Mayerling (1957)
Watching the live television performance of Mayerling in 1957 undoubtedly had a different impact than when modern audiences go back and rent it. Back in the day, Audrey Hepburn and Mel Ferrer were married, and after seeing them together in the period romance War and Peace the previous year, audiences were probably very glad to see them again in a similar setting. Now, when we know their marriage wasn’t perfect and it ended in divorce, seeing them recreate the Mayerling love affair, it’s more tragic than enjoyable.
There are beautiful costumes, though, and just as in War and Peace, the husband and wife appear to be very much in love. They make a lovely looking couple together, and although it does have the feel of a live production, you can easily imagine it cleaned up and on the big screen. Director Anatole Litvak had previously helmed the 1936 version, starring Charles Boyer, so it’s no wonder that this NBC tv special had the highest quality costumes, sets, and lighting.
If you don’t know the story (and yes, I realize I deliberately avoided it in my review), you’ll probably find yourself wondering why a happily married couple chose it. Why not put them together in Roman Holiday or Sabrina? This was the first version I’d seen so I was pretty surprised by the twists and turns. This is a heavy drama, so be prepared before you watch it.
Want to watch it? Click here to see it on ok.ru and thanks "Classic Movies Kristine Rose" for posting!
More Audrey Hepburn movies here!
Be sure to check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of 1968's Mayerling here!
There are beautiful costumes, though, and just as in War and Peace, the husband and wife appear to be very much in love. They make a lovely looking couple together, and although it does have the feel of a live production, you can easily imagine it cleaned up and on the big screen. Director Anatole Litvak had previously helmed the 1936 version, starring Charles Boyer, so it’s no wonder that this NBC tv special had the highest quality costumes, sets, and lighting.
If you don’t know the story (and yes, I realize I deliberately avoided it in my review), you’ll probably find yourself wondering why a happily married couple chose it. Why not put them together in Roman Holiday or Sabrina? This was the first version I’d seen so I was pretty surprised by the twists and turns. This is a heavy drama, so be prepared before you watch it.
Want to watch it? Click here to see it on ok.ru and thanks "Classic Movies Kristine Rose" for posting!
More Audrey Hepburn movies here!
Be sure to check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of 1968's Mayerling here!