-
War rages on. The Prussians and Austrians...
-
... have inflicted heavy defeats on French troops
-
August 10, 1792: French troops,
with the citizens of Paris...
-
... attack the Tuileries Palace
-
The royal family flees to the National
Assembly ; the King is removed from power
-
August 13, 1792 - The King and his family
are imprisoned in the Temple...
-
... by order of
Paris's Insurrectional Council
-
The French Revolution : "Years of Terror"
-
August 13, 1792
-
Come, Marie-Thérèse
-
Smile, dear
-
Now sir, you're going
where you belong : behind bars
-
I hope at least they'll put us in the
same area where the Comte d'Artois--
-
No talking !
-
Don't raise your voice !
-
He raised his voice to me !
-
How dare you !
-
Don't touch her !
-
Where are you taking her ?
-
- I protest, sir !
- Naturally, Mr. Veto
-
What you have to say
is no longer of any importance
-
Cléry ! You here ?
-
Your Majesty...
I begged them to let me stay
-
You've already done
more than your duty for me
-
Never a moment's peace !
-
Robespierre is in his room
-
I'll take you up
-
How can you work in this racket ?
-
It's over, Maxime.
The King has been removed from power
-
There is a provisional
council of six ministers
-
Danton is Justice Minister
-
Over ?
-
We may be just at the beginning, Camille
-
Lafayette's Headquarters
-
I've searched my conscience,
and can find no comfort
-
I cannot accept
the legality of this government
-
In Paris they call me
a traitor for my opinions
-
Me, Lafayette !
-
If by refusing to serve these men,
who have destroyed everything...
-
... by striking at the Crown
and the constitution, I am a traitor
-
Then so be it
-
Let slander triumph
-
I have no place here
-
As for you, follow your conscience
-
I have no intention of influencing you
-
Lafayette has deserted, Sire
-
The Prussians have taken Longwy
-
It seems nothing can stop them
-
In two weeks they'll be in Paris,
and you'll be free
-
I'm leaving for Amiens tomorrow !
-
This government will not leave Paris
-
This government will not cower in fear
-
This government will stand
and fight and win
-
No matter how, no matter the cost
-
Every man must fight,
with every gun, sword or pike
-
And those who dare to show fear,
will know an even worse terror
-
If we have 30,000 traitors,
they must be arrested tomorrow
-
To beat our enemies we must demonstrate
daring, more daring and even more daring
-
To save France !
-
Fabre, take these death sentences
from Camille and put them on the list
-
Why haven't I received reports from the
Special Committee in Nevers and Tours ?
-
Mercy for my son !
-
My husband is innocent !
-
Come on, time for bed ;
leave Uncle Maxime alone
-
He's very funny... the way babies are
-
Especially when he wakes us up
at 1:00 in the morning...
-
...and 2:00 and 4:30 !
-
Won't you say goodnight to your son ?
-
I know what you're feeling, Camille...
-
... but we can't wage war
with a knife in our backs
-
But these are our own people
-
Our people don't want to go backwards
-
Our people know that we must
win this war at any cost
-
The enemies in our midst
are triumphant tonight
-
The Prussians have taken Verdun
-
The aristocrats, priests, traitors,
plotters in our prisons...
-
... all await the arrival
of their foreign masters
-
This will be the signal to rise up and
join the forces of the King of Prussia !
-
Death to the traitors !
-
They've broken into
all the prisons in Paris
-
They're slaughtering anyone
suspected of supporting the King
-
This isn't a Revolution anymore !
-
It's a mockery of everything
we've tried to change
-
Are you listening ?
-
Yes, I'm listening
-
- Then do something !
- Do what ?
-
Do you think I control these people ?
Do you think anyone can ?
-
You are the Minister !
-
You want the Minister to give orders
that won't be carried out ?
-
You want me to send in troops, who'll
turn around and join in the slaughter ?
-
Is that your plan,
to show who's in charge here ?
-
If you're not responsible, then who is ?
-
I don't know.
-
But the wise man know when he's
powerless... and he keeps his mouth shut
-
Especially if he wants people to listen
to him again, and believe me, I do
-
I do
-
Save me !
-
The horror of it ! The horror !
-
You have to do something
-
Talk to me
-
This can't go on
-
Everything's going wrong
-
This isn't what we wanted
-
God bless the King
-
God bless Mama
-
God bless the Princess de Lamballes
-
God bless Princess Elisabeth
-
How do you like your friend Lamballes ?
-
True, what happened is an outrage,
an insult to the Revolution
-
And to everyone here
-
But we're at war
-
And today those in France
who've conspired against us...
-
... are shaking with terror
-
Today, we have no enemies at our backs
-
It's an advantage I don't want to waste
-
Today our army
can face the Prussians...
-
... without fear of
the King's friends in Paris
-
Valmy, September 20, 1792
-
On this memorable day,
the National Assembly...
-
... elected by all the people of France,
meets for the first time
-
I put to the vote the motion
of Citizen Collot-d'Herbois...
-
... proclaiming that the monarchy
in France is abolished
-
The motion is carried !
-
I move that the new
Constitution of the Republic...
-
... be put to the French people
as a whole for their approval
-
The motion is carried
-
I move--
-
Please, Citizen, come to the lectern
-
I can say what I wish to say from here
-
I ask that from today,
all public documents...
-
... be dated from Year One
of the French Republic
-
I've observed you. I admire you
-
But I'm concerned
-
You're a leader ; right now you're leader
of the revolutionary republic
-
At the same time, you have contacts
with the most conservative members
-
It's understandable
-
As Mirabeau used to say, the hard thing
is not to start a revolution...
