Alas, Majesty, today Phoebus is eclipsed by rain
Your Majesty is our only sun
Sire, the compliment is over
I can't believe it ! They didn't even say one word to you !
Desmoulins and Robespierre, no talking ! Back in line !
The French Revolution "The Years of Hope"
And all that !
Your Majesty will make Fortune blush !
Dear Madame de Polignac, you bring me luck
Your Majesty has lost
Here I am, penniless again
Now I have to tell the poor man I can't pay my debts...
... so he'll have to do it.
After all, I am his wife !
The fact is, every day the country gets deeper in debt
The costs of the court...
The Queen's personal expenses...
Our participation in the American war of independence...
... which cost us 2,000 million livres
Frankly, the outlook is not very encouraging
What do you advise, Monsieur Necker ?
Sire we have two options :
First, default and let the consequences fall where they may
No, Monsieur Necker
- Your second option ? - Summon the Estates General
It's the only body capable of raising the taxes to pay the debt
But we haven't had to resort to that for 150 years
Sire, it's inevitable
This practice is quite uncivilized !
I'll have to ask Dame Etiquette the proper method of milking
Mother ! Look ! I can ride all by myself !
It's wonderful, darling !
And now, dear brethren, we're holding a meeting today...
... March 6, in the church vestibule
It's to draw up the List of Grievances for this parish
All men 25 years and older who pay taxes are invited to come and contribute
Our duty is to seize this opportunity to tell the King...
... the truth about what is amiss in his kingdom
I've had enough of lugging stones around to please his lordship !
- You want useless chores abolished ! - That's right !
And the salt tax too - when the salt we buy is rotten and full of dirt !
Please, give him a chance to write it down
As a doctor, I demand that taxation be shared equally
By what right are the nobles and the priests exempt ?
And why can only the nobility be officers ?
Free access to all military, civil and even church positions !
- Ecclesiastic ? - Exactly !
What are you writing, Camille Desmoulins ?
No more privilege, no more humiliation, and equality for all
And Liberty too !
"No more bread"
Too proud to say hello to your old friends ?
Someone thinks he's a bigshot !
I wasn't elected
Camille ! They're idiots. They don't know a thing
You're not at Versailles ?
Not this time - I lost.
Lucie, go to your room
You good-for-nothing ! If you try to see my daughter I'll have you whipped !
And arrested like a common criminal !
Sir, I beg you to believe...
... that I care very deeply for your daughter
Take my advice, Danton, get yourself elected as a Deputy for Paris
But do it now, or it will be too late
Look at the stuff being written : things are changing !
What change ?
Your kind and the clergy will always outvote the commons
- My kind ? - Yes, the nobility, Monsieur de Mirabeau
It's two against one, and nothing will ever change
That's what you think ?
I've been elected as a member of the Third Estate
How long can the ruling class cling to its privileges ?
The world is moving - look at America
Privilege will never be abolished
The best we can hope for is to spread the wealth around a little
I'm not giving up my career for that
Look
She has a sister
How about making a night of it ?
No, I have work to do and some friends are waiting for me.
Your noble ideas vanish quickly when a pair of tits comes in sight
Two pairs of tits
When did you add a "d'" before your name ?
Since trying to make money in this business ; any more stupid questions ?
That's for you...
This one's for you, and this too
I'll handle this one myself
Write a summary
A grain merchant who's claiming the right...
... to call himself Viscount Something-or-other
A bloody fool, but he pays well
Why are you attacking me ? I don't hoard food like some people
You know it Danton ! Tell them !
They've already killed a baker
Everyone knew he hoarded grain
I don't blame them
They ought to hang all these damned profiteers, to set an example
Cut out your usual speech, Marat.
This time it was Legendre, but I know he's honest
What difference does it make to a starving crowd ?
- Will she recover ? - Probably not
Besides, she has a broken neck
Gabrielle, I'm hungry !
Mirabeau was right. Things are changing
I should have stood for election
- Why ? - To be a Deputy for Paris
- Why ? You want to be ? - No, I need to be
That smells good
Action, Gabrielle... action
Have you ever in your life just stood by and watched ?
The more tempting the prospect...
... the more I want to get my hands on it
I believe that the three orders assembled here...
... will cooperate for the general good of the state
I declare myself the first friend of my people
And I welcome the representatives of the nation...
... it is my glory to command by divine right
That's Lafayette
The Marquis de Lafayette ? From America ?
Yes, my lord. The hero of the American War of Independence
Gentlemen. His Majesty has summoned you here...
... in order to remedy a deficit which has raised so much comment in Europe
- Who are those men all in black ? - The Third Estate, my lord
What is the Third Estate ?
Those who are neither nobles nor priests
That's a lot of people
It is thus my duty to demonstrate to you in detail...
... the absolute necessity of financial assistance
This is why you have received the rare privilege...
... of being assembed here in the Estates General
Each order shall assemble separately...
It's not Versailles, but it's comfortable without costing too much
- Have a seat - I prefer the bed
- You don't mind eggs ? - Not at all
- You're a lawyer, I hear - Like you
I made the mistake of moving to Paris
Too many lawyers, not enough clients
They want you to vote by order, right ?
The clergy plus the nobility make it 2 to 1
At that rate, we'll always lose
But if we vote as individuals, the Third Estate has the majority
Necker isn't stupid ; he knows what he wants
He means well, but he's a banker. And he's Swiss
The problem is they don't live in the same world we do
Well ?
