Napoleon and Josephine: A Love Story (1987): Season 1, Episode 1 - Episode #1.1 - full transcript
[instrumental music]
[music continues]
[mob yelling]
[drumroll]
You duchess. Get down.
Come here.
Give me the hair.
Give me the hair!
Alright, duchess. Hands behind your back.
[groans]
Yeah!
[crowd yelling]
Come on!
Take off her head!
[gasping]
[groaning]
[crowd cheering]
Step right up, citizens
for a good luck souvenir
'of the old regime.'
A genuine piece of aristocracy
to show your grandchildren.
A, a duchess, no less
'and all for a few centimes.'
Monsieur de Paris.
- You. - Come on!
'Executioner.'
The remains of the deceased
are property of the revolutionary tribunal.
'I hold you personally at risk for their disposition.'
Default..
...you forfeit your head.
Quite the aristocrat lover, aren't you
my little toy soldier?
Get out of my way.
You've cost me more than a few francs.
Make amends, or I'll tell this crowd
there's a suspected royalist officer among them.
They'll tear you apart with their own hands.
'They'll pluck out your eyes'
'raise your head on a pike.'
They've done it before, for less cause.
Get out of my way.
I could kill you.
Yes?
Your hand shakes.
You're afraid of me?
'Cause if not, you should be.
'For the last time.'
[groans]
[groaning]
[grunts]
[indistinct chatter]
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners
now and at the hour of our death, amen.
[guillotine blade drops]
[crowd cheering]
[ballroom music]
[woman crying]
(woman) 'No!'
'No!'
[crowd cheering]
[guillotine blade drops]
[crowd cheering]
Mama.
I'm afraid.
My baby.
(man) 'The following prisoners'
'will come forward for punishment.'
(Hortense) 'Look, mama. They're coming.'
Citizeness Josephine de Beauharnais.
You're on tomorrow's list.
Dear God.
You wanted to know.
Please help me.
I can do nothing.
Mommy. Mommy. Mo..
Keep quiet. Go!
Mommy.
Poor child.
What crime has that child committed?
She suckled at the breast of an aristocratic mother.
The order comes directly from Citizen Robespierre.
Please help, I beg you.
Not for me, but for them, for my children.
Their father was executed today.
After tomorrow, they will have no one.
You are a good man.
You still have a heart.
And a head to lose.
Please..
Help me. I will give you anything I can.
The colonnade, in the courtyard, tonight.
[crowd cheering]
- Hut! Hut! Hut! - Ho. Ho. Ho.
You're advised to be brief. Robespierre's a busy man.
The revolution is his life.
And ours.
A word of caution. He is the master of the fancied slight.
Careful.
Citizen Bonaparte.
Citizen Barras' reports on your military abilities
are very impressive.
Especially your victory over the English
at Toulon Harbor.
Imagination. Daring. Skill.
He's very young.
'And short.'
He's Corsican.
Robespierre needs officers
who are skilled, daring, loyal.
'You're fortunate to have been brought'
'to Robespierre's attention.'
Blessed, one might say
though we are not given to religious metaphor
despite those who see Robespierre as a God.
There is an uprising in the Vendee.
It must be put down.
The command would rate a general officer.
Well?
No.
You refuse Robespierre?
And all you have to say is no?
I was advised to be brief.
You were represented as a supporter of the government.
I am a soldier.
There can be only one explanation for your refusal.
It is personal.
Robespierre must accept this.
He must take your rejection personally.
Good day, Citizen Bonaparte.
Corsican.
You're ambitious.
You want an army to command.
He offers it to you, and you threw it back in his face.
Citizen Robespierre is no longer stable.
He is eccentric, perhaps.
Insane. He thinks he's the almighty.
In matters of life and death..
...he is.
Yes?
Well, he won't stop killing until he's killed everyone
including, I'm sure, the executioner.
Or someone has killed him.
You're very bold.
No...I'm a realist.
Halt!
Citizen Bonaparte, you're under arrest.
Sir.
Adieu.
[indistinct chatter]
Citizeness
we haven't much time.
My friend, Therese de Fontenay
is also a prisoner here.
She has contacts with people on the outside
people who can help my children.
I must see her. I need one more day.
The warrants for the condemned
will be handed out in the morning.
Oh, plead illness. Leave for the day.
Take my papers with you.
I know your revolution, citizen.
It will not budge without its paperwork.
The documents will be redrawn.
Yes, but I will have the, the day
I will have the night.
I have nothing to give you.
But myself.
Do you want me?
Yes.
Here? Now?
[cell door clanging]
Tomorrow night. Here.
At this hour.
[coughing]
[woman sobbing]
Please help me.
I'll do my best, but it may be too late.
Those that could help are now frightened for themselves.
Alexandre should have sent those children to England
'while there was still time.'
He always thought that the revolution would make
an exception in his case.
'He was a fool.'
Gah. Look.
And there he is, the fool.
Alexandre de Beauharnais himself.
It's bad luck.
He was the worst husband nature ever allowed.
Our marriage began with a rage
because I didn't know how to spell.
[chuckling]
Ended with him leaving me for his mistress.
He was heartsickness.
Mm-hmm.
He even propositioned me once.
Successfully, I'm sure.
Well, he was attractive.
'Damn him'
and myself for ever having loved him.
I was a bigger fool than he was.
Never again, Therese. Never.
Look. The sun.
- Now, that's good luck. - 'Yes.'
Barras, what is it?
Arrest him.
Citizeness.
I was on my way to see you.
- Were you? - Yes, believe me.
There is no need for our meeting, citizeness.
What do you mean? I don't understand.
Robespierre has been arrested
for crimes against the revolution.
'Barras has taken over the government.'
The executions will cease immediately.
The terror has ended.
Cell 23. Prisoner Bonaparte.
- Bourrienne. - Heh.
Bourrienne.
[both laughing]
Napoleon.
Have you brought a firing squad?
Oh, you're free.
Barras has convinced the other members of the new government
that you're innocent.
He sent me to bring you to Paris.
'He wants you to command his troops.'
Already there is talk of insurrection
a royalist plot to regain power
and betray the revolution.
Nothing personal, citizen.
Nothing personal..
...on either side.
[band music]
[crowd chattering]
[door opens]
[cheering]
Where are we going to live, mama?
- I don't know, darling. - I don't care.
As long as we don't have to stay here.
I hate this place.
You must never think of it again as long as you live.
And you, Eugene, you must never forget it.
[indistinct chatter]
Thank you, Citizen Barras.
Thank you. God bless you.
Therese, please, my dear
I am a politician.
It is my duty to accept gratitude.
You must meet my friend.
She's perfect for you..
...and she's destitute.
Look, she is homeless, she is unattached
and she is adorable.
And that means that you wish to be rid of me, doesn't it?
No, no.
It means I wish to share you.
Look. There she is.
Josephine.
Therese.
This is my dear Paul Barras.
Josephine de Beauharnais.
Enchanted.
Tallien.
Barras is the head of our new government.
Be nice to him.
Are you really homeless?
Did Therese tell you?
Yes.
And unattached?
Yes.
So am I, it would seem.
But one mustn't take these things too seriously.
'Don't you agree?'
Well, I am, by nature, agreeable, citizen.
You are adorable.
I have a house in the Rue Chantereine.
I don't reside there.
The government has put certain
apartments at my disposal
closer to my official duties.
Until such time as you find quarters
more suitable to your liking
would you accept my hospitality
as well as a certain measure of my companionship?
[gunfire]
Musket fire, near the Tuileries palace.
It's very annoying.
Also a good distance from the Rue Chantereine.
In any case..
[laughs] We're on the winning side.
Will you stay on the winning side, Citizen Barras?
Whichever side that may be, Citizeness Beauharnais.
(Barras) However, I have found a brave officer
to take command of the palace guard.
By tonight, he will defeat our royalist enemies.
Look, Marchand, They can't touch him.
[men screaming]
Forward!
[shouting]
I'll only be a moment, ladies.
[distant explosions]
'Are we losing the battle?'
My carriage.
Waiting.
Your guests?
No need to alarm them.
Citizen Barras.
You're alive.
Thank God.
Yes, the enemy is on the run.
Victory?
Victory.
I was concerned for my guests.
Therese! Josephine!
We have won!
We found a soldier.
General Bonaparte.
A bottle of our best wine.
A toast to the revolution.
I shall instruct the war department
to authorize your commission immediately.
A general in command of an army
an army with a mission.
Did you hear me, general?
That's the most beautiful woman I've ever seen.
Citizeness Beauharnais?
She is as agreeable and charming
as she is lovely.
Come meet her.
No, no. I'm filthy.
Of course.
Perhaps another time.
Another time, then.
And where is your winning general?
Unfortunately, General Bonaparte has been wounded.
Seriously?
- Mortally, I'm afraid. - Oh, dear.
By a single glimpse
of our Josephine.
Oh. Oh.
[laughing]
[flute music]
Napoleon says he has been made the general.
A general?
He's been put in command of an army.
There aren't enough strawberries for everyone.
Louis. Jerome.
The birds ate most of the berries.
- You ate the rest. - Ooh. I hate you.
Stop it, both of you.
And they're in bivouac awaiting orders to march.
[door closing]
What is it?
Napoleon wants me to go to Paris
as soon as possible.
Your brother has been made a great general.
Just a general, mama.
Why does he want Joseph to go to Paris?
Perhaps he wants my counsel, Louis.
But Lucien's already in Paris.
Louis, I am the eldest brother in this family.
- I always forget that. - Damn it!
Joseph!
Louis.
What is it, mama?
