Original subtitles

Uf! He's died.

The Emperor?

Well, maybe now we can finally talk about him.

- It's a considerable event. - No, it is not.

It's not an event, it's news.

But you just declared: "uf!".

Yes, the whole world declares "uf!" at this moment.

Mr. De Talleyrand will not let slip this opportunity

to give us his opinion on the Emperor?

I do not need to have an opinion about him, no.

Well, I must confess that I never liked Napoleon.

That does not have the importance you believe.

- Besides, it is not the question. - Not the question?

No, Madame! It is not the question.

On the day of Napoleon's death, it doesn't matter if we liked him.

- I have the right to... - No, Madame, you have no right!

If you want to say something witty, or even cruel,

concerning the Emperor, go ahead! It could even lead to blasphemy.

Wit is something sacred.

But to give us your opinion about one of the Greatest Men

in the World, no, Madame!

I even dispute the right to speak well of him, for it would be a waste of time.

The Emperor Napoleon does not need anybody, and nothing can reach him.

20 years of getting on my nerves...

"Your opinion on the Emperor?" Please!

If we had carried on, she would have ended up saying:

"I, instead, would have not done such a thing".

People are like that, they like to judge the great characters.

But individuals are only facts,

especially when we dare to speak of a man like him.

But the facts are not in dispute.

They are found, examined, recounted...

If they are to be recounted, Prince, tell us the life of the Emperor.

It's too soon. And at the same time, it is already far away.

So, imagine as if a hundred years had passed.

As if it were an old story, or even a legend.

There was, a long time ago, a fabulous being who yet looked like a man,

who was born on an island, dreamed all his life of conquering an island,

retired to an island and, contrary to his will, died on an island.

He was born in Ajaccio, on the 15th of August, 1769.

A few months earlier, the king Louis XV...

- Choiseul! - Highness?

We must buy Corsica.

You have been saying this for a long time.

I would not like to delay it for another second.

Do you not think it might be more relevant to solve other urgent problems?

No.

What a reason he had! 45 days later, Napoleon would have been Italian.

Of his childhood, we know little.

He entered the military school of Brienne at ten years old,

the 23rd of April 1779.

Only one of those children dared to reach out to him and hold out his hand.

- Who was it? - It was...

- Mr. de Bourrienne! - It was Mr. De Bourrienne.

Come in, Bourrienne!

We were talking about you.

- About me? - Yes, you've arrived at the right moment.

I introduce you to Mr. De Bourrienne, who was companion,

then friend, and finally, Secretary to the Emperor.

You already know my friends, the lords of Blanc-Mesnil.

Sit down and tell us: how was Napoleon when he arrived at Brienne?

Same as when he left: taciturn, lonely and often rebellious.

Excuse me. From his school days, we must retain a fact,

a miraculous fact.

It concerns his class notebook, the last one he held in his hands,

and to which he did not return to write anything later,

on which he wrote down what seemed to him of geographical or historical interest.

On that class notebook,

he scribbled four words which today make the head swim.

They were: "St Helena, small island". He was ten years old.

Mere coincidence? No. Then what?

I have no idea.

But for me that can explain many things and...

most of all, the inexplicable. Take the floor, Bourrienne.

On leaving Military School, he was 16 years old.

He was already Second Lieutenant. But he did not like being second.

Bonaparte?

Two months later, he was named Lieutenant.

But he was still not satisfied. Therefore, he requested a permit

and returned to Corsica.

To Corsica, where he hadn't set foot for six years!

There he met three boys. And two little girls.

They were Louis, Lucien, Jeróme, Pauline and Caroline Bonaparte.

Caroline would be Murat's wife. Jerome, king of Westphalia.

Lucien, Prince of Canino. And Louis, King of Holland.

And Pauline? Pauline Borghese, the most beautiful on the face of the Earth,

who would one day be sculpted naked by Canova himself.

There were not enough arms to embrace them all.

And there he was, playing with his brothers and sisters,

climbing on his back.

Who could have known then

he would carry them for a lifetime?

After joining his regiment in Auxonne, he swore loyalty to the king.

But just months later, we found him back in Ajaccio,

handing out cockades with the tricolor flag.

Already a captain, on the 6th of February of 1792 in Paris,

we attended the assault of the Palace of the Tuilleries.

We were present when Louis XVI was forced to wear the Phrygian cap

and were shocked.

Deeply terrified of what he had seen, he returned to Corsica.

There he learned that Louis XVI had been beheaded on 21 January,

and he was not surprised.

But a few months later, there was more alarming news.

Toulon fell to the English on the 28th of August, 1793.

His brother Joseph pleaded for his help.

A week later, he landed in Toulon, where his brother awaited him.

Joseph had so many things to tell!

But his involvement with a young woman of Marseilles was in the background.

The important thing was Toulon, abandoned in enemy hands.

And thanks to his brother, Napoleon was called for consultations.

Not at all! We are not going to consult him only because he is a Corsican!

The information from Paris describes him as

an artilleryman of enormous value!

- Battalion chief Bonaparte. - Salicetti, your compatriot.

- Robespierre the young. - Gasparin, representative of the people.

- General Carteaux. - General Dugommier.

You must know of the difficult situation we are in.

We received from Paris instructions for you.

Do you have any idea, or any opinion, as a gunner?

- I have a plan. - Already?

Before any other consideration, I think it necessary

to put batteries on the top of La Garenne.

- What a unique idea! - I do not think it's a bad one.

The goal is to rain a strong fire on Forts Mulgrave and L'Eiguillette.

The young man is in a hurry.

It seems to me that there is no time to lose.

I'll need 100 guns in 6 weeks. Oh, and absolute freedom!

Afraid! Fear of dying!

I just ask that I'm allowed to do my work!

- Have you fought before? - Not yet.

But I know there is no possible victory without a single commander.

We will give you the command.

- You'll have your guns. - And you already have our trust.

Robespierre is showing tomorrow what he is made of.

Young man, I invite you to dinner tonight. It will be a meeting of minds.

How quickly you have got the cannons firing!

Where is this Bonaparte?

The Little General? Ah, up there!

Such determination and precision made the miracle possible.

On the one hand, there was the selfishness of a man who did not want

to risk his position, and on the other hand,

those who began to understand.

It was a struggle between youth and antiquity without experience,

between vanity and pride, between routine and genius.

I name you Brigadier General on a provisional basis,

and soon after, on a permanent basis.

- What happened? - We're taking prisoners.

- You are happy? - Like I was just born! Goodbye, Englishmen!

Long live Bonaparte!

But his joy was short-lived.

The fall and execution of Robespierre left him in a delicate situation.

And so, on July 5, 1794...

General Bonaparte?

The execution of Robespierre has consequences that I deplore.

But we have received orders from Paris.

All those who committed themselves to Robespierre are to be

suspended from their duties and imprisoned.

For this reason, Napoleon Bonaparte, I am forced to arrest you.

When you hear this tune, get ready to go.

- I'll find a way to free you. - Do not do anything, I order it!

I can endure this injustice. Do not compromise me!

14 days later, he was released.

And Joseph took advantage of the fact that his brother was released from prison

to lose their freedom.

By then, I was living close to Marseilles with a well-off family,

made up of the mother and her two daughters.

One of them, Julia, became the wife of Joseph.

Invited by his brother and after being greeted by the three ladies

in a wonderful way, Bonaparte fell madly in love

with the little sister, Desirée Clary, with a fabulous destination.

After a few days, under the light of the moon,

he declared his love, in his gentle manner.

Are you a virgin?

Yes.

- Yesterday, you asked if I was a virgin. - Yes...

I have the feeling that I am a little less so today.

Are you not discouraged that I will not be here with you?

No! On the contrary! We are living at a critical moment.

It would be a shame if we had to lose one thing or the other.

I must leave tomorrow.

But I will not leave before I swear to you my eternal love.

I also swear that I will love you, eternally.

This oath of love had unforeseeable consequences.

Desiree would end up in the arms of Bemadotte,

becoming Queen of Sweden.

Napoleon returned to Paris to thank Barras for his release.

There, in his little room, in the "Hotel of the Dutch Patriots"...

Come in!

- General Bonaparte? - I am.

This is the third time I introduce myself here since Wednesday.

I was asked to hand over this letter.

Barras was inviting him to be present at his residence.

But that night, Barras was giving one of his famous parties...

- Barras loves tricks. - Which will appear or disappear?

Can you be quiet for a moment? And let the orchestra stop playing!

I want everyone to applaud and acclaim the winner of Toulon,

to this general of 26 years. It is none other than General Bonaparte.

- How should I pronounce the name? - Bonaparte.

He must be important to have two names.

- Don't you recognize your brother Lucien? - Give me an embrace.

- Mme. Tallien wishes to meet you. - I want to express my admiration.

- Mme. Hamelin also wishes to congratulate you. - You have to get him a haircut.

