All language subtitles for The Man In The Iron Mask (1939) Louis Hayward, Joan Bennett, Warren William

[ Music playing ]

[ Indistinct chatter ]

Your lozenge
milord Cardinal.

Well, thank you, Fouquet,

you're always so thoughtful.

This may be a great day

for France.

And might I suggest
that His Majesty has a son,

that his son might need a tutor?

I have noticed
that you also think far ahead.

My only thought is to serve

to the limit of my poor ability.

[ Stomping ]

MAN: His Majesty, The King.

[ Fanfare ]

Well, how much longer
do we have to wait,

is there no news yet?

Not yet, Your Majesty,

a matter of this kind
demands patience

even from a king.

For a cardinal, you're not
very consoling in a crisis.

[ Laughing ]

D'Artagnan, do you
remember that morning

we were getting ready to fight
the Austrian army?

Yes, sire, very well.

I felt a lot braver
that morning.

[ Laughing ]

If Your Majesty pleases,

it's a boy, a beautiful boy.

[ Music playing ]

A boy.

[ Bell ringing ]

[ Crowd cheering ]

It has pleased Almighty God,

King of Heaven,

to bless the union
of His Majesty,

King Louis XIII of France

and our dearly beloved queen

by giving to them and to you

a son.

This is the heir
to the throne of France.

-[ Crowd cheering ]
-[ Cannon fires ]

-Send for the King at once.
-The King?

Impossible, listen.

Colbert then.
Yes, that's it, Colbert.

He'll know what to do.

Colbert, where's
Monsieur Colbert, please?

On the balcony with His Majesty.

[ Crowd cheering ]

[ Baby crying ]

Well, what is it?

D'ARTAGNAN:
Her Majesty has given birth

to a second child.

A second child?

-Yes, a son, a twin.
-[ Cannon fires ]

Another son.

Shall I take this other son
to the King?

Impossible.

Who knows of this?

Only the midwife and myself.

No one else must know.

[ Music playing ]

Must you take him, too?

Your Majesty knows better than I

that your sons belong to France.

[ Music playing ]

[ Baby crying ]

-Follow me.
-Yes, but Her Majesty.

I will answer for Her Majesty.

D'ARTAGNAN: Yes, My Lord.

[ Music playing ]

[ Cannon fires ]

Well, the messenger said
it was urgent, what is it?

It is my duty to present
to, Your Majesty,

your second son.

Fate has given France
twin dauphin.

Two sons,

two heirs to the throne
of France.

Your Majesty knows
there can be only one

Dauphin of France.

To any other man
in this kingdom,

twin sons would be a blessing.

Only to me, a king,

could they be a curse.

Worse than a curse, sire,

two sons would mean civil war,

self-seeking men
pitting brother against brother.

The future of France
depends on this moment,

on your being strong enough

to think as a king
rather than as a father.

Of your sons,
only one can rule.

Colbert,

I cannot order a death warrant

for my own son.

That isn't necessary, sire.

Send him away,
no one need know,

even he must never know.

With whom?

Is there a man in all the world

with whom such a secret
would be safe?

Yes, sire, one man,

D'Artagnan.

D'Artagnan?

Must I lose my son
and my best friend as well?

D'Artagnan is my right arm.

He's also my friend, sire,

but you must give him the child,

send him home to Gascony,

settle an income on him,

permit him to raise
the boy as his own

then France will be safe.

[ Music playing ]

My son...

how many times have we fought

shoulder-to-shoulder for France?

How many times has the life
of the King of France

been safe in your hands?

My friend, D'Artagnan,

will you do this for me?

I am a soldier, sire.

[ Music playing ]

See that he has horses,
everything.

All will be done, sire.

I will miss you, my friend.

[ Music playing ]

[ Baby crying ]

Go now, and quickly.

[ Music playing ]

In days to come, sire,

he may ask his father's name.

Tell him his father was a man

who gave everything for France

and was your very good friend.

Name him Philippe after me.

[ Music playing ]

The doctor and the midwife?

It's a pity there's no
D'Artagnan for them.

[ Music playing ]

[ Music playing ]

Would you like to double
the wager, Fouquet?

But the rope always
breaks the fourth time.

Your Majesty is unusually lucky.

I'm a most unusual person.

[ Music playing ]

It didn't break...

and it always breaks
the fourth time.

Are you sure you didn't tamper
with that rope, Fouquet?

Your Majesty.

I regret intruding
upon Your Majesty's amusement.

I'll double the wager
on the next one, Fouquet.

Monsieur Colbert here,
took upon himself to countermand

the other executions.

For what reason?

I have the honor to inform,
Your Majesty,

that Her Royal Highness,
Princess Maria Theresa,

entered Paris this morning.

Surely, the arrival
of your fiancée

should not be attended
by-- by hangings.

But don't they hang people
in Spain?

Huh, or does everyone
pay his taxes?

Well, she'll get used to it,

particularly if the tax on salt
is not rescinded.

But Fouquet told me
I could raise millions

with... a little pinch of salt.

Such a beautiful tax.

So sure, no one
can live without salt.

History shows that the people
have a way of going on living,

no matter what.

Uh, speaking of the salt tax,
uh, reminds me,

I'm afraid I have to adopt
drastic measures in Gascony,

the inhabitants
of the Town of Tartas

made some ridiculous
claim to exemption

from all taxes and they resisted
Your Majesty's tax collector.

-Resisted?
-More than resisted.

They put Your Majesty's
representatives to flight.

They were led by a man
named D'Artagnan.

Must we always be annoyed
by these rebels?

I know the man, sire.

He was captain
of your father's musketeers

and he spoke the truth.

For services to the crown,
your father gave him

the village of Tartas
free of taxes.

Such a reward probably grew out
of some special service.

Collect the tax in Gascony
and arrest of the rebels,

I've anticipated both
of Your Majesty's commands.

[ Chuckles ]

-Clever, Fouquet.
-Thank you.

I seem to have an engagement

with Mademoiselle
de la Valliere.

I find it so very useful
in relieving me

of such tiresome problems
of state.

[ Chuckles ]

Ha!

Quite interesting,
this Gascony situation,

don't you think?

I watched your career
with great interest, Fouquet.

I know you to be ambitious,

avaricious, and dangerous,
but not until now

did I know you'd be
entirely without honor.

Without honor, I?

You knew very well
the identity of D'Artagnan

and of the men with him.

Oh, yes, certainly,
including Philippe.

And yet to curry favor
with the King

you would betray a sacred trust,

a secret which has been
kept up to now.

My dear, Colbert,
how can you say such a thing?

You should know better
than anyone

that a certain secret
transformed me

from a cardinal's messenger

to a king's minister.

Keeping secrets is my business.

And are your intentions
one of your secrets too?

Not at all.

I intend arresting
Philippe and D'Artagnan

and hanging them as rebels.

It's a compliment to you,
my friend.

Colbert,

you're a very clever man.

You have a most annoying habit

of always bringing
about the things

you wish to bring about.

For instance, this marriage
with Maria Theresa

which does not suit me at all.

The union of France,
Spain, and Austria

is necessary to the security
and future of France.

But I'm not interested
in the future of France.

I'm interested
in the future of Fouquet.

Who knows?

Someday, you may have
certain plans for Philippe.

