A NETFLIX SERIES
Help!
Whoa!
Help!
-Whoa! -Stop!
Why have we stopped? We're expected at court.
I need help.
What's wrong, girl?
Good heavens, girl.
Is someone after you?
I'm sorry.
What--
It's all here.
Countess Leontine von Apafi.
One fewer.
We have to go.
For the people.
Your Majesty?
-What are you doing here? -Says the Empress in a tree.
Oops.
Cigarette?
-Thank you, Majesty. -You're wearing my patience thin.
I've told you ten times to call me Elisabeth.
-What is that? -A Bulgarian woodtit.
Hey!
Is someone there?
I saw a fox.
At the entrance.
A fox?
You should go look. It could have rabies.
I walk here every morning with the Empress.
Go on, then!
Your Majesty?
It's time.
Franz?
Is he still here?
His Majesty has already departed.
And Countess Esterhazy awaits you.
In the name of the Imperial family and all residents of the Habsburg Empire,
I wish you courage, strength and confidence.
It's an honour to fight for the fatherland.
You have taken an oath to me,
but you do not serve me alone…
you serve the Almighty God.
Forgive me.
Honestly, I have no idea what to say to you.
You're the ones leaving your families, not me.
You're going to a part of the Empire hardly anyone knows.
You're the ones who protect our empire.
Not the Almighty, not me, but all of you.
And I am eternally grateful for that.
My hope…
No, my conviction is,
that we can preserve peace on our borders.
But sometimes peace comes at a high price.
Show the Russian army that we do not wish to go to battle,
but that we're prepared to at any time!
May God protect you.
Attention!
First Battalion and right!
Second Battalion and left… about face!
Forward,
march!
Warmonger!
Today's visit is of great importance.
The Empress is concerned for her people. The people must see it.
But never forget,
to the people, you are a divine being.
Always follow these three rules. Do not touch anyone.
Ever.
No direct eye contact.
And do not speak familiarly with anyone.
The Empress must always remain untouchable, unapproachable.
Always.
We will visit several workshops.
You will receive a gift from the workers each time.
Will I also bring a gift? For the people?
You are the gift.
The people of Vienna are agitated.
Because of the mobilization, I know.
Because of the Russia conflict,
which has escalated in no small part due to you.
It would've escalated without me as well.
Really? And the Emperor would've been humiliated without your help?
Go out. Show your face.
Do something for him.
Can we skip that today?
I can barely breathe.
Soldiers are pushing through sickness and hunger towards the fronts.
Swallow it.
Not on the dress!
Now it's on the dress. Wipe it off.
It is about time you serve your purpose, Elisabeth.
Come on, Hedi. We'll be late for work.
Are you ready?
I spy with my little eye…
I'm not five anymore.
I spy with my little eye something…
red.
My nose?
There's nothing red here.
Close your eyes.
Open them.
Where did you get those?
That's my secret.
Let's go.
Your Majesty.
Sorry, but I have to speak to you.
Von Sina cancelled on you.
I'm not surprised.
He said he'd suspend all future payments.
He said you broke your word by sending 200,000 soldiers instead of--
I know!
Leave me alone.
Clear this away.
Clear it away!
For… Forgive me, Theo.
The Empress wishes to see you.
If I may, Your Majesty.
When it seems as if everything is falling apart,
things sometimes fall into place.
-I wanted to see… -You were gone when I woke up.
-Sorry, go on. -You first.
I was looking for you.
If you wander around at night, we'll always miss each other.
How were the troops?
I have a bad feeling.
I can feel the tension in the city.
I'm going out today.
Showing my face, as your mother says.
Well, you have a good face.
Do not worry.
An iron foundry, you know? Maybe one day, they'll build our rails.
A smile, thank heavens.
I'm sure it will be a good day.
Good morning, Your Imperial Highness.
Is it your lucky charm?
That looks like a lady's ring.
An engagement ring.
It was.
And where's the lady it was for?
Did she break your heart?
She's dead.
Good heavens. My deepest apologies.
Perhaps you will find love a second time.
Leave now.
Please.
My beloved people,
a great change can also be a new beginning.
I will receive the Imperial crown with dignity and humility.
With dignity and humility, with…
…receive it with dignity and wisdom.
What is the situation on the front?
The Russian army is holding its position. The Tsar won't budge.
Once reinforcements arrive at the border, we can attack at any time.
-As soon as Your Majesty commands. -No.
No attack.
Our army will stand along the border.
Like a wall.
The troops will show resolve and intimidate the Tsar
without destroying diplomatic relations for good.
A wise decision.
I… I'd like to point out the situation in Vienna is also tense
because troops were redeployed.
Baron von Kempen will deal with that.
If you'll excuse me.
If I may.
I doubt pressure from the police is the solution.
Hundreds of arrests since the wedding haven't ended the unrest.
Your Majesty.
Tell Kempen to tread lightly.
You've suffered a setback. That hurts.
The time for your ideas will come. I promise.
But it's all a question of the right moment.
