Original subtitles

1773.

The 18th century is getting ready for its big finale.

Louis XV is getting ready to leave the stage...

...and in the wings, Louis XVI is getting ready.

It is a time...

...of great ideas...

...and of bad subjects.

Pierre Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais...

...watchmaker son of a watchmaker, believed, along with Voltaire...

...that the pendulums of his time...

...were swinging much too slowly.

He set himself the task...

...of putting them right.

The Théâtre Français. [Theatre of France]

We've arrived.

- Thank you.

[Symphonic music]

...-

Mr. De Beaumarchais.

He's not seeing anyone.

Write to him...

...if you want.

...-

When the Minister heard I had

...made sent pretty poetry...

...to Cloris...

...when he found...

...that I was being being printed alive...

...he took the matter in a serious light...

...and turned me out of my employment...

...under pretext that the love of the Muses...

...and attention to equestrian matters...

...were incompatible.

I thought myself blessed...

Their performance is so heavy!

Why are they...

...so slow? It's right for this text.

What's the text?

It's not Marivaux or Voltaire.

You need a light touch. Silence.

We're working. I almost...

...fell asleep.

Ah...

OK let's start again.

Just after the song:

"Oh no, that's not an Abbot". Oh no

...that's not... Gentlemen

We'll just do the dialogue.

Count Almaviva?

It's Figaro. It's himself.

One word and... Ha!

Yes, I recognise you.

Look at you, so big, so fat

Oh yes, that's the problem

[laughter]

Excuse me

I couldn't

...hold in my laughter. It's good...

...to laugh in front of the author.

Well said!

The scoundrel! I have a letter.

Give it to me. It's from Voltaire.

You know Voltaire?

My father is

...his steward.

Let's see what we have here

"Brilliant scatterbrain that you are."

[laughter]

"I'm worried that you have, deep down...

"...a grudge against the whole world.

"Through your work, you attack...

"...the Parliament.

"This is to introduce young Gudin, who I adore.

"And who might well...

"...be of service to you.

"Don't forget about me...

"...since I think often of you.

"Voltaire."

Voltaire.

Well if Voltaire wishes it,

what might I do for you?

Take a look at my work.

Everyone's a writer nowadays.

Even that dirty Baculard d'Arnaud.

Who spits on me...

...in the gutter press.

Come.

Come.

Excuse me, gentlemen.

Come, come!

"The glittering star of the nights...

"...has closed his eyelid.

"And I alas, keep vigil...

"...the prey of my Chimera.

"The glittering star of the nights...

"...has closed his eyelid.

"And I alas, keep vigil...

Miss Ménard?

Don't come in.

Mr. De Beaumarchais sent me. Why?

To read you a poem. He may come in!

I wrote the poem myself.

Ah!

You write.

Mr. De Beaumarchais assured me...

that you like...

...young writers. The rascal.

Go on then!

They're waiting for me to start the rehearsal.

"La Napliade". ["The Song of Naples"]

That's the title of the poem.

"The glittering star of the nights...

"...has closed his eyelid.

"And I alas, keep vigil...

"...the prey of my Chimera.

[laughter]

That's it?

...-

Come.

Good!

I'm listening.

"The glittering star...

Ah!

Where is the scribbler! But...

Who? Beaumarchais!

He doesn't know

...anything. I know everything!

We're broken up but

He doesn't believe it. I was desperate.

You will be again.

I'll kill him. Oh please!

Joseph!

Beaumarchais is in danger!

Run! Where?

- Condé street.

We have to get there before the Duke.

Drive on! Over their bodies if you have to.

Excuse me.

His life is in danger?

- He wants to kill him. Who?

A Duke. A mountain of a guy.

You describe him well.

And Miss Ménard?

I read her the first bit And then?

The Duke broke down the door.

He saved you.

You poetry...

...is terrible.

It expresses all your education

And nothing at all of life.

Nothing of our century.

And nothing of you yourself.

You sent me to Miss Ménard.

Her judgement is much kinder.

You write straightforwardly...

...but your thinking is askew.

Has Voltaire read your work?

He did me the honour. What did he think of it?

The same as you think.

That's cruel.

What did you do for Voltaire exactly?

I copied texts.

Letters.

Thank you, Césaire.

Get in.

You're hired.

You haven't eaten anything!

I'll have two suppers.

Write, write.

"Dear Judge Goezman."

Is this a pamphlet?

It's a request for a meeting.

"Dear Judge Goezman."

"My appeal hearing is imminent.

"Parliament has assigned you...

"...to be...

"...my prosecutor."

Why aren't we finishing it?

Do you know about this affair?

It's a pretext.

Exactly.

You serve Parliament as...

...a platform...

...to make your ideas heard.

You prefer your ideas...

...in the theatre. That's not wrong.

All that might be worth less to you.

Ferdinand!

[bell rings]

The watch...

...of your father.

You know it? Given...

...when the king made you ...

...his official watchmaker. You know all about it?