Your brother has been made a general.
Kill the rooster. We're going to celebrate.
A general. Will I have a horse?
The rooster, now.
'This is a time to rejoice.'
At last, good fortune has come to us.
Napoleon will make it so.
That is his destiny.
Mama..
It is so, Joseph.
I've known that from the moment
he was conceived in my womb.
[soldier yelling]
Yes?
An order has been posted.
All citizens must surrender their arms.
What have you for us?
A cannon?
My sword.
This is an officer's saber.
Where did you get this?
'Corporal.'
Sir, the boy's surrendering his weapon.
He says it's his.
It's my father's.
He was killed. It's mine now.
It's English steel.
It's the best.
I thought it might be stolen.
A boy that size couldn't even draw such a weapon.
Perhaps he can. Come.
Go ahead. Try.
Do you remember Alexander the Great?
How did he untie the Gordian knot?
He cut it.
Well, don't the sword from the scabbard.
Take the scabbard from the sword.
My father's name was Alexandre.
Oh?
Alexandre de Beauharnais.
I'm going to be a soldier, too.
When I'm old enough.
Hmm.
Well, you keep it.
You'll need it.
When you're old enough.
De Beauharnais.
Uhh..
Now, whenever you come upon the Gordian knot
just, uh, remember Alexander.
Yes, sir.
See? The Gordian knot.
Do you understand, mama?
General Bonaparte said I could come
to his headquarters anytime I wished.
I understand too well.
This man is encouraging you
to be a soldier.
'I don't want you to be a soldier.'
- Please, mama. - I want you alive.
That's a better trick.
I've a good mind to call on your General Bonaparte
'and set him straight about your future.'
No, mama, please.
Madame.
Citizen Barras has arrived.
Why does he come here?
It is his house.
But we live here.
Only because he lets us.
Do you love him?
I love only two people..
...in this whole world.
You and your sister.
Do you like him?
Enough.
And so do you.
He would never make a soldier.
Be about your books.
General Bonaparte.
Hmm.
I am Josephine De Beauharnais.
Oh.
I wish to thank you
for returning my son's sword.
Oh, well..
...y-you're welcome.
Though I confess, I-I do not wish
to see him encouraged to pursue a military career.
Ah.
Oh, well, I can see you are occupied.
Yes. I, uh..
Perhaps we shall meet again.
When?
Is there something wrong with your hand?
It's shaking uncontrollably.
I-I'm in love with you.
You know, uh, I fell in love with you..
...the first time I saw you.
You mustn't.
Tell that to my heart.
Tell your heart
I have been in love before.
Only a fool makes the same mistake twice.
'Anyway, you can't be in love with me.'
You don't know anything about me.
Oh, no, no, no, no, no.
You are Creole.
You were born on the island of Martinique.
An aristocrat, huh.
You came to France at 15 to marry the distant cousin
De Beauharnais, you have two children
that boy, Eugene, and a girl, Hortense.
She's aged 10.
Oh, you are reputed to be as charming
and agreeable as you are.
You are lovely.
And you're obviously of the sensual nature
which is the legacy, no doubt of your Creole blood.
I understand these things.
You know, I-I am island-bred myself.
You're over-generous, no?
You were condemned to the guillotine for trying
to help aristocratic friends of all stripes
in particular, your former husband.
And you're superstitious, I know
because you believe in tarot cards.
How do you know all this about me?
Uh, I made a study of you.
Did your barracks room gossip
tell you secrets of my toilette?
The exact location of my beauty marks
and the frequency of my sexual encounters?
I'm afraid you're displeased.
Did they tell you too that I don't know how to spell?
Worse than displeased. I see clearly you are angry.
I feel as if I have been stripped naked
and stood before a tribunal of one.
Have I been found guilty or innocent?
May it please the court, what is my sentence?
Oh, I have offended Madame.
Truly, I-I-I am truly sorry.
- Please forgive me. - No.
Good day, general.
[birds chirping]
(Therese) 'The dress is perfect. What is the material?'
(Josephine) 'It's the petal of living roses from the garden.'
- Our guests? - She's dressing, Barras.
[laughs]
That's better.
But a bit chilly.
Do you like it?
Extraordinary.
Oh, thank you.
She has nothing underneath.
Shocking.
[laughing]
General Bonaparte will be pleased.
General Bonaparte?
You didn't tell me you were going to invite him.
Need I?
I would prefer to choose my own conquests, Barras.
You've seriously affected him, my dear.
He obviously desires a liaison with you.
Demands, it would seem.
If you like.
[ballroom music]
[indistinct chatter]
General Bonaparte. May I introduce myself?
- Citizen Talleyrand. - Have we met?
I recognize you by your limp.
I have approached your quartermaster
with regards to provisioning your army
but he is persistently unavailable
to me and to my interests.
'I would appreciate if you asked him to accept'
'our proposition.'
He has orders to shun war profiteers.
Indeed.
I confess I was testing you, general.
One can't be too vigilant
now that your mission has been decided upon.
Ah. You didn't know. Forgive me.
As foreign minister, I'm privy to a variety of information.
I'm sure you will be told, in good time.
[indistinct chatter]
You've not welcomed General Bonaparte.
I'm not in the mood to be bartered, Barras.
Pity.
My instincts tell me..
...that my fortunes ride
on this unprepossessing soldier.
My instincts have served me well heretofore
and you too, I might add.
It would be bad luck to ignore them.
It's unlike you to court bad luck, dearest.
Perhaps you should consult your tarot cards again.
Your little general is either stupid or perverse.
[chuckles] Naive.
There are fortunes to be made
from this campaign, Barras.
He must be set straight.
He will be.
[whistling]
- Good evening. - Shh.
I don't want mama to see me.
- I'm supposed to be asleep. - Oh.
Well, you are Hortense.
[growling]
Hush, Fortune.
His name's Fortune. What's yours?
Napoleon.
What an odd name.
It's really Nabouglione.
That's even odder, so I'll call you Napoleon.
Would you get me some champagne, Napoleon?
No.
Why not?
Because a child your age should never drink
anything but red wine.
We've got to dance, then.
Yes, I would love to, but I can't.
My father was the best dancer in the whole of France.
Everyone said so.
Yes, well, he probably didn't learn to dance
in a military school like I did.
'Come, I'll teach you.'
Uh, I can't. Really.
- Come. - No, I can't. Please.
Just count with the music.
One, two, three. One, two, three.
- I understand. - 'One, two, three.'
- One, two, three. - This is impossible.
You have to move your feet too.
That's what makes it dancing.
Now turn.
- I can't. - Try.
That's it. Now we're dancing.
One, two, three.
One, two, three.
'One, two, three.'
You're a much better teacher than my roommate
at the military school.
[Fortune barking]
[laughing]
[barking]
What are you doing here? You should be in bed, asleep.
Stop it, Fortune. Stop it.
Where's Louise?
I had to teach Napoleon how to dance.
Louise, take this child up to bed right away.
[barking]
Fortune, stop it.
- Goodnight. - Goodnight.
- Goodnight, Napoleon. - Goodnight.
[ballroom music continues]
I must apologize for my rudeness the other afternoon.
Oh, there's no need. I, I was insufferable.
Barras told you all those things about me, didn't he?
I insisted to do so.
You probably do know
the exact location of my beauty marks.
'Oh, no.'
I mean, as a soldier, I..
...prefer personal reconnaissance.
Perhaps you would like to dance with me?
I would like to try.
[indistinct chatter]
[ballroom music]
One, two, three.
One, two, three.
- One, two, three. - What are you doing?
I'm counting.
You and Hortense seemed to be enjoying yourselves.
Oh, your little girl is very dear.
Though I cannot say as much for her dog.
You have a nice smile, general. You should smile more often.
Barras thinks you are important.
Oh, yes, somewhat.
I will be more so.
Forget whatever designs you have on Josephine.
Barras has plans for her and General Bonaparte.
You interfere
you will remain a colonel forever.
You be wise.
You be mine.
Well...at least for tonight.
[both chuckle]
You're loveliest woman here, do you know that?
You don't even have the advantage of being naked.
- Barely. - I love you.
- You are impetuous. - Impatient.
Do you want to be my lover?
Forever.
Then Barras would have his way.
Barras, the procurer. And I would feel like a pawn.
- Or worse, a prostitute. - Does it matter?
Oh, you're as perverted as he is.
- No, Barras is homosexual. - Not entirely.
'Have all your lovers been homosexual?'
- Of course not. - It's not important to me.
General Bonaparte, I am not a woman of great virtue.
I cannot afford to be and even if I could
I don't know if I would want to be.
But I'm not a prostitute.
Well, I had no intention of paying you.
General Bonaparte, your adjutant is here.
It would seem, uh, on a matter of some importance.
Madame.
I will call upon you.
- Italy. - When?
The date hasn't been set, but soon.
I am very pleased, my dear.
Ah!
General Bonaparte.
Arrivederci.
[laughs]
We'll make safe passage, mother. Never fear.
It's France that I fear..
...and the French.
Be vigilant, Joseph.
Be his other eyes.
'Or they will steal from us the rewards'
that are rightfully ours.
I know them.
I have dreams of them, the French.
Your dreams are false, mother.
No Frenchman, no man alive
is a match for him or ever was.
But their women, Joseph.
It's their women that haunt my dreams.
Go with God, my son.
You go for all of us.
Hut...and...hut...and..
Italy.
Where is Italy, sergeant?
Italy, Marchand.
It's in Spain.
Exciting times, eh, Joseph?
Uh, the nervous times.
Paris, huh. A city of plots and plotters.
Factions within factions.