-
... but to know
when it's gone far enough
-
We all try to find a proper balance
-
Frankly, Georges,
as a friend I must warn you
-
You're rich, powerful, and popular
-
It's a dangerous situation
-
The rich are afraid
of your power and popularity...
-
... and will try to bring you down
-
The poor forgive your wealth...
-
... but only if you use it to bring the
Revolution to its just, natural conclusion
-
"A just and natural conclusion"
-
The death of the King
-
Is that what you want ?
-
I don't wish to harm either the King or
his family ; what good would it do ?
-
But the war is not over
-
We could reach a point
where it's impossible...
-
... to save both the King
and the Revolution
-
In that case, one must choose
-
We need to know how we'll choose,
if it comes to that
-
Don't you agree ?
-
Your hat
-
- Is everything alright ?
- He's right
-
He's always right
-
It's just that I'd like
to break his neck
-
Don't worry, I won't
-
Unless I have to
-
I request the floor
-
Your name, Citizen ?
-
Saint-Just.
From the Department of the Aisne
-
Take the lectern, Citizen Saint-Just
-
I, like most of you, would joyfully
give my life for this Republic
-
I, like most of you, stand against all
enemies who threaten this Republic
-
I, like all of you,
know the name and face of this enemy
-
I, like none here,
am ready to strike at this enemy
-
As long as he lives, Louis Capet will be
a rallying symbol for the traitors...
-
... who remain hidden among us
-
And for all enemies abroad
who wait the moment to crush us
-
In the name of all we've accomplished,
we cannot weaken
-
We cannot hesitate
-
We do both, as long as the heir...
-
... of a long line of tyrants
remains alive and in our power
-
Citizens, a king is not an ordinary man
-
He's a rebel - a usurper
of the rights of other men
-
A king must reign--
-
Or die
-
Well done, Charles.
Very nice writing - and reading !
-
Send the child away
-
May I know why ?
-
These gentlemen wish to speak to you
-
Go and play ; we'll continue later
-
What can I do for you gentlemen ?
-
My name is Chambon, Mayor of Paris
-
I'm here to tell you that the Convention
has decided to put you on trial
-
On what charge ?
-
You'll be properly
informed in due course
-
You may choose your counsel
-
Before and during the trial you are
forbidden all contact with your family
-
Surely you're not going to prevent me
from seeing my children !
-
If you insist, you may see your children
-
But then they will be forbidden
to see their mother or aunt
-
A difficult choice
-
In fact, I have no choice
-
So be it
-
You've taken everything
-
It's natural that now
you take my children
-
I am in your power, gentlemen
-
Just tell me what you want from me
-
Be seated
-
The National Convention, by the authority
granted it by the French people...
-
...hereby charges Louis Capet
with the following crimes :
-
Attempted corruption of deputies,
starting with Mirabeau
-
Attempted flight
-
Massacre of the Champs de Mars
-
After your return from Varennes, French
blood was shed on the Champs de Mars
-
A letter proves there was a criminal
conspircy between you and Lafayette
-
What do you say ?
-
I knew nothing about the unfortunate
events on the Champs de Mars
-
As to this letter,
I have no knowledge of it
-
But it's in your handwriting
-
I don't remember writing it !
-
Your brothers have rallied emigrés
to fight against France
-
You didn't denounce them
-
I denounced their actions
as soon as I learned of them
-
After making sure you wouldn't
interfere with their plans
-
You're entitled to your opinion
-
It's been proved that you
encouraged regiments to desert
-
Never, sir
-
You vetoed measures
against dissident priests
-
As the Constitution gave me the right
-
Why did you double the Swiss Guard
at the beginning of August ?
-
The palace was in danger ;
I was a legitimate authority
-
It was my duty
to take defensive measures
-
On August 10, you caused
French blood to be shed
-
No, it wasn't me
-
Did you have an armoury
built at the Tuileries...
-
He knows it's hopeless, but he's brave.
I admire him
-
Quick, I hear the guard !
-
What does he say ?
-
He's well... The trial is going slowly
-
We mustn't hold out much hope
-
Louis, we've heard your attorney's
appeal for clemency
-
Before we give our verdict...
-
...have you anything
to add in your defence ?
-
Yes, sir
-
This may be the last time I address you
-
My conscience is clear
-
But what wounds my heart
more than everything else...
-
... is to be accused of having shed
the blood of the people
-
I have so loved the French people...
-
... and thought I had given
such proof of that love...
-
I never could have imagined...
-
... I would have to face
such accusations
-
That's all I have to say
-
Carnot
-
Following the principle that all men
are equal before the law...
-
... I vote for death
-
Collot d'Herbois
-
Death, within 24 hours
-
Vergniaud
-
Death. But I move
that sentence be suspended
-
Lindet
-
He who hesitates to strike a tyrant
does not deserve the name of republican
-
I vote for death
-
Marat
-
Death
-
Saint-Just
-
The Republic must not
show weakness. Death
-
Brissot
-
Death. With suspended sentence
-
Robespierre
-
I am pitiless toward oppressors,
because I pity the oppressed
-
Death
-
Desmoulins
-
I vote for death
-
Danton
-
Death
-
May God support me to the end
-
I'm ready
-
You can't see anything
with the shutters closed
-
Leave them closed
-
Leave the whole house closed
-
Something is happening today
that you shouldn't see
-
Citizen--
-
Tell me what to do, sir
-
Remove your coat and cravat
-
That's not necessary
-
I die innocent of all the crimes
of which I am accused
-
I forgive those guilty of my death
-
And I pray God that the blood you shed
may never be required of France
-
Take care of these
-
Antoine !
