Original subtitles

30 April 1774

Louis!

Send for the King's physician.

The King? What about him?

- He asked for me? - No, Madame du Barry.

Again!

- The King lost consciousness. - I'm going.

Warn the royal family.

My father's at Du Barry's?

No, His Majesty is in his chamber now.

Go in, sisters.

The King has just come round.

I shall await his orders to enter.

Third fainting in a week.

This creature will see him off.

Poor Papa!

Quick, the chair!

Sit down.

Thank you.

Here's the Dauphin!

Always late.

Just look at him!

- Is the King revived? - Yes.

- I prayed for him. - That explains it…

I was so afraid.

But you weren't eager for news.

No doubt it was just indigestion.

- Where is your wife? - At the Opera ball, Aunt.

- Tonight? - How could she know?

Oh, take her side!

- Sister… - Be quiet!

At the Opera! The Dauphine, future queen of France?

She's with brother Artois.

Nice chaperone!

Your father would never have agreed to a marriage with an Austrian.

Quiet!

Why this moaning mob?

The Dauphine is at the Opera.

With my permission.

Let someone at least enjoy themselves.

Go home, all of you.

No, you stay, Louis.

Are you ill, Sire?

I'm getting old.

I wonder how you'll manage

after me. - I'll imitate you.

Don't do that, my child.

You have heart.

You're good, perhaps too good.

Where was I?

I remember.

The carpet!

You know what I'm going to tell you.

You've been married 4 years…

Provence has no children either.

Provence is not the Dauphin.

I want a child from you.

Perhaps the Dauphine is sterile.

There's only one way to find out.

Which?

Pick any pretty woman.

No, I love the Dauphine too much.

But do you go to her every night?

Doesn't she complain about your nonchalance?

- No. - But she's at the ball!

If only I had your age.

You have to put yourself out for a woman.

Work out the weak points,

calculate your attacks, vary your holds.

What am I on about?

Continue, Sire. Counsel me.

First, pay attention to your dress.

Don't fill your pockets

with instruments that remind your wife

you'd trade her for a forge

and mechanics.

Don't load your stomach. Beforehand.

Take a glass of tokay.

But when the time comes…

Try surprise, it often yields good results.

What kind of surprise?

Show some imagination.

A swift kiss behind the ear, for instance.

I can't tell you everything.

And what if I can't…

If the failure continues?

This time you must see surgeons.

Sire, what ails you?

An unbearable headache.

Would you hold a mirror.

A choice sweetmeat!

Hands off!

- Have you seen the Dauphine? - No, sir.

Don't bother trying it on.

You changed masks but not scent.

Carry on and you'll cause a scandal.

After tonight's silliness let's go back to Versailles.

My brother entrusted you to me.

You who abandon your pregnant wife?

I'm capable of having children.

Such vulgarity in a prince!

Enough. Come with me.

No.

- You hear? - I won't go.

You're going no further.

Sir! Protect me.

This man has been chasing me all night.

If you say so…

Are you in pain?

I twisted my ankle.

Take my arm.

Lean on me, have no fear.

It's not good to walk on a sprain.

You should have a massage.

Here? By whom?

I know how.

I learnt in the army.

First: lie down.

Where?

There's all we need in my box.

No.

Mind the step.

May I?

Sit down.

Stretch out your leg.

There. Now relax.

- I'm such a bother. - No, we must help each other.

Who was that man shouting at you?

My husband.

Oh?

Tell me if it hurts.

- Ah… - What?

- The foot isn't swollen. - Because usually…

When it's a sprain, the ankle swells like this.

- Why was he pursuing you? - Who?

- Your husband. - Jealousy.

Pain?

It's bearable.

He looks like a kid. Now?

Nothing.

We were married without asking

for family alliance issues.

And now?

- You believe me? - No.

Now?

Curious case.

Wait.

Have a drink. It'll buck you up.

There!

- How? - Take off your mask.

No? Then raise it.

It's strong!

It's what we give soldiers when we cut off their leg.

You have my countrywomen's pale eyes.

Which country?

Sweden.

My husband! Don't open it.

I'll greet him.

Axel, it's me, Kreutz.

Don't be afraid.

Oh, Axel, if I'd known…

It's the carnival, Ambassador.

A word of advice, Axel: don't take up with just anyone.

Campan! You were to retire if I wasn't back by 12.

Etiquette, Madame.

What importunity! It's spoiling my pleasure.

What are you doing?

Calling the mistress of the robes and ladies.

No, I shall undress myself.

The maid of honour can bring a snack.

I'm not hungry.

A drink, then.

Give me a glass of orange flower water.

- Antoinette! - Oh, Monsieur!

How pretty you are.

You're making fun.

Me? On the contrary.

Come now, be good.

My Antoinette.

- Let me undress you. - You'll tear my dress.

Come in.

You may retire.

Why such strange behaviour?

My behaviour was strange before.

I've never seen you in this state.

Everything will change.

- Have you been drinking? - No. A glass of tokay.

- For courage? - Yes.

I'm sick of the knowing smiles.

Of hearing: "The dullard has a lovely wife…"

You know what they sing?

Tell me.

I wouldn't dare repeat it.

When shall we have a child?

Patience.

- I beg your pardon. - Don't be discouraged.

Do you like me?

Yes, you cannot doubt that.

I've never seen you looking more lovely.

Why are your eyes so bright, your skin so light?

The night air whipped my cheeks.

- I want to stay with you. - It is so late.

I don't want to sleep.

You won't wake up and you'll miss the hunt.

- Shooting? - No, with hounds.

Be reasonable. Tomorrow.