You know, I'm glad you've come. I needed someone I could trust.
- What about Lucien? - No, he's not speaking to me.
He feels I've compromised his revolution now.
What? By becoming part of it?
- So how are they? - As always.
Pauline was not speaking to Eliza or to Caroline.
Now they are.
Louis, speaking to none of them.
[chuckles]
- And the mother? - Proud of you.
Well, I'll make her even prouder.
Listen, before too long, she's gonna be a grandmother.
- Dear God. - I'm gonna be married, Joseph.
And she is the most divine creature ever created.
- She's with child? - No.
She has already two of her own
but...we'll be having our own soon.
I'd say at least eight of them.
God in heaven.
Say, listen, when you meet her, say nothing of this
because she doesn't know yet we're going to be married.
So, you can imagine her surprise.
No, but I can imagine that of our mother.
[Napoleon laughing]
When are you going to sleep with him?
- I may not. - Oh.
[indistinct chatter]
There is something rather frightening about him.
All that passion.
The absurd self-confidence.
The energy.
He's like a, a force of nature.
You're afraid that if you sleep with him
you'll fall in love with him.
Me?
No. Never. Never again.
'Besides, I wouldn't give Barras the satisfaction.'
Oh, pooh.
I have decided one thing, though.
'What?'
The night dress..
...or the lingerie.
I've decided I'm going to buy both.
[both laughing]
(Napoleon) 'History, Eugene, is, uh..'
'...it's a matter of geography.'
Austria, Russia, Prussia, England, Spain, Netherlands
all must be contained now.
'Confined.'
And will they become a part of France then?
No.
Only France is France. Here.
'You see, they'll be sovereign nations.'
They'll be influenced by France.
All the stronger and more prosperous
for it too, I promise you.
Louise, could you take these things to the bedroom, please?
What a pleasant surprise.
Official rumor has it the date
of my army's departure has been set.
So I took the liberty of calling upon you.
I hope I'm not unwelcome.
On the contrary.
Perhaps you'd like to stay for supper?
I would be honored.
Well, until this evening, then.
Until this evening.
- I'll tell the cook. - No, dear.
'It won't be necessary.'
It'll just be General Bonaparte and I for supper.
You're going to your great-aunt Beauharnais' for the evening.
Yes, mama.
Your dinner was excellent.
I don't know how you tasted it.
I have never seen anyone eat a meal more quickly.
I've just trained myself never to spend
more than twelve minutes eating dinner.
- 'Why?' - It leaves more time for work.
'Of course, if I impressed you at dinner'
you would be astonished by my lunch.
- Ten minutes? - Eight.
[laughing]
You're funny, Bonaparte.
Come. I want to show you the rest of the house.
Hortense's room.
It was a nice kiss.
- Again? - No.
I must keep my wits about me.
- Must you? - Yes.
I have something very important to say to you.
I thought..
...you wanted to be my lover...forever.
I do.
That's why.
I want to marry you.
You are funny, Bonaparte.
'Don't you know the revolution has made
'marriage unfashionable?'
Yes, and fashions change.
Marriage will come back in fashion
then we'll be the first to be fashionable.
I want you..
...for my wife.
No.
Why? You don't love me?
No.
You do love me, though?
No.
Oh.
It doesn't matter then...to me.
It's much better to love than to be loved anyway.
Needing to be loved, it makes for bad strategy
and worse, it puts one always at the whim of the beloved soul.
It would be different.
No.
I know about...love..
...and marriage.
The unconditional surrender.
The prize who becomes the possession.
The one beloved..
...who finds herself just another one made love to.
I have been a wife.
I would much rather be a mistress.
You're shaking.
Are you cold?
No.
(soldier) 'Squad! Move out!'
[indistinct shouting]
They're throwing a political argument onto her.
- That is not the truth. - It is the truth!
- Lucien is right, Napoleon. - No, you lie, Lucien.
You lie because you hate me.
You hate the principles that I stand for.
You stand for nothing, Napoleon,
- but your own ambition. - Lucien!
You've always been an opportunist.
You've always withheld your decisions
until events provided you with a clue to the outcome.
You turned against the movement for Corsican independence
'at the first hint that it was doomed.'
Yes, and I would again. I'm not stupid.
- You have no heart! - No, I'm not a romantic
where politics are concerned.
But you must admit, Napoleon, Lucien's assessment
of this woman is exactly what our mother foresaw.
A female skilled in the arts of passion.
Steeped in treachery and guile.
- A Frenchwoman. - An older woman.
An aristocratic whore.
The aristocratic whore of the whore Barras.
My god, what are you doing?
Stop, he's your brother!
[groaning]
Our brother has the potential to be a tyrant, Joseph.
He would be one if he could be.
- Mark my words. - Enough!
'Can't you see he's having a seizure?'
[Napoleon wheezing]
Forgive me, Napoleon.
Shall I call the regimental surgeon?
Uh-uh.
It's alright.
It's passed.
It's passed.
Am I to understand that he proposed marriage
and you rejected him?
Ill-advised, I would say.
Marriage? Me?
Married to him, to anyone?
Forgive me, Barras..
...if my first concern..
...is not for your interests.
Madame.
Eugene is home.
And, uh..
...General Bonaparte has stopped by..
...for a map he had forgotten.
Oh, thank you, Louise.
I admire your independence.
It takes great strength of character
to turn one's back on the rewards
which would normally flow to an influential woman
like the wife of a general of the armies.
Well, I mean it, Barras.
What is the temptation of profit
from military supply contracts and the like
when a principle is at stake?
None, Barras. None.
Profits that could be made
without the investment of a centime of one's own.
I am not interested, Barras.
Profits that could be used
for the children's schools
'and for the expenses of this house.'
What are you talking about?
I haven't wanted to tell you, but I must.
I will be forced to sell this house, I'm afraid.
Marriage to such a man
could ensure your welfare and that of your children.
But I understand.
'Your decision is a matter of honor.'
(Josephine) 'General Bonaparte!'
A moment, please.
I would like to speak to you.
[church bells tolling]
[indistinct chatter]
[sighs]
Well, shall we?
Let's get on with it.
The lady's been kept waiting long enough as it is.
The ceremony will begin.
Would you kneel, please?
Before a civil magistrate? No. It's a formality.
We're already married in the eyes of God.
(magistrate) 'We gather here to bear witness to the joining..'
I felt certain changes were necessary
in a letter to my mother, so I took the liberty of making..
You know I can't spell.
Well, in addition, I added a phrase, you see.
Just an imagery.
(magistrate) '...vested in me by the directory of our--'
This is not a letter. This is an aria.
Oh, she's an operatic woman, here.
"Till I bask in the sunshine of your infinite kindness."
This sort of thing delights her. I promise you.
You will receive a paean of affection in return for this.
- 'Bourrienne.' - The ring, general.
[laughs]
Thank you.
Just read the inscription.
- "To destiny." - "A true glory.."
To you.
I told you I would impose my will on destiny.
I pronounce you man and wife.
Come.
[clears throat]
Ah. My army leaves in nine days.
Let's get on with our honeymoon, hmm?
Good day and good luck.
"I count the days, dearest mother..
"...of my dear, dear husband..
"...until I bask in the sunshine of your infinite kindness."
Signed..
"Your loving daughter, Josephine."
'Napoleon has also written me a letter'
which I am instructed to copy..
...sign and send, welcoming her to my breast.
Perhaps I will compose a letter of my own.
Welcome to my breast..
...Viper!
"Older woman with two children of her own
who are probably bastards, if the truth be known.
Whore, who conspires to cheat
her victim's innocent brothers and sisters
and his mother!
'Father, forgive him.'
He's been blinded by this woman.
But I will do as he asks.
It is Joseph who has failed us.
I should not have asked my firstborn to do
what he's too weak to do.
Fire must be fought with fire.
One of you must go to Paris.
Pauline.
I will not say goodbye.
It is too painful.
'Be careful.'
Bridegroom goeth.
He is ardent, I must say.
Your hair's all a tangle.
I'll help you put it straight.
It will be like old times.
No, Barras.
[marching band music]
(Napoleon) "My Josephine..
"My army has crossed the Alps.
"I now march through Northern Italy
"to force these Italian states to surrender
"before Austria can intervene.
"Please think on him who thinks of you constantly.
"There is no meaning to victory without you.
Please reply."
My brothers in arms!
You are, from this day forward..
...the army of Italy!
(all) Hooray!
To our glory!
We have bestowed upon us the task
of bringing to the people of Italy..
...the bounty of our own revolution!
[soldiers cheering]
You have rushed down from the heights of the Apennines
like a torrent!
And now yours is to be the immortal glory!
[soldiers cheering]
You have changed the face of the fairest land in Europe.
As in time to come, you will change the face of all Europe!
You now show the world
what stuff the soldier of France is made of!
- Liberty! - Liberty!
- 'Equality!' - Equality!
- Fraternity! - Fraternity!
Democracy!
(all) Democracy!
[cannons firing]
[men shouting]
(man) 'Fire!'
[explosion]
[yelling]
Now!
Grenadiers, now!
[men screaming]
[drumroll]
Fire!
[man shouting]
Keep up, Marchand. Stay in line.
[explosions]
Let them strike them hard enough.
This day is ours!
This day is ours!
Another victory, general.
I always win.
(all) 'Napoleon! Napoleon!'
'Napoleon! Napoleon!'
Always.
[soldier groaning]
(Napoleon) "You said in your last letter received by courier
"four long days ago, you have no stomach
"for news of the fight so I will tell you
"only what is in my heart.
"I love you.