-
- Georges--
- Where's Gabrielle ?
-
Gabrielle died 3 days ago
-
Be brave, Georges
-
It was very sudden
-
We don't know what happened
-
We're here for you
-
I'm sorry to bring up sad memories
-
I know it's a difficult time for you
-
I understand
-
You wrote me a very nice letter
-
It helped a lot
-
I'm always better when
I have time to think before speaking
-
As you've noticed
-
You should speak more
from your heart, and think a little less
-
The fact is, we're facing
food riots here...
-
... rebellions in the west,
and the war is going badly
-
We thought we'd crushed the opposition
-
But it's back, like an incurable illness
-
Men who accepted the Revolution,
or at least recognized...
-
... that change was necessary
have now turned against it
-
They want a respectable revolution
-
A moderate government
-
We have to face it, Georges
-
The moderates are now our enemies
-
So we face it.
The question is, how ?
-
Exceptional times
require exceptional measures
-
In a time of mortal danger, the ordinary
legal processes no longer fit
-
No one respects the law
more than I, as you know
-
But if the law can't do
what it was meant to do--
-
Summary justice
-
Is that what you want ?
-
What I want is a new
Revolutionary Tribunal
-
They already call us dictators
-
This will give them reason to
-
We have no choice
-
At least until we have things in hand
-
You know I'm right
-
You're always right
-
You're the only one who can persuade
the members who are opposed
-
We have to work together Georges
-
We can do it
-
See ? You speak with your heart
and you've convinced me
-
No, Heaven help us !
-
It'll be the Spanish Inquisition,
but a thousand times worse
-
The September Massacres will start again
-
But this time
it'll be with government sanction
-
Not at all
-
The September Massacres happened
because the people feared...
-
... the Revolution was helpless
before its enemies
-
And no control over the people
who chose to act like wild animals
-
It was a mockery of
the noble ideals of our Revolution
-
I agree with you
-
But this will prove that the Revolution
can legally judge our enemies
-
Including those who wish
to take the law into their own hands
-
It's the only way to prevent random
slaughter instead of encouraging it
-
I'm counting on you
-
Strike back ! I demand 100,000 heads !
-
Let 100,000 heads fall !
Paralyze our enemies with horror !
-
I'll support your tribunal,
if your first act is to haul him up...
-
... before he does any more damage
-
Agreed
-
Danton has had Marat arrested !
-
Name, age, occupation, place of birth
-
Marat was acquitted
-
Of course
-
Danton knew he would be
-
No Revolutionary Tribunal
will convict a revolutionary
-
But now we have the Tribunal
-
Get out !
-
Don't try to intimidate me !
-
Brissot ! What are you
doing in my office ?
-
If you think you can trick me
and the Girondins like that--
-
You're wrong !
-
Your friend Dumouriez
has defected to the Austrians
-
You protected him - you're a traitor !
-
And as everyone knows - a thief !
-
Get out !
-
Get rid of all this, Dominique
-
They won't be so easy
to get rid of next time
-
Look after him
-
I'll be back
-
Shall I continue the reading
we started yesterday ?
-
I've forgotten it
-
Alright, then I'll start over
-
It's a waste of time
-
I can't concentrate
-
You must try, my dear
-
Make an effort - for the children
-
What do you want me to do ?
-
Talk of hope ? Lie to them ?
-
Yes. If you have to
-
Leave him alone !
-
The boy's education
will be handled by Citizen Simon
-
The Council has decided ;
we are carrying out its orders
-
We'll make a good Cordelier out of you !
-
Excellent, Camille !
-
You haven't lost your touch
-
That'll take care of things
-
It's very good of you
-
Slander ! And a lie !
-
It's not a lie, nor slander
-
The words are Camille's,
but I recognize the ideas
-
Brissot and the Girondins want a federal
republic on Swiss or American lines
-
They only believe in compromise
-
Our great French Republic
must be one and indivisible
-
What do you want me to do ?
-
Nothing
-
Keep out of it, as I will
-
And let the Paris Commune do its job
-
You've already made us allies
-
Now you're making us conspirators
-
I warn you : I'm not like you
-
And I never will be
-
I know you've taken bribes
-
How could I not ?
-
I know your enemies'
accusations are true
-
But do you hear me condemn you for it ?
-
What about you ?
-
You've never taken anything ?
-
Never ?
-
You could have
-
Often
-
How can I trust a man
who doesn't want anything ?
-
You can trust me to tell the truth
-
At least, as I see it
-
And right now, the people of Paris -
your people...
-
... not Brissot and the moderates -
are your best friends
-
That's why it's best for you
not to get in their way
-
Or yours ?
-
You just said I don't want anything
-
Not for yourself.
But that makes you more dangerous
-
You want what's right for all of us
-
I want Brissot's head
-
Then I'll go along with you
-
Let us in !
-
Death to the traitors !
-
I'm Hérault de Seychelles,
President of the Convention
-
By what authority
do you bring your troops here ?
-
On the orders of the Paris Commune
-
The Convention orders you to withdraw
-
Not until we've arrested the 22 traitors
protected by this Convention
-
We want the traitors !
-
These men were elected--
-
To your places ! Forward !
-
Silence !
