Sissi The Young Empress
- Well, Count Grünne... - Your Majesty?
Aren't you glad these exhausting wedding festivities are over?
Yes, indeed, Your Majesty!
Too much work has accumulated.
I have barely time left for Her Majesty.
Your Majesty, all the Ministers have assembled.
Yes. Please ask them in.
Please, gentlemen.
Your Excellency, may I ask for your report?
Your Majesty, the first issue up for debate
at yesterday's Ministerial Meeting
was the amnesty in Hungary that Your Majesty had envisioned.
I'm sorry to say, the Council of Ministers
decided unanimously against this issue.
For what reason?
The Secretary of State as well as all other Ministers
opine that this amnesty would pose
new and incalculable danger for Austria.
It poses far greater danger
to continuously view a nation as our enemy.
I am going to pass the amnesty even against my Ministers' wishes.
Your Majesty, may I--?
And I want it to be announced at once!
Archduchess Sophie is here.
I would like to be alone with Duchess Esterhazy-Lichtenstein.
Duchess Esterhazy.
I assigned you to watch Her Majesty because I trust you.
I would like to be accurately informed
of all of Her Majesty's actions.
Not out of curiosity.
But, for I believe Her Majesty is in need of my guidance,
due to her youth alone.
I'm sure I will prove myself worthy of Your Imperial Highness's trust.
What do you have to report?
We have received a new parrot again.
I would like to ask the Imperial Highness for permission
to move the birds to the menagerie.
The clamor is unbearable!
If Her Majesty takes to these animals,
she may keep them wherever she likes.
And if the noise gets on your nerves, Duchess,
I suggest you stuff cotton in your ears.
Please open this drawer.
What kind of book is this?
- Her Majesty's diary. - Give it to me.
Do you have anything else to report?
Her Majesty has complained about the primitive bathrooms at the castle.
Maria Theresa has lived and bathed here.
It will be good enough for a little Bavarian princess,
who became Empress by chance.
Anything else?
Her Majesty has repeatedly asked
whether a certain Major Böckl from lschl has applied for an audience yet.
Major Böckl? From lschl?
Never heard of him.
Well, why don't you take a closer look at me?
Isn't there anything catching your eye, Postmaster?
Did you possibly get a haircut?
Look a little lower, Postmaster.
The moustache is gone!
Even lower!
You were promoted to Major!
More than that! I was transferred to Vienna!
Really? Congratulations!
But why?
Do you remember the ring the Empress impawned to you
when she was still a princess?
When she couldn't pay for the telegram.
Right! I personally gave the very same ring
back to her at an audience.
Whereupon His Majesty personally arranged for my transfer to Vienna.
Unbelievable!
Where I will be exclusively at Her Majesty's personal command!
My dear Elisabeth!
Our dear Elisabeth!
No. My Elisabeth.
Dear friend, something awful has happened to me.
Well, what happened?
Just imagine, I have fallen in love with the Empress.
Böckl!!
When she looks at me, I can't think straight.
When she talks to me, I begin to stutter.
Böckl!!
Her smile!
This smile!
I love her!
I will never learn Croatian!
What's next?
Another hour of language studies, Your Majesty. Hungarian.
I love this hour!
I simply love everything Hungarian!
You too, Countess?
I hate everything Hungarian.
Right! You lost your husband in Hungary.
I'm sorry my question reminded you of your sad experience.
What do you have there, Countess?
Her Imperial Highness, Archduchess Sophie,
has authorized me to present to Your Majesty
these instructions of the Spanish court ceremonial.
Your Majesty may learn them by heart.
Nineteen pages?
What does that mean?
"Admitted are only the highest-ranking women
and palace- and apartment-like dames."
What are "apartment-like dames"?
Apartment-like dames are those, as opposed to those of small access,
who may, after being granted permission,
appear at the Empress's apartments.
Who is allowed to see the Empress is strictly determined.
Only 32 gentlemen from the greatest historical families of the country
and 922 dames from the so-called "grand access."
Good. I will make an effort to learn this nonsense by heart.
Countess Bellegarde?
Your Majesty?
Please admit Doctor Falk, so that I can breathe some fresh air.
You were received in audience by His Majesty yesterday?
Yes, Imperial Highness.
I can tell from your look your report won't be pleasant.
I'm afraid Imperial Highness will be as upset as I am
about my report.
We're done with grammar for now.
If Your Majesty permits, I would like to continue telling you
about the beauty of the Hungarian countryside.
Yes, please do.
Did you bring pictures again?
Yes, indeed, Your Majesty!
A few examples of the vast Hungarian lowlands,
with herds of sheep and cattle.
Pretty!
And this is the Royal Castle,
which has been deserted for 523 years.
When will a king move in there again?
A king who will restore freedom to the Hungarian nation.
I will do everything in my power to help your country.
I don't know why,
but I'm more attracted to Hungary than any other country,
even though I've never been there.
It is noticeable, Your Majesty.
And also the Hungarians,
who are not yet acquainted with Your Majesty,
and only know what I wrote about Your Majesty
in Hungarian newspapers,
they adore Your Majesty.
Even more, they love Your Majesty,
because they know Your Majesty is their good angel.
You lifted the state of siege in Hungary and passed amnesty?
Yes, Mother.
But of course, Mother!
I don't want anyone to be sad in my country,
if I am so happy myself.
But, Franz! You cannot rule for sentimental reasons!
And we agreed that you can only counteract rebellion
with utmost strictness and severity!
Yes, Mother! But you can only reconcile with kindness!
I can imagine whose influence had an effect on your decision.
You're right, Mother.
Sissi.
And I am infinitely grateful for it!
I'm curious if you'll be as grateful for this.
What is this?
Her diary.
How did you get a hold of Sissi's diary, Mother?
That's not relevant.
Have a look at it.
I don't want to read it without her permission.
Then I'm going to read one of her poems to you.
Young spring returns
And decorates young trees With deepest green
And teaches birds new songs to sing
While flowers are blossoming
But that's very nice, Mother!
But what is the delight Of spring to me
Here in this foreign land?
I'm longing for my homeland's sun
And for the Isar banks
Shall I read on?
I ask you to leave me alone now, Mother.
It seems as if new morals have set in.
- Who is next in line for an audience? - Our Ambassador in Paris.