Everything except that which ...

...you have not yet lived.

And which deserves a witness. You...

...perhaps?

[shouts]

Paris is dangerous.

Poverty, unfair taxation.

But everyone submits to it. Who wants to end up...

...in the Bastille? You do, going by your writing.

This Parliament is corrupt.

Have you got proof?

I've got an idea.

We're here.

And that ornament? After...

...being accused...

...I play the lesser judges.

Lieutenant of the royal Hunt.

You're a magistrate?

Worse, it's a job...

...I had to ask for, and pay for.

Thank you.

Pursue... All honours!

Sir. Thank you so very much.

Ah, my appeal hearing will take place

...next week.

Come!

Gentlemen, the Court!

Please, sit down.

Thank you.

Good.

Good day sir.

Where is

...the plaintiff? Here.

Approach the bench, sir.

Don't be afraid.

Someone knocked down your wall?

I built it

...to keep raiders out.

And who demolished it?

Come on, speak up.

Don't be afraid.

Prince Conti.

Prince Conti?

Why would he knock it down, your wall?

For his hunting.

For his hounds. [disturbance]

Lieutenant!

Your Grace, what an honour!

I have come to have my vengeance

...Mr. Caron!

Prepare to die.

You've picked an unfortunate place for this.

You can die anywhere.

I'm not so sure of that.

Please sit down.

I don't want to

delay judgement in for this man

...who's been so unjustly treated.

"Whereas no man...

"...no matter if he's of royal blood...

"...may consider himself above the law.

"The Court finds Prince Conti...

"...liable for the replacement...

"...of the wall at his expense."

You're a brave man.

To find against one of the Bourbon family!

I'm with you!

Would you lend me your sword?

[laughter]

Thank you, guardsman.

Excuse me please.

Thank you, Madam.

Miss.

En garde!

[gasps]

Oh no!

Oh, pardon.

Oh.

Your Grace.

If you'll allow me.

Ah, ah!

Take it.

Mr. Gudin, would you please...

...do me a favour? Yes.

Thank you.

Would you mind

...bearing witness.

This duel could injure me.

I've already killed one man in a duel.

There won't be a second.

Bear witness that I was not ...

...the agressor. Yes.

[shouts]

Ah!

Mr. Gudin!

Sir?

It would appear ...

...urgent...

...to call for the guards. Guards, guards!

Ah!

Mr...

...de Beaumarchais!

I arrest you in the name of the King.

Ho!

How long could then...

...hold Beaumarchais in prison?

Until his hearing.

He must not be able to prepare

...his defence. I'm watching.

They're paying you to do this.

If I can't prepare my defence

...I'm dead.

Talk to Sartine. Talk?

You've already done it. He's not a minister.

He's the lieutenant.

And far from unpleasant.

Do it yourself.

I don't like boys.

Marion.

If I'm found guilty...

...I will no longer have the right...

...to write a line.

Not even for you.

And you will be condemned to musical comedies.

Marion.

Do what you do best.

You're not some fine lady. So work in comedies.

All I'm asking you...

...is to let him think...

...you like him. To make love with him...

[groans]

...-

[louder groans]

We should just wait

I could come back.

It won't be long.

...- There you go.

It's over.

Mr. Gudin.

I'm still waiting for that poem of yours.

How's your head?

The inside of it is fine.

Can I give you this?

Ah!

Ah!

"The Barber of Seville" I have

...improved some scenes.

I'd like to have

...your opinion. Ah?

You can represent me

...with the actors. Me?

Quickly, the rehearsal starts soon!

Mr Le Bihan! Here.

Show him out.

Yes. Thank you.

Tell Beaumarchais...

...there should be less talk of him.

And he should stop

...attacking the Parliament.

The king can't protect him any more.

All right.

See, he's now free.

Might I yet do something

...for you? You could stay for a while.

I'm so sorry, I've got to be on stage soon.

If you have any other prisoner friends..

"My god, sir!"

My god, sir!

With hand on heart. Oh!

She's upset.

The hands... She's not feeling well.

- The shock has...

...made my heart race. - Get a seat.

Ah! How reckless.

Come closer.

They're afraid of Bartolo

but they're attracted to each other

How reckless.

How reckless. Pierre!

OK, let's start again.

Just...

...the dialogue.

You're supposed to be writing my life...

...not living it.

I was doing my best. So I see.

Are you ready to help me?

That's all I ever wanted.

Parliament has found me guilty in advance.

I've got no weapons on my side.

But my enemies have a powerful one:

Corruption.

I've done myself terrible harm.

- This time, Beaumarchais will be found guilty.

- You think?

The king will support him.

- Yeah, like a rope supports a hanged man.

- If he loses, he's ruined.

- He's used to it.

- Parliament wants his head.

- Parliament or the king?

- Same difference.

Pardon me.

Excuse me.

Pardon me.

Pardon me.

Pardon me.

Here is the object of this hearing.

A grubby little piece of paper

...signed, before his death...