-
I hope our colleagues
will be reassured about their liberty
-
They went out to meet the people...
-
... and they saw that the people
mean them no harm
-
Where does this mean ?
-
The Paris Commune has denounced
22 traitors who sit among us
-
I demand their immediate arrest
-
Give Couthon a cup of blood -
he's thirsty !
-
I see here Chaumette and Hébert,
representing the Paris Commune
-
The Convention should treat them
with respect and attention
-
I ask them to give us the names
of those they've denounced
-
You wouldn't dare !
-
I demand this list be read at once
-
And the arrest of all those named
-
What are you waiting for ?
-
The names !
-
Listen, citizens !
-
The Convention is dominated
by madmen and criminals
-
Harsh words, but what else
can you call someone like Marat ?
-
He'd cut off 100,000 heads
as easily as say Good morning
-
These men threaten to turn
the country into a huge charnel house
-
The great majority of honest people
must rise up and take back power...
-
... before it's too late
-
Go see who it is
-
What do you want ?
-
I'm Citizeness Corday.
I want to see Marat
-
Impossible.
He's sick - he can't see anyone
-
I've come from Caen.
I have information about a Girondin plot
-
- I must see him
- I told you, he's sick
-
Who is it, Simonne ?
-
It's a woman from Caen
-
She says she has news
about the Girondins
-
Send her in
-
He's very weak. Only 5 minutes, alright ?
-
You've come from Caen ?
-
Yes. I have much to tell you
-
I know - Caen is a nest of traitors
-
How many federalist deputies
have taken refuge there ?
-
Eighteen
-
Here are their names
-
They'll soon be dead
-
In this stone urn
is the heart of the great Marat
-
It will remain here always in his memory
-
It is the heart of a great man
-
A heart that filled all traitors
with fear
-
And it was a traitor's hand
that tore him from the people's love
-
But I promise you,
his people, his friends...
-
... that the cause
he fought for will survive
-
I've personally requested
the Convention build granaries...
-
... to protect grain from speculators
and all those who'd starve the people...
-
... for their own profit
-
Congratulations, Maxime,
I've very happy for you
-
- Thank you
- Congratulations, Robespierre
-
You're taking it very calmly
-
Frankly, I'm as happy to leave
the Committee for Public Safety...
-
... as it is to be rid of me
-
Robespierre is better
at handling boredom than I am
-
What now ?
-
I'll go fishing
-
I should have done it long ago
-
Do you think you'll come back ?
-
Not unless I have to
-
Come and see me
-
Good
-
October 15, 1793
-
Go on !
-
Who provided the coach you
and your family rode in to Varennes ?
-
A foreigner
-
What nationality ?
-
Swedish
-
Monsieur Fersen,
who lived at rue du Bac, Paris ?
-
- Yes
- What ?
-
Yes
-
Bring in the witness Hébert
-
Name, age, occupation
-
Hébert, Jacques René; 36
-
Journalist and deputy attorney
for the Paris Commune
-
Testify before the nation
without hatred or fear
-
Do you swear to tell the truth
and nothing but the truth ?
-
I do
-
Give your testimony
-
The facts I have to state
are of a delicate nature
-
But they must be made public
-
The Commune wished the young Capet
to receive a proper republican education
-
He was entrusted to
an excellent Cordelier, Citizen Simon
-
We have a deposition from Simon,
that he caught the child...
-
... engaged in indecent and harmful acts
-
He asked the boy who had taught him
this shameful behavior
-
The child said his mother and aunt
-
Continue
-
Before the Mayor and Paris and Attorney
to the Commune the child testified...
-
... that he was made to sleep
with these two women
-
And in their bed they committed
acts of debauchery
-
Accused, how do you respond ?
-
I will not respond
-
I will not respond !
-
Because Nature itself
recoils from such an accusation !
-
I appeal to all the mothers here
-
I appeal to you
-
Antoinette, have you any reason why
sentence should not be passed on you ?
-
The Tribunal unanimously
condemns Marie Antoinette...
-
... widow of Louis Capet to death
-
According to the law, her possessions
are forfeited to the State
-
This sentence to be carried out
at the Place de la Révolution
-
And that it be printed and posted
in all parts of the Republic
-
Thank you, Rosalie.
Thank you for everything
-
It's time, Citizeness
-
Forgive me, sir
-
Courage, Madame
-
Perhaps I'm afraid of not understanding
-
It's this fear that disturbs my sleep
-
I appeal to the noblest instincts
of the people...
-
... and I'm betrayed
-
Because I don't understand the people
-
No one inspires greater respect than you
-
But they still resist the Revolution
-
By the thousands
-
There's a royalist army in the Vendée
-
More than an army - an entire populace
-
Is it possible
for a people to be traitors ?
-
They don't understand
-
There is much they need to be taught
-
And yet I've learned something
-
If Virtue is to triumph...
-
... it must be accompanied by Terror
-
Since Virtue is flawless...
-
... the flaw must be in man
-
But I can't believe it
-
Yet I must
-
To save the Revolution
-
This law is clear
-
We know our enemies :
-
Those among us who still hope
that we lose this war
-
But they will no longer laugh at us,
saying that we can't prove their treason
-
It's simple : let's force them
to prove their innocence
-
All those who can't bring tangible proof
of their work for the Revolution...
-
... will be automatically
liable to arrest
-
We propose to enlarge the role
of the Revolutionary Tribunal
-
Right now, only one session
sits regularly
-
We propose to add 3 more...
