All language subtitles for Sissi The Fateful Years Of An Empress (1957) GERMAN 1080p BluRay H264 AAC-VXT 2_English

The fateful years of an empress

Yes, your majesty.

- Which way do we go now?
- I think this way.

No, I think that way.

I think that we're lost.

I'm afraid you're right.
We have to turn around.

No, I don't like to be the last one.
Let's rest for a while.

As you wish, your majesty.

Here you are, your majesty.

Thank you.

They'll wonder
where we have been.

They'll be happy
that we've lost our way.

We're usually the first ones.

Count andrassy, I can't tell you
how happy I am in Hungary.

I'm glad, your majesty.

Here I finally feel as free
as I did in possenhofen.

In Austria, it would be impossible
for me to ride unattended.

There would be at least
20 secret police officers

hiding behind the trees and bushes,
making sure nothing bad happened.

Here, your majesty
is under my personal protection.

Yes, but it's not only
this feeling of freedom

that makes the stay
in Hungary so nice.

Here I have my child all to myself.

The little one already speaks
a few words of Hungarian.

I noticed.

Let's go for a walk.

Your horse jumped magnificently.

Excellent!

Very good!

Did count batthyani
excuse his absence of the hunt?

- Yes, your royal highness.
- And how?

With a polite excuse.

Your majesty knows the real reason.

No, I don't know.

The father of count batthyani
was executed with 13 other generals

after the suppression
of the rebellion.

That is why countess batthyani

made her son take an oath
never to speak to the emperor

and to refuse to show him
any kind of respect.

Did he also take an oath
to stay away from his queen?

Certainly not.

But he is hardheaded and disloyal.

Moreover, he symbolizes
a very strong power.

He is the head of the strongest party
of resistance in the country.

That's why I want to speak with him.

There must be a way
to come to an understanding.

Your royal highness already sees
that he even disregards

the invitation of his queen.

Then invite him to your castle,
count andrassy.

I will meet him on neutral ground.

Your majesty would honor me
by being a guest in my castle?

I am looking forward to it,
but please keep it informal.

I had my fill of rigid festivities
in Austria.

I have heard that the Hungarians
can celebrate better

than any other nation.

Yes, but when Hungarians celebrate,

it mostly ends up
in a so-called "mulatschak."

- How do you say it?
- Mulatschak.

But that is nothing for your majesty.

I beg you, sir,
let me read your hand.

Please, sir.

- Aren't you curious?
- Very much so.

But I fear it could
be unpleasant news

and, as a result,
destroy all of my hope.

Then she shall tell me the future.

What do you read in my hand?

You will have two more children,
madam.

Girls?

First a boy...

And then a girl.

And you will always
be healthy and happy.

Give her a gold coin
for the good news.

I don't have any money with me.

And give the children something, too.

Poor lady.

I would not want to trade places
with her.

Do you believe in the prophecies
of gypsies?

I would not be Hungarian
if I did not believe in them.

Gypsies have a sixth sense.

Sometimes they know more
than we do.

Yes, that's what I have heard,
as well.

That woman is crying for help!

I wouldn't take it too seriously.

- What's wrong?
- Nothing.

But we need to do something!

But it doesn't mean anything.

Why are you hitting that woman?

I'm so sorry, your majesty!

What have you done?
Don't you see? It's the queen!

Your majesty, I am inconsolable.

Your majesty.

Don't worry. I'm not going back.

Exactly, let's let the gypsies
have their domestic peace.

Yes, if she loves her husband
so much

that she defends him
after such a beating,

he might as well keep beating her.

But your majesty is still warm
from the hunt.

I am afraid your majesty
might catch a cold.

Hopefully not.

I am lucky that the emperor
doesn't see me in these clothes.

You are so serious, mama.
Are you worried?

Yes, Franz.

I am very unhappy.

Obviously I am doomed by fate

to always play the role
of the mean mother-in-law

and tell the people I love
only unpleasant things.

What is it this time, mama?

You see? You also ask,
"what is it this time?"

And it's true.

I have to tell you
something unpleasant again.

I do not think that it is right

that the empress of Austria
is passing weeks alone in Hungary

and does not bother
with her husband or her country.

But, mama, sissi is also
queen of Hungary.

Do you also consider it appropriate

that she surrounds herself
with a circle of revolutionaries

and even tries to start a friendship
with count batthyani?

A man who offended you publicly.

I think it is mean
to talk about obedience

when count batthyani
took an oath for his mother.

You always find excuses
for everything that Elisabeth does.

I am left with no choice
but to tell you

what I would have preferred
not to voice.

I have come upon letters
from people of absolute integrity,

which all report that count andrassy
is in love with Elisabeth.

But, mama!

The two of them go riding together
for hours without any company.

He is allowed to appear at the castle
without prior announcement,

and he sends Elisabeth flowers
every day...

Just as the gentlemen
at the theatres usually do

when they are having their affairs.

Mother, I beg you to hold off
comparisons of this kind.

I love sissi,
and she has my complete trust.

Of course, she is very beautiful

and everyone is fascinated
with her charm,

especially the men.

But she is still
no Catherine of Russia.

She is the purest being that I know
and a person of character.

I beg you, mama,

not to surround the empress
with spies in the future.

So you are not planning
on calling her back to Vienna?

By no means,

even though I long for her
day and night.

Their majesties the duchess ludovika
and Princess Helena in Bavaria.

Aunt ludovika?

Ask them in.

She was visiting
the queen of the saxony with nene

and has written to me that they are
going to visit us for a few days.

That's a pleasure.

Dear aunt ludovika.

I am especially pleased
to welcome you here to Vienna.

The pleasure is all ours, Franz.

Sophie!

Nene.

Welcome, my dear.

How nice that you made
a detour through Vienna.

But of course!

We haven't seen each other
in a long time.

Since your wedding.

Where is sissi?

She is not in Vienna.

Not in Vienna?

Oh, that's a pity!

Well, my dear,

if you want to visit
the empress of Austria,

you have to go to Hungary.

There it is!

Take the doll with you,
but come quickly.

Sweetheart!

Mama!

- How are you doing, my sweetheart?
- Good.

And you look so pretty!

And mama hasn't seen you
for so long.

Hello, baroness.

What have you played with?
“With the doll.

- With which one?
- This one.

With the big one?

