The Darling of Louis XIV [Czech title]
- Good morning - Good morning
- Good morning, Princess
well, did you get something to eat?
sure, we're mighty hungry!
so am I
your daddy has been grumbling already
he did? then I have to run
from here you can see everything
over there are France and Germany
Charlemagne's enormous empire
and he wants to reunite it all under one sceptre
that French King
that Louis wields a tremendous power
that Louis XIV
King of France and Navarra
oh well, he's doing alright, that King of France
the main thing is that he'll leave us in peace here in Heidelberg
now look that big chunk in the middle, from Mayence [Mainz] to Basle
you see, that's "Austrasia"
you see?
I see nothing at all
of course it isn't written on the map yet
but once the French King is Emperor of France again
then I'll be King of "Austrasia"
oh, Karl!
you're fantasizing
what was that!
I'm an Austrasian!
dinner's ready
Liselott!
yes father
you don't have to shout
but you too were screaming
???
Your Electoral Grace
you aren't careful enough, Uffeln
where's Liselott?
probably over there again, with the Degenfelds
within the tender circle those brats
will you join us for dinner, Liselott?
come, sit here
you know, the "spaetzles" are delicious today
well?
I don't want to hurt my mother
then get out
- along with that stubborn head of yours - that stubborn head of mine isn't my fault
we all have stubborn heads around here
get out, will you!
Come, Lord Jesus, be our Guest,
let Thy gifts to us be blessed. Amen.
let's eat
I'm coming, mother
coming
coming, mother
you mustn't eat so much
a demoiselle must be as thin as a whisp
I heard they served dumplings again over there
no, mother
Spaetzle
by the way
that person, as you call her, is now my father's wife
that's not true!
that's what your father claims, but I haven't given my consent yet
and I have no intention ...
to leave my place to that Degenfeld woman
I have no intention at all!
ah, my Heidelberg!
and even in the moonlight
ouch!
my feet got numb
Karl Luuu
is it that late?
everybody seems to be asleep in here
Karl Luuu
Liselott
how good it is that you're here
my little girl
I've so much to tell you
are you glad?
leave a bit for me too
- how are you? - fine, thank you
I'm glad
we expected you only by tomorrow
but you wrote in your letter, about Liselott's affairs
what affair?
very urgent
so I drove over right away
then you can take things in hand at once, can't you
what do you mean, "at once"?
tomorrow is another day
I'm worn out, I have to get a good night's rest first
alright then
how are things in Hanover?
oh my, what joy!
Aunt Sophie
we're coming
like the pipes of an organ
how many have you got of those?
seven heads
well, you sure did more than "just eat bread"
did you hear that!
come here, kids
do you know who that is?
that's Aunt Sophie from Hanover
well, what's your name?
Aunt Sophie
what's that noise?
The Duchess Sophie has arrived, Your Electoral Grace
on top of it all, that woman had to come!
welcome to my home, Sophie
and I'm delighted to see my sister-in-law in such high spirits after the long voyage
Charlotte
I would have loved to have greeted you downstairs
but it seems nobody thought it necessary to inform me
about what's going on in my own home
Good God, we were surprised ourselves
by the way, Sophie is tired now, she wants to go to bed
yes mother
Louise, you'll show her to the guest room, won't you
permission!
it seems this is my duty
as long as I'm the Electress
I'm the mistress in this house
you're what? the mistress in this house?
as long as you "were" the Electress
you were mistress in this house
what do you mean?
so you've finally reached your ambition, Madame Degenfeld?
do you imagine you're the sole master of the grounds here?
isn't money enough for you?
the jewels
all those payments for those sins?
isn't it enough yet?
yes, this is enough now!
who do you think you are, by the devil!
you hold your tongue, otherwise I'll teach you a lesson, you!
Father!
little father
how dare you!
I won't let you insult my wife
your wife?
yes, she's my wife and remains my wife!
then let me tell you what she is
she's a ...
excuse me, this is the first time I hit a woman
but I'd like to slap your face some more
good night
a nice state of affairs around here
my poor child
come, cry on my shoulder
you know, Aunt
I can't watch this any longer
I can't bear it
I want to get away
you want to get away?
then everything's alright, girl
then we might talk over the affair right away
which is close to my heart anyway
what affair?
have you never thought of marriage?
oh well
marriage is horrible
what are you saying, Liselott!
but you just saw father and mother
how can one feel like marrying after that?
but that here isn't a marriage!
of course
when one is so happy
and when one loves each one another as much as you and your husband
well ...
my marriage looks like a happy one from outside
perhaps it is even a happy one
but love ...
