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The English colonies in America rose up against the Crown.

Under the young American flag which then had only 13 stars...

...those known as the Insurgents...

...fought fiercely to gain their independence.

But against the powerful and organised English army... ,

...American General Washington...

...could only fight with poorly equipped and undisciplined militias.

Weapons, food, clothing were sorely lacking.

Also, despite their courage and their enthusiasm...

...the Insurgents suffered defeat after defeat...

...and were severely decimated.

- Ephraim Putnam? - Missing.

- James Thomas Hight? - Missing.

- Boy Halston? - Missing.

- Jonathan Mitchell? - Died for freedom.

-The will to win remains.

Galvanized by its leader Washington, the young nation finds its first heroes.

And the court having found Nathan Hale guilty of treason...

...has decreed that the said Nathan Hale...

...shall be hanged by the neck until dead.

Nathan Hale, do you have anything to say...

...before the sentence of the court be carried out?

-Yes.

I regret to have but one life to give for my country.

Let justice be done!

However...

...on the evening of certain battles...

...Washington felt overwhelming responsibilities...

...weighing heavily on his sturdy farmer's shoulders.

Oh Lord, give me strength and courage to face so much misery.

Oh Lord, uplift the faith of my fellow Americans and me...

...and help us win the peace.

Excuse me, Sir, your presence is required at headquarters..

General Washington...

My name is Silas Deane, Sir.

How do you do, Sir?

- Won't you be seated? - Thank you, Sir.

General Washington, Congress has appointed me as their agent in France.

Mr Benjamin Franklin, of course, is their official representative

My job is to purchase arms and ammunitions and...

...and recruit officers there, for our army.

You see, my task is to be more obscure, more discreet.

May God crown your endeavours with success, Sir.

If any country can help us, it is France.

I'm told that our cause finds much support there.

Was it the Congress that sent you with this good news?

-No.

No, I came here to see you on my own account.

I would have been greatly surprised if it had.

Those gentlemen are not familiar with the rules of civility.

It is far better to have the people behind you, than its representatives.

And the people are behind you.

Mr Deane…

Tell them in France that our situation could not be worse.

But also tell them…

...that without a fleet…

...without officers...

...without arms...

Without food...

...we shall fight to the finish....

...with the help of God.

In Paris, at the Wooden Sword Cabaret...

...a meeting of brilliant young people in love with new ideas.

For you, my dear Marquis!

Thanks. You quenched my thirst, dear Count.

Gentlemen...!

Using the freedom of opinion, so dear to us...

...I declare the Marquis de La Fayette, though very self-opinionated...

...to be much less worthy on 2 points...

...wine and women!

No more than one drink, no more than one woman!

His wife is charming, but she's a child.

I take the challenge!

Down!

Down! Down! Down!

It's worth a drink!

It washes!

Gentlemen, good evening.

I bring you a gift from our friend Benjamin Franklin.

A portrait of the commander of the Insurgents army...

...General George Washington.

-Long live America !

Oh no! This is not possible!

I already left you hanging Rousseau, Diderot and Voltaire.

The police tolerate them.

But a general will get me into trouble.

Easy, my friend!

Our tavern owner speaks of gold!

The stupid police don't fear writers.

But without writers, no generals.

The pen proposes, the sword disposes!

General Washington's place is between Rousseau and Voltaire.

Let him stay there.

Freedom !

Coppers come here disguised as merchants!

You're going to have me thrown into the Bastille!

I'll follow you there and I'll have us put in the same dungeon.

Equality!

My friends...

...let's raise our glasses to the Insurgents and Washington!

Such a rich man, a revolutionary?

It's necessary! What would we make of the revolution, otherwise?

Marquis, a copper!

Come forward, Mr Policeman.

Despite your smart attire, we recognize you. Come on!

Join us in a toast to Insurgent victory.

Brotherhood!

Afterwards, you'll make your report o Mr de Maurepas.

You're wrong, Sir. I am Silas Deane, an American citizen...

...under orders from General Washington.

Welcome!

-WELCOME !

Speak, Mr Deane.

I'm in Paris to recruit volunteers.

By being sent here here, I was rightly informed.

Yes sir, all volunteers. When do we leave?

Come now, Sir, you are in even more of a hurry than me!

I have to submit the engagement- contracts to Mr Franklin.

And find a ship, weapons…

Where are up you?

General Washington tells you that everything is bad.

But we shall fight to the finish.

Mr Deane, we are all officers of His Majesty the King of France.

It won't be easy.

They will prevent us from leaving, but we'll leave!

For where, Marquis?

For America, Mr Policeman.

Your frankness makes my task easier, Marquis.

-Your task is to snitch.

Go on, snitch!

This is a public place.

As long as order reigns, you've nothing to say.

- Washington… - He's an English general.

- Do you take me for an imbecile? - I wouldn't allow myself.

Certier!

Thank me, Mr Policeman. You were going to commit a crime.

It's you who committed one.

When you use your sword for the king, you can't then make use of it...

...the way you make use of it.

Pick up yours, Sir.

Did you want to teach me a lesson? I'll give you another one.

I can't fight against an officer of His Majesty...

...but I can make him stop!

Your sword, Sir! And that with it!

That’s it, here we go again!

Help, help!

Over a painting!

Your Washington's well-defended.

Leave him to me! Leave it to me!

- Assassins! - Executioners!

Death to police spies!

Gentlemen of the watch, pick up your commander!

Whoever's with me, follow me!

See you soon, Mr Deane!

You see? It begins well!

I hope Segur will win.

- That’s it! - It’s Count Artois!

- I lost 100 crowns. - Me, 200.

-Me, 3. And I'm a better courtier than you.

It gives the king such pleasure that we bet on his loser brother.

I'll bet 1,000 on him!

Father, I lost.

I too, it seems. At least we're good courtiers.

I confess, I didn't think about that.

I'll go and settle. Like to join Adrienne?

Certainly, son-in-law.

Madame de Simiane's hat prevented me from seeing the finish.

Me too, father.

Curious... That foreigner has just arrived at the course.

How could Gilbert make a bet with him?

The ship?

Arrived yesterday in Le Havre.

It's the "Sussex".

-With guns?

Small ones, but guns…

And the police?

Vergennes closes his eyes.

- Vergennes? - Sire?

Who is speaking to the Marquis de La Fayette?

-I can't see very well, sire.

I have very poor eyesight.

It's Silas Deane, the agent of the Americans, Sire.

You, Maurepas, have excellent eyesight.

Thanks be to God, despite the years, I can still see quite far.

It's useful for a minister.

Baron Kalb will be on board.

And me?

Franklin signed your engagement, Marquis.

Thank him for me.

Tell the Baron that I'll sail with him.

And your wife?

I'll talk to her.

Gilbert looks radiant.

So you like losing so much?

Let's say I like lost causes.

In that case you have a chance, my dear.

Excuse me.

Gilbert.

Aglae and I are treated like a pair of horses.

- What do you mean? - We've been bet on.

- Which one will get there. - Will get where?

Don't play innocent, you brute.

Forgive me... I've already got there.

Father, I am taking my wife away from you.

- I have to talk to her. - Of love, I know.

But the king first.

As we lost to please him...

...let's see if he likes us.

- Do you like horse racing? - It fascinates me.

Why didn't you take part in it, then?

I have the honour to belong to the king's musketeers.

I ride with a sabre in my hand.

A good Musketeer reply!

What do you say, Maurepas?

It would be a shame if Your Majesty lost such officers.

What do you mean, lose them? We are not at war.

We can never be sure if we are at war or not.

By the way, I had an embargo placed this morning...

...on a ship loaded with weapons for Americans.

I thought your Majesty should know.

