Original subtitles

FROM MAYERLING TO SARAJEVO

Hurry, gentlemen!

The birthday ceremony begins at 8:00!

The ambassadors' places!

Here, Berlin... above all!

3 steps from the Emperor

Then, London...

Then, St Petersburg...

I forgot Italy!... Next to St. Petersburg

It changes each year!

Then, America...

And over there...

the Protectorates

The Imperial Family...

Here, Archduke Salvator

There, Archduchess Maria-Theresa...

the archdukes, by age

Archduke Otto... as heir or simple archduke?

No news?

None

Well?

No idea

No one will decide!

No one wants the responsibility!

The cake, sir

Polish everything till it shines

Put it down

The candles! 1 was missing last year

The press conference?

In Prince Montenuevo's office

Hurry! You're late!

The ceremony starts in 1 hour

Here's the press release

His Majesty received birthdat wishes from the Grand Duke...

the Court and the Corporate Bodies

After a lunch...

with the Imperial Family and some close friends...

His Majesty went to Schoenbrunn...

where he was honored by the Officers of the Guard

At what time?

5:00

Any troubles?

Never!

You have that?

The people often expressed their joy...

and their love and affection for...

His Majesty

Just a moment

Mention the Crown Prince's health!

I've made a note of it

Say how sad we are and...

pained by the terrible news we received...

Find the right phrase!

Say the ceremony was... overcast

I'm counting on you!

Take this down verbatim!

The ceremony was overcast...

by the absence of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and...

the sad news of his health in Egypt

We fear a fatal outcome the sad news of his health in Egypt

We fear a fatal outcome

Unthinkable! Stop the press release!

Await my orders!

It must be bad news

From Egypt!

I bet we have to go into mourning!

Look!

His Imperial Highness Archduke Franz Ferdinand!

His Majesty's here?

What a happy surprise!

His Majesty awaits Your Highness

Please do not prolong your visit

His Majesty's health leaves much to be desired

I'm sorry. Mine is excellent!

It makes me most happy, Your Highness

With the Crown Prince absent...

will Archduke Otto take his place?

Later!

Later will be too late!

Where were we?

Strike out fatal outcome and say as follows

In spite of his health, Archduke Franz Ferdinand...

made a long and painful voyage...

as the most loyal of the Emperor's subjects

Make it sound quite noble

You may go now, gentlemen

Franz, I'm deeply touched...

and a bit surprised

The Imperial Family only travels according to protocol

You forgot that?

Sorry, Sire

You were wrong!

I sent you to a warmer climate than ours

You are ill

I'm well

So you say!

The doctors say otherwise

I distrust doctors, Sire

They want to keep me away

You should be in Egypt

Not here!

My place is to serve my nation

The nation is me!

Sire, inactivity is worse than illness!

I had some thoughts...

Thoughts?

And some ideas too

That's no crime for a crown prince

Not so long as...

he awaits his heritage before...

he uses his thoughts...

and ideas

I trust you've kept them to yourself?

May I, Your Majesty?

A secret report on the politics of...

Archduke Franz Ferdinand

From a letter to our ambassador in Russia ...

Only a Russo ... Austrian pact...

can protect us from Prussia

Is it true?

Yes, Sire

A talk with the French ambassador in Alexandria ...

To save the Austrian monarchy, we need...

a federation of states modeled after the U.S.A

True?

Yes, Sire

A talk with a Member of Parliament in Cairo ...

The Czechs and Slovaks have a right to political freedom

An article sent to a professor ...

Very pretty ideas!

Worthy of treason!

Why not condemn me?

What?

You'd be sure of getting rid of me

But who wants to?

Montenuevo's been playing an old game

Here are press releases about my health

It seems I won't live much longer

A Budapest paper said I'd died!

Your Highness, it was a misunderstanding!

I'll take action!

Anyone can make a mistake

It doesn't mean removing you!

I see the plan

First, the people begin to think I'll never reign

Then you make me sick of them so I'll refuse to reign

You fear my ideas

If so, it is...

for a reason

I tremble when I think of the silly things you'll do

when I'm gone

Meanwhile, you will leave at once

A tour of inspection!

All our garrisons!

For 6 months!

Impossible!

It's an order!

You may go!

The balcony!