Please give me two minutes before admitting him.
At your command, Your Majesty.
Franz!
Sissi!
I'll be gone in a minute, but I was longing for you!
And I also wanted to ask you if you still like me at all.
No! Not at all!
How come?
Because you haven't looked after me all day!
Yes, right! I haven't?
You don't look after me!
You just sit at your desk all day and rule.
I don't even know what you look like anymore!
These are no longer fresh.
Yes, I am jealous!
Jealous of whom?
Jealous of your desk!
My diary?
Yes, Mother brought it.
Then she must have taken it from my desk!
I don't know, but I sure haven't touched it.
Anything else would surprise me.
Mother read one of your poems to me.
A very nice poem, but...
You are homesick for Bavaria, Sissi?
Yes, when I'm alone.
Sissi, Austria is your homeland now.
Sure, but sometimes I can't help yearning for Possenhofen.
For the mountains, for my siblings, and for my parents.
Don't you understand?
Yes, Sissi, I understand. But on the other hand, I don't.
I do everything I can
for you to be comfortable in your new homeland.
I thought you were happy.
But I am happy!
But only when you're with me.
And you're with me so infrequently!
The Austrian Ambassador in Paris, Baron von Hefner.
Please ask him in.
We'll see each other at table. What are you doing until then?
Waiting for you, like always.
I might go horseback riding.
Please come to my room before dinner.
I have something important to tell you.
But, Major, what are you thinking?
You come from lschl and want to talk to the Empress!
As if it would happen on the spur of the moment!
Dear Grand Marshal, I'm here on business, after all.
Well, do you think I'm here for my pleasure?
Dear Major, you will have to adjust a little.
Until now, you have performed military service.
But here prevails court service.
Everything here is etiquette!
Therefore, you must first apply for an audience with Her Majesty.
And secondly, wait and see whether Her Majesty
will grant you an audience at all.
And thirdly, you must wait until I tell you
whether Her Majesty“
Get up.
Get up!
I'm sorry.
Turn around.
I've seen this face before.
Several times, Imperial Highness!
I already had the pleasure in lschl.
The honor, I mean.
Yes, right! I remember.
You are the unlucky fellow
who gave me the most confused accounts.
I did? But Why?
Grand Marshal, would you please inform the Major
that his questions are inappropriate at court?
Yes, Imperial Highness!
Above all, he's standing on my dress!
Major!
I beg your pardon, Imperial Highness!
Well, you're not in the good books of the Empress Mother!
- She's not in mine, either! - But, Major!
You are certainly not in a position to criticize Her Highness!
It wasn't criticism. It was a statement.
Here at court you're not allowed to make statements either.
Here at court you're not allowed anything.
It looks like you're going to give me a hard time.
- Where did we leave off? - Right over there!
But no! I mean, what were we talking about?
About etiquette!
Correct.
So, first, you must apply for an audience with Her Majesty.
Secondly, you have to wait until Her Majesty
has granted you the audience.
And thirdly, you must wait until I tell you whether Her Majesty“
No worries! It won't happen again.
No, it's Her Majesty!
Her Majesty!
Just give it to me!
Take a bow!
I'm delighted His Majesty
so promptly satisfied my wish to have you around.
Your Majesty, may I ask for your permission to say that...?
Yes?
I----
Well, what were you about to say?
It escaped me.
I remember now.
I ask for your permission to say that Your Majesty
won't find a more humble servant than little old me.
I'm absolutely convinced!
For God's sake!
What's the matter, Major?
Grand Marshal, a glass of water!
Are you nauseous?
That smile! That smile!
What smile?
Her smile!
My Smile?
Yes.
No! Her Majesty's smile!
What's the matter? ls my wifey in a bad mood?
Firstly, I'm not a "wifey,"
and secondly, I'm in a splendid mood.
Pardon me? What did you say?
I'm in a splendid mood!
Well, bravo!
Good morning, Countess!
I would like to know whether Her Majesty,
has already started her studies of the court ceremonial.
Not yet, Imperial Highness. Her Majesty went horseback riding.
I thought so.
She's more interested in horses than anything else.
Well, Sophie, if you ask me, so am I.
Well, now I'm off to the Prater.
Yes, go ahead.
- Farewell, Sophie. - Good-bye.
Well, what are you waiting for?
Here you are.
Good morning, Father-in-Law.
Good morning, Your Majesty.
I heard you're at the Prater, so I decided to come down, too.
How nice of you!
How are you doing?
Thank you. Very well, Your Majesty!
But you don't have to yell. I can hear every word.
Well, since when?
Since always!
I only hear what I like to hear.
It's quite practical.
If I don't want to hear it, I don't.
They ask once, twice, three times,
at the fourth time they're already bored and I save myself an answer.
You certainly are a character!
But that's between you and me, Your Majesty.
Yes, I promise.
Well, bravo!
- Good-bye! - Good-bye, Your Majesty!
What are you saying?
Her Majesty went shopping?
Yes, Imperial Highness. At the coal market!
- Who told you? - The coachman.
He also told me that Her Majesty
was barely able to get back to the coach,
for the enthusiastic crowd almost tore up her dress.
Unbelievable!
Sissi?
Yes?
Are you done already?
I hurried because I was curious
about what you wanted to tell me so urgently.
Yes, I...
I wanted to ask whether you already know that we have a new parrot.
- Oh, a red one! - Yes.
- Who gave it to you? - Aunt Mary.
And I also wanted to ask if you remember what day it is today.
Today? It's Thursday.
Well, you have so much to do, you're allowed to forget such a thing.
We were married four weeks ago today.
Really? Has it already been that long?
Yes.
A small wedding present.
I hope you enjoy it.
How sweet of you to remember!
I found it in a store at the coal market.
You went to the coal market?
Yes.
I barely made it back home.
The people of Vienna are so passionate!
They almost tore up my dress for joy!
Ripped it to pieces.
Look at all these little paintings!
The castle gate,
the Castle of Laxenburg, the weavers at the cross...
Delightful!
Look how charming it's done! All these tiny figures!
You can almost smell the trees!
And what is this?
That's Weilburg in Baden.
What's this?
This is my wedding present.
So you didn't forget!
I will never forget how happy you make me every minute.
Never.
I am also very happy.
Good.
Unfortunately, we have to go now.
We have guests to entertain.