You chose a bad moment to tell me about that.

Forgive me, Sire.

In this case, I must advise Your Majesty...

...that if it's up to me I would grant permission.

Gentlemen, we are at the races. We're playing, not deciding.

What is the point of having 2 ministers if I always have to decide between them?

-Your Majesty is going to have fun!

It's necessary to choose between Washington and Cornwallis.

Still?!

-Explain yourself.

Count Segur is going to race under the name of Washington...

Maurepas, are you playing England?

A Minister of Finance is required to make safe investments, Sir.

So… 500 on Washington.

Done. 500 on Cornwallis.

I don't know Washington, but Segur is charming.

I put 1,000 on him.

I, madam, have to play both.

That is very wise, Sire.

And you, La Fayette?

May your Majesty forgive me.

I am not abusing great ideas with horses...

...even if they were English.

A king who likes to sleep, a queen having fun...

The English we hate but that we imitate...

...and the American war which becomes a horse race!

Sire, I'm thinking...

This is a wonderful opportunity for you to make a decision.

Decide what?

About that ship!

If Noailles wins, you lean towards Maurepas.

If it's Segur, for Vergennes.

Goodness, madam, you are still full of very good advice.

-Washington.

Sire, it’s Vergennes that must be followed!

The passionate young man.

As I said, Sire, racing fascinates me.

Races or the Insurgents?

All young people are Insurgents.

-The king was making a joke.

Not at all. It's decided. That ship can leave.

Rome organized chariot races.

Did they bet?

No. It's an English invention.

Do you think that this sort of entertainment will prosper?

Mr de Conflans says so.

General Howe, at the head of an army of 33,000 men...

...crushed the Insurgents.

Damnation!

This is a very helpful man.

He gets me out of trouble.

It's better to wager on an army than on a horse.

I rally around Maurepas...

...who definitely has a better view than you.

I tolerated covert help to the Insurgents.

From now on, I forbid it.

Gilbert…

At the bottom end of Passy...

...in a small, well-hidden house...

...that of Benjamin Franklin, the wise man of the American Revolution.

Virginia and New York.

Excuse my delay, gentlemen.

- The police? - No, worse.

My step-father!

The American defeat... true or false?

True!

- Baron, I didn't see you. - One never sees Kalb, Sir.

It's all true... Howe beats Washington, Maurepas beats Vergennes...

...and goodbye to the ship.

We'll not have the pleasure of this beautiful trip together, Marquis.

You lose hope quickly, Baron.

"Quickly" ? I've been 30 years waiting for general's epaulets.

German, English or French... whatever.

Only rank matters.

Even American escapes me!

For me, it's the fight that counts.

I'd rather be a soldier Insurgent than a general of the Crown.

It's your age... You'll find other fights.

This one... is finished.

Finished!

I hope that the Baron's opinion is not shared by anyone here.

By all, Gilbert.

Not by you, Deane?

A defeat that we overcome is a beginning to victory, only...

Only?

- Franklin is not here. - I know. Where is he?

Nearby, with a messenger who arrived from America.

But I'm afraid, Mr de La Fayette...

...that the message is...

"All is finished."

Finished!

Gentlemen...

The Boston Congress...

...declared the independence of the American colonies.

Long live Congress!

Mr Franklin...

You don't declare independence, you win it.

That's right, Mr Kalb.

But we don't lose it either...

...in one battle.

Yes, when it's the last one.

The last one will be where the English are crushed!

-By you, Marquis? -By me, by you, General Kalb.

By all those who follow me!

- On a hot-air balloon? - On a ship, mine.

- Do you have a ship? - A ship can be bought.

Dearer than good intentions, Sir.

You are rich, but do you know the price of a ship...

A ship full of weapons?

Freedom has no price, Sir.

You realise...

...what you would happen, if the king learned that you want to buy a ship.

I shall already be far away when he finds out.

Wait...

Are you speaking seriously, Mr de La Fayette?

You could raise 100,000 pounds?

And double that.

Without offending anyone here...

...we are all leaving with contract in pocket and epaulettes.

You don't ask for anything...

...and you offer a ship and weapons?

I only put one condition on it.

Which is?

That the ship be called "Victory".

Well done, Gilbert!

- In the evening, he goes to her house… - Are you sure?

- Is he secretive? - Not exactly.

He says "I rush towards ideas, flags, women."

There is a 2 in 3 chance for you to be wrong.

But I love him.

What if he only loved you?

If he didn't like ideas, flags...

...and if women didn't love him.

Would you still love him?

I believe so.

-For me, love is so simple. -For him too. Too simple.

He needs glory.

Glory is a mistress who can make you suffer more than others.

You're not asleep?

Don't touch me, Gilbert.

-Adrienne…

Would I kiss you if I'd just left another's arms?

Answer me.

I am sure that you fancy the Countess de Simiane.

Yes, I like her.

I don't deny it.

And I like Aglaé too.

Only, they both have something against them.

What?

You.

My love.

But why the mystery of where you go in the evenings?

To an old gentleman’s house.

Benjamin Franklin.

Why hide it from me?

You're a little girl.

I am a wife and a mother.

Yes, as well!

Granddaughter, wife, mother, Isn't that enough?

Must I burden those charming shoulders?

If I am sure of your love...

...you can do what you want.

Even leave?

-"Leave" ?

Without guarantee of return.

With the Insurgents...

Is that it?

Yes, my love, that’s it.

And that's not all.

Nothing is easier for you than to stop me.

You heard the king.

We will be watched excessively. Me, especially.

And you are best off with the fiercest of my guards.

- Who's that? - Your father.

Chiquois, where did Mr de La Fayette come from?

You can choose.

To be with him, against me, to keep me.

Or with me, against him, to lose me.

You see what I'm asking of my little girl?

As much as a Corneille heroine.

-Which, with this bill of exchange...

...makes a total of 112,000 pounds.

And 29 days of waiting.

Kergoet, Marquis, was one of your most beautiful estates.

I wasn't going to sacrifice it.

It was necessary to be a little competitive.

I'd have preferred to sell 2 estates and wait half as long.

Marquis...

...you didn't think it was right to entrust the old notary...

...and family friend...

...as to what you plan to do with this money?

It's a real fortune, and whoever gets it...

...could probably wait.

There are cases, Sir, where keeping people waiting is a crime.

So, counsellor?

He has the money...

...but I don't know what he's going to do with it.

A cryptic sentence, that's all.

- Which was? - "Keeping people waiting is a crime."

I'll be out until this evening, my love.

That charming air will accompany me...

...along with the one who played it.

- Do you have all the money? - Yes.

See you tonight, mother.

- It's gold? - Please forget it.

Am I stupid?

When a husband goes out with so much gold...

...he's going for gifts.

That's right, mother, for gifts.

- Go up. - I have an appointment, father.

I know.

I'll accompany you there.

Plea se.

Mr Deane, I am the son of a peasant...

...like your Missouri children...

...but I know the nobles.

Get them drunk, and they are ready to ruin themselves for a cause.

Sobered up, they ruin themselves for women.

- Not La Fayette, Mr Kalb. - I believed that too.

But he's delayed me for a week.

If I don't leave tonight, I will never arrive by Monday.

After Monday, no more ships.

He said 4 pm.

At the latest.

It's 3.45.

The 112,000 pounds that are there…

You are well informed.

You know for whom that gold is intended?

Yes.

-The Countess of Simiane. - No.

The Insurgents.

There is only one person who knew that.

We all have our secrets.

- Adrienne… - Let's leave her out of it.

- She's my wife. - She's my daughter.

Give your wealth to the Insurgents if you want...

...but give it discreetly and don't go any further.

Your sword belongs to the king.

