Mayerling - Classic Essential Art House Film | Historical Drama, Romance | Perfect for Movie Nights & Film Studies

This film was made in 1935 and how well it has travelled. It was the film that got both Charles Boyer and Anatole Litvac, the director into Hollywood. Everything about it boasts quality from the sets, the costumes and of course the acting.Charles Boyer was 36 when he played this role. He brings such quality and skill to his role. The decadence of life at court, a prince with no job and nothing to do. He had two friends whom he could trust and two servants whose loyaly was without question. Otherwise there was nothing except drink and women. He never met anyone who didn`t want something from him. Husbands sent their wives to him when they wanted a favour. The corruption, spying and the uselessness of his life was more than he could bear.When he finally met the young woman who loved him for himself, his whole world changed and for a short time they were happy. When their affair became known in the Court, the Emperor and the Prime Minister wanted it stopped. Prince Rudolph refused which was the catalyst for the couple`s suicide.Danielle Darrieux was the seventeen year old who loved the prince. The two stars are excellent in their roles and the whole film speaks of excellence and care.Charle Boyer went on to have a huge career in Hollywood but his first love was always the stage and he returned there whenever he felt the need for change. His stage performances were mesmorising as he held the audiences in the palm of his hand. Although he and his wife lived in America, they returned to France quite often and he continued to make films there for the rest of his life.I have just read his biography. He was a method actor long before the word was invented. Very intense, he spent most of his time, when filming, on his own, getting himself into the right frame of mind for his next scene. He left a huge body of work behind. He had four Oscar nominations. He didn`t win but what ability and consistancy to be able do that.