Klein-Rogge in the role of Prince Leopold of Dessau
Finally, a Nazi-era film where Rudy plays something besides a bump on a log or a bumbling whatnot. Although mostly in Emil Jannings' wide shadow throughout the film, Rudolf manages to pull off several memorable moments, even joking around with Jannings' King Friederich Wilhelm I in a few scenes. The most enjoyable moments take place in the smoking room scene, when the king and all his regional princes and generals come to drink and be merry. It seems at times that Rudolf has to literally hold onto the table from laughing so hard. And the messy hair and Cheshire Cat-like mustache of his Prince Leopold certainly do nothing to help us hold in our own giggles.
Yet at the end of the film, when the King is at death's door, we see old faithful Dessauer at his monarch's side, his face wrought with concern. Rudolf plays this character with a certain humble nobility that makes this role, though as small as it is, simply shine among the others.