And these, I will pick up later.
What's this?
How wonderful! Beer from Munich! And Bavarian pork roast!
Another one of my surprises, dear Mother.
Franz, you're such a sweetheart!
I was craving this for so long!
Mother-in-Law, would you care for some beer, too?
No. Valerian root would be more appropriate.
How about you, Father-in-Law?
Pardon me?
How about you, Father-in-Law? Would you care for some beer?
Yes, of course!
- Franz? - Let's give it a try.
You too, Eminence?
I would love some, Your Majesty!
Very well, then! The majority wants beer!
I'm just curious about the beer's taste!
So am I!
Wonderful! The pork roast is magnificent!
Well, bravo!
- Cheers! - Cheers!
That hit the spot!
Not bad at all!
Franz-Karl!
Simply bravo!
I do hope, dear Franz, this is a one-time surprise,
and you won't turn Schönbrunn and the Hofburg of Vienna
into a Viennese beer cellar!
Certainly not, dear Mother!
“Max! -Yes?(es?
A letter from Sissi!
'Really? 'Yes!
What is she writing?
No idea! I haven't opened it yet.
Just a minute!
"Dear Parents,
for the first time in ages, I had the pleasure today
to feast on beer from Munich and Bavarian pork roast.
It was fabulous!"
I believe it!
"Of course, I immediately thought of Papili."
Oh, well!
"My longing for you and our mountains is growing from day to day.
I have everything here, and actually nothing."
Just like she anticipated! She's living in a golden cage.
Has it been a good fortune for her, after all?
The main thing is that she really loves Franzl.
And he loves her.
She writes:
"Franz anticipates my every wish and worships the ground I walk on."
Don't drink so much!
You certainly don't worship the ground I walk on!
You lay into me all the time!
Come off it!
Look, Vickie, it's all a matter of destiny.
I'm not talking about my fondness for beer,
but about our Sissi becoming Empress.
Nothing in this world happens without a reason.
She probably has a mission to accomplish.
Who is next in line for an audience?
Count Julius Andrassy.
Please ask the Count in.
Count Julius Andrassy!
I am happy, Count Andrassy, to welcome you in Vienna.
Come closer.
Your Majesty,
my first trip, after I was allowed to return from exile,
brings me straight to Your Majesty.
I came to thank Your Majesty,
for what Your Majesty has done for Hungary.
Please get up, Count Andrassy.
The Emperor passed the amnesty. You should thank him.
I'm not talking about the amnesty, Your Majesty.
An amnesty won't bring the executed back to life
and restore happiness in the hearts of their families.
But a heart pounding for a whole nation
has the power to make up for everything.
And for that love, I would like to thank Your Majesty.
I will continue to do everything to bring Hungary closer to Austria,
and with it closer to the Emperor,
and restore your country's equal status.
And to make sure that equal status won't remain an empty phrase,
I would like to invite you
and all Hungarians who have returned from exile and their wives
to the next court ball.
On that day we would like to celebrate
the hour that has brought our hearts closer to each other.
I am outraged!
Who has aged?
I am outraged!
How come?
Because Elisabeth invited our enemies!
Especially this rioter, Count Andrassy!
Alas!
I just can't get over that it was a Hungarian
who attacked Franz with a dagger!
And now he's at the mercy of his enemies,
completely unprotected!
Imperial Highness,
Count Julius Andrassy is asking for the great honor to be introduced.
Well, bravo!
I have no intention to shake hands with a rebel
even though he's exempt from punishment
due to the amnesty.
Imperial Highness, how shall I explain that to the Count?
Try it in German or Hungarian, it makes no difference to me!
It's a pity the waltz is almost over!
I have to share you again with the others.
Gentlemen, the Empress Mother publicly affronted me,
and with it all of us,
by regarding the amnesty a trivial formality
and continuously perceiving us as enemies.
Unbelievable!
I'm in favor of demonstratively leaving the court ball.
I completely agree with you!
You can't do that!
After all, you are guests of the Imperial couple
and not the Empress Mother!
That doesn't matter at all!
We must not put up with such an affront!
- Please inform our dames. - Certainly.
I'm sorry.
Julius!
Will Your Majesty work a circuit?
Yes.
- Where are the others? - I don't know.
Here's Marianne.
My sincerest apologies for addressing Your Majesty.
What's going on?
Your Hungarian guests were affronted by Archduchess Sophie.
They plan on demonstratively leaving the ball.
The Archduchess Sophie has insulted us.
Andrassy wants us to demonstratively leave the ball.
Your Majesty, leaving the ball would constitute a breach
of the newly established amicable relations.
But how can we hold them back?
- Doctor Falk, please leave me alone. - Your Majesty.
What's the matter, Sissi?
You suddenly look so pale.
Franz, please forgive me if I'm about to do something
that violates the Spanish court ceremonial,
but I'm doing it for you and your country.
What do you want to do, Sissi?
But that's impossible, Countess!
I know! But it's at the explicit request of Her Majesty!
Oh,well...
Ladies and gentlemen!
On highest orders... Ladies' choice!
- What? - Ladies' Choice!
Ladies' Choice?
Did you make this request, Franz?
No, I did!
Major, please extend my invitation for the next dance to Count Andrassy.
Yes, Your Majesty!
I am speechless!
Have all our fellow countrymen assembled?
Yes. But shouldn't we say good-bye to His Majesty?
No, we will leave without bidding farewell.
Beg your pardon! Excuse me, please! Count Andrassy!
Her Majesty has sent me to ask you for the next dance.
I think the Empress's distinction carries more weight
than her mother-in-law's affront.
We have to stay.
Countess Karoli, please ask His Majesty for the next dance.
With pleasure!
May I take you to Their Majesties?
Yes, please.
And you just stand there and say nothing?
The reasons for Sissi's actions are still unknown to me, Mother,
but it goes without saying that I identify with everything she does.
Your Majesty, may I have the next dance?
It's my pleasure!
This court ball is over for me!
But... Why?
For God's sake!
What happened? An assassination attempt?
- The Empress has fainted! - What?
Well? What's the doctor's diagnosis?
- We don't know yet. - He's still with her.
What could have been the cause?
I'm sure Her Majesty fell off her horse.
But I would have seen it! I never left her side.
You weren't with her
when the Empress went riding at the Prater.