no, Liselott
but there are other things in the world
more important than love
and more difficult
what?
you have never loved, Aunt Sophie?
but I have
you know, Georg Wilhelm
the Duke of Hanover
your husband's brother?
hmm
I was engaged to him first
you were engaged to him?
and I really liked him
and so did he, but he was a happy-go-lucky fellow
he wanted to amuse himself before marriage, and
he drove to Venice for the carnival
I think he amused himself a bit too much, for ...
he came back home quite "kaputt"
and why?
oh well ...
then he sent me his brother
- his brother? - yes
he had him ask for my forgiveness
and he had him ask me
if I didn't rather want to marry the brother instead now
it would be the wiser thing for Hannover
so I took the brother
because it was just the wiser thing to do
you're a hero, Aunt Sophie
oh girl
now I see
am I to marry too?
only because it's the wiser thing to do?
tell me, who is it?
I, Your Majesty?
Yes, Monsieur
matrimony is a high duty for us who stand above the people, my brother
a sacrifice we have to make for the power of our state
because the power of our state is the glory of our Royal house
the King's morning audience is over
the ladies and gentlemen are dismissed
the matter is more serious, my brother
the rumour ...
that your wife didn't die a natural death, hasn't been silenced yet
this isn't true, Your Majesty
do they want to burden me with this too? haven't I been humiliated enough?
others are allowed to shine for the glory of France
others are trusted with important tasks
and I? I am allowed to get married
my own plans deem it important that you get married again, Monsieur
and I've already made my choice
your future spouse will be a German princess, they are in good health
and by nature more robust than our ladies
in short: they are well suited to bear children
at the same time obedient, and of genuine pious devotion
this makes our own lives easier
your future spouse is ...
Princess Liselotte of the Palatinate
a marriage union with the Palatinate would also have the political advantage ...
of the possibility of a future succession.
The Palatinate's borders connect, as you know, with France.
here here, all this belongs to it as well, Sophie
oh leave me alone with your "Austrasia"
but you haven't a clue about politics
I don't, but I know something about underwear
you'll make your daughter a laughing stock if you don't give her a better trousseau
look at the girl
this has been made by the best tailor of the Palatinate
the Palatinate isn't Paris, in Paris you wear something totally different
Madame de Montespan's dessous
Madame de Montespan's garters
Madame de Montespan's diamonds
that German Princess must learn at once
who is the real Queen of France
unfortunately there's no time for this now [part missing]
the King will come and fetch you in a few moments
- I see - Madame
Madame, the Queen is expecting your visit
I think this crown looks terrible
it sits too far behind on the head
it looks awful
but no, Your Majesty
it should be more to the front, like this
but then it would look even more awful
Madame de Montespan
thank God you're here, my dear Montespan
I'm desperate, you know much better what I should wear
my friend, do you think he'll like this dress?
why?
and another thing, is it absolutely necessary that I must wear a crown?
but the crown is very pretty
it's just in the wrong position
because you always ...
well my brother, how do you like your young bride?
I haven't seen much of her till now
I'm eager to see how she looks
I've had a dress made for the Princess for tonight's reception which is particularly beautiful
after my own design
bravo
- décolleté? - that too, Your Majesty
but what will I wear over it?
nothing
but there's something missing
- but I couldn't possibly ... - but you can
His Majesty the King
my coat, where's my coat
please my coat
His Majesty the King
still wearing your fur, Madame?
I beg your pardon, Your Majesty
but there's a piece missing with my dress
it isn't finished yet
but that's impossible, Madame
they showed me the dress last night
may I ask you to take off the fur, Madame
there's nothing amiss with your dress, Madame
everything that might be missing, I'm bringing you as a welcoming gift from the Queen
Your Majesty
Will you allow me, Madame
as a token of my deep admiration
to put it on myself?
if you please, Your Majesty
very good
I am happy, Madame
I hope you are happy too
I am sure it must have been hard for your father to part from his beloved daughter
not at all, my father was fed up with me anyway and he was afraid I'd end up as an old maid
so he sent me packing as fast as possible
Oh!
I hope the roses have no thorns
Madame must be impatiently longing for you.
my sword
my pistol
my feathered hat
His Majesty will be annoyed
perhaps, but I don't want to, I can't
I must get out of here
to Paris, to the alleyways, the cellars
to the gay life
I'm ready. See if the coast is clear
The brothers are wonderful. Monsieur is elegant, the king is very gracious. I shall love them both. I must often think of you ???
where's the young couple?
