Rex Resolution 68: Sisi

If you're an avid Rex watcher, you might be forgiven for thinking that Moser's psychologist girlfriend, who witnessed his death, has fallen into a mental abyss as a consequence and deluded herself into thinking she's Empress Elisabeth or Sisi. In true Rex style, however, it's simply a case of Recycled Rexing, same actress, different character.

Marion is living out a fantasy life, a life where she is Sisi. Dressed accordingly, she takes a carriage ride through Vienna at night. A seemingly harmless affair, until the coach driver enters the carriage and is stabbed by his own tool when he tries to hit on her. Fleeing the scene, Marion is spotted by a woman who doesn't realise the seriousness of the situation, particularly as the carriage moves off. Unguided, the horses return to their stables where the wife of the murdered man discovers his body.

Marion goes to work late next morning. She's still busy putting away her clothing from the previous night, in a room devoted to all things Sisi. It's clear she's a little obsessive. Discovering that she works in costume design, it becomes clear where many of the period appropriate items come from. She's disturbed to notice that she appears to have lost one of the hair ornaments worn the previous night.

When the murder hits the news, the woman witness calls in to report what she saw. While talking with Brandtner where she saw the woman flee, Rex discovers the missing hair ornament among a pile of autumn leaves. Superdog or what? Such a distinctive piece, Brandtner and team have something to go on. It doesn't take long for Kunz to work out that the piece is a reproduction of an item worn by Sisi and for Boeck to find the jeweller who made the piece.

Finally at work, Marion is encountering trouble with her co-worker Hoffmann, who, aware of her obsession, is concerned for her state of mind. Later that night, he comes under attack as he tries to photograph Marion out riding as Sisi. Hoffmann also subsequently discovers her secret room. He's not the only one to spot her though. When a man sees her, he reports the strange behaviour to police who aren't interested initially but then receive a fax advising of a murder suspect who may dress up as Sisi.

Marion has 'borrowed' the horse and it doesn't take long for Brandtner to chase down the targeted riding school where he gets a list of women who have learn to ride side saddle, as Marion did. Marion, meanwhile, has joined a tour of one of Sisi's homes, hiding at closure time, to spend the night in Sisi's bed. She narrowly escapes in the morning with the first tour, just as Brandtner arrives to quesiton the guide about regular visitors. The guide indicates there is one particular woman and they both shortly discover there has been an overnight visitor to Sisi's bedroom.

With the list of side saddle riders, a list of costume companies, it's not long before Brandtner has Marion in mind as a potential suspect. While he's on his way to her workshop, Hoffmann confronts her and threatens to blackmail her over the killing. Big mistake. Marion's not one for bargaining and she stabs him. Moments later, Brandtner is also under attack as he tries to arrest her for the murder. Once again, who saves the day? Rex, of course, with a well timed grab of the weapon wielded by Marion.

The episode ends nicely with Dr. graf rushed to what he believes to be another crime scene. The crime? His birthday. Cake, champagne AND first names finally!

Other players include Lutz Blochberger, not listed with IMDB for this episode, Ulla Weigerstorfer (Miss World 1987!), not credited with IMDB for this episode, and the late Alfred Reiterer, also not credited.

Recycled Rexers include Marion Mitterhammer here as Marion and later as psychologist Patricia Neuhold in 'Mosers Tod' (1998), Johannes Thanheiser, not credited for this episode with IMDB but also appearing as 'Opa in Reichenau' in 'Geraubtes Glueck' (1998), and Dagmar Schwarz, not credited for this episode, but also appearing in 'Unter Hypnose'.