-
... to help carry out
this important patriotic work
-
In sum : Terror is the order of the day
-
And Virtue, Citizen
-
Virtue, without which Terror is deadly
-
Terror, without which Virtue is powerless
-
Married by a dissident priest !
-
You want to get me
guillotined ! Little minx !
-
As far as I'm concerned,
the Revolution is over
-
My life is here,
with you and my children
-
And you'll give me more
-
Leave politics to the fools
who are good at it
-
Camille Desmoulins :
I'm a friend of Citizen Robespierre
-
No one has been convicted
without good reason
-
People are in jail because they
once said Hello to a dissident priest
-
They said something nice about Mirabeau,
or have family abroad
-
You can be so naive, Camille
-
Need I remind you
that we're still at war ?
-
Our army has exterminated
thousands in the Vendée
-
An entire people !
-
Traitors and rebels
-
We're strangling Liberty in its cradle
-
If we falter now...
-
... all that we've built
will crumble like a house of cards
-
Maybe we've built nothing
-
Just a dream
-
It frightens me
-
No one can talk to him
-
He's cut himself off from everyone
except his friends on the Committee
-
He sees enemies everywhere
-
The situation is insane
and getting worse
-
I'll miss all this
-
Taking it for a stroll ?
-
It never stops
-
Around the Place de la Révolution
they complain about the smell of blood
-
The Bastille, same thing
-
People say it bring down property values
-
They've moved it 4 times ;
always the same problem
-
It'll end up back where it started
-
I'll want your report tomorrow
-
Yes, Citizen
-
Danton is back
-
With Desmoulins
-
I hardly recognize this place
-
It's become a den of faction,
lies and insanity
-
Outside, I see churches desecrated
-
Prisons full of poor devils...
-
... whose only crime
is not being fanatics
-
Is this the Republic
we wanted to create ?
-
I propose as an emergency measure...
-
... that the Convention create
a Committee of Clemency
-
To examine the lists
of all these suspects being held...
-
... and determine if there is just cause
for keeping them in prison
-
"When the Republic is fighting for its
life what does Danton propose ?
-
"Nothing more than
to give way to corruption
-
"Corruption which has
already made him rich"
-
- You can't print that !
- Why not ?
-
If Danton thinks he can just come back
and take over, he's wrong
-
We'll use every weapon against him
-
Including the truth
-
Little Horace has grown !
-
Louise is adorable - congratulations
-
I'm happy that you like her
-
Did you see this ?
-
No
-
"This refuse, this waste product
of the human intestines--
-
"This excrement,
this infected heap of lying filth--"
-
Only Hébert would take
an entire page to cover me with shit
-
But we'll give him an answer
-
To work, Camille
-
Don't underestimate him
-
Even Robespierre is careful with Hébert
-
Yes...
-
Neither Hébert nor Danton will stop
until one of them is eliminated
-
Which one should we support ?
-
I accuse Danton of being a thief
-
A thief and a profiteer !
-
And of having betrayed the Revolution !
-
Where's your proof ?
-
Why prove what we all know ?
-
I propose a 12-man committee...
-
... to examine
the accusations against me
-
Trust a thief to hide behind the law !
-
Traitor !
-
May I have the floor ?
-
We're listening, Citizen
-
A committee to examine the career
and integrity of Citizen Danton
-
It's an interesting idea
-
I'm personally in favor it it
-
It's said that England and Austria
are not the true enemies of the Republic
-
It's said that our worst enemy is Danton
-
It's said that Danton wishes
to destroy the Republic...
-
... and re-establish the monarchy
with himself as the ruler
-
A terrible crime, if true
-
And Danton stands accused
-
But if you accuse Danton, Citizens...
-
Danton, who has served this Republic
better than any of us...
-
... then you must accuse me too
-
And I say that these accusations
are as false and fraudulent...
-
...as the liars and hypocrites
who make them !
-
And I, Robespierre,
denounce and condemn them
-
It's good to see you again
-
We've missed you
-
Not everyone, it seems
-
Thanks for what you said
-
We're all endangered
by lunatics like Hébert
-
We won't stand by
while the inmates take over the asylum
-
We should meet - we have to talk
-
I hear you've remarried.
I'm very happy for you
-
I'll introduce you to her
-
I hope so. Give my love
to Lucie and little Horace
-
Thank you, Maxime
-
He's finally come to his senses
-
I was afraid it was too late,
but if you can work together--
-
Everything will be fine
-
People of Paris !
-
You are starving
and you are being lied to
-
They call me a fanatic because
I call for death for profiteers...
-
... and enemies of the Revolution
-
But how can one be moderate
in pursuit of Liberty ?
-
People of Paris !
-
We have one weapon which Robespierre
and Danton's friends can't rob us of
-
Insurrection !
-
Why did you side with Danton
against Hébert at the Jacobin Club ?
-
Why did you defend
Danton against Hébert ?
-
One's as bad as the other
-
Couthon's right
-
We have to arrest them both
-
If we do that, we risk uniting them
-
Then the Committee will lose
its majority in the Convention
-
We need Danton
as an ally to deal with Hébert
-
Afterwards--
-
Let's vote on the arrest
of Hébert. All in favor ?
-
- What is it ?
- René Hébert ?
-
You're under arrest
-
Whose order ?
-
Citizen Fouquier-Tinville,
Public Prosecutor
-
On what charge ?
-
Conspiracy to restore the monarchy
-
The monarchy ?
-
What's wrong ?
