The Lady and the Duke (2001)

During the French Revolution, a Scottish aristocrat and her former lover, the Duke of Orleans, find themselves on opposite sides of the conflict.

Director:

Éric Rohmer

Writers:

Grace Elliott (memoir "Ma vie sous la révolution"), Éric Rohmer (adaptation)

Stars:

Lucy Russell, Jean-Claude Dreyfus, Alain Libolt

4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jean-Claude Dreyfus	...	Le duc d'Orléans
Lucy Russell	...	Grace Elliott
Alain Libolt	...	Duc de Biron
Charlotte Véry	...	Pulcherie the Cook
Rosette	...	Fanchette
Léonard Cobiant	...	Champcenetz
François Marthouret	...	Dumouriez
Caroline Morin	...	Nanon
Héléna Dubiel	...	Madame Meyler
Laurent Le Doyen	...	Section Miromesnil: Officer
Georges Benoît	...	Section Miromesnil: President
Serge Wolfsperger	...	Section Miromesnil: Aide
Daniel Tarrare	...	Justin the Doorman
Marie Rivière	...	Madame Laurent
Michel Demierre	...	Chabot

Storyline

An episodic look at Grace Elliott (1760-1823) and Philippe, the Duke of Orleans, during the French Revolution. In 1790, they are friends, no longer lovers. He suggests she leave France, she warns him to quit the Revolution. In 1792, she must escape Paris on foot. Less than a month later, she returns on an errand of mercy and shows great courage saving the governor of Tuileries. The Duke in turn steps in to protect Grace. In early 1793, she demands a promise from the Duke that he vote to spare Louis's life; he does not, and Grace is furious. In April, he warns her of a search; she is arrested and brought before the committee. Orleans, too, is suspect. The guillotine awaits.

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Plot Keywords:

period drama | duke | revolution | orleans | french revolution | 

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Genres:

Drama | History | Romance | War

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for some violent images

Did You Know?

Trivia

Chosen by "Les Cahiers du cinéma" (France) as one of the 10 best pictures of 2001 (#02)

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Connections

References The Far Country (1954)

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Soundtracks

Ça ira
by Bercourt, Claude Balbastre (as Balbastre) 1790
Performed by Jean-Louis Valéro

User Reviews

An engaging film for a mainstream audience

The Lady and the Duke focuses on the relationship between Lady Grace Elliot and the Duke of Orleans during the French Revolution. No longer lovers, they have forged a close friendship, despite their political disagreements. They grapple with the consequences of the fall of the monarchy and the creation of a new society. An era that offers opportunity for heroism, and the threat of the guillotine one false move away. Octogenarian Eric Rohmer embraces 21st century technology to create unique but period-congruent visuals. His facility with actors is also in evidence here. Recent comments may erroneously lead readers to conclude The Lady and the Duke is a demanding, stodgy film. To the contrary, mainstream audiences willing to read subtitles will be easily engaged and moved. Admittedly, those with impaired attention spans and no historical curiosity should stick to action flicks and teen comedies. There are films-Bresson's Lancelot and Ruiz's Time Regained come to mind- made for a literate,intellectual audience. This film's rich rewards are much more accessible.

Details

Official Sites:

Sony Pictures Classics - trailer, synopsis, etc. (Flash) [United States]

Country:

France Germany

Language:

French

Release Date:

7 September 2001 (France)

Also Known As:

The Lady and the Duke

Filming Locations:

Saint-Ouen, Seine-Saint-Denis, France

Box Office

Budget:

FRF39,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$25,804, 12 May 2002

Gross USA:

$331,051

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$1,128,137

Company Credits

Production Co:

Pathé Image Production, Compagnie Eric Rohmer (CER), KC Medien

Technical Specs

Runtime:

129 min 125 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1