NAPOLEON

By

David Scarpa
 1.

1 INT. TUILERIES - AUGUST 10, 1792

TITLE: REVOLUTION
CAMERA RUNNING BEHIND MARIE-ANTOINETTE LIKE A HORROR FILM
with her two children, ushered by guards.
NATIONAL GUARD (REBELS, REVOLUTIONARY MOB) storm the palace.
They are met with GUNFIRE from the Swiss Guards. Hundreds of
people are killed but the MOB keeps coming...
ANGLE, MARIE ANTOINETTE
Stay with her and the kids locked in a room. SOUNDS
building...getting closer...unruly m ob smashes the door down
and comes for her, they take her, they pull her away from the
children....
2 EXT. PLACE DE CONCORDE - DAY
MARIE-ANTOINETTE goes straight into a wagon. Peripheral
threatening violence. Stay with them in the streets into
Place de Concorde....
NAPOLEON (VO)
Those at the top are poor creatures.
It must be admitted when you see
things at first hand, that the
people are not worth the trouble
taken in winning their favor....
In the crowd of people, NAPOLEON BONAPARTE.
NAPOLEON (VO)
You have to see things c lose to
realize that enthusiasm is but
enthusiasm and the French are an old
nation without ties......
3 EXT. PLACE DE CONCORDE - DAY
Marie-Antoinette lead up to the guillotine.
ROBESPIERRE (VO)
She was guilty of three charges
against you. Depletion of the
national treasury, conspiracy
against the internal and external
security of State and high treason
for acting in the interest of the
Enemy.
They cut off her head. Sanson holds her head up, PEOPLE
CHEER.

TITLE: THE REPUBLIC

 2.

ROBESPIERRE (VO)
...Indulgence of the Royalists, cry
certain men, mercy for the villains!
No! Mercy for the innocent, mercy
for the weak, mercy for the
unfortunate, mercy for humanity....
4 INT. JACOBIN CLUB - DAY
Robespierre is giving a speech. Napoleon and his friends
Saliceti and Junot are in the crowd, listening.
ROBESPIERRE (VO)
Society owes protection only to
peaceable citizens. Terror is
nothing other than justice. Prompt,
severe, inflexible: it is therefore
an emanation of virtue....
Above, in the gallery sits PAUL BARRAS (male 30s, effeminate)
Lucien and Barras see each other, motions him to an upstairs
gallery.
5 INT. JACOBIN CLUB - UPSTAIRS - LATER
A corner heated by a stove. Robespierre speech heard OC.
Barras meets Napoleon and Lucien. Barras is gossiping with
them:
PAUL BARRAS
The New Republic has promised to
assist all people who rise up
against their rulers which has put
us to war with all Europe and the
English. I believe we have shown
that we are incompetent to wage a
war against anyone. Don’t
you......?
REVEAL: NAPOLEON, is standin g next to his brother LUCIEN and
they are listening to Barras. Napoleon doesn’t answer.
LUCIEN
Yes.
PAUL BARRAS
It is clear to The New Committee and
Anyone Else that we are incompetent -
I’m not saying anything impressive,
I’m just possessing an honest
appraisal of the Current Situation -
You were posted in Auxonne during
the Revolution?
NAPOLEON
Yes.
PAUL BARRAS
Suppressing local food riots?
 3.

NAPOLEON
Yes.
PAUL BARRAS
You organized a volunteer National
Guard in Corsica?
NAPOLEON
Yes.
PAUL BARRAS
The English now occupy your home of
Corsica?
NAPOLEON
Yes.
PAUL BARRAS
Mmhm. Where is your family?
NAPOLEON
Marseilles.
PAUL BARRAS
Dependent on your pay?
NAPOLEON
yes.
LUCIEN
Citizen Bonaparte as artillery
officer has organized heated shots
for the coastal batteries to fire at
English ships.
PAUL B ARRAS
Mmmm. Heated shots.
The British Navy have taken the port
of Toulon. Half the French fleet is
trapped there.
Lucky for us, Admiral Pitt sent the
bulk of his English army to die in
the West Indies of yellow fever so
there are only two thousand English
troops in Toulon.
But we are short of artillery and we
are led by a General who was a court
painter. A painter. F ruit.
NAPOLEON
It’s not necessary to recapture
Toulon itself. The town is not a
town. The town is a port.
If the harbour is untenable to the
English fleet, the town must
surrender.
 4.

PAUL BARRAS
and how do you take the Harbour?
NAPOLEON
Take the Fort that dominates the
Harbour and you have the city.
PAUL BARRAS
I, for one, think we should despair
and abandon the whole Provence to
the English Invader...
(***ALTERNATIVE LINE
FORTHCOMING***)

5A EXT. PORT OF TOULON - MORNING

Napoleon and Junot ride in.

6 INT. FRENCH WAR BASE NEAR TOULON - MORNING

PULL BACK to see French General JEAN-FRANCOIS CARTEAUX,
painting a still life of fruit. We’re in his quarters within
an old fort.
Napoleon stands, unnoticed and watches him paint.
General Carteaux motions without turning.
GEN. CARTEAUX
You’re in my light....pass the burnt
umber…
CU. NAPOLEON
Seeing the situation. (passes the burnt umber)

7 EXT. PORT OF TOULON - MORNING

Napoleon walking amongst/over his shabby troops. French
INFANTRYMEN lie on the ground.
8 EXT. PORT OF TOULON - DAY
A WIDE SHOT that reveals the geography of the
situation...it’s a large port blockaded by British Naval
Vessels with a FORT L’EGUILETTE occupying the promontory.
There are British Flags everywhere.
9 INT. TOULON WAR CAMP - ARTILLERY ROOM - DAY
Napoleon pulls back a tarp to survey the RUSTED OUT CANNONS
in the back of an oxcart....
10 EXT. TOULON - DAY
Napoleon, dressed in the clothes of a carpenter, rides an old
work-horse as British troops strut past him.
 5.

He stops and casts a surreptitious glance over his shoulder

to be sure he isn't being watched. He pulls out a spyglass.
HIS POV: the main fort overlooking the city, FORT
L’EGUILETTE, with British and Bourbon flags flying overhead.
11 EXT. FORT L’EGUILETTE - DAY
Napoleon rides along the wall beneath the great fortress.
High above, along the fortress wall, British SOLDIERS are
running out and panning the great LONG CANNONS.
Napoleon watches closely, unnoticed. As Napoleon watches
closely, one of the soldiers steps on the wall --
-- and sends a scree of loose stone tumbling down below,
making Napoleon's workhorse whinny and dance.
BRITISH SOLDIER
Sorry about that, mate!

12 EXT. MUDDY BANK/ BEACH - MONTAGE -- DAY

A RIVER BANK, pockmarked with blast craters from cannon and
mortar fire. Napoleon plunges a shovel into the mud --
-- and finds it buried within: an old CANNONBALL, warped out
of shape by the force of impact. He tosses it into a
wheelbarrow full of scrap metal. His men are doing the same,
digging up rusty mortars and other metal debris.
A DONKEY tethered to a rope pulls a rusted old anchor fro m
the river bank where it is buried.

13 EXT. WAR CAMP - DAY

The men build LADDERS wide enough for two men to climb
abreast.

14 INT. BLACKSMITH'S FORGE - MONTAGE - DAY

Piles of stolen scrap iron are poured out of brigands' bags
into the great glowing forge, where they melt into molten
taffy --
-- which is poured into a series of molds in the shape of
CANNONS and cannonballs.
MORTARS are assembled -- small cannons, three feet long, that
can be carried and swiveled to lob grenades.
We PUSH IN on Bonaparte standing at the center of it all,
drenched in sweat as he pou rs the molten iron into the molds.
 6.

A HISS OF STEAM as water is poured over the cannon molds to

cool them. Bonaparte reaches in with a set of heavy tongs and
picks up one of the glowing 2-pound balls.
15 EXT. FORGE -- TOULON - CAMP -- DAY
A line of freshly forged MORTARS stand before us on wooden
tripods.
Napoleon takes a new mortar casting of at least 80 pounds and
rests it in its cradle. Takes a pinch of powder and
saltpeter... points to the distant wall... then inserts an
explosive ball.
Napoleon drives a RAMMER SHAFT into the bore of a cannon,
demonstrating for a group of raw recruits. Barras, Carteaux
and Junot are in conferen ce in the BG nearby.
The mortar FIRES and clears the wall.

16 EXT. FORT L'EGUILETTE -- NIGHT (DECEMBER 16, 1793)

Napoleon and his men move under cover of darkness.
THIRTY MORTAR CREWS, each consisting of three men apiece,
maneuver the mortars into position on the battlefield.
In the distance, British GUARDS carouse and sing songs on the
Fortress rooftop not 200 yards away. A drunken guard appears
and urinates off the parapet.
A muster of 200 FRENCH TROOPS are ready: thirty three-man
MORTAR CREWS, each wi th its own mortar on a tripod, along
with 100 MARKSMEN with bayonets and rifles waiting by the
large door to be blown up. The ladder troops wait at the
ready.
A SAPPER has set a keg of powder by the back door to the
fortress. He rolls a coil of fuse away into darkness.
Napoleon signals -- and a FLAGMAN using two white flags uses
semaphore to signal the Sapper. The fuse is lit -- the fuse
runs down --
-- and the Fortress door is BLOWN OPEN in a huge EXPLOSION --
-- as all the mortars are launched simultaneously at the
fortress, killing many of the guards on the roof.

17 INT. CASTLE BARRACKS -- SAME

British MARINES grab their rifles from beside their bunks and
run outside in their stocking feet and long underwear --
 7.

18 EXT. FORTRESS ROOFTOP -- NIGHT

-- and charge outside onto to the rooftop, blindly returning
fire into the darkness.
The French Infantry are already at the wall with their
ladders. They scale the ladders two abreast, gaining access
to the fortress roof.
Barras, Carteaux and Junot watch from the rear as - Napoleon
trots forward alongside them with his foot soldiers.
Everywhere there is shouting, smoke.
NAPOLEON
Cease Fire.
A soldier uses SEMAPHORE to signal his cannon crews to cease
fire as the grenadiers break onto the roof and set about the
British.
BULLETS whizz around Barras and Carteaux.
Napoleon’s horse dances nervously amidst the gunfire.
Barras and Napoleon have a moment amidst the chaos together:
NAPOLEON
(at last I am at war)
Napoleon spurs his horse towards the wall.
At that moment a random 2-pound CANNONBALL from the parapet
hits Napoleon's horse full in the chest. The animal
practically liquefies, disintegrating in pieces beneath him,
before it spins & falls, pinning Napoleon's leg to the
ground.
Barras and Junot leap off their horses, taking Napoleon by
the arms and pulling him out from under the liquefied horse.
Barras and Napoleon look at one another, stunned. Barras and
Napoleon are covered in blood. He g ets up…
Napoleon has drawn his saber and charges the fort on foot.
Barras watches as Napoleon climbs the ladder, then disappears
into the bloody chaos
Napoleon appears on the battlement, his saber drawn. All is
smoke and chaos.
A RED-FACED IRISH SERGEANT charges him with his bayonet,
roaring with anger, or more likely, terror. Napoleon assumes
his best fencer's stance and parries his blade --
-- but t he Irishman swings around and comes back with his
rifle butt. Napoleon ducks the bayonet, slashing at the
Irishman's side, opening up a huge wound.
Napoleon returns to his stance, saber drawn, and offers the
hemorrhaging Irishman his scarf.
 8.