-
Hébert's arrest
-
Hébert represented a threat
-
Maxime only did what I've been
begging him to do for months
-
But calling him a monarchist ?
-
If the truth
can be twisted as easily as that...
-
... then no one is safe
-
Neither you nor Georges
-
We must judge Maxime
by his deeds, not his words
-
He needs Georges as an ally,
not an enemy
-
I have work to do
-
Don't worry
-
Everything will be fine
-
Desmoulins is running wild
-
His calls for clemency
are an attack on the Committee itself
-
We can't let it pass
-
It's Danton's voice
-
Camille is too easily led
-
Those who oppose Terror
have no desire for Virtue
-
It's a crime against the Republic
-
Camille must be saved
-
He must be made to see that he's wrong
-
A word of warning, Citizen
-
If you didn't have powerful friends,
you'd be dead by now
-
My God ! What happened ?
-
Why did they do it ?
-
I don't understand
-
He's my oldest friend
-
He was kind enough to warn me
-
I told you not to trust Maxime
-
It's so cowardly
-
You're right, Lucie
-
None of us should take
Robespierre for granted
-
You must be very careful, Camille
-
"True love for the country cannot exist
where there is neither love...
-
"... nor pity for one's fellow countrymen
-
"Only a soul dried up
and withered by self-adulation"
-
How could he ?
Someone I've tried so hard to protect
-
It's a challenge to you.
Everyone knows it
-
It's not a question of my own pride
-
It's not just an attack on you,
but also the Committee
-
Against everything we've worked for
-
I know
-
I understand
-
Just upstairs
-
My friends, we have an unexpected guest
-
Good evening
-
A pleasure, as always
-
May I give you a lift, Citizen ?
-
I prefer to walk
-
Excellent idea
-
You're right, as always
-
You'll be glad to know
Camille is recovering
-
- Recovering ?
- Yes, from the beating
-
Beating ?
-
A warning against opposing your
policies too vigorously
-
- You accuse me of--
- Of warning him
-
As a friend
-
- I know nothing about it
- My mistake
-
I think we should say goodnight
-
What happened between us ?
-
We wanted the same things
-
We never wanted the same things
-
Liberty, justice, equality ?
-
Words !
-
You've never understood that unless we're
guided by the virtue of the people--
-
The virtue of the people ?
-
Bloodless abstractions !
-
You think that everyone
is as corrupt as yourself
-
Your idea of virtue is absolute
obedience to Maximilien Robespierre
-
This is pointless
-
Goodnight
-
Let me tell you what you're doing
to this country with your bloody virtue
-
It's what I do to my wife at night,
only she loves it
-
And doesn't have to be held down
screaming with threats of the guillotine
-
Your reputation as a coarse,
vulgar brute is well deserved
-
What about yours ?
-
You have no balls, Robespierre.
You're a eunuch
-
Out of my way
-
Well, how did it go ?
-
I could have been more diplomatic
-
It's intolerable that
the Committee fears this man !
-
Danton has a lot of supporters
-
You know it, Citizen
-
Danton thinks
he's too strong to be attacked
-
If we're clumsy, he'll be right
-
Surprise is our best -
maybe our only - weapon
-
I think we all agree
that Danton's arrest...
-
...involves Camille Desmoulins' as well
-
It's inevitable
-
We agree on this point ?
-
I accept the will of the Committee
-
You're giving them
your head on a silver platter !
-
You can't !
-
My head is more solidly
attached than you suppose
-
- For your wife's sake--
- No, don't
-
All I care about
is that Danton stays alive
-
And able to keep fighting
-
There have been
too many battles already
-
And useless deaths
-
I don't want to add any more
-
What are you going to do ?
-
If they arrest me, they have to try me
-
If there's a trial, I promise you this :
-
They'll be the losers and I'll prove it
-
From the defendant's bench
-
After that,
I'll go back to the country...
-
... and I'll go fishing
-
Who'd choose
to waste his life in politics...
-
...when he could spend it
fishing all day ?
-
What fools we can be !
-
Take your hands off her !
-
First group goes with me. The others,
station yourselves around the house
-
Wait outside
-
I'll be back soon
-
I'm the happiest man in France
-
What are you waiting for ? Come on !
-
Step aside
-
Please, Maxime, listen to me !
-
How could you do this to Camille ?
Your oldest friend ?
-
How can you forget
what you've meant to each other ?
-
Please, Maxime !
-
You're godfather to our child !
Listen to me !
-
Silence, or I'll clear the courtroom !
-
You might have
a little trouble with that
-
I remind the accused
of the respect due this court !
-
And I remind the Citizen President
of the respect due to Justice !
-
None of the accused was properly
informed of the charges against him
-
From this bench I will confront
my accusers, before the people
-
And when I've finished...
-
... I'll be happy to plead for clemency
before you pass sentence on them
-
But for now...
-
... I demand to be heard
-
You are accused of taking money from
fanatical conspirators against Liberty
-
I have never been bought
-
I have no price
-
No one can afford Danton
-
I challenge my accusers to produce
their proof that I was bought...
-
... so I can throw it in their teeth
-
Going badly
-
The jury was hand-picked
-
But if they're afraid they'll be
torn apart by the mob, they'll acquit
-
Of course I was in league with Mirabeau
-
In order to prevent his blunders
-
I knew what I was doing
-
I've never let avarice
or ambition dominate me
-
True, I knew them both--
-
We've been intimate
-
Both, on occasion, have been my mistress
-
But never my master !
