Original subtitles

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)

Halt.

What?

Are you sure?

No, we'll see if it's true first.

Out torches.

Forward.

(dramatic music)

Hey, gently there, gently.

Have a little more respect for the King's wine.

(light hearted music)

And we'll drink it to your health, old fancy-face.

And to the downfall of His Majesty King Louis the XI.

Well, I'm glad you reminded me.

No, no.

Why give yourself the trouble, Rene?

Why?

To help him forget what we look like.

I don't think he'll remember us.

Will you, sour-breeches?

He's a little soft in the head, aren't you, uncle?

You see.

Why he isn't any softer in the head than I am.

Exactly.

Rene!

It's one thing to borrow a little

of His Majesty's food and wine.

But nothing like that.

We'll hang for it you fool.

Then let us hang.

[Man] The Watch!

(suspenseful music)

[Man] The candle, hurry.

(suspenseful music)

After him!

(suspenseful music)

There he goes.

(suspenseful music)

He must be somewhere.

Some of you search that way, the rest follow me.

(suspenseful music)

(dramatic chord)

[Man] There he is.

After him!

(suspenseful music)

Good morning, Father.

Now what trouble are you in?

Well...

No, don't tell me.

I'd better know nothing whatever about it.

But you wound me, Father, you wound me deeply.

I have just returned from the country.

My first thought is naturally for my foster father.

I fly to your domicile and how am I received?

Like a fly in the soup.

In the first place, you have not been in the country.

Because you couldn't get through

the Burgundian lines without wings.

And if there is one man in France who has not got wings,

it is you, François.

And in second place.

I hear that you were drunk every night

last week in the Fir Cone Tavern

with a wench who rejoices in the name of Fat Marge.

[Francois] That's not true, Father.

I choose to believe it.

Have you ever shown me anything but ingratitude?

Brought me anything but misery

since I took you in at the age of six?

That is true, Father.

At seven you were an expert in breaking windows.

Is that the milk?

Yes.

At eight, you stole a chicken

from the spit of Master Ledoux.

A small, thin chicken.

Don't cloud the issue.

At 11 you stole a goat.

Yes.

A fat goat.

And at fourteen.

At fourteen you were carefully

avoiding your classes at the university

to spend your days fishing and gambling

and writing questionable verse.

Yet I took a master's degree, you can't deny that.

And for what?

So that you could become the foulest example

of laziness and loose living that's ever been...

(door knocks)

[Man] Open in the King's name!

What have you done?

Nothing, nothing, I just came from the country.

[Man] Open I say!

Tell them, tell them you were sleeping.

You saw no-one.

I'll not tell a lie, François.

That's all right but you don't have to be chatty either.

Open!

Good morning, Father.

I'm sorry to disturb you

but the King's storehouse has just been robbed.

The King's storehouse, robbed?

Yes.

By the poor no doubt.

They are so hungry.

And the sight of all those hams and chickens and cheeses.

You seem to know a good deal about this, Father.

I?

I knew nothing at all about it until you told me.

Nevertheless, one of the thieves was seen climbing your wall.

Did you see him?

Climbing over my wall?

No, I can truthfully say I did not.

You see, I was here in the kitchen.

You can't see the wall from the kitchen.

Ah, search the house.

Is this your breakfast?

It was my breakfast.

(upstairs clattering)

Upstairs, quick.

After him.

I'll see you again, Father.

Well, now perhaps I may finish my breakfast in peace.

Eh, Father?

You come with me.

But Father.

(dramatic music)

But Father, it will soon be daylight, and I...

(dramatic music)

Now pray, you sinner, pray.

(dramatic music)

Well.

(whistle blows)

Go on, go on, play.

(whistle blows)

Wait here, Milady.

I'll dig them out in a way they'll remember.

I was afraid you'd gone.

I've never seen you before in my life.

But you've forgotten, my dreams.

I dreamt of you always.

Each night we'd roam the starry way together.

Each morning I'd wake with despair in my heart.

To realize no mortal could be so fair.

Yet here you are, the loveliest lady this side of heaven.

I find to my shame my dreams

have done you less than justice.

Oh Milady.

Milady, I eat and drink thinking only of you.

Wherever I look I see you only.

Of course, if I had better manners I'd keep this to myself.

But you see, I have no manners.

I do indeed.

But we are as we are.

For what purpose, no-one knows.

Perhaps, perhaps I was born

to inhale the perfume of your hair.

And to exhale the music of the ages.

May I, may I read you a poem?

No.

Thank you, Milady.

If I were king.

Love, if I were king.

What tributary nations would I bring

to stoop before your scepter.

And to swear allegiance to your lips and eyes and hair.

Beneath your feet what treasures I would fling.

The stars should be your pearls upon a string.

The world a ruby.

[Woman] Milady.

The world a ruby for your finger ring.

And you should have the sun and moon to wear if I were king.

Like these wild dreams and wilder world.

Holy joke, seize that ruffian.

Milady.

Milady, won't you accept this poem?

[Man] Shall we beat him, Milady?

Yes, but not too hard.

Just lightly.

There he is.

You thought you'd got away, did you?

Aren't you Francois Villon?

Francois Villon, Captain.

At your service.

Oh.

Is this the man you saw in the storehouse?

I have never laid eyes on him before.

Have I, fancy-face?

Are you sure?

I have an eye like an eagle.

Maybe.

I think we we'll take him along to make sure.

One moment, Captain.

There must be some mistake.

I saw this gentleman at his prayers in church.

Good day.

Well.

Let the gentlemen go.

But only for the time being.

Alright.

Forward.

Goodbye, sour-breeches.

Now Francois, admit.

You feel better for it, don't you?

I do, Father, I do.

You see, my son?

Time spent in church is not wasted.

Indeed not, Father.

She, she smiled at me.

Smiled?

(dramatic music)

Katherine.

Good morning, Katherine.

Morning, Noel.

Why didn't you attend me at mass this morning?

I was on duty all night.

I'm just off to the east gate now with reinforcements.

Has there been fighting?

No, the Burgundians won't attack.

Why should they when they know

they can soon starve us into submission.

But are we to wait for that and, and do nothing?

The longer we delay the weaker our people get.

While the Burgundians grow stronger each day.

Why don't we attack them and get it over with?

Have we no arms?

Have we no men to fight for us?

(man applauds)

Well spoken, Lady Katherine.

Spoken with all the impatience of youth

with its life before it

and the courage of a woman who doesn't have to fight.

Forgive me, Your Majesty.

Such words are dangerous, cousin.

Suppose one of my generals, fired by your oratory,

rushed out to meet the enemy.

We might all get our throats cut.

Suppose we won the battle.

No, no, no, my generals never win battles.

No more than my guards protect me against my own people.

Did you know we had thirteen outbreaks last night?

Even my private storehouse was robbed.

[Katherine] Oh, Your Majesty.

Yes, yes it's all very depressing.

The robbing of my storehouse especially

denotes a sad lack of patriotism.

And a sad lack of food, Your Majesty?

Huh?

Quite so.

Yes.

