THE STORY: The unsolved mystery the violent deaths of the Crown Prince of Austria and his sweetheart, Marie Vetsera, have led novelists, historians and playwrights to construct fantastic theories. The known facts in the case are pure drama in themselves, but in THE MASQUE OF KINGS, Mr. Anderson, while preserving the tragic and romantic elements, has added the beauty of language and characterization, and a philosophical viewpoint that makes his play unique. His chief contribution is Rudolph’s abortive attempt to seize the government from his father, the Emperor, and the Prince. The human side of the story is used by the author as the basis for a magnificent discussion on dictatorship and democracy which gives this work its universal appeal.
