FROM MAYERLING TO SARAJEVO
Hurry, gentlemen!
The birthday ceremony begins at 8:00!
The ambassadors' places!
Here, Berlin... above all!
3 steps from the Emperor
Then, London...
Then, St Petersburg...
I forgot Italy!... Next to St. Petersburg
It changes each year!
Then, America...
And over there...
the Protectorates
The Imperial Family...
Here, Archduke Salvator
There, Archduchess Maria-Theresa...
the archdukes, by age
Archduke Otto... as heir or simple archduke?
No news?
None
Well?
No idea
No one will decide!
No one wants the responsibility!
The cake, sir
Polish everything till it shines
Put it down
The candles! 1 was missing last year
The press conference?
In Prince Montenuevo's office
Hurry! You're late!
The ceremony starts in 1 hour
Here's the press release
His Majesty received birthdat wishes from the Grand Duke...
the Court and the Corporate Bodies
After a lunch...
with the Imperial Family and some close friends...
His Majesty went to Schoenbrunn...
where he was honored by the Officers of the Guard
At what time?
5:00
Any troubles?
Never!
You have that?
The people often expressed their joy...
and their love and affection for...
His Majesty
Just a moment
Mention the Crown Prince's health!
I've made a note of it
Say how sad we are and...
pained by the terrible news we received...
Find the right phrase!
Say the ceremony was... overcast
I'm counting on you!
Take this down verbatim!
The ceremony was overcast...
by the absence of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and...
the sad news of his health in Egypt
We fear a fatal outcome
Unthinkable! Stop the press release!
Await my orders!
It must be bad news
From Egypt!
I bet we have to go into mourning!
Look!
His Imperial Highness Archduke Franz Ferdinand!
His Majesty's here?
What a happy surprise!
His Majesty awaits Your Highness
Please do not prolong your visit
His Majesty's health leaves much to be desired
I'm sorry. Mine is excellent!
It makes me most happy, Your Highness
With the Crown Prince absent...
will Archduke Otto take his place?
Later!
Later will be too late!
Where were we?
Strike out fatal outcome and say as follows
In spite of his health, Archduke Franz Ferdinand...
made a long and painful voyage...
as the most loyal of the Emperor's subjects
Make it sound quite noble
You may go now, gentlemen
Franz, I'm deeply touched...
and a bit surprised
The Imperial Family only travels according to protocol
You forgot that?
Sorry, Sire
You were wrong!
I sent you to a warmer climate than ours
You are ill
I'm well
So you say!
The doctors say otherwise
I distrust doctors, Sire
They want to keep me away
You should be in Egypt
Not here!
My place is to serve my nation
The nation is me!
Sire, inactivity is worse than illness!
I had some thoughts...
Thoughts?
And some ideas too
That's no crime for a crown prince
Not so long as...
he awaits his heritage before...
he uses his thoughts...
and ideas
I trust you've kept them to yourself?
May I, Your Majesty?
A secret report on the politics of...
Archduke Franz Ferdinand
From a letter to our ambassador in Russia ---
Only a Russo -- Austrian pact...
can protect us from Prussia
Is it true?
Yes, Sire
A talk with the French ambassador in Alexandria --
To save the Austrian monarchy, we need...
a federation of states modeled after the U.S.A
True?
Yes, Sire
A talk with a Member of Parliament in Cairo --
The Czechs and Slovaks have a right to political freedom
An article sent to a professor --
Very pretty ideas!
Worthy of treason!
Why not condemn me?
What?
You'd be sure of getting rid of me
But who wants to?
Montenuevo's been playing an old game
Here are press releases about my health
It seems I won't live much longer
A Budapest paper said I'd died!
Your Highness, it was a misunderstanding!
I'll take action!
Anyone can make a mistake
It doesn't mean removing you!
I see the plan
First, the people begin to think I'll never reign
Then you make me sick of them so I'll refuse to reign
You fear my ideas
If so, it is...
for a reason
I tremble when I think of the silly things you'll do
when I'm gone
Meanwhile, you will leave at once
A tour of inspection!
All our garrisons!
For 6 months!
Impossible!
It's an order!
You may go!
The balcony!
