The Secret of Mayerling
"In the history of the Habsburgs, the date of 30th January 1889 is fatal.
It's on that day
that destiny irretrievably declared itself against them." Maurice Paléologue
Mayerling, 30th January 1889
Form in ranks!
Quick! Mount!
Vienna - 2 hours later
Officer!
Countess Larisch.
How dare you present yourself at the palace
at the moment when my husband's body...
Your Imperial Highness!
You're responsible for everything that has arrived! Get out, I'm ordering you!
Or I'll have you shown out by the guard.
There can be no doubts about my submission to His Majesty's orders...
- still, this hasty burial.... - The Emperor's orders.
Father, we don't expect of you a full burial service.
Say a prayer and make the sign of the cross, that's enough.
I've understood, Count.
But you're asking for consecrated ground for that young girl whose death...
She committed suicide, true...
but she'd lost her reason.
She was mad.
Forgive me...
I couldn't resist the Hofburg.
the Hofburg
It's horrible what she writes to me...
I beg of you
when I think that only the day before yesterday...
if I had only known...
Baroness, you have this letter...
I did for you what I could.
Mme de Ferenczy...
Accompany the Baroness Vetsera...
My poor friend!
Don't come near me, you! I curse you!
Your role in all this...
Don't repudiate me, Your Majesty.
I'm desperate.
You know how much I loved Rudolf.
Madame...
I'm your niece!
Mme de Ferenczy...
tell the Grand Master of the Court that the Countess Larisch
doesn't have her rights of entry at the Hofburg anymore.
Sire...
The Crown Prince's body has been laid out in his apartments.
The doctors are in attendance.
- All of them? - All of those appointed by your list.
The doctors have just taken possession of the body.
We can't say it was a heart attack. This is impossible to sustain.
Franz Ferdinand.
You'll repeat to the gentlemen from the university faculty...
that it is my wish that they don't conceal suicide.
I understand, Sire, but will the Church waive its rules...
even for a member of the Imperial family?
I've addressed myself to the Pope...
I've just sent an explicit dispatch to the Vatican,
2000 words
I hope...
Well, gentlemen?
Our examinations are done, Monseigneur.
Death has been instantaneous.
And it was caused by the penetration of a revolver's bullet...
entering the left temple
and escaping by the right temple.
Well?
But Monseigneur!
The Crown Prince wasn't left-handed!
Let's get this straight, my dear Professor.
You're not here to determine the circumstances of the death.
This is the Secret Police's affair which I control.
And the Emperor knows better than anybody what to make of it.
Before the facts, he's resigned himself to the evidence of suicide.
If you permit, Your Imperial Highness...
not only the location of the wound, but also its path...
and the aspect of the skin surrounding the wound...
oppose the theory of suicide.
But gentlemen, several among you were taken to Mayerling...
they can tell us what they saw in the bedroom:
Two persons, killed by a revolver bullet.
One of them still holding the revolver.
The door was bolted from the inside.
On a table were letters announcing suicide.
But we cannot describe the wound, Monseigneur...
without mentioning that the bullet entered by the left temple...
Listen, gentlemen, I'm afraid you've been too forward.
Examine the body once more.
You might find evidence which you've missed earlier.
Take your time.
Consult your colleagues.
And you won't be disturbed.
Come in.
Well gentlemen, what is it this time?
Monseigneur...
by our soul and conscience, we cannot establish suicide.
You're obstinate...
with your formalism!
you're the worst enemies of the crown
our loyalty ...
But this is an event which is beyond your understanding, Monsieur!
Austria's tranquility...
may depend on that signature you're bargaining with
you're being obstinate!
Your Imperial Highness seems to attach a great importance...
You don't know the whole story
if it hadn't been a suicide, what is it?
Sire...
allow your most devoted subject...
to express to His Majesty...
Gentlemen, in my grief I have just received a considerable alleviation
Our Holy Mother, the Church...
doesn't reject my unhappy son.
Here's the Pope's answer, Franz Ferdinand.
The Holy Father declares...
that the Crown Prince has ended his life in a state of mental disorder
which removes from his act the character of religious crime
I trust that the physicians serving the Crown...
that the doctors of the Faculty of Vienna...
won't be more implacable than His Holiness Leon XIII?
Gentlemen, I've drafted myself the protocol of your inquest...
in the sense we've already mentioned.
Sire, the persons Your Majesty asked me to summon, are there
In the supreme interests of the empire...
before us, Emperor of Austria and Apostolic King of Hungary...
before his Imperial Highness, the Archduke Karl Ludwig, our brother...
henceforth heir presumptive to the throne
you'll take an oath to keep forever silent...
about what you've witnessed at Mayerling.
I swear.
Come near.
In the supreme interests of the empire...
before us, Emperor of Austria and Apostolic King of Hungary...
It's charming, Maria, what you're playing there.
What is it?
you know this one has a better attack than the one in the Hofburg
Oh, Panatelas!
How soothing it is in here.
Play again what you were just playing.
- ... this is too hard - But it isn't. Look at me.
- I'll show my ankle. - Well, cover it up.
Don't be prudish
I can't believe that they dance like that in Paris
- ???
I give up.
- Me too. - you'll see how I go about it
And the Archduke Rudolf missing all this.
Where's the Crown Prince?
