A NETFLIX SERIES
Your Majesty.
It's time.
Sisi!
Where are you?
Sisi!
That girl is driving me mad!
Come, hide with me.
Did you look in the cellar?
In the attic?
She isn't dressed yet?
This can't be. The Duke will be here any minute.
Mother says the Duke is going to propose to you.
But I don't want him.
Why not?
Have you seen how he dresses?
Are you unwell?
"I'm bleeding to death on the inside."
"All because of this child! Bring me a schnapps."
-Is she with you? -No, Mother.
I mean it this time.
We have to bathe her, dress her, lace her up and fix her awful hair.
I won't allow this to go wrong now.
Sisi!
I'm warning you!
I want a man who satisfies my soul.
Do you understand?
Sisi!
Where is she?
She said she wants a man who satisfies her soul.
Sisi!
Stay calm, Puck.
Your Majesty?
It's time.
Your Imperial Highness, I wish you a good morning.
Your Imperial Highness.
-Your Imperial Highness. -Your Imperial Highness.
After breakfast, you'll have a brief meeting
with the Bohemian delegation,
followed by the fitting for the winter wardrobe.
But first, the execution.
Not another fitting.
-Postpone it. -Very well.
Your Majesty.
Mother.
Always up so early, I hear. Did you even sleep at all?
This is not a pleasant morning.
You'll get used to it.
I think there are things one never gets used to.
Come.
Puck.
Everything will be fine.
Father.
Wake up.
I need your help.
Sisi will be here soon.
Morning prayers are very important to her.
She matured over the summer.
She is ready for marriage.
Some more tea, yes? Marie?
He took off and fell.
But I don't think it's so bad.
You get into trouble every single day.
What are you even doing out there? You should be in there getting engaged.
The life she wants me to live, I don't want it.
There must be something else out there.
What are you doing?
No!
His leg is broken.
It will never heal.
You do it.
He'll get through it.
He'll never be able to walk right again. What kind of a life is that?
You ignore all the rules. You do as you please.
Now it's time to pay the price.
"Death does not separate, death unites."
"Life is what separates us."
From Heinrich Heine.
They must see your face.
These are the moments when a ruler shows strength.
Give us bread!
We are hungry!
Murderer!
Nooses!
Sentenced to death for conspiracy,
revolutionary behaviour,
lèse-majesté and high treason.
Solely His Majesty the Emperor
has the power to pardon the condemned.
Do those condemned to death have anything to say?
You sit in your palace. We sit in filth.
Your Majesty.
You can kill us,
but it'll do you no good.
-The people will rise against you. -Yes, we will!
Yes, we will!
-I'm dying for the people. -Yes!
For the peo--
Shut the door.
Two counts and two dukes you've driven away.
They were good men.
My ulcer.
The doctor says it could burst,
and I'll die because of you, Sisi.
My name is Elisabeth.
You!
Mother?
Why can't you be more like your sister?
What does she do when something makes her unhappy?
I don't know.
Neither do I. That's how it should be.
I want to make my own life decisions. What is so bad about that?
What do you want to do with your life? Write poetry?
Why not?
You don't know what it's like out there.
No one's waiting for a girl like you.
You can't force me.
You know there are institutions for young women who've lost their minds.
An insane asylum? That's excessive.
That's enough!
Helene's future looks bright.
A very special wedding.
And you will not ruin that for us, understand?
Mother, please, I am not crazy.
Then prove it to me.
What is this?
A ruler who harms himself. You know how that looks?
I don't enjoy hanging people.
You think I do? Those people wanted to kill you.
-Not those people. -But they're future assassins.
There must be another way.
Another way?
Cold winter, bad harvest. People are hungry and ill.
That leads to riots and hatred.
We cannot hang everyone who is discontent.
There are things even we can't change.
The people's rage.
It is like an illness,
an ulcer.
And ulcers must be cauterized.
What is that?
A gift from Tsar Nicholas for Your Majesty.
Read it aloud.
"My beloved friend, may this gift give you strength."
"Even a powerful empire like yours is easy prey when it is weak and ill."
"Your people need a vision, a new objective."
"I await your consent
and promise you an empire where the sun never sets."
How kind.
He wants us to join him in the war against the Sultan.
The Ottoman Empire is about to collapse. The time is right.
War is the last thing our people need right now.
I know what our people need.
Your Imperial Highness.
