The Contentious Production of "The Student Prince": Mario Lanza's Aborted Role
"The Student Prince" is a story of a prince who experiences life outside of royalty. The story was adapted into many forms, including a 1924 operetta and several films. The 1954 film adaptation, in particular, is remembered for the behind-the-scenes drama surrounding its original star, the renowned tenor Mario Lanza.
Early Plans and Casting
Initial plans for "The Student Prince" began as early as January 1951, with news reports indicating that Vic Damone was slated to star. By July 1951, Robert Z. Leonard was attached to direct, with Jane Powell and Ricardo Montalban in leading roles. However, these early casting choices would eventually change.
Lanza's Involvement and Subsequent Suspension
The film entered production in August 1952 with Curtis Bernhardt directing and Mario Lanza cast as Prince Karl Franz. Lanza had already recorded the prince's songs, which would later become iconic. However, on the first day of production, Lanza failed to appear.
M-G-M responded by suspending Lanza on August 20, threatening legal action and preventing him from performing on his weekly NBC radio program, as per his studio contract. The suspension was briefly lifted on August 22 when Lanza attended wardrobe tests and was allowed to appear on his radio show that evening. Production was rescheduled for August 25, but Lanza again failed to report for work, leading to his immediate reinstatement on suspension.
Abandonment and Resurrected Production
On September 2, 1952, M-G-M announced they were abandoning the film, citing over $700,000 in pre-production costs. After meeting with Lanza, the studio decided to give him another chance. When Lanza failed to report for work for the third time, M-G-M canceled the production and sued Lanza for over five million dollars for breach of contract. The suit was settled in May 1953, with Lanza granting the studio the rights to use his pre-recorded songs, and M-G-M withdrawing its claim for damages.
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Despite not appearing on screen, Lanza's billing in the film's opening credits reads: "And The Singing Voice of Mario Lanza as The Student Prince."
Casting Replacements and Production Changes
The aborted production of "The Student Prince" included actors such as Leo G. Carroll, Janice Rule, John Abbott, Florence Bates, Gig Young, Robert Burton, and Steve Forrest. These actors were replaced when the film finally went into production more than a year later.
There was consideration to replace Lanza with Farley Granger and a dubbed voice. Singing actor Jack Washburn tested for a role in the film, and Vic Damone was again considered for the title role.
The Final Film
Richard Thorpe eventually directed the film, replacing Curtis Bernhardt. Joe Pasternak produced it. The screenplay was written by Sonya Levien and William Ludwig, adapting the operetta "The Student Prince" by Sigmund Romberg and Dorothy Donnelly, which was based on Wilhelm Meyer-Förster's play "Old Heidelberg."
Synopsis of the Story
The film tells the story of Prince Karl Franz, grandson to King Ferdinand. The King is trying to arrange an engagement to Princess Johanna of Nordhausen. Johanna finds the prince's cold manner off-putting, so Karl is sent to the University of Heidelberg to learn the graces of living.
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In Heidelberg, Karl is charmed by Kathie, an innkeeper's niece, but she rebuffs his initial advances. He joins the Westphalians, a student corps, and embraces student life. When he attempts to kiss Kathie again, she knocks him down.
Lutz orders Ruder to send Kathie away. The following evening, the students protest Kathie's absence, and Ruder tells Karl where Kathie works. Karl apologizes, causing Kathie to lose her job. He declares his feelings for her, and they return to Ruder's inn.
Karl's identity is revealed to Count Von Asterburg, who challenges him to a duel. Karl defeats Von Asterburg, but Kathie is appalled. Later, Prime Minister Von Mark arrives with news that the king is ill. Karl returns to the palace, where the king announces Karl's marriage to Johanna. The king passes away, and preparations are made for Karl's marriage. While traveling to Nordhausen, Karl stops the train in Heidelberg.
Mario Lanza's Legacy in the Film
Although Edmund Purdom played Prince Karl Franz, Mario Lanza's pre-recorded vocals were used in the film. Lanza's voice became synonymous with the film, despite his absence on screen. The songs "Beloved" and "Serenade" became iconic.
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