Napoleon and Josephine: A Love Story (1987): Season 1, Episode 2 - Part II - full transcript
[theme music]
[music continues]
[music continues]
[music continues]
[laughs]
- Good mornin', my darlin'. - Good morning.
May I?
I have a wonderful surprise for you.
Yes?
Oh, I can't tell you. It wouldn't be a surprise.
'And a confession.'
Last night I said I didn't believe in love.
Well, I do now.
I love you.
You mustn't.
Oh, my love.
Why do men always think..
...just by loving you they lay claim to you?
But I do love you.
I do.
No, no, I have to get dressed.
Oh, I guarantee my surprise will stun you.
[laughs]
Take care of them, Eugene.
I will, mama.
A handshake for your mother?
It's for General Bonaparte.
Tell him it's from his son, Eugene.
I love you, Eugene.
I love you too, mama.
A perfect day for a perfect journey.
A long journey, Colonel Junot.
With you as my traveling companion
I would have it last forever.
Good God!
Ah. Joseph Bonaparte. He's going to Italy with us.
- 'You haven't met?' - Forgive me.
Your likeness to General Bonaparte
shocked me for a moment.
Brother Joseph.
Citizeness Beauharnais.
Or rather, Bonaparte.
Good lord!
I told you you'd be stunned.
I'm going to Italy with you.
Oh. Well, it is a morning full of surprises.
I've asked for combat duty.
The new Captain Charles will be nigh unrecognizable.
Brave and modest and not at all foolish.
And not indiscreet, I hope.
I'm the one for you. I love you.
I would never treat you the way the others have.
- Don't. - You're not a chattel to me.
A, a thing, a game piece in their game.
You're Josephine, my love.
- Stop it! - Alright, captain, shall we?
[instrumental music]
Ooh!
A thousand pardons, my dear.
No need, general.
[instrumental music]
[indistinct chatter]
The victory at Roveresco was costly.
We have more casualties than the enemy.
It's acceptable. We have an armistice.
There's grumbling, some talk that he pushed them too far
to guarantee the safe arrival of Citizeness Bonaparte.
Soldiers grumble.
[grunts]
Got your eyes...did they?
Only one.
'When the bandages come off'
I'll, uh, make the other do for both.
It's a high price, hmm?
- We won. - Hmm.
My comrades don't like it.
Comrades? Traitors.
Well, they said the Corsicans sacrificed us.
Damned Austrians, no doubt, huh?
- For his woman. - Our lady of victories?
You begin to smell like one.
I killed enough of them that day.
Hard to know, huh?
[grunts]
- Where are you? Damn you. - Dupont!
Marchand, I have an Austrian here! Help me!
- No, you're wrong! - Save your energy, sergeant!
You'll need it..
...for your next campaign.
- It was him? - Yes.
- What's happened? - A, a scratch.
- Your leg. - It's acceptable.
Acceptable.
- General? - Oh, Le clerc.
I have messages from Citizen Barras.
Yes, how is my wife?
Citizeness Bonaparte is on her way to Milan.
- She should be there shortly. - Le clerc.
You see, I kiss the messenger bearing good news, huh.
'Well, she's alright, huh?'
Such a journey on a pregnant woman, I pray she's alright.
What is wrong?
Le clerc?
- Look me in the eye! - 'She lost the child.'
[instrumental music]
Present arms!
[instrumental music]
Citizeness Bonaparte?
Goodbye.
[birds chirping]
Napoleon, I must speak with you--
Later, Joseph.
[birds chirping]
[door opens]
[door shuts]
[cot creaking]
[speaking in foreign language]
[exhales sharply]
[sobbing]
Our baby.
Our baby.
[sobbing]
Our baby.
Our baby.
[sobbing]
Oh.
Ah, forgive me, huh?
I think only of myself, huh?
But when they told me I could think of nothing
but the way you must hurt, huh..
- I must tell you. Please-- - No, no, no.
Say nothing. He is gone.
- Let me tell you. - He is gone.
This is the way if nana wants her son.
I'm ashamed to think only of myself.
I will never speak of this again.
We'll have other babies. Oh, we'll have six.
We'll have eight. We'll have thousands.
No, please. Stop it.
I can't stand it. You're breaking my heart.
Forgiveness for the things that I wrote to you
those letters.
Those letters. I was insane. I am insane.
Do you understand I am mad without you?
Do you understand how much I need you?
Do you?
[instrumental music]
What?
I never realized how beautiful you are.
[music continues]
[moaning]
Attention! Present arms!
[instrumental music]
Evidently the defeat of Austria's Italian allies
was one thing.
Threat of the same thing happening to them
is quite another.
Field Marshal Wurmser and his Austrians
have just come alive, gentlemen.
They have shelled Mantua.
'We must retaliate, hm?'
I fear the local citizenry
they might begin strewing roses, hm
in the path of the Austrian army instead of ours.
I will take two battalions, Murat, you will stay in reserve
and orders will be subject to hourly change.
Good fortune to all of you.
Bourrienne.
Well, with bad luck, it's no place for a woman.
I just don't want to alarm her, you see?
Well, let's be prepared for the worst.
You say nothing to her about this.
- Of course. - And send these to France.
Letters to me from General Bonaparte
forwarded back to General Bonaparte.
I'll have to get him to read them to me.
And, uh, one from Italy.
- Verona. - Oh.
Um, have you drawn the bath, Louise?
Yes, madame.
Could you see if it's not too hot?
Yes, madame.
- It's perfect, madame. - Oh, good.
Thank you.
- 'Where is she?' - In the bath.
I tell you..
If the Almighty had intended us to bathe in water
He wouldn't have made cologne.
You know I must go to Mantua.
Then perhaps I shall go to Verona.
Verona? Why? Why Verona?
Oh. "Romeo And Juliet."
You're a romantic.
I'll send an escort with you.
- 'Isn't it safe?' - Of course, it's safe.
Your husband has made this whole Italian Peninsula safe.
It's just a precaution.
You look as though you're enjoying yourself.
I am. Come in with me.
I will.
Bonaparte!
[laughing]
[carriage rattling]
Hm.
- It's quite lovely, isn't it? - Hm.
[indistinct chattering]
Josephine.
I would make amends, I truly would.
You would like to pay me off, is that it?
Like a pensioned concubine.
Perhaps a note to the board of Bodin.
"This is to introduce my former close, close friend."
Is that what you want?
I would set fire to such a note.
Your letter said you were ill.
No. No, heartsick.
[indistinct chattering]
You got me here under false pretenses.
Do you love him?
I will not discuss my husband with you.
Am I so unworthy
just because I'm poor and you're rich?
Or are there other reasons?
- I am not rich. - Oh.
[chuckles]
Why do you find that so amusing?
'Bodin and company'
Barras and his friends, your friends.
I learned many things as liaison.
Yours was a name heard when influence was courted.
I am not responsible
for Barras' financial manipulations
and whatever influence my name bore
but it has not made me rich.
[exhales sharply] What was I to you?
Someone who I took advantage of..
...for my own purpose at the moment.
'I should have told you that before..'
...but I...thought
I would never see you again.
[inhales sharply]
[exhales sharply]
I was weak.
And I should have been strong.
Citizeness, there's evidence of enemy action
on the outskirts of the city.
I suggest we retire to a safer position
while we have the opportunity.
You'd do well to rejoin your battalion, captain.
Uh, yes, at once.
[instrumental music]
Goodbye, Charles.
Goodbye.
[indistinct chattering]
Nothing to fear, madam, but the sooner we get out of here
the better.
(male #1) 'Prepare to move out!'
Get in there with her, corporal.
You don't know what you'll run up against.
[carriage door shuts]
Marchand, ma'am. Corporal.
Corporal Marchand.
[indistinct yelling]
Routine, ma'am.
[carriage rattling]
Go on!
[horses trotting]
[indistinct yelling]
[indistinct yelling]
[horses trotting]
[instrumental music]
They're coming. Take your positions.
[horses trotting]
[carriage rattling]
Fire!
[gunshots]
[indistinct yelling]
[gunshots]
[indistinct yelling]
[groaning]
[gunshot]
[men groaning]
[indistinct yelling]
Marchand, get her out of there!
We'll hold them as long as we can!
[indistinct yelling]
[gunshots]
[indistinct yelling]
[horse neighing]
[groaning]
[gunshots]
[panting]
[groaning]
[sobbing]
[groaning]
[horse neighing]
[sobbing]
Quiet, ma'am. You've got to be quiet, ma'am. Quiet.
[indistinct yelling]
It'll be alright, ma'am.
Don't worry, ma'am. Okay?
[sobbing]
[indistinct yelling]
- I'm sorry, ma'am. I'm sorry. - It's alright.
You just don't know who could hear you. I'm sorry.
- Well, huh.. - 'Have to keep moving, ma'am.'
(Marchand) 'We got to find some way to get through the lines.'
[panting]
[horses trotting]
[crickets creaking]
So what is wrong?
Josephine.
[crickets creaking]
[horses trotting]
[carriage rattling]
Whoo.
[birds chirping]
Get out, ma'am. Hide in the woods.
What about you?
They find a cart without a driver, ma'am
they'll look under every blade of grass.
Damn it, woman, get out!