Chevalier Roland de St. Cour
Madame la Duchesse is in her rooms, Your Majesty
Madame la Duchesse without her husband?
I see
could one ... at such a late hour
probably ...
thank you my dear
His Majesty the King
You, Your Majesty?
Your Majesty, I'm in my negligee
do you begrudge me a view which delights me more than all the stately robes of...
Your Majesty, I ...
I'm as astonished as you are, Liselotte
I thought to find you here in the company of my brother
I wanted to tell him how proud he should be because of the choice he made
thank you, Your Majesty
your entrée at court was most successful
by your carefree and natural manner
you've captured the hearts of my Frenchmen by storm
and I also hope to capture my husband's heart
I am determined to love him
as much as is in my power
not too much though, Liselott
not too much
why?
you're a great guy
by the way, you'll do me the favour and take rooms at Versailles for the next weeks
your rooms will connect with mine, and thus ...
and thus I have better occasion and ...
and I can see to it better ...
that you'll capture your husband's heart very soon.
I see
well
good night, Liselotte
good night, Your Majesty
good night
my dear Liselotte
I'll handle it myself, Your Majesty
little Erna
we must lock the doors carefully at night
otherwise the greatest misfortune might happen
Yes, Madame la Duchesse
# where do you usually spend your money?
# with women and song
where's the bridal procession?
the Court-Princess and her old gang of Teutonics
I'd like to know
who invents such mean jokes
the people, Monsieur
the people?
that would be an evil omen for us
for the Royal house
I'll restore order at once
who dares to mock the honour of the Royal house?
and who ordered it?
take him away
music!
everything's in order, Monsieur
Lorraine
my noble drinking companion
you shouldn't gamble with your life so carelessly
I'm ready to give my life for Monsieur anytime
Don't talk nonsense!
by the way, the people are right in not wanting a German Princess
the people will never love her
the people love you, Madame, they have good instincts
recognizing your wise and brave heart
the people love me because my King is gracious to me
???
he's standing at the door
greets once more downwards
Madame likewise
a very proud couple
he still doesn't let go of her hand
holding hands they disappear into the room's darkness
exactly as in the old time
His Majesty was also in love with his brother's first wife
everybody knows it
he seems to think it's part of his royal prerogative
to possess Monsieur's wives as well, you must remember, my dear La Vallière
- yes I do - before he loved you, my dear La Vallière
later he loved them both and left them both
but I shall fight for him!
that German triumphs too early
my coat!
quick, my coat
mama, may I join you?
no, you'll stay with the good Aunt Maintenon
and where shall His Majesty look for you, Duchess?
At Marly
send him to Marly
and I'll be at Fontainebleau by then
only I must get away from here, away
Duchess
now Aunt Maintenon will play with you
and the good Aunt La Vallière
why doesn't he let me go to a convent?
why does he force me to watch this farce?
why must I be a witness?
the Princess Palatine is inexperienced
if she yields to the King ...
it'll only be a short episode.
pheasants, pheasants
Liselotte
what are you shooting at, Madame?
only at the air
so that it'll crack
is that so?
it's the easiest way to make one see reason
has anybody lost the capacity to see reason around here, Madame?
oh yes
Your Majesty has
"Has Your Majesty thrown the gun into the wheat field?" [given up hope]
how do you mean, Madame? I don't understand
I mean, are you angry with me, Your Majesty?
huh?
All those women imagining God created you as somebody special
aren't I right, Your Majesty?
Liselott, if anybody ever did you a wrong ...
- count on me. - thank you, Your Majesty
in your presence they wouldn't dare
??? [part missing]
then somebody will protect you on my behalf
for instance, the Chevalier Roland de St. Cour, he'll serve you in any capacity you like
even if he had to walk through the fire for you
a true royal gift, Your Majesty
don't thank me, Madame
I must thank you
ah, M. de St. Cour
Chevalier of the Order of the Holy Spirit
well, how was the hunt?
first we drove here, and then more than an hour through the woods, that was very tiring
and then we got out here
and then they brought us the pillows
and then we had tea
and all that fresh air
and we heard some shooting too
shooting too, I see
really, the hunting tired me out
don't you fear about your complexion, Madame?
I've been burned by the sun before, Your Majesty
father wasn't squeamish at all
may I take you to your carriage, Madame
I can see through your every word, your every glance
I don't know what you mean, Duchess
women like us shouldn't act prudish with one another
no! no! [part missing where she accuses Liselott to be the King's mistress]
how could you tolerate otherwise that Monsieur hangs out in the taverns each night
no more scenes, please
the King doesn't like scenes
nobody has dared yet
to attack my honour
Is there a greater honour than to make the King happy?
forward march, gentlemen
how do you feel, Madame?
well
thank you, well
I am happy
that you're with me
will you stay with me, Monsieur?
certainly, Madame
I'll certainly stay with you
well, Madame
how are you?
thank you
no
no!