The crowd wants to see Your Majesty and Your Highness
It would be wise to satisfy the crowd's hopes and...
publicly display the good feeling that reign...
between Your Majesty and Your Highness
I'm not in dress uniform
It'll be even more spontaneous and touching!
Your arm!
For the evening papers!
As a sign of his esteem...
for his nephew and heir, the Emperor has chosen Archduke
Franz Ferdinand
for a tour...
of inspection that will last...
at least 6 months
His Imperial Highness leaves Vienna this very night
Your Imperial Highness, on behalf of the ladies of Brünn...
with grateful emotion I welcome you among us
True, you are not the 1st prince of the House of Hapsburg...
toward whom our city has shown its loyalty...
and respectful affection
Already
in 1159, year illustrious...
ancestor, Albert the Rich...
visited his faithful Moravian subjects here
His memory is engraved in our hearts
Later...
Emperor Otto the Great, in his waning years...
spent many of them among us...
an eternal honor for our city
Even later, Emperor Rudolf loved to vacation here
Then came...
many others not worth mentioning
Welcome to Brünn Karl Ludwig Franz Ferdinand
Long live the Hapsburgs and Austria!
How scandalous! Do you realise what you did?
You insulted an archduke!
I didn't insult him, Father!
That man...!
You call a crown prince "that man"?
He's a clod!
I showed him how not to treat a young lady
You know nothing about life yet!
You must make amends as best as you can
Go and apologise!
Me, Father?
Yes, At once!
Before the affair...
becomes a disaster!
I couldn't!
You refuse?
No, but I won't do it
Then I'll go
Count Chotek, please
Count Chotek...
His Highness wishes to see Miss Sophie Chotek
Please wait here
His Highness will be here soon
She's waiting
Miss Sophie Chotek?
Yes, Your Highness
I'm sorry to send for you at such a late hour
I'm leaving Brünn tonight
I wish to express my regrets
Your regrets?
For my behavior earlier
It was simply a habit of mine but...
unforgivable in a lady's presence
Oh, I shouldn't have taken offence
We Czechs are used to such behavior...
thanks to your governors
You are quite frank
You like politics?
Yet you don't seem fond of Austria...
nor my family
True
Why do you hate us?
Hate is too big a word
I don't hate anyone but...
Speak! Have no fears
I'm here to learn and...
hear everything
Sit down
What do we do wrong?
Don't you see what you've done to us?
Our language is outlawed. Our schools are closed
Martial law! Espionnage!
I know. And I don't approve
Yet you're turbulent and must be ruled
If that's what you call "rule"...
then rule. But don't ask us to love you
These are indeed sad times...
If a young lady must say such things
I don't say them gladly
I never thought I'd dare talk to you as I do now
I speak for all those who are oppressed in your name
That's brave of you. I like bravery
One moment
Don't disturb us
Yes, Sir
Go ahead
It's late. I must go home.
You have time.
I don't want anyone to worry
May I?
4 a. m!
Already? I must run!
I know nothing about you
Your life...
What do you do?
I run my household...
and see to our lands
Father is too old to do it
So I...
I'm sure your house is ruled better than Austria
It's much easier, Your Highness
I'm going to Vienna but not for long
I then go to Styria to unveil a statue like that one
Handsome, isn't he?
He's awful!
I see dozens of them each year
It's not amusing
My life is quite lonely
My family doesn't like me very much
But you have friends
A few in Vienna
I hardly see them. I travel all the time
If I told you...
the moments I've just spent with you...
are the best I've had in years...
you'd believe me?
I feel so far away from my usual daily life
So far away?
Yes... Far away!
There you are!
Aren't you in bed yet?
I was too worried
Everything is alright
You saw His Imperial Highness?
You apologised?
No. He did
He's charming
Go to bed now
Thanks heavens that is over with!
You have the Chotek file?
Here, Your Excellency
This Countess Chotek is an adventuress?
No, our information on her is good
Old Czech nobility Her father was in diplomacy
His daughter too?
Pretty?
Very...according to the photo
Yes, she's sweet
Has it been going on long?
3 months
Give me that. We'll tend to it later
Shall we turn back, Your Highness?
Continue straight ahead
The horse is old. If he could just flair his stable...
The station is far!
That's a real servant!
He's truly conscientious
Never mind him
He's right. We must go back
No, yet. This is so nice!
But, Franz!
