Original subtitles

:::

-1776.

The English colonies of America rose up against the Crown.

Under the young American flag which then only has 13 stars,

those we call the lnsurgents

fiercely fight to conquer their independence.

But, in the English army, powerful and organized,

the American general washington

can only oppose militias poorly equipped and undisciplined.

Cannon shots in the distance

:::

:::

Weapons, food, clothing are sorely lacking.

Also, despite their courage and their enthusiasm,

the soldiers suffer defeat after defeat

and are severely decimated.

:::

-Ephraim Putnam;

-James Thomas Hight;

-Boy Halston;

-Jonathan Mitchell ;

-The will to win remains.

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

-However,

in the evening of certain battles,

Washington feels overwhelming responsibilities

weigh heavily on the sturdy shoulders of a former farmer.

-General Washington.

-Won't you be seated; -Thank you.

Cannon fires

#Military music

:::

Cannon whistle

Explosion

:::

:::

-In Paris, at the Cabaret of the Wooden Sword,

a meeting of brilliant youth taking on new ideas.

Brouhaha

:::

-To you, my dear Marquis!

-Thank you. You quenched my thirst, dear count.

-Gentlemen!

Using freedom of opinion which is most dear to us,

I will declare that the marquis de La Fayette, very loudly,

is much less on 2 points:

Wine and Women!

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

-His wife is charming, but she is a child.

-Challenge met!

-He drinks!

-DRINK! DRINK! DRINK!

-DRINK! DRINK! DRINK!

-He's been drinking!

-OH!

-It's worth a drink !

-It washes!

-Gentlemen, good evening.

I bring you a gift of our friend Benjamin Franklin.

A portrait of the commander of the Army,

General George Washington.

-BRAVO!

-Long live America!

-Oh no! This is not possible!

I already let you hang on to the portraits of Rousseau, Diderot and Voltaire.

The police tolerate them,

but a general, I'm going to be in trouble!

-Softly, friend!

Our innkeeper's words are golden!

The imbecile police officers do not fear writers.

But without writers, no generals.

The pen proposes, the sword disposes!

Acclamations

The place of General Washington is well between Rousseau and Voltaire.

Let him stay there.

Freedom!

:::

-The Police ​​come here disguised as gentlemen!

You will make them throw me in the Bastille Dungeon! me!

-I will follow you there and I will claim responsibility so they put us in the same dungeon.

Equality!

:::

My friends,

raise our glasses to the soldiers under Washington!

:::

-A man so rich, a revolutionary ;

-It's necessary! What would we do otherwise? to the revolution;

:::

-Monsieur le marquis, a police officer!

-Hello Mr. Police.

Despite your bourgeois dress,

we recognize you. Come!

Let's drink to the victory of the soldiers.

-Fraternity! -After, you will do

your report to M. de Maurepas.

-You are wrong, sir.

I am Sileas Deane, American citizen,

under the orders from General Washington.

-Welcome!

-WELCOME!

-Speak, Mr. Deane.

-I'm in Paris to recruit volunteers.

Before I was sent here, I was well informed.

-Yes sir. When do we leave;

-Come on, sir, you are even more urgent than me!

I have to submit the contracts to Mr. Franklin,

find a ship, weapons ...

-Where are you; -General Washington says

that no matter how dire our situation,

that we will fight until the end.

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

It won't be easy.

We will be prevented from leaving, but we will leave!

-For where, sir;

-For America, Mr. Police.

-Your candor simplifies my task, Monsieur le Marquis.

-Your task is to snitch.

Snitch, come on!

It is a public place.

As long as order reigns, you don't have to open your mouth.

-Washington... -He is an English general.

-You take me for a fool; -I would never!

-Stand and deliver!

Screams

:::

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

-It's you who commit one.

When we gave our sword to the king, we don't do it

for our own purpose.

-Pick up your sword.

You wanted to teach me a lesson; I'll give you another one.

-I can't fight against an officer of Her Majesty,

but I can make it stop!

The Orderlies are mine!

:::

-Your sword, sir! And with that!

:::

-That's it, it starts again! I told you so!

Help, help!

:::

-All for a painting!

:::

-It is well defended, your Washington.

-Leave him! Leave him to me!

:::

-Assassins! -Orderlies!

-Die Policeman!

-Gentlemen of the watch, raise your boss!

Whoever loves me follow me!

:::

See you soon, Mr. Deane!

You see; It begins well!

:::

Acclamations

:::

-I hope Segur will win.

:::

-That's it ! -It's the Count d'Artois!

-I lose 1 00 Francs. -Me, 200.

-Me, 3. I am a better courtier than you.

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

-I bet it on you for 1000 francs!

-Father, I lost.

-I hope so, me too. He's a good courtier.

-I wasn't thinking, I admit it.

I'll settle it. You stay with Adrienne;

-Certainly, my son-in-law.

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

-Me too.

-This stranger has just arrived.

How was Gilbert able to bet with him?

-The Ship?;

-Arrived yesterday in Le Havre.

From Sussex..

-With guns;

-Old guns, but guns ...

-And the police;

-Count Vergennes closes his eyes..

-Vergennes; -Sir;

-Who is talking to the Marquis de La Fayette;

-I can't see very well, sire.

I have very poor eyesight.

-A Sileas Deane, the agent of the Americans, sire.

-You, Maurepas, you have excellent eyesight.

-Grace to God, despite the years, I can still see quite a distance.

It is useful for a minister.

-The Baron de Kalb will embark.

-And me;

-Franklin has signed your contract, monsieur le marquis.

-Thank him.

Tell the baron that I embark with him.

-And your wife?

-I'm going to talk to her.

-Look how Gilbert looks radiant.

So you like to lose so much;

-I like lost causes, nuance.

-In this case you have a chance, my dear.

-Excuse me.

-Gilbert.

We treat each other, Aglae and I, like 2 horses.

-That is to say ; -We bet on us.

Which one will win... -Will win at what?