Come, let's go play with her.
The big one, yes?

Nene has become very pretty.
Yes.

Why hasn't she found
a husband yet?

That's something that I, her mother,
don't even know.

She passes out only rejections.

When one was once so close
to becoming the empress of Austria,

it is not really difficult
to understand.

Did she not have any inhibitions
about seeing Franz Joseph again?

Yes, certainly.
But I had to pass by Vienna.

I have something very important
to discuss with you.

I hope nothing unpleasant.

Well, it is not exactly pleasant.

That's what I thought.

So, what has happened?

Well, it is terrible!

Ludwig, our oldest,

has set his mind on marrying
the actress henriette mendel.

Has he lost his mind?

The emperor of Austria is to become
the brother-in-law of an actress?

That is unimaginable!

He has completely distanced
himself from us

and lives in his college apartment
in Munich.

Something must be done!

That's why I am here
to counsel with you, Sophie.

Moreover, I have told Max
that he needs to go over there

and talk sense into him.

Ludwig.

I will not leave here
until you have promised me

that you will not marry
henriette mendel.

If that is all,
then it is easy for me to do.

Namely, I cannot marry her anymore.

No?

Because we are already
married to each other.

Ludwig, don't make any jokes.

I am completely serious.

We were married secretly
two years ago.

And you didn't tell us a word!

- Nene knew about it.
- Nene knew about it?

One is absolutely betrayed
and lost with one's own children!

Papa.

- Oh, pardon me.
- No, no, stay here.

May I present to you, my dear father,
my wife and my daughter?

I am speechless.

I can imagine, your majesty.

You see? This is your grandfather,
whom I've told you so much about.

Look at him.

Well, there he is with a child
and a wife, for god's sake!

- Well, what is her name?
- Mariechen.

Well, come here, all of you.

- Mariechen, yes?
- Papa.

Cute little thing.

But how are we going
to explain this to your mother?

That's on you, papa!

Of course, I have to do it.

I don't care if you marry a mendel,
mondel, or mandel.

Excuse me.

Marry a "bourgeois."
That's what I wanted to say.

But you know the relatives.
Especially aunt Sophie.

You should have at least
thought about sissi,

since she is the empress of Austria.

But sissi is just like you.

Well...

My dear sissi!

I hope that you are having
a nice time in Hungary,

but considering
how long you've been gone,

could you return to Vienna
for a few weeks?

The viennese can be very jealous!

And me, too!

I bought this one in Vienna.

Charming, your majesty.

The Duke Max in Bavaria.

That's impossible!

Why? With me,
everything is possible.

Papa, what a surprise!

In our family one should be used
to surprises.

- Gretchen, please inform mama.
- Gladly, your majesty.

Now tell me, papa,
what are you doing in Vienna?

That's my secret.

- You keep secrets from me, as well.
- Me?

You did not tell me that Ludwig
is married and has a child.

Because I gave him my word
not to say anything.

Yes, and now I must figure out
a way to tell mother.

If I only...

Well, Max!

Hello, Vicki.

Has something happened?

No. What should have happened?

Because you are
suddenly in Vienna.

That doesn't mean
that something has happened.

I just missed you.

But you didn't even know
that we're here.

I didn't know,
but I thought that you were here.

So I said, "you know what?
Let's meet them halfway."

To whom did you say that?

To myself.
I always like to talk to myself.

Max, I know you're up to something.

But no. What should I be up to?

What do you want?
Aren't you happy that I'm here?

Of course, we are very happy!

Listen, papi,
today is a ball in my honor.

That means I have to put on
my tight uniform.

Please do it for me.

It will still fit.

Now tell me,
did you speak with Ludwig?

- Of course I have spoken to him.
- And? Did you get through to him?

No. That means, yes.

Actually, that means, no.

- Which one is it?
- Well, actually, yes.

He told me, "I promise
I won't marry miss mendel

because I cannot marry her
anymore."

That's what he said? Yes.

Well, then everything is fine!

Yes, I think so.

That 1s marvelous!

Where is sissi?
I haven't said hello to her yet.

Then you must go to Hungary.

What? Yes.

- Sissi isn't in Vienna?
- Unfortunately not.

Well, does mami get a coffee now?

Please.

There. Pour some for mami.

Thank you.

A little milk.

There's the milk.

Good. Thank you.

And now some sugar, as well.

Yes, thank you very much.

That's good coffee!

Wonderful!

The coffee is wonderful.

It was very good coffee.

May I remind your majesty...

Thank you... yes?

That today is the party
at count andrassy's castle?

Yes, I'll be right there.

Sweetheart, now give me a nice kiss.

That was nothing! One more!

One more time!

A real big one!

Thank you very much.

Tomorrow we'll play again, yes?
Yes.

Say good-bye.

Good-bye.

I am really looking forward
to this evening.

I've asked count andrassy
to organize a real Hungarian evening.

But he says it's not the right thing
for me.

He has told me that Hungarian parties
always end with a...

How do you call it?

With a...

Mulatschak. Do you know
what a mulatschak is?

No, your majesty.

But maybe major bockl does.

- Why major bockl?
- He studies Hungarian day and night.

He is in love with the daughter
of the caretaker, the little margit.

He is always in love.

- Tell him to come.
- Yes, your majesty.

Speak German.

They don't all need to know
what we are talking about.

What exactly is happening here?

- Why?
- It's a surprise for you.

- A surprise for me?
- Yes, today is your birthenday.

- What is today?
- Your birthenday, isn't it?

"Birthday." it's called "birthday."
How do you call it?

"Birthenday."

"Birthenday..."

That is sweet of you.
Was this your idea?

Well, yes. But you don't
really deserve it.

- Why don't I deserve it?
- No, no, no.

Say, do you still love me?

Sure, margit, I love you very much.

Then you swear
that you don't love another woman.

No, unfortunately I cannot
swear to that.

- I see.
- No, you don't.

The woman I love,
I mean, the other woman,

is no threat to you.

I only love her in my fantasies.

- So I was right.
- What do you mean you were right?

- I know who this other woman is.
- You know which woman?

- Illunka told me.
- Lllunka told you that?

Yes, she heard it
from the chambermaid.

What does a chambermaid know?

- You are in love with the queen!
- Are you crazy?

What if somebody hears you?

Yes, but it's true.

Of course!
Well, nothing is true!