It would be enough if the lower clergy, the poorest, join us
If nothing changes, they won't get any money - it's as simple as that
Remember ? At Louis le Grand ? Old Boiteux ?
- "What is the Third Estate ?" - "Nothing !"
- "And what does it want ?" - "Everything !"
It's so long ago
But you haven't changed
Always neat, with every hair in place
My one luxury. But you haven't changed either !
A number of the clergy have joined the Third Estate
They say they form 96% of the country and plan to form a National Assembly...
... without Your Majesty's assent
- Just as I predicted ! - Please, brother
The best solution, Monsieur Necker...
... would be to address the 3 orders...
... and inform them that their actions are illegal
Excuse me, Sire, but I feel the situation requires diplomacy, not confrontation
Our authority is all that's left, Monsieur Necker
Authority and obedience by force, if necessary
- What's happening ? - They won't let us in.
It's an outrage !
To the Tennis Court !
Back to the changing room, gentlemen !
Bailly ! Take the chair !
Silence !
Let us take an oath, here and now
To never separate, to reassemble wherever circumstances demand...
... until we've given France a constitution
I swear !
Therefore I declare void, illegal and unconstitutional...
... the acts of the so-called National Assembly...
... which is meeting despite my orders
I am the sole guardian of my people's welfare
And if you abandon me in such a weighty endeavor...
... it is you who will be abandoned, and not me
I order you to disperse at once...
... and return to the rooms set aside for your respective orders...
... to resume your meetings
Vive le roi !
By what right do you occupy that seat, sir ?
My name is Bailly - I'm an astronomer
Member of the Academy of Science and Member for Paris
These gentlemen have elected me President of the National Assembly
You've all heard the King order you to disperse !
I believe that the nation in assembly receives orders from no one
Go tell those who sent you that we are here by the will of the people
And we won't leave except at the point of a bayonet !
- They want to stay ? - Yes, Sire
To hell with them then ! Let them stay !
The Third Estate is not making a challenge to the monarchy, just an appeal
If you would recognize their legal existence to help you govern...
Wanting to share the King's power is treason
You should hang them all, as an example
But if the Third Estate has the support of the people--
Send in the troops
I advise against it, Sire
- If we could find a compromise-- - There is no compromise
Except for time
If I understand you, Monsieur Necker, the King cannot oppose this Assembly...
... without making things worse
In that case, he shouldn't even try
But rather, agree to their demands...
... for now
But the King must prepare to respond to their next demands with force
It appears Her Majesty understands the situation better than any of us
The intervention of the foreign regiments seems to me ill-advised
They are regiments from the provinces, not foreign
And I can count on their loyalty in the event of an insurrection in the capitol
The people do not see the uniforms, but the men wearing them
Swiss and German troops, most of whom don't even speak French
They don't see the love Your Majesty has for them - just a sign of tyranny
It's what your enemies want
That is not my opinion, Monsieur Necker
Nor is it the opinion of those I have confidence in
Then, Your Majesty, I have no choice...
... but to offer my resignation
And I to accept it
Citizens !
I've come from Versailles. The King has dismissed Necker !
It's the signal for a St. Bartholomew's Massacre of patriots !
Tonight Swiss and German batallions will come out to slaughter us !
There's only one solution : to take up arms !
To arms ! To arms !
All Paris must take up arms !
My friends, we know our enemies.
But we need a way to recognize each other
All those who want to fight...
... proudly declare it by wearing green
Green, the color of hope
This will be our symbol !
Our uniform !
Our victory !
Look ! The police are here !
I call my brothers to liberty
You won't take me alive
And I will die gloriously rather than see France remain in bondage !
The King has dismissed Necker. If he uses his troops it'll cost him
My friend you can write your memoires later. Come on !
News from the Palais Royale ; they've called for insurrection !
- Why ? - The King has dismissed Necker
This is a direct attack on the will of the people...
... expressed through their elected representatives !
Will we allow Tyranny to triumph over Liberty ? No !
Will we allow one man the power to wipe away in a single day...
... the hope of finally seeing a free people in France ? No !
I want every man of the district to be a volunteer
We will show the whole world...
... that we have no fear of these dogs...
... who dare lay siege to our city !
Sign with me !
Don't worry, we'll wake them up ! My name's Fournoyer
They call me "The American". I was a distiller in Santo Domingo
Where will we get the weapons ?
The guns are at Les Invalides ; and the powder at the Bastille !
Very good, Lieutenant. Any problems ?
Just one. If I give the order, will they fire ?
- Surely your Swiss will ? - Probably.
But can you count on your own men ?
The powder ! The powder !
Citizens - we must have the Bastille
We want the Bastille !
They have to pull back the cannons
Make way for the delegation from the Permanent Committee of the Hôtel de Ville
Make them remove the cannons !
I've never heard of your committee.
As of yesterday, the Members for Paris have met at the Hôtel de Ville
They've formed a permanent committee to maintain order in the capitol
Are you here to force a confrontation, or find a way of avoiding it ?
- We're not here to threaten - Then we agree on the essential points
Gentlemen, I was about to dine
Will you join me ?
- What's going on ? - They're still inside
- Prisoners ? - No one knows
We want the Bastille !
Apparently, sir, you are not hostile to the people of Paris
We need you to show it. Pull back the cannons - the Committee demands it
But why ? The cannons have always been there
It's an insult to the people. It's intolerable
These poor old cannons !