-Play innocent, monster.

-Excuse me. I have already arrived.

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; -They fascinate me.

-Why did you not participate then?

-I have the honor to belong to the king's musketeers,

I ride a sword in my hand.

A Musketeer's response!

-What do you say, Maurepas;

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

-Who speaks to you

of losing officers? We are not at war.

-We never know whether we're at war or not.

I had an embargo put in place this morning,

on a ship loaded with weapons for the Americans.

-You choose your moment very badly.

-Not so badly.

- Forgive me, sire.

I must, in this case, instruct Your Majesty

that on my side I granted permission.

-Gentlemen, we are at the races. We gamble, we don't decide.

What is the point of having 2 ministers if he must always decide between them?

-Your Majesty will have fun!

you have to choose between Washington and Cornwallis.

-Explain yourself.

-The Count of Segur is going to run under the name of Washington ...

-Maurepas, you bet on England?

-A Minister of Finance is required to have safe investments, sir.

-So ... 500 on Washington. -And 500 on Cornwallis.

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

I will put 1000 francs on him.

-As for Me, madam, I have to bet on both.

-That's very wise, sire. -And you, La Fayette;

-May your Majesty excuse me.

I am not gambling with great ideas on horses.

Even if they were English.

:::

-A king who loves to sleep, a queen who amuses herself,

the English we hate but that we imitate,

and the American war which becomes a race!

-Sire, I think about it.

Here for you is a wonderful opportunity to decide.

-Decide what;

-Concerning the ship!

If Noailles wins, you lean towards Maurepas.

If it's Segur, for Vergennes.

-My faith, madam, you are still very good advice.

:::

Bell Rings

:::

-Washington.

Sire, it's Vergennes that must be followed!

-The hot tempered young man.

-I said it, sire, racing fascinates me.

-Races or Rebels?

-All young people are Rebels.

-The king was making a joke.

- Not at all. It's decided. This ship can go.

-Rome organized chariot races. -they were betting;

-No. It's an English idea.

-Do you think that this entertainment will prosper?

-Monsieur de Conflans

Affirms it

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

crushed the Rebels.

-Devil...

Here is a very helpful man.

He's helping me out.

better to bet on an army than on a horse.

I join Maurepas,

who has decidedly better eyesight than you.

I have put up with the secret aid to American Rebels.

From now on, I forbid it.

-Gilbert...

Barking

-At the end of the Passy district,

in a well-hidden little house,

that of Benjamin Franklin, the sage of the American revolution.

-Virginia and New York.

Sorry for being late, gentlemen.

-The police ; -No, worse.

My step-father!

-The American defeat, true or false ;

-True!

-Baron, I didn't see you. -We never see Kalb, sir.

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

and farewell to the ship.

We won't have the pleasure to make this beautiful trip together Marquis.

-You quickly lose hope.

-''Quick''? It's been 30 years that I'm waiting for a Generalship.

German, English or French, whatever.

Only ranks count.

Even the American escapes me!

For me, it's the fight that counts.

Rather be a Rebel soldier than a General of the Crown.

-It's your age. You will find other fights.

This one is finished.

Finished!

-I hope that the opinion of the baron is not shared by anyone here.

-By all, Gilbert.

-Not by you, Deane;

-A defeat that we overcome is a start of victory, only ...

-Only?

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

-He's with a messenger who came from America.

But I'm afraid, Monsieur de La Fayette,

That the message is:

''Everything is finished.''

-Finished!

-Gentlemen.

The Boston Congress

has declared independence for the colonies of America.

-LONG LIVE THE CONGRESS!

- Mr. Franklin,

one does not declare one's independence, he conquers it.

-That's true, Mr. Kalb.

But we don't lose it

in battle either.

-Yes, but only when it is the finale.

-The Finale will be when the English are crushed!

-By you, Monsieur Marquis? -By me, by you, general.

By all those who will follow me!

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

-You have a boat; -A boat can be bought.

-''More expensive than a conscience, Sir.''

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

a cargo of weapons, eh?

-Freedom has no price, Sir.

-The price is yours now,

it's the risk if the king learning that you want

to buy a boat.

-I will already be far away when he finds out.

-A moment.

You speak seriously, Monsieur de La Fayette;

You could dispose 100,000 pounds?

-And double.

-Without offending anyone here,

we all leave with contract in pocket and appointments as Generals.

You, you don't ask for anything,

and you offer ship and weapons;

-I put only one condition. -Which?

-That this ship is called ''Victory''.

-Bravo, Gilbert !

-And in the evening, he goes to her place ... -Are you sure;

Is he not concealing himself? -Not exactly.

He admits it: ``I rush to ideas, flags, women.''

-there are 2 chances out of 3 so that you are wrong.

-But I love him.

-And if only he loved you;

If he didn't like ideas, the flags,

and if the women didn't like him,

would you like him?

-I think so.

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

He needs the glory.

And she's a lady who can make you suffer more than others.

Hoof noises

-You are not sleeping?

-Don't touch me, Gilbert.

-Adrienne...

Would i kiss you if I left the arms of another;

Answer me.

-I am sure that you like the Countess of Simiane.

-Yes, I like her.

I do not deny it.

And I like Aglae too.

Only they both have something against them.

-What?

-You.

My heart.

-But then, where are you going in the evenings in great mystery?

-To visit an old man.

Benjamin Franklin.

-Why hide it from me?

-You are a young lady.

-I am a wife and a mother.

-Yes, that too.

Young lady, wife, mother, isn't that enough;

Do I still have to burden those charming shoulders?

-If I'm sure of your love, do whatever you like.

-Even leave?

-''Leave''?

-Without promise of return.

-Among the American Rebels,

That's it?

-Yes, sweetheart, that's it.

And that's not all.

It couldn't be easier for you to prevent me.

You heard the King.

We are going to be watched excessively. Me, above all.

And you are at best with the fiercest of my guardians.

-Who is it ; -Your father.