- Any news of Desiree? - No. I have none of my wife, either.

Your wife is your wife.

But Desiree and I swear to each other that we love forever.

Some people believe in oaths.

Who is she?

Josephine de Beauharnais, one of the occasional lovers of Barras.

Introduce me.

My brother, the general Napoleon Bonaparte.

- Where is he? - Speaking with Mme. De Beauharnais.

- You may have to butt in. - He has the right to go from victory to victory.

You have nothing to say to me?

I'll leave you.

- Can I borrow him? - Yes, but... bring him back to me.

I promise you.

He looks like "Puss in Boots".

- I think he heard me. - You just earned an enemy.

Or maybe a new conquest.

Palace parties are not parties until I sing!

That we have to see!

Report to Mr. Fouché and to General Dutheil that.

General Bonaparte and I are waiting for them in this room.

- Do you know that everything is not going well? - I'm starting to realize.

Can you see what the consequence is?

When we ask the orchestra to play louder,

it's like we want cover their ears.

We are, perhaps, at the end of a world.

We cannot accept as normal that women of high class

wear dresses so tight at the waist.

You see, my friend,

I'm going to need you.

Yes...

The pleasure of love

only lasts a moment.

The pain of love

lasts a lifetime.

Here is our man.

- He seems young. - No, he is young.

In Toulon, he already proved his value.

- Has he accepted? - No, he's hesitating.

I gave up everything

for the ungrateful Silvia.

She abandoned me

and went off with another lover.

The pleasure of love

lasts only a moment.

The pain of love

lasts a lifetime.

- You'll have a hundred thousand men. - And as many guns as you need,

to disperse to 18,000 or 20,000 insurgents.

If it's only to disperse them...

We are all running the same risk.

- They are all royalists? - They are all kinds.

- It's a shame. - Why?

Because I preferred to imagine that they were all brave men.

Have I told you that you have been promoted to General in Chief of the Army of Italy?

No, not yet. And thank you.

- Could I have Murat? - Whatever you want.

I talked to Sieyès. And he has been categorical.

The strict enforcement of laws against royalism is required

by the Convention.

The insurgents pretend to take refuge in certain churches

and he thinks that, to attack them, Saint-Roch would be the most appropriate place.

Sieyès should be heeded.

- So? - Count on me.

I don't like this Barras. He's as dangerous as Robespierre.

- Yes, one was the "incorruptible". - Barras is more the "corruptor".

- Allow me to retire. - If you wish.

- I feel out of place. - I have the opposite impression.

- This Talleyrand, is he important? - Very much so.

He is a man who requires perfume, even in manure.

- Until tomorrow. - Until tomorrow.

I'll just say goodbye to you.

You seem to have startled everyone.

I want you to be the only one that can see how I look at you.

Good night.

- You're going? - Yes, I'm going.

And I promise that if by tomorrow I have no news of Desirée,

I will consider the promise that we made broken.

My friends, great news! The sun has risen!

- Is Madame expecting the general? - Absolutely.

- Who should I announce? - "Puss in Boots".

Very well, my general.

- Why "Puss in Boots"? - You said so yourself.

No, it was a joke. That name no longer seems appropriate, today.

Which name would be most appropriate?

Don't you dare? You are afraid of me?

- Yes, a little. - Tell me, all the same.

- Can I? - I insist.

"General slaughter".

- I'll get revenge on you. - I'm sure.

- Looking for more answers? - No, I've already found them.

- Born in Martinique? - Yes.

- And called De la Pagerie? - So it was.

Married at 16 to General De Beauharnais,

guillotined during the Terror, with whom you had two children.

- Do you love them? - I adore them.

Do you know that since yesterday, after the uprising,

or the slaughter, if you prefer,

that Parisians are ordered

- to surrender their weapons? - They have told me.

- Is your son here? - Yes.

- Could I ask you to summon him? - Of course.

- Eugène! - Do not be nervous.

- Coming soon! - Thank you, Blanche.

She's nice, your black maid.

I have loved her since it was predicted I would be Queen of France.

No reason to doubt it.

General Bonaparte wants to tell you something.

Eugène de Beauharnais, I return to your hands the sword of your father.

Oh, thank you!

Thank you.

If I told you what happened yesterday in Saint-Roch, I did only

to be able to bring him that sword, would you believe me?

- No. - And you would be right.

And if I told you that it is partly because of you that

- I refuse to marry? - No.

In that, you would be wrong.

I do not want a smile of compassion when you see me.

I'd rather cause fear. One more question, the last.

How old are you? Yes, I want to marry you.

- I am 32. - And I am 26.

At City Hall, you will have six less and I will have three more.

Then we can be together.

My God, you do not know how much I love you!

I love you!

And on March 9, they got married in just five minutes.

They declared to be those same ages and he claimed to have been born in Paris,

something which still has no explanation.

48 hours later, after leaving his wife and France,

he marched towards the glory which awaited him at Pont D'Arcolle.

On the return from Italy, I wanted to be the first to receive him,

and I assure you that the reception was worthy of his victory.

Bring me a piece of cake, please.

I had gathered, right out there, all who embodied the

intelligence and beauty of Paris of that time.

At one point, I asked him to enter this room.

I wanted to discuss matters of some importance

and preferred that we were alone.

And it was in that corner, where he waited and where we met.

Twenty victories now stand on these shoulders.

In your gaze, I perceive a certain exhaustion.

I look at him with emotion, knowing he had managed to seduce France,

before even ruling it. Sit down please.

Tell me, what are your immediate projects?

I'm all ears.

You've done a great job.

The current position is more important than you think.

Unfortunately, it was inevitable that we have garnered enemies.

We are not ready to face them.

No, the fruit is not ripe, instead it is already rotten.

A worm is eating France.

That worm is neither Barras nor Sieyès. It's fear.

Come back in a year.

And give me your trust, because as you see, I give you mine.

Do not betray me.

Do you want to adopt the same commitment to me?

Well then, I promise never to betray you,

without giving you a day's notice.

What should I do?

Leave Europe.

I already have it, why not start in Egypt?

There are probably no Englishmen there. And since you hate England...

That is not so.

I would feel afflicted if some good day.

- England no longer existed. - It's something you said "a good day".

Murat, what did you just say in Kleber's ear?

- The same thing Berthier told me. - I'd like to know what you said.

He was talking to me about a gesture of Junot's.

Gentlemen, I find incredible this lack of courage.

What gesture has Junot made? What did Berthier say to Murat?

What did Murat say to Kleber?

That you have cheated, my general.

Do you think I'm the only one not to realize?

How important is it if in the end I'm going to

return everything I have won?

- May I ask why you cheat? - Because I've always hated chance.

Great work, Murat!

Murat! How brilliant!

I would do anything for that man.

In fact, that's what I should do.

Tell Murat to come. Thank you.

- Do you get news from back home? - Yes sometimes.

I envy you. Any news from Mme. Bonaparte?

I have been told some things, although they aren't of interest.

General Murat!

The great winner of the day! Let me embrace you.

The battle has been hard. But the reward merits it.

There is no one to match your bravery. You have given us immense service.

No, none of that. You are the real genius.

You're not going to tell him the gossip about his wife?

- Why? - What do you mean "why"?

Did you not do the same with Mme. Fourès?

The one who dresses as a man? His Cleopatra, as he calls her.

Yes, but that's different.

Your children will be proud to be called Murat.

What do you want? Ask me anything.

- Oh, do not say that to me, for God's sake. - Ask me for anything you want.

- Well, I'd like to get married. - With Madame Bastite?

No no. That story already belongs to the past.

No, it's another woman, that I love.

And you want me to ask for your hand?

- No. I want you to grant it. - Grant it, me?

- It's Mademoiselle Caroline. - What? My sister?

- Yes, I'm in love with her. - But, my friend, she's 16 years old.

I do not think that this is an obstacle.

Caroline... Mrs. Murat...

He said that my children will feel proud to be called Murat.

No, no. Do not say "no" tonight.

- I did not say no. - Then could you say yes?

Yes, I could.

Thank you.

An envoy of Sheikh El-Bekri brings a gift. And requests permission to enter.

Tell him to come in.

Should we stay?

Speak in French.

Great General in Chief of the French Army of the East.

You have liberated our country from the yoke that oppressed us.

All Muslims will venerate his memory.

As testimony of his gratitude, our master offers you

the most precious thing that exists on Earth...

that is, a loyal man. Here he is.

- What is your name? - Rustan.

Rise, Rustan.

And stay by my side.

Junot!

Tell me, Junot. I can not stop thinking about it.

In the letters you receive from Paris, what do they say about my wife?

I find it very embarrassing.

The issue can be summarized as follows:

- Do you want to tell me the truth or not? - How wrong you are!

I have heard a rumour, and want to know it's true.

Speak!

I have been told that she cheats openly.

I thought it was my duty to inform you.

I cannot bear it that so great a man be made to look ridiculous.

