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1773.

The 18th century is fine-tuning
it's last act.

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Louis XV is about to leave the stage.

Behind the scenes,
Louis XVI is already getting ready.

It's the time of great ideas
and bad subjects.

Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais,
son of a watchmaker and one himself,

found with Voltaire that
the clocks of his time were delaying.

He was going to work
to get them back on time.

-Where is the French theater, please?
-Right here, my Prince.

Thank you.

THE BARBER OF SEVILLE

-Mr. de Beaumarchais, please.
-He is not here. Write to him if you like.

"He took it to heart
and took away my job."

"Claiming that the letters
are incompatible with business."

"Powerfully reasoned."

"And you didn't make him represent…"

"I thought I was happy
to be forgotten about."

"A great man does good
when he does no harm."

What redundancy, but what gravity…

-Why are they so slow?
-The text deserves a pause on every word.

What text?

It's not Marivaux or Voltaire.
You have to be light.

Who's there? Let us work!

Not like that. I almost fell asleep.

Come on, let's take it
from the start, after the song.

-"No, he's not an abbot."
-"No, he is not an abbot."

-"This haughty and noble air… "
-Gentlemen.

You just have to say the lines.

"It's Count Almaviva."

-"It's Figaro's rascal."
-"Himself."

-"Maraud, if you say a word!"
-"I recognize you."

-"That is your way of honoring me."
-"I didn't recognize you, you're so fat."

"What you want is misery."

Excuse me, sir.

-I couldn't hold back.
-You did the right thing.

Don't hold back in front of the author.
Let's start again.

I knew it.

-The rascal!
-I have a letter for you, sir!

-Give me that!
-From Mr. de Voltaire!

-Do you know him?
-Yes, my father is his steward.

Let us have a look, then.

"Brilliantly scatterbrained as you are…

I'm afraid you're
right against everyone."

"Through your trial,
you are attacking Parliament."

"My thoughts are with you."

"Receive this young Gudin who adores you."

"And who can do you a favor."

"Don't forget me, I'm thinking of you."

"Voltaire."

Voltaire…

I'm taking his orders.
What can I do for you, sir?

Would you be so kind
as to look at my texts?

You write, too?
Everyone writes these days.

Even the filthy Baculard d'Arnaud

in this scrap that you have the audacity
to bring here.

Come…

Excuse us, gentlemen.

Come on!

"The bright star of the nights
closed his eyes."

"And I watch, alas,
in the grip of my fantasy."

"The bright star of the nights
closed his eyes."

"And I watch, alas…"
"The bright star of the nights closed…"

-Miss Ménard?
-Don't come in, I'm naked.

Mr. de Beaumarchais sent me.

-To do what?
-To read you a poem.

-Can't he come himself?
-It's that the poem is mine.

Ah…

You're writing.

He would like you
to give your opinion about it.

According to him, you like young authors.

The rascal…

Go ahead.
I am expected to rehearse.

The Lapliade.

That's the title of the poem.

"The bright star of the nights
closed his eyes."

"And I watch, alas…

in the grip of my fantasy."

Is that all?

Come.

Right. I'm listening.

"The bright star of the nights… "

Where is this writer?

-Who's that?
-Mr. de Beaumarchais, your lover!

-Leave him alone. He knows nothing.
-I know everything.

-We broke up.
-How did he find out?

I was desperate, he understood it…

-You will be twice! I'm going to kill him.
-I beg you, Joseph!

Joseph!

Beaumarchais is at risk of death.

-Run, run!
-Where to?

To his home, Rue de Condé.
We have to get there before the Duke.

Come on, you moron.
Just drive over them.

Excuse me.

-Is his life in danger?
-I'm telling you they want to kill him!

Who wants to kill me?

-A gigantic duke.
-A mountain.

A mountain? You describe it well.

-What about Miss Ménard?
-She only listened to my first verse.

-And the rest?
-Then the Duke broke down the door.

-He saved you.
-Sorry?

Your verses are awful, Mr. Dudin.
They reflect your erudition.

Nothing about real life.
Nothing of our century.

And nothing of yourself.

-So why did you send me to Miss Ménard?
-To hear a softer judgment than mine.

You're writing correctly,
but you're thinking the wrong way.

-Has Voltaire read your work?
-He gave me the honor.

What did he think?

-The same as what you think.
-It's cruel.

What job did you have with him?

I prepared texts and wrote letters.

Thank you, Cézaire.

Get in.
Get in, you are hired.

You haven't eaten anything.

I'll have two dinners.

Please write.

Dear Councillor Goëzman…

-Is this a new pamphlet?
-No, it's a request for a hearing.

Dear Councillor Goëzman.

My appeal is imminent.

Parliament has appointed you
to be my accuser.

Why not end this trial?
Three years is a long time.

-Do you know the case?
-For you, this trial is a pretext.

Explain.

You don't care about
the Count of Blache's money.

I think…
Parliament is a forum for your ideas.

And you prefer your ideas to theater.

That's not incorrect.

It's dangerous and could be bad for you.

Ferdinand!

Your father's watch.

You recognize this object?

Your father gave it to you the day
the King made you his watchmaker.

-You were 22.
-Do you know everything about me?

Except what you haven't experienced.
And which deserves a witness.

You, perhaps?