I think the visit is tiring Madame too much
don't go away
stay here, with me, please, please
not your visit
my visit
and you'll promise not to leave Madame alone
Monsieur
please
don't go to the taverns anymore
please don't
it's harmful
and dangerous
Madame, I ...
I feel so hot
here, take this, Madame
she'll turn our Royal house into some petty bourgeois family home, that ridiculous German
I can see it coming, Monsieur will fall in love with his own wife!
but the King beat him to it
The King gives me daily new signs of his affection. He speaks well of me me everywhere. Each Saturday he invites me to Mme de Montespan.
but she doesn't write one word about "Austrasia", the Liselott
she ought to prick up her ears a bit at court
and exercise some influence
now that she's with Louis all the time
Austrasia!
you and your eternal Austrasia
don't you see that that country only exists in your fantasy
don't babble such nonsense
at least it's still written on that map
King Louis himself sent me
sure, "paper is tolerant"
on paper it might well be written
how stupid you can be!
about politics
politics
what have you got to say about it, Sophie?
I pray to God that you won't be the fool, Karl Louis
who? I?
yes, you
now you must make up your mind
you finally must make up your mind
which side you'll be on: the Emperor's or that Frenchman's
if there's a war now.
so what! that's none of my business
I have now close family ties with the Royal House of France
I couldn't possibly wage war against my own relatives
do you imagine your own relatives over there think likewise?
I don't
ah, Monsieur
I beg your pardon, Madame, if I interrupted your writing
I thank you, Monsieur, that you've come
and that you allow me to tell you what I've wanted to tell you for a long time
yes please?
let's be frank, Monsieur
marriages among princes are rarely made out of love
more often out of reason
let's make lots of use of our reason
perhaps the heart will follow suit
I'm delighted to find you in such excellent spirits, Madame
I was afraid that Paris, the new surroundings, the brilliance and riches of this court might dazzle you
don't worry, I don't have time for that
the King disposes of my entire day
in the morning, riding and hunting
at 3 o'clock sharp, card games
you're playing card games, Madame?
of course
at 7 o'clock the theatre
at 11 o'clock the souper
and after that a ball lasting till late at night
I hope you know, Madame, that all the letters crossing the border are opened and read
well I ...
- well, Louvois - plans about the Palatinate, in case of the Elector's death
explain yourself, Louvois
the Elector, despite having a strong army, cannot be persuaded to a treaty, nor to a declaration of war
he's wavering between Vienna and Paris
well Louvois, we cannot show any consideration for princes who don't make up their minds
foreign troops are demanding quarters, Elector
what was that?
from where? I'll be damned!
A French General, Elector
he's coming on behalf of the upholding of neutrality
silence, people
May the devil take them!
pitch and sulphur!
Is that what they call neutrality? Hanging the military around our necks?
alright, throw them out, if you can
I'll do it, you can count on it
but be decent about it
But that's just the hardest thing to do.
he won't throw them out, but ...
he'll scold them, the father, won't he
yes Louise, he's miscalculated, my brother
he sold Liselotte in vain to Paris
of course I did it for my country
the whole marriage and the arduous journey
but wouldn't you too have done everything for your country, Monsieur?
all the same, I am resolved and I have sworn to be a good wife to you
and when I am determined to do something, I'll do it
please, don't go to the taverns, Monsieur
please don't exert yourself, Madame
you could put up your gambling tables in here as well
and invite your friends
and do anything you like
gambling, dancing, being merry
I don't have to be present
I don't care about it anyway
you're wrong, Madame
it's not gambling which drives me to the taverns
what else?
Paris
I want to know what's going on, in Paris, among the people
we're not aware of it in our palaces here, neither is my brother the King
he doesn't know that there are born new conspiracies daily, against the state, against His Majesty
that poison brewers are constantly busy
that the Huguenots are again agitating, and that a new war of religion is threatening to break out again
but down there, you learn about it
all things good and evil
down there in the cellars, there beats the heart of France
- Chevalier de St. Cour - He's waiting in the antechamber, Madame
I want to see him at once
a pity. The King beat me to it.
he has a surprise for Madame [part missing]
Madame loves the Duchess like her own mother
if Madame has a visitor, we won't be disturbed with our gambling, Monsieur
Your Majesty
St. Cour? what's the matter?
wait outside, Louvois
Madame has given me an impossible order.
your duty is to obey each of Madame's orders
even if it will destroy Madame's happiness forever?