I admire the queen. I adore her.

- But you love me!
- Good god! Please, stop.

- Major.
- Yes, countess.

Her majesty wants to see you
right away.

- To her majesty?
- Yes, but quickly.

- Margit.
- Go away, you double-faced man!

Excuse me. Where did I put
my helmet? My sword?

- Well, where did you put them?
- You came without your sword.

Oh, I think I know!
I left them outside!

At your command, your majesty.

Major bockl to the fore.

Major, do you know
what a "mulatschak" is?

- At your command, majesty.
- So what does it mean?

Well, it is difficult to explain,
your majesty.

Mulatschak...

Mulatschak is the name for a period
of time, for a couple of hours,

when every Hungarian
thinks he is in heaven

and all angels are gypsies.

Have you ever participated
in a mulatschak?

At your command, your majesty.
I have attended several.

And?

Your majesty, in these hours
I was Hungarian myself,

and in heaven.

And the count wants to deprive me
of such a thing.

Thank you, major.
You may leave now.

Yes, your majesty.

- What is wrong?
- Nothing with me.

He has my parrot.

I mean, my glove, the parrot.

Her majesty's carriage
has just arrived in the park.

Good, thank you.

Dear friends.

I have promised you a big surprise
for this evening.

But I don't want
to take you unaware.

That's thoughtful of you.

I have the great honor to inform you

that I am expecting
a very important guest.

Who?

Her majesty the queen will be here.

Thanks for telling us.

Just enough time left
for us to leave your house.

You can't do that.

That would be an affront
impossible to explain.

Under no circumstances
will I remain here.

And I think czaky and paralfi
will agree with me.

We're leaving.

But I'm begging you!

Her majesty, the queen.

I am very pleased to be invited to
your beautiful castle, count andrassy.

I am happy to welcome your majesty
in my modest home.

May I introduce a few of my guests
to your majesty,

who did not yet get the honor
to be introduced to your majesty?

Count czaky.

Count paralfi.

Count batthyani.

Count batthyani, I am pleased
to finally make your acquaintance.

And now that we shook hands
with each other,

I hope that we can become friends.

May I ask your majesty to the table?

Yes, gladly.

What should we do?

Naturally, we have to stay now.

Franz-Karl,
I urgently have to talk to you.

What is it?
Has something happened?

What happened?

Nothing happened.

If only we could still
dance with them.

That would be great.

- A little break from dancing?
- We are going to the park.

The moonlight is so magnificent.

- The moonlight.
- Yes, yes.

My hearing gets better every day.

Yes, I've noticed.

I need to catch some fresh air.
Yes.

Franz Joseph is in
an especially good mood today.

Nene, too. I haven't seen her
this happy in a long time.

What is it?

- Will we be undisturbed here?
- Yes, yes, I think so.

- I have a big favor to ask you.
- Yes, go ahead.

It's the reason
why I came to Vienna.

I was wondering
if you could talk to Franz Josef

and ask him to ennoble
a young actress.

Well, bravo! Your girlfriend.

You are a rogue.

But no. What are you thinking?

It's regarding the young lady
that my Ludwig secretly married.

- He secretly...!
- Hush.

- What is her name?
- Mendel.

Meindl, like the Julius?

- Mendel, mendel!
- I see.

Maybe he can at least make her
a baroness or something like that.

Yes, I'll take care of it.

Yes? Yes.

What kind of name
shall we give her?

Anything that sounds nice.

In return you may shoot a deer
in my forest.

I don't care much for shooting.

I prefer to go fishing.

I recently caught...

- A fish.
- A fish, yes.

A waller.

This big, in wallersee.

Wallersee.

That would be a nice name
for mendel.

Yes, all right,
let's name her wallersee.

This big was the... was the...

- Fish.
- _ fish.

It's beautiful here, Franz.

The ball is magnificent, too.

And you are its queen.

Everyone admires you.

I do, too.

Tell me, nene, how come
you're not married yet?

Why do you, of all people,
ask me that question?

Because I wonder.

You look enchanting,

and I'm sure you had
lots of opportunities to get married.

Nene.

What's wrong?

Did I hurt your feelings?

Not today.

I apologize. It was clumsy of me
to ask this question.

But I didn't know it affected you
so much back then.

I thought it was a combination
of our mothers

who wanted to marry us
without asking us.

Well, it was.

When I came with mama to ischl
to be engaged to you,

I did not know more about you
than that you were handsome

and that you were
the emperor of Austria.

But then I saw you
and got to know you better,

and I felt that I could be happy
with you.

Nene.

You have no idea
how unhappy I was

when I realized
that you loved sissi and not me.

I thought that I would not be able
to live anymore.

The only thing I knew was that
everything fell apart inside of me.

I know that I'm not really
supposed to tell you all this.

I didn't want to tell you, either.
Never.

I will never love another man
the way I have loved you.

Farewell, Franz.

Batthyani is completely enchanted
by her majesty.

Who isn't charmed by her?

My dear count batthyani,

I don't want to discuss politics
with you.

I don't know anything about it.

I just want to try
to bridge differences.

No, your majesty.

The differences dividing our countries
cannot be bridged.

In my opinion, insurmountable
differences do not exist.

I simply love my country.

So do I.

And the emperor wants to
and will do everything

to give your beautiful country
true peace.

True peace! What is that?

Order, peace,
happiness, contentment.

Exactly what you and your supporters
strive for.

Have a little bit of faith
in your king and your queen.

Or do you think
you're unable to do so?

Since I have come to know
your majesty...

That's nice, count batthyani.

And now I know that everything
is going to be all right.

Where there is a will,
there is also a way.

Excuse me, please.

May I ask your majesty
to open the palledance with me

and thereby crown my ball?

Yes, my pleasure.

Finally there's a genuine human being
in this imperial house.

Your majesty!

Is your majesty feeling dizzy?

No, no. It's only this...

This stupid feeling.

Is your majesty in pain?

Yes, since the last hunt.

Your majesty did catch a cold.

Maybe.

It's already... it will pass.

There she is!

Let's get some fresh air, yes?

Yes, your majesty.

- Where is her majesty?
- I don't know. She was just here.

I am glad that your majesty
recovered so quickly.

It's already much better.

Maybe it was the duhgeier
that got to my head.

Yes, that is possible.

It is too fiery.

A very old vintage.