And now my dear I think you had

better run along to the Queen.

And help her with her Embroidery

or whatever it is she does with her spare time.

And if you are bound for the east gate, master Noel

I suggest you get there before night overtakes you.

Good morning.

D'Aussigny, what brings you here?

I've just come from a meeting

with a delegation from the citizens of Paris.

Well, what do they want now?

They realize the futility

of further resistance to the Burgundians.

And appeal to me as Grand Counselor

of France to intercede with Your Majesty.

Perhaps they would like me

to abdicate and surrender the city?

They feel by making terms with the enemy

we would save further risk to life and property.

Yes, the good citizens of Paris are much concerned

with their lives and their property.

They say such an act by Your Majesties part

would assure your sainthood in history.

Yes but my ambitions are a little more modest.

Tell the good committee we already have one Saint Louis.

Two might cause confusion.

Good morning, my dear D'Aussigny.

Good morning, sire.

Tell me, Oliver.

If you were one of our beloved rabble that is,

cold and hungry.

With no good reason to love your King.

What would you do, eh?

You'd desert to the enemy, wouldn't you?

Never, Sire.

You think not?

That is because you are not one of the rabble.

You are under obligations to your king

who has rewarded you well for faithful services.

But there are some who have not

your high sense of loyalty, my dear Oliver.

Look at this arrow now.

It came over the walls last night from the Burgundian camp.

See?

A very clever device.

It's a message.

It is written in gibberish.

But the one for whom it was intended would understand it.

Wouldn't it be interesting to know who that one is?

Eh, Oliver?

Yes.

Yes.

It must be someone important.

The Burgundians won't go to all this trouble

to send a billet-doux to a serving wench.

Then it must be someone with power.

Someone very close to me.

Am I making you nervous, Oliver?

No, Sire.

I know that Your Majesty trusts me.

Yes, yes, Oliver.

I trust you across the room.

And that's farther than I trust anyone else.

Well?

Your Majesty.

The prisoner is most obstinate.

Has he been fully persuaded?

Yes, Your Majesty.

But he still refuses to confess.

A foolish fellow.

Perhaps a little of my persuasive powers

may cause him to change his mind.

Give me that arrow.

Come on, both of you.

Nasty smell down here, as if the cook had burnt the roast.

Come now.

Tell me my man.

For whom was this intended?

Come, come, come.

Why bring all this suffering on yourself?

Better use your tongue while you have it.

He still has his tongue, hasn't he Tristan?

[Tristan] Yes, Your Majesty.

Now do be sensible.

After being watched for days you were seen picking this up.

You plucked it from the ground and hurried off with it.

You were followed first by one, then a second, then a third.

You took to your heels but they brought you down.

Now you'd better speak while you can speak.

Where were you taking it to?

Where, I said where?

Where?

The landlord.

The Fir Cone Tavern.

Mercy, mercy.

And for whom was it intended?

Well, well, well.

Very interesting, if true.

Where is this, this Fir Cone Tavern?

The Fir Cone Tavern, sire?

Why it is in the court of miracles.

A hell spot.

Frequented by wantons, cut-throats, beggars, thieves.

The scum of Paris.

Very interesting.

Give him some water.

Only a little.

Come along.

(light hearted music) (people chattering)

Sorry, masters.

I have more here now than I can serve.

Try some other tavern.

Oh, yes, of course.

Right this way, gentlemen, if you please.

(people chattering)

Be seated, gentlemen.

Now, what is your pleasure, my master?

A Demi-flagon of Burgundy.

Let me have it.

Out of sight, you numbskull.

You want to have us all hanged?

Give me the note and break that shaft into kindling.

A Demi-flagon of Burgundy.

At once, my masters, at once.

There is one for the gibbet.

Eh, Tristan?

But who is the other one, Sire?

The traitor.

Patience.

I hesitate to even mention his name.

Until I am quite certain.

But the man confessed it to you.

But under what persuasion?

Under similar conditions I'd

have confessed to the burning of Rome.

Even to playing the fiddle.

Hello, gentlemen.

Get off my lap.

Not until you buy me a drink, birdikins.

Will you kindly remove yourself?

Now, now, pussykins.

Why don't you ignore her?

[Man] The wine, gentlemen.

Oh yes, and bring two big spice steaks.

Hear, hear.

And some bread and cheese.

Your change, master.

Lady please.

Why, we can stay drunk for a month on this.

No, you must give that to me.

Oh, no you don't.

My generous lover.

(light hearted music)

Come on.

Ah, Marie.

Hello all of you.

Food and wine for everybody.

(people chattering)

Take this food and wine out of here.

Do you want to ruin my trade?

Why not at all, my good Turgis.

You supply the tankards.

(audience laughing)

Huguette.

So sorry to see you in such bad company.

And you, Colette with, with Father Time himself.

Oh, Father Time.

Lay not thy thrust upon this budding flower.

On bitter seas are passion tossed.

Forgive its tiny hour.

And thou Huguette.

Waste not thy heart upon this juiceless mold.

'Ere all thy fragrant youth depart

and leave thee useless, old.

Isn't that beautiful?

Who is this cockroach?

Why that's Francois Villon, the poet.

A tinker of verses, gentlemen.

No offense.

Poetry is its own worst enemy.

Come, join me in a bottle of wine.

Fit for a king.

(people chattering)

Well here's to King Louis.

May the hide rot in his carcass

and may the Burgundians take the city away from him.

(audience laughing)

Or better still, may they take him away from the city.

(audience laughing)

For he who does nothing, gets nothing.

And he who dares nothing, deserves nothing.

To King Nothing.

(audience laughing)

You drink more than is good for you, my friend.

What can a man do but drink when France going to the devil

and a nincompoop sits on the throne?

I suppose you could do better if you were king?

I don't wish to appear boastful, brother long-nose

but I think a child of two could do better.

[Louis] Really?

Really.

Had I been born in a brocaded bed,

I might have led armies and served France.

As it is, you see me here

consorting with cut-throats and wantons.

And wasting my time on a dull old buzzard like you.

(audience laughing)

Well, if it's so easy to be king how would you begin?

First, I would eat.

Not common food like this of course.

Something more suited to my station.

Having fortified myself on hummingbirds and goldfish.

My next step would be to clean house.

The vermin who infest the palace I would hang in clusters.

Ah, but you would make exceptions surely?

That, that kindly old hermit.

Isn't his name Tristan?

That old murderer?

I'd hang him first.

And suspend the others from his toes.

(audience laughing)

Well now.

Leaving Tristan swinging in the breeze.

What would you do next?

Try to know my subjects.

Try and earn their devotion

and loyalty instead of their loathing.

By abolishing taxes, I suppose?

No.

By abolishing despair and substituting hope.

By knowing the longings in their hearts.

As a man of the people would.

Seeing them as they are

and admitting that their vices

are as deep-rooted as their virtues.

I would treat them as my children.

Instead of as my enemies.

So, by knowing the worst in them

might bring out the best in them.

You should have been an orator, my friend.

I am an orator.

(audience laughing)

Thank you, thank you, my subjects.