Please.
Helene from Bavaria.
That's your solution?
I am to marry her?
The people will trust you again if you give them a bride.
Believe me. And an heir to the throne.
Just take a look at her.
-Helene is pious and beautiful. -That's not enough for me.
This isn't about you.
The Prussians want our throne.
Napoleon is an imposter. We won't marry into that.
And aesthetics disqualify the Belgians' daughters.
A marriage with Bavaria will validate our claim to the German states.
And it will seem honest.
I didn't fend off the revolution, Franz, for you to be picky with your brides.
You will meet each other in four weeks at your birthday celebration in Ischl.
Then we'll announce your engagement.
These are difficult times.
Let's give the people something to dream about.
All this poetry is why Mother wants to send you to a madhouse.
If he starts talking to you, I'll take you with me.
I'm happy you're coming.
She wants to keep an eye on me. That's all.
I wanted to have you here.
Really?
I'm afraid that you…
that you'll get lost.
No need to worry about me. You know me. I have thick skin.
No, you don't.
Let me see.
It's not done yet.
"Swallow, lend me your wings Take me with you to the faraway land
And should I with you soar up there
-In the ever blue firmament -…firmament…
How I then shall fervently Praise the god
From whom freedom was sent."
Don't let her see that.
I will be invisible.
I promise. I will behave.
Starting now.
Welcome, Your Royal Highness.
Is the Emperor here?
His Majesty and the Imperial family aren't expected until tomorrow.
Please prepare some food before I starve.
The Emperor is not here to chat, so no personal questions.
He's not interested in emotions. No womanly opinions or remarks.
Sisi!
No emotions. Understood.
You know the Emperor's brothers will also be here.
I'm not hopeful, but sometimes crumbs fall on the floor for the dog.
Let's go. Hurry up.
You should bathe before bedtime.
Ow! Be careful.
Sorry, soon you'll have a maid to do this for you.
What if I cannot bear him?
I heard he has hair all over his body,
like a wild boar.
And he loves it when the ladies scratch his fur.
I'm sure he's a good man.
What if he doesn't like me?
If he…
If he thinks I'm boring?
You'll be a wonderful empress.
You are always elegant without even trying.
You know what to say and what not to.
Unlike you.
I sometimes wish I could be a bit more like you.
Come here.
I'm going to miss you.
Good evening, My Emperor.
Is this your secret fantasy?
Your Majesty, the bear
and me, the helpless squirrel?
And if it were?
Whatever floats your boat, I'd say.
I'm no stranger to the abyss.
We don't have much time.
I've heard rumours
you are getting engaged.
Is this her?
She looks very obedient.
Do you like her?
Something isn't right about her. I wonder what it is.
Come here.
Does she have a moustache?
I haven't seen you laugh in months.
What has to happen for you to laugh once, My Emperor?
My marriage is about political interests.
And an heir to the throne.
And what are we about?
It's not about love, is it?
Good morning, Your Imperial Highness. I hope you had a pleasant journey.
-Your Majesty, welcome to Ischl. -I want to go for a ride before breakfast.
No!
This can't be.
We had one more trunk with us.
Your Highness, that's all that was on the carriage.
Maybe the other one will arrive later?
This cannot be.
Your funeral clothes?
-Why? -Uncle Georg died.
Who is Uncle Georg?
-That doesn't matter right now. -So it's this or dirty clothes?
What you wear won't matter.
Of course, it does! He's the Emperor and tomorrow is his birthday!
Would you be so kind and bring me a glass of sherry?
I read that in London and Paris, all the artists only wear black.
You understand nothing of this! Please leave us alone for a moment, okay?
-Good morning, Your Royal Highness. -Good morning.
Good morning, Your Royal Highness.
Come on, pay attention.
Thank you.
Oh my goodness.
Come now.
Why are you hiding?
I'm not hiding.
Do you always do that? Secretly watch others?
No, Your Majesty.
Where are your shoes?
I like going barefoot.
-Why the bird in your hands? -Why all the questions this early?
-It was in the villa and couldn't get out. -I know the feeling.
You are Helene's sister?
Yes, Your Majesty.
Beautiful morning for a ride.
Yes. It helps me think clearly.
I know the feeling.
If you'll excuse me.
Of course.
Your Imperial Highness.
Your family will be delighted.
We'll see about that.