...by the banker Duverney...

...which shamelessly disinherits...

...his heir, Count Blache...

...in favour of Mr. Caron.

Now, neither Count Blache...

...nor the experts appointed by the court...

...recognise the authenticity...

...of the signature.

So what should we believe?

A highly respected man?

Or this cheap entertainer

...whose stock in trade is trickery.

Whose very name itself...

...is a lie.

And whose fortune was built...

...on the death...

...of his two wives.

This man.

...I solemnly declare to you...

...is a forger!

And an impostor who we should purge...

...from our society.

[inaudible]

Have you something else to add?

Yes, your worship.

What have you to say? Everything.

[laughter]

Everything other than talk about the document

...which you've declared a forgery.

How to establish my good faith?

I only have my word.

We know what that's worth.

...to this Parliament...

...which I detest. Ah!

The institution...

...which you represent...

...cares less for the truth...

...than for the protection...

...of its privileges.

Enough of washed-up ministers...

...claiming the right to govern...

...without knowing how to conduct themselves.

Enough of people being arrested...

...on secret charges.

France is sick of this.

Get out of France!

No, let him speak!

[murmuring]

Listen to him I defend you...

I attack you!

And I will content myself...

...with the truth.

The truth, the truth!

It's coming.

It's on the way.

And once it's set free

...you won't want to get in its way.

This is not a theatre!

Unfortunately no.

Because actors are not so fake.

Get to the point Mr. Caron! Adress me as De Beaumarchais!

I have that title.

I paid for it and it belongs to me.

Before I was imprisoned...

...I asked to see you privately...

...and you refused.

I only see people in this courtroom.

So why then did you meet me?

I was persuaded by my Christian sentiments.

Sentiments and a nice little bonus.

What are you insinuating?

You met with me to no effect.

For 100 in gold

...to your wife, plus a watch.

You're lying.

I would never lie on the witness stand.

I'm suing you ...

...for defamation!

Me, or your accounts!

Liar!

Should I give the name of his accomplice?

Name him, name him!

Name him, name him!

Lejay the bookseller, present here.

Stand up, M. Lejay.

Do you know Mr. De Beaumarchais?

I have never seen this man before.

There, it's proven.

I will no longer let him...

...make such accusations.

- I'm not talking about accusations...

...I'm talking about proof.

Step up, M. Lejay.

Come and take the oath.

The time has come.

You've just taken the oath.

Your statement before the court...

...may have grave consequences.

I do not know him.

Nor the wife of Mr. Goezman.

Your defence strategy...

...is to review.

I call the person...

...who conducted, on my instructions...

...the transaction with a representative...

...of his honour Mr. Goezman.

Mr. Gudin de la Brenellerie.

Who are you? Paul Gudin.

I have negotiated for Mr. De Beaumarchais...

...with Mr. Lejay and his wife.

May I please question...

...the new witness?

Have her take the oath.

Hold up your right hand.

Swear to tell the truth.

Mr. President.

I'm the President.

Sorry.

Did Madam Goezman accept payment of 100 gold coins...

...and a watch in exchange for a private audience...

...with her husband?

Yes.

Did she tell Lejay...

...to deny what...

...went on...

...between them? Yes.

And did she not

...suggest that she travel abroad...

...during this court case. Yes.

So there it is. Now...

...you may...

...understand everything.

Mme Goezman...

...did she say, in speaking...

...of her husband...

"I would be impossible to maintain...

"...our place in society honestly...

"...with what the king...

"...gives us." Yes.

Did she add anything else?

"Let's pluck this goose quietly."

The goose, gentlemen...

The goose is me!

[symphonic music]

...-

This hearing is suspended!

If Parliament doesn't acquit you...

You crushed him, you crushed him!

Prince Conti...

...thanks you for...

...finding him guilty.

That is how France...

...should treat its citizens.

Will Parliament pursue you any more?

Thank you.

He really went all out!

He told them!

Those judges are all for sale!

Up with Beaumarchais!

Down with Parliament!

They wouldn't dare...

...find Beaumarchais guilty!

Your words to god's ear! The people...

...are with you!

They fear the people. So do I.

I'm here.

[bell]

Madame?

Mr. De Beaumarchais.

But, who are you?

He doesn't know me.

...but I believe...

...he's expecting me. Come.

Hold on.

The lady you're expecting.

I don't know, but...

I would be wrong of me not do do this.

I recognise you.

The tribunal!

The duel.

I recognise you unarmed.

I found you disarming.

I've come from Parliament.

Must I fear the worst?

On bended knee, you're going to hear yourself...

...declared a villain.

Your goods will be seized.

You will not perform any public function.

Your works will neither be published...

...or produced. I'm found guilty.

And you came, despite all that?

Not despite that.

Because of that.

You have some battles ahead.

You will have my heart, and

...whatever I had in intelligence.

You are not alone

...in being courageous.

My name is Marie-Thérèse Willer Maulaz.

I love you.

You really want...