- No, tonight. - I'm tired. Tomorrow.

No, tonight.

I shall caress you.

I shall cajole you.

I shall astound you.

Friday 30 — Nothing

- How is the King? - On the last rites.

Hurry.

Do you not fear smallpox?

Inoculation is mandatory in Sweden.

It's even more handsome than the etchings.

Oh, to live in France!

You live freely and women have je-ne-sais-quoi.

I know I shall like it here.

Is the world caving in on me?

God protect us.

The King is dead. Long live the King!

Next week we'll be giving condolences to the new queen.

I'll be long gone.

- Where? - Berlin.

You loved Paris so!

Oh, Paris! Life isn't all fun.

What's wrong, Axel?

Berlin is the only city for a soldier.

187 dresses for the whole of 1778.

187?

A new dress every two days.

More, Sire.

Plus matching jewellery and accessories.

The Queen has incurred debts to buy them.

I don't like that.

Plus the huge sums already spent

on building the Petit Trianon.

Aren't you exaggerating, Mr Necker?

If Your Majesty would read the file…

I believe you.

Not to mention the plundering of Polignac's crowd.

Nor the Queen's huge gambling losses.

Just yesterday, 340,000 pounds to the Pharaoh.

The Queen asked the treasurer

to advance her next month's money.

Heavens.

The people complain.

The people? But I provide for them.

May I say, Sire, with a Genevan's frankness,

you'll fall if you don't beware.

The revolution will be cruel if the Queen…

Stop! I want order and economy in every part of my house.

I'll show them I have character.

Who would dare?

Oh, you.

- Am I disturbing you? - No, you're just in time.

Madame, I must complain.

Me too.

- You? - Yes, but go on.

No, tell me.

A fairly bold topic to give me kicks in the tummy.

No!

Yes.

A child!

To think, if I'd been less scared of surgeons.

He'd be 7.

The day Necker chose to remonstrate with me.

No tact.

A child. I'd like to give you…

- No! Nothing. - What?

If it doesn't cost…

What?

Banish Necker, who dreams of equality.

I did think of that.

Your mother will be glad too.

She's so tormented right now.

Bavaria.

We must scare that rogue Frederick.

Don't ask the impossible.

- Forget it. - Antoinette!

I will not hear that I betray France for Austria.

We cannot be party to dividing Bavaria.

There we are, then.

I'll prepare for the 5 p.m. presentation.

What a chore!

Sorry.

- For what? - Being so brusque with you.

Politics comes first.

What if I tell Prussia

I'm ready to send my troops

to the Empress of Austria?

Mother will bless you.

See you later.

Don't pull too tight.

The King!

Comte de Castries.

Comte de La Tour-Landry.

I didn't think she was so… majestic.

- You've seen her before. - No, never.

With me on the day of Louis XV's death.

From far off.

Today you'll see her close to.

Even more beautiful.

The Marquis de Migennes.

Descendant of the Colonel.

So you're the Colonel's son.

Grandson, Madame.

Of course, the hero of Fontenoy,

1745.

It was Lauffeld. My grandfather…

Lost a leg.

Both, Madame.

I hope so. I'll speak to the King.

Mr Kreutz.

Your Highness, may I introduce Count Axel von Fersen.

An old friend.

Indeed, Madame.

His father fought for 13 years for King Louis XV.

And are you a soldier too, sir?

Yes, Madame. Lieutenant, Swedish dragoons.

So you've come to serve France in turn?

No, I come to marry.

Oh? And who shall become

Madame von Fersen?

Nothing is yet decided, Madame. Mlle Necker

has many suitors.

Mlle Necker?

She has lovely eyes.

Indeed, Madame.

And is good at politics and economics.

A manly brain. My compliments, sir.

Why does the Queen linger by a stranger?

Handsome boy.

- Who is it? - A foreigner, naturally.

- The doublet? - Blue.

- Tunic? - White.

- And the shako? - Black.

Topped with a blue and yellow heron.

I'd like to see that.

Come to Trianon one day.

In uniform.

What's he?

The Queen's Swede!

Comtesse Jules de Polignac.

Come.

I have one this time.

If you dress up, it's cheating.

Well-muscled arm…

determined chin…

A soldier?

Mr Fersen!

Take my place, dear.

Carry on, I'm a bit tired.

Take it easy, Your Highness.

Your arm, sir.

The Queen flaunts herself.

Why so long in coming?

I came on Sunday.

I wasn't at Trianon. And I'm sorry for that.

I had to announce this future birth to the court.

Did you know?

Paris danced as a sign of rejoicing.

I heard "Long live the Queen!" all night long.

Yes, they like me.

"Lean on me, Madame. Have no fear."

Life is funny.

I'd like to sit down.

Turn around.

A pretty uniform, it suits you well.

Is it not hot in this season?

Yes, but it does stand out.

- We're being watched. - Scrutinized, even.

It amuses me.

If they found out we had a secret…

I must ask the Queen permission

to remain standing.

Here, I'm just me, like any woman

who enjoys life's pleasures.

What does the King say?

Poor man! We don't have the same tastes.

But he never fights my pastimes.

Where were you these 4 years?

I travelled.

And now you're bound for Geneva?

- Geneva? - Yes, when you marry.

No marriage is in sight.

- Not Mlle Necker? - Nor another.

Really? Why?

Is it that…

I hope I didn't put you off the girl by being uncharitable.

No, Madame. I thought about it.

Soldiers shouldn't marry.

In wartime, but…

I await a chance, Madame.

If you dream of military glory, why not serve France?

You'll find backers.

There's nothing quite like living close to nature.