[horse snorting]
[carriage rattling]
[horses trotting]
No sign of her. There's only this.
Corporal Marchand's gone, too.
[horse neighing]
They've escaped.
- Unless.. - Unless what?
Unless the Austrians took them.
[horse snorting]
[horses trotting]
[dramatic music]
(male #2) 'Look. Over there!'
[carriage rattling]
You in the wagon, halt!
[horse neighing]
Halt!
[carriage rattling]
Hyah! Hyah!
[groaning]
[indistinct yelling]
Hyah! Hyah!
[indistinct yelling]
[grunts]
[groans]
[grunting]
[groaning]
[Marchand groaning]
- There may be others up ahead! - Yeah.
- Hyah! - Hyah!
[horses trotting]
[instrumental music]
[birds chirping]
Corporal.
[sobbing]
[sobbing]
[horses trotting]
[sighs]
[horse neighing]
[gasps]
Oh! Ah, don't let me go.
[sobbing] Don't ever let me go.
It's alright. It's alright.
Oh, God, it's alright. It's alright.
[sobbing]
- It's alright. - Oh.
[sobbing]
They won't have gone far. We'll get them.
[horse neighing]
Any family?
[breathing heavily]
Yes.
A son.
(Napoleon) 'He was a good soldier.'
Yes.
It's too bad he couldn't die in France.
He did.
[laughing]
I suppose rank has its privilege, eh?
[laughing]
[indistinct chattering]
[laughing]
My sister, Pauline. She's too wild.
My brother.
[men laughing]
- Oh, high-spirited. - Wild.
She's a wild animal.
- Bonaparte. - Hm?
- Well, nothing. - What?
Come, tell me. What is it?
Oh, nothing you think was at all important.
Oh, no?
Then don't tell me.
Are you looking forward to this evening?
Yes.
Italians are wonderful musicians.
They say their composers are the best in Europe.
Tintoretto, Caravaggio
Michelangelo, Leonar--
- They're painters. - What?
Of course, they're painters. I know that.
My mind, you see, it's preoccupied.
- With what? - I don't know.
Whatever that you think is important
that I would think isn't important.
I..
I think..
No, I know..
...that I am in love with you.
- What is wrong? - No.
It just seems that I've waited my whole life
to hear you say that.
I can't believe this, you know?
This is like a dream.
Yes, a dream.
Are you happy?
Are you?
I have never felt so safe in my whole life.
Unimportant?
I think it's very important.
You have shamed me, you have brought down this family
and you're gonna marry him!
I don't want to marry anybody! I'm only 16!
You and your public displays in the gardens.
You've no morals. You behave like an animal!
Don't blame me!
You've made me a laughingstock!
It's not my fault people scorn you
laugh at you behind your back.
It's not I who dishonors this family.
'Put the blame where it belongs, Napoleon!'
What the hell are you talking about?
Your wife!
[birds chirping]
[dog barking]
You are very quiet.
- Is something wrong? - Wrong?
With your food. You've hardly touched it.
Nothing wrong with the food.
What is it then?
I'm just solving a morale problem
I have among my officers.
- Well, what kind of a problem? - 'A shirking.'
There's this growing tendency on the part of some of them
to avoid their combat duty.
It's a pernicious sort of thing
this arranging safe positions for themselves
in transport and supply.
'Well, you can imagine.'
Mm. Well, what can you do about it?
I'm making an example of the offender.
Typical case.
'Shirked his true responsibility, fighting.'
He buried himself in some soft, safe sinecure
so today we bury him.
I hope it doesn't disturb you 'cause the execution
will take place here.
- Here? - 'Just outside.'
I can't hang out the army's dirty linen, you see?
Not in front of foreigners.
Well, who is he?
He is a captain.
A "Captain Hippolyte Charles."
[coughs]
Now, if you'll excuse me..
'This paperwork never ends, you see?'
Are you coming?
[indistinct yelling]
No.
[Charles groaning]
How can you do this?
Is that true what they say?
You were lovers?
I think you'd do best to answer me.
No? How can I find the truth?
What, you won't speak? You won't speak?
Well, you gave him your body, didn't you?
Huh? Didn't you?
Naked...in a bed
in each other's arms, see?
All I ask is that you tell me the truth.
Just don't lie to me. Don't you ever lie to me!
[sobbing]
You slept with him because you love him. Is that true?
Is it true?
What, you didn't sleep with him?
I, I, I never loved him. I never loved him--
You cuckolded your husband with a man you don't love?
You cuckolded your husband with a man you don't love?
I will allow you one thing.
You once said to me you'd rather be a mistress than a wife.
Well, you were right.
Ah.
No. I was wrong.
[door shuts]
I was wrong.
[sobbing]
[gate opening]
[footsteps approaching]
[gate creaking]
The priest is here.
Will you want a blindfold?
I don't know.
[speaking in foreign language]
(male #3) 'Left, right, go on.'
Left, right, halt!
Right face!
[indistinct yelling]
Madame.
What did he say, Louise?
General Bonaparte wouldn't see me.
Oh, dear God. I must go to him again.
He'll see no one, madame. He sent word.
"The sentence of the court martial
shall be carried out as ordered."
Pack my bags, Louise.
[speaking in foreign language]
- 'You cannot go in!' - And I will.
The general has given me strictest orders!
He is my brother!
We will see no one.
The trollop maid of your trollop wife came to plead
didn't she?
But you must not relent, brother.
This man was your wife's lover.
The two of them have made you a cuckold.
And your enemies in Paris will use your shame against you.
Thwart them. Divorce this woman now.
Joseph, I beg of you.
She is my wife.
Hup, hup, hup.
'Detail, halt!'
Hurry, Louise.
[door opens]
(male #4) 'Captain Hippolyte Charles..'
Leave us, Louise.
I am leaving you.
I will not be a witness to your cruelty.
(male #4) 'Lieutenant, carry out the order.'
Bonaparte.
'What is it?'
[groaning]
Uh..
[Josephine whimpering]
[gasps]
[sobbing]
My darling.
Captain.
- Just get me water. - Y-yes.
Alright.
[grunting]
[groaning]
I thought this had passed.
- Oh. - Not for years.
This was the curse of Caesar.
Oh, God. No one must ever know this.
No one.
- Y-you swear to me? - I swear.
- You swear to me? - I swear.
Attention!
Bonaparte.
Ready!
Aim!
No, please!
'Don't!'
Ready!
Aim!
Major..
...release the prisoner.
Squad, redress!
Hm.
(male #4) 'Shoulder arms!'
'Right face!'
'Forward march!'
'Hup, hup, hup..'
His name must never be mentioned again.
Never. Never.
Please love me.
[inhales sharply]
[exhales sharply]
- It's cold. - I, I will warm you.
[breathing heavily]
Can't you love me?
Does it matter?
I'm obsessed with you.
[instrumental music]
[horse neighing]
- Sergeant Dupont. - Hmm?
Corporal Roland. Replacement.
With your leave, sergeant.
- Where you from? - Burgundy.
That your real name?
No.
You've drawn safe duty. We're going back to Paris.
Too bad. I've got a wife here.
Take her with you.
I can't. I've got a wife in Paris.
Burgundians.
Thieves.
'Highwaymen.'
'Fornicators.'
What did you do before you changed your name
and hid in the army?
Thief.
'Highwayman.'
Fornicator.
I shall call you Marchand.
Now, there was a corporal.
You live up to the name.
Come, Marchand.
(Priest) 'In the presence of God and this company'
do you, Pauline Bonaparte, take this man
to be your lawful wedded husband
to love, honor, and obey?
I do.
(Priest) 'Do you take this woman'
'to be your lawful wedded wife'
'to love and honor?'
I do.
I deem you man and wife.
Oh, I love weddings.
Yes, well, as soon as these things are crated
we're leaving for Paris.
- Just a moment. - Please.
Mother Bonaparte.
You must be very happy.
Must I?
Well, you could be a grandmother soon.
Yes. Pauline's young.
'And youth is the time for childbearing.'
I'll wager we make you a grandmother before they do.
I won't take your wager, Nabouglione.
And just as well..
If you and this woman have a child, it'd be a bastard.
After all, you were excommunicated
for marrying in a civil ceremony.
A bastard then but with Bonaparte blood in him.
Our blood, your blood.
Small chance of that.
Your wife's too old.
Good day.
'Good wishes.'
Oh! Enough.
Nabouglione!
Please. There's no need for anger.
The lace is beautiful
but I wasn't happy with it where it was.
Thank you, Pauline.
You see? Our lady of victories.
To the teeth.
Come.
[instrumental music]
[people cheering]
[music continues]
[cheering continues]
(Barras) People are welcoming Bonaparte like a God.
(Talleyrand) A God?
More like royalty. More dangerous.
More to the taste of our young Corsican friend
if I judge his ambitions correctly.
What will he want?
Uh, more to the point, what will he be satisfied with?
I should say a place on the directory--
- Never! - For an appetizer?
Never. There must be a law.
And if there isn't, we'll make one.
[instrumental music]
Napoleon seems taller these days.
Ha ha. No one seems so tall these days.
[people applauding]
Now you see, a place on the directory
would be unrealistic.
I just want Barras to think that I'm willing
to go any lengths for it.