I think it's her appendix.
The Empress repeatedly complained about pains.
I'm convinced the disputes with Archduchess Sophie
are to blame.
Shouldn't we let His Majesty know that the doctor is with the Empress?
No.
His Majesty must not be disturbed at the moment!
He's receiving the Russian Ambassador.
The Emperor has to reach difficult decisions
that could possibly result in war.
Is Doctor Seeburger still with Her Majesty?
Yes, Imperial Highness.
Yes.
Am I very ill, Doctor?
I don't think so, Your Majesty.
But Your Majesty should cease from riding in the near future.
A big sacrifice!
But it has to be, Your Majesty.
Has it really caused so much damage?
Damage? No, not at all!
Well, what's wrong with me then?
Your Majesty is expecting.
No.
No!
Yes, Your Majesty.
Doctor!
That's something else, Doctor!
What's going on?
Franz, I have to talk to you. It's urgent!
I beg your pardon, Excellency.
Sissi, what's the matter?
- Franz? - Yes?
We're having a baby!
Sissi! Is it true?
Is it really true?
- Yes, yes! Let me down! - Sissi!
You!
Don't squeeze me!
Don't squeeze!
We have to be very careful now.
Franz!
Max!
- Max! - Yes, yes.
- I have news! - What's going on?
I got wonderful news!
Well, what happened?
From Vienna!
- From Sissi! - Sissi?
Well, well... Well?
Sissi is going to have a baby!
Congratulations! You're going to be a grandfather!
And you're going to be a grandmother!
Mami! Mami! Mami!
- What is it? - Mami!
What is it?
- Is it true what Thomas said? - Well, what did he--?
That the stork will come to Sissi?
Well, that Thomas! Always blowing the whistle!
Yes, children, it's true.
And God willing, you all are going to be...
little uncles and aunts in the springtime!
- Hurray! I am an uncle! - And I'm an aunt!
- Me too? - Of course, you too!
Congratulations, Your Royal Highness!
Thank you very much!
Bring us a bottle of champagne!
We have to drink to this joyous news!
Yes, Royal Highness!
Now, cut it out! It's bedtime!
Thomas...
Yes, yes, yes!
Please take the uncles and aunts to bed.
- Yes! - Until tomorrow, children!
Good night!
- Good night! - Good night!
I hope it's going to be a little heir to the throne.
If he'll be as cute as Sissi was, I would even prefer a girl.
Well, I don't think Franzl would agree with you!
I'm on top of the world!
Yes, these are the happy days of our lives.
At the same time,
they quietly whisper that you're getting older.
Even though it seems like yesterday, that Christmas Eve back then,
when you made me the most beautiful present of my life.
Sissi!
Wasn't she delightful?
I was very proud of our Christ Child.
So was I!
And now she soon will be a proud mother herself.
Is it a boy?
A Princess.
I'm very, very happy!
How happy you would be if it was a little Crown Prince.
I can barely wait to see the child!
Neither can I!
Now... I heard something.
Here I bring you the youngest Princess!
Oh, God!
She looks exactly like Sissi! The eyes, the hair...
Exactly like her!
Max!
Max, I want to hold her, too!
Just a minute!
Her ears also look like Sissi's. Both of them!
But, Max! You... You're driving me crazy!
Come on, now! Give her to me!
- Yes! - Do it!
But just for a moment! I have to take a closer look.
God, she's so sweet!
Look at her tiny nose! Just like our Sissi!
- And her little kisser. - Yes!
Kisser!
How will the little Princess be called?
Well, Sissi, of course!
No!
Franz-Josef and I already decided that if it was to be a boy,
he shall be called Rudolf.
And if it was to be a girl, as I had sadly feared,
her name shall be Sophie.
I hope you don't mind that she won't be christened Ludovika!
Me? Not at all!
Ludovika sure isn't the prettiest of names.
Well, Sophie isn't that phenomenal either.
Well, actually, he has a point.
Since when are you hearing so well?
What? Come again?
Truth is, I was reading off his lips.
How peculiar.
"Dear Children,
today your niece was baptized
Sophie Anastasia Amalie
Elisabeth Francisca Stephanie Caroline Maria."
- So many different names? - Yes.
Do you have to remember all of them?
No, you only have to remember Sophie.
You, Thomas, did the stork really pinch little Sophie?
Yes, of course. But she didn't feel a thing.
When the stork brought me into this world,
I didn't feel a thing either.
But I did!
Yes, of course you did!
"In a couple of days Papa and I will come back home to you all.
And we're looking forward to seeing you again."
Great! Until then we'll play Cowboys and Indians!
Yes!
Isn't she sweet?
Enchanting!
Your Majesty, it's time for your visit to the new children's home.
I'll be right there.
The Empress is coming.
Good day!
Hello, Head Nurse.
Your Majesty!
What a noisy welcome!
Yes, Your Majesty, very noisy!
How old are your fosterlings?
It varies, Your Majesty. Between two and seven months.
I see.
How big this one is!
- How much does it weigh? - Eleven pounds, Your Majesty!
Much heavier than mine! But mine is not as old yet.
Yes.
He's hungry! He wants his milk!
But, Your Majesty, he already had his bottle!
- Really? - Yes.
- Here you are, Your Majesty! - Thank you!
He's just screaming to amuse himself!
Are you a little girl?
No? He already knows he's a boy.
We won't disturb you, so you can sleep.
Does your thumb taste good?
- The sweet thing is excited! - Yes.
You must be tired!
- What's its name? - Eva.
Yes! Yes!
Delightful!
What a shame His Majesty couldn't come with us.
He likes children as much as I do.
Sissi!
Where can you be found? At your desk, of course!
- Where have you been? - I visited a children's home.
- Did you have fun? - It was delightful!
All these children! One sweeter than the other!
- One was only this big! - Well, well...
This big, for sure!
But none of them is as sweet as ours!
Well, that goes without saying! And how is the children's home?
It's nice and clean, but it could be friendlier.
A home like that needs lots of light and sun.
You're right, I'll make sure it will be considered in the future.
And now let's visit our darling!
- Yes. - Come.
We have to be quiet. Perhaps she's sleeping.
The cradle is gone!
Where is my child?
What's going on here?
Sissi, I wasn't aware Mother already arranged for the move.
I wanted to tell you this evening.
