The Emperor Waltz

Traveling salesman Virgil Smith arrives in Vienna with a new gramophone, hoping the Emperor will buy it to spur its popularity among the Austrian people. He seeks an endorsement from the imperial circle to boost sales and legitimacy. The mission marks the start of a cross-cultural, lightly romantic journey.

Johanna and her father celebrate their poodle Scheherezade being selected to mate with the Emperor's poodle. On the palace grounds they meet Virgil and his dog Buttons, whose scuffle sparks a discussion about class distinctions. The encounter foreshadows the social barriers the lovers will attempt to bridge.

Scheherezade experiences a nervous breakdown and is treated by Dr. Zwieback, a veterinarian who practices Freudian psychology. He advises forcing the dog to face Buttons to dissipate her fear, setting in motion the plan to reunite them. The therapy inadvertently strengthens the bond between the animals and hints at the owners' shared vulnerability.

When Scheherezade and Buttons are reunited, the dogs display affection, and a spark appears between their owners as well. The pair begin spending more time together, drawn by the dogs' bond. The growing closeness begins to cross social boundaries that once seemed absolute.

Scheherezade and Buttons mate, and their owners remain oblivious to the event. The mating underscores the idea that affection can emerge across class lines even when not openly acknowledged. The incident deepens the connection between Virgil and Johanna in hidden ways.

Virgil convinces Johanna that true love can overcome social differences and asks for her hand from the Emperor. The Emperor receives the request with warmth but also caution, aware of the potential costs. The scene crystallizes the central dilemma: love versus social expectations.

The Emperor candidly questions whether Johanna could be happy with a commoner in Newark. He explains that he will not endorse Virgil's gramophone unless the couple separates. He recalls his own failed matches and presents the ultimatum to Virgil, testing the strength of their bond.

Virgil refuses to break up with Johanna, but the Emperor asks him one more question: are you sure you will be enough for her? The question hangs in the air as Virgil grapples with his sense of duty and love. The Emperor's test sets up the film's moral crossroads.

Convinced he cannot win if seen as a fortune-hunter, Virgil lies to Johanna, claiming he only sought access to the Emperor to sell wares. He breaks off the relationship and leaves for America, appearing uncaring and villainous. Johanna is left to grapple with the consequences of his deception.

Scheherezade gives birth to a litter of white puppies with black patches, clearly sired by Buttons rather than the Emperor's poodle. The discovery shakes the social assumptions surrounding the match and complicates the Emperor's blessing. Baron Holenia tries to manage the fallout to protect his status.

Baron Holenia tells the Emperor the puppies were stillborn and secretly orders them drowned. Virgil, having secretly returned to the palace to see Johanna, sneaks in and rescues the puppies, confronting the Emperor in the process. The rescue escalates the confrontation over loyalty, class, and guilt.

The Emperor chastises Holenia for his deception and asks Virgil to hand over the puppies. Virgil lambasts the Emperor about class snobbery, risking Johanna overhearing the exchange. The heated moment forces a reckoning for all involved about truth, dignity, and love.

Johanna overhears the confrontation and learns the truth about Virgil's actions. She forgives him, insisting that a chance at happiness with Virgil is worth more than a safe, loveless life. The Emperor relents, and Virgil and Johanna are allowed to wed, bringing the story to a hopeful close.