Original subtitles

IN MEMORY OF THE SOLDIERS AUSTRIAN, RUSSIAN AND FRENCH...

2ND OF DECEMBER 1805.

I would like to be my posterity...

and witness what a poet would make me think, feel and say.

NAPOLEON .

I tried to be that poet and followed after Van Eyck's words...

“Do the best thy might". ABEL GANCE.

What time is it? - Seven o'clock.

How is the weather? - Clear and cold.

03 NOVEMBER, 1801

I‘m happy! - That‘s good, General.

You look like you're going to a funeral.

It's this new hat...

So? You only have to enlarge it for me.

Twenty two inches in circumference...

My scalp is sensitive.

But two more days of torture...

and I can use it.

What is it today?

The same. Five feet, two inches.

Look closer, imbecile!

Two inches more?

Sir, you always cheat...

Constant...

when writing your memoirs, make sure to add two inches.

Five feet and four inches.

Only you in the world will know my real height.

What was going on with the hatmaker?

There was general happiness in the store. They seemed crazy.

They said that if the treaty was signed...

your name would go down as one of the greatest in History.

I don't need the opinion of Pouppard on politics.

WE EXPECT YOU. G. How much were the hats?

Sixty francs each.

There was no discount for buying four?

No, citizen General. He blamed me size of the head.

Everyone wanted to touch the hats! - No more than forty francs!

Resolve it with him or we‘ll go to Dermore.

Trickster!

Robber!

Why are you walking like a duck?

I‘m enlarging your shoes too.

My head is like yours, but my feet are larger.

See for yourself! - Give. For your feet.

Hat.

Finished, Mr. Duplan? - Almost, madame.

My husband mistrusts men around me.

Thank you.

Leave me, sirs.

Little Lignet is finished? - Yes, madame.

My husband is jealous of him.

He bit you!

Yes, madame. - It's a point in your favour.

He only bites those who love me.

So he defends me. - Not as well as you, madame.

The hatmaker, madame.

One second.

Come back in the morning, alone.

Come on, go.

Talleyrand, you have unhindered access, what are they saying now?

General, a very important note.

Lord Cornwallis raced all night...

preceding the Ministry of Fox and millions of Englishmen...

to bring you the Treaty of Amiens...

signed by Addington, and by Joseph, your brother.

They all signed? - All.

England, Russia, Spain, Portugal...

Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Turkey and Bavaria.

For months I have been working...

sorry, we have been working for unity in Europe!

They are breaking everything. It's wonderful.

I can say that by this Treaty...

but without even knowing it...

all Europe is offering you its throne.

At last.

Long live me people!

Thank you, gentlemen. Long live England...

and the reconciliation of me people of Europe...

with the French republic.

No. You are choking me up, gentlemen!

No. I must tell my wife!

Is it an uprising? - Yes. Of joy!

And the enthusiasm of the people of Paris for peace with England.

Is it signed? - Yes...

since last night.

My love.

It is almost the throne. Remember...

the prophecy of that magus in Martinique?

It was true.

My destiny will be good.

What do you say. - I will be queen?

Even better...

More than a queen?

Now everything is possible

Ar . 50? en t you happy?

You like another!

Who do you mean? - That Italian.

Grassini? - She is back in Paris.

I know you love her. - Her voice, yes.

Her throat is all I admire.

Speak no more of it.

Close the window. Pull the curtains.

Quiet, comrades! Charlemagne could have done better?

Four in the morning! - He called us at midnight.

This is the best night of his life.

It is. And for the ladies in the plural.

At night, he will find a companion.

Mme. de Vaudey? - Not to mention Grassini!

Ebert, Josephine isn't furious?

Let us sleep!

Gentlemen, wake up!

It is the people who pay your salaries!

To Their Majesties, the King of England...

the Tsar of Russia...

Selim III, Sultan of Turkey...

the Shah of Persia, the King of Bavaria and the master of Algeria.

I said Shah of Persia and not tea of India.

How do you spell Shah?

With “sh”, General.

Good, continue.

Raised is France above all the peoples of the West...

and, after the Treaty of Amiens, closed forever is the temple of war.

Ebert, have Talleyrand prepare a treaty for the Swiss...

so that she cedes us Valais. [N. B. One of the Swiss cantons]

To prevent any discussion...

note to Berthier...

have General Ney concentrate on the Swiss frontier...

a body of 30,000 men.

Note this:

France will never forget, Majesty...

that England...

gave us...

for the first time freedom of the seas, this Treaty...

allows peaceful competition. Full stop.

To the Turkish Regent.

Never fear, Grand Sultan...

by this Treaty of Amiens, France and England...

have decided to leave Egypt.

And to the master of Algeria...

No.

No.

Leaving Egypt could complicate things.

Wait until I've spoken to Talleyrand.

He will know what to do better than me. Continue.

Mme. Caroline Duras and General Duras, Governor of Paris...

Their lordships, Consuls Cambacerés and Lebrun.

Lady Elisa Bonaparte.

Lords Joseph and Louis Bonaparte.

Lord Benjamin Constant.

Lord Talmas. Lady Georges.

General Bernadotte.

General Lannes.

Lady de Staél.

General Angereau.

What a family! And there‘s more yet!

Lady Pauline Leclerc.

Good day.

Sit yourself. - Not here, madame.

The chair does not match my dress!

I've never understood why you detest my sister!

You know very well!

Remember that night, four months ago?

What about it?

Maybe...

A son! A son!

Josephine, give me a son!

His Excellency, Charles Fox and Lord Cornwallis.

Fox. - Bonaparte.

My admiration for the General cannot be expressed in words.

Your lordship said that the fall of the Bastille...

was the most significant event in History?

So I said, and I still think so, General.

Then the peace of Amiens is the second greatest event in History...

between our peoples. - What glories you have given!

I've come to Paris for a short time to greet...

thank and embrace you, in the name of England...

the greatest man, the most intelligent among nations.

My heavy duties require that I depart now.

Come. I must speak to you.

You know what the gossip is in Paris?

“Recognise your new master and how your sweet forehead...

Pauline wins the hears like Bonaparte wins the cities".

Why do you say yes to all the men?

I do like you do with the women. But I am not a hypocrite!

All Paris gossips!

I bought you a hotel, on Rue Courselle...

and a castle, \filla de Cob’ay.

I give you more jewelry than my wife.

To thank me...

with your husband gone, you sleep with Laffond...

that imbecile of an actor! - Bravo! You are jealous.

And I have the right to say that you spend madly!

How? To stimulate trade!

I keep the factories going! - Oh, please.

Let them talk.

Ask me what you want.

I don't care what they say. Only you.

When you need a sincere love...

you know where to find me.

You are the most beautiful woman in the world.

You have nothing else to tell me? - No... Yes!

You will return to your husband.

Not that! - I demand it!

Here you are making all the women envious.

Go. - No.

It's an order!

Good. I will leave, since it's your wife that wants it.

He hesitates.

You must push for it. - It is the time to act.

The Crown is at your fingertips! - I‘m never going back to Corsica!

I swear it! - Me too!

Joseph. You are the head of the family.

You must make him. - One moment. I'll talk to him.

Talleyrand works for us.

My dear Carnot!

Good to see you. Why are you working against me?

I am not as much of a republican as you?

I've feared not for some time.

You see for yourself a man who has governed since 1789.

Ruler of France...

after a dozen years of facts so extraordinary...

it has not been easy.

Yes. But you are a military man.

This is your excuse...

for confusing governing with commanding.

Never mind that I just secured peace on earth?

That I secured freedom of the seas from England...

saving in the process French industry.

Signed an amnesty for 140 thousand immigrants...

created the Civil Code, you forget all this?

No.

But never forget you are here because of the Revolution.

The Republic needed a leader.

For the military.

Military, yes! And it found one.

People, alas, always prefer strength over disorder.

Nobody stopped you from using yours.

It was more famous than mine.

The Revolution would not like that sort of use.

The Revolution is over!

I blame the excesses there, not our principles.

I have not changed the colors of our flag.

There should be respect for the Constitution! - Constitutions always change!

They are always subordinate to men and circumstances.

Name and form of government signify nothing...

what matters is that citizens are equal in rights...

and that Justice is done.

I note the great sincerity of his love for France...

and hope he will not use it...

in the court of History.

I need to increase my strength and power.

I‘m carrying all of Europe on my shoulders...

which is the real reason I'm bringing me to a kind of...

how to say it...

absolutism.

I know.

And this is why, General...

that I want to retire from political life...

which is moving against my principles.

Whatever happens, I will always be your friend.

As you wish, Carnot.

There's something sinister here!

There should be fun here to the point of madness!