This way, he'll award me some, a consolation prize.
I must speak to him alone.
Would you distract citizen Talleyrand, dear?
Gladly.
General Bonaparte.
Madame de stael.
I can't believe that I'm actually walking
arm in arm with a conqueror.
A liberator.
Oh, how lucky I am.
Every woman here is in love with you.
Please, continue. Continue.
One hears that you are
eagerly looking forward to motherhood.
[instrumental music]
Has someone invented another pregnancy for me?
People are eager for anything concerning Bonaparte.
He's so popular in France today
they might renounce their democracy and make him king.
- Don't say that. - Then?
Not even in jest.
Beg him to curb his ambition
for his own sake.
'If the reign of terror has taught us one thing'
it is that the head raised above the crowd
is the first to be chopped off, hmm?
All of France is most grateful
for the rewards you've brought to her.
How can we ever repay you?
Oh, you must make me a member of the directory.
If it were up to me, you would be
one already, but there's a law.
A director must be at least
40 years of age and you are--
Ah, yes. 29. 29.
Time passes quickly.
A decade is but the blink of an eye.
In the meantime, solidify your position.
Frenchmen can never get too much of a good thing.
And we now have the resources
to consider an invasion of England.
Why? The English are a nation are shopkeepers.
Everything they have is for sale.
It needn't be bought with blood.
England was attractive enough for Caesar.
Well, Caesar had bourgeois taste.
Alexander is a star to follow though, no?
He had a nose for riches.
For glory.
You should afford me a fully mounted expedition to the east.
Hmm?
To Egypt.
Oh, really?
There are no friends in politics.
Only enemies, and lovers.
Listen to this.
Why not?
A campaign to follow the path of Alexander.
To seek the treasures of the ancient world
in exchange for the enlightenment of our revolution.
We'll give them liberty, equality, fraternity, democracy.
Expensive.
Not when you consider the alternative.
I think that Egypt is just the place for our general.
And, uh, would you personally supervise the program
to requisition the treasures of the east?
Why, at a far remove from Paris.
What a wise young man you've married, Josephine..
'Wise, astute, and candid.'
And never fear, general, we shall find amusement
for our Josephine while you're abroad.
Oh, no. My Josephine is coming with me.
I can't be without her again. Can I?
Come, my dear. We mustn't slight the rest of our friends, hmm?
[music continues]
"The French expeditionary force
waits to sail from Toulon."
Bonaparte has laced on the shoes of Alexander, the great.
And prepares to take the first step
into everlasting glory.
Surely he can't be allowed to interfere
with English interests in India and the far east, my lord.
Surely not.
I must confess, Hardy, the fellow intrigues me.
From all I hear, he's a cathedral of ambition
of overweening pride.
Hubris, the Greeks called it.
Now he dares to twist the lion's tail.
Well, he's reckoned without the English navy.
Lay a course for Abukir Bay
Let me see to it that he never reaches Egypt.
Yes, sir.
East northeast, Abukir Bay.
[instrumental music]
I must see General Bonaparte at once.
May I help, General Junot?
Cadet Eugene Beauharnais, sir.
I'm going with my father on the expedition.
Where is the general? I must see him. It's imperative!
He's down below, sir.
Who are all these damn civilians?
Engineers, botanists,
cartographers, historians
linguists..
God! Are we going to Egypt to fight
or start a damned university?
A bit of both, sir.
- General. - Junot.
You can't sail.
Lord Nelson and the English fleet
are in the Mediterranean off Majorca...waiting.
How could they have known?
Spies.
Traitors.
We're going now.
But general.
I won't scuttle this expedition
for fear of some lime-sucking shopkeeper.
But you'd rather have him scuttle it?
That'll be all.
Yes, sir.
- What about my mother? - It's too dangerous.
We sail with the Titan. She goes to the spa at Plombieres.
- But she-- - Why not?
She'll be fit and healthy for a child.
Be back before she knows it.
I'll bring her a brace of pharaohs on a leash.
[instrumental music]
[whimpering]
[grunts]
It's so wonderful to see you.
It's just like the old days.
How have you been?
Not too bad.
For someone who's fighting gravity
and poverty and another pregnancy.
Is it the guardsmen?
I'm really quite sure that if I could just
pull myself together, buy some new clothes
I could have something permanent with him..
...in a temporary way.
Well, let me lend you some money.
You are so dear, Josephine.
(Hortense) 'Mama! Mama!'
What is it, Hortense?
Mama! Mama!
Oh! Please come quickly!
Fortune's fighting with a huge dog
and I can't stop them!
[instrumental music]
Ahh!
Ohh! Ohh!
Mama! Mama!
Somebody help me!
We must get a doctor!
(Napoleon) 'There he is.'
Our one-eyed friend
and his fleet.
Shall I give the order to man battle stations?
No. He won't engage us here. I know his mind.
He'll wait to bottle us up in Abukir Bay.
By that time, we'll be in Cairo.
Nothing more to be done here tonight.
I'm going to my cabin
write a letter to my wife.
Will I recover, doctor?
Of course, but we must continue the bleeding.
Can't get too much of that.
I'll prepare the leeches myself.
Could this...lessen my chances
of having...a child?
You speak of mysteries, dear lady.
For the answer to that
you must depend on the care and charity
of the divine physician
not a simple country doctor.
Soldiers of France..
40 centuries of history
look down upon you!
[cheering]
Some godforsaken place he's got us to.
No shade, no women, no one to fight even.
Soon.
Without glory is to die every day!
Soon it is you..
...who will face the most formidable fighting men
this Turkish empire can field!
Who's he talking about?
Mamelukes, cavalry.
The sound of their charge is said to chill the bone.
Bloodthirsty wogs, they take no prisoners.
Neither do I.
You like fighting?
No. I like killing.
Only the soldiers of liberty..
...could have endured..
...what you have endured!
[cheering]
[gunfire]
[instrumental music]
Hard alee. Bring her around.
Aye aye, sir.
Bonaparte's naval escort may be at the bottom of Abukir Bay
but the fellow himself is ashore with his army.
Agreed, but wouldn't be able to provision and reinforce
that expedition with his navy in the deep.
He'll have to live off the land
and the charity of his Egyptian hosts.
But most important, Hardy
the Mediterranean remains an English lake.
God bless the king.
God bless the king.
[birds chirping]
How are you feeling this morning, mama?
I do believe I'm almost myself again today.
Come and sit down.
Now you mustn't let Bonaparte know about all this.
He has far too many worries as it is.
You're alright, aren't you?
No small thanks to my darling daughter.
There is someone here to see you.
A courier...from General Bonaparte?
No, madam.
[instrumental music]
Hello.
I've brought a recuperation gift
and I promise only to stay a moment.
That would be all, Louise.
Hortense..
- This is-- - Yes, I know.
Excuse me....Captain.
Citizen.
How are you?
What do you want, Charles?
I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your little dog.
Many things were broken that day.
You didn't answer my question.
Oh, would you care to see your gift?
Ohh!
To replace your beloved Fortune.
That would be impossible.
Ohh!
Why did you really come here?
To warn you.
I've made a business connection
with Bodin and company, army suppliers.
I hear things.
But of what interest to me?
General Bonaparte's political enemies
would reveal your old influence with Bodin
to neutralize his popularity.
My influence?
It's very real.
Yes, I-I know that from personal experience.
I used your name to secure my position with the company.
How dare you?
Please forgive me.
[dog barks]
Ahh!
Spying! You're spying on me!
How dare you?
Who put you up to this? Who?
'Whose paying you, Louise? Come back here!'
Please leave.
Your very presence here compromises me.
(Talleyrand) 'Excellent, my dear.'
'You shall have your reward.'
You deserve every sou, as always.
It is unfortunate that you were dismissed
and can no longer be useful to me
and so good night and good-bye.
But you could still use me..
...for old time's sake.
Louise.
The...servant's entrance.
You heard?
The comic Captain Charles is employed by Bodin.
And?
And he had a meeting with Josephine.
- A rendezvous, I would call it. - Really?
But all that matters
is what Bonaparte would call it.
A betrayal, I'm sure.
And if he decided to divorce her
because of Captain Charles?
Then Bonaparte would be a joke
rejected by the people
a cuckold, a character out of a Moliere farce
unworthy of serious political consideration.
Thus, Bonaparte must be told
of his wife's indiscretion
but who will tell him?
Junot.
Junot will never do it.
Of course, he will.
His affair with Louise.
You and I will blackmail him.
You have a coarse streak, Barras.
I should try to control that
if I were you.
Reconnaissance?
The Mamelukes are camped in the desert
not two kilometers from here.
Two kilometers..
Why don't they attack?
It's a Muslim holy day.
Dawn.
They prefer noon.
The midday sun wilts the opponent.
[horse neighing]
[instrumental music]
We'll see who wilts under French cannon.
General.
Uh.. May I speak with you, sir?
Personal matter.
Not now.
Yes, sir.
[music continues]
I need these things to go with the next courier.
Nelson controls the access to the sea.
Damn Nelson.
He can't confront us, so he must harass us
like flies nipping at horses in a corral.
He stages his ships offshore out of the range for our guns
and waits for us to try to run his blockade.
- It would-- - Shut up!
Listen.
Allah hu akbar!
