The 1928 version of Le Prince Jean was the first of two filmizations of the same-named Charles Mere play. An inveterate gambler, Count Jean (known as the "Prince" because of his sartorial elegance) eventually loses everything -- his money, his sweetheart, his reputation. Three years later, Jean's former girlfriend Claire accepts the marriage proposal of Arnheim, a prominent banker. Little does she know that Arnheim is a crook, as well as the man responsible for Count Jean's downfall. At the last possible moment, Jean comes back into Claire's life, and together the two start life anew in genteel but happy poverty. Filmed on location throughout the European continent, Prince Jean offers some especially attractive glimpses of pre-WWII Belgium. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