Mother decided to take on the upbringing of our child
and has furnished the nursery in the other wing of the castle,
next to her rooms.
How did Mother come up with such an idea?
I'm quite capable of taking care of my child!
I learned from my mother. She raised eight children!
I'm sure Mother didn't mean to hurt you.
And neither did I, as you certainly know.
I probably should have informed you prior to the fact,
but we have so many trips and receptions ahead of us...
You wouldn't have time to--
I will always make time for my child, despite travels and receptions!
I won't have my child taken away from me!
- But no one has intentions to do so! - But it already happened!
- Where are you going, Sissi? - I'm going to get my child!
Sissi!
Where is my child?
In its room, right next-door.
But you can't see her right now because she's sleeping.
I insist on having the nursery immediately relocated
to where it used to be!
And I'll take my child with me at once!
I already told you not to go in because the child is sleeping!
She will stay asleep in my arms.
Please get out of my way!
The child is in my custody!
I am the mother!
You're still a child yourself!
Hence you will kindly leave the child's upbringing up to me.
I don't even think of leaving my child's upbringing
to somebody else!
I raise my child like I want to!
For the very last time, let me have my child!
Sissi, please come to your senses.
Mother only means well.
So you are on your mother's side, against me?
I'm used to look at things in a rational way.
I want to know if you, too,
disapprove that I'm the one raising our child.
I already gave reasons against it.
Then I know what I have to do.
Sissi, please stay!
Major?
Your Majesty?
Get the coach ready! I'm leaving!
Only you and Countess Bellegarde will escort me. No one else!
At your command, Your Majesty!
What's going on?
Imperial Majesty, I am terribly distraught.
Her Majesty has left.
Do you know where she went?
No, I don't, Imperial Majesty.
Did she bid farewell to His Majesty?
No, Imperial Majesty.
Should I inform His Majesty about her leaving?
No. I'll take care of it.
Perhaps we mishandled the situation.
Perhaps we should have left the child with Sissi.
A creature so reckless to leave without a trace,
losing her head like any ordinary woman...
I have always advised you against this marriage!
Mother, I beg you to refrain from remarks like that!
I see! Now you are rebelling against me, too!
You seem to forget that I'm happily married to Sissi
and can't even imagine a life without her.
Hurry up, Postmaster! I have a telegram.
Well, Böckl!! You are back in lschl!
Yes, but I'm just passing through.
- Can someone hear us here? - No, there's no one else here.
- And who's in there? - No one!
Oops!
Why are you making such a fuss?
I'm not making a fuss. I'm attending to state affairs.
Very well, then!
How do you send a telegram to an Emperor?
To whom do you want to send a telegram?
Please don't ask all these questions! Start telegraphing!
To His Majesty, Emperor of Austria.
"Dear Majesty..."
No. No. That's impossible!
Away! Away with it! Make it... Make it...
To the Chambers of the Official Family.
Attention to His Majesty.
That's good.
- Don't telegraph "That's good." - I'm aware of that!
Yes, that's good.
"I am with Her Majesty, and we're on our way..."
No! No! That's also...
Stop! Stop! Go back! Go back! Go back!
You really make me sick!
You make me sick! You do!
Please! Now, telegraph!
"Her Majesty is on her way with me to...
...Possenhofen."
Not so loud!
Well, Sissi!
My child! I'm overjoyed!
Hello, Countess.
Hello, Major.
Walburga! Come! Quickly! The Empress!
Tell me, why didn't you bring the baby?
The ride would have been too long.
I understand.
What about Franz? Why didn't he come with you?
He's got too much work to do. I often don't see him all day.
But I'm happy to be back again!
I'm literally coming alive!
Where is Papi?
He went to the woods with the children.
I still can't believe you're here!
Now, come and get comfortable.
- Yes! Yes! Look who's here! - My good old puppy!
It's so nice to see it all again!
- Where is the little one? - She's with Aunt Marie in Potsdam.
Well, then I can sleep in her room.
Why not stay in your own room?
Do I still have one?
But, Sissi! Nothing has changed! Come!
It's exactly how I envisioned the castle our Empress grew up in.
Just like it!
Indeed! Everything's still the same!
Yes.
You even have fresh flowers!
I always put them in here.
There's the book I was reading last! I still remember every detail.
Here's something for you to wear.
My dirndl dresses!
Even the mess is still there!
You know, darling, I left everything here the way it was.
And when I walked into your room, and I was here every day,
I always had the feeling you're still here.
Mami, you can't imagine how rejoicing it is
to know that you're loved.
But, Sissi! Everybody loves you!
And, most importantly, Franz!
You wrote that he worships the ground you walk on, right?
Yes, he anticipates my every wish.
And how are things with Aunt Sophie? Do you get along a little better?
I asked her to be nice to you.
Yes, sure, we get along much better.
Thank God!
You have no idea how happy I am!
It would be terrible for me to know if it was any different.
But now, put on your dirndl!
Yes.
I would love to see you dressed the way you used to be,
before you became Empress of Austria.
- Your luggage is in your room, Major. - Very well, thank you!
Go ahead, blow the bugle, so they know we're hungry!
That's Duke Max and the children.
Hooray!
Fascinating!
I just heard his voice!
Where is he now?
There he is!
Papi!
Sissi!
- I'm glad you're back! - Very well, then! Hello, everybody!
- Is Franz here, too? - And our niece?
- No! No! I came all by myself. - Why didn't you bring her?
What a pleasant surprise.
I'm glad to be back again.
- Now we have her back, right? - Yes!
What do you say, Max? Her dirndl still fits perfectly!
She doesn't even look like the Empress of Austria,
but exactly like my little Sissi.
Quick, come with me. I'll show you something.
- Hey, Mom? - Yes, Sweetheart?
Why didn't Sissi bring our little niece?
- Well... - I would have loved to meet her!
Well, what do you think? She's still only this small!
So small that she can't even walk yet!
It doesn't matter! I would have carried her around!
Yes, I know. You're our hero!
But you have to eat a few more dumplings first!
- Let's go eat dumplings! - Yes! Dumplings!
Hooray!
There are all my old birds!
But I set them free before I went to Vienna!
They all came back because they had it here best.
- And who is feeding them? - Well, I am!
Do you think I let anyone else feed your birds?
Do you know who came back, too?