Bourrienne!

If all Paris speaks of it, you should know.

- Do they mention a name? - Only one, that's why I think it's serious.

- Barras again? - No, Barras is finished.

- Then who? - Hyppolite Charles.

That little blond of the Army of Italy?

- But it's impossible! - He lives in Malmaison.

I'm very unhappy, Bourrienne.

If you had understood, you would have informed me of what Junot says.

- He's a true friend. - Allow me to disagree.

Thousands of miles from Paris, it did not seem urgent to me.

I do not need you to make decisions which concern me alone.

I divorce today, with you as witnesses.

And I break with our friendship.

With you, for informing me...

and with you, for not having informed me.

On 22 August he embarked, leaving Egypt to Mme. Fourès and his army,

arriving at Saint-Raphael on the 9th of October.

And once there, you can already imagine the reception.

These people did not talk to him of the campaign in Egypt

nor ask him to go to fight against Italy.

No, what seemed to them most urgent

was to overthrow the Directory and save France.

In short, Bonaparte precipitated his return to find if his wife

had been cheating and discovered that it was France that was unfaithful.

- Where are we heading, Fouché? - Oh, dear Barras, towards catastrophe.

To avoid it, what do we need?

As you said to Sieyes, a sabre. I don't know where we'll find one.

- Mother! - Oh my son, my love!

My wife is not here?

She was to meet you, but she must have taken the wrong route.

A pleasant surprise awaits you, come.

Here is our hero!

- I have to talk to you. - Wait, wait.

Why has Josephine gone?

The news of your arrival is spreading rapidly through Paris

and she had heard about it.

She obviously wanted to be the first to greet you.

You are right to ignore the slander she has undergone

during your absence.

- She is the most envied woman in France. - Not that it is merely envy.

Her natural lightness, her recklessness, even her past...

And age. Plus she has acquired debts.

- All that is a reproach. - Perhaps of you too.

All France thinks you could have chosen better.

Not that a Bonaparte would admit

that he has made a mistake.

It is unacceptable that they are ridiculing a national hero!

The worst thing is that you accept it.

Who says I accept it? I accept nothing!

I'm not any more naive than the others!

But what I do not like is your bitterness towards her!

You've never liked her, ever!

It would have been better if you had appreciated her from the beginning.

I want my family to be united!

Good night.

Napoleon!

- Can I speak to you? - Of course.

Do you know what will happen when they know that you have returned?

No.

I can tell you. We are going to obtain carte blanche!

We will be the owners of the situation.

- Who? - You and I!

- What position do you occupy? - One of deputy.

And tomorrow, I will be president of Council.

- At 24? - Yes, but Joseph is 31.

I used your birth certificate to fix my papers.

Like you did.

Listen to what I'm going to say.

In principle, and for the moment, you only have to see one man: Sieyès.

I'm not seeing Sieyes unless it is in the presence of Talleyrand.

- You trust me? - Not yet.

- Well... - Bourrienne!

Where is he?

Blanche!

Collect the belongings of Madame:

dresses, coats, footwear, jewellery and underwear.

Put it all in a suitcase,

and give it to the guard, with the order that

do not let Mme. Bonaparte in, if she appears.

There is no more to say, that's an order.

I'd rather rip out my heart than see her.

- Am I right? - No.

- No? - No.

- It's her? - Yes.

- Will you not advise me to forgive her? - I would not advise it.

But the fact that I am losing a single minute to solve

marital problems is incomprehensible to me.

I beg you to let me in for a moment and you will understand everything.

I'm begging you! Open up!

No reply.

Open the door, my love!

- What willpower! - Yes, it's horrible.

I will tell you which is the best way to get a divorce.

How much is the debt you have incurred?

Answer!

Maybe a million.

Mr. de Bourrienne!

- Good morning, Bourrienne. - My greetings, my...

Yes, Bourrienne, it is so.

- Good morning, Mr. Bourrienne. - Good morning, Madame.

Something new?

In Paris, all the talk is of your return. The people expect a revolution.

We mustn't disappoint them.

But we must not overestimate the role of the people.

In addition to accepting the fait accompli,

their role to acclaim.

- Rustan! Bring my slippers and my gown! - Yes, my general.

My intention is not to leave the house.

Do not accept any invitation, nothing.

Also no theatrical representations, until I give a new order.

Everyone knows he's back.

Well, come here.

I want to make it clear that I will not take a single step towards them.

Just some tea.

I know what I want. They do not know what I want.

- And how do you know this? - Because I know them.

My tactic is this:

force them to impose what I have already decided to do.

- But you are not going to see him? - No.

- Isn't it your duty to go and see him? - Yes.

No, I do not have to go.

If he wants to consult me, he can take the trouble to come here.

I will not take the risk of suffering a snub.

Barras, couldn't you make things easier?

- I'd rather resign than go to his house. - The idea does not look so bad.

Have you gone to visit, Fouché?

Do you think Talleyrand will bother? Of course not!

Mr. De Talleyrand and Mr. Sieyès request to see the general.

Get them into the living room. Do you see how I was right? The parade begins.

Thank you. See you later, darling.

The adventure in Egypt served its purpose.

At last I can convey to you, my general, my most sincere and profound admiration.

He covered himself with glory both in Italy and in Egypt.

Through my voice, all France expresses its deep gratitude.

Coming from you, as President of the Directory,

this touches my heart.

Okay, let's move on to serious matters. Let's sit.

The Directory is almost dead. And to leave nothing to chance,

we must act now.

You will have already realised the overexcited state of the public.

On the way to Paris I noticed, but cheers are not the same as votes.

No, but they justify certain initiatives.

I cannot hide from you that for a long time, I've been looking for a "right hand".

Mr. Gohier and Roger Ducos, my general.

- Minds of their own. - Apparently.

Their opposition would not make sense, in any case.

- Let them in on it. - Yes, slowly.

Gentlemen, there is no time to lose.

Of course, we must put the fate of the Republic in Bonaparte's hands.

That's what we were talking about.

We must prepare ourselves for the great day,

and fix, at this same moment, a date.

General, what do you think of the day after tomorrow?

- The 9th of November? - 18 Brumaire.

I would advise that, under article 102, decree the transfer

of the legislative chamber to Saint-Cloud.

And the proclamation of General Bonaparte as Commander-in-Chief

- of the Paris Division. - And the National Guard.

Mr. Fouché requests to be received by the general.

- Let him enter! - I was going to say...

Excuse me.

I have decided to open all the doors, including yours.

I just spoke to Barras. One sentence is worthy of record...

Let's hear it.

"I'd rather resign than go to his house".

He feels sick, exhausted, without popularity.

In short, ready to leave.

- What do you think, Mr. De Talleyrand? - I doubt he thinks otherwise.

Yes of course. It will be a pleasure.

- Fouché! - Mr. Sieyès?

- Do you have a million? - For whom?

For Barras. He will not want to take payment from me.

You will not have to pay for his resignation.

Those in there do not count. Barras does count.

We must understand that he counts enormously.

Only two obstacles remain: Barras and Bernadotte.

General Bernadotte is waiting.

- Why don't you talk to him here? - Show him in.

Never lose sight that there is a woman between that man and you,

which is not excessively serious, but important.

- I'm bothering you? - No, but I'm waiting for Bernadotte.

- You'd prefer me to leave? - Yes, please.

So, he has come.

I was wondering precisely when I was to receive your visit.

You had not deigned to come and greet me,

despite serving under my orders in Italy,

and dressed in civilian clothes! What is the meaning of these clothes?

Do you know the state of overexcitement in the town?

You cannot be unaware that these are serious events.

They will be serious for their instigators.

I still trust in the health of the Republic.

And leading the troops, know I will contain its enemies,

external and internal.

- To whom do those words refer? - They do not exclude anyone.

Tell General Bernadotte to withdraw.

- Forgive me. - You heard?

- Yes, I thought... - You did well.

- That man declared himself a Republican. - And he isn't?

Him? Absolutely!

Your eyes are so beautiful!

Come in.

I had invited 30 people to eat, and no one has come.

No need for me to explain what this means to you.

This is your situation, Barras.

And your attitude must be clearly dictated by the absence of Sieyés,

of Roger Ducos, of Bernadotte, of Mulan, of Gohier.

- Resign, Barras. - No...

- Bring more champagne. - Yes, very appropriate.

This is the response of the Directory.

Present arms!

Soldiers! The counsel of the ancients gives me command

of the city and the army!

You expected my return put an end to our woes!

I will fulfil the obligations your trust imposes on me!

Freedom, victory and peace shall return to the French Republic,

as will the place she occupied in Europe, and that only treachery and inertia

have endangered!

General Lefebvre!

Are you on my side or do you plan to return to the Directory?

Have no cause to doubt me now.

To Saint-Cloud!

And now, listen carefully, if you want to understand something

of what occurred on 18 Brumaire and in the days thereafter.