What will you think
of your queen now?

The same thing I always think.

That she is the most beautiful
and charming woman I know.

And that's...

Why don't you continue?

I am not allowed to, your majesty.

You wanted to say,
"and she is a little tipsy."

Isn't that right?

No, your majesty.

Then I wish that you speak.

What did you want to say?

That I am undyingly in love...

With my queen.

But, count andrassy!

I have loved your majesty

from the first moment
I faced your majesty.

I would never have said it...

But your majesty ordered me to.

Count andrassy.

You know how much I appreciate you
and how grateful I am.

You have brought Hungary
to the emperor.

Through your strength
and your wisdom,

you have turned the hatred of a nation
that lasted for decades into love.

You were my only friend.

The only one I counted on.

I would be unhappy if I lost you
as a friend and adviser.

Promise me
that it won't be the case.

I promise, your majesty.

Promise me that you will forget
everything you have just told me.

Everything.

I can't do that.

I can't do that, your majesty.

I am helpless.

I don't know a way out.

Then I will have to find one.

Please, stand up, count andrassy...

And take me back to the party.

Major.

Major. Yes?

Gretchen will be happy that you
came to my birthday party, too.

May I ask for a dance?

I don't have time.

I just came to tell you that we
are leaving tomorrow morning.

- Where are we going?
- To Vienna.

For a long time?

I don't know. I have to go back
to prepare for departure.

What a disaster!

Why are you so sad?

Because I have sad news.
Come sit down.

We are leaving. “When?

Tomorrow morning.

When are you coming back?

I have no idea.

Don't cry.

Otherwise, I'll cry, too.

- You are going to forget me.
- Never.

As soon as you're gone,
you will forget me.

And he's playing such a sad melody
on top of everything.

Please stop.

Tell me, countess,
do you like gddéllé, as well?

Yes, your majesty.

I never would have thought that it
would be so difficult to say good-bye.

It is not good-bye forever,
your majesty.

No.

But for a very long time.

Mami.

Make sure that the horses are
exchanged as quickly as possible.

Yes, your majesty.

Will your majesty use the opportunity
to have a little snack?

- Yes, just a glass of milk.
- At your command, your majesty.

Come, my child.

Come on.

You will get something
to drink, too.

Are you the innkeeper? Yes.

- Where is your guestroom?
- Over there.

- Is it empty?
- No, one guest is in there.

He has to leave immediately.
Bring a glass of milk.

A glass of milk, as you please.

Your majesty,
one guest is still present,

but I will make sure
that he'll disappear right away.

Sir, will you please leave the room
as soon as possible?

Aren't you listening?
You have to leave.

Your majesty!

Your majesty!

- Franz!
- Sissi!

How did you get here?

I was on my way to g6dollo
to pick you up.

Why? Did something happen?

No.

I wanted to see you.

And I wanted to see you.

Papi!

My angel!

She looks magnificent.

Yes, she has recovered well.

Major?

Your majesty?

Please take the little one outside
to get some sun.

Yes, your majesty.

Your majesty, may I carry you
in my arms?

- What do you want here?
- Well, the milk.

Out of the way!
Out of the way, please.

Did you work a lot?

Yes, the political situation
is not very pleasant at the moment.

You look very tired.

Most likely because
I didn't sleep last night.

We had a grand ball for nene.

Nene is in Vienna?

Yes.

I left right after the ball.

Is mama there, too?

Yes, and papi, too.

Papili, too. I'm looking forward
to seeing them.

I don't think you will be able
to see them.

They left this morning.

Oh, that's a pity.

But now tell me about you.

You look exhausted, too.

Yes, I didn't sleep last night either.

I left right after andrassy's ball.

You were at andrassy's?

At his house? Yes.

I wanted to meet batthyani.

We have spoken to each other,

and I think that we have found
a new friend.

- How does nene look?
- Very pretty.

Is she finally going to marry this...
Thurn und taxis?

I don't know.

They've been engaged
for nearly two years.

Please don't leave me alone
anymore.

Stay with me.

Yes.

Please don't go back to g6d6llo
right away.

No, I said good-bye to g6doéllo
for quite a long time.

But I also have a favor to ask of you.

Make a little bit more time for me.

I promise you I will.

Now you do, yes,

but when we are back in Vienna,
everything will be forgotten.

We are not going back to Vienna.

Nor are we going to g6dallo.

We are going to ischl.

Just the two of us?

We are going to hide out
for a few weeks.

- And they're ours, exclusively.
- How nice.

They smell great.

Of course they smell great.

- Whose child is that?
- I don't know, mama.

That's odd.

How does a strange child
get in here?

Mama has seen the child already.

Little one! You, little girl!

Who do you belong to?
What are you doing here?

Where is your mami?

Where is she? Well, where?

Now go and get the two.

Come, we're going to look
for your mama.

We're going to look for her.

Max, look. There is a strange child
walking alone in the garden.

- Do you know whose it is?
- Well, it must belong to somebody.

Yes, well...

But I don't see anybody.

Let's go.

- Did mama see the child already?
- Of course.

- Papa and I have planned it very well.
- My heart is pounding.

Don't be afraid.
Everything will be all right.

Who do you belong to?
What's your name?

Well, she can't speak yet.

- But she is cute.
- Yes, very.

A dear little girl.

What would you like?
A glass of milk?

Maybe rather a beer?

Oh, come now, Max. You're crazy.

A beer for such a little child.

Look, this is something for you.

There you go.

She's hungry.

Do you like it?

Oh, she is such a sweetheart.

Max, a child of this age
is truly missing here.

Yes, all our own
are already too grown up.

A mother has nothing left to do.

You probably just want to keep it.

Yes, I would.

But I don't think that the parents
would give her away.

I don't think so, either.

Ludwig!

Papa gave us permission to visit you.

My wife, henriette, me,
and mariechen.

Your wife? You're married?

And this is your child?

Our child.

And you knew all about it?

Calm down.

Franz knows about it, too.
That's why I was in Vienna.

He has ennobled her.
She is now baroness attersee.

What am I saying, attersee? Wallersee.

There are no waller in attersee.
I did it all by myself.

Well, I am speechless.

You mustn't be,
because it's your turn to talk now.

Well...

If god has given two people
something as dear as this child,

then he wants to say through it
that they belong together.

Welcome, henriette.

