All language subtitles for Marie Antoinette (1938) EN

What can mama want at this time
of night? I was nearly asleep.

Is it something I've done?
What did she say?

- Did she look cross?
- Solemn, I thought.

What can it be?
What have I done?

She can't say much to me anyway.
I'm a grown woman.

- Feldy, you know.
- Your Imperial Highness..

Feldy, tell me.
Feldy, stop.

- The empress is waiting.
- I don't care.

- Oh, I must not. I dare not.
- I command you.

- Am I to be scolded?
- No.

- Is it important?
- Yes.

I won't let you take
another step, not a step.

Tell me, Feldy. Whisper it. I
won't breathe a word, I promise.

Feldy. Sweet Feldy.
Dear Feldy.

You're to be married.

- Married.
- Shh.

Feldy, how thrilling.
How marvelous!

- To whom? To whom?
- Shh! Come on.

Feldy, wait a minute. Feldy,
how can you be so aggravating?

Your Majesty,
Her Imperial Highness.

Enter, my dear.

Your Highness.

Mama, you sent for me?

Toni, I have
great news for you.

Yes, mama?

I have just signed
your marriage contract.

Marriage?
I'm to be married?

Oh, mama, how thrilling.
How marvelous!

Who is it?
What's he like?

This alliance will be very
advantageous for our country.

I'm sure it will.

Is he attractive?
Do you think he'll like me?

Well, you must see to it
that he does, my child.

You must learn to be
worthy of your destiny.

I want you to be a good wife

a good queen.

A queen.

I'm to be a queen?

Oh, mama.
Why, Feldy.

You didn't tell me that I'm..

I didn't know that..

Mama, Feldy didn't tell me
I was to be a queen.

I'm glad Feldy
left me something to tell.

You're to be married
to the Dauphin of France.

- France?
- The future king.

France.

I'm to be queen of France.

One day.

- You are pleased?
- I'm..

Oh, mama.
Oh, think of it.

Queen of France.

Toni... France is not Austria.

You must accustom yourself
to new people and new ways.

Count Mercey is my
ambassador at Versailles.

'He will guide you
when he can.'

For the rest, you
must trust your husband.

I will. Of course I will.
Is he handsome?

There's time for that later.
You go to bed now.

They say Versailles
is too marvelous.

- I said, to bed.
- Yes, mama.

Versailles is no
more marvelous than Vienna.

- No, mama.
- Goodnight.

Goodnight, mama.

And thank you.
Thank you, thank you.

Mama. Oh, mama, think of it.

I shall be queen.

I shall be queen of France.

We're the brothers
of the bridegroom.

He's Provence, I'm Artois
and much the nicer.

Oh, you both look very nice.

You proceed, madame.

You are most welcome,
Marie Antoinette of Austria.

Marie Antoinette of France,
Your Majesty.

France is indeed fortunate.

And so is my grandson, Louis.

No, no, no.

This is your cousin,
the Duke of Orleans.

What a pity.

Louis.

We present to you

Louis Auguste,
Dauphin of France.

Louis... your bride.

It is with the deepest
emotion that I tell you

that this is the
happiest day of my life.

I..

I am very glad... and I am only
too happy to reply to you.

- There's some more.
- 'More?'

- To my speech.
- Oh.

It is with the deepest..

For some time I have been
looking forward to this meeting.

I..

I have long been
awaiting this happy event

and now, after
my pleasant journey

through the
happy domains of France..

For some time I have been
looking forward to this meeting.

- I thank you with all my heart.
- Ah, bravo!

And now, don't you think,
my dear grandson

that this auspicious meeting
might be celebrated

by something
even more convincing

than your delightful speech?

♪ Alleluia
Alleluia ♪

♪ Alleluia
Alleluia ♪

♪ Alleluia
Alleluia ♪

♪ Alleluia
Alleluia ♪

With this ring I thee wed

and I plight
unto thee my troth.

'Amen.'

- Amen.
- Amen.

Louis, I cast
this pearl before you.

Oh, oh, dear.

- I'm so sorry, madame.
- Not at all.

Thank you.
Thank you, madame.

Don't you think
we should sit down?

Have you ever been
away from home?

Huh, no.

I'm a bit homesick, of course,
but I'm... I'm not afraid.

- Aren't you?
- No.

Most girls would be
with a strange man.

Oh, not that you're strange.
I know a lot about you.

What? Who told you?

- Your brothers.
- 'What did they say?'

Why, that... that you
like to hunt.

Oh.

I've never hunted, but I'll
learn if you take me with you.

I ride a horse you know.

'Do you?'

What do you like to do
besides hunt?

- I work with Gamin.
- Gamin? Who's Gamin?

He's a smith. He and I
make things in my workshop.

I like to make locks.

He says if I didn't have to be
king, I'd make a good locksmith.

- Yes.
- 'He says..'

Yes?

- You're not interested.
- Oh, but I am.

What else do you do?

I mend clocks.

I've got 20 clocks
in my workshop.

They all strike
at the same time.

'Do they?'

Well, mostly.

We have a
wonderful clock in Vienna.

When the hour strikes, the 12
apostles come out, the whole 12.

I've heard of it.

Do you like to dance?

No... but I wrestle with Gamin.

He's strong, but he's
not as strong as I am.

You're not as
strong as my brothers.

Probably not.

Fireworks! I love fireworks.
Come on, let's look.

Oh, look, how wonderful!

Won't you..

What's the matter?
Have I said anything?

I'm sorry. I didn't
mean it about my brothers.

Oh, I'm sorry, I'm afraid,
I've offended you.

No, it's not that.

It's just that I
don't talk much to ladies.

They like to make fun of me.

Even that woman.

- What woman?
- Du Barry.

- You saw her at the wedding.
- The one who talked so loud?

- Yes, she hates me.
- Does she? Why?

Because I'll be king someday.

She hates you too.
You'll be queen.

I don't care.
I'll choose your friends.

I haven't any friends.

Haven't you?

I'm not clever like my brothers.
I can't think of things to say.

But, now you have me.

You're my friend, aren't you?

- I'd like to be.
- I'd like to be yours.

My mother says that a happy
marriage depends upon the wife.

I suppose so.

A good wife is also
a good mother.

My mother had
16 children.

Of course, I don't think we need
to have quite so many, do you?

Well, perhaps I'm talking
too much about myself.

Don't you want to talk
about yourself?

I have nothing to
say about myself.

- Oh, I'm sorry.
- I like to be alone.

So do I, at times.

I like to be alone all the time.

Do you?

All the time, I'll
see you in the morning.

Please, please, don't go.
Is anything the matter?

My mother will be
dreadfully cross

with me if I can't
make you like me.

Are you in love
with someone else?

No.

- Well, then, can't you--
- Oh, be quiet.

Go back where you came from.
Leave me alone. Leave me alone.

Alright, I will. I will. I was
only trying to obey my mother.

She asked me
to be a good wife

she didn't tell me
how rude you are.

Your mother. It's all her doing.
She wanted an alliance.

I didn't ask
to have you for a wife.

Oh, didn't you?
I didn't know that.

I tried to tell the king,
he wouldn't listen.

All he wants is
an heir to the throne.

Well, there'll never be
an heir because of me.

There. Now you know.

I'm glad.
Glad it's over.

Well, why don't you laugh?

It's funny, isn't it?
Anyone would laugh.

I-I laugh myself.

Please, please don't.

Don't be unhappy.

I'm terribly sorry.

You won't say
anything, will you?

To the king or that woman?

- I won't say a word to anyone.
- You promise?

I promise faithfully,
whatever happens.

Thank you.
You're very good.

I'm afraid, I was rude.
I always say the wrong thing.

I'm sorry.

It... It doesn't matter.

You can be happy here,
can't you?

I suppose so.

People will like you.

You could have
anything you want.

Yes.

Now, uh... will you go?

I'm very tired.
Please go.

Yes, of course.
I'm sorry.

- 'Isn't he dainty?'
- 'Positively breathtaking!'

Sire, have you had a gallant
more decorous or more obedient?

- Not you, or you, or you.
- Not even him.

Quiet. Quiet. Listen.

The bells.

Do you know why they're ringing?
It's a wedding anniversary.

Oh, nof mine.
The Austrian.

Hm, so it is.

Still, one would think
it was yours.

Wouldn't one?

Oh, I must laugh.
And how different when she came.

You were all around her,
flies at a honey pot.

Buzz, buzz,
buzz, buzz.

And I was left out of sight,
like an egg in a duck's belly.

- But no, madame, no..
- We protest. We protest.

If la France had the spine of a
jellyfish, she'd be in Austria.

It's her business
to give us an heir.

- Give her time. Give her time.
- For more hysterics?

The creature's nothing more
than a sob in a wig.

My dear, I like
to do that myself.

I flatter myself
that I do it rather neatly.

Booby, we all know
you can crack an egg

it would be something new
if you could lay one.

Bravo, witty and beautiful

oh, most rare lady, sire.

Aw, His Grace of Orleans.
I've been waiting.

- Oh, I'm desolate.
- 'His Grace is late.'