Maria, one never sees him anymore
Rudolf, he won't come.
but I saw his carriage outside
You're hiding him Maria, that's bad.
We have all the rights over him.
He'll be here, calm yourselves.
He's in there, resting.
Be nice, help yourselves at the buffet.
What's the matter with you?
I'm disgusted with myself.
No wonder.
I may be broad-minded...
Oh no, please, not you!
you don't understand
it isn't difficult, however
what is it? your spleen!
I'm bored...
to death
Rudolf!
I had not understood...
forgive me
I'm clumsy.
I have no one, no one.
Yes, I have you, my poor Maria.
We're old friends.
Let's not talk about myself anymore.
Think of the destiny which awaits you.
You'll reign over the most beautiful empire.
Which doesn't have any life-force left after six centuries.
To reanimate it, it would need...
Yourself.
I beg of you.
Rudolf!
I'm afraid of the misfortunes which keep following me.
The misfortunes, Rudolf?
But everything smiles at you!
Everybody loves you.
You don't read the police's reports.
- But it's the police's duty to fear... - yes it is...
the assassination attempts one escapes
just have to be taken with the office of a Crown Prince
But you don't know the harm it does to you here...
the harm...
worse than fear...
You're leaving!
As you see.
Is it because I've criticized ....
My God, no.
Then stay.
I've invited a very pretty woman for you.
Yes, you're always very kind, Maria.
But pretty women, I know them by heart.
Listen, I'm discouraged.
Yet, I try my best...
Don't think of it anymore.
Don't you find everything you want here?
Of course I do.
But all this isn't exactly new.
Marie chérie.
Was this the Crown Prince who was just leaving your apartment?
My God, such happiness!
At last I've seen him close.
When he passed me we touched, you know.
Good morning, Countess Maria.
I've been dying with the desire to meet him.
He's so beautiful.
I cannot see you now, my girl, I have visitors.
Haven't I told you yet that I'm crazy about him?
I keep his portrait in the drawer of my bedside table.
All the little girls of Vienna are in love with Rudolf, it's common knowledge.
What did you come here for?
You've called him Rudolf!
How lucky you are to be his cousin.
What did you come here for?
This is from maman, the ruby set you borrowed her for yesterday's ball.
Come with me.
This way.
Dear Countess Maria, I implore you...
Tell me something about His Imperial Highness...
Being the Crown Prince of Austria, but that's marvelous!
If you were nice, you'd give me something belonging to him.
A little trinket, a handkerchief.
Won't you?
Does he visit you often?
My God, I'd be so happy if I were introduced to him.
So happy!
How old are you?
I'm 17.
Did he notice you?
Just now, in the staircase?
I think so.
He even smiled at me.
Austria is old, Johann Salvator
but she has still a grand role to play
carry civilization to the peoples of the Balkan
include them into Europe
an immense federal state
which will spread from here to there, from Lake Constance to the Bosporus
who will extend her control over the Aegean Sea as far as Syria
In the interior, the Romanians of Hungary re-unified with Romania
Bosnia-Herzegovina united with Serbia and Montenegro with Albania
and all this under the rule of an authority which is central
but liberal
democratic
Feudal Germany will be isolated
How about getting back to earth for a while?
It's only when I'm talking to you that I'm getting exalted
our conversations lift up my spirits
I can see clear, I can!
The extension towards the Orient, that's the secret revolution in Europe.
Johann Salvator, I'll be Emperor in Constantinople.
But what will you do with the Hungarians in all this?
Well, Hungary is the first step towards the Balkans.
I meant the partisans, Rudolf.
My partisans?
the small group of devoted young men I've been attaching to our cause for months
they'll march on your signal, and they don't even know you
there's no hurry
time is always short for a Crown Prince
every day God grants you is a threat, remember
Oh, I'm not forgetting the assassination attempts
look here, a bomb splinter which almost got me
a pity perhaps
Rudolf, give me a precise answer!
I'd like to see you in my place.
the signal they are expecting from me, will be raised against my father
but his life won't be in danger, they'll just remove him from power, exile him
you've told me a hundred times that Brutus was right in sacrificing Caesar.
Brutus didn't have to take Caesar's place, this changes everything.
It's Macbeth who kills in order to reign.
You'd better talk of Hamlet, Rudolf
Hamlet!
Do sit down!
It looks really bad, running around like that.
Are you quite sure, Countess Maria, that he'll come this way?
since I'm telling you...
Why don't we go ahead of the procession?
Because it isn't done.
Marie!
if you won't sit still, I'll take you back home
but how could he notice me?
he'll greet me, and while greeting...
there are the officials, you realize...
put your hat on straight
he didn't greet you
why didn't he greet you, Countess Maria?
Apparently he hasn't seen me.
My God, the occasion's lost.
It isn't, follow me.
This time...
Of course!
The insolence of that woman!
Whom are you talking about?
They pose for every sculptor,
and then they come back to loll about at the foot of his statues.
Especially if it's a nude.
This is of a taste...
How can they let those girls in here on the day of the opening?
Good morning, Countess. - Good morning, my dear friend.
I was going to say that the public this morning...
Your Imperial Highness is too indulgent...
No, I noticed the resemblance at once
the ankle makes a promise
the rest keeps it
but Your Imperial Highness knows me
That's true, by my soul!
Good morning.
Countess, delighted to have met you.