What an expression of anger! - With so many concerns...

The great Carnot was very severe.

Perhaps with good reason.

Don't be downcast because of his sour mood.

And my family...

urge me to rise to the throne, they have reason too?

Today, my personal happiness...

would be to renounce public life.

If a Bourbon heir returned to the throne...

You would be hanged, Fouché! - And you too, General.

So, my friends...

So, not to have total political authority is a failure...

Like the instability of the system of three Consuls.

You should become Consul for life as soon as possible...

to ascend to the throne.

You believe so? - Yes.

With good reason.

Europe will negotiate more readily with an Emperor...

than with a tired and unstable Republic.

Your skill and courage in controlling anarchy...

makes you the sovereign they all want.

You really believe so, Talleyrand?

It is as the Minister of Foreign Relations that I speak.

It takes absolute power... - And divine right...

to reconcile Europe, which, in the end, admires only force.

Napoleon.

You know what our father said before he died?

“He would save my life, if he came

He who would make kings shake. He who would change the face of the world!”

In the name of the Bonaparte family, obey our father!

The vacant throne is for you!

Take the crown. - It will be the basis of your new nobility.

What do you think, Murat? - The soldiers would cry with joy!

I don't know.

The Empire.

The Empire.

You think I should make a new sacrifice for the people?

Paderay!

Organize a referendum urgently for lifelong Consul.

You know madame de Staél? - Enough!

Grassini wrote to me. She sends her remembrances.

They could me you were nice. - And they told me you were polite.

What were they discussing?

Citizen Corneille, about political instability.

About a politics that has the clarity of glass and is just as fragile.

With me, it won't be like glass! It‘ll be like diamond!

How do they divide their favors between Moreau and my brother Lucien?

They also share a concern about their ambitions.

Maybe I could send them into a nice exile...

to appease their concerns.

And you are as good an actress as Talmas.

You're crazy, Juliette! - Perhaps...

but less than everyone else here!

Hypocrite! I saw you with the Recamier woman...

And? - I'll tell your old wife.

Thank you, I was suffocating.

They all surround me, like ants.

Carnot, my family...

Constant... - Yes?

Not you. Benjamin.

I don't understand...

Idiot...

You see me as Emperor? - Like any other...

but with high heels.

The lady is alone? - Yes.

Strange.

Coming up the stairs...

I thought I could hear a violin in accompaniment.

It was your imagination, my little Corsican...

You still love me?

Why are you waiting to close the window?

REFERENDUM

THE FRENCH PEOPLE RESPONDED TO THE QUESTION...

NAPOLEON BONAPARTE SHOULD BE CONSUL FOR LIFE?

BY 3. 577. 259 YES TO 8. 400 NO...

THE FRENCH PEOPLE NOMINATE AND THE SENATE PROCLAIMS...

NAPOLEON BONAPARTE CONSUL FOR LIFE.

You are wrong, Joseph!

He promised to give the sword to Latour himself.

Yes. But I had to do what I did to erase the memory!

Even of gratitude? - Yes.

All to face the opposition!

You speak like Saint-Just, but act like Caesar.

And this anonymous trash, comparing Caesar and Bonaparte...

did you write it? - Yes, it's me.

And is it true you imitate me in the theatre, with Elisa...

which displays a fleur-de—lys. - Yes. [N. B. Symbol of the Bourbons]

Why are you provoking me? - So that you feel some shame!

Being treated by my own family like a slave!

I owe nothing to anyone! - Everything since 18th of November!

So, why don't you go to the Minister of the Interior?

A vacuum of a minister.

Your ministers are puppets with no power of action.

You know that by eliminating liberty...

you have eliminated the most sacred word in the French language.

And I eliminate you from my life! And the government!

It's horrible. - Get out! Get out!

Come on, mum. He's gone crazy!

Let me talk to him, my son.

Mother Leticia, you swore not to come to the palace.

He would like to get you out of here. I tremble for you.

This theatrical scene scares me.

You tremble more for Lucien... - No...

Is it not that you like him more?

Yes. Because he is more unfortunate...

Whoever doesn‘t get behind me is not part of my family.

Calm down. Calm down!

All will be well...

I‘ll nominate him Ambassador to Madrid. - Thank you.

Have you become conceited?

A mirror on your desk.

Josephine must have forgotten it.

I'm like a lady.

Mother Leticia, why don't you like visiting my palace?

Look at your daughters. They spend 5 million a year!

Really? Then I will do the same, since you have given me two!

Let's hope it lasts! - Yes. It will last, Mother.

Why do you always put your hand like that?

I don‘t know. Perhaps to stop my tic...

of pulling my left sleeve with my right hand.

Not because of a pain in the stomach? I remember your father...

Mum...

I would never have thought of that.

Perhaps you‘re right. Don't worry, mother.

My little Napoleon!

There‘s bad news from London and St Petersburg.

Fortunately, I have been ready for this.

For England and for Russia, you represent the Republic...

all the ideals of the revolution that they hate.

The storm clouds will dissipate once you ascend to the throne.

Really? Just now Fouché argued the opposite.

Fouché? He is misinformed.

I know.

I intend to dismiss him.

He is a stone in all our shoes, even in yours.

I already have very tight feet, from everything you say of me.

Your sense of humour exasperates me, Tailerand...

Tailerand, no. Talleyrand, with two "ll”.

With two “ll”? They don't appear

Good taste is your personal ally, General.

I would have lost it a long time ago, if I could.

You are a thief. A coward.

A man without faith...

not believing in God. - You also don't believe.

This is my problem!

I don't believe in God, but I believe in Napoleon...

when he is not so angry.

Always coming back to me, eh?

You're right. Fouché isn't safe.

He is blinded by hatred for Moreau...

and he doesn‘t understand that England is behind everything...

and is our mortal enemy.

Moreau and Fouché, yes. I suspected it.

From now on...

Fouché is not Minister of the Police.

Appoint Rehal in his place. And Reignier...

for Justice.

Do not imitate Talleyrand, idiot!

With two “lls”, General?

Get rid of them.

It's already done.

I will walk on the terrace.

The General knows he should not go out alone.

Go to sleep!

What is it? Call the guards of Ségur!

A man with a dagger. Go to the park entrance. Shoot.

Cadoudal!

Thank you, Constant.

You saved my life.

Go to sleep.

Leave me.

You scared me. - I heard shots, General.

I want to talk to you.

Go change your clothes before we continue.

I don't want to see your true face.

It won't take long.

You heard? It was Cadoudal.

You are a target both for monarchists...

and the Jacobins.

But it is England that is behind them all.

All the plots are controlled by London.

You could find the source? - Yes.

If we could get a source on their head of counter-espionage...

Sir Amon.

That won't be easy.

What about La Touche, their spy?

He's captured. He saved his life for this information...

and the key to their code.

Now I can get into their secret intelligence.

Magnificent!

What do you think of my idea?

You have a plan ready, sir? - Yes.

A plan to invade not England, but Ireland.

False, obviously.

I've made them so they can be bought from you.

Splendid, General! - Tell them that only you, Frioul...

continue to have access to my private, chambers, know where I hide my plans.

Keep it.

And make sure you sell my military plans very dearly!

Find out as well about a plot involving General Moreau...

that Talleyrand mentioned.

You know you are at risk of death.

It is little to preserve yours, General.

Take the 50 thousand pounds. You've earned it.

These documents are impressive.

How many conspirators? - Fifty.

Cadoudal is the most dangerous.

Groups have been formed to kill you and restore the Bourbons.

A French prince could land on the coast...

or by the Rhine.

No band of assassins is going to destroy what I've started.

I will gave my orders to the secret police.

Thank you, Frioul.

Duroc!

Sit down and write.

Surround Paris with sentry posts

Shoot anyone who tries to flee. Garrisons to be put on a war footing.

Boats to police the Seine night and day.

An army on watch on the coast of Normandy.

Prepare the carriages, we leave for Boulogne. Duroc!

Mme. de Vaudey goes too. Incognito.

Sit down, gentlemen.

The reality is...

I have decided not to accept from England another treaty like Amiens.

And I will never accept English bass in the Mediterranean.

I have already agreed to 2, 200 boats and 9 gunboats.

Yes, we shall soon pass 150 thousand men and 10 thousand cavalry.

What is their objective? - I will show you. Please.

The fleet and all their weapons are under construction...

day and night, in Brest and Antwerp.

Congratulations, sir.

A thousand years of outrages to avenge! It will take two months to complete.

Here is the report on St Helena.

My fleet in San Domingo will take this island as soon as possible.

And while we are on the fleet...

write, La Rue:

“I decree...

all English residents in France are under arrest.