You've seen them; where they are they can't fire on the people
It doesn't matter; people are afraid
You must withdraw them, Governor
- You want me to make a gesture - Of goodwill
My compliments to Lieutenant Deflue ; please ask him to withdraw the cannons
And close the openings
Our committee could not ask for more
Look ! They're pulling back the cannons !
To load them ! They're going to fire !
I have to alert the district !
Do you know how many prisoners we have here ?
Seven
Four forgers, with long records
One's a murderer
And there's also an Irishman who thinks he's Julius Caesar
Let me through - I know the Governor
He's a friend, I can talk to him
You see, I've kept my word
You must surrender the fortress, sir
Nobody said anything about that
The Permanent Committee--
The Bastille is in our district
And the distict demands that you open the gates of the Bastille to the people
With all these innovations, it's very difficult for an officer of the King...
... to know where his duty lies
Opening the gates is out of the question
They're telling us to enter ! Come on !
They don't understand ! They're advancing instead of leaving !
- So this is how you negotiate - I'll go down and talk to them
The cannons !
Take aim !
- You're not going to fire ! - Don't worry
I just want to show them that the Bastille can defend itself
Do not fire without my orders !
Sir, if you have any authority over your district, order your people to retreat
Tell them I've promised not to fire first
Stop ! Stop !
We have no choice
- Take aim - No, it'll be a bloodbath
Hold your fire !
If you won't fire, we're lost
Take aim !
Fire !
Cease fire !
What are you doing ?
We're saved !
Long live the nation !
Hey there, someone !
Lieutenant Deflue - I have a message from the Governor
Bring a board !
Cease fire ! There's a message from the Governor !
"We have 2,000 barrels of powder
Surrender, or we will blow up the neighborhood"
No surrender ! They must lower the drawbridge !
We won't allow it, Sir
Bring me my journal
An agreeable afternoon, Cléry but not very successful
Not even a rabbit
"July 14 - Nothing"
Sire...
What is it ?
Sire, the Parisians have taken the Bastille
Taken the Bastille ? What for ?
It's a revolt
No, Sire ; it's a revolution
If the troops want to fire on Liberty, they'll find barricades in their way !
And the Cordeliers Club will build the tallest one !
- It's just that too many died - What did you expect ?
You can't build the kind of world you want without breaking a few heads
Now whatever happens, things can never be the same
That's for sure - never again
Here's the wine, for anyone who's thirsty !
Vive Danton !
You're lovelier than ever
Just say the word and I'll stay
Write me when you get to Basle
I'll be there in a week
Persuade the King to take refuge in Metz. You must !
He prefers to stay in Paris
To win over his faithful subjects who want to murder him !
- I'll stay - Goodbye
You really don't want to go ?
I can't leave you here alone
Oh, my dear, faithful friend !
No one is to shout "Vive le roi !"
Your Majesty, these keys were presented to Henri IV...
... after he reconquered his people
Today it is the people who have reconquered their king
So you are the Mayor of Paris, Monsieur Bailly ?
Yes, Your Majesty
Until now, Paris has not had a Mayor
The electors decided that it was time
Ah, well, if they've decided
If Your Majesty would be so good as to follow me
Monsieur de Lafayette, I believe you also have something to say
Your Majesty, the volunteers who have mobilized to defend Paris...
... have adopted the name "National Guard"
And they have named me their General
Naturally, I could not accept this appointment without your approval
Then I must congratulate you, General
Sire, all Parisians who love liberty...
... have adopted the colors of the capitol : blue and red
I have noticed
But I've added the white of the monarchy
Excellent idea !
If Your Majesty would be pleased to pin this cockade to your hat...
... your loyal subjects would be overjoyed.
Perhaps you could pin it on for me
Gentlemen, I have some news for you
I have ordered the withdrawal of the troops presently in the capitol
And this morning I wrote to Monsieur Necker...
... to ask him to rejoin my ministry
Such back-breaking labor, Monsieur le Comte
It couldn't go on any longer
August 4, 1789
These attacks on the property of the nobility, across the entire country...
... are not acts of common vandalism
These attacks should fill us with pride
They are the funeral pyres of privilege !
Tell the people that you recognize the injustice of the rights...
... acquired during the dark days of ignorance
Our colleague from Bretagne is right. The people's anger is a just anger
I, Viscount de Noailles propose that all privileges...
... and rights of the nobility be abolished
I, Count de Beauharnais propose that henceforth all occupations...
... be open to all: nobles and commoners
I, Duke de la Rochefoucault-Liancourt propose...
... that the National Assembly abolish slavery
And recognize that blacks are human beings
I, Bishop of Nancy, renounce the possessions...
... that the Church has unjustly acquired for too long
They're drunk on fine words and good intentions
They'll wake up with a nice hangover
And they'll go back on everything they've given up
Citizens, listen !
The Assembly has declared freedom of religion
Who gives a damn ?
But much more important ; they've declared freedom of the press !
I'll start my paper, Georges !
I've already got the name : Revolutions of France and Brabant
Write, Camille. It's what you do best
I'll listen to the people, and I'll say everything :
Their concerns, their hopes, their joys
But to understand, not manipulate them
Without betraying the truth or my conscience
I'll find you the money
The representatives of the French people, formed into the National Assembly...
... considering that ignorance, forgetfulness...
... or contempt for the Rights of Man...
... are the sole cause of public suffering and government corruption...
... have resolved to express in a solemn declaration...
