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The story of Maria Theresia of the old Austro-Hungarian Hapsburg regime is reverently brought to the screen in this lengthy biopic. The title character is played by Paula Wessely, who also produced the film. Wessely's portrayal of Maria Theresia as a woman motivated by envy and revenge enlivens an otherwise plodding script. Of the supporting players, only Otto Tressler, Cees Laseur and Rosa Albach Retty managed to avoid being outshone by the star. Though Paula Wessely had been making films since 1934, Maria Theresia was the first occasion in which she controlled every aspect of production.