Well, that would be
most unfortunate for me,

but don't worry,

I intend keeping this secret.

When I hang Philippe,
no one will know

that he's the twin brother
of the King.

Before you hang him,

the world will know who he is.

Sh.

Remember, secret.

[ Music playing ]

[ Laughing ]

Oh.

Gentlemen, musketeers.

-Oh.
-Oh.

-He means you, too.
-Oh.

[ Laughing ]

According to the tradition
governing these occasions,

I wish to express my pleasure

at the honor of having you
help me arrive

at the ripe old age of 22.

ALL: Hear, hear.

To France,

to my father who died
for it too soon.

To my four godfathers
who reared me so carefully

in the best tradition
of the King's musketeers.

To the musketeers.

I claim the next toast

to our very
accomplished godson,

the best blade in France,

next to me of course.

[ Laughing ]

And the most brilliant pupil

in languages and the sciences

that I have ever tutored.

And who's skill
at wrestling is excelled

by only one other man, and I--

[ Chuckles ]

I'm too modest
to mention his name.

[ Laughing ]

And who excels even me

in the more romantic past-times

including dice shaking.

[ Laughing ]

ALL: Hoorah!

Are you sure
this is D'Artagnan's house?

How could I mistake it?

I've been here before.

You realize the people
of our own town of Tartas,

are the only Frenchmen
who aren't starving and in rags?

Which is too good to last long.

Remember, we've already
had one encounter

with the royal tax collector.

To which we put a period

with a sword point.

[ Laughing ]

[ Banging on door ]

I can't remember inviting
any other guests.

Captain D'Artagnan,
formerly the King's musketeers,

and Lord of Tartas
by order of Louis XIII.

By order of His Majesty,
Louis XIV,

I arrest you for high treason

and assault
on His Majesty's officers.

[ Laughing ]

You mean, His Majesty's robbers?

I order you to surrender
in the name of the King.

Softly, my friend.

In Tartas, I administer
the high, the middle,

and the low justice.

I make the arrests.

Isn't the King becoming frugal,

only nine men?

There's 90 more outside,
flatterer.

Seize them!

[ Music playing ]

[ Indistinct shouting ]

Come along, get on.

[ Laughter ]

This is my first trip
to Paris in 20 years.

And at the King's expense.

[ Laughter ]

Your Majesty,

Her Royal Highness,
Maria Theresa,

-Infanta of Spain,
-[ Cannon fires ]

Princess of Austria,

and His Excellency,

Count Mendoza,

Ambassador
of the King of Spain.

[ Music playing ]

Your Majesty,

I present His Excellency,

the Spanish Ambassador.

Your Majesty.

We are pleased to receive you.

[ Cannon fires ]

MENDOZA: I have the honor
to present Her Royal Highness,

Maria Theresa.

My mother.

Monsieur Fouquet.

I trust Your Royal Highness
made a comfortable journey?

Monsieur Colbert
whom you sent to welcome us

was most considerate.

[ Cannon fires ]

Why did you permit me to think
I was sacrificing myself

for the good of the state...

when I find her beautiful?

[ Cannon fires ]

Do I make you nervous?

No.

No, Your Majesty.

It was the cannon.

Oh, you'll get used to that.

They seem always to be
firing cannons in my honor.

[ Cannon fires ]

You're very lovely, my dear.

Of course, you're nervous.

I know just how you feel,

but you'll feel at home
very quickly.

I'll try very hard.

[ Cannon fires ]

MAN: You're Majesties'
dinner is served.

We always have a family
gathering on my birthday,

just a few special guests.

[ Music playing ]

Ah, mademoiselle.

[ Music playing ]

Forgive me, Your Royal Highness.

May I present
Mademoiselle de la Valliere.

[ Music playing ]

You might congratulate me.

It's not only by birthday,
but I'm engaged to be married.

Congratulations, Your Majesty.

I hope Your Royal Highness
will be very happy.

Penny for your thoughts?

They're not worth a great deal.

I was just remembering,
Your Majesty mentioned...

a family dinner.

Mademoiselle de la Valliere?

Oh, I always think of her
as one of the family.

[ Music playing ]

I hope you enjoyed
your journey through France.

It was slightly confusing,
Your Majesty.

I find it very difficult
to associate

the poverty of the provinces

with the splendor of the palace.

Well, the people of France
are notorious misers,

but I am not a miser.

I have been taught to believe
that when the people wear rags

and the King
and his court wear velvet,

the result is always disastrous.

May I ask
why you're so interested

in the people of France?

Perhaps it's because
I have agreed

to become the Queen of France.

My father considers himself
a servant of the state.

It's different with me.

In France, I am the state.

[ Glass breaking ]

[ Indistinct chatter ]

A gentle protest

against the salt tax, no doubt.

[ Indistinct chattering ]

That displaced
Majesty's birthday.

Modern guise.

OFFICER: Stand aside there.
Stay away from this gate.

Every one of you
away from this gate.

-Arrest him.
-I didn't do it.

-I didn't do it.
-Who did?

I don't know. I don't know.

Take him to the Bastille,
we'll find out.

So, they don't like
the salt tax.

Double it!

Revive him.

Proceed.

No, no!

I can't stand it.

I'll tell, I'll tell.

You see, the glove always works,

usually on the first
or second finger.

I remember
a very stubborn fellow.

He withstood four fingers

until we came to his thumb.

I almost pardoned him.

Tomorrow,

when His Majesty
goes to the cathedral

to light a candle,

he will be assassinated.

By whom?

I don't know, sire.

I only overhead them talking

just before I was arrested.

I was not one of them.

When and where?

I don't know, sire.

I don't know.

I don't know!

He may be telling
the truth, sire.

He is telling the truth.

Once they start talking,
they tell everything they know.

It would be well
if my Lord High Constable

would tell me a few things
about this assassination.

I'm doing everything
I can, sire.

It's not enough.

[ Music playing ]

[ Bell chiming ]

How thoughtful of them.

They've sent my carriage
early to be sure

I'm not late in keeping
my rendezvous

with the assassins.

But Your Majesty, it's madness.

You can't expose
yourself like this.

My dear Lord Constable,
you said the same thing

at least 50 times,

but it doesn't change
the situation.

Today is my late lamented
father's name day.

Tradition demands
that I light a candle

to his memory in the cathedral.

A king fears tradition more than
he fears assassination.

There's a chance
for me to escape assassination,

but no chance
to escape tradition.

It's one of those
unfortunate things

connected with being king.

But, Your Majesty,
give me more time,

if only to discover
when and where

they intend to strike.

You've had a thousand men

trying to discover
that small point

since last night,
and it's still a secret!

In exactly an hour
and twenty minutes,

it will no longer be a secret.

-No one knows of this?
-No, sire.

Just you and I,
and the assassins?

I'm happy to report
the Gascony business

is finished, Your Majesty.

I have the rebels below.

Gascony? Rebel?

Why yes, Your Majesty.

D'Artagnan, the man
who assaulted

Your Majesty's officers.

Why do you annoy me
with prisoners from Gascony?

Haven't you learned yet
what to do with rebels?

It shall be done
the moment I have

Your Majesty's signature
to the order of execution.

Have my carriages ready.

Yes, sire.

Uh, Your Majesty is hanging
a most interesting prisoner.

What?