Your goat!
- Xaverl? - Yes!
But as soon as he found out you're not here anymore,
he ran back into the woods.
But, Sissi, what's the matter?
Your mood has changed.
It just seems that way.
I think I know what you were missing.
Our woods, our mountains, right?
Perhaps.
Then it was smart of you to come back.
Would you like to come hunting for mountain cocks?
I would love to!
We have eight of them now on our stomping grounds.
You do?
Just don't start sneezing again when I'm about to shoot,
as you did with Franzl hunting for deer.
- He told you? - Yes.
- He never saw that deer again! - Yes, I know.
I promise, I definitely won't be sneezing!
All right, then!
I was right. Sissi went to Possenhofen.
Well, great!
She will be back.
No, she won't. For that I know her too well.
I will get her!
But, Franz!
You can't just leave right now
with all these important decisions to be made!
Nothing is more important than Sissi. I get her under all circumstances.
But I assure you, Mother, I won't spare her the blame!
Do you remember how to jump at a mountain cock?
Yes, of course!
When he mates, you quickly jump a few steps closer.
He won't see or hear a thing.
When he stops, you stand still as a tree.
And close your eyes, so he won't see the white part.
Right.
I did not sneeze! I just waved.
Well, I won't go hunting with you again, that's for sure!
Don't be mad, Papi! He was so pretty!
Let him mate!
Well, all right, then! I will let him mate.
Oh, Papi! It's so nice to walk through the woods with you again.
I often think about what you told me a long time ago.
If you have problems,
walk through the woods with your eyes open wide.
What? Do you have problems?
Big problems, Papi!
Sissi! What's the matter?
Come on, tell me!
Let it out.
I didn't come to visit you.
I ran away from Vienna.
For God's sake, Sissi! But why?
Because I couldn't bear it anymore!
Aunt Sophie keeps torturing me, and in the end...
In the end, she took my child away from me!
Oh, Sissi!
You know I'm on your side and understand everything,
but you shouldn't have done that.
You are the Empress of Austria!
You can't just leave your country behind.
What did Mom have to say about it?
She doesn't even know yet.
She was so happy about my visit, I didn't have the heart to tell her.
Please don't tell her anything!
Perhaps everything is going to be all right again,
and she would get upset for no reason.
Good. I won't say anything, if you don't want me to.
Say, Thomas, what was that dish the Princess just couldn't...?
I keep saying "Princess"!
That the Empress just couldn't get enough of?
- Bacon dumplings. - Bacon dumplings! Right!
- But I will make them myself! - Yes, Royal Highness.
Your Royal Highness makes them better than anyone!
Yes. But I have to hurry!
Please tell Walburga to prepare everything.
Very well, Royal Highness!
- Hello, Maxi! - Hello, Vicki.
What's wrong with you?
With me? Nothing.
But something is wrong.
What's bitten you?
- Nothing has bitten me. - I see!
Well, come on! Don't look so sad.
I already know! Sissi told me everything.
What did Sissi tell you?
Well, the way she was waving.
I see!
Come on, Max! Get over it!
Or is there something else?
I know you! Does something ail you?
Nothing ails me!
Except all those dumplings I ate last night!
Those dumplings... Oh, the dumplings!
Royal Highness! His Majesty, the Emperor of Austria!
The Emperor? That's something!
Yes, that is...
You go welcome him! I have to change.
But, Max, you never make such a fuss!
I'll explain it later.
You're very strange today!
- Good day, dear Aunt. - Franz!
I'm overjoyed! First Sissi, now you!
Oh, pardon!
But I'm sure you expected my arrival.
I had no idea!
Sissi said you're overwhelmed with work,
and it's impossible for you to leave.
Yes, that's true, but resolving this distressing matter
was more important to me than anything else.
What distressing matter?
Well, that Sissi ran away from me.
She did what?
Didn't she tell you about it?
Not a word!
Well, but why did she run away?
God, it's the same old story.
She doesn't get along with my mother.
Yes, it's true, Mother doesn't treat her right.
But that's far from a reason to abandon me and my country.
You're completely right.
I don't understand either how she could do such a thing.
But what was the reason, I mean, the offense for her running away?
I gave my consent
for my mother to take over the upbringing of our child.
You did what?
In my opinion, as well as my mother's,
it was the only acceptable solution.
So you took the child away from Sissi?
We relocated the nursery.
And you're wondering why she ran away from you.
She should have been considerate of the prestige of the Imperial House!
This isn't about the prestige of the Imperial House,
it's merely about taking away a child from her mother!
I, and every other woman with a heart,
would have done the same thing!
You won't understand it because you're a man,
but, believe me, every mother would be on Sissi's side.
How did he even know that I'm here?
From you, Countess?
No, Your Majesty, from Major Böckl. He sent a telegram to Vienna.
- That is absolutely“ - Wonderful!
Without knowing your whereabouts, he couldn't have followed you!
And that he followed you proves he is conceding his wrong.
And for that you have to be very kind to him.
Kind to him? Far from it!
Now I will finally tell him what I had to stomach in Vienna!
You can only win Sissi back if you don't blame her.
I'm sorry, but I can't keep from reproaching her!
- I tell her straight up-- - Here they are.
Franzl!
Sissi!
I'm so glad to have you back!
- How is our little one? - She's very well.
- Did she gain weight? - Half a pound.
- Does she drink her milk? - Absolutely.
You, I know I've done you wrong. I'm so sorry.
So am I. It was so silly of me.
But everything is going to be all right again.
Yes!
Everything will be done as you think best!
No! As you think best!
You sent the telegram?
Yes, I did!
You did great!
I did?
Almost a historical act!
- A hist-- - Yes.
A historical act?
We won't return to Vienna right away.
No? Where else are we going?
It's high time you got to know your country!
Kärnten, Steiermark...
So you don't have to yearn for your mountains all the time,
I will show you our mountains!
Yes! That would be great!
- You know where we start? - Where?
In Tyrol!
I'm so excited!
It's so beautiful here! I've never seen anything like it!
Right? It's wonderful!
You see? Innsbruck is under these clouds.
And that peak over there is called Habicht.
Say, why do I have to ride up the mountain?
Because it's much too exhausting for you!
For me?
I climbed many mountains with Papi as a child!
He always told us to model ourselves on a chamois.