Now where is that boar's head?

Ah, my little dove.

Which do you prefer, the brains or the snoot?

Francois.

What would you do for me if you were king?

For you?

Beneath your feet, what treasures I would fling.

The stars shall be your pearls upon a string.

The world.

The world a ruby for your finger ring.

And you shall have the sun and the moon to wear.

If I were king.

Would you do that for me?

I said, when did you write that anyway?

I never heard it.

I don't remember.

You lie like the seven hounds of hell, you snake.

You wrote it for some other wench.

I swear on my hereditary honor...

You haven't any hereditary honor.

Oh?

May the Stygian flames burn my gun to a crisp

and scatter the ashes in the Styx.

You don't have to get poetic.

You are a dirty liar and I can tell it

by the look in your eye.

You're a two-faced double-dealing, deceiving brute

and I only wish I could think of something to.

Here, clown, for your rhymes.

Oh my.

Thank you, Milady, that's more than I usually get.

I suppose you're going to keep it, you dog.

Francois, Francois!

You must leave.

Hurry, they came back.

Who, the Watch?

Yes, the guard at the storehouse betrayed you.

The tortured him.

I told you you'd hang us all.

The minute they left I hurried along here

on the chance of finding and warning you.

And they followed you.

We've done nothing wrong here, Milord Constable.

We obey the laws, we pay His Majesty's taxes.

You see?

It is all receipted, Milord.

You have but to glance at it.

Don't you think it rather odd

that my Grand Constable should come here himself?

You mean, that he?

I'll take this with me and examine it later.

Yes.

Do you have a rogue here named Villon?

There he is, Milord.

Francois, don't let them take you.

Quick, quick.

Down with the King!

(dramatic music)

Order, in the King's name.

Drop your arms, all of you!

Milord.

A pretty night's work, Master Villon.

D'Aussigny, Lafarge.

So it was you my dear D'Aussigny.

Take him out and hang him.

No!

One moment, young man.

Who are you to interfere with the King's justice?

I am the King's justice.

Your Majesty.

Long live the King.

Greetings to you my loyal subjects.

And especially to you, master philosopher.

Kneel, Francois, the King.

I'm afraid it's a little late for etiquette.

Quite so.

Captain.

Arrest the leaders and take them to the palace dungeon.

Your majesty.

I knew there was something wrong

the minute I sat in his lap.

I suspected him.

Well, if you suspected him

why didn't you say something about it?

Ah well, it doesn't matter anymore.

Why did you have to insult him?

Why couldn't you keep your mouth shut?

Yes and the way you're gonna hang everybody.

Upside down and...

You leave him alone, you.

Can't you see he's writing poetry.

A fine time to be writing poetry.

What time could be finer?

If a man isn't inspired by his own death

he is beyond inspiration.

Now here is our epitaph.

Epitaph, what's that?

Usually, something good about somebody bad.

After they are dead.

Oh.

Oh brother men who after us shall live.

Let not your hearts be hardened to our fate.

For if some pity to ourselves he gives.

Then shall yourselves the warmer mercy rate.

You see us here.

Five, six, strung up in state.

Once, good-lived flesh that throbbed with blood and wine.

And now the stench.

Where worms and maggots dine.

While we, the bones in moldy ashes fall.

Let no-one laugh at our absurd design,

but pray to God that he forgives us all.

(door clatters)

Francois Villon.

Francois.

Francois, don't leave me.

I'm afraid I must.

But I will come back, I always come back.

But this time you won't.

We'll meet again.

Sometime, somewhere.

I promise.

Now, now smile.

I want to remember you that way.

Come on, smile.

Then say something funny.

Funny?

Here goes Francois, child of France.

To swing into his final dance.

His neck at last shall have the chance

to weigh the tonnage of his pants.

(both laughing)

Good morning, you may leave us.

I suppose you're wondering what I'm going to do with you.

Your Majesty is not the imaginative type.

I can almost guess.

Don't you think that's rather a dangerous tone

to use under the circumstances?

What danger is there beyond hanging?

What indeed.

Compared with other choicer forms of amusement,

hanging becomes a pleasure.

Hmm?

I could have you boiled in oil

or sliced or drawn and quartered

and there are other tortures that for the moment escape me.

I beg Your Majesty's pardon.

You should, especially as I'm not going to hang you yet.

Your Majesty.

Now, now, now, don't get emotional.

I am nothing if not a just man.

Last night you did me a slight favor

by ridding me of my chief traitor.

Quite unintentionally, my friend.

Nevertheless, you shall have your reward.

Your Majesty will not know my gratitude.

No, I probably won't.

On the other hand you did insult me publicly.

You did make revolutionary speeches.

Naming yourself as my successor.

And you did rob my private storehouse

and eat the loot right under my nose.

I didn't know it was Your Majesty's nose.

But you knew it was my storehouse.

And you topped off the evening

by assassinating my Grand Constable in cold blood.

Yes.

Yes, this places us on the horns of a dilemma.

Your Majesty admitted he was a traitor.

Even so, he was still my Grand Constable.

So don't split hairs.

But he started the fight.

And you finished it.

Leaving me to punish you and reward you for the same deed.

Something which would have puzzled King Solomon himself.

Of course you might hang me at one end

and pin a medal on the other.

A greater king would hang you out of hand.

A lesser king would forgive you.

I probably fall somewhere between the two.

And this is my decision.

Since you have deprived me of

the services of my Grand Constable.

[Francois] I'm...

Don't interrupt me.

And since you think it so easy to rule these carrion

who call themselves my subjects.

I hereby appoint you Grand Constable of France and Brittany.

Grand Constable?

Defender of my crown, Commander-in-Chief of my armies,

and dispenser of justice.

High, middle and low.

Is this a jest?

Not at all.

Heretofore, I selected Grand Constables

from the noble families of France.

And they've all proved themselves

either traitors or cowards.

This time I am appointing one from the people.

It's true you come from the gutter, my friend,

but you have a certain native sense of loyalty,

courage and common knowledge.

At least, it will prove an interesting experiment.

Oh yes, and of course you will need a title to go with it.

Get on your knees.

I suppose this will have to do.

Get down, get down, go on, go on.

Francois.

I dub thee Count de Montcorbier.

Hereditary Knight of the Golden Buckle.

Yes, and now I think you need a bath.

(bell rings)

Show the Count de Montcorbier to his rooms.

This way, Milord.

(Francois laughs)

Your Majesty.

My Lord Grand Constable.

(Louis laughing)

(light hearted music)

Milord Tristan.

Your Majesty.

My Lord Tristan, what is all this I hear?

D'Aussigny murdered?

Yes, Your Majesty.

How horrible.

Yes, Your Majesty

but what does it matter since he was proven a traitor?

Nevertheless, a very highborn traitor.

I cannot understand His Majesty

taking such terrible risks to bring about his downfall.

When he could so easily have

disposed of him with a cup of poisoned wine.

[Tristan] I quite agree, Your Majesty.

And the scoundrel that murdered him.

Who was he?

