Mayerling is a dramatic historical romance film released in 1957, directed by Anatole Litvak and starring the golden couple of the time, Audrey Hepburn and Mel Ferrer. The movie is set in Vienna in 1888, and it's based on a true story that occurred in 1889. The film is set in the last days of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and it's a tragedy that tells the story of the Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria-Hungary (Mel Ferrer), who is trapped in an unhappy marriage with Princess Stephanie (Diana Wynyard) and falls in love with the beautiful seventeen-year-old baroness Mary Vetsera (Audrey Hepburn).
Rudolf is a man who is deeply unhappy with his life and the way his mother, Empress Elisabeth of Austria (Marta Toren), and his father, Emperor Franz Joseph (Basil Sydney), are running the country. He's passionate and free-minded, and he dreams of a world where democracy and freedom can exist. Rudolf feels suffocated by the conservative and narrow-minded society that surrounds him, and he's at odds with his parents because they don't share his progressive views.
Mary Vetsera is a young woman who's deeply attracted to Rudolf's intelligence, his political ideas, and his willingness to break free from the world of the aristocracy. They meet by chance, and they start a passionate affair that takes both of them on an emotional rollercoaster.
Their love affair is one of the most powerful parts of the movie, and it's beautifully portrayed by Audrey Hepburn and Mel Ferrer. Their chemistry is undeniable, and they bring a sense of urgency and desperation to the characters. Mayerling is not only a love story, but it's also a story of two people who are trying to free themselves from the constraints of society and the expectations of their families.
The movie is also a historical drama that gives us a glimpse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, its royal family, and the political and social turmoil that led to its end. The political situation in Europe at the time of the movie is complicated, and the movie doesn't shy away from showing the tensions between different countries and the growing threat of war.
The cinematography in Mayerling is stunning, and the movie does an excellent job of bringing the period to life. The costumes, the set design, and the attention to detail are all excellent, and they contribute to the overall atmosphere of the movie.
Mayerling is a tragic movie, and it doesn't have a happy ending. The events of the movie are based on a true story, and the movie stays true to history. The film's ending is heartbreaking, and it's a testament to the powerful performances of Audrey Hepburn and Mel Ferrer.
In conclusion, Mayerling is a powerful and emotional movie, and it's an excellent example of a historical drama. The movie does an excellent job of bringing the period to life, and the performances of Audrey Hepburn and Mel Ferrer are outstanding. While the ending of the film is tragic, it's a must-watch for fans of historical romance and drama.
Mayerling is a 1957 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes.