See you soon.
the Misdolinsque ??? , Monseigneur
an allegory
a stronghold I wouldn't try to lay siege to
That one, Monseigneur, on your left
that's easier to digest
but you're fooling the world, Mademoiselle
doesn't she?
She's fatter than she looks.
my cousin...
allow me to present the Baroness Marie Vetsera
Your Imperial Highness
So you're a protégée of the Countess?
Yes, Your Imperial Highness.
My compliments, my dear.
This time you've rejuvenated your troops.
My compliments.
To you too.
Countess Maria, when will I see him again?
with that curious way you have to throw yourself at people
but he hasn't kept me back at all
but this is exactly what's bothering me
my dear, at last you're here!
you aren't dressed? good evening
dear Maria, you won't believe it
Marie chérie has taken to bed
at the very moment when we were going to leave
but I invited you especially
and it isn't easy with the Esterhazys
whom are you telling! four times we've been refused entry to that house
you see ???
- is she very ill? - a migraine
oh, the young people of today
I, at that age
almost dropping dead...
and still I went dancing
well?
you're ill?
the idea of it! I'm asking you?
oh the occasion won't present itself again
the Esterhazys are the "gratin"
she knows what this invitation means to us
a milieu which is so exclusive
listen, my dear
you're in no position to miss out on this ball
it's the first time you're invited to that house
and you haven't been able to make your excuses earlier
you must go
I entrust myself to you, you're a better judge than I am
but still...
I'll stay with her
you may leave without worrying about anything
really?
in an hour or two, if she feels better, as I think she will
I'll rejoin you at the Esterhazys
I can permit myself to be late there
let me kiss you
you're a perfect friend
Agnes my coat, quick
The Countess Larisch stays here, how can I show you my gratitude...
Anna, my gown
I can't find my stockings, I ???
I'll present my compliments to the Princess...ouch, you're pinching me!
I'll come back and relief you at my darling's bedside
but don't exert yourself, stay till the cotillion
yes maman, I'm not ill - you only speak when you're asked to
- Maman, we're leaving! - Yes!
Anna! Anna!
He's here, look!
the carriage at the corner of the street, that's him!
Come and look!
but I can see perfectly well from here
How happy I am, how I love you, Countess Maria!
I would never have helped you with this rendezvous
if I had known that you had provoked it
I was afraid he'd forgotten me.
Being the first to write the Crown Prince a letter!
a young girl...
I couldn't wait any longer
if you imagine you can get along without me, you know...
oh Countess Maria, you, my guardian angel
so you wrote him and he replied?
at once
did you burn your rendezvous note?
in my French novel
bravo, so that your mother will find it
but maman never reads anything, and she doesn't care about what I read
every evening a carriage will await you at the corner of the St. Blasius Street
as soon as you're free to meet me...
I'll be waiting for you
Great God, he's waiting for me
but what are you doing? you're not going out half naked?
but he's waiting for me, Countess Maria
and then, you've heard what maman said
she's capable of returning before the end of the ball
don't make up your eyes
As you do!
that's exactly why you shouldn't
take my evening coat
how nice you are
it's true, if I hadn't you to help me
on the other stairs the doorman would have seen us
I'm afraid
of what? of whom?
I don't know
but you can't back out now, he's waiting for you
I'm very much afraid
come on!
a big girl like you!
and then I'm here
I'll wait for you behind that door
thank God
if he wants to see you again
tell him he has to arrange everything through me
tell him that your mother doesn't let you go out alone
that nothing can be arranged without me
I will
kiss me
Good evening.
Is that be all you have to say to me?
Good evening!
To imagine that I'm with Your Imperial Highness.
To imagine that I dreamt about it for days and days,
being certain it'll never happen
and now to imagine that the Crown Prince of Austria pays attention to me
Call me Rudolf, we won't lose time that way
Oh, I couldn't!
You'll overcome your scruples.
Drive around the block.
This rendezvous for just the two of us is nice, isn't it?
My mother is at the Princess Esterhazy's ball.
You aren't going?
That depends on you.
I was invited too.
I told her I was ill.
Mother, my sister and my little brothers...
the house is empty
that's very clever, but we're better off in here
everybody may return home in half an hour
I have very little time
I see
I can't believe it.
believe what?
if I had been told only a few weeks ago...
when I saw you from far away at the ceremonies
and once, at the opera
you seemed very beautiful to me among all the lights
but so far-away
far-away?
and now?
I think you're even more beautiful
this is not the question
it is I who finds you ravishing
oh, don't kiss me!
you dislike it?
it makes me want to cry
you think I'm gauche?
I've been out of the convent for such a short time
out of the convent?
you don't believe me?
don't I look like a little schoolgirl?
not exactly
but tell me...
since you left the convent...
since your coming-out into society
You've had sweethearts?
of course I had
plenty
I thought so
what a nice coat
a bit high-necked, isn't it?
also, it's not mine
it's the evening coat of the Countess Larisch
I see
without her I wouldn't have been able to come, she's waiting for me at home
à propos, Monseigneur...
she especially told me
if you want to see me again, let her know
she will arrange everything
you're great friends with Maria
I can't manage without her
especially now
It's getting late. It would be best if you went back home.
already?
and we've only just started to be happy
Stop here, Silesian Street
let me look at you closely before I get out
ah yes!