"And I will love you forever.
"My army is embarked upon the greatest military adventure
"since Alexander.
"I think of nothing but you.
"Why do you torture me?
Why have I had no word from you in four long days?"
Come with me to the country this weekend.
'Barras has taken a house in Capua.'
He'd be so pleased.
Well, I can't. I have to make a speech.
Um. You?
To the society of veterans in Neuilly.
An invitation to the wife of the popular General Bonaparte.
And my presence has been commanded
at the unveiling of a statue
honoring our glorious revolution
that came within a whisper of taking my head off.
Does he think I enjoy these things?
I hate it. I hate being in the public eye.
The courier, madame.
Could you put it with the others, Louise?
Yes, madame.
- He is attentive. - Mm. Three letters today.
Two yesterday, three the day before.
But you haven't opened them.
Well, I haven't finished replying
to the ones I got two weeks ago.
How do you spell exhausted?
- May I? - Mm.
"You have not answered my letter of a fortnight ago.
"Why are you so cruel?
I love you to distraction."
Oh, dear.
I could envy you, Therese..
...divorcing your husband.
"Josephine, I will not live with this silence.
"I implore you to come to Italy now.
"At once.
"To ensure your safety, I will attack
"the Italians at Roveresco.
"My staff does not believe we are ready.
"But I'll conquer Italy to make it safe for you alone.
For you alone are all that I hold dear to me on Earth"
Fire!
[explosions]
[men screaming]
Fire!
Aah!
Stretcher!
The infantry will never reach those guns.
They're not supposed to.
But I thought you said that position
was the key to Roveresco.
It is.
Murat..
...your cavalry.
We'll finish them.
And if they don't?
I promise you, we will win.
Forward!
Fire!
[screaming]
Fire at will!
You were right again.
Italy is ours.
Well, she has no excuse.
No excuse?
Not to be here..
...with me.
[indistinct chatter]
(all) Our lady!
[indistinct chatter]
Victory!
[indistinct chatter]
To victory!
Our lady of victory!
(woman) 'Our lady of victory!'
[crowd cheering]
They're calling for you, mama.
Pay no attention to them. Draw the curtains.
It's too late. They've seen me.
[crowd cheering]
(crowd) 'Josephine! Josephine! Josephine!'
'Josephine! Josephine!'
Josephine! Josephine! Josephine!
'Josephine! Josephine! Josephine!'
My God.
They won't stop until you show yourself, mama.
Please, mama. Do as he says.
'Josephine! Josephine! Josephine!'
[crowd cheering]
Why are they cheering her?
The cheers are for Napoleon.
- She's old. - You're 16.
To you, everyone is old.
(man) 'Our lady of victory!'
[crowd cheering]
(woman) 'Our lady of victory!'
Mademoiselle.
A wonderful celebration, was it not?
But not nearly so splendid as last evening.
It's lovely to see you again, General Leclerc.
I'm under orders to join the army of Italy.
I was on my way to the directory when I saw the demonstrators.
Citizen Barras has communications
with General Bonaparte.
I shall probably be going to Italy soon myself.
I shall say a prayer.
Cavalrymen.
Take care, girl.
This family needs neither disease nor scandal.
I'll do as I please, Joseph.
After all, I am 16.
Damn that woman.
He wants her to join him in Italy immediately.
He's written to her, but she hasn't answered
except for a few lines.
So he orders me..
...to insist upon her joining him.
Never. Her presence would be too distracting.
He threatens to leave the army
to subordinate and return to Paris
if she doesn't go to him.
Unacceptable. Ah.
What can I do?
Tell him...she is ill.
He'd immediately return to Paris.
I have it.
We'll tell him she's pregnant.
He'll be happy, he'll be unquestioning
and he will remain in Italy.
[laughs]
Huh?
I'll be a moment, Captain Charles.
No more than a moment, please.
Madame Tallien's here.
We're on our way to the country.
You change your mind..
...and come with us.
I can't, Therese.
All these letters.
Bales of them.
There aren't enough hours in the day
to eat, sleep and read Bonaparte's letters.
Let alone answer them.
His feelings are so strong.
And he insists I return them in kind.
He frightens me.
Poor Josephine.
You can't imagine. Listen to this.
"Come to Italy. I insist you come to Italy.
"Today, tomorrow, yesterday.
Why aren't you here already?"
Well, you needn't worry on that score.
Barras has already taken care of that for you.
Barras?
I must go.
Captain Charles is waiting for me.
What do you mean?
Bonaparte insisted Barras order you to go to Italy.
'Barras made an excuse for you.'
What excuse?
He said that you were pregnant. You don't have to go.
He told him that..
...without saying a word to me?
I thought you'd be pleased.
How dare he?
You'll have to ask Barras.
And he'll be in the country this weekend.
It will take me just a moment to dress.
Nicely done for a female.
Fair warning, I intend to play full out.
Let's make the stakes interesting.
Shall we say, a night of love?
Your shot, Junot.
[indistinct chatter]
The general is negotiating an armistice
with the Italians at Cherasco.
- One good news. - A mixed blessing.
With peace, however temporary
he will wish to return to his beloved Josephine.
'Paris speaks of nothing but Bonaparte'
and Paris speaks for France.
We may have a Corsican tiger by the tail, Barras.
Today, a street sign is changed.
Tomorrow, a government.
He must remain in Italy.
She must go to join him there.
He thinks she's pregnant.
He would never allow such a journey.
You must learn to solve these problems, Barras.
It's your...government.
- 'Oh!' - 'Very good!'
Damn!
Perhaps Madame De Stael
would care to provide the consolation prize?
[laughs] Not again.
My sword, captain.
- I should've cheated. - Didn't you, colonel?
(Junot) 'Beg your pardon?'
I'm sure I saw you move your cue ball illegally.
You accuse me of cheating?
What does it matter..
'...as long as you didn't win?'
Well, captain, please!
Puppy!
[grunts]
Forgive me, colonel. I took the opportunity
of gluing your sword in its scabbard.
[laughs]
One practical joke I couldn't resist.
You defame me!
My apologies, colonel, if I went too far.
It is a fault of mine.
Oh, Junot, it was a joke.
You like a joke as much as the next man. Please.
Please.
'Please'
[laughs]
Oh, thank you, captain.
I can't remember when I've laughed so.
I'm glad you were amused.
Oh, and relieved.
I mean, if the glue hadn't held
you'd have been lying out dead on the billiard table.
Well, you were really very brave.
Oh, I'm a devout coward.
- But you're a soldier. - I'm from Gascony.
I was afraid not to be a soldier.
And I'm a supply officer.
An expert in saddles and stirrups and cinches
'and halters and bits.'
'And I'm afraid of horses.'
But not as afraid as I am of swords
and muskets and pistols and cannonballs.
Or not being able to make you laugh.
But you did, captain.
If I had been laid out dead on the billiard table..
...would you have laughed?
Probably.
Probably.
Well...then it would've been worth it.
To life.
To life.
[glass clinks]
How do you like Captain Charles?
How do you?
He's too poor.
And too silly.
Josephine.
Therese, will you excuse us?
Gladly.
I'm going to go and see Captain Charles.
I feel like being silly.
I must confess your bet with Colonel Junot
gave me a surge of jealousy.
I'm not in the mood for exercises in nostalgia, Barras.
Lust, then?
Lust is always better served by unfamiliarity.
If Junot had won
would you have honored the debt?
What? Me? In my condition?
How tasteless of you but how typical.
Therese told you.
You must understand the circumstances.
Bonaparte was insistent.
I didn't think you'd want to spend your honeymoon
on a battlefield.
But you lie.
How dare you declare me pregnant?
How dare you use something so personal
so intimate for, for a lying excuse?
You really mustn't be so concerned, my dear.
And it's all moot now anyway.
You'll be leaving to join him in Milan
'as soon as escort can be arranged.'
Well, that's impossible.
The ordeal of the journey.
Well, you forget I'm carrying his child.
No longer.
Well, how did that come about?
I would suggest an accident.
A fall down a flight of stairs or the traditional heel
'caught in the hem of a dress.'
You'll think of something.
I am not going!
I've written to Bonaparte. He'll be expecting you.
You will do as you are told.
To hell with you, Barras!
To hell with both of you!
[indistinct chatter]
[shatters]
[sobbing]
[knock on door]
[knock on door]
[continues knocking]
Yes, yes.
Are you alright?
You seem troubled. I took the liberty of..
If I'm intruding, I'll leave.
Please do.
I apologize. I really do.
[sobbing]
Please, please, don't cry.
You know, I feel like crying myself
when I see someone cry, and I'm ugly when I cry.
And foolish.
Yes, and immodest and cowardly.
But I'd give it all up just to make you smile again.
No, please, don't.
Forgive me.
I couldn't resist. You're a beautiful woman.
Scarcely.
Scarcely a woman.
More an object.
A chattel.
A marker passed about by men.
A game in their game.
Damn them.
Damn them.
A woman.
What is it?
It's my wife.
- She doesn't answer my letters. - Hmm?
I get a few lines now and again
just enough to torment me.
Look at that.
I found the picture this morning just like that. The glass broke.
'Could mean only one of two things.'
Well, she's dead or she has a lover.
Napoleone, that's just a superstition.
Why not?
A lover.
Bourriene is a sensuous woman, no?
Generous.
Well, perhaps, she's overgenerous.
Overgenerous?
I knew it. But, come on, I cannot blame her.
'It's just your imagination.'
Well, she's not in love with me. She never was.
She didn't lie.
I confess I'd give a year's pay to hear she say she did.
Oh, God, I'd give a month's pay for a lie.
