It is shameful that both Joseph Roth's novel and Axel Corti's film of that novel are not much better known. Additionally,. the performances down the line are first-rate with special consideration for Gert Voss' Count Chojnicki and the much underrated French actor Claude Rich as Dr. Demant. If the era of the Habsburgs in decline is of interest, then see this miniseries if at all possible. Lastly, Zbigniew Preisner's score is staggeringly fine. If anyone should know where one could obtain a CD of it, please do not hesitate to contact me. He is writing some of the finest film music today.;