Paris is dangerous.
Too much misery, too many taxes.

We suffer in silence.

Yes, because no one wants to go
to the Bastille.

You do, given your writing.

I want to prove
that this parliament is corrupt.

-Can you afford to prove it?
-I have a little idea.

What is this decoration?

It is for my job.

Before I am charged, I play the judge.
I'm a hunting lieutenant.

-Are you a magistrate?
-Aggravating circumstances.

I paid this charge.
Thank you, good morning.

-Look for these honors.
-I will.

-Mr. de Beaumarchais.
-Thank you very much, sir.

Parliament has not forgotten me.
My appeal trial will be next week.

Let's go, come on!

Gentlemen, the court.

Please sit down, thank you very much.

Right.
Good morning, sir.

-Where's the plaintiff?
-Here, Your Honor.

Come closer, don't be afraid.

We demolished your wall.

I had built it myself at the bottom of
my meadow to discourage thieves.

Who demolished it?

Speak, sir.
Don't be afraid.

-The Prince of Conti.
-The Prince of Conti?

-Why did he tear it down?
-To hunt, with his pack and horses.

-Lieutenant of the Hunt!
-The Duke of Chaulnes, what an honor.

I'm here to avenge my honor.

Mr. Caron.

-Prepare to die.
-This doesn't seem the right place.

-I don't care. You're going to die.
-I'm not so sure.

Give me a moment, and please, sit down.

I won't keep
an unjustly robbed man waiting.

Thank you so much.

Whereas a man,

even if he is of royal blood, cannot be
above the law that governs the common man,

the court sentences
Louis Bourbon, Prince of Conti,

to have this wall restored at his own
expense or risk being forced to do so.

You are a good man, Mr. de Beaumarchais.

Sentencing a Bourbon to rebuild
a wall is unacceptable.

I'm all yours, Duke.

Guard, would you be so kind
as to lend me your sword.

Thank you very much, guard.
I apologize, Duke.

-Thank you, ma'am.
-Miss.

On guard, sir.

-Oh, no.
-Pardon.

Mr. Duke.

Let me.

Mr. Gudin, could you do me a favor?

-Yes, sir.
-Thank you so much.

I need you as a witness.

Accepting a duel with such an eminent man
can get me in trouble, Mr. Dudin.

-I've already killed a man.
-One, but not two.

Mr. Dudin, witness
that I'm not the aggressor.

Certainly.

-Mr. Gudin!
-Sir?

Call the guard.
It's urgent.

Guards!

Mr. de Beaumarchais!

I'm arresting you in the name of the King.

How long can we keep him locked up?

-Until the trial.
-He must not prepare his defense.

-Fear not, I'm watching.
-We're paying you for that, Mr. Goëzman.

If I can't prepare for my trial,
I'm a dead man.

-You must talk to Sartine.
-You call it talking?

-You've done this for me before.
-But never with a minister.

He's only a police lieutenant.
He is far from unpleasant.

If you like him so much, you do it.

I don't like boys, and I can't go out.

Marion…

If I'm condemned,
I won't be able to write.

Not even for you.

You will be condemned to vaudeville
for the rest of your life.

-Marion…
-Do you know what you're asking of me?

To do what you do best.

-You're despicable.
-I mean acting.

I'm not asking you to love him,
but to make him think you like him.

And to make love to him.

It's better to wait.

-I can come back.
-It's almost over.

That's it, it's over.

Mr. Gudin.

-I'm waiting for your poem.
-My poor friend, how's your head?

The inside is intact.

Then I can trust you to take care of this.

The Barber of Seville?

I've improved some scenes,
although I don't work well here.

-Tell me what you think.
-You're asking me my opinion?

Tell the actors about the corrections.
And you will replace me as--

-Me?
-Yes.

Quick, the rehearsal is
about to begin. Guard?

-Yes, sir.
-Show this young man out.

-Of course, sir.
-Thank you.

Tell Beaumarchais to be discreet.

And tell him to stop attacking Parliament.

The King will not be able
to protect him indefinitely.

Well, behold, he's free.

Can I do anything else for you?

Let's wait a little longer.

Sorry, but I have the play in the morning.

I hope you will have more prisoners
to release.

"My God, sir!"

-"Oh, my God, sir!"
-Hands on the heart, Rosine.

She's troubled.

-Hands on heart.
-"She is evil, Lord Alonzo."

"It was a blow to my heart."

"A seat!"

-"Ah, Rosine."
-"What carelessness!"

You're too far away from each other.

They fear Bartholo,
but they are very attracted to each other.

Like this: "What carelessness."

-What carelessness, indeed.
-Pierre!

Okay, come on, let's start again.
Just the lines. So tell me.

You wanted to write my life,
but not live it?

-I was doing my best, sir.
-I saw. It was well-imitated.

Do you still want to help me?

It's my dearest wish.

I just found out that the Parliament
has condemned me early.

I only have one weapon left.

That of my enemies.

Corruption.

I've twisted my ankle. I've hurt myself.

This time, Beaumarchais will be condemned.

You're talking rubbish!
The King supports him.

That's right.
The rope supports the pendulum.

-If he loses, he is ruined.
-He's used to it.

-Parliament just wants his head.
-Parliament or the King?

It's the same thing!

Excuse me.
Excuse me, sir.

Excuse me.