My fleet is divided into two squadrons...

two by two, Le Fournais. At the table, gentlemen.

Two: create a front line and a reserve...

and base the positions on the criteria for the Legion of Honour.

Cartier, inspection tomorrow at daybreak.

We should sleep together.

This waiting is killing me!

Come.

Did you keep your wager with Eugene?

It will be a change from your wife! My love...

Here it will be more peaceful. - Yes.

What is this?

It's what's left of my bathing suit. The generals took the rest.

What? Then they saw...

But I lost them! They don't know about our love nest.

This conduct is scandalous! - But... the scandal doesn't grow.

If you were more generous, I would not...

Where are the invoices?

Under your pillow.

No. - Yes.

I'm in a hurry.

You'll read them in a while...

Meanwhile in bed...

Meanwhile in bed...

I can give you half an hour!

Joy comes...

from the bottom of our soul.

There's the light.

We're ready to go...

but an American inventor wants an audience.

Dechivert, I have no time!

Forgive me, sir...

I have been waiting for six weeks.

Who allowed this?

I need to show you something...

and you are the only man alive today who can understand it.

I come from the part of Livingstone where you signed...

the treaty for the purchase...

of Louisiana. - Yes, a gift for 14 millions.

Yes, really...

the Americans appreciated this new star on the flag.

Therefore...

I am not showing this to the English. - What sort of a boat is it?

A way to conquer England.

I have hundreds! Look. Balloons. Under the Channel.

Plainly mad... .

Utopian. - But this will work!

With the wind in the right direction, who can beat...

the fleet of Nelson? - This.

Yes? Where are the sails?

You see sails?

There are no sails.

Oars? - No oars.

What drives it, the Holy Ghost?

Steam.

Steam?

My ship moves at any time...

three time faster. Made all of metal, General.

Take your invention to the Academy.

If you are right, it could change the face of the world.

Yes. Change the face of the world.

Your name?

Robert Fulton.

Do you love France, I love your country. This is a good way...

to seal our friendship. - Thank you, sir!

Steam. - Yes, sir.

Steam.

Thank you. See you soon.

And why not?

Careful with that package. It contains a steamboat.

I'm sorry to bring bad news, but this has just arrived.

It is a handwritten note from English Minister Drake...

to the Duke of Enghien.

No matter how many animals are slaughtered...

it is enough that we are ready to hunt.

The Duke of Enghien?

Mr Fouché.

Here coma his friend Fouché trying to get his job back.

You seem upset, Mr. Fouché.

The air is full of daggers against you, sir.

Do you think I don't know it?

General Pichegru is in hiding.

He meets tonight with Moreau on Rue Montmarb'e.

Carry on.

As for Cadoudal, he has disappeared...

we know he prepares an ambush...

involving a stabbing, by himself tomorrow in Malmaison.

As I am no longer Minister...

warn my SUCCESSOR‘.

I am not a dog to be shot down in the street.

Allow me to take appropriate steps...

and Cadoudal will not escape!

Another notice is from the police in Strasbourg.

The Duke of Enghien, resident at Etenheim...

has held a meeting of many emigrees, among them General Du Maurrier.

Du Maurrier!

Pichegru!

Moreau!

Three republican traitors in the service of England.

All my friends. Old fellow disciples.

How ironic!

They attack me.

Well.

I will repay them in the same currency.

Mrs. Rehal, Minister of Police, and Reignier, Minister of Justice.

We have arrested a servant of Cadoudal, called Hidant.

He confessed that a young one, much respected...

was to join the conspirators in Paris.

The Duke of Enghien.

It's him.

The Duke lives close to the frontier and knows Drake well!

Maybe he is the prime suspect.

You can use him as a hostage to guarantee your security.

Mendal!

Put an end to these attacks!

Isn't he the grandson of Condé? And part of this Bourbon family...

who think their blood is better than yours?

Write!

The Council, gathered here...

on 19 December of Year 12...

with Talleyrand, Rehal and Reignier, minister of the interior, decide:

order Colin, Covert, and Donner to enter the Duchy of Basel...

with 300 dragoons...

encircle the city of Etenheim...

and abduct the Duke of Enghien. - Action on German soil?

You are certain that he is a conspirator?

Hope that he comes here on French soil, then...

we will be able to enforce the law. - It is him.

I feel it.

If it isn't him, others will pay.

I will strike terror...

inside of London

Mr. Fouché...

you will work with Mr. Rehal...

until I return him his ministry...

because, apart from me, no-one...

has as much knowledge of France.

The session is over.

It is severe. Reread. It is clearly legible?

Interrogate the Duke of Enghien on the alleged conspiracy...

with Cadoudal and Pichegru.

If there is any doubt favorable to the accused...

order the suspension of his execution.

Take this now Rehal! And keep me informed.

Check to the king.

Leave me!

We arrived too late!

Rehal prohibited us from waking him up...

and insisted on a note under the door... - "We arrived too late“!

And all this because my Minister of Police wanted a sleep?

You should've broken down the door! Idiots!

That the court convicted...

Enghien based on his confession, doesn't surprise me...

but...

this judgment should only have happened...

after Rehal had interrogated him...

on the key issue.

It is a crime that leads us nowhere.

More than a crime, . it is a mistake.

You advised me! - To take him hostage...

against the Bourbona, not kill him. - Shut up!

I am the plaything of fate.

I wanted to save him.

Why didn‘t he write earlier?

He wrote, General.

But it was inopportune, after the trial.

Why not give me this letter before the execution?

Their orders were to finish everything at four in the morning...

There is what is said...

and what should be done at certain moments!

If I had received this letter...

I would have pardoned the Duke.

Savary, you carry a heavy responsibility for his death!

Out!

Imbeciles!

A Minister of Police who does not want to be woken...

is scum!

There are errors in politics...

that can only be resolved with other errors.

Those four newspaper editors that are waiting. Get them.

Gentlemen...

the conspirators plotted to kill the revolution in my person.

I had to defend it.

The Duke of Enghien conspired with others.

With? I thought. . .

I shed blood.

Perhaps I will shed more.

But without great anguish...

because spilling blood is part...

of political life!

That‘s all. Thank you, gentlemen.

Sort it out! You're burning me!

What do you want me to do? - Make yourself Emperor now!

The hereditary principle must ensure your successor...

or there will be more attacks against you.

No, Fouché!

Dictatorship on the pretext of protection is not sustainable.

The form of Consul for life is enough for what must be done.

We fought the war in Europe for the republic...

and not for a monarchy.

A new monarchy would be absurd.

In politics, absurdity need not be an obstacle.

Understand that you will defend the position of Consul at my side...

but France will end up with a Bourbon if it is refused a Bonaparte.

Emperor? With republican armed forces?

Let Soult respond to that!

I represent the Army closest to you.

Were ready to proclaim you king or emperor.

We believe it is the solution to save the revolution.

It's not possible. - Allow me...

Thank you, gentlemen.

General, the Ambassadors have arrived for the audience.

I'm going.

What papers are those? - Nothing of importance.

No secrets, Fouché!

So you want war? - General, of what are you accusing us?

Of multiple attempts to assassinate me...

of bribing my generals...

of constant disrespect in your newspapers.

The wind that blows from England brings only hatred and outrage!

Why have you not fulfilled the Treaty of Amiens?

Your troops still occupy Malta and Alexandria!

They want peace or war?

If you want war, it will...

be to the ruin of one of our nations.

You distrust me about Egypt? Calm yourselves.

Yes. I have thought much about Egypt.

But not to compromise the peace...

not to reconquer the region.

This is not all, my lord!

The rock of Malta...

is very important to you, but even more so to us.

By keeping it...

you violate a sacred treaty signed between us. For myself...

I'd rather see them in Montmartre than in Malta.

They think they can intimidate the French people with their arms?

They can kill people, my lord? Intimidate them? Never!

We just want to live in good accord.

So respect the Treaties to the letter...

or I will have to ignore Amiens!

At the same time...

by driving out the people...

where Henry III died...

and Henriette of England was poisoned...

you make a grave affront to my country.

Too bad for those who don't respect treaties!

Mr. Dedouville, report to me of your experiences at the court of Russia.

Telegraph Admiral \filleneuve in Toulon.

Sit down!

Nelson thinks I have ambitions in Egypt!

What naivety!

He is ready to head south.

Therefore, hurry to Arras, and the Channel.

He who controls that stretch of water...

will be master of the world!

His Excellency, Count Dedouville, Ambassador of France.

All dressed in black? - All.

Czar Alexander...

made his court greet you in mourning for Enghien?

Yes, General.

A lack of politeness! - And a glacial silence.

He thinks he is the embodiment of justice!

