Brian Aherne plays Emperor Maximilian von Hapsburg, who is sent to Mexico with his wife Carlotta (Bette Davis) by Napoleon III under the impression that the residents voted to accept him as their monarch.
In truth, it’s all a ploy by Napoleon to maintain control over Mexico and, at the same time, avoid the ire of the United States.
Once in Mexico, it’s one surprise after anothe for Maximilian, who was led to believe the people supported him, who was led to believe the troops under Juarez (Paul Muni) had already been defeated, who was led to believe he’d have he support of the French army for as long as he remained in Mexico.
None of it proves to be true.
Joseph Calleia plays an underling who tries to wrest control from Juarez; John Garfield plays one of his most loyal and trusted generals.
Meanwhile, Aherne’s Maximilian is a sympathetic character himself, anxious to avoid violence when possible, determined to look out for the good of the majority of his subjects, and noble right up until his execution. Impressive film for 1939.
Originally designed as two films, one telling the story of Juarez, one the story of Maximilian.
Directed by:
William Dieterle
Cast:
Paul Muni … Benito Juarez
Bette Davis … Empress Carlotta
Brian Aherne … Emperor Maximilian
von Hapsburg
John Garfield … Gen. Porfirio Diaz
Donald Crisp … Gen. Bazaine
Joseph Calleia … Alejandro Uradi
Gale Sondergaard … Empress Eugenie
Gilbert Roland … Col. Miguel Lopez
Walter Kingsford … Prince Richard Metternich
Henry O’Neill … Miguel Miramon
Harry Davenport … Dr. Samuel Basch
Louis Calhern … LeMarc
Georgia Caine … Lady in Waiting
Montagu Love … Jose de Montares
John Miljan … Mariano Escobedo
Vladimir Sokoloff … Camilo
Runtime: 121 min.
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