Sorry, excuse me.

Here is the purpose of this hearing.

A paper signed before his death
by the banker of the Vernet.

Who shamefully plunders
his rightful heir, the Count of Blache,

for the benefit of Mr. Caron,
whom we have to judge today.

Neither Mr. de la Blache
nor the experts appointed by the court

recognize the authenticity
of the signature on this text.

So who should we believe?

A man, respected by all,
who has always honored his position?

Or a public entertainer,
whose job is to deceive?

Whose name is even a lie,

and whose fortune was built
on the timely death of his two wives.

This man, gentlemen.
I solemnly declare it.

This man is a forger.

And an impostor who we must purge
from society!

Do you have anything to add?

Yes, Councillor.

-What do you have to say?
-Everything.

Everything that doesn't concern this act,
that you decided was false.

How can I establish my good faith?
I have only my word.

It is worthless to this parliament
that I hate and you represent.

-Are you talking to me?
-Yes, and the institution you embody.

Who cares less about the truth
than about protecting his privileges.

Yes, Councillor. We are tired
of the scandals revealed every morning.

We've had enough of the sick ministers
who govern us,

who do not know how to conduct themselves.

We are tired of sealed letters,
tired of being arbitrarily locked up.

With so many impostors,
can't you feel that France is weary?

Leave France alone.

France doesn't want to be quiet anymore.
Listen to it.

Listen.

-And beware.
-Sir, I'm defending you.

And I'm attacking you!

As I am not a member of the bar,
I'll tell the truth.

She's coming, my friends.

She's on her way.

Once launched, Councillor,
it will be perilous to stop it.

We're not at the French Comedy.

With actors, we often see
an unknown sincerity here.

-Get to the point, Mr. Caron!
-De Beaumarchais.

My name is written here.
I paid for it, it belongs to me.

Mr. Goëzman!

Before I was imprisoned,
I asked to meet with you.

-You refused to see me.
-I deal with litigants here.

It's an honor.
Why are you finally receiving me?

Christian feelings are sometimes
the strongest.

-Feelings, plus a small fortune.
-What are you implying?

As if by magic, I was received by you

after giving 100 Louis to your wife.

As well as a precious watch
from my father.

You're making it up.

I make things up in my profession,
not in the courtroom.

Enough!

I am filing a complaint against
Mr. de Beaumarchais.

-And I'm filing your bankruptcy.
-You're lying!

You lied about it!
Should I name his accomplice?

His name!

The bookseller Lejay, who is here.

Stand up, Mr. Lejay.

Do you know Mr. de Beaumarchais?

-I have never seen this man.
-The proof that he is lying!

I demand that he cease to expose
such suspicions.

I'm not talking about suspicions.
I'm talking about evidence.

Lejay has edited one of my books.
That's not a crime!

Come closer, Mr. Lejay.
Come and take the oath.

It's time.

Mr. Lejay, you testify under oath.

Your confession could have
serious consequences for the accused.

I don't know this man.

Or Goëzman's wife either.

Mr. Caron, it seems your defense system
should be very seriously reviewed.

Your Honor, I am obliged to summon

the man who conducted the transaction
with Goëzman's representative.

I nominate
Paul-Philippe Gudin de la Brenellerie.

-Who are you?
-Paul-Phillipe Gudin de la Brenellerie.

I negotiated for Mr. de Beaumarchais.
With Mr. Lejay and his wife, Mariette.

She is here.

Your Honor, can I question him?

Let her take the oath.

Mrs. Lejay, raise your right hand.

Swear to tell the truth,
the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

-I swear, Your Honor.
-I am the judge.

Sorry, Your Honor.

Did Mrs. Goëzman give you 100 Louis

and a watch for a hearing
with her husband?

Yes.

Did she in your presence ask your husband
to deny what had happened between them?

Yes.

Didn't she even propose you go abroad
while the trial happened in Paris?

Yes, she did.

Now you'll understand everything.
Your Honor.

Gentlemen, you'll understand everything.
Mrs. Lejay.

Do you accuse Mrs. Goëzman
of saying in front of her husband,

in front of witnesses,
that it would be impossible

to hold our rank
with what the King gives us?

-Yes, that's what she said.
-What did she add?

We can steal from a person
without them noticing.

And the person, gentlemen…
The person was me!

The hearing is adjourned.

Let this depraved parliament acquit you,
or I'll cut off the judge's ears.

Joseph, you're suffocating him!

You're choking him!

The Prince of Conti.

-He thanked you for condemning him.
-Come here.

A free man.

-This is how France should treat you.
-I'm not sure the Parliament agrees.

Thank you.

He dared! He told them!

Judges are sellouts!
Long live Beaumarchais!

Long live Beaumarchais!

-Down with the Parliament!
-Down with the Parliament!

They're thieves.
Beaumarchais proclaimed it.

-They won't condemn him.
-God hears you.

The people are with Beaumarchais!
These men are afraid of the people.

-I'm scared, Mr. Dudin.
-Don't be.

-Miss?
-Is Mr. de Beaumarchais here?

Sorry, miss, but who are you?

He doesn't know me,
but I think he's expecting me.

Please follow me.

Here you go.

The lady you're expecting, sir.

I didn't know I was expecting you,
but I would have been wrong not to.

I recognize you…

The hunting court case.