This son...

who stood by as his father was assassinated by his current advisors!

More seriously, General!

The Czar has signed a secret military treaty with Prussia...

to force us to divide our forces between England and the continent.

Duroc!

Sit down.

Write.

Majesty...

The grief of the court of Russia is an insult to the tribunal...

that condemned the Duke of Enghien.

I would have had much stronger reason to continue mourning my friend,

your father!

No—one is more peaceful than I!

If you desire war, say so frankly.

Those final words make them more polite...

Napoleon. It is stronger.

Am I the first to call him Your Majesty?

Yes.

Emperor?

The post is vacant since Charlemagne.

Splendid! The imperial Constitution and the organic law are ready.

Did you know...

that the title of Emperor is on everyone's lips...

they are just waiting for a signal now?

You are offering me a bed of roses, Talleyrand.

It is even prepared, Majesty...

with Cambacerés, Fouché and your brother Joseph...

having sharpened the thorns.

They say it is useless to win epaulettes in war...

when you can obtain them in the palace.

Send him in!

I see you already know...

isn't it so, Fouché?

Duroc!

My brothers and sisters will be princes and princesses...

and will have an annual income of 1 million.

My assets will be the income of the crown dominions...

and their annual income of 25 millions.

Fouché...

you return to Police.

Duroc...

I name you Grand Marshall of the palace.

Produce the decree at once.

You are responsible to present tomorrow to the Senate...

the bill Talleyrand is preparing...

so that by the afternoon...

my announcement as Napoleon l, Emperor of France...

is ready. - My General...

that is, Sire... that is impossible!

In France, they only admire the impossible.

And you, Joseph...

go see our uncle, Cardinal Feche.

Tell him that he is named Grand Chaplain of the Empire.

You go see the Pope...

and convince him to crown me in Notre Dame, with the Empress.

It is madness, Napoleon...

sorry... Majesty.

For eighteen centuries a Pope has not left the Eternal City...

And Charlemagne... - A Pope crowned Pepin the Short...

Pius VII...

will come to Paris for the coronation, by seduction, or by fear...

even if I have to get him with my soldiers.

But you were not married in church.

He doesn't know this...

and if he finds out, the church's hands are tied.

Now put on your seven-league boots!

Every wasted minute could result in disgrace.

Constant!

What is it for? - It is for the proclamation...

Sire... Majesty...

Stop with the bowing-and-scraping. Let's see...

No.

I will wear this costume tomorrow.

After the consecration...

you will send me one frock.

Very simple, no ornamentation.

Similar to the embroidery, plums and gold of his generals...

It is so that you wouldn't be a target?

No. Hadn't even thought of it.

But...

the reasoning is good. - And the color of the frock is...

Gray, naturally.

Now that you have become Emperor...

it doesn‘t look good if you keep woman as companions.

What about...

if I was the first lady of the Empress? - It is already signed.

You are dispensing with Ms. Davrillon, is that it?

Of course.

I almost forgot the small expenses...

Small?

Shopping hall of the Tuileries, in Auteuil:

150 thousand francs. - Crazy, but dazzling!

Four chaperones... - Economize on three...

Nine domestics... - It's a big house...

A reader. - For me to fall asleep at night.

Three coachmen. - Three?

It is true.

You cost more than my sisters.

But not more than Josephine.

Pay your bill for last time, because we paid too much...

I could get it for much less.

You know that this doesn't have a price. Open...

Let's go, quickly.

And don‘t set a time limit like before...

Me?

Open up!

Open or I'll go crazy!

What has gotten into you?

I am tired of this spying, understand?

Perfume!

Listen! Do I listen when you receive your friends?

I have decided to take the advice of my family.

I want a divorce! You hear me?

What? Divorce?

Please!

Listen. If you obey me...

know that I will never force you to leave me.

I have resigned myself to you. Resign yourself too!

Avoid embarrassing me with this sort of situation.

Yes. I will obey.

In everything? - Yes.

Even if Mme. de Vaudey is your first lady?

Yes.

Listen. In a few weeks you will be Empress.

From then on...

let us never be parted.

I love you.

Nothing that you do escapes me.

You changed your clothes five times today, just to please me.

Did you see the invoices! - Yes.

It's true.

I eliminated your largest supplier. Doesn't give discounts.

You, at least...

don't be hasty

What are you saying? - Nothing.

Nothing.

Serious news: the English ambassador has left Paris.

The Treaty of Amiens has ceased to exist.

England are forcing us to take the first step.

We will give it to them.

We could attack some colonies...

but I want to bring terror to London...

and shed tears of blood!

His Holiness Pius VIII has left Namours.

At last.

I will meet him at Fontainebleau.

So, it's war?

The consecration first.

Forgive me, Holy Father... I‘m not sure of the etiquette of the Church.

And I am sure even less of the etiquette of the military.

There is something...

that bothers me.

You consented to consecrate me Emperor as if it was forced.

You have the air of a martyr...

offering their pain to heaven!

But you are not my prisoner!

You are free as the air.

A comedian.

Comedian, me?

I will make you regret that.

My theatre is the world!

And my role is as conductor and author.

The actor who dominates them all... Pope, king, people.

If I could, you would just be a poor priest.

Learn one thing, Mr. Chiaramonte.

Your white robe doesn't impress me!

And if this continues...

I will show you no respect! - A dramatic actor!

Nothing will be as it should! It‘ll be a disaster!

I can't walk with all this!

Napoleon! Napoleon!

I want a train equal to the Empress!

Impossible. Protocol is clear: one metre less.

Change the protocol. - Napoleon.

I will not take the train of the cloak. - Me neither.

Officially the train should be taken.

And who takes ours?

They will be taken... by maids. - Okay, fine, fine.

Sire, here are the emblems of power.

You mean the accessories to power.

Who will carry the crown, orb and sceptre?

Lefebvre - sword, Berthier - the orb, Talleyrand - the train of the mantle.

Mr. Segur will arrange all the details and establish the protocol.

That will settle this topic.

And another thing...

How they will all be arranged at Notre Dame? The Palaoe Guard will be there during the ceremony.

Good. - Isabey!

Let me make scenes with figurines representing the main moments of the consecration...

costumes, arrangements of persons and families, etc.

And why, your Majesty? - I'm leaving for Boulogne.

I shall be back in five days and everything should be ready.

Sire, it's not pos... Very well, your majesty.

Majesty, there is a rumor that your mother will not be attending.

Yes, but put her in all the scenes though.

After the ceremony, David is to make the largest painting in existence...

larger than "Wedding in Canaan" at Verona.

Be magnificent!

Mr. Malusardi, tell uncle Fesch to send a priest secretly tonight...

to prepare my wedding today, in the chapel of the Tuileries...

with Talleyrand and Berthier as witnesses.

For the cavalcade...

buy fourteen horses at 2 thousand francs each.

No! At 1. 500 each.

Show me the twelve pages and Josephine's dress.

Encrust my sword with the word “regent”...

and Josephine's dress with the best jewels in the land!

Put it there, if you can. The rooms are full!

Here in the hall will be the place for artists. Isabey...

They arrive!

Wonderful !

What a good idea!

I'm there!

That's me?

So small?

And with red hair!

Which I do not!

I'm sure it's Josephine!

Lady, I would not... - It's scandalous! She mocks me!

Somebody's stolen me.

I cannot tolerate these insults.

Isabey, where is the doll? - It was here just now.

I don't understand, I had it made... - I'm not going to the consecration!

Now, enough! - Please!

I found the Princess. - See?

My wife broke her face. - More respect!

Why break a puppet? - Next comes my puppet.

Don‘t worry, Princess. We will mend the face.

My friends...

at this time...

their carriage arrives at Notre Dame.

Wearing purple and gold, sceptre in hand, the Emperor descends.

The Empress, blinding in white satin and jewels...

smiling, like her 25 years.

Don‘t worry, Mr. de Ségur. Continue.

The Emperor and the Empress enter the cathedral.

Ten thousand people cry.

The Pope descends from his throne...

and chants the “Veni Creator”.

The Emperor touches with his hand...

the Bible that the Grand Chaplain offers him...

and answers: “Profiteor”.

With his hand on the Bible, the Emperor speaks.

All kneel.

Swear...

to maintain the integrity of the Republic...

respect the laws of the Concordat...

maintain the Legion of Honour, and to govern...

in the interests of the French people.

Next, the sacred anointing.

The Pope blesses the ornaments and gives to the Emperor...

firstly, the ring on the finger.

Then, the mantle...

the hand of Justice...

and the crown.

The Pope placed the crown on the head of the Emperor.

The Emperor takes the crown from his head...

and places it on the head of the Empress.