I'll take you with me
shall I see you again soon?
through your cousin Larisch, don't forget
see you soon
Rudolf
to Tascher
you see before you a mother in distress
what is it again?
and dishonoured
Marie has run away from home
What!
That planned wedding with the little Bragan stirred up a hornet's nest.
An unexpected marriage prospect, we'd have been saved from all our troubles
Marie broke off everything
- And do you guess why? - No.
but the Crown Prince, for heaven's sake!
Come over here, it's unnecessary ...
you know, he's her lover
- You're crazy! - I'm not. I'm telling you.
when a girl speaks of a man like my little girl spoke of him...
and he's a strapping fellow.
I know him.
With pretty girls, he doesn't beat around the bush.
you see, you're flabbergasted!
what exactly did she tell you?
nothing, except that she doesn't want to marry Bragan anymore.
that she loves the Crown Prince and that she was chosen by him
and on this she left, slamming the door.
I went up to her room 15 min. later
the bird has flown
she didn't come back for supper
it's 11 o'clock at night
she's capable of anything!
should we inform the police? - certainly not the police!
Usher! My coat
I'm just a maman
His Imperial Highness isn't in, Countess
the Crown Prince is retained at the Arsenal
the Countess is mistaken if she thinks I'm not telling the truth
she knows very well that I was devoted to her
at the time when her visits here were more frequent
that's true, my good Bronoschek
Marie Vetsera
That person called here herself?
no, Countess
but where does this card come from?
Countess, a Sergeant of the Palace guard
I suspected as much at once!
since when have you been here?
I haven't moved from here since this afternoon
which pretext did you give?
I told them I had an audience with the Crown Prince
you're really incredible!
while you mother is dying of worries
come on, let's leave
Countess Maria, I won't leave
What's this crazy notion you've got all of a sudden?
you've seen him again without my knowledge!
I know everything, I know that you've broken off your engagement
of course I did. since I love Rudolf, since he loves me
it's out of love for him that I left everything
Nothing can keep us apart from now on, there are no more obstacles.
have you completely lost your head?
Rudolf doesn't know yet
but once he knows...
he'll be crazy with happiness
doesn't it open your eyes that he didn't try to see you again?
he wasn't able to, Countess Maria
if he had been able to, you may well believe...
what if you're wrong?
what if on the contrary, he's decided not to see you again?
Countess Maria
what if I proved it to you?
well, then...
everything would be utterly pointless
getting married
going back to the convent, jumping into the Danube
crazy girl, come with me
Countess Maria, I won't budge from here
but you must!
you don't know the Hofburg
we'll get into trouble
I'll go and see Rudolf, right here
you swear?
I swear
you'll go soon?
so now you're cruising the barracks!
what I have to tell you is serious, Rudolf
it's not about sentiments, I hope
I see
about your protégée
so what
bring her to me
it's fine with me
in here, that's better than a carriage
- listen to me... - and like that other time, will you?
same dress
in her nightshirt and your coat, very exiting
you have one of your bad days, Rudolf
but you'll listen to me
you mustn't see Marie Vetsera again!
Really?
I've only come here to tell you this.
you must put an end to all this!
for you it has been a game
for her, it's become a drama
Marie is just a child
I beg your pardon!
a lily
you introduced her to me so that I'd take her to Sunday school?
I've committed a grave mistake of which I repent
and which I cannot explain to myself yet
you knew very well what you were doing
do you think I don't see clear?
what do you mean?
that girl...
you've used her like a bait to re-attach me to you
when you sensed that I've had enough of you
you've found those means to keep your hold over me
you were complacent about it, it gave you pleasure
isn't it true?
that's what has been troubling you
me too, by the way
the idea of receiving that girl from your hands tickled me
it gave it a sort of spice, "du chien"
so ...
for once, you and I both get our shares.
you're monstrous!
your cynicism, your cruelty
the calculations you're insinuating are abominable!
- I'm a simple woman, I am! - You!
I did it for the girl because she asked me to, first of all.
but I would have done everything, at once, on the contrary ...
how can you say such a thing!
I saw very well that she pleased you, because she's prettier than I am
younger...
purer...
but you're becoming very beautiful
when you speak to me of another woman
you're getting all heated up
your eyes sparkle
Rudolf, I hate you.
not at this moment
your heart is beating under your corsage, Maria
I'm going to be sick
you'd like to, eh?
but compose yourself, my cousin
such behaviour would be too emotional for you
bring me that girl, will you
I'll let you know where and when
you'll receive my instructions
how pure the morning is, Countess Maria
Where are we going to meet him?
I told you I don't know anything
I received a very laconic message
we're to proceed to the inn at Molling where we'll receive further instructions
good morning, Count
you're coming for the ride?
where shall we go?
Marie chérie, wait for me!
Forgive me, Countess...
The Crown Prince wants you to take some rest and not to travel any further.
I beg your pardon?
If you permit me, I'll keep you company at the inn...
till your young friend returns
you must be joking
this child has been confided to me by her mother, I won't leave her alone
Marie chérie, get out of this carriage.
Countess Maria, since it's the Crown Prince's wish...
Obey me! I won't let her leave!
You cannot leave without me.
Coachman, don't leave!
This is undignified.
Coachman!
If Mademoiselle would follow me.
What's the name of this place?
Mayerling.
Come in.