One day, he'll be glad.

Right now, he is wary.

You'll think you're leaving Noailles for America. It will be for the Bastille.

- It doesn't scare me. - It does me.

I wish something better than prison for my son-in-law.

Also, before you go to your interview...

...we're going rid the king of his suspicions.

We're going to see the king?

- No, his brother. - Which one?

The eldest.

Show de La Fayette in.

Entrust this to me.

Your clothes are all deformed.

This is not a confiscation, it's a deposit.

You're welcome, Marquis de La Fayette...

...under this roof, which is going to become yours.

Mine?

The 1st gentleman of my household is here in his house.

But it would appear that this is news to you.

-Yes, forgive me, my lord.

Mr d'Ayen has a surprise in store for me.

I see he succeeded.

However he should have consulted me. .

This office is a great honour and I find myself unworthy of it.

Your name your uniform and your fortune...

...give you particularly worth.

Thank you, my lord.

But besides these merits that you list...

...there is one I have a weakness for to hold more dear...

...my ideas.

Ah yes, I forgot…

It is fashionable to have ideas.

What an idea…

Birth exempts you from having any.

Youth, name, fortune and wife are not enough for you?

So leave the ideas to those who need them to live.

I need them to live, and those I have prevent me from serving you.

I would like that you allow me to be the sole judge.

- My ideas are just a word. - Which is?

- Freedom! - A word, indeed.

- It inspires the world. - A part of it.

The youngest part.

Mr de La Fayette...

...your frankness is one more attribute to join my court.

Your father-in-law didn't hide your sympathy for the insurgents.

But take those buccaneers like…

Like women take their hairstyle!

Don't risk your life for a fashion...

...because in France, everything goes out of fashion.

And nothing changes.

Everything will change!

It would be to drive to despair...

And the king? What do you do with the king?

What do you do with the people, my lord?

They would be happy if agitators didn't preach that they were not.

These agitators don't preach, they fight...

...the dishonesty of ministers, judges...

...the enslavement of the people!

But that's a revolutionary program.

You will understand, my lord, that a revolutionary cannot be…

I am not the king, but I might be one day.

I now believe that a revolutionary...

...has no place in my court.

You have been warned.

Sire... the Duke of Ayen.

-So, what did you tell him?

I leave it to him to tell you himself.

Your clothes are all deformed.

Pardon.

I was appointed 1st gentleman to his Lordship's bedroom.

I need you for an urgent and secret mission.

To Bordeaux, finished!

Here he is.

Between two police officers?

Thank you, gentlemen. You may leave us.

You have authority, Mr de La Fayette.

Goodbye!

Come back quickly.

Your son-in-law’s first mission was accomplished well.

Pardon?

Sir had him carry gold, and I had the honour of escorting him.

Be careful that this honour doesn't take you to the Bastille.

I despaired…

So?

It was the Countess of Simiane, Duke.

Again…

- We are playing Marivaux, my dear. - And quite well, I might say.

My father-in-law must be thinking that I abandon the Insurgents...

...for your beautiful eyes.

Please God that my beautiful eyes won't take you to the Bastille.

Gilbert, we are going to the queen.

- In honour of what? - Our comedy fools no one.

I have the disadvantages of being your mistress...

...without having the advantages.

A charitable soul, in secret from Maurepas, warned me.

What?

The Marquis de La Fayette.

This is the first time we've seen you at my chamber music.

Indeed, Majesty.

Perhaps it's to meet dear Lauzun here?

Or the good Mauroy?

Or the excellent Segur, whom I no longer see these days?

No. It's Your Majesty that Mr de La Fayette comes to see...

...on my advice.

You transform my home into a place of intrigues?

But that's so amusing.

And those who amuse me are entitled to every indulgence.

I'm confused.

But Your Majesty knows my frankness.

I also know of your concerns.

So is it to tell me about them that you come to listen to my music?

Yes, Majesty!

God, he’s funny!

Nothing escapes you.

Oh yes.

Alas…

Gentlemen...

...the king!

Sire, may I be so bold?

-What do you want ?

-A signature, sire.

I'm going to the queen. Your signature will wait til tomorrow.

Are you persistent?

Persistence is the first duty of a minister.

Not before 9!

Speak, but be quick... I love this ariette.

It's too late, Majesty.

Maurepas chases me to your salon, Madam.

You are my last refuge against this man.

"The last"?

To sign is to decide, and at this time...

...I only want to make one decision... to sleep.

Let's exploit this excessive love of sleep.

- What are you doing? - Please, don't be afraid!

Sire, these signatures can no longer suffer the slightest delay.

My friend, is this my refuge or your work-room.

You're right, Madam...

Resume the music.

Let's get this over with.

You seem ill-at-ease, Louis.

With reason... These are arrest warrants.

Look at the names.

What? Arrest those who came to my home as friends?

They came to your home, only to avoid arrest.

I call you to witness, Sire. The minister accuses me of plotting!

Be careful with your words.

Take this away... It's not the time.

Your Majesty will not reproach me if I add another decree?

- What decree? - War.

War…

England is losing patience.

And departure for America of Mr de La Fayette and his friends…

England can allow me to listen to some music.

I regret, Madam, friendship with England

...requires that we choose wisely for our own sake.

Wait, Sire.

Those interested are here.

Is it not the most basic courtesy to inform them?

I am in your quarters, Madam, I will bend.

Gentlemen…

It is repugnant to the queen that we decide your fate behind your back.

I'm less forgiving, when you decide that of France, behind mine.

To please her, I therefore inform you...

I'm signing for the arrest of all four of you.

Now, music.

-Sire, I'm thinking about it.

Isn't there a more elegant way of reassuring England...

...than locking up Mr de La Fayette?

- Such as? - Send him to them!

-The idea is admirable.

His uncle Noailles is ambassador to London.

Relatives invite each other, especially if the king asks you to.

Madam, why do I have 2 ministers when you are worth 10?

You will go to London, Sir.

Rather than me, as I have to go to bed.

- Majesty… - Enough, Maurepas!

It's 10 pm, it's crazy.

If I'm not allowed to sleep, what will happen to France?

How can I thank Your Majesty?

By looking at the English women.

- Be patient with me… - I don't like to be patient.

Good luck in London.

Mr Noailles, at the risk of shocking this excellent Germain...

...I repeat that we should never have taken Canada from you.

You forget, Highness, that England lives from its trade.

And where does its commerce earn from? From its colonies.

But if you try to take colonies from your friends...

...you wake up one fine morning...

...without commerce, without colonies and without friends.

What a shame for France that his Highness was not king...

...instead of his brother.

I love everything about France... its ideas, its spirit...

and its wine.

What shall we drink to?

To France, naturally.

- To England. - To both!

You are lucky, my dear d’Ayen.

Your Highness.

France is on the pedestal.

Didn't you promise to bring Mr de La Fayette?

Here he is, Your Highness.

Excuse me, Sir.

I heard about you, but I didn't expect to find you so young.

This youth makes you likeable.

-And less formidable.

Will you join us in toasting the alliance?

What alliance?

But that of our two countries.

It would be my pleasure, but there is a third one between us.

Which is?

America.

America, Sir, is not a country.

It is an English colony.

Lord Germain, Minister for Colonies.

Sir.

I've also heard about you...

...Mr de La Fayette.

You wanted to cross the Atlantic. You have only crossed the Channel.

You finally understood where the winner was.

Ministries are always in a hurry to declare victory, Excellency.

The Insurgents did not capitulate.

The gold distributed by Mr Deane and Franklin in Paris...

...won't delay the day of reckoning for long.

It's not gold that stirs the friends of freedom.