-My friend, where does it come from? Monsieur de La Fayette;

-You can choose.

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

Or with me, against him, to lose me.

You see what I ask of you my Lady?

As much as a heroine of the theater.

-What, with this bill of exchange,

made a total of 112,000 pounds.

-And 29 days of waiting.

-Kergoet of Brittany,

Monseiur le Marquis, was one of your most beautiful estates.

I wasn't going to sacrifice it.

we had to play a bit of competition.

-I would have preferred to sell 2 estates and wait 2 times less.

-Monsieur le marquis,

you did not see fit to entrust to the old notary

and family friend

what you plan to do with that money?

It's a real fortune, and whoever will have it

could well wait.

-There are cases, sir, when to keep people waiting is a crime.

-So, monsieur?

-He has the sum,

but I do not know what he will do with it.

A cryptic sentence, that's all.

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

Harpsichord plays

:::

-I'm away until tonight, my love.

This charming music will accompany me along with it's player.

-You have the sum? -Yes.

:::

See you tonight, mother.

-It's gold ; -Please, forget it.

-Am I stupid.

When a husband leaves with so much gold, he must be going out for gifts.

-Exactly, mother. I am getting gifts.

:::

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

-I know. I will accompany you there.

You're welcome.

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

like your Missouri children,

but I know the nobles.

A drink under their nose, and they are willing to ruin themselves for any reason.

Sober, they ruin themselves for women.

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

But he makes me wait for 8 days!

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

And on Monday, no more ships.

-He said 16 hrs.

-At the latest.

It's been 15 hours and 45 minutes!

-112,000 pounds which are the...

-You are well informed.

You know to whom this gold is destined?

-Yes. -To the Countess of Simiane.

-No. To the Rebels.

-There is only one person who knew it.

-Everyone has secrets.

-Adrienne ... -Let's leave her.

-It's my wife. -It's my daughter.

Give your fortune to the American Rebels If you want,

but give it discreetly and go no further.

Your sword belongs to the king.

-One day, he will be very happy. -For the moment, he is suspicious.

You will think you are leaving Noailles for America, but it will be for the Dungeon of the Bastille.

-That doesn't scare me. -It scares me.

I wish for my son-in-law another condition than prison.

Also, before you go to your meeting,

we are going to put the king's suspicions to rest.

-We are going to the King?

-No, we are meeting his friend. -Which friend?

-At the House of Lords.

-Bring in Monsieur de La Fayette.

-Entrust me with your Gold.

Your clothes seem a bit burdened.

This is not a confiscation, it is a deposit.

Thank you.

-Good Evening Monsieur. de La Fayette,

under this roof, which will

become yours. -Mine?

-The 1st gentleman from my house is here

before me.

But it is also, one would say,

your 1st piece of news.

-Yes, forgive me, my lord.

Monsieur d'Ayen reserved the surprise for me.

-I see he succeeded.

-He should have consulted me, however.

This charge is a great honor and I find myself unworthy of it.

-Your name,

your uniform and your fortune

render you particularly worthy.

-Thank you, my lord.

But besides these goods that you will enumerate,

there is one I have weakness to hold more: my ideals.

-Oh yes, I forgot ...

It is fashionable to have ideals.

What ideals?

Birth dispenses with having them.

Youth, name, fortune and wife

are not enough for you?

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

-I need them to live, and those that I profess have prevented me from serving you.

-I would prefer if you left me the sole judge.

-They are just a word. -What word?

-Liberty! -A word, indeed.

-She lifts the world. -Only partly.

-The youngest.

-Monsieur de La Fayette,

your franchisement is one more title.

Monsieur d'Ayen did not hide from me your sympathy to the Rebels,

but take then these rebel pirates like...

like women take their hairstyle!

Don't commit your life to them on a fashion,

because in France, everything goes out of fashion.

And nothing changes.

-Everything will change! It would be desperate...

-And the King? What do you do with the King?

-And the people, my lord?

-They would be happy

if agitators did not preach to them that they shouldn't be.

-These agitators do not preach, they are fighting

the dishonesty of ministers, judges,

the enslavement of the people!

-But it's a revolutionary program sir.

-You will understand, my Lord, that a revolutionary cannot be ...

-I am not the king, but I can be one day.

I can see clearly that a revolutionary

has no place here.

You've been warned.

-Monsignor is waiting M. le Duc d'Ayen.

-So, what did you say to him?

-You will learn it from his own mouth.

Your clothes are a bit lumpy!

-Sorry.

-I was named 1st gentleman from Monsieur's chambers.

I need you for an urgent and secret mission.

-Bordeaux, finished!

-Here it is.

-Between two police officers?

-Thank you, gentlemen. Leave us.

-You are very strong, Monsieur de La Fayette.

Whistling

Bye!

-Come back quickly.

-The 1st mission of your son-in-law went well.

-Sorry?

-Monsieur delivered the gold, and I had the honor of escorting him.

-Be careful that this honor does not take you to the Dungeon.

-I was hoping ...

-Well?

-It was the Countess of Simiane, Monsieur le duke.

-Very well...

-We play Marivaux the playwright, dear. -And pretty well, my goodness.

My stepfather must be thinking that I abandon the Rebels

for your beautiful eyes.

-Plead to God that my beautiful eyes will not lead you to the Bastille.

Gilbert, we're going to the Queen's house.

-In whose honor? -Our comedy doesn't fool anyone.

I have the disadvantages to be your mistress

without having the advantages.

A charitable soul who knows the secrets of Maurepas warned me.

-Very well.

Harp Music

:::

-Monsieur de La Fayette.

:::

-It's the first time we've seen you to my musical chamber.

-Indeed, your Majesty.

-Maybe it is to meet here our dear Lauzun?

Or that good Mauroy?

Or that excellent Segur, that I no longer see these days?

-No. It is your Majesty that Monsieur de La Fayette comes to see,

on my advice.

-You transform my living room in a place of conspiracies?