Seven hours of riding...

I thought it would never end! - And the cold in Notre Dame!

Friot, close the door.

Serious news has been received.

The Austro—Russian armies march on France...

they line the Adige, threaten Bavaria...

they are on the edge of the Black Forest.

Our agents are clear.

I the Emperor doesn't embark for England in 2 weeks...

the situation is appalling!

Perhaps we sanctified him too soon.

We should warn him now. - No.

Let him savor his triumph. It gives us time...

and I need to think.

We‘re freezing! Frioul, the fire!

He's disappeared again, the lazybones!

Go on. Let‘s go find them.

Not a word of this!

You saw the party I threw for the Pope?

A feast for the Church and Army!

What a day!

Worse than a battle, but I think I won.

What a beautiful picture I gave them, eh?

Ready! The curtain rises!

To me it owes all its charm, lady.

Pauline, you saw the ceremony? See the expression on the Pope...

when I took the crown and placed it myself on my head?

God gave me the crown. Woe to him who threatens it.

Mother! Shame you weren't there.

What beautiful theatre!

If you had seen me dressed. I looked like a Chinese doll.

It seemed like an opera.

Joseph...

If our father were here. - Let's hope...

Yes, I know, mother!

It will last.

I never felt so tired. Will sleep well tonight.

Duroc! Berthier! Ségur!

Prepare the carriages. We leave for Boulogne.

Decray... - Sire?

Reread the dispatch I sent to Villeneuve.

“Vice-Admiral, I hope you have made it to Brest.

There is not a moment to lose getting all our ships into the Channel.

England is ours! Everything is ready, all are ready to embark.

It will all be over in 24 hours. - When was the dispatch sent?

Two weeks ago. - And since then?

We hope to see our ships any minute.

The weather is good, we shouldn't wait, eh, Bernadotte?

Soult, what do you think?

Mr Robert Fulton. - Come in, Fulton.

Majesty.

I regret that the ship sank at the experimental school in Paris.

And the report was unfavorable.

Yes, but I made a new ship and...

it can move against the current at 1. 6 metres per second.

Carnot and Bougainville will support me!

Your ideas are good, but the Academy reject them...

as Utopian and unpractical!

Therefore...

But, Majesty...

I have also conceived the Nautilus.

I even went under water in it.

I was five hours under the sea, and traveled six leagues.

And the torpedo...

This is a model of my torpedo. Let me show you the model.

It can destroy a ship of 60 feet.

I made tests at Brest... - Yes, but without results.

The British ships don't come close enough to the coast.

The trigger is tied with a cord to a box of explosives...

It is an experimental model...

but if you give me a little more time. - No.

All I don‘t have is time! I cannot use your devices!

Frioul! My hat!

Majesty...

I came to you with confidence that you were the greatest man in Europe!

I was wrong. I am sorry.

I hope that...

His Majesty does not come to regret this.

I never regret anything! Goodbye, sir.

Majesty, I bring news...

from an agent who has crossed all of Spain and France...

without rest.

Villeneuve‘s fleet...

is blockaded and at anchor in Cadiz, for fear of Nelson.

What are you saying, Darue?

The useless Villeneuve is in Cadiz!

He is blockaded!

What a navy!

What an Admiral!

There are no words!

Miserable!

Sacrificing everything to save himself!

What the hell can I do with people like that!

Two years in preparation!

150 thousand men mobilized!

All that sacrifice...

for nothing!

In Cadiz!

And us, looking through our spyglasses in Boulogne!

If I have to give up this battle...

we will witness midnight Mass in Vienna.

Berthier, write.

My 150 thousand men...

camped at Brest at Ambleteuse...

will leave at once.

They will travel, secretly...

across France and Germany...

for three weeks, towards Vienna.

500 leagues on foot? - Yes! Yes!

Boots!

Boots! Get working on that, Darue!

Pay close attention!

The forces of Hannover, with Marmont...

will reach Giirzburg on 29th September...

behind Ulm.

You, Soult...

get to Reno on 24th September...

with your 40 thousand men...

preceded by the 22 thousand cavalry of Murat...

meet up with the 22 thousand men of Dabout...

the 18 thousand of Lannes...

the 24 thousand of Ney...

the 14 thousand of Angereau...

with my imperial guard...

and myself.

Frioul...

a map of Ulm. We will join all our forces...

in a Grand Army. Leave for Paris in one hour.

We crossed the Austrian camps without firing a shot!

Yes, beautiful work.

What does he have in store for us, the little soldier?

Spending New Years' Eve in Wenna!

For happiness...

your cannons will see the flowers!

Meanwhile, soldier...

get ready for the fight...

Go into combat, fight and return alive.

Of combat we will leave Of enemy blood we will laugh

We‘ll return singing Of the mud and the blood

Gentlemen generals, I have spoken to His Majesty.

Nothing from my wife? - No, Sire.

Quickly, Berthier. I have a decision to make.

Paris: Situation sombre. Reaction to the defeat of Trafalgar,

economic and financial malaise require rapid military success.

Next.

The people in panic may start a banking crisis by withdrawing their money.

The state of the army? - Cold and hungry.

Desertions increase, the hospitals are crowded...

a quarter are effectively missing.

It's serious, all that.

The position of the Grand Army is most precarious.

We are 300 leagues from our bases...

and thousands of men cannot be provisioned for a long time.

A winter campaign is impossible. We will act now!

Dispatch, Marshall.

It is the secret dispatch from Prussia.

What were you expecting? Read it.

Immediate mobilization...

of 180 thousand men was decreed by King Frederick William.

Leaving now for Briinn.

But in Moravia there are already the 30 thousand men of Kutuzov...

and over 70 thousand Russian in Olmtitz.

How many are we? - 40 thousand.

Against 100 thousand? We cannot hesitate!

Sire! 180 thousand Prussians will arrive in two weeks.

More reason to launch the offensive...

against the retreating Russians. - The retreating Russians?

You understand nothing!

The Russians won't be crazy enough to face my offensive...

without their reinforcements.

If the Army knew of the news from Paris...

it would disintegrate!

You must protect yourself on all sides.

If we are to attack, a French victory will be most difficult!

What words, Berthier!

You know until now I have only defended...

even if we counter-attacked when we could.

Ségur, write.

Dear Josephine...

Ségur...

Who is the small turkey, with all the feathers?

Maria Louisa, the daughter of the Emperor of Austria.

Pity the imbecile that marries her! What was I saying?

Dear Josephine... - This is not a letter...

of softness and sweetness.

Come down from your grandeur and take care of your slave...

and...

well, you can finish it off.

Gentlemen...

get ready. We leave for Briinn.

General!

Build up this mound on the enemy's flank...

and fortify it to the fullest.

We will call it the Centon.

Demolish that farmhouse... .

and use the beams to strengthen the Centon.

Berthier...

tell Gen. Saint-Laurent to advance his artillery...

to Sannowitz.

Let us see this area, gentlemen.

It will be your battleground.

Lebrun...

bring me the exact topography in one hour.

What are you writing?

All I see, and everything you say, Sire.

So that the truth is not misrepresented...

You will have plenty to write in the next 48 hours.

General Maresco...

make holes covered with grass, as traps for their cavalry.

What castle is that, Soult?

It is where we have set up our headquarters, Sire.

It is the castle of Austerlitz.

The village has the same name. - What? Repeat!

The castle of Austerlitz. Why?

It was here I established, in Boulogne...

the center of my plan.

What plan? - You‘ll see.

Retreat! Quickly! Follow me!

But you said this was to be our battleground!

I've changed my mind, and I do not owe you an explanation.

What time is it? - 103m, Sire.

Soult, send orders to evacuate castle Austerlitz now!

Evacuate?

The position is too exposed and I hear the enemy are approaching Austerlitz.

How do you hear? - In my head, for God's sake!

HEADQUARTERS OF THE EMPEROR OF RUSSIA

The Czar will receive General Kutuzov in ten minutes.

Kutuzov... always him!

Forget that name at once.

He is there... - Le him hear! I don‘t care.

He was once a great man.

General fit for a museum now!

General Weirother...

Chief of Staff of the combined Russian and Austrian armies...

and Marshall Buxhoewden.

I think we agree that the Emperor...

should assume command of the troops.

And we will give Kutuzov a simple written explanation...

that he is to apply to the letter the plans devised by Weirother...

isn't it so, gentlemen?

Ingenious, isn't it?

But very logically...

my plan follows...

the theory of oblique order of the great Frederick...

modeled on the strategy used by Bonaparte at Castiglione.

We are listening, General. - After a fake frontal attack...