The Emperor, The Opera Gala! They expect you in Vienna
We have time
You're not being serious
What time is it? Give me your watch
What if some one asked you...
for the time?
No one asks the Crown Prince what time it is!
It's 5:00! You hear me?
So what?
Your train leaves at 5:15!
I'm staying
But, you must go!
You're awfully anxious for me to go
That's a nasty thing to say
You know I live only for you
At times you scare me
Why?
I don't know how to explain it
Our love is... so perfect
People rarely like other people's happiness
We've nothing to hear from anyone
Who knows?
We must be very careful
You must go the Gala in Vienna tonight
You must. For my sake
Then ask me very nicely
Like this, Sire?
Nicer than that
Like this?... This?... This?...
Get Count Brazuwski at once!
Where's Franz?
Maybe he missed his train
What train?
He's not to leave Vienna without my permission!
His Majesty forbids...
What? The music is too loud
He forbids His Highness to leave Vienna without his permission
That's outrageous!
Tell me the truth
Where's my son?
Don't worry, Your Highness
Of late the Archduke has certain obligations
Is his obligation blonde or brunette?
She's ravishing
Her name?
Her Highness awaits the Countess
Come closer, young lady
Please sit down
Forgive me for seeing you so early in the day
We can chat while I finish my breakfast
What time is it?
Passed noon
Already?
When we sleep time flies!
I know your name
A Chotek was Emp. Rudolf's treasurer
He was my ancestor
You're charming
I see why...
But even so... I mean...
I made some notes... Where'd I put them?
Under the pillow!
I worked all night!
There are certain cruel laws and traditions..
that do not allow for any sentiment
It is my duty to spare you...
any folly that might endanger...
You surely understand
The Opera... This scandal...
It can't continue
I know, Your Highness
I always knew it was too beatiful to last
My only weakness is that I waited
Waited?
For what you ask of me
Don't worry. I'll disappear from his life
Don't do anything foolish!
I don't think so
You love him?
Yes
Thank you
I owe you my thanks
After Egypt his health was better, but his morale...
I was very worried
Now he's a new man
You make him laugh and love life
Really?
He brings me flowers!
So you mustn't go away
You understand?
He'll never forget you
He's so sensitive
Even when he was a child!
Recognise him?
We must find a solution
A lady-in-waiting?
They are rarely from the Czech nobility!
Would that suit you?
But not in my house!
At my cousin Isabel's?
She lives only 10 miles from Vienna
And the Opera!
It's not a pleasent home
Isabel is a nasty pest
You'd have to be brave
I would be, Your Highness!
If I'd see the Archduke, even at a distance...
I could bear all that gladly
Then I'll tend to it
I'm so grateful to you
No! I hate being thanked!
Anna! Show The Countess out!
Use the park gate so no one sees you here
Form a group, please!
That one, please
It's always 3 on the right, 2 on the left!
It's not symmetric!
Nothing to do, Countess?
All is in order
And the flowers? It's a delicate matter!
I'll see to them, Your Highness
He can't make up his mind
Maybe he likes Marie-Christine
What do you think, Salvator?
Who is his favorite?
How would I know? Ask him!
Don't you think of our girls futures?
More than you imagine!
Have you thought of my cheeses?
What about them?
I thought of them all night!
Thank heavens!
Forget the cheese, Salvator
Think of your heirs!
My cheeses aren't important?
Countess, will the Archduke enjoy...
my hybrid cheeses?
I'm sure, Your Highness
I've prepared a Chester-Gorgonzola that...
he'll certainly like
Countess, come look!
I haven't finished yet
Come anyway!
Please sit, Your Highness
Who does he prefer?
It's hard for me to judge
But you're always with them. You must know
No, it's still not symmetric!
Remove the chairs!
They ruin the harmony!
He visits us every day
It's still the same!
Yes, 2 on the right! 3 on the left!
It's not symmetric!
It just won't work!
What's wrong?
What?
We need the Countess for the symmetry!
Yes, Mama! For the symmetry!
In that case, go help them, Countess
She's coming!
The photographer is a fool!
I wanted a photo...
of our girls for the newspaper
Like an engagement photo!
Smile, Your Highness!
Smile, girls!
Don't move!
Splendid!
I had a good idea, cousin?