Just a lie.
[theme music]
[music continues]
[music continues]
[mob yelling]
[drumroll]
You duchess. Get down.
Come here.
Give me the hair.
Give me the hair!
Alright, duchess. Hands behind your back.
[groans]
Yeah!
[crowd yelling]
Come on!
Take off her head!
[gasping]
[groaning]
[crowd cheering]
Step right up, citizens
for a good luck souvenir
'of the old regime.'
A genuine piece of aristocracy
to show your grandchildren.
A, a duchess, no less
'and all for a few centimes.'
Monsieur de Paris.
- You. - Come on!
'Executioner.'
The remains of the deceased
are property of the revolutionary tribunal.
'I hold you personally at risk for their disposition.'
Default..
...you forfeit your head.
Quite the aristocrat lover, aren't you
my little toy soldier?
Get out of my way.
You've cost me more than a few francs.
Make amends, or I'll tell this crowd
there's a suspected royalist officer among them.
They'll tear you apart with their own hands.
'They'll pluck out your eyes'
'raise your head on a pike.'
They've done it before, for less cause.
Get out of my way.
I could kill you.
Yes?
Your hand shakes.
You're afraid of me?
'Cause if not, you should be.
'For the last time.'
[groans]
[groaning]
[grunts]
[indistinct chatter]
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners
now and at the hour of our death, amen.
[guillotine blade drops]
[crowd cheering]
[ballroom music]
[woman crying]
(woman) 'No!'
'No!'
[crowd cheering]
[guillotine blade drops]
[crowd cheering]
Mama.
I'm afraid.
My baby.
(man) 'The following prisoners'
'will come forward for punishment.'
(Hortense) 'Look, mama. They're coming.'
Citizeness Josephine de Beauharnais.
You're on tomorrow's list.
Dear God.
You wanted to know.
Please help me.
I can do nothing.
Mommy. Mommy. Mo..
Keep quiet. Go!
Mommy.
Poor child.
What crime has that child committed?
She suckled at the breast of an aristocratic mother.
The order comes directly from Citizen Robespierre.
Please help, I beg you.
Not for me, but for them, for my children.
Their father was executed today.
After tomorrow, they will have no one.
You are a good man.
You still have a heart.
And a head to lose.
Please..
Help me. I will give you anything I can.
The colonnade, in the courtyard, tonight.
[crowd cheering]
- Hut! Hut! Hut! - Ho. Ho. Ho.
You're advised to be brief. Robespierre's a busy man.
The revolution is his life.
And ours.
A word of caution. He is the master of the fancied slight.
Careful.
Citizen Bonaparte.
Citizen Barras' reports on your military abilities
are very impressive.
Especially your victory over the English
at Toulon Harbor.
Imagination. Daring. Skill.
He's very young.
'And short.'
He's Corsican.
Robespierre needs officers
who are skilled, daring, loyal.
'You're fortunate to have been brought'
'to Robespierre's attention.'
Blessed, one might say
though we are not given to religious metaphor
despite those who see Robespierre as a God.
There is an uprising in the Vendee.
It must be put down.
The command would rate a general officer.
Well?
No.
You refuse Robespierre?
And all you have to say is no?
I was advised to be brief.
You were represented as a supporter of the government.
I am a soldier.
There can be only one explanation for your refusal.
It is personal.
Robespierre must accept this.
He must take your rejection personally.
Good day, Citizen Bonaparte.
Corsican.
You're ambitious.
You want an army to command.
He offers it to you, and you threw it back in his face.
Citizen Robespierre is no longer stable.
He is eccentric, perhaps.
Insane. He thinks he's the almighty.
In matters of life and death..
...he is.
Yes?
Well, he won't stop killing until he's killed everyone
including, I'm sure, the executioner.
Or someone has killed him.
You're very bold.
No...I'm a realist.
Halt!
Citizen Bonaparte, you're under arrest.
Sir.
Adieu.
[indistinct chatter]
Citizeness
we haven't much time.
My friend, Therese de Fontenay
is also a prisoner here.
She has contacts with people on the outside
people who can help my children.
I must see her. I need one more day.
The warrants for the condemned
will be handed out in the morning.
Oh, plead illness. Leave for the day.
Take my papers with you.
I know your revolution, citizen.
It will not budge without its paperwork.
The documents will be redrawn.
Yes, but I will have the, the day
I will have the night.
I have nothing to give you.
But myself.
Do you want me?
Yes.
Here? Now?
[cell door clanging]
Tomorrow night. Here.
At this hour.
[coughing]
[woman sobbing]
Please help me.
I'll do my best, but it may be too late.
Those that could help are now frightened for themselves.
Alexandre should have sent those children to England
'while there was still time.'
He always thought that the revolution would make
an exception in his case.
'He was a fool.'
Gah. Look.
And there he is, the fool.
Alexandre de Beauharnais himself.
It's bad luck.
He was the worst husband nature ever allowed.
Our marriage began with a rage
because I didn't know how to spell.
[chuckling]
Ended with him leaving me for his mistress.
He was heartsickness.
Mm-hmm.
He even propositioned me once.
Successfully, I'm sure.
Well, he was attractive.
'Damn him'
and myself for ever having loved him.
I was a bigger fool than he was.
Never again, Therese. Never.
Look. The sun.
- Now, that's good luck. - 'Yes.'
Barras, what is it?
Arrest him.
Citizeness.
I was on my way to see you.
- Were you? - Yes, believe me.
There is no need for our meeting, citizeness.
What do you mean? I don't understand.
Robespierre has been arrested
for crimes against the revolution.
'Barras has taken over the government.'
The executions will cease immediately.
The terror has ended.
Cell 23. Prisoner Bonaparte.
- Bourrienne. - Heh.
Bourrienne.
[both laughing]
Napoleon.
Have you brought a firing squad?
Oh, you're free.
Barras has convinced the other members of the new government
that you're innocent.
He sent me to bring you to Paris.
'He wants you to command his troops.'
Already there is talk of insurrection
a royalist plot to regain power
and betray the revolution.
Nothing personal, citizen.
Nothing personal..
...on either side.
[band music]
[crowd chattering]
[door opens]
[cheering]
Where are we going to live, mama?
- I don't know, darling. - I don't care.
As long as we don't have to stay here.
I hate this place.
You must never think of it again as long as you live.
And you, Eugene, you must never forget it.
[indistinct chatter]
Thank you, Citizen Barras.
Thank you. God bless you.
Therese, please, my dear
I am a politician.
It is my duty to accept gratitude.
You must meet my friend.
She's perfect for you..
...and she's destitute.
Look, she is homeless, she is unattached
and she is adorable.
And that means that you wish to be rid of me, doesn't it?
No, no.
It means I wish to share you.
Look. There she is.
Josephine.
Therese.
This is my dear Paul Barras.
Josephine de Beauharnais.
Enchanted.
Tallien.
Barras is the head of our new government.
Be nice to him.
Are you really homeless?
Did Therese tell you?
Yes.
And unattached?
Yes.
So am I, it would seem.
But one mustn't take these things too seriously.
'Don't you agree?'
Well, I am, by nature, agreeable, citizen.
You are adorable.
I have a house in the Rue Chantereine.
I don't reside there.
The government has put certain
apartments at my disposal
closer to my official duties.
Until such time as you find quarters
more suitable to your liking
would you accept my hospitality
as well as a certain measure of my companionship?
[gunfire]
Musket fire, near the Tuileries palace.
It's very annoying.
Also a good distance from the Rue Chantereine.
In any case..
[laughs] We're on the winning side.
Will you stay on the winning side, Citizen Barras?
Whichever side that may be, Citizeness Beauharnais.
(Barras) However, I have found a brave officer
to take command of the palace guard.
By tonight, he will defeat our royalist enemies.
Look, Marchand, They can't touch him.
[men screaming]
Forward!
[shouting]
I'll only be a moment, ladies.
[distant explosions]
'Are we losing the battle?'
My carriage.
Waiting.
Your guests?
No need to alarm them.
Citizen Barras.
You're alive.
Thank God.
Yes, the enemy is on the run.
Victory?
Victory.
I was concerned for my guests.
Therese! Josephine!
We have won!
We found a soldier.
General Bonaparte.
A bottle of our best wine.
A toast to the revolution.
I shall instruct the war department
to authorize your commission immediately.
A general in command of an army
an army with a mission.
Did you hear me, general?
That's the most beautiful woman I've ever seen.
Citizeness Beauharnais?
She is as agreeable and charming
as she is lovely.
Come meet her.
No, no. I'm filthy.
Of course.
Perhaps another time.
Another time, then.
And where is your winning general?
Unfortunately, General Bonaparte has been wounded.
Seriously?
- Mortally, I'm afraid. - Oh, dear.
By a single glimpse
of our Josephine.
Oh. Oh.
[laughing]
[flute music]
Napoleon says he has been made the general.
A general?
He's been put in command of an army.
There aren't enough strawberries for everyone.
Louis. Jerome.
The birds ate most of the berries.
- You ate the rest. - Ooh. I hate you.
Stop it, both of you.
And they're in bivouac awaiting orders to march.
[door closing]
What is it?
Napoleon wants me to go to Paris
as soon as possible.
Your brother has been made a great general.
Just a general, mama.
Why does he want Joseph to go to Paris?
Perhaps he wants my counsel, Louis.
But Lucien's already in Paris.
Louis, I am the eldest brother in this family.
- I always forget that. - Damn it!
Joseph!
Louis.
What is it, mama?
Your brother has been made a general.
Kill the rooster. We're going to celebrate.