Good morning.
and thank you for coming
Ah, Monseigneur
I was so afraid I'd never see you again.
didn't you find the road tiring?
it was delightful
the landscape, the fresh air
and I was driving to see you
take off your hat
I will
would you like to comb your hair?
the bathroom is to down there
make yourself at home
if you want to get more comfortable
but I'm much more comfortable, Monseigneur
you're so unaffected with me
but then I know you much better
because I've cried for you
come on, don't talk to me about such things
and I was determined not to talk about them
good idea
let's put your hat away
wrong door
one would think Bluebeard's closet
oh, guipure of Ireland
- you like lace? - I'm crazy about it.
But I don't have any of my own yet.
Would you like to put this on?
Wouldn't that be indiscreet?
- Whose is it? - Yours, for today.
This dressing gown would look ravishing on you.
Put it on.
Now?
I couldn't.
Why not?
Monseigneur
come on
it's so agreeable, a young girl who lets herself be made love to
What!
listen, my girl, once or twice it's amusing, but after that...
I don't understand.
Come on, come on.
Don't act a comedy.
I know very well...
but fortunately I know where to stand
A comedy?
I have the means to know everything, in Vienna.
If you imagine that the family will make some money out of it...
one doesn't recruit nuns in that milieu
but why all that play-acting?
to raise the price of your little person?
you won't make anything out of it, since, whether easy or not,
our affair will be over tomorrow
it's my principle
the shortest adventures are best
What's the matter with you?
But what is it...
but you've told me yourself that you had sweethearts before!
that was just talk, I didn't mean it like that!
in a carriage where I died of fright
and then, about lovers, I didn't mean it that way, what I meant was...
my dancers ???
Listen to me
don't work yourself into such a state
don't cry like that
have I caused you that much sorrow?
do you want me to leave you alone for a while?
I don't know what to say
I beg your forgiveness with all my heart
I've been terribly wrong, Marie
What's the matter?
you've called me Marie
yes, Marie
my dear Marie
I'll be your friend
I'll make you forget...
do you still have some confidence in me?
I entrust myself to you, Rudolf.
are you feeling better?
I feel a bit like I've had a beating.
what if I hit myself?
so that we're even?
and because I deserve it.
No, I can't bear it!
Ah, I've been very bad.
Have I been bad, yes or no?
Bad, horrible and repulsive
if it isn't me, we need another culprit
this dressing gown
this dressing gown of misfortune which is the cause of everything
- into the fire! - No!
it's so pretty
saved by a hand of grace
Your Grace
the condemned whom you've restored to life
prostrate themselves at your feet
and swear to act forever like the humblest of your slaves
Marie!
let's get out, let's leave this room
I'll take you to the countryside for lunch
Bratfisch!
What a job!
observing him in town is alright, but in the middle of the forest
if they were all like him in the family...
Why do those men spy on you?
In principle they watch over me.
It's true.
You're the Crown Prince of Austria.
In fact, the Hofburg wants to know what I'm doing every hour.
Whom I'm seeing.
Will there be a report on me?
- Does it bother you? - Oh no.
Let's stay, it's so nice in here.
You're like a little animal, wild...
and tender.
when I was a little girl...
what did they call you when you were a little girl?
Meredir, Marie chérie
Still today.
Coming from my parents, this doesn't mean much.
Rudolf
yes?
Aren't you too angry with me?
for having acted so stupid this morning
in the hunting lodge
I thank you for it.
Marie chérie
let's walk on
it's none of my business, where are you from, you and your pretty girl?
from nowhere
and we'll go to the end of the world
I'll follow you to the end of the world
it started like a caprice
it became an idyll
and now it's a liaison
my informations are trustworthy
a liaison
don't you find the situation delicate enough
embarrassing enough
but you refuse to look at the situation plainly
I'm in my role to force you to consider
the counter effects this affair might have
in your interests
you overstep the limits, my cousin
you forget that the Crown Princess cannot be touched by all this
No! you want me to serve you
go then and unravel the things for yourself with the army
my cousin, you know on which security function my services of intelligence
this is what I've just been told:
Rudolf is determined to ask for a divorce
What?
but you ignored nothing about our dispositions,
we've submitted our plans of uprising
it's well thought out, in terms of realization,
and you're escaping from under our hands
Our great project hasn't changed.
What has come between?
Perhaps I've realized that a prince has the right to be also a human being.
You all live hypnotized by politics, I don't.
I know now that there are other things as well.
What other things, tell me.
Happiness.
Yes yes, it exists.
lamentable God, happiness!
You're born a prince, there's nothing you can do about it.
you justify yourself by your acts, the coincidence of your birth
Adieu, Rudolf
Listen...
forgive me
there's somebody I've been expecting
I understand
At last!
Good evening, darling
How is it possible that that girl is here?
I couldn't have her and her mother struck from the list,
without explaining openly...
you're failing in your alliance but you're asking for mine
and now those encounters where I'm exposed
make the Vetseras leave the ball
Mademoiselle
yes, Count
you'd better retire before the end of the ball
forgive me if I talk to you like that
do you think Rudolf would forgive you that?
certainly
the Crown Princess wouldn't forgive me if you don't follow my advice
Your Ambassador's ball is very brilliant, Your Excellency
Monseigneur, it receives its brilliance
from the august persons who have deigned to appear
I think the compliment is destined to my cousin
it's true that the Crown Prince's personality is radiant
His Imperial Highness collects friendships everywhere
did you see this, Monseigneur?