IRISHMAN
Little Ponce! Fecking shite on yer
rag!
The Irishman makes a charge and gores Napoleon in the leg.
Napoleon instantly collapses.
The Irishman raises his bayonet to spear Napoleon --
-- as a footsoldier sweeps past, killing the Irishman with
his saber. The Irishman falls dead beside him, their faces
inches apart.
Napoleon struggles to his feet and limps to the wall of the
Fort overlooking the Toulon harbor --
-- where the heavy guns are being taken over. The British
guards are being thrown from the walls. The mortars are now
off loading onto the small French fleet moored below the
Castle. Napoleon stands beside the big guns.
NAPOLEON
Fire cannons!
The CANNONS FIRE at Hood’s Fleet offshore --
18A EXT. PORT OF TOULON - HARBOUR
See the fleet offshore, clearly in chaos
19 EXT. FORT L'EGUILETTE -- NIGHT
Napoleon stalks up and down the line of cannons, he rolls a
cannonball to one of the crews. A big fellow picks it up to
load.
Barras and Generals Carteaux and Junot are watching from the
castle platform as Napoleon directs the fire, drenched in
blood, backlit with the fire he created.
The British ships are pulling away from the harbor moorings.
Some are burning and setting fire to other ships.
Napo leon walks back to the line of mortars. In the BG, one of
Hood’s ship EXPLODES as its magazine is struck by a
cannonball. Barras sees Napoleon with new eyes.
BARRAS
That man has a gift.
20 EXT. TOULON - DAY
Napoleon is awarded title of Brigadier-General in a small,
make-shift ceremony of some kind that’s very low budget and
thrown together. Junot and Carteaux are here chosen as
Aides. Barras presents him with a ribbon and a fraternal hug.
PAUL BARRAS
(Into Napoleon’s ear)
Whether you’re a madman or a
genius...
(MORE)
 9.

PAUL BARRAS (CONT’D)

(To the Crowd)
On behalf of The National Convention
and the Committees, I award you the
rank of Brigadier-General.
NAPOLEON
I promised you brilliant successes,
and I have kept my word.
OFF NAPOLEON....
JACQUES LOUIS-DAVID
Who has visited you?
LITTLE HORTENSE
My Aunt.
JACQUES LOUIS-DAVID
What letters have you received?

21 INT. CHATEAU DE BEAUHARNAIS - PARIS

A YOUNG HORTENSE BEAUHARNAIS (10 yrs) is being interrogated
by Jacobin thugs: CITIZEN LACOMBE & JACQUES. Five of them
crowd a small kitchen. JOSEPHINE BEAUHARNAIS is kept quiet,
scared off to the side watching her daughter under
questioning.
JOSEPHINE
She’s a child - stop it, I will tell
you what you want - stop talking to
her and talk to me --
JACQUES LOUIS-DAVID
Don’t look at your Mother, look at
me. (to Guards) Take her in the
other room....
JOSEPHINE
I’m here, my love, I’m in the next
room, I can hear you --
JOSEPHINE
It’s alright, my love....
CITIZEN LACOMBE
Do you know your Father’s under
arrest?
HORTENSE
He’s a prisoner.
CITIZEN LACOMBE
Do you know why?
HORTENSE
Because he’s a noble.
 10.

CITIZEN LACOMBE
What do you want to do to his
jailers?
HORTENSE
I want him to come back.
CITIZEN LACOMBE
Are you a Noble?
HORTENSE
Yes?
ON JOSEPHINE, crying in the other room.
CITIZEN LACOMBE (OC)
Do you love Liberty?
HORTENSE
Yes.
CITIZEN LACOMBE
What do your parents say about
Royalty?
HORTENSE
....
CITIZEN LACOMBE
Come now, don’t be shy, what do they
say when they speak about Louis and
Marie-Antoinette.
HORTENSE
My father is for the Revolution. So
Am I.
CITIZEN LACOMBE
Don’t lie to me or I will hurt you:
What will your Mother do to your
Father’s jailer....?
NEED JOSEPHINE LINE HERE

22 EXT. CHATEAU DE BEAUHARNAIS - PARIS - SAME

Josephine is arrested and pulled away, calling back to the
children who are left with Lucille....
JOSEPHINE
STAY MY CHILDREN. STAY SAFE, STAY IN
THE HOME. I WILL RETURN.
She struggles into the cart and is taken off.
 11.

23 EXT/INT. CARMES PRISON - DAY

Establish shot that brings Josephine and other aristocrats
and clergy to Carmes Prison. They are herded inside.
Josephine stands before a Female Warder who takes her rings
and yanks her earrings off.
FEMALE WARDER
Show me your hands. Open your
mouth.
Reveal Josephine’s Teeth, pale, grey and decayed.
JOSEPHINE
I am a citizen of the Republic.
I have a right to a trial.
She is moved along, comes in to a courtyard and finds an old
friend: THERESA CABARRUS. They embrace.

24 INT. CARMES PRISON - LATER

Theresa and Josephine in a hallway, sat on the floor, people
crowded around. An open door nearby has a couple having
sex. Josephine looks to Theresa trying to understand.
THERESA CABARRUS
They won’t execute a pregnant woman.
CU. JOSEPHINE
THERESA CABARRUS (CONT’D)
And men never need a reason to fuck,
do they?

25 INT. CARMES PRISON -- COURTYARD -- DAY

The condemned aristocrats are all socializing in the
courtyard. Their clothes are dirty, their wigs askew, but
they continue to act as if it's a garden party.
Josephine, seated with Theresa who has a short hair cut and
gestures to that:
THERESA CABARRUS
They say the blade of the guillotine
can get caught in your hair.....
JOSEPHINE
It’s true. I watched them behead
the King. The blade got stuck in
his neck.
 12.

THERESA CABARRUS
His neck was fat. You have the neck
of a swan, you won’t feel a thing.
JOSEPHINE
The head falls in the basket, and
the executioner holds it up for the
crowd. The eyes blink, and the lips
move. Everybody listens to hear
what they're saying. Is that the
last thing you see? The crowd
looking back at you, laughing?
THERESA CABARRUS
...
JOSEPHINE
I need a knife. Can you get one?
THERE SA CABARRUS
(firmly)
I'm not going to die. I'll do what
it takes. If that means getting
pregnant, so be it.
Theresa turns and glances across the courtyard, where the
young men are gathered.
THERESA CABARRUS
You can die like a lady. Or you can
live, like me.
Theresa rises and crosses the courtyard to join the men.
Amongst them is LAZARE HOCHE, a handsome young military
officer. Josephine's gaze meets Hoche's... and in him she
glimpses a way to stay alive.
26 INT. CARMES PRISON - JOSEPHINE’S CELL - NIGHT
She picks up a knife and begins to cut off all her hair.
27 INT. CARMES PRISON -- CORRIDORS - NIGHT
Josephine walks through the halls, past the cells of the
condemned.
28 INT. CARMES PRISON - LAZARE HOCHE’S CELL - NIGHT
She appears. Lazare Hoche sits up and sees her. She removes
her dress.....
29 OMITTED
30 EXT. PLACE DE CONCORDE - DAY
Condemned people wait in the tumbrels to be executed. A group
of Nuns is amongst them, praying. The Eldest Nun is walked
up and the Crowd falls quiet at the sight of this.....
 13.

As she climbs up, she begins to sing Veni Creator Spiritus..

She is executed.
The other Nuns are singing.
Finally, there is one young Nun left, she fearlessly kneels
and lays her head on the block, singing. She gets her head
chopped off and everyone is quiet.......
VOICE
ENOUGH.....
Lots of murmurs and sadness. “ENOUGH” calls here and there.

30A INT. BARRAS OFFICE - NIGHT

Napoleon sits in a hush-hush conversation with Barras over a
glass of brandy.
BARRAS
I would say the current leadership
of France has passed from enthusiasm
to reckless ambition..........and
that the public perception of the
guillotine is lawless passion led by
Robspierre. He is unfit to
rule...and if it is not his head in
a basket, then sooner or later it
will be any one of us who have
s erved under his title..........
Napoleon stays quiet and still.
30B INT. JACOBIN CLUB - DAY (JULY 27, 1794)
Robespierre’s moment has come. He is sat and silenced. His
main associates in the reign of terror are nearby: Wheelchair
Couthon, Pretty Boy Saint-Just and Brother Augistin
Robespierre, Le Bas.
Plotters attack his character and his thirst for power.
BARRAS sits and watches the chaos unfolding. EVERYONE IS
SHOUTING ON TOP OF EACH OTHER, ROBSPIERRE is not allowed to
speak:
PLOTTER
It is has become increasingly clear,
Citizen Robespierre that your
motivations are to use this blade to
your ultimate power.
ROBESPIERRE
Let me speak, let me speak, sir, no
man in this room has objected to my
methods – if you say I’m guilty, you
are all guilty.
 14.

PLOTTER
You are Roman tyrant…worse than
Ceaser.
CROWD
VARIOUS AD LIBS. TYRANT. CAESAR.
ROBSPIERRE
YOU are the traitors. YOU ARE, ALL
OF YOU THE TRAITORS, LET ME SPEAK.
BARRIS
YOU ARE NOT THE ONLY DEFENDER OF
FREEDOM. YOU HAVE DEEMED YOURSELF
JUDGE, JURY AND EXECUTIONER, HAVE
YOU NOT? HAVE YOU NOT? ANSWER MY
QUESTION.
HE STANDS AND LOOKS TO HIS DEPUTIES:
ROBSPIERRE
I am appealing to you, men of
purity , men of virtue – defend my
name –
BARRAS
ARREST HIM.
Robespierre starts to move away and then makes a RUN FOR IT
AND BEDLAM COMES QUICKLY:
Barras and Crowd are hot on Robespierre’s heels, following
him up stairs and into a balcony.
Wheelchair Couthon goes down a flight of stairs.
Barras and the Jacobins trample Couthon as they run upstairs.
30C INT. JACOBIN CLUB -- GALLERY -- SAME
Barras barges a door to find Robespierre standing there with
a pistol. Robespierre aims the pistol at Barras' heart.
Robespierre FIRES one of the guns which doesn’t go off...he
takes the other and aims at his own head --
-- the bullet enters at an off-angle, shooting him in the
jaw. There's cloud of smoke and blood. Robespierre collapses
to the ground, writhing.
BARRAS (CONT'D)
You missed.
Barras tur ns to the Jacobins.
BARRAS (CONT'D)
Take him.
Half his jaw has been blown off, he’s still alive.
 15.

30D EXT. PLACE DE CONCORDE -- DAY (JULY 28, 1794)

And so it is that Maximilien Robespierre is delivered up to
his own guillotine. His shattered jaw is bandaged. Jacques-
Louis David is there, sketching Robespierre in his
sketchbook.
Sanson slides Robespierre's head into the Lunette and tears
off the bandage on his jaw. Robespierre SCREAMS.
The Lunette is closed, the lever pulled. The blade falls.

31 EXT. CARMES PRISON -- DAY

The gates of the prison are opened. Josephine and Theresa
walk outside into the silent streets of Paris, followed by a
procession of bewildered aristocrats.
Everywhere grand homes are in ruins, stripped for firewood.
Outside them, homeless Parisians cook food over campfires of
burning paintings and antiques.
32 EXT. PARIS STREETS - MORNING
It’s the very sad morning after in the Paris streets.
Empty and lonely in transition. Small figure cross an empty
square.

33 INT. CHATEAU DE BEAUHARNAIS - PARIS

Josephine comes back home to an empty home.....stripped of
valuables and full of refuse.
She moves through every room.....calling out for her
children....... The dog scampers down to her, recognizing his
mistress. Lucille, her maidservant appears, carrying an axe.
She nearly takes a swing at Josephine when they recognize
each other.
Young Hortense and Young Eugene emerge from the attic where
t hey’ve been hiding.
HORTENSE/EUGENE
Mama!
An emotional reunion.
MUSIC UP OVER:

34 EXT. PARIS STREETS - DUSK - SUMMER 1794

The streets are alive with music floating from open windows
and couples dancing the waltz -- the latest craze.
 16.