A general. Will I have a horse?
The rooster, now.
'This is a time to rejoice.'
At last, good fortune has come to us.
Napoleon will make it so.
That is his destiny.
Mama..
It is so, Joseph.
I've known that from the moment
he was conceived in my womb.
[soldier yelling]
Yes?
An order has been posted.
All citizens must surrender their arms.
What have you for us?
A cannon?
My sword.
This is an officer's saber.
Where did you get this?
'Corporal.'
Sir, the boy's surrendering his weapon.
He says it's his.
It's my father's.
He was killed. It's mine now.
It's English steel.
It's the best.
I thought it might be stolen.
A boy that size couldn't even draw such a weapon.
Perhaps he can. Come.
Go ahead. Try.
Do you remember Alexander the Great?
How did he untie the Gordian knot?
He cut it.
Well, don't the sword from the scabbard.
Take the scabbard from the sword.
My father's name was Alexandre.
Oh?
Alexandre de Beauharnais.
I'm going to be a soldier, too.
When I'm old enough.
Hmm.
Well, you keep it.
You'll need it.
When you're old enough.
De Beauharnais.
Uhh..
Now, whenever you come upon the Gordian knot
just, uh, remember Alexander.
Yes, sir.
See? The Gordian knot.
Do you understand, mama?
General Bonaparte said I could come
to his headquarters anytime I wished.
I understand too well.
This man is encouraging you
to be a soldier.
'I don't want you to be a soldier.'
- Please, mama. - I want you alive.
That's a better trick.
I've a good mind to call on your General Bonaparte
'and set him straight about your future.'
No, mama, please.
Madame.
Citizen Barras has arrived.
Why does he come here?
It is his house.
But we live here.
Only because he lets us.
Do you love him?
I love only two people..
...in this whole world.
You and your sister.
Do you like him?
Enough.
And so do you.
He would never make a soldier.
Be about your books.
General Bonaparte.
Hmm.
I am Josephine De Beauharnais.
Oh.
I wish to thank you
for returning my son's sword.
Oh, well..
...y-you're welcome.
Though I confess, I-I do not wish
to see him encouraged to pursue a military career.
Ah.
Oh, well, I can see you are occupied.
Yes. I, uh..
Perhaps we shall meet again.
When?
Is there something wrong with your hand?
It's shaking uncontrollably.
I-I'm in love with you.
You know, uh, I fell in love with you..
...the first time I saw you.
You mustn't.
Tell that to my heart.
Tell your heart
I have been in love before.
Only a fool makes the same mistake twice.
'Anyway, you can't be in love with me.'
You don't know anything about me.
Oh, no, no, no, no, no.
You are Creole.
You were born on the island of Martinique.
An aristocrat, huh.
You came to France at 15 to marry the distant cousin
De Beauharnais, you have two children
that boy, Eugene, and a girl, Hortense.
She's aged 10.
Oh, you are reputed to be as charming
and agreeable as you are.
You are lovely.
And you're obviously of the sensual nature
which is the legacy, no doubt of your Creole blood.
I understand these things.
You know, I-I am island-bred myself.
You're over-generous, no?
You were condemned to the guillotine for trying
to help aristocratic friends of all stripes
in particular, your former husband.
And you're superstitious, I know
because you believe in tarot cards.
How do you know all this about me?
Uh, I made a study of you.
Did your barracks room gossip
tell you secrets of my toilette?
The exact location of my beauty marks
and the frequency of my sexual encounters?
I'm afraid you're displeased.
Did they tell you too that I don't know how to spell?
Worse than displeased. I see clearly you are angry.
I feel as if I have been stripped naked
and stood before a tribunal of one.
Have I been found guilty or innocent?
May it please the court, what is my sentence?
Oh, I have offended Madame.
Truly, I-I-I am truly sorry.
- Please forgive me. - No.
Good day, general.
[birds chirping]
(Therese) 'The dress is perfect. What is the material?'
(Josephine) 'It's the petal of living roses from the garden.'
- Our guests? - She's dressing, Barras.
[laughs]
That's better.
But a bit chilly.
Do you like it?
Extraordinary.
Oh, thank you.
She has nothing underneath.
Shocking.
[laughing]
General Bonaparte will be pleased.
General Bonaparte?
You didn't tell me you were going to invite him.
Need I?
I would prefer to choose my own conquests, Barras.
You've seriously affected him, my dear.
He obviously desires a liaison with you.
Demands, it would seem.
If you like.
[ballroom music]
[indistinct chatter]
General Bonaparte. May I introduce myself?
- Citizen Talleyrand. - Have we met?
I recognize you by your limp.
I have approached your quartermaster
with regards to provisioning your army
but he is persistently unavailable
to me and to my interests.
'I would appreciate if you asked him to accept'
'our proposition.'
He has orders to shun war profiteers.
Indeed.
I confess I was testing you, general.
One can't be too vigilant
now that your mission has been decided upon.
Ah. You didn't know. Forgive me.
As foreign minister, I'm privy to a variety of information.
I'm sure you will be told, in good time.
[indistinct chatter]
You've not welcomed General Bonaparte.
I'm not in the mood to be bartered, Barras.
Pity.
My instincts tell me..
...that my fortunes ride
on this unprepossessing soldier.
My instincts have served me well heretofore
and you too, I might add.
It would be bad luck to ignore them.
It's unlike you to court bad luck, dearest.
Perhaps you should consult your tarot cards again.
Your little general is either stupid or perverse.
[chuckles] Naive.
There are fortunes to be made
from this campaign, Barras.
He must be set straight.
He will be.
[whistling]
- Good evening. - Shh.
I don't want mama to see me.
- I'm supposed to be asleep. - Oh.
Well, you are Hortense.
[growling]
Hush, Fortune.
His name's Fortune. What's yours?
Napoleon.
What an odd name.
It's really Nabouglione.
That's even odder, so I'll call you Napoleon.
Would you get me some champagne, Napoleon?
No.
Why not?
Because a child your age should never drink
anything but red wine.
We've got to dance, then.
Yes, I would love to, but I can't.
My father was the best dancer in the whole of France.
Everyone said so.
Yes, well, he probably didn't learn to dance
in a military school like I did.
'Come, I'll teach you.'
Uh, I can't. Really.
- Come. - No, I can't. Please.
Just count with the music.
One, two, three. One, two, three.
- I understand. - 'One, two, three.'
- One, two, three. - This is impossible.
You have to move your feet too.
That's what makes it dancing.
Now turn.
- I can't. - Try.
That's it. Now we're dancing.
One, two, three.
One, two, three.
'One, two, three.'
You're a much better teacher than my roommate
at the military school.
[Fortune barking]
[laughing]
[barking]
What are you doing here? You should be in bed, asleep.
Stop it, Fortune. Stop it.
Where's Louise?
I had to teach Napoleon how to dance.
Louise, take this child up to bed right away.
[barking]
Fortune, stop it.
- Goodnight. - Goodnight.
- Goodnight, Napoleon. - Goodnight.
[ballroom music continues]
I must apologize for my rudeness the other afternoon.
Oh, there's no need. I, I was insufferable.
Barras told you all those things about me, didn't he?
I insisted to do so.
You probably do know
the exact location of my beauty marks.
'Oh, no.'
I mean, as a soldier, I..
...prefer personal reconnaissance.
Perhaps you would like to dance with me?
I would like to try.
[indistinct chatter]
[ballroom music]
One, two, three.
One, two, three.
- One, two, three. - What are you doing?
I'm counting.
You and Hortense seemed to be enjoying yourselves.
Oh, your little girl is very dear.
Though I cannot say as much for her dog.
You have a nice smile, general. You should smile more often.
Barras thinks you are important.
Oh, yes, somewhat.
I will be more so.
Forget whatever designs you have on Josephine.
Barras has plans for her and General Bonaparte.
You interfere
you will remain a colonel forever.
You be wise.
You be mine.
Well...at least for tonight.
[both chuckle]
You're loveliest woman here, do you know that?
You don't even have the advantage of being naked.
- Barely. - I love you.
- You are impetuous. - Impatient.
Do you want to be my lover?
Forever.
Then Barras would have his way.
Barras, the procurer. And I would feel like a pawn.
- Or worse, a prostitute. - Does it matter?
Oh, you're as perverted as he is.
- No, Barras is homosexual. - Not entirely.
'Have all your lovers been homosexual?'
- Of course not. - It's not important to me.
General Bonaparte, I am not a woman of great virtue.
I cannot afford to be and even if I could
I don't know if I would want to be.
But I'm not a prostitute.
Well, I had no intention of paying you.
General Bonaparte, your adjutant is here.
It would seem, uh, on a matter of some importance.
Madame.
I will call upon you.
- Italy. - When?
The date hasn't been set, but soon.
I am very pleased, my dear.
Ah!
General Bonaparte.
Arrivederci.
[laughs]
We'll make safe passage, mother. Never fear.
It's France that I fear..
...and the French.
Be vigilant, Joseph.
Be his other eyes.
'Or they will steal from us the rewards'
that are rightfully ours.
I know them.
I have dreams of them, the French.
Your dreams are false, mother.
No Frenchman, no man alive
is a match for him or ever was.
But their women, Joseph.
It's their women that haunt my dreams.
Go with God, my son.
You go for all of us.
Hut...and...hut...and..
Italy.
Where is Italy, sergeant?
Italy, Marchand.
It's in Spain.
Exciting times, eh, Joseph?
Uh, the nervous times.
Paris, huh. A city of plots and plotters.
Factions within factions.
You know, I'm glad you've come. I needed someone I could trust.