Indeed, Madame.

Have a drink.

It will revive you.

Take Madame to her apartments.

Leave her to me a moment.

You have council at 10.

- And it is…? - Look at the clock.

Oh, I just have time.

Charming. What do you call this new creation?

- Swedish, Sire. - King Gustav will be pleased.

To ward off the sadness

Of duty conjugal

The queen had two mistresses

Polignac and Lamballe

A solution opportune

She was happy to defer

When a Swedish dragoon

Revealed his love to her.

A tune I had in mind.

A tune! It's the words that count. Just a moment.

No, it's harmless. You have to name Fersen!

Sheep won't discredit the royal family.

But it casts doubt on the King's paternity.

Indeed.

And airs the notion that you be Lieutenant-General

or even Regent, in the meantime.

The people must be disgusted and drive them out.

So let's have mud, and plenty of it!

I pay the specialists enough. Go on!

Very well, your Grace.

On reflection,

it's rather literary, Mr Fabre d'Eglantine.

Be coarser for the public.

I have what you ask.

Come, Mr Restif.

Louis, to see clearer Who cheats on your person,

Just look in your mirror: Antoinette and Fersen.

I thought you in Reims till Monday.

- I lied to you. - Lied?

I should have gone without seeing you.

Come to the terrace.

Are you sure he enlisted?

He hasn't gone yet.

- Heard the latest? - Go on.

What news from Trianon? Axel sleeps with Toinon

A squaddie and a tart That's how they kick-start

The pure Bourbon line.

It couldn't last,

the awful songs, the slander, we had to stop it.

I stand firm.

We're too compromised.

What did we do wrong?

Nothing yet. Tomorrow we won't have the strength.

Flight is the only choice.

Too late. Separation would make us sad.

Don't dampen my courage.

Where would you go?

America, with Rochambeau's volunteers.

Never to see you again!

- I couldn't live. - I signed up.

You don't love me.

I don't love you?

Say the word and I stay.

Then go… go quickly.

Farewell, my love.

Come, my queen.

You sing this Piccinni tune divinely.

Do sing it, I beg you.

Not tonight.

Yes, come.

Don't give them the pleasure of seeing you unhappy.

Smile at me, my queen.

1781 Month of October

22nd — Birth of the Dauphin.

Hold still.

It's the heat.

Eyes a little higher, Sire.

Enough for today, Madame Le Brun.

Take the children, Campan.

Leave everything there. See you tomorrow.

It really is very hot.

When did you get this letter?

What? Yesterday.

There's definitely a resemblance.

Were you going to give it to me?

Of course. Later.

I didn't dare.

You'd have thought I sought the letter

when it was slipped between papers of state.

How bold they are!

Indeed.

Sometimes a libellous note under my towel.

Sometimes a song on my counterpane.

It's the first time I see a letter for you.

Has he written often from America?

You are silent, Madame.

Have you often replied?

You want to know? Read this letter. Yes!

And despite the terms, I have nothing to be ashamed of.

You put ideas in my head.

Though my feelings may displease you,

my actions have never offended you.

I have more friendship and esteem for you than a husband ever had.

Read.

Strange that your fidelity makes me so unhappy.

Love me still if you can.

If I can? My God.

You sparked my passion the first day I saw you.

My misery cannot change that.

I know my faults.

Is it your fault I've never inspired love in you?

I just want someone else…

Mr Fersen will return. I won't see him again.

What would it change?

Would they talk less?

As long as I trust you.

No, Mr Fersen has served France well.

He's the hero of Yorktown, Rochambeau wrote.

Franklin gave him the Order of Cincinnatus.

We owe Mr Fersen a reward.

Which?

A blue ribbon? House officer?

I don't know.

Don't you have an idea?

The command of a French regiment, perhaps.

Yes.

- Did he ask this of you? - No, I'm imagining!

There's no regiment for sale in Versailles.

Why Versailles? Are you so set on it?

Me?

I'll do what you want.

Decide.

Fersen, you served in our American army

to the approval of all

and made yourself worthy of the benevolence

we wish to show you.

The Queen will tell you.

The King appoints the Count of Fersen

general in charge of the Royal Swedish Regiment.

I thank Your Majesty for the honour.

It is the Queen you should thank.

Would Your Majesty allow my regiment

to be called the Queen's Dragoons?

The Queen has not finished.

Count von Fersen will go without delay

to join his regiment garrisoned in Valenciennes.

Serving the King will make this estrangement pleasant.

It's not so far from Versailles that you can't return now and then.

I shall await Your Majesty's order.

TWO YEARS HAVE GONE BY

Development in the Necklace case!

Don't fight, there's enough to go round.

The Queen abets a thief!

Dirt on the sceptre and its cross!

Latest news from Paris!

Latest news from Paris!

Necklace case scandal!

Eleventh-hour admissions. Thank you.

Official trial notes, with the decree by Parliament.

Latest in the Necklace case!

Cardinal was Queen's lover.

You owe me 20 sous.

Get your Queen-to-Cardinal love letters.

Get your love letters!

It's shameful!

The bitch got a necklace worth £1,600,000

while folk die of hunger.

Not you, Madame, at any rate.

Bloody aristocrat!

No disputes between Frenchmen. Anyone can make mistakes.

But you can't argue when it's in black and white.

Listen to this, Monsieur.

"My darling, finally the necklace is mine.

"As a diversion,

"I pretended I hated you to the King

"but I love you. Marie-Antoinette."

There are 42 like that. Get your love letters!

Sad times, Colonel.

Are we to tolerate this infamy long?

- The letter is fake. - How do you know?

