(grand orchestral music)
(royal processional music)
(crowd murmuring)
Your lozenges Cardinal.
Thank you, Fouquet, you're always so thoughtful.
This may be a great day for France.
Might I suggest that if his majesty has a son,
that this son might be the tutor?
I have noticed that you also think far ahead.
My only thought is to serve
to the limit of my poor ability.
[Voiceover] His majesty the king!
(majestic trumpet music)
(pleasant orchestral music)
Well, how much longer do we have to wait?
Is there no news yet?
Not yet, your majesty.
A matter of kind demands patience, even from a King.
For a cardinal, you're not very consoling in a crisis.
(laughter)
D'Artagnan, do you remember that morning
we were getting to fight the Austrian army?
Yes, sire, very well.
I felt a lot braver that morning.
(laughter)
If your majesty pleases,
it's a boy, a beautiful boy!
(triumphant orchestral music)
A boy.
(jubilant chime bells)
(cheering)
It has please almighty God, king of heaven,
to bless the union of his majesty,
King Louis the 13th of France,
and our dearly beloved queen,
by giving to them and to you, a son.
This is the heir to the throne of France.
(cheering)
Send for the king at once.
The king?
Impossible, listen.
(cheering)
Colbert then.
Reach out to Colbert, he'll know what to do.
(chime bells and cheering)
Colbert, where's Misseur Colbert, please?
On the balcony with his majesty.
(cheering and chime bells)
(crying)
(cheering and chime bells)
(crying)
(cheering and chime bells)
Well?
What is it?
[Voiceover] Her majesty has given birth to a second child.
A second child?
Yes, a son, a twin.
Another son.
Shall I take this other son to the king?
Impossible.
Who knows of this?
Only the midwife
and myself.
No one else must know.
(soft orchestral music)
Must you take him too?
Your majesty knows better than I
that your sons belong to France.
(cooing)
Follow me.
Yes, but her majesty.
I will answer for her majesty.
[Voiceover] Yes m'lord.
(somber orchestral music)
(suspenseful orchestral music)
Well, the messenger said it was urgent, what is it?
It is my duty to present to your majesty,
your second son.
Fate has given France twin Dauphin.
Two sons, two heirs to the throne of France.
Your majesty knows there can be only
one Dauphin of France.
To any other man in this kingdom,
twin sons would be a blessing.
Only to me, a king, could they be a curse.
Worse than a curse, sire.
Two sons would mean civil war.
Self-seeking men pitting brother against brother.
The future of France depends on this moment,
on your being strong enough to think as a king
rather than as a father.
Of your sons, only one can rule.
Colbert,
I cannot order a death warrant on my own son.
That isn't necessary, sire.
Send him away.
No one need know.
Even he must never know.
With whom?
Is there a man in all the world
with whom such a secret will be safe?
Yes, sire, one man, D'Artagnan.
D'Artagnan?
Must I lose my son and my best friend as well?
D'Artagnan is my right arm.
He's also my friend, sire,
but you must give him the child.
Send him home to Gascony.
Serve an income on him.
Permit him to raise the boy as his own.
Then France will be safe.
(soft orchestral music)
(coos)
My son.
How many times have we fought
shoulder to shoulder for France?
How many times has the life of the king of France
been safe in your hands?
My friend, D'Artagnan,
will you do this for me?
I'm a soldier, sire.
(soft orchestral music)
See that he has horses, everything.
All will be done, sire.
I will miss you, my friend.
(soft orchestral music)
(cooing)
Go now, quickly.
(soft orchestral music)
In days to come, sire,
he may ask his father's name.
(soft orchestral music)
Tell him his father was a man
who gave everything for France,
and was your very good friend.
Name him Philippe, after me.
(soft orchestral music)
The doctor and the midwife?
It's a pity there's no D'Artagnan for them.
(suspenseful orchestral music)
(resounding orchestral music)
(somber orchestral music)
Would you like to double the wager, Fouquet?
But the rope always breaks the fourth time.
Your majesty's unusually lucky.
I a most unusual person.
(chuckles)
(somber orchestral music)
It didn't break.
And it always breaks the fourth time.
Are you sure you didn't tamper with that rope, Fouquet?
Your majesty.
I regret intruding upon your majesty's amusement.
I'll double the wager on the next one, Fouquet.
Missuer Colbert here took it upon himself
to countermand the other executions.
For what reason?
I have the honor to inform your majesty
that her royal highness Princess Maria Theresa
entered Paris this morning.
Surely the arrival of your fiance
should not be attended by, by hangings.
Oh don't they hang people in Spain?
(scoffs) Or does everyone pay his taxes?
Well, she'll get used to it.
Particularly if the tax on salt is not rescinded.
But Fouquet told me I could raise millions
with a little pinch of salt.
Such a beautiful tax, so sure.
No one can live without salt.
History shows that the people
have a way of going on living
no matter what.
And speaking of the salt tax reminds me.
I'm afraid I have to adopt drastic measures in Gascony.
The inhabitants of the town of Tartas
made some ridiculous claim to exemption from all taxes,
and they resisted your majesty's tax collectors.
Resisted?
More than resisted.
They put your majesty's representatives to flight.
They were led by a man named D'Artagnan.
Must we always be annoyed by these rebels?
I know the man, sire.
He was captain of your father's musketeers,
and he spoke the truth.
For services to the crown,
your father gave him the village of Tartas, free of taxes.
Such a reward probably grew out of some special service?
[Louis] Collect the taxes on Gascony
and arrest the rebels.
I've anticipated both of your majesty's commands.
(laughs) Clever, Fouquet.
I seem to have an engagement with.
Mademoiselle de la Valliere.
I find her so very useful in relieving me
of such tiresome problems of state.
(chuckles)
Ha!
Quite interesting this Gascony situation, don't you think?
I watched your career with great interest, Fouquet.
I know you to be ambitious, avaricious, and dangerous.
But not until now did I know you to be
entirely without honor.
Without honor, I?
You knew very well the identity of D'Artagnan,
and of the man with him.
Oh yes, certainly, including Philippe.
And yet to carry a favor with the king,
you would betray a sacred trust.
A secret which has been kept up to now.
My dear, Colbert, how can you say such a thing?
You should know better than anyone
that a certain secret transformed me from a
cardinal's messenger, to a king's minister.
Keeping secrets is my business.
And are your intentions one of your secrets too?
Not at all, I intend arresting Philipe and D'Artagnan
and hanging them as rebels.
It's a compliment to you, my friend.
Colbert, you're a very clever man.
You have a most annoying habit
of always bringing about the things you wish to bring about.
For instance, this marriage with Maria Theresa,
which does not suit me at all.
Union of France with Spain and Austria
is necessary to the security and future of France.
But I'm not interested in the future of France.
I'm interested in the future of Fouquet.
Who knows, someday you may have certain plans for Philippe.
