The Fiancés of Europe : Romy and Alain

Widely called “The Fiancés of Europe” by the media at the time, Romy Schneider and Alain Delon are the young couple who marked a generation during the 1960s.

They were a romantic and passionate couple whose love was almost too strong for this world.

A slow and tumultuous beginning to their romance

In 1958 Romy Schneider was an international star and at the young age of twenty had already acted and starred in eleven movies! She became a huge success and the favourite sweetheart of the Austrian people due to her portrayal of “Sissi” the Empress Elizabeth of Austria in a three movie series by Ernst Marischka. The huge fame that she garnered during this time gave her the privilege of picking her co-stars in her subsequent films. For her first French film, ‘Christine’ she chose Alain Delon, a handsome though still relatively unknown actor at the time. His celestial blue eyes, suave good looks, debonair smile and natural charisma had captured her attention.

They first met at the Orly airport in Paris where a press event had been organised by the production of their upcoming film ‘Christine’.

When Alain Delon saw Romy walking down the stairs, he quickly took the bouquet of flowers from a member of the crew and handed it to her as a welcome gift.

It was not however love at first sight, with Romy’s first impression of Alain as being “too good looking with a trendy hair style, tie and looking impeccable in a fashionable suit”. Essentially she considered him arrogant, while from Alain’s point of view Romy seemed slightly pompous.

Their original dislike was accentuated by the fact they didn’t speak each other’s language, making communication between them awkward. On set their poor view of each other and difficulty communicating led to a mutual mistrust. The resulting tension led to tempestuous behaviour and arguments. Her rigid and perfectionist Germanic temperament was ill matched to his nonchalant and indifferent French attitude, evidenced in his frequently arriving late on set.

From hate to passionate love

However, as is often said, hate and love are really just opposite ends of the same spectrum. Little by little, while filming in Vienna, their contrasting personalities, which at first caused exasperation and temper fits, gradually transformed into a mutual admiration for each others singularity. They began to fall for each other mirroring the characters they were portraying in the film.

In an article published by Paris Match magazine, Alain Delon recalls:

“We often used to ask this lovers’ question: “Who fell in love first, you or me?” We would count “One, two, three!” and then reply in unison “Neither you nor me! Together! “

After finishing the movie Alain discreetly slipped a letter into Romy’s handbag just before she boarded her plane back to Austria. That night they both burst into sentimental tears of love realising how much they meant to each other.

The next day, with strong disapproval from her family, Romy flew to Paris and went to live with Alain in his apartment.

And the rest is history…

If you’d like me to write part two of their love story please let me know by responding to this email or by messaging me directly on instagram @thewilsonsvintage.

Whilst reading and learning about Romy and Alain’s wonderful relationship I was so moved and heart warmed that I was inspired to honour them by making this tribute video. You can watch it by clicking the link below.

Best wishes to you all,

Jamila Wilson