The three films were edited down into one feature English-dubbed film called Forever My Love, released in North America in 1962.
The Empress Elisabeth was most famously embodied in a hugely popular (and syrupy) television trilogy of the 1950s by the German-Austrian actress Romy Schneider – a role that made her a star.ĭirected by Ernst Marischka, the trilogy includes: Sissi (1955) Sissi – The Young Empress (1956) Sissi – Fateful Years of an Empress (1957). In the film, Elisabeth cannot stand her royal life and all its protocol, and decides to run away from the royal court to live a carefree existence among the people.įrom Cleopatra to Catherine de Medici, women in power receive very different criticisms to men.
#Emperor franz and elisabeth free
In this German historical drama film, the depiction of Empress Elisabeth of Austria (played by Lil Dagover) is as a free spirit, expected to conform herself in a regal manner and wed to Franz Joseph. Here are 5 of the portrayals of Elisabeth, ‘Sissi’ in both film and television. Inevitable comparisons to the late Princess Diana have further fuelled interest in the Empress and her popular appeal as the first royal celebrity.
#Emperor franz and elisabeth series
Romanticised depictions of the moody, intellectual and beauty-obsessed empress have featured in numerous books, exhibitions, plays, an opera, ballets, TV series and films.
Since her death, Elisabeth (‘Sissi’) has become a cultural icon, especially in Europe. It was while in Geneva in 1898, that she was assassinated by an Italian anarchist, ending her already tragic life. T he suspected murder-suicide of her son and his mistress in 1889 exacerbated this, prompting Elisabeth to withdraw from court duties, travelling widely. The birth of her only son, Crown Prince Rudolph, had improved Elisabeth’s standing at court, but she still found court life tough, and suffered from depression and an eating disorder. Image Credit: Franz Xaver Winterhalter, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Unprepared for court life, she found it stifling, and was at odds with her mother-in-law, Archduchess Sophie, who took over the rearing of her daughters, one of whom died in infancy. Elisabeth had enjoyed an informal upbringing before unexpectedly marrying Franz Joseph, the young new Emperor of Austria. Yet behind her seemingly enviable life lay tragedy.
Nevertheless, she was integral in bringing about the dual monarchy of Austria-Hungary in 1867 due to her affinity with the nation – one of the few times she actively involved herself in politics. Elisabeth’s charm and charisma prompted her to be known as the People’s Empress, becoming the subject of unprecedented adoration whilst simultaneously wishing to avoid the limelight. She was a progressive woman, and her dislike of convention was admired by the public. Tall, slim and considered one of the most beautiful women of her age, Elisabeth’s daring personal style was often emulated both within and outside the Austrian empire. Elisabeth von Wittelsbach (nicknamed ‘Sissi’ / ‘Sisi’) was Empress of Austria from her marriage in April 1854 until her assassination in 1898.
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