time filming began. Ann Blyth used her own pleasant soprano.
Prince Karl Franz
Edmund Purdom
Mario Lanza (singing voice) Kathie Ruder
Ann Blyth Count Von Asterburg
John Ericson King Ferdinand of Karlsberg
Louis Calhern Professor Juttner
Edmund Gwenn Joseph Ruder
SZ Sakall Princess Johanna
Betta St. John Lutz
John Williams Queen Mathilda
Evelyn Varden Prime Minister Von Mark
John Hoyt Lucas
Richard Anderson Von Fischtenstein
Roger Alan Feuerwald
Steve Rowland Richter
Chris Warfield Von Buhler
Gilbert Legay Hubert
Charles Davis Willie Klauber
John Qualen
Director
Richard Thorpe
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In featured roles are John Ericson, Louis Calhern, Edmund Gwenn, SZ Sakall, Betta St. John, John Williams and Evelyn Varden.