... the natural, inalienable and sacred rights of man
I ask you to rise, gentlemen
Article 1 : Men are born and remain free and equal before the Law
Social distinctions can be founded only upon public utility
These rights are Liberty, Property, Security and Resistance to Oppression
The nation is essentially the source of all sovereignty
The Law may only forbid activities harmful to society
Whatever is not forbidden by Law cannot be hindered
The Law is the expression of the general Will
All citizens are equal before it...
... and equally eligible for every public position and honor
No man can be accused, arrested or imprisoned unless by force of Law
Every man is presumed innocent until proven guilty
No one can be persecuted for his beliefs, including religious
The free expression of ideas and opinions...
... is one of the most precious rights of mankind
All citizens may speak, write and publish freely...
... except as determined by the Law in order to preserve Liberty
The safeguard of the Rights of Man and the citizenry requires a public force
This force is formed for the benefit of all
The right of private property is sacred and inviolable
None can be deprived of it...
... except when the common good legitimately requires it
I've done my best, Monsieur Necker, but I will not sign
Neither the Decree on the Abandonment of Privileges, nor the Rights of Man
How will the Church survive without its tithes ?
And the minor nobility without the revenue of their peasants ?
Sire, the nobility and the clergy themselves--
I know
But why the Rights of Man ?
I am the King !
How can one share what is abolute ?
Your Majesty must not underestimate the risk--
This is why I summoned the Regiment of Flanders to Versailles
I know that I can count on them
Governing is a serious matter
To do it you have to find a genuine balance of power...
... between the executive and the legislative
That's why you defended the veto power ?
Whether it's a king, a president or something else, it doesn't matter
An unlimited, all-powerful Assembly will lead to disaster
Why ?
Because all the power is concentrated there
What's important is sovereignty
It must be shared between the King and the Assembly
Impossible
In that case, you'll create an even worse dictatorship
Excuse me - I'm expecting my confessor
A little patience ! I'm nearly finished my work
Kiss me !
Gabriel-Honoré I'll give you 5 minutes - not one more
I've tried to make it less uncompromising
If you won't sign now, there's nothing more I can do
It's excellent, as always
Let me sign
As usual, you get what you want
And you, at least, a decent meal
You're a corruptor, Monsieur de Mirabeau
If it gives you any comfort, look around
Nothing in this house is paid for
Except for you
Even the servants are worried about their wages
How do you do it ?
It's the art of keeping 6 balls in the air at once
But two of them inevitably are your own
Do you advise me to go to confession ?
Not necessarily
I find I have a few extra matters to attend to
Gentlemen ! A toast : to the King !
To Her Majesty the Queen !
Please rise, gentlemen
Thank you all
I'm so happy to find myself among friends
We'll give our last drop of blood for Your Majesty
Wait your turn; there's enough for all !
Are you alright ? Where do you live ?
Look at me ! I want to help
I haven't eaten for 3 days
Down with the Assembly !
And no more tricolors !
Gentlemen - I'll never forget this !
Once again, the Austrian bitch is responsable...
... for this court-orchestrated counter-revolution
Exclamation mark after revolution
Marat has everything on the Versailles banquet
People of Paris, the events at Versailles...
... are an insult to Liberty
I call for rebellion
No... for insurrection
That's better
To arms ! To arms !
- "To arms" twice ? - And again !
It's for the paper ?
For the greatest paper of all :
The walls of Paris
Bread ! Give us bread !
If you refuse to march on Versailles...
... to demand the King listen to his people, then we will !
We'll bring back the baker and the baker's wife !
And the baker's boy !
To Versailles !
An order from the Commune :
You're to lead the National Guard to Versailles
To bring the King and his family back to Paris
We are the King's Guard, not his jailors !
The women of Paris are marching to Versailles to demand bread !
Let's march with them as a matter of honor
The cause that we've fought for is lost...
... if you won't show that you're ready to fight for what you've won !
Make way for the President of the National Assembly !
No more than four
And no pikes
That's enough !
Ladies, welcome
What can I do for you ?
Your Majesty, these four women speak on behalf of the women of Paris
All Paris wishes to know Your Majesty's attitude toward the Rights of Man, and--
Perhaps His Majesty would prefer to hear directly from these women
Your Majesty...
Bread...
Well, Monsieur Mounier, here we are in fresh difficulties
Bread...
Bread ?
You will have bread ; I promise
I beg you not to stay. Come with us
I am the King ! I can't flee
Is it better to be a prisoner ?
At least you could try--
The mob is blocking the stables ; it is impossible to get out
You see ? We thought we had some choice
We were wrong
Where are my glasses ?
Please, Monsieur Mounier, re-read your text aloud
I accept purely and simply the Articles of the Constitution...
... and the Rights of Man as submitted to me by the National Assembly
Is that agreeable, Your Majesty ?
Does that matter anymore ?
As you can see, His Majesty has signed
History will remember Your Majesty as the greatest of France's kings
Bread and flour are on their way to Paris
Perhaps it's time for everyone to go home, Monsieur de Lafayette
Sire, these gentlemen are from the Paris Commune
And what is it the people of Paris want ?
They wish that the National Guard take charge of the King's personal security
You can arrange that, Monsieur de Lafayette ?
Also the removal of royal troops, whose presence is an insult to the people
Is that all ?
The Parisians also demand that the King return to Paris
That requires some thought
It's been a long day
We will discuss this further in the morning
Good night, Monsieur de Lafayette, gentlemen
I beg Your Majesty to let me stand guard outside your room
No. The rumors only aggravate their hatred
Go to bed, Axel. I'll try to do the same
Versailles, October 6, 1789
Hey, soldier ! How about a little fun ?
Call the other one
This way !