The loss is mine, madame.

Flatterer. I believe
you want something.

Let's see.
Why, of course I do, madame.

I want to be grand
admiral of France.

And can we resist him? He has
all the charm of a sailor.

- You're too kind.
- Oh, but you have.

And I've known lots of sailors.
All fancy lads and all liars.

What? What?

Read this little sea ballad.
It's about me.

And this couch, my couch,
the one you gave me

it was pinned there.
Oh, I'll read it.

"Is this the couch
of a princess?

"Is this the couch
of a duchess?

"Oh, no, indeed.
Tra la, tra la.

It is only the
couch of a laundress".

- Who wrote this?
- Ask His Grace of Orleans.

I? I deny it, sire.

He had it written.
He paid for it.

He has writers
by the dozen

riffraff against the state,
against you, against me.

Blast your eyes! I never was
a laundress. I was a milliner.

If madame will kindly permit me
to assure her that I--

You fool. I could have made you
the biggest man in France.

But you weren't smart enough.
You let me find you out.

That has its
pleasant side, madame.

For to be frank as these
gentlemen would like to be

I am as weary of paying homage
to the somewhat overblown charms

of the ladies
who rule our ruler

as the people
are of paying their bills.

- Why, you royal lout!
- This is enough.

You can't forget, cousin

that your great-grandfather
was Regent of France.

You have his ambition,
but without his talent.

No, I'm not afraid of you
nor of the nobles

nor of the people, nor of ideas.

The state will last my time.

After me... the deluge.

With your permission, Majesty.

And take care, cousin..

...the liberals
you encourage for your ends

may destroy you for theirs.

Good morning.

'I wouldn't have missed
this for the world.'

'His face when
he saw the pamphlet.'

His Royal Highness,
the Duke of Orleans.

A visitor?

- Will madame receive?
- Of course, of course.

- Oh, how do I look?
- Oh, you look beautiful.

- Oh, this is so thrilling.
- He's so distinguished.

And so wicked.

Cousin... this is kind.

We were just enjoying
a game of checkers.

Quite exciting.

Oh, forgive my interruption.
I seldom venture to intrude.

Oh.

I know you prefer
your solitude.

It's true.

I don't care a great deal
for balls and banquets.

There's a certain futility to
court life, don't you think?

Hm? Oh, quite, quite.

My husband, as you know
has simple tastes

and... and I am content
with my books and music.

Oh, and here I come blundering
into your little oasis.

Well, the least I can do
is to take myself away quickly.

- Oh, no.
- Oh, no, no. Please don't go.

- Do sit down.
- Too kind.

You know perfectly
well how things are.

No one ever comes to see me.

- Except my husband, of course.
- Oh, of course.

No one dares.
Why does she hate me so?

Why? Perfectly simple.

Because in motion
you are grace itself

and in repose,
a statue of beauty.

Uh, you know, my little cousin,
you should become alive.

How quickly you would
depose that milliner.

- Rebel?
- Rebel.

Oh, my.

Don't you dare?

No. Du Barry had
every advantage.

Why, she can make men
or degrade them.

Who would dare offend her
to be my friend? Would you?

Will you permit me
to give a ball

in honor of the
Dauphine of France?

- But, cousin.
- Paris is waiting for you.

Lights, music, dancing

the opera.

A new world
is waiting for you.

Conquer Paris and you'll
conquer Madame du Barry.

Louis, how kind
of you to come.

Our wedding anniversary.

Yes, I'd thought
you'd forgotten it.

What on earth is that?

It's a spinning wheel.

It's a beautiful
spinning wheel.

- Did you make it yourself?
- Yes.

- Is it for me?
- Well, I--

Hardly a suitable
offering, isn't it?

- No.
- Oh.

With your permission,
monseigor.

- You must go?
- You think of what I've said?

I dare not.

- I don't like that fellow.
- Philippe?

He smiles too much.

Oh, but I like people to smile.

But do sit down, or I'll
think you want to hurry away.

I was wondering whether..

- Did you hunt this morning?
- No.

It would be fun to go
with you sometimes.

I thought you'd
like to see this.

Yes, I would.
It's wonderful.

- Yes, it works, you know.
- Does it?

If you'd like to--

Monseigneur, the Prince
de Rohan requests an audience.

Have him come in.

Monseigneur.

Madame.

I have the honor
to deliver this charming box.

A present? Yes,
I'm sure it is.

Our anniversary, you know.

From whom?

Oh, that, madame,
I am not at liberty to say.

- Shall we unfasten the ribbons?
- I shall do it myself.

Will you help me?
It's for you too, you know.

- What do you suppose it is?
- From the king perhaps.

I do hope so.
Is it from the king?

Ah, madame, positively must
not ask or I shall break my vow.

But, madame, is warm,
if I may so express myself.

Madame is very warm.

A cradle.

An empty cradle.

"Since at last it
is quite beyond doubt

"that this cot you're
unable to fill.

'"Go back to your
schnitzel and kraut.'

'Leave the job
to some baggage who will."'

Madame, I assure you, I had no
idea. The Countess du Barry--

Will you go, monsieur?

'I assure you, madame,
I knew nothing.'

You may leave us, monsieur.

Go back to the
person who sent you

let her have the satisfaction of
knowing that her barb went home.

- But, madame--
- Will you go, please?

Oh, this is deplorable.
Deplorable.

I'll go to the king.
I'll have her punished.

I'll have her flogged.
I'll have her branded.

Oh, go, Louis.

It would be no use.

Louis, this woman
only dares to insult me

because you seem
to despise me.

But I--

Help me, Louis, please.
I need you.

I-I know you don't love me

but... couldn't you pretend
to like me a little?

Why, I--

Oh, if you only would
before everybody.

I'd feel so secure,
so proud.

I-I could even
be happy here.

- I could even ignore du Barry.
- It would only make trouble.

What if it does?

We have been brushed aside
as though we were of no account.

And we've been
cowardly enough to submit.

We should live as becomes the
heirs to the throne of France.

I want life to be rich
and full and beautiful.

It could be if we'd
only stand together.

I tell you I can't. I can't try
to be anything, but what I am.

Why do you plague me?

The king is the king.

And I am a princess
of the House of Habsburg.

I'm an Archduchess of Austria

and a daughter of the
Empress Maria Theresa.

I'm sorry you don't
see it my way, Louis

because I mean to be
the Dauphine of France.

Not in the way I might've
been if we'd stood together.

But at least, I'll
be the brightest

highest figure
in this court.

Warm, warm, warm.

Oh.

Oh.

Now, I wonder
who this can be?

You'll have to guess, monsieur.

Soft, silken hair.

Long eyelashes.

Soft flush cheeks.

Ah, there's
something familiar.

Still, I don't know.

I think I'll
have to go farther.

Shell-like ears.

Alabaster neck.

Lovely shoulders.

Someday the Count Artois
will go too far.

'Undoubtedly. Undoubtedly.'

The Dauphine. Behind
that mask. The Dauphine.

Here? At this artists ball?

Here or at any other
such affair in Paris.

No.

I said, no.

Why not?

Perhaps you haven't
enough allure, Philippe.

On the contrary,
I have too much.

That's why I'm the only man
to whom you refuse your kisses.

Thank you.

Then you've seen, but little
of Paris, my dear Count.

Why, I've been
visiting the museums.

Museums?

One doesn't come all the way
from Sweden to visit museums.

'Monsieur,
the young monsieur. Wait!'

Are you by any chance a Russian?

I, a Russian?
Unfortunately, no, madame.

Oh, don't say that.
I need one so badly.

- Sorry.
- 'Wait.'

Madame?

You must help me.
You simply must.

You might very well be Russian.

I don't suppose you could
use a native of Sweden?

- Careful.
- 'Perhaps. Wait.'

I'll-I'll have them
open the door.

I like your Paris.

You know to whom
you were speaking?

- No.
- Madame la Dauphine of France.

Impossible.

- What is this place?
- A gaming house.

If you're wise,
you'll walk on with me.

Oh, no. I'm not
as wise as that.

Now, you really must excuse me.
A royal command, you know.

Besides, I'm a little
tired of museums.

Make haste, monsieur.
This way.

Come quickly!

But how perfect!

- Why do you stare so?
- I'm sorry.

You're, you're trembling.
Are you afraid?

- Perhaps, madame.
- Who are you?

I'm Count Axel Fersen of Sweden,
madame. And you?

- Can't you speak Russian?
- Alas, madame.

Well, talk Swedish then.
They won't know the difference.

- But, madame--
- You must help me.

We were playing forfeits and
I have the most appalling luck.

I lost every cent I had. My
allowance, my coach and horses.

And I shall lose this necklace
if I can't produce a Russian.

I'm glad I arrived in time
to save something, madame.

My time's nearly up.
Come quickly.

But, madame--

No, no, no.
I insist. Come, now.

Please, for my sake.

- Russian it is, then.
- That's it. Marvelous!

Come on.

What shall I call you?
Something Russian, let me see.

Ivan, Ivan Ivanovitch.