Your German mercenaries, on the other hand…

They’re more than a match for the bandits who enlist in France.

If the French volunteers are like that...

...why be concerned?

Sir, you're forgetting whose guest you are.

No, it doesn't matter.

I also like French spirit.

-Major General Cornwallis.

- This is our guest of honor. - Yes.

Mr de La Fayette, you will get the latest news...

...about your friends, the Insurgents.

Gentlemen, it's with great pleasure and honour...

...that I present to you Major General Cornwallis…

...who has just returned from America.

Are you French, Sir?

Excuse my English ears, but I misunderstood your name.

-Marquis de La Fayette.

Do you like hunting?

Such that I have memory of.

I grew up in Auvergne, where there's a lot of hunting.

Like in the west of England. My country.

I hope to return when the war is over.

It's said that it's coming to an end.

That's possible.

In your opinion, can the Insurgents hang on?

As long as they have a leader like Washington, yes.

And his troops, Sir...

Do they deserve the contempt that Lord Germain has for them?

You are young, Sir, but you're a soldier.

A bunch of irregulars... barefoot...

...armed with hunting rifles and without officers...

....who hold the British army in check...

Don't they deserve something other than contempt?

Oh yes...

Victory!

Mr de La Fayette…

I have heard the rebels have many friends in France.

Would you be one of them?

You are a military man.

I am sure I need not tell you then...

When a man is young and spirited...

...there's no better cause to fight for than liberty.

If I understand you correctly, and I think I do…

...maybe the next time we meet...

...gun in hand, like this...

Maybe on opposite sides of the field...

I'm afraid you're right.

We are bound to.

Attention!

- Your bird, Sir. - No, yours.

Excuse me, it was only wounded.

At any rate, I shall always remember your frankness...

...with pleasure.

And I... your courtesy.

I come from Kalb.

Mr Bancroft.

At your service, Sir.

- Are you staying in London? - For the moment.

Can I trust you with an assignment?

That's what I'm here for.

I'll entrust you with a letter for my father-in-law, Duke d'Ayen.

You'll wait a week though, to give it to him.

Mr Bancroft?

That's right.

Is this a letter from my son-in-law?

True.

Why didn't he give it to me?

We write to someone, when we don't want to face them.

You know of this?

No. I know nothing.

Yet you serve as a messenger to my son-in-law.

I like to be of service to all.

It's a farewell letter.

You knew that?

True.

That's all I know.

Maybe you can explain it to me.

Maybe.

My son-in-law writes...

When you receive this letter, a week will have passed since I left

Yes.

But he left London yesterday.

Yes.

He didn't ask you to wait a week?

- True. - So why...?

I told you, I love to be of service to all.

You are a curious character, Mr Bancroft.

True.

I know the interest you have or Mr de La Fayette.

Why make you wait a week...

...to know all the details of his voyage?

What details?

He doesn't give you any?

Travelers generally provide details.

For example?

I know so little.

I only know that he will find Baron Kalb

to board in Bordeaux on a ship called La Victoire

...to America, where Mr de La Fayette will fight alongside the Insurgents...

...with the rank of General of the American army.

You see, I know practically nothing.

He had to quickly give me this letter.

But no...

In a week.

- Is it too early or too late? - If you send a fast courier...

...he will arrive in Paris in time. I calculated correctly.

You are playing a strange game.

True.

I even play a double game.

To win double?

No... to be sure of winning.

How much do I owe you?

Wait until you have won.

True.

Make way! London courier in the service of the king!

Is this any time to disturb people?

Give me the letter.

Get me a courier immediately.

Adrienne…

Listen to me now.

I'm not coming back.

I'm leaving.

Yes, my love.

- When? - Right now.

I've no choice.

I'd hate myself.

So would you.

- I shall wait for you. - My little girl.

You'll be abused.

You'll have a war, too.

With your father, with the king, with everyone.

It's harder to fight against friends than against enemies.

There's something you must know.

Yes?

Dad... It’s wasn't me who informed him.

You suspected me, I know.

But I never told him anything.

Always call me your little girl.

But when you get there...

...remember you have a true wife.

Get away!

Quickly!

I'll stall them.

What is it, Sir?

By order of the king, we must apprehend the marquis.

The marquis is in London.

It's common knowledge.

The king's order is categorical.

Allow us to confirm that he's not here.

Show me this order.

Do your duty, Sir.

So, did you find him?

It would have been better for him, Madam, that we found him.

I had a narrow escape. I had Maurepas' henchmen after me.

Let's go!

-Maurepas woke the king in the middle of the night.

The king would have been livid!

Everything will be done to prevent your departure.

I've never considered that it would be a pleasure trip.

And be considered by your king to be a deserter?

You only become a deserter if you lose. I'm going to win.

Mr de La Fayette...

...listen to me.

You'd realise how hard it is for me to give you this advice...

Stay.

Mr Franklin... it's impossible for me to accept it...

So what should I say to General Washington?

That all of France resembles you.

- On our way! I can hardly believe it. - You'll be a general, Baron.

- A curious harnessing, Marquis. - What is?

Like horses... the two of us…. I'm German, you're French...

...but it's me who is the fount of reason...

...and you who are, ow can I put it…

The fanatic!

Fake baron, real marquis.

Born poor who wants to be rich, and born rich who'll die poor.

But under the American flag.

We've something in common.

- What? - We are free.

Your talisman?

Yes, my talisman.

Yours?

Mine.

The dragoons are catching up! Faster!

Faster! We've nearly got them!

Turn the lead-horses, quickly!

Where are they?

I advise you to speak!

I know nothing!

We'll head for the West Indies... I say "head for".

Why are they laughing? Aren't we going to the West Indies?

Captain Rocco Borsalino.

Hello, Captain.

"The West Indies" was for Bordeaux authorities.

- We're going to America. - To America? How come?

- Calling at the West Indies? - No. No stops.

- And my cargo? - What cargo?

Some cloth and trifles to sell in the West Indies.

It wasn't stipulated in our contract, Captain.

Neither was America.

Captain, you'll be able to sell your merchandise in America.

If the English know of it, they'll just seize it.

He's right.

Well, I'll buy it from you.

- All of it? - All of it!

What are you going to do with all that cloth?

There won't be enough to dress the Insurgents.

Come on, Captain... Set sail right away!

And your trunks, Mr Marquis?

My trunks? I won't wait for them.

Yes, but I have to wait for something.

- What? - The tide!

2 more hours.

But in 2 hours, the dragoons will be here!

What can be done? The tide won't rise until then.

Impossible!

Say a prayer, Marquis. I only believe in Satan!

And me, in the Madonna.

Our Lady has heard you, Marquis. The slack is about to begin.

Halt!

Too late, Captain.

Verdammte Scheisse!

Don't be afraid, Baron.

If I find myself on board, 'Victory' will be seized...

...with the weapons and provisions.

- Yes, like the 'Sussex'. - No!

'Victory' must get there.

Captain.

When the tide is right, you will leave.

Without me.

- Impossible! - We're not leaving!

Yes!

This is my first order.

And the last.

Replace me there, best you can.

It was your talisman that was the good one, Baron.

You gave us a good run, Marquis.

But finally, I caught up with you.

I had a message for you.

A message from the king.

How can you not believe in Satan?

I shall accompany you to Marseilles.

Don't be offended by the precautions which we will take on your account.

On the other hand, we'll not seize any of the crew or cargo.

As you see, you are not arrested, Marquis.

Your carriage is waiting for you.

He's not being arrested.

No, he's getting into his carriage.

-Stop, by order of the king!

Please tell me who you are and where you are going.

Marquis de La Fayette, on my way to Marseilles, by order of the king.

Is that all you need to know?