Now, you will defend our empire.
Do you really think now
is a good time to send Elisabeth into the city?
She will calm the people down.
Stability, security and order are important now.
When chaos reigns, we need control.
Not change.
I want to know if we are in accord, Franz.
The world is changing, Mother.
The question is whether this family will too.
The Archduke is familiar with such visits.
He's beloved among the people. Isn't that so, Your Highness?
I'm happy you came along today.
Are you afraid?
Of the people? No.
But of her?
Yes.
When I get nervous, I always say,
"How nice. Thank you very much."
And I bow my head a bit.
Like this…
Give it a try.
How nice. Thank you very much.
When there is something to eat or drink,
I don't swallow it.
I put it in my cheeks and spit it out later.
-Make way! -Elisabeth!
Make way!
-Elisabeth! -Get away!
Elisabeth! Elisabeth!
-May I not see my empire? -Not all at once.
Elisabeth!
-Elisabeth. -Everyone, step back!
Step back!
-I can't see a thing! -Didn't you hear? Step back!
Elisabeth!
-Elisabeth! -Elisabeth!
Your Majesty.
It is an indescribable honour.
How nice. Thank you very much.
May I introduce our workers?
Your Majesty.
Hello.
We've been forging iron for over 50 years.
We produce everything from ovens
to balustrades and fountains.
Of course, we have shifted to making cannons and other armaments.
We have 135 employees.
Our factory is up to the most modern standards.
Allow me, in the name of everyone in the shop
to present this gift to you, Your Majesty.
As a sign of our devotion to the divine House of Habsburg.
Thank you very much.
The workers also went without a day's pay to support the army.
-I beg your pardon? -May God protect the Emperor.
May God protect the Emperor.
Your Majesty, the coach is waiting to depart.
Our schedule allows for no delays.
If I may, I'd like to go inside and see how the people work.
I'm afraid we have no time for that, Majesty.
I think we do.
Look over here, Elisabeth!
Over here!
Look over here, Elisabeth!
BRONZE & IRON FOUNDRY H. WINKELMANN
Take it off, come on!
Take it off!
Hello.
That goes over here!
We need two more men!
Go take a look, boys.
The fumes are harmful, Your Majesty.
-I kindly request… -I'm just looking around.
Your Imperial Majesty, are you unwell?
We really ought to go now!
Go away, girl!
No. Wait.
I thank you.
-You're completely useless. -We're leaving!
Get rid of that!
What's your name?
Mine?
Do you work here too?
Yes, Majesty.
Your Majesty, with all due respect.
-Elisabeth! Elisabeth! Elisabeth! -Give me a moment. Please.
Elisabeth! Elisabeth!
-Elisabeth! Elisabeth! -Why don't we get to see her?
Didn't you hear that? You're to step back! Back! Now do it!
-You have not told me your name. -Hedwig, Majesty.
But everyone calls me Hedi.
Elisabeth!
Back! Back!
My brother wants to buy me new ones.
Don't you have parents?
Elisabeth!
Good gracious!
What are you doing?
You will grow into them.
Elisabeth! Elisabeth!
Carry the Empress out. Immediately.
What are you waiting for, Kempen?
Her Majesty must be carried.
No. I can walk.
An empress is not allowed to touch this floor.
I will walk.
Kempen, let me down right now!
Let me down!
There she is!
Let me down, please.
Elisabeth! Elisabeth! Elisabeth! Elisabeth!
-The delicate lady! -Please let me down.
Yes, don't get dirty!
Let me down!
She can't walk on her own or what?
Damn Imperial scum!
Drive!
Leave the child alone!
Elisabeth!
What's happening to those people? He must stop!
We will return to the palace at once. No further visits.
Are you all right?
This happens when you get too close to the riff-raff!
I warned you!
ESTEEMED MOTHER - DEAR FATHER LEONTINE VON APAFI
Blood.
Countess Apafi?
Von Bach, you may remember me.
Do you have a moment?
I wanted to…
Would you come walk with me?
From the first day, I sensed you were different.
Don't get me wrong. That's just what I like.
I'm from a small village myself, not far from here.
Unlike yours, my father is not a count.
At times, I'm not sure how I ended up here.
It sometimes seems like a dream.
What am I doing? I'm talking on and on.
Did you know that…
we have wonderful works in our art gallery from a painter
who worked near your hometown?
Near Hermannstadt, right?
Yes.
It would bring me great joy to look at them with you.
Maybe another time. I must--
The Empress won't be back until evening.
Please.
I've been looking for the courage to speak to you.
Now, I cannot wait another day.
Very well.
The southern armed forces, the navy and the Hereditary Lands support us.
We already have contacts with newspapers, the postal service and secret services.
I sense a "but."
You still lack three things, Highness.
-One, the support of the military. -I know. Next one?
The support of the Catholic Church. To convince the army, we need…
A blessing from above. Rauscher listens to my mother. Next?
Your mother.
Damn it.
I'll take care of her last.