The crowd wants to see Your Majesty and Your Highness

It would be wise to satisfy the crowd's hopes and...

publicly display the good feeling that reign...

between Your Majesty and Your Highness

I'm not in dress uniform

It'll be even more spontaneous and touching!

Your arm!

For the evening papers!

As a sign of his esteem...

for his nephew and heir, the Emperor has chosen Archduke

Franz Ferdinand

for a tour...

Of inspection that will last...

at least 6 months

His Imperial Highness leaves Vienna this very night

Your Imperial Highness, on behalf of the ladies of Brünn...

with grateful emotion I welcome you among us

True, you are not the 1st prince of the House of Hapsburg...

toward whom our city has shown its loyalty...

and respectful affection

Already

in 1159, year illustrious...

ancestor, Albert the Rich...

visited his faithful Moravian subjects here

His memory is engraved in our hearts

Later...

Emperor Otto the Great, in his waning years...

spent many of them among us...

an eternal honor for our city

Even later, Emperor Rudolf loved to vacation here

Then came...

many others not worth mentioning

Welcome to Brünn Karl Ludwig Franz Ferdinand

Long live the Hapsburgs and Austria!

How scandalous! Do you realise what you did?

You insulted an archduke!

I didn't insult him, Father!

That man...!

You call a crown prince "that man"?

He's a clod!

I showed him how not to treat a young lady

You know nothing about life yet!

You must make amends as best as you can

Go and apologise!

Me, Father?

Yes, At once!

Before the affair...

becomes a disaster!

I couldn't!

You refuse?

No, but I won't do it

Then I'll go

Count Chotek, please

Count Chotek...

His Highness wishes to see Miss Sophie Chotek

Please wait here

His Highness will be here soon

She's waiting

Miss Sophie Chotek?

Yes, Your Highness

I'm sorry to send for you at such a late hour

I'm leaving Brünn tonight

I wish to express my regrets

Your regrets?

For my behavior earlier

It was simply a habit of mine but...

unforgivable in a lady's presence

Oh, I shouldn't have taken offence

We Czechs are used to such behavior...

thanks to your governors

You are quite frank

You like politics?

Yet you don't seem fond of Austria...

nor my family

True

Why do you hate us?

Hate is too big a word

I don't hate anyone but...

Speak! Have no fears

I'm here to learn and...

hear everything

Sit down

What do we do wrong?

Don't you see what you've done to us?

Our language is outlawed. Our schools are closed

Martial law! Espionnage!

I know. And I don't approve

Yet you're turbulent and must be ruled

If that's what you call "rule"...

then rule. But don't ask us to love you

These are indeed sad times...

If a young lady must say such things

I don't say them gladly

I never thought I'd dare talk to you as I do now

I speak for all those who are oppressed in your name

That's brave of you. I like bravery

One moment

Don't disturb us

Yes, Sir

Go ahead

It's late. I must go home.

You have time.

I don't want anyone to worry

May I?

4 a. m!

Already? I must run!

I know nothing about you

Your life...

What do you do?

I run my household...

and see to our lands

Father is too old to do it

So I...

I'm sure your house is ruled better than Austria

It's much easier, Your Highness

I'm going to Vienna but not for long

I then go to Styria to unveil a statue like that one

Handsome, isn't he?

He's awful!

I see dozens of them each year

It's not amusing

My life is quite lonely

My family doesn't like me very much

But you have friends

A few in Vienna

I hardly see them. I travel all the time

If I told you...

the moments I've just spent with you...

are the best I've had in years...

you'd believe me?

I feel so far away from my usual daily life

So far away?

Yes... Far away!

There you are!

Aren't you in bed yet?

I was too worried

Everything is alright

You saw His Imperial Highness?

You apologised?

No. He did

He's charming

Go to bed now

Thanks heavens that is over with!

You have the Chotek file?

Here, Your Excellency

This Countess Chotek is an adventuress?

No, our information on her is good

Old Czech nobility Her father was in diplomacy

His daughter too?

Pretty?

Very... according to the photo

Yes, she's sweet

Has it been going on long?

3 months

Give me that. We'll tend to it later

Shall we turn back, Your Highness?

Continue straight ahead

The horse is old. If he could just flair his stable...

The station is far!

That's a real servant!

He's truly conscientious

Never mind him

He's right. We must go back

No, yet. This is so nice!