COLBERT: Fouquet neglected
to tell, Your Majesty,

that on the way from Gascony,
he was cheered repeatedly

by villagers.

And just now
in the courtyard below,

your own officers saluted him.

What for?

Probably because
of the striking resemblance

the prisoner bears
to Your Majesty.

Uh, didn't Fouquet
mention the fact?

I failed to detect
any resemblance.

You mean, they cheered
because they thought

the prisoner was I?

Yes, sire.

Hmm, that's interesting,

and very unusual.

Does he really resemble me?

It's astonishing,

except for the moustache,
he might be your double.

But...

I think I'd like
to see this fellow.

But, Your Majesty, it's absurd.

I feel in the mood
for absurdities.

Bring him to me.

-But...
-LOUIS: Bring him, I said.

COLBERT: Why not
bring them all?

They breed a more dashing type
of rebel in Gascony.

Your Majesty might find them
interesting, too.

Bring them all.

MAN: Line up there.

Your eyes did not
deceive you, Colbert.

He does look like me,

except of course
for the silly moustache.

I can hardly believe it.

I also have a slight scar,

a souvenir from one
of Your Majesty's

tax collectors.

So you're the Gascony rebel
who objects to paying taxes

and goes about
cutting down my men.

Your Majesty could have taught
your men better manners.

[ Chuckles ]
Has a sense of humor, too.

Hmm, yes,

a very pointed
sense of humor, Your Majesty.

It took a troop
of Your Majesty's best men

to curve it.

Remove them to the Bastille,

all but this one.
I wish to talk to him.

What we do with them depends
upon our conversation.

Very well, Your Majesty.

Take them away.

-All but this one.
-MAN: March.

[ Chuckling ]

Come here.

Do you know
what happens to rebels?

I usually hang them.

So I've heard.

I see that you're quite fond
of your friends.

Very fond, sire.

You could be quite useful to me.

For instance, at the moment,
my carriage is waiting

to take me to the cathedral,
to light a candle

in memory of my father.

It's very gracious
of His Majesty

to remember his father.

It would be most amusing
if you perform the ceremony,

impersonated me.

I'm willing to do anything
to save my friends, sire.

Good, I was hoping
you'd say that.

Suppose you begin by riding
to the cathedral in my carriage,

without the moustache,
of course.

I left Gascony quite suddenly,

so I have to borrow
Your Majesty's razor.

And his clothes.

But hurry.

[ Fanfare ]

MAN: Attention.

His Majesty, the King.

To the cathedral.

Forward march.

[ Music playing ]

[ Laughs ]

-Here they come.
-Here they come.

Here they come.

[ Indistinct chatter ]

The King is on his way.

His carriage is just turning
into the street.

MAN: Good.

[ Crowd chatter ]

MAN: Here they come.

[ Music playing ]

[ Indistinct chatter ]

[ Music playing ]

MAN: Seize them. Cut them down.

[ Music playing ]

Well, go on.

Kill me like you've killed
the rest of France.

Why should I wish to kill you?

But, Your Majesty,
this is assassination.

These aren't enemies
you're running down,

they're the people of France.

Since when has
the King of France

had cause
to fear Frenchman?

-What's your name, my friend?
-John Paul, Your Majesty.

Why did you want
to kill the King?

Well, why do you want
to kill us?

Oh, Your Majesty,

this man is no assassin.

Last night,
his baby died of hunger.

And this man is no murderer,
Your Majesty.

The day before yesterday,
his wife died.

No medicine, no doctor.

All these people have suffered,
Your Majesty.

But what does Your Majesty
know about suffering?

You live in a palace.

I want you to believe
I'll do everything I can

-to change all that.
-Oh, sire.

If we could only believe that.

The King of France
has made many mistakes.

The greatest in losing
common touch with his people.

I pray that the King
be forgiven his mistake.

God bless Your Majesty.

[ Speaks French ]

ALL: [ Speaking French ]

[ Cheering ]

[ Music playing ]

[ Cardinal speaking in Latin ]

[ All speaking Latin ]

[ Cardinal speaking in Latin ]

[ All speaking Latin ]

[ Music playing ]

Forgive my intrusion.

I insisted I be
allowed to enter.

I just heard
how you proved yourself

a true king.

Strangely enough,
I never felt more like a king.

I came the moment
I knew you were in danger.

Why?

Is it not my duty
as Queen of France

to be at the side of the King
in time of danger?

The King would be
an ungrateful wretch

if he failed to appreciate
such a sense of duty...

but a most unfortunate man
if it was only duty

that brought you to his side.

The king has shown
very little pleasure

at the prospect of my company.

This moment,
I'm praying that the king

be forgiven his mistakes.

[ Music playing ]

I, too, wish to light a candle,

not in commemoration,

but in thanksgiving.

[ Music playing ]

They look beautiful...

side by side.

CARDINAL: Let us pray.

[ Cardinal speaking in Latin ]

I'm sure you understand,

why its better for you
to live at Fontainebleau.

Spanish Ambassador is becoming
just a little difficult.

You're quite sure
it's not the Spanish princess?

I'm rather disappointed
in the Spaniards.

I've heard that they're
a very hot-blooded race.

Well, if Maria Theresa
is an example.

Yes, I've noticed.

Perhaps you require
a special encouragement.

I became king
on my fifth birthday.

By my sixth, I've learned
not to offer encouragement.

Sooner or later,
everyone comes to me.

A pity you did not also learn
how to be in two places

at one time.

I may surprise you.

Remember, I am a most
unusual person.

Really?

His Majesty?

I regret to inform
Your Royal Highness,

that His Majesty is engaged.

Oh, but if you tell him
who it is...

I'm sorry.

But when I left His Majesty
half an hour ago

on our return
from the cathedral,

he seemed most anxious
to continue our conversation.

I know. I know.

King's have such short memories.

But I'm sure
it would not disturb him

to know that I...

FOUQUET: Your Royal Highness.

I have learned
through long experience

never to disturb
His Majesty for anyone

when he's with the...

Mademoiselle de la Valliere.

Thank you.

His Majesty need have no fear
of my disturbing him again.

[ Music playing ]

Deliver this in person
to my father, the king.

-Guard it with your life.
-Yes, Your Royal Highness.

MARIA: Go now.

[ Music playing ]

If it please, Your Excellency.

Yes, yes, yes, yes?
Well, what happened?

The Princess was furious.

She stormed in
and immediately wrote

a dispatch to her father.

Her father, huh?

-What did she say?
-I don't know.

I couldn't get
close enough to see.

You should have done better!

Fool.

Now, I have to find out
what she wrote!

Get out!

[ Music playing ]

I've been searching
everywhere for you.

I suppose I should feel honored.

Did you not have an engagement
with me in the salon

to hear music?

Do you think it's good form
to keep the king waiting?

I could hardly expect
Your Majesty

to remember a thing
so unimportant

as an engagement
with me to hear music.

But it's very important,
at least to the musicians.

I don't find myself
in a mood for music.

In the past few hours,
my appreciation of the beautiful

has suffered a great deal.

I wouldn't say that.

That's the most beautiful dress
I've ever seen.

But the moment I leave you,

I'll completely forget
what you wore.

And who wore it.

I'll be able
to remember nothing,

but how beautiful you were.

Won't you sit down?

Please.

[ Music playing ]

Your Majesty's not always
so preoccupied.