Charles, Philippe. Victory,
victory! Here is my forfeit.

Ivan Ivanovitch,
a genuine Russian.

Where did you find him?
Is he really a Russian?

Oh, and a handsome one too.
Don't you think so, Philippe?

Not bad.

Did you ever see
anything more Russian?

Of course not. I can almost
smell the steppes of Russia.

I can also almost
smell a rat.

Why, Charles!

Oh, he doubts me,
doubts me.

Monsieur, my Ivanovitch,
my Cossack hero, speak.

Oh, you see,
Artois. The fob.

Bravo! Bravo!

- Long live Russia!
- I never saw such..

What is the Russian
for "kiss me?"

No, no, no, Gabrielle, he's
mine. I forbid you to touch him.

Oh, isn't he divine?

Look at his big shiny boots
and his black buttons.

Oh, I adore him.

Have them bring wine.
I must drink to my Russian.

Permit me, madame.

To Russia, my Ivanovitch
and your naughty empress.

- Tell us about her.
- 'The intimate details.'

Your personal experience.

Uh, my dear, is it
necessary to detain

this gentleman further?

- Ha ha. He amuses me.
- He has served his purpose.

Why, Philippe, you're jealous.
I'm tremendously flattered.

'We're all jealous.'

Dare me, sir, you've
cost me my favorite fob

and I don't like your manner,
but I bear no malice.

I, uh, I didn't catch
your barbaric name.

- Nor I yours, sir.
- 'Oh, hear him.'

'He didn't catch my name.'

Permit me to present
myself, sir, and the company.

The troupe
from the Opera Comique.

His most Christian majesty's
own favorite mummers.

He's the clown.

And this is our most
bright and glorious star

the toast of Paris,
Mademoiselle Gabrielle Ducros.

- Honored, mademoiselle.
- A pleasure, monsieur.

I'm astonished
you do not know me.

I've heard much
of Mademoiselle Ducros.

Oh, really?

- Paris talks of no one else.
- The devil they do.

- What do they say of her?
- She is not unkind.

That a man may ask her
to take supper with him

in a place not too discreet.

You presume, monsieur.

One may speak of supper
with a little actress, sir.

Artois, your joke is sour.

Cousin, inform
this man who I am.

Her Royal Highness,
the Dauphine of France.

The joke is sour.

Mademoiselle is charming
and I've no doubt, talented.

I'm sure mademoiselle excels
in the role of soubrette.

She has the appearance, the
manners and the temperament.

Messieurs!

Count Axel Fersen of Sweden.

You'll find me
at the Swedish Embassy.

Messieurs, if you must,
there's a time for such things

and a place.

Monsieur, my apologies.

- My lord, as your word.
- Madame.

Monsieur, the Dauphine
of France is unable to accept

Count Fersen's kind
invitation to supper tonight.

But she's entertaining
a few friends

at the house
of Madame de Polignac.

And she begs
that you'll attend.

Count Fersen regrets, madame.
He's expected elsewhere.

'Oh, a new sensation.'

Why, sister,
you're flouted.

Be quiet! All of you.

Wait. A wager.

The necklace,
it belongs to me now.

Bring your Swede back to supper,
then I'll waive all claim to it.

I accept the wager.

Monsieur, wait. I insist.

I-I beg of you.

I...I deserved the snub.
It was a snub, wasn't it?

You knew me
from the beginning.

I thought so, madame.

If I forgive you for
treating me so disrespectfully

will you forgive me
for dragging you

into our foolish
little game?

- That would only be fair.
- And you'll come?

An invitation from me
is not only an honor

it is a command.

You wish to carry me
back in triumph

a tribute to your caprice?

Will you come?

I doubt your motives, madame.
I have my vanity too.

I won't urge you.

But if we must part, at least...
let us part as friends.

For a moment you had me fooled.

What?

The words were the words
of Madame la Dauphine.

But the lips were the lips
of Mademoiselle Ducros.

Many thanks, little soubrette,
and good evening.

You've been scorned.
Oh, most definitely.

- The necklace.
- Silence!

My cloak. We are leaving.

- What a night.
- Don't remind me of it.

You'll feel better
when you get your beauty rest.

Goodnight. Goodnight.

Good morning.

Count Mercey,
you're back from Vienna.

As you see, madame. May I
ask for a private audience?

- Must it be now?
- With your permission.

Make it a brief one.
I'm tired.

Was it madame's intention that
I follow into her bedchamber?

Since you insist.
You are excused, madames.

- How did you find my mother?
- As well as I expected.

Her Majesty has many cares.

Including, I suppose,
her daughter.

Well, let me hear it.
But briefly, please.

My mother's admonitions
have lost their novelty.

I've been told of a necklace
costing 200,000 livres.

Which I lost tonight on a wager.

You must be out
of your senses, madame.

What on earth is driving you
to this extravagance?

This mad pursuit of pleasure
which can end only in--

But not in boredom.

At least, not yet.

In these times, madame,
your excuses

'will not fail
to impress the people.'

Why, they adore me.
I've conquered Paris.

No, madame.
Paris has conquered you.

'Do you realize that you're
the first Dauphine of France'

'ever to be spoken
of openly as a wanton?'

'Oh, I know it's a lie, madame,
but such lies are dangerous.'

You have enemies,
not only among the people

but here, in your own court.

I would have them,
no matter what I did.

'You don't really
believe that, madame.'

'But let me
come to the point.'

Ah, there is a point.

You're giving a ball
on the 15th.

Another lecture
on my expenditures.

I have heard enough.

His Majesty will attend,
accompanied by Madame du Barry.

You think His Majesty
would like me

with my hair dressed low?

Did you say accompanied
by Madame du Barry?

His Majesty insists
that you recognize.

Madame du Barry in public.

Do I understand you
correctly, Count Mercey?

Meet that... that..

I, whom you
reproach for mere trifles.

I would rather die
than be so humiliated.

Well, I've failed in the most
important mission of my life.

I must place my resignation
in Her Majesty's hands.

'With Your Royal Highness
permission.'

- Count Mercey.
- Madame?

You make it
very difficult for me.

My friends will despise me.

I shall despise myself.

- But I'll speak to her.
- Thank you, madame.

I can just see
her smirking there.

And I shall try not
to box her ears, but..

...but I'll speak to her.

If I dared say how much I'd like
to see you box her ears.

His Majesty, the king.

Please don't
humiliate yourself.

But I must, I must.
I promised.

Don't.

Please don't make it
harder for me.

Egad, what a triumph
for the milliner.

I'm so nervous
I could faint.

My dear, you look charming.

Your Majesty is too kind.

Your ambassador assures me

that we may rely upon
your good intentions.

I shall not disappoint
an old friend.

Hm, well, you'll
not find me ungrateful.

Whereas..

Your Majesty is too gracious
to threaten.

Madame la Comtesse du Barry.

I'm late, madame.

But with His Majesty's
permission, a slight headache.

I'm so sorry, madame.
It was a pleasure delayed.

For me too, madame.
I might say a triumph.

You're very kind.

I presume I shall not
have the honor of meeting.

His Royal Highness?

My husband doesn't care
for dancing, madame.

No?

Quite the family man, isn't he?

'The fireside, the nursery,
and all that.'

Well, here is my old friend.

'And how well he takes
a husband's place.'

I'm sorry you feel
your triumph incomplete, madame.

My husband has better
sense than I.

He knows where to
draw the line.

Will you dance, madame?

So that's it.
I'm dirt, eh?

Not good enough for your
high and mightiness.

But, no, madame.

Royalty loves an occasional
roll in the gutter.

- Don't they, grandpapa?
- Madame.

I enjoy nothing more
than meeting people

of broad experience.

Recollect yourself.

You see, I've never walked
the streets of Paris.

But I'm sure you could tell me
something about that.

You would prefer
to leave, madame.

As I do.

Continue the dance.

Shall we dance?

I'm afraid not.

With madame's permission.

His Majesty requests
that madame attend him

in his apartments
...at her pleasure.

- Will you wait?
- Naturally.

- It may be an eternity.
- Then I shall wait an eternity.

- Your Royal Highness.
- Order my carriage.

I'd given you up.

What's happened?

Antoinette, what's happened?

Do forgive me.

I just thought
of something funny.

Something I'd
quite forgotten.

Antoinette, stop.

Stop it. What is it?

It's my wedding anniversary,
Philippe.

My fourth wedding anniversary.

And my marriage
is to be annulled.

I'm to be sent back
to Austria..

...and it's my fourth
wedding anniversary.

It's funny, isn't it?

Your marriage
is to be annulled?

Oh, in the nicest way,
of course.

In the interest of the dynasty.
That's funny too.

Well, what about
the Austrian alliance?

The Austrian alliance
will be preserved

providing I go quietly.

- It's amazing.
- Isn't it?

I'm dumbfounded. I never
dreamed that he should dare.

Philippe..

I must find Mercey.

I must tell him
what has happened.

- The Austrian ambassador?
- Yes. Will you take me to him?

Take me to Mercey.
A moment, do you mind?