They'll die in Venice
when I tell them I celebrated the Emperor's birthday here.
Maximilian, what a surprise! You made it after all.
My beautiful boy.
And who is this?
The enchanting Francesca, Baroness of somewhere.
I thought the Italians couldn't stand us.
This one can.
It's an honour to meet you.
I heard you sowed your wild oats on your journey.
I hear you've found a new empress.
This is my little brother.
My little brother Ludwig-Viktor.
Hello, little one.
No time to announce she was coming. It was on the spur of the moment.
Maximilian, what you do doesn't matter at all.
The guests are waiting in the parlour.
Her Imperial Highness, the Archduchess
and their Imperial Highnesses, the Archdukes of Austria.
My dear sister.
Sophie.
You must forgive us. We had a mishap with our clothes.
His Majesty, the Emperor.
Ladies.
Your Majesty.
-Your Majesty. -Your Majesty.
And this is her.
Let him look at you, Helene.
The pleasure is all mine.
And this is?
-Sisi. -Elisabeth.
How is the bird?
Your Majesty, the table is ready.
Wonderful! Shall we?
The Tsar wants our help
to destroy the Sultan and divide up the Ottoman Empire.
-But that is a bad idea. -Why?
The English and French won't allow it. There'd be an unnecessary war.
Isn't the Habsburg Empire invincible?
No one is invincible, Luzi.
Your hair, Helene, it is so beautifully braided.
Don't you agree, Franz?
Very pretty.
I do it myself.
Helene has never done much work at all.
And you?
Which sister are you?
The boring or the naughty one?
What do you think?
That's what I thought.
And Helene? Is she the right one for my brother?
I'll leave that to His Majesty and my sister.
I evaluate all brides.
-Sounds like an important task. -It is.
You'd make a good wife.
Pardon me?
You'll never get fat. I can tell from your wrists.
It's different with her. I'll have to get out of this soon.
Don't worry, she doesn't understand.
-You're as beautiful as a flower. -Thank you, darling.
Later.
Luziwuzi.
You're ruining my appetite.
Maybe go pet your doll in your room.
That is quite funny. I wanted to ask you to do the same.
Please forgive me, Your Majesty. I didn't mean it like that.
Helene speaks excellent Bohemian.
She has also made excellent progress in French.
-Isn't that right, Helene? -Yes, Mother.
So…
How about we go for a little walk?
That way, they could get better acquainted.
Undisturbed.
A walk in the afternoon sun.
An excellent idea.
Mother.
Cuckoo.
That was brazen earlier.
I beg your pardon once again.
No need. You were honest with me.
I liked that.
My pleasure.
Do not be concerned.
He will ask Helene.
Because all the men in this family do what you say?
Because he knows it is the right thing to do.
Prepare some music for this evening, my dear Margarete.
Something lively, Highness?
On the contrary. I'm in the mood for something tender.
Thank you for leaving the vagabond at home.
My husband bites when he has to put on real pants.
There's room with my Karl in Auhof, as I've already told you.
I have a gift for you.
For your birthday.
Did you make this?
Yes, Your Majesty.
Thank you very much.
Please.
Once you get to know me, you'll see I'm not a bad person.
I believe you.
I'm just the black sheep of the family like you.
Baroness!
The Archduke was looking for you. Look what he picked for you.
Thanks.
-Go! -Yes, I'm going.
Let's have a toast.
Thank you so much for coming to Franz Joseph's birthday,
which we'll celebrate together tomorrow.
A new year,
a new chapter.
And to you, dear Helene,
I hope we'll soon have something big to announce.
He just gave the handkerchief back to me. And what was that with the bird?
What did he mean?
Nothing. He saw me this morning in the park.
You two spoke?
No.
Last warning, Sisi.
We have to see if the suitcases are here.
He wanted to know so little about me. He hardly asked me anything.
All he wants to know is if you're pretty and polite.
If he wants to learn, he'll go to the library.
It's good to see you. I feared you wouldn't make it.
So you wish to marry the Bavarian sheep?
Not a good idea?
Sure, it is. She is perfect for you.
-Not my taste. Too… -Virtuous?
Predictable.
Tell me about your trip.
Everything's fine with your troops.
And our empire, Franz,
it is so exciting.
-The people are so colourful and diverse. -I'm glad.
Funnily enough, they all have one thing in common.
They don't like you.
I'm joking, Franz.