But, Franz!

The Emperor, The Opera Gala! They expect you in Vienna

We have time

You're not being serious

What time is it? Give me your watch

What if some one asked you...

for the time?

No one asks the Crown Prince what time it is!

It's 5:00! You hear me?

So what?

Your train leaves at 5:15!

I'm staying

But, you must go!

You're awfully anxious for me to go

That's a nasty thing to say

You know I live only for you

At times you scare me

Why?

I don't know how to explain it

Our love is... so perfect

People rarely like other people's happiness

We've nothing to hear from anyone

Who knows?

We must be very careful

You must go the Gala in Vienna tonight

You must. For my sake

Then ask me very nicely

Like this, Sire?

Nicer than that

Like this?... This?... This?...

Get Count Brazuwski at once!

Where's Franz?

Maybe he missed his train

What train?

He's not to leave Vienna without my permission!

His Majesty forbids...

What? The music is too loud

He forbids His Highness to leave Vienna without his permission

That's outrageous!

Tell me the truth

Where's my son?

Don't worry, Your Highness

Of late the Archduke has certain obligations

Is his obligation blonde or brunette?

She's ravishing

Her name?

Her Highness awaits the Countess

Come closer, young lady

Please sit down

Forgive me for seeing you so early in the day

We can chat while I finish my breakfast

What time is it?

Passed noon

Already?

When we sleep time flies!

I know your name

A Chotek was Emp. Rudolf's treasurer

He was my ancestor

You're charming

I see why...

But even so... I mean...

I made some notes... Where'd I put them?

Under the pillow!

I worked all night!

There are certain cruel laws and traditions...

that do not allow for any sentiment

It is my duty to spare you...

any folly that might endanger...

You surely understand

The Opera... This scandal...

It can't continue

I know, Your Highness

I always knew it was too beautiful to last

My only weakness is that I waited

Waited?

For what you ask of me

Don't worry. I'll disappear from his life

Don't do anything foolish!

I don't think so

You love him?

Yes

Thank you

I owe you my thanks

After Egypt his health was better, but his morale...

I was very worried

Now he's a new man

You make him laugh and love life

Really?

He brings me flowers!

So you mustn't go away

You understand?

He'll never forget you

He's so sensitive

Even when he was a child!

Recognise him?

We must find a solution

A lady-in-waiting?

They are rarely from the Czech nobility!

Would that suit you?

But not in my house!

At my cousin Isabel's?

She lives only 10 miles from Vienna

And the Opera!

It's not a pleasent home

Isabel is a nasty pest

You'd have to be brave

I would be, Your Highness!

If I'd see the Archduke, even at a distance...

I could bear all that gladly

Then I'll tend to it

I'm so grateful to you

No! I hate being thanked!

Anna! Show The Countess out!

Use the park gate so no one sees you here

Form a group, please!

That one, please

It's always 3 on the right, 2 on the left!

It's not symmetric!

Nothing to do, Countess?

All is in order

And the flowers? It's a delicate matter!

I'll see to them, Your Highness

He can't make up his mind

Maybe he likes Marie-Christine

What do you think, Salvator?

Who is his favorite?

How would I know? Ask him!

Don't you think of our girls futures?

More than you imagine!

Have you thought of my cheeses?

What about them?

I thought of them all night!

Thank heavens!

Forget the cheese, Salvator

Think of your heirs!

My cheeses aren't important?

Countess, will the Archduke enjoy...

my hybrid cheeses?

I'm sure, Your Highness

I've prepared a Chester-Gorgonzola that...

he'll certainly like

Countess, come look!

I haven't finished yet

Come anyway!

Please sit, Your Highness

Who does he prefer?

It's hard for me to judge

But you're always with them. You must know

No, it's still not symmetric!

Remove the chairs!

They ruin the harmony!

He visits us every day

It's still the same!

Yes, 2 on the right! 3 on the left!

It's not symmetric!

It just won't work!

What's wrong?

What?

We need the Countess for the symmetry!

Yes, Mama! For the symmetry!

In that case, go help them, Countess

She's coming!

The photographer is a fool!

I wanted a photo...

of our girls for the newspaper

Like an engagement photo!

Smile, Your Highness!

Smile, girls!

Don't move!

Splendid!

I had a good idea, cousin?

It will be exquisite!