...me?

That's the 3rd marriage...

...proposal. You already killed...

...your two wives. Don't marry me.

So, a life together?

Time will tell.

In the meantime, I will be your follower.

Let's start in my room.

My friends, it's here!

[shouts from the crowd]

...-

They're calling for you.

Long live Beaumarchais!

Long live Beaumarchais!

Long live Freedom!

"Long live Freedom", Sartine!

Why not...

..."Long live the Republic"!

We're not going to leave...

...the monarchy in danger...

...because of the verdict... Your Majesty.

Beaumarchais is loyal. Loyal but restless.

He never tried to attack...

...you or the regime.

You like him.

He's loyal.

And his plotting?

He's an author...

...that's how they are.

Not just authors.

Would he have the talent...

...to manage this kind of business?

He's the only one who can.

Beaumarchais.

[inaudible]

They say that you are...

...a watchmaker, one of the best.

They do say that, don't they.

I have this misbehaving watch.

Would you please take a look?

I'm a bit out of practice...

...but when you're a watchmaker, you never forget ...

...your training.

I warned you.

Mr. De Beaumarchais.

Come forward.

You will not be called...

...to the judgement chamber.

I wish to spare you...

...that humiliation.

But please...

...remain calm.

It's not enough to be blamed...

...one also needs ...

...to be modest.

Sit down.

And now?

What are you going to do?

I can't do anything.

I no longer have the right...

...to pursue my trade.

Please sit down.

If you were less sure of yourself...

...less proud...

Listen to me carefully.

I listen only to you!

Do you see your future?

It is lost to my sight.

Following this sentence...

...an astonishing idea came to me.

The opposite would have astonished me, Sire.

You may no longer use your own name.

You'll need to borrow one.

I need a fake name?

What might one...

...be doing?

That's what I ask you, Sire?

Secret agent.

Nothing to say?

I'm lost for words.

That might be the first time ever.

Here are your orders.

You will go to London.

A friend will put you...

...in touch with a man... - Woman...

Their sex...

...is hardly important, and not quite definite.

The Knight Of Eon?

You know everything.

I only know that this gentleman...

...or lady...

...is the best of all your agents.

Intrepid.

Cunning.

Depraved...

It's a holy profession.

That's why...

...You accept?

This individual is holding...

...a document which endangers...

...France.

It must be brought back here.

At any cost.

The service of the king has no price.

Yes, the re-establishment...

...of your civil rights.

And to see my play on the stage.

That will be yours.

On these orders...

...there's a blank space for the name.

Your name?

Ronac.

It's my name, turned around.

Caron, Baron Ronac.

All right then.

Good luck, Baron.

Sire, Your Majesty...

Is a little tired.

Leave me.

Sartine, explain all the details...

...to him.

Until we meet again, my dear cousin.

[conversations in English]

[seagulls]

...- ...-

Are you cold?

- A bit, in my stomach.

This country has no love for us.

It has never loved us.

France and England...

...have hated each other forever.

- The king has saved you from prison.

- But has he saved me from the worst?

...-

Follow me.

Pierre Augustin.

William.

Ten years and you haven't changed a bit.

The love of my life. We've been married two days.

Pierre goes to excess in everything.

Will that last for a while?

She has...

...great courage. She'll need it.

You will have enemies everywhere.

Can you bring up the bags?

Tomorrow night I will be receiving guests...

...the most important people in London.

The Knight of Eon as well.

Be careful.

My position here prevents me from protecting you.

Ho!

Your plan is worth nothing.

Louis XV has just died.

Who knows about this?

King George...

...will know tomorrow.

Don't talk to anyone.

You will earn a lot of money.

[conversations in English]

Quite beautiful.

I mean it's perfect.

[a minuet plays]

...-

Baron and Baroness de Ronac.

You must excuse me, thank you.

...-

My dear Baron.

Welcome to London

The whole Anti-French contingent are here.

To her, you are opponents

...of France.

Is the Knight here?

He's dancing...

...right in front of you.

- That ageing youngster?

- No, his dance partner.

- I must leave you...

...for that beauty?

Hazards of the job.

[inaudible]

Is that a man?

It's something of a mystery, we're all wondering that.

Don't wonder too much.

Baron de Ronac at your service.

Mr. De Beaumarchais.

You already know?

My agent are

...good at their jobs.

Madame Baroness Ronac.

The Knight of Eon.

Charmed...

...Miss de Willer.

Good, now the guns are out of their holsters.

I must protect you.

Let's dance. I'd love to.

Since your team are so good at their jobs...

...you know the reasons...

...I am here. Very much son.

I would never have risked...

...negotiating with an agent of Louis XV...

...unless it was you.

I'm flattered.

Let's begin. "Woman"...

"Woman" is the word? It's one of two.

The question that you're bursting to ask me?

Are you a woman? What do you think?

Hmmm.

"Homme"? ["Man"] No, no!

I was just saying "hmmm".

But... Let's be careful.

