Königliche Hoheit (1953)

This is the romantic love story of the conservative, slightly inhibited and reserved Prince Klaus Heinrich and Imma Spoelmann, a lively, carefree American. The film begins with an overview of the tranquil but impoverished Grand Duchy of Grimmburg. At the turn of the century, Grand Duke Albrecht II rules there. To recuperate in countries with a warmer climate, the ailing Grand Duke, weary of his duties, initially transfers the regency temporarily to his younger brother Klaus Heinrich, who bears the title “Royal Highness.” Life proceeds in peaceful calm until the arrival of American millionaire Samuel Spoelmann and his daughter Imma causes a stir in the Grand Duchy. Samuel Spoelmann is in the capital of the Grand Duchy for a cure. At his daughter’s request, Spoelmann buys the castle where Prince Klaus Heinrich was born. When Imma and “Royal Highness” meet, the Old World and the New World come face to face. Through Imma’s influence, Klaus Heinrich begins to take an interest in the country’s actual economic situation. A love affair begins between him and Imma, the American industrialist’s daughter. At the same time, the ministers hope to use her father’s fortune to restore the state’s finances. But then Heinrich’s aristocratic origins threaten to make a future together impossible. As the designated heir to the throne—his brother tells him he will not return—he is not permitted to marry a woman of common birth. Imma is the one who reminds the prince, who does not want to give her up, of his princely duty. At what is practically the last minute, the couple’s fortunes change: Grand Duke Albrecht is so impressed by Imma’s love and humanity that he raises her to the nobility and gives her to his brother in marriage. In doing so, he gives him the happiness he himself was never able to experience.