Street musicians play; vendors sell their wares; people get

drunk at street cafes.
Into this scene drifts Napoleon, in his Brigadier General's
uniform with his comrade Junot.
THREE WOMEN drift down the street, wearing diaphanous
Romanesque tunics that reveal every curve of their bodies.
The entire street parts for the women as they approach.
They wear red ribbons around their throats and their ha ir cut
as if for the guillotine.
NAPOLEON (VO)
The ladies are everywhere and the
men are mad about them. Men think
of nothing else and live only for
and through them. A woman needs six
months in Paris to know what is her
due and her Empire......
35 OMITTED
36 INT. BAL DES VICTIMES/THE VICTIM’S BALL - NIGHT
TITLE: PARIS, SUMMER, 1794
Napoleon and Junot step into a party of candle-lit decadence
and champagne. People gamble, smoke, drink and waltz. Women
in transparent gowns. Lavish and pleasure. Junot wanders
off. Napoleon finds his way to a long table and watches from
a safe distance:
Music is being played by a naked quartet.

THERESA CABARRUS cavorts before PAUL BARRAS at the head of a

table. S he is wearing a tiger’s pelt belted at her waist.
PAUL BARRAS
May I ask you a question?
THERESA CABARRUS
Yes, Citizen Barras.
PAUL BARRAS
Does Your Dress Bite?
THERESA CABARRUS
Yes, it does bite.
PAUL BARRAS
Would it devour me?
THERESA CABARRUS
Yes I believe it would if you tried
to touch it.....
Would you like to tempt it?
 17.

PAUL BARRAS
Does your beast have a name?
BEAT: Theresa settles on his lap
THERESA CABARRUS
No, my beast does not have a name.
But you may name her “Government
Property” if you like.
Napoleon watches the scene……he drifts away…
ANOTHER ROOM:
A Gavotte is being played, couples dance and others play
cards for high stakes. Napoleon finds himself standing
looking at a nearby card table…………
……here sits a woman wearing a translucent dress that reveals
the curves of her body, powdered makeup, and a red ribbon
around her throat.
It is JOSEPHINE. She's playing cards for high stakes and
losing.
Napoleon stares at her, Josephine plays and loses, catches
Napoleon’s eye from time to time, staring creepy at her…The
dealer turns over a card.
DEALER
A seven, Madame.
JOSEPHINE
Deal again.
DEALER
Seven again.
She loses. Jose phine’s money is removed by the Dealer, people
standing around watching murmur and hide amusement of the
loss. Napoleon watching, Josephine gives him a last flick of
her eyes and then back to speaking with her young female
companion as she leaves the group and walks straight to him:
JOSEPHINE
Why are you staring at me?
NAPOLEON
Why are you wearing that costume?
JOSEPHINE
This is the Victim's Ball. We drink
and make love because we're about to
die.
Napoleon gazes at Josephine.
JOSEPHINE
What is your costume?
 18.

NAPOLEON
Madame, this is a uniform.
JOSEPHINE
Your uniform?
NAPOLEON
I am a Brigadier General.
I led the French victory at Toulon.
HOLD, THEN:
37 INT. BAL DES VICTIMES/THE VICTIMS' BALL -- LATER
Guests seated to watch a performance. Onstage, the actors
perform a burlesque song-and-dance for a rapt audience.
A woman dressed as Death wearing skull makeup, a black cowl
and nothing else is flirting with a man dressed as the Devil.
Napoleon and Junot watching the show. Napoleon sees, across
the room, Barras exchanging kisses with a woman on his lap
that, on second glance, is a man in a woma n's clothing.
Josephine is seated next to Barras and gazes at Napoleon. He
leans over and whispers something to her, then looks back to
the stage. Onstage the burlesque stage has turned to a sex
show.
Josephine gives Napoleon one last quick look, then leaves
with Barras and the trans-woman - a threesome.
37A INT. CHATEAU DE BEAUHARNAIS - NIGHT
A couple has loud sex, there are mirrors strategically
arranged, the woman astride the man; GROANS, then laughter.
The woman rolls onto her back, spent -- it’s Josephine and
Paul Barras is her lover. He offers her a sip from his glass
of champagne.
JOSEPHINE
I met the strangest man tonight.
Your Bonaparte.
BARRAS
He may be odd, but he has a way with
cannonballs. He thinks like an
artist, real ly. I've taken him
under my wing.
JOSEPHINE
You're sure he's a genius?
BARRAS
I'm betting on it. Speaking of
which, you ran up a debt at cards
tonight. I'll pay it this time, but
--
 19.

JOSEPHINE
I need more than that. You know my
situation.
BARRAS
You live fashionably.
JOSEPHINE
I have to remain fashionable. To
have me as a lover -- it's made your
reputation in the salons, Paul. I
should really ask for more.
Barras mulls this over. Josephine's killing his mood.
BARRAS
This will keep you afloat for now --
He reaches for his billfold and offers her a sheaf of
Assignat notes -- the n snatches it away.
BARRAS (CONT’D)
-- but you should get to know
Bonaparte better.
She takes the money, counts it, and tucks it away; she's all
business.
JOSEPHINE
Maybe I will.
38 INT. NAPOLEON’S BARRACKS - DAY
Napoleon at work. Maps, papers, etc. Half dozen Military
Aides. JUNOT enters.
JUNOT
General Bonaparte, there is a very
young man who wishes to see you, his
name is Eugene Beauharnais.
Napoleon looks up as the 13 year old EUGENE enters the room
EUGENE
General Bonaparte.
NAPOLEON
Yes.
EUGENE
I am Citizen Eugene Beauharnais.

NAPOLEON
What do you want?
EUGENE
My father's saber. It was taken from
him before he was arrested and
executed.
 20.

NAPOLEON
Yes.
EUGENE
It would mean a great deal to me,
and to my mother, if it were
returned to us. It's all we have
of him.
NAPOLEON
The sword is a weapon. I cannot
allow citizens of Paris to have
weapons in their possession.
EUGENE
The sword is a keepsake for me to
remember my dear late father.
NAPOLEON
Perhaps, but it is a weapon
nevertheless.
Why are you here, young man?
EUGENE
My mother said that you w ere the
only man of authority to retrieve
the sword.

39 INT. COMMITTEE OF PUBLIC SAFETY -- STORAGE ROOM -- DAY

Napoleon throws open the door. The room is filled with
hundreds of tarnished Republican Army Sabers -- in piles, in
great bins, on shelves. They are all identical.
CLERK
All of these are from officers who
were sentenced to die.
NAPOLEON
Does no one think to attach a name
to any of them?
Indeed, some clerk did as he gestures to hundreds of sabers.
NAPOLEON
Bring me a feather and Indian ink.
40 INT. CHATEA U DE BEAUHARNAIS - DAY
Napoleon is waiting in the foyer holding the saber.
Eugene comes to see him. Napoleon presents the saber to
Eugene.
The boy's eyes well up with tears.
 21.

Until Eugene draws the blade to see another name. He looks

at Napoleon who imperceptibly shakes his head, as if to say,
‘don’t.’
Napoleon looks up to see Hortense, watching from the second
floor. He bows. She nods her head. He says:
NAPOLEON
Come down here.
She comes down....
NAPOLEON
Is there reason to introduce myself?
JOSEPHINE (O.S.)
No, General.............
He looks back up to the top of the stairs and sees: Josephine
NAPOLEON
Good.

Josephine comes down, Napoleon bows gallantly.

NAPOLEON
My compliments to the chef of this
fine family.......

41 EXT. PARIS SQUARE - EVENING

The park is filled with flaneurs, homeless peasants and
prostitutes, upper class are venturing out. Nonetheless, the
trees are in full bloom as Napoleon and Josephine take a seat
at a cafe table.
NAPOLEON
I don’t feel the need to fill this
space with words.......
JOSEPHINE
........no............
She stares at him. He leans in to kiss her.
42 OMITTED

43 INT. CHATEAU DE BEAUHARNAIS - BEDROOM - EVENING

Josephine sits in the twilight at her bedroom makeup table.
Her foundation makeup is made of lead paint, as all makeup
was at the time.
 22.

A candelabra is brought to the table by LUCILLE, seeing the

painted face as harsh.
She smiles -- her teeth are grey, decayed from a childhood
spent sucking on sugar cane. She touches them painfully.
Josephine takes turpentine solution to remove the makeup,
reveals her face unpainted, very beautiful.
JOSEPHINE
Should I look like I’m in love?
LUCILLE
I cannot say.
JOSEPHINE
You would know.
LUCILLE
Do yo u find him without appeal?
JOSEPHINE
No.
LUCILLE
Then perhaps that is enough.
JOSEPHINE
I am indifferent and lukewarm. But
he will take me....and in a fight he
will win...and no matter what my
charms have been in the past to men,
I’m afraid I won’t be able to hold
this one’s attraction.
LUCILLE
Don’t underestimate your grace.
JOSEPHINE
I can see the future....and in it,
he will need more than I can
pr ovide......
She turns back to the mirror and we start her VOICE OVER
HERE:
JOSEPHINE (VO)
If after our union he should cease
to love me, will he not reproach me
with what he will have sacrificed
for my sake?

44 INT. RUE DU MAIL - 2ND ARRONDISSEMENT - DAY

Napoleon receives a card written in Josephine's flowing
script: an invitation to her home. He holds it to his nose
and breathes her perfume.
 23.

45 EXT. CHATEAU DE BEAUHARNAIS - DAY

The door opens. Napoleon bows deeply. Josephine awaits him,
her face painted, dressed in her lace. They meet.

46 INT. CHATEAU DE BEAUHARNAIS - BEDROOM – DAY

Napoleon and Josephine staring at each other, tea in front of
them. Lucille tinkers with some crockery and then leaves
JOSEPHINE
Do you see an aristocrat when you
look at me?
NAPOLEON
No.
JOSEPHINE
My husband had more than one lover
and when his head was cut off his
mistresses watched.
When I was in Prison I was told the
only way to survive was to get
pregnant. So....General.....
Do I need to warn you of my
indiscretions?
NAPOLEON
No, madame.
JOSEPHINE
Does where I have been concern you?
NAPOLEON
No, madame.
HOLD. SILENT MOVIE SCENE. LOOKS.
JOSEPHINE
If you look down, I will show you a
surprise… and once you see it you
will always want it.
He looks down and she opens her legs........
47 EXT. PARIS STREET - DAY
Napoleon and Junot in the streets, walking past a growing
gathering of Royalist’s making SPEECHES, HOLDING SIGNS,
GROWING LOUDER. “Long Live The King!”
ROYAL SUPPORTER
THEY HAVE PROVEN CORRUPT. UNABLE TO
SEE THE POWER THAT THEY HOLD.
CITIZENS OF PARIS, DON’T BE FOOLED.
THERE ARE MORE OF US. WE CAN OCCUPY
THIS CONVENTION.
(MORE)
(MORE)
 24.

ROYAL SUPPORTER (CONT’D)

THE ARE INEPT, CORRUPT AND IGNORANT.
THEIR TROOPS WILL NOT TAKE US FROM
THESE STREETS. LONG LIVE THE KING!
Napoleon and Junot head down the street, past the mob --

48 INT. BARRAS OFFICE - DAY

Paul Barras is very concerned, Napoleon comes in...
PAUL BARRAS
What took so long? Come in, sit down
- are you alone?
NAPOLEON
Junot is just outside. We are
alone.
PAUL BARRAS
Listen to me, the situation seems to
be growing.
NAPOLEON
Yes.
PAUL BARRAS
There is a belief amongst the
Committee that there is an attack on
the Council coming by this mob....
General Menou has been dismissed of
his command. and I have been asked
to Defend it....
NAPOLEON
....yes....so how may I help you?
Paul, you must tell me more
information to help you.
PAUL BARRAS
I don’t know the slightest place to
start. I have less than 4,000
troops and very little in the way of
weapons.
NAPOLEON
There are 40 cannons at Sablons.
I can have them here in three hours.
PAUL BARRAS
Yes, but mathematically...this mob
is 20,000 strong .
NAPOLEON
Yes.
 25.