The duel.

-I know you now.
-You are disarming. What can I do for you?

I come from Parliament.

Should I fear the worst?

You will be declared infamous in court.

Your property will be seized.

You will not be able
to hold any public office.

You won't be able
to publish or perform your plays.

So I'm condemned.

-Did you come in spite of that?
-Not in spite of it, but because of it.

Since you have fights to fight,

you will have my heart
and my intelligence.

It's not just you who is brave.

My name is Marie-Thérèse Willermaulaz.

I've admired you for a long time,
but as of tonight, I love you.

Do you want me?

-This is the third marriage proposal.
-No, spare me.

-You killed your wives. Don't marry me.
-Do you want our marriage to be for life?

Life will decide.

In the meantime,
I'll follow you everywhere.

Let's start with my room.

We're here!

I think they are asking for you.

Long live Beaumarchais!

Long live freedom!

Long live freedom, Sartine.
Long live freedom!

Why not "long live the republic"!
We're not going to jeopardize the monarchy

because the Parliament voted
to condemn your protégé!

Sire, Your Majesty knows Beaumarchais.
He is a faithful subject.

Faithful and stirring!

Through his trial he was not trying
to attack you nor the regime.

-Do you like him?
-Yes, he is a loyal man.

He is also a schemer.

He likes plots.
For a playwright, that's good.

Not just for a playwright.

Do you think he can bring our case
to a successful conclusion?

I'm sure. He's the only one who can.

Here's Beaumarchais.

They say you were a watchmaker
not long ago.

They say so, yes.

I have a slow watch that I really like.
Would you like to look at it?

I don't practice anymore.
I've become clumsy.

Come on.
You never forget your first purpose.

Oh. I warned you.

Mr. de Beaumarchais.

Come in.

You will not be summoned
to the council chamber.

I want to save you from this humiliation.

But you must stay quiet.

It's not all about being condemned.

You still have to be modest.

Sit down, gentlemen.

And now…

-What are you going to do?
-There's nothing I can do, sire.

I cannot do my job or use my name.
I can't carry out any public duties.

Sit down.

If you were less sure of yourself,
less proud, less insolent…

-Sire, hear me--
-I only hear you!

Mr. de Beaumarchais!

-How do you see your future?
-Since yesterday, I have lost sight of it.

Listening to the sentence,
a surprising idea came to me.

I would have been surprised if not, sire.

You cannot work or bear your name.

So you need an alias. And under
a false name, what can we do?

What, sire?

A secret agent.

Well, say something.

-I'm speechless, sire.
-That's a first.

Here's a mission order.

You leave for London
the day after tomorrow.

A friend will introduce you
to a man there.

Or a woman.

Their gender doesn't matter.
It is not defined.

The Chevalier d'Éon.

So you know everything.

I don't know much, sire.
So this gentleman, or this lady,

was the best of your agents.
Fearless.

-Cunning.
-Corrupt, hypocritical…

-A saint would not do this job.
-That's why you can do it.

This individual holds a document
of great importance, a document that is…

dangerous for France.

It must be repatriated.

At any price.

The service of the King, sire,
is priceless?

We'll find him a price.
Restoring your civil rights.

-And the joy of seeing my play performed.
-It goes without saying.

On the mission order, your name is blank.

What will your name be, Mr. Caron?

Ronac.

It's my name backwards.
Caron, Ronac. The Baron de Ronac.

Well…

Good luck, Baron.

-Sire, Your Majesty…
-…is a little tired.

Please leave me alone.

Sartine.

Give him the details of the case.

See you soon, dear cousin.

-Are you cold?
-A little, yes. In the heart.

-This country doesn't like us.
-It never loved us.

France and England have
always hated each other.

We should have been born later.

-The King has saved you from the galleys.
-I'm not sure he saved me from the worst.

Pierre-Augustin.

William.

Ten years, yet you haven't changed.

This is Marie-Thérèse,
the love of my life.

Since two days ago.
Pierre is excessive about everything.

I just hope it lasts.

She has courage.

-You'll need a lot of it.
-Why?

Here you will have enemies everywhere.

Tomorrow night, I'm meeting
all the important people in London.

Including the Chevalier d'Éon.
But be careful.

My duties on the Crown Council prohibit me
from protecting you.

Chevalier, your plan is ruined.

Louis XV is dead.

-Who else knows?
-King George will know tomorrow.

Don't move from here or talk to anyone.

You're going to make money.

Dear Baron.

My lady.

Welcome to London.
The anti-French colony is here.

To them, you chose to emigrate.
Don't forget it.

You are against France.

-Is the Chevalier here?
-Dancing in front of you.

Is this young man him?

No, that's the escort.

Should I leave you with this wonder?

The risks of the job.

Do you think it's a man?

We're going to look into this mystery.

Don't lean in too far, my love.

The Baron of Ronac.

Mr. de Beaumarchais.

-You know of me already?
-I am well-informed.

Baroness de Ronac.
The Chevalier d'Éon.

Nice to meet you, Miss de Willer.

Since the guns are out,
I must protect you, my lady.

-Come dance.
-With pleasure.

If you are well-informed,

you must know the reasons for my presence.

I know them very well.

But I would never have risked
negotiating with Louis XV

unless it had been Beaumarchais himself.

