Mayerling (1936 film)

Vienna is disturbed by protestors agitating for political change. Crown Prince Rudolph is arrested at a meeting. His father Emperor Franz Joseph insists he get married and settle down. Rudolph reluctantly agrees. Five years later, Rudolph has become an unhappy playboy. On the night of his wedding anniversary he meets Baroness Marie Vetsera and they fall in love. ==Cast==

• Charles Boyer as Archduke Rudolph of Austria • Jean Dax as Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria • Jean Debucourt as Count Taaffe • Marthe Regnier as Baroness Vetsera (Helene) • Danielle Darrieux as Marie Vetsera • Suzy Prim as Countess Larisch • Vladimir Sokoloff as Chief of Police • Andre Dubosc as Loschek the Valet • René Bergeron as Szeps • Gabrielle Dorziat as Empress Elisabeth • Raymond Aimos • Gina Manès as Marinka • Yolande Laffon as Stephanie ==Reception==

Writing for The Spectator in 1936, Graham Greene gave the film a poor review, describing it as "purposeless" and "a too romantic manner for [his] taste". Greene particularly criticizes the conclusion of the film which he characterized as "a Vienna 'musical' without the music: a pathetic ending". Greene did, however, praise the film's production and acting. ==Restoration==

A restored DVD was issued in the U.S. by The Criterion Collection (Essential Art House) on September 15, 2009. ==References==