Watch Her Highness and the Bellboy
- Approved
- 1945
- 1 hr 52 min
-
6.4 (830)
Her Highness and the Bellboy, a romantic comedy from 1945, takes the audience on a journey to the luxurious hotel in New York City, where the charming and cultured Princess Veronica (Hedy Lamarr) stays during her visit to America. The humor and the love story in the film revolve around the interactions between the princess, the hotel's bellboy, Jimmy (Robert Walker), and the hotel's aspiring singer and Jimmy's girlfriend, Peggy (June Allyson).
Princess Veronica is a sophisticated royalty with high expectations and standards. When she arrives at the hotel, she expects nothing but the best service and attention from the staff. However, her first encounter with Jimmy, an amicable, complaisant, young bellboy, does not go as planned. Jimmy's easygoing and clumsy mannerisms leave Veronica perplexed, but she finds him irresistible. Despite their contrasting backgrounds, the two develop an unexpected connection that begins with their shared fondness for museums and art.
Meanwhile, Jimmy's girlfriend, Peggy, dreams of becoming a famous singer and is thrilled to perform at the hotel's nightclub. However, when the princess cannot avoid Jimmy's kindness and persistence and agrees on a date with him, Peggy becomes increasingly jealous and suspicious. Peggy's feelings toward Jimmy change when she assumes wrongly that he has started a relationship with the princess, leading to a rift in their relationship.
The movie becomes entertaining when Veronica tries to disguise her identity to keep her relationship with Jimmy secret. She dresses up in a modest attire and visits the art museum, where she comes across her playful and free-spirited side. Their dates are comically interrupted by the hotel staff, who recognizes the princess and attempts to protect her from any scandal.
A major turning point arises when Princess Veronica's father, the king, arrives in New York and creates obstacles for Veronica to pursue a relationship with a commoner. The king has arranged a marriage for Veronica to a wealthy and suitable prince, which she is reluctant to follow. Nevertheless, Veronica initially agrees to comply with her father's wishes, which causes a heartbreak for Jimmy.
With a brilliant comic timing and an effortless portrayal of emotions, Her Highness and the Bellboy succeeds in providing warmth and charm. Hedy Lamarr's elegant and poised appearance is a contrast to June Allyson's lively and bold character, making for an intriguing watch as Jimmy navigates between two worlds. The film also showcases strong performances from the supporting cast, including the hotel's manager, played by Warner Anderson.
The movie's charming screenplay, written by Richard Connell and Gladys Lehman, provides an engaging narrative that unfolds at a leisurely pace. The story never tries to be more than a simple romantic comedy, but it is the chemistry between Hedy Lamarr and Robert Walker that elevates the film and makes it a delightful ride.
Overall, Her Highness and the Bellboy is a light-hearted, feel-good movie that will leave a smile on the face of its viewers. It's a tale of two people from entirely different worlds coming together and realizing that love can happen between anyone, without any regard for status or class. It's a story about taking risks and following one's heart, even if the outcome is not always predictable. Sitting back and enjoying this comedy will offer the perfect diversion from the stress of daily life.