It will be exquisite!
Sorry! The sun is gone!
Where'd they go?
They must have gone straight ahead
Why didn't you come yesterday?
I couldn't!
Not yesterday or ever!
I've waited each evening for a week!
And each evening you remain here!
You're so alone, Franz!
I can't eat, I'm never hungry
We see each other less than before
Your visits hinder me
Why?
Can't you see?
Your cousins think you want...
to wed one of them!
Naturally!
Where are they? We've lost them
They went to the right
If they at least knew which one you prefer!
But not all 5!
I have to care for all of them each night
Comb and brush and polish each one!
Teach them to talk and smile and make eyes at you!
We'll go home now
We must go!
I can't bear them
What will I say?
Tell them goodbye for me!
Careful! It's time to begin!
Marie-Christine, keep your tongue in!
When he said he had to go to Schoenbrunn...
did he say he would come back?
I don't recall very well
I didn't pay much attention
It's unthinkable!
Whose is it?
Someone must have dropped it while riding
It has a crown!
I'll take it
What?
It's not mine
To whom does this belong?
Nothing can justify such behavior!
A-lady-in-waiting!
Please...
I'll have your bags sent down
You'll leave at once
I'll see that everyone hears!
The Emperor too!
He'll appreciate your Czech nobility!
I've placed her at my hunting lodge
That's normal at your age
But you did wrong
Aunt Isabel thought you meant to marry her
I'm sorry I didn't think of that
Never mind
In a month I'll have stifled the scandal
Be careful!
Otto's always in a mess too
So if you...
It will never happen again, Sire
Don't be too well-behaved
It's better than politics!
It's not a case of politics
I'm going to wed
Good idea! And with whom?
I'll make amends
To Marie-Christine?
You misunderstand
I mean Miss Chotek
What?
Sophie Chotek
You call that making amends?
She was insulted
You insulted the entire Court!
She was your accomplice
She'll be my wife
It's a silly misalliance!
Someone is here to see you, Countess
Who?
I daren't say
What is this joke?
Prince Montenuevo of Royal Protocol
Is it the Archduke?
He's hurt?
He's in perfect health but he'll be late
He's hunting so I took this opportunity...
to have a talk with you
For your own good!
I don't really see...
why you're here
You must know of...
the dispute between him and the Emperor
Am I the cause?
It's regretable because...
they've always been good friends
But it's not for me to judge!
His Highness wants to marry you
The Emperor forbids it...
unless he'll abdicate
He thought it over...
and gave in
I see why he hesitated but...
the call of power is great
No one is strong enough to resist it
It's been decided...
One question, Excellency
Decided by whom?
His Majesty and...
His Highness
We respectfully offer you...
an arrangement
Arrangement?
A contract, if you prefer
I'm sorry my words are so ungracious...
in such painful circumstances as these but...
Affairs are affairs!
Forgive me
I admire your understanding Countess
Please, Excellency!
Here is our proposal
1st, a yearly pension of 100,000 crowns
And?
2nd, the Castle of Hanaberg, transmissible to your heirs
Plus 1,000 acres of land
And?
The title of princess
And?
More?
That's not bad!
And in exchange?
His Highness' visits to Hanaberg must be kept secret
Quiet easy!
Terribly easy!
And?
A detail! You will sign a statement saying...
you will not oppose...
His Highness eventual marriage
As you know...
some countries go to war...
but Austria "marries"!
He'll see me...
at Hanaberg after his marriage?
Naturally!
It's customary
We wish to be as kind to you as we can
I see you comprehend
I see your treachery!
I don't understand
The Archduke knows?
Yes
I don't believe you
Don't be imprudent!
The Archduke would never allow such infamy!
You invented all this!
You hate the Archduke and want to hurt him
You want to hurt him through me!
You hope to humiliate me!
Get out!
Franz, when you read this I'll be gone...
far from you and joy
Regret nothing! We knew such happiness!
My love you must now be strong and brave
Think of your country and its people you'll one day rule
I'm going away forever Don't be sad!
I love you
I've held my tongue for 2 hours, but I can't now
I feel sick
Then talk!
Slowly and intelligently!
I can't
What did you do with that letter?
It smells of bad luck
What did you do with it?
I gave it to His Highness He's reading it now
What'll happen?