A cut-throat of the first order, Your Majesty.

A flea-bitten poet named Francois Villon.

Francois Villon?

What is it, my child?

He is the one I told you about, Your Majesty.

The one who accosted me at the church.

Ah, the scoundrel.

Hanging is too good for him.

I shall implore...

I beg of Your Majesty not to.

The poor fellow is in enough trouble as it is.

If Your Majesty will permit.

The purpose of my visit is to inform you.

That His Majesty requests the immediate

attendance of the court in the throne room

to meet with the new Grand Constable.

[Queen] The new Grand Constable?

Who is he?

The Count de Montcorbier, your Majesty.

If may say so, Your Excellency is greatly improved.

Thank you, Oliver.

I'm glad you think so.

I feel as slippery as a worm.

And your quarters, Your Excellency?

I trust Your Excellency approves of them?

My Excellency approves.

Very nice, very nice.

I suppose I have larger rooms for more formal occasions.

Why of course, Your Excellency.

You have your state chambers, your private trial room.

Your personal torture chamber.

And your...

That is enough.

Now what do I do?

Do, Your Excellency?

You govern.

You govern France.

Oh yes, of course, I govern.

Do you spell de Montcorbier with a small or capital 'D'?

Small.

Small.

Milord.

Now, we had better start at the beginning.

We're still besieged by the Burgundians I believe.

At last reports, we were Your Excellency.

Well, that takes care of that.

Now the food situation.

Ah, we have enough for six months.

Well, that seems to take care of that.

Who has enough for six months?

[Oliver] Why the palace and the army, Milord.

And what about the people?

The people?

Oh, you mean the people?

Yes, that's who I mean.

The people are hardly a military factor, Milord.

No, of course not.

Now tell me, my friend.

How does a Grand Constable fill up his day?

Well first he inspects the guard.

Reports to His Majesty, attends levies.

And tries all prisoners both civil and military.

Prisoners?

Have we no prisoners today?

Only those arrested last night

at the Fir Cone Tavern, Your Excellency.

What, are they still here?

[Oliver] Of course.

And I'm expected to try them?

[Oliver] Of course.

Ha-ha, when?

At your convenience, there is no hurry.

No hurry?

If you had been shut up in a slimy dungeon.

Fearful, hopeless, thinking each moment were your last.

You would know whether there was any hurry or not.

I, I meant no offense, Your Excellency.

No of course not, you.

Your worst offense is surely ignorance.

Come, let's try the prisoners immediately.

Yes, Milord, this way, Milord.

This way.

Milord.

His Majesty's compliments.

And will you attend him

in the throne room to meet the court.

My compliments to His Majesty

but I have some prisoners to try immediately.

But, Milord.

I hardly think His Majesty will enjoy being kept waiting.

Neither would the prisoners.

Come on, Oliver.

But, Milord.

(people chattering)

Yes, yes, he comes from Nancy.

But if Mr. Montcorbier comes from Nancy, Your Majesty.

How did he get through the Burgundian lines?

Well, there is such a thing as a Flag of Truce, my dear.

A Flag of Truce?

Oh, but of course.

Well?

Well, well, well.

Your Majesty, my Lords and Ladies.

The court will remain assembled.

Come along.

Milord.

Your Excellency.

The prisoners before you

are charged with violating the curfew.

Assault and battery, suspicion of conspiracy.

Suspicion of having participated

in the robbery of the King's storehouse.

Receiving stolen goods,

and showing armed resistance to arrest.

[Francois] Give me their names.

Robin Turgis.

Yes, Your Majesty?

I didn't have anything to do with it your dignity.

All I did was receive a paper

from one man and give it to another man.

And I hadn't the slightest idea

it had anything to do with the enemy.

So help me.

And yet your received a hundred gold pieces

for each transaction I believe.

That is a lie, Your Dignity.

All I got was ten.

If anybody got a hundred pieces it wasn't me,

all I got was ten.

I only did it five times.

I've got fifty pieces here to prove it.

Because I wouldn't touch the filthy money.

Robin Turgis, you are a thief.

A receiver of stolen goods, conspirator, and worst of all,

you water your wine.

But Milord.

Silence!

If I had it within my power

I would have you all hanged and strangled.

Roasted over a slow fire

and boiled in your own diluted wine.

However, his Sovereign Majesty, Louis XI,

defender of the faith and champion of the people

has decided on a new policy of extreme mercy.

So I am reluctantly constrained to fine you,

oh, fifty gold pieces.

Which you will pay to the Captain of the Watch.

Does, does that mean that I am free?

It means you are entirely free.

Now get out.

Free!

Long live the king!

Long live the king!

Long live the king!

Long live the king!

Next we have Rene de Montigny.

Guy Tabarie, Colin De Cayeulx, Casin Cholet, Jehan LeLoup.

As fine a bunch of rascals as I've ever seen.

Are you guilty or not-guilty?

There must be some mistake Milord.

Not guilty, Your Honor.

I was home in bed.

I'm only a poor locksmith.

And I studied for the cloth.

Silence!

Rene De Montigny, you were seen leaving

the kings storehouse in company

with the gentleman on your left.

And that arch-rogue, Francois Villon.

That's a lie, Your Honour.

Villon was with me all the time

the storehouse was being robbed.

[François] Oh, and how did you know

the storehouse was being robbed?

You just said so.

Didn't he say so?

I don't know anything about it.

I was home in bed.

[Francois] Ladies, ladies.

You must not disrupt the dignity of this court.

[Man] Silence!

Now, Rene De Montigny.

Did you rob the King's storehouse or didn't you?

Storehouse?

I didn't even know he had a storehouse.

Neither did I.

I'm just a poor but honest locksmith.

And I was home in bed.

So was I.

We were all in bed.

It's become more and more evident

that a grave injustice has been committed.

Since you were all home in bed.

You can't possibly have robbed His Majesty's storehouse.

Probably, this Villon did it all by himself.

That's a lie.

He was with me I tell you.

I won't ask you where.

Now, if you will let me finish what I was saying.

Since it's apparent you are all innocent

and have in consequence suffered false imprisonment.

I'm unfortunately obliged to award you damages.

Much as it pains me.

I decree that you shall each receive seven gold pieces.

The Captain of the Watch

has in his charge 50 gold pieces.

Seven times seven being, 49.

There will be one piece left over

which you will give to the poor, Captain.

Without failure, Excellency.

Long live the king, long live the king!

Long live the king, long live the king!

Silence!

I echo your sentiments regarding the life of the king.

But do not be deceived.

His Majesty is not hoodwinked.

If he forgives you in this instance,

it is because he knows also that you were hungry.

And he hopes that his kindness towards you

will breed a little decency in your own hearts,

which I doubt.

Now, get out!

Long live the king!

Could I ask a question, Milord?

No you may not.

Just one moment, Captain.

You may go.

Milord.

What is it, my child?

Could you tell me if Villon is safe?

At the present time, yes.

Thank heaven and God bless His Majesty.

Amen to that.

Why are you so interested in this rascal?

Because I love him.

Oh he's a dog if there ever there was one.