Vickerl, I didn't expect
anything less of you.

Sissi.

Do you already have
more than I do?

No.

Then I have won!

I surrender.

Catch me!

Sissi!

Sissi, for heaven's sake,
what is wrong with you?

I don't know.

I had it...

I had it several times in Hungary.

But maybe I just ran down the hill
too fast.

I'll take you home, all right?

No. It's already better.

I will send for Dr. seeburger
in Vienna right away.

Or better yet, we'll travel
as fast as possible to Vienna.

Come.

Are the doctors
still with her majesty?

No, your majesty, but the council
is not over yet.

Then please tell Dr. seeburger

that I expect his report
right after the council.

As you wish, your majesty.

The relations
between Austria and Italy

are momentarily not the best,
your majesty.

That is why everything that could make
matters worse

must be avoided,

especially since Austria
has been completely isolated

since the last war.

I believe this is also the opinion
of your majesty.

Yes, certainly, excellency.

Please ask again about the well-being
of her majesty.

Certainly, your majesty.

I'm sorry, excellency,

that I couldn't follow your report
as well as I would have liked to.

I certainly agree with you

that everything has to be done
to avoid another war.

Why doesn't anybody want to tell me
what is wrong with me?

Because the doctors
are not sure yet,

but I'm sure it's nothing serious,
your majesty.

Why, then, has Dr. seeburger

summoned a council
of four professors?

Your majesty should not
worry too much about that.

I can feel it myself,
something is wrong with me.

Always this strange pain
in the same spot?

Her majesty's condition is very bad.

The heart?

- The lungs.
- For heaven's sake!

But it's only an acute affection,
or. .?

Is it contagious?

It is my duty to tell
your imperial highness the truth.

The professors demand
an immediate change of climate

but even then there's very little hope
for a full recovery.

Her majesty, of course,
knows nothing about this.

How shall I give the emperor
this dreadful news?

He must know the truth.

And the parents of the empress
must be informed, too.

Yes.

For the first time in my life
I am helpless.

Come, go to Mathilde.
Get the ball, mariechen.

Get the ball!

Get it!

Get the ball!

- Good evening, your majesty.
- Good evening.

- I have a letter from Vienna.
- A letter from Vienna?

That's great! Thank you.

A letter from aunt Sophie!

Yes? Yes.

Mariechen, throw it here!

Throw it to me, mariechen!

- Mariechen!
- Take the ball, mariechen!

Get it.

Oh, god.

- But that's impossible!
- What is it, mama?

Max!

Max! “What is it?

- Max!
- What's wrong with mama?

I think she's received bad news.

What a terrible misfortune!

Sissi is very sick.

Sissi?

Oh, my god!

Isn't that horrible, Max?

Where is the little one?

I have informed the chambermaid

that your majesty
wants to see the Princess.

Pardon me, doctor. Yes?

Pardon me. How is majesty doing?

- Unfortunately, not well.
- Horrible.

Hello, doctor.

I am on my way to the emperor
to tell him the truth.

A difficult task, your majesty.

God knows it is.

I will allow her majesty
to get out of bed today

for at least an hour.

I am afraid that a terrible depression
could come on top of everything,

which would make the condition
of the poor patient worse.

Do what you think is best, doctor.

Poor thing.

Where are you going?

Her majesty wanted to see
her royal highness.

Bring the Princess back to her room
and wait for further instructions.

- Yes, your majesty.
- I want to see mami.

Another time, my child.
Mami is sleeping now.

Mami.

I am really allowed to get up,
doctor?

Yes, your majesty.
But only for an hour.

I'd like to surprise the emperor.

He will be very happy
to see that I am healthy again.

I am sure, your majesty.

Countess, can you please bring me
my dressing gown?

And tell major bockl
to let the guards tread off.

Yes, your majesty.

Major,

her majesty wishes that the guards
in the corridor tread off.

Certainly.

Guards, tread off.

March!

I still feel a little weak,

but I think that's from lying down
for so long.

Are you bringing news
from sissi, mama?

Yes.

We will speak later.

Is she feeling better?

My dear Franz, I have been fighting
with myself for several days now

because I have to tell you
something very sad,

and I don't know
how to tell you best.

What's going on, mama?

Come, sit down beside me.

You may leave me alone now, countess.

Nothing is going to happen to me.

Sissi is very, very sick.

And the doctors are afraid...

What are they afraid of?

They are afraid...

Well, you have to finally know
the truth.

The doctors are afraid
that sissi can't be saved.

That's impossible.

What is wrong with her,
for heaven's sake?

Sissi has a lung disease.

And the doctors think

that she should immediately
be moved to another climate,

because it would be dangerous...

To leave her close to you
and the child.

I know it is difficult, Franz.

Very difficult.

But, as the emperor,

you owe it to your country
and your child.

You need to avoid
any kind of intimacy with sissi.

Do you know what you
are asking of me, mama?

I love sissi more than my life.

I know, Franz.

But, nevertheless,
you have to consider

that every one of her kisses
is contagious,

and that the child must be protected
from her kisses, too.

You also have to consider
other things, Franz...

Even though it appears heartless
to talk about it.

The country demands
a healthy empress

and healthy children.

And, most of all, a healthy heir.

If what the doctors are afraid of
should become true

that sissi won't survive
this winter,

we already have to consider
right now

who will come into question
to become your wife.

I bar you from talking so cruelly,
mama.

Sissi is alive,

and with god's help
she will become healthy again.

And if the almighty wants to take

the dearest thing I have in this world
away from me,

then I will never,
never ever get married again!

Even if the country
does not get an heir.

You have no right
to think of yourself,

but only of the dynasty
and your house.

Don't forget the sacrifices I made
to keep the dynasty of habsburg.

I have renounced the throne for you.

You have told me that
100 times already,

and I wish you would
not have renounced.

I would have saved myself
a lot of trouble.

I sure would have been
much happier.

So this is how you thank me
for everything I've done for you.

I have never longed
for becoming emperor.

I have only done my duty
since I became emperor.

The only happiness in my life
was sissi.

And if she is no more,
everything will be meaningless.

Now you have spoken
like a good bourgeois,

but not like an emperor.

Sissi.

The doctor has given me permission to
get up for an hour.

I wanted to cheer you up
and come and visit you.

I didn't even hear you coming in.

I stood in the doorway.