Allah hu akbar!
Allah hu akbar!
[horses neighing]
'Allah hu akbar!'
[speaking in foreign language]
[dramatic music]
Prepare to fire!
- Fire! - Fire!
Fire!
Fire!
Infantry, fire!
They've got no guns!
Fish in a barrel!
[music continues]
Allah hu akbar!
Allah hu akbar!
The prisoner count is over 1,000.
We should take you back to Paris.
You would delight the children.
What do you suggest we do?
We can't feed them.
We can't spare them and guard them.
I can't even afford the bullets
here to shoot them.
What is this?
It is their time for prayer.
[chuckles]
I think you must tell them that these prayers of theirs
shall be answered right now that they're free to go.
Now you tell them to swear an oath
never to return to fight us here again
and then they're free, they're free now to go home.
- But general-- - You do as I say, major!
General Bonaparte has made you a very generous offer.
You had a personal matter, didn't you?
Your wife, general, and Captain Charles.
Raise your hand to God.
[speaking in Turkish]
Seeing him again, huh?
That can't be.
Why?
Why would she do such a thing? To me, hmm?
It seems they got involved in some sort of scheme.
Business scheme.
'Bodin and company. War profiteering.'
'That's all I know, sir.'
Why did you tell me this?
I felt it was my duty.
[instrumental music]
I am writing to my brother Joseph.
He's to start divorce proceedings on my behalf.
She will not even keep the house on the rue de la victoire!
It's my house.
I will not have some..
...dandy living in my house.
I love her.
- I love you, too, fa-- - Enough.
His majesty's dreaded off thermopolae
has captured a froggy clipper ship.
The usual contraband and, uh, personal mail..
...letters from Bony himself.
Interesting.
One might even say fascinating.
- Might one? - Hmm.
'Seems he wants to divorce his wife.'
'Well, Hardy, I think the public might enjoy these letters.'
[instrumental music]
Mamma, what is it?
He wants to leave me.
What are you talking about?
How could I bear life without him?
I've grown to love him so.
We must be..
...strong.
We must not show them..
...how they hurt us.
Our private life has become front page scandal.
Paris newspapers translated from the English.
Bonaparte's orders to his brother Joseph to divorce me.
[sighs] Forgive me.
The thought of divorce is horrendous.
He vows to cut off my funds
just when I promised Therese Tallien a loan
to keep her from debtor's prison.
Help the lord, you care about that I know.
Therese Tallien is a spendthrift.
She always has been. She always will be.
She is my friend!
Don't be angry with Barras, Josephine.
He is your Samaritan.
You have your own money because of him.
What are you talking about?
A bank check from Bodin And Company
purveyors to the armed forces.
Military supply contracts
have yielded handsome returns.
And your friend Therese is safe from the jailer.
You must learn to trust us, my dear.
It would seem, at the moment
that I have no choice.
[men laughing]
- They're laughing at me. - Napoleon--
I'm a cuckold.
- They know. - How could they possibly know?
Nelson.
He's been giving these English newspapers
to these Egyptian shopkeepers.
The papers find their way to the troops.
It's a vile shopkeeper's trick.
Look...more prisoners.
There's nearly 8,000 of them now.
Why do they look familiar?
Well, it's no wonder.
Here.
There's no two of this fellow.
They are the same.
Yes.
They've come back to fight?
They took an oath.
It was a Christian oath. It meant nothing--
They took an oath!
- What are we to do? - They broke their oath!
We kill them.
What?
You heard me.
And if I let them go? Hmm?
They'll come back and butcher us!
Kill them!
Give this assignment to General Junot.
Since he's an officer devoted to duty.
- Napoleon-- - I don't care how this is done.
You will take no more troops from regular assignments
than is necessary.
You'll waste no ammunition.
And you get me a woman.
All this with Josephine has made me weary.
This pursuit of grandeur..
'...it's a burden to me.'
This glory has become stale.
There's nothing for me now.
I've become the complete egoist.
Execute 8,000 men?
Without bullets?
Sergeant Dupont!
Yes, sir!
Corporal!
I have a job for you, Marchand.
[all clamoring]
Hey!
Go on! Swim!
Swim for home!
Only 400 kilometers!
You'll be there in a month or two!
Tell them if they try to come back to shore
they get the bayonet. Drowning's sweeter.
[man speaking in foreign language]
Push them back in!
You want to dig graves? Let the fish bury them!
[man yelling in foreign language]
Corporal!
He keeps coming back.
- Stick him! - We did.
He keeps coming back. One shot could do it.
You heard the orders.
I'll show you how it's done, soldier.
[grunting]
[gun fires]
Hold your fire!
He's taking him out to sea, sergeant.
Who's your best shot?
Villeforte!
It's 100 meters. Can you do it?
[gun fires]
Good shooting.
What did he say your name was?
Villeforte.
What kind of name is that?
A surname.
Well, you're now a corporal, Villeforte.
And your name is Marchand.
[Middle Eastern music]
I swear not one of them is to my taste.
It's the best I could do.
I want a woman. Do you understand?
I want her slender, I want her graceful.
The sort of woman one could imagine
in the palest gown walking down some garden path
do you understand, dappled sunlight.
There's only one woman I know like that and she's in Paris.
Then give them some money and send them away.
Thank you. Thank you. You dance beautifully.
[speaks in foreign language]
[men laughing]
Oh, just let them laugh.
'Not just laughing at you, Napoleon.'
There's a couple out here they find very amusing.
'Captain Foures of the Ninth Regiment of grenadiers'
and his bride.
She stowed away in Toulon.
The secret is out now, all but officially
so she still wears the uniform
'of a cadet of grenadiers.'
- Attractive, don't you think? - She's an oasis.
She's an oasis of beauty.
I mean, she's pale, she's blonde.
She's not too short.
'She's not even too tall.'
- And she's here. - And married to Captain Foures.
No. She's here.
That captain is resourceful, hmm?
You know, I need such a man
right now to take highly secret documents
wherever they may be, back to France.
[laughs] To France, huh?
Just make sure she is agreeable.
I mean I've already been rejected by a general's wife.
I wouldn't relish that from the wife of a captain.
I'll draw up the orders right away.
(Napoleon) 'And I tell you it was that bit of coal'
in the center of a snowball
that turned the tide of battle.
It was not the tactical genius
of the 12-year-old commander.
Game.
Enough of my war stories, huh?
Ooh, your glass needs a refill, Madame Foures.
Oh, forgive me! Oh!
'Do you know that I have in my apartment'
just the right thing for removing those stains?
Enjoy the wine.
No! Sit, sit, sit, please.
I need no help with household remedies.
What are you reading?
Oh, it says the directory is in danger of collapse.
Pro-Bonaparte sentiment rages in Paris.
Even though the name of Bonaparte's wife
has been connected to war profiteering.
Our lady of victories?
What kind of paper is that?
German.
I'll believe it when I see it in a French newspaper.
Ah, but you won't see it in a French newspaper, sergeant.
- It's too dangerous now. - Don't contest me.
We broke the enemy's back here. We've got them wiped.
I'm returning to France.
You read what these Italian newspapers write.
Where is it? Where is it? Here.
"Pro-Bonaparte sentiment raging."
Just remember what the English poet said
"There's a tide in the affairs of men when taken at flood.."
"Leads on to fortune."
Well, the French are like women.
As we see, they mustn't
be left alone too long.
I suggest you reread that.
Will you see her?
Do I consort with war profiteers?
Have I ever?
I'm taking one cadre of men on a fast ship.
Nelson would give his other eye to capture you.
I'm prepared for that too. I have my arsenic.
I've had it with me always.
'A general cannot afford to be captured. Hmm?'
Thank you.
You and I are in very bad odor.
How can you be sure, mama?
We are below the salt.
Talleyrand is our host, and he has put us here.
Bonaparte's fortunes must be flagging.
It must be important news to interrupt a dinner party.
He's looking at me.
Bonaparte. It's news of Bonaparte.
He's looking down.
Perhaps Bonaparte is dead.
No, he's alive. Thank God.
[indistinct whispering]
[indistinct whispering]
He's not only alive. He is in France.
Joseph is going to meet him.
We must get to him first,
'before he is fed anymore lies.'
We mustn't be obvious.
The mother will suspect.
An excuse. We need an excuse.
Oh!
Oh! Oh! Oh!
Excuse us.
'Oh! Oh! Oh!'
[crowd cheering]
Napoleon.
Wake up.
Wake up!
Look.
- Where are we now? Lyons? - Soon, soon. Look.
Who are they?
Who are they?
Ha! Frenchmen.
Look, people treat you as if you were a--
King.
- Great care must be taken. - Why?
Any attempt on your part to gain your rightful share of power
could be looked upon by your enemies as treason.
Treason's a matter of dates.
I'm sorry, ma'am. It will take at least two hours to mend.
Oh, do it as quickly as you can.
'And then to the rue de la Victoire.'
Yes, ma'am.
[sighs]
We've missed him!
His brother Joseph will be there waiting for him with his poison.
Oh, Hortense, I love him so much.
Mama.
She's gone.
She ran off with him.
You know, I am under a curse, Bourrienne.
Like a fragment of rock..
...launched into space.
I want everything out of here now.
Everything.