-Please excuse the precautions…

Get going!

Cut him off! Stop!

Mauroy!

- You haven't left? - Not without you!

-Nothing stopped you.

I'm not coming to accompany you, but get you back onto "Victory".

By swimming?

Listen, without you, this departure no longer made sense.

I suggested anchoring in Spain, at Los Pasajes.

I jumped in a rowboat and…

And you want me to jump for joy...

...and follow you to Pasajes.

Read this.

The king ordered me to go to Marseilles...

...and I'm going there.

But you, I order you to go to America...

...to fight twice as hard, and to win!

Go now, Mauroy!

Go!

- Goodbye, Gilbert. - Farewell.

Mauroy!

- It's him! - Are you sure?

Yes! I'm sure, it's him!

The boat, quickly!

My compliments, Maurepas.

Mr de La Fayette has escaped you.

If Your Majesty had listened to me…

Why are you laughing?

Admit that he played quite a nice trick on you.

I don't know if England will find it very nice.

What's the atmosphere at the English embassy, Vergennes?

Glacial, Sire.

Which proves, sire...

...that England doesn't find La Fayette's aid to be insignificant.

You think that a boy of barely 20 will change the course of events?

What do you know of it?

He disobeys me, and it amuses you!

No...but if, on the open sea, he heard you...

...it would surely amuse him!

Are you looking for English frigates?

According to the mate, there are some around here.

By a miracle, we may not see any...

...but I don't believe in miracles.

- Have you ever been stopped at sea? - No never.

The frigate shows the red flag, and you, the white one.

Out of the question.

At the first warning shot, you show it quickly.

Out of the question!

No white flag and it's "Fire!"

Do you know how many cannons the English have?

- 12! - And us, 2.

No question of naval combat.

If the time comes, you'll be reasonable.

You'll go full sail onto the frigate.

Boarding and sabre attack!

In the merchant navy, we often carry swords...

- We never touch them. - I'll give you lessons.

I sold you my ship, Marquis.

But not my own skin!

With sabres… Huh!

At the first sight of a frigate, detach the port boat.

Ready to set sail... no sleeping!

We'll count to 20 and then, presto!

The ship is already paid for.

Defender of this freedom that I idolise,

free myself more than anyone,

by coming, as a friend, to offer my services to this republic,

I only bring my frankness to it and my good will.

No particular interest, no ambition.

Working for my glory, I work for their happiness.

Adrienne, my love,

one more day is coming to an end.

I must stop, because I've forbidden all lights on the ship...

these last days.

Sometimes I wonder if it exists.

What?

America.

We must have passed it.

La Royerie is lucky, birds fascinate him.

Yet they're all the same.

Not exactly.

These ones are different.

In what way?

They're American.

They are no longer seabirds.

Land is nearby!

Thank God!

We shall have a drink to celebrate.

Your English is progressing, Marquis!

But to toast before arriving, brings bad luck.

Ship ahoy off the starboard bow!

You see?

It's not English.

I bet my epaulet!

Come on, Baron!

It has an English bow.

I won.

Believe me, Marquis, the white flag.

Touch it...

...and I'll beat you to pulp!

I am in command!

Get ready to fight!

Around me, the rest of you.

Baron?

My contract does not provide for combat at sea.

Neither does theirs.

Look at them.

If you go along with me, they'll come along too.

Baron, you are an American officer.

And I'm going to die like a common sailor?

Me! who hates the sea.

Come on, arm yourself!

Get moving!

Let's go!

Bosun!

Man the boarding stations!

Down to the hold!

Action stations!

Detach cannons, grenades and fire pots in the tops!

The 2 broadsides at the bottom, the gunners to their guns!

Unfurl the topsails!

Turn a little, let them see our flag.

It's American!

It's an American!

5,6,

7.8,

9..

So there… What a miracle.

I lost!

- It's for you. - I have one.

Oh thank you.

Land ahead port!

My friends, America!

That's America!

We came voluntarily for a country to live free.

Let's all swear to win or perish!

We swear!

Oh, very well, gentlemen.

But let's not be blinded by sentiment.

A great many of these so-called volunteers...

Frenchmen who are sent to us by our esteemed agent, Mr Deane…

...haven't joined up for love…

...but for money.

Not because they're interested in our cause...

But because they seek employment.

A higher wage, I higher rank, than they could command in their own country.

In my opinion, gentlemen...

and I will not mince words in this assembly...

Such men can only be classed as undesirable.

We don't need them! We don't want them.

“Undesirable…”

I demand to speak!

Who are you?

I am just an “undesirable”. Sir…

I have not finished speaking, Sir.

When I have, I will consider your request.

Please excuse me, Sir.

I know my English is very bad.

But I am the Marquis de La Fayette.

I have come here with my friend...

...to... it's difficult, Sir...

We crossed the sea on a ship I bought...

...to help you in your war.

My friends, my ship, my money, your war!

This, Mr President, is what kind of “undesirables” we are.

I'm sorry.

If Monsieur the Marquis will forgive me for saying so...

...we have much more urgent need of skilled artillerymen...

...as we have for sight-seeing aristocrats...

However well-meaning.

And freebooters who find it difficult to speak our language.

That is why we find it impossible...

...to honour the contracts you all signed with Mr Deane in Paris.

Mr President…

You cannot understand what your words mean to us...

We fought so hard to join you.

We gave up everything.

Everything.

Our homes, our families, children, everything…

...to help to make your country free.

We ask for nothing in return.

Forget Mr Deane's contracts.

Forget our contracts.

Forget my ship, forget my name!

The only favour we ask for...

...is to be soldiers without rank, without pay...

...but in your army.

Let us only fight by your side.

The charm of democracy, it’s that we can explain ourselves.

And not before just one, but before everyone.

And everyone has their say.

The assembly has deliberated. You can come back, gentlemen.

It is hereby resolved...

Whereas the Marquis de La Fayette,

In consideration of his zeal in the cause of freedom...

...in which the United States are engaged,

left his family, his people and came at his own expense…

...to offer his services to us unconditionally...

...claiming neither special treatment

...nor special compensation,

...and has the desire to risk his life for our cause...

...the Congress has resolved...

...that his services be accepted.

In consideration of his zeal

...and the status of his family and alliances…

...he will have the rank of major-general in the United States Army.

Thank you.

-Halt!

-We come to see General Washington.

-What kind of man is Washington? -He is a simple man.

He hates speeches and flattery.

He is a self-effacing man, almost austere.

But his hand-shake will break your hand!

When he was a child,

he flipped a coin from one bank of the Potomac to the other.

- A braggart, then. - Not at all.

One day he admitted having uprooted a cherry tree.

His father forgave him, saying...

...it was better to rip up 1,000 cherry trees than lying.

And he remembered it.

Never lying, must not make his job any easier.

Present arms!

You are welcome, Mr de La Fayette.

No, General...

It's him who's de La Fayette.

You are La Fayette?

-Yes sir.

You are so young... you could be my son.

- Like many of your soldiers. - Yes.

But they are also the sons of America.

You are French, you have a great fortune, a great name.

This is not the case with most of my sons.

We do not receive greatness from birth, Sir...

...but from fighting for a great cause.

Yes. And you have already won a good bout with Congress.

The English are even tougher.

And you saw my troops.

Don't judge them before you've seen them fight.

I didn't come here to judge, but to learn.

Good.

To start with, you can learn from this.

Cornwallis received 5,000 mercenaries from Brandenburg, as reinforcements.

General Howe, 120 artillery pieces.

And General Clinton... a new regiment of Highlanders.

And you Sir, a 20-year-old French marquis,

A Prussian baron, aides-de-camp and that’s it.

Exactly.

And yet, I don't know why...