Citizens, do not force me to adjourn the session!

I will reject any discussion about the appointment of General Bonaparte

as leader of the Army of the Interior!

I ask you to consider it a fait accompli!

Gentlemen, the Directory has ceased to exist.

These are the terms of the letter of resignation from citizen Barras...

Citizen President: After participating in public affairs

only because of my passion for Liberty,

I agreed to share the first magistrature...

What's happening?

The resignation of Barras has been badly received by the parliamentarians.

You are violating the law!

What have you done with the shining France that I left you?

I left a country in peace and I've found it at war!

We cannot go on like this! Let me talk!

For three years, we have been ruled by despotism.

But we want the Republic.

The Republic based on the principles of equality,

of morality, of public liberty, of political tolerance!

General! We applaud what you say!

But swear obedience to the Constitution of the country,

the only one that can maintain the Republic!

The Constitution?

You violated it on 18 Fructidor!

You violated it on 22 Floreal! You violated it on 30 Prairial!

I'm starting to think this is going to end in a bloodbath.

No, there he is, safe and sound.

He has ordered that his brother be let out.

It is lamentable! I am asked to abandon the law by my brother.

The saviour of the motherland!

I renounce the insignia of the popular magistrature!

And I present myself as a defender of the one who I am ordered to damn!

We are present at a race against time,

- between two brothers... - I feel some jealousy.

Exactly.

It will have to play itself out. I'll go. Goodbye.

General! And you, soldiers!

The President of the Council requires you to use force!

And as for me, I swear that I will kill my own brother,

if he ever endangers the liberty of the French.

Murat!

Proceed!

Follow me!

Get this rabble out of here!

Lefebvre!

Catch a few of them.

Here he comes.

- It has not been easy. - Calm yourself...

No words can express the admiration and emotion

that we feel in the face of this accomplishment.

In 5 minutes, he had improvised a kind of Parliament,

- it was both pleasing and comical. - There is no time to lose.

Your brother's work has been admirable.

- Not to mention Murat... - Oh, he is without equal.

He has hunted them like Mamelukes.

Murat, do you remember that night when we talked about your loves?

You mentioned only one name, that of Caroline.

And you did not answer.

- Rather, I did not say "no". Giving her a husband is important. - Indeed.

- This afternoon I say yes. - Really?

Yes, really.

- Will you allow me... - Of course.

We will form a Consulate. That will arouse less suspicion.

Lucien Bonaparte, come and embrace your brother.

- No need... - Yes, yes, yes...

Get in there! We've only caught thirty.

It's more than enough!

Is she in a convent?

Bonaparte brought her here to learn to read and write.

- He said yes! - Oh, how I love you!

Me too, I love you!

And it was under these conditions we opened the session.

- You were there, do I lie? - Not at all.

First article: the Directory is abolished.

Article 2: the Constituent Assembly ceases to exist,

but the Constitution remains in force.

We must take him tonight to the premiere of the new opera.

- He told me he did not want to go out. - Yes, but now everything has changed.

Article 3: a Consulate is created, formed by 3 members:

- The Abbot Sieyès. - The citizen Roger Ducos.

And General Bonaparte.

The three consuls will occupy the presidency in rotation.

In alphabetical order.

Frenchmen,

Lend us your oath of allegiance

to the united and indivisible Republic,

founded on liberty, equality...

- What? - Nothing.

Frenchmen...

Victory, singing,

the way ahead is clear.

Liberty guides our steps.

Tyrants, descend to your tombs.

The Republic is calling us.

We must triumph or die.

Frenchmen must live for her.

And for her, be willing to die.

Frenchmen must live for her.

And for her, be willing to die.

He soon returned to Italy, where he gained the decisive victory of Marengo

thanks to the control of his Army, which that day he baptized with a name

that would survive the passage of time: "La grande armée".

Upon his return, he made a decision that served historically in his interest.

Go ahead, don't be nervous.

One moment! Constante! Tell Mr. De Bourrienne to come!

Read my mail, Bourrienne, please.

I think the nature of this letter will surprise you, my General.

It is sent by King Louis XVIII, or to be more precise, the Count of Provence,

- exiled in Westphalia. - Go ahead, read it.

"Whatever their behaviour, men such as you never inspire discontent."

You know better than anyone the need for strength

to achieve the happiness of a great nation.

By saving France, you have fulfilled the first desire of my heart.

If you return it to its King, future generations will venerate your memory.

General, Europe is watching, Glory awaits and I am impatient

"to bring peace back to my people. Louis XVIII."

Incredible, indeed.

Write, because I can not leave that letter without answer:

I have received your letter, Monsieur.

I appreciate your sincere words.

But you should not wish a return to France.

You would need to march over 500,000 corpses.

Sacrifice, therefore, your interests

for the repose and the happiness of France ".

Three more little snips,

a final touch with the comb, and a new man appeared.

Overnight, there was a total transformation.

His behaviour was extraordinary from that day forward.

He went through a long period of silence and,

as no one dared to ask what he thought,

there were no issues of any confidentiality.

But what nobody understood, not even Josephine,

was that by wearing the uniform of colonel, and then general,

and in addition, first Consul, he never had to give an explanation.

For 4 years, his attitudes were a mystery to all,

except Fouché and I, of that let there be no doubt.

He worked between 15 and 18 hours each day.

No, nobody may enter!

Endowed with a fabulous intelligence, he understood and guessed everything.

One day he uttered these words, which describe it in a surprising way:

I command

or I am silent.

You have to be sure that they are going to obey you when you say something.

He devoted himself to necessary work, reforming the Civil Code,

and useful work, creating the Legion of Honour.

I know these distinctions are baubles.

But with baubles men are governed,

civilian or military.

And it became indispensable, endowing to France an invincible army.

At last the great day came and produced the expected event.

With five minutes remaining, let's use them. Write:

To His Majesty the Tsar, Emperor of Russia:

Highness... as your Majesty is aware...

The Senate delegation.

One moment. My sword.

First Consul, these are the terms of the decision

taken by the Senate.

Article 1: The government of the Republic is entrusted to an Emperor,

with the title of "Emperor of the French".

Article 2: Napoleon Bonaparte, First Consul of the Republic,

is the Emperor of the French.

Article 3: Imperial dignity Is hereditary,

by direct, natural and legitimate descent of Napoleon Bonaparte,

from male to male, by order of primogeniture,

and with perpetual exclusion of the females and their descendants.

Article 4: Napoleon Bonaparte can adopt the children and grandchildren

of his brothers Joseph and Louis Bonaparte.

Adoption is prohibited to the successors of Napoleon

and their descendents.

With profound emotion, I leave the act in the hands of His Majesty,

proclaiming him at this very moment, for the glory and happiness of the Republic:

Napoleon, Emperor of the French.

All that contributes to the good of the country

is now bound up in my happiness.

I accept the title because I consider it useful for the glory of the nation.

And I submit to the sanction of the people the terms of the statement

that you have just submitted.

Who voted against?

Only one person, Your Highness: Lazard Carneau.

A distinguished exception.

Highness, Brienne...

I was thinking.

Return to the letter to the Tsar. How did it go?

"As Your Majesty will be aware..."

No, start again.

Write: "My real brother, I inform you..."

And so that none of us, before such an event,

should happen to express our surprise,

he decided to shower us with honours and pompous titles.

After restoring the dignity of the title of Marshal of France

he named 18 on the same day: Augereau, Massena, Kellermann,

Lefebvre, Ney, Murat, Bernadotte, Lannes, Berthier, Davout...

- But Prince... - My friend?

Will you not say anything about the execution of the Duke of Enghien?

- It was a crime, wasn't it? - Worse than a crime, Madame.

It was a mistake. But the Emperor, he hardly cared.

He was preparing a master stroke...

Inviting the Pope to Paris to crown him Emperor.

And that invitation was a little like an ancient commandment.

Each of us prepared in his shadow.

Fouché always believed that a tie solved everything.

We were forced to wear lavish costumes to suit the Emperor,

and that's not even to mention his own.

My wife is what she is, my friend.

I do not let anyone make the slightest remark.

She was a washerwoman and is not ashamed. And neither am I ashamed.

She keeps the dresses in a closet which she has had for 20 years.

The first is a uniform because she was the washerwoman of our company.

All others are modest.

And the last one is very nice.

Madame Marshal Lefebvre!

If she is being introduced, it's because she's put it on.

- What do you think of my dress? - Splendid.

- Isn't it, Mr. Rémusat? - Madame Lefebvre.

Mr. Rémusat, I would like talk to the Marshal alone.

That has an easy solution. I'm leaving.

I appreciate it.

I wanted to talk with you.

While trying on my dress, I've been looking in the mirror.

And I've thought of many things.

I remembered that in the past I was a washerwoman and one of the multitude.

And I said to myself: "Were you a washerwoman? It's incredible!"

"Because you look like a lady! For a single reason!"