What are you thinking about?

I'm thinking that, after all,
it may not be necessary

for you to go to Fontainebleau.

But the Spanish ambassador?

There's one thing the Spanish
Ambassador does not know,

that I am a very unusual person.

[ Music playing ]

You know, I've just made
a great discovery.

Stars are very beautiful
in the proper setting.

Your Majesty has never
given me cause

to suspect him
of romantic inclinations.

Lately, I've been made aware
that the king has been guilty

of many sins of omission.

Why were you angry?

Because I should hate you,

thoroughly...

and I can't.

At least there's still hope
if you must force yourself

to hate me.

Why?

Perhaps because
I've been very lonely.

I'm a stranger
in a strange land.

A very beautiful
and greatly loved stranger.

To be queen, I had to leave
everything I loved.

I had hoped
that perhaps the King

might sometimes
forget I was queen...

and remember I'm also a woman.

You were afraid the King
would forget you were a woman?

How could any man forget that?

I think twice
the King did remember,

once in a cathedral and now.

When kings were created,

they were not given
godlike qualities

to save them from mistakes.

Haven't you ever found
yourself sorry for a king?

Yes.

I'm beginning to realize
that princesses

also make mistakes.

But one can forget any mistake
a princess might make.

Not when it's in writing.

[ Music playing ]

Your Majesty,
I find myself in possession

of a most confidential
and urgent message

from Her Royal Highness,
Maria Theresa,

to her father.

I, uh, thought Your Majesty
might be interested.

-From Maria Teresa?
-Yes.

How do you find yourself
in possession of it?

The courier who carried it

met with a most
unfortunate accident.

Your usual type
of accident, I suppose.

No, no, sire,
much better than usual.

Did you read this?

Uh, well, no, that is...

not official.

So I'm cruel,
arrogant, a spendthrift,

a liar, and a Turk.

Well, of course,
you'll forgive it.

She merely does not understand,
Your Majesty.

Forgive her?

[ Loud thud ]

MAN: The Spanish Ambassador

demands an audience
with Your Majesty.

You see what happens
when you encourage barbarians?

He demands.

Even among barbarians,
the king's courier

may travel in safety.

I protest with all vehemence
in the name of my king

the cold murder
of his messenger.

My dear ambassador,
what are you saying?

I am saying that a courier

carrying a letter
from Her Royal Highness,

the Princess Maria Theresa,
to the King of Spain

was murdered.

His body robbed
and thrown into a ditch.

Why was I not told of this?

It's ghastly, impossible.

You're sure Your Excellency
is not exaggerating?

His body lies at my house.

I trust you will accept
my apology.

If my fiancée
will rewrite her letter,

I will guarantee its delivery.

Was it an important letter?

It was a letter
from a daughter to her father.

Oh, yes, probably mentioning
her complete happiness here

and the eagerness
with which she looks forward

to becoming the Queen of France.

I hope she included
my warmest remembrances.

I have no doubt
she did speak of you, sire.

She probably told her father
that I was cruel,

arrogant, a spendthrift.

But pardon me your indignation.

Please assure the King of Spain

that I will discover
the perpetrator of this outrage

and will know how to reward him.

I will convey your assurances
to my sovereign.

[ Chuckling ]

I assured the ambassador

that I would reward
the perpetrator

of the outrage.

Yes, I think it would look
very well there.

Your Majesty.

Oh, uh, I neglected
to inform Your Majesty

that Her Royal Highness
is engaged

in packing her trunks.

Her Royal Highness
is saving us the trouble

of having it done for her.

But what of the Spanish alliance
which means so much to Colbert?

I have decided to prefer
the English alliance.

After all, a navy is just
as important as an army.

It'll be very difficult
to explain that to Colbert.

I have no intention
of explaining it to Colbert.

In fact, I suddenly feel
the need to escape

from matters of state.

Yes, definitely,
I will go to Fontainebleau.

[ Sighs ]
Lovely place, Fontainebleau.

Hmm, lovely.

His Excellency, Count Mendoza.

Well, I suppose
he pleaded ignorance

of the entire affair.

It's a most delicate situation,
Your Royal Highness.

I cannot understand this man.

In one moment, he holds my hand
and makes love to me,

almost making me believe him.

And in the next,
he murders one of my servants.

Murderer or not,

he knows the contents
of your letter.

Good, I'm glad.

I hope every word infuriates
and humiliates him

as much as it did me
when I wrote it.

[ Door opens ]

-I hope you bring me liberty.
-More than liberty.

I bring you opportunity.

All I need is opportunity.

Philippe,

I knew your father very well.

You knew my father?

What was he like?

It's the sorrow of my life
that I never knew him.

He was a great man.

No sacrifice for his country
was too difficult,

and you can follow
in his footsteps.

An hour ago,
in rage and disgust,

Her Royal Highness,
Princess Maria Theresa,

left for Spain.

You mean she ran away
from Louis?

-Yes.
-Good!

But I am here
to ask you to follow her

and bring her back.

Bring her back to such a man?
Never.

Your father would have
forgotten his personal feelings

and remembered only
his duty to France.

But it's insanity, only the king
could bring her back.

I am offering you
an opportunity to be king,

if only for one day.

France needs a good king,

if only to stand on the balcony
before the people

for the betrothal ceremony,

long enough
to proclaim the union

between Spain and France.

King for one day.

In one minute, the King
could free D'Artagnan

or my friends.

I would only need to be king
for one day for my purpose.

And for mine.

[ Music playing ]

Halt, halt!

-Shoot, fool.
-Shoot? The King?

The King? Halt!

Why do we stop?

I took the liberty
of stopping your carriage.

Has Your Majesty descended
to highway robbery in person?

If I have, I'm merely following
your example.

After all, you're robbing me
of your presence.

I forbid you
to enter my carriage.

There must be some mistake.

I thought I was
the King of France

and gave the commands.

You might at least
have said goodbye.

Goodbye.

We're going to miss you.

France will not be the same.

Why are you going?

How dare you ask me
such a question!

I dare because France and I
both love you.

Love?

You don't know
the meaning of the word.

You never loved anyone
but yourself.

What kind of man are you?

In one moment you speak of love,

while at the same time
you're murdering my courier.

I'll never again
believe anything you say or do.

Will you please believe
that I know nothing

of your courier?

Believe you?

When you quoted from my letter
to the ambassador?

But I never saw your letter,
on my honor.

On your royal honor?

More than my royal honor.

On my sacred honor.

I do not believe you.

Well then, perhaps
it's just as well

that you are returning to Spain.

You're hardly fitted
to become the Queen of France

if you haven't learnt
that the problems of a nation

and its people
are more important

than the problems
of any individual.

I do not need lessons in duty
or conduct from you.

If this were the army,
your retreat

will be called desertion,

cowardice in the face
of the enemy.

If I were your enemy.

[ Woman laughing ]

[ Music playing ]

If our problems
were only as simple.

It would be so easy taking you
by the hand and running away.

The trouble with being king
is that one can never run away,

not even with you.

I didn't think Your Majesty
was the running away type,

if anyone.

Dear lady, believe me,

if we could escape
our destiny by my forgetting

that I was ever King of France,
by taking you by the hand

and going off with you
across those fields,

we would descend
from this coach forever

and I would be
the happiest man in the world.

Far happier than I ever expect
to be as king.