It went wrong!
My coat! My scarf! Quick!
I'll be at Schoenbrunn by 4:00!
What is it?
War!
Prussia?
No! With Montenuevo!
Pity!
Countess Sophie Chotek!
Please follow me
Who ordered this?
My superior. Forgive me
Frantz!
You?
I must talk to you!
I want to be alone
I know
I'm sorry
Never mind protocol. I had to see you
It's urgent
It's Franz Ferdinand
Again?
Sophie Chotek's run away. Why?
I don't know
Franz has gone after her in the middle of the night
You know how young people are
I'm terrified!
It's merely an escapade
Escapade? I doubt it
You must take it seriously
Why be afraid?
I'm afraid of everything!
They may commit suicide...
like Marie and Rudolf did at Mayerling
Quiet!
No one speaks of it!
I have the right to!
Believe me!
Why not let them be happy?
Kings are born to rule, not to be happy!
Don't push them into doing something foolish!
Please!
Have pity on me!
It's you?
You're here at last!
You believed what they said?
That I agreed?
I didn't doubt you for a moment
When I heard, I jumped in my train and here I am
You can't imagine what I've been through
I feared the worst
I shouldn't have left that way but...
if I'd seen you, I'd have lost all my courage
You're here!
It's all that counts
I'm so happy you came to say goodbye
Goodbye?
You must! For you and your life!
I didn't believe what that man said to me about...
the crown, traditions, reasons of state
I didn't care about that
I only knew they wanted to take you from me...
and it hurt!
My darling!
Now I've thought it over
They're right. I can't hinder your life
What are you saying?
You're going to be reasonable
Don't move! Stay here!
I'm going back to my train
You'll come to the door
We'll say farewell...
for as long as possible!
Never!
To hell with traditions!
To hell with Vienna!
I'll defend us!
I'll marry you or abdicate!
I want to live as a happy man!
The lady's bags?
That one's mine
Take these
Things could have been worse, Sire
His Highness ordered a private train...
to take him to the border
So let him go on a trip!
You see, Marie?
One more thing
He had Sophie Chotek's train stopped and...
put her on his own train
I can still avoid a scandal but... tomorrow?
Frantz, you must do something!
To work!
There is perhaps a solution
What?
For the good of the dynasty, the Archduke...
might make some purely judicial concessions
When a marriage is incompatible with a dynasty...
an heir may wed under special circumstances
It is called a morganatic marriage
Continue!
I declare that my marriage to Countess Chotek...
is a marriage union...
morganatic!
and it should be considered as such for all time
Therefore on behalf of my wife and...
any children we may have together, I renounce...
all their claims, any rights, titles or privileges...
belonging to the legitimite heirs or...
or descendants born to the archdukes in legal wedlock
I renounce...
for my descendants...
The Chancellery?
What?
useless to continue, the Archduke says no
I can't see in this fog. Where are we?
We'll be at the Rumanian border in an hour
Your Highness, the cake is served
How many times must I tell you I'm "Mr. Mayer"?
Yes, Sire
It's very hard to get used to
But you must
Yes, Countess
I'll never remember. It's impossible!
I'm just like him!
I'm a man like any other!
You'll soon get used to it
It's easier than being an archduke!
We'll tell them...
Mr. Mayer is to arrive in town...
unknown! No bodyguards or aides!
No speeches or police!
We get off the train
With a relaxed smiler, you give the man our tickets
If it's a nice day, we'll walk to the hotel
We get the key and go up to our room
Magnificent!
In some nations, people live in total freedom
Like in France
Why not the Riviera this winter?
A fine idea!
What's wrong?
In the name of His Imperial Majesty...
the Gov of the Province of Croatia...
proclaims martial law throughout the province
Therefore, all gatherings are forbidden
No inhabitant is to leave his home...
after 7 p.m. without a permit
Law infractions will be judged by a military tribunal
It's awful!
That's how this land is ruled
With hate, violence and blood!
You've no right to leave, Franz
This can't go on
You'd suffer too much, knowing they need you
Do you think I could be happy...
seeing you tortured by the news...
of such an incident?
You must stay!
Yes... But you?
I don't count. But if they'll let me live... near you...
that's all I ask
A morganatic marriage is awful
For you it would mean humiliation...
and pain
It would pain me more...
to see you miserable and tormented...
as you are now
If I accept, can you imagine...?