-
Go by the back way
-
Get this to Herman, but be discreet
-
What could be the motive
for these attacks and lies ?
-
The accused will confine himself
to his own defense
-
You're accused of having protected
and favored the monarchy
-
It's a lie !
-
The monarchy ?
Say that again, to my face !
-
Danton, a monarchist ?
-
The hearing is adjourned
-
We must retire to examine fresh evidence
-
What evidence ? There is no evidence !
-
Return the prisoners to their cells
-
You can't silence us !
-
Death to the tyrant !
-
Death to the tyrant !
-
Death to the tyrant !
-
Down with Robespierre !
-
We never should have
risked a public trial
-
We had no choice
-
He mustn't win
-
At any cost
-
He won't
-
I have here a deposition regarding
a conspiracy between Desmoulins'wife...
-
... and some aristocrats
to free her husband and Danton
-
It's all we need to act
-
Any comments ?
-
I'll be brief
-
This is such a blatant forgery,
no one could believe it
-
Let me remind you
that if Danton is acquitted...
-
... he'll make a clean sweep
of the Committee
-
And replace it with another one
full of his partisans
-
If it's according to the law
-
Our duty is to follow
the law and accept it
-
Citizen Robespierre, you have always been
the most devoted to the Constitution
-
What do you think ?
-
If Danton wins, this Republic...
-
... that has survived the attacks
of all the monarchies of Europe...
-
... will be destroyed
from within, by corruption
-
We have no other choice
-
Accept the testimony
Saint-Just has brought us
-
The testimony !
-
I move the Committee announce
the existence of a conspiracy...
-
... to free Danton and his accomplices
-
And this testimony
standing as proof of guilt...
-
... the prisoners are barred
from publicly defending themselves
-
All in favor of Saint-Just's motion ?
-
The motion is passed
-
Be good
-
Why ? She's done nothing wrong !
-
They're going to murder my wife !
-
She's innocent,
but they're going to murder her !
-
This is a parody of justice
-
When a government
sinks to this level...
-
...it shows its moral bankruptcy
to the whole world !
-
He's right !
-
Has the jury heard enough evidence ?
-
Yes, Citizen President
-
A lie !
-
You've heard nothing
-
This is Robespierre's doing - remember !
-
A scaffold is waiting for Robespierre
-
Take them away !
-
The law requires the jury to deliver
its verdict before the accused
-
In view of the accused's behavior...
-
... I move this be settled
in their absence
-
The Assistant Prosecutor's
motion is accepted !
-
There would have been
no Revolution without me
-
There would have been
no Republic without me
-
You're not leading me to my death ;
I will live forever
-
The world will look at us
and ask what sort of men we were
-
Let them not say that we were
no better than those we overthrew
-
We are all going to die
-
I know this court : I created it
-
And I ask forgiveness of God and man
-
It was not intended
to be the scourge of mankind...
-
... but a last defense against
madness, brutality and fear
-
Instead, it's become
the murderer of conscience
-
And let it be known
to those who come to judge us...
-
... that this is not what I wanted
-
If I speak today,
it's to defend what we've created...
-
... for all that we've achieved
-
And not to save my life
-
We have broken the tyranny of privilege
-
We have cut the root of corruption...
-
... by abolishing those powers
no man has the right to wield
-
We ended the monopoly of birth and wealth
in all the great offices of the State
-
In our churches, our armies...
-
... all this vast complex
of arteries and veins...
-
... that feed this magnificent body
which is France
-
We've declared the humblest man
is equal to the greatest
-
And we've offered to slaves
the liberty we won for ourselves
-
We entrust to the world...
-
... the task of building the future
on the hope we kindled
-
This is more than a victory in battle
-
More than the swords,
cannons and cavalry of Europe
-
And this inspiration...
this vision for all men everywhere...
-
... this longing,
this thirst can never be stifled
-
We will not have lived in vain
-
Goodbye, brother
-
Sanson, take this lock of hair
-
It's my wife's. Send it to her mother
-
Show my head to the people
-
It's worth seeing
-
Now !
-
I was only a little boy
when I met Jean-Jacques Rousseau
-
And we talked about God, fate...
-
... man's need to reach for something
higher than himself
-
God knows, I've been a bad Catholic
-
But I've never wavered
in my conviction...
-
... that there is some great Power
watching over us
-
Protecting the innocent
-
Blessing the virtuous
-
Condeming the wicked
-
Men cannot live without such a belief
-
And should not even try
-
June 8, 1794
-
People of France, beloved Republic
-
By this Tree of Liberty, I declare that
never has the world offered its Creator...
-
... a spectacle more worthy of Him...
-
... than the sight of Paris today...
-
... on this day of homage
to His greatness
-
Here, beneath His gaze...
-
- What's going on ?
- Oh, he's still talking
-
Wake me when he's done
-
... and your souls
are but a breath of wind...
-
... passing into nothingness after death
-
- He thinks he's the Pope !
- Or God
-
The true priest
of the Supreme Being is Nature
-
His temple is the universe
-
His religion is Virtue
-
And yours is Murder !
-
The Revolution has been a transition--
-
The Revolution has been a transition--
-
... a transition from the Reign of Crime
to the Reign of Justice
-
To express the devotion of the French
people to the Supreme Being...
-
... we reject the false god of atheism
-
And we welcome
the sublime goddess of Reason
-
Kiss her for me !
-
Only the Supreme Being has the power
to bring fear and remorse...
-
...into the hearts
of oppressors and tyrants !
