New Hungarian Film Explores Blessed Karl's Restoration Attempt

Kingdom without a King is the title of a new documentary film that explores Blessed Karl of Austria's attempt to regain the throne in 1921. Filmed in Hungarian with English subtitles, the film was carefully shot to reconstruct historical events and details. Archival recordings, narration, and commentary from prominent historians compliment meticulously constructed sets and costumes.

At the end of the First World War, not only was the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy in danger, but so was the kingdom itself. In Hungary, which was trying to recover from the collapse of the war, the communist dictatorship and divisive political debates were unfolding. In March of 1921, Karl returned incognito to Hungary in an attempt to regain the throne. The film explores the political implications, the global stage, and the beloved Emperor at the center of it all—Charles IV, Blessed Karl.

Directed by Borbás Barnabás and László Réti, Kingdom without a King was filmed in honor of the centenary event under the auspices of the Hungarian Office of Parliament. It premieres Friday, March 26, 2021, in Hungary and on YouTube.