Well, that would be most unfortunate for me,
but don't worry, I intend keeping this secret.
When I hang Philippe, no one will know
that he is the twin brother of the king.
Before you hang him,
the world will know who he is.
Shh.
Remember,
secret.
(playful orchestral music)
(laughter)
Gentleman, musketeers!
(growls)
He means you too.
Doh. (Chuckles)
According to the tradition governing these occasions,
I wish to express my pleasure at the honor of
having you help me arrive at the ripe old age of 22.
[Altogether] Here, here!
To France!
To my father who died for it too soon.
My four godfathers, who reared me so carefully
in the best tradition of the king's musketeers.
Musketeers!
Honor.
I claim the next toast.
To our very accomplished godson.
The best breed in France.
Next to me of course.
(roaring laughter)
And the most brilliant pupil
in languages and the sciences
that I have ever tutored.
And whose skill at wrestling is excelled
by only one other man, and I,
I'm too modest to mention his name.
(roaring laughter)
And who excels even me
in the more romantic pastimes including.
Dice shaking.
(roaring laughter)
(cheer)
You're sure this is D'Artagnan's house?
How could I mistake it?
I've been here before.
Do you realize the people
of our old town of Tartas
are the only Frenchmen who aren't starving and in rags?
Which is too good to last long.
Remember, we've already had one encounter
with the royal tax collector.
To which we put a period
with a sword point.
(roaring laughter)
(knocking)
I can't remember inviting any other guests.
Captain D'Artagnan, formally of the king's musketeers.
And lord of Tartas by order of Louis the 13th.
By order of his majesty Louis the 14th,
I arrest you for high treason
and assault on his majesty's offices.
(laughter)
You mean his majesty's robbers!
I order you to surrender in the name of the king.
Softly, my friend.
In Tartas, I administer the high,
the middle, and the low justice.
I make the arrests.
Is the king becoming frugal?
Only nine men?
There's 90 more outside.
Flatterer.
Seize them!
(suspenseful orchestral music)
(shouting and clashing)
Come along, get on.
(laughter)
This is my first trip to Paris in 20 years.
And at the king's expense!
(laughter)
(cannon fire)
Your majesty,
her royal highness Maria Theresa, Infanta of Spain,
Princess of Austria, and his excellency, Count Mendoza,
ambassador of the king of Spain.
(royal procession music)
Your majesty, I present his excellency
the Spanish Ambassador.
Your majesty.
We are pleased to receive you.
(cannon fire)
I have the honor present her royal highness,
Maria Theresa.
My mother.
Misseur Fouquet.
I trust your royal highness made a comfortable journey.
Misseur Colbert whom you sent to welcome us,
was most considerate.
(cannon fire)
Why did you permit me to think
I was sacrificing myself for the good of the state
when I find her beautiful?
(cannon fire)
Do I make you nervous?
No, no your majesty.
It was the cannon.
Oh uh, you'll get used to that.
They seem always to be firing cannons in my honor.
(cannon fire)
You're very lovely, my dear.
Of course you're nervous.
I know just how you feel,
but you will feel at home very quickly.
I'll try very hard.
(cannon fire)
Your majesty's dinner is served.
We always have a family gathering on my birthday.
Just a few special guests.
(royal orchestral music)
Ah, Mademoiselle.
(royal orchestral music)
Forgive me, your royal highness.
May I present Mademoiselle de la Valliere.
(royal orchestral music)
You might congratulate me.
It's not only my birthday,
but I'm engaged to be married.
Congratulations your majesty.
I hope your royal highness will be very happy.
(royal orchestral music)
Penny for your thoughts.
They're not worth a great deal.
I was just remembering
your majesty mentioned
a family dinner.
Mademoiselle de la Valliere?
I'll always think of her as one of the family.
(royal orchestral music)
I hope you enjoyed your journey through France.
It was slightly confusing, your majesty.
I find it very difficult to associate
the poverty of the provinces
with the splendor of the palace.
The people of France are notorious misers,
but I am not a miser.
I've been taught to believe
that when the people wear rags,
and the king and his court wear velvet,
the result is always disastrous.
May I ask why you're so interested
in the people of France?
Perhaps it's because I've agreed
to become the queen of France.
My father considers himself a servant of the state.
It's different with me.
In France, I am the state.
(clattering)
(murmuring)
A gentle protest against the salt tax no doubt.
(loud murmuring)
That was his majesty's birthday.
Tomorrow he dies.
[Voiceover] Stand aside here, clear away from this gate.
Every one of you, away from this gate.
Arrest him.
I didn't do it, I didn't do it.
Who did?
I don't know, I don't know.
Take him to the vast field, we'll find out.
So, they don't like the salt tax.
Double it.
Revive him.
(splashing)
Proceed.
No, no!
I can't stand it.
I'll tell, I'll tell.
You see, the glove always works.
Usually on the first or second finger.
I remember a very stubborn fellow.
He withstood four fingers, until we came to his thumb.
I almost pardoned him.
Tomorrow, when his majesty goes to the cathedral
to light a candle, he will be assassinated.
By whom?
I don't know, sire.
I only overheard them talking, just before I was arrested.
I was not one of them.
When and where?
I don't know sire, I don't know.
I don't know!
He may be telling the truth, sire.
He is telling the truth.
Once they start talking, the tell everything they know.
It will be well if my lord high constable
would tell me a few things about this assassination.
I'm doing everything I can, sire.
It's not enough!
(suspenseful orchestral music)
(chimes)
How thoughtful of them.
They sent my carriage early
to be sure I'm not late in keeping my rendezvous
with the assassins.
But your majesty, it's madness.
You can't expose yourself like this.
My dear lord constable, you said the same thing
at least 50 times,
but it doesn't change the situation.
Today's my late lamented father's name day.
Tradition demands that I light a candle to his memory
in the cathedral.
A king fears tradition more than he fears assassination.
There's a chance for me to escape assassination
but no chance to escape tradition.
It's one of those unfortunate things
connected with being king.
But your majesty, give me more time.
If only to discover when and where they intend to strike.
You've had 1,000 men trying to discover
that small point since last night,
and it's still a secret.
In exactly an hour and 20 minutes,
it will no longer be a secret.
No one knows of this?
No sire.
Just you and I,
and the assassins.
I'm happy to report the Gascony business
is finished, your majesty.
I have the rebels below.
Gascony, rebel?
Why yes, your majesty.
D'Artagnan, the man who assaulted your majesty's officers.
Why do you annoy me with prisoners from Gascony?
Haven't you learned yet what to do with rebels?
It shall be done.
The moment I have your majesty's signature
to the order of executions.
Have my carriages ready.
[Colbert] Yes sire.
Your majesty's hanging a most interesting prisoner.
What?
Fouquet neglected to tell your majesty
that on the way from Gascony,
he was cheered repeatedly by villages.
And just now in the courtyard below,
your own officers saluted him.
What for?
