The Student Prince

King Ferdinand counsels his grandson, Karl Franz, about the impending engagement to Princess Johanna. He notes that their country is poor, yet the royal marriage tradition has kept it secure. He emphasizes that a well-connected marriage is crucial to national survival. The scene sets the pressure on Karl to marry for alliance, not love.

Johanna is feted at a ball, but she finds Karl's cold, formal manner off-putting. The king and Mathilda observe that the alliance may falter if warmth does not accompany status. Karl's social awkwardness is highlighted as a barrier to a convincing match. The ball marks the clash of royal duty and personal chemistry.

Queen Mathilda discusses the shaky alliance prospects with the king, arguing that Karl must learn warmth and charm. She implies that education in living well cannot come from books alone. The royal family contemplates Karl's future and whether he can transform for duty.

Prof. Juttner is summoned in the middle of the night to begin Karl's 'education in living.' He argues that real education comes from living among people, not from instruction alone. He proposes sending Karl to his alma mater, Heidelberg, to learn by experience. The suggestion sets the stage for Karl's relocation and transformation.

Karl is dispatched to Heidelberg the next day, accompanied by Juttner and the precise royal valet Lutz. They check into an inn run by Joseph Ruder, where Karl first meets Kathie, Ruder's pretty niece. Karl's initial charm attempts are rebuffed, signaling the social hurdles ahead. He begins to acclimate to student life.

Karl impulsively kisses Kathie, but she angrily rebuffs him, exposing his lack of practiced social tact. Lutz watches aghast as Kathie resists the prince's advances. Ruder is pressed to protect Kathie, threatening consequences if the incident is reported.

On Kathie's recommendation, Karl joins the Westphalians, a friendly corps of commoners, and learns to consume prodigious amounts of beer. He sheds much of his haughty demeanor and begins to feel at home among students. Karl discovers genuine enjoyment in this new social circle and way of living.

When Karl again attempts to kiss Kathie one evening, she knocks him down, and Lutz watches in dismay. Lutz orders Ruder to send Kathie away, threatening consequences if the incident is reported. Ruder discreetly guides Kathie to a nearby town to find work.

Ruder informs Karl where Kathie has found work after leaving Heidelberg. Karl goes to apologize and, in a moment of humility, begs Kathie to return and explains his feelings. Kathie relents, and the couple reconnects, now choosing love over pride. They resume life together at Ruder's inn.

One night, Karl drinks with the Westphalians when his true identity is revealed to Count Von Asterburg, head of the Saxo-Borussian corps. The count challenges Karl to join their elite corps, insisting he abandon his Westphalian friends. Karl refuses to switch sides, and the two duel with swords; Karl defeats Von Asterburg and they shake hands as friends, though Kathie is appalled by the spectacle.

After the duel, the lovers make up, and at a carnival Karl asks Kathie to run away with him. They dream of leaving behind their constraints to be together. The moment captures a turning point where personal happiness clashes with looming royal duty.

Prime Minister Von Mark arrives from Karlsburg with news that the king is ill and wishes to see Karl. Karl is summoned back to the palace, torn between his love for Kathie and his dynastic obligations. The political pressure increases as the personal drama remains unresolved.

The king passes away, and preparations for Karl's marriage to Johanna proceed in earnest. Karl protests that he is in love with Kathie, but the king's warning about duty and alliance hardens the resolve to marry Johanna. The dynastic plans overshadow Karl's personal desires in the wake of tragedy.

While traveling to Nordhausen for the wedding, Karl orders the train to stop in Heidelberg. He goes to Ruder's inn to bid Kathie a heartfelt farewell, acknowledging their love while accepting the path set before him. The scene crystallizes the sacrifice demanded by duty, leaving a poignant sting of parting in Heidelberg.