You know the Queen, Colonel.

I left Versailles long ago.

Here!

Here are the last ones, gentlemen.

Keep them.

Thank you, sir. You'll get your money's worth.

Manoeuvres at dawn, sir.

May I retire?

- Me too. - Me too, sir.

- Where is the Queen's house? - The big one, sir.

Thank you.

Do you know if the Queen…

You scared me.

I didn't want to surprise you, Madame.

I like myself as a farmer.

My new domain.

Will you stroll?

I'm in a hurry, I must talk to you.

Elsewhere, please.

Come.

- You come from…? - Valenciennes.

Directly?

Without delay.

I won't bother Your Majesty long.

Sit down.

I wanted to express my gratitude

as I leave the regiment obtained by her backing.

- You're leaving Valenciennes? - And France.

Why?

My father is ageing. My sister is marrying.

The lovely Sophie?

Yes, Madame.

Is there nothing else?

Yes, Madame.

There's talk in Sweden of a war with Russia.

You can't forgive me for sending you away.

That's so far away now.

You'll never know what that sacrifice cost.

Its nobleness hadn't escaped me.

You blame me.

During these months of distress, I wrote to no one.

Except the Cardinal!

You too.

No, Madame. That would be too easy.

Do I deserve such treatment?

In the weekly letters I received in America,

you begged me to return.

I return and you send me to Valenciennes!

Now I see the reason, poor fool.

Be quiet, now.

I am cured of you.

You still love me.

No.

Yes. You are jealous.

Of a crooked cardinal?

That I sent to the Bastille.

A man I hadn't spoken to for 8 years.

- To whom you wrote! - Those letters are fakes.

It's so blatant I wonder how you could think…

So who gave you the necklace?

Nobody!

If I'd wanted the necklace,

would I have asked a rotten cardinal, a thief and a charlatan?

I am Queen of France, Axel.

Forgive me.

I might joke, but in this case

I have done, said, seen and signed nothing.

I believe you with all my heart.

Make this known

to your accusers.

They won't believe me. I was happy when they loved me.

They'll return to you.

All alone, you see…

I won't leave you again.

I can feel my courage returning.

Protect me.

Advise me.

Order me.

What to do?

Act as a king, Madame.

We need a king upon the throne

who will one day recall that, among his kin,

God had his priests, his own,

pull him clear of the grave's oblivion,

and rekindled David's flame.

Great God, If you feel that, unworthy of his race,

he must of David abandon the trace,

and be like the fruit ripped from the bower

or an enemy's last breath on a flower.

But if this same child, when you provide the lines,

can be an instrument for your designs,

ensure the sceptre is put in the right hands

not those of enemies from foreign lands.

Mix his advice with a cruel ear.

Deign, my God, on my aunt and on her,

spread this spirit of negligence and error,

of the fall of Kings and the reign of Terror!

Let's go.

Down with Madame Deficit!

Calling me Madame Deficit!

I have the wardrobe of a dairymaid.

Has Mr Fersen been back long?

Wrong question.

Choose a minister who imposes the royal will.

- Shall I recall Necker? - No fear!

That commoner would have me carry the cellar keys in my pocket!

Who, then?

Mgr Loménie de Brienne.

An atheist archbishop!

So what?

He's safe, he'll calm sedition.

Give him firm support.

Four finance ministers in 6 years. A laughing stock.

Is it my fault Parliament won't obey?

Exile them.

I called them back. They'd say I lack staying power.

It would mean convening the Estates-General.

Never!

5th Estates-General Meeting

1789 Month of May

1789 Month of July

Tuesday 14th — Nothing

Wake the King.

Sire, I come from Paris. They've taken the Bastille.

- The Bastille? - Yes, Sire.

The governor is murdered with his head

on a spike.

So it's a revolt?

No, Sire. A revolution!

A revolution…

Here we go, here we go Let the aristocrats swing

Here we go, here we go We'll get the aristocrats

Here we go, here we go Let the aristocrats swing

Here we go, here we go Let's hang the aristocrats

We'll have her head.

I'll go for a leg.

And her entrails on my apron!

Cut her head off.

We'll have her guts for garters.

Death to the Austrian!

Hands off cocks, we're nearly there!

Hide your maleness.

Couldn't you have shaved?

You can only tell close up.

The furies are coming, threatening the Queen.

With many brigands. Their gang will be here soon.

Meanwhile the King hunts.

Châtillon isn't far on horseback.

I hope he's all right.

There'll be a delay in finding him.

- At last! - What were you doing?

The hounds were about to kill the stag.

I left before the scramble. What a hurry!

An army of commoners marches on Versailles.

- I know. - Two platoons will repel them.

I am proud to be at your service.

Keep cool, Mr Fersen.

It's a continuation of the Fear.

- That the King ride out? - No, that he stay.

Decide. Should I stay or should I go?

I'm willing to do either.

The poor man.

I beg you, leave with your children.

Do you stay for him?

No. For the King.

Sire…

What order do I give to repel them?

And order of war on women? You're joking.

See they give the soldiers no ammunition.

But your guards will be slaughtered.

- Avoid angering the people. - With no weapons?

No provocation.

- It shows weakness… - Who's in command here?

- What's your opinion? - The same.

I'm scared it's too late.

- What now? - Bad news.

General La Fayette is marching on Versailles.

With 20,000 national guards.

That's all we needed.

Here's General La Fayette.

Long live La Fayette!

Is he come to save the King or lose him?

I trust him.

You knew him in America, Mr Fersen.

Sire, La Fayette has changed.

The war hero has become the general-politician.