Wait.

I think not.

Oh, you're not..

Philippe, you don't
mean that you..

I would be ruined if I were
to accompany you tonight.

That's right.
You would, wouldn't you?

Forgive me for staring. I..

I seem to be seeing you
for the first time.

I've never known you.

That's why I've
always hesitated.

I'm glad now..

...because you've never
really loved me, have you?

Oh, do be frank.

It's sometimes so amusing
to be quite frank.

You were only interested in
the future queen, weren't you?

The future queen of France.

Yes.

Thank you, Philippe.

And now go, will you?

Do go or I shall
laugh again.

I shall laugh.

To the Austrian embassy.

What's the meaning of this?
Why are you here?

I don't want her
to be sent back.

Indeed.

His Majesty is not well.

But it isn't her fault.
Don't you understand?

- What's he talking about?
- Will you go, please?

No. You get out.

Listen, grandfather.
It's going to be different now.

Get up, you fool.

Your argument is as unimpressive
as your appearance.

Your wife goes back to Austria.

Your marriage will be annulled.
I'll hear no more of it.

Get out.

Get out. Get out.

I'll get out.
But I'll come back.

I'll come back
when you're dead.

- I'll be king then.
- Silence!

And you, you know what will
happen to you when I'm king?

There are places for women
like you in the Bastille.

- Stop it. Make him stop!
- Silence!

I'm going to have my wife back.
I'm going to have children.

I know. But you,
you're old, you're weak.

You're not
going to live long.

I'll be sitting there
and you'll be dead.

- Be silent!
- Sit down!

Forgive me, sire.

I didn't mean
to touch you. I..

Forgive me.

His Excellency had
friends to dinner..

...the Swedish ambassador
and other gentlemen.

Dinner was barely over when
the king's messenger arrived.

His Excellency was obliged
to leave immediately.

How unfortunate.

- Will Your Royal Highness wait?
- No, thank you, Franz.

Will you see that my carriage
is prepared for my return?

Yes, Your Royal Highness.

Mama.

I'm sorry, I had no idea.

I thought the room was empty.

Excuse me, I... I
left some papers.

May I?

Thank you. And pardon me.

I know I'm making
a nuisance of myself

but if there's
anything I can do..

Thank you. There's nothing.

It's hard to
be helpless when..

May I get you
a glass of sherry?

I'm trying to tell you that
my life is at your service.

Haven't you heard the news?

You know why the king
has sent for Count Mercey.

And still I can't
get rid of you.

You want to be my friend
in my disgrace?

Yes.

I'm not impressed, Count Fersen.

I've lived at court too long,
I've seen too much tonight.

Confess, I attract you.

I saw it in your eyes
that night.

You want to profit
by the occasion.

You'd like to make love
to me, wouldn't you?

Yes, I-I would like
to make love to you.

You think that would be
a simple matter, I suppose?

From my point of view,
yes, madame.

Then you risk nothing in
offering me your attentions.

You're not French.

You need no favors
from the king of France.

I wouldn't cry.
He isn't worth it.

Oh, be quiet.
Must you preach too?

What have you to offer
in his place?

I...I don't know
what his place was.

I offer you myself.

How generous of you. How adroit.

How... how comforting
to a discarded woman.

Oh, surely you must have heard.

They said he and I were..

I know that isn't true.

'You don't know
anything about me.'

I've known you all your life.

You saw me for the first time
at the gaming house in Paris.

You're mistaken, madame.

At 13 you could neither write
German nor French correctly.

You knew nothing of history.

'You liked music,
but you trifled with it'

'as with everything else.
Gluck was your music master.'

He brought you apples
and you threw them at him.

You were inattentive,
spoiled and... and adorable.

You've been talking
of me to Count Mercey.

You came to breakfast
every morning

and announced that something
wonderful was about to happen.

On rainy days, you sat
at a small gilded table

and pressed rose leaves
and, and screamed.

'You had a blue Noah's Ark
with Monsieur and Madame Noah'

and 24 pairs of animals.

You had a little farm
with woolly sheep

and a little red cow
named Plop.

Why, it's true, monsieur.

How do you know it?

Do you remember a governess,
Madame Cordat?

A sort of little
flopping person

like a respectable magpie?

Pecky. Not Pecky?

Pecky. She became
my sister's governess.

And chattered all this?
Oh, how dreadful.

When she left,
she left you with me.

And I... I fell
in love with you.

I dreamed of daring feats
in your defense.

The world rocked in
some tremendous upset

and I rode through seas
of blood to your side.

How very foolish of you.

I was jealous too.
Insanely jealous.

It maddened me to think that
menials could hear your voice..

...see your hair unbound.

And when you were married,
I... I was in despair.

I begin to understand, monsieur

why you were
so angry that night.

You thought of me as something
quite wonderful, didn't you?

But instead, you found
an empty-headed

ill-mannered little fool.

You see, monsieur,
how sadly I am changed.

Oh, no. No, madame.

You have made pleasure a shield
against loneliness and slander

but you could never change
so deep a heart

so eager to be loved.

Everyone, even the highest, has
some dream of love in his heart.

And unless he achieve it

he must fill that emptiness
with noise, fame

excitement, pleasure.

Where did you
learn this, monsieur?

In museums, mostly.

Museums?

They're very dull, most
of them, and neglected..

...but you'll always
find someone there

gazing over the relics of queens
who were true lovers.

There isn't much to see.
A ring, a glove, a fan, perhaps.

But... but we preserve them
as we do our laws.

And we have much more
faith in them.

Do you think... a hundred
years hence

some Swedish gentleman,
wandering in Paris

might smile over a relic
of Marie Antoinette?

A miniature, perhaps,
or a ring?

This very ring,
for instance.

It's centuries old.

It has an inscription on it.

"Everything leads me to thee."

Can you see it..

...lying on a velvet cushion
in its little glass case?

I don't know.

I don't know.

You might make a present
of it, perhaps

to some man who
had loved you.

And it would be worn on his hand
for as long as he lived..

...and buried with him
when he died

because he loved you reverently
and as was fitting

from a respectful distance

but with all his heart,
for all his life.

I must go.

- But Count Mercey--
- It doesn't matter. My cloak.

- Madame..
- Let me alone. Let me go.

You're only upsetting me,
you always do.

- I?
- Yes, yes.

Last time, and now,
the things you say.

You hurt me. No one
has hurt me so.

- I hurt you?
- Oh, I'm tired, tired.

I don't know
what I'm saying.

You... you bewilder me.
I can't think.

So many words,
such, such wonderful words.

What were you telling me?

That I love you.

What else have I been
saying with every word

and with no right?

That you love me.

Let me be still a moment
and understand.

When we first met,
my heart stood still.

I knew then, really.

I...I knew something
had happened.

Something glorious
and terrible and everlasting.

But..

...I thought love
came more happily.

What are you saying?

Perhaps the great loves
come with tears.

'The dawn is breaking.'

'How beautiful it is.'

I knew it would
be beautiful.

I must go.

- You're not afraid?
- No.

Stay a moment.

When the door
closes upon you

I shall doubt that
all this really happened.

You're here beside me.

If I bend my head, I can feel
your cheek against my lips.

I can hear your voice
saying incredible things.

Will it always
be like this?

Shall we never lose
the wonder of it?

For me it will never change.

I have a stubborn streak in me.

I may pray to forget, but it
will never be granted to me.

How grave you are.

Have you ever thought that
people to whom miracles happen

must be dazed?

The blind man to whom
his sight was suddenly given

must be startled by
the strange new world.

So it is with me.

I came here hoping to catch
a glimpse of you at court.

You might have
flung me a word

gracious and indifferent
as you passed.

Instead..

Listen.

The village is waking.

I must let you go.

Goodbye.

Goodnight.

Or if you wish,
good morning.

I shall never
say goodbye.

Antoinette.

- Where have you been?
- Oh, Therese.

The most wonderful thing
has happened.

- Come with me. I'll tell you.
- Shh. Haven't you heard?

- Heard what?
- The king. He's dying.

- Dying?
- Yes. Smallpox.

He's lost consciousness.

See?

Think what it means.

You'll be queen.
The queen of France.

Queen of France.

They say he's dying.

That candle.

When it's put out,
I shall be king of France.

All these papers..

So much to think of
even before he's dead.

I suppose I shouldn't have
spoken to him as I did.

He must have
been ill then.

Do you suppose what
I said made him worse?

But of course not.

Oh, I forgot..

...I haven't told you.

Would you like
to hear what I said?

Not now, do you mind?

Very well.

I told him
I'd be king someday.

Now it's going to happen.

I don't want to be king.

People expect
so much of a king.

Nothing comes easily to me.

At least they can't
send you back to Austria.

I'm sorry, Louis.
I'm afraid I wasn't listening.

I say, they can't send
you back to Austria.

Well, it's kind of you
to think of that.

It can hardly matter
to you, can it?

I suppose you've always
thought of me as a..

...well, a symbol,
the dauphine of France

never as a person, a woman.

I didn't think of you
at all, at first.

I didn't like the marriage..