I wish I could believe you.

Did you ever dream
with your eyes wide open?

I used to dream...

a long, long time ago.

I want you to dream
of a balcony,

and under that balcony,
thousands of faces

looking up at you
with adoration and affection.

I want you to hear
the voice of a cardinal

saying to those people
"Heaven is pleased

to join Spain with France."

I want you to see me
beside you at that moment.

I must be dreaming.

I do believe you.

[ Music playing ]

CARDINAL: Heaven is pleased
to join Spain with France.

Do you, Maria Theresa,
take this man

to be your betrothed?

I, Maria Theresa,
take thee, Louis,

to be my betrothed.

And do you, Louis,
take this woman

to be your betrothed?

I, Louis, take thee,
Maria Theresa,

to be my betrothed.

[ Music playing ]

I find myself wishing that this
were the marriage ceremony

instead of just the betrothal.

Then I could add,

"To have and to hold."

[ Crowd cheering ]

Let me congratulate you,
my friend.

But then, you've always
had a most annoying habit

of bringing about the things
you wish to bring about.

A most amusing comedy,

worthy of so great a playwright.

As a fellow playwright,
you understand

how narrow the line
is dividing comedy from tragedy.

Quite right.

And I'm afraid
His Majesty's executioner

will provide the tragedy

when this charming
little comedy is finished.

His Majesty's executioner
could provide the tragedy

before the comedy is finished.

Remember, secrets.

You and I know that the King's
at Fontainebleau,

but the executioner doesn't.

One word from Philippe.

[ Crowd cheering ]

His Majesty left
for Fontainebleau an hour ago.

He'll arrive there
before you do.

Say to him that the announcement
of his betrothal

to Her Royal Highness,
Maria Theresa,

has caused great rejoicing
among the people.

Ride fast.

His Majesty will be most anxious
to receive such news.

MAN: Pardon, Your Majesty.
This is the cell.

[ Door unlocks ]

They are desperate men,
Your Majesty.

I'm quite used to dealing
with desperate men.

No, no, sire. I insist.

I shall go first.

[ Chuckles ]

On your knees, dogs,
His Majesty The King!

So, these are the rebels.

We regret our ignorance
of Your Majesty's visit,

or we'd have received you
in greater honor.

I trust you gentlemen
have enjoyed our...

-hospitality.
-Very much.

We've received every
consideration we expected.

I'm glad to see
you're entirely happy.

We'd be much happier
if we had news of Philippe.

I suggest that Your Majesty
treat him well,

just in the event
that we escape hanging.

Your Majesty, he means by that

that we're very fond
of Philippe.

I don't understand
how anyone could be fond

of such a fellow.

I find him tiresome,
ill-tempered,

and inclined to be a fool.

Your Majesty has never had
the pleasure of meeting him

at the point of a sword.

Leave us, they may have secrets.

Yes, Your Majesty.
Certainly, Your Majesty.

Don't you know me?

Do you recognize this?

Philippe!

There's no time for celebration.

This is the only way
I could free you.

I've written an order
for your release.

There are arms, horses,
everything, outside.

Remember the little inn
in Bordeaux?

Wait for me there.
Quick, get back in.

These are innocent men.

Here's my order
for their release.

See that it's carried out,
immediately.

Yes, Your Majesty.

That is all.

[ Laughs ]

Philippe, don't you understand?

You must go, quickly.

Even now, it may be too late.

I was king for your object.

You wouldn't have me
forget mine.

By now, D'Artagnan, Aramis,
Porthos, and Athos are

riding southward
on the four best horses

-in France.
-They're gone?

It wasn't very difficult.

I merely walked
into the Bastille.

-The Bastille?
-It's a very dismal place.

I was glad to get out
of it myself.

I should say so.

But now you must go, quickly.

No, not yet.

Before I abdicate,

I must say goodbye
to the one person who I hope

will be sorry
that my reign is over.

Philippe, go while you can.

Everything's ready,
a horse, money, passport.

Thank you, my friend.

I appreciate everything
you've done for me.

I hope France
will appreciate everything

you've done for her.

Remember, we do not act
until he's clear of the city.

But Excellency,
I do not understand.

Capture the King?

I don't require you
to understand.

I understand.

[ Music playing ]

[ Knocks on door ]

[ Music playing ]

Your Majesty.

Forgive me for calling so late.

But I felt I had to see you

and say goodnight.

[ Music playing ]

Tonight I stood with you
on a balcony,

and kissed you.

I want you to know I'll remember
how beautiful you were

till the moment of my death.

Louis, you have such
a frightened look.

If I am frightened,

it's at the thought
of losing you.

Losing me?

LOUIS: Kings are strange men.

It's true they have
short memories

and are capable
of dealing deep wounds.

Never trust a king completely.

Not even Louis.

[ Music playing ]

Hold that remembrance of me.

Goodnight.

[ Door closes ]

[ Music playing ]

Stand aside, Fouquet.

How dare you attack the king?

Your Majesty,
who could dream of you

stealing out of the palace
alone, like a criminal?

Why, I mistook you
for a common thief.

You might have been
badly hurt, even killed.

Well, now that you know
who I am, stand aside.

I couldn't possibly permit
Your Majesty

to take such risks.

It would be much better
if Your Majesty

would return to the palace...

willingly.

I'm beginning to understand
why you're so valuable

to the King.

[ Music playing ]

Hmm, very efficient.

Then they've had a lot
of practice.

[ Door opens ]

I should have taken
Fouquet's advice

and hanged you
in the first place.

You are equally guilty.

Your Majesty could hardly
expect me to know

that you are absent when
you did not see fit to tell me.

Strange that such an
impromptu impersonation

accomplished all your desires.

All, sire?

Isn't it enough that you
compromised me with Spain?

Made me a laughingstock?

The only unfortunate thing
for you both

is that I am about
to have the last laugh.

This time I'll wager
the rope will not break.

I've always said
Your Majesty's unusually lucky.

I feel gratified
that my end will at least

be a sporting proposition.

I lived my life the same way.

It's only by chance that I am
on the wrong end of the rope.

I regret having to ask you
to precede your friends,

whom you so cleverly set
at liberty,

but I'll see that they
follow you, quickly.

That is also a sporting
proposition.

I'm glad the odds in their favor
are much greater than in mine.

Call the guard of honor.

We must escort
the ex-king to the scaffold

with proper ceremony.

FOUQUET: Yes, Your Majesty,
and, of course,

with rolling drums.

By all means,
with rolling drums.

We might also fire
a cannon or two.

I appreciate the honor.

It grieves me to prevent such
a touching ceremony,

but the hanging of Philippe
is quite impossible.

Impossible?

My dear Colbert, not even
your hanging is impossible.

Mine? No, sire.

But his, yes.

Not even a king
may shed royal blood.

Royal blood?

I am saving Your Majesty
the embarrassment

of hanging your twin brother.

Brother?

It seems that you've outlived
your usefulness.

COLBERT:
Not yet, sire, I hope.

Do you expect me to believe
such an insane lie?

In the past, you've been
more clever, Colbert.

But never more truthful, sire,

as Your Majesty's friend,
Fouquet, will testify.

You see, we were both present
at your birth and his.

I, by right.

Fouquet, as usual.