- speak! - Madame has learned that Monsieur visits the taverns
Monsieur assured Madame that those nightly visits aren't for his entertainment, but
- but what? - for the welfare of the state
infamous! go on
Madame asked me to take her to that tavern in disguise
what courage!
interesting. and?
they're singing mock songs against the German Princess, written by Lorraine
- does Madame know that you report to me? - No, Your Majesty
very well
take Madame to the tavern if she want to, but
see to it that Madame isn't recognized. that's all, St. Cour
Louvois, Louvois
# he was so utterly depraved
# that he even fell in love with his own wife in the end
# phew phew
# he was so utterly depraved
# that he even fell in love with his own wife in the end
Jesus, great signs!
good and evil
but not more than one could bear
put on your mask, Monsieur
we're being observed
let the whole world see us, for all I care
- over there - who is it?
Louvois
probably sent by the King
bring the fellow over here
he's come just at the right time
where's that bastard?
I have accounts to settle with him
I beg you, as a son of France, put on your mask, Monsieur
you'd better take off yours, Louvois
we've done enough play-acting with masks
what do you mean by that, Monsieur?
Philippsburg, that's what I mean.
I was threatening your own glory, Louvois
I was too good a soldier
that's why the Minister of War didn't let me command an army anymore
you put me behind the front
yes, you, Louvois, you advised the King to do so
so that I wouldn't darken the glory of the greater one who was entitled to it
the only one
for you, Louvois
my victory at Philippsburg was the death of my career
after that there's only drinking and gambling left to me
and getting married
yes, that's all he allows me to do
but nothing else
nothing else
compose yourself, Monsieur
you've set up Louis' heart against me
with envy and with lies
Madame, I implore you!
for this, you stand too far below me
a love which hurts
and it'll turn out well in the end
it'll turn out well
it'll have to be
since I know now how he really is
I must see the King at once
impossible, Madame, I have orders to admit nobody, not even the Queen
out of my way
but His Majesty is still asleep
tell his Majesty I must see him at once
His Majesty will be woken at 6 o'clock, not before
you're wrong, Captain, today it'll be earlier Your Majesty!
Your Majesty
so much courage, Madame?
Courage is a habit, Your Majesty
a whole life is at stake
a live which is as dear to you as it is to me
Monsieur?
a terrible injustice has been done, Your Majesty
a man has been destroyed
fate has placed me at that man's side
and I must help him
and you must help me
because you've promised
quiet, Madame, the matter concerns just the two of us
Cardinal Mazarin is dead
he introduced the 15 year old Monsieur to those women
only because he was too talented, to clever for him
he mustn't get cleverer than his great brother Louis
in royal families it isn't proper that the crown prince's fame is tarnished by the younger brother's talent
what a terrible accusation, Madame
Monsieur's youth is gone
I'm only concerned about his future
don't allow it, Your Majesty, that your brother is forced to lead the life unworthy of a man
who forces him to it?
Louvois
to flatter you, he hides from you Monsieur's merits on the front
ever since the victory of Philippsburg Monsieur isn't allowed the position due to him
in order not to darken your own glory
but you are too great, Louis, to demand such a sacrifice
would you repeat those words before Louvois?
before anybody who cares to listen
by God!
Louvois, at once!
who else?
Madame
then it's all over
over before it even started
before it even started
I honour a woman's feeling, Madame, but women's feelings and politics don't mix
this is about right and injustice
even if it'll make you my enemy three times over, Louvois
why did you transfer Monsieur behind the lines after the battle of Philippsburg?
because you were envious of his victory
Madame!
I must protect you from yourself because your harshness puts you in the wrong
I've listened to your accusations
and I've understood them well
Monsieur
are you angry with me, Monsieur?
does it surprise you, Madame, since you set spies on me at night
you should have more confidence in me, Monsieur
I almost had
but you yourself tore down the bridge
the way she fights for her husband, that woman
splendid
if I haven't backed up Monsieur's ambitions, then I had only one thing in mind
the own interests of my King
Aunt
how tall you've grown
what's the matter, you're crying, Liselott?
only from joy
that you're here, aunt
that I can finally talk freely
real babbling
it seems one German woman isn't enough at the French court
even though one of them already makes a laughing stock of the King
you don't understand Madame
Madame is like a good friend to me, lending me her heart and her confidence
Madame is far too clever to yield to you at your first attempt
Madame isn't beautiful
she knows very well that her only charm lies in her resistance
I wish you luck, Your Majesty
Does Your Majesty want to see the children?