Sorry! The sun is gone!

Where'd they go?

They must have gone straight ahead

Why didn't you come yesterday?

I couldn't!

Not yesterday or ever!

I've waited each evening for a week!

And each evening you remain here!

You're so alone, Franz!

I can't eat, I'm never hungry

We see each other less than before

Your visits hinder me

Why?

Can't you see?

Your cousins think you want...

to wed one of them!

Naturally!

Where are they? We've lost them

They went to the right

If they at least knew which one you prefer!

But not all 5!

I have to care for all of them each night

Comb and brush and polish each one!

Teach them to talk and smile and make eyes at you!

We'll go home now

We must go!

I can't bear them

What will I say?

Tell them goodbye for me!

Careful! It's time to begin!

Marie-Christine, keep your tongue in!

When he said he had to go to Schoenbrunn...

come back? When he said he had to go to Schoenbrunn...

come back?

I don't recall very well

I didn't pay much attention

It's unthinkable!

Whose is it?

Someone must have dropped it while riding

It has a crown!

I'll take it

What?

It's not mine

To whom does this belong?

Nothing can justify such behavior!

A-lady-in-waiting!

Please... A-lady-in-waiting!

Please...

I'll have your bags sent down

You'll leave at once

I'll see that everyone hears!

The Emperor too!

He'll appreciate your Czech nobility!

I've placed her at my hunting lodge

That's normal at your age

But you did wrong

Aunt Isabel thought you meant to marry her

I'm sorry I didn't think of that

Never mind

In a month I'll have stifled the scandal

Be careful!

Otto's always in a mess too

So if you...

It will never happen again, Sire

Don't be too well-behaved

It's better than politics!

It's not a case of politics

I'm going to wed

Good idea! And with whom?

I'll make amends

To Marie-Christine?

You misunderstand

I mean Miss Chotek

What?

Sophie Chotek

You call that making amends?

She was insulted

You insulted the entire Court!

She was your accomplice

She'll be my wife

It's a silly misalliance!

Someone is here to see you, Countess

Who?

I daren't say Who?

I daren't say

What is this joke?

Prince Montenuevo of Royal Protocol

Is it the Archduke?

He's hurt?

He's in perfect health but he'll be late

He's hunting so I took this opportunity...

to have a talk with you

For your own good!

I don't really see...

why you're here

You must know of...

the dispute between him and the Emperor

Am I the cause?

It's regretable because...

they've always been good friends

But it's not for me to judge!

His Highness wants to marry you

The Emperor forbids it...

unless he'll abdicate

He thought it over...

and gave in

I see why he hesitated but...

the call of power is great

No one is strong enough to resist it

It's been decided...

One question, Excellency

Decided by whom?

His Majesty and...

His Highness

We respectfully offer you...

an arrangement

Arrangement?

A contract, if you prefer

I'm sorry my words are so ungracious...

in such painful circumstances as these but...

Affairs are affairs!

Forgive me

I admire your understanding Countess

Please, Excellency!

Here is our proposal

1st, a yearly pension of 100,000 crowns

And?

2nd, the Castle of Hanaberg, transmissible to your heirs

Plus 1,000 acres of land

And?

The title of princess

And?

More?

That's not bad!

And in exchange?

His Highness' visits to Hanaberg must be kept secret

Quiet easy!

Terribly easy!

And?

A detail! You will sign a statement saying...

you will not oppose...

His Highness eventual marriage

As you know...

some countries go to war...

but Austria "marries"!

He'll see me...

at Hanaberg after his marriage?

Naturally!

It's customary

We wish to be as kind to you as we can

I see you comprehend

I see your treachery!

I don't understand

The Archduke knows?

Yes

I don't believe you

Don't be imprudent!

The Archduke would never allow such infamy!

You invented all this!

You hate the Archduke and want to hurt him

You want to hurt him through me!

You hope to humiliate me!

Get out!

Franz, when you read this I'll be gone...

far from you and joy

Regret nothing! We knew such happiness!

My love you must now be strong and brave

Think of your country and its people you'll one day rule

I'm going away forever Don't be sad!

I love you

I've held my tongue for 2 hours, but I can't now

I feel sick

Then talk!

Slowly and intelligently!

I can't

What did you do with that letter?

It smells of bad luck

What did you do with it?