PAUL BARRAS
What would you intend to do if this
assignment of defense was
transferred to you? As my second in
command, of course...
NAPOLEON
I accept on the condition that I
command this as I see fit without
interruption. I will not lead as
second-in-command.

49 EXT. PARIS STREET - DAY

A standoff outside the Convention. A mob of 20,000 vs.
Napoleon’s 40 cannons and General Davout awaiting orders. At
the slightest movement.........
Napoleon gives the order to fire, in what seems to come
completely out of the blue. He has instantly killed many
hundreds of Royalists and everyone else runs away.

50 INT. BARRAS OFFICE - LATER THAT NIGHT

Drinks all around, everyone’s happy, Napoleon speaks:
NAPOLEON
...to a mob who are ignorant of
firearms, it is the worst possible
policy to start out by firing
blanks. Hearing a great noise -
they are frightened - but looking
around and seeing no one killed or
wounded - they begin to despise you.
They become twice as insolent and
rush without fear. It then becomes
necessary to kill ten times th e
number of men.
It would have been a waste of life
to fire blanks.
Barras silently toasts Napoleon, a penny for his thoughts...

51 INT. CIVIL MARRIAGE SERVICE - PARIS - DAY (MARCH 9, 1796)

The marriage of Napoleon and Josephine. Civil service.
Witnesses are: Paul Barras, Hortense and Eugene. The
registrar is CHARLES LECLERC reading civic-vows. Napoleon’s
brother: LUCIEN is here with JUNOT, THERESA and LUCILLE.
JOSEPHINE (VO)
Will he not regret a more brilliant
marriage which he might have
contracted?
(MORE)
(MORE)
 26.

JOSEPHINE (VO) (CONT'D)

What shall then I reply? I shall
weep.
And this will serve no end........
NAPOLEON (VO)
May my good genius surround you,
enfold you, while I face my fate
unguarded. May your soul be free
from worries, as your body from
illness....
As they are announced man and wife, congratulations and
kisses all around, Napoleon sweeping up Eugene and Hortense
as his own.
NAPOLEON (VO)
Every moment separates m e further
from you, my beloved, and every
moment I have less energy to exist
so far from you. To live for
Josephine, that is the history of my
life.

52 EXT. MILAN DUOMO – DAY (MAY 15, 1796)

Napoleon and Junot together, leading their ARMY OF ITALY
arrive at Milan’s cathedral. Grandly acknowledging the
crowds. (The arrival of the Nazi’s). Italians furiously
wave flags of the French Republic from their windows,
anxiously welcoming their conquerors.
TITLE: CONQUEST OF ITALY - 1796
NAPOLEON (VO)
I am struggling to get near you, I
am dying to be by your side, fool
that I am, I fail t o realize how far
off I am, that lands separate us.
53 INT. MILAN DUOMO – DAY
Napoleon with defeated Italian (Austrian?) army officials.
Dozens of paintings by Correggio, da Vinci, Raphael, Titian,
Giorgione, Veronese and others....(THIS WAS PART OF THE PEACE
OFFERING)
Napoleon points to a painting “The Lady With An Ermine,” by
Leonardo da Vinci. Two soldiers hold the large work.
NAPOLEON
This Corregio for France, this
Raphael, Giorgione, the Veronese...
French soldiers a re crating up the masterpieces to be
shipped.
 27.

MILANESE ARCHBISHOP
General, these are Italian
paintings. They belong to Italy.
We are proud people, General.
NAPOLEON
Yes, you are a proud people, but you
have not shown skill to defend
yourself. How can you be trusted to
defend this artwork?

54 OMITTED
55 OMITTED

56 OMITTED

57 INT. CHATEAU DE BONAPARTE - DINING ROOM - NIGHT

A dinner to celebrate Napoleon’s victory in Italy. Napoleon
is at the table, listening to Hippolyte tell a joke/story. He
is a skilled mimic.
Josephine listens avidly...Hippolyte is very entertaining.
58 INT. CHATEAU DE BONAPARTE - BEDROOM - NIGHT
Napoleon humping Josephine like a rabbit....he finishes
quickly and triumphantly says:
NAPOLEON
Let that work make us a son!
ANGLE, LATER
They lay together:
JOSEPHINE
is this what will happen from now
on?
NAPOLEON
what?
JOSEPHINE
I will marry you and you will leave,
And each time you leave, I have no
assurance of your return.
NAPOLEON
My sweet Josephine, the only thing
you can depend on in this world is
my return.

59 OMITTED
 28.

60 EXT. EGYPTIAN DESERT - DAY (JULY 1798)

Napoleon stands alone atop his white charger beneath a
towering Sphinx. He gazes up at it with wonder,
REVERSE ANGLE: The great desert beyond.
REVEAL 60,000 FRENCH TROOPS marching in columns behind him.
GENERALS DUMAS, DESAIX, KLEBER and Josephine’s son: EUGENE
(now 20 years old)
NAPOLEON
Where is my boy??
Eugene rides up next to Napoleon. They share the wonder
together.
NAPOLEON
I wish your Mother could see what we
are seeing. I cherish this time
with you.

61 EXT. THE PYRAMIDS - DAY

Thousands of MAMELUKES -- an assemblage of Mid-eastern and
Ukrainian mercenaries on horseback -- have assembled at the
foot of the pyramids.
Napoleon and his troops are arrayed at 300 meters opposite
the Mamelukes. They are greatly outnumbered. Napoleon and
JUNOT, his second- in-command.
The Mameluke CHIEFTAIN has broken from his own front line. He
raises his scimitar over his head and swings it in great
circles as he gallops backwards and forwards - a ferocious,
intimidating display. Finally, he points his sword at
Napoleon, much grandstanding.
NAPOLEON
Fire one and two.
Two LARGE CANNONS FIRE from behind the Napoleon. As the
cannonballs sail over the heads of the Mamelukes --
-- and clips the tops of the Pyramids, removing the peaks of
the ancient monument.
The Mameluke’s HORSE bucks, nearl y dismounting him. They gaze
up at their vandalized pyramids and a HUSH falls over them.
61A INT. NAPOLEON’S TENT -- DAY
CLOSE ON Napoleon’s pocketwatch. He snaps the watch closed.
He is sitting in a camp chair, waiting.
From a box, a PORTER brings Napoleon a glass of shaved ice.
Napoleon waits for it to melt -- quickly in this heat.
 29.

He drinks his ice water. He is in no hurry. He rises from

his chair --
61B EXT. NAPOLEON'S TENT -- DAY
-- and emerges from his tent to find the Mameluke chieftain
and a half-dozen of his men waiting for him, standing in the
heat. One has fainted - and is left where he fell.
The Chieftain unsheathes his scabbard and walking to
Napoleon, presents it in token of surrender. As one, the
Mamelukes bow do wn before him.
Napoleon waves them off. He gazes at the Pyramids in the
distance.
NAPOLEON (V.O.)
In this land there is nothing but
beauty, but in every beautiful thing
I see only reflections of you.

62 INT. SALON - PARIS - NIGHT

Josephine at card tables, gambling. Hippolyte is here,
telling jokes and being very attractive socially.
They flirt with eyes very openly.

63 INT. PARIS STORE - DAY

Josephine’s shopping habit. Josephine shops for bonnets and
clothes. We see her purchasing a “Destiny” necklace.
Hippolyte is here. Her friends Paul Barras and Theresa see
them. Bad influence. They are ok with this affair.
NAPOLEON (VO)
My dear Josephine, away from you
there is no joy. You have robbed me
of more than my soul; you are the
one thought of my life.
We won a great conquest toda y. I
am very tired.
I know not if you want money, for
you never speak to me of business.
If you do, will you ask my brother
for it - he has 200 Louis of mine.

64 INT. CHATEAU DE BONAPARTE - JOSEPHINE'S BEDROOM -- DAY

Hippolyte Charles is in Josephine’s mirrored bedroom.
He is showing her how good he is at tying the perfect cravat.
 30.

HIPPOLYTE (TYING THE CRAVAT)

You see what most men do not
understand… what they haven’t the
slightest comprehension of how to
do………is to make sure that the
pleats……overlap the knot…it
must……overwhelm the knot, don’t you
agree?
He kisses her. She is slow coming around, but kisses back.
They have sex in the mirrored room.
NAPOLEON (VO)
“You never write me, you don’t care
for your husband, you know the
pleasure your letters give him, and
you write him barely half a dozen
lines. How, then, do you spend the
livelong day, madam? What business
of such importance robs you of the
time to write your very kind lover?”
IMAGE: Hippolyte leaving Josephine’s bedroom, casually,
quietly, no real attempt to hide it. He walks past LUCILLE,
and out the door. She hides her eyes.

65 EXT. FOOT OF A PYRAMID - DAY

A collection of scientists, archaeologists, linguists,
painters, and clerics are here at Napoleon's command. Some
are drinking champagne. It has the air of a cocktail party.
Napoleon appears, freshly groomed and brushed.
A PHARAOH's CASKET has been unearthed from beneath the
pyramids and is standing upright under a shade--
At his gesture, the Porters gently pry the lid off the
coffin. The Pharaoh's mummy lies within. Napoleon makes a
circular gesture with his finger -- "unwrap it." The Porters
obey --
-- and slowly, the 2500-year-old face is unveiled. A HUSH
comes over the crowd. Napoleon steps in CLOSER --
-- and touches the Pharaoh's face in his hands. It slowly
crumbles away even as he stands before it. He gazes into the
ancient face as you would a long-lost parent.
His hand drops from the Pharaoh's face.
66 INT. PARIS SALON - NIGHT (AUGUST 1799)
Josephine playing cards, looking far-off and lost. Hippolyte
nearby telling jokes with Barras and Theresa here.
 31.

NAPOLEON (VO)
“Josephine, what inclination in you
stifles the affectionate love you
promised me? I am uneasy getting no
news from you. Write me four pages
immediately and some of those
charming remarks which fill my heart
with the pleasure of your
imagination. Be vigilant,
Josephine, one fine night the doors
will be broken in and I shall be
before you.....”

67 EXT. NAPOLEON'S TENT - EGYPT - EVENING

Napoleon stands at a map-strewn table in his command tent
sitting with Junot.
JUNOT
are there limits to what I can tell
you?
NAPOLEON
there shouldn’t be.
JUNOT
Should I tell you something at the
risk of giving you personal pain?
NAPOLEON
yes.
JUNOT
Your wife has taken a lover, named
Hippolyte Charles.
LONG PAUSE.
NAPOLEON
Do you expect me to believe this?
JUNOT
Yes.
NAPOLEON
That my wife would treat me this
way?
JUNOT
yes.
NAPOLEON
Junot, you are not only mistaken you
are very wrong to have mentioned
this.
I will forget that you have said
this to me.
(MORE)
 32.

NAPOLEON (CONT’D)
You are dismissed.
HOLD NAPOLEON.
68 INT. EGYPT – TENT – EVE
Junot is washing the heat off before bed, Napoleon enters.
NAPOLEON
how do you know this?
JUNOT
Her dresser is my lover. I still
receive letters from her.
CUT BACK WIDE – SILENT – NAPOLEON HITTING HIMSELF IN THE
FACE, CUT BACK IN CLOSE:
NAPOLEON
prepare two frigates and two smaller
vessels in the greatest secrecy……I
am heading back home.
JUNOT
This can be called desertion.
NAPOLEON
General Kléber will be informed of
his succession to command after I
have left. Skillfully navigated,
I will be back to France in six
weeks.