Everything that reminds me of her.
[instrumental music]
[theme music]
[music continues]
[music continues]
[music continues]
[laughs]
- Good mornin', my darlin'. - Good morning.
May I?
I have a wonderful surprise for you.
Yes?
Oh, I can't tell you. It wouldn't be a surprise.
'And a confession.'
Last night I said I didn't believe in love.
Well, I do now.
I love you.
You mustn't.
Oh, my love.
Why do men always think..
...just by loving you they lay claim to you?
But I do love you.
I do.
No, no, I have to get dressed.
Oh, I guarantee my surprise will stun you.
[laughs]
Take care of them, Eugene.
I will, mama.
A handshake for your mother?
It's for General Bonaparte.
Tell him it's from his son, Eugene.
I love you, Eugene.
I love you too, mama.
A perfect day for a perfect journey.
A long journey, Colonel Junot.
With you as my traveling companion
I would have it last forever.
Good God!
Ah. Joseph Bonaparte. He's going to Italy with us.
- 'You haven't met?' - Forgive me.
Your likeness to General Bonaparte
shocked me for a moment.
Brother Joseph.
Citizeness Beauharnais.
Or rather, Bonaparte.
Good lord!
I told you you'd be stunned.
I'm going to Italy with you.
Oh. Well, it is a morning full of surprises.
I've asked for combat duty.
The new Captain Charles will be nigh unrecognizable.
Brave and modest and not at all foolish.
And not indiscreet, I hope.
I'm the one for you. I love you.
I would never treat you the way the others have.
- Don't. - You're not a chattel to me.
A, a thing, a game piece in their game.
You're Josephine, my love.
- Stop it! - Alright, captain, shall we?
[instrumental music]
Ooh!
A thousand pardons, my dear.
No need, general.
[instrumental music]
[indistinct chatter]
The victory at Roveresco was costly.
We have more casualties than the enemy.
It's acceptable. We have an armistice.
There's grumbling, some talk that he pushed them too far
to guarantee the safe arrival of Citizeness Bonaparte.
Soldiers grumble.
[grunts]
Got your eyes...did they?
Only one.
'When the bandages come off'
I'll, uh, make the other do for both.
It's a high price, hmm?
- We won. - Hmm.
My comrades don't like it.
Comrades? Traitors.
Well, they said the Corsicans sacrificed us.
Damned Austrians, no doubt, huh?
- For his woman. - Our lady of victories?
You begin to smell like one.
I killed enough of them that day.
Hard to know, huh?
[grunts]
- Where are you? Damn you. - Dupont!
Marchand, I have an Austrian here! Help me!
- No, you're wrong! - Save your energy, sergeant!
You'll need it..
...for your next campaign.
- It was him? - Yes.
- What's happened? - A, a scratch.
- Your leg. - It's acceptable.
Acceptable.
- General? - Oh, Le clerc.
I have messages from Citizen Barras.
Yes, how is my wife?
Citizeness Bonaparte is on her way to Milan.
- She should be there shortly. - Le clerc.
You see, I kiss the messenger bearing good news, huh.
'Well, she's alright, huh?'
Such a journey on a pregnant woman, I pray she's alright.
What is wrong?
Le clerc?
- Look me in the eye! - 'She lost the child.'
[instrumental music]
Present arms!
[instrumental music]
Citizeness Bonaparte?
Goodbye.
[birds chirping]
Napoleon, I must speak with you--
Later, Joseph.
[birds chirping]
[door opens]
[door shuts]
[cot creaking]
[speaking in foreign language]
[exhales sharply]
[sobbing]
Our baby.
Our baby.
[sobbing]
Our baby.
Our baby.
[sobbing]
Oh.
Ah, forgive me, huh?
I think only of myself, huh?
But when they told me I could think of nothing
but the way you must hurt, huh..
- I must tell you. Please-- - No, no, no.
Say nothing. He is gone.
- Let me tell you. - He is gone.
This is the way if nana wants her son.
I'm ashamed to think only of myself.
I will never speak of this again.
We'll have other babies. Oh, we'll have six.
We'll have eight. We'll have thousands.
No, please. Stop it.
I can't stand it. You're breaking my heart.
Forgiveness for the things that I wrote to you
those letters.
Those letters. I was insane. I am insane.
Do you understand I am mad without you?
Do you understand how much I need you?
Do you?
[instrumental music]
What?
I never realized how beautiful you are.
[music continues]
[moaning]
Attention! Present arms!
[instrumental music]
Evidently the defeat of Austria's Italian allies
was one thing.
Threat of the same thing happening to them
is quite another.
Field Marshal Wurmser and his Austrians
have just come alive, gentlemen.
They have shelled Mantua.
'We must retaliate, hm?'
I fear the local citizenry
they might begin strewing roses, hm
in the path of the Austrian army instead of ours.
I will take two battalions, Murat, you will stay in reserve
and orders will be subject to hourly change.
Good fortune to all of you.
Bourrienne.
Well, with bad luck, it's no place for a woman.
I just don't want to alarm her, you see?
Well, let's be prepared for the worst.
You say nothing to her about this.
- Of course. - And send these to France.
Letters to me from General Bonaparte
forwarded back to General Bonaparte.
I'll have to get him to read them to me.
And, uh, one from Italy.
- Verona. - Oh.
Um, have you drawn the bath, Louise?
Yes, madame.
Could you see if it's not too hot?
Yes, madame.
- It's perfect, madame. - Oh, good.
Thank you.
- 'Where is she?' - In the bath.
I tell you..
If the Almighty had intended us to bathe in water
He wouldn't have made cologne.
You know I must go to Mantua.
Then perhaps I shall go to Verona.
Verona? Why? Why Verona?
Oh. "Romeo And Juliet."
You're a romantic.
I'll send an escort with you.
- 'Isn't it safe?' - Of course, it's safe.
Your husband has made this whole Italian Peninsula safe.
It's just a precaution.
You look as though you're enjoying yourself.
I am. Come in with me.
I will.
Bonaparte!
[laughing]
[carriage rattling]
Hm.
- It's quite lovely, isn't it? - Hm.
[indistinct chattering]
Josephine.
I would make amends, I truly would.
You would like to pay me off, is that it?
Like a pensioned concubine.
Perhaps a note to the board of Bodin.
"This is to introduce my former close, close friend."
Is that what you want?
I would set fire to such a note.
Your letter said you were ill.
No. No, heartsick.
[indistinct chattering]
You got me here under false pretenses.
Do you love him?
I will not discuss my husband with you.
Am I so unworthy
just because I'm poor and you're rich?
Or are there other reasons?
- I am not rich. - Oh.
[chuckles]
Why do you find that so amusing?
'Bodin and company'
Barras and his friends, your friends.
I learned many things as liaison.
Yours was a name heard when influence was courted.
I am not responsible
for Barras' financial manipulations
and whatever influence my name bore
but it has not made me rich.
[exhales sharply] What was I to you?
Someone who I took advantage of..
...for my own purpose at the moment.
'I should have told you that before..'
...but I...thought
I would never see you again.
[inhales sharply]
[exhales sharply]
I was weak.
And I should have been strong.
Citizeness, there's evidence of enemy action
on the outskirts of the city.
I suggest we retire to a safer position
while we have the opportunity.
You'd do well to rejoin your battalion, captain.
Uh, yes, at once.
[instrumental music]
Goodbye, Charles.
Goodbye.
[indistinct chattering]
Nothing to fear, madam, but the sooner we get out of here
the better.
(male #1) 'Prepare to move out!'
Get in there with her, corporal.
You don't know what you'll run up against.
[carriage door shuts]
Marchand, ma'am. Corporal.
Corporal Marchand.
[indistinct yelling]
Routine, ma'am.
[carriage rattling]
Go on!
[horses trotting]
[indistinct yelling]
[indistinct yelling]
[horses trotting]
[instrumental music]
They're coming. Take your positions.
[horses trotting]
[carriage rattling]
Fire!
[gunshots]
[indistinct yelling]
[gunshots]
[indistinct yelling]
[groaning]
[gunshot]
[men groaning]
[indistinct yelling]
Marchand, get her out of there!
We'll hold them as long as we can!
[indistinct yelling]
[gunshots]
[indistinct yelling]
[horse neighing]
[groaning]
[gunshots]
[panting]
[groaning]
[sobbing]
[groaning]
[horse neighing]
[sobbing]
Quiet, ma'am. You've got to be quiet, ma'am. Quiet.
[indistinct yelling]
It'll be alright, ma'am.
Don't worry, ma'am. Okay?
[sobbing]
[indistinct yelling]
- I'm sorry, ma'am. I'm sorry. - It's alright.
You just don't know who could hear you. I'm sorry.
- Well, huh.. - 'Have to keep moving, ma'am.'
(Marchand) 'We got to find some way to get through the lines.'
[panting]
[horses trotting]
[crickets creaking]
So what is wrong?
Josephine.
[crickets creaking]
[horses trotting]
[carriage rattling]
Whoo.
[birds chirping]
Get out, ma'am. Hide in the woods.
What about you?
They find a cart without a driver, ma'am
they'll look under every blade of grass.
Damn it, woman, get out!
[horse snorting]
[carriage rattling]
[horses trotting]
No sign of her. There's only this.
