Der Günstling von Schönbrunn plot
Austria and Hungary, 1740s. In a half-ruined castle in Hungary lives Colonel Baron von Trenck. One day he has to rescue two noble ladies from the hands of robbing gypsies. He quickly falls in love with one of the ladies, who claims to be the wife of a Viennese jeweler. When they have to part again, she gives Trenck a precious ring in gratitude for the manly and brave rescue operation. Fascinated by the beautiful stranger, Colonel Trenck one day sets off on horseback to Vienna to look for the lady. Finally, the baron receives an invitation to the court of Schönbrunn Palace and is introduced to Empress Maria Theresa. Trenck cannot believe his eyes. It is the lady to whom he has given his heart, and her companion is none other than her lady-in-waiting, Countess Nostiz.