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Dramatizes the life of Habsburg Empress Maria Theresa, focusing on her rise to power, political reforms, and personal challenges in 18th-century Europe.

In 1900, A rich newcomer with a shady past arrives in Munich determined to crash the local Oktoberfest with his own brewery. But when his daughter falls in love with the heir to a rival brewery, a violent chain of events is unleashed that will threaten both families' futures.

A wide-ranging, energetic period piece tracing the rise of the Protestant Henry of Navarre as he goes from battlefield warrior to France's beloved King Henri IV. Director Jo Baier's epic is a classically-entertaining adventure, albeit one with much bloodshed and frequent bawdy sexual interludes. In late-16th-century France, Catholics and Protestant Huguenots are at war. Seemingly seeking peace, French dowager Queen Catherine de Medici summons Henry to her court to marry him to her daughter, which would unite the two warring factions. However, the Catholics slaughter the Protestant wedding guests in what became known as the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre and Henry--now married--must use all his guile to stay alive and maneuver for the throne.

Prank's plans for a beer hall and a wealthy suitor of daughter Clara are derided by Munich's elite, but soon only the Hoflingers remain in his way.

The murder of Ignatz Hoflinger shocks Munich but gives Prank an opportunity to seize the victim's festival lot. Roman and Clara awkwardly meet again.

The Empire is constantly under attack and Maria Theresa's reputation is weakening in the eyes of the rest of Europe. Spies are everywhere in her court.

The Empress' marriage is put to the test again. She has a moment of weakness which brings her in conflict with the Church.