I gave it to His Highness He's reading it now

What'll happen?

It went wrong!

My coat! My scarf! Quick!

I'll be at Schoenbrunn by 4:00!

What is it?

War!

Prussia?

No! With Montenuevo!

Pity!

Countess Sophie Chotek!

Please follow me

Who ordered this?

My superior. Forgive me

Frantz!

You?

I must talk to you!

I want to be alone

I know

I'm sorry

Never mind protocol. I had to see you

It's urgent

It's Franz Ferdinand

Again?

Sophie Chotek's run away. Why?

I don't know

Franz has gone after her in the middle of the night

You know how young people are

I'm terrified!

It's merely an escapade

Escapade? I doubt it

You must take it seriously

Why be afraid?

I'm afraid of everything!

They may commit suicide...

like Marie and Rudolf did at Mayerling

Quiet!

No one speaks of it!

I have the right to!

Believe me!

Why not let them be happy?

Kings are born to rule, not to be happy!

Don't push them into doing something foolish!

Please!

Have pity on me!

It's you?

You're here at last!

You believed what they said?

That I agreed?

I didn't doubt you for a moment

When I heard, I jumped in my train and here I am

You can't imagine what I've been through

I feared the worst

I shouldn't have left that way but...

if I'd seen you, I'd have lost all my courage

You're here!

It's all that counts

I'm so happy you came to say goodbye

Goodbye?

You must! For you and your life!

I didn't believe what that man said to me about...

the crown, traditions, reasons of state

I didn't care about that

I only knew they wanted to take you from me...

and it hurt!

My darling!

Now I've thought it over

They're right. I can't hinder your life

What are you saying?

You're going to be reasonable

Don't move! Stay here!

I'm going back to my train

You'll come to the door

We'll say farewell...

for as long as possible!

Never!

To hell with traditions!

To hell with Vienna!

I'll defend us!

I'll marry you or abdicate!

I want to live as a happy man!

The lady's bags?

That one's mine

Take these

Things could have been worse, Sire

His Highness ordered a private train...

to take him to the border

So let him go on a trip!

You see, Marie?

One more thing

He had Sophie Chotek's train stopped and...

put her on his own train

I can still avoid a scandal but... tomorrow?

Frantz, you must do something!

To work!

There is perhaps a solution

What?

For the good of the dynasty, the Archduke...

might make some purely judicial concessions

When a marriage is incompatible with a dynasty...

an heir may wed under special circumstances

It is called a morganatic marriage

Continue!

I declare that my marriage to Countess Chotek...

is a marriage union...

morganatic!

And it should be considered as such for all time

Therefore on behalf of my wife and...

any children we may have together, I renounce...

all their claims, any rights, titles or privileges...

belonging to the legitimite heirs or...

or descendants born to the archdukes in legal wedlock

I renounce...

for my descendants...

The Chancellery?

What?

Useless to continue, the Archduke says no

I can't see in this fog. Where are we?

We'll be at the Rumanian border in an hour

Your Highness, the cake is served

How many times must I tell you I'm "Mr. Mayer"?

Yes, Sire

It's very hard to get used to

But you must

Yes, Countess

I'll never remember. It's impossible!

I'm just like him!

I'm a man like any other!

You'll soon get used to it

It's easier than being an archduke!

We'll tell them...

Mr. Mayer is to arrive in town...

unknown! No bodyguards or aides!

No speeches or police!

We get off the train

With a relaxed smiler, you give the man our tickets

If it's a nice day, we'll walk to the hotel

We get the key and go up to our room

Magnificent!

In some nations, people live in total freedom

Like in France

Why not the Riviera this winter?

A fine idea!

What's wrong?

In the name of His Imperial Majesty...

the Gov of the Province of Croatia...

proclaims martial law throughout the province

Therefore, all gatherings are forbidden

No inhabitant is to leave his home...

after 7 p.m. without a permit

Law infractions will be judged by a military tribunal

It's awful!

That's how this land is ruled

With hate, violence and blood!

You've no right to leave, Franz

This can't go on

You'd suffer too much, knowing they need you

Do you think I could be happy...

seeing you tortured by the news...

of such an incident?

You must stay!

Yes... But you?

I don't count. But if they'll let me live... near you...

that's all I ask

A morganatic marriage is awful

For you it would mean humiliation...

and pain

It would pain me more...

to see you miserable and tormented...

as you are now

If I accept, can you imagine...?

