The Night Is Young (1935)

In the heart of the Austrian empire, Emperor Franz Josef orchestrates a union for his nephew, Archduke Paul Gustave - affectionately known as Gustl. His intended bride? The impeccably suitable Princess Matilda, a woman Gustl cannot recall. However, Gustl's heart is secretly entangled with the enchanting Hungarian Countess Zarika Rafay, a love he dare not confess due to his uncle's disdain for her lineage. Given the Emperor's reluctant permission to indulge in youthful indiscretions, Gustl must choose a 'harmless' companion from outside the royal sphere. A chance attendance at the ballet inspires Gustl to select Lisl Gluck, a ballerina more renowned for her ever-wandering gaze than her dancing skills. Lisl is not captivated by the stage but by her beloved Toni Berngruber, the ballet company's piano accompanist. Gustl's proposition—to use Lisl as a cover for his clandestine affairs with the Countess—is met with relief by Lisl, until she realizes that it involves residing in the royal household. However, the promise of Gustl staging Toni's ballet persuades her to agree. Blissfully ignorant of the pact between Gustl and Lisl, Toni is not pleased when his beloved Lisl absconds with Gustl. Yet, he is confident in his ability to find a substitute for Lisl. As Gustl and Lisl navigate their new cohabitation, they discover an unexpected camaraderie, a respite from their typical social circles. But a twist of fate involving Lisl, Toni, and Gustl leads Lisl to a profound realization of her true feelings—something Gustl had discerned much earlier. The question remains: could a union between a not-so-talented ballerina and an Archduke survive, let alone receive the royal approval?

The Night Is Young is a drama movie featuring Ramon Novarro and directed by Dudley Murphy.

The Night Is Young is currently streaming on DIRECTV.