Mayerling to Sarajevo (1940)

Synopsis: Made in 1940, during the Second World War, the production values of FROM MAYERLING TO SARAJEVO aren't as lush and opulent as Max Ophüls' post-war historical costume dramas like LA RONDE but MAYERLING TO SARAJEVO is nonetheless a fascinating royal love story. The title refers to two tragic... Made in 1940, during the Second World War, the production values of FROM MAYERLING TO SARAJEVO aren't as lush and opulent as Max Ophüls' post-war historical costume dramas like LA RONDE but MAYERLING TO SARAJEVO is nonetheless a fascinating royal love story. The title refers to two tragic events in the family of Emperor Franz Josef of Austria-Hungary. In 1889, Crown Prince Rudolph and his lover, Marie Vetsera, a woman the Emperor had refused him permission to marry, committed mutual suicide at a mountain lodge in Mayerling. This incident was the basis for Anatole Litvak's film MAYERLING. Years later, Archduke Franz Ferdinand fell in love with Sophie Chotek. Although a Countess herself, her court rank was too low and the Emperor again forbid a marriage. Fearing another Mayerling the Empress persuaded Franz Josef to allow a "morganatic" marriage which would unite the lovers but forbid Sophie from ever becoming empress or even appearing at public ceremonies with Franz Ferdinand. But they started a large, loving family and Franz became deeply involved in the complex politics of the empire. In 1914 Sophie asked for and was granted permission to appear with her husband at a ceremony in Sarajevo, marking the first and last appearance they would ever make together as they were both assassinated in the famous incident which triggered World War One. [More]