"You have distinction! You have manners!"

Nothing more than that. Why are you laughing? I'm not right?

Yes, yes.

Do you want me to help with your clothes?

I can give you advice so that you look like a real gentleman.

No, thank you.

And you need to know what they call you.

- What? The wife of Marshal Lefebvre? - No.

- Madame Lefebvre? - No.

- What then? - "Madame Sans-Gene".

Why? Am I supposed to be impressed?

No, I just thought you should be warned.

- You told me for my sake. - Of course.

The other night, at the home of Roger Ducos, an old nobleman, you know the type,

of the nobility of yesteryear, spoke to me of his ancestors insistently.

"My ancestors here, My ancestors over there..."

When you see him again, say: "You may have illustrious ancestors.

But Lefebvre already has by his own efforts an illustrious past."

And I'll add:

"To have illustrious ancestors you have to start somewhere..."

No one was informed of the exceptional event that

took place on 25th November.

At Fontainebleau, the Emperor wanted to go out hunting at noon.

At La Croix de Saint-Herem, a carriage suddenly appeared.

They had agreed that the meeting should take place right there.

And to make it look like a miracle,

the Sovereign Pontiff and the Emperor had to simulate great surprise.

They both did it willingly, like a comedy.

Little did His Holiness Pius VII know that the treatment he would receive from Napoleon

during the following years, would be more like a tragedy.

On 2 December, the coronation took place, immortalized by David.

But Prince, tell us,

how could it be that David, in the picture of the coronation,

placed the Emperor's mother in the centre of the canvas,

when, as everyone knows, she was in Rome?

That's because David was a great artist, and not a historian.

We are in 1804 and Napoleon has, for some time, not gone to war.

He renounced his idea of attacking England and pointed his guns towards Austria.

After immortalizing his hat with a simple gesture,

he left Paris at six in the morning of the 24 of September 1805.

Let us try to follow his footsteps.

After the victory at Donauwerth, he takes command of the combat.

Murat again salvages glory at Wertingen.

After the victory of Ney, he orders to bombard the city of Ulm.

He sends a negotiator to request to the General in Chief

of the Austrian forces that they capitulate.

On the 19th, at eight, capitulation occurs.

And the next morning, in the presence of Ney,

33,000 prisoners parade and deposit their arms at the feet of the Emperor,

along with 40 standards and 60 cannon.

This new victory encourages Napoleon to continue the war.

The next battle will determine our future.

I trust the control of the Left flank to Marshal Lannes.

The Right, to Marshal Soult. The Centre, to Marshal Bernadotte.

And the whole cavalry to Prince Murat.

Murat, I beg you to say nothing!

The division of General Suchet will be placed to the right of Marshal Lannes.

Finally, the cavalry of Murat will have ahead of them Kellerman's forces.

The sun is with us.

Attack the enemy and return victorious.

- I salute you, gentlemen. - Vive la France!

At six o'clock in the afternoon, the victory of Austerlitz

was a fait accompli.

Soldiers,

I am satisfied with you.

In the day of Austerlitz,

you have justified everything that I expected of your audacity.

You have decorated your eagles

with an immortal glory.

When all that is needed

to ensure the prosperity and happiness of our country

has been achieved,

I will take you back to France.

There, you will be the object of all my attentions.

My people will receive you with enthusiasm.

And it will be enough to say: "I was in the battle of Austerlitz",

to be answered: "There goes a brave man."

- He returned to Paris on... - 20th October.

- Thank you. Are you leaving, Bourrienne? - Yes.

Good evening. Sit down.

The things I have to say are of extreme gravity.

The idea that first came to me was to speak to each of you separately,

but aware of a certain amount of dissension among you, I decided

to bring you together and inform you of the decisions

concerning you that I have made.

Nobody can flatter themselves they have a greater sense of family than I.

Joseph, you are the oldest, so I will address you first.

On my accession to the throne, I made you first Prince.

Today, I make you King of Naples.

- Why? - What do you mean, why?

You give me a great vote of trust that I greatly appreciate.

But how will Julia and I look on a foreign throne?

- Why foreign? I am king of Italy! - That's true, forgive me.

Lucien. I make you Prince of Canino.

I'll never forget what you did for me on 18 Brumaire.

Unfortunately, you have contracted a marriage that deprives me

of the happiness of giving you the crown of Spain.

- But... I haven't asked for anything. - No. That's true, you haven't asked for anything.

But the important thing is to ensure to the Empire a valid offspring.

Since Joseph has no male offspring, succession happens to your children,

since I am told I cannot possibly have one.

Although I'm sure it's Josephine who is at fault.

Nevertheless, as I still refuse to divorce her, that's why.

Lucien, for the last time I'm asking you...

divorce, marry the wife of a king and keep your wife in the background.

A dishonourable proposition for her and my children... I refuse.

Tomorrow, you will have your passport for America.

Very well, Highness.

- Louis, I name you king of Holland. - I thank you profoundly.

Jerome, as you agreed to break your marriage to Miss Patterson,

and marry the Grand Duchess of Württenberg,

you will be the king of Westphalia.

Excited by this great honour, I thank Your Majesty most deeply.

And us?

- Who? - Murat and I.

- Murat is a Marshal of France. - Yes...

- Is not that worth all the titles? - Yes...

- Murat, do not be suspicious. - Of you?

No, of yourself.

And remember, so you don't start brooding about this,

remember that in 1793 you wanted to call yourself Marat,

in honour of a revolutionary.

Don't let it upset you not to enter the nobility.

Being a marshal is fine, I don't argue. But what about me? I have nothing.

- You are what I am, a sister. - Me too and I do not claim anything.

- And me, don't I have rights? - Yes, but yours is different.

You have married foreigners, Borghese and Bacciochi,

while Murat is French.

Dear Murat, if you wish the throne of Naples, I cede it to you.

Do not give away the gifts I give you! And be very careful, Joseph...

don't do something imprudent in opposition to me.

Fleeing from my enemies instead of facing them!

Refrain from visiting Mme. De Staël! Do not waste time with Bernadotte!

Order your daughters to call me Emperor and not consul!

You can have the democratic spirit, but I do not give you

two million a year so that you can walk around in a dress-coat and cap.

And that goes for everyone! Reasons of State

are never far from my decisions!

I have reason to to name you King of Naples!

And Jérôme! And Louis!

- I know. - That does not stop us from being surprised.

Jérôme has always been the favourite of the Emperor.

If you think Jérôme will give up his little American for a throne,

- you're mistaken. - Nobody asked for your opinion!

It's as if I've denied you the inheritance of our father.

Say good night to me and go and argue somewhere else.

We'll see.

Perhaps.

Later.

As for you, my dear brothers, set an example in dignity.

Refrain from frivolous pleasures which degrade the heart and damage the state.

- Good evening. - Good evening, sir.

Pardon. Good evening, Highness.

- I'm not nervous, but... - Oh no?

Not at all. What is striking me is your resemblance.

- To whom? - To yourself!

It's incredible that you look so much alike.

Your image is everywhere. There is nobody better known.

- What are you called? - Eleonor. But I can change it.

- Eleonor, nothing more? - No, Denuelle.

And there's more: Denuelle De la Plaigne.

It seems that I am the daughter of a famous author, perhaps you know of him?

- Married? - Divorced.

- You still see each other? - Five minutes a month.

It is the prison regulations.

- Ah, is he... - Yes, incarcerated. He's a rogue.

With good heart, but a rogue all the same.

Can I sit there?

- In this chair? - No, on your knees.

- Do I look pretty to you? - Very pretty.

So...

They say that you are impatient. Do not change your habits for me.

It would be nice if a man accustomed to giving orders

gave them to a girl like me.

Kiss my neck.

Unbutton my dress.

You would do it! Oh, how agreeable!

But we are not here to have fun...

The 25 of September 1806, he returned from leave, with Prussia as his target.

On October 14, he met the Prussian army at Jena.

My dear Josephine, my affairs are going well.

With God's help, the situation is becoming terrible for the king of Prussia,

which I can pity because personally, he is a good man.

The Emperor obtained from Prussia a booty of 159 million francs.

The Prussian prince handed him the symbolic keys to the city.

On December 20, the Emperor was located in the castle of Pultusk.

- What happen? You seem excited. - I have good reason.

A message arrived from Paris that will bring you great joy.

On 13th December, Ms. Eleonor Denuelle,

- who you received in Paris... - Yes, I remember.

Gave birth to a child of the male sex, and who

resembles you marvellously, she says.

She requests that you give the child a name. And she asks how you would like it registered.

If I'm not jumping with joy, it's because this news is more grave than pleasant.

It may have incalculable consequences.

If the news is true.

- You have doubts, Highness? - How could I not?

When my mother sees the child, I'll tell you what I think.

A beautiful girl, that Eleonor,

but without education and with the brain of a mosquito.

She did something extraordinary.