The most absolute belief...

...isn't worth an ounce of proof.

It will never happen...

...what you're wishing for.

You love women.

As a dramatist

...I have studied them in detail.

Keep up your studies!

I don't like being tricked.

The king knows your desire to see France once more

There's no love between us.

What can I do? Negotiate with me to sell back...

...that particular project. The invasion of this island.

That was entrusted to you.

And your incentive...

...to get me to hand it over? It's a strong one.

How much? 500,000.

Amazing!

I can't go higher than that.

A pity.

The cost of a war...

...if England fell...

...to this project?

I have to think.

Let's do this in the park.

The night has ears.

L have never seen him before.

I have let the king know...

...that I wanted to sell it.

I even gave him a price.

He didn't tell you about that?

Where do you hope to keep ...

...your hoard?

550? Not enough.

You love money

...more than women do.

600? We're getting warm.

The object of your lust is approaching.

Sartine has written. 700.

Let's say that's i.

I want the money tomorrow.

Here, before noon.

And if I forget?

You'll sleep that night

...in prison

Because the project will be delivered

...to king George instead.

Fine.

Good. You're going to leave...

...a woman now you've got...

...what you wanted.

When I'm paying, yes.

You have taken

...your commission.

You should also take...

...some time to live.

We're being called.

...-

Our conversation

...seems to make him jealous. - Arthur?

It's not what you think.

Our relationship is political.

He's watching you.

Why? He knows you.

He's american.

American.

He's at liberty over here?

He's under a false name.

He seeks support for his people.

Introduce me.

Arthur?

I'm trying to interest Louis XV

in american affairs.

Mr. De Beaumarchais.

Arthur Lee...

...alias Sir Witman. Charmed to meet you.

Me too. If you only knew.

Come.

The enslavement of one people

...by another...

...has always seemed astonishing to me.

Like that of a man

...by his reflection

Invade England...

What a Utopia!

You're nervous?

I'm in a hurry.

Here it is, the price of your treason

Count it.

I trust you. I'm leaving.

So soon.

An unexpected journey...

...so I can undertake...

...a mission of revenge.

[conversations in English]

...-

I have spoken

...of the American efforts...

...to liberate itself from England.

People didn't listen to me.

We want to weaken

...England. What are you asking for?

Rifles, cannon.

You must gain his esteem.

How do you imagine you will

...pay for it all, Mr. Lee?

The boats will be full

Let's get out of here.

[orders in English]

You're not jumping?

I have a horror of cold water.

You're arresting me? Conspiring

...with the enemy. The king protects me.

The king of France is dead.

Mr. De Beaumarchais.

[in English]

[conversations in English]

...-

If I had know that you were here...

...I would have got myself arrested much sooner.

Who are you?

Morande, writer without talent.

You write? I write horrors

Anonymous letters

...pamphlets.

And how do you make a living?

They pay that my works

...should remain...

...at the printer. It's dangerous.

I'm here more than at my home.

Your "Barber"?

You know Figaro?

Your court case interrupted

...his career.

I create it according to the...

...flavour of the day.

May I?

With pleasure.

"What has give you so gay...

"...a philosophy?" Being accustomed to bad luck.

I laugh from fear of being made

...to cry.

I'd give all I have to have written that.

And what does your work speak of?

Of the inability of the king to satisfy

...his wife. I'm sorry?

Have you seen Louis XVI? The Dauphin.

He can't make love.

And I threatened...

...that only the guarantee...

...of an income for life would keep me quiet on the matter.

What was the outcome?

This incarceration.

They have promised the worst

...if I don't hand over...

...the original manuscript.

They promised the worst.

If I don't give the location

...where I had it printed.

[exclamations in English]

...-

My Lord!

...-

[laughter]

...-

If I were the king

...this pamphlet would stir up my blood.

And provoke

...a spurt of virile activity...

...to provide an heir...

...to the crown.

The king has a sense of humour?

None at all.

Thank god.

The king fears this text.

To make id disappear

...he will have our friend set free.

You're going there?

Right now.

Voltaire said of him:

"Beaumarchais will never be Molière...

"...because he enjoys his life more than his work."

Thank you.

What did he say?

He asked me...

...to marry him. Good.

Long life to the "Barber".

[hostile shouts]

...-

Pierre needs us.

What should I write?

Whatever you think.

This is a disgusting farce.

What will you be calling it?

The disaster of the century.

You can survive being convicted

...but not being ridiculed.

- What have you turned this comedy into?

You've weighed it down

...with pointless jokes.

You have added a whole other act

you've made it grubby.

You're right.

I wanted laughter at any price.

I've betrayed my vision.

I'm not a real author.

I'm going to return to the world of business.

My gifts there are undeniable.

Don't add cowardice to laziness.

All you need to do is go back

...to the first version.

You do it, Mr Biographer.

Since you know so well

...what needs to be done.

I'm not grasping that

...firebrand again.

The King.

You have obliged me

...to write to king George!

What fly stung you?