But it's so much fun.

And those who amuse me are entitled to all indulgences.

-I'm confused, but Your Majesty knows my frankness.

-I also know your concerns.

So it's to talk to me about this that you come to listen to my music.

--Yes, Majesty!

-God, how funny!

-Nothing escapes you.

-Oh yes.

Alas...

-Gentlemen,

the King!

-Sire, may I allow myself?

-What do you want?

-A signature, sire.

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

You are stubborn;

-Stubbornness is the first duty of a minister.

-Talk, but quickly, I love this song.

-It's too late, your Majesty.

-Maurepas is chasing me to your house, madam.

You are the last refuge against this man.

-''The last''?

-The Signer,

it's to decide, and at this hour,

I wish to ponder only one decision: to sleep.

-So let's exploit this love immoderate sleep.

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

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

-Come now, is this a living room or a study room?

-You are right.

Resume the music.

Let's get it over with, sir.

:::

-You seem embarrassed, Louis.

-There is something. These are arrest warrants.

Look at the names.

-What? Arrest the gentlemen who came to me as friends?

-Did they not come to you for clemency because we intend to arrest them?

-I'm taking you as a witness, sire. The minister accuses me of plotting!

-Pay attention to your words.

Take this back, this is not the moment.

-Your Majesty will not make me reproach if I add another decree.

-What decree; -The war.

-The war...

-England is losing patience,

and departure for America of M. de La Fayette and his friends ...

-England...

should leave me to listen to some music.

I regret, madam, England's friendship

asks us to choose wisely.

-Wait, sire.

The interested parties are there.

The most basic courtesy isn't it to inform them?

-I am at your place, madam, I will bend.

Gentlemen ...

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

I however, am less forgiving.

For the pleasure of France, I therefore inform you:

I will sign

the arrests for all four of you.

Continue the music.

-Sire, I think about it.

Isn't there a more elegant way to reassure England

than to lock up Monsieur de La Fayette?

-How? -By sending him to them!

-The idea is admirable.

His uncle Noailles is Ambassador to London.

-Between parents, we invite each other,

especially if the king invites you.

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

You will go to London, sir.

Especially since I have to go to bed.

-Your Majesty... -Enough, Maurepas!

It's 10 p.m., it's madness.

If they don't let me sleep what will happen France?

-How can I thank Your Majesty?

-By turning your head to the English.

-Suffer, as little as possible -I don't like to suffer.

Good luck in London.

#English Anthem

-My dear Noailles, even if it means shocking you Lord Germain,

I repeat: we would never demand you to take Canada.

-You forget, Highness, that England lives by her trade.

And what does her business subsist on? From its colonies.

-But if we give them to our friends,

we wake up one fine morning

without trade, without colonies and without friends.

-What a pity for France that your highness was not King

in place of your brother.

-I love everything about France: her ideas, her mind

and her wine.

What are we drinking to?

-To France, of course.

-To England. -Both!

You are in good luck, my dear d'Ayen.

-Your Highness.

-France is in the hot seat.

Did you not promise to bring in Monsieur de La Fayette?

-Here he is, Highness.

-Excuse me sir.

I heard about you, but I did not expect

to find you so young.

This youth makes you likable.

-And less formidable.

-Will you raise your glass with us in the alliance?

-What alliance? -Well that of our 2 countries.

-It would be with joy, but there is a third between us.

-Who?

-America.

-America, sir, is not a country.

It is an English colony.

-Lord Germain, Minister of Colonies.

-Monsieur.

I also heard from you,

Monsieur de La Fayette.

You wanted to cross the Atlantic, but you only went across the English Channel.

You finally understood where the winner resided.

-We are swift conquerors in the ministries, Excellency.

The Rebels did not capitulate.

-The gold distributed by Deane and Franklin in Paris

won't delay long this deadline.

-It's not the gold that makes one the friends of Liberty.

Your Hessian mercenaries, However...

-they are well worth the bandits who enlist from France.

-If that is the case with the French volunteers,

why worry about it?

-You forget from whom you are invited.

-No, relax.

I also like the French ardor.

-Here is our guest of honor.

-Monsieur de La Fayette, you are going to have fresh news

of your Rebel friends.

Hunting horn

:::

-You are French, sir?

Excuse my English ears, but I misunderstood your name.

-Marquis de La Fayette.

-Do you like hunting?

-Such that I keep a memory of it.

I grew up in Auvergne, we hunt a lot.

-As in the west of England.

My country...

I hope to go back when the war is over.

-We say it is coming to an end.

-It's possible.

-According to you, the Rebels can they still hold?

-As long as they have a chief like Washington? yes.

-And his troops, sir,

do they deserve the contempt that Lord Germain bears them?

-You are young, sir, but you are in the military.

A bunch of barefoot volunteers,

armed with hunting rifles and without officers,

who hold the British army in check,

don't they deserve something else than contempt?

-Oh yes.

Victory!

-Monsieur de La Fayette...

Bird cry -Attention!

-Excuse me, he was only hurt.

-A message from Baron de Kalb.

-Monsieur Bancroft.

-At your service, monsieur.

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

-Can I charge you with a mission?

-You can, yes.

-I will give you a letter for the Duke of Ayen.

You will not give it to him until 8 days pass.

-Monsieur Bancroft?

-Exactly.

-It's a letter from my son-in-law?

-Exactly.

-Why did he not give it to me?

-When we write to someone,

we usually do not want to meet him.

-You are aware?

-Incorrect. I don't know anything.

-Yet, you serve as a messenger

to my son-in-law. -I like to help

everybody.

-It's a farewell letter.

You knew it?

-Exactly.

but I don't need to know.

-Maybe you can explain to me.

-Perhaps.

-My son-in-law writes to me:

When you receive this letter, 8 days will have passed

''since my departure.''

But he left London yesterday.

-Yes.

-He didn't ask you

to wait 8 days?

-Exactly. -So what?