No mountain must be too high, no path must be too narrow.
Do you see the cross up there?
- Yes! - Watch out!
Let me show you something!
Sissi, be careful! You're not wearing climbing boots!
I don't need them!
- Careful, Your Majesty! - Yes! Yes!
Be careful, Your Majesty!
Son of a gun!
Pardon me, Your Majesty! I mean... Empress of a gun!
- Franzl! Look at the chamois! - Yes! I'm coming!
Now he's climbing up there, too!
Excellent! You're as good a climber as I am!
Where are the chamois?
- There! - How pretty!
- How agile they are! - Yes.
- Do you see the cub? - Yes.
Charming!
They must have smelled us.
Too bad! There they go!
- Look! There's an Edelweiss! - Where?
Right over there, by the rock! Wait! I will get it for you!
- Yes! - Hold on to that.
Stay here! It's dangerous! Watch out!
What is he up to now?
Picking Edelweiss! They're like children!
Franz!
For God's sake!
- Is he still up there? - For the time being!
' Got it!
Yes! I'm Corning!
I was worried about you! Thank you!
- It looks like rain! - But there's not a cloud in the sky!
The weather changes quickly up here. Look how fast the clouds move.
Mountain guide! ls there a shelter close by?
Yes, Your Majesty!
But the innkeeper will be disappointed.
He would have served us a great meal
if he had known about the Emperor's arrival.
Well, then we won't tell who we are!
And eat whatever he's got!
Yes, Your Majesty!
We always visited these shelters on longer hikes.
And I often played the zither, too! But never as badly as this guy!
Thank you!
Just listen! He's going to mess up again any second!
- Ouch! Did you hear it? - No.
Here you go!
It looks fantastic! Does it have bacon?
Yes! It has bacon!
Wait a minute! Don't you have plates?
What for? You got the big bowl! Do you want something to drink?
- Well, perhaps a glass of milk? - We don't have milk.
The goat didn't come home.
I bet the old bitch got lost again!
I beg your pardon?
The goat didn't come home. I forgot to add salt!
I bet the old bitch got lost again!
I see!
What else do you have to drink?
We have Brannten and Rättel.
I would love to try some Rättel, but I don't know what it is!
I don't understand a word he's saying!
You don't understand the language in your own country?
That's a shame, Your Majesty!
Rättel is red wine. Brannten is schnapps.
I see! Keeper! I would like some Rättel, please!
Yes.
And I will take a Brannten. Do you have Enzian?
Yes, I'll bring you one!
Well, bring it, then!
Etiquette is not his forte.
Here you go.
Do you have everything you need?
No, not yet.
Could we stay here for a few days?
- Stay here... - Yes! That would be nice!
Well, I have a little room upstairs.
But you'll have to clean up after yourself!
Yes, no problem!
All right, then!
We often stayed at shelters for days when we were out hunting with Papi.
I even prepared breakfast myself!
I was told you were a perfect little housewife.
I sure am!
Your Majesty, the thunderstorm is over.
'Really? 'Yes!
- That was quick! - Yes.
Yes, indeed!
Look! A rainbow!
- Where? - Right there!
Directly above the Karwendel.
Pardon me, Your Majesty, but the mountain guide said
that we have to get going to make it back before dark.
You will have to get going by yourself.
We decided to stay for a few days.
What? Up here? In this primitive hut?
Please arrange for a suitcase with clothes and necessities.
And, Böckl, make sure we remain undisturbed!
But, Your Majesty, they don't even have running water!
But they do have Brannten!
- Cheers, Major! - Cheers, Your Majesty!
Go ahead, have a drink! It will brace you for the descent.
Cheers, Your Majesty!
Your Majesty!
Are you crazy? We're here incognito!
Beg your pardon.
Salute us according to custom.
Yes!
- Are you leaving already? - Yes.
See you later!
Well, see you later!
Later!
See you later!
Later.
I'm so glad you came up with this idea.
We will live like regular people for a few days.
Yes, I'm looking forward to that, too!
It's going to be fantastic!
And tomorrow we rise with the sun.
The mornings are stunning up here.
Yes, I know.
Franzl, come out here! It snowed!
It snowed?
Hey!
It really did! In the middle of summer!
I have never seen anything like it in Possenhofen!
I believe it!
Let's have a snowball fight!
- Look at the clouds! - It's beautiful!
Isn't it?
I always want to have you all for myself.
Far away from governmental affairs and politics.
You, not as an Emperor, and I, not as an Empress.
Just a perfect little housewife, right?
Yes!
My God, I still have so much work to do!
Why are you spitting?
That's how you do it.
Thomas in Possenhofen has taught me.
The more you spit, the shinier your shoes!
I see.
But we won't tell mother about it!
No way. That's our secret.
Well, Count, has anything important happened while we were gone?
Her Majesty's departure
has spread like a wildfire among the citizens of Vienna.
I anticipated it.
Rumor has it, there's irreversible enmity
between Her Majesty and Her Imperial Highness,
Archduchess Sophie.
And what have you done to disprove this rumor?
In my opinion, a rumor like that can only be squashed,
if His Majesty appears in public with the highest dames
as soon as possible.
You're right, Excellency.
It doesn't look like everything's all right.
We will find out tomorrow
at the reception for the Hungarian delegation.
I would have vowed for the Empress showing up alone.
Me, too!
Be quiet!
See, it was all just idle talk.
There's not a trace of animosity between the two women.
Have you talked to your mother?
Yes, but unfortunately without success.
I suspected it.
When we get back home everything will be as always.
She threatened to move out of the castle
before relinquishing the child's upbringing to someone else.
And what did you say?
I didn't know what to say.
Then I'm going to tell you.
She should stay.
But I will be leaving, forever.
Sissi, have you forgotten how happy we were just a few days ago?
No. I forgot nothing.
But it seems we're not allowed to be happy for long.
It's our destiny.
Has the child's suitcase been packed yet?
- No, Countess. - Hurry up, then!
Are we taking these too, Countess?
Yes, we are taking this one and the pink one, too.
Yes.
So you came back to Vienna just to make waves.
No, Sophie. Only to talk to you.
Just talk, from mother to mother.
Sophie, I didn't forget our childhood.
No one knows better than I do
that you're essentially a very kind person,
and that only life and all these political circumstances
have hardened you.
