Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria clashes with his father, Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria, over implementing progressive policies for their country. Rudolf soon feels he is a man born at the wrong time in a country that doesn't realize the need for social reform. The Prince of Wales, later to become Britain's King Edward VII, provides comic relief. Rudolf finds refuge from a loveless marriage with Princess Stéphanie by taking a mistress, Baroness Maria Vetsera. Their untimely demise at Mayerling, the imperial family's hunting lodge, is cloaked in mystery.
Elenco: Omar Sharif , Catherine Deneuve , James Mason , Ava Gardner , James Robertson Justice , Geneviève Page , Andréa Parisy , Ivan Desny , Fabienne Dali , Véronique Vendell , Howard Vernon , Irene von Meyendorff , Mony Dalmès , Maurice Teynac , Charles Millot , Jacques Berthier , Roger Pigaut , Lyne Chardonnet , Bernard Lajarrige , Jacqueline Lavielle .