Probably because of the striking resemblance
the prisoner bears to your majesty.
Didn't Fouquet mention the fact?
I claimed to detect any resemblance.
You mean, they cheer because they thought
the prisoner was I?
Yes sire.
Hmm, that's interested, and very unusual.
Does he really resemble me?
It's astonishing.
Except for a mustache, he might be your double.
But.
I think I'd like to see this fellow.
But your majesty, it's absurd.
I feel in the mood for absurdities.
Bring him to me.
But.
Bring him, I said.
Why not bring them all?
They breed a more dashing type of rebel in Gascony.
Your majesty might find them interesting too.
Bring them all.
[Voiceover] Line up there.
Your eyes did not deceive you, Colbert.
He does look like me.
Except of course for the silly mustache.
I can hardly believe it.
I also have a slight scar.
A souvenir from one of your majesty's tax collectors.
So you're the Gascon rebel who objects to paying taxes
and goes about cutting down my men.
Your majesty could have taught your men better manners.
(laughs) Has a sense of humor too.
Yes, a very pointed sense of humor, your majesty.
They took a troop of your majesty's best men to Parrot.
Remove them to the Bastille.
Oh but this one, I wish to talk to him.
What we do with him depends upon our conversation.
Very well, your majesty.
Take them away.
All but this one.
[Voiceover] March!
(chuckles)
Come here.
Do you know what happens to rebels?
I usually hang them.
So I've heard.
I see that you're quite fond of your friends.
Very fond, sire.
You could be quite useful to me.
For instance, at the moment,
my carriage is waiting to take me to the cathedral
to light a candle in memory of my father.
It's very gracious of his majesty to remember his father.
It would be most amusing if you performed the ceremony,
impersonated me.
I'm willing to do anything to save my friends, sire.
Good, I was hoping you'd say that.
Suppose you begin by riding to the cathedral in my carriage.
Without the mustache of course.
I left Gascony quite suddenly,
so I have to borrow your majesty's razor.
And his clothes, but hurry.
(vibrant trumpet music)
His majesty the king.
(vibrant orchestral music)
To the cathedral.
Forward, march.
(lively orchestral music)
Here they come, here they come!
[Voiceover] Here they come!
(jeering and shouting)
(whispers) The king is on his way.
His carriage is just turning into the street.
Good.
(jeering and shouting)
[Voiceover] Here they come!
(suspenseful orchestral music)
(clashing)
Well, go on.
Kill me like you've killed the rest of France.
Why shall I wish to kill you?
But your majesty, this is assassination.
These aren't enemies you're running down.
They're the people of France.
Since when does the king of France
have cause to fear Frenchmen?
What's your name, my friend?
John Paul, your majesty.
Why did you want to kill the king?
Well why do you want to kill us?
Oh your majesty,
this man is no assassin.
Last night, his baby died of hunger.
And this man is no murderer, your majesty.
The day before yesterday, his wife died.
No medicine, no doctor.
All these people have suffered, your majesty.
But what does your majesty know about suffering?
You live in a palace.
I want you to believe I'll do everything I can
to change all that.
Oh sire, if we could only believe that.
The king of France has made many mistakes.
The greatest in losing common touch with his people.
I pray that the king may be forgiven his mistake.
God bless your majesty.
Vive le roi!
(cheering)
(slow organ music)
(speaking latin)
(response in latin)
(speaking in latin)
(response in latin)
Forgive my intrusion.
I insisted I be allowed to enter.
I just how you proved yourself a true king.
Strangely enough, I never felt more like a king.
I came the moment I knew you were in danger.
Why?
Is it not my duty as queen of France
to be at the side of the king in time of danger?
The king would be an ungrateful wretch
if he failed to appreciate such a sense of duty.
But a most unfortunate man
if it was only duty that brought you to his side.
The king has shown very little pleasure
at the prospect of my company.
This moment I pray that the king be forgiven his mistakes.
(soft organ music)
I too wish to light a candle.
Not in commemoration, but in thanksgiving.
(soft organ music)
They look beautiful.
Side by side.
[Priest] Let us pray.
(speaking Latin)
I'm sure you understand why it's better
for you to live in Fontainebleau.
Spanish Ambassador is becoming just a little difficult.
You're quite sure it's not the Spanish princess?
I'm all but disappointed in the Spaniards.
I've heard that they're a very hot blooded race.
Look at Maria Theresa as an example.
Yes, I noticed.
Perhaps she requires special encouragement.
I became king on my fifth birthday.
By my sixth, I'd learned not to offer encouragement.
Sooner or later, everyone comes to me.
A pity you did not also learn
how to be in two places at one time.
I may surprise you.
Remember, I am a most unusual person.
Really.
His majesty?
I regret to inform your royal highness
that his majesty is engaged.
Oh but if you tell him who it is?
I'm sorry.
But when I left his majesty half an hour ago
on our return from the cathedral,
he seemed most anxious to continue our conversation.
I know.
I know, kings have such short memories.
But I'm sure it would not disturb him to know that I...
Your royal highness,
I have learned through long experience
never to disturb his majesty for anyone
when he's with Mademoiselle de la Valliere.
Thank you.
His majesty need have no fear of my
disturbing him again.
(suspenseful orchestral music)
Deliver this in person to my father, the king.
Guard it with your life.
Yes, your royal highness.
[Maria] Go now.
(ominous music)
If it please your excellency.
Yes, yes, yes, yes, well what happened?
The princess was furious.
She stormed and immediately wrote her dispatch
to her father.
Her father, huh?
What did she say?
I don't know, I couldn't get close enough to see.
You should have done better.
Fool.
Now I have to find out what she wrote.
Get out.
(pleasant music)
I've been searching everywhere for you.
I suppose I should feel honored.
Did you not have an engagement with me
in the cellar to hear music?
Do you think it good form to keep the king waiting?
I could hardly expect your majesty
to remember a thing so unimportant
as an engagement with me to hear music.
It's very important.
At least to the musicians.
I don't find myself in a mood for music.
In the past few hours, my appreciation of the beautiful
has suffered a great deal.
I wouldn't say that.
That's the most beautiful dress I have ever seen.
The moment I leave you, I completely forget what you wore.
And who wore it.
I'll be able to remember nothing,
but how beautiful you were.
Won't you sit down?
Please?
(soft orchestral music)
Your majesty's not always so preoccupied.
What are you thinking about?
I'm thinking that after all
it may not be necessary for you to go to Fontainebleau.
But the Spanish Ambassador.
(soft orchestral music)
There's one thing the Spanish Ambassador does not know.
That I am a very unusual person.
(soft orchestral music)
You know, I've just made a great discovery.
Stars are very beautiful in the proper setting.
Your majesty has never given me
cause to suspect him of romantic inclinations.
Lately I have been made aware
that the king has been guilty of many sins of omission.
Why were you angry?
Because I should hate you, thoroughly.