-I'm flattered. Let's negotiate.
-Lady! That's why we're here.

-Lady is the word.
-One of the two possible.

Go on…

-Ask me the question you're dying to ask.
-Are you a woman?

What do you think?

-Man?
-No, no, no.

I said: "Hmm…"

-But…
-Let's be careful.

Absolute conviction does not need proof.

Give me your arm.

Nothing will happen to you
that you don't want to.

-They say you like women.
-As a playwright, I studied them a lot.

You don't want to continue your studies?

I don't want to get it wrong.
Let's get back to the facts.

The King knows your deep desire
to see France again.

Look around you. They don't like us.
How can I return home?

By negotiating with me the repurchase
of a plan from our sovereign.

-About the invasion of this island?
-That he unwisely confided in you.

-What interest would I have in this?
-An interest in cold, hard cash.

-How much?
-500,000.

Cold and hard, indeed.

I am not authorized to go any higher.

That's a shame.

How much would a war
between France and England cost?

What if they got their hands on this plan?

I need to think about it.

Let's go to the garden.

The night carries advice,
and this one is so beautiful.

I have let Louis XV know
of my desire to get rid of this plan.

I gave Sartine a price.
Surely he told you about it.

Or are you hoping
to keep a cut of the money?

That would be very nasty!

-550,000?
-Insufficient.

You love money
almost as much as you love women.

-600,000?
-We're getting closer.

Raise it more,
and you'll get what you want.

Sartine had written…

-700,000.
-Nearly there.

Let's say that's it.

I want the money here tomorrow
by late morning.

-What if I forget?
-In that case, you will go to jail.

Louis XV's plan will be placed
on King George's desk.

Okay.

-See you tomorrow.
-Mr. de Beaumarchais.

Is it a habit of yours to leave a woman
after you get what you want?

If I pay, yes.

But who pays the other?
You're taking a commission.

You should also take the time to live.

It's just that our meeting
seems to make people jealous.

Arthur?

No, that's not what you think.
Our relationship is political.

It's not a bad thing
that he's watching you.

-Why?
-Because he knows you.

He's American.

American…

-Is he free here?
-Under a false name, like you.

He's looking for support for his people.

Introduce me.

Arthur?

I always told Louis XV
to take an interest in the Americans.

Mr. de Beaumarchais, alias Baron de Ronac.
Arthur Lee, alias Sir Whitman.

-Pleased to meet you.
-And I, you.

Come.

The enslavement of one people
by another seems astonishing to me.

Like that of a man by his fellow man.

Invading England.
What a dream!

-Are you nervous?
-I'm in a hurry.

Here's the payment for your betrayal.
You can count it if you like.

I'd rather trust you.
I have to go.

So soon?

An unexpected journey to escape vengeance.

At your service.

You know, Mr. Lee,

for years I have followed America's
efforts to free itself from England.

I talked about it,
but no one in France listened to me.

So we have the same interest
to weaken England.

-What would you like from France?
-Rifles, gunpowder, cannons.

It would be easier to obtain its esteem.

How are you going to pay, Mr. Lee?

Your boats will return to France
full of our riches.

Let's get out!

You're not jumping, Baron?

-I don't like cold water.
-Why are you arresting me?

For conspiring with the enemy.

I am under the protection
of the King of France.

The King is dead, Mr. de Beaumarchais.

Mr. de Beaumarchais.

If I knew you were here,
I would have been arrested earlier.

-At your service.
-To who do I owe the honor?

Théveneau de Morande, a writer like you.
But less talented.

-What do you write?
-Only horror.

I fill this town with pamphlets
that no one reads.

How do you make a living?

I am paid a lot to keep my works
at the printing press, unprinted.

That's dangerous.

That's why I know this prison
better than my own home.

How's your Barber going?

-Do you know Figaro?
-I know your trial interrupted his career.

I'm updating it.

-Can I have a look?
-Of course.

-Who gave you such a cheerful philosophy?
-The habit of unhappiness.

I laugh at everything, lest I have to cry.

I would give my fortune
to have written this.

Thank you.
What is your latest work about?

-Our King's inability to honor his wife.
-Pardon?

-Have you ever approached Louis XVI?
-When he was heir, yes.

He does not fuck around, sir.
He does not fuck around.

I threatened the Court to tell everyone if
they did not offer me a happy retirement.

-What was the result?
-This imprisonment.

I was promised the worst

if I didn't tell them
where the original manuscript was.

-You've been promised the worst…
-If I didn't tell them where I printed it.

If I were my cousin, the King

this pamphlet, far from depressing me,
would stir my blood.

And would provoke a jump
to give an heir to the Crown.

-I'd straighten up.
-I fear the King does not have your humor.

He doesn't.
Thank God.

The King is very afraid of this text.

If it is only Beaumarchais
who can make it disappear,

he'll have him released.

-Are you going to see him?
-I'm going there now.

Do you know what Voltaire said
about our friend?

Beaumarchais will never be Molière

because his life amuses him
much more than his work.

How can I repay you?

-What did he say to you?
-He asked to marry me.

Wonderful.

Long live the Barber of Seville!

Come on, Pierre needs us.

-What could I write?
-What you think.

It's a disgusting joke
that will soon fall apart.

-What do you call that?
-The catastrophe of the century.