Tell His Majesty, Fouquet,

how his father, King Louis XIII,

sent his twin son, Philippe,
to Gascony with D'Artagnan

and how, quite by chance,

Louis became king.

I suppose you have further
convincing proof.

If Your Majesty
is not convinced as he stands

face-to-face
with his own likeness,

I shall be glad to present

the final unimpeachable proof

with Your Majesty's permission,
of course.

I hope it's a pleasant surprise.

I promise Your Majesty
will not be disappointed.

[ Music playing ]

ANNE: Philippe.

My son.

My son.

I often dreamed of meeting
my mother in life.

I find equal happiness
in meeting her in death.

In death?

Does Your Majesty
require further proof?

It would have been better,
madam,

if you had stayed
in your convent.

Why do you demand
vengeance on a boy

who has committed no crime
but to be born your twin?

Kings do not control
these things.

Destiny controls them.

If Philippe's resemblance
to Your Majesty offends you,

you could exile him
to some place

where the resemblance
would have no meaning.

There are times, Colbert,
as much as you annoy me,

when I suspect you
of being a genius.

You're right.
I couldn't hang him,

not because he's my brother,

but because it would be like
hanging myself,

watching myself dangle
from the end of a rope.

End the resemblance.

Send him to a place where
he never will be seen again.

Of course.

[ Laughing ]

[ Music playing ]

I know how well
you love power, Fouquet.

But you will never know
complete power

until you've been obeyed
in a place like this.

Only the king is obeyed here.

I have no aspirations towards
the throne, Your Majesty.

Which is most fortunate.

At the moment I'm engaged
in creating a kingdom

for a man who might
have such aspirations.

Of course, I'm generous.

I provide him with all
the trappings of a king,

even to a throne.

True, his kingdom
may be rather limited.

In fact, it is limited,

limited to the walls
of the cell above here.

A most amusing thought,
Your Majesty.

Yes, it becomes
positively hilarious

when you think that
Colbert gave me the idea.

[ Laughing ]

It's a masterpiece.

Of course, that was my idea.

I thought it would be
too confusing,

two kings both looking
so much alike.

So I decided that
one of the kings

should wear the mask

so as to avoid all confusion.

It's quite ingenious.
It covers the whole head

and locks around the neck.

Most ingenious.

I wonder how long it takes
the beard to grow, Fouquet.

Imagine not being able to get
that thing off your head

and being strangled to death
by your own beard.

[ Laughing ]

Of course, there will only be
one key, which I shall keep.

I think I'll wear it...

on a golden chain, here,

next to my heart.

[ Music playing ]

Get in there!

His Majesty's order
of imprisonment.

For life.

Guilty of high treason,

solitary confinement for life.

Will receive no visitors.

To be treated
as any other prisoner

except he must be spoken
to as a king!

King?

Spoken to as a king?

[ Chuckles ]

[ Music playing ]

GUARD: Good night,
Your Majesty.

[ Guard laughs ]

[ Music playing ]

FOUQUET: Good morning,
Your Majesty.

I'm sure Your Majesty
would be delighted to know

that the king of the Bastille

is securely seated on
his throne.

It's his anniversary, you know.

He began his reign
a month ago today.

I trust His Majesty finds
his kingdom to his liking.

And his crown.

I've been thinking,

it may be necessary
to create another such,

uh, kingdom for my esteemed
colleague, Colbert.

Oh?

If you'll pardon me,
I know Colbert.

He'll dedicate his life
to the liberation of Philippe,

which, of course,
maybe be interpreted

as a patriotic gesture,

particularly if he should
convince himself

that Philippe has an equal claim

to Your Majesty's crown.

A man dead of a broken neck

cannot devote
his life to anything.

What?

Hang Colbert? Oh, no.

No, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty forgets,

Colbert's the friend
of the people.

They admire his honesty.

One of the things about
Colbert that irks me most

is that, like Caesar's wife,
he is above reproach.

FOUQUET: Oh.

I wouldn't say that,
Your Majesty.

All men make mistakes.

Not Colbert.

Well, I think he made a mistake
when he signed this receipt.

Mistake?
A receipt for 50 francs?

Your Majesty,
supposing a comma

and three zeros appeared

after the fifty making it
fifty thousand francs?

Your Majesty would then ask
the impregnable Colbert

just what he did with the other
forty-nine thousand

nine hundred and fifty francs,

and he would have no answer.

It's quite possible, isn't it,

that the people
wouldn't cheer quite so loudly

for an embezzler.

A criminal.

Too bad, my friend, there's not
room for another medal.

If Your Majesty's thinking of
a reward for my poor services,

uh, might I suggest
Madame Fouquet

would just love to be a duchess?

[ Chuckles ]
You know how women are.

On the day
that Colbert's hanged,

Madame Fouquet
shall become a duchess.

Your Majesty.

What a pity.

Tsk. Such a great patriot.

Hmm.

[ Laughing ]

[ Music playing ]

Now watch your footing here,
gentlemen.

The main Paris sewer
runs through here.

D'Artagnan.
How did you get here?

I have not forgotten
the underground passageways

even after 20 years.

Oh, but this is insane.

There's a price on your
heads, all of you.

[ Chuckling ]
A good one, I hope.

Well, it's nice to be
remembered.

Isn't it enough
that you are hunted,

I'm about to be hunted?

Why must you come here
of all places?

We had a rendezvous
with Philippe in Bordeaux,

which he did not keep.

Yes, I know.

Where is Philippe?

Philippe is in the Bastille,

an iron mask on his head
for life.

-What?
-Yes.

A most fiendish
invention of Louis'.

Now, you must go.
Your only hope to escape

the rope or worse is to go
while you have a chance.

Go?

Have you lost your courage?

Bravery is a great thing
when there's a fighting chance.

Bravery is only great
when there is no chance.

Look, my friend,
at any moment,

the king's men may be here.

I'm already branded a criminal.

Now, I beg you to save
your own lives.

Well, Philippe didn't think
of saving his life.

Are you willing to surrender
France into the hands

of a plunderer like Fouquet

and a king who's half mad?

I remember when you held France

in your own hands.

That was Louis XIII.

This is the reign of Louis XIV.

[ Knocks on door ]

Go back the way you came.

I'll not open that door
until you've gone.

We're through with running.

Here, give me your coat.

I'll open the door.

[ Pounding on door ]

MAN: Open this door.

Yes, Yes, I'm coming.

I'm coming.

Now, control yourselves,
gentlemen.

This is one fight we don't want.

[ Pounding on door ]

Yes, Yes, I'm coming.

-Who is it?
-Open in the name of the king.

Oh. Oh, yes, milord.

Yes, milord.

Come in, milord.

Monsieur Colbert?

Oh, how unfortunate.

Only an hour ago,

he left for the south of France

for his health.

[ Chuckling ]

-I'll just make sure of that.
-Oh, yes, milord.

Come in, milord.

You see, I'm quite alone.

The old fool's telling
the truth.

MAN: The south of France?
By what road?

Oh, I know nothing
of roads, milord.

I'm only a servant.

Oh, pardon me.

Oh, I do remember
his mentioning Marseille.

The road to Marseille.

D'Artagnan,
you are a beautiful liar.

Thank you, milord.

[ Laughing ]

You see? We can deliver
Philippe just as easily.

But delivering him
is not enough.

Remember the mask.