...but I grew to like you.

To like me, yes.

There's something
I should tell you.

I couldn't speak
until I was sure.

We can be one, indeed, now.

'Not only as king and queen,
but as husband and wife.'

'That's what I was trying
to tell the king.'

Well, I'm not
much good at talking

but I care very much.

'I really don't know how I
should get on without you.'

Louis..

...something has happened.

I...I must tell you.

The drums have stopped.

You are king of France.

Sire, may I be
the first to say it.

The king is dead.
Long live the king.

Long live the king.

'Long live the king.'

'Long live the king.'

'Long live the king.'

'Long live the king.'

'Long live the king.'

'Long live the king.'

Your Majesty.

How solemn you are.

Do I shock you?

I should be awed or sad,
I know, but I'm not.

I'm happy. Happy.

You see, I've thought it
all out very carefully.

If I must be queen, I shall
be able to do anything I want.

I shall never
let you go. Never.

- But, my dear..
- Do you know little Trianon?

It's a quite small
little palace.

Very secluded
and very beautiful.

It's to be my very own.

And every day I shall come
there and wait for you.

But you must promise never to
let anything keep you from me

never to be late... because every
single moment will be precious.

And there will be
so few even as it is.

Dearest, oh,
you are grave.

Oh, I love you so.

But you are
queen of France.

What could I possibly
bring you, but--

Happiness.

Even a queen wants that,
more than anything in the world.

Oh, my dear, my dear,
because of you I am strong

and certain
and-and radiant.

And beautiful.

So beautiful
it shames praise.

Then you can never
leave me, of course.

With you, I'll be
everything I meant to be.

Serious and helpful,
and a good queen.

Oh, my darling.

My mad, reckless,
adored little darling.

You know I'd give my life
to serve you.

But you must live openly,
without fear

without reproach,
in sight of all.

I once thought if I were queen
I'd be so happy.

To be applauded
and adored and obeyed.

I don't want it now.

I just want to be free
to be with you.

To love you.

I cannot wear my crown
upon my heart.

Oh, my dear.

You'll find your happiness
in the love of your people.

And nothing, nothing must stand
between you and their love.

Neither your heart,
nor mine.

And if I stayed...
oh, Marie.

Marie, I couldn't share your
destiny except to your own hurt.

And that, I cannot do.

My darling.

What are you
trying to say?

'Where would you go?'

To America.

When?

Tonight.

No, no.

Not tonight.

Not tonight.

But I..

...I hardly know you.

You see, I thought I would
discover you day by day.

Your childhood, your youth,
all the little things

that would be
so important to me.

- I couldn't live.
- Oh, my love, my darling.

It can't end like this.

Surely I might see you
sometimes, not often.

I'd ask so little,
so very little.

Marie, Marie.

When I'm gone you'll
be glad I didn't stand

in the path
of your destiny..

...making you less
than you were meant to be.

And that other kingdom..

...the love and the youth
and the happiness

we might have had,
what of that?

We shall dream of it
more tenderly

because we didn't
destroy it.

Shall I never
see you again?

If you need me,
I shall come to you.

I shall
always need you.

And if I should ask you,
"Was it well done?"

You will tell me,
"It was well done."

Take me
in your arms again.

Let me have that memory.

When I lose heart to go on..

...I shall close my eyes..

...feel your arms about me.

I shall know that
I'm in your thoughts.

- That you're loving me.
- Always.

Always, my dear.

Giving me strength to live.

Goodbye, my love.

♪ Still as the starlight ♪

♪ Steadfast as the sun ♪

♪ Our love will bind us ♪

♪ Till time is done ♪

♪ Now and forever ♪

♪ Oh, we're far apart ♪

♪ We'll be together ♪

♪ Deep within ♪

♪ Our secret ♪

♪ Heart ♪

One hundred and one guns

will announce the birth
of a son and heir.

Twenty one guns,
the birth of a daughter.

Why... why this is barbarous.

Must the queen's child
be born in public?

Dr. Franklin, a French monarch
belongs to the public.

He must be born, he must live,
and he must die in public.

I was right here, in this very
chair, when her first child

the little Princess Therese
was born.

- Let's hope this one is a boy.
- Oh, yes.

We present to you
Louis Charles

dauphin of France
and of Bourbon

duke of Normandy

'most Christian prince
of Navarre'

'count of Burgundy'

'lord of the Dauphin..'

'...of Montmorency.'

And to what is your
child heir, hmm?

To oppression and slavery.

He will toil as you have
toiled, in famine and fear.

He will plow the field in
the sweat of his brow

and bring its food to those
who neither toil nor reap.

You furrow the soil in the
heat, but the soil isn't yours.

Why, you work like rats
in the bowels of the earth.

For whom? A king,
this one a drone.

And a queen, oh, a dazzling
queen who came from afar

hating the people of France.

Throwing its gold away,
the minted drops of your blood.

Will you not listen?
Will you not rise?

Will you not demand the
abolition of the aristocracy

and its privileges?

Is there no fire in your
hearts? No fight in your fists?

Liberty. Equality. Fraternity.

People of France, demand it.

The foreigner!
The foreigner!

They're throwing stones.

Why are they angry with you?

They're unhappy, dear.

But it's not your fault.

Perhaps not, darling.

But there are things
they don't understand..

...and things
they don't forget.

My dear, did you
have a nice ride?

Louis.

I've been looking
through some old papers.

Louis, people threw
stones at the carriage.

- They threw stones?
- Yes.

And shouted insults.

I'm... I'm
trembling still.

Those pale faces,
full of hatred

shouting what's being
shouted all over France.

"Foreigner, Austrian, leech."

Words put into their mouths
by our noble cousin, Orleans.

That scamp, he
wants to be king.

Everything serves him.

The deficit, the hard winter,
the failure of the crops.

Why are things so
difficult for us?

I'm afraid we're just
little people, Louis.

Little people with
a terribly big task.

What an excellent smith
you would have made.

Think of it, with a cottage in
the country and a little garden.

And far happier.

But you're clever.

Thank you.

Three o'clock, I must
get down to the council.

Here are your glasses.

Now, where's that speech
you wrote for me?

Here it is.

Now, you'll speak
firmly, won't you?

- Emphatically.
- Yes, my dear, of course.

Louis..

There now,
off you go.

Oh, I meant to give you this.
I very nearly forgot.

It's an account of
the Battle of Yorktown.

Yes.

It seems that Rochembeau's
aide-de-camp, Count Fersen

you remember, acted
as interpreter

at the surrender
of Cornwallis.

This document's in
his handwriting.

I thought perhaps you
might like to have it.

Thank you.

Louis.

Yes, my dear?

Have you..

Have you always known?

Ah, Boehmer.

But, Your Majesty..

If Her Majesty
would condescend..

It's that wonderful
necklace, Your Majesty.

Oh, please, not now.

Oh!

'How lovely!'

'A masterpiece, Your Majesty.'

Yet I'm asking Your Majesty
only what it cost me.

One million, six hundred
thousand francs.

My dear Monsieur Boehmer.

With people starving?

You waste your time,
monsieur, and mine.

I don't understand.

The Duke of Orleans led me to
believe that she was interested.

Oh, but such a price,
and in times like these.

Speak to her again.

- We'll raise your commission.
- No, it's hopeless.

She wouldn't dare.

The purchase might
be made secretly

in-in the name
of a friend.

- My husband?
- No, no, no.

Pardon me.

A responsible person.

A person of wealth
and standing.

Suggest it.

I repeat, Your Highness,
Her Majesty will be

responsible for
the payments.

But have you... have you
a document authorizing me

to make the purchase
in her name?

Naturally.

Here is Her Majesty's signature.

Yes. Yes, I see.

Shh.

- Have you the necklace?
- What? Oh, oh, yes, yes.

- You must be prudent.
- Yes, yes.

- Careful. The queen.
- Where?

- Your Majesty.
- 'Rise, monsieur.'

The commission with which
you honored me, madame.

'I thank you, monsieur.'

Your Majesty, dare I hope
the past will be forgiven?

- 'You may hope.'
- Your Majesty.

Someone is coming.

Good heavens. Go quickly,
monsieur. This way.

Did you get it? Here.

Go easy, you.
No need to break my wrist.

Close your fool mouth. You
want to bring the guard on us?

Shut up, both
of you. Shut up.

Take your filthy hand
off me, you swine.

You couldn't have
got it without me.

You'll get your share.

A million and a half francs...
in flawless stones.

Go on. Start moving.

Both of you.

But I-I-I have
creditors, obligations.

If I don't get the money,
it means ruin.

The first payment was
due June the 2nd.

It-it's now
August the 15th.

First payment on what?

'On the necklace, sire.
The diamond necklace.'

The diamond necklace?

I have the contract, Your
Majesty, signed by you.

If you have any document
in which I agreed

to buy your necklace,
it is a forgery.

But the necklace..

- I handed over the necklace.
- To whom?

To whom, Boehmer?

'To the Prince de Rohan,
Your Majesty.'

'But this is
insane, incredible.'