69 OMITTED
69A EXT. PORT OF MARSIELLES - DAY
A ship docked, Napoleon comes down the gangplank into one of
the waiting coaches. Dumas, Junot, Eugene get into a separate
carriage.
70 INT. NAPOLEON'S CARRIAGE -- DAY
Napoleon rides alone, reviews his mail and newspapers to find
cartoons.
CU. NEWSPAPER CARTOON - Josephine has sex with Hippolyte
Charles under Napoleon’s war table.

71 INT. CHATEAU DE BONAPARTE – PARIS - DAY

He arrives back home, fuming and ready for a fight. The house
is quiet. LUCILLE greets him.
NAPOLEON
where is my wife? (she?)
 33.

LUCILLE
she has left to greet you in Lyon,
General.
NAPOLEON
Lyon??
LUCILLE
yes, sir
NAPOLEON
she doesn’t know of my arrival? The
whole world knows of my arrival, but
not my wife?

72 INT. CHATEAU DE BONAPARTE - BEDROOM – NIGHT

Napoleon eating dinner alone. LUCILLE, her maid enters.
NAPOLEON
My wife has humiliated me and I need
comfort, Lucille.
LUCILLE
yes, I’m sure that you do, General.
NAPOLEON
What do you suggest would give me
comfort?
LUCILLE
I can draw you a hot bath, General.
NAPOLEON
…
LUCILLE
I can prepare you dinner and console
you.
73 OMITTED
74 EXT. CHATEAU DE BONAPARTE - DAY
It’s days later and pouring with rain. All of Josephine’s
belongings have been put out in the street. It’s raining.
She arrives back by carriage....
She moves to the front door. It’s locked. She knocks over
and over again...

75 INT. CHATEAU DE BONAPARTE - THAT MOMENT

Napoleon hearing her knock. Trying to ignore it.
 34.

76 INT. CHATEAU DE BONAPARTE – LATER

Josephine is in tears and soaked through, we are someplace
mid-discussion..
Eugene and Hortense are in the next room, over-hearing it
through a closed door.
NAPOLEON
You can’t help yourself. It is
impossible for most men to control
their passions. You’re a beast and
I feel sorry for you.
JOSEPHINE
Please don’t leave me.
NAPOLEON
...(It Won’t Be Me Who Is Going
Anywhere.)
JOSEPHINE
Promise me you won’t leave me.
NAPOLEON
A promise is nothing.
JOSEPHINE
You don’t have to forgive me, just
promise me you won’t leave.
NAPOLEON
You’re crying only proves my point.
There is no use building this
marriage on a false assumption
that mankind is good.

I am not built like other Men and I

am not subject to petty
insecurities.
JOSEPHINE
Did you have affairs while you were
away?
NAPOLEON
Yes I did.
JOSEPHINE
did you love them?
NAPOLEON
no I did not.
JOSEPHINE
were they pretty?
 35.

NAPOLEON
some of them. and they served their
purpose.
JOSEPHINE
prettier than me?
NAPOLEON
they cried less. which made them
more attractive.
Napoleon walks to the door to see Eugene & Hortense:
NAPOLEON
As for you...you shall not bear the
burden of your mother’s faults. You
shall always be my son: I will keep
you with me.
EUGENE
No, no, General. I must share ill
fortune with my mother. And from
this moment I say farewell to you.
Napoleon opens his arms to Eugene and holds him.
Hortense goes to his feet and embrace his knees. And then,
all is forgiven.
77 INT. LUXEMBOURG PALACE - DAY
This scene establishes the players in the Coup and Power of
France.
Five Directors: Barras, Sieyes, Moulins, Gohier and Roger-
Ducos meet in the Palace amidst the other main players:
Talleyrand and Police Minister Fouche.
GOHIER
What is it that made you desert your
troops in Egypt?
NAPOLEON
I am assuming there is humour in
that question, Citizen Gohier.
Egypt was left with General Kleber.
GOHIER
I assume you’ve read your reviews in
the Newspapers? Your very popular.
NAPOLEON
News was very hard to come by in
Egypt, Citizen Gohier...
GOHIER
Yes, but you have been back for
nearly three days, have you not had
a moment to read of your popularity?
 36.

NAPOLEON
I have returned to France to find
her bankrupt, printing money that is
spent within hours, the Austro-
Russian overrun of Italy, the Anglo-
Russian occupation of Holland and
what seems to be the imminent
Invasion of France herself at any
moment...added to which the
discovery that my wife is a slut.
CU. SIEYES looking at Napoleon...
78 INT. CHATEAU DE BONAPARTE - DINING ROOM - MORNING
Josephe SIEYÉS and Napoleon over breakfast. This meeting has
been arranged by Talleyrand and Napoleon’s brother Lucien who
sit quietly.
SIEYÉS
The only thing every French Citizen
can agree on is that you are our
Ceasar.
NAPOLEON
What do you want?
SIEYÉS
The people will accept my rule if I
have your support...It is only a
military dictatorship that will save
this country from a restoration of
the Mona rchy...seizure is possible
with your help at the right
time....and this is the time.
NAPOLEON
...the support that you need is the
Minister of Police, without Citizen
Fouche you have very little chance
of success....so you expect me to be
your “sword”?
SIEYÉS
I expect that a coup d’etat, well-
timed and executed can place power
to Three Consuls - Myself, Ducos and
you....I’m Inviting You To The
Winning Side.
79 INT. SALON - DAY
A casual meeting of NAPOLEON, LUCIEN, SIEYES, ROGER-DUCOS and
TALLEYRAND....
JOSEPH FOUCHE, Minister Of Police, enters, greets everyone.
They sit down.
 37.

SIEYÉS
My proposal is to persuade the 5
Directors to resign under threat of
an imminent sieze of power. We
create this threat. Myself and
Ducos resign first, followed by
Barras, Gohier, and Moulin.....this
will create an opening to transfer
power......
NAPOLEON
I like Barras but he is corrupt and
isolated. I should think that under
the proper threat, he will quickly
make the right decision...I c annot
say the same about Gohier and
Moulin.
FOUCHE
There are ways to dissuade them from
resistance.
SIEYÉS
Yes, but this may not become a
military or violent matter....
FOUCHE
It will be a police matter. And
don’t expect that you won’t get your
hair ruffled, Citizen Sieyes.....
SIEYÉS
Yes.....so......Lucien....as
Governor of the Council of
500....you will persuade both
Councils...in an emergency
se ssion.....that there is a Jacobin
coup at hand.....and that the only
safe place is out of the city, away
from the Paris mob, at St.
Cloud.......where a vote of
emergency power to from the Council
of the Elders to a new Council of
Three will save them from threat....
80 INT. CHATEAU DE BONAPARTE -- NIGHT
NAPOLEON and his brother LUCIEN and JOSEPHINE. Napoleon has
outlined his own plan of attack at St. Cloud....
She raises very practical questions about the plan:
JOSEPHINE
The flaw in Sieyès plan is the
interval between the two votes.
The opposition will have time to
grow wise to what you’re doing....
 38.

NAPOLEON
You are right. You are right my
little General.
The interval can’t be helped. But
the shorter the interval between two
votes the greater the chance for
success.......
JOSEPHINE
What is the outcome of this if you
don’t succeed?
NAPOLEON
That’s not a consideration.
JOSEPHINE
It should be. (Why not?)
NAPOLEON
To consider it is to imagine that it
may happen - I don’t see the point
in imagining a nything but success.

81 INT. CHATEAU DE BONAPARTE - NIGHT

Napoleon puts TWO PISTOLS by his bedside table and gets into
bed with Josephine...she sees them....
NAPOLEON
From this moment on...all friends
that you have had...Barras, Tallien,
any one from the society of the
Directory may not be trusted.
......by this time tomorrow you will
be sleeping with the First Consul of
France. And I will stick it to
you......
She nods, ‘yes’ and he gobbles her up.

82 INT. BARRAS APARTMENT - MORNING

TALLEYRAND comes to BARRAS door with TWO GUARDS. Barras
looks like he had a late night with some boys and girls and
he’s hungover
TALLEYRAND
Good morning, Paul....I’m Going To
Make This Easy For You. I have
documents announcing your
resignation from the Council.....
BARRAS
I return with joy to the ranks of
simple citizen.
 39.

TALLEYRAND
You will retire before you have your
breakfast....
Two More Guards Step in the door. TIME CUT TO: Barras is
signing away his Council seat.

83 INT. GOHIER’S RESIDENCE - MORNING

Gohier is still in his pajamas and he’s screaming at General
Moreau.
GOHIER
I’M NOT SIGNING ANYTHING. YOU CAN
PISS BEFORE I SIGN AWAY ANYTHING.
WHO’S DONE THIS? WHAT OUTLAW HAS
DONE THIS???
THE GUARDS COME TOWARDS HIM AND HE STARTS THROWING BOOKS AND
PAPERS, ANYTHING TO AVOID ARREST.

84 INT. MOULIN’S RESIDENCE - MORNING

Moulin is dragged from his house protesting. His wife is
screaming and crying hysterically.
MOULIN
NO! NO! NO! HOW DARE YOU! I AM
EATING MY BREAKFAST. I AM ENJOYING A
SUCCULENT BREAKFAST. THIS IS
OUTRAGEOUS. I WILL FINISH MY
BREAKFAST BEFORE YOU TOUCH ME. A
SUCCULENT BREAKKFASSSSSTTTTTTTTTT.

85 EXT. CHATEAU DE SAINT-CLOUD - DAY

700 Troops are here stationed around the grounds.
A procession of COUNCIL OF ANCIENTS and the COUNCIL OF THE
500...arriving...... They wear bizarre Togas with purple
belts. It’s an odd and comical sight. Napoleon watching
them as they arrive and enter.
Napoleon is flanked by Roger Ducos, Talleyrand and Sieyes,
who see Bonaparte’s army beginning to assemble around the
existing Troops. Napoleon nod s toward Junot, who stands with
the army.
Sieyes begins to panic, uncertain of Napoleon’s plan...
SIEYÉS
(What is the meaning of this?)
 40.

Napoleon ignores him.

SIEYÉS (CONT’D)
Bonaparte?
NAPOLEON
Stop your sniveling, you should be
thrown in a lake, you expect to be
First Consul...you’re not fit to
wash a dish........
Napoleon storms toward the entrance.
SIEYÉS
Where are you going? What are you
doing?

86 INT. CHATEAU DE SAINT-CLOUD - VOTING HALL - DAY

The Council has assembled in their weird Robes and Togas and
purple outfits...
Milling about, there is the general sense of confusion and
unease.....Lucien brings the meeting to order.....
A pompous looking Jacobian: CITIZEN GILBERT is surrounded by
his fellow Jacobians’ and they are speaking about how
suspicious this all is.....
CITIZEN GILBERT (TO LUCIEN)
Director....Director......I believe
the tim e has come to demand an
explanation......
LUCIEN
This Emergency Session is to draw a
list of Nominations for a New
Directory to deal with the threat of
the Royalists --

Murmurs and crowd growing restless. Citizen Gilbert drips

with sarcasm:
CITIZEN GILBERT
We are being asked to pass a
resolution forming a provisional
government to three counsuls -
General Bonaparte and Citizens
Sieyes and Roger-D ucos -- where are
the Five members of the Directory?
Have they magically disappeared? And
we are here, surrounded by troops -
isolated far from Paris --
Crowd is rumbling.
 41.