-I told you, I like to be of service to everyone.

-You are a curious character, Monsieur. Bancroft.

-I know all the interest that you have in him.

Why make you wait 8 days

to know all the details of his trip;

-Which?

-He doesn't give you any?

In general, travelers give details.

-For example?

-I know so little.

I only know that he will find Baron Kalb

in Bordeaux prepared to embark on a ship called "The Victory"

leaving for America,

where Monsieur de La Fayette will fight alongside the Rebels

with the rank of General in the American army.

You see, I know almost nothing.

-You must quickly give me this letter.

-Not yet.

In 8 days.

-Is it too early or too late? -If you dispatch a rapid messenger,

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

-You are playing a funny game.

-Exactly.

I even play 2, you see?

-To win double?

-incorrect. To be sure to win.

-How much do I owe you?

-Wait until you win.

-Exactly.

-Let it pass! London messenger for the service of the king!

-Is it an hour to disturb people?

Give me this letter.

Send me a courier on the field.

-Adrienne...

Listen to me now.

I'm not coming back.

I leave.

Yes my heart.

-When? -Now.

We don't get to choose.

I would despise myself.

You also.

-I will wait for you. -My Lady.

We will laugh together again.

You will have your war, too.

Against your father, against the king, against all.

It's harder to fight

with his friends than against his enemies.

-You must know, too.

-Yes?

-papa... It's not me who informed him about your plans.

You suspected me, I know that.

But I never told him anything.

Always call me your Lady.

And when you're there

Remember that you have a real wife.

Hoof noises

:::

Someone knocked.

Go.

Quick.

I'll hold them back.

What is it, sir?

-By order of the king, we must make sure of Monsieur le marquis.

-The Marquis is in London.

You should know that.

-The king's order is formal.

Allow us to check

that he's not here. -Show me this order.

Do your duty, sir.

So, have you found him?

-It would have been better for him, madam, that I found him.

-I escaped beautifully, I had Maurepas' henchmen on the trail.

Let's go!

-Maurepas woke up the King in the middle of the night.

-He must pester! -Everything will be done

to prevent your departure. -I have never

expected that it was going to be a vacation.

-You will be considered by your king as a deserter.

-We are deserter only if we lose. Me, I go to win.

-Monsieur de La Fayette,

listen to me.

You must know what it costs me to give you this advice.

Stay.

-Mr. Franklin, it costs me not to leave.

what would I say to General Washington?

-That all of France were like you.

-Away! I can barely believe it. -You will be general, baron.

-Curious team, marquis. -Who?

-The horses! the two of us!... I am German, you are French,

but it is I who have the cult of reason,

and you who are, how to say ...

Exalted!

False baron, true marquis.

Old poor man who wants to be rich, and rich young man who will die poor.

-But under the American flag.

We have that point in common.

-What point? -We are free.

Your lucky charm?

-Yes, my lucky charm.

Yours?

-Mine.

-The dragoons are behind! Go on!

-Quick quick ! We have them!

-Make the horses fly like arrows, quickly!

-Where are they?

I advise you to talk!

-I do not understand!

Brouhaha

:::

-We will cling towards the West Indies.

Laughs

-Why are they laughing? We no longer go to the West Indies?

-Capitain Borsalino.

-Hello, Captain.

The West Indies, it was for the Bordeaux Port Authority.

We're going to America. -What? To America?

With a stopover in the Carribean? -No.

-And my cargo? -What cargo?

-A little cloth for sale in the West Indies.

-It was not planned, captain.

-America wasn't planned either!

-You can sell your merchandise in America.

-If the English fall on it, they will take it.

-He is right.

-Well, I'll buy it from you.

-All? -All!

-What are you going to do with all that cloth?

-There won't be enough to dress the Rebels.

Come on, captain. Set sail right away!

-And your luggage, monsieur le marquis?

-My luggage? We don't expect them.

-There is one thing that I have to wait.

-What? -The tide!

Another 2 hours.

-But in 2 hours, the dragoons will be here!

-What can I do? The tide will not rise before.

lmpossibile!

-Make a prayer, Marquis. As for me, I only believe in the devil!

-And me, to Our Lady.

Our Lady heard you, Marquis. The departure will begin.

-Halt!

-Too late, captain.

-Damnable Shit!

-Don't worry, baron.

If I am on board, "The Victory" will be seized,

along with the weapons and supplies.

-Yes, like the ship in Sussex. -No!

"The Victory" Must arrive.

Captain.

Prepare to depart, you must leave.

Without me.

-lmpossible! -We won't be leaving!

-Yes!

This is my 1st order.

And the last.

Replace me over there by giving your best.

It's your Lucky Charm that was good luck, baron.

-You had a good run, monsieur le marquis.

But alas, we are reunited.

I have a message for you.

A message from the King.

-How can you not believe in the devil?

-I will establish your itinerary until Marseille.

Do not take offense at the precautions that we will take for you.

However, we will not take

any for the crew and supplies.

As you see, you are not arrested, Marquis.

Your coach is waiting for you.

-We can't stop this.

-No, he gets into his car.

-Stop, by order of the king!

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

-Marquis de La Fayette, on the way for Marseilles by order of the King.

-Please excuse the precautions ...

-On the way!

-Cut him off! Stop!

-Mauroy!

You haven't left? -Not without you!

-Nothing was stopping you.

-I'm not coming to accompany you, Gilbert, but bring you back

on "The Victory". -By Swimming?

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

I proposed to anchor in Spain, in Los Pasajes.

I jumped into a rowboat and ... -And you want me to jump for joy

and that I follow you to Los Pasajes.

Here, read.

The King orders me to go to Marseilles,

and I go.

But you, I order you to go to America,

to fight twice as much, and to conquer!

Go away, Mauroy!

Go away!

-Farewell, Gilbert. -Farewell.

Mauroy!

-It's him! -Are you sure?

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

-The rowboat, quickly!

Joyful Cheering

:::

-Prepare for departure!