But I love him.

He doesn't deserve it.

I know that.

Your name is Huguette, isn't it?

Yes, Your Honor.

Villon spoke to me about you.

He said you might ask about him and if you did

to tell you he doesn't deserve your affection,

and to give you this ring.

Isn't he wonderful.

Thank you, Milord.

I wonder who he stole it from.

Will they free him too?

[François] Oh, probably.

Thank you Milord, for all your kindness.

(gentle music)

Good morning, My Lord.

Oh Tristan, how do you like my new magnanimity?

I think Your Majesty will live to regret the whole joke.

The trouble with you Tristan is

that you have no sense of humor.

You are looking at a new Louis, Tristan.

You have just seen my new method

of dealing with habitual criminals.

We don't hang them, we cover them with gold.

And now, my dear Lord Constable.

Would you deign to meet my Queen and my Court

before they collapse from utter exhaustion?

Your Majesty.

My Lord Grand Constable.

[Man] His Majesty the King.

(dramatic music)

My dear, this is the Count de Montcorbier.

My Lord.

I can't see him very well.

What does he look like?

My Lord.

My Lord D'Asteurbine, the Provost Marshall of Paris.

My Lord.

Monsignor De Grigney.

My Lord.

And the Count Conflere.

My Lord.

General Barbezier, General Dudon, General Saliere.

The Count de Montcorbier.

I was saying Your Majesty that I am not

familiar with the name de Montcorbier.

Though heraldry is my dearest hobby.

Well, I can't say the same for the name of Dudon, General.

Ever since you won the battle of Montlhéry

I have watched your success with increasing enthusiasm.

But I, I did not win the battle of Montlhéry.

Oh yes, yes, of course, yes, you lost it, yes.

But there was the siege of Liege.

We lost that one too, my dear Count.

Oh did we?

I am so sorry.

Come along, come along.

We must talk about your battles some other time, General.

Duchess De Longée, Vicomte de Grachiria.

Senator of Paris, the Count de Mont...

You must think this rude of me

but my name is De Montcorbier.

Silly, isn't it?

I looked at you and I nearly forgot my name.

No doubt Your Lordship has many

important things on his mind.

No, no, no, no.

I have nothing on my mind at all.

You just affect me that way.

I had no idea that you, that I.

Do you live here?

I'm one of Her Majesty's ladies-in-waiting.

What a fortunate queen.

Do you know, the moment I set eyes on you I said to myself

there is all the beauty in the universe.

Past, present and future.

Personified and embodied in this exquisite creature.

Milord.

What is it?

What is what, Milord?

The name of all this loveliness.

Milord.

My name is Katherine DeVaucelles.

What a beautiful name.

(dramatic music)

Your Majesty.

A Herald from the Duke of Burgundy

has entered the city under a Flag of Truce.

He demands audience.

Admit the Herald of Burgundy.

Your Majesty.

If the terms of surrender are at all reasonable,

I should be very tempted to accept.

Would you?

The army is extremely unsettled, Your Majesty.

Desertions every day, Your Majesty.

Thank you.

I shall remember what you have said.

(dramatic music)

The herald of Burgundy.

You have something to say, Sir Herald?

[Herald] I have, Your Majesty.

Then say it, my friend.

In the name of the Duke of Burgundy and his allies,

assembled in overwhelming forces outside the walls of Paris,

I hereby summon you, Louis of France,

to surrender this city unconditionally

and to throw yourself in confidence, upon my master's mercy.

And if I refuse, Sir Herald?

For the city, famine until the end.

Then fire and the sword.

For yourself, no hope of pardon.

And if I surrender the city?

For yourself and your court,

an honorable retreat to the Duchy of Epignée.

(Francois laughs)

You mean a dishonorable retreat.

Who are you?

The Count de Montcorbier.

Knight of the Golden Buckle, Grand Constable of France.

Chief of the armies, dispenser of all justice,

high, middle and low.

No, no, no, don't bother to look around.

I am replacing the traitor who was in your master's employ.

And don't make any more movements like that

or I will have you hanged

and sent back to your master in a bag.

You have bad manners, my friend

and you rate yourself too highly.

You are not the envoy of a conquering hero.

But the servant of a group of shabby little vassals.

Rebellious serfs of a noble lord.

Now, go back and tell them this.

Kings are great in the eyes of their people

but the people are great in the eyes of God.

And it is the people of France who are speaking to you now.

We are well armed and provisioned.

We are warm and comfortable behind our strong walls,

we laugh at your threats.

But if we who eat were starved, if we who drink were dry,

if we who are warm were frozen,

our answer would still be the same.

We laugh at you, we, the people, and the King.

And this is your answer?

No.

No, not all.

We give you one week to disband and get out.

If at the end of the week you are still

cluttering up the outskirts of our city

we will attack and destroy you to the last man.

Now, we don't wish to be annoyed further.

But, but Your Majesty.

You heard My Lord Grand Constable.

[Francois] Get out.

Yes.

There is nothing else you can do.

Get out.

(Louis laughs)

(audience laughing)

(gentle music)

But what do you think, Milord?

Will the Burgundians retreat or,

or will they stay and be slaughtered?

I'm afraid they will stay and be slaughtered.

You will attack at dawn or during the night?

Which would you prefer?

Well I should think, you are making fun of me.

My lady, I'm smiling because my heart is singing.

And because I love your faith in the French.

We will attack at dawn or dusk or noon

or midnight and we will win.

[Katherine] How well you talk.

Yes, I only hope I can fight half as well.

But you may be killed.

[Francois] Not if I can help it.

And yet, what a glorious death.

To die for France.

Yes, it's better than some I can think of.

But death in any form should be avoided if possible.

Will you wear my kerchief into the battle?

Aren't you afraid it may take my mind off the fighting?

Milord.

Milord.

The generals are assembled in the council chamber.

I will attend at once.

Very well Milord.

Generals, council chamber?

I have called a council of war.

A council of war?

Then we shall know know very soon when you will attack.

Very soon.

Will you bring me word?

Of course.

But where shall I find you?

I will wait here.

Here?

It might take long.

I wouldn't mind.

You might catch cold.

Do you think so?

Haven't you some little corner you can call your own?

Out of the draft.

Well, you might find me

behind the fourth door on the left

on the third floor of the new east wing.

If you can remember it.

It is engraved on my brain in letters of fire.

(gentle music)

[Man] It's an insult Your Majesty that I should be asked

to discuss this matter with such a man.

[Man] I quite agree with General Dudon.

The whole thing's a waste of time, Your Majesty.

[Man] He knows nothing of the situation.

It's out of the question.

Your Majesty, my Lords.

We were just discussing your plans

to attack the Burgundians.

It's a very interesting opinion, General

but it leaves me in the dark.

I think the General meant to convey...

That it is ridiculous, absurd.

Even if I commanded my soldiers

to attack they wouldn't fight.

The foundation of strategy is to surround.

You can't find from the inside out.

Even Caesar...

May I suggest, then let us surround them.

And how can we surround them?

How can an egg surround its shell?