A flattering aristocrat.

He is a republican.

I think he likes us.

Why save a throne you've undermined?

Sire, I bring my head to save yours.

You don't know how happy I am.

Here is our saviour, Madame.

The soldiers of liberty swore to obey me.

Let them replace your guard at my say-so.

The King can sleep easy.

You gentlemen sort this out while we go to bed.

Friday 5th, Porte de Châtillon 81 pieces

Interrupted by events

1789 Month of October

Quick, Madame, out of bed.

Run to the King, they mean to kill you.

Death! Death!

This way, Madame.

Open for the Queen!

Look at the chemises! Who wants some?

Me!

- See-through. - The sheets are warm.

Nice springy beds for bonking!

Sir! They've invaded the château.

What château?

Where's the King?

Gone to the Queen by the rear passage.

He'll be caught!

Don't go, Madame.

My darlings.

Look after them. I'll be right back.

Don't stay here.

- What do they shout? - "The Queen on the balcony."

Awake at last.

They're raging.

Show yourself, Madame. It will calm them.

I'll go first.

The Queen was deceived.

She promises it won't happen again.

She promises to love her people, to be as attached to them

as Jesus Christ to His Church.

Horror gives way to ridicule.

- Don't go, Madame. - Yes.

They'll kill you.

It goes with the territory.

Come, Madame.

Not the children!

The Queen alone!

Not the children! Not the children!

Long live the Queen!

To Paris! To Paris!

Friends, if you wish me to go to Paris with you, I agree.

As long as I may stay with my wife and children.

There's the baker, his wife and the baker's boy.

We'll get our bread or they'll get it in the head!

They're our prisoners now.

- The Austrian! - Not so proud now.

- I thought her prettier. - Her eyes are red.

The King doesn't care.

- I want some, Mother. - What?

- Bread. - Patience.

I'm hungry.

We're almost there.

Coachman, take Monsieur to the Luxembourg.

Sire,

the Captain of the Guard welcomes you.

Paris charged me with protecting its conquered king.

It is with pleasure and confidence…

Shut up!

To your kennel!

Is this the Tuileries? It's ugly.

Louis XIV liked it, let's be no more picky than him.

The furniture will be here tomorrow.

- In a few hours… - That's fine.

The billiard needs new baize.

There's more urgent to do.

This way.

Have you seen that?

Haven't you gone yet?

I was told at the last moment.

I've lived here 4 years now we have to do a bunk!

We had our habits.

It's difficult to kick people out who've moved in,

especially artists, and they were everywhere.

I've prepared beds

for the Queen, the Dauphin and Madame.

Thank you.

I'll stay with them tonight.

Where do I sleep?

Upstairs, Sire, with Her Royal Highness.

- This way. - Come, sister.

I'd like some soup, wouldn't you?

Just the children.

I've prepared some milk and a snack for them.

- And tomorrow? - You'll have food, Sire.

You are our providence, Mr Fersen.

I will not leave you in this prison.

You are all I have.

"Friend of the People".

We want to be free!

Even if it means murdering all the minions of despotism!

You first, shameful general!

I fought for freedom.

At 20 I left wife and child to rescue the rebels of the New World.

Villain! You cut a deal well before the October March.

My popularity bothers you.

I'm the only opponent you fear

because of my army.

Traitor!

You used it to defend the throne against the people.

You saved the Queen on the balcony in Versailles.

And you'll help out the King when he wants to escape.

The nation bade me look after the King.

I answer for him.

Hear that, Danton?

Yes, Marat, but I'm not fooled by a damn marquis,

a music-hall general with dictatorial urges.

If this Caesar stands in the way of the King,

take him at his word!

Password!

This is the third time.

Service.

- Read it. - I can't read.

The sovereign people!

Indeed!

Take this sacrament, Campan.

No thank you.

I have what I need, and the Queen will need it.

I'm going to miss you.

Look after yourself

until you are able to rejoin us.

- Bon voyage, Madame. - You too.

- Count. - See you in the open air.

A new dispatch?

Choiseul's hussars await at Somme-Vesle bridge

to escort us to the border.

- The children's clothes? - Here.

It's wisest.

And the sedan?

At the Clichy Barrier, a coach will take us.

A valet, I'm scared of spies.

The jewels.

What am I thinking?

In this handkerchief.

- When do we pass the border? - Midnight tomorrow.

- We have to get out first. - It's all planned.

Are you taking the silver?

The crockery!

Should we leave it?

No, no, I'll send for it in an hour.

Axel… The dreadful time is nigh.

In two days' time you'll be in Brussels, finally free.

You'll soon be back as Queen of France.

Kings will unite to quell revolution

and raise the most glorious throne of Europe.

I no longer want the throne that once made me dream.

I want to be happy.

They married me off at 15, I did my duty.

Now I deserve to live for myself

with the man I love.

You see.

I just lost my glasses.

Thank you.

I wanted your opinion on my disguise.

How am I as a servant?

Convincing. The hat's a little large.

Sire, you have your second button in your first hole.

In my haste.

Take care. Negligence like that could get you noticed.

- It's not important. - Sire!

- No. - Why?

I won't go.

What?

You want to postpone?

Impossible! Your counter order reached Bouillé too late.

His dragoons got to Varennes 24 hours ago.

We're badly organised.

Whose fault is that?

Any delay will be fatal!

Mr Fersen shows his devotion by personally accompanying us.

You see?

We're ready, we'll wake the children. Be reasonable.

Go to bed as usual to allay suspicion.

- No. - But why?

I swore on the Constitution not to flee.

You're participating in a sacrilegious comedy,

a farce that debases the crown!

