Austria, 1888. Crown Prince Rudolph is bored with the ostentatious royal life in the Austrian court. He is forced into a marriage contract with Stephanie, Princess of Belgium. The couple is incompatible and they live in unhappy discord. Grand Duke Jean Salvadore, Rudolph's cousin, is in touch with the liberals of the realm and his lover, Milly, is a commoner. The Grand Dude has broken the shackles of convention and he enjoys a life of freedom much to his cousin's envy.