Monseigneur, the greatness of a cause is not sufficient for a triumphal affair
its success, I suppose, depends on those who support it
on them, Monseigneur, and on their leader
we have chosen ours
yet, he himself must accept our choice
Count, if you stay for a few days in Vienna
you'll hear that I love independence
and from independence to the independent
you know this person, Monseigneur
we know him like we know you, Your Excellency
it's the Count Pista Karolyi
the leader of the Hungarian opposition party for independence
he arrived this morning from Budapest
interesting, isn't it?
very interesting, Your Excellency
I've been interested in it for some days now
personally
I thought I had made myself understood
You have
she's still there
I didn't find the means
you didn't want to
this scandal is also part of your plans
I've heard about the great success of your charity sales, Countess
The impudence of that little strumpet!
Princess, I'm always charmed to see you.
You're looking well, you must be feeling better.
Countess, I'm happy to hear about your son's promotion.
aktiss aeliu, to kalisston eptapülo fanen [Sophokles - Antigone]
Teba toon proteroon faoss...
I can follow you perfectly.
efantes pote, o krisseas amerass vlefaron.
such enchantment
efantes pote, o krisseas amerass vlefaron
you've shown yourself at last, at the stone of the golden day
a masterful translation, Your Majesty
there's all of Greece in it
the Greece I love
ton leukasspin Argaoten fota vanta panssaghia.
but I can't go dressed like that, Lieutenant
I need at least time to change
if Your Majesty forgives me...
I have orders to convey to Your Majesty the greatest urgency.
His Imperial Highness the Archduke Albert
His Eminence the Nuncio
His Grace the Prince Archbishop of Vienna
What's all this about, tell me please...
You'll hear it soon, Madame.
Let His Imperial Highness come in.
Madame...
my brother, my uncle...
Your Eminence, Monseigneur...
I have asked you to join me today in this extraordinary council
because an event has occurred...
without precedent in my life as sovereign and head of the family
without precedent also in the history of the empire:
the Crown Prince had the audacity to address himself to the Supreme Pontiff
directly, without my knowing
to solicit from him the annulment of his marriage with the Archduchess Stephanie.
The Holy Father, in his infinite wisdom
hasn't deigned to answer this inconceivable petition.
His Holiness has contented himself
to inform a father of an inconsequent prince
so that he may be reprimanded by the first authority he's answerable to.
Monsieur, we've called you here to talk to you,
but also to listen to what you have to say
your action which is that of a bad spouse,
a bad son
a bad prince, a bad catholic
your action cannot be justified
you don't answer
so the reasons which made you act that way cannot be confessed
your refusal to explain yourself before the representative of the Supreme Pontiff
aggravates the position you've put yourself in
withdraw now!
you'll be notified of the sanction decided in your case
before the Crown Prince leaves the room...
we would like him to declare to us
as a gage of his regrets
his intention to break off a certain liaison
a liaison which might have a connection with the scandal we are confronted with
with this scandal .... like with others
Which liaison, Your Eminence?
Whom are you alluding to?
In Vienna and elsewhere...
it is well known that the Crown Prince is besotted with a person without merit
- Your Eminence, I won't permit... - Shut up!
The Crown Prince will give his word
to break off his relations with the Baroness Marie Vetsera
Isn't it so, Rudolf.
Well, we're waiting.
My child...
this liaison, you cannot hope that I approve of it
so you can't sleep?
I've come in by the service entrance, I'm surrounded by spies
it's not surprising, you've succeeded in infuriating everybody
the Hofburg, public opinion...
Maria, listen to me
I must make a grave decision
give an answer which shall engage my whole future
my life is at stake at this moment
and I want Marie near me
so that's why you came
you must bring her to me to the Hofburg, you must
don't count on me anymore
your intrigue with Marie has done me enough harm already, enough injustice
but you cannot refuse your help at such a moment!
I feel surrounded by hostility, threats
but how could Marie's presence...
you're not thinking, for that girl, of giving up your rights as Crown Prince?
when I've near me the woman I love
I'd have the force to brave anything
the woman you love
I have a great project
a great enterprise where you too could help me
God knows what folly you're thinking of now!
I know your attachment, Maria
I've confidential documents here
the safety of several dozen persons depends on them
including mine
I'll leave Vienna
and I cannot take this briefcase with me, would you keep it for me?
this is beyond me
I'll ask for those documents in two days
I or Johann Salvator
if it's neither me nor him
give them to an emissary
who'll reveal himself by a password:
R.I.H.A.
learn it by heart
don't write it down
those are the initials of a motto
Rudolf - Imperator - Hungary - Austria
give it to me
if within a week nobody calls
you'll burn the briefcase without opening it
I will
I trust you
you see that despite our misunderstandings
I see
how unfortunate that I introduced Marie to you
How can you say such a thing!
this may be the only beautiful page of my life
and I owe it to you.
I'll bring Marie to you
you're nice
I can't sleep, it's like that
relax
yes
how soothing it is in here
it's charming what you're playing there, Maria. What is it?
a lied by Brahms, my darling
all the time the Crown Prince spent at the Countess Larisch...
he was alone with her?