Starboard prepare the maneuver!

Release the main topsail!

Hoist the large jib and the brigantine!

-My compliments, Maurepas.

Monsieur de La Fayette has escaped you.

-If Your Majesty had listened to me...

-Why are you laughing?

-Admit he took you for a pretty nice ride.

-I do not know if England finds it very pretty.

What is the temperature, at the English embassy, ​​Vergennes;

-Ice Cold, sire.

-Which proves, sire, that England does not find

La Fayette's help to the Rebels negligible.

-You think that a young person who is not even 20 years old

will change the course of events?

-What do you know?

-He disobeys me, and it amuses you!

-No. But if he, in the open sea, heard you,

It would surely amuse him!

Sound of waves

:::

Wood creaking

:::

-You're looking for English frigates?

-According to your second in command, there are some around here.

-By a miracle, we may not see any,

but I don't believe in miracles.

Have you ever been boarded at sea Marquis? -No never.

-The frigate sends the red flag, and you, the white.

-Out of the question.

-At the 1st warning shot, you hoist the flag of surrender quickly.

-Impossible!

-After the second warning shot, if ''Impossible'', ''Fire!''

Do you know how many cannons the English have?

12! -And we, 2.

Naval combat is out of the question.

-All in good time, you are reasonable.

-You go full sail on the frigate.

Board their vessel and commence a saber attack!

-In the merchant navy, sabers are often carried.

We never use them. -I will give you lessons.

-I sold you my boat, marquis.

But not my skin!

Laughter

With the saber ... Huh!

After sighting the first English frigate, detach the row-boat from the port side!

Prepare to set sail without sleeping!

They will count to 20 and after, hop to it!

The boat is already paid.

-Defender of this Liberty that I idolize,

to liberate myself more than anyone,

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

I only wear my candor and my good will.

No particular interest, no ambition.

Working for my glory, I work for their happiness.

Adrienne, my sweet heart,

a day still comes to an end.

I must stop writing, because I forbade all light on the ship

in these final days at sea.

-Sometimes I wonder

if it exists.

-What is that?

-America

We must have passed it.

-La Royerie is lucky, birds fascinate him.

They are however identical.

-Exactly, no.

These are different.

-In what?

-they are Americans.

They are no longer sea birds. The earth is near!

-Thank God.

-We shall have a drink to celebrate.

-Your English is improving, marquis !

But don't toast before arriving, it brings bad luck.

-Ship in sight from starboard forward!

-You see?

-It cannot be English. -I bet my Generals contract!

-I'll hold you to it, baron!

-It's the ship of the English.

-I won.

-Believe me, marquis, the white flag of surrender.

-Touch it,

and I will give you a taste of this gunpowder!

It is I who command!

Fight off!

Around me, you people.

Baron?

My contract does not provide combat at sea.

-Neither do theirs.

Look at them.

If you walk with me, they will walk.

Baron, you are an American officer.

-And I'm going to die like a common sailor,

I who hate the sea.

Come on, arm yourself!

Let's go !

-Let's go!

-Master of the crew!

-Prepare the boarding posts!

-In the hold!

-Man your Stations!

Detach cannons, grenades and the fire pots in the tops!

The 2 sides to the action station, the gunners to their places!

Garnish the tops!

-Turn a little, let them see our flag.

He's an American!

-Hourra!

Acclamations

:::

-The ship is American! -Oh!

5, 6,

7, 8,

9...

:::

Alright then... What a miracle.

-I lost!

It's for you. -I have one.

-Oh thank you.

:::

-Right land on port side

Forward bow!

-My friends, America!

-It's America!

-We came at our own liberty so that this country can be free.

Let’s all swear to win or perish!

-WE SWEAR IT!

In English

-``Undesirables...''

-One of those "undesirables". Sir...

But l am the marquis de La Fayette.

lt is difficult, sir.

We crossed the sea on a ship that I bought

to help you in your war.

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

Voila, Mr. President, what sort of ``undesirables'' are we?

-Mr. President...

We fought so hard to reach you here.

We have given up everything.

Left everything.

Forget about Mr. Deane's contracts.

Forget our contracts.

The only favor we ask for,

it's to be soldiers without rank or pay,

but in your army.

-The agreement of democracy, Is that we explain ourselves.

And not in front of one, but in front of all.

And everyone has their say.

The assembly deliberated. You can come back, gentlemen.

In English

''Whereas the marquis de La Fayette,

'' as a result of his great zeal for the sake of liberty

''in which the United States is currently engaged,

''left his family, his and came at his expense...

:::

-''... to offer his services in the United States.

''without complaint or treatment

''and no special allowance,

''and has the heart to risk his life for our cause ...

:::

-''This Congress resolves

''that his services be accepted.

''In consideration of his zeal and illustriousness

of his family and alliances ...

:::

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

-Thank you.

Brouhaha

:::

-Halt!

:::

:::

-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 could skip a coin from one bank to the other of the Potomac.

- A boast, then. -Not at all.

One day he admitted to have cut down a cherry tree.

His father forgave him saying

that it was better to snatch 1,000 cherry trees than to lie.

And he remembered it.

-Never telling lies can't make it easier for him.

-Easy with his men, difficult with the politicians.

-It seems he is a strong believer.

-Yes very. He believes ...

Drum rolls

:::

-Present arms!

-Drum rolls - Welcome, Monsieur de La Fayette.

-No, general.

It's him, 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 for most of my sons.

-We do not receive greatness at birth,

but by fighting for a great cause.

-Yes. And you are already well matched against Congress.

The English are even tougher.

And you saw my troops.

Don't judge them until after seeing them fight.

-I did not come here to judge, but to learn.

-Very Well.

To start, you can learn this.

Cornwallis received 5,000 reinforcements of Brandenburg mercenaries.

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, their aides-de-camp and that's it.

-Just that?

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 chief for whom we are willing to die.

-Attention!

-There you are.