You can survive blame but not ridicule.

What have you done with this comedy?

You have weighed it down
with vulgar lines.

You have lengthened it by an act.

You messed it up.

You're right.

I wanted to make people laugh,
no matter the price.

I betrayed my words.

There is no doubt I am not a true author.

I'm going back to business.

-My skills there are assured.
-Don't add cowardice to laziness.

Just cross out the racy lines.

Use the first version of the play.

Do it yourself, Mr. Biographer.

Since you know what to do so well.
I'm not touching it anymore.

The King.

Mr. de Beaumarchais.

I had to write to King George,
who is not our friend!

What's gotten into you?

The service of the King, sire.

I couldn't come back
without stifling that infamous writing.

Here is the original, sire.

Thank you for taking an interest
in the honor of my family.

But why this contact with the Americans?

Our late King was very interested
in the War of Independence.

-Are you sure about that?
-When Louis XV sent me to London,

he wanted me to meet Benjamin Franklin.

Alas, he had already left the country.

Your grandfather has always been
very suspicious of the English.

Hence this invasion plan.

A dangerous project.

And ruinous.

The victory of the English would mean
the loss of overseas land

and the strengthening of British power.

Which would otherwise be ruinous.
We have to stop it.

-It would be too expensive.
-Three million. I counted. Allow me?

Why not.

I'm ready to move on the first million.

I'll get the second
from the King of Spain.

That leaves one million.

That's why you're always criticized
for putting yourself forward.

Do you see us retreating
when the homeland is threatened?

What do you mean by us?

By us? France.

When France finally succeeds,
will you still say "we"?

No, then I will say the King, sire.

So he's not stupid. Sit down.

Why would you do all this?

For France, and because I am translating
an unforgettable text.

What text?

The Declaration of Independence
of the United States of America.

What does this text say?

It talks about the sacred right
of the people.

What is this right?

The right to happiness, sire.

Goodbye, Minister.

Louis XV and the Americans?
You made it up.

If he marries the American cause,
he will go down in history.

It's for the best.

-Or best for you?
-It's not incompatible.

-What do you think about him?
-The King?

-It's too early.
-I like him.

Because he's ready to do your bidding.

We love the same man.

It is a man who does not exist.

I imagined him to be constant.
You imagined him to be rigorous.

He is neither.

How are you, my Gudin?
Did you write your Barber?

There isn't a single word of yours.

What's wrong with him? Is he angry?

He's disappointed.

-Bravo!
-It's awful.

-I've already sent my review.
-Do it again, he's redone his play. Bravo!

-Where is Pierre?
-He didn't come.

Our favorite author.

Your Grace.

Father.

You weren't at the theater
for the Barber of Seville?

-I panicked, Your Grace.
-You shouldn't have. It's a great piece.

-A cheerful piece, at most.
-It's the same thing.

-When's the next one?
-I don't have a subject.

You know you have one.
I read the letter to the critic.

Figaro just wants to come back.

If I put this shameless character
on stage,

he would be older, and the censorship
would not like his words.

We will protect you from the prudes.

The construction of my theater
is about to begin.

I would be flattered to inaugurate it
with Figaro.

My dear Pierre.

If the King's brother asks for it,
you must rise to the challenge.

I will, with pleasure, Your Grace.

What a luxury!

-You've moved up the ranks.
-You couldn't be more right.

As of yesterday,
I am Minister of the Navy.

I'd like a bit more consideration.

Commanding nut shells
does not give you more power.

Enough to bring you the big news.
From the King.

Big news from the King
can only mean one thing.

Since the American victories over England,
the King has realized

that we must help our insurgent friends.

He took the time to think. So?

Unfortunately, this assistance
must remain unofficial.

You'll take care of it alone.

-With what money?
-Yours.

It was your idea, if I remember correctly.

Now you will do business
with American products.

In short, I'll take all the risks,
and the government won't take any.

We must not make the English suspicious.

If that happened, the government would
have to disavow you.

Or even condemn you.

I'm used to that.

Good morning, gentlemen.

-Who is Rodrigue Hortales?
-The head of this company.

-What are these people doing?
-They're setting up the offices.

-To what end?
-To what end?

Trade with America, defense,
preparing for the future.

-Good morning.
-Good morning.

Sir, sign this please.

-Go ahead.
-Rodrigue Hortales, is that you?

Of course it's you.

You're here, my love.

Do you like this floor?
I'm going to keep it for us.

You're needed downstairs.
What do we do with the mirror?

I'm coming.

Tell me, Émile!

And that's it.

The Marriage of Figaro and the promise
to the Prince of Conti forgotten.

Rodrigue Hortales is going into business.
I was stupid.

He will never write this play.

Don't believe that.

He always keeps his promises.

-I'm happy for you.
-You're kissing my wife now?

You don't deserve her.

Where are you going?

Your biography will be called
The Tribulations of a Cannon Dealer.

Gudin is right, I'm selling death.

-Who is Gudin?
-My bad conscience.

-Do you have one?
-Everyone has a weakness.

-Start a war, it's simpler.
-Do you think so?

Excuse me. Quick, gentlemen.
We're running late.

That's it, everything's ready for customs.

What?
Nothing has been arranged?

The visit must take place,
and it will take place.

The King…

He doesn't want any fuss with the English.