You know, gentlemen, such an opportune moment won't come again.
The Emperor is extremely weakened. The people are no longer on his side.
Give me a few days, then we'll be ready.
Your Majesty, the visitor you requested. Countess Gundemann.
Show her in.
Your Majesty.
Nice to see you.
You look radiant, Louise.
Somehow different.
Perhaps that's due to my recent engagement.
My most heartfelt congratulations.
Baron von Sina will make an honest woman out of me.
You don't need a man for that.
You can marry, but I cannot?
No, I am just surprised.
You are a countess. Von Sina is merely a baron.
Isn't that a step down for you?
I was never looking for a higher title.
What are you looking for then?
Simon gives me security.
And he's giving me an island.
What harm could it do?
Let's toast to that.
To love.
I have only loved once.
I didn't want to hurt you.
Who says I meant you?
Strange being back here.
Everything seems so much
smaller than before.
I need your fiancé's support, Louise.
You broke your word.
Simon wanted to support your infrastructure plans.
Not a military venture.
The circumstances forced my hand.
I still want to change the Empire. I mean that.
Can't you speak to him again?
I thought you invited me, so we could be friends.
But nothing has changed.
You are using me, Majesty.
No, that is not true.
I need you.
I want you to beg.
I beg your pardon?
Doesn't feel good, does it?
I beg you, Louise.
Help me.
For the good of our people.
Very well, I'll see what I can do.
And you give some thought…
to what you can do for me in the future.
Your Majesty.
There was an incident during the Empress's visit today.
-A servant will carry you. -No one will!
Majesty, at least put shoes on.
If you let me walk like a normal person, we could've avoided this!
If Your Majesty had listened to me, we could've avoided this!
Put the shoes on!
Please.
Leave me alone.
His Majesty, the Emperor.
Are you well?
You put yourself and others in danger with your stubbornness.
No, I didn't.
You caused a riot.
-Elisabeth surely did not intend that. -But it did happen.
You have no sense of what is proper and what is not.
You went too far, and it's not the first time.
-I saw how the police treat the people! -The police protected you.
Kempen and his men are the dangerous ones.
That is ridiculous!
Please leave us alone.
I don't understand you. What was that about?
Why didn't you leave when Kempen ordered it?
Because it felt right to stay.
Elisabeth.
You can't get so close to the people. It's dangerous.
Why?
Because you're the Empress!
You are above them.
That's precisely why they hate us all. We don't act human.
No talking to them, looking at them, touching them.
You want to hand out bread?
Sorry, Elisabeth. It's a bit more complicated.
People are suffering. Simple.
You have no idea what I'm doing to bring change!
And your bleeding heart doesn't help me at all.
I will think of a way to get a better handle on the girl.
It's a bit too late for that, don't you think?
If she has another misstep and fails to get pregnant again,
there will be consequences.
-I completely agree with you. -For you too.
What do you mean, Your Imperial Highness?
That is all.
Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned.
How long has it been since your last confession?
That is your first question?
For God's sake.
Since the death of your fiancée, I believe.
God rest her soul.
I am happy you have found your way back to God.
Speak, my son.
I have cursed…
What do you call it?
Taken the Lord's name in vain.
I have… done everything on the list. I beg for forgiveness.
Pray,
and the Lord will unburden your soul.
There is more, Your Excellency.
I know you wish the Church and state to be more closely tied
and for Habsburg's neighbouring Catholic regions to be part of the Empire.
If there were a new ruler,
if it were time to make a change, what position would you take?
You don't even know the Lord's Prayer, and you want my support to seize power?
I am a pragmatist.
What is your vision for our empire? What do you stand for?
I always get what I want. That is my strength.
Who are you to question God's plan?
We changed emperors once. Why not again?
The people are on my side.
That does not worry me.
What does?
If you stand for nothing, Maximilian,
what will you fall for?
Elsa.
I have to talk to Egon.
Amalia is onto me. I have to get out of here.
We have to abort the plan. Do you understand?
It's too late.
What does that mean?
It will happen.
When?
For the people!
Elisabeth.
I heard this place was haunted. I just didn't know you were the ghost.
What are you doing here so late?
I was in the city. At a party.
And you?
I couldn't sleep. As always.
I know of a tunnel that leads out of here.
I'll pack a small bag, and we'll be in Prague tomorrow.
You always promise so much.
What if I suddenly said yes?
Then you say yes.
Shit.
Yes?
Elisabeth.
Sorry, I hope I'm not disturbing you.
I couldn't sleep.
May I?
Of course.
I heard what happened today at the foundry.
And that you gave a girl your shoes.
Did it cause a conflict?
If only he weren't an emperor.
Tell me something about you.
-I have nothing interesting to tell. -I don't believe that.
I have no story about a happy childhood if that's what you mean.
I have never met a strong person with a simple past.
What are we doing here?
The police caught him.
What happened to him?
Why?
Don't look away.
Our lives are worth nothing to them.
But that will change.
We will avenge your brother.
-For the people. -For the people.