Accept Franz
Accept! It's your duty
I declare my marriage with Countess Chotek...
is a morganatic union and...
it shall be considered as such for all time
Therefore on behalf of my wife and...
any children we may have, I renounce all their claims...
to any rights, titles or priviliges...
belonging to the legitimite heirs born
On behalf of my descendants I give up all...
I give up dressing like Isabel and...
all the archducness cousins!
I give up old Uncle Frantz-Joseph and...
Cousin Wilhelm II and...
the cathedral and the chants
I'll give up everything!
Except you! My life! My happiness!
Alone together!
If I was her, I'd never have agreed to it
I say they're right cause they're happy
We'll see
Well, I've seen and I know!
He should've said no. He had public opinion...
and the army on his side
Civil war? Over a woman?
If I was the Duchess...
In that case, she has nothing to fear!
A quick wedding! No parade! No wedding ball!
It's bad for business!
I'm going to have a son! I hope he's like me!
He'll inherit my shop
"Horteneim & Son!"
Gentlemen, say what you will, things won't change
Before His Highness sons ever reign...
the rivers will run dry
All of that's only politics
It's like billiards
You bank your shots in order to score
But I liked his politics!
A diplomatic gaming table!
Yes, he had good ideas for reforming the Empire!
A United Austria!
And now what's he up to?
You don't know what you're saying
We have to work day and night...
with reports and maps!
Why should he have fun? It is an odd world today
Let me tell you this
You're sure to have a good Emperor!
Meanwhile, it's your turn
No more today!
Today's Thursday!
But not an ordinary Thursday!
He must try on his uniform for the Court Ball
He's going?
Yes, for sure!
Is she invited?
Naturally!
We can't leave the Duchess at home
It's her 1st official presentation at Court
His Imperial Highness Archduke Franz-Ferdinand...
and the Duchess of Hanaberg!
You may enter, Your Highness
Forgive me but...
etiquette forbids...
Prince Montenuevo asks me to remind you that...
this stairs is for the Imperial Family
What?
The Rules of 1826 concerning protocol at receptions...
apply to the Duchess of Hanaberg
She must use the Minor Stairs
Come!
No, Franz! We mustn't
We've been patient thus far
We can continue
No matter the road, we'll meet at the other end
See you soon!
Present arms!
Thank you
I'm sorry. It's my fault.
I never dreamt they'd dare!
My carriage!
It was as if I'd been slapped in the face!
Everyone smiled and applauded them
They were the talk of the ball!
Well, I haven't said my final word
Their "joke" will cost them dearly!
His Majesty awaits you
The files!
The mail, Sire!
The protocol at the ball was a bit... perturbed?
A catastrophe, Sire!
Don't exaggerate
I don't mind when...
someone in the family shows a little gallantry
If the Archduke upset the ball a bit...
it's not serious
Not at a ball but...
if he shakes the Empire...!
He's forgotten all that
I didn't intend to show you these today, Your Majesty...
but my duty forces me to do so
What is it?
A memo to Parliament from His Highness
Parliament?
Constitutionally he has the right
He has excellent jurists helping him
What is this?
A godsend!
The United States of Austria!
He wants to burn down the nation?
Give me that!
A project for the United States of Austria...
by the Archduke Franz-Ferdinand
He must be insane!
It's his marriage to that Czech woman!
Not at all. Until then his ideas were unclear
His home is a chancellery now!
No longer!
I'll name him to be Insp-General of the Armies!
He'll visit all the provinces... like before!
It'll keep him busy for years!
This is Prince Max at 3 months... 15 pounds!
You were fat!
And you?
I was nicer. Right. Mama?
You chatter too much
My 1st school satchel!
On my wrist!
Here's Prince Ernst taking his 1st steps
And the big city where Papa...
represented the Emperor last year?
No one knows?
Liberty!
Very good!
Budapest!
You went to Budapest too?
For Papa, it's different
He'll be Emperor one day
So he must travel and be known and...
loved by all. Understand?
I'll be Emperor too!
The oldest son becomes Emperor. Right?
No, I'll be Emperor!
Neither one of you will be Emperor
Why?
You haven't been good!
The Hapsburg Crown!