My leaving would signal dreadful carnage.

If I went to Paris it'd be a heap of ruins.

But still as King!

You don't feel these things. You're not French.

Get over your late scruples and let's go!

Forgive me, Your Majesty, for being late.

Isn't the King here?

You see him, General.

- Where is he? - I don't know.

Impossible to reach.

- He hasn't left, has he? - Left?

What an idea!

You're not deceiving me to get me into trouble, are you?

You must admit I'm an easy jailer.

It's me, Mr Fersen,

who cleared the way for you to see the Queen every day.

Can you assure me that the King will not flee?

The King told me today: "I do not wish to go."

That's clear.

You have lessened one mortal fear.

Mortal?

For you, Madame.

Read this.

They have given the alarm.

You won't get far.

A story made up by Marat!

Sleep easy, General.

I would have liked to see the King.

Later, at his bedtime.

Of course. I leave you reassured, Madame.

Marat has found out our secret. Read it.

May I, Sire?

"They want to take the King to the Netherlands.

"Parisian fools, prevent the flight of the royal family.

"Keep the King and the Dauphin within your walls.

"Lock up the Austrian and the rest of the family."

We are leaving.

Sire!

Leave your effects.

You'll find them here later.

He's suffering.

Never mind.

No?

Yes.

At 10.30, wake the children.

I'll be back by 11.

It'll be fine!

- Goodnight, Sire. - Goodnight, Mr de La Fayette.

Goodnight.

I don't want to be a girl!

It's just playacting.

Quick, help me dress.

Do we start acting soon?

You see, it's starting.

All right.

I'll read it to you, then.

"Entry for the interior of the Château des Tuileries no. 12.

"Count Axel von Fersen…" — that's me —

"has the Queen's permission…"

- I said all right! - Service, service.

"to enter this day, 20 June 1791,

"her apartments.

"Certified by the commander of the Queen's guard."

God save the Queen!

Long live the nation!

We must wait here.

Sire, it is 11 o'clock.

Mr Fersen is disguised.

He's playacting too.

Phew. We made it.

God be praised.

The excitement made me hungry.

After the barrier, when we're in the sedan.

The shortest night of the year.

- Bondy, already. - First relay.

Sire, Mr de Valori will precede us stage by stage.

We'll gain time. Mr de Malden will escort the sedan.

Excellent.

Fersen, whatever happens,

I'll never forget what you've done.

The journey isn't over yet.

It is for you.

What?

You go no further.

I was proud to lead you to Brussels,

you and your family.

I don't want to bother you any further.

Bother?

Did he make you feel he risked his life for us for months?

There's a limit to devotion.

I've never had a more loyal friend.

All aboard.

He wants to split us up.

A vain man's revenge, but a vain attempt.

- Nothing can separate us. - Or nobody.

Let's hurry.

I love you.

In 2 days another life will begin in Brussels.

Sire, it is 7 o'clock.

General, sir! The King fled in the night.

Impossible. Or he's been abducted.

- What time is it? - 8:05.

Don't forget, your name is Aglaé.

You're Elise.

You're the mistress, you're the governess.

You're the lady's companion.

And you?

I'm Durand, the steward.

And Mr Fersen?

- La Ferté-sous-Jouarre. - We're 2 hours late.

A covey of partridges.

More pot roast?

No, thank you.

It is excellent.

Have you seen a large yellow sedan?

- Green wheels? - Yes. Which way?

- That way. - When was that?

Nine or ten hours ago.

Hey, clear off!

Count it.

Go easy on the horses, that jalopy's heavy.

Thank you.

Look. It's that man from Sainte-Menehould.

He's taking another road.

Halt or I fire!

Passports.

Calm down.

Why worry? Our passports are in order,

nobody has identified us as yet.

Deny everything. We must gain time.

Choiseul's hussars are near.

Do you recognise him, judge?

Sire.

Yes, I am the King.

I knew it.

Long live the nation!

The hussars!

At Your Majesty's order, I'll clear the road

and take you from here.

- Will it be hot? - Very.

No, then.

I won't spill my subjects' blood.

Will these rabid oafs appreciate that?

Mr de Bouillé arrives at 5. We'll leave without violence.

Time to be captured.

Three hours is nothing. No violence, Mr de Choiseul.

Sire. Madame.

Mr de Choiseul…

Do you know if Mr Fersen is safe?

They sound gay.

The hussars are fraternizing.

Is this cheese local? It's delicious.

Did La Fayette send you?

What is it?

A decree by the Assemblée, Sire.

Read it aloud!

"Civil servants are ordered to arrest

"members of the royal family…"

What insolence! I wouldn't have believed this of you.

They're killing each other in Paris. Our children are under threat.

What about my children?

This rag won't sully them!

A decree by the Assemblée!

Long live the Assemblée!

There is no more king in France.

He who applauds the King shall be beaten.

He who insults him shall be hanged.

Get The Deep Sleep of General La Fayette!

Get your pretty rosettes! Who needs a rosette?

I said that if Your Majesty did not heed the people

I would side with the people.

Has Your Majesty an order for me?

An order?

Long live the nation!

Tuesday 23rd: Played cards

Wednesday 24th: Ate some curds and whey

1791 Month of June

1792 Month of February

It's me, Fersen.

- Don't move. - How can I get through?

At changeover time, cross the corridor.

I'll leave the door open.

What's going on?

No messenger needed.

Your Majesty can deliver your letter personally.

- What do you mean? - The Count is here.

Here?

This is madness! Where?

He's safe for now. Next door.

- Hide that letter. - Yes.

