The "Sissi" Appreciation Thread

[Cordy_Biddle]

I wish more people knew about the "Sissi" movies (produced between 1955-57), starring the gorgeous Romy Schneider. They present a somewhat-romanticised account of the early life of Empress Elisabeth of Austria. These movies are beloved in their native Germany--where they appear on TV each Christmas--and have recently been released (in all their Agfacolor glory) on DVD in the States and Australia.

With this thread I'm hoping other "Sissi" fans can voice their love of the original movie trilogy (plus the unofficial prequel, "Victoria in Dover").

[Dottie]

Well, I love the Sissi movies, although they are far from historical truth, but they're entertaining and very nice to watch.
But I doubt there wil be a lot of discussion here about them since they're so unknown in both UK and USA, but it's lovely to know there ar people who like the movies, outside of Germany.
Victoria in Dover however can't be considered a prequel since it's about Queen Victoria and Albert who have nothing to do with the Hapsburgs, but it does star Romy Schneider and her mother Magda Schneider, and was the reason why Marischke decided to do Sissi with Schneider.

And if one of the mods could please move this to the Movies forum, please.

[Cordy_Biddle]

No, "Victoria in Dover" isn't a prequel, but it establishes the moods and themes which would later be refined in the "Sissi" trilogy.

Do you have a favourite from the trilogy? The original "Sissi" is probably the best, though the third ("The Fateful Years") has some great moments.

Yes, the movies stretch the truth, but Romy Schneider's sincere performance suspends disbelief. I love how they depicted Sissi's stormy relationship with mother-in-law Archduchess Sophie (even the most beautiful young royal has to contend with the in-laws!).

Plus, I thought it was very noble to tie up the failed Franz-Josef/Nene engagement by having Nene return in "The Fateful Years".

[BelleGirl]

Ha! Do I know the "Sissi" movies! In Holland, all three of them are traditionally shown on tv around Christmas.
You know that Romy Schneider really hated it in the end to be associated with those films? She wanted to be appricated for the other movies she acted in, which I understand, for although "Sissi"is loved by many, it's also quite kitschy.
Schneider was a serious actress who had to cope with many tragedies in her life, including the horrible fatal accident of her son.

[Cordy_Biddle]

Yes, Romy would often say "Sissi sticks to me just like oatmeal". She never wanted to be associated with these movies; it was her mother Magda who urged her to complete the trilogy.

Ms Schneider died too young; I'm hoping she made her peace with "Sissi" before the end.

BTW: Romy's hair in the "Sissi" movies is stunning--I'm guessing most of it was a wig, LOL.

[Dottie]

The hair was indeed a wig and weighed about 2kilograms, which is about 4-5 pounds. Most of the women's hairdos were wigs. Nothing unusual for Period Drama.