Corporal Marchand's gone, too.
[horse neighing]
They've escaped.
- Unless.. - Unless what?
Unless the Austrians took them.
[horse snorting]
[horses trotting]
[dramatic music]
(male #2) 'Look. Over there!'
[carriage rattling]
You in the wagon, halt!
[horse neighing]
Halt!
[carriage rattling]
Hyah! Hyah!
[groaning]
[indistinct yelling]
Hyah! Hyah!
[indistinct yelling]
[grunts]
[groans]
[grunting]
[groaning]
[Marchand groaning]
- There may be others up ahead! - Yeah.
- Hyah! - Hyah!
[horses trotting]
[instrumental music]
[birds chirping]
Corporal.
[sobbing]
[sobbing]
[horses trotting]
[sighs]
[horse neighing]
[gasps]
Oh! Ah, don't let me go.
[sobbing] Don't ever let me go.
It's alright. It's alright.
Oh, God, it's alright. It's alright.
[sobbing]
- It's alright. - Oh.
[sobbing]
They won't have gone far. We'll get them.
[horse neighing]
Any family?
[breathing heavily]
Yes.
A son.
(Napoleon) 'He was a good soldier.'
Yes.
It's too bad he couldn't die in France.
He did.
[laughing]
I suppose rank has its privilege, eh?
[laughing]
[indistinct chattering]
[laughing]
My sister, Pauline. She's too wild.
My brother.
[men laughing]
- Oh, high-spirited. - Wild.
She's a wild animal.
- Bonaparte. - Hm?
- Well, nothing. - What?
Come, tell me. What is it?
Oh, nothing you think was at all important.
Oh, no?
Then don't tell me.
Are you looking forward to this evening?
Yes.
Italians are wonderful musicians.
They say their composers are the best in Europe.
Tintoretto, Caravaggio
Michelangelo, Leonar--
- They're painters. - What?
Of course, they're painters. I know that.
My mind, you see, it's preoccupied.
- With what? - I don't know.
Whatever that you think is important
that I would think isn't important.
I..
I think..
No, I know..
...that I am in love with you.
- What is wrong? - No.
It just seems that I've waited my whole life
to hear you say that.
I can't believe this, you know?
This is like a dream.
Yes, a dream.
Are you happy?
Are you?
I have never felt so safe in my whole life.
Unimportant?
I think it's very important.
You have shamed me, you have brought down this family
and you're gonna marry him!
I don't want to marry anybody! I'm only 16!
You and your public displays in the gardens.
You've no morals. You behave like an animal!
Don't blame me!
You've made me a laughingstock!
It's not my fault people scorn you
laugh at you behind your back.
It's not I who dishonors this family.
'Put the blame where it belongs, Napoleon!'
What the hell are you talking about?
Your wife!
[birds chirping]
[dog barking]
You are very quiet.
- Is something wrong? - Wrong?
With your food. You've hardly touched it.
Nothing wrong with the food.
What is it then?
I'm just solving a morale problem
I have among my officers.
- Well, what kind of a problem? - 'A shirking.'
There's this growing tendency on the part of some of them
to avoid their combat duty.
It's a pernicious sort of thing
this arranging safe positions for themselves
in transport and supply.
'Well, you can imagine.'
Mm. Well, what can you do about it?
I'm making an example of the offender.
Typical case.
'Shirked his true responsibility, fighting.'
He buried himself in some soft, safe sinecure
so today we bury him.
I hope it doesn't disturb you 'cause the execution
will take place here.
- Here? - 'Just outside.'
I can't hang out the army's dirty linen, you see?
Not in front of foreigners.
Well, who is he?
He is a captain.
A "Captain Hippolyte Charles."
[coughs]
Now, if you'll excuse me..
'This paperwork never ends, you see?'
Are you coming?
[indistinct yelling]
No.
[Charles groaning]
How can you do this?
Is that true what they say?
You were lovers?
I think you'd do best to answer me.
No? How can I find the truth?
What, you won't speak? You won't speak?
Well, you gave him your body, didn't you?
Huh? Didn't you?
Naked...in a bed
in each other's arms, see?
All I ask is that you tell me the truth.
Just don't lie to me. Don't you ever lie to me!
[sobbing]
You slept with him because you love him. Is that true?
Is it true?
What, you didn't sleep with him?
I, I, I never loved him. I never loved him--
You cuckolded your husband with a man you don't love?
You cuckolded your husband with a man you don't love?
I will allow you one thing.
You once said to me you'd rather be a mistress than a wife.
Well, you were right.
Ah.
No. I was wrong.
[door shuts]
I was wrong.
[sobbing]
[gate opening]
[footsteps approaching]
[gate creaking]
The priest is here.
Will you want a blindfold?
I don't know.
[speaking in foreign language]
(male #3) 'Left, right, go on.'
Left, right, halt!
Right face!
[indistinct yelling]
Madame.
What did he say, Louise?
General Bonaparte wouldn't see me.
Oh, dear God. I must go to him again.
He'll see no one, madame. He sent word.
"The sentence of the court martial
shall be carried out as ordered."
Pack my bags, Louise.
[speaking in foreign language]
- 'You cannot go in!' - And I will.
The general has given me strictest orders!
He is my brother!
We will see no one.
The trollop maid of your trollop wife came to plead
didn't she?
But you must not relent, brother.
This man was your wife's lover.
The two of them have made you a cuckold.
And your enemies in Paris will use your shame against you.
Thwart them. Divorce this woman now.
Joseph, I beg of you.
She is my wife.
Hup, hup, hup.
'Detail, halt!'
Hurry, Louise.
[door opens]
(male #4) 'Captain Hippolyte Charles..'
Leave us, Louise.
I am leaving you.
I will not be a witness to your cruelty.
(male #4) 'Lieutenant, carry out the order.'
Bonaparte.
'What is it?'
[groaning]
Uh..
[Josephine whimpering]
[gasps]
[sobbing]
My darling.
Captain.
- Just get me water. - Y-yes.
Alright.
[grunting]
[groaning]
I thought this had passed.
- Oh. - Not for years.
This was the curse of Caesar.
Oh, God. No one must ever know this.
No one.
- Y-you swear to me? - I swear.
- You swear to me? - I swear.
Attention!
Bonaparte.
Ready!
Aim!
No, please!
'Don't!'
Ready!
Aim!
Major..
...release the prisoner.
Squad, redress!
Hm.
(male #4) 'Shoulder arms!'
'Right face!'
'Forward march!'
'Hup, hup, hup..'
His name must never be mentioned again.
Never. Never.
Please love me.
[inhales sharply]
[exhales sharply]
- It's cold. - I, I will warm you.
[breathing heavily]
Can't you love me?
Does it matter?
I'm obsessed with you.
[instrumental music]
[horse neighing]
- Sergeant Dupont. - Hmm?
Corporal Roland. Replacement.
With your leave, sergeant.
- Where you from? - Burgundy.
That your real name?
No.
You've drawn safe duty. We're going back to Paris.
Too bad. I've got a wife here.
Take her with you.
I can't. I've got a wife in Paris.
Burgundians.
Thieves.
'Highwaymen.'
'Fornicators.'
What did you do before you changed your name
and hid in the army?
Thief.
'Highwayman.'
Fornicator.
I shall call you Marchand.
Now, there was a corporal.
You live up to the name.
Come, Marchand.
(Priest) 'In the presence of God and this company'
do you, Pauline Bonaparte, take this man
to be your lawful wedded husband
to love, honor, and obey?
I do.
(Priest) 'Do you take this woman'
'to be your lawful wedded wife'
'to love and honor?'
I do.
I deem you man and wife.
Oh, I love weddings.
Yes, well, as soon as these things are crated
we're leaving for Paris.
- Just a moment. - Please.
Mother Bonaparte.
You must be very happy.
Must I?
Well, you could be a grandmother soon.
Yes. Pauline's young.
'And youth is the time for childbearing.'
I'll wager we make you a grandmother before they do.
I won't take your wager, Nabouglione.
And just as well..
If you and this woman have a child, it'd be a bastard.
After all, you were excommunicated
for marrying in a civil ceremony.
A bastard then but with Bonaparte blood in him.
Our blood, your blood.
Small chance of that.
Your wife's too old.
Good day.
'Good wishes.'
Oh! Enough.
Nabouglione!
Please. There's no need for anger.
The lace is beautiful
but I wasn't happy with it where it was.
Thank you, Pauline.
You see? Our lady of victories.
To the teeth.
Come.
[instrumental music]
[people cheering]
[music continues]
[cheering continues]
(Barras) People are welcoming Bonaparte like a God.
(Talleyrand) A God?
More like royalty. More dangerous.
More to the taste of our young Corsican friend
if I judge his ambitions correctly.
What will he want?
Uh, more to the point, what will he be satisfied with?
I should say a place on the directory--
- Never! - For an appetizer?
Never. There must be a law.
And if there isn't, we'll make one.
[instrumental music]
Napoleon seems taller these days.
Ha ha. No one seems so tall these days.
[people applauding]
Now you see, a place on the directory
would be unrealistic.
I just want Barras to think that I'm willing
to go any lengths for it.
This way, he'll award me some, a consolation prize.
I must speak to him alone.