That brings up an interesting...

It's preposterous.

But why can't we break through their lines?

Because they won't leave them for us to break through.

They'll retreat and pin us against the walls of Paris.

It's quite apparent General

you have an answer to everything.

It's quite apparent you have

no knowledge of military maneuvers.

You're right, General.

I've only studied yours and I've learnt nothing from them.

Sir!

My wonder is that you chose the sword

when care so little for fighting.

If you'd care for a sample of my fighting!

Aren't you afraid general that I might surround you?

Gentlemen, gentlemen.

This is not helping us with the Burgundians.

My Lord Constable.

What are your orders?

That we attack within the week.

And what do you say to that, General?

Even if I commanded such a thing my soldiers would rebel.

Because it is ridiculous, asinine, imbecilic and insane.

There is your answer, my Lord Constable.

I order you to attack within the week.

And I refuse.

Your Majesty.

Have I your permission to re-join my command?

What?

Yes, my General.

(gentle music)

Your supper, Milady.

Thank you, Anna.

You may go to bed.

Will there be anything else, Milady?

No thank you, Anna, goodnight.

Goodnight, Milady.

(gentle music)

In that way I'm sure we would succeed.

But my dear Count.

Without the support of General Dudon

who seemed quite adamant to your plan

it would be useless for us to attempt what you suggest.

But, my dear General.

If I.

What are you talking about?

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty.

Have we your permission to re-join our commands?

You may, Generals.

Oh Milord.

It's not quite as easy as you thought, is it?

Your Majesty, if you will give me a little time...

Ah yes.

But you haven't much time, have you, my dear Count?

I don't quite understand, Your Majesty.

Didn't I tell you?

No I suppose I didn't.

Well now, let me see.

You freed eight prisoners from the Fir Cone Tavern

and gave each of them a small present, eh?

Yes, Your Majesty.

What did you do about the ninth prisoner?

But there were only eight.

Only eight?

Now, I could have sworn that there were nine.

Tristan.

How many prisoners were taken from the Fir Cone Tavern?

Nine, Your Majesty.

Nine, yes but that would include...

That's right, Villon.

Francois Villon.

That rogue is always raising his ugly head, isn't he?

I still don't understand, Your Majesty.

Yet I believe I am speaking

perfectly plainly, my dear Count.

I'm asking you what sentence

you are passing on a ruffian who resisted arrest

and murdered one of my officers while doing so.

What would you suggest?

Boiling him in oil or breaking him on the wheel?

Nothing so melodramatic, my dear Count.

As I have said before.

This Villon rendered us a slight service

which we are repaying

with a week of exalted splendor.

A week?

A week exactly.

And at the end of that week

I shall expect you to build me

an extra fine gibbet and from it, hang master Villon.

Yes.

You know, for a few hours Your Majesty

had me almost disappointed in him.

I'm glad that your faith in me was sustained

my dear Villon.

Goodnight.

Goodnight.

Oh yes.

Your Majesty.

Oh yes.

My Lord Grand Constable.

But Your Majesty, what if he escapes?

He won't escape.

I have taken care of that.

Did you see his face?

(Louis laughing)

(dramatic music)

Milord.

Were you intending to leave the palace?

I was thinking of taking the air before retiring.

But His Majesty doesn't want anyone

to leave the palace at night.

Only with an armed escort.

Yes, yes, of course.

Now that's a wise precaution.

In that case, I'll take the air in the battlement.

Goodnight.

Goodnight.

(suspenseful music)

Oliver, after him.

You too, Tristan.

Quick, quick.

(suspenseful music)

There you are.

I was afraid you had forgotten.

Shush.

How could I?

(suspenseful music)

What is it, Milord?

I was just making sure the palace was well guarded.

It is.

Now you must forget your duties.

Come.

(gentle music)

Sit down.

Thank you.

I had some food brought.

I am not hungry, thank you.

You are not comfortable.

Let me put a cushion behind you.

Now, when do we attack?

Well, we don't.

We don't?

It seems you can't fight

from the inside out or the outside in.

Or anywhere in fact if you're afraid of the enemy.

The generals were very firm about that.

The scurvy cowards.

Why didn't you terminate their commands?

Too many of them.

More than I could replace to attack in a week.

Then attack in two weeks.

His Majesty only gave me one.

How can he expect you to do in a week

what the others haven't done in a year?

Because I said I could.

I said it was easy.

His Majesty is proving to me that it isn't.

It's a pity.

Because I think now I'd be quite willing

to give my life to save the city

and to make you proud of me.

Oh, My Lord.

I am so sorry.

I had visions of the city free again.

Food coming through the gates.

And travelers from far off places.

Hunts in the forest at Fontainebleau.

And I wanted you to take me on a picnic in the spring.

I might not have been able to anyway.

[Katherine] Why not?

Oh, the spring is some time off.

And time does strange things to people, doesn't it?

I wonder.

I wonder in what misty isle the voice

of Sappho thrills the air.

In what green valley of the Nile

does Cleopatra still despair for Anthony, the debonair?

The wind has blown them all away.

The good, the bad, the foul or the fair.

Where are the snows of yesterday?

Who wrote that?

Oh, a person of no importance.

Who is to be hanged.

[Katherine] What a pity.

You shouldn't feel too sorry for him.

Such wretches are born and live in the shadow of the gibbet.

The starved and tortured.

The slightest wrong they commit is punishable by hanging.

So when at last they do hang,

well they've always expected it.

Aren't we lucky we're not in their shoes?

Yes, it is nice, isn't it.

The poor starving people.

They'd fight soon enough if they didn't have

so much food to stuff themselves with.

Who?

[Katherine] The generals, the army.

Big, fat pigs.

That's it.

Of course, that's it.

What?

Of course they'd fight.

When their stomachs flapping against their backs

they'll fight soon enough.

Why should they fight

with six month's food in the storehouses?

The bloated bourgeois.

But when that's taken away from them.

Oh, what a brain!

You gorgeous heaven-sent dream of loveliness.

Just think.

Tomorrow will be a happy day for the hungry

and a busy day for storehouses.

You mean you're gonna...

I mean I'm gonna open every storehouse

and give away all the food.

Wonderful.

And now I must leave you

before I ruin your reputation completely.

My reputation doesn't seem to have bothered you up to now.

Since knowing you better I respect you even more.

Dare I kiss your hand?

As you have already kissed me on the lips,

I think you're becoming a little formal.

Did I really?

I thought I was dreaming.

(gentle music)

Katherine.

I.

Yes?

Goodnight.

Goodnight.

He, he never knew that he was being followed?

He hadn't the slightest suspicion of it.

Did you order the gibbet?

Bright and early, Your Majesty.

Of the stoutest oak and masterfully joined.

Be careful he doesn't hang you on it

before you get a chance to hang him.

Your Majesty, your Majesty!

What is it, what is it?

He's gone.

Who's gone?

The Grand Constable.

What?

Why didn't the palace guards stop him?

Your Majesty, he took the guard with him.

He took the?

Tristan, my clothes.

