De Mayerling à Sarajevo (1940)

In the late 1800's, Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian empire, falls for Sophie Chotek, a Czech countess. He's already a problem to the Crown because of his political ideas; this love affair with someone not of royal blood breeches protocol. The Crown allows the union only after the couple agrees to a morganatic marriage. The emperor further neutralizes Franz by making him inspector general of the army, sending him afield for months at a time. In June of 1914, fearing for his safety, Sophie seeks permission to accompany Franz to Sarajevo; protocol dictates that no army troops attend Franz while she is present. An assassin strikes. Their deaths spark World War I.

Premiere

22 Jan 1941

Director

Max Ophüls

Cast

Edwige Feuillère, John Lodge, Aimé Clariond, Jean Worms, Jean Debucourt, Raymond Aimos, Gabrielle Dorziat, Henri Bosc, Gaston Dubosc, Marcel André, Eddy Debray, Archduke Franz Ferdinand

Countries

France

Languages

French

Available Versions

OmeU

Open-Air Showtimes

No