Would you distract citizen Talleyrand, dear?
Gladly.
General Bonaparte.
Madame de stael.
I can't believe that I'm actually walking
arm in arm with a conqueror.
A liberator.
Oh, how lucky I am.
Every woman here is in love with you.
Please, continue. Continue.
One hears that you are
eagerly looking forward to motherhood.
[instrumental music]
Has someone invented another pregnancy for me?
People are eager for anything concerning Bonaparte.
He's so popular in France today
they might renounce their democracy and make him king.
- Don't say that. - Then?
Not even in jest.
Beg him to curb his ambition
for his own sake.
'If the reign of terror has taught us one thing'
it is that the head raised above the crowd
is the first to be chopped off, hmm?
All of France is most grateful
for the rewards you've brought to her.
How can we ever repay you?
Oh, you must make me a member of the directory.
If it were up to me, you would be
one already, but there's a law.
A director must be at least
40 years of age and you are--
Ah, yes. 29. 29.
Time passes quickly.
A decade is but the blink of an eye.
In the meantime, solidify your position.
Frenchmen can never get too much of a good thing.
And we now have the resources
to consider an invasion of England.
Why? The English are a nation are shopkeepers.
Everything they have is for sale.
It needn't be bought with blood.
England was attractive enough for Caesar.
Well, Caesar had bourgeois taste.
Alexander is a star to follow though, no?
He had a nose for riches.
For glory.
You should afford me a fully mounted expedition to the east.
Hmm?
To Egypt.
Oh, really?
There are no friends in politics.
Only enemies, and lovers.
Listen to this.
Why not?
A campaign to follow the path of Alexander.
To seek the treasures of the ancient world
in exchange for the enlightenment of our revolution.
We'll give them liberty, equality, fraternity, democracy.
Expensive.
Not when you consider the alternative.
I think that Egypt is just the place for our general.
And, uh, would you personally supervise the program
to requisition the treasures of the east?
Why, at a far remove from Paris.
What a wise young man you've married, Josephine..
'Wise, astute, and candid.'
And never fear, general, we shall find amusement
for our Josephine while you're abroad.
Oh, no. My Josephine is coming with me.
I can't be without her again. Can I?
Come, my dear. We mustn't slight the rest of our friends, hmm?
[music continues]
"The French expeditionary force
waits to sail from Toulon."
Bonaparte has laced on the shoes of Alexander, the great.
And prepares to take the first step
into everlasting glory.
Surely he can't be allowed to interfere
with English interests in India and the far east, my lord.
Surely not.
I must confess, Hardy, the fellow intrigues me.
From all I hear, he's a cathedral of ambition
of overweening pride.
Hubris, the Greeks called it.
Now he dares to twist the lion's tail.
Well, he's reckoned without the English navy.
Lay a course for Abukir Bay
Let me see to it that he never reaches Egypt.
Yes, sir.
East northeast, Abukir Bay.
[instrumental music]
I must see General Bonaparte at once.
May I help, General Junot?
Cadet Eugene Beauharnais, sir.
I'm going with my father on the expedition.
Where is the general? I must see him. It's imperative!
He's down below, sir.
Who are all these damn civilians?
Engineers, botanists,
cartographers, historians
linguists..
God! Are we going to Egypt to fight
or start a damned university?
A bit of both, sir.
- General. - Junot.
You can't sail.
Lord Nelson and the English fleet
are in the Mediterranean off Majorca...waiting.
How could they have known?
Spies.
Traitors.
We're going now.
But general.
I won't scuttle this expedition
for fear of some lime-sucking shopkeeper.
But you'd rather have him scuttle it?
That'll be all.
Yes, sir.
- What about my mother? - It's too dangerous.
We sail with the Titan. She goes to the spa at Plombieres.
- But she-- - Why not?
She'll be fit and healthy for a child.
Be back before she knows it.
I'll bring her a brace of pharaohs on a leash.
[instrumental music]
[whimpering]
[grunts]
It's so wonderful to see you.
It's just like the old days.
How have you been?
Not too bad.
For someone who's fighting gravity
and poverty and another pregnancy.
Is it the guardsmen?
I'm really quite sure that if I could just
pull myself together, buy some new clothes
I could have something permanent with him..
...in a temporary way.
Well, let me lend you some money.
You are so dear, Josephine.
(Hortense) 'Mama! Mama!'
What is it, Hortense?
Mama! Mama!
Oh! Please come quickly!
Fortune's fighting with a huge dog
and I can't stop them!
[instrumental music]
Ahh!
Ohh! Ohh!
Mama! Mama!
Somebody help me!
We must get a doctor!
(Napoleon) 'There he is.'
Our one-eyed friend
and his fleet.
Shall I give the order to man battle stations?
No. He won't engage us here. I know his mind.
He'll wait to bottle us up in Abukir Bay.
By that time, we'll be in Cairo.
Nothing more to be done here tonight.
I'm going to my cabin
write a letter to my wife.
Will I recover, doctor?
Of course, but we must continue the bleeding.
Can't get too much of that.
I'll prepare the leeches myself.
Could this...lessen my chances
of having...a child?
You speak of mysteries, dear lady.
For the answer to that
you must depend on the care and charity
of the divine physician
not a simple country doctor.
Soldiers of France..
40 centuries of history
look down upon you!
[cheering]
Some godforsaken place he's got us to.
No shade, no women, no one to fight even.
Soon.
Without glory is to die every day!
Soon it is you..
...who will face the most formidable fighting men
this Turkish empire can field!
Who's he talking about?
Mamelukes, cavalry.
The sound of their charge is said to chill the bone.
Bloodthirsty wogs, they take no prisoners.
Neither do I.
You like fighting?
No. I like killing.
Only the soldiers of liberty..
...could have endured..
...what you have endured!
[cheering]
[gunfire]
[instrumental music]
Hard alee. Bring her around.
Aye aye, sir.
Bonaparte's naval escort may be at the bottom of Abukir Bay
but the fellow himself is ashore with his army.
Agreed, but wouldn't be able to provision and reinforce
that expedition with his navy in the deep.
He'll have to live off the land
and the charity of his Egyptian hosts.
But most important, Hardy
the Mediterranean remains an English lake.
God bless the king.
God bless the king.
[birds chirping]
How are you feeling this morning, mama?
I do believe I'm almost myself again today.
Come and sit down.
Now you mustn't let Bonaparte know about all this.
He has far too many worries as it is.
You're alright, aren't you?
No small thanks to my darling daughter.
There is someone here to see you.
A courier...from General Bonaparte?
No, madam.
[instrumental music]
Hello.
I've brought a recuperation gift
and I promise only to stay a moment.
That would be all, Louise.
Hortense..
- This is-- - Yes, I know.
Excuse me....Captain.
Citizen.
How are you?
What do you want, Charles?
I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your little dog.
Many things were broken that day.
You didn't answer my question.
Oh, would you care to see your gift?
Ohh!
To replace your beloved Fortune.
That would be impossible.
Ohh!
Why did you really come here?
To warn you.
I've made a business connection
with Bodin and company, army suppliers.
I hear things.
But of what interest to me?
General Bonaparte's political enemies
would reveal your old influence with Bodin
to neutralize his popularity.
My influence?
It's very real.
Yes, I-I know that from personal experience.
I used your name to secure my position with the company.
How dare you?
Please forgive me.
[dog barks]
Ahh!
Spying! You're spying on me!
How dare you?
Who put you up to this? Who?
'Whose paying you, Louise? Come back here!'
Please leave.
Your very presence here compromises me.
(Talleyrand) 'Excellent, my dear.'
'You shall have your reward.'
You deserve every sou, as always.
It is unfortunate that you were dismissed
and can no longer be useful to me
and so good night and good-bye.
But you could still use me..
...for old time's sake.
Louise.
The...servant's entrance.
You heard?
The comic Captain Charles is employed by Bodin.
And?
And he had a meeting with Josephine.
- A rendezvous, I would call it. - Really?
But all that matters
is what Bonaparte would call it.
A betrayal, I'm sure.
And if he decided to divorce her
because of Captain Charles?
Then Bonaparte would be a joke
rejected by the people
a cuckold, a character out of a Moliere farce
unworthy of serious political consideration.
Thus, Bonaparte must be told
of his wife's indiscretion
but who will tell him?
Junot.
Junot will never do it.
Of course, he will.
His affair with Louise.
You and I will blackmail him.
You have a coarse streak, Barras.
I should try to control that
if I were you.
Reconnaissance?
The Mamelukes are camped in the desert
not two kilometers from here.
Two kilometers..
Why don't they attack?
It's a Muslim holy day.
Dawn.
They prefer noon.
The midday sun wilts the opponent.
[horse neighing]
[instrumental music]
We'll see who wilts under French cannon.
General.
Uh.. May I speak with you, sir?
Personal matter.
Not now.
Yes, sir.
[music continues]
I need these things to go with the next courier.
Nelson controls the access to the sea.
Damn Nelson.
He can't confront us, so he must harass us
like flies nipping at horses in a corral.
He stages his ships offshore out of the range for our guns
and waits for us to try to run his blockade.
- It would-- - Shut up!
Listen.
Allah hu akbar!
Allah hu akbar!
Allah hu akbar!