(dramatic music) (people chattering)

In the King's name.

Being duly apprised

of some shortage of food in certain sections of our city,

I hereby command the keepers of my storehouses

to relieve the condition

by the immediate distribution

of whatever stores are necessary

for the relief and comfort of my beloved people.

Signed, signed King Louis the Eleventh,

defender of the faith.

(audience cheering)

Forward guards.

[Man] But Lord Constable...

[Francois] Silence.

This is an emergency, people are starving.

Do as I tell you or I'll hang you

by one of your own meat hooks before you can say Louis XI.

(people chattering)

Food.

Food!

(people chattering)

Thank you Milord!

But Milord, I'll never be able to get in there.

Well then, follow us, we're opening all the storehouses.

Here is my breakfast at last.

Where are my eggs?

There aren't any eggs, Your Majesty.

What do you mean?

His Majesty has given them all away.

What do you mean, he's given them all away?

To the people, Your Majesty.

That's what the steward said

when he came back from the storehouse.

We tried every one but it was always the same thing.

His Majesty has given everything away.

But this is ridiculous.

Not His Majesty?

I can't believe it.

Katherine go immediately to His Majesty

and inform him of what has happened.

And tell him I must have eggs for my breakfast.

And I don't care where he gets them.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Fish.

From the moat I suppose?

Actually Your Majesty, there is no hope of victory.

You are very comforting, my friends.

Well, what is it, what is it?

The Lady Katherine

with an important message from Her Majesty.

I am sorry to disturb Your Majesty.

But Her Majesty wishes me to inform you

that she would like some eggs for her breakfast.

Well, wouldn't the kitchen be a good place to try?

She did, Your Majesty and there weren't any.

Really, Katherine.

I don't want to appear rude or criticize your mistress

but I'm busy this morning.

I don't know anything about eggs or where they keep them.

But I believe usually in storehouses.

Well, the steward reports he went to all the storehouses

and there weren't any eggs.

That's ridiculous, I have hundreds of eggs.

Now be a good girl and run along

and take your troubles to someone else.

I am supposed to be the King, not the chef.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Eggs.

Eggs.

(people chattering) (upbeat music)

What is that, what is it?

Tristan, what is all that babble about out there?

I trust Your Majesty's sense of humor

is functioning well this morning.

What are you talking about?

Your Grand Constable has opened the storehouses

and given away all the food to the populace.

All?

To the last bean.

I trust Your Majesty is well amused.

How much food have we here in the palace?

How much food have we here in the palace?

There is sufficient for perhaps five days, Your Majesty.

Five days?

Be careful, Milord, his Majesty knows.

Of course he knows.

That's what we intended.

Now give me for a few moments.

I tried to warn Your Majesty.

Five days.

Now you see?

Good morning.

Am I intruding?

If so I can easily pay my respects later.

Oh no.

I believe we were just discussing you.

Well, how nice.

Your Majesty will be delighted to hear

that your goodwill mission is a complete success.

My goodwill mission?

I presume you refer to the giving away of all my food.

Exactly.

It would have warmed Your Majesty's heart

if you had seen how greatfuly it was received.

No doubt, no doubt.

Permit me to ask you one simple question.

What do you propose to do when all Paris is starving?

But, Your Majesty, France is full of food.

The country outside is groaning with grain.

Mountains of flour, mildew in the mill.

The pigs beseech you to accept their fattest hams.

All we have to do is to go and get them.

And to do so I suppose

you suggest we fly over the Burgundian lines?

No, not at all, Your Majesty.

We can fight through them.

Don't you think so, Generals?

Your Majesty's ears must have burned.

Never have I heard such lovely things

said about a living monarch.

Everywhere it was, God bless our gracious Louis.

And Long live the King.

Long live the King!

(audience cheering)

You know.

There is something about all this I don't quite understand.

What's hard to understand?

The people have got no food so the king gives it to them.

I say, long live the king.

Yeah.

Why does Louis worry about us?

He never did it before.

There is only one thing to it.

They're fattening us for the Kill.

They expect attacks from the Burgundians

and they're trying to buy our help.

Well, why shouldn't we help?

This is our city and Louis is our King.

What did he ever do for you?

Well, he sent us all his food.

That's it, you see, it is a trick.

Trying to buy your loyalty through your stomachs.

Well, when the Burgundians are fighting the Parisians

and the Parisians are fighting the Burgundians.

I know what I'll be doing.

Yes, you'll be hiding in a cellar.

[Father] My child.

Good evening, Father.

Weren't you with François Villon when he was arrested?

I was, Father.

I heard that you and the others were being released.

But what about Francois?

He wasn't with us.

Then the worst has happened.

Oh no, Father.

The Grand Constable himself told me he was alright.

I wish I could believe that.

But you can.

The new Grand Constable is a very kindly man.

He must be.

Without him all these people would still be without food.

Yes and look at them.

Gorging themselves today and starving again tomorrow.

(gentle music)

Katherine.

Well, it's happened.

Tonight His Majesty had his last meal.

Now they will have to fight.

What do you mean?

Our glorious army has determined not to fight.

Neither cold nor starvation, insults or abuse

will swerve them from that noble impasse.

Then we have failed?

And my week ends tonight.

Is that why you've avoided me all week?

No, no I was busy.

At the walls, trying to.

Why?

Katherine.

Have you ever asked yourself

where the Count de Montcorbier came from?

No.

Did it ever occur to you that perhaps

he came from the court of miracles?

Milord.

For a minute you had me thinking you were serious.

Katherine, I am Francois Villon.

Francois Villon?

The gutter poet.

Companion of the finest company of cut-throats and rogues,

thieves and murderers that France can boast of.

But why did you do this to me?

I never intended to.

It started as the jest of a king.

And then I loved you.

Love?

[François] With all the meaning

that the word can have in paradise.

Love?

I could not give you any godlier thing if I were king.

Please go.

Please.

(dramatic music)

Our commands are completely demoralized, Your Majesty.

Not a man will obey his officer.

They refuse to man the walls.

I'll have them hanged!

But who's to hang them, Your Majesty?

They will not man the walls until they're fed.

In the mean time, the west gate is unprotected.

But we have no food to give them.

Your Majesty might pacify them

with some sort of entertainment.

Such as perhaps immediately hanging

the noble Lord who gave away their food.

An excellent idea, Milord.

[Man] What is it, Father?

[Father] I must see His Majesty, or the Grand Constable.

[Man] I'm sorry Father but that's impossible.

[Father] I tell you I must.

I have urgent news.

Wait.

What is it, Father?

Milord, it is very urgent that I see His Majesty.

Or the...

Francois?

Francois.

But Francois.

One moment, Father.

You may go.

Now what is it, Father?

Francois.

What does this mean?

You here, dressed like a.

I'll explain that later.

Now what is your urgent message?

I can tell that only to the King or the Grand Constable.

I am the Grand Constable.

François, this is no time for jesting.

Montigny has assembled his cockleshells

at the court of miracles.

Hundreds, thousands of them.

They know the Burgundians will attack soon.

And then they plan to sack and loot the city.