Come on
Let's wake up the fat pig !
Hurry, Your Majesty !
Open the door ! It's the Queen !
What is to be done, Monsieur Deguisson ?
Die, Your Majesty
Forgive me, Your Majesty
They gave me their word there would be no further violence
And you chose to believe them !
Lafayette is on their side !
He's making fun of you ! The King has fled
Look ! There's no one there !
Your Majesty must appear on the balcony
If not, we cannot control them
No, Louis, please don't go ! They'll kill you !
I don't believe they wish to harm you
The King to Paris !
The King accepts. Return to Paris and the King will follow
He's lying ! If we leave, he'll flee !
Marat is right ! We're not leaving !
You have the King's promise !
And the Austrian woman ? Where is she ?
She's already fled !
The Queen to the balcony !
No, Your Majesty, I beg you !
Not the children !
Shoot her !
Kill the whore !
God save the Queen !
June 1790
Look, Papa ! Are they going to guard the King ?
- Yes - Is the King there right now ?
He's always there - that's his house. The Tuileries Palace
I no longer could stand the idea of hanging
So my colleague Dr. Louis and I came up with this machine
The condemned is beheaded by means of this simple mechanism
It's practically painless
Just a slight chill on the back of the neck
A minimum of suffering, which everyone deserves
It's clean, quick and efficient
I'm very impressed, Monsieur Guillotin
Perhaps... if I could make a small suggestion ?
I'm considered rather handy with mechanical matters
I'd be honored to have Your Majesty's opinion
The flaw is here
Instead of being crescent-shaped the blade would cut better...
... if it were triangular
And designed like a saw
Marvellous, Sire !
We ink the plate, close the press...
... and the text is reproduced on paper
Everything is done here
And what I write is on the street an hour after it's printed
That's my office
I'm very impressed Monsieur Desmoulins
But do you have to be so violent ?
Look : "The most practical method of hanging aristocrats is on street lights"
I'm stating a principle. It doesn't have to be applied literally
Provisional Member of the Commune at your service !
Georges, you were elected !
It's a small beginning. But from this day, your friends on the Committee...
... can count on Danton to take decisions
I invite everyone to the celebration
I'm afraid we have an appointment. Lucie ?
I'll come with you, Monsieur Danton
Permit me to say that Your Majesty is more beautiful than ever
I'm sure you and the King enjoyed your short visit to St-Cloud
You know we practically had to beg Monsieur Bailly and Lafayette...
... to let us leave the Tuileries
But you're not prisoners
- What do you want ? - For Your Majesty to trust me
You ? One of the chief architects of our problems ?
Have you read the secret letters I've sent to the King ?
I've read them
And you're still not convinced that I wish to save the monarchy ?
How can I believe you're sincere ?
Denounce my presence here tonight
So you're betraying both sides ! How splendid
What do you recommend we do ?
- Accept the Constitution - In other words, our destruction
- Your safeguard ! - You and your paradoxes !
Madame, trust your people.
Throw yourself in their arms ; they will open their hearts to you
The King will reign, but through a constitution
Believe me, there are many people who would die to defend the crown
When listening to you, one can end up accepting the impossible
I hope the Cordeliers district will outdo themselves
Grab a spade !
I hope you won't be too tired tonight
Promise. I love it when you talk like that
It's incredible ! So many people who hated each other yesterday
Now here they are celebrating the first anniversary of the Revolution
Everything has changed. Our ways of thinking are new
It's the dawn after the night
Fraternity - at last !
Your mother and I have been talking
Camille, if you still wish to marry our daughter, you have our blessing
She'll have everything - I promise !
I believe it ; her dowry's 100,000 livres !
Celebration of Federation - July 14, 1790
My dear Robespierre, there goes the hero of the Revolution
But for how long ?
I swear to be faithful to the nation...
... to the law, and to the King
To uphold the Constitution, proclaimed by the National Assembly...
... and accepted by the King
To assure in accordance with the law, the security of property and life
I swear to remain united to all the French people...
... by the indissoluble bonds of fraternity
I ask all of you present...
... assembled here from all the provinces of France...
... to take the same oath
Repeat after me : "I swear"
Look at them. They want to remain slaves
And they will, if we're not vigilant
People of France, I ask you to listen in silence...
... to the oath that the King of the French will take before you
I, King of the French...
... swear to use all the powers granted me by the law...
... to uphold the Constitution proclaimed by the National Assembly...
and accepted by me
My son and I take the same oath as the King
This is my son !
Nancy, August 1790
Long live the nation !
What exactly was this mutiny in the Nancy garrison ?
This rebellion that Monsieur de Lafayette was pleased to have put down...
... by his cousin, the Marquis and General de Bouyet
What was their crime ?
They dared to demand the miserable pay...
... that their own officers had robbed them of for months !
These rebels rejected corruption and theft
They had faith in the justice that the Revolution could not bring them
What disappointment ! What bitterness !
Remember one year ago, the women of Paris went to Versailles to see the King
What has changed since then ? Nothing !
Still the same abuses, the same tyranny. And why ?
Because around the King is the same clique, the same ministers...
... who hide the truth from him and deceive him !
I speak for Paris, and Paris demands their dismissal
So you think you're Paris, sir ? You alone ?
Better than you, Abbot : you take yourself for God
Paris demands the dismissal of the Minister of the Interior...
