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The King Steps Out

1936, Movie, NR, 85 mins

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Though this was not von Sternberg's usual genre, THE KING STEPS OUT is a well-made production, based on the operetta "Cissy" and loosely depicting the life of Elizabeth of Austria. Inescort is a young princess and the object of emperor Tone's affections. Moore, the poor girl's sister, saves her from an unwanted marriage by pretending to be a common dressmaker and winning the royal man's heart herself. Moore is given some marvelous closeups during her songs, enhancing the film's fairy-tale feel. Songs include "The Old Refrain," "Learn How to Lose," "Stars in My Eyes," "Madly in Love," "Soldier's March," "What Shall Remain?" "Call to Arms" (Kreisler, Dorothy Fields). A light, gay film. Von Sternberg was ultimately displeased with his foray into opera and later asked that this not be included in a retrospective of his films. leave a comment
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