Mayerling

Sep 13 1937 Approved 1h 36m
Drama, Romance

Rudolf, the only heir to Emperor Franz Josef of Austria-Hungary, is trapped in a loveless marriage to a Belgian princess. As he seeks to flee his stifling environment, he meets the beautiful Maria, and the two enter into a scandalous affair. Despite the interference of the Emperor, the couple refuse to give each other up.

Plot

Rudolf, Crown Prince of Austria, is fettered on all sides. He's bored; his father, the emperor, is domineering; his politics are more liberal than his father's, but he knows his views carry no weight. He agrees to marry a princess to sire an heir, then spends his nights as a playboy. In 1888, he meets Marie Vetsera, 17, a baroness's daughter. She is resolute, smitten, and wants nothing in return for her love. The Prime Minister is alarmed; he contrives to have her sent away. Rudolf sinks into dissipation. When she returns, how will the lovers handle the opposition of society and their families? Can Rudolf find a way for them to be together?

Written by

Claude Anet, Irma von Cube, Joseph Kessel

Directed by

Anatole Litvak

Production Countries

France

Production Companies

Nero-Film AG, Mercury Films

Languages

Français

Awards

3 wins & 1 nomination

Scores
# of Votes
1,037
Average Rating
7 out of 10
Metascore
NA
Popularity
NA