Bored with me while we made love,

with the heel of her foot, she righted the movements of the pendulum

hanging on the wall.

An hour with the Emperor Napoleon I was too much for her.

- I only saw her three times. - Once is enough to...

Yes, we can agree about that. And that's why I prefer to pause.

Write, please.

"That the child be declared son of Mme. Eleonor Denuelle"

and an absent father,

"be delivered immediately a sum of 20,000 francs."

And as for the name, perhaps take...

- Yours? - No, nothing like that.

- How about half? - What do you mean half?

Léon.

Yes, Léon, I like that.

Let's not think about it again.

But he could not stop thinking about that news,

which put poor Josephine in grave danger.

At the same time, the Tsar decided to take over Poland,

on the false pretext of defending her.

Following my advice, he vowed to protect Poland. And he appointed me governor.

You met in Warsaw on the 2nd of January, and before the nomination...

I bowed.

I greet you, Governor of Warsaw. Satisfied with your new position?

Yes, Your Highness. And I hope to show myself worthy.

It serves as an omen for the feelings of His Majesty

towards Poland, which has not figured on the map of Europe,

and to which it would be convenient to return its unity. It may be necessary

- to protect us from the Cossacks. - Poland, Poland...

There is someone who knows her well.

They are in the salon.

- Shall I ask them to join us? - Please.

Madame the Countess Walewska.

Highness, in heaven's name, free Poland!

Your Highness, take care of all the Poles!

Proclaim yourself king of Poland and you will win the heart of the Poles!

- I'd like to see you again, madame. - Yes, you'll see her again.

Thursday, if you are agreeable.

I like Poland a lot.

As you can see, it is not as inconsequential as you thought.

There are always pockets full of women.

You are late, Madame.

Carrying a laurel wreath, not wearing jewels and her dress is white.

And yet you know that the Emperor Napoleon prefers women to dress

in pink and to be more decolleté.

The provisional government of my country has asked me to

make myself available of the Emperor Napoleon.

I think I have dressed in a fitting manner for such a sacrifice.

Madame the Countess Walewska.

What is this?

I have not hidden from that woman the sentiments that she inspires me!

And for two days, I hope every afternoon for her visit!

In vain.

I have written passionate letters, I have sent bouquets,

I have given her admirable jewels. And she gave them back to me.

Do you see how she did not lie when she praised the nobility of this little country?

I advise not to speak of her again!

One day I adopted the commitment that I would never oppose you

without giving a day's warning.

But if Poland, by your doing, does not regain its independence...

What would happen?

Come on, speak!

It would be the beginning of the end.

Madame the Countess Walewska.

- As you can see, I come in a pink dress. - Why did you change your mind?

- The first time you invited me to come... - You did not come.

I would have been coming for my country. I disliked being a political pawn.

The second time, in my heart, there was my country and then you.

- The third? - You and my country.

And tonight?

Now there is only you.

From conquest to conquest, the Emperor achieved victory at Eylau.

Five months later, on June 19th 1807, Napoleon was in Tilsit.

And on the 25th, on a barge located at the same distance from the two banks

of the Niemen River, the Emperor received the Czar, for whom he felt

a singular regard, and shortly afterwards, the king of Prussia.

Thus ended the war. Peace was signed on 8 July.

For the next 15 days, the three sovereigns dined in each other's houses

with ease and cordiality.

This brotherly covenant was surprising, as well as edifying,

after all the bloody struggles that had taken place.

The 26 of July, the Emperor was in Saint-Cloud. He worked, ordered, decreed.

Bourrienne!

Sorry to bother you. Look here.

He closed 17 theatres, granted pensions, organized the Court of Accounts.

If he remembered a girl from the day before, he sent a note

and waited for the next day.

He fixed at 3,530,000 francs the expenses of the Secret Police.

Nothing escaped him, everything passed through his hands.

Mr. De Barbet-Marbois, Minister of Finance, is in the living room.

Highness, Ms. Delacroix has arrived.

- Delacroix? - That young redhead who you...

- Is she really a redhead? - Oh, Highness!

- Show her into my room. - She's already there, Your Highness.

Have her wait.

As for the payments to the Church, I find it disgusting.

We must not deprive the poor of that which consoles them of their poverty.

Show in Mr. De Barbet-Marbois.

- Ms. Delacroix requests... - Have her undress.

The Minister of Finance.

I must ask you to give me your portfolio.

I do it in consideration of the good of my service.

- Your Highness, Mademoiselle... - Have her lie down.

I warned you. Everything paid has to be done

by order of my ministers.

I hope your majesty does not accuse me of being a thief.

I would prefer it. Corruption has a limit, stupidity hasn't.

- Mademoiselle Delacroix... - Have her go!

On 22nd September, he was to leave again.

He had decided upon a divorce and he swore to himself to inform

the Empress before his departure.

But there are looks in a woman's eye that strike the heart,

especially when the woman, extremely well-informed,

would rather not hear any more.

Prince...

- haven't you forgotten that in Spain... - No, Madame, no, no.

No, I've forgotten nothing.

Let me tell the life of the Emperor in my own way,

disregarding everything that history will omit in the future.

But still, Trafalgar...

If the English want to remember it, let them!

From now on, events accelerated.

After Essling, the Emperor concentrated his forces on the Island of Lobau.

After crossing the bridges of the Danube, he inspected his troops with Murat.

Terrible news interrupted their pleasure.

Marshal Lannes, badly wounded, had suffered the amputation of both legs.

Marshal, marshal! The Emperor.

You will survive, my friend, You will survive.

Count on me, Your Highness. I still want to be useful

to France

and to Your Majesty.

Highness... Highness...

Enough!

Despite the advice, he prepared for Wagram.

He traversed the lines, indicating to each their target.

He advised Mr. Dino, talked to McDonald, visited Massena,

injured the day before, and who reviewed his troops from a carriage.

6 July, 1809. Wagram.

A blazing victory that began with the great feat of General Flahaut.

The battle ended that same night.

And when night came, the "Grande Armée" rested.

And what was the Emperor doing?

Sleeping.

After spending 60 hours on horseback, shattered by fatigue,

he dropped in the shadow of his grenadiers,

stretched out and fell asleep.

So that he would not be cold, his soldiers

had erected a pyramid of drums.

Protected from the cold and the enemy, Napoleon slept next to his army.

It will be good when the war ends, a good day.

When the war ends, the war,

I will see my mother again, if the good God so wills.

When the war is over, if I do not have a mother

maybe I'll see her too,

if God the Father sends me to paradise.

When there is no longer war, when the Austrians,

the Russians and Prussians are in the ground.

It would be good that at last the civilians became the military,

and declare war for a little distraction.

It will be good that the war ends, a good day,

a good day...

When he woke up, he named MacDonald and Marmont as Marshals.

The armistice with Austria was signed in just 24 hours.

Already in Paris, he received news from Warsaw that fulfilled his hopes.

Countess Walewska has given birth to a child, baptized as Alexander.

Write:

"I decree that the son of the Countess Walewska receives 170,000 francs."

On the other hand, that the son of Mme. Eleonor Denuelle

receives, on his first birthday, twenty shares in the Orleans' Canal.

Finally, let it be granted to Mr Pallapra the control of the finances of Cambalose,

"on the condition that he recognizes the girl given to me by his wife."

The Empress is not to know anything of all this.

I would ask you to adopt one of those little ones.

But Josephine was about to commit an imprudence.

Come in.

I do not want my husband to imagine that I am unaware

of his innumerable and constant infidelities.

I receive enough women to give me the details.

That's how I learned of your interminable adventure with Mme. Duchatel.

Of your scandalous relationship with Mme. Fourès,

who often dresses like a man.

I am not unaware of your adventure with Grassini, the Italian singer.

We could talk about my great friend, Carlotta Brantano.

She told me many things, like never taking off her stockings or gloves,

because you didn't like her fingers.

You could talk to me finally of Mme. George.

Or do you prefer to talk of the Countess Walewska?

Not tonight?

Well... some day we will.

Divorce...

Divorce...

Divorce...

And so, her final hour had come.

Her Majesty, the Empress.

With the permission of my august husband I declare that,

with no hope of having the children that would

meet the needs and interest of France, I'm happy to give you

the highest demonstration of loyalty and of devotion that has ever been given.

I acknowledge all your goodness. It was your hand that crowned me,

and from the height of his throne, I have received

testimonies of affection and love from the French people.

I believe I return those feelings by consenting to the dissolution of

a marriage that presumably supplies an obstacle to the well-being of France.

The dissolution of my marriage will not change the feelings of my heart.

The Emperor will always have in me his best friend.

I know this act, caused only by policy

and for the wider good, has chilled his heart.

There he is. We feel glorious,

for the sacrifice that we are going to make.

Later, she went to the castle of Malmaison, which the Emperor ceded to her.

Never was there such a cruel moment.

And yet, believe me, it was impossible to have more patience.