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

-But I'm major general. -And you've never seen the fire.

-I have imagined it so many times!

-It requires more than imagination.

-I can join the Sullivan's army. -No.

I will keep you in reserve...

with my militia.

Look at them.

They go barefoot, they are hungry,

they only have 6 cartridges per man.

They have nothing.

They have little to be proud of.

But if I give them for commander the Marquis de La Fayette

who traveled a thousand 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 think.

Except maybe victory.

Bagpipe

:::

-Here they are sir.

:::

-What is it soldier?

-Cornwallis crossed the river.

-The information is lacking.

What are we doing for Sullivan?

-We come to his aid!

-Here is the answer to your question, baron.

-We had to fall back.

-We will try.

-We are in great need of ammunition!

-We do not have a choice.

We must save Sullivan's artillery,

because we have no other.

-General, May I command the militia?

-Yes, you can take the command.

Follow me!

-2,000 men have you been told, sir;

They are at least 10,000.

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

You will also defend the bridgehead

because Cornwallis will seek to cut off our retreat.

-Thank you, monsieur.

Bagpipes

:::

-The Cornwallis Vanguard. -At last!

-Gentlemen, good luck.

:::

-First rank, forward!

-Fire!

-Set fire!

Screams

:::

-Fire!

-Form ranks!

Form ranks!

-How do you know;

-Gilbert! You're hurt!

-Never!

Moans

:::

-Yes.

-Kalb, he has ...?

-Yes Yes.

He made it through.

-Where are you taking me?

Where are we going?

[indigenous language]

-Gaspard, Gaspard !

Hurry!

-Madame...

''As the wife of an American officer,

''I must give you your lesson.

''They will tell you:

''They were beaten again in Philadelphia. '

`` You will answer ... ''

- '' It's true, but in the plains,

''between two armies of equal number,

''veterans have always the advantage over young people.''

-Nothing discourages him!

-He says nothing will discourage his soldiers.

In front of the bravery of these men,

''I tell myself that if the King saw them ... ''

-The King, madam.

-It was I who asked His Majesty to come.

-Do not hide this letter, madam.

I had news from my side, indirectly,

but the news he sends you also interests me.

-he is in America against your will, but there is.

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

-What does he say about Philadelphia?

He says ''You will be objected: 'Catastrophe! It is the capital of America,

'''The Road to Liberty.'''

-We haven't said this.

-''You will answer politely ...''

-Well?

-'''You are fools.'''

-We don't need to say it.

-And why?

- ''Philadelphia is a sad city whose port is closed,

that only Congress has made famous, but of no strategic importance.''

-And Washington?

-Half of his letters talk about him, sire.

''He's the greatest man of war

''and the wisest statesman who is.''

He admires him and loves him like his own father.

-Your husband has more than the American uniform,

He has the heart.

-No, sire.

he always repeats to me that he fights

also for France.

-And his health?

-He doesn't tell me anything.

-It's good.

-He was injured.

-We must hide it.

Don't say anything about it. -Do not be afraid.

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

And i'm not jealous of Washington.

-I could move about but I had to wait for you.

So I am doubly happy to see you.

-You will not have to wait longer.

La Fayette, it's too early to walk.

-No, it's going very well.

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

-From France? -No, from here.

A member of Congress: Conway.

-''Conway''?

-Please read on.

He offers you, in short, to open a second front.

-An expedition against Canada.

-Who could take back Canada better than France.

-Exactly. What do you think?

-This is an advantageous offer for you and for France.

-Yes maybe. But I examined the details...

[Children talking]

:::

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

-Yours, I believe.

Conway is setting up a cabal against you. -That's the big word.

-Perhaps, but it's correct!

He makes me this offer to separate us.

-You could take advantage of it.

Politics does not end with the war.

And, above all, you are French.

-If the United States disunites, it is not worth fighting anymore.

I don't fight for Canada or France,

but for America.

I have been thinking a lot, sir.

We cannot crush the English.

You have to harass them, gnaw at them, until the day

that we can fight them at a location of our choosing.

I'm talking nonsense.

-It's not at all stupid.

I have been thinking myself for a long time of a harassment campaign,

skirmishes.

And to tell the truth, I even thought to entrust it to you.

-I'm returning to the service? -When will you be able to walk.

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

-La Fayette, I was young too.

I like this confidence, this ardor.

But I advise you one thing which has served me a lot

since my early youth:

patience.

-Patience.

La Fayette was capable of anything except patience.

And the same evening ...

-Do not pull!

Don't shoot!

-The Lroquois are with the English.

-Were. La Fayette rallied them. -l see.

-There are some conquests where we must be silent.

-Listen to me, Kirowa.

Here is the plan that I propose to you.

Tonight you and your warriors ...

Screams

Fire

:::

-La Fayette.

Music and singing

:::

-''That the wait is long, my love.

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

''that I tremble every moment for your dear existence.

''Only thing that comforts me are my efforts to help you

''with the King and Queen.

''She's a woman, she understands my anxieties.

''But her benevolence does not seal my thirst for your kisses.''

-General Washington is asking for you. Its very important.

:::

Monsieur le marquis, I was waiting for you.

-The Soldiers won a decisive victory over the English

by seizing Saratoga.

Acclamations

-Long live what? -Saratoga, sire.

A city taken by the soldiers after having wiped out the English army.

-''City''... Locality, at most.

As for the English army, you can't destroy it all at once.

-Why do they come screaming? It is not a French victory.

-The people want to tell you, sire, where their sympathies are.

-If we had to follow the sympathies of the people, where would we be?

-If we follow the animosity of a minister, where then?

-WASHlNGTON !

-Washington, now.

This is the first time that the people are passionate about a war.

-It's his war, sire.

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

-It's a struggle for independence.

-In which France is neutral. -Neutral, no.

La Fayette is French.

-You will say that we must follow him?

-It is the people who say it. -The people...

-You're not there to argue,

but to advise me.

