Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria clashes with his father, Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria, over implementing progressive policies for their country. Rudolf soon feels he is a man born at the wrong time in a country that doesn't realize the need for social reform. The Prince of Wales, later to become Britain's King Edward VII, provides comic relief. Rudolf finds refuge from a loveless marriage with Princess Stéphanie by taking a mistress, Baroness Maria Vetsera. Their untimely demise at Mayerling, the imperial family's hunting lodge, is cloaked in mystery.

"No one woman could satisfy him...until he fell in love."

Credits

Terence YoungDirector

Omar SharifRudolf, Crown Prince of Austria

Catherine DeneuveBaroness Mary Vetsera

James MasonFranz Joseph I of Austria

Ava GardnerEmpress Elisabeth of Austria