And I can't.
At least there's still hope
if you must force yourself to hate me.
Why?
Perhaps because I've been very lonely.
I'm a stranger in a strange land.
A very beautiful and greatly loved, stranger.
To be queen, I had to leave everything I loved.
I had hoped that perhaps the king might
sometimes forget I was queen,
and remember I'm also a woman.
You were afraid the king would forget you were a woman?
How could any man forget that?
I think twice the king did remember.
Once in the cathedral
and now.
When kings were created,
they were not given God like qualities
to save them from mistakes.
Haven't you ever found yourself sorry for a king?
Yes.
I'm beginning to realize that
princesses also make mistakes.
One can forget any mistake a princess might make.
Not when it's in writing.
(suspenseful orchestral music)
Your majesty, I find myself in possession
of a most confidential and urgent message
from her royal highness Maria Theresa, to her father.
I thought your majesty might be interested.
From Maria Theresa?
Yes.
How do you find yourself in possession of it?
The courier who carried it
entered the most unfortunate accident.
Your usual type of accident, I suppose?
No, no, sire, much better than usual.
Did you read this?
Well, no, well that is, uh,
not officially.
So I'm cruel, arrogant, a spendthrift, a liar,
and a Turk.
And of course, you'll forgive her.
She merely does not understand, your majesty.
Forgive her?
The Spanish Ambassador
demands an audience with your majesty.
You see what happens when you encourage barbarians?
He demands.
Even among barbarians, a king's courier
may travel in safety.
I protest with with all vehemence
in the name of my king, the cold murder of his messenger.
My dear ambassador, what are you saying?
I am saying that a courier
carrying a letter from her royal highness
the Princess Maria Theresa,
to the king of Spain, was murdered.
His body robbed and thrown into a ditch.
Why was I not told if this?
It's ghastly.
Impossible, you're sure your excellency
is not exaggerating.
His body lies at my house.
I trust you will accept my apology.
If my fiance will rewrite her letter,
I will guarantee its delivery.
Was it an important letter?
It was a letter from a daughter to her father.
Oh yes.
Probably mentioning her complete happiness here
and the eagerness with which she looks forward
to becoming the queen of France.
I hope she included my warmest remembrances.
I have no doubt she did speak of you, sire.
She probably told her father that I was cruel,
arrogant, a spendthrift,
but pardon to your indignation.
Please assure the king of Spain
that I will discover the perpetrator of this outrage
and will know how to reward him.
I will convey your assurances to my sovereign.
(laughing)
I assured the ambassador that I would
reward the perpetrator of the outrage.
Yes, I think it would look very well there.
Your majesty.
Oh, I neglected to inform your majesty
that her royal highness is engaged in packing her trunks.
Her royal highness is saving us the trouble
of having it done for her.
But what of the Spanish alliance,
which means so much to Colbert?
I have decided to prefer the English alliance.
After all, a navy is just as important as an army.
It will be very difficult to explain that to Colbert.
I have no intention of explaining it to Colbert.
In fact, I suddenly feel the need to escape
from matters of state.
Yes, definitely I will go to Fontainebleau.
A lovely place, Fontainebleau.
Mm, lovely.
His excellency Count Mendoza.
Well, I suppose he pleaded ignorance
of the entire affair.
It's a most delicate situation, your royal highness.
I cannot understand this man.
In one moment, he holds my hand and makes love to me.
Almost making me believe him.
And in the next, he murders one of my servants.
Murder or not, he knows the contents of your letter.
Good, I'm glad.
I hope every word infuriates and humiliates him
as much as it did me when I wrote it.
I hope you bring me liberty.
More than liberty.
I bring you opportunity.
All I need is opportunity.
Philippe, I knew your father, very well.
You knew my father?
What was he like?
It's the sorrow of my life that I never knew him.
He was a great man.
No sacrifice for his country was too difficult.
And you can follow in his footsteps.
An hour ago, in rage and disgust,
her royal highness Princess Maria Theresa, left for Spain.
You mean she ran away from Louis?
Yes.
Good.
But I'm here to ask you to follow her and bring her back.
Bring her back to such a man, never.
Your father would have forgotten his personal feelings
and remembered only his duty to France.
But it's insanity, only the king could bring her back.
I'm offering you an opportunity to be king.
If only for one day, France needs a good king.
If only to stand on the balcony before the people
for the betrothing ceremony.
Long enough to proclaim the union
between Spain and France.
King for one day.
In one minute, the king could free
D'Artagnan and all my friends.
I would only need to be king for one day for my purpose.
And for mine.
(suspenseful orchestral music)
Halt, halt!
Shoot, fool!
Shoot, the king?
The king?
Yah!
Why did we stop?
I took the liberty of stopping your carriage.
Your majesty descended to highway robbery in person?
If I have, I'm merely following your example.
After all, you're robbing me of your presence.
I forbid you to enter my carriage.
There must be some mistake.
I thought I was the king of France
and give the commands.
You might at least have said goodbye.
Goodbye.
We're going to miss you.
France will not be the same.
Why are you going?
How dare you ask me such a question?
I dare because France and I both love you.
Love?
You don't know the meaning of the word.
You never loved anyone but yourself.
What kind of man are you?
In one moment, you speak of love
while at the same time, you're murdering my courier.
I'll never again believe anything you say or do.
Will you please believe that I know
nothing of your courier?
Believe you?
When you quoted from my letter to the ambassador?
But I never saw your letter.
On my honor.
On your royal honor?
More than my royal honor.
On my sacred honor.
I do not believe you.
Well then, perhaps it's just as well
that you are returning to Spain.
You're hardly fitted to become the queen of France.
You haven't that the problems of the nation
and its people are more important
that the problems of any individual.
I do not need lessons in duty or conduct from you.
It this were the army,
your retreat will be called desertion.
Cowardice in the face of the enemy.
If I were your enemy.
(giggling)
If our problems were only as simple.
It would be so easy taking you by the hand
and running away.
Trouble with being king
is that one can never run away, not even with you.
I didn't think your majesty was a running away type.
With anyone.
Dear lady, believe me.
If we could escape destiny
by my forgetting that I was ever king of France,
but taking you by the hand,
and going off with you across the fields,
we would descend from this coach forever,
and I would be the happiest man in the world.
Far happier than I ever expect to be as king.
I wish I could believe you.
Did you ever dream
with your eyes wide open?
I used to dream.
Long, long time ago.
I want you to dream of a balcony,
and under that balcony, thousands of faces
looking up at you with adoration and affection.
I want you to hear the voice of a cardinal
saying to those people,
heaven is pleased to join Spain with France.
I want you see me beside you at that moment.
I must be dreaming.
I do believe you.
(soft orchestral music)
Heaven is pleased to join Spain with France.
Do you Maria Theresa take this man to be your betrothed?
I, Maria Theresa, take thee Louis to be my betrothed.