LUCIEN
Order. Order.
CITIZEN GILBERT
This is becoming increasingly
clear.......That Your Brother,
Napoleon Bonaparte.....with his show
of Military Might is acting as an
Outlaw......and that this is a
ridiculous and poorly executed take
over --
LUCIEN
.... A vote will settle this matter.
CITIZEN GILBERT
.... He is a Power Hungry
Upstart....who By some miracle of
timing has now
eliminated......Barras ,
Moulin....Gohier....
Napoleon finally steps forward through the growing melee:
NAPOLEON
IF THERE IS ANY QUESTION OF WHAT IS
HAPPENING HERE I WILL ANSWER:
YOU, YOURSELVES HAVE VIOLATED THE
CONSTITUTION AND TARNISHED THIS
REPUBLIC BEYOND RECOGNITION. YOU ARE
SITTING ON A VOLCANO.
CITIZEN GILBERT
So says the Outlaw......
Pointing toward Napoleon.
COUNCIL MEMBERS
OUTLAW! OUTLAW! DEATH TO THE
TYRANT. DOW N WITH THE DICTATOR.
NAPOLEON
“I walk with the god of victory and
the god of war!”
(then)
(”Let those who love me follow me!”)
They ATTACK HIM. Some draw daggers and pistols. He is
surrounded by a hostile crowd.
NAPOLEON’S GUARDS have to push and shove their way to him --
they try to surround him -- BUT THE CROWD CLAWS AND SCRATCHES
HIS FACE. He’s BLOODY.
LUCIEN
“The president of the Council of
F ive Hundred declares to you that
the great majority of the council
is, at this moment, terrorized by
certain deputies armed with daggers.
(MORE)
 42.

LUCIEN (CONT’D)
LUCIEN (CONT’D)
These madmen have outlawed
themselves by their attempts upon
the liberty of the Council.”
Lucien pulls his sword and holds it to his brother’s throat:
LUCIEN (CONT’D)
I will Kill My Brother if he
violates the freedom of the French
people.
The Guards of the Council are overcome as A COLUMN OF
GRENADIERS enters into the hall of the Five Hundred.
Deputies panic, jump out of windows and get away into th e
gardens. BEDLAM.
87 OMITTED
88 OMITTED
89 OMITTED
90 OMITTED
91 OMITTED
91A EXT. TUILERIES - DAY
Establishing shot, as Napoleon and Josephine arrive at the
Tuileries Palace.

92 INT. TUILERIES - NAPOLEON’S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Napoleon and Josephine get in bed together.
TITLE: FIRST CONSUL, 1800
The first night that they spent there he said to her:
NAPOLEON
Come, little Creole, get into the
bed of your masters....
93 INT. TUILERIES - NAPOLEON’S BEDROOM - DAY
Another day and Napoleon is going over wardrobe for the First
Consul and his staff...VARIOUS STUFF:
NAPOLEON
Each should wear a red coat, made in
Winter in velvet, in Summer some
other material...embroidered in
gold.
He is standing with two officials CAMBACERES and LE BRUN,
elderly, powdered, lace ruffles, and sword, etc...
 43.

NAPOLEON
It is not every one who has the
right to be plainly dressed.
94 INT. TUILERIES - NIGHT
Cocktail Party with Josephine’s children and Napoleon and his
family. Very jovial, celebratory.
We are introduced here to Napoleon’s mother: LETIZIA. She is
introduced to Josephine for the first time and is very cold
to Josephine. They share the most basic greetings.
Josephine bows to her. Napoleon moves Letizia around the
room to meet more people, leaving Josephine alone......
95 INT. TUILERIES - NAPOLEON’S OFFICE - DAY
Napoleon in his office having a golden directoir desk,
signing documents and dictating letters, etc....
JOSEPHINE (VO)
“I still sometimes tremble at the
strange and dizzy ascent to
supremacy....this Wild Pastime of
Ambition may over-leap itself if not
careful...”
96 INT. TUILERIES - SALON ROOM - DAY
Josephine remained at home in the morning, receiving an
immense number of visitors, chiefly women. Most are
Nobles/Aristocrats who’ve come for “erasures” or
restitutions. She receives them with perfect grace.
She promised everything. (NOTE: Will provide dialogue for
these scenes)

97 INT. TUILERIES - DINNER TABLE - NIGHT

Dignitaries seated at a long dinner table. Josephine at the
head of the table. Napoleon walks around the table, never
really sits down or stays in one place too long. He’s quite
flirty with the women, especially in front of their husbands.
See TALLEYRAND at work around the edges, constantly
hovering....
98 INT. TUILERIES - BATHROOM - MORNING
Napoleon is shaving and dictating a letter to his secretary,
BOURRIENNE. He is addressing George III....
NAPOLEON
Your royal highness....
 44.

BOURIENNE
Your majesty....
NAPOLEON
“......France and England are
wasting their prosperity. I am not
ashamed to take the initiative. I
have, I think, sufficiently proved
to the whole world that I do not
fear the chances of war. Peace is
my heartfelt wish between England
and France..........”
99 INT. TUILERIES - DAY
ARMAND-AUGSTIN-LOUIS de CAULAINCOURT is quite the noble
gentleman. He is fluent in many languages and was Napoleon’s
AIDE-DE-CAMP.
He enters, there are all kinds of greetings and pleasantries.
CAULINCOURT
I have notified all foreign powers
of your accession to the Consul. I
have adressed letters to all
Diplomatic agents abroad and I
understand you have made friendly
overtures of peace to England.
N APOLEON
What I would like from you is a
better understanding of the Russian
Tsar Alexander. Would you consider
the Tsar an ally to France or
England?
NAPOLEON
Citizen Caulincourt, as you know I
have notified all foreign powers of
my accession to the Consul. I have
addressed letters to all Diplomatic
agents abroad. I have made
friendly overtures of peace to
England and I would like your help
in obt aining a better picture of the
Russian Tsar Alexander.....would You
consider the Tsar an ally of England
or France?
CAULINCOURT
I would think that his trade with
England is more beneficial to him
than his trade with France.
NAPOLEON
Do you have a sense of British
influence in the Russian Courts?
 45.

CAULINCOURT
I do not, but I imagine it’s quite
robust.
NAPOLEON
What kind of a man is Alexander?
CAULINCOURT
He is young, he is vain, he is
popular and his wishes to remain so.
His greatest fear is to be killed in
his bed, unlike his Father. This
makes him dangerously fickle to
whoever last has his attention.
NAPOLEON
It sounds to me like he needs an
ally that he can can also call a
friend......
100 OMI TTED
101 OMITTED
102 INT. GAMBLING CLUB - NIGHT
Talleyrand bumps accidentally/on purpose into the AUSTRIAN
AMBASSADOR.
TALLEYRAND
Ah! What a surprise! How good to see
you out --
AUSTRIAN AMBASSADOR
Good evening....I’m just trying to
loose some money....
TALLEYRAND
Come join me after this hand?
AUSTRIAN AMBASSADOR
That’s a lovely idea.
103 INT. GAMBLING CLUB - A CORNER - NIGHT
TALLEYRAND
Did you hear that your Majesty
received a letter of peace from the
first council today?
AUSTRIAN AMBASSADOR
I was just informed of that.....

Talleyrand is getting the Ambassador a little drunk....

 46.

TALLEYRAND
First Consul Bonaparte would like to
make it clear to the Austrian
Emperor that he will negotiate for
Peace only on the basis of the Campo
Formio Treaty.....
AUSTRIAN
Msr. Talleyrand, while my ears hear
you with great appreciation – if I
may be honest, Austria’s coalition
with England is in such a strong
position against France that these
peace overtures are clearly only for
your handling of French Public
Opinion.
TALLEYRAND
You know me so well…yes, it’s
true…it is public opinion Napoleon
is after…and my warning to you is
that he is as hungry for it as any
man in the history of the world: So
my suggestion, with respect, is take
this offering of Peace from him or
suffer the consequences of a Man
Bent On Peace At Any Cost. He has
sent a peace offering to King George
and heard nothing in reply.
I suggest that you do not make the
same mistake......

104 INT. TUILERIES - SALON - DAY

Napoleon is on the floor, playing with his young NEPHEW (1
year old) surrounded by close family.
Josephine is getting dressed. Good-humour. A BOURNIENNE
enters and announces:
BOURIENNE
The English Ambassador, Lord
Whitworth has arrived.
CU. NAPOLEON, playing with the baby. His entire face changes.
He stands up, he walks out of the room..........Josephine
notices......and Follows.....

105 INT. TUILER IES - CORRIDOR - DAY

Napoleon walking towards the reception, down the long
hall........walking with purpose......
 47.

106 INT. RECEPTION ROOM - TUILERIES – DAY

A reception of great pomp. Dignitaries mingle, socializing
at an official function.

Napoleon makes his way through the room and finds his way to:
AMBASSADOR LORD WHITWORTH (pompous, English, George Sanders
type).
NAPOLEON
DO NOT LOOK AT MY FACE AS IF YOU
DON’T KNOW WHAT I AM ABOUT TO SAY.
LORD WHITWORTH
....
The party stops. Josephine enters. Silence and then:
NAPOLEON
ARE YOU AWARE OF MY LETTER OF P EACE
TO YOUR KING?
LORD WHITWORTH
I am not.
NAPOLEON
SHALL I REPEAT IT?
LORD WHITWORTH
If You Wish.
NAPOLEON
I will not waste my breadth.
Take this as a warning to your King:
I will keep you guessing and scared.
You will watch your borders and your
back and your manners are bound,
sooner or later, to be French. I
will offer no more letters of peace
and I will take the lack of a swift
reply as an act of dis-respect. As
for you, Lord Whitworth, I would
offer you a glass of champagne but I
am out of piss and vinegar.
Napoleon storms out of the room.
LORD WHITWORTH
It is a shame such a great man
should have no manners.

107 INT. TUILERIES - MAP ROOM -- DAY (SPRING 1800)

OVERHEAD SHOT: A VAST MAP OF Europe is being painted by
Jacques-Louis David himself, consisting of stitched-together
canvases. The paint is still wet.
 48.

There are CHESS TYPE PIECES THAT SHOW THE CAMPAIGNS MOVEMENTS
(details in research)
Napoleon comes down off a high ladder gazing down upon it....
DAVID
Take care, the paint is wet.
His Marshals -- Davout, Berthier, Ney, Dumas -- are in
attendance.
His Generals - Jacques Chambarlhac, Kellerman, Lannes are
here.
Talleyrand watches Napoleon approach the map, getting on his
hands and knees. He moves h is fingers across the wet paint,
smearing it.
He approaches a vast mountain range -- the ALPS.
NAPOLEON
St. Pierre. St. Bernard and then
over the great crest of the Alps
with reduced artillery. Let us
forward then and restore what France
lost while I was away....
The impossibility of this approach registers with his
Marshals and Generals.
DAVOUT
...the Austrians have consolidated
their forces there, First
Consul...to secure control of the
peninsula’s northern half...
They all watch Napoleon, lost in the map.
BERTHIER
...South of Alessandria. In Marengo.
Napoleon’s fingers circle the wet paint on ‘Marengo.’
DAVOUT
Their military are very well-
provisioned for battle...
NAPOLEON
This is not a military battle.
This is a political battle.

108 OMITTED
109 OMITTED
110 OMITTED
 49.

111 INT. TUILERIES - JOSEPHINE’S BEDROOM - NIGHT

He’s dressed for the Opera, he comes to see Josephine, she’s
half-dressed. Ladies-in-waiting around.
FADE UP TITLE: CHRISTMAS EVE, 1800
NAPOLEON
mmmmmmmmmmnmnmnmnmnnumnumnumnum..
JOSEPHINE
my hair has just been set.
NAPOLEON
mmmmm
JOSEPHINE
no, no, filthy man. we will be late
and my hair has been set –--
She pulls him into a side room and closes the door for
privacy.
JOSEPHINE
alright then come back here from
behind me --
NAPOLEON
I have the most beautiful wife
JOSEPHINE
yes you do, my love, and you can
hold this…
She lifts up her skirt, and bends over on leans her elbows on
a firm elbow and turns to him and says:
JOSEPHINE
hold it with your hands to warm it…
He reaches between her legs. CU. JOSEPHINE turns and looks
back at him.
JOSEPHINE
Hold it because it’s yours.
NAPOLEON, hearing this, is ready to go. He attacks her from
behind.
111A POST SEX - INT. CARRIAGE – NIGHT
Napoleon and Josephine riding in the carriage.
JOSEPHINE
You’re a rabbit……………a
hummingbird……buzzy bee.
 50.