they look like angels when they're asleep
you're right
here is peace
Your Majesty may speak with a normal voice
nothing will wake them from their sleep now
Madame de Montespan cannot understand that this is something new to me, a discovery
to have a woman as a real friend for once
who isn't my mistress at the same time
nor wants to be
how humiliating for us French women, Your Majesty
that the King of France must make this discovery with a German, of all people
really?
even among the French there are women who rate the heart and the mind higher than that so-called love
Aunt, the lady standing to the right of the King, that's the La Vallière, she's the past one.
the the lady sitting at his feet is the Montespan
she's still the present one.
and the lady standing to the left of the Queen
that's the Maintenon, the most dangerous one
she'll make it soon
... I must tell you that the King shows me daily favours. For wherever he happens to meet me, he talks to me. Each Saturday he takes me to Mme de Montspan.
pleasures
Heavens!
By the devil and ???
they're all sitting and having fun in Paris, together with the King
and I? I'm stuck here in Heidelberg, by God the Almighty!
and I'm getting a thick neck worrying!
because that King, by having his troops quartered here, is busy drinking up my own barrel
where's the General?
sir, I must complain, your soldiers burned down 17 villages
Elector, I have the honour to be born a Frenchman
and I am a subject to the most Christian King in the world
and only to him do I have to give an account of everything we're doing here
what are you striking out?
a word, Your Majesty
a word
it was just a bait
otherwise the Elector would have made a pact with the Emperor at Vienna
I've heard the Elector Palatine is ill
we're expecting his death very soon, Your Majesty
and his death is the crowning of my plan of the whole campaign
France will claim Madame's succession
the possession of the Palatinate is decisive for France
and what is your plan?
Your Majesty
if those peoples across the Rhine, the Electoral Hessians, the Palatines, the Badensians, the Swabians
if they would march united one day
against us, Your Majesty
then there ought to be a desert between here and that place
where their army would run dry
a desert zone without any possibility of requisitioning
where there's no tree, no corn field, no house, no shelter
no city walls to give protection
a desert to protect the borders of France
you've got a charming husband, Liselott
beautiful, gallant
clever, agreeable
- isn't he? - yes, Aunt
and the King adores you and means well, one can see that
yes, Aunt
you see, Liselotte
because I know all that, I feel happy
because politically, let's not fool ourselves, the marriage was totally stupid
with your father's hopes about "Austrasia" and the like
a big stupidity
which only my brother could have committed
Aunt, do you think it won't be of any use at all, my being here?
no, my child
if you ask me
no
those at the top, they make their politics and they don't care for anything
even if it's one's own brother
they know no consideration
even if it's one's own brother
you're right, Aunt
even if you didn't succeed with politics, Liselott,
at least I'm glad that you're having a good time here
that's why I intend to give little Charlotte to the Dauphin as a wife
don't Aunt! don't!
we have no business in France
Liselott!
is it far to Hanover?
yes yes
come with me, Princess, we want to say good-bye to Auntie
you know, Aunt
I thought they could take away everything from me
except my cheerful heart
but ever since I'm in France
I've learned that they could take away from me even that
my poor child
that also?
Auntie
Charlotte
will you come with us to the church, Auntie?
which the Prince will build for me when I marry him
it'll bear my name: Charlotte Church
you won't marry the Dauphin
no, you'll get the Hohenzollern, Charlotte
oh, that Prussian
yes, that Prussian, I think you're better off with him
yes, you'll take the Brandenburger, Charlotte
you know, he doesn't live so far away from Hanover
you can come home easily once in a while
home
will he build a castle for me, Aunt?
you'll just have to ask for it
and will he name it after me too?
sure
Charlottenburg
chin up, Liselotte
the gentlemen from Heidelberg
my God, dear Heidelberg
Jesus, the Weingart
the Josef Weingart
innkeeper of the "King of Portugal"
yes, little Princess
pardon
how nice of you to have come
and now speak, speak freely
as if you were at home
in Heidelberg
at the moment, things aren't well in Heidelberg
I know
what can I do to help you?
Madame is the last of our rightful ruler's bloodline
only if Madame takes the matter in hand herself, then it might end well, not otherwise
I'd like to help you
but tell me how
if Madame could come to the Palatinate herself
all of the Palatinate would come out to meet her, and on foot
the peasants, the burgers
and the soldiers
and there would be unity
and all that murderous burning would end too
you think I myself should come to the Palatinate?
yes, Madame
if the Neuburger Lords come and want to seize power, Madame ...
then France will protest
then there'll be war
war?
but we're already at war
they've already burned down 17 villages
no!
that was the Elector's great sorrow
his final sorrow
no, you stay here, I'm asking you
I like you to be near me
as Your Majesty commands
what's the matter, Louvois?