- No, not here. - Give it to me.

- We must let him in! - One moment.

He's waiting till the guards change shifts.

How am I? Not too ugly?

Attention!

Right turn!

Forward march!

It's been so long since I saw you.

What about instructions?

Doors are not to be closed.

- But at night, citizen… - At night too.

Citizen…

- It's so cold. - I don't care!

Sorry, I had to shout as I was with an NCO.

I understand. Weren't you in the guard here?

Yes, Madame.

The day I awoke to a large delivery of wood.

Was that you?

We have ideas but we have feelings too.

Thank you.

- Citizen… - Toulan.

I am at ease with you here.

Until tomorrow night, Madame.

This way.

- The bolt. - No, it might annoy him.

Tonight I'm lucky.

I'm usually guarded by soldiers

who prowl around my bed.

We'll be in peace here.

This is where I write to you.

- How did you get here? - The usual way.

I'd kept the key.

Axel, you're risking your life.

Nothing matters more than getting you out of this state.

Today, finally, I bring more than hope.

My king sent me. I have a letter from him

for the King of France.

Are you listening?

It's a new escape plan.

What's the use?

If you don't succeed, try again.

You seem discouraged.

So much has happened since Varennes.

Must the Queen be saved despite herself?

The Queen?

So miserable!

You're exulting in self-harm.

As if you weren't unhappy enough.

Just look at me!

Show me…

I have changed a lot.

But never lovelier.

With my white hair?

My Queen fishes for compliments.

It's my age.

Mine too.

You're a man.

Your white hair

gives your face more softness,

more charm.

What about that guard, earlier.

- Yes? - Didn't you see?

- What? - He's in love with you.

- You think so? - I'm certain.

All who come near fall in love.

If I hadn't been the Queen…

The first time I saw you,

were you Queen?

At the Opera?

You took off your mask,

I saw your eyes

and succumbed forever.

Carry on.

I should have done it there and then.

I didn't dare.

All this time, wasted.

Today, we're alone.

As alone as Le Trianon

the day I returned from Valenciennes.

You remember?

If you only knew how hard it was

not to take you in my arms.

For me too.

If I were you, Sire, I'd file down the bit.

And not the plate?

I've been a locksmith for over 20 years.

Could you come a minute?

Carry on, I'd love to see how.

What is it?

A visitor.

Sire.

Mr Fersen has arrived.

Aren't you scared of showing yourself in Paris?

King Gustav gave me a letter for Your Majesty.

I admire your courage.

It's coded. You know of this?

- What does it contain? - An escape plan.

Varennes was enough.

We won't make the same mistakes.

I'd love to get away from here.

- Me too… - What?

I missed my chance on 14 July 1789.

But this is another chance.

- I promised to stay so often. - One more time!

- No. - What hope do we have?

- War! - No!

Since you can't save yourself.

I agree, but… moderation.

Sire, we must meet violence with violence.

The King of France ruled by the sword

and must reconquer with the sword.

"Tell the Duke of Brunswick

"to speed the promised help for our deliverance."

The Queen adds: "Only a quick decisive thrust

"by a foreign army can save us now."

Are you going to ignore this distress call?

March on Paris? Not before 15 August.

Too late! The letter's dated the 1st.

It's all planned for the 15 August.

The 15 August at 8:05, I cross the border

and sweep into Paris! A military parade.

The Republican volunteer army will swell.

They aren't soldiers. I defy you to make them soldiers.

That's what I call a soldier.

In under 15 hours, I'll smash the volunteers.

Time for king and queen to be murdered ten times over!

I've an idea. I'll scare the Parisians so much

they'll remain transfixed.

"If the slightest violence or outrage

"is inflicted upon the royal family,

"we shall wreak an exemplary and memorable vengeance

"by visiting a military execution on Paris.

"The guilty parties will receive the torture they deserve."

Signed Brunswick!

The Prussians are at the gates, let's see them off!

Arise, children of the Fatherland,

The day of glory has arrived

Against us, tyranny…

The Fatherland is in danger.

This bell is not an alarm,

it sounds the charge against France's enemies!

Give them room to breathe, and the people is lost.

Foreigners threaten us.

Toss them the King's head in defiance!

I can't do it.

Why have we no knives?

Committee orders. Nothing sharp.

Why?

The fruit's skin is good for you.

Tonight, Sire, when the barrel organ plays.

No whispering.

Why can't we fly the kite in the garden?

You ask too many questions.

Because you haven't learnt your Latin.

What is the ablative plural of vir?

Viris.

Example?

De Viris Illustribus.

Very good.

- Can we play loto? - Of course.

Wait for me!

- What are you doing? - Collecting forks.

They don't cut!

You can kill yourself with it.

- We're to be separated. - Tonight?

- What time? - I don't know.

The barrel organ will tell us.

"It takes no great virtue to live in peace

"with gentle men of integrity.

"Such society is naturally agreeable.

"We love those

"whose feelings are in harmony with our own.

"It is praiseworthy, the result of particular grace

"and of great courage,

"to live in peace with men who are hard, wicked,

"who go against the rules and ourselves."

I win!

"He who suffers greatest

"will know true peace…

"And will inherit the kingdom of heaven."

- Time for bed. - Another hand!

Tomorrow.

My revenge.

Don't count on it!

- I'll kiss you goodnight. - Soon?

- You're holding me too tight. - Sorry.

Goodnight.

Love them like your children.

Trust in God.

Louis!

What will happen to our poor children?

I can tell I won't see you again.

Tell my son…

Make my son swear not to take revenge.

If he has the misfortune to be king…

No bloodshed, no wars.