NAPOLEON
….mmmmmm…………I can smell you down
there……
THE CARRIAGE WINDOWS BLOW OUT, THE CARRIAGE FLIPS ON IT’S
SIDE, JOSEPHINE AND NAPOLEON TURNED SIDEWAYS…
111B EXT. PARIS STREET – NIGHT
The aftermath of an explosion, assassination attempt.
The Driver of the carriage has been killed, horses, people
scatter and run…the explosion was a near miss.
Napoleon helping Josephine from the carriage. Guards are
either dead or riding behind come over to help.
111C INT. TUILERIES – NAPOLEON’S OFFICE - NIGHT
Napoleon in emergency session with Talleyrand, Fouche,
Caulaincourt and Lucian.
NAPOLEON
This conspiracy of Royals against me
is clear – all exiled Bourbon’s
whose single aim is to overthrow my
rule and re-instate their filthy
perfume-Monarchy.
The Prince de Conde is smuggling out
plotters and his grandson, Louis,
the Duke d’Enghein is on the
frontier solely for that purpose. I
want this man seized and I want him
brought swiftly to justice.
TALLEYRAND
Where is this man?
FOUCHE
He is in Baden.
CAULAINCOURT
First Consul, I know this man. He
is not a conspirator against you.
He is a brave and excellent officer
much loved by the soldiery.
NAPOLEON
He is a Bourbon weasel who will
punished for his part in this plot
against me.
CAULINCOURT
If you proceed to Baden, you will be
operating outside of France a nd so
far outside of the law that it will
be impossible for anyone to ignore.
 51.

NAPOLEON
I have always profited from your
judgement and now it’s time to
profit from watching you close your
mouth.
(to Fouche)
Seize the Duke.
Fouche leaves the room to make this happen.
JOSEPHINE
you’re letting your hatred make
your decision --
NAPOLEON
I’m not capable of acting from
revenge. I am sweeping an obstacle
from my path. You would complain if
I struck a weaker blow and you
would look at me wit h even more
contempt than you are now – I
suggest you change your look.
JOSEPHINE
No I would not complain about a
weaker blow and no I will not
contort my face for your pleasure.
NAPOLEON
In a years time – you will regard
this execution as a great act of
policy and you will kiss my mouth
with those words.
She stands up and leaves.
111D EXT. MIDDLE OF A FIELD SOMEPLACE – DUSK
The DUKE is brought by Fouche’s secret police…and a bag is
pulled from his head and he faces a firing squad…..he is
proud…
THE DUKE
You are Frenchman – at least you
will do me the service not to miss
your aim!!!
DUMAS
You’re charged with bearing arms
against France. Proceed to Ready.
Aim. Fire.
They shoot him dead.
111E OMITTED
112 EXT. COURTYARD - DAY
Talleyrand and Napoleon are walking around a private
courtyard, their guards are present. Silence, then:
 52.

TALLEYRAND
Are you pleased?
NAPOLEON
Yes, why?
TALLEYRAND
Because when you are not pleased you
are not always pleasant.
NAPOLEON
Are you about to tell me something
that will make me angry?
TALLEYRAND
I am going to suggest something that
has been a long time arriving. I
suggest that you abandon your role
as First Consul of France in
exchange for the title of
“Victorious Consul.” By another
name, King.
After a long, long time thinking, he says:
NAPOLEON
That is your word, “King.” That
title is worn thin. It would make
me an heir and I will be an heir to
no one. The title that I bear is a
grander one, somewhat vague and
leaves something to the
imagination....

113 INT. TUILERIES - SMALL DINING ROOM - MORNING

Breakfast. Josephine and Napoleon speaking.
CU. NAPOLEON
NAPOLEON
Why aren’t you pregnant?
JOSEPHINE
Is that a question or an accusation
of me?
NAPOLEON
It is a very clear question.
JOSEPHINE
I have seen Dr. Covisar and he has
no answer for me. Only the
suggestion that I do what Mdme de
Chocolate Souffle has done....
NAPOLEON
Which is?
 53.

JOSEPHINE
Along with hopeful thinking and red
wine, he suggested I take the waters
at Aix-la-Chappelle.
NAPOLEON
Then why haven’t you?
JOSEPHINE
As wife of the First Consul,
I haven’t found the time. I spend
many hours cleaning up after you.
NAPOLEON
find the time. I don’t need to
explain to you the importance of
this, or do I?
JOSEPHINE
I know that you will anyway.
NAPOLEON
....
JOSEPHINE
you will want a son/heir.
NAPOLEON
It’s quite simple, yes.
JOSEPHINE
We have a son…
NAPOLEON
It’s not enough to crown Eugene.
He is my son in every respect with
one exception that cannot be
overlooked.
JOSEPHINE
You have alarmed me by your
ambition; return to moderation. If
you crown yourself - Kings will
despise you as an upstart, the
people will hate you as a usurper,
your equals as a tyrant --

114 OMITTED
115 OMITTED
116 OMITTED

117 OMITTED
 54.

118 INT. NOTRE-DAME CATHEDRAL -- DAY (DECEMBER 2, 1804)

An audience of five thousand fills the pews. A CHOIR of FOUR
HUNDRED SINGERS is singing "Handel’s Messiah."
The pews are packed with Napoleon’s military officers -- many
of whom are passing wineskins and jugs of beer. They are
already drunk; in a minute they’ll start a soccer chant.
The scene is being drawn by Jacques-Louis David -- the same
painter who Josephine had pointed out to Napoleon at the Bal
des Victimes.
Napoleon wears an eighty-pound coronation mantle of red
velvet lined in ermine; beside him Josephine wears a similar
mantle covered with embroidered golden bees. Napoleon's
sisters resentfully carry her train.
Napoleon’s brother is here, all our principal cast so far.
Hortense, Eugene, Mother Letizia Napoleon, etc.
Napoleon and Josephine kneel before the Pope.
POPE PIUS VII
M ay God affirm you on his throne and
Christ give you to rule with him in
his eternal kingdom.
THE HERALD OF ARMS appears holding a red velvet pillow with a
crown placed upon it. The Pope moves to crown Napoleon who
takes it from his hand, as rehearsed and says:
NAPOLEON
I found the crown of France in the
gutter and I placed it atop my head.
A second pillow is brought forth: this one has a smaller
crown upon it. He places the crown gently upon her head.
POPE PIUS VII
The most glorious, the most august
Napoleon, Emperor of the French, is
crowned and enthroned. Long Live
The Emperor.
CROWD
Vive l’Empereur!
TALLEYRAND/BARRAS
Emperor!
Emperor and Empress Napoleon and Josephine proceed down the
aisle.
A handsome hussar we recognize stands during the procession:
HIPPOLYTE CHARLES. His eyes meet Josephine’s. Napoleon
catches this.
 55.

119 INT. MILITARY BARRACKS -- DAY

Hippolyte Charles stands at attention in an empty barracks
entrance.
Through the doors outside, a small group of RIFLE CORPS
INFANTRY -- enough to make up a firing squad, perhaps -- go
through maneuvers. Rifles are fired. Hippolyte flinches as
a junior officer summons him to follow.
Hippolyte enters. Junot is here, Napoleon motions for
Hippolyte.
NAPOLEON
Captain Charles, come in.
Hippolyte c omes in and salutes.
NAPOLEON
You know my SUCH AND SUCH Junot.
HIPPOLYTE
Yes, your Majesty.
NAPOLEON
Captain Charles, in which division
do you serve?
HIPPOLYTE
The Nineteenth, Majesty.
NAPOLEON
Leclerc’s division.
HIPPOLYTE
Yes, Majesty.
NAPOLEON
In Haiti.
HIPPOLYTE
Yes, Majesty.
NAPOLEON
Yellow fever is a dishonorable and
painful way to die.
HIPPOLYTE
Yes, Majesty.
NAPOLEON
Do you believe the Haitians p laced a
curse on him?
HIPPOLYTE
I don’t know.
NAPOLEON
Do you believe in vodou?
 56.

HIPPOLYTE
No, Your Majesty, I do not.
NAPOLEON
Neither do I.
Long pause, then:
NAPOLEON
I must confess something to you in
the greatest secrecy, Captain
Charles...may I do that?
HIPPOLYTE
Yes, your Majesty.
NAPOLEON
It is indiscreet and I hope you will
not blush....
HIPPOLYTE
...
NAPOLEON
Do you have children?
HIPPOLYTE
Yes, Majesty. I have three sons.
NAPOLEON
My wife is unable to conceive a
child fo r me. I have tried for many
years and it is becoming clear to me
that I am unequipped to finish what
I have started. If you please, may
I ask you something personal?
HIPPOLYTE
Of course, Majesty.
NAPOLEON
When you have sex (make love) with
your wife, is she beneath you?
HIPPOLYTE
Yes.
NAPOLEON
Always?
HIPPOLYTE
Not always, Majesty.
NAPOLEON
Sometimes she is on top of you?
HIPPOLYTE
Yes, Majesty.
 57.

NAPOLEON
And sometimes you are behind her?
HIPPOLYTE
Yes, Majesty.
NAPOLEON
And sometimes you are gentle with
her?
HIPPOLYTE
Yes, Majesty.
NAPOLEON
And sometimes you are rough with
her?
HIPPOLYTE
Yes Majesty.
NAPOLEON
Tell me: which does she prefer?
HIPPOLYTE
She prefers for me to be happy, your
Majesty.
NAPOLEON
So whatever mood you are in, she
will obey...
HIPPOLYTE
Yes, Majesty.
NAPOLEON
This is a good woman. Tell me, when
you made your wife pregnant did you
spend much time?
HIPPOLYTE
I don’t remember, Majesty.
NAPOLEON
If you were to guess.
HIPPOLYTE
We sometimes take 30 minutes....
NAPOLEON
....and other times?
HIPPOLYTE
Sometimes we take only a few
moments.
NAPOLEON
A few minutes?
HIPPOLYTE
Yes. Majesty.
 58.

NAPOLEON
Which does she prefer?
HIPPOLYTE
She has told me that she enjoys our
love making to take some time.
NAPOLEON
This is important, for I have
thought that sex is merely a
transaction between two people that
need only last a few moments.
Perhaps my wife is unsatisfied and
therefore incapable of giving me a
child. Do you think this is
possible?
HIPPOLYTE
Perhaps.....
NAPOLEON
Are you excellent at satisfying her?
HIPPOLYTE
........my wife is satisfied,
Majesty.
NAPOLEON
And do you think this is what your
secret is to having a son?
HIPPOLYTE
I cannot say for certain, Majesty. I
love my wife.
NAPOLEON
So do I. And I want to see her
happy, so tell me -- is it important
for a man to pleasure his wife in
anticipation of entering her?
HIPPOLYTE
...I don’t know what you mean, your
Majesty.
NAPOLEON
Don’ t be shy, Captain. Tell me...if
I wanted a son, do you think I
should spend time with my mouth down
between my wife’s legs?
HIPPOLYTE
I would assume, your highness...that
the more pleasure your wife gets,
the more likely she is to conceive,
but I am not a doctor. I have no
evidence to support this.
 59.

