Mayerling (1936)

Although unhappily married, the 30 year old Crown Prince Rudolf (Charles Boyer) of Austria falls in love with a 17 year old Baroness (Danielle Darrieux) but the romance is disapproved of by his father (Jean Dax), who insists the affair must end. Based on the novel IDYLL'S END by Claude Anet and directed by Anatole Litvak (THE SNAKE PIT). Based on the notorious 1889 romance and murder/suicide of Austria's Crown Prince Rudolf and his 17 year old lover, this is one of the greatest of romantic films. Litvak directed this tragic romance in France with great delicacy and it may be his best film. Although I find films that romanticize suicide problematic, it's a sumptuous piece from the art direction to the Georges Annenkov costumes to the cinematography courtesy of Armand Thirard (DIABOLIQUE). Boyer with his liquid sad eyes and Darrieux with her delicate beauty make for a marvelous coupling and that they are both excellent actors is icing on the gateau. Remade in 1968 by MGM with Omar Sharif and Catherine Deneuve in the Boyer and Darrieux roles. With Jean Debucourt, Andre Dubosc, Gina Manes and a delightful comedic performance by Suzy Prim as the giddy courtesan who aids the lovers in their deception.