...but I think that I wouldn't trade.

Thank you sir.

The main thing is to have a leader for whom we agree to die.

He says he's a general!

Pretty soon they'll recruit them in the nursery!

Attention!

Here you are... six cartridges apiece.

Those are the orders.

What do they want us to shoot... squirrels?

Between 6 squirrels and 6 Redcoats, I'll shoot the Redcoats any day!

That's right.

6... that's what I said.

We're not going into battle... We're withdrawing from here.

General Sullivan needs all the ammunition we can spare...

He's between us and the enemy, giving us cover.

Well there you are.

- What command will I have, Sir? - None, for the moment.

- But I am a major general. - And you've never seen fire.

I have imagined it so many times!

Command requires more than imagination.

- I can join the Sullivan army. - No.

I'm reserving for you…

...my militia.

Look at them.

They go barefoot, they are hungry...

They only have 6 cartridges each.

They have nothing.

There is nothing to be proud of.

But if I give them as commander the Marquis de La Fayette...

...who has travelled 1,000 sea-leagues to lead them into battle...

...it will revive their courage more than shoes and ammunition.

Yes, but when?

Patience, my boy.

In war, everything happens faster than we imagine.

Except perhaps victory.

We're approaching Brandywine Ford, Sir.

I hear that Washington has received reinforcements from France.

Troops?

Oh no...! Officers.

Soon we shall be fighting only generals.

Here they are, Sir.

The ford is not guarded, Sir.

Good! Get going!

Come on!

You're quite right, Sir...

Washington obviously doesn't know our position.

Or our intentions.

If he stays where he is...

...we can come up behind Sullivan...

...and attack, before dark.

What is it, soldier?

Advance patrol of General Sullivan's army, Sir.

We couldn't get back... The Highlanders have cut us off.

On which side of the river?

On this side, Sir.

-Cornwallis has crossed the river.

Are they advancing on us?

No Sir, they're attacking General Sullivan's army.

Our intelligence is failing.

What are we doing for Sullivan?

-We will come to his aid!

Here is the answer to your question, Baron.

-We had to fall back.

We'll try.

We are so lacking in ammunition!

We do not have the choice.

We must save Sullivan's artillery...

...because I have no other.

General, I command the militia?

Yes, now you can take command.

Youth is a wonderful thing!

I know, you have only 6 cartridges.

But I have only got that!

Follow me!

You were told 2,000 men, Sir?

There are at least 10,000 of them.

Kalb, with your dragoons, you will protect the artillery.

You will also defend the bridgehead...

...because Cornwallis will seek to cut us off from retreating.

Good luck, Baron.

Thank you, Sir.

Make those troops go faster!

At that speed, they'll never hold the bridge!

- Cornwallis' vanguard. - Finally!

Gentlemen, good luck.

They've launched a counter-attack on our right flank.

They're using bayonets.

That means they're short of ammunition.

Bring in the rest of the infantry.

Double the artillery barrage.

This punch is cold.

-First line, forward!

-Fire !

-Fire !

-Fire !

-Reform yourself!

Form ranks !

There's a gentleman over there worth watching.

Let's move closer

Don't retreat!

Form ranks!

Don't retreat!

Form ranks!

I thought so… It's young La Fayette.

- The Marquis? - Yes.

How do you know him?

I met him in England… on a shoot.

Different kind of shooting, though.

Extraordinary. I met his father once. In a battle... Mirindene.

Didn't know him for long.

Just long enough to see him shot.

It seems the same fate is about to overtake his son.

Fire!

-Gilbert! You're hurt !

Pity!

- Surrender! - Never!

- Surrender! - Never!

A Frenchman, did you say?

-Yes.

We've quite a few of them here.

You say he's a major?

Major-General as a matter of fact, Surgeon.

But he's not much more than a boy.

We can't tell their rank, half the time.

Not that it makes much difference.

It's not as bad as it looks, Sir.

But he's lost a lot of blood.

He's one of the French lads.

Brave as they come. But hard to handle.

He doesn't want us to send him to the hospital.

Have him taken straight to Mount Vernon. Immediately.

- Your home, Sir? - Yes.

I don't think he'll want to go.

He won't know anything about it till he gets there.

-Kalb, he…?

Yes... yes.

He managed to cross.

Where are you taking me?

Where are we going ?

Wandaa shoo wannakay.

Gaspard, Gaspard!

Quickly!

Welcome to Mount Vernon.

Thank you so much, Madam.

Your husband has been most unkind.

I should not be here at all.

I am ashamed.

Ashamed? Ashamed of what, M'sieur?

For the leisure.

Oh, you mustn't feel that way.

You know it's only the brave M'sieur, that take the risks.

This is your wife?

Do I pronounce it right?

Yes... beautifully.

You stay here... I'll be right back.

My husband says that you must not have any exercise...

...but to write to Adrienne.

- He left no other orders? - No.

He said I was to treat you as if you were his own son.

Madam…

Tell him please that I'm grateful.

As a wife of an American officer,

...I have to give you your lesson.

You'll be told...

we were beaten again in Philadelphia.

You will answer…

It's true, but on the plain...

...between 2 armies equal in number...

...veterans always have the advantage over new troops.

-Nothing discourages him!

He says nothing will discourage him or the Insurgents.

Before the bravery of these men,

I tell myself that if the king saw them...

The king, Madam.

I was the one who asked His Majesty to come.

Don't hide that letter, Madam.

I got news from de La Fayette, indirectly...

...but the news he sends you interests me too.

He's in America against your will, but there it is.

You won't have a better observer than an American major general.

-What does he say about Philadelphia?

They will object to you. A disaster! It is the capital of America...

Liberty Boulevard.

He says what he thinks.

You will respond politely.

Well?

You are idiots.

He's still saying what he thinks.

And why?

Philadelphia is a bleak town whose port is closed.

It's only famous because of Congress, and is without strategic importance.

And Washington?

Half of the letter is about him, Sire.

He is the greatest military man...

and the wisest statesman that there is.

I admire and love him like my own father.

Your husband has, on top of an American uniform...

...a heart.

No, Sire.

He always reminds me that he fights for France.

And his health?

He doesn't mention it.

That's good.

He was injured.

He hides it.

- Don't tell anyone. - Don't be afraid.

He disobeyed, but I respect his courage and that of his wife.

And I'm not jealous of Washington.

Ha, my dear... How is your boy?

He's been most obedient.

I could have trotted off, but I had to wait for you.

So I am doubly happy to see you.

You'll not have to wait any longer.

No, La Fayette... It's too early to walk.

No, I'm doing very well.

I received a letter. I would like you to read it.

- From France? - No, from here.

A Congressman... Conway.

Conway?

Please read it.

In short, it proposes to open a second front.

An expedition against Canada.

Which could give back Canada to France.

Exactly. What do you think?

This is an advantageous offer for you and for France.

Yes maybe. But I asked questions about Conway.

My wife alarmed you for no reason. Don't believe women.

Yours, yes.

Conway is plotting against you.

Plotting is a strong word.

Maybe, but it’s the right one!

He's making me this offer so as to separate us.

You might benefit from it.

Politics never end with the war.

And, above all, you are French.

If the United States disunites, it's not worth fighting.

I don't fight so the English give Canada back to France...

...but for America for Americans.

I have thought a lot, Sir.

We cannot crush the English.

You have to harass them, eat away at them them...

...until the day we can fight them at the place of our choosing.

I'm talking nonsense.

It's not nonsense at all.

I myself have been thinking for ages about a campaign of harassment...

skirmishes.

And to be honest, I even thought to entrust it to you.

- So I'm back in? - When you are able to walk.

Look, I'm walking! I can walk now!