Since...?

I mean, how long
have you been standing there?

Just long enough to hear everything
that I probably had to hear.

But don't worry, Franz.

I will get healthy again.

And, if it's god's will,

I will also give birth
to a healthy heir.

I will go where the doctors send me
and do everything they ask me to do.

And always remember that
I don't want to make you unhappy,

because you love me.

Here, please.

Flowers from his majesty again?

Yes, his majesty
instructed the gardener here

to bring your majesty
the most beautiful flowers every day.

If I only knew what I could do
to bring the emperor joy.

By getting healthy as soon as you can,
your majesty.

Yes.

If only that was in my power.

We've been here several weeks,

and my condition
has not become any better.

It takes time, your majesty.

Your majesty must first adapt
to the climate.

I think I must rather adapt
to the thought

to never get healthy again.

But, your majesty!

Yes, I am aware of my condition.

I know it very well.

What's wrong, mama?

Oh, nene. I can get no peace.

I need to see sissi.

The poor thing is sitting in madeira

and probably thinks
about her sickness all day.

Yes, the worst thing
in such a condition.

Exactly.

She needs somebody to build her up,

to encourage her,
to give her a new will to live.

I know for sure
that I could help her very much now.

Hello, doctor.
Are you bringing good news?

Is the empress feeling better?

I am sorry having to disappoint
your majesty,

but the health condition
of her majesty is unchanged.

It is despairing.

I've heard that Dr. seeburger
has arrived.

I wanted to find out
what kind of news he brings.

Bad news.

Still no improvement?

Unfortunately not, your majesty.

And to make things worse,
a heavy depression has set in,

leading to the worst of concerns.

Terrible.

Your majesty, here is another gift
from his majesty.

It is so sweet how his majesty
spoils me.

Every day, a new (gift.

Every day, flowers.

Everything could be so wonderful.

It will be wonderful again,
your majesty.

I do not believe in prophecies
anymore, countess.

A gypsy once told me

that I will always be
healthy and happy.

Was I ever really happy?

One must not be ungrateful.

One must not sin.

I was happy very often in my life.

And, sometimes,
shadows must come;

otherwise, one would not appreciate
the sun anymore.

That's right!

Mama?

- Sissilein!
- Mami!

My child!

My sweetheart, my darling.
How are you doing?

Mami, how did you get here?

King Ludwig has given me his yacht
so that I could visit you.

How nice that you are here!

I have missed you so much!

I just didn't want to write you
to come because of the long journey.

But, my child,
I would have come to you

even if you would have been
10 times as far away,

because I know
that you need me now.

How is papili?

And nene? And the children?

Oh, they all would have
loved to come, too.

Countess, could you please prepare
a room for her majesty?

Yes, your majesty.

Can you please take my things
with you?

- Of course, your majesty.
- Thank you very much.

You have it very nice here.

A beautiful piece of land,
this madeira.

Yes, but I do not really know
anything of madeira yet.

I spend the entire day lying here,

and all I know
is the view out on the ocean.

Yes, that is what I have thought,
and that's why I'm here.

I will cheer you up a little now,
all right?

You need to move a little.

Yes, you know, I am always so tired.

Weariness passes, sweetheart.
You'll see.

The first day,
we'll only walk a little.

The second day, a little more.

And then you won't think
about your sickness at all anymore.

That is very important.

For example,
look at the bourgeois women.

They are often sick, too,
and meanwhile have to work,

and sometimes so much

that they completely forget
about their sickness.

And, all of a sudden,
they are healthy again.

Well, maybe you're right.

Maybe I have really let myself go
a little.

I'm sure. So, from tomorrow on,
we will start walking.

First we'll look at the town,
and then the entire island.

See? Over there is France,
Portugal, and Spain,

far, far away.

See? Over there.

How far Vienna must be.

You see, sweetheart?

Now you can already
climb a mountain.

- Yes, with difficulty, but I can.
- Then take a little break.

There are bananas!
I need to get myself one!

Stop, stop! Slowly, slowly!

We agreed to everything
at its due pace.

Yes, doctor.

Excuse me, please.

I have a German-Hungarian
dictionary.

No, I mean, I have
a German-Hungarian dictionary,

and I would like a...

What do you want?

You speak German?
That's wonderful!

- Please, help me.
- Gladly.

The man says
that he does not want to buy.

But I don't want to sell!
On the contrary!

I have here
a German-Hungarian dictionary,

and I want to exchange it
for a German-Portuguese dictionary.

Oh, I see.

He says that he doesn't have
any dictionaries.

Oh, what a pity.

Excuse me, but do you know
a language teacher

who could teach me Portuguese?

Yes, with me.

With you?

I'm a student.
I teach German classes.

- When could we start?
- Whenever you want to.

Right away.
In that case, right away, please.

Yes, but where?

Shall I come to you
or do you want to come to me?

We can alternate.

For a start, I would suggest
a lesson by the sea.

- What does that mean in German?
- I agree.

I knew that. I understand it.

May I, please?

Well, sissi,
what are you dreaming about?

You know, it is so strange.

Everything suddenly seems
so beautiful to me.

- Yes?
- The garden, the flowers, the ocean.

You see?
Earlier, you didn't notice any of it.

I could stand here for hours
and look at the ocean.

I would love to take a long, long trip
across the ocean.

You got that from your papi.
He dragged me all over the oceans.

The stronger the waves,
the more he enjoyed it.

I was always very sick,
but he was reveling in it.

I don't think there is anything more
beautiful and exciting than the ocean.

I have read so much
about Greece now.

About corfu and Athens.

I would love to see it all one day.

Let's go there.

Yes, mami.

We will do that.

My child, I am so happy.
I barely recognize you.

Do you know that you haven't spoken
about your sickness for weeks now?

Yes, and now you are already making
travel plans.

- You're the best doctor for me.
- Hopefully.

Thank you.

No...

Cheers!

- Yes, and now let's get to work.
- Great!

- No, no. Not like this.
- No?

How do you say, "I want a drink"?

Good.

And how do you say, "I am going
for a walk by the sea today"?

Great!

And how do you say...?

Now it's my turn to ask.

How do you say, "I love you"?

- This is not important.
- Yes, this is very important.

- Yes, it is.
- No, no.

How do you know that?

Ah, that is the sentence
that I learn first in each language.