When was the dynasty founded?
In 1273
Good. Everyone knows that
Where are the crown and scepter kept?
Charlemagne!
At St Stefan's Court
Very good, dear!
The Austrian Empire rules over a vast number...
of very different people
There are Germans, Hungarians...
Czechs, Slovaks, Polish and Bosnians
People who listen with an open mouth look stupid
The Emperor struggles to maintain unity
And Papa?
One day he'll found the United States of Austria
It will be the best of all nations...
for it will be based on the love and trust of free people
It's a pretty story, Mama...
but I like "Red Riding Hood" better
Sure! You're a girl!
It's Papa!
I bet I'm early
The lesson wasn't over?
News from Vienna?
Bad?
Go now, children
Go play!
Take them out to play!
What is it? A problem?
Not really a problem
But I must go on a trip again
Can't it be postponed?
No... No one even read my reports!
Sending me there for their...
Independence Day...
will provoke the Slovaks
Still the same lack of comprehension!
I'm afraid things may end badly
No, you'll soon reign
You'll be gone long?
3 weeks of manoeuvres...
ending in Sarajevo
Get me the Times agency!
Roberts?... This is Simpson
I have a sensational scoop for you
The Ambassador of Serbia just came
He has an emergency meeting at the Ministry...
at 9:00 tonight. It must be serious
Forgive me for seeing you at such a late hour but...
we're so busy
I know, Mr Minister
The hour is unimportant
Yet I must inform you of my fears...
over the news I just learned
Austrian army manoeuvres will be held in Bosnia...
under the command of the Archduke?
Yes. Why does that worry you?
He'll go to Sarajevo?
It's Austrian territory
Bosnian!
Thus Austrian!
Manoeuvres will take place nearby
It's normal for the Archduke to visit the Bosnian capital
On Independence Day!
To add to the festivities!
Aren't you afraid some fanatics...
may add to them as well?
A live bullet can easily replace a blank
Can you delay manoeuvres?
Impossible...
for reasons of prestige
Besides, Berlins wants us to act
Germany's haste can do harm
It's not for me to decide
Anyway, the Bosnians are loyal subjects
Thank you for your concern
I'm sure your visit will improve the cordial relations...
between our 2 countries
Vacationing in Paris?
Yes, I hope to see you there
The last time, we went to the Auteuil Races
You bet on Turlude
I lost 12,000 francs!
But you won the Parisians' hearts!
Give me my Town Hall speech
I must make some changes
Write this down
I must stress my friendship for the Slovaks
"I want to tell you...
"that I am not here as your enemy
"I respect all your beliefs...
"and traditions
"In spite of the allegiance you owe our common nation...
"nothing will prevent you, so long as I live...
"from serving and honoring your fatherland
"Only independence and liberty for all...
"can give Europe the guarantees of peace and...
"calm to which it has a right"
Come to dinner!
Though you're not welcome at Court...
you can still go out!
Impossible, Mother
Impossible is not an answer!
The Swedish Ambassador's coming
He's witty and will amuse you
Promise you'll come
I'm going away
Where?
To join Franz
After the manoeuvres...
in Sarajevo
But he's on an official visit
Exactly
You're worried?
Ever since the day he left
Don't go to pieces!
All precautions have been taken
The War Minister...
What could he say, Mother?... I don't know why but...
I don't know what to say...
but I have a feeling of anguish and calamity
You're insane!
Believe me!
Things have changed suddenly
My worst enemies are kind to me
As if everyone wants to... reassure me!
Why?
Why. Mother?
You fear...?
I don't know what!
I feel that Franz is in great danger
I must go to him
I'll see Montenuevo tomorrow
After the way he's humiliated you?
I don't care about my pride
I need his permission to leave
He'll be vengeful!
My child, he'll be delighted to say no!
Your visit is a pleasent surprise!
Our encounters have been a bit rare
I believe the last one was some 15 years ago
Yes, Your Excellency
It was not a pleasent occasion
It was my fault, Your Excellency
Certain misunderstandings have kept us apart
Please forget them
You need only ask and it is done!
How can I be of service?
You must admit that for 15 years...
I have played the part assigned to me
True
I've always respected your protocol and...
Lord knows it's often been hard on me
I said nothing
And today?