The service of the king.

The idea of returning

...without suppressing this slander...

...was unbearable to me.

Thank you for defending our honour.

And the contact

...with the american rebels?

Their war of independence...

...was an interest of our...

...former king.

You're sure of that?

When he sent me to London

...Louis XV wished me to...

...meet with Benjamin Franklin.

Alas, he had already

left the country.

Your grandfather

...distrusted the English.

Hence this plan of invasion

A dangerous project

And ruinous.

Victory for the English

...would mean a reinforcement...

...of British power.

That would be even more ruinous.

Let's not let that happen.

It's too expensive.

3 million. I did the calculations.

If you don't mind?

Go ahead.

I am ready to advance

...the first million.

I will get the second from Spain.

That leaves only one. It's considered rude...

...to push oneself forward!

You think we're hanging back?

We?

We, as in France If France...

...succeeds in the end you say...

..."we"?

No in that case I'd say "the king".

That's not so stupid.

Sit down.

Why this?

First of all, for France.

And I'm translating an untranslatable text.

Which text?

The American Declaration of Independence

What's it about?

The sacred rights of the people.

What right is that?

The right to happiness, Sire.

Goodbye, Minister.

Louis XV and the Americans.

You made it up!

If he takes up the American cause ...

he will be a great king.

It's in his interest. You mean yours.

They're not incompatible.

Do you like him? A bit early to say...

But yes, I find him willing

Willing to do what you want.

We both love the same man.

But he is a man who doesn't exist.

I have dreamt of him constantly.

You imagined him so many times.

He is neither one or another. [door]

You have written your "Barber"?

Every word in it comes from you!

What's wrong with him? Is he angry?

He's disappointed.

[applause]

Bravo!

...-

Long live Beaumarchais!

Beaumarchais!

Bravo! I've already written my review.

Do it again. He has re-written

...his play!

Where's Pierre? He's hasn't arrived yet.

...-

Our favourite author.

Monsignor.

Father.

Why are you not at the theatre?

Panic.

It's a great play.

It's a fun play. It's the same thing.

The next?

I've got nothing to write about.

But you do.

Figaro only wants...

...to come back.

If I put that effrontery back on stage...

...it would deal with subjects...

...not appreciated by the censors. We...

...would protect you.

I would be honoured to inaugurate my

...new theatre...

...with "Figaro".

If the brother of the king is asking for it

...we should bring it back.

I would be happy to.

What luxury!

You've gone up in the world.

As of yesterday, I am the Secretary of the Navy

I command

...a little more respect. Mr Secretary...

...these nuts confer on you...

...more power? Enough to bring you...

...the news of the king.

Some news from the king.

Since the Americans' victories

over the English...

The king wants to help out our friends

He's had time to reflect.

This help would need to be unofficial

You would have to go it alone.

With what money?

With your money.

As you proposed to him.

You would be able to trade

in American produce.

I would take all the risks.

And the government, none.

So as not to attract the suspicions...

...of the English.

If that happened, the government

...would condemn your actions.

Oh well. I'm used to that.

Good day.

Good day.

Who is "Hortales"? The director

...of this corporation.

What are these people doing? They're setting up

...offices.

For what?

For creating Franco-American

...trading companies.

Preparing for the future.

Hello.

A signature, please?

- Rodrigues Hortales, that's you?

Obviously. It's you.

Ah there you are my love.

If it's all right with you

...this is where we'll be living. Sir.

There's a mirror.

I'm coming, I'm coming.

Tell me, Emile.

There is it.

"The Marriage of Figaro" is forgotten

And the promise of Prince Conti.

He's throwing himself into business affairs.

I've been stupid.

He'll never write that play.

Don't believe that.

He always keeps his promises

...in the end.

I'm happy for you.

You're kissing my wife?

You don't deserve her.

Where are you going? To write the biography

... of a weapons dealer.

Gudin's right, Mr. Lee.

I'm selling death.

What is it? My bad conscience.

So you have one? I have my weaknesses.

Let's make war. Excuse me.

Quickly, we're late.

Everything is ready...

...for Customs inspection. What?

Customs?

The inspection must take place.

The king...

[whinnying]

Doesn't want any problems

...with the English.

Mr. Hortales?

Burgat, customs inspector.

On behalf of Mr Smith

...I'm inspecting this boat.

Go ahead.

You, in front.

The others with me.

Go ahead.

Go right ahead, please.

After you, my dear Arthur.

Go ahead.

Go ahead.

So?

La hold est vide.

There's nothing.

You've been misinformed.

Under the boards?

Under the boards there's a hull, or at least I hope so.

Gentlemen.

Let's get some air.

Your cargo.

Breathing easier now?

Mr. De Beaumarchais is here.

- Fine, fine, show him in.

- Dr Franklin

...is expecting you.

Mr. Ambassador.

Come in, sir.

Mr. De Beaumarchais, they tell me...

...that you're not very happy...

...with your friends in America.