I will do what Bonaparte would...

and attack on the flank obliging him to fight on two fronts...

cutting the road to \Vienna...

forcing him back to Bohemia, defeated...

and separating him from his in forces in Austria and in Italy.

Magnificent!

His Majesty waits for Prince Dolgorukov and his staff!

To work!

Assess the forces for the attack...

I accept command of the army!

His Majesty Francis II, Emperor of Austria.

We have decided that Weirother having made the battle plans...

and if there are no obstacles...

will command our armies.

You will be close to me.

Write quickly:

here is the cavalry of Liechtenstein...

General Kutuzov!

Time is short, gentlemen.

His Majesty Francis II and myself...

we want to know your opinion on an immediate offensive.

I advise a withdrawal to Olmi.itz for a stronger position...

pulling the troops back 20 leagues.

And why this retreat, General?

It is not a retreat. It is a reformation while waiting for reinforcements...

of 300 thousand men from the King of Prussia.

And if Napoleon pursues us?

He dare not leave the centre of his base.

He is too crafty.

He'll be prudent. He has only 40 thousand men.

And we have? - Just over 100 thousand men.

More than two to one!

You did not know! Why risk a defeat?

Don't laugh at the greatest man of war we have.

His Majesty is running a great risk here.

He should be at home in St Petersburg among his people.

The suggestion of prince Bragation...

is unworthy of the courage of our Czar!

My decision is made!

And is final!

Let me prove, Majesty, that you did well to trust me...

allow me to lead the attack, with 3 thousand cavalry...

against the cavalry of Marshall Soult, at Wischau.

Soon we will see this...

it will be the prologue of our operations, eh, Francis?

Savary. The Emperor has lost his mind?

He knows that at Wischau, Soult has only one battalion...

and without reinforcements and with no order of retreat...

will be attacked by the 3 thousand cavalry of that upstart Dolgorukov.

Sire, look at Soult. He weeps with rage.

Do not allow them to crush a whole battalion!

Not my men! I couldn‘t bear to see it!

There is time to counter-attack with my artillery.

500 cavalry. With that, I could put all of Siberia in an ambulance.

But I think that... - I asked for your advice?

The battle hasn‘t started yet. I don't involve myself in the preliminaries.

Calm yourself!

It's like two children.

My brave friend!

I just wanted to show...

that to defeat Napoleon, it is enough not to be afraid of him.

If there was any doubt about an immediate attack...

you have done away with that!

Majesty.

I announce the capitulation of your troops in Wischau.

How many dead? - About 200.

How many prisoners?

Four officers and one hundred cavalry.

I've never seen such indifference towards soldiers!

So...

should our lines pull back? - Yes.

Our withdrawal is essential.

Dabout and Bernadotte are too far apart.

Savary, write to His Majesty Alexander I.

Send General Savary to meet him...

and request the favour of an interview towards an eventual armistice.

Speak of God, etc...

He must be sick!

It's senseless. Ask his doctor.

General Laurent...

Treasurer General...

Quartermaster General, Marshall Bessieres...

Director general of mail...

What's this? No napkins in war!

This now!

General Savary!

Take the blindfold!

No. No concession of personal interviews with your leader, General.

But I will send someone who has my trust, Prince Dolgorukov.

General Kutuzov...

Didn't he say that when Napoleon was afraid he would be lost?

Either he accepts our conditions or we attack.

Don't miss the moment.

Sire.

The two emperors occupy the castle at Austerlitz.

Soult was evacuated without loss.

Murat!

Spread hundreds of Mamelukes in front of our lines.

When the Russian cavalry come...

collect them, feigning terror. Let them fall prisoner.

But the Mamelukes will run away, - Well, do what you want...

but sow the seed of panic in our troops.

I want them to think we are about to retreat.

Sire.

His Majesty Alexander prefers not to see you...

he sends instead, to Pozoritz, Prince Dolgorukov.

I will go.

It is out of the range of our guns.

Will you risk yourself before this arrogant dandy?

I am going to raise their presumption with my solicitude.

They‘ll think I'll do anything for an armistice!

General Ethelmance!

Accompany the Emperor. You are answerable for his life.

I will. With mine.

Berthier.

Follow us with a spyglass.

If, at the end of the conversation, I raise my arm...

spread to all the troops my proclamation...

so that Dolgorukov will be telling it to his two Emperors.

What proclamation?

Savary, write.

Soldiers...

the Russian army...

comes to avenge the capitulation of the Austrians at Ulm.

But...

the positions we occupy are formidable...

and when they march to the right...

they will present their flank. - You reveal the plan before battle?

You want the enemy to know?

You know nothing of psychology, Lannes.

By advertising my plans...

they will do the opposite of what they should.

Admirable!

Soldiers...

this victory will seal the campaign...

and the peace we will win will be worthy of you...

and of my people.

Since you are the accredited of Alexander I...

what are the Russian conditions for peace?

The European equilibrium...

cannot happen yet, General.

I am Emperor, sir. - I am not "sir". I am a prince...

private advisor to His Majesty Alexander I...

Czar of all the Russians.

Of all the Russians!

He has three and I could take you some.

For an immediate peace...

you must leave Italy, Belgium, Savoy, Piedmonte...

allow us to construct defensive positions...

You should not have bothered to come!

Enough of this play-acting!

Have you no tact nor moderation! How dare you speak like that?

If the propositions of the Emperors are so silly...

we will debate our differences in another place.

Away, please!

Like this.

Savary. Follow him along our first line.

It will be enlightening, sir.

Soldiers...

the Russian army...

comes to avenge the capitulation of the Austrians at Ulm.

But the positions we occupy are formidable...

and when they march to the right...

they will present their flank.

Superb arrogance!

Your Emperor reveals to us his plan of battle!

He thinks we are so stupid that we will change ours?

What naivety!

Let's separate ourselves!

Long live the Emperor!

What does he think, that they are going to overrun us?

You'll see!

Don‘t you know how to present arms?

Here it is. Take it. It's rusty.

I can't take it anymore.

I should have retired. Why are you here?

I'm observing.

But I can't take it anymore.

You've been observing me? - Yes.

Why?

To learn how far our ideas can take us.

Funny man.

So you've been observing me?... - Yes.

But you've never looked at me! - What?

Yes. I was a veteran at Arcole.

But you never noticed Alboise de Pontoise, of Seine-et-Oise!

It doesn't seem an important name?

I decided that, on the first occasion...

that I was observed, a little stirring of the pot.

Stirring of the pot? - Yes. That's how I was baptized.

All grumble behind his back, but nobody dares say anything...

we call this a stirring of the pot.

Whatever!

I know that you are censuring me, Melboise.

No. Alboise de Pontoise, of Seine-et-Oise.

And the one that I censure is us, the veterans, we didn't do anything.

Arcole and Rivoli they worked, but since...

Go home You're too old.

Don't insult me, Majesty! There is no age limit for soldiers!

You are a curmudgeon! - What?

A moaner and a curmudgeon.

It's good, that.

As good as a stirring of the pot.

Don't look, General. I lost in Marango.

You shouldn't touch me.

I name you Sergeant.

Ségur...

remember the smoke that is to camoflauge the lake.

Yes, sir. - It's clear? False camoflauges!

Kutuzov is concentrating his troops on the Pratzen plateau.

I know. - Why don't we attack there?

Because for me it would be a commonplace victory.

Leaving them in place, that will be more of a trial.

If they dare to come down and attack me directly...

it is lost in advance, even if they have 300 thousand.

You are always certain! Anyway, I...

One bad General is worth two good ones.

Ready!

They are reducing their positions facing us.

A stupid move! - They‘ve fallen into our trap.

They are supporting the cat that wants to hunt the mouse in the mirror.

See you at nightfall...

they shall be mine!

Note this, little one.

Quick! Let's get to work!

Buxhoewden!

The two Emperors wanted battle at dawn...

and to get to know the terrain...

And Napoleon, you know what?

He was quicker than us.

It will be impossible to concentrate troops on the plateau...

if he attacks!

My dear, age will make him fearful.

I predicted this eventuality.

He will not attack...

I know it!

Once the troops are concentrated, you will leave the plateau...

and direct your 32 thousand men towards the lakes.

Abandon the plateau?

It's foolish! I refuse to do it!

Never! Never will I do this!

General, this is my plan.

Who goes there? - Arcole! Rivoli!

Tomorrow we will reshape the map of Europe.

Berthier, note my orders.

Why did you mark Austerlitz for evacuation this morning?

Because thanks to you, Soult, I plan to sleep there tomorrow!

Note that, little one!

They have there...

90 thousand men.

We have 60 thousand. They are defeated in advance!

