While visiting France, Duchess Liska, widow of the King of Silistria, entrusts the sentimental education of her stepson Sacha to Cercleux, a society man . The young man discovers the joys of Parisian life, but his duties as a future sovereign call him back to his country where troubles arise.
The first part is close to theatre de boulevard ;the prince (Cinderella syndrome) falls for a concierge's daughter ,Raymonde ,a concierge called Mrs
Garantie (guarantee),played by Pauline Carton ; then the queen comes up,incognito ,to check how her stepson 's education progresses,in the hands of these bons vivants ;Raymonde mistakes her for the prince's mistress and falls out with him,but not for long.
The second part is more storylike, in a style closer to "the prisoner of Zenda ",complete with usurper ,plots,trouble in the land ,and ski chase .it's a bit muddled.
Henri-Diamant Berger was never a great director,neither in silent movies,nor in talkies ,his movie is just OK .
The remake (1938) by Alexander Essway is more satisfying :a witty funny little comedy .The cast and credits are impressive :Carlo Rim,HG Clouzot are among the writers,and the actors include Louis Jouvet,Elvire Popesco,Robert Lynen (Duvivier's "Poil de Carotte" ) ,Josette Day (Cocteau's female lead in "la Belle et la Bête" ),Charpin,all excellent. The lines are full of subjunctive imperfects.