But Francois, if you were there you could stop them.

They'd listen to you, they always have.

(suspenseful music)

[Man] Milord.

What is it?

The Burgundians have attacked.

They've already broken through the west gate.

Then it is too late.

Too late.

No, Father, it is not too late.

You say my friends listen to me.

Then perhaps they will follow me.

Francois.

Where is he, where is he, where is he?

So there you are, my Lord Grand Constable.

You've failed, haven't you.

And failed miserably.

Arrest him.

After him, after him!

(dramatic music)

He's got away, Your Majesty.

So he got away, did he?

Very well then, issue a command.

Anyone seeing that man to arrest him.

If he resists arrest, cut him down.

To your posts, Generals.

Do your best and God save France.

We have been fools long enough.

While they're doing the fighting,

we'll sack and loot the city.

We'll never get a chance like this again.

(audience cheering)

Hey, that's only part of it.

I want you to remember this.

If the Burgundians take the city, we were helping.

On the other hand,

if the city should win we were helping the city.

(audience laughing)

We were on our way to the walls when we thought

we saw some Burgundians in a house.

We took after them

and during the fighting the thieving Burgundians

took the silver.

That is all very fine but I would like to know this.

Who's going to lead us?

Why I am of course.

You?

Well, I don't want any part of it!

Why for two whites I'd...

(Francois laughing)

Why, for two whites you would murder your own mother.

(people chattering)

Your oratory is improving, my dear Rene.

Don't you think so, Huguette?

Villon.

Villon.

Francois.

(people chattering)

Yes, Francois Villon.

I've come to tell you a few things

my friend de Montigny forgotten to tell you.

Now, we all know there is no honor among thieves.

So I'm not going to talk to you about honor.

And I'm not appealing to any patch of decency

I know you never had.

Now, as you stand there the city is falling.

Falling to thieves like ourselves.

Cut-throats who have come all the way from Burgundy

to take what belongs to us.

Beggars to beg the bread from our beggars' mouths.

Cutpurses to cut our purses, and Macks to mash our women.

Are we going to let these poachers move in our preserve?

These country louts show us how it's done.

Are they going to starve us to death?

[All] No!

Then I tell you this.

There is no city that can be conquered

unless it wants to be.

And whether they like it or not, we are part of the city.

(audience cheering)

The part that knows how to fight or don't we?

Why, of course we do.

Good, then let's fight.

I say, let us fight.

(audience cheering)

Come on, to the west gate!

(dramatic music) (people yelling)

We're completely overwhelmed sir.

We should retire and defend the palace.

Yes, yes.

Get my horse.

Milord!

(dramatic music)

It's the Grand Constable himself leading the people.

(dramatic music)

It's a rout, they're on the run.

Quick, our horses.

(dramatic music)

Ah, Tabarie.

We've got them on the run.

Come on, after them.

Come on.

(dramatic music)

Barbezier.

(dramatic music)

Quick Father.

Master Noel.

Yes, sir?

Take some men and arrest that traitor.

Traitor?

You heard His Majesty's orders.

Carry them out.

Come, gentlemen.

Francois.

[Francois] It's me.

Don't leave me.

[Francois] I won't.

(gentle music)

My orders are to arrest you, Milord.

Arrest?

Why, this man has...

I'm sorry Father, his Majesty's orders.

(bells ringing)

(upbeat music) (audience cheering)

(dramatic music)

I have the honor to inform Your Majesty

that our arms have been victorious on every side.

The Duke of Burgundy and his armies are in full retreat.

Well, well, well.

You have done wonders, General.

Not entirely alone, Your Majesty.

I have received able support

from General Saliere and General Barbezier.

Your Majesty's orders have been

carried out to the last word.

Even to the running down and arrest

of your traitorous Grand Constable.

Whose fate is now in Your Majesty's hands.

Excellent.

The Count de Montcorbier.

Having proved himself a coward and a traitor

is hereby sentenced to be hanged this day.

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, a great injustice is being done.

Last night we were facing defeat

when the city was saved by Francois Villon.

Yes, Francois Villon.

The man you know as the Count de Montcorbier.

The one Your Majesty has just sentenced to death.

But Your Majesty...

Very interesting, continue.

Your Majesty, if you will permit me.

This Reverend gentleman will prove to you conclusively

that what Lady Katherine said is true.

Yes.

But surely, Your Majesty will not listen?

I shall hear the Reverend gentleman.

Proceed, Father.

It is true, Your Majesty.

When I told Francois the rabble

were planning to sack and loot the city.

(metal clattering)

Good morning, Master Cut-throat.

Ah, don't tell me.

I am to have the honor of your personal escort

to the gibbet, Your Majesty.

I have been given to understand

that you and some other footpads

had something to do with the defeating

of the Burgundians last night.

Is that true or is it not?

Answer me, yes or no?

Well, I suppose I did.

Well only this, my friend.

That once more you have made everything very complicated.

You have a devilish talent for seating me

on the point of the sword of justice.

And it is becoming uncomfortable in the extreme.

I'm sorry I have no cushion to offer

for Your Majesty's comfort.

Now, now, please.

Please spare me your witticisms.

It's difficult enough trying to be King of France.

I have found that out, Your Majesty.

You know, you know, that's the first

nice thing you have ever said to me.

Yes, well now, François Villon.

In recognition of your heroic

but murderous services to the crown

I hereby commute your sentence

of death to life imprisonment.

Life?

Don't interrupt me.

You shall be imprisoned within

the confines of our beautiful France.

To wander or dally as you see fit.

The stars shall be your roof.

And your bed, the lush meadows of Normandy

or the warm sands of Brittany.

Yes.

Yes, that's almost poetry, isn't it.

Poetry.

The most beautiful I ever heard, Your Majesty.

Yes but as you're an inveterate mischief-maker.

A rabble-rouser and sower of dissension.

I forbid you to ever show yourself

again inside the walls of Paris.

You can have the rest of France, but I must have peace.

I sympathize, Your Majesty.

You'll be turned over to the custody

of your foster father who will see to it

that you leave Paris before dawn tomorrow.

Now get out.

Your Majesty.

My Lord, oh get out, get out, get out.

Lady Katherine.

One more thing.

The Lady Katherine.

Katherine?

It may interest you to know that it was

through her intercessions that your neck has been saved.

Before you leave the palace

the Lady Katherine would like a word with you.

No, it's better this way.

Will you thank the Lady Katherine?

And tell her that someday I hope

to make the saving of my neck worthy of her efforts.

He told me to tell you that this was the end, Milady.

If something can have an end that never had a beginning.

That he's going on hoping to find a further understanding

of the things that have now come to him.

Father, when did he leave?

About an hour ago, my child.

What road did he take?

I promised not to tell.

Was it the east?

No.

The south?

I promised not to tell.

Thank you, Father, thank you.

(gentle music)

Milady, there is a man walking on the road ahead.

Is he the one, Milady?

Yes.

Shall we overtake him?

No, no, we mustn't overtake him until he is very tired.

He is a very obstinate man.

(dramatic music)