You say you
received instructions?

Written instructions from
Your Majesty, as I believed.

Have you the necklace?

I...I was under the impression..

...that I placed it
in Her Majesty's hands.

Monsieur, for eight years I've
not addressed a word to you.

How could you believe I'd
employ you as a go-between

'to buy a necklace behind
my husband's back?'

Your presumption is criminal.

Will Your Majesty command this
man to await your pleasure?

It's all very confusing.

Louis, I don't think
you realize how serious this is.

The necklace has fallen into the
hands of thieves and forgers.

The jewelers believe
it was delivered to me.

De Rohan says
he put it into my hands.

The whole wretched mystery
must be dragged into the light.

De La Motte and her
accomplices arrested

and De Rohan
sent to the Bastille.

A trial?

If you should lose it..

If the court should believe
this amazing story..

It could destroy me.

'It could destroy
the monarchy, madame.'

You sent for me?

You have great
influence, cousin.

You're using it
against me

in the trial of
the Prince De Rohan.

You're using your money
to bribe the judges.

We appeal to you
to support the throne.

Hm, I find that
very satisfying, madame.

And the inducement?

The king is without
a minister of state.

Oh, tsk-tsk, really?

I'm afraid the bribe
is not high enough.

- 'Not high enough?'
- No.

Louis, will you allow me

to propose my solution for
the troubles of the state?

I should be grateful.

'Abdicate.'

- Abdicate?
- Abdicate.

No one can be a monarch
who wears his crown

without pride, without pleasure
and without dignity.

Oh, the country would accept
the Dauphin with enthusiasm

under a regency.

Under the regency of the
Duke De Orleans, I suppose?

Why not, madame?
I am a power in Paris.

I have the confidence, yes,

even the disgusting affection
of the mob.

- Monsieur, this is treason.
- Madame, it is the truth.

Louis, will you permit me

to request the Duke De Orleans
to withdraw?

Then our truce fails, yeah?

Very well, madame.
You will lose your case.

The high court of parliament
will brand the queen of France

a loose and extravagant woman
who stoops to midnight rendezv--

Get out! Get out or
I'll knock you down.

Get out.

Au revoir, Louis.

Take care that famous
necklace doesn't twist

around your fat neck
and jerk you from the throne.

Madame, au revoir.

When a throne falls

princes are apt to
tumble with it, cousin.

Goodbye.

I have just come
from Paris, Your Majesty.

There are vast crowds
around the courthouse.

- Intense excitement.
- Yes..

The trial of the Prince De Rohan
may close at any moment

and the verdict give rise
to public demonstrations.

The lieutenant
of police advises

against Your Majesty's
appearance at the opera tonight.

But the performance is for
charity, under my patronage.

- But, Your Majesty, there..
- Monsieur de Cosse.

I have given my word
to attend, I must do so.

I wonder she dare
show her face.

Justice! Justice is done!

'The verdict!
The verdict!'

The prince de Rohan
is honorably acquitted!

Justice! De Rohan acquitted!
Justice!

De Rohan acquitted!

One million, two hundred
thousand francs

cost the necklace.

She plunders us.
She robs.

She hangs our money
around her neck.

She should have a millstone
around her neck.

And then, into
the water with her.

The queen hates
the people.

Foreign soldiers
are at Versailles.

Austrian soldiers
to shoot us down.

Before that happens,
we'll tear the Bastille down.

Have you proof?
If not, keep silent.

Hear the spy. "Proof."

He who asks for proof
is a spy.

Friends, keep cool.
The law has prevailed today.

But this is
only the beginning.

I am pleading your cause
in the assembly.

France will be freed!

"By order of the king

"we, Louis, by the grace of God,
King of France

"hereby decree as follows.

"The assembly is to close
its session at once

and is adjourned indefinitely."

No! No!

Monsieur President!
Monsieur President!

Monsieur Mirabeau.

We are here
by the will of the people.

And we shall stay here until
bayonets will drive us away!

No, I tell you, no.

These are the dregs
of Paris, sire.

The scum of the gutters,
10,000 strong.

Beasts that have
tasted blood, sire.

I am not going to run.
What do you say, brother?

Run and you'll
lose your crown.

Stay and you'll
lose your head.

- You're on the wing.
- Your trunks are packed.

Liar. I don't turn
tail before swine.

Be quiet. Be quiet,
both of you.

It was a grave mistake
to dissolve the assembly.

It was not your wish, Louis.

Your ministers
advised you to do so.

They thought it was
for the best.

My dear, what should we do?

Haven't we troops
to protect us?

No, no.

No bloodshed.
I won't have any bloodshed.

I can't answer for my men. Their
sympathies are with the mob.

If the king would review
the troops, say a few words.

They're children,
easily swayed.

- It's worth trying.
- You want me to talk?

Just a few simple words.

Say that, say that you trust
your children to them.

That if there must be fighting,
you'll be amongst them.

Won't you try?
It's so important.

If we save today,
we may save everything.

- Will they listen?
- To you, yes.

You're their king.

The love and loyalty
of centuries

can't be dead in them.

Try for our son's sake.

I'll try.

Present arms!

Men of the French army..

...we are told that..

We are told... that
they are coming.

'I mean, naturally,
the people.'

'My cause is that of us all.'

That of all good citizens.

We should make a good fight.

Don't you think?

Well, I thought..

That is, the queen thought..

...that I should speak
a few words.

So I've spoken few words.

Back to your sty, pig!

Fight your own battles, fatty!

- Men..
- Your Majesty, I beg of you.

'Go on back to the queen
where you belong!'

They're fleeing!
They're fleeing!

Here we are!

Ah, brother, traveling?

If they should be killed,
I should be king.

If you should be killed,
I should be king.

In these days, who knows?
Ha ha ha. Adieu, brother.

What, not gone yet?

Gone?

I shan't be much help to you,
I know, but..

You have my
permission to leave.

Your Majesty was
good enough to trust me

with the care
of these children.

My place is here.

Therese, I want you to go.

I command you.

Please don't ask me to go.

I can't.

Oh, I know I'm helpless
and stupid, but... I can't go.

I'm sorry
I'm such a coward.

Yes.

It's a pity
you're such a coward.

Antoinette.

Attention!

Affix bayonets!

Sire.

Save yourself, sire.

The children.

Well, what's the matter
with you?

There they are.

'The fat pig himself.
And the foreigner.'

Are you afraid of them?

- No!
- Well then, come on.

What are we waiting for?
Remember what Marat said.

They're starving us.

And hiring foreign troops
to shoot us down.

Come on!

Quiet, please,
I'm going to talk!

I'm going to talk!

Is it sane... for us to sit here

while the king and his family
are torn to pieces by maniacs?

Now.

Traitor!

What are they paying you?

Sit down!

Sit down!

We don't want to hear you!

Well, you shall hear me!

Do you think that I, Danton

am pleading for
the life of this clod

who has sat blind and deaf
to the agony of his people?

- Let him die!
- For shame!

When the time comes

I'll fling his head
to you with these hands.

Austria is arming,
and France is not ready.

The king and queen
are invaluable hostages.

And I say

we should send
the National Guard

to protect them
until such time.

The cap of liberty, Louis.
Put it on!

- Put it on!
- Louis.

Or I'll stick you
like I would any other pig.

You brutes.

You cowards!

Is this your liberty?

You'll be punished for this,
I promise you.

You'll be whipped
like the beasts that you are!

- Shut up!
- You mustn't do that.

It's not right.
You mustn't strike a woman.

It's cowardly.

Oh, you mustn't do that.
It isn't right.

People declare
the Tuileries Palace a prison.

The king and queen
are held here.

Nobody gets out,
nobody gets in.

No questions asked!
Shoot to kill!

Yes?

Would you follow me, madame?
A few steps only.

Someone is waiting.

Someone is waiting?

I was to give you this.

Is it..

Is it he?

I'll come.

Down there, madame.
I must get back to my post.

Thank you.

I can..

...I can hardly believe it.

- It's been such a long time.
- Such a long time.

- But you haven't forgotten us?
- No, madame.

But you're risking your life.
We're prisoners here.

We're not permitted friends.

You have friends who would be
glad to risk their lives.

Why did you come?

To beg you to lay a plan of
escape before the king.

- Escape? Is that possible?
- There are risks, of course.

But you're in certain danger
if you remain.

The king must leave Paris.

He must escape to the border.

Where he'll be met with the
support of loyal troops.

- But how can this be done?
- I haven't time to explain now.

I've written here complete
details of all the plans.

When you've mastered them,
burn the paper.

Here are passports
made for Madame de Korff

a Russian, her children,
and servants.

Every exit of the palace
is guarded. How are we to leave?

For that we must depend
upon our friend outside.

He's stationed at one of the few
exits that has a single guard.

That leads to the square, where
I shall be waiting with a coach.

And all this is
planned for when?

For the night of June 20th.

- June the 20th.
- Time is vital, though.

A troop of hussars will wait
on the outskirts of Varennes

to escort you safely
to the border.

But the delay, even of an hour,
might dislocate the entire plan.