And do you, Louis, take this woman to be your betrothed?
I, Louis, take thee, Maria Theresa, to be my betrothed.
(soft violin music)
I find myself wishing that this were the marriage ceremony
instead of just a betrothal.
Then I could add, to have and to hold.
(cheering)
Let me congratulate you, my friend,
but then, you've always had a most annoying habit
of bringing about the things you wish to bring about.
Most amusing comedy, worthy of so great a playwright.
A a fellow playwright, you understand
how narrow the line is to writing comedy from tragedy.
Quite right.
And I'm afraid his majesty's executioner
will provide the tragedy when this
charming little comedy is finished.
His majesty's executioner could provide the tragedy
before the comedy is finished.
Remember our secrets, you and I know that the
king is at Fontainebleau.
But the executioner doesn't.
One word from Philippe.
(cheering)
His majesty left for Fontainebleau an hour ago.
He'll arrive there before you do.
Say to him that the announcement of his betrothal
to her royal highness Maria Theresa
has caused great rejoicing among the people.
Ride fast!
His majesty will be most anxious to receive such news.
(galloping)
Pardon, your majesty, this is the cell.
They are desperate men, your majesty.
(chuckles) I'm quite used to dealing with desperate men.
No, no, sire, I insist.
I should go first.
(chuckles)
On your knees, dogs, his majesty the king.
So, these are the rebel?
We regret our ignorance of your majesty's visit.
Or we'd have received you in greater honor.
I trust you gentlemen have enjoyed our hospitality?
Very much, we've received every consideration we expected.
I'm glad to see you are entirely happy.
We'd be much happier if we had news of Philippe.
I suggest that your majesty treat him well.
Just in the event that we escape hanging.
Your majesty, he means by that,
that we're very fond of Philippe.
I don't understand how anyone
could be fond of such a fellow.
I find him tiresome, ill-tempered,
and inclined to be a fool.
Your majesty has never had the pleasure of meeting him
at the point of a sword.
Leave us, they may have secrets.
Yes, your majesty.
Certainly, your majesty.
Don't you know me?
You recognize this?
There's no time for celebration.
This is the only way I could free you.
I've written an order for your release.
There are arms, horses, everything outside.
Remember the little in in Bordeaux?
Wait for me there.
There are innocent men.
Here's my order for their release.
See that it's carried out, immediately.
Yes, your majesty.
That is all.
(laughs)
Philippe, don't you understand,
you must go, quickly.
Even now it may be too late.
I was keen for your object.
You wouldn't have me forget mine?
By now, D'Artagnan, Aramis, Porthos, and Athos
are riding southward on the four best horses in France.
They're gone?
Wasn't very difficult.
I merely walked into the Bastille.
The Bastille.
It's a very dismal place.
I was glad to get out of it myself.
I should say so, but now you must go, quickly.
No, not yet.
Before I abdicate, I must say goodbye to the one person
who I hope will be sorry that my reign is over.
Philippe, go while you can.
Everything's ready, a horse, money, passport.
Thank you, my friend.
I appreciate everything you've done for me.
I hope France will appreciate everything you've done
for her.
Remember, we do not act until he's clear of the city.
But excellency, I do not understand.
Capture the king?
I don't require you to understand.
I understand.
(soft orchestral music)
(knocking)
(soft orchestral music)
Your majesty.
(soft orchestral music)
Forgive me for calling so late.
But I felt I had to see you, say goodnight.
Tonight, I stood with you on a balcony, and kissed you.
I want you to know I'll remember how beautiful you were
'till the moment of my death.
Louis, you have such a
frightened look.
If I am frightened, it's at the thought of losing you.
Losing me?
Kings are strange men.
It's true they have short memories,
and are capable of giving deep wounds.
Never trust a king completely.
Not even Louis.
(soft orchestral music)
Hold that remembrance of me.
Good night.
(suspenseful orchestral music)
(gunshots)
(splashing)
Stand aside, Fouquet.
How dare you attack the king?
Your majesty,
who could dream of you stealing out of the palace alone,
like a criminal, why, I mistook you for a common thief.
You might have been badly hurt, even killed.
Well, now that you know who I am, stand aside.
I couldn't possibly permit your majesty
to take such risks.
It would be much better
if your majesty would return to the palace, willingly.
I'm beginning to understand why you are so valuable
the the king.
(foreboding orchestral music)
Hmm, very efficient.
Then they've had a lot to practice.
I should have taken Fouquet's advice
and hanged you in the first place.
You are equally guilty.
Your majesty could hardly expect me to
know that you were absent
when you did not see fit to tell me.
Strange that such an impromptu impersonation
accomplished all your desires.
All sire?
Isn't it enough that you compromised me with Spain?
Made me a laughing stock?
The only unfortunate thing for you both
is that I am about to have the last laugh.
This time I'll wager the rope will not break.
I've always said your majesty is unusually lucky.
I feel gratified that my end will
at least be a sporting proposition.
I live my life the same way.
It's only by chance that I am on the
wrong end of the rope.
I regret having to ask you to precede your friends,
whom you so cleverly set at liberty,
but I'll see that they follow you, quickly.
That is also a sporting proposition.
I'm glad the odds in their favor
are much greater than in mine.
Call the Guard Of Honor.
We must escort the ex-king to the scaffold
with proper ceremony.
Yes, your majesty, and of course, with rolling drums.
By all means, with rolling drums.
We will also fire a cannon or two.
I appreciate the honor.
It grieves me to prevent such a touching ceremony,
but the hanging of Philippe is quite impossible.
Impossible?
My dear, Colbert, not even your hanging is impossible.
Mine, no sire, but his, yes.
Not even a king may shed royal blood.
Royal blood?
I am saving your majesty the embarrassment
of hanging your twin brother.
Brother?
Seems that you've outlived your usefulness.
[Colbert] Not yet, sire, I hope.
Do you expect me to believe such an insane lie?
In the past, you've been more clever, Colbert!
But never more truthful, sire.
As your majesty's friend, Fouquet, will testify.
You see, we were both present at your birth, and his.
I, by right.
Fouquet, as usual.
Tell his majesty, Fouquet,
how his father, King Louis the 13th,
sent his twin son, Philippe, to Gascony with D'Artagnan,
and how, quite by chance, Louis became king.
I supposed you have further convincing proof.
If your majesty is not convinced
as he stands face to face with his own likeness,
I shall be glad to present the final unimpeachable proof,
with your majesty's permission, of course.
I hope it's a pleasant surprise.
I promise your majesty will not be disappointed.
(soft orchestral music)
Philippe.
Oh, my son.
My son.
I often dreamed of meeting my mother in life.
I'd find equal happiness in meeting her in death.
In death.
Does your majesty require further proof?
It would have been better, madame,
if you had stayed in your convent.
(somber orchestral music)
Why do you demand vengeance on a boy
who has committed no crime, but to be born your twin?
Kings do not control these things,
destiny controls them.