La Fayette, I was young once, too.

I loves this confidence, this passion.

But I advise you one thing which was very useful to me...

...since my early youth:

Patience.

Patience.

La Fayette was capable of anything except patience.

And that same evening...

Thank you, Your loving son, Gilbert.

Don't shoot!

Don't shoot!

Friends.

The Iroquois are with the English.

- Were. La Fayette won them over. - I see.

There are conquests we must be quiet about.

Listen to me carefully, Kirowa.

Here is the plan I propose to you.

Tonight, you and your warriors...

Don't shoot! These are friendly Indians!

Friendly?! What would they be like if they were against us?!

An ambush!

I'm sorry gentlemen, I can't offer you any brandy...

But I'm expecting some port, an excellent port.

Here it is.

We've been impatiently waiting for you, Phillips... You and the port.

I'm sorry, Sir, there's none left.

What? Have you drunk it all?

Our supply columns attacked. They took everything.

My dear Philips, this is a disaster!

The general Staff can make-do without its port if need be...

But to make a present of it to the enemy is a tactical error.

Who's responsible for this brave effort?

Mr de La Fayette.

Oh, no! Not again!

I can't wait for this war to be finished...

...so that I can tell that boy what I think of him!

It's a little war, Sir and a little officer.

Neither one nor the other, Phillips.

To refuse a pitched battle when you know you're going to lose it...

...is plain common sense.

La Fayette jumps up on the left and jumps up on the right...

But never meets us head-on.

He excels in not satisfying our hunger for battle...

...or our thirst.

How long the war is, my love.

And you are so far away, surrounded by such dangers,

that I tremble every moment for your dear existence.

I am supported only by the actions that I take to help you

to the king and queen.

She is a woman, she understands my anxieties.

But his benevolence does not quench my thirst for your kisses.

General Washington asks for you. It's very important.

Pass these orders along.

Ah Monsieur le Marquis, I was waiting for you.

The threat from the North is fading.

Burgoyne has retreated.

And I'm ordering General Gates to start marching.

The time has come to attack.

We're going to attack Burgoyne here.

Saratoga.

Here is where we trap them.

And here is where we shall crush them!

The Insurgents won a decisive victory over the English...

...by capturing the town of Saratoga.

- Long live what? - Saratoga, Sire.

A town taken by the Insurgents after annihilating the English army.

Town…? A locality, at most.

As for the English army, it can't be annihilated all at once.

Why do they go on screaming? This is not a French victory.

The people want to show you, Sire, where their sympathies lie.

If we had to follow the sympathies of the people, where would we end up?

If we follow the antipathies of a minister, where will that get us?

Washington, now.

It's just that the people are fascinated by this war.

It's their war.

No, it's not a war... it's a revolt.

No, Sire it's a struggle for independence.

In which France is neutral.

Not at all.

M. de La Fayette is French.

Are you saying that we should follow him?

- It's the people who are saying it. - The people…

You're not here to argue, gentlemen, but to advise.

I'm listening to you.

The Saratoga victory fills our hearts with joy.

But let's not make the same mistake as our adversaries.

Let's not underestimate their army.

We must win other victories.

For this, help from France is necessary.

I express our gratitude to Madame de La Fayette...

...who struggles to obtain this support, through the queen.

Which amounts to saying the king.

A courier from the king, Mr Ambassador.

Excuse me.

Here...

Read it, Madam.

It's a victory larger than Saratoga.

Without you and your husband, we would not have won it.

Proposal for a treaty of alliance...

...between France and the United States.

On the ship "Alliance", La Fayette saw the coast France.

But this is not a return.

It is for a special mission that the young American major general

undertook this journey.

Move aside, it's a royal carriage.

My love!

Let me look at you.

Gilbert…

To Versailles.

The king first.

Easy, now... We have plenty of time.

The Marquis de La Fayette, envoy of General Washington...

...and Madame de La Fayette.

My dear chap, I always thought that my son-in-law...

...had the makings of a hero.

M. de La Fayette, sent from General Washington.

Show him in.

I am grateful to you for not appearing in a foreign uniform.

- I remain your devoted subject, Sire. - Devoted?

When it suits your cause.

Your case is serious, Sir... and delicate.

Your decision will be a sound one.

To decide in such a matter is so difficult!

I should have you arrested.

At your command, Sire.

Orders... orders...

And those of Mr Washington!

We are now allied with him.

That's right, Sire.

What do you think?

It is certain that M. de La Fayette deserves punishment.

-If the queen says so!

So put Mr. de La Fayette under arrest…

Right?

...in the Noailles mansion...

...together with his lovely wife...

...who he abandoned so unworthily.

I will point out to your Majesty...

No! Don't tell me anything.

The Queen has good political sense.

La Fayette stays at home...

...he will not triumph in Paris.

That's what matters.

You will therefore take the necessary stops at home.

Don't leave your wife.

I shall see to it, personally .

You are too kind, Sire.

Now, Mr. Major General...

..tell me a little about these Americans.

La Fayette spoke to the king about the Americans...

...told him a lot and for a long time.

For many months... to the king, to the queen, to Maurepas…

England too, Sire, has a powerful ally... hunger.

Here comes the coach, men!

Every time the coach comes they think it's bringing them food and money.

But what does it bring them?… Nothing!

The coach from Baltimore.

I hope it's bringing those delegates from Congress.

I hope above all it's an order from Mr de La Fayette.

He's been gone 7 months now.

So we've had letters from him, lots of letters. But that's all.

These letters bring me more comfort than the criticism I receive from Congress.

It's quite obvious that Washington doesn't feed his horses properly.

Nor his men.

- Is this from La Fayette? - No.

- Welcome, gentlemen. -Thank you, Sir.

My name is William Livingstone, congressman from New Jersey.

Congratulations.

-Still united in this other fight...

Washington versus Congress, La Fayette against Versailles.

Poverty, Sire.

A captain can't even buy himself boots.

And the credits that Congress vote?

It's not worth French gold.

It must first cover the needs of France.

-Gold spent for a single party in Versailles..

...would be enough to re-mount the American army.

For my part, I offer my fortune to the last farthing.

Washington cannot win without more ships...

...soldiers, more soldiers...

...money, more money.

Money! Money!

I should like to remind you, Sir that an officer of your rank...

...should bear his own men's allowances.

I have done so... I cannot any longer.

But you should try to understand Congress.

Give us victories... we will give you money.

Give me money, and I shall give you victories.

It is a long time since Saratoga, General.

And we have been waiting.

Waiting?

Waiting for what?

- Waiting for you to attack. - Attack? Where?

I don't know... But attack.

Attack with what?

I don't know, but attack.

One does not attack on an empty stomach, Sir.

Unless some great and capital change takes place...

...my army must be reduced to one of three things...

Starved…

...dissolved...

...or dispersed, in order to exist in any way they can.

I think it is time to review the troops, General.

American troops are not made up only of Americans.

Washington must take whatever he can get...

...and they don't bear privation for long.

This is disgusting!

How can one let men sink so low.

Three battalions, did you say? Where is the third?

Where is the third battalion?

Here, Sir.

And the others?

They've all deserted, Sir.

I'm very much afraid Sir...

...that my report to the Continental Congress...

...will not be favorable to you.

What do you mean, exactly, Sir?

I will submit a change in the high command command.

Do you have any message that you wish me to convey to the Congress.

Yes, indeed I do.

Yes. Tell your fellow congressmen that I'm not fighting for them...

but for the American people.

And that I will continue to do so, whether they agree with me or not.

Also I'd like you to read this letter from Benjamin Franklin, to Congress.

I'd like to have it read in session.