Eleven years ago, in Cairo, Junot gave me some information

- that I had not asked for. - He's never forgiven me.

Never.

He named me Duke of Abrantes just to forget my name.

What if we talk about the immediate future?

- Enough of divorce! - Let's talk about matrimony!

Gentlemen, I am undecided between several princesses.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, we must turn to you.

Highness, you should not hesitate. I know your admiration

for the young sister of the Czar, but an alliance with Moscow

would only serve to antagonise Germany, Austria and England.

Then, the Austrian.

- What's her name? - The Austrian? Marie Louise?

Lovely!

Delicious.

Beautiful!

Great.

- I'll take her. - Accept her, rather.

If I decide on Marie Louise, then you, Berthier,

are who I will send to Vienna as ambassador.

Marriage...

Marriage...

- What's he doing? - Searching the Civil Code.

- Someday they'll say it's their capital work. - And will it be true?

Perhaps not.

The Archduchess Maria Louise is the best of marriages...

considered as an alliance.

If I am sincere with you, and if you allow me to express it vulgarly,

I will not hide from you that, in reality, I'm looking for a belly.

And in Vienna, he found one.

He's an authentic genius.

- Your majesty is going to ask for another piece? - Yes, and I even know which one.

Ah, I know.

Again!

What's happened?

This picture again, which I've already put away three times,

only to find it again now.

Now I really want to know who put it there so deliberately and conspicuously,

that it is impossible to miss.

Prince, it is extremely embarrassing to make a man like you suspicious.

Marie-Louise, Marie-Louise...

I beg your pardon.

But I'm sure that Prince Metternich was joking,

although I hope it's not a joke.

Mr. Richter?

Here, please.

Oh, Napoleon.

There's a kind of tolerance here at Schönbrunn that I won't condone.

They seem to have completely forgotten that my beloved Aunt

Marie-Antoinette, was killed by the friends of this monster.

- Does she know anything about it? - Not yet.

- Whether or not you understand German... - Of course I understand every word.

Imagine His Majesty's reaction if we make a false step.

We must be extremely diplomatic.

Come here.

Isn't that the Symphony Eroica that Mr. von Beethoven is playing?

Yes.

- What did she ask Mr. De Neippert? - Why he played Eroica Symphony.

- The Eroica Symphony? Why? - Oh, she hates it!

That's going too far. No, no, no.

The letter was already an imposition.

But the fact that someone has now taken the liberty, I'm sure it wasn't the emperor,

that someone took the liberty of... Yes, yes, go ahead and laugh. Just laugh...

That someone had the inconsideration

to ask Mr. von Beethoven to play the symphony

which glorifies Austria's defeats in the extreme,

the, the, the defeats that this, this murderer, this thief, this, this...

I can no longer tolerate it, nor can I bear it any longer.

Oh, honoured father, you know how much I respect and love you,

but it is quite useless to tell me to keep silent.

No power in the world will silence my detest

against the man who has carelessly rejected his wife, unprovoked, heartlessly...

Don't make me!

He will officially stop by Tuesday to offer his hand, my child.

Napoleon?

Yes.

- What did he just say? - Marriage, Napoleon...

You dedicated it to Bonaparte, maestro?

- What? - You dedicated it to Bonaparte?

Ah, yes. After I composed the piece,

I wrote "heroic symphony for a great man".

In this way, you could divine it was for him.

- It's better. - Of course.

Forgive me.

28th February, the Emperor was at Fontainebleau.

Berthier returned from Vienna and the marriage with Marie Louise

was diplomatically agreed. It would be celebrated on 2nd April.

It is a great victory over Austria.

A 60 year old man getting married with a young woman, can she have children?

Sometimes, yes.

- And if he's 70? - Oh, then, always.

20th March 1811, he was waiting. Waiting for what?

The birth of the king of Rome, for he had already given the child that prestigious name.

And woe betide anyone who came to tell him that it was a girl.

- Well? - The birth is becoming complicated.

- What are they going to do? - We might lose one of them.

Save the mother. It is her undeniable right.

But don't lose your head.

Treat her like a shop-keeper on the Rue Saint-Denis.

I ask you to forget she is the Empress.

Thank you.

However, in the end everything went well. It was a boy and the mother was saved.

A son...

I am the happiest man on Earth.

Thank you.

He could now return to war.

- General Caulaincourt. - Show him in.

7 of September 1812, he achieved the brilliant victory of the Moskova River. [N.B. Usually called the Battle of Borodino in English]

I can not find words grand enough, precise enough,

noble enough to describe your courage.

I've searched for many hours and I can only find City names:

Eckmühl, Essling, Wagram, Danzig. I offer them to you.

Massena, you will be prince of Essling. Lefebvre, Duke of Danzig.

Berthier, Prince of Wagram. Kellermann, Duke of Valmy.

McDonald, Duke of Taranto. Davout, prince of Eckmühl.

Duroc, Duke of Frioul. Marmont, Duke of Ragusa.

Murat, you are already king of Naples and today I can only confirm it.

As for you, Marshal Ney, the great victor of the day,

I appoint you prince of the Moskova.

Do not have too many illusions. If someone asks someday:

"How is the prince of Essling?", you will answer that Massena is well.

- The Emperor's dinner. - Come on.

- No, Highness. - Yes!

It was the beginning of the fateful invasion of Russia. You were there, were you not?

Yes, prince, indeed.

In Moscow, there awaited him the most impressive surprise of all.

All the inhabitants were gone.

All the windows, all the doors were open.

There was nobody to fight.

And the victory that he won there resulted in disaster.

In the Kremlin, he could not believe what his eyes saw.

The most terrifying spectacle imaginable: Moscow in flames.

The Tsar had sacrificed his most emblematic city

so that Napoleon could never say that it had been his.

There he wrote a letter to the Tsar, which was perhaps received,

but he never answered.

With nothing else to do, he opened the wallet and pulled out a dossier at random.

As a further proof of the diversity of his genius, he drafted

the "Statutes of the French Comedy", that take the name of.

"Decree of Moscow" and that will remain in force for centuries.

Then, he ordered the retreat.

Horrible, indescribable, gigantic...

And as the responsibility had to fall on someone,

he summoned the Duke of Otranto and me.

Mr. De Talleyrand-Perigord, prince of Benevento.

And Mr. Fouché, Duke of Otranto.

I wanted to see you both... both together.

Fouché...

You are a traitor, a bandit and a thief.

You have forgotten that you voted for the death of King Louis.

I have never forgotten.

It was the first service that I rendered Your Majesty.

Get out! You are no longer my minister.

- And I should hang you. - I do not share that opinion.

As for you, who has conspired...

I have only conspired in times

where I had the majority of France as an accomplice,

and in which I was looking only at the well-being of the country.

On the other hand, there is no conspirator more dangerous to you...

than you yourself.

You are a thief and a coward! A man without faith!

It's an exaggeration, and everything exaggerated is insignificant.

You do not believe in God! For you, there is nothing sacred!

You're just shit in silk stockings!

Yes, it is a pity that he was so lacking in refinement.

But he was soon off to war again.

Despite the ties of kinship which united him to Francis II,

Austria declared war on the Emperor, allying with Russia and Prussia.

Thus the armistice of 1st June was broken and the war began again.

If you are indifferent, Murat, you are hostile.

If you are hostile, reflect

and remember that you are a God until five in the afternoon.

And it is now six.

Despite the victory at Dresden, he already perceived the winds of defeat.

After winning in Champeau-Vert and Brienne, he suffered the attack of a Cossack.

But Gourgaud saved his life.

After winning in Mont-Miraille, he was forced to fight in retreat,

and retreat to Fontainebleau.

There he found his men in a lamentable state, demoralized.

But still he laboured under certain illusions.

That Ney, Marmont and Berthier be here in an hour.

We must fight on, even in Paris.

But, Your Highness, aren't you afraid of creating another Moscow?

I am forced to face to the enemy wherever

Providence will allow. Let me work.

Your Highness, do you know what is happening in Paris?

No.

The provisional government has proclaimed your dethronement.

My dethronement? Only the people have that right!

And as for the Allies, I will crush them in Paris!

No, Your Highness! The situation is desperate.

Only one solution remains: abdication.

The soldiers think differently.

They only think of fighting and of giving their lives for me and for France.

They lack your titles and privileges.

You should follow you, since you do not dare to lead them.

- The Army will not march on Paris. - The Army will obey me!

I only have to give the order and they will follow me!

Go, gentlemen.

The country is in danger, and they want to deprive her of her best soldier.

The situation left him in a pitiful position,

but he seemed to accept it, which was the most pitiful thing of all.

And to think it took two hours before I understood.

Talleyrand has had his revenge. I treated him badly.

But, after all, I gave good service

for some time.

I committed a grave error.

After he arrived in such a degree of discontent,

I should have locked him up or had him always by my side.

Good night.

