Original subtitles

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 Pal�ologue

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.

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 ch�rie.

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 prot�g�e 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 ch�rie 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

� 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 prot�g�e

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 ch�rie, 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 ch�rie, 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 ch�rie

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 ch�rie

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 eptap�lo 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'�tat, voil�

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'�tat

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, ch�rie, 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!

Marie!

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 t�te � t�te 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 ch�rie

yes, my love

wake up

we're leaving

we shall live

Rudolf!

Monseigneur

Rudolf!

Monseigneur

Rudolf

Monseigneur

Monseigneur

Monseigneur

break open the door

quick

Rudolf

Monseigneur

Baron Franz Vetsera, Vienna

Baroness H. Vetsera, Vienna

Countess Maria Larisch, Vienna

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