In this handsome but very theatrical costume comedy, Ruritanian manners come back into the movies, featuring a former leading man back in the 1930's made them his specialty. Maurice Chevalier is an Austrian prince who arranges with the emperor for his daughter (Sophia Loren) to marry a very prominent Prussian prince. However, being a rather rebellious young lady, she has her doubts, agreeing to it for family honor but finding love with an American millionaire (John Gavin) who is in Europe on business with her father. Rival noblewoman Angela Lanbury, who has her eyes on Loren's intended, looks for any sign of scandal so she can push Loren out and continue her liaisons with the prince, even though she's married to a much older, equally prominent member of the royal family herself.
Amusing but often very dry, thus us the type of story that Chevalier would star in 30 years before in musicals with Jeanette MacDonald. His imperious spouse here is played by "Gigi" co- star Isabel Jeans who reminds me of Edna May Oliver in the 1930's musical "Rosalie" with her dry delivery of her disapproval. Loren is lovely and feisty and Gavin is handsome but rather dull. Chevalier gives his usual "ooh la la" performance, even singing a bit, while Lansbury is delightfully crafty. This is exactly like a Bavarian pastry-scrumptious to look at, but certainly no meal. Still, with director George Cukor, there's a lot to admire, just not one of Hus true classics.
Amusing but often very dry, thus us the type of story that Chevalier would star in 30 years before in musicals with Jeanette MacDonald. His imperious spouse here is played by "Gigi" co- star Isabel Jeans who reminds me of Edna May Oliver in the 1930's musical "Rosalie" with her dry delivery of her disapproval. Loren is lovely and feisty and Gavin is handsome but rather dull. Chevalier gives his usual "ooh la la" performance, even singing a bit, while Lansbury is delightfully crafty. This is exactly like a Bavarian pastry-scrumptious to look at, but certainly no meal. Still, with director George Cukor, there's a lot to admire, just not one of Hus true classics.