Go ahead, I'm listening
I'd like to join my husband before he goes to Sarajevo
You have a reason
A serious one
May I ask what it is?
I'd like to be with him for our wedding anniversary
A must charming and valid reason!
But you are not an archiduchess
Protocol precludes your presence
I know. But couldn't you sidestep protocol...
just once, Your Excellency?
Perhaps. I can't refuse my 1st chance of being agreable to you
You'll let me leave?
When you wish
I didn't expect it to be so easy
Surprised?
Yes. I must admit I am
You don't know me
I only wish to maintain the established order of things
If your wishes are not harmful...
to the Crown, I accept them
Thank you
I'm happy to be of service
Of course, it won't be possible to give you...
the same honors as to His Highness
The army won't be at the ceremony...
but the police will be
The reception won't be quite as colorful
I'll make the best of it
I only wish to be with my husband
Then I can only wish you a bon voyage
Darling, it's as silly as that!
Flatterer!
Imagine how I feelt
In each town a pretty girl welcomes you with flowers
That's how we began!
True enough!
And those gypsy girls are pretty and dangerous!
But that's over!
No more travelling without your wife. I'm here!
I'll keep an eye on you!
I wish we were always together!
Really?
You didn't know that?
Yes, but you forgot something
Our anniversary!
That's how I persuaded Montenuevo
You reminded him we love each other...
in spite of all he's done?
He must have hated it
No, he was charming!
A short circuit! I've brought a lamp
I'll take care of it
I was so scared!
I was so afraid!
Drink that. It will help
I'm sorry
There's no reason to be afraid
We've always been lucky together
In love in spite of everyone and their silly, old ideas!
God has always been with us
Know what it reminds me of?
The day I caught up with you
You said, "I'll defend us!"
I don't know what History will say...
or if you'll be a good or bad Emperor...
but I do know one thing
You are the best!
We love each other deeply...
and always will...
until the very last day
Right, darling?
Bravo! Dead center!
Who fired?
Princip!
Fine! The rest of you can go!
That's all for today!
Where are you going Princip? Go on!
To bed!
Can we sleep with our combs?
Just this once
Where'd Mama and Papa send them from?
Pliza
Where are they today?
I don't know
After?
Tomorrow, the 28th, they'll be in Sarajevo
Sarajevo's a pretty name
Say your prayers!
It's Vienna, Your Excellency
Gen Apotirak speaking
She's definetely coming?
What are our orders?
No military honors?... Impossible!
And my cavalry regiment?
His Excelency is most precise
I've heard bad rumors
I know but...
His Excellency's orders are very strict
Ask for new orders!
I'll try once more
A hundred times no!
Don't bother me with such foolishness!
I said no!
It is a great honor for me
to assure Your Highness of the love...
of the Bosnians for their soverign and their loyalty
Loyalty! With bombs to welcome us?
We trust that for Your Highness...
today will prove...
Bosnia's firm attachment to the House of Hapsburg
Let us express the joy filling our hearts by shouting...
"Long live the Emperor, the Crown Heir and Austria!"
Col. Merigny had it in his pocket so it's blood-stained
A lovely symbol!
I want to tell you...
that I am here as your friend
I respect all your beliefs and traditions
In spite of the allegiance you owe our common nation...
nothing will prevent you, so long as l live...
from serving and honoring your fatherland
I am most happy for the loyalty...
the people of Sarajevo show the House of Hapsburg
I admire your courage but perhaps...
I want to see Merigny at the hospital
I'd like to change the itinerary
You'll follow my orders!
What are you going to do?
See Merigny
I'll go with you?
You'll wait here. It's safer...
if they shoot me!
Don't I have the right to share the danger?
Take my arm
You're smiling
Do you hear me?
Now that the danger is over...
I can say that is why I came
I thought so. I should've sent you home
When the bomb blew up, I thought of the children
So did I. What would have become of them?
Thus a few men's desire for conquest created a pretext...
that set off the 1st World War
Halted by the German defeat...
the war began again in 1939...
under the banner of the Swastika
Again, the free peoples were overwhelmed by...
barbarians with their terror and destruction
In turn, the sons of the men of 1914 have arisen...
to finish the job already begun
They won't out down their arms...
until they have truly guaranteed the world...
Peace and Liberty!