- Major.
- Hold on.

Oh, excuse me, please.

Yes, please?

Excuse me, major,
if I'm disturbing you.

But I was told
that I could find you here.

Yes, please. What is it?

You have to come immediately.
We are leaving.

- Again? But where?
- To Greece.

To Greece?

Countess, please, you know
that I adore our empress,

but she is driving me insane

with her endless
fondness of traveling.

But, major!

As soon as I knew Hungarian,
we went to madeira.

Now that I speak Portuguese,
I have to learn Greek.

I am convinced that you will find

an equally beautiful teacher
in Athens

as you found here and in Hungary.

- Do you think so?
- I am sure of it.

And now hurry and say good-bye.

Don't be sad.

- That's easy for you to say.
- Good-bye.

How do you say "a pity"?

But I have to leave.

I know.

- Don't be sad.
- No, no.

Isn't this impressive?

Indescribable!

I have such respect for this country
and its culture.

Look at these columns!

Wonderful!

The purity of the architecture.

And this wonderful view!

Major,
are you as excited as I am?

I am amazed, your majesty.

If one considers
that all this was built

500 years before Christ's birth...

What kind of artists,

what kind of builders
must they have been?

Yes, you're right about that.

Another letter from sissi.

- She writes almost every day now.
- Bravo. What did she write?

I can't believe it!

Do you know where sissi is?
In corfu.

In corfu?
What is she doing in corfu?

"Haven't written before because..."

Read a little louder, please.
I want to hear, too.

"I hadn't written to you
about my plans to travel to Greece,

because I was afraid
that you would have not approved

out of concern about my health.

But the journey did me very well,
and I am happy to be here.

But you and the little one
should be here as well, of course.

I have found a charming house

that I want to buy and decorate
with antique Greek art."

- She's already shopping again.
- Bravo!

Please write to her that she should
decorate a room for me, too.

But not Greek.

Comfortable.

Going by the letter,
sissi must feel much better.

It is full of optimism
and joy of life.

- Have you been waiting long?
- No, no.

But we have to hurry,
otherwise we'll miss the boat.

Yes, I know.

I just don't understand
where countess bellegarde is.

Countess bellegarde,
one moment please.

I have no time.
Her majesty is expecting me.

- I am in a big hurry.
- But it is very important.

Dr. seeburger just arrived.

He absolutely wants to examine
her majesty today.

But that's impossible!
Her majesty wants to go to Athens.

I know. But if you could
please inform her majesty?

- Yes, yes. I will do that.
- Thank you.

Oh, major.

"Oh, major, major."
It could happen to anyone.

Well, who is that?

Well, who are you, my pretty child?
I haven't seen you yet.

If I only knew
what you're saying.

What is your name?

Andromache?

Iphigenie?

- Helena.
- Helena!

Beautiful Helena!

Ouch!

Oh, that's better. Thank you.

Oh, beautiful. Yes, yes.

You...

Helena.

She already understood me.
I know Greek.

I'm a genius.

Countess, where have you been?
We've been waiting.

Your majesty,
I apologize for the delay,

but major béckl just told me

that Dr. seeburger has arrived
to examine your majesty.

Didn't you tell him
that I don't have any time?

We'll miss the boat.

But, sissi, Dr. seeburger

most likely has the order
to report to Vienna.

Franz will be worried
if he doesn't get any news.

Well, all right, then.
We can take the next boat.

Let's go, countess.

- I'll wait on the patio.
- Yes, mama.

Hello, Dr. seeburger.
Did you have a good journey?

Thank you, your majesty.

His majesty has told me
to send his best wishes

and immediately send report
on your majesty's condition.

That's fine. Thank you.

But please keep it short, doctor.
I want to travel to Athens with mama.

Yes. Your majesty only
has to uncover her back.

Countess, can you open my dress,
please?

Here you go, doctor.

May I ask your majesty to cough?

One more time, please.

Strange.

How long has your majesty
been in corfu?

Three months. Why?

Incomprehensible.

Has my condition become worse?

On the contrary, your majesty.

It 1s a miracle!

Your majesty is completely healthy!

No.

Doctor, could you please
listen one more time?

- I want to breathe in one more time.
- Most certainly.

Do you hear anything?

- Nothing.
- Nothing?

- Nothing.
- Really? Nothing?

Doctor! Doctor!
One moment, please!

Mami!

Mama!

Mama!

Mami!

Mami!

Oh, my god, sissi!
What's wrong with you?

Mami!

My child.

For heaven's sake, what is it?
Are you not feeling well?

Mami. “What is it?

I am healthy.

- What?
- Yes, I am healthy.

- I am happy.
- Oh, my god.

Franz, excuse me, but I need to be
the first one to tell you this.

What is it?

A miracle has happened.

Sissi is healthy.

Sissi!

This is the most beautiful day
of my life.

I will definitely go and meet her
halfway.

I would love to come, too.

May I take the opportunity
to express my best wishes

for the recovery of her majesty?

I thank you, excellence.

Your majesty,

may I also express
my heartfelt wishes

for the recovery of her majesty?

I cannot tell you how happy I am.

The plan of your majesty to travel
toward her royal highness

is of great political importance.

I wanted to say the same.

For example,
if the reunion is combined

with an official visit
to Milan and Vienna,

that would be a great move
concerning the relations

between Austria and Italy.

Even your majesty
once chose to say

that the charm of her majesty

is of more use to the country
than the army with all its generals.

Yes, but excellence seems to forget

that her majesty has just recovered
from a very grave sickness,

and therefore
might not be able to cope

with the stress
of a representative journey.

Certainly, your majesty.

But the relations
between Austria and Italy

are at the moment so bad

that one must make
every sacrifice to better them.

Yes, I must agree with the minister,
my dear Franz.

If you travel towards Elisabeth,

the journey must have
an official character.

But, mama!

I know what you want to say, Franz.
Sissi certainly needs time to recover.

But she is also an empress,

and the first duty of an empress

is to do everything possible
for the good of the country.

Gentlemen, I am more than shocked.

The Italian population
is so anti-Austrian

that I believe a visit
by the emperor and the empress

gives reason for serious doubt,

and I have invited you to trieste

to discuss which precautions to take
as a result of this situation.

Please take a seat.

I believe your majesty
is looking at it too negatively.

Besides, there is nothing
we cah do about it now.