-
You should know, Robespierre !
-
Weaklings ! You don't understand a thing
-
The Law of Prairial was introduced to
punish a few traitors in the Convention
-
You've executed more people in the
last 2 months than in the last 2 years !
-
- I've executed ?
- Yes, you !
-
Your justice ! Your law !
-
Your lack of justice !
-
Do you want to see
more trials like Danton's ?
-
There are no more trials !
Just executions !
-
That's a lie !
-
You've placed your own
handpicked men in all the key posts !
-
Another lie !
-
We've won a great victory at Fleurus
-
My enemies no doubt
will use it against me
-
Like everything else
-
Everything will be fine
-
There's no one I can trust...
-
... except for you
-
My friends
-
My dear friends
-
Only you
-
You are my true family
-
It's time we took responsibility
into our own hands
-
There is no more excuse for
Robespierre's rotten tribunals...
-
... or his dictatorial airs
-
May I suggest we wait until Citizen
Robespierre is with us before criti--
-
We've carried out Citizien Robespierre's
commands for far too long
-
Robespierre is a member
of this Committee, nothing more
-
Like you. And you !
-
Robespierre is not the Republic
-
Are you turning into a moderate, Lindet ?
-
Compared to you,
a mad dog would be a moderate
-
Compared to you and Robespierre,
the executioner is an angel of mercy
-
You'll regret those words
-
The only thing I regret
is not saying it sooner
-
This is an insult !
-
Robespierre is the best among us
-
Except he's never among us anymore
-
Go see him
-
Tell the dictator this Committee
is no longer his lapdog
-
- It's Robespierre !
- He looks ill !
-
I'll go warn the Committee
-
Citizen President, may I have the floor ?
-
Robespierre has just arrived
-
I, who was born a slave to Liberty,
am called a tyrant
-
I, who have lived a martyr to
the Republic, am called a dictator
-
Why ? Who spreads these lies ?
-
Who deliberately says them
to deceive you ?
-
They say "The war is won,
and all is well"
-
This is a lie
-
He's just started
-
- The law and Revolutionary Tribunal...
- We have to do it today; now or never
-
... are instruments of tyranny
-
They're all that stand between
Virtue and its murderers
-
Citizens, I was born to fight against
crime, not preside over it
-
Hurry, hurry !
-
We can divide citizens into two parts :
-
Those in whose heart
burns the sacred fire...
-
... of Justice, Liberty and Peace...
-
... without which revolution
is nothing more...
-
... than the destruction
of a lesser crime by a greater
-
And those whose hearts are empty...
-
... governed by bestial forces
of greed and fear...
-
... ambition and corruption
-
There are those on the Committee
who counsel despair
-
And I tell you openly, there are those
here in the Convention who support it
-
I've come here
to expose a vast conspiracy
-
One moment, Citizen
-
The Committee must be purged and its
authority given to the Convention
-
Citizen ! I demand
that you name those you refer to
-
This is not the time
-
This is a slander against the Committee,
and the members of this Convention
-
Robespierre must name those he accuses
-
The names !
-
We want the names !
-
I stand by my proposal
-
You're a coward !
-
Let my attackers
prepare hemlock for me now
-
I will drink it in this sacred place
-
Why go on living when truth
and lies are indivisible ?
-
Everyone here would prefer to die...
-
... rather than go on living
beneath a Tyrant's lash
-
Death to the tyrant !
-
I demand the floor !
-
You've no right to speak, Robespierre !
-
I demand the floor !
-
It is to those with virtue I appeal !
-
Not the false! The corrupt!
-
False ! Outcast from society !
-
Quick !
-
Danton's blood is choking you !
-
Get back ! These are the seats
of good men you've murdered !
-
I move a decree of accusation
against Robespierre--
-
Couthon--
-
And Saint-Just !
-
I put to the motion to the vote
-
All those in favor, raise your hand
-
Passed !
-
We must hold the Hôtel de Ville
no matter what
-
It must be a fortress
-
And above all,
we must appeal to the Army
-
Don't worry, we'll protect you
-
They've taken refuge
in the Hôtel de Ville
-
The Paris Commune
is in revolt against us
-
They must be executed without trial !
-
Show some guts there !
-
Where are you going ?
-
Long live the Republic !
-
Barras is in command
and will take the Hôtel de Ville
-
By force if necessary
-
- Good luck, commander
- Thank you
-
My God. Our soldiers must fight men
wearing the same uniform
-
Make a note : we must close
the gates to the city...
-
... shut down all newspapers,
arrest all journalists...
-
... and issue arrest warrants
for the leaders of the Convention
-
Bring anything you can find !
Barricade the doors !
-
A direct appeal to the Army :
it's our only chance
-
Here they come !
-
At least we achieved something
-
We have broken the tyranny of privilege
-
Cut the root of corruption by abolishing
the power no man has a right to wield
-
We've ended the monopoly
of birth and wealth...
-
... in all the great offices of the State
-
In our churches, our armies...
-
... in every part of this magnificent
body which is France
-
We've declared the humblest man
is equal to the greatest
-
And we've offered to slaves
the liberty we won for ourselves
-
We entrust to the world
the task of building the future...
-
... on the hope we kindled
-
This is more than a victory in battle
-
More than the swords,
cannons and cavalry of Europe
-
And this inspiration...
this vision for all men everywhere...
-
... this longing, this thirst
for Liberty...
-
... no one will ever
be able to extinguish
-
Our lives will not have been pointless
-
We will not have lived in vain
