I had forgotten that this was a true story and so sat down to watch a film, hopefully, with a plot. From what we see at the beginning of the film, I thought that we were going to embark upon an involving tale of intrigue surrounding René Bergeron (Szeps) and his association with Charles Boyer (Archduke Rudolf), the heir to the crown as they plot to bring down the incumbent emperor - his father Jean Dax (Emperor Franx Joseph).
Well, it just didn't happen like that. It turned out to be a love story starring Charles Boyer and it gets very predictable from the moment we are introduced to Danielle Darrieux (Marie Vetsera). The films tells us early on exactly where this is heading with constant references to death. So, we wait to see how this is going to happen. This gets revealed right at the end - the only part of the film that holds any interest. Up until that point, it's a series of watching ballet, going to the fair, Morris dancing (the other standout moment of the film), etc whilst there are lavish sets and costumes to look at.
Once the film had finished, my wife asked if this was a true story and looked it up. Bingo! It's a true story. That makes a big difference and adds an extra point onto the score. This now holds an interest as the film describes a hugely significant moment in history. I wish I'd reminded myself of this before watching. I'll know for next time. The actual incident is a milestone as it changes the lineage of succession. Would there have been a World War 1 if the reforming, liberal Rudolf had acceded the throne? Would prostitution have become acceptably mainstream like it should be? The real story is interesting but the film not as interesting as it could have/should have been.
Well, it just didn't happen like that. It turned out to be a love story starring Charles Boyer and it gets very predictable from the moment we are introduced to Danielle Darrieux (Marie Vetsera). The films tells us early on exactly where this is heading with constant references to death. So, we wait to see how this is going to happen. This gets revealed right at the end - the only part of the film that holds any interest. Up until that point, it's a series of watching ballet, going to the fair, Morris dancing (the other standout moment of the film), etc whilst there are lavish sets and costumes to look at.
Once the film had finished, my wife asked if this was a true story and looked it up. Bingo! It's a true story. That makes a big difference and adds an extra point onto the score. This now holds an interest as the film describes a hugely significant moment in history. I wish I'd reminded myself of this before watching. I'll know for next time. The actual incident is a milestone as it changes the lineage of succession. Would there have been a World War 1 if the reforming, liberal Rudolf had acceded the throne? Would prostitution have become acceptably mainstream like it should be? The real story is interesting but the film not as interesting as it could have/should have been.