All you ever did was fight all of your life.
For a goal, for your child.
You renounced the throne yourself because you love Franz-Josef.
You made sacrifices and did everything
just to make him happy.
And especially for that
you shouldn't tarnish his greatest bliss,
the love of his wife.
Sissi loves your Franz with all her heart.
And you should thank her for that. Am I not right?
Dear Ludovika, you mustn't think that I don't like Sissi,
and that I do not know and cherish all of her virtues.
Nor did I take on little Sophie's upbringing to hurt Sissi,
but because I consider that Sissi is still a child herself,
and that women our age are more qualified to raise children.
But a child belongs to its mother.
And an Empress belongs to the Emperor!
Franz-Josef has a lot of traveling to do
for the welfare of his country
and for that Sissi has to be right there on his side,
and not holed up in a nursery!
Certainly! But one thing doesn't exclude the other!
Sophie, I'm begging you,
please act wisely now and don't make a mistake.
But you can't abandon me just like that!
Especially right now, I'm in need of all my strength,
all my concentration.
Tsar Nicholas wants to coerce me into fighting a war
that I don't want to fight and that I must not fight!
France is also trying to engage me in a conflict.
I need you, Sissi!
I need your help.
I need your advice.
Just as I did with Hungary!
Your sympathy and your grace
were stronger than my army together with my field marshals.
Without you, the reconciliation with Hungary would never have happened.
And without you, I would never be crowned King of Hungary.
You always talk about coronations and about reconciliations,
but never about our child.
You always see the Empress in me, never the mother of your child!
No, Sissi.
But I have to remind you of matters important for our country.
What is it?
Your Majesty's General Adjutant would like to remind Your Majesty
that the reception for the Hungarian delegation
will take place in half an hour.
Yes. Tell the Count I'll be right there.
Sissi, you have to get ready, too.
Don't count on my appearance.
I'm unable to participate in a reception at the moment.
But that's absolutely impossible!
You know exactly what this reception means for us!
It means nothing to me.
Sissi, you're the Empress of Austria.
Please don't forget that.
Now please excuse me, but it's high time.
Good-bye, Sissi.
Farewell, Franz.
Your Majesty, the suitcases with your clothes are packed.
When is Your Majesty planning to depart?
Within the hour, but please leave me alone now.
Julius, I just found out Her Majesty won't participate in the reception
and is planning to depart within the hour.
But that's impossible! It can only be a rumor!
Unfortunately not.
Her confidant, Countess Bellegarde, has told me.
Her Majesty and the Empress Mother are at odds with each other again
for reasons regarding the child.
I have to talk to the Empress at once!
Well, how do you imagine that?
I'm just going to see her!
Show me to her room. You know your way around here.
But you can't just show up there with--
But I have to take the risk! There's too much at stake!
Please, show me the way.
Come!
Please excuse my disturbance, Your Majesty.
Count Andrassy is here.
- Count Andrassy? - Yes.
He's pleading for an audience with Your Majesty.
But didn't you tell him that I'm unable to see anyone right now?
Certainly, Your Majesty.
But the Count does not take no for an answer.
Have him come in.
Her Majesty is asking you in.
Your Majesty! I apologize profusely for my informal intrusion,
but I was told Your Majesty won't participate
in the reception for the Hungarian delegation.
I have reasons forcing me to this decision.
Your Majesty! I am convinced your reasons are profound,
but I must beseech Your Majesty to alter this decision.
I'm afraid that's impossible.
Your Majesty.
Since the time of Maria Theresa,
the Hungarian nation has waited from generation to generation
for a human being in this Imperial House.
Someone to trust,
someone worth living for,
and someone worth dying for.
We didn't come to see the Emperor of Austria today,
but to see our future Queen!
And for that Your Majesty must participate in this reception,
even if it means making the greatest sacrifice.
Count Andrassy, please don't go any further!
I can't!
Mami!
Sissi!
What am I supposed to do?
Well, it's tough, my child.
You must not abandon your husband now!
Especially since you know that he loves you!
You have a mission!
And for that, you must be strong now and overcome yourself!
- Is she coming? - No.
Has the delegation assembled?
Yes, Your Majesty!
But Her Majesty hasn't arrived yet.
Her Majesty will most likely not attend the reception.
Does Your Majesty have further commands?
No.
Sissi!
I'm glad you came, Sissi.
And I'm happy that I'm able to please you, too.
Mother has accepted that the child belongs to the mother.
Franz, are you telling the truth?
Yes.
She already arranged for the nursery to be relocated
to where it used to be.
- Who gave instructions for that? - Her Imperial Majesty.
Sophie!
Thank you for doing so!
His Majesty, the Emperor!
Her Majesty, the Empress!
I am greeting the delegates of the Hungarian Nation
and cordially welcome you to Vienna!
Your Majesty,
the Hungarian Nation,
for which I have the honor of speaking here,
has expressed the request
for Her Majesty to partake in the coronation of Your Majesty,
and she shall, on the same day, be crowned Queen of Hungary.
I comply with this request all the more,
for it also coincides with my own wishes.
I thank destiny for giving me a wife
who possesses the divine grace to win the hearts of whole nations.
I now ask the Empress to address you,
dear delegates of the Hungarian Nation,
and respond to the question you posed.
With great joy I will fulfill your wish.
Please express my sincere gratitude and most heartfelt compliments
to the Hungarian Nation.
I'm already looking forward today to my voyage to beautiful Hungary.
- Salute! - Salute! Salute!
Salute!
Dear friends,
from all over Hungary good people have come
and brought along the soil to build the mount,
on which our future king will take his Vow of Fidelity.
God bless our future king,
our beloved country,
and our sacred ground!
How infinitely vast this country is!
As if it would stretch out to heaven!
All the way to the Good Lord.
And this vast country you have taken by storm...
...with your heart alone.
Look at these huge herds of cattle!
Just like the pictures Doctor Falk showed me.
Franz, please look!
Listen to the gabble of all these geese!
And herewith I swear by God, the Almighty,
to protect the Hungarian Nation against all enemies,
coming from the east, the south, the west, or the north.
As Queen of Hungary,
I swear to carry out my duty to the Hungarian Nation.
The love of a Nation has made me its Queen.
I will show equal love to this Nation
and will do everything in my power to make this Nation happy.