I have sent you thirty boats...

...loaded with weapons

And I've received nothing in return

My company is on the brink of bankruptcy.

And why did you do all that?

For the love of liberty. So then.

You should be happy.

I have just received a message

...intended for you.

There, on the table,

Read it, please

Yes.

"To Mr. De Beaumarchais.

"the United States Congress...

"...in recognising your efforts..." The Congress!

The Congress, the Congress!

You're going to be a hero...

...of the New World.

You realise what this means?

Alas, I do.

Il rit.

When did he arrive?

He was with those women.

And he quite unreasonably

...prolonged the interview.

Monsignor

Ah, young Gudin.

Beaumarchais is here?

He's coming.

He's behind me.

I hope he hurries.

Remind him of his promise!

He owes you

...a comedy. Ah.

"Figaro".

Yes.

I'm going to try

...not to die too soon.

Monsignor.

You no longer believe in God.

He's never come to see me.

Now, it's too late.

Accept the sacrements.

That won't change anything for you.

But it would make your friends happy.

He sighs.

I will accept on one condition.

Bring us "Figaro".

[soft music]

...-

They're asking for you.

A macaroon, sir?

She could be good for the part of Cherubin in the play.

Yes.

I know you're not sleeping.

And I know why.

What has happened elsewhere...

...has no importance here.

As long as you can

...bear to be with me...

...I beg you to stay by my side.

[playful music]

...-

Who's asking for me?

Your proprietor. He's rich.

Give his daughter the role of "Cherubin".

I'll finish at 5.

Then it's the Board of Censors then the actors.

Let's talk about the actors.

Here are the accounts.

They haven't given you a cent

...since the play started.

She's a minor. She's emancipated.

You too, so it seems.

Mr. De Beaumarchais?

Gentlemen.

By what right do you perform

...the "Barber"? It is...

...ours. - Please explain.

The play became fair game...

...after two days of no box office.

I re-created it.

You owe me one ninth of the takings.

It comes to 3,225 pounds.

You're out of your mind.

Authors will no longer live...

...on your charity.

Copyright must be recognised.

Goodbye.

Copyright? What's this world coming to?

Mama!

Mama!

Mama!

Pierre?

He's gone to see the actors...

...with a copy of "The Marriage".

He probably had a reading.

You have to love him

...just as he is.

It's difficult.

How do you find the play?

More brilliant,

...more scandalous than ever.

It's a bombshell. He will end up...

...in prison? The Censors...

...will decide that.

Hush!

It's not important.

It's not important.

Don't make that face.

It's my play that they're going to pass judgement on.

I'm not risking the galleys.

But the Bastille.

You will take care of my wife.

[conversations]

...-

You know everyone.

I haven't had the pleasure.

Madame Vigée Lebrun will represent...

...the queen.

It's an honour.

Before I say anything, you should know

...that I undertake to make

...any corrections

...which you feel are necessary.

"The Follies of a Day; or the Marriage Figaro."

"Figaro: I was born to be...

"...a courtier.

"Susanne: I have heard the Trade of a Courtier is ....

"...not so difficult as some pretend.

"Figaro: Ask for everything, seize what you can and accept what you get.

"That's the secret in three words." You're not worried about ...

...offending certain of our friends?

If they feel put down...

...they are not worthy of ...

...being our friends.

"Figaro: Without need?

"Antonio: To drink without being thirsty...

"that's what sets us apart from the animals"

Is this a defence of debauchery?

Mr. Desfontaines, you yourself are a writer

...and a good one.

You know...

...that it's necessary to create...

...characters as foils...

...to exalt the virtues...

...of those who serve as examples.

God has need of the devil.

"The Distinction, titles...

"... rank, wealth...

"...to which you are so proud.

"What have you done to deserve them?

"You put yourself to the trouble...

"...of being born..." That's a bit strong.

Let's wait for the end.

"Figaro: My wife...

...and my health excepted...

"...they are welcome...

"...to all I have."

I'll let you off the song...

...which follows this dialogue.

[hubbub]

...-

You're crushing my feet!

- I can't see my own feet.

- No ticket...

- What's he talking about?

- About "The Marriage of Figaro".

- I'm not going to the theatre.

I have a horror of theatre.

I'm just going home.

- I'm suffocating!

- What time do we think the

...performance will start?

- At 6. - I'll be dead by then.

Le carrosse...

...de Monseigneur le comte de Provence.

The coach...

...of the Duke Of Chaulnes!

Come, my beauty!

Air, I need air!

I need a lot of it.

[shouts]

...-

[hubbub]

...-

Gentlemen, gentlemen.

Please.

Excuse me, excuse me.

Thank you, excuse me.

The Duchess.

Your theatre is grandiose.

Tonight, I feel it's small. Small.

Beaumarchais writes so little.

May I present to you...

...the Duchess of Chaulnes?

Madame.

After you.

Ah, hello.

Hello.

Just a little chicken-wing.

It's light.

I'm not hungry.

