Ernst Marischka was born on January 2, 1893, in Vienna, Austria-Hungary, and passed away on May 12, 1963, in Chur, Switzerland. He was a prominent Austrian screenwriter, film director, and producer, known for his extensive work in the film industry from 1913 to 1962. Marischka wrote for more than 90 films and directed 29, with his most famous work being the "Sissi" trilogy, which includes "Sissi" (1955), "Sissi – The Young Empress" (1956), and "Sissi – Fateful Years of an Empress" (1957). These films, based on the life of Empress Elisabeth of Austria and starring Romy Schneider, remain his best-known contributions to cinema.

Marischka's career began with writing plays during his school years in Graz. After his father's death, his brother Hubert, also a director, introduced him to director Alexander Kolowrat, leading to his first screenplay for "Der Millionenonkel" (1913), directed by Hubert. His directorial debut was with "Der Schusterprinz" in 1915. Throughout his career, Marischka specialized in costume comedies and musical films, often influenced by operettas.

In addition to his work in Austria, Marischka's screenplays gained international recognition, including his collaboration with Alfred Hitchcock for "Waltzes from Vienna" (1934). He was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for "A Song to Remember" in 1946.

Ernst Marischka was married to Caroline "Lilly" Marischka née Bobrowsky and had several relatives in the film industry, including his brother Hubert and nephew Georg Marischka. Despite the challenges during World War II, Marischka continued his work in the film industry, contributing significantly to Austrian cinema history.