In late 19th century Austria, Emperor Franz-Joseph and his son, Archduke Rudolf, have fundamentally different views on the empire's future. While the Emperor clings to tradition, Rudolf is a liberal who wants the people to have a say in their lives. Rudolf's marriage to Belgian Stephanie is a political alliance he doesn't take seriously, and he's infatuated with his mother, Empress Elizabeth, who's often absent from Vienna. As Franz-Joseph has a mistress, actress Mitzi Kaspar, he allows Rudolf to have a similar dalliance. However, when Rudolf meets 20-year-old Baroness Maria Vetsera, their clandestine affair grows into love, and Rudolf publicly flaunts their relationship, angering his father and the secret police. Desperate to be with Maria, Rudolf considers making her his wife, either by living as commoners in England or by supporting a secret uprising in Hungary, which could mean treason against his father.
Mayerling
The film is inspired by the true story of Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria and his doomed affair with Baroness Mary Vetsera, ultimately leading to their untimely and tragic demise.