I'm listening to you.

-Saratoga's victory fills our hearts with joy.

But don't make the same mistakes of our adversaries.

Do not underestimate their army.

we must win other victories.

For this, the help of France is necessary.

I express our gratitude to Madame de La Fayette,

who is struggling to get this support from the Queen.

Which amounts to the support of the King.

-A messenger from the king, Mr. Ambassador.

-Excuse me.

Hold.

Read, ma'am.

It's a victory larger than Saratoga.

Without you and your husband, we wouldn't have won it.

-''Draft of a treaty of alliance''

''between France and the United States.''

-On the ship "The Alliance", La Fayette returns to France.

But this is not a home-coming.

It is for the sake of a mission that the American major general

undertook this journey.

-Line up, it is a royal carriage.

My heart!

Let me look at you.

-Gilbert...

-To Versailles.

The King first.

-Softly, now. We have plenty of time.

-Monsieur le marquis de La Fayette, sent from General Washington,

and Madame de La Fayette.

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

had the makings of a hero.

-Monsieur de La Fayette, envoy of general Washington.

-Let him come in.

-I know you are grateful not to present yourself in foreign uniform.

-I remain your devoted subject, sire. - ''Devoted''?

When you like the cause.

Your case is serious, sir, and delicate.

-Whatever you decide will be well decided.

-I must decide in a case so difficult!

I should have you arrested.

-At your orders, sire.

-At my orders ...

And those of Mr. Washington!

We are allied with him, now.

-That's right, sire.

-What do you think?

-He is certain

that Monsieur de La Fayette deserves punishment.

-If the queen says so!

- So put Monsieur de La Fayette under arrest...

-Is that so?

-...at the hotel in Noailles.

Face to face with his lovely wife

which he so unworthily abandoned.

-I will point out to Your Majesty ...

No! Don't tell me anything.

The Queen has good political sense.

If Monsieur de La Fayette stays at home,

he will not be greeted by a parade in Paris.

That is what matters.

So you will submit to house arrest.

Do not leave your wife.

-I will take care of it personally.

-You are too kind, sire.

-Now, Major General,

tell me a little about these Americans.

-La Fayette spoke to the King about the Americans,

even a lot and a long time.

For long months to the King, to the Queen, to Maurepas ...

-England too, sire, has a powerful ally: hunger.

-ls it from La Fayette? -No.

Welcome Gentlemen. -Thank you, sir.

-Congratulations.

-Still united in this other fight:

Washington against Congress, La Fayette against Versailles.

-Misery, sire.

A captain cannot even buy boots.

-And the continentals minted by Congress?

-It's not worth French gold.

-he must face first to the needs of France.

-The gold spends for a single party in Versailles

It would be enough to raise up another 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.

-The American troops aren't all Americans.

Washington must take whoever volunteers.

And we don't bend after long deprivation.

-Good day, sir.

-You are also a good lawyer, Sir.

Mr. Washington will have

the 4,000 men and the 60 vessels requested.

-Americans are also a generous people.

They won't forget our help if one day France needs them.

-America's help? Not to win a war.

-Yes, sir.

The freedom fighters are the best.

-It's possible.

But theirs are not like the King's soldiers ...

we have to place them under experienced command.

The Count de Rochambeau will command the army.

You will understand

that the king could not entrust this responsibility

to a 20-year-old lieutenant.

Even if he is a general in the American army.

-I will not be able to command without your help

with all sincerity

Did i thwart an ambition?

-I have no other ambition than to serve.

Drum rolls

:::

Acclamations

:::

General, here I am.

:::

-And ... not alone.

Fanfare

:::

Trumpet

:::

:::

galloping.

:::

Trumpet

Explosion

:::

-Fire!

Fire!

-Follow me! Charge!

-On the right. Round the grenadiers! Charge!

Trompette

:::

Neighing

Screams.

:::

-Washington!

Gentlemen the English, with my compliments.

Explosion

Fire!

Fire!

-Watch.

French or English? -There are about thirty of them.

It is the English squadron.

-Sir.

-The French fleet!

Acclamations

-It's de Grasse.

The French fleet!

French Navy! French Navy!

-Sir!

-With me, the Rangers!

Screams

:::

-I will not see the sea.

-Courage, Kalb. The medics will come.

Stretcher bearers!

-This is the end of General Kalb.

-Perhaps. But without you, we were all taken.

-''Taken''?

You who love Liberty so much ...

marquis, me too, I'm dying for this bitch.

-Yes, Kalb.

-You know it? -Yes, Kalb.

Trumpet

-Don't look at me anymore, Marquis.

:::

:::

-Present arms!

-Mission accomplished.

-Order arms!

Drum rolls

:::

Explosion

:::

:::

:::

-I paid dearly for the right to meet you.

can I ask you something in private?

-Gladly. I always had hope

to receive you under my tent.

-Thank you, sir.

Will you allow me one more word, sir?

Your army was not the strongest.

It is rather the cause that she defends which is the strength of an army.

Chant

:::

-The Battle of Yorktown marked a decisive turning point in the war.

Victory was near.

La Fayette could return to France.

-Now, Monsieur le Marquis, we go our seperate ways.

Victory also brings with it separation.

-Nothing can separate two comrades in war.

-Your woman, your children, your friends

and glory. Many things.

-One especially: France.

-The uniform will change, but not the cause.

God gave birth to you marquis.

But each of us will remember that Liberty

was born French.

-America taught him to walk.

Without you, I would have remained an officer,

a tavern ranter.

Congress made me a general, you made me a soldier.

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

-As an ambassador of a new France.

-Perhaps.

-But will I still be here?

Goodbye, my son.

-Farewell, monsieur.

-Thank you, sir.

Thank you.

Acclamations

:::

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

But only when independence for America will be assured.''

-''It is done. She is free, sweetheart.

''Humanity has won its case.

''Liberty is no more without sanctuary on Earth.''

Sous-titrage : Eclair Media