Accept Franz

Accept! It's your duty

I declare my marriage with Countess Chotek...

is a morganatic union and...

it shall be considered as such for all time

Therefore on behalf of my wife and...

any children we may have, I renounce all their claims...

to any rights, titles or priviliges...

belonging to the legitimite heirs born

On behalf of my descendants I give up all...

I give up dressing like Isabel and...

all the archducness cousins!

I give up old Uncle Frantz-Joseph and...

Cousin Wilhelm II and...

the cathedral and the chants

I'll give up everything!

Except you! My life! My happiness!

Alone together!

If I was her, I'd never have agreed to it

I say they're right cause they're happy

We'll see

Well, I've seen and I know!

He should've said no. He had public opinion...

and the army on his side

Civil war? Over a woman?

If I was the Duchess...

In that case, she has nothing to fear!

A quick wedding! No parade! No wedding ball!

It's bad for business!

I'm going to have a son! I hope he's like me!

He'll inherit my shop

"Horteneim & Son!"

Gentlemen, say what you will, things won't change

Before His Highness sons ever reign...

the rivers will run dry

All of that's only politics

It's like billiards

You bank your shots in order to score

But I liked his politics!

A diplomatic gaming table!

Yes, he had good ideas for reforming the Empire!

A United Austria!

And now what's he up to?

You don't know what you're saying

We have to work day and night...

with reports and maps!

Why should he have fun? It is an odd world today

Let me tell you this

You're sure to have a good Emperor!

Meanwhile, it's your turn

No more today!

Today's Thursday!

But not an ordinary Thursday!

He must try on his uniform for the Court Ball

He's going?

Yes, for sure!

Is she invited?

Naturally!

We can't leave the Duchess at home

It's her 1st official presentation at Court

His Imperial Highness Archduke Franz-Ferdinand...

and the Duchess of Hanaberg!

You may enter, Your Highness

Forgive me but...

etiquette forbids...

Prince Montenuevo asks me to remind you that...

this stairs is for the Imperial Family

What?

The Rules of 1826 concerning protocol at receptions...

apply to the Duchess of Hanaberg

She must use the Minor Stairs

Come!

No, Franz! We mustn't

We've been patient thus far

We can continue

No matter the road, we'll meet at the other end

See you soon!

Present arms!

Thank you

I'm sorry. It's my fault.

I never dreamt they'd dare!

My carriage!

It was as if I'd been slapped in the face!

Everyone smiled and applauded them

They were the talk of the ball!

Well, I haven't said my final word

Their "joke" will cost them dearly!

His Majesty awaits you

The files!

The mail, Sire!

The protocol at the ball was a bit... perturbed?

A catastrophe, Sire!

Don't exaggerate

I don't mind when...

someone in the family shows a little gallantry

If the Archduke upset the ball a bit...

it's not serious

Not at a ball but...

if he shakes the Empire...!

He's forgotten all that

I didn't intend to show you these today, Your Majesty...

but my duty forces me to do so

What is it?

A memo to Parliament from His Highness

Parliament?

Constitutionally he has the right

He has excellent jurists helping him

What is this?

A godsend!

The United States of Austria!

He wants to burn down the nation?

Give me that!

A project for the United States of Austria...

by the Archduke Franz-Ferdinand

He must be insane!

It's his marriage to that Czech woman! He must be insane!

It's his marriage to that Czech woman!

Not at all. Until then his ideas were unclear

His home is a chancellery now!

No longer!

I'll name him to be Insp-General of the Armies!

He'll visit all the provinces... like before!

It'll keep him busy for years!

This is Prince Max at 3 months... 15 pounds!

You were fat!

And you?

I was nicer. Right. Mama?

You chatter too much

My 1st school satchel!

On my wrist!

Here's Prince Ernst taking his 1st steps

And the big city where Papa...

represented the Emperor last year?

No one knows?

Liberty!

Very good!

Budapest!

You went to Budapest too?

For Papa, it's different

He'll be Emperor one day

So he must travel and be known and...

loved by all. Understand?

I'll be Emperor too!

The oldest son becomes Emperor. Right?

No, I'll be Emperor!

Neither one of you will be Emperor

Why?

You haven't been good!