I assume...

that the Austro-Russians want to encircle the Grand Army...

cut off the lines of flight to \Vienna. To incite them...

to carry out their plan...

and to attack my right, south...

near the frozen lakes...

I have exaggeratedly weakened my right...

to turn their heads.

The emperors will have to weaken the Pratzen plateau...

on which they should station Kutuzov with all his columns.

and there we will concentrate our forces...

to cut their army in the centre.

Tell Caffarelli to get on the march at 2am...

and have him know he will have a great battle.

It's true that the cavalry of Murat isn't enough. Where can we get more?

The squires of Hautpoul and of Nansouty...

the dragoons of Beaumon and of Walther...

the hunters of Milhaud and of Kellerman.

And the ground is flat? - I have surveyed the terrain...

and it is conducive for grand movements of cavalry. The divisions...

of Vandamme and of Saint-Hilaire...

go through here...

by this stream...

on the villages of...

Gerkowitz and of Puntowitz.

We will reform those names and scratch out that language!

Only on my order!

Pardon. I don't understand Russian.

And I don't understand German!

You know I am French. I don't understand German or Russian.

So, I hope everyone understands French.

We note movements here, to the enemy's left.

I deduce that the Corsican...

is weakening his centre to defend his flank.

The great mass of our army and the Kutuzov column...

that has already come down from the plateau...

they will attack the French flank and cut the road to \Vienna.

I repeat, gentlemen. The great army...

with Kutuzov's column, descend from the plateau...

attack the right of the French army...

and advance towards their rear towards the lakes. .

cutting the road to Vienna.

All very well, General...

but, if the enemy surprises us as we descend from Pratzen...

what will we do?

This fact is not provided for, but don't think on it.

If he still had that audacity...

Bonaparte would have attacked today!

In that case, he is lost.

He is too clever to be imprudent.

He must be taking...

or changing his positions.

Even if this is the case, the plans of our armies...

do not change.

I think everyone understands...

my plan is a copy of Bonaparte's at Castiglione.

Kobenitz.

Around this castle, station the Third Division...

and reinforce them with two battalions of sharpshooters...

and light cavalry, under the command of Gen. Margaron.

This division is only of the third line and is made up of Corsican hunters.

So that we can concentrate on Tednitz...

the point closest to the lakes.

They must conceal themselves in the lowlands, among the reeds...

and be careful in the fog, not to shoot each other.

Hear me, Berthier? - Yes, Sire.

The Third Division will await my orders...

attentive for signals combining drums and bugles.

Above all, do not go into the frozen lakes.

What?

The trap is too obvious?

No. But I think he wants to trap the Russians in the lakes...

after examining the depth of the ice with his sword.

The Staff will receive details of these operations before dawn.

Gentlemen, this battle...

should mark the end of the reign of Napoleon.

And after the victory...

we will meet outside the walls of Bri.inn.

We would do better against the forces on Bonaparte's left.

What forces are those?

The leftovers of the soldiers of his victorious republic.

The Republic!

He has already mutilated it enough! Today, we will finish off what remains.

Count on me. I‘m here for that.

Kutuzov.

Halt!

Who goes there?

You didn‘t hear those last instructions. You were sleeping.

I heard.

You should know that the Russian bear sleeps with one eye!

Why should I intervene against he who wants to imitate the inimitable?

If I hand my hands free...

I've obtained from my spies...

this. - What is it?

It is the French code for their trumpets, the signal of recognition.

Shall I tell you, Langeron?

I don't like that it's a Frenchman who tells me that.

If I could kill the tyrant with my hands, I would!

If I was a French officer like you...

and could serve a leader like him, I'd be on the other side!

Where is my orderly? Gone to sleep!

Langeron, please, my coat.

Come on.

Berthier. - Sire.

Send the order to General Friant to stop at Grossriegen.

His troops are already there.

Friant has made the 36 leagues from Vienna...

to Grossriegen in 48 hours? - Many fell by the wayside...

but the majority are here.

General Friant, Sire.

It's magnificent...

to come to our aid without orders. It is brave.

What a soldier! What a leader! - We love you, Sire.

I have brought six regiments of Infantry and...

five of Dragoons. It is what I have left.

In total, 7 or 8 thousand men.

Position them in Grossregalu...

waiting...

with Ledelay...

ready to attack Sokolnitz...

It is what I had hoped.

It is a beautiful responsibility...

and well merited!

Dabout.

Help this man with all your Divisions.

He will have in front of him the greater part of the enemy's weaponry

As you say, Sire. But with these limitations...

it will be difficult to keep him alive.

Rapp!

With your Mamelukes and hunters...

with the support of Bessieres, if needs be, stay alert...

to support any compromised positions...

and keep a close eye out for the cavalry guardsmen of Alexander.

Murat, with your 11 thousand horsemen, look for a breach...

to dislodge the 82 squadrons of the prince of Lieschtenstein.

Know that the Austrian cavalry are the best in the world!

I will go find Oudinot, with grenadier Pitts.

With Lejeune, prepare for battle.

To inspire the multitude, make an impression...

with a good appearance.

Let us go gentlemen, and be attentive to the enemies camoflauge.

All my predictions have been proven correct!

Who goes there?

Arcole!

We meet in 6 hours, gentlemen.

All the signal torches are ready?

All. In three hours, they will all be functioning.

It's slow, this type of signaling.

We should look into electronic signals. Chapp...

pass on my orders at dawn. Berthier...

duplicate them for the couriers, in code. Dominil! Ivan!

To the horses, gentlemen.

Caffarelli, Oudinot, Borland, Rapp.

We are approaching Pratzen?

Yes. You are in great danger.

General Langeron has posted Cossacks. - I don‘t like your advice. Follow me.

General Langeron. - Yes.

Am I hallucinating, or is that Napoleon down there, in person?

Advance on this group! Bring the Emperor, dead or alive!

Let's go!

Get him!

Take the horses, Ivan. I will enter the camp.

But Sire, do not split away. - No.

Your leg, idiot!

Why don't you look where you‘re going? Hang on...

I see your face!

Damn it!

Pardon, my General. But I...

was sleeping. - Alboise de Pontoise...

Pardon, of Seine-et-Oise.

So, you are still serving and still grouching...

When you‘re not kicking me...

Alboise de Seine-et—Oise... - No. De Pontoise.

Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!

Majesty, the enemy are burning their camps.

Look!

Long live the Emperor!

Here! Here!

Long live the Emperor!

Sire!

We searched everywhere.

You aren't bothered that all this...

reveals our positions? - No.

They'll think we are burning our camps...

because it will cover our retreat.

Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!

Rapp...

it is the most beautiful night of my life.

I'm worried!

Comedy, Majesty!

He thinks he can impress us with these bombastic declarations!

You don't believe what he says?

Don't be so naive! - And these thousands of fires?

They are to mask their retreat. They are ready to go...

and are burning their camps, as I predicted.

Can I know?. .

It is the order for Kutuzov to descend from the plateau, and in silence.

The concentration starts now... - I know, but I wanted you to lead them down.

As they arrive, they‘ll cut off...

and...

if the fog helps...

I promise, Majesty, I will capture their entire army!

Marvellous, Francis!

Look! See the star!

It is the one we saw in Marengo and at Rivoli.

The sky speaks to me.

It is victory...

Pontoise!

The marshalls will be here at 6am.

Confirm the movements of the enemy during the night...

I will give my final orders.

Wake me in an hour. - Yes, Sire.

Who goes there? - Arcole! Rivoli!

The fog is thickening in the valley.

It is a gift from heaven.

The fog favors us.

The French are doomed.

Come on, it's time.

General departure, all levels!

At the order of General Weirother.

Who commands the right flank, him or me?

I refuse!

Langeron and Pribytchevsky have not received orders.

Everyone wants to command.

Orders that don't connect.

With these two youngsters...

there's no end to polishing their nails and contradicting each other!

The battle is lost...

if I do not break their centre.

Moreover, if you descend, , it'll be chaos.

Remain on the plateau, and we are saved!

Thank you very much.

Their Majgtia order to start the descent.

I agree. Let's go...

since it is an order.

But they don't know what it is that they‘re doing!

Prepare to descend!

Lannes!

He arrives...

Thank you.

A thick fog this morning...

And the Emperor? - Still asleep.

What is the latest news?

Go wake him.

It is time, I will wake him.

Sire!

Sire!

The latest news from the night.

Sire, I am dishonored!

All the field marshalls have arrived.

Now, gentlemen...

let us start this great day.

Pitts...

will make this day live forever in his drawings.

This images will also win, in their own way.

All that was predicted has come true.

The enemy is massing towards our right.

What a mistake!

They have more men, they should attack...

but they want to cut the road to Vienna and capture the entire Grand Army!