- What about Lucien? - No, he's not speaking to me.
He feels I've compromised his revolution now.
What? By becoming part of it?
- So how are they? - As always.
Pauline was not speaking to Eliza or to Caroline.
Now they are.
Louis, speaking to none of them.
[chuckles]
- And the mother? - Proud of you.
Well, I'll make her even prouder.
Listen, before too long, she's gonna be a grandmother.
- Dear God. - I'm gonna be married, Joseph.
And she is the most divine creature ever created.
- She's with child? - No.
She has already two of her own
but...we'll be having our own soon.
I'd say at least eight of them.
God in heaven.
Say, listen, when you meet her, say nothing of this
because she doesn't know yet we're going to be married.
So, you can imagine her surprise.
No, but I can imagine that of our mother.
[Napoleon laughing]
When are you going to sleep with him?
- I may not. - Oh.
[indistinct chatter]
There is something rather frightening about him.
All that passion.
The absurd self-confidence.
The energy.
He's like a, a force of nature.
You're afraid that if you sleep with him
you'll fall in love with him.
Me?
No. Never. Never again.
'Besides, I wouldn't give Barras the satisfaction.'
Oh, pooh.
I have decided one thing, though.
'What?'
The night dress..
...or the lingerie.
I've decided I'm going to buy both.
[both laughing]
(Napoleon) 'History, Eugene, is, uh..'
'...it's a matter of geography.'
Austria, Russia, Prussia, England, Spain, Netherlands
all must be contained now.
'Confined.'
And will they become a part of France then?
No.
Only France is France. Here.
'You see, they'll be sovereign nations.'
They'll be influenced by France.
All the stronger and more prosperous
for it too, I promise you.
Louise, could you take these things to the bedroom, please?
What a pleasant surprise.
Official rumor has it the date
of my army's departure has been set.
So I took the liberty of calling upon you.
I hope I'm not unwelcome.
On the contrary.
Perhaps you'd like to stay for supper?
I would be honored.
Well, until this evening, then.
Until this evening.
- I'll tell the cook. - No, dear.
'It won't be necessary.'
It'll just be General Bonaparte and I for supper.
You're going to your great-aunt Beauharnais' for the evening.
Yes, mama.
Your dinner was excellent.
I don't know how you tasted it.
I have never seen anyone eat a meal more quickly.
I've just trained myself never to spend
more than twelve minutes eating dinner.
- 'Why?' - It leaves more time for work.
'Of course, if I impressed you at dinner'
you would be astonished by my lunch.
- Ten minutes? - Eight.
[laughing]
You're funny, Bonaparte.
Come. I want to show you the rest of the house.
Hortense's room.
It was a nice kiss.
- Again? - No.
I must keep my wits about me.
- Must you? - Yes.
I have something very important to say to you.
I thought..
...you wanted to be my lover...forever.
I do.
That's why.
I want to marry you.
You are funny, Bonaparte.
'Don't you know the revolution has made
'marriage unfashionable?'
Yes, and fashions change.
Marriage will come back in fashion
then we'll be the first to be fashionable.
I want you..
...for my wife.
No.
Why? You don't love me?
No.
You do love me, though?
No.
Oh.
It doesn't matter then...to me.
It's much better to love than to be loved anyway.
Needing to be loved, it makes for bad strategy
and worse, it puts one always at the whim of the beloved soul.
It would be different.
No.
I know about...love..
...and marriage.
The unconditional surrender.
The prize who becomes the possession.
The one beloved..
...who finds herself just another one made love to.
I have been a wife.
I would much rather be a mistress.
You're shaking.
Are you cold?
No.
(soldier) 'Squad! Move out!'
[indistinct shouting]
They're throwing a political argument onto her.
- That is not the truth. - It is the truth!
- Lucien is right, Napoleon. - No, you lie, Lucien.
You lie because you hate me.
You hate the principles that I stand for.
You stand for nothing, Napoleon,
- but your own ambition. - Lucien!
You've always been an opportunist.
You've always withheld your decisions
until events provided you with a clue to the outcome.
You turned against the movement for Corsican independence
'at the first hint that it was doomed.'
Yes, and I would again. I'm not stupid.
- You have no heart! - No, I'm not a romantic
where politics are concerned.
But you must admit, Napoleon, Lucien's assessment
of this woman is exactly what our mother foresaw.
A female skilled in the arts of passion.
Steeped in treachery and guile.
- A Frenchwoman. - An older woman.
An aristocratic whore.
The aristocratic whore of the whore Barras.
My god, what are you doing?
Stop, he's your brother!
[groaning]
Our brother has the potential to be a tyrant, Joseph.
He would be one if he could be.
- Mark my words. - Enough!
'Can't you see he's having a seizure?'
[Napoleon wheezing]
Forgive me, Napoleon.
Shall I call the regimental surgeon?
Uh-uh.
It's alright.
It's passed.
It's passed.
Am I to understand that he proposed marriage
and you rejected him?
Ill-advised, I would say.
Marriage? Me?
Married to him, to anyone?
Forgive me, Barras..
...if my first concern..
...is not for your interests.
Madame.
Eugene is home.
And, uh..
...General Bonaparte has stopped by..
...for a map he had forgotten.
Oh, thank you, Louise.
I admire your independence.
It takes great strength of character
to turn one's back on the rewards
which would normally flow to an influential woman
like the wife of a general of the armies.
Well, I mean it, Barras.
What is the temptation of profit
from military supply contracts and the like
when a principle is at stake?
None, Barras. None.
Profits that could be made
without the investment of a centime of one's own.
I am not interested, Barras.
Profits that could be used
for the children's schools
'and for the expenses of this house.'
What are you talking about?
I haven't wanted to tell you, but I must.
I will be forced to sell this house, I'm afraid.
Marriage to such a man
could ensure your welfare and that of your children.
But I understand.
'Your decision is a matter of honor.'
(Josephine) 'General Bonaparte!'
A moment, please.
I would like to speak to you.
[church bells tolling]
[indistinct chatter]
[sighs]
Well, shall we?
Let's get on with it.
The lady's been kept waiting long enough as it is.
The ceremony will begin.
Would you kneel, please?
Before a civil magistrate? No. It's a formality.
We're already married in the eyes of God.
(magistrate) 'We gather here to bear witness to the joining..'
I felt certain changes were necessary
in a letter to my mother, so I took the liberty of making..
You know I can't spell.
Well, in addition, I added a phrase, you see.
Just an imagery.
(magistrate) '...vested in me by the directory of our--'
This is not a letter. This is an aria.
Oh, she's an operatic woman, here.
"Till I bask in the sunshine of your infinite kindness."
This sort of thing delights her. I promise you.
You will receive a paean of affection in return for this.
- 'Bourrienne.' - The ring, general.
[laughs]
Thank you.
Just read the inscription.
- "To destiny." - "A true glory.."
To you.
I told you I would impose my will on destiny.
I pronounce you man and wife.
Come.
[clears throat]
Ah. My army leaves in nine days.
Let's get on with our honeymoon, hmm?
Good day and good luck.
"I count the days, dearest mother..
"...of my dear, dear husband..
"...until I bask in the sunshine of your infinite kindness."
Signed..
"Your loving daughter, Josephine."
'Napoleon has also written me a letter'
which I am instructed to copy..
...sign and send, welcoming her to my breast.
Perhaps I will compose a letter of my own.
Welcome to my breast..
...Viper!
"Older woman with two children of her own
who are probably bastards, if the truth be known.
Whore, who conspires to cheat
her victim's innocent brothers and sisters
and his mother!
'Father, forgive him.'
He's been blinded by this woman.
But I will do as he asks.
It is Joseph who has failed us.
I should not have asked my firstborn to do
what he's too weak to do.
Fire must be fought with fire.
One of you must go to Paris.
Pauline.
I will not say goodbye.
It is too painful.
'Be careful.'
Bridegroom goeth.
He is ardent, I must say.
Your hair's all a tangle.
I'll help you put it straight.
It will be like old times.
No, Barras.
[marching band music]
(Napoleon) "My Josephine..
"My army has crossed the Alps.
"I now march through Northern Italy
"to force these Italian states to surrender
"before Austria can intervene.
"Please think on him who thinks of you constantly.
"There is no meaning to victory without you.
Please reply."
My brothers in arms!
You are, from this day forward..
...the army of Italy!
(all) Hooray!
To our glory!
We have bestowed upon us the task
of bringing to the people of Italy..
...the bounty of our own revolution!
[soldiers cheering]
You have rushed down from the heights of the Apennines
like a torrent!
And now yours is to be the immortal glory!
[soldiers cheering]
You have changed the face of the fairest land in Europe.
As in time to come, you will change the face of all Europe!
You now show the world
what stuff the soldier of France is made of!
- Liberty! - Liberty!
- 'Equality!' - Equality!
- Fraternity! - Fraternity!
Democracy!
(all) Democracy!
[cannons firing]
[men shouting]
(man) 'Fire!'
[explosion]
[yelling]
Now!
Grenadiers, now!
[men screaming]
[drumroll]
Fire!
[man shouting]
Keep up, Marchand. Stay in line.
[explosions]
Let them strike them hard enough.
This day is ours!
This day is ours!
Another victory, general.
I always win.
(all) 'Napoleon! Napoleon!'
'Napoleon! Napoleon!'
Always.
[soldier groaning]
(Napoleon) "You said in your last letter received by courier
"four long days ago, you have no stomach
"for news of the fight so I will tell you
"only what is in my heart.
"I love you.
"And I will love you forever.
"My army is embarked upon the greatest military adventure
"since Alexander.
