This is the original movie version of the murder/suicide pact between Archduke Rudolph, heir to the throne of the Austro-Hungarian empire, and his mistress, Baroness Marie Vetsera. Made in France and subtitled for the English speaking audience, it stars Charles Boyer as Rudolph and Danielle Darrieux as Marie. Boyer obviously appeared to better advantage in French films... .....his whole persona appears different than that in his American roles. His interpretation of Rudolph is one of a tortured man who does not have much to do while waiting around to inherit the throne, so he dallies with Marie Vetsera and falls in love with her. Danielle Darrieux is bewitching as the Baroness.
The story unfolds to the inevitable conclusion of murder/suicide which threw the Empire into turmoil. History may record the events of what happened at Mayerling a little differently but it surely makes a good story of thwarted love and royal politics. The 1968 remake with Omar Shariff and Catherine Deneuve is not bad either. This legendary romance has fascinated people since the turn of the century. So have the Kleenex handy and enjoy!!
The story unfolds to the inevitable conclusion of murder/suicide which threw the Empire into turmoil. History may record the events of what happened at Mayerling a little differently but it surely makes a good story of thwarted love and royal politics. The 1968 remake with Omar Shariff and Catherine Deneuve is not bad either. This legendary romance has fascinated people since the turn of the century. So have the Kleenex handy and enjoy!!