But, honestly, I am worried.
We're not well-liked.
Well, you're not.
The general opinion is that Maman calls the shots
and you shit your pants when the French or Prussians come.
I say, "He hasn't shit his pants in years."
-Thank you. That's enough. -They say you have no vision.
But what do I know?
Let me know when you need me to dedicate another barn for you.
I want you to return to Vienna with me.
As my counsellor.
I need someone I can trust.
I'll think it over.
Are you unwell?
No, I'm fine.
What are you doing?
It was so hot, and the floor is nice and cool.
It's soothing.
You're right.
It feels good.
I heard what you said to my brother.
I'm sorry.
Sometimes, I say exactly what I think.
Maybe you could teach me.
You have something there.
It's not mine.
It's braided in.
Whose is it?
Puck's. So I'll never forget what he was like.
My horse.
Don't tell me I've lost my mind.
I hear that often, but I haven't lost it.
When we were little, I knocked my brother's tooth out.
I secretly kept it.
Now that's completely crazy.
Does that still hurt?
No.
Thank you.
That was very interesting.
I assume we'll be able to announce the engagement before we return.
You can begin choosing the court ladies.
I already prepared a list of candidates, Your Imperial Highness.
But, please, not just inexperienced birdbrains.
I think we will include a lady from our ranks amongst them.
Someone with experience.
Very clever, Countess.
But not you, Margarete.
I still need you.
I'm looking forward to your performance later on.
-Go on ahead. -With pleasure, Your Imperial Highness.
I think he looks much better than he does in this picture, don't you?
What is with you? Are you even listening to me?
Yes, of course.
I can hardly wait for tomorrow to come.
Your Royal Highness. If you would please follow me.
Me?
Her Royal Highness, the Duchess.
You have me called in the middle of the night to drink champagne?
It is my birthday.
I wish you a happy birthday, Your Majesty.
I must return before she realizes I'm gone.
Stay!
Please.
I promised not to cause any confusion this weekend.
It is too late for that.
Can we abandon the formalities? Elisabeth?
That's your name, right?
Yes.
I just haven't heard it in a while.
You reminded me of something today.
You reminded me of how I was before becoming Emperor.
So how were you back then?
Alive.
No.
No!
You're marrying my sister.
That has been arranged.
But I want you.
Everyone's always told me what to do my whole life.
I can't do that anymore.
For months I've felt dead, and…
But with you,
I suddenly want to celebrate my birthday.
But you don't know me.
You tell the truth when no one else will.
And…
you don't see things like the others.
I need someone like you.
Long may he live
Long, long, long
Long may he live Long may he live
Long, long, long May he live
What luck that our clothes came in time.
Thank you very much.
Thank you all for being here. I'm very pleased.
I have something to announce.
I'd like to ask a young lady for her hand.
The Duchess in Bavaria…
Elisabeth.
No!
Congratulations.
Cheers.
Please wait!
Please, Helene, I didn't want this.
You must say no, do you hear me?
Please.
Please say no.
I've never felt anything like this.
Did you sneak into his bed last night so he'd pick you?
-No. -Then what happened?
Why would he want to have you?
You will never be able to be an empress.
You will ruin him.
This woman will be the empress of the second-largest empire in Europe.
-You had your fun with your little game. -It's not a game.
I thought a lot about which woman is the right one.
Helene is so well-prepared.
She won't cause you any trouble, Your Majesty.
Sisi is still so…
immature.
Elisabeth or no one.
His Majesty, the Emperor. Her Imperial Highness, the Archduchess.
Tell your aunt that this is a misunderstanding.
Immediately.
Enough.
I'm not interested in what the others say.
I want to hear what you have to say.
Do you want to be the Habsburg Empress?
Yes.
Until we meet again.
VIENNA AUSTRIAN EMPIRE
Your Majesty, my congratulations on your engagement.
What a great change.
Much more will change, Theo.
You, an empress? Who could believe it?
This will be a lot of work. You are lucky I know what matters.
Are you listening, Sisi?
Call me Elisabeth.
Do not be concerned, Your Imperial Highness.
Even the wildest grass can be bent.
I am not concerned.
If something won't bend, it must be broken.
Get up!
Let me go!
The Emperor has outlawed begging.
We're getting an empress.
WEDDING FRANZ JOSEF I., ELISABETH
This is the chance we've waited for.
For the people.