... the Count de Saint-Prix
The Minister of War, Monsieur de la Tour du Pin
Monsieur Champion de Cicé
Paper ! I told you I wanted gold
These are worth more than their weight in gold
You can exchange them for confiscated Church property
A fortune, whenever you want
If you say so, Monmorat
Whatever happens, your business abroad is safe for the moment
The Assembly is very happy with the dismissal of your colleagues
And you can assure His Majesty...
... that I will continue to do all in my power to help
To France
Here is the sacred object, conquered in the heat of battle
It has an inscription : "United for Life"
As one of Camille's oldest friends...
... I'd like to make the first toast
To the bride
I'm especially happy about this marriage, which has permitted me...
... to get to know the man I admire most in public life
If the Cordeliers are truly, as they are called, the greatest patriots in Paris...
... they owe it to you, sir
To our friend Mirabeau, who is too ill to be here today
To his speedy recovery
You know what they're saying about me ?
That I'm dying...
... just to avoid paying my debts !
- Is it true ? - Of course it is
The sad thing is that you only die once
For you, we'll make an exception
The doctors don't know a thing ; you'll play this scene many more times
Excuse me. I didn't know you were busy
I'll come back later
It's no accident
You two together...
You two, united...
I need to die knowing that you two are allies
If not, the last hope of saving the monarchy...
... will die with me
Without the crown, all that we've accomplished...
... will slide into anarchy
And you both know it
As long as I live, the crown will be safe
And the country will not slide into anarchy
I can promise you that
Because this country will be a military dictatorship led by you
That's what you want - everyone knows it
Monsieur Danton's aspirations are well-known
I will not lower myself to discuss this
Monsieur Danton's only ambition...
... is to have civilian control over a constitutional monarchy
And especially over ambitious generals who exceed their bounds
By "civilian control" you mean a government which closes its eyes...
... to the corruption and profiteers you've chosen to run it
I didn't ask you to come here to bore me to death...
... with your stupid quarrels !
Death is already here
It requires calm
The only thing I ask...
... is that you try to work together
That's my last wish
I can't do any more
Look, Monsieur de Fersen ; how well this hairstyle suits my daughter
Madame, you are as pretty as an angel
Come dear, let's go find your brother
My dear, what would I do without you ?
Monsieur de Bouillé will meet the King at Montmédy
He is sure of his troops who'll provide your security
Why Montmédy ?
It's still in France. It's a strong old fort
Once there, the Emperor can help you
You must convince the King
You know the poor man changes his mind three times a day !
To leave - and you'll follow me
To refuse would have ignited France
His Holiness cannot tolerate that bishops...
... should be elected like delegates to the Assembly
But what makes His Holiness deeply unhappy...
... is that this law obliges priests to take an oath to the constitution
That can only lead to a sort of schism...
... like when Henry VIII of England broke with Rome
I am not Henry VIII !
I am the most obedient of the Holy Father's sons
His Holiness demands that Your Majesty...
... renounce the civil constitution for the clergy
It's too late !
Does the Holy Father wish to destroy me ?
His Holiness will never authorize the priests of France to take this oath
It's the only way I could keep the French Church united...
... in obedience to Rome
Assure the Holy Father of my personal loyalty
I swear I will receive Holy Communion...
... only from the hands of priests faithful to Rome
I will tell him
Now sir, will you give me your blessing ?
The King manipulates them all - even Danton
- Even me - What do you mean ?
Write this down
Louis XVI has betrayed the Revolution through his loyalty to Rome
I baptise you in the name of the people !
June 21, 1791
General, the King is gone
- Gone where ? - He's fled with the Royal Family
"To Let"
You let fat Louis slip away !
And his Austrian whore !
You staked your head on the King
The people want the King or your head
How could it happen ?
If they cross the border...
They'll return at the head of an army of expatriots and it will be civil war
Do you think we can arrest them in the name of public security ?
We have no choice. But who will take the responsibility ?
The Assembly meets at 2:00, and we must act at once
Take this down :
"The enemies of the Revolution have abducted the King"
No one has abducted the King
What do you want, Bailly ?
A republic ? The loss of the King ?
"The enemies of the Revolution have abducted the King
"The bearer of this message is instructed to advise all loyal citizens...
"... in the name of the nation in danger...
"... to rescue him and bring him back safely to the National Assembly
"I take full responsibility for these orders"
Let me sign it
Look - he gave me a gold louis
Who was it ?
I don't know. He's travelling with his children and servants
What did he want ?
The road to Varennes
He gave you a louis for directions ? He's crazy !
Maxime, the Assembly has confirmed Lafayette's order ?
What else could they do ?
I can't oppose the majority
You have to tell the truth !
Who's going to believe this so-called abduction ?
It's an interesting use of the word
Two years of work, destroyed by this...
... conspiracy
- And I can't tell you everything - Tell me ! I'll write it down
Be careful, Camille. Be especially careful what you write
- Today we're all in danger - Why today ?
More than ever
The King didn't take this risk without powerful support in Paris and elsewhere
Traitors !
Where is Drouet ?
Is that any way to treat a horse ?
There's no time to lose : from Lafayette
He was too tired to go on
Have you see them ?
What's happening ?
- Where are you going ? - To Frankfurt
This isn't the way
I'm public prosecutor of the Varennes Commune. Your passports
Follow me. Don't let anyone leave
Citizen Drouet, I'm sorry, but this passport is in order
It's even signed by the King
If you let them go, you'll be guilty of a crime - and treason
- What should we do ? - We have to tell Monsieur Bouillé
I'm just a humble grocer, but it's clean
Good evening, Sire
Louis Capet ; Louis XVI no longer exists !
