Monte Carlo

What can a penniless countess do when faced with the dilemma of true love vs class and financial expediency? She (Jeanette MacDonald) dithers: between Count Rudolf (Buchanan), known to her only in his masquerade as her hairdresser, and the monocled Prince Otto (Allister), who is 'Rich, wealthy, and has nothing but money'. Sumptuous sets, costumes, and a plethora of the titled and the wealthy combine to give Monte Carlo a fairytale quality which takes all the sting out of its assumptions about the mercenary nature of women, while preposterous songs and foolish romanticism make it gay, frivolous and thoroughly charming. (The screenplay was based on various sources, including Monsieur Beaucaire by Booth Tarkington.