If Philippe's resemblance to your majesty offends you,
you could exile him,
to some place where the resemblance would have no meaning.
There are times, Colbert, as much as you annoy me,
when I suspect you are being a genius.
You're right.
I couldn't hang him, but because he's my brother,
and because it will be like hanging myself,
watching myself dangle from the end of a rope,
and the resemblance.
Send him to a place where he never will be seen again.
Of course.
(laughter)
(daunting orchestral music)
I know how well you love power, Fouquet,
but you will never know complete power
'till you've been availed in a place like this.
Only the king is availed here.
I have no estimation towards the throne, your majesty.
Which is most fortunate.
The moment I'm engaged in creating a kingdom
for a man who might have such aspirations.
Of course, I'm generous.
Provide him with all the trackings of the king,
even to a throne.
True, his kingdom may be rather limited.
In fact, it is limited.
Limited to the walls of the cellar above here.
A most amusing thought, your majesty.
Yes, becomes positively hilarious
when you think that Colbert gave me the idea. (Laughs)
It's a masterpiece.
Of course, that was my idea.
I thought it would be too confusing.
Two kings, both of them so much alike.
So I decided that one of the kings should wear the mask,
so to avoid all confusion.
It's quite ingenious.
Covers the whole head and locks around the neck.
Most ingenious.
I wonder how long it takes the beard to grow, Fouquet.
Imagine not being able to get that thing off your head,
and being strangled to death by your own beard. (Laughter)
(nervous laugh)
Of course, there'd only be one key,
which I should keep.
I think I'll wear it
on a golden chain, here, next to my heart.
(suspenseful orchestral music)
Get in there!
(suspenseful orchestral music)
His majesty's order of imprisonment.
For life.
Guilty of high treason.
Solitary confinement, for life.
Receive no visitors.
To be treated as any other prisoner
except he must be spoken to as a king.
King?
Spoken to as a king? (Laughs)
(somber orchestral music)
Good night, your majesty.
(evil laughter)
(somber orchestral music)
(suspenseful orchestral music)
Good morning, your majesty.
I'm sure your majesty would be delighted
to know that the king of the Bastille is
securely seated on his throne.
It's his anniversary, you know.
He began his reign a month ago, today.
I trust his majesty finds his kingdom to his liking,
and his crown.
I've been thinking.
It may be necessary to create another such kingdom
for my esteemed colleague, Colbert.
Huh?
If you pardon me,
I know Colbert.
He'll dedicate his life to the liberation of Philippe,
which, of course, may be interpreted as a patriotic gesture.
Particularly if he shall convince himself
that Philippe has an equal claim to your majesty's crown.
A man dead of a broken neck
can't devote his life to anything.
What?
Hang Colbert, oh no, no, your majesty.
Your majesty forgets, Colbert is a friend of the people.
They admire his honesty.
One of the things about Colbert that irks me most
is that Caesar's wife, he is above reproach.
Oh, I wouldn't say that, your majesty.
All men make mistakes.
But alas Colbert.
Well, I think he made a mistake
when he signed this receipt.
Mistake, receipt of 50 francs. (Scoffs)
Your majesty, supposing a comma
and three zeros appeared after the 50
making it 50,000 francs,
your majesty would then ask the impregnable Colbert
just what he did with the other 49,950 francs,
and he would have no answer.
It's quite possible, isn't it,
that the people wouldn't cheer quite so loudly
for an embezzler, a criminal.
Too bad my friend has not room for another medal.
Your majesty's thinking of a reward for my poor services,
might I suggest Madame Fouquet,
who just loved to be a duchess.
You know how women are. (Laughs)
On the day that Colbert is hanged,
Madame Fouquet should become a duchess.
Your majesty.
What a pity.
Such a great patriot.
(laughs)
(somber orchestral music)
Now watch your footing here, gentlemen.
Main Tartas sewer runs through here.
(somber orchestral music)
D'Artagnan, how did you get here?
I've not forgotten the underground passageways
even after 20 years.
Oh but this is insane.
There's a price on your heads, all of you.
(laughs) Good one I hope.
Now, it's nice to be remembered.
Isn't it enough that you are hunted,
I'm about to be hunted?
Why must you come here of all places?
We had a rendezvous with Philippe in Bordeaux,
which he did not keep.
Yes, I know.
Where is Philippe?
Philippe is in the Bastille.
An iron mask on his head, for life.
What?
Yes.
The most fiendish invention of Louis's.
Now you must go.
Your only hope to escape the rope or worse
is to go while you have a chance.
Go?
Have you lost your courage?
Bravery is a great thing when there's a fighting chance.
Bravery is only great when there is no chance.
Look, my friend, at any moment the kings men may be here.
I'm already branded a criminal.
Now I beg you to save your own lives.
Well, Philippe didn't think of saving his life.
Are you willing to surrender France
into the hands of a plunderer like Fouquet,
and a king who's half mad?
I remember when you held France in your own hands.
That was Louis the 13th.
This is the reign of Louis the 14th.
(urgent knocking)
Go back the way you came.
I'll not open that door until you've gone.
We're through with running.
Here, give me your coat, I'll open the door.
[Voiceover] (knocking) Open the door!
Yes, yes, I'm coming!
I'm coming!
Now control yourselves, gentlemen.
This is one fight we don't want.
(knocking)
Yes, yes, I'm coming!
Who is it?
Open in the name of the king.
Oh, oh, yes sir, yes sir!
Come in, m'lord.
Where is Colbert?
(chuckles) Oh how unfortunate.
Only an hour ago, he left for the south of France
for his health. (Chuckles)
I'll just make sure of that.
Oh, yes m'lord, come in m'lord.
See I'm quite alone.
The old fool's telling the truth.
To south of France?
By what road?
Oh, I know nothing of roads m'lord?
I am only a servant, oh, pardon me.
Oh, I do remember his mentioning Marseilles.
The road to Marseilles.
D'Artagnan you are a beautiful liar.
Thank you, m'lord.
(laughter)
You see, when can deliver Philippe just as easily.
But delivering him is not enough.
Remember the mask.
Well, what can be put on can be taken off.
You're a bold man, my friend,
but in my gentle way, I'm also bold.
The key, not only the key to Philippe's liberation,
but the liberation of all France.
So you see, the boy at the birthday dinner
and with Mademoisellede la Valliere, is Louis.
The boy at the cathedral, and on the balcony,
and who brought you back, is Philippe.
Philippe is my father's name.
I've always loved it.
Where will I find the key?
The king wears it, around his neck.
Thank you, I'll do it.
(laughs)
(pleasant orchestral music)
Good night, my dear.
Good night.
(laughter)
Good night, your majesty.
(slurred) Good night.
(knocking)
But I said good night.
(knocking)
(pleasant orchestral music)
Well.
A royal philus.
I might say this is a surprise, but it isn't.