[horses neighing]
'Allah hu akbar!'
[speaking in foreign language]
[dramatic music]
Prepare to fire!
- Fire! - Fire!
Fire!
Fire!
Infantry, fire!
They've got no guns!
Fish in a barrel!
[music continues]
Allah hu akbar!
Allah hu akbar!
The prisoner count is over 1,000.
We should take you back to Paris.
You would delight the children.
What do you suggest we do?
We can't feed them.
We can't spare them and guard them.
I can't even afford the bullets
here to shoot them.
What is this?
It is their time for prayer.
[chuckles]
I think you must tell them that these prayers of theirs
shall be answered right now that they're free to go.
Now you tell them to swear an oath
never to return to fight us here again
and then they're free, they're free now to go home.
- But general-- - You do as I say, major!
General Bonaparte has made you a very generous offer.
You had a personal matter, didn't you?
Your wife, general, and Captain Charles.
Raise your hand to God.
[speaking in Turkish]
Seeing him again, huh?
That can't be.
Why?
Why would she do such a thing? To me, hmm?
It seems they got involved in some sort of scheme.
Business scheme.
'Bodin and company. War profiteering.'
'That's all I know, sir.'
Why did you tell me this?
I felt it was my duty.
[instrumental music]
I am writing to my brother Joseph.
He's to start divorce proceedings on my behalf.
She will not even keep the house on the rue de la victoire!
It's my house.
I will not have some..
...dandy living in my house.
I love her.
- I love you, too, fa-- - Enough.
His majesty's dreaded off thermopolae
has captured a froggy clipper ship.
The usual contraband and, uh, personal mail..
...letters from Bony himself.
Interesting.
One might even say fascinating.
- Might one? - Hmm.
'Seems he wants to divorce his wife.'
'Well, Hardy, I think the public might enjoy these letters.'
[instrumental music]
Mamma, what is it?
He wants to leave me.
What are you talking about?
How could I bear life without him?
I've grown to love him so.
We must be..
...strong.
We must not show them..
...how they hurt us.
Our private life has become front page scandal.
Paris newspapers translated from the English.
Bonaparte's orders to his brother Joseph to divorce me.
[sighs] Forgive me.
The thought of divorce is horrendous.
He vows to cut off my funds
just when I promised Therese Tallien a loan
to keep her from debtor's prison.
Help the lord, you care about that I know.
Therese Tallien is a spendthrift.
She always has been. She always will be.
She is my friend!
Don't be angry with Barras, Josephine.
He is your Samaritan.
You have your own money because of him.
What are you talking about?
A bank check from Bodin And Company
purveyors to the armed forces.
Military supply contracts
have yielded handsome returns.
And your friend Therese is safe from the jailer.
You must learn to trust us, my dear.
It would seem, at the moment
that I have no choice.
[men laughing]
- They're laughing at me. - Napoleon--
I'm a cuckold.
- They know. - How could they possibly know?
Nelson.
He's been giving these English newspapers
to these Egyptian shopkeepers.
The papers find their way to the troops.
It's a vile shopkeeper's trick.
Look...more prisoners.
There's nearly 8,000 of them now.
Why do they look familiar?
Well, it's no wonder.
Here.
There's no two of this fellow.
They are the same.
Yes.
They've come back to fight?
They took an oath.
It was a Christian oath. It meant nothing--
They took an oath!
- What are we to do? - They broke their oath!
We kill them.
What?
You heard me.
And if I let them go? Hmm?
They'll come back and butcher us!
Kill them!
Give this assignment to General Junot.
Since he's an officer devoted to duty.
- Napoleon-- - I don't care how this is done.
You will take no more troops from regular assignments
than is necessary.
You'll waste no ammunition.
And you get me a woman.
All this with Josephine has made me weary.
This pursuit of grandeur..
'...it's a burden to me.'
This glory has become stale.
There's nothing for me now.
I've become the complete egoist.
Execute 8,000 men?
Without bullets?
Sergeant Dupont!
Yes, sir!
Corporal!
I have a job for you, Marchand.
[all clamoring]
Hey!
Go on! Swim!
Swim for home!
Only 400 kilometers!
You'll be there in a month or two!
Tell them if they try to come back to shore
they get the bayonet. Drowning's sweeter.
[man speaking in foreign language]
Push them back in!
You want to dig graves? Let the fish bury them!
[man yelling in foreign language]
Corporal!
He keeps coming back.
- Stick him! - We did.
He keeps coming back. One shot could do it.
You heard the orders.
I'll show you how it's done, soldier.
[grunting]
[gun fires]
Hold your fire!
He's taking him out to sea, sergeant.
Who's your best shot?
Villeforte!
It's 100 meters. Can you do it?
[gun fires]
Good shooting.
What did he say your name was?
Villeforte.
What kind of name is that?
A surname.
Well, you're now a corporal, Villeforte.
And your name is Marchand.
[Middle Eastern music]
I swear not one of them is to my taste.
It's the best I could do.
I want a woman. Do you understand?
I want her slender, I want her graceful.
The sort of woman one could imagine
in the palest gown walking down some garden path
do you understand, dappled sunlight.
There's only one woman I know like that and she's in Paris.
Then give them some money and send them away.
Thank you. Thank you. You dance beautifully.
[speaks in foreign language]
[men laughing]
Oh, just let them laugh.
'Not just laughing at you, Napoleon.'
There's a couple out here they find very amusing.
'Captain Foures of the Ninth Regiment of grenadiers'
and his bride.
She stowed away in Toulon.
The secret is out now, all but officially
so she still wears the uniform
'of a cadet of grenadiers.'
- Attractive, don't you think? - She's an oasis.
She's an oasis of beauty.
I mean, she's pale, she's blonde.
She's not too short.
'She's not even too tall.'
- And she's here. - And married to Captain Foures.
No. She's here.
That captain is resourceful, hmm?
You know, I need such a man
right now to take highly secret documents
wherever they may be, back to France.
[laughs] To France, huh?
Just make sure she is agreeable.
I mean I've already been rejected by a general's wife.
I wouldn't relish that from the wife of a captain.
I'll draw up the orders right away.
(Napoleon) 'And I tell you it was that bit of coal'
in the center of a snowball
that turned the tide of battle.
It was not the tactical genius
of the 12-year-old commander.
Game.
Enough of my war stories, huh?
Ooh, your glass needs a refill, Madame Foures.
Oh, forgive me! Oh!
'Do you know that I have in my apartment'
just the right thing for removing those stains?
Enjoy the wine.
No! Sit, sit, sit, please.
I need no help with household remedies.
What are you reading?
Oh, it says the directory is in danger of collapse.
Pro-Bonaparte sentiment rages in Paris.
Even though the name of Bonaparte's wife
has been connected to war profiteering.
Our lady of victories?
What kind of paper is that?
German.
I'll believe it when I see it in a French newspaper.
Ah, but you won't see it in a French newspaper, sergeant.
- It's too dangerous now. - Don't contest me.
We broke the enemy's back here. We've got them wiped.
I'm returning to France.
You read what these Italian newspapers write.
Where is it? Where is it? Here.
"Pro-Bonaparte sentiment raging."
Just remember what the English poet said
"There's a tide in the affairs of men when taken at flood.."
"Leads on to fortune."
Well, the French are like women.
As we see, they mustn't
be left alone too long.
I suggest you reread that.
Will you see her?
Do I consort with war profiteers?
Have I ever?
I'm taking one cadre of men on a fast ship.
Nelson would give his other eye to capture you.
I'm prepared for that too. I have my arsenic.
I've had it with me always.
'A general cannot afford to be captured. Hmm?'
Thank you.
You and I are in very bad odor.
How can you be sure, mama?
We are below the salt.
Talleyrand is our host, and he has put us here.
Bonaparte's fortunes must be flagging.
It must be important news to interrupt a dinner party.
He's looking at me.
Bonaparte. It's news of Bonaparte.
He's looking down.
Perhaps Bonaparte is dead.
No, he's alive. Thank God.
[indistinct whispering]
[indistinct whispering]
He's not only alive. He is in France.
Joseph is going to meet him.
We must get to him first,
'before he is fed anymore lies.'
We mustn't be obvious.
The mother will suspect.
An excuse. We need an excuse.
Oh!
Oh! Oh! Oh!
Excuse us.
'Oh! Oh! Oh!'
[crowd cheering]
Napoleon.
Wake up.
Wake up!
Look.
- Where are we now? Lyons? - Soon, soon. Look.
Who are they?
Who are they?
Ha! Frenchmen.
Look, people treat you as if you were a--
King.
- Great care must be taken. - Why?
Any attempt on your part to gain your rightful share of power
could be looked upon by your enemies as treason.
Treason's a matter of dates.
I'm sorry, ma'am. It will take at least two hours to mend.
Oh, do it as quickly as you can.
'And then to the rue de la Victoire.'
Yes, ma'am.
[sighs]
We've missed him!
His brother Joseph will be there waiting for him with his poison.
Oh, Hortense, I love him so much.
Mama.
She's gone.
She ran off with him.
You know, I am under a curse, Bourrienne.
Like a fragment of rock..
...launched into space.
I want everything out of here now.
Everything.
Everything that reminds me of her.
[instrumental music]
[theme music]