A little Champagne.

Drink to the health of Figaro.

My throat is too tight.

Say a prayer for me.

You don't believe in god.

Like our prince.

I no longer know.

[blows]

Let's go, have courage.

It's that our life

depends on this play.

You're right.

It's more.

[symphonic music]

...-

19 feet on 26.

Here, Figaro, my hat.

You find I look better? Yes.

- Than this virginal bouquet...

Sir, sir.

Excuse me, Mr. De Beaumarchais.

It's Beaumarchais!

[shouts]

...-

With character and spirit...

...You may advance yourself. Spirit...

...to advance oneself.

Mediocre and crawling, you will get there in the end.

- You only need to study...

...politics from me.

- I know.

But pretend to be ignorant of what you know...

...to know what others are ignorant of.

Lock yourself away...

...to cut the feathers...

...and seem profound...

...when one is empty and hollow.

Employ...

...traitors.

"Smooth over problems.

"And try to ennoble the poorest of means...

"...with the importance of objects.

"The Count:

"But that's intrigue...

"...you're talking about.

"Figaro: politics, intrigue.

"I see them as the same..." He wrote...

...that? I could never have had...

...such talent.

- Against anonymous...

...Figaro, qualities?

Gentleman. You?

If heaven had wished it, I would have been...

...a prince!

I undertake, myself...

...that it's the conjunction "and" which links...

...the correlative members...

...of the phrase. "Or" separates them.

I pay the wench "or" I marry her.

Pedant. Pedant and a half.

If he dares speak in...

...latin, I'm greek, I'll destroy him.

[laughter from the audience]

- Let's examine the title and its meaning.

So, your courage has returned?

I no longer need it.

Listen, listen.

[laughter]

And you don't want to write it.

Conti est mort...

...so I can keep my promise.

Don't believe that.

It's nothing to do with him.

What do you mean?

In his state, he wouldn't have thought of it.

He needed help.

Someone helped him?

God is always close to you...

...the best of all your friends.

I would like to choose...

...one of these slight powers...

...on the ill that they command...

I was telling him that...

...without the liberty to condemn...

...there can be no flattery.

And it's only small men

...who fear...

...small writings. Please read it back.

"it's only small men who fear...

"...small writings."

Enough, I beg you.

La Borde!

Sire.

Send this ...

...to the sergeant of the guard.

Forced to travel by the route...

...I came in my without knowing.

I have abandoned especially flowers...

...that my gaiety permitted me.

I say my gaiety...

...without knowing if it really...

...mine.

Nor what this "me" is I'm talking about.

A coltish animal.

A fierce young man with the taste...

...for games.

Ambitious by vanity.

Laborious by necessity but lazy...

...with joy.

Orator on the subject of danger.

Poet for relaxation.

Musician on occasion.

I've seen it all, done it all, worn it all out.

They have martyred a dying man?

I helped them.

He felt his death

...wasn't any use.

The gentle mother, as we say

...brings us forth to greet the day.

All the rest through heaven above

...remains the mystery of love.

The mystery's ...

...how such a one...

...could yet produce...

...a handsome son.

tis by chance of birth decided

who's a shepherd, who's a king

cruel fate

their lives divided

wit alone

a change may bring

kings in life with pomp provided

death will throw their altars down

Voltaire wears the immortal's crown

If the cheery little play...

...has a message, let us say...

...in favour of its witty words...

...it's that reason may be heard.

Mother nature's guiding force ...

...leads us by...

...desire of course.

Our pleasures are our.

Now, sirs, this our comedy

which we hope does not offend...

...tries to show the life of we...

...good people who here attend.

Though the people...

...may be wronged...

...and suffer sometimes...

... all too long:

Still we'll finish...

...with a song, la la la...

...la la la la la la la la la.

La la la la la la la la...

...la la la la la la...

...la la la la la la la la.

...-

Get ready to clear the place out.

...-

...-

Go, take your places.

Stand back!

...-

Thank you, thank you.

Bravo! Bravo!

Mr. De Beaumarchais.

What is it?

I arrest you by order of the king!

[frantic applause]

...-

I got my old cell back.

The people of the house are...

...very attentive.

But their solicitude...

...would be no help to me...

...if the prison didn't sanction...

...once more, the justice of my combat.

I wish Voltaire were here...

...to see that against one single man

I am right, with so many others.

[sounds of keys]

Mr. De Sartine.

Put your things together.

The king finds that your punishment

Has gone on long enough. This is how the king punishes.

Thus he lifts the punishment...

...when it seems right to him. Hurry up.

If I choose.

Excuse me?

I will leave only on one condition.

That the king orders the "Marriage" be revived.

And that the Council be present.

And if he says no?

The king hasn't said no.

And the great people...

...will applaud "Figaro"...

...without suspecting they're applauding...

...one of the birth-cries...

of the French Revolution.

Musique symphonique

...-

...-

...-

SOUS-TITRAGE CEDRA TRANSLATION AMBROSE