In fact, I've been expecting you, for a long time.
I've discovered that sooner or later,
all things come to a king who waits.
Perhaps you would not have waited so long, your majesty,
had you not been more pleasantly engaged.
(laughs)
The trouble with you, my dear,
is that you're inclined to be a little too sensitive.
I'm beginning to understand
how many things a queen must overlook.
Really?
Sit down, my dear, sit down.
You know,
until tonight, I was very disappointed in the Spaniards.
Because we're a jealous and hot blooded people?
Oh no, quite the contrary.
We're also a most impulsive people.
Quick to hate, quick to love.
After I'm queen, I hope to change your mind
about the Spaniards.
You can, quite easily.
Don't you find it a trifle sweltering in here?
I hadn't noticed, your majesty.
(suspenseful orchestral music)
Thank you, your royal highness.
Now, the destiny of France is in your hands.
You remember the way to the Bastille?
How could I forget?
I think you're the bravest girl I've ever known.
It doesn't matter whether you bring Philippe
back as king of France, so long as you bring him back.
Depend on this.
Philippe returns or we stay.
(suspenseful orchestral music)
Put out your torches.
From here, we go in darkness.
(suspenseful orchestral music)
Time for rounds.
Why go, nothing ever happens?
(somber orchestral music)
(screaming)
Be quiet there!
I'll fix you.
(whispers) Porthos, gag him, bind him.
(shouting and pleading)
[Voiceover] Open the door!
(shouting and pleading)
[Voiceover] Open the door!
(shouting and pleading)
(somber orchestral music)
Philippe.
D'Artagnan.
Sit down.
Get this thing off my head, my brain's bursting.
(whispers) Yes, yes I have the key.
How could your own brother be such a monster?
(shouting)
Four o'clock, cellar three is seeing ghosts again.
Well.
(shouting)
Turns, but it doesn't open.
The double lock, a Chinese thing.
I, I don't remember.
[Voiceover] (shouting) Open the door!
(stammering)
(screaming)
[Voiceover] Shut up in there!
(hitting and screaming)
Now will you shut up?
The guard's just gone by.
We must get out while there's still time.
All clear.
You've suffered enough.
You can be king, or you can be free.
It's for you to decide.
Take me where the crown of France is to be found.
(flowing orchestral music)
(daunting orchestral music)
Athos, guard that door.
(solemn orchestral music)
Waken him.
(solemn orchestral music)
No, it's not a dream, brother.
Remember me, the Gascon rebel who amused you
until you discovered he was your brother?
You should remember this too.
One of your more clever inventions.
No, it's not there.
It's here.
Go away, you're dead, strangled.
How fast does your own beard grow, brother?
I'll give you anything.
I'll recognize you.
I'll make you rich, all of you.
A million francs in gold, two million.
When you turned the lock on this,
you locked out any mercy that might have been in my heart.
You knew I was your brother, your twin.
We were almost one body, one life.
You half, me half,
but you forced my half to live in shadow and despair,
so that your half might live in grandeur and glory.
There is one law in life, brother,
that not even a king can escape.
The law of retribution.
Pendulum of the clock of life
swings so far in one direction,
and very surely swings back.
The pendulum is swinging for you, brother.
The time has come when your half must live in the shadows.
Not for what you've done to me,
but what you've done to the people of France.
Not because I have suffered at your hands,
but because they have suffered more.
Not because you would have murdered me,
but because you have murdered them.
Because you betrayed a sacred trust.
Because you've proven yourself unfit
to live in the light of day.
Fair exchange, brother.
My kingdom,
for yours.
Put it on.
(yelping)
(screams)
Now, see how you like it.
[Louis] Let me out!
Let me out! (Knocking)
A million francs in gold!
(knocking)
Let me out, I'm the king!
(knocking)
Let me out!
(knocking)
Let me out!
(knocking)
Let me out, I'm the king!
(knocking)
Let me out, I'm the king!
(knocking)
Let me out!
(knocking)
Yeah, who is it?
Come in!
Excellency, excellency!
I told you to keep those dogs quiet!
But excellency, men came!
Gentlemen with swords, they choked me!
Gentlemen with swords.
Are you crazy!
No one gets in here unless I open the door!
Are any prisoners missing?
[Both] No, excellency.
You fools, you're drunk!
You think such lies can cover it?
You neglect your duty and permit those dogs
to wake me up again!
I'll attend to them first
and you later!
Out of my way!
(shouting)
[Louis] Let me out!
You hear, gold!
I'll give you anything!
I command you to let me out!
I'm the king!
(knocking)
Never heard him scream before.
No, Commandant.
Sooner or later they all go mad.
Open the door!
I have a better cure for madness than any doctor.
Now then.
[Louis] Well, you do believe me, don't you?
You've come to set me free!
I'll make you rich!
The fools, to think they can do this to the king?
Hurry!
Be quick, I tell you, I'm the king!
(laughter)
So I've come to let you out, have I?
(whips)
[Louis] I'm the king.
You'll hang for this!
Yes, your majesty.
But after this, command in a whisper.
(whips)
[Louis] But I'm the king.
Now maybe I can get some sleep.
Good night, your majesty!
(sobbing)
[Louis] But I am the king.
Good morning, your majesty.
I trust you enjoyed a good night's rest.
Oh, Fouquet, good morning, pardon me.
I informed Madame Fouquet your majest has graciously
promised to make her a duchess.
Duchess?
Why yes, uh, Colbert.
Oh yeah.
His spy system works very well.
It seems he was warned.
He escaped my men at the house,
but I'll have him before night.
Every road is closed.
Your majesty, I am very happy to report that the tax on salt
is yielding double the revenue we expected.
Hmm, and I'm sure you'll also be pleased with this.
(clears throat)
But your majesty.
This rescinds the salt tax.
I know.
Have you ever tasted fish without salt, Fouquet?
Fish?
Without?
Why, uh.
It's no good.
No.
It's terrible.
Yes.
Besides, the people object.
They don't like me.
Oh.
You can't eat fish without salt.
Anymore than you can make trousers without wool.
Or bread without flour.
So I have decided to remove all those taxes.
But why, your majesty, why?
I had a dream, Fouquet.
Do you where bad kings go?
Your majesty, you cannot do this!
I'm sure you're wrong.
You spent your whole life
assuring me that I could do anything.
For instance, I could even hang you.
Well, your majesty.
Your majesty's in the jesting mood this morning.
Yes, amusing, isn't it?
Very amusing.
Your majesty.
Misseur Fouquet, I regret my absence of last night.
I would have given me great pleasure
to have received you when you called with your friends.
I'm told your majesty is seeking me in some haste.
Oh yes.
I wanted you to proclaim these decrees,
abolishing the taxes.
Your majesty, this is one of the great days of my life.
But the receipt.
Receipt?
Oh we found the money, it was all a mistake.
If you'll excuse me.
Your majesty I feel slightly indisposed.