I swear.

My wife…

- Here they are! - Farewell.

Forgive me the evils you suffer for me.

I beg your pardon.

Before leaving, I must tell you.

I haven't always been exemplary…

I have nothing to say against you

if you should blame yourself for anything.

Louis Capet,

I come to take you before the Convention

according to a decree hereby read by Citizen Drouet, Deputy.

- "Louis Capet…" - Capet is not my name.

"Louis Capet

"will be taken from his family

"and brought before the National Convention."

I die innocent of all crimes of which I'm accused.

I forgive the architects of my death.

Drum roll!

And pray God that my blood never falls on France.

Long live the Republic!

Queen Mother!

No name?

Louis XVII.

My King.

Let's dance the carmagnole Long live the sound

Let's dance the carmagnole Long live the sound of the gun!

Long live who, little Jacobin?

The Republic!

That'll do, Capet.

Here we go Let the aristocrats swing

Look up there.

Come on.

Give me back my child!

No trouble.

He's not even 8, you can't take him!

That bitch would escape if we let her!

It's the same whenever she sees him.

She took it bad when we hanged her fat husband.

We could let her have her kid now and then.

No!

- An hour. - No!

Separate the Austrian she-wolf from her cub.

- Nothing? - No, sir.

Almost dawn. What could have happened?

50 minutes late.

- You're sure of this Toulan? - He seemed devoted.

- A Republican? - That's him.

- Alone? - Yes.

We failed. The Queen refused to come without the Dauphin.

I said we couldn't take all four

and we'd get the children after the 6 a.m. round.

"I won't leave without my son.

"At the first alarm, they'd kill him."

- You don't believe me? - A Republican?

Yes, and proud of it!

You think Republicans are heartless?

If you betrayed us,

you know what awaits.

"Everything leads me to you."

- Know the motto? - How did you get that ring?

The Queen gave it to me for you.

Maybe you stole it?

And this?

Now go ahead.

I'm ready.

Forgive me.

Halt!

There aren't hired horses. Search everywhere.

There they are!

Gentlemen, for the Queen!

As am I.

Who supplied the coach

that you took to Varennes?

A foreigner.

Of which nation?

Sweden.

Was it Fersen?

Yes.

- She's proud of it! - He's done a bunk!

It was you who taught Louis Capet

the art of dissimulation

that he might deceive the French people for too long.

Yes, the people was deceived.

Cruelly so.

But not by me nor my husband.

By whom, then?

Those who benefited from the deception.

Who?

You always sought to destroy freedom.

Stand up!

Will the people soon be as tired as me?

Each gets his turn. Equality rules.

You sought to reign

and clamber to the throne over patriots' corpses.

We didn't need to clamber,

we were there.

All we wanted was France's happiness.

You think kings are necessary to a people's happiness?

No individual can decide that.

You regret that your son lost a throne,

shattered by the people, finally enlightened?

I'll regret nothing for my son when his country is happy.

Wrong! Immoral in every way,

this new Agrippina is so perverse

and familiar with all crimes,

that forgetting her role as mother,

she sleeps with her son, Louis-Charles Capet,

whose admissions refer

to indecencies

whose very name makes one tremble.

The widow Capet's incestuous acts

were surely not dictated by pleasure

but driven by the political hope to arouse a child

she believed destined to rule.

Citizen chairman,

the accused has not yet replied to the charges.

If I haven't replied,

it is because, to a mother, such an accusation

is wholly unnatural.

- I call on all those here. - Bravo!

- Scum! - Filth!

Hearing adjourned!

Madame…

You haven't eaten again.

Won't you have something?

Thank you, I no longer need anything.

A little broth I warmed over?

Very well, Rosalie,

give me your broth.

What time is it?

Your watch isn't in its place, Madame.

It has been taken.

- You have the time? - 6:55.

Thank you, sir.

Oh, Madame.

I can't, my girl.

Give me my white dress.

I was told to change.

I'd provoke the people if I went down in black.

- Don't forget to return this book. - No, Madame.

I'll never know where Mr Cook ended up.

It is quite clean.

Good, I must look my best.

Put it on the bed and pull the screen.

Can't I change without a witness?

I have orders to watch your every move.

I'll need my hair redoing.

Don't bother, Samson'll cut it off.

- Abbé Girard, priest. - What do you want?

- Confession. - Be quick, then.

I come to offer the services of my ministry.

You swore allegiance to the Republic.

Yes, Madame.

But never mind that. It is your duty to confess.

Not to a priest who renounced the Church.

What will they say

at your refusal of religion

when you meet your maker?

Tell them that God, in his mercy, provided for that.

Then there's nothing I can do for you, Madame.

Didn't work, eh?

Antoinette, listen and we'll read the sentence.

I've already heard it.

It needs a second reading. That's the law.

"The Court, after the jury's unanimous verdict…"

Stand up!

"as charged by the public prosecutor…"

One moment, Samson.

"… the public prosecutor

"in accordance with said laws,

"sentences Marie-Antoinette, a.k.a. Lorraine of Austria,

"widow of Louis Capet,

"to death.

"Sentence is to be carried out today, 16 October 1793,

"in Revolution Square."

An insolent bitch to the end!

The infamous Antoinette! She's had it now, friends!

- A plank's hard, eh? - A change from the Trianon!

To the national razor!

The Queen's farewells to her favourites!

They'll give you a good laugh!

Look, if you get caught doing this…

You know what they do to traitors?

I don't want the guillotine!

Places!

So mum's the word!

I'm sorry, sir. I didn't mean to.

Long live the Republic!

Subtitles — Éclair Group