"I think of nothing but you.
"Why do you torture me?
Why have I had no word from you in four long days?"
Come with me to the country this weekend.
'Barras has taken a house in Capua.'
He'd be so pleased.
Well, I can't. I have to make a speech.
Um. You?
To the society of veterans in Neuilly.
An invitation to the wife of the popular General Bonaparte.
And my presence has been commanded
at the unveiling of a statue
honoring our glorious revolution
that came within a whisper of taking my head off.
Does he think I enjoy these things?
I hate it. I hate being in the public eye.
The courier, madame.
Could you put it with the others, Louise?
Yes, madame.
- He is attentive. - Mm. Three letters today.
Two yesterday, three the day before.
But you haven't opened them.
Well, I haven't finished replying
to the ones I got two weeks ago.
How do you spell exhausted?
- May I? - Mm.
"You have not answered my letter of a fortnight ago.
"Why are you so cruel?
I love you to distraction."
Oh, dear.
I could envy you, Therese..
...divorcing your husband.
"Josephine, I will not live with this silence.
"I implore you to come to Italy now.
"At once.
"To ensure your safety, I will attack
"the Italians at Roveresco.
"My staff does not believe we are ready.
"But I'll conquer Italy to make it safe for you alone.
For you alone are all that I hold dear to me on Earth"
Fire!
[explosions]
[men screaming]
Fire!
Aah!
Stretcher!
The infantry will never reach those guns.
They're not supposed to.
But I thought you said that position
was the key to Roveresco.
It is.
Murat..
...your cavalry.
We'll finish them.
And if they don't?
I promise you, we will win.
Forward!
Fire!
[screaming]
Fire at will!
You were right again.
Italy is ours.
Well, she has no excuse.
No excuse?
Not to be here..
...with me.
[indistinct chatter]
(all) Our lady!
[indistinct chatter]
Victory!
[indistinct chatter]
To victory!
Our lady of victory!
(woman) 'Our lady of victory!'
[crowd cheering]
They're calling for you, mama.
Pay no attention to them. Draw the curtains.
It's too late. They've seen me.
[crowd cheering]
(crowd) 'Josephine! Josephine! Josephine!'
'Josephine! Josephine!'
Josephine! Josephine! Josephine!
'Josephine! Josephine! Josephine!'
My God.
They won't stop until you show yourself, mama.
Please, mama. Do as he says.
'Josephine! Josephine! Josephine!'
[crowd cheering]
Why are they cheering her?
The cheers are for Napoleon.
- She's old. - You're 16.
To you, everyone is old.
(man) 'Our lady of victory!'
[crowd cheering]
(woman) 'Our lady of victory!'
Mademoiselle.
A wonderful celebration, was it not?
But not nearly so splendid as last evening.
It's lovely to see you again, General Leclerc.
I'm under orders to join the army of Italy.
I was on my way to the directory when I saw the demonstrators.
Citizen Barras has communications
with General Bonaparte.
I shall probably be going to Italy soon myself.
I shall say a prayer.
Cavalrymen.
Take care, girl.
This family needs neither disease nor scandal.
I'll do as I please, Joseph.
After all, I am 16.
Damn that woman.
He wants her to join him in Italy immediately.
He's written to her, but she hasn't answered
except for a few lines.
So he orders me..
...to insist upon her joining him.
Never. Her presence would be too distracting.
He threatens to leave the army
to subordinate and return to Paris
if she doesn't go to him.
Unacceptable. Ah.
What can I do?
Tell him...she is ill.
He'd immediately return to Paris.
I have it.
We'll tell him she's pregnant.
He'll be happy, he'll be unquestioning
and he will remain in Italy.
[laughs]
Huh?
I'll be a moment, Captain Charles.
No more than a moment, please.
Madame Tallien's here.
We're on our way to the country.
You change your mind..
...and come with us.
I can't, Therese.
All these letters.
Bales of them.
There aren't enough hours in the day
to eat, sleep and read Bonaparte's letters.
Let alone answer them.
His feelings are so strong.
And he insists I return them in kind.
He frightens me.
Poor Josephine.
You can't imagine. Listen to this.
"Come to Italy. I insist you come to Italy.
"Today, tomorrow, yesterday.
Why aren't you here already?"
Well, you needn't worry on that score.
Barras has already taken care of that for you.
Barras?
I must go.
Captain Charles is waiting for me.
What do you mean?
Bonaparte insisted Barras order you to go to Italy.
'Barras made an excuse for you.'
What excuse?
He said that you were pregnant. You don't have to go.
He told him that..
...without saying a word to me?
I thought you'd be pleased.
How dare he?
You'll have to ask Barras.
And he'll be in the country this weekend.
It will take me just a moment to dress.
Nicely done for a female.
Fair warning, I intend to play full out.
Let's make the stakes interesting.
Shall we say, a night of love?
Your shot, Junot.
[indistinct chatter]
The general is negotiating an armistice
with the Italians at Cherasco.
- One good news. - A mixed blessing.
With peace, however temporary
he will wish to return to his beloved Josephine.
'Paris speaks of nothing but Bonaparte'
and Paris speaks for France.
We may have a Corsican tiger by the tail, Barras.
Today, a street sign is changed.
Tomorrow, a government.
He must remain in Italy.
She must go to join him there.
He thinks she's pregnant.
He would never allow such a journey.
You must learn to solve these problems, Barras.
It's your...government.
- 'Oh!' - 'Very good!'
Damn!
Perhaps Madame De Stael
would care to provide the consolation prize?
[laughs] Not again.
My sword, captain.
- I should've cheated. - Didn't you, colonel?
(Junot) 'Beg your pardon?'
I'm sure I saw you move your cue ball illegally.
You accuse me of cheating?
What does it matter..
'...as long as you didn't win?'
Well, captain, please!
Puppy!
[grunts]
Forgive me, colonel. I took the opportunity
of gluing your sword in its scabbard.
[laughs]
One practical joke I couldn't resist.
You defame me!
My apologies, colonel, if I went too far.
It is a fault of mine.
Oh, Junot, it was a joke.
You like a joke as much as the next man. Please.
Please.
'Please'
[laughs]
Oh, thank you, captain.
I can't remember when I've laughed so.
I'm glad you were amused.
Oh, and relieved.
I mean, if the glue hadn't held
you'd have been lying out dead on the billiard table.
Well, you were really very brave.
Oh, I'm a devout coward.
- But you're a soldier. - I'm from Gascony.
I was afraid not to be a soldier.
And I'm a supply officer.
An expert in saddles and stirrups and cinches
'and halters and bits.'
'And I'm afraid of horses.'
But not as afraid as I am of swords
and muskets and pistols and cannonballs.
Or not being able to make you laugh.
But you did, captain.
If I had been laid out dead on the billiard table..
...would you have laughed?
Probably.
Probably.
Well...then it would've been worth it.
To life.
To life.
[glass clinks]
How do you like Captain Charles?
How do you?
He's too poor.
And too silly.
Josephine.
Therese, will you excuse us?
Gladly.
I'm going to go and see Captain Charles.
I feel like being silly.
I must confess your bet with Colonel Junot
gave me a surge of jealousy.
I'm not in the mood for exercises in nostalgia, Barras.
Lust, then?
Lust is always better served by unfamiliarity.
If Junot had won
would you have honored the debt?
What? Me? In my condition?
How tasteless of you but how typical.
Therese told you.
You must understand the circumstances.
Bonaparte was insistent.
I didn't think you'd want to spend your honeymoon
on a battlefield.
But you lie.
How dare you declare me pregnant?
How dare you use something so personal
so intimate for, for a lying excuse?
You really mustn't be so concerned, my dear.
And it's all moot now anyway.
You'll be leaving to join him in Milan
'as soon as escort can be arranged.'
Well, that's impossible.
The ordeal of the journey.
Well, you forget I'm carrying his child.
No longer.
Well, how did that come about?
I would suggest an accident.
A fall down a flight of stairs or the traditional heel
'caught in the hem of a dress.'
You'll think of something.
I am not going!
I've written to Bonaparte. He'll be expecting you.
You will do as you are told.
To hell with you, Barras!
To hell with both of you!
[indistinct chatter]
[shatters]
[sobbing]
[knock on door]
[knock on door]
[continues knocking]
Yes, yes.
Are you alright?
You seem troubled. I took the liberty of..
If I'm intruding, I'll leave.
Please do.
I apologize. I really do.
[sobbing]
Please, please, don't cry.
You know, I feel like crying myself
when I see someone cry, and I'm ugly when I cry.
And foolish.
Yes, and immodest and cowardly.
But I'd give it all up just to make you smile again.
No, please, don't.
Forgive me.
I couldn't resist. You're a beautiful woman.
Scarcely.
Scarcely a woman.
More an object.
A chattel.
A marker passed about by men.
A game in their game.
Damn them.
Damn them.
A woman.
What is it?
It's my wife.
- She doesn't answer my letters. - Hmm?
I get a few lines now and again
just enough to torment me.
Look at that.
I found the picture this morning just like that. The glass broke.
'Could mean only one of two things.'
Well, she's dead or she has a lover.
Napoleone, that's just a superstition.
Why not?
A lover.
Bourriene is a sensuous woman, no?
Generous.
Well, perhaps, she's overgenerous.
Overgenerous?
I knew it. But, come on, I cannot blame her.
'It's just your imagination.'
Well, she's not in love with me. She never was.
She didn't lie.
I confess I'd give a year's pay to hear she say she did.
Oh, God, I'd give a month's pay for a lie.
Just a lie.
[theme music]
[music continues]