The Hapsburg Crown!

When was the dynasty founded?

In 1273

Good. Everyone knows that

Where are the crown and scepter kept?

Charlemagne!

At St Stefan's Court

Very good, dear!

The Austrian Empire rules over a vast number...

of very different people

There are Germans, Hungarians...

Czechs, Slovaks, Polish and Bosnians

People who listen with an open mouth look stupid

The Emperor struggles to maintain unity

And Papa?

One day he'll found the United States of Austria

It will be the best of all nations...

for it will be based on the love and trust of free people

It's a pretty story, Mama...

but I like "Red Riding Hood" better

Sure! You're a girl!

It's Papa!

I bet I'm early

The lesson wasn't over?

News from Vienna?

Bad?

Go now, children

Go play!

Take them out to play!

What is it? A problem?

Not really a problem

But I must go on a trip again

Can't it be postponed?

No... No one even read my reports!

Sending me there for their...

Independence Day...

will provoke the Slovaks

Still the same lack of comprehension!

I'm afraid things may end badly

No, you'll soon reign

You'll be gone long?

3 weeks of manœuvres...

ending in Sarajevo

Get me the Times agency!

Roberts?... This is Simpson

I have a sensational scoop for you

The Ambassador of Serbia just came

He has an emergency meeting at the Ministry...

at 9:00 tonight. It must be serious

Forgive me for seeing you at such a late hour but...

we're so busy

I know, Mr Minister

The hour is unimportant

Yet I must inform you of my fears...

over the news I just learned

Austrian army manœuvres will be held in Bosnia...

under the command of the Archduke?

Yes. Why does that worry you?

He'll go to Sarajevo?

It's Austrian territory

Bosnian!

Thus Austrian!

Manœuvres will take place nearby

It's normal for the Archduke to visit the Bosnian capital

On Independence Day!

To add to the festivities!

Aren't you afraid some fanatics...

may add to them as well?

A live bullet can easily replace a blank

Can you delay manœuvres?

Impossible...

for reasons of prestige

Besides, Berlins wants us to act

Germany's haste can do harm

It's not for me to decide

Anyway, the Bosnians are loyal subjects

Thank you for your concern

I'm sure your visit will improve the cordial relations...

between our 2 countries

Vacationing in Paris?

Yes, I hope to see you there

The last time, we went to the Auteuil Races

You bet on Turlude

I lost 12,000 francs!

But you won the Parisians' hearts!

Give me my Town Hall speech

I must make some changes

Write this down

I must stress my friendship for the Slovaks

"I want to tell you...

"that I am not here as your enemy

"I respect all your beliefs...

"and traditions

"In spite of the allegiance you owe our common nation...

"nothing will prevent you, so long as I live...

"from serving and honoring your fatherland

"Only independence and liberty for all...

"can give Europe the guarantees of peace and...

"calm to which it has a right"

Come to dinner!

Though you're not welcome at Court...

you can still go out!

Impossible, Mother

Impossible is not an answer!

The Swedish Ambassador's coming

He's witty and will amuse you

Promise you'll come

I'm going away

Where?

To join Franz

After the manœuvres...

in Sarajevo

But he's on an official visit

Exactly

You're worried?

Ever since the day he left

Don't go to pieces!

All precautions have been taken

The War Minister...

What could he say, Mother?... I don't know why but...

I don't know what to say...

but I have a feeling of anguish and calamity

You're insane!

Believe me!

Things have changed suddenly

My worst enemies are kind to me

As if everyone wants to... reassure me!

Why?

Why. Mother?

You fear...?

I don't know what!

I feel that Franz is in great danger

I must go to him

I'll see Montenuevo tomorrow

After the way he's humiliated you?

I don't care about my pride

I need his permission to leave

He'll be vengeful!

My child, he'll be delighted to say no!

Your visit is a pleasent surprise!

Our encounters have been a bit rare

I believe the last one was some 15 years ago

Yes, Your Excellency

It was not a pleasent occasion

It was my fault, Your Excellency

Certain misunderstandings have kept us apart

Please forget them

You need only ask and it is done!

How can I be of service?

You must admit that for 15 years...

I have played the part assigned to me

True

I've always respected your protocol and...

Lord knows it's often been hard on me

I said nothing

And today?