Louis Capet must be stripped of his useless title
He must be the last king of France
No more half-measures !
No more compromise before the Assembly's indecision and hypocrisy !
The Cordeliers demand the end of monarchy
And that France be henceforth a republic !
I propose a petition be set up...
... outside the Hôtel de la Nation on the Champ de Mars...
... for the French people to sign
I'm informed that irresponsible member of the Cordeliers...
... intend to march to the Champ de Mars to demand a republic
I ask that the Assembly declare martial law...
... to disperse all illegal assemblies
Are you going to the Champs de Mars ?
No, I have business to take care of in the country
I think you're very clever
The last storm has damaged my roof
We all have our storms to weather
What does that mean ?
I've always argued for replacing the King
By all constitutional means, I know
But now that your supporters demand a republic, you leave for the countryside
- You have a problem with that ? - No. It's very reasonable
I've recently wished that Camille wouldn't call so violently...
... for the overthrow of the King
I'm surprised ; you've argued so strongly for trying the King before the Tribunal
The Assembly did not agree. I accept the will of the majority
But good God, where do you stand ?
The republic - what does it mean to you ?
One could just as easily speak of a republican monarchy...
... as of a monarchical republic
I remember my courses in constitutional law
France is both a monarchy and a republic
That's the constitution we've created the last two years
We live in an imperfect world
To advance the Revolution we need a King
But we mustn't ask for too much
Because seeking perfection is asking too much ?
You don't think so ?
I believe that it's the purpose of life
You have the authority ; martial law has been declared
This demonstration is illegal
Your duty is plain, General : put an end to it
July 17, 1791
The National Guard !
In the name of the National Assembly, I order you to disperse
Let him go
Disperse peacefully
You know me ; you can trust me
Join us, Lafayette !
Then we'll trust you !
Don't make me use force
Traitor ! You wouldn't dare !
Ready !
Aim !
Over their heads--
Fire !
It's to scare us ! They're firing blanks !
Aim !
Soldiers ! You're citizens like us !
You can't fire on unarmed people ! Your brothers !
Fire !
Stop ! Cease fire !
Maxime ! They want to kill us all !
Monsieur Robespierre, if you'll take refuge in my house I'd be very honored
Monsieur...
Duplay... Maurice Duplay
I respect you greatly and am a member of the Jacobin Club, like you
Thank you
- I have a dog in my apartment - I'll go, later
The sewers
London Winter 1791
Jean-Paul, you have a visitor
They said you were sick
A little gift from the sewers
I should have left faster, like you
- May I ? - Please
Any news from Paris ?
Desmoulins has gone to live in the country
His paper banned, his press smashed up
He has no reason to go back
Rosbespierre is no longer a Deputy
There was only one mistake he couldn't make and he made it
His decree forbidding him to run again for the Legislature
I know
A general amnesty has been declared. Do you plan to go back ?
I'll go back when it's useful. For now the King is working for us
He's using his veto to protect the emigrés and dissident priests
He's turning the country against him
Maybe the country but not the rest of Europe
There's a real threat of invasion
The Revolution is a danger for crowned heads everywhere
I hope that's the case
We're in no condition to wage war
And however it ends, it will only help the King
What do you propose ?
Go back to Paris
We can be more useful over there
In Paris
To argue compromise ?
No : to get guarantees
I have no need of guarantees, Danton
But I have less to lose than you
That's your opinion
We have nothing to fear from war
Through it we will purge France of the despotism that suffocates her
Do you hope with one blow to destroy the aristocracy ? Rebellious priests ?
All who oppose the Revolution ?
We must destroy the army of emigrés gathered at Koblentz while we talk
Only when we've crushed all hope of outside help...
... will the King be forced to govern according to the Constitution
War is not a solution
Listen to me, Brissot, and all you Girondins
To use this tribunal to declare war is intolerable
All offensive war is by its nature counter-revolutionary
Have you so little confidence in the revolutionary cause ?
It is not enough for one people to invade another people's land...
... to make them adopt their law and constitution
The people of Europe wait for us !
Nobody loves armed missionaries !
Gentlemen, the King !
Gentlemen, you know the results of my negotiations with the Viennese court
The conclusions have been unanimously approved by my council
They are in line with your wishes...
... and the opinions of many citizens throughout the kingdom
All refuse to see the dignity of the people of France insulted any longer
As was my duty, I've done my best to keep the peace
But I come here today, in accordance with the Constitution...
... to propose a declaration of war
There will be no mercy for the leaders of the Revolution if we lose the war
Even for those who tried to save the monarchy
Don't go back to Paris
Gabrielle, I have to
Come back soon
I promise. But if things go wrong don't wait
Go straight to England. You know where our money is there.
Be careful
Belgian frontier
April 28, 1792
That's a first lesson
There will be plenty of others
General Dillon was killed by his own men after the defeat
A general !
What have your ministers decided ?
Tell me !
I can't
I can't. Please
Our enemies are in France ; our friends outside
I'm writing to my nephew, the Emperor Franz
What has your Council decided ?
You must tell me !
A thousand ! Two thousand !
Ten thousand heads must fall here in France !
It's a trifle compared to the thousands of good citizens...
... sacrificed on the field of battle by the traitors among us !
The greatest of these traitors is Louis Capet, with his Austrian spy...
With his valet, Lafayette, who still dares to give orders to the Assembly
Do we want a military dictatorship because of the fancies of a king...
... who still uses his veto against the security of the nation ?
June 20, 1792
Checkmate
Bring the cannon through !