What is it?

It's poison!

Do not waste time! Call Corvisant.

"Since the Allied Powers have proclaimed that the Emperor

is the only obstacle to the restoration of peace in Europe,

the Emperor Napoleon, faithful to his oath,

declares that he renounces his claim and that of his heirs

to the throne of France,

and that there is no personal sacrifice, including that of my life,

that I would not be willing to undertake in the interest of France".

Your Highness, you have never been so great.

The Emperor!

Officers, non-commissioned officers,

and soldiers of my Old Guard.

I bid you farewell.

For 20 years, we have trod together the path of honour

and of glory.

I leave you.

You will continue to serve France.

Your happiness was my only thought.

And will always be the object of my desires.

Do not weep for my fate.

If I have agreed to continue living,

it is to see you serve in glory.

Farewell.

I would like... to clasp you all to my heart.

Let me at least salute your general

and your colours.

Long live the Emperor!

His farewell was heartbreaking. Especially,

as it contrasted with the return of a joyous, gout-ridden Louis XVIII.

On the other hand, it was absurd to offer him the sovereignty of the island of Elba.

But the most unexpected and extraordinary thing was how well Napoleon adapted

for a year to his forced exile.

On that island, 40 times smaller than the department of Côte-D'Or,

he passed his time reviewing his tiny army and walking from village to village.

In one of its three houses, he ordered the preparation of two rooms,

one for the Empress and another for the king of Rome,

without any hope of seeing them appear.

But fate had reserved a surprise.

He was informed that a lady and a child had landed.

The lady was no other than Maria Walewska, and the child was his son.

Maria! What joy! And what a surprise!

My adorable love!

- What do you think about your son? - He is very handsome.

- Can I kiss you, Dad? - Of course!

And to show you my confidence, I let you take my horse by the bridle.

- And I cannot mount it? - If your mother allows you...

I could not deny permission to the son of the Emperor.

Come on, up you get.

He is very handsome. And he looks like you.

- I hope I am not indiscreet. - Oh no. Absolutely.

I knew that the Empress was not here.

May I issue an order?

But my God, you are useless!

Put up the tent there.

- There? - Yes, there.

- Cambronne. - Highness?

Control yourself, Cambronne. Yes, watch your language.

Someday you'll let escape a word for which you will be remembered.

Once you asked to spend one night in my bivouac,

- on the battlefield. - And you said "no".

If I said yes this evening, would you still like to?

Of course.

Well, look at that.

Present arms!

General Cambronne.

Marshal Berthier. Grand marshal Bertrand.

Where is my son?

He expressed the desire to eat with the soldiers, so...

You've done very well.

If you will be seated...

I cannot hide the truth from you.

- Maria Louise is in Vienna with my son. - Yes, I know.

And you must know that, without that betrayal, it would not have been possible for me to come.

But you may not know that, shortly after my departure,

The Empress received the King of Prussia and the Emperor of Russia.

Yes, she invited them to Malmaison.

No, to Malmaison, no. To Rambouillet, I believe.

No, to Malmaison. I am sure.

So I discover a new treachery.

What she did not dare to reveal was that Josephine had died 8 days earlier.

- What is your impression? - Oh, very good.

- What are you hoping? Why? - I think she's here to call him back.

And I admit that...

I never thought he was going to retire after one defeat! Never!

Few people love as much as to enjoy the silence by my side.

- Could you break this silence, briefly? - Of course.

I must warn you, Your Highness, of what is happening in Paris.

You know they are waiting for you.

And that poor King Louis XVIII is treated like an idiot.

And that abroad he is subject to cruel mockery.

Have you considered returning?

Have you considered it? And will it be soon?

Thank God.

When he spends two hours in silence, it is because he is planning something.

And what else would he plan but war?

When people talk about you, do you know what they call you?

The Polish wife of Napoleon. And it's so very true.

I love you.

On March 1, the Emperor disembarked in Golfe-Juan.

The news spread across France and the rest of Europe rapidly.

Marshal Ney must meet him and place him under arrest,

for no other purpose than the good of France.

That will have a brilliant effect. At least, I hope so.

Long live the Emperor.

- Yesterday perhaps they shouted: "Long live the King!". - It's not important.

Everything will be fine while we can shout "Long live someone or something!",

because in reality we are shouting "Long live France!"

What would be bad, and even dangerous, would be having the opportunity

to shout: "Down with someone or something!". Do you understand me?

Highness, Marshal Ney, with orders of the King.

Prince of the Moskova, aren't you ashamed?

Yes.

In Scotland they dance the jig, in Russia the "kasatchok"

and in Vienna, the waltz. But suddenly,

the bagpipes were deflated and the musicians stopped playing,

and everyone had to remember that they were members of the cavalry.

The Emperor was approaching and the King withdrew.

It is difficult for a man seen from the rear to retain his prestige.

And the war began, once again.

Soldiers came from everywhere: Austria, Berlin, Moscow, England.

Call up the Guard.

- What does it say? - He advises us to surrender.

What does General Cambronne say? Let them surrender!

Again? Shit!

- Who said that? - Oh, what a hypocrite!

Napoleon signed for the second time his abdication and delivered it to Fouché,

who became, in a sinister manoeuvrer, President of the Government.

The Emperor took refuge in Malmaison, where Queen Hortensia awaited.

My poor Josephine...

For 3 days, defections occurred, each one more unexpected than the last.

Since Fouché does not deliver the Emperor the passport,

I will not stay here until the enemy come.

General Count of Montholon. Jena, Madrid, Eckmühl, Wagram.

Injured 100 times in the service of His Majesty.

I will have the honour to accompany to the Emperor during his exile

and will not abandon him until he dies.

Thank you.

If I did not have to stay in France, I would be the first to accompany him.

We are in the same situation.

- Again? What is your title? - Count of Las Cases, Your Highness.

I ask you for the honour of accompanying His Majesty,

if necessary, until the end of the world.

We will see if it is possible.

I want to go with you too.

- What a pity! - It is impossible?

For the many reasons that you know.

Will you be able to return someday?

But how horrible...

May I tell you a confidence, Highness?

- Of course... - You know how much I have loved you.

You know how much I've been in love, because one day you wrote me

that our souls understood each other, but I hid the truth from you.

Today I want to confess a secret, which will enlighten you, Your Highness,

about many things.

I love you physically.

I never dreamed of daring to make this confession,

but I would regret it all my life if I withheld it.

I adore your eyes, so beautiful.

I love your hands, so soft.

I love your lips and your breath,

and above all, I adore your smile, your wonderful smile.

I love the noise of your steps, your deep voice

and your silence shocks me.

I never dared to look you in the eye, but I leaned over you

while you slept and I delighted in watching you for hours.

God only knows how many times you will have listened to women saying these things?

Never.

- Never? - Never. This is the first,

and the only one.

- Where is the child? - In the carriage.

- Have you seen the Emperor? - No.

What is it?

It is a belt. I'd appreciate if you wore it.

Why?

Because inside I have sewn my diamond necklace.

- Oh no... - Do not reject it.

Thank you.

An hour later, he found out that the Prussian advance

had already reached Pierrefitte and that he must leave Malmaison.

Yes, I have allowed myself to come.

It is not a crime, I just wanted that our little boy said goodbye.

You already know Countess Walewska and the child she has given me.

You may have also seen Mme. Pallapra and that adorable little girl.

Does she look like me?

What seems most interesting is that the three are similar to each other.

They are your children.

- What do you want? - Nothing.

- Who are you looking for? - The king of Rome.

The king of Rome was on his grandfather's knees,

listening to Mr. Metternich.

My little treasure...

From now on, you're going to be The Duke of Reichstadt, right?

Everything that happened after that day served to magnify his glory

and his immense reputation. He became invulnerable.

If all the countries of the world had combined their efforts to

ensure the immortality of the Emperor, they could not have done it better.

By rejecting all the great men who requested to welcome him.

Convinced that he was the vanquished,

as if Waterloo obliterated Austerlitz.

Rehabilitating through an ignominious death

those who had served him before.

Straight to the heart! Fire!

Do not aim at the face!

By sending him to St. Helena, to the small island of St. Helena.

His Excellency, Governor Hudson-Lowe.

By entrusting someone's custody, so infinitely valuable,

to a stubborn and petty individual, without brain, heart or education.

By not avoiding any wounds to his dignity.

By placing him in a ridiculous residence.

By depriving him of all that could ease his boredom.

By reading his mail before handing it over.

By leaving him in the care of a suspect physician.

By treating him as "general" and not "Emperor."

As far as I know, there is no Emperor on the island of St. Helena.

Sir?

By allowing him to suffer a slow death.

France... My Grand Army...

Very good.

And by not writing anything on his tomb, they made him into a legendary character.

On December 15, 1840, thousands and thousands of French

received the immense catafalque which returned his remains to Paris.

But with the heart governing their eyes, this is what they saw.