Go ahead, I'm listening

I'd like to join my husband before he goes to Sarajevo

You have a reason

A serious one

May I ask what it is?

I'd like to be with him for our wedding anniversary

A must charming and valid reason!

But you are not an archiduchess

Protocol precludes your presence

I know. But couldn't you sidestep protocol...

just once, Your Excellency?

Perhaps. I can't refuse my 1st chance of being agreable to you

You'll let me leave?

When you wish

I didn't expect it to be so easy

Surprised?

Yes. I must admit I am

You don't know me

I only wish to maintain the established order of things

If your wishes are not harmful...

to the Crown, I accept them

Thank you

I'm happy to be of service

Of course, it won't be possible to give you...

the same honors as to His Highness

The army won't be at the ceremony...

but the police will be

The reception won't be quite as colorful

I'll make the best of it

I only wish to be with my husband

Then I can only wish you a bon voyage

Darling, it's as silly as that!

Flatterer!

Imagine how I feelt

In each town a pretty girl welcomes you with flowers

That's how we began!

True enough!

And those gypsy girls are pretty and dangerous!

But that's over!

No more travelling without your wife. I'm here!

I'll keep an eye on you!

I wish we were always together!

Really?

You didn't know that?

Yes, but you forgot something

Our anniversary!

That's how I persuaded Montenuevo

You reminded him we love each other...

in spite of all he's done?

He must have hated it

No, he was charming!

A short circuit! I've brought a lamp

I'll take care of it

I was so scared!

I was so afraid!

Drink that. It will help

I'm sorry

There's no reason to be afraid

We've always been lucky together

In love in spite of everyone and their silly, old ideas!

God has always been with us

Know what it reminds me of?

The day I caught up with you

You said, "I'll defend us!"

I don't know what History will say...

or if you'll be a good or bad Emperor...

but I do know one thing

You are the best!

We love each other deeply...

and always will...

until the very last day

Right, darling?

Bravo! Dead center!

Who fired?

Princip!

Fine! The rest of you can go!

That's all for today!

Where are you going Princip? Go on!

To bed!

Can we sleep with our combs?

Just this once

Where'd Mama and Papa send them from?

Pliza

Where are they today?

I don't know

After?

Tomorrow, the 28th, they'll be in Sarajevo

Sarajevo's a pretty name

Say your prayers!

It's Vienna, Your Excellency

Gen Apotirak speaking

She's definetely coming?

What are our orders? She's definetely coming?

What are our orders?

No military honors?... Impossible!

And my cavalry regiment?

His Excelency is most precise

I've heard bad rumors

I know but...

His Excellency's orders are very strict

Ask for new orders!

I'll try once more

A hundred times no!

Don't bother me with such foolishness!

I said no!

It is a great honor for me

to assure Your Highness of the love...

of the Bosnians for their soverign and their loyalty

Loyalty! With bombs to welcome us?

We trust that for Your Highness...

today will prove...

Bosnia's firm attachment to the House of Hapsburg

Let us express the joy filling our hearts by shouting...

"Long live the Emperor, the Crown Heir and Austria!"

Col. Merigny had it in his pocket so it's blood-stained

A lovely symbol!

I want to tell you...

that I am here as your friend

I respect all your beliefs and traditions

In spite of the allegiance you owe our common nation...

nothing will prevent you, so long as I live...

from serving and honoring your fatherland

I am most happy for the loyalty...

the people of Sarajevo show the House of Hapsburg

I admire your courage but perhaps...

I want to see Merigny at the hospital

the itinerary I want to see Merigny at the hospital

the itinerary

You'll follow my orders!

What are you going to do?

See Merigny

I'll go with you?

You'll wait here. It's safer...

if they shoot me!

Don't I have the right to share the danger?

Take my arm

You're smiling

Do you hear me?

Now that the danger is over...

I can say that is why I came

I thought so. I should've sent you home

When the bomb blew up, I thought of the children

So did I. What would have become of them?

Thus a few men's desire for conquest created a pretext...

that set off the 1st World War

Halted by the German defeat...

the war began again in 1939...

under the banner of the Swastika

Again, the free peoples were overwhelmed by...

barbarians with their terror and destruction

In turn, the sons of the men of 1914 have arisen...

to finish the job already begun

They won't out down their arms...

until they have truly guaranteed the world...

Peace and Liberty!