The visit is announced,
therefore, it must happen.

Furthermore, I trust
in our beautiful empress.

She also won over the Hungarians with
her charm.

My dear count zettor,
the Italians are no Hungarians.

Please tell us, your majesty,
which city shall be the first

for the emperor and the empress
to visit?

There you go.

Nothing can go wrong there,
your majesty.

We will have a beautiful presentation
in the scala of Milan.

Afterwards, a reception
with a good meal,

and everything will be just fine.

- Good evening, mayor.
- Good evening, excellence.

Tell me, who are these people?

I was just about
to announce it to you.

They're all servants, maids,
cooks, stable boys, and butlers.

How is that possible?

The Italian noblemen that were
invited by the governor general

have given
all of their invitations away.

What an insult!

I sent the wife of my doorkeeper.

And I, my cook.

And I, my coachman.

I have told him
he has to go to the opera

and give us all the details.

That's great!

Do you know, Carlo,

that today you are the only
Italian nobleman in the scala?

I knew that before I came.
You knew that?

Excellence, I am absolutely shocked!

- What is it now?
- The people have something planned.

They want to use the presence
of the emperor and the empress,

and the orchestra's supposed
to take part in it.

- Well, what is their plan?
- I could not find out.

- Send for the conductor immediately.
- Certainly.

- The conductor.
- Right away.

The man is to be immediately arrested
and replaced by a reliable person.

Excellence, I would not do that.

The musicians might not play
at all, then.

What could they have planned?

Maybe they will refuse to play
the Austrian anthem

when the emperor
and the empress enter.

But that would be...

The people had to promise
their masters and mistresses

to refuse any kind of respect
to the emperor and empress.

That's impossible!

Oh, you will see how possible it is.

Excellence, their majesties
have just arrived.

Thank you.

What is this?

From verdi,
from the opera nabucco.

That is infamous!
That is treason!

- Arrest the conductor at once!
- At your command.

Stop playing at once!

On the contrary!
We've just started!

- You're under arrest!
- One moment, please.

- Come with me.
- Yes, but first I have to conduct.

This is the Italian aristocracy?

My wonderful husband
has sent my maid, my cook,

and all of our servants to the opera.

Now I must do all the work myself.

I've already been to the cellar
three times.

Oh, I would have enjoyed
going to the opera so much!

But, Beatrice!

Yes, yes. The one time
an emperor comes to Milan,

a young emperor,
and I have to sit here.

But you're Italian!

No, I'm not Italian.
I am a mixture.

Yes, I was born in Hungary.

My mother was Polish.
My father was Russian.

My grandmother was Swedish.

A great uncle of mine
was supposedly even an eskimo.

Oh, now I broke my nail.

The empress is applauding?

The emperor, too.

I did not expect this.

- Should I come with you now?
- Begin the opera.

Certainly.

- Excellence.
- But what is it now?

By command of her majesty,
the reception is to take place.

What? With these people?

With these people.

The empress is of the opinion

that only those people
that have been officially invited

are also present.

- I don't understand.
- I don't understand, either.

Principessa Corinne!

It is a pleasure, my dear Princess,
to get to know you.

I have heard a lot about you.

Prince de colona!

Contessa Celine!

I am pleased to see you here,
dear contessa.

I have heard a lot about you.

His excellence, minister retired,
Orlando!

Marquesa de la forre!

Principe Aldo bandini!

Good evening, everybody!

- Good evening, Carlo.
- Finally! There he is!

- So, how was it?
- Fantastic!

Don't eat now!
Tell us, what was fantastic?

Well, mariari sang!
It was splendid!

And the tuscan!

We are not interested
in how the opera was.

No, what about the empress? Yes.

The empress!

She looked like a dream!

And the dress she wore!
I have never seen anything like it!

And the emperor?
What did he wear?

A uniform, of course.

- And what did he look like?
- Magnificent!

You see?

We don't want to know
what they were wearing.

We want to know whether
the emperor and the empress

left the opera right away
when they saw our people.

On the contrary!
They stayed until the end.

- Oh, no!
- They stayed?

What? The emperor, too?

Of course! And the reception...

The reception was phenomenal.

The reception took place? Yes.

Have our people
attended the reception?

- Yes, all of them.
- It's only us who weren't!

And in the end,

your servants were as enchanted
by the empress as I was.

Moreover, you will all be mentioned
in the paper tomorrow.

What does that mean?

Of course, only those of you
who were introduced to the empress.

Us? Introduced?
But we were all here!

Yes!

Yes, that was a curious story.

I don't know whether it was
a misunderstanding or a mistake,

but all of your people
were introduced under your name.

Oh, no!

What? My cook was introduced
under my name?

And my doorman's wife
was introduced under mine?

Correct!

The empress
was especially gracious.

For example,
to your cook she said:

"My dear Princess,
I have heard so much about you.

I am very happy to finally meet you."

Excuse me?

Now the empress believes
that I look like my cook!

- Darling, it's all the same.
- No, it's not all the same!

Why should she tell the relatives
that I grew so big?

I have always had
such a slim waist!

But the emperor
was a little surprised

by the appearance
of the coach driver,

who was introduced
as Principe Orlando.

That leaves us
with only one solution.

We will all go to the next reception
and clear up this confusion.

Unfortunately, you won't have
the opportunity to do that.

The emperor and the empress
are leaving Milan tomorrow to go to...

Where?

To venice.

This ostentatious silence
is more crushing than an assault.

You shouldn't be surprised
by the attitude of these people.

They know your name
only from death penalties

that others have passed for you.

Yes, you are right.
So many mistakes have been made.

Radetzky was too strict.
My brother was too permissive.

That's why I told you
not to take this trip.

I wanted to spare you
this humiliation.

But the worst is yet to come.

The passage from the piazetta
to St. Marcus' church.

I wish I could spare you that.

Don't worry about it, Franz.

The journey to madeira
was much more difficult,

and I gladly made it for you.

What a wife heaven has sent me!

That's our child!

That's my surprise for you.

I've got you back!

My sweetheart!

You've grown so much!

Mami will never ever go away again.
Never!

Sissi.

Forgive me, your eminence,
that I did not greet you first,

but I did not know whether I would see
my child again in this lifetime...

And I was so happy about it.

Blessed are the people
whose hearts overflow with joy,

because this joy comes from god.