Your Majesty, I have ordered General Mélac to take over command in the Palatinate
he must join the army tonight, I ask for your confirmation of the order
I'd like to speak to Madame first, I don't want to act without Madame's knowledge
but the princes of the Palatine-Neuburger line are about to leave for Heidelberg
in order to take possession
we'll prevent it I'm sure
it would be better if Mélac were there on their arrival
when do you think Mélac should leave Paris?
tonight, Your Majesty
I'll speak to Madame at once
Mélac will leave by midnight
I'll be back before that, that's all
anything else?
I ask Your Majesty not to overlook the fact that Madame is a German
and we want the Palatinate for France
thank you
my minister doesn't have to remind me of that
pardon
Your Majesty
I beg you
what is it?
- a wish - not for myself
only for a poor deserted woman
who has been begging for a long time to be allowed to bury her sorrows in consecrated ground
far away from the eyes of mankind
I see, Madame de la Vallière
you're a strange woman, you ought to have asked for something for yourself
my only wish is to help people, Your Majesty
Your Majesty
well?
- you're coming from Madame? - Madame asks for an audience
where is Madame?
she's waiting in the carriage
please let her come in
Madame la Vallière
Madame
yes?
yes.
thank God, my friend, that I caught him in a good moment
I'll thank Him
Good God, get up, Madame
let me kneel, Your Majesty
it's about my homeland
my Palatinate
we must prevent your cousins of Palatine-Neuburg
we want nothing but defend your succession
then let me defend it myself, Your Majesty
let me enter the Palatinate
you yourself, Madame?
yes, at the head of your army
and not a drop of blood will be shed
the Palatines will gladly obey me, the last in the bloodline of their rightful rulers
because they know I'll speak for them when their suffering becomes unbearable
such a plan needs time and preparation, Madame
in our case we must be swift
Louvois must act at once if he wants to ...
profit by the advantages provided by our army stationed there
but you're not going to deliver my Palatinate to a Louvois, Your Majesty!
Louvois is my minister of war!
Louvois is a Frenchman
he doesn't understand the hearts of my Palatines
and you understand them too well, Madame
don't forget that you're also the Duchess of Orleans, Monsieur's wife
that you enjoy all the privileges of the Royal family
France was to be your second home
but you don't think of France and you don't feel for France
your heart is German!
and it has remained German
I think it's a great praise if I'm told that I have a German heart
and that I love my fatherland
I will follow that praise, so help me God
till my end
a courageous confession at this moment, Madame
and what is it that feels so strange to you around here?
I can see that you're using my name to ruin my poor fatherland
I must ask you, Madame
calm yourself
mercy
mercy for the Palatinate
send for Madame's carriage, Madame isn't feeling well
and call for Madame de Maintenon
you're asking me what feels so strange to me around here, Your Majesty
then I'll tell you in plain German
that people around here are stinking flatterers
what did you say, Madame
Your Majesty
you wanted to leave, my dear Maintenon?
not when my King needs me
shall I read something to you?
close the door
what are Madame's orders?
swear that you'll keep silent, St. Cour
I swear, Madame
and see to it that the coachman doesn't betray me
I swear, Madame
to Heidelberg
to the Palatinate?
but if you cannot reconcile this with your feelings as a Frenchman to accompany me on that journey
I regret that Madame doubts my loyalty
I regret that I cannot compensate you for your loyalty
Roland de St. Cour
otherwise I regret nothing in the whole of France
we'll drive to Maubuisson tonight. the abbess is a relative of mine, she'll give me shelter
yes mam
man must remain firm he must shed all indecisiveness
all weakness, all flattery
flattery? what makes you say so?
Madame de Maintenon
it's written here in the book, Your Majesty
but I don't want to hear anything about flattery tonight
- the minister Louvois - again? what does he want?