Mr. Hortales.

Customs officer.

I have orders to inspect your boat.

Go ahead, please.

You, up front, the others with me.

Go ahead.

Please go ahead.

After you, dear Arthur.

Go ahead.

Come on, push!

-So?
-Nothing. The hold is empty sir.

Nothing, sir.

You've been misinformed.

Under the floor?
There is the hull. At least, I hope so.

Gentlemen.

You are pale.
Come and get some fresh air.

-Your cargo.
-Are you breathing easier now?

-Beaumarchais is here, Ambassador.
-Well, bring him in.

Dr. Franklin is waiting for you.

Mr. Ambassador.

Come, come closer.

So, Mr. de Beaumarchais.

I'm told you're not happy
with your American friends?

I sent you more than 30 ships

loaded with war equipment,
and I received nothing in return.

My company is on the brink of ruin.

But why did you do all that,
Mr. de Beaumarchais?

-For the love of freedom.
-Well…

Be happy.

I just got a message that's for you.

There, on the table.
Please read it.

Yes.

"Mr. de Beaumarchais."

"The Congress
of the United States of America,

recognizing the efforts
you have made in its favor…"

Congress, Mr. de Beaumarchais!

You are the hero of the New World!
Do you realize that?

-Do you realize that?
-Alas, yes.

How did this happen?

He was with these ladies.
He prolonged the meeting unreasonably.

-Your Grace.
-My little Gudin.

-Is Beaumarchais here?
-He's coming.

He followed me.

Hopefully he arrives soon.

Please remind him of his promise.

-He owes you a comedy.
-Ah, yes.

-Figaro.
-Yes.

I'm going to try not to die too fast.

Your Grace.

You still don't believe in God?

He never visited me.

Now it's too late.

Well accept the sacraments.

It doesn't make any difference to you,
and it'll please your loved ones.

I accept on one condition.

Give us back Figaro.

He's asking for you.

Would you like a macaron, sir?

She'd make a nice Chérubin, no?

Yes.

I know you aren't asleep.

And I know why.

But what happens elsewhere doesn't matter.

As long as you support me

I beg you to stay with me.

-Who needs something?
-Your landlord.

-He's richer than me.
-Have his daughter play Chérubin.

I have to finish the 5th.

We'll have to face censorship
and comedians.

Let's talk about that.
They're making fun of you.

Have you seen the accounts?

They've haven't paid you
since Barber's premiere.

-"You've lost her by abusing her."
-"She's a minor!"

-"She emancipated herself."
-You too, it seems.

Mr. de Beaumarchais?

Gentlemen.

What right do you have
to play Barber?

-This comedy belongs to us sir.
-That's interesting. Explain.

The play failed within two days.
The rights belong to the actors.

I redid the play. It was very successful.

You owe me a ninth
of the income, 3,225 pounds.

Have you lost your mind?

And you will lose a trial.
The authors won't live off your charity.

The company will require you
to recognize our copyrights as authors.

Goodbye, gentlemen.

Copyright.

What do we do now?

Mommy!

Pierre?

He went to see the actors yesterday.

With a copy of The Wedding.

He will have done a reading of it.

Love him the way he is.

It's hard.

-What do you think of the play?
-It's never been better.

Or more insolent.

It's a hit.

-He's going to end up in jail.
-Censorship will tell us.

You know it doesn't mean anything.

It doesn't mean anything.

Don't look like that.

Don't worry. It's my play
that they're going to judge.

-I don't risk not going to the galleys.
-No, but to the Bastille.

I will be housed and fed,
and you can take care of my wife.

-I think you know everyone.
-I haven't had the pleasure.

Mrs. Vigée Lebrun represents the Queen.

It is an honor.

Ladies and gentlemen,
first of all I would like you to know

that I will submit to all the corrections
you wish to make.

The Follies of a Day,
or the Wedding of Figaro.

Figaro: "I was born to be a courtier."

Suzanne: "They say it's a difficult job!"

Figaro: "Receive, take and ask.
That's the secret in three words."

Are you afraid to offend
our friends, Pierre?

Baron, if they feel targeted,
they are not worthy friends.

Figaro: "So, take without need?"
Antonio: "Drinking without thirst

and making love all the time
set us apart from other beasts."

Wouldn't this be a justification
for debauchery?

Mr. Desfontaines.
You write yourself.

And very well.

You know that one must create
repulsive characters

to exalt the virtues of those shown
as an example.

God still needs the devil,
Mr. Desfontaines.

"Nobility, fortune, a rank, positions."

"All this makes you so proud."

"What have you done
to own so many assets?"

"You went to the trouble of being born,
nothing more."

-It's a bit stiff.
-Let's wait for the end.

"Hearts will come back in droves."

Figaro: "My wife and my assets,

everyone will honor and please me."

I will spare you the sung verses,

for my voice would make you
judge them harshly.

-Careful, you're crushing my feet!
-I can't see mine anymore.

-There's no need to flatten people.
-What is he talking about?

The Marriage of Figaro
by Mr. Beaumarchais.

I don't go to the theater!
I hate theater!

I'm going home!

My friend, I'm suffocating!

-What time does it start?
-The curtain lifts at six.

Six is too late! I'll be dead by then!

The carriage of His Grace
the Count of Provence.

The carriage of the Duke of Chaulnes.