Particularly where it says... “Mr. de La Fayette…

...fights for us in the king's court with all the zeal of a true American.

A fight at the court of Versailles must be very agreeable.

The agreeable part, Sir...

...will be his success in obtaining 60 million pounds...

...and reinforcements we so sorely need.

I shall convey your letter to Congress, General.

...despite my strong misgivings about the Marquis' fieriness...

...and his well-known penchant for wishful thinking.

Good day, Sir.

You are also a good advocate, Sir.

Mr Washington will have the 4,000 men and the 60 ships requested.

The Americans are also a generous people, Sir.

They will not forget our help, if one day France needs them.

Help from America? Not to win a war.

Yes, sir.

Soldiers of Liberty are the best.

-It's possible.

But ours only being the king's soldiers...

...we must place them under experienced leadership.

Count de Rochambeau will command the army on American soil.

You will understand that the king could not entrust this responsibility...

...to a 20-year-old lieutenant.

Even if he was a general in the American army.

I will not be able to command other than with your whole-hearted help.

Perhaps I thwarted some ambition?

I have no other ambition than to serve.

General, here I am.

And not alone.

French navy?

Since when has France had a navy?

Do they want to take the seas away from England, as well as our colonies?

Admiral Grasse is in charge of the squadron, Sir.

They're supposed to be bringing reinforcements...

...4,000 raw Frenchmen.

For La Fayette?

No, Sir. Under Rochambeau's command.

That won't please the damn boy.

I'm planning a little surprise for him.

He likes to move about.

He'll have to move pretty fast.

And if I don't lay my hands on him this time...

...I shall resign my command.

Captain Spears, returning from Yorktown.

What news have you, Spears?

There is a new development on Chesapeake Bay.

A fleet has just arrived, and dropped anchor.

The French?

No, Sir, English vessels.

You must be mistaken!

I believe not, Sir.

General Lafayette himself has seen the vessels.

He's greatly alarmed.

The English!

The situation's critical for you.

It now lies within range of the ships' cannon.

He awaits new orders.

Return to General Lafayette.

Tell him Rochambeau's army is moving in from the north...

...and mine from the west.

Without waiting for the juncture of the 2 armies...

...he's to do everything in his power...

...to capture the 2 ports guarding Yorktown.

Lafayette will be caught in the crossfire between the English fleet and Cornwallis.

I know... It's a risk.

But like Lafayette himself, I'm counting on the arrival of the French fleet.

Either Cornwallis is besieged...

...or we perish.

Follow me...

We are going by the woodside… behind the redoubt…

I have a trick up my sleeve.

They seem to be attacking Philip's position.

Curious idea.

What is Washington doing?

The British fleet is anchored in Chesapeake Bay.

So if he captures the fort...

...the cannons from our ships will dislodge him in no time.

It's probably a manoeuver to induce your army out of Yorktown, Sir.

Look... they've engaged but a handful of men.

I agree.

I shall not make a move.

Washington and Rochambeau will not squeeze me in a pincer.

I shall await their frontal attack.

So?

They're in the ranges of La Fayette, Sir.

La Fayette!

That damned boy!

He's here already... and attacking us... so fast!

Maybe too fast.

He hopes to perch there, and roost like a chicken.

He'll find out soon enough... it's a mousetrap.

It seems to be turning a bit sour.

My dear Philip has his hands full.

Follow me! Charge!

General La Fayette is in the mousetrap.

Forward!

On the right!

Charge, the grenadiers!

Charge!

Watch this fool break his back against my grenadiers.

Neighing

|| calls out.

Philip killed La Fayette's father, admittedly.

I shouldn't like the son to meet the same fate.

-Washington!

Excuse me Sir, but we're still 3 miles from Yorktown.

We must hurry up!

Quicken pace!

Quicken pace!

Turn the cannons!

English gentlemen... with my compliments.

Damned boy!

With our own cannon!

Let us move, gentlemen.

I have no desire to die.

Especially by English cannon.

Look!

- French or English? - There are around 30.

This is the English squadron.

Sir.

The French fleet!

Gentlemen, this is the greatest day of the war!

It’s from Grasse.

The French fleet!

The French navy! The French navy!

Our fleet's gone mad!

It’s the French squadron, Sir!

French? How many ships are there? Two? Three?

A good 30, Sir.

Thirty !

Sir!

We're surrounded by General Rochambeau's army.

With me, the Rangers!

I won't see the sea.

Cheer up, Kalb. Help will come.

Stretcher bearers!

There will never be a General Kalb.

But yes. Without you, we were all caught.

Caught?

You who love freedom so much...

Marquis, me too, I'm dying for that bitch.

-Yes, Kalb.

- You know that, do you? - Yes, Kalb.

Don't look at me anymore, Marquis.

See, it was a mousetrap…

It was set for me.

Present arms!

Mission accomplished, Sir.

Order arms!

My sword, Sir.

Until now, it had known only victory.

I know that, Sir.

We and our allies are all the prouder for that.

The fortunes of war are capricious.

You have defeated an English general...

And I congratulate you.

But the English army never surrenders.

The English army has always been known for its stubbornness.

But you will find that we in America have learned to follow your example

For my own part, I hope this victory will end this cruel and unjust war.

May I now ask a favour of you, Sir?

Certainly. What is it?

General La Fayette. I do not see him.

He has escaped me throughout the war.

May I now see him at last?

I think that this time, He's waiting for you.

I have paid dearly for the right to meet you.

Can I ask if this might be in private?

Gladly, Sir. I had always hoped to receive you in my tent.

I always keep my appointments, Monsieur La Fayette...

So do I Sir.

...however unpleasant.

You led us quite a chase.

You remembered no doubt, how fond I was of hunting.

Unfortunately as before...

...you made the kill.

I really must congratulate you.

Thank you, Sir.

But actually, you owe a great deal of your success...

...to Lord Clinton, my superior.

He didn't want me to win a battle, before he'd won one himself.

Then perhaps I should congratulate you…

...on having lost this one?

You haven't been a general long enough, to understand these matters.

Our army was bigger and stronger than yours, as you know.

So ours has all the more merit.

But yours did quite well, I'm sure.

But you were alone, against General Washington...

...Count Rochambeau, Count Grasse, Baron Viomenil…

And you!

Really, Sir... You shouldn't put yourself last.

You gave us most trouble.

Is there anything I can do for Your Lordship?

Yes.

Please see that my soldiers who are prisoners...

...are treated with humanity.

You need not worry, Sir.

The Americans themselves have been prisoners too long, to maltreat others.

Will you allow me one more word, Sir?

Your army was not the strongest.

It's rather the cause it defends which gives strength to an army.

The Battle of Yorktown marked a decisive turning point.

Victory was close.

La Fayette could return to France.

Now, Marquis, we separate.

Victory also brings separation.

Nothing can separate two war companions.

Your wife, your children, your friends...

...and glory. Many things.

One above all... France.

The uniform will change, but not the cause.

God made you born a marquis.

But each of us will remember that freedom...

...was born French.

But America taught him to walk.

Without you, I would have remained an officer...

...a tavern loudmouth.

Congress made me a general, you, a soldier.

You will come back to us one day, I hope.

As an ambassador of a new France.

Maybe.

But would I still be here?

Goodbye my son.

Farewell, Sir.

Godspeed!

Thank you, Sir.

Thank you.

Damn boy!

I am waiting for you. You will come back, I know it.

But only when the independence of America will be assured.

It's done. It is, my love.

Humanity has won its case.

Freedom is no longer without asylum on Earth.

Nature has made men free and equal.

All men are born with inalienable rights...

to freedom of opinion, to manners, to strive for well-being, to resist oppression.

La Fayette.

Subtitles by FatPlank for KG