Well, what can be put on
can be taken off.

You're a bold man, my friend.

But in my gentler way,
I'm also bold.

The key...

not only the key
to Philippe's liberation,

but the liberation
of all France.

So, you see,
the boy of the birthday dinner

and of Mademoiselle
de la Valliere is Louis.

The boy of the cathedral
and of the balcony

and who brought
you back is Philippe.

Philippe is my father's name.

I've always loved it.

Where will I find the key?

The king wears it
around his neck.

Thank you.

I'll do it.

[ Laughs ]

[ Slurring speech ]
Good night, my dear.

Good night.

[ Laughs ]

Good night, your majesty.

Good night.

[ Knock on door ]

But I said goodnight.

[ Knock on door ]

[ Sighs ]

Well,

Her Royal Highness.

I might say this is a surprise
but it isn't.

In fact, I've been expecting
you for a long time.

I've discovered
that sooner or later,

all things come to a king
who waits.

Perhaps you would not have
waited so long, your majesty,

had you not been more
pleasantly engaged.

[ Laughs ]

The trouble with you, my dear,

is that you're inclined
to be a little too sensitive.

I'm beginning to understand

how many things a queen
must overlook.

Really?

Sit down, my dear.

Sit down.

[ Slurred speech ]
You know...

until tonight,

I was very disappointed
in the Spaniards.

Because we're jealous
and hot-blooded people?

Oh, no.

Quite the contrary.

We're also a most
impulsive people,

quick to hate,

quick to love.

After I'm queen,

I hope to change your mind...

about the Spaniards.

You can, quite easily.

Don't you find it
a trifle sultry in here?

I hadn't noticed, your majesty.

[ Music playing ]

Thank you, Your Royal Highness.

Now, the destiny of France

is in your hands.

You remember
the way to the Bastille?

D'ARTAGNAN:
How could I forget?

I think you're the bravest girl
I've ever known.

It doesn't matter whether
you bring Philippe back

as king of France

so long as you bring him back.

Depend on this.

Philippe returns or we stay.

[ Music playing ]

Put out your torches.

From here, we go in darkness.

[ Music playing ]

Time for rounds.

Why go? Nothing ever happens.

[ Music playing ]

[ Screams ]

Be quiet there.

I'll fix you.

Porthos, gag him, bind him.

[ Indistinct shouting ]

Philippe.

D'Artagnan.

Sit down.

Get this thing off my head.

My brain's bursting.

Yes, yes, I have the key.

How could your own brother
be such a monster?

[ Loud screaming ]

[ Clock chiming ]

Four o'clock.

Thirty-three's seeing
ghosts again.

Well...

[ Screaming continues ]

It turns, but it doesn't open.

It's a double lock.

A Chinese thing.

I-- I don't remember.

[ Indistinct shouting ]

[ Whip snaps ]

[ Whimpering ]

[ Screaming ]

MAN: Shut up in there!

[ Whip snapping ]

[ Screaming ]

MAN: Now, will you shut up?

The guard's just gone by.

We must get out while
there's still time.

All clear.

[ Music playing ]

You've suffered enough.

You can be king
or you can be free.

It's for you to decide.

Take me where the crown
of France is to be found.

[ Music playing ]

Athos, guard that door.

Waken him.

No, it's not a dream, brother.

Remember me?
The Gascon rebel who amused you

until you discovered
he was your brother?

You should remember this, too,

one of your more
clever inventions.

No, it's not there.

It's here.

Go away. You're dead, strangled.

How fast does your own
beard grow, brother?

I'll give you anything.

I'll recognize you.

I'll make you rich, all of you.

A million francs in gold,
two million.

When you turned
the lock on this,

you locked out any mercy

that might have been
in my heart.

You knew I was your brother,
your twin.

We were almost one body,
one life,

you half, me half,

but you forced my half to live
in shadow and despair

so that your half might live
in grandeur and glory.

There is one law in life,
brother,

that not even a king can escape,

the law of retribution.

Pendulum of the clock
of life swings

so far in one direction,

then very surely swings back.

The pendulum is swinging
for you, brother.

The time has come when your half
must live in the shadows,

not for what you've done to me,

but for what you've done
to the people of France.

Not because I have suffered
at your hands,

but because they have
suffered more.

Not because you would
have murdered me,

but because you have
murdered them.

Because you betrayed
a sacred trust,

because you've proven
yourself unfit

to live in the light of day.

Fair exchange, brother,

my kingdom for yours.

Put it on him.

[ Gasping ]

[ Screaming ]

Now, see how you like it.

Let me out! Let me out.

A million francs in gold!

[ Pounding on door ]

LOUIS: Let me out.

I'm the king.

[ Pounding on door ]

Let me out.

Let me out!

Let me out.

I'm the king.

Help! Murderers!

LOUIS:
Let me out. I'm the king.

[ Pounding on door ]

LOUIS: Let me out.

[ Knock on door ]

Yeah. Who is it?
Come in.

Excellency. Excellency.

I told you to keep
those dogs quiet.

But Excellency, men came,

gentlemen with swords,
they choked me.

Gentlemen with swords?

Are you crazy?

No one gets in here
unless I open the door.

Are any prisoners missing?

-No, Excellency.
-No, Excellency.

You fools. You're drunk.

Do you think
such lies could cover it?

You neglect your duty
and permit those dogs

to wake me up again!

I'll attend to them first

and you later.

Get out of my way.

[ Shouting ]

LOUIS: Let me out.

Do you hear? Gold.

I'll give you anything.

I command you to let me out.

I'm the king!

I've never heard him
scream before.

No, commandant.

Sooner or later,
they all go mad.

Open the door!

I have a better cure
for madness than any doctor.

Now, then.

Well, you do believe me,
don't you?

You've come to set me free.

I'll make you rich.

The fools, to think
they could do this to the King.

Hurry.

Be quick, I tell you.
I'm the king.

[ Laughs ]

So I've come to let you out,
have I?

[ Whipping ]

LOUIS: I'm the king.

You'll hang for this!

Yes, your majesty,

but after this command,
in a whisper.

LOUIS: But I'm the king.

Now, maybe I can get some sleep.

Good night, your majesty!

[ Sobbing ]

But I am the king.

[ Sighs ]

Good morning, your majesty.

I trust you enjoyed
a good night's rest.

Oh, Fouquet, good morning.

Pardon me.

I informed Madame Fouquet
that your majesty

has graciously promised
to make her a duchess.

Duchess?

Why? Yes.

Uh, Colbert.

Oh, yeah.

His spy system works very well.

It seems he was warned.

He escaped my men at the house,

but they'll have him
before night.

Every road is closed.

Your majesty,
I am very happy to report

that the tax on salt is yielding

double the revenue we expected.

Hmm.

Then I'm sure you'll also
be pleased with this.

[ Clears throat ]

But your majesty,

this rescinds the salt tax.

I know.

Have you ever tasted fish
without salt, Fouquet?

Fish?

Without--

why-- but...

-It's no good.
-No.

-It's terrible.
-Yes.

Besides, the people object.

-They don't like me.
-Oh.

You can't eat fish without salt

any more than you can make
cloth without wool,

or bread without flour.

So I have decided
to remove all those taxes.

But why, your majesty? Why?

I had a dream, Fouquet.

Do you know where bad kings go?