They think I'm very naive!

No changes in my plans.

I will confound their pride...

and end this war like a lightning bolt!

In precisely half an hour.

the whole line is to fire...

and by four this afternoon...

the enemy army will be destroyed!

Gentlemen...

I will be watching!

Long live the Emperor!

Caffarelli, here...

Let's go!

Join up!

What time is it? - 7am.

Look! The plateau heights are empty.

The enemy descends en masse...

using the fog to conceal his troops. It's time.

Never interrupt the enemy when he is making a mistake.

How long...

to get on to the Pratzen plateau? - Less than 20 minutes.

Prepare yourself for the best work of your life, but return here!

I want you to leave on my command!

The Emperor!

Attention!

Company, halt!

Present arms!

Soldiers!

This campaign must end...

with a withering blow!

The sound of cavalry is great off to the right, besides the lakes.

They are the first Russian columns who commit suicide!

Before this day ends...

I will defeat this army!

Note that, Ségur.

Chapp! Can you see the signs at 800 metres?

Yes, Majesty.

Pass on to the Centon...

that Clapparette can open fire with his 18 cannons...

in one minute. - Yes, Majesty.

See, Sire! The two divisions of Lannes!

There, Suchet‘s Division in the foothills.

Here, Caffarelli...

protection for Kellerman!

And in the distance, there...

the main mass of the enemy.

82 squadrons of Austro-Russians.

A battle of titans is ready...

it's so beautiful, so grand!

These minutes are so intense...

that I want to capture them for the chapter on 2nd December.

There's your title.

“The sun of Austerlitz!”

Hell, we mustn't stay planted here like dolls...

ready to win the battle only with our eyes!

He wanted the Pretzen plateau for dessert...

we will offer him the plateau as his starter!

Let's go!

Eric! Chenaud!

Music for the battalion!

We will sing their plans to sleep Forward to the music!

as.

A battalion of the old guard...

have left to attack without orders!

What courage! They will be killed!

Those moaners have a sense of the ridiculous!

Marshall Berthier!

They would die for me, no?

Amboise. .. - de Pontoise...

He's gone.

Like this, I'm unable to go off anywhere.

Halt! Fighting positions!

Halt!

The French are at a 100 paces.

Say...

did you see something moving? - Yes, captain.

It is the 108th of the Line...

camoflauged in the marshes and seeking us.

Once they arrive, devastate this marsh!

Comets!

Decipher this.

Wait.

It is the 108. Answer.

Weapons on the shoulder! Nothing to fear!

March!

Quick, fix bayonets!

Captain!

Quick!

Advance!

Regroup! We have been betrayed!

Regroup!

The captain is dead! - Half the company too!

Let's flee to shelter.

Regroup!

Save yourself if you can!

Save yourself if you can!

The soldiers of the 108 are fleeing in panic...

take advantage to capture the village!

They are already in Sokolnitz!

Fire!

At your orders, General. - Alert.

and reform at 14.

Prepare the withdrawal and make fronts everywhere.

What beauty!

Murat!

If Sokolnitz falls, the whole right flank collapses.

Leave it to me. Attack Bragation! I‘m going!

Majesty.

The stratagem of a traitor meant we couldn't take Sokolnitz...

which allowed the enemy to cross the river and take Telnitz.

Friant is on the way. Question of minutes!

Our lines were crushed by Dokturov, with Kermeyer...

and a column of Pribytchewsky‘s on his right to crush us.

Not serious.

They are applying their plan and I‘ve even started with mine. Berthier!

Rescue the soldiers at the lakes of Sokolnitz...

where Friant is not enough.

Duplicate all.

All of the right has fallen? - No.

To retreat is not to surrender!

Friant to join the Third Line...

and counter-attack to the last man.

But Sire! This leaves 8 thousand infantry and 3 thousand cavalry against...

50 thousand men! It is not enough to resist!

Do not talk like Friant! I don't ask that he advances...

I ask that he holds...

until the reinforcements from Davout and the 6 regiments of Bourcier.

Go, sir. Davout would be ashamed to see you here!

Manoeuvre like an oyster!

To Ledelay.

Is it clear, Sire? - No.

Hope that Murat and Lannes can relieve the left.

Bragation and Langeron could aid Kutuzov.

I will! - Not yet!

Hope that Lannes...

Murat! - Yes.

The Emperor has sent me! - It's your turn, Murat!

With your 11 thousand cavalry near the Bri.inn road...

you will push Bragation directly to Austerlitz!

Now let us cut the Russian lines! Go!

Nansouty. We'll win!

We're lost.

We must prevent the French from taking the plateau.

15 minutes have passed!

Soult! Do not forget...

that taking Pratzen will define the battle.

It seems your plans are compromised...

and in obliging Kutuzov to descend his columns...

you left prematurely defenseless the plateau.

Do not be alarmed, Majesty.

In an hour, we will have their right surrounded and captured.

Dokturov and Langeron already have them encircled.

Stop the descent and and advise Liechtenstein...

to get me out of this hornets' nest! Intensify the fire!

Officers, follow me!

Kutuzov can retreat, but never during battle!

Napoleon has not reinforced the right? - They are surrounded on three sides!

What are you doing Kutuzov with 50 thousand men standing?

He is leaving the plateau with His Majesty.

I‘m leaving! - They are scared! Cowards!

Soult advances on the plateau.

Soult is on the plateau! My God! My God!

We will be cut off from Dokturov!

That the Austrian infantry helps us!

Prepare to fire!

At last, the Pretzen plateau!

Thank you, Soult!

You are the finest operator in Europe!

The Russian alliance is crushed! The Austrians are annihilated!

Give me news from the right. - They cannot stand more!

They will fall! - I'm going.

Soult and all his army...

Oudinot and his 10 battalions...

40 cannons, and I myself...

we will go down to the lakes. Bernadotte...

stay here on Pretzen. Fire on the enemy...

so as to drive them on to the frozen lakes.

Yes, Sire.

I hoped for the success of your column. What more do you want?

We are lost and have immobilized 29 battalions and guns...

You see only the enemy! - You see nothing at all!

I forbid you...

Withdraw!

I have seen battles lost...

but I had no idea of such a terrible defeat.

What time is it? - 5pm.

The enemy is defeated! - The battle is won!

In five hours, we have won victory in Europe!

The Russian alliance has collapsed, and the Austrian cavalry crushed...

and their columns annihilated.

Write!

You all and my soldiers...

exceeded my expectations!

I'm proud of you!

Prepare a decree.

The State adopts the children of the French killed at Austerliiz.

Six thousand francs' pension to the widows.

Yes. Something else...

You disobeyed me.

You disobeyed me! - Yes.

And if my ear was buried with the dead today...

would it hear the one that cried, "Long live the Emperor!"?

Perhaps their reflections will not be easy to hear.

What cries are these?

The Russians are in the lakes, we cannot save them.

Sire! What to do with so many injured?

The ambulances are full.

Light fires while waiting.

It‘s horrible!

Use the coats of the dead to cover the wounded.

Make silence...

so at least we can hear the ones that can be saved.

Alboise! Come and drink!

I saw him.

He spoke to me.

He wanted to pull my other ear!

CASTLE OF AUSTERLITZ

HQ OF HIS MAJESTY THE EMPEROR OF FRANCE

And I'll tell you more!

When he returns, you'll get up...

and cry like some madman: Long live the Emperor!

Long live the Emperor!

And will be the first to follow him!

Long live the Emperor!

Long live the Emperor!

Total victory, Majesty! The two Emperors...

alone and abandoning their troops flee on the road to Hungary.

Sire! General Friant!

I bring you the 45 colors taken from the enemy...

for the anniversary of your consecration.

See, Sire...

the shouts of joy and enthusiasm of your soldiers!

Majesty...

is that the order to play the Marseillaise?

Almost three years ago... - Three years today.

It would be appropriate.

Situation, Berthier? - We have lost two thousand dead.

The enemy has lost 4 thousand, 30 thousand are prisoners...

186 cannons, that we will take back to France.

There has never been a victory its equal! - Free all the prisoners.

I only want to see free men.

Construct in Paris a bridge called Austerlitz...

and two triumphal arches.

One in the square of the Carrousel...

and the other, at the top of the Champs-Elysées.

Out of the bronze of their cannons, erect me a column.

In what place? - Place Vendome.

Soldiers!

Today in Austerlitz...

constitutes an immortal victory!

An army of 100 thousand men, commanded by two Emperors...

in less than 5 hours was scattered...

or drowned in the lakes.

My people will receive you with joy!

And they will always say...

of those who were in the battle of Austerlitz...

it will be said of all...

“He was a brave man!”