The Student's Romance

Based on the operetta I Lost My Heart in Heidelburg, which in turn owed a lot to that old chestnut The Student Prince. In 1825, impoverished composer Max enrolls at Heidelburg University. Local girl Veronika falls in love with Max, helping him to finance his education and clear his debts. Alas, Veronika is left out in the cold when Max becomes enamored with gorgeous tourist Helene. Little does he know that Helene is the daughter of the Grand Duke, meaning of course that their romance is doomed to disappointment. Leading lady Grete Natzler later changed her screen name to Della Lynd, and under that cognomen co-starred with Laurel & Hardy in Swiss Miss (1938).

Directed by Otto Kanturek, The Student's Romance leans on a strong ensemble — Grete Natzler, Patric Knowles, W.H. Berry — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 1935.