This is the story of a poor magician (the illusionist) of Vienna at the end of the nineteenth century who has a remarkable show. In his youth he fell in love with an aristocratic girl who then became the fiancee of the Crown Prince of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The Emperor is now very old and the Crown Prince is eager for power. The magician and his childhood sweetheart are re-united when the royal party visit the show and she is volunteered to take part in one of the illusionist's magical deceptions.
Murder, mayhem and contoversy follow. In the end the film turns out to be another explanation of the tragedy at Mayerling. I'll say no more about the plot!
Wonderfully filmed and well directed, my only criticism is the odd anachronism in the language and etiquette used. The Austro-Hungarian court was the stuffiest and most protocol ridden in Europe (and that's saying a lot) and I'm certain the Emperor would never have been called 'your father' by every passing servant and police officer.
My rating: 9/10
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