Your majesty,
you cannot do this.

I'm sure you're wrong.

You spent your
whole life assuring me

that I could do anything.

For instance,
I could even hang you.

Well, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty's in a jesting mood
this morning.

Yes, amusing isn't it?

Very amusing.

[ Door opens ]

Your Majesty.

Monsieur Fouquet,

I regret my absence
of last night.

It would have given me
great pleasure

to have received you
when you called

with your friends.

I'm told Your Majesty
is seeking me in some haste.

Oh, yes.

I wanted you to proclaim
these decrees

abolishing the taxes.

Your Majesty, this is one
of the great days of my life.

But the receipt?

Receipt?

Oh, we found the money.
It was all a mistake.

If you'll excuse me.

Your Majesty
I feel slightly indisposed.

Of course, you must
very careful of your health.

And I do hope Madame Fouquet
will not be too unhappy.

Excuse me.

Excuse me, please.

Ho, there!

Hello there!

Fool, can't hear me.

[ Knock on door ]

Guard, guard.

Listen to me.
I'll make you rich.

[ Chuckling ]
Yes, I know.

You're the King of France.

A million Francs in gold.

Look, ask me for anything.

-I'll give it to you. Anything!
-[ Laughing ]

But you don't understand!

You've got to listen to me.

[ Laughing ]

I can feel them
growing, growing,

they'll strangle me!

You've got to take it off!

MAN: What?
Take off your Majesty's crown?

I should say not.

[ Laughing ]

Why you dog, I'll tell
the commandant about this.

Morning Madame, lovely day.

LOUIS: Ho, there.

Hey.

MAN: "Take this to Fouquet,
the Kings minister

and receive
5000 Francs reward."

My son,

there is one thing
you must do and quickly.

You must marry
Maria Theresa at once.

Must?

Why, that's the most pleasant
thing I've heard

since leaving Gascony.

Once you have married
Maria Theresa

and the people of Spain
and our own country

acknowledge her
as queen of France,

there can be no question
as to who is King.

MAN: Her Royal Highness,
Princess Maria Theresa.

[ Music playing ]

Do you remember
that day in your carriage,

we watched the boy and girl
run off across the fields?

Philippe.

I feel just as they
must have felt.

Colbert would like to ask
you a question?

No, I think I'll ask
this question myself.

Oh, oh most certainly
your Majesty.

Will you be Queen of France?

Yes, your Majesty.

Even if the title
is a little clouded?

Even if there were no title.

Even after I said to you
never trust a king?

I can trust you.

Oh, there's more
to it than that.

A technical question
that must settled

before you can become queen.

Do you love me?

I've always loved you Philippe.

It maybe his Majesty
who is getting married.

But you, your Excellency will be

the most handsome man
at the ceremony.

Certainly the best dressed.

The carriage of the princess
has just passed over the bridge

on the way to Fontainebleau.

Really?

How fortunate
the bridge did not collapse.

Your own guard is waiting
with your carriage.

Your Excellency, this person,

a herdsman,
insists upon speaking with you.

A herdsman? What have I to do
with a herdsman?

What's he want?

5,000 Francs.

-Hmm, for what?
-For a tin plate.

There's some silly
writing on it.

Plate? Writing?
What do you mean?

Yes, your Excellency.
Writing on a plate.

It says, "Philippe of Gascony

sits on the throne of France,"

when everyone knows
the King's name is Louis.

Give me that plate.

5,000 Francs,
it says, your Excellency.

Quiet.

Philippe of Gascony?

Throne of France.

For the first time in my life
I was a fool.

Send for the captain
of my guard.

Yes, your Excellency.

Take my carriage
and my entire guard.

Go to the Bastille.

Take from his cell a prisoner
who wears an iron mask.

Deliver him to me at the
Church of Fontainebleau.

But your Excellency,
the Bastille?

Are you afraid of hanging,
my friend?

At this point,
it's necessary for all of us

to hang together
or we'll all hang separately.

Yes, your Excellency.

[ Music playing ]

Faster you fool, faster.

But we'll kill the horses.

Kill them then.

[ Choir singing ]

Dearly beloved,
we are gathered here

at the sight of God and of man

in the Holy Mother Church

to join this man unto this woman

in the bonds of holy matrimony.

If there be any among you

who know why
this should not be done,

let him speak now

or forever hold his peace.

I speak.

[ Crowd murmuring ]

Milord Cardinal,
I warn you,

you perform this marriage
at your peril.

That man is not
the King of France.

The man is mad, seize him.

Stay where you are.

He may look like the king,

he may dress like the King,

he may even speak like the King,

but he is not the King.

But do not fear
milord Cardinal,

his Majesty, The King of France

will attend your ceremony,

in fact, he is on his way
at this moment,

and I have an engagement
to meet him

on the Paris Fontainebleau road.

Wait, I'll go with you.

-[ Gunshot ]
-[ Crowd gasps ]

Where are you going?

After a murderer
and to bar the Paris road.

I pledge my life
that you are the only King

that will come here
by that road, this day.

You forget my friend
that only a King can bar a road.

We will bar the road.

Milord Cardinal,
my lords and ladies.

I beg your indulgence to deal
with an enemy of France.

Forgive me, my dear.

I find I must disposed
of another technicality

before you can become
Queen of France.

[ Music playing ]

Your majesty,

I'm most happy to be
the instrument

of your liberation.

You, liberation,
you let them do this to me.

But your majesty.

[ Music playing ]

-Fouquet and his king.
-If we must fight,

let's fight at the top
of the hill,

their horses will be tired
from the climb.

How far is it now
to Fontainebleau

and the church?

Two leagues your majesty.

Two leagues to revenge.

Nothing must happen
to my dear brother.

He belongs to me.

[ Music playing ]

Now we fight on foot,

surprise them as they come
over the top of the hill.

You three on this side,
Philippe and I over here.

And may the devil take
the hindmost.

-We'll get the captain first.
-Yes.

Now.

Why don't the fools go on?

We're attacked, your majesty.

Philippe delivers himself to us.

[ Gunshot ]

[ Groans ]

[ Gunshot ]

[ Groans ]

Never mind me,
stop the coach.

He's right,
the coach must be stopped.

[ Gunshot ]

[ Gunshot ]

I learned that little trick
in Flanders.

Remind me to teach it
to you sometime.

Are you hurt?

[ Laughs ]

Always remember to lick your
wound after the battle.

Faster driver, faster!

[ Music playing ]

[ Gunshot ]

[ Music playing ]

[ Wood cracking ]

Get me out!

[ Screaming ]

[ Music playing ]

I find myself sorry for him,

when he's given me cause
to feel nothing but hate.

Your majesty has other
urgent unfinished business.

[ Music playing ]

You may proceed,
milord Cardinal.

Who gives this woman
unto this man?

I claim that privilege.

[ Music playing ]

CARDINAL: I join you
in marriage

in the name of the Father,

the Son, the Holy Ghost.

ALL: Amen.

Congratulations, my son.

Now, you are the greatest
swordsman in France.

D'Artagnan.

Porthos, Arthos,
and Aramis will be waiting.

You wouldn't want me
to disappoint them.

God save the King.

[ Choir singing ]

He was a brave man.

France will always need
brave men.

And brave women

to remind men of their duty.

God save France.

[ Choir singing ]

[ Music playing ]