Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Philippe Noiret | ... | Philippe d'Orléans | |
Jean Rochefort | ... | L'abbé Dubois | |
Jean-Pierre Marielle | ... | Le marquis de Pontcallec | |
![]() |
Christine Pascal | ... | Emilie |
![]() |
Alfred Adam | ... | Le maréchal de Villeroy |
Jean-Roger Caussimon | ... | Le cardinal | |
![]() |
Gérard Desarthe | ... | Le duc de Bourbon / Duke of Bourbon |
Michel Beaune | ... | Le capitaine La Griollais | |
![]() |
Monique Chaumette | ... | La gouvernante de Pontcallec |
![]() |
François Dyrek | ... | Montlouis |
![]() |
Jean-Paul Farré | ... | Le père Burdo |
Nicole Garcia | ... | La Fillon | |
![]() |
Raymond Girard | ... | Chirac |
![]() |
Jacques Hilling | ... | L'abbé Gratellard |
![]() |
Bernard Lajarrige | ... | Amaury de Lambilly |
France, 1719. Four years after Louix XIV's death, Philippe d'Orleans is the regent for the nine-year-old Louis XIV. Philippe is a liberal and a libertine. His right-hand man, Dubois, an atheistic and cupid priest, as libertine as Philippe, tries to take advantage of a little rebellion lead by a Breton squire named Pontallec and of the famine to become archbishop. Written by Yepok
This majestic movie reveals everything of that contrasting period after the reign of the "Roi Soleil". France was empty-blooded by the wars and de best thing the Régent of that moment could was to make peace with England. A Breton upraising supported by Spain was the worst case scenario. L'abbé Dubois is eager to become archbishop and everything he does, even the national politics is supported by his dream. We see the speculations about Missisipi and the first bank notes by the state. The Régent, Philippe Noiret, is a person who enjoys life and tries to avoid all problems. Against this, l'abbé Dubois and the nephew of the Régent seem to be the human beasts fueled by their ambition. The church is all powerful and the High Nobility without scruples. The state tries to populate la Louisiane by embarking prostitutes. The Régent seem to be the only good person of his time. This movie is a joy to watch again because of the sharp dialogue and the historical details.