If we failed,
if we were taken.

We must not fail.

Must you go?

I must leave before the
guard is changed at midnight.

Or I'll endanger our friend.

- You can trust this man?
- Yes, madame.

- He is loyal?
- Loyal and brave.

- Loyal and brave.
- A man of the people.

But one who would be proud
to carry out a boast that many

make but few have
the chance to fulfill.

- And that?
- To die gladly for the woman.

For the queen he worships.

Thank you.

I've changed, haven't I?

One must suffer to
be so beautiful.

You're very kind.

May I have the ring?
You gave it to me, you know.

You've been so much in my
thoughts these last weeks.

I think I've
known you would come.

- You promised to, you know.
- If you needed me, I said.

Yes. You said that.

And I said I would ask you
"Was it well done?"

It was well done.

My husband has needed me.

I am thankful not
to have failed him.

I understand.

I even love him.

But the love I have for him
takes nothing from my friend.

Of all there was between us
the night you went away..

...nothing has changed.

For me nothing has changed,
or ever will.

Forgive me for telling
you this without asking you

if you have the
right to hear it.

I have the right.

We knew each other
only for a few hours

and have been parted
for long years.

But the memory of
you has always

will always, stand in the
path of any living woman.

Good night, madame.

- I want my sword.
- Hush, darling. Later.

But mama said I
could have my sword.

Shh.

Hurry, sire, hurry.
The gate to the alley.

- That is all, Louise.
- Good night, madame.

Good night.

The drums again.
Something must have happened.

Will you go, please.

I'm so sorry, madame.

Madame seems nervous tonight.

Madame, you must hurry,
something has happened.

- In a moment it may be late.
- Have my children gone?

Yes, and the king.
Please, hurry.

I won't be a moment.
What is it? What happened?

I don't know, but there
may have been rumors.

They're doubling the guard,
we can't take chances.

Help me. My clothes,
in that wardrobe.

- Which one.
- In the corner of the room.

'A grey wool dress and cloak,
and a small hat.'

- I don't see them.
- Oh, but do look. Hurry.

A plain gray dress
and a cloak and hat to match.

- 'It must be there.'
- There's nothing like it.

- 'A wrap with fur.'
- I must look myself.

I'm sure I put them there.

Oh, where's my head?
I changed the place.

That woman, she was suspicious.

She's been watching me
all day. There they are.

Hat, there's the cloak.
Toulan, help me please.

I shall never be able
to get into this by myself.

I'm afraid it does
up at the back.

Do you think
you could fasten it for me?

Oh, dear, oh, dear.

- I shall never be ready.
- With your permission, madame.

Just a hook here
and there will do.

- Just stand still, madame.
- I'm sorry, Toulan.

I shall never forget your
loyalty and your kindness.

- Someday perhaps I shall be--
- Your cloak, madame.

They're doubling
the guard, madame.

In a moment I shall
have a companion.

- Do hurry, madame.
- I'm coming, Toulan.

Wait, madame.

Guard halt.
Private Dupre.

Forward, hut.

- Evening, comrade.
- Evening.

What's in the air,
doubling the guard?

I don't know, unless.
Don't move. Don't speak.

'Madame.'

'All right, madame.'

Thank you, Toulan.

The Austrian.

You know that
I shall have to talk.

You will have no chance to talk
till the guard is changed.

That'll give
them six hours start.

You know what
this will mean for you?

I know, I know.

But it was worth it.

Your passports.

Party of five,
bound for Montmedy.

Madame, her two children
and servants.

Passports.

"Madame de Korff,
a Russian subject..

"...For the border."

- Madame de Korff?
- I am Madame de Korff.

- And these are your children?
- Yes, monsieur.

'Hm.'

- Sophie Rochet?
- 'Governess to my children.'

Du... uh... pont.

Pass on.

- I rely on you.
- Yes, monsieur.

- We're at the crossroads, sire.
- Already?

I was to leave you here.

But I beg your majesties
exercise the greatest caution.

We shall drive with all speed.

Thank you, Count Fersen.
We shall not forget.

Sire.

Goodbye, my friend.

We shall meet again.

God be with Your Majesties.

Louis, be careful,
don't show yourself.

- Oh, look, a smithy.
- Hush, dear.

Madame may like to
have some refreshment?

- I have a roast on the spit.
- Thank you, no.

- We should be on our way.
- Your horses are ready.

- It will be 20 francs.
- Twenty francs for the horses.

Oh, yes, I have to pay, don't I?

- I'd like to be a smith.
- Would you, young gentleman?

- My father's a locksmith.
- Hush, dear, hush.

- Will you have them hurry?
- Look alive there.

What's that?
What does it mean?

It means, "To live in freedom
or to die."

You're on your way, citizens.

That man. There was
something sinister about him.

Tell 'em to make speed. I shan't
rest until we reach the escort.

Ten o'clock and no sign of them.

A Louis d'or.

One doesn't come by
a gold piece every day.

From the folks
in the big carriage?

Uh-huh.

'The boy said his father
was a locksmith.'

A locksmith, that's a good one.
That little aristocrat.

A locksmith. Guillaume,
may I be hanged for a fool.

I let him get away.
The king, it was the king.

- I knew his face.
- King?

He was here,
in the big carriage.

By heaven, the queen too,
and the children.

Are you mad?

Those hussars who rode
through here at dusk.

- I said they meant no good.
- 'An escort.'

He is flying to the border to
come back with foreign troops.

And I let him go.

- We must follow him.
- But he has an hour's start.

- And which road has he taken?
- To Varennes.

The escort took the road to
Varennes. A postillion told me.

What could have delayed them?

Look. No, right over here
to the right.

Through the woods there.

A message, perhaps.

- We must be ready.
- Right.

- To horse.
- To horse!

Look, the escort.

Now I know it was the tyrant.

- What shall we do?
- Follow me, I'll show you.

- Colonel, the king.
- Your message, quick.

He is detained
at Sainte-Menehould.

Three leagues back.

- Who are you?
- Drouet, postmaster.

Late of the king's dragoons.
Guillaume. I vouch for him.

The great coach stopped
to change horses.

- The king was seen.
- Go on, man. Go on.

Someone started to cry,
"It's the king!"

- The coach was surrounded--
- Attention! Force, right!

Go through the woods,
you cut three miles.

- Guillaume will lead you.
- Forward!

Forward!

Le Peuple de la Liberté.

- We're nearly there.
- Are you sure? Let me see.

Here are the hills we've just
left and there are the woods

where they wait
to take us through Varennes.

- Once we reach, we're free.
- Free.

Oh, how about
a little kiss, young man.

Oh, steady,
I said a little one.

Darling.

We must be there.

It's very still.

I see no escort.

What could have happened?

They have gone back
through the woods.

Their tracks are plain.

We can't go through
the town without them.

At this hour of the night,
it will be safe enough.

Drive on.

Please clear the way,
we're in a hurry.

- Yes, we know you are.
- I'm Sauce, mayor of the town.

Let me see their passports.

- Your passports?
- Passports, Dupont.

I hope we shall not
be delayed, monsieur.

If the passports are in order,
you can proceed immediately.

- They say it's the king.
- It is the king.

- There's someone who'd know.
- Here?

Our priest was in
the Versailles chapel.

Fetch him, bring him here
my friend, you can save France.

Your name, monsieur?

His name is Dupont, my steward.

He's got a tongue
of his own, hasn't he?

Dupont.

And you, madame?

Sophie Rochet, governess
to madame's children.

I see no reason
to detain these people.

- Their papers are in order.
- Papers can be forged.

- He's right.
- How are we to know?

I tell you, this is the king.

If you let him escape
to a foreign country

you'll be guilty of treason,
and you'll die for it.

Citizens, listen to me.

I've good reason to believe
the king is in this coach..

...bound for the border
and over the border, and why?

To join our enemies.

To lead foreign troops
against France.

To take from us by force
the liberty we've fought for.

I say he shall not pass.

- But this man Dupont--
- Let the people see this man.

'Let 'em see him.'

'If he's not the king, he should
not be afraid to show his face.'

Ask him to get out of the coach.
He can't object to that.

Please step down a moment.
I regret, madame.

It will quiet the people.

- Make way.
- Back up, back up.

That fellow's the king?
He's crazy.

Let me get a look. Where's the
man who said he was king?

That sweating pig is the king?
Then I'm Cleopatra.

Way, please, way. Drouet
has asked to see the father.

This way, Father, this way.

The priest will know. Ask him
to step down again, your Dupont.

Monsieur, I regret.

Sire.

Over there.

Wait a minute.

Why are we here?
This is a prison.

Take off your hat.

Louis Capet,
wife and two children.

Who is this woman?

The so-called
Princess de Lamballe.

You will conduct her
to the prison of La Force.

No. Therese!

My children.

Go to your mother.

Madame!

Monsieur, it's not safe.
Won't you protect her?

Take them away.

- Goodbye, Antoinette.
- Therese!

Follow me.

- All right, go on, go on.
- Are we gonna stay here?

Just for a little while,
darling.