Yes, Your Imperial Highness
the entrances were observed, we saw nobody
and during the evening,
the Crown Prince left the Hofburg with Mlle Vetsera?
Half an hour ago, Your Imperial Highness
which direction did his carriage take?
The Ring, Your Imperial Highness
destination?
we don't know, Your Imperial Highness
but Monseigneur, we'll learn about it
It's the Countess Larisch I'm interested in.
I want her observed.
Very well, Monseigneur.
you're not too cold?
no no
Marie
it's good of you to be here
you know, darling, I only have one merit
I would have abandoned everything for you
what I abandoned is nothing
now I can tell you...
what I've been hiding from you
what I'm being dragged into, what will happen
since I'll follow you to the end of the world
- already up? - yes, Monseigneur
I've seen the gamekeeper, I've also been to the kennel
how many animals?
three, and a fourth head
you understand why I've brought her with me
she believes in me so much...
and if one believes the auspicious omens of our pavilion party
this will lull the suspicions
paxque boreleos ???
I neutralized them by inviting them to a hunting party here.
and I think we might succeed
Rudolf, as you made me come here tonight, it means that you've made up your mind
I gave you my word
you know very well that I won't take it back
I've engaged myself to your cause
let's get to work
what time is it?
almost 8 o'clock
the list of the garrisons
for the transmission of the dispatches
the telegraph office is at the station in Baden
a clerk will go back and forth between Baden and here
we won't lose contact with the Hungarian Independents
at midnight ... will be announced favorably, I've got a telegram here
the opposition in Budapest very set up
against the law about drafting of conscript soldiers
the young workers are protesting at this moment in the streets
if the conscript law is repealed it'll be a defeat for the Hofburg
triumph of the independence party, propagated by the movement at Budapest
this means a coup d'état, voilà
and parliament's vote depends on me
there cannot be any doubt
if the deputies have the support of the Austrian Crown Prince
Pista Karolyi is waiting in Budapest
in Parliament, at your signal they'll start the rumour in the corridors
that you support the movement
the leader of the Northern group
hasn't had time to receive the documents and to duplicate the list
the briefcase?
in a secure place, till it becomes necessary
this man refuses to give his name
he told me that the Countess expects him
let him come in
- to the salon? - in here
you wanted to see me?
Madame, I've come on behalf of your relative
and in his place
I don't understand
from your cousin, Madame
I repeat, I don't understand
from him whose motto unites the letters
R.I.H.A.
- what do you want? - no resistance, ok?
you see, Your Excellency, we're holding all the threads
once the Emperor is informed...
of the communication I've made to you spontaneously of those documents
he'll be most satisfied
the friendship which ties him to your great country is dear to me
to us too, Monseigneur, and this makes us so jealous of your true reasons
in case the fractions at Budapest obtained the slightest success
or if they benefited from an indulgence on which they count perhaps
we'd be capable to consider this a personal attack
Your Excellency, your friendship of ??? a bit fast, a bit early
early! you know the day before yesterday, in France
the elections were a brilliant success for the General Boulanger
Some see in that event the beginning of a coup d'état
which might set off a war of revenge
and your cousin doesn't hide the sympathies he has for the French
believe me, Your Excellency
it's still the Imperial family who knows the Crown Prince best
his real character
his limits
Monseigneur, a mind as subversive and clouded is always dangerous
the charming princes like your cousin, they are loved
they are being followed
and the world turns them into martyrs
my cousin's errors won't be repeated, Your Excellency
which guarantee shall I transmit to my government?
I've only come to your palace to ask for it, Monseigneur
thank you
my government thinks that it's up to the Hofburg
to take away from the Crown Prince
without wasting an hour, the means to succeed or to relapse
11 o'clock
in town the situation is serious
the commandant of the town has taken out his troops
the crossroads of Budapest, the bridgeheads,
the three stations are occupied
the deputies manifest the representatives of the Vienna cabinet
the people of Vienna are afraid
plainclothes policemen have entered the hall of parliament
Gentlemen, we cannot wait till the Hofburg wakes up
those Habsburgs are asleep in their ancient palaces
the Archduke Franz Ferdinand, I've just come from him,
he knows as much as them about the complot
but he doesn't take it, doesn't want to take it seriously
he only regards it as a family affair
not even of the dynasty, and he regards his cousin as a dreamer
you know that our government takes the opposite view
on the other hand, you know what the situation is
we shall consult Higher Authorities at once
Sergeant, take a telegram, urgent, in the usual cipher
I dare you to admit that you're keeping some beautiful stranger
under lock and key on the other side of the courtyard.
what if I told you that I would like to have a siesta now
- have a siesta - a rendezvous, Monseigneur
alas, yes
a woman from the highest society
she mustn't be compromised
it just came in
the law has passed
approved by the Hungarian parliament with a strong majority
read on
bravo for the supreme dexterity with which the Crown Prince - oh!
caused the Hofburg's triumph
and Karolyi writes this to me!
while you were having lunch I opened an earlier telegram from Karolyi
where the Independents desperately ask you to declare yourself for their side
you haven't received my telegram then?