Of course, you must be very careful of your health,
and I do hope Madame Fouquet will not be too unhappy.
(whispers) Excuse me.
Excuse me please.
[Louis] Over there!
Hello there!
Fool, he can't hear me.
Guard, guard, listen to me.
I'll make you rich.
(laughs) Yes, I know.
You're the king of France.
A million francs in gold. (Laughs)
[Louis] Look, ask me for anything, I'll give it to you.
Anything! (Laughs)
[Louis] You don't understand, you've got to listen to me.
(laughter)
I can feel them growing,
growing, they'll strangle me!
You've got to take it off!
What, take off your majesty's crown?
I should say not! (Laughs)
Why you dog, I'll tell the Commandant about this.
Morning madame, lovely day.
[Louis] Hello there!
Hello there!
[Voiceover] Take this to Fouquet
the king's minister
and receive 5,000 francs reward.
My son, there is one thing you must do, and quickly.
You must marry Maria Theresa at once.
Must?
Why that's the most pleasant thing I've heard
since leaving Gascony.
Once you have married Maria Theresa,
and the people of Spain and our own country
acknowledge her as queen of France,
there can be no question as to who is king.
[Voiceover] Her royal highness Princess Maria Theresa.
(soft orchestral music)
Do you remember that day in your carriage?
When we watched the boy and girl run off across the fields?
Yes.
I feel just as they must have felt.
Colbert would like to ask you a question.
No, I think I'll ask this question myself.
Oh, oh most certainly, your majesty.
(soft orchestral music)
Will you be queen of France?
Yes, your majesty.
Even if the title is a little clouded?
Even if there were no title.
Even after I said to you, never trust a king?
I can trust you.
But there's more to it than that.
A technical question that must be settled
before you can become queen.
Do you love me?
I've always loved you, Philippe.
It may be his majesty who is getting married,
but you, your excellency, will be
the most handsome man at the ceremony.
Certainly the best dressed.
The carriage of the princess has just passed over the bridge
on the way to Possendorf.
Really?
How fortunate the bridge did not collapse.
Your own guard is waiting with your carriage.
Your excellency, this person, a herdsman,
insists upon speaking with you.
A herdsman, what have I to do with a herdsman?
What's he want?
5,000 francs.
(scoffs) For what?
For a tin plate, with some silly writing on it.
Plate, writing, what do you mean?
Yes, your excellency, writing on a plate.
It says, Philippe of Gascony
sits on the throne of France
when everyone knows the king's name is Louis.
Give me that plate.
5,000 francs, it says, your excellency.
Quiet.
Philippe of Gascony,
throne of France.
For the first time in my life, I was a fool.
Send for the captain of my guards.
Yes, your excellency.
Take my carriage and my entire guard.
Go to the Bastille.
Take from his cell a prisoner who wears an iron mask.
Deliver him to me at the church at Fontainebleau.
But your excellency, the Bastille?
Are you afraid of hanging, my friend?
At this point, it's necessary for all of us
to hang together, or we'll all hang separately.
Yes, your excellency.
(commanding orchestral music)
(suspenseful orchestral music)
[Louis] Faster you fool, faster!
But it'll kill the horses.
[Louise] Kill them then!
(choral singing)
Dearly beloved, we are gathered here
in the sight of God and of man
in the holy mother church
to join this man unto this woman
in the bonds of holy matrimony.
If there be any among you
who know why this should not be done,
let him speak now or forever hold his peace.
I speak.
(loud murmuring)
M'lord cardinal, I warn you
you perform this marriage at your peril.
That man is not the king of France.
The man is mad, seize him!
Stay where you are.
He may look like the king,
he may dress like the king.
He may even speak like the king,
but he is not the king.
But do not fear me, lord cardinal.
His majesty the king of France
will attend your ceremony.
In fact, he is on his way at this moment,
and I have an engagement to meet him
on the Paris Fontainebleau road.
Wait, how the wicked.
(gunshot)
(gasping)
(loud murmuring)
Where are you going?
After a murderer, and to bar the Paris road.
I pledge my life that you are the only king
that will come here by that road this day.
You forget, my friend, that only a king can bar the road.
We will bar the road.
My lord cardinal, my lords and ladies,
I beg your indulgence to deal with an enemy of France.
Forgive me, my dear.
I find I must dispose of another
technicality before you can become queen of France.
(suspenseful orchestral music)
Your majesty, I'm most happy to be the instrument
of your liberation.
[Louis] You?
Liberation?
You let them do this to me!
But your majesty.
(suspenseful orchestral music)
Fouquet and his king.
We must fight this fight at the top of the hill.
Their horses will be tired from the climb.
(suspenseful orchestral music)
[Louis] How far is it now to Fontainebleau and the church?
Two league, your majesty.
[Louis] Two leagues to the village.
Nothing must happen to my dear brother.
He belongs to me!
(suspenseful orchestral music)
Now we fight on foot.
Surprise them when they come over the top of the hill.
You three on this side,
Philippe and I over here.
(suspenseful orchestral music)
And may the devil take the high post.
(suspenseful orchestral music)
Get the captain first.
(galloping)
(whispers) Now!
(suspenseful orchestral music)
(clashing)
[Louis] Why don't the fools go on?
We're attacked, your majesty.
Philippe delivers himself to us.
(gunshot)
(clashing and shouting)
(gunshot)
(shouts)
(suspenseful music)
Don't mind me.
Stop the coach.
Be brave.
The coach will be stopped!
(suspenseful orchestral music)
(galloping)
(suspenseful orchestral music)
(galloping)
(gunshot)
(suspenseful orchestral music)
(gunshot)
(suspenseful orchestral music)
I learned that little trick in Flanders.
Remind me to teach it to you sometime.
Are you hurt?
(laughs) Always remember to lick your wounds
after the battle.
[Louis] Faster, driver, faster!
(galloping)
(suspenseful orchestral music)
(galloping)
(suspenseful orchestral music)
(gunshot)
(galloping)
(crack)
(suspenseful music)
Let me out! (Screaming)
(somber orchestral music)
I find myself sorry for him
when he's given me cause to feel nothing but hate.
Your majesty has other urgent unfinished business.
(soft organ music)
You may proceed, my lord cardinal.
(soft organ music)
Who gives this woman unto this man?
I claim that privilege.
(soft organ music)
I join you in marriage,
in the name of the father,
the son, the holy ghost.
[Altogether] Amen.
(soft organ music)
Congratulations, my son.
Now you are the greatest swordsman in France.
D'Artagnan.
Porthos, Athos, and Aramis will be waiting.
You wouldn't want me to disappoint them.
(soft organ music)
God save the king.
(soft organ music)
(soft vocal music)
He was a brave man.
France will always need brave men.
(soft choral music)
And brave women
to remind men of their duty.
(rising choral music)
God save France.
(rising choral music)
(pleasant majestic orchestral music)