I came to ask Your Majesty when Mélac may leave Paris
at midnight. not before
I'll think about the matter first
what was that about flattery
but Your Majesty didn't want to hear about it tonight
but I do, and the bit about flattery is correct
I did Madame a wrong
I want to apologize
I must go to her. you've helped me again, Madame de Maintenon
6.000
8.000
6.000
double
ready
twenty-one
your cashbox is empty, Lorraine
then I'll gamble the Heidelberg cabinet
high time to gamble the cabinet
look at it
there's Madame's cabinet
if Madame had read her marriage contract carefully
then she would know that half or her possessions belong to Monsieur
and Monsieur has deigned to bequeath all that junk to me
if the Elector Palatine had known
that his most beautiful pieces of furniture would take part in the orgies at my place
silence!
the King
put away the cards. put away the whole crowd
you all hide in my bedroom
out with you all. out
out with you, Lorraine
where's Madame?
on her way to you, Your Majesty
nonsense, she's left me a long time ago
find out if Madame has come back
I beg your pardon, I cannot drive up, there's another carriage at the entrance
at this time of night?
such a crowd before St. Ursula's house?
drive off
wasn't that a carriage of the Royal household?
the Royal household?
she's made Louvois her enemy
and she's suffering for it now
if she hadn't attacked Louvois at the time because of you...
because of me? I know nothing of it, Your Majesty
you don't? then who the hell told her about Philippsburg?
Philippsburg?
I never talked with Madame about my military past
is that so? but she talked with me
Madame dared ...
have you an inkling, my brother, what that woman dares...
what that woman dares, even kings wouldn't dare
by the way, she ought to be here by now
her carriage left long before mine
how late is it?
quarter to twelve, Your Majesty
a quarter to twelve
Madame is an angel
yes, but an angel in harness
she's made of the stuff of a second Joan of Arc, my dear
I hope nothing's happened to her
I don't have a friend in this world
those close to me, the brothers in the homeland, will curse me
because in my name endless suffering is dealt out to them
try to find solace, my daughter
at night I wake up in my sleep
I see nothing but destruction
Heidelberg is burning
Mannheim is burning
but those are just feverish fantasies, my daughter
Louvois is my enemy
at 12 o'clock, Mélac
you'll ride
I won't disappoint you, Minister
Heidelberg?
the castle?
the city, all of it destroyed?
do you want to go to her and tell her?
do you have any news, my brother?
no, Madame is still disappeared
especially now, with the embarrassing burning of the castle
if Madame learns about Heidelberg, she'll kill herself
or us
that would be no big deal
what do you say to this, Madame de Maintenon. for three days not a trace of Madame
I've been told she's ill and in bed
I've spread that rumour
otherwise I might have [told Your Majesty that ...]
you know something?
at least a trace
one ought to enquire at Maubuisson, with the abbess
in the convent?
or even better, with M. Roland St. Cour
in fact, he's also disappeared
perhaps he's staying with Madame in the convent
Madame de Maintenon
if you have never been wrong before
this time you're certainly wrong
perhaps I'm really wrong, Your Majesty
love is more powerful after all
than the Duke of Orleans
yes. more powerful
than the King of France
no
get the carriage ready
we must drive on to Heidelberg
calm yourself, Madame
- the castle is ... - oh, the castle
our castle
but I'm not crying because of the castle
that's only a piece of my heart they burned out
but the homes of the poor people waiting for my help
Madame, allow me to be frank
you see, such help cannot come from the Princess Palatine who is helpless herself
only the Duchess of Orleans will be able to bring help to your Palatines
the Duchess of Orleans
what could she achieve?
she has a lot of influence with the King
with the King?
I am to go to the King?
I am to go back to court?
I don't want to go back to the King, I don't want to go back to court
get the carriage ready at once
we must drive on to Heidelberg
oh!
Monsieur, you here?
Madame
did my august husband get into trouble at court?
a scandal?
a disgrace?
I beg you, Madame
M. de St. Cour
ride back to Paris and report to the King
Monsieur
you're depriving me of my last protection
forgive me, Madame
I am here to protect you
I'm your husband
I didn't know till today that I had a husband
I saw your carriage at the gate
you wanted to leave on a voyage?
yes, to Heidelberg
I regret your decision, Madame
but I understand and respect it
I cannot keep you
unfortunately I've understood too late
how much I shall lose by letting you go
too late
Madame
I don't want you to take with you such a bad impression of me
and that's why I have to tell you one thing
what happened in the Palatinate, I had no part in it
I've tried to undo the worst wrongs
I've pawned some jewels
and I've sent money for the refugees to ease their distress
you've done that, Monsieur?
yes, Madame
but what business do you have in the Palatinate?
stay with us
even the King is annoyed about what happened in the Palatinate
and I, Madame
I implore you
stay here
Madame
I know that you'll be making a sacrifice
that you'll be making a sacrifice for your country
but you can only help them at my side
together with me, as Duchess of Orleans
do you agree, Madame?
yes
I thank you
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