Come on. Come, my beauty.

Some space, please, gentlemen.
I need a lot of it.

Gentlemen, please.

Excuse me.

Thank you, perfect.

The Duchess!

Your Grace, your theater is awe-inspiring.

I already find it small.

It's for Beaumarchais.
Don't worry, he doesn't write much.

This is the Duchess of Chaulnes.

My lady.

Ah, hello!

Do you want a chicken wing?

-It's very light.
-I'm not hungry.

How about a little wine?

Huh?
To Figaro's health.

My throat is tight.
Could you pray for me?

You have never believed in God.

Like our poor Prince.

I don't know anymore.

Come on, have courage.

Your life doesn't depend on this play.

You're right. It's much more than that.

"19 by 26 feet."

"Figaro, look at my hat."

-"Do I look better like this?"
-"Without a doubt."

Sir, please.

-Excuse me, sir.
-Look, it's Beaumarchais!

"With your spirit,
you could attain high office."

"The spirit to advance?"

"Your Grace is laughing at me."

"It's better
to be second-rate and fawning."

"You should study politics under me."

"I know politics."

"It means to pretend
to no know what you know,

to know what you don't know,
to hear what you don't understand."

"To hide a secret that is not there."

"To shut yourself away
to appear profound when you're hollow."

"To play a character well."

"To use spies and reward traitors."

"Softening seals, intercepting letters,

ennobling your means
by the importance of your ends."

"This is all politics, or I die."

The Count: "But you define intrigue!"

Figaro: "Politics, intrigue."

"They're one and the same,
so do what you will."

-What? Did he write that?
-I wouldn't have the talent to.

Keep going.

"Against Anonymous Figaro…"

-"Rank?"
-"Gentleman."

"Are you a gentleman?"

"If Heaven wanted it,
I would be a prince."

"I would argue
that the copulative conjunction 'and'

binds the members of the sentence:
'I'll pay the lady and I'll marry her.'"

"I argue that it is
the alternative conjunction 'or'

that separates the members."

"I'll pay her or I'll marry her."
"Pedantic, pedantic and a half."

"If he speaks Latin, I'll speak Greek."
"I'll exterminate him!"

See.

Your courage has returned.

I don't need it anymore.
Listen.

And to think you didn't want to write it.

It looks like Conti died to force me
to keep my promise.

Don't believe that.

Conti had nothing to do with it.

What do you mean?

Given the state he was in,
he would not have thought to remind you.

-We had to help him.
-And you helped him?

God has placed the best of friends
close to you.

"I would like to hold
these powerful four days."

"So light on evil they are
when a disgrace has dampened his pride."

"I'd tell him that printed nonsense
only matters if it is censored."

"Without the freedom to criticize,
there is no true praise."

"It is only little men who dread
little writings."

Please reread that line.

"Without the freedom to criticize,
there is no true praise."

"It is only little men
who dread the little writings."

Enough, please.

-Labordes.
-Sire…

You'll give this to the officer on duty.

"Forced to take the chosen road
without knowing it."

"As I will come out of it
without wanting to."

"I littered it with as many flowers
as my cheerfulness allowed me."

"Again, I say my cheerfulness
without knowing if it is mine."

"Or even what this me is."

"A shapeless assembly of unknown parts."

"A wild animal,
a young man with all the tastes to enjoy."

"Trying all the trades.
Master here, servant there,

according to fortune."

"Ambitious by vanity,
laborious by necessity,

but lazy by choice."

Have we martyred a dying man?

On the contrary. I helped him.
He thought his death was useless.

Everyone knows the tender mother

Who he received that day

Everything else is a mystery

It's the secret of love

This secret highlights

How the son of a fool

Is often worth his weight in gold

By the fate of birth

One is king, the other is a shepherd

Chance caused their distance

The mind alone can change everything

Twenty kings who are praised

Death breaks the altar

And Voltaire is immortal

This cheerful, crazy piece

Contained a few lessons

In favor of banter

Make thanks to reason

As wise nature

Leads us in our desires

Leads us in our desires

To its purpose through pleasures

Now, gentlemen, the comedy

Let us judge at this moment

I believe we paint life

From the beautiful people
Who understand it

Let's oppress him, he's plagued
He's screaming

He's agitated in a hundred ways

It all ends with songs

Move out the way.
His Grace is going to come out.

Make way.

Come on, make room.
Move back.

Mr. de Beaumarchais.

-What's going on?
-I'm arresting you.

On the King's orders.

I was back in my cell.

The people in this place
are very caring.

This caring would be of no help to me

if the prison did not sanction
the validity of my fight.

Voltaire accused me
of being right against everyone.

I would like him to be here again
to find that finally, against one man

I may be right with all the others.

Mr. de Sartine.

Prepare your things.

The King thinks the punishment
has lasted long enough.

So the King punishes.

So the King lifts the punishment.

-Whenever he sees fit.
-Come on, let's go.

-If I want to.
-Pardon?

I will go out on one condition.

That the King orders
the resumption of The Marriage.

And that the council attend
the performance in it's entirety.

And if the King says no?

The King did not say no.

And the greats of this world

were able to applaud Figaro
without suspecting for a second

that they were applauding

one of the reasons for the birth
of the French Revolution.

Subtitles translation by: Alice Dent