I replied immediately by dispatch confirming your allegiance
they haven't received it either?
and now they believe I cheated them
listen carefully
the last dispatches, did you forward them?
but he sent them from Baden in my presence, Monseigneur
the operator encoded them without changing a word
Monseigneur, I swear upon my honour as a partisan
I'll answer for your action, go back to them.
our messages have been intercepted
but they were in cipher
but if they were retained, it means they knew the code
who betrayed us?
we'll know about it. but it's most urgent to warn the uncompromised groups
change the instructions
we cannot use the telegraph anymore
we must go to Vienna
I'm going
I can get through more easily
quarter to three, I'll be back at six
Rudolf
will you be back for dinner?
No, chérie, no
I'll knock on this door, three knocks, either I or a messenger
he ought to be back by now
don't you want to sit down, Rudolf?
what could have happened?
both times ???
what if we had supper while waiting?
I couldn't possibly eat now.
are you hungry?
I couldn't eat either.
it's him
not from that direction!
I can't see anything.
please go into the bedroom, I'd prefer that
You?
Yes.
I knocked in the proper way.
So it's you!
But it's you!
you might have given a fight with your ??? as policeman
my duty is to stop this affair before it takes a turn for the worse
Where is Johann Salvator?
In a secure place.
only...
even if bound to fail, your foolishness put the Hofburg in a delicate position
your support of the Independence Party in Hungary ...
Spare me your comments on my conduct.
you've no reason to talk to me this way, I've come with good intentions
I came here to pull you out of the mess
and at present, I represent your father with all powers of attorney
what do you expect of me?
a signature
a simple signature at the bottom of this document
put your document back in your pocket, Franz Ferdinand
I can tell you the words by heart
I declare to renounce for myself and my descendants...
- the rights, titles and privileges... - Enough!
this comedy is pitiful
but Rudolf, you cannot deny that your father
still rules with careful weighing of the risks
very well, his decision to remove you once and for all from power is final
if he can execute it with your consent
you'll find in him a man of clemency
- otherwise - of clemency!
you make me curious
first of all, clemency regarding yourself
one will find for your abdication official forms to safeguard your dignity
clemency regarding those who are dear to you
political friends, partisans, servants
who all of them have been your accomplices, thus risking severe punishment
and one could afford oneself the luxury to spare them that
clemency, finally, for...
this isn't all
the woman who is dear to you
What?
Rudolf, you know it mustn't influence you
I only wish one thing
to share your destiny
forgive me for having listened
I was worried for you
do you feel the distance which is between you and us?
you thought of this blackmail
forcing me to sacrifice either my rights to the throne
or the woman I love
Mlle Vetsera has answered for herself
this is my answer:
I love my country too much for renouncing, as long I live, to serve her
with the means my rights of birth gave me
you're putting yourself in a dead-end
your rights of birth, anyway, you won't dispose of them anymore
and your action, you've ruined it
you're dragging all the partisans with you into your ruin
I know
you've made me lose face
even before my friends
our proposition reconciles everything
it doesn't suit me
I want a better end
you won't get out of your dead-end
perhaps I already see a way out
Not I.
I really believe that a man like you doesn't look anything in the face
it doesn't frighten me
it would permit me to escape you
and it's also the classic means to cleanse one's honour
don't pretend you don't understand
you don't want a Crown Prince named Rudolf anymore
well, there won't be one anymore
what I've told you
what I've proposed to you
I thought that it was my duty
that it was my role
I withdraw
I leave you this document
I'm hungry
Loschek
we're very hungry
Does Monseigneur need anything else?
no
lock all the doors
only come back when I call you
I don't want to be disturbed anymore.
Marie!
the poor thing, she'll suffer
she loved us very much
yes. listen
add this:
thank you, Maria
for everything you did for us
if it will be too hard for you ...
and I'm afraid after the decision we've made
follow our example
it's the best
you're not afraid?
no
you won't be afraid?
with you it'll be easy
Marie
I would have brought you...
nothing but trouble, anguish, misfortune which I'm dragging with me
all the happiness I've known through you
and now
I'm bringing you...
we'll be reunited
I only ask for one thing
you shall kill me while I'm asleep
we're going to bed, my good man
we've been abandoned
and the boss, who went out that way didn't you catch him?
His Imperial Highness had supper tête à tête with a lady
how often?
you'll have the signal blown for the hunt tomorrow morning
at 7 o'clock
get my carriage ready early tomorrow morning
at dawn Bratfisch will take Mlle Vetsera and myself away
I'll tell him my destination tomorrow
you, as soon as we've left?
take this letter to Count Hoyos
you'll ask him on my behalf to give it to the Emperor
come in
this dispatch just came in, Your Excellency
the cipher
Gentlemen
I cannot exaggerate the interest our government has in this affair
this time the orders are clear
let the commander enter
Commander, the country needs you
an important mission has been reserved for you
you shall leave Vienna at once
at your command, Your Excellency
- destination? - Mayerling
you'll be given a map of the place
breakfast is served, Monseigneur
Bratfisch has received his orders
the carriage is ready, he's waiting
tell him that we'll take the road to Pressburg
I think that from ??? to the frontier it's less than 60 km
this is all, you may go
Marie
Marie chérie
yes, my love
wake up
we're leaving
we shall live
Rudolf!
Monseigneur
Rudolf!
Monseigneur
Rudolf
Monseigneur
break open the door
quick
Rudolf
Monseigneur
Baron Franz Vetsera, Vienna
Baroness H. Vetsera, Vienna
Countess Maria Larisch, Vienna
KG subtitling group serdar202 - cinephage - tommaso