Ludwig II - Esplendor e Miséria de um Rei

The rather trite and witless script about the life of Ludwig II. of Bavaria, first cousin of the ill-fated Elisabeth von Oesterreich, better known as Sissi, is told by the usual talented Helmut Kaeutner in a wooden and uninspiring way.

Chief problem is O.W. Fischer, fresh after a string of hits, mostly opposite Maria Schell, who to some degree, believed to be the reincarnation of the legendary king himself. His performance is way over the top, to say at least, lacking any depth or even minimal understanding.

The pic's only saving grace is Ruth Leuwerik, again dressed in period costumes and hoop-skirts and looking lovely, as the tormented and doomed Sissi. Leuwerik's regal beauty and patrician manners fit the character like a glove and she steals each scene she's in with her subtle and perfectly nuanced performance. Her sleepy but alert eyes are always saying things not written in the script.

Compare Ruth's tender performance to the sugary confection of the 'Sissi' trilogy or Romy Schneider's later over-nervous and hysterical effort in Visconti's visually stunning but equally empty version some decades later and you see a great, much underrated actress of highest order.