The Night Is Young

Fanni learns that the Venetian archduke Paul Gustave will attend her next performance and immediately resolves to win Willy Fitch, her sweetheart. She schemes under the banner of patriotism to justify courting the wealthy bachelor. The news sets the initial motor for the social games to come.

Lisl bluntly advises Fanni to stay with Willy, the steady carriage driver, rather than chase high society. Yet the looming attention of Paul shifts the balance, as he begins to look at Lisl with interest. The dynamic between friends and lovers tightens.

Paul learns that his arranged marriage to Countess Rafay must be postponed for six months due to state reasons. He secretly resolves to keep Lisl as his lover, sacrificing some public duty for a private liaison. This marks a shift from political obligation to personal desire.

Szereny invites Lisl to a dinner at the archduke's villa, and she initially declines. The valet persists, testing her loyalties and the power he wields in Paul's house. The invitation foreshadows how their entanglement will unfold.

Fanni informs Willy that she is now free for marriage after the archduke has chosen her friend over her. Willy shows little interest in matrimony and instead sings a ballad praising his horse Mitz. Fanni’s social ambitions take a humbling turn.

Lisl arrives at the archduke's palace and endures a rigorous physical inspection by Szereny to ensure she meets his requirements. She finds the examination offensive and degrading, resenting being reduced to a checklist. The scene highlights the power imbalance in their relationship.

Lisl meets Paul, who is distant and blunt: their relationship will have nothing to do with love, and she will live in special quarters and not disturb him. Paul is surprised to learn she isn’t interested in making love to him either. The encounter marks a sober turn from romance to duty.

Paul spends an evening out with Countess Rafay; lonely Lisl invites Toni and Willy to visit. When Paul returns, he initially admonishes the merriment but softens after hearing Lisl sing. The moment shows music bridging distance between them.

A romance between Paul and Lisl blossoms when they are stranded on a carnival Ferris wheel and are forced to spend the night together. The isolation breaks down barriers, creating a real emotional bond. Their secret begins to feel precarious yet inevitable.

The next day, jealous Toni accuses Lisl of walking out on their planned marriage. After Paul reveals his intention to finance his ballet, Toni allows Lisl to resume her romance with him. The conflict shifts from personal jealousy to the practical support for the arts.

Paul is willing to sacrifice his title to marry Lisl, but the emperor insists that the arranged marriage to Countess Rafay proceed. The political machinery of duty overrules private longing. Lisl’s hopes collide with the formalities of power.

Paul informs Lisl that he must leave her; Szereny consoles the devastated lover. After a tearful farewell dinner, Paul asks Lisl to kiss him and then turn around and never look back. Lisl’s world collapses as their romance meets its enforced conclusion.