Siebenschön (2014)

The farm girl Siebenschön is not only clever but also very beautiful. But she dislikes that everyone pays attention only to outward appearances. Her parents would be glad if she chose a husband, but she cannot find anyone in the village who meets her standards. When the pushy Baron von und zu Wildungen harasses her, she decides to veil her face. She does not want to be reduced to her beauty; instead, she wants to devote herself even more to the study of healing. The nun Genoveva, at a nearby convent, is there to support her, sharing her knowledge of medicinal plants and serving as both her friend and mentor. One day in the convent library, Siebenschön meets Prince Arthur, who is just as interested in science as she is. The prince falls in love with the peasant girl, much to his father’s displeasure. For King Richard, only a bride of suitable rank will do. Siebenschön’s parents, too, consider it improper that their daughter has fallen in love with the prince. Prince Arthur manages to see Siebenschön without her veil and wants no one but her for his wife. Baron von und zu Wildungen has not given up his pursuit of the beautiful girl. Disappointed by her rejection, he burns down Siebenschön’s family home. Her parents have disappeared, and she seeks refuge in the convent with Genoveva. She blames herself and her name for what happened. She has her long hair cut off and henceforth calls herself “Misfortune.” Disguised as a boy, she goes to King Richard’s court, hoping to find her parents there. While looking for work, “Misfortune” is brought before the king, whose doctors are treating his back pain with all sorts of bizarre remedies. Prince Arthur is also utterly miserable, since his beloved has vanished without a trace and, as his father wishes, he is not to see her again. To make sure of this, the king keeps Siebenschön’s parents imprisoned. To make matters worse, he is seriously intent on marrying his son to the eccentric Princess Zilly. “Misfortune” tries to prevent this by treating King Richard’s pain with remedies from the convent garden, and in doing so also manages to interest him in his son’s inventions. But Baron von und zu Wildungen’s intrigues threaten to expose “Misfortune’s” disguise, and Prince Arthur, too, must ultimately submit to his father’s wishes. During the arduous carriage journey to the neighboring kingdom to meet Princess Zilly, Siebenschön is recognized and is to be taken to prison. Baron von und zu Wildungen sees his chance and offers to marry Siebenschön out of magnanimity, claiming that he is convinced there is a good core in her after all. A double wedding is thus prepared in King Johann’s realm. Since Princess Zilly, too, would much rather marry the baron, the clever nun Genoveva comes up with a ruse. The brides switch roles and are led to the altar with their faces veiled. In the end, each marries the man she wanted from the very beginning.