- What is it?
- Don't go, I'll look.

What is it, Louis?

- The palace guards, don't look.
- Therese! Therese!

What are they doing
to you, Therese?

- I beg you not to look.
- Let me go!

Mama.

If the tree of liberty
must be watered by blood

then I say blood
must flow generously.

You tell me that enemies of
liberty perish in scores

upon the scaffold.

But the symbol of monarchy
remains alive.

The symbol of restoration.

'Citizens, in the name
of the republic'

'I demand the life
of that symbol, Louis Capet.'

'Citizen Marat.'

Your vote.

Death.

'Citizen LaRue.'

Eternal justice forbids us
to condemn Louis Capet to death.

I vote for imprisonment.

No, no, no.

'Citizen Robespierre.'

Death.

Citizen Orleans.

Citizen president... fellow
citizens.

I...I can but ask myself why,
of all men in this convention

it must be I who am placed
in this agonizing situation.

If I cast my vote
for the supreme penalty, why..

...I shall be responsible
for the death of my kinsman.

But if I vote for imprisonment..

...I shall be unfaithful
and shall betray the cause

to which I am prepared
to sacrifice my own life

as readily as the
lives of others.

Citizen president... fellow
citizens.

I have searched my soul
and my conscience

and it is with anguish in my
heart that I must vote..

...death.

You're laying for four.

I was told to set a place
for your husband.

Will he have supper with us?

My dear.

Oh, it's so good
to be together again.

Oh, the children
will be so happy.

Why did they let you come?
Are you going to stay with us?

Louis.

Louis.

My dear, I thought
they told you.

Come, we don't want any fuss,
do we? The children.

- When?
- Tomorrow, early.

Oh.

My dear, you mustn't.
I'm not afraid, you know.

This is the hardest part.

Oh, no, no, no.

I can't believe it.

No.

We've been together
quite a few years, haven't we?

You've been very good to me.

It's easy to be good
to those we love.

I think you have
loved me a little.

There's more than
one way of love.

I have loved you, truly, deeply.

Believe me, dear.

Thank you. I've been
brought very low.

But I've had the love of
the finest woman in the world.

And tomorrow,
I shan't be humbled.

Oh!

- Papa. Sister, papa is here.
- Papa.

My son.

And my little mouse.

What, crying? That's a
nice way to greet your father.

She's a silly, isn't she?

You're gonna stay with us,
aren't you, father?

The whole evening.

- And play with us after supper?
- Yes, my son.

- That'll be fun.
- Darlings, come and sit down.

- Supper is being served.
- And I'm hungry.

I'm so glad you're going
to stay with us, papa.

Look, my father has come
to have supper with us.

A chair for my father.

That's alright, son.

Onion soup.
Oh, I like that.

Oh, did you hurt
your little self?

There.

There.

Oh, Papa, wait till I show you.

Look, the general's
lost his arm.

Poor old
General Pulverschmecken.

- What? What did you call him?
- General Pulverschmecken.

Pulverschmecken?
Mama, did you hear that?

This is General Pulverschmecken.

Sister, that's
General Pulverschmecken.

- Can you mend him?
- Yes, I think so, son.

I shall need a bit of wire.

Let me take the
old general away with me.

I'll send him back
to you in the morning.

Can't you bring
him back yourself?

Maybe, son.
Who knows?

Now, I'll put the old general
in my pocket. There, you see?

He's as snug as you please.

Come along, we're letting
the soup get cold.

Oh, Lord, our heavenly father,
we thank thee for the

blessings that thou, in thy
infinite goodness and mercy..

...have seen fit to bestow
upon us, thy humble servants.

We ask thee to guard
and keep us steadfast

in the ways of righteousness
until the end of our days..

...and then to receive us into
the eternal glory of thy grace.

Amen.

- 'Mama.'
- 'Mama.'

- Mama.
- What is it?

Children..

These things belonged
to your husband.

He asked me to
bring them to you.

Not that it's any
of my business.

General Pulverschmecken.
Papa mended him.

Look, sister, papa mended him.
Old General Pulverschmecken.

Yes.

Old General Pulverschmecken.

Uh, I have here an order
of the house..

...authorizing me to remove
the late Capet's son..

...from the custody
of his mother.

What did you say?

The convention's voted
to take your son away from you.

We've come to fetch him.

You mean you're going to take
my little boy away from me?

No.

You can't mean that.

Not today, when you've
taken his father.

You have children yourselves.

Perhaps you have hearts,
you're not merciless.

Mama, don't let them take me,
I don't wanna go.

No, darling, no.

You shan't go.
They shan't take you.

- Mama, please.
- Charles, don't be frightened.

It's alright, mother
won't let you go.

Sorry, but the assembly
gave us orders.

- We must carry them out.
- Let them go!

- Let go!
- Mama!

Mama, mama!

Mama..

Don't think I'd
let you have my son!

Go back to the
fiends that sent you.

Tell them I won't
give up my child!

Never, never, never
while I have breath in my body!

Madame, all this is useless.
We won't harm the child.

Why won't you be sensible and
let him go, since he must go?

But not today.

Surely you won't take him today.

Have pity, there's
no one else to help.

Plead for me. Surely you
can make them understand.

Madame.

Just not today.

Give me a little time,
I'll be braver then.

Just a little time,
but not today, not now.

Madame, we have our orders.
The child will be well enough.

Let him go, or I'll order
the guards to take him.

Don't let me go..

Let him go, madame. You're
distressing him uselessly.

Calm yourself for his sake.

Don't cry, darling.

Don't cry.

There's..

...there's nothing to
be afraid of.

Mother's a great crybaby,
isn't she?

But you are a man.
You have to be very brave.

Sister will get
your coat and hat.

And these gentlemen will
be very kind to you, I'm sure.

Won't you?

And soon we'll all..

...soon we'll be together again.

Stand up, dear.

Okay, darling.

Say goodbye to your sister.

May God take care
of you, my baby.

Yes, yes.

We're ready, aren't we, dear?

Goodbye, Mama.

'Mama, mama!'

'Mama!'

You are Jean Laporte,
journalist from Marseille?

Passport in order. Pass on.

And these, Your Excellency?

Stay where you are.
There's someone on the terrace.

Fersen, in heaven's name.

Why did you come? It's death.

There's a warrant
out for your arrest.

Were you seen? Watch the door.

If you were found,
you'd be torn to pieces.

Here, in this room, I told her
how as a boy I'd dreamed--

Why are you here?

There's no hope abroad, no help
from Austria, none from Europe.

But here. Here there must be a
way, with money, with audacity.

Audacity? Man, people
are crazed with fear.

- That scum.
- No one is safe.

Your enemy drops a slip of paper
into a box tonight

and tomorrow you're on
your way to the guillotine.

The leaders are at
each other's throats.

Yesterday, the citizen Orleans
was arrested.

Adored Philippe Egalite.
He'll go to the scaffold.

That is good to hear.

'Tomorrow, Danton will
follow him. It's chaos.'

That is good, I tell you.

In a mad world, one can
do a mad act and win.

You must help me. You,
her friend, her countryman.

We must act, rally friends,
bribe. I have money. Plan.

The woman in the Conciergerie
is not the woman you remember.

I've loved her
since she was a child.

But if it were in my power
to save her life

I wouldn't lift my hand..

Nothing has been
spared her, nothing.

- Her own son..
- The child?

They brought him
into court today.

She seemed to live again
at the sight of him.

Into court?

They put into his mouth
the foulest charge

a child could bring
against his mother.

I saw her heart break.

You saw her? Where?

She was brought
to trial three days ago

convicted less
than an hour since.

She'll be executed
in the morning.

I'm Count Fersen, who planned
the escape of the royal family.

I came to Paris with a plan
to rescue the queen.

I was too late.
I am here to surrender.

Why? Why do you tell me this?

Isn't there blood enough shed,
that I should want yours?

I'm asking a kindness of you

for which I'll exchange
everything I possess.

My life.

- Let me speak to the queen.
- Are you insane?

For months she has waited
in darkness and silence..

...without a sign
that any friend remembered.

And now she is alone,
waiting to die

without a friendly hand,
a word of pity.

You have my sympathy, monsieur.
I have forgotten your name.

Give me 10 minutes
to tell her she's not forgotten.

- Impossible.
- Ten minutes, five, a moment.

Is there no mercy for the dying?

A word, a look,
in exchange for my life.

Is it time?

I hardly knew you.

My eyes, you know.

It's been so dark here.

It isn't that
I've forgotten, you know.

I just feel so little now.

So little.

He looked so small
in that big chair..

...whispering the
lies they'd told him.

When he's older..

...do you think
he'll know I understood?

If he remembers, he will know.

You mustn't feel badly, I..

...I don't think I'll be afraid.

It's quick, they say.

Oh, don't be sad.

Don't be sad, my darling. We..

...we will never say goodbye.

- Oh, Marie.
- We..

We just have to leave each other
for a little while, that's all.

- Austrian!
- Shut up!

Oh, Mama, think of it.

I shall be queen.

I shall be queen of France.