What can I do for you ?
We want to speak to the King
- I'll see if he can receive you - You go ask him - on your knees !
A nice sty for a pig !
What can I do for you ?
The nation pays you 24 million a year to listen to us
But I am listening to you
You've fooled us before ; you won't do it again
But watch out, because the people mean business
We demand you withdraw your veto
I did what the constitution required me to do
Withdraw your veto or I'll slice you in half !
I'm not afraid to die
I received the Sacraments this morning
Dying is the best service you could do your country
Our nation has no better friend than I, sir
Prove it !
If you're with the nation, put on the patriot's cap
Gladly
Let the Mayor of Paris through !
Sire, I'm sorry. I found out too late
You know who you remind me of, Monsieur Pétion ?
Monsieur de Lafayette
If the slightest violence is done to the King and the Royal Family
If their freedom and security are not guaranteed...
... their Imperial Majesties will exact a revenge which will never be forgotten
Paris will be given to total military execution...
... and the guilty rebels the torture they deserve
Count Fersen, let's hope our warning has the intended effect
This document is signed by the Duke of Brunswick himself
The Commanding General of the Prussian army
Brunswick, who marches on Paris !
Brunswick, who dares to threaten us !
Brunswick will have no response to his arrogance
France will deal him the most humiliating defeat
I propose that the Assembly declare the homeland in danger
To arms, citizens ! To arms, free men !
Defend our freedom !
- What are you whistling there ? - I can sing it, too
Where did you learn that ?
At Strasburg. A carpenter was singing it
I admit I was against this war
I believed it could not serve the cause of Liberty
But now it must
I believed this country wasn't ready for victory, and until today I was right
We no longer have a choice
We must have victory and we will
But we will not crush our enemies...
... before we destroy those within
So now you agree with Marat ?
Not totally. Marat wants to replace the King with a revolutionary dictatorship
That's not a solution
Tyranny is the same, whether exercised by a man wearing a crown...
... or 700 others wearing the tricolor
Then, what do you suggest ?
I have faith in the Constitution.
It's not perfect, but it contains the makings of perfection
I wish for the election of a new National Convention...
... based on the principles the Assembly has lost sight of
Basically, you want to get rid of those friendly to the King :
Those we permitted to put him back on the throne after Varennes
Don't underestimate them
Lafayette would be only too happy to finish what began on the Champs de Mars
And I'd be only too happy...
... to have the chance to finish Lafayette
Is Marseilles beautiful ?
As beautiful as Paris with sea thrown in
And sunny !
Men of Marseilles, have you drunk well ?
Have you eaten well ?
Are you ready to serve Paris ?
Because Paris is counting on you !
August 10, 1792
- Take this - I don't know how to use it
Then I'll shoot for both of us
- Be careful - Don't worry
I'm so scared
Everything will be settled by dawn
It's time to set up our own Commune
The unrest is spreading across Paris
I propose that the guard at the Tuileries be doubled
Other measures should follow, in particular--
Citizens, the Commune is dissolved
I protest this intrusion
I register your protest
- As President of the Council... - Let me advise the Council
Get out, quickly
Don't make any problems
You have five minutes
I believe my duty is to avoid bloodshed
Tomorrow we will resume the discussions entrusted us by the Paris electorate
Don't count on it
Take the Presidency, Danton
No, we'll proceed with proper elections
Where is Hébert ?
You will preside for the interim
Check the mandates of the delegates who are here
I believe you'll need a secretary : Taillant, sit here
The Insurrectionary Commune is now in session
Citizens, be vigilant
We can't allow the guard at the Tuileries to be reinforced
I'll deal with the Tuileries myself
The Republic is worth losing a few hours of sleep for. Come on !
- Where were you ? - I went to reassure the women
We'll go back to the Hôtel de Ville ; from there we can hold all of Paris
Your Majesty, Pierre Roederer, Attorney General of the department
I came to verify Your Majesty's safety
So many people are concerned about my safety !
Last night Monsieur Mandat, Commander of the National Guard...
... assured me that my guard would be reinforced
Sire, Monsieur Mandat is dead
Murdered by order of Danton's Insurrectional Commune
What should I do, sir ?
My Swiss guard is not strong enough to defend the palace
If I were in Your Majesty's place--
Yes, if you were in my place ?
I would review the palace's National Guard. I believe they are loyal
It's our last chance
I will stake my throne on this last chance
The King !
Down with the King !
Don't expect us to fire on our brothers !
Come, Sire, quickly !
Sire, all my men are in position
Sire, these gentlemen are members of the Directory of the Department
The Constitution is supposed to safeguard the security of every Frenchman
I see that it does not apply to me
What should we do now, Monsieur Roederer ?
The National Assembly is in permanent session
We think that you and your family should seek refuge there...
... while there's still a way through
No, sir ! Here we are defended ; why should we leave ?
Madame, all Paris is marching on the Tuileries
The troops from Marseilles, Bretagne, everyone
Look for yourself, Madame
All of Paris, Madame. How can we fight back ?
Then let's go. Come Madame
Open the gates
The King and his family are going to the National Assembly
In the name of the Assembly, I ask you to respect their persons
Gentlemen, I come here to avert a great crime
I believe I can only be safe among you
Sire, you can count on the courage of the National Assembly
Gentlemen, the session continues
Who will look after my Swiss guards ?
And my house, and those we've left behind ?
Fate, Sire
Sire, there was nothing more we could do
Charles
As of this moment, there is no longer a king in France