NAPOLEON
No, of course not, I know. I should
like to thank you for your honesty
in talking about such uncomfortable
matters, but I sought your advice as
a man of notable cocksmanship and
stature. You have a pretty face and
a hair-dresser’s elegance.
HIPPOLYTE
Thank you, Majesty.
NAPOLEON
You’re dismissed.
120 EXT. GULF OF TRAFALGAR - NIGHT
Horrific image of French Ship Destroyed. Clear victory.
Showing the brutal loss of life and honor by French Navy.
121 INT. TUILERIES - NAPOLEON’S OFFICE - DAY
Napoleon hearing the news about the defeat at Trafalgar.
GENERAL DAVOUT
In the English fleet, 450 were
killed and 1200 wounded. In the
French fleet, 3000 were killed and
2000 wounded.
NAPOLEON
I don’t consider this verdict final.

122 INT. TUILERIES - DINING ROOM - NIGHT

At the dinner table, Napoleon says to Josephine: MOM is
here, sisters too and Lucien. Family dinner. Everyone is
very quiet as Napoleon is in a temper that is boiling at the
dinner table. Finally, he aims at Josephine:
NAPOLEON
I must warn you....but Without a
Time Limit (for that is my
prerogative)...that if you don’t
bear me a child There Will Be A
Divorce.
JOSEPHINE
There isn’t sufficient love-making
in this home to bear a child.
NAPOLEON
Yes there is. There have been years
of it - and with more than just me -
and still -- you are empty.
JOSEPHINE
And you are fat.
 60.

NAPOLEON
I enjoy my meals.
Destiny has brought me here.....
Destiny has brought me this lamb
chop.
She becomes emotional.
NAPOLEON
Ahhh yes. tears. That will do it.
That will make me an heir. TEARS.
Two things that look good on a
woman: tears and rouge.
123 INT. TUILERIES - JOSEPHINE’S BEDROOM – MORNING
Napoleon is dressed for the day, Josephine is awake, in
bed...he apologizes.
NAPOLEON
I’m sorry. I didn’t believe what I
said to you.
She nods.
NAPOLEON
I love your talents and taste. And
when I am not with you I think of
your grace and dignity. You will be
in command of our Kingdom while I am
away.......and I will come back to
you.
He kisses her.
124 INT. TUILERIES - NAPOLEON'S OFFICE - DAY
Josephine speaks with Talleyrand.
JOSEPHINE
As you know, the Emperor has asked
me in his absence to give audience
to the Senate and the different
authorities. Without too fine a
point, I am here to translate the
meaning of his wishes.......that
While He Is Away At Battle, we will
keep the planning of his demise to a
minimum....and that begins with you,
Msr. Talleyrand.
TALLEYRAND
Yes, Empress.
 61.

125 EXT. SNOWFIELD, AUSTERLITZ - DAY (DECEMBER 2, 1805)

A vast snowfield. A lonely peasant crosses on foot leading
an old donkey, carrying a bundle of firewood on his back.
The peasant’s moth-eaten coat is two sizes too large.
Look closer: the rider is Napoleon. He takes out a spyglass
and looks out across the snowfield at a war camp
approximately 3/4 miles away.
In the near distance, a company of three RUSSIAN SCOUTS is on
patrol. One is urinating in the snow, while the other is
cleaning his rifle. He sights the rifle --
And sees: Napoleon in his peasant garb at distance. The
Russian gestures. Napoleon smiles, waves in greeting. The
Russian si ghts Napoleon again, thinks to himself,
hesitates....
The other Russians are leaving. He closes the hammer of his
rifle and walks off.
Napoleon pulls out his scope and looks....
HIS POV THROUGH THE SCOPE: a flurry of activity, then the
arrival of a royal procession. The troops, who were shaving,
singing songs, boot-blacking, look up........
126 EXT. RUSSIAN/AUSTRIAN CAMP - SAME
Hundreds of Russian Troops stand at attention as a team of
plumed horses approaches --
-- and they catch a glimpse of the cherished Tsar Alexander
as his flotilla canters elegantly to the Imperial Tent.....
ANGLE, UNDERCOVER PEASANT NAPOLEON watching the two Emperor’s
meet and greet and hug each other in all Royal-ness on the
battlefield.
HIS POV - THROUGH THE SCOPE
Alexander and Francis look lik e best friends....
Undercover Peasant Napoleon turns away and rides off.
127 INT. RUSSIAN/AUSTRIAN CAMP - DAY
Tsar Alexander and Francis are sitting together.
FRANCIS II
I can’t fool you, Alexander. Until
your arrival here, this Battle
against him has been brutal and
terrifying. The loss of Vienna is
more than I can bear. To have you
here means we can begin refreshed.
 62.

ALEXANDER
I am....always Here for you,
Francis. And I am over-whelmed
with the excitement of the
Battlefield! It is thrilling to
smell the danger!
When do we begin?!
128 EXT. VILLAGE - DAY
Napoleon arrives and is greeted by his officers. A small
village is being evacuated: troops are leading the villagers
away from their homes.
As he makes his way through the village, Bonaparte removes
his moth-eaten coat and puts on his splendid overcoat.
MONTAGE: The cannons are wheeled in. The troops are digging
shallow trenches. Others are making slots in the stone
walls, breaking awa y masonry to create firing positions,
turning the village into a fortress.
Night is falling: Napoleon sees it’s time. Snow is falling.
NAPOLEON
Tell the men to light those
campfires and keep them burning.
I’ll be in my tent.
On Napoleon’s orders, CAMPFIRES are lit along the snowfield.
129 INT. NAPOLEON'S TENT - NIGHT
Napoleon sleeps on a camp bed by lamplight in the small tent.

130 EXT. SNOWFIELD - NIGHT

At one mile, two COSSACK SCOUTS stop in the dark to light a
cheroot. They smell the smoke from the camp. They ride
toward it -- and discover the encampment of Bonaparte’s
French Troops.
At a distance they see an encampment (ten thousand men) of
Napoleon’s troops warming themselves by their fires by the
village. They turn their horses around and canter away.
131 EXT. FRENCH WAR CAMP, AUSTERLITZ - NIGHT
A signalman sees the Cossacks and semaphores a message.
The other signalman rushes to Napoleon’s tent.

132 INT. TENT - NIGHT

The signalman runs in to wake Napoleon.
 63.

SIGNALMAN
We are discovered, your majesty.
They’ll be here in the morning.
NAPOLEON
Wake me then.

133 EXT. MONTAGE - EARLY DAWN

French signalman and scouts watch and wait in the bitter
cold.
134 EXT. FRENCH WAR CAMP, AUSTERLITZ - MORNING
A SIGNALMAN looking down sees the combined RUSSIAN AND
AUSTRIAN ARMIES -- almost 60,000 troops -- coming round the
edge of the snowfield.
The Signalman sends a message by semaphore to the camp below
to warn everyone that the Russo-Austrian troops are
advancing.
MONTAGE:
Trenched Rifle FUSILIERS emerge from under their snow-covered
tarps while remaining hidden from view. The tarps are pulled
back from cannons, revealing their muzzles.
MONTAGE FROM HERE - SAME TIME
THE RUSSO-AUSTRIAN TROOPS, organized in military formation,
appear through a shroud of morning fog.
FRENCH CAVALRY are preparing themselves in a misty forest.
A DISTANCE FROM THE FRENCH BASE - SAME
The Russo-Austrian troops muster, with lines of fusiliers as
a front line. The French Camp is still shrouded in mist and
smoking fires.
MONTAGE: French RIFLEMEN behind the stone walls ready to
fire.
Austrians and Russians sound the bugle to advance.
ANGLE, TSAR ALEXANDER and AUSTRIAN EMPEROR FRANCIS watching
their troops head into battle.
The fusiliers moves as a regiment in lines of 200 men as the
French open fire - surprisingly ready -
NOW NAPOLEON”S POV - PRECISION FROM ABOVE.
NAPOLEON
Fusiliers!
This is relayed by troops as....
 64.

THE FRENCH FUSILIERS emerge from their position beneath the

tarps and discard in double-time, racing down the hill to
engage the Russo-Austrians below, attacking them from the
left flank.
FRANCIS II
Cavalry.
THE RUSSIAN/AUSTRIAN CAVALRY gallop into the attack through
the chaos from their concealed position in the trees.
NAPOLEON
Cavalry.
Now the French Cavalry appear from their respective
positions , converge on the enemy from the left rear guard...
This movement forces the Russo-Austrian troops to fall back
and retreat in the direction left for them: THE WHITE EXPANSE
BEYOND.
THE RUSSO-AUSTRIANS scramble and fall back onto the expanse,
turning and firing on their pursuers as they go. But on a
few faces we see the dawning realization that the French
aren’t following them. They turn and retu rn fire.
NAPOLEON stands on his hilltop position, watching the scene.
His arm is raised in the air to signal his cannons -- then he
drops it, giving the signal to fire:
NAPOLEON
Cannons.
135 EXT. FRENCH CANNON BATTERY -- SAME
The hidden French battery launches a FUSILLADE of CANNONBALLS
toward the white surface which reveals itself as a frozen
lake.
ANGLE, FRANCIS AND ALEXANDER watching this happen.
136 EXT. SATSCHAN LAKE -- DAY
The glowing cannonballs streak through the sky towards us.
The ice is shattered -- great cracks race across its surface,
spiderwebbing beneath the feet of the retreating soldiers --
a chasm opens up as the ice disintegrates. Sheets of ice
break away as men and horses slide into the water.
-- and the combined armies of Russia and Austria are plunged
en masse into the freezing depths.
137 EXT. RUSSIAN POSITION -- DAY
Francis II looks on from a vantage point.
 65.

138 EXT. SATSCHAN LAKE -- DAY

Russian troops, horses, cannons -- most of the army -- slides
away into the depths of the lake.
139 EXT. HILLTOP -- AUSTERLITZ -- DAY
Napoleon watches the scene from high above.
140 EXT. SATSCHAN LAKE -- EVE
After a few moments, the scene goes quiet: the allied armies
have been swallowed up by the freezing lake. A small mascot
dog is left barking at the edge of the black water. Other
troops have surrendered and are kneeling in the snow on solid
ice.
141 EXT. HILLTOP -- AUSTERLITZ -- EVE
Napoleon slowly folds up his telescope.
142 EXT. NAPOLEON’S BATTLEFIELD TENT - NEXT DAY
EMPEROR FRANCIS arrives and comes to Napoleon’s Tent.
Greetings are pleasant, then they go inside tent....
NAPOLEON
Francis! So nice to finally meet
you. You must forgive me, this has
been my only palace for the last two
months.
FRANCIS II
You make such good use of it! Seems
very agreeable...
NAPOLEON
Well, of course, we do what we can
on the battlefield.
FRANCIS II
Yes we, don’t we?
NAPOLEON
Plea se come closer to the fire....
FRANCIS II
Ah, yes, thank you.
NAPOLEON
Brandy...
FRANCIS II
Thank you...
They are both poured brandy, toast to the Battle...
NAPOLEON
To a well fought battle...
 66.

FRANCIS II
To a well fought battle, yes...
NAPOLEON
Where, may I ask is Alexander?
Are we waiting for his arrival
before we get started?
FRANCIS II
No, I don’t believe he will be
joining us, he’s down the
road....perhaps a bit shaken by the
events....and He’s....he Sends His
Best Wishes for a fine battle....
NAPOLEON
I will need to speak with him.
FRANCIS II
Yes, yes.
NAPOLEON
Perhaps I can send General
Davout....?
FRANCIS II
.....if you wish.
Napoleon sends General Davout....then back to Francis II:
NAPOLEON
Now....You know as we sit here....I
realize that I must compliment you
for making me commit an enormous
error.
FRANCIS II
An error?
NAPOLEON
Yes.
FRANCIS II
What error have you made?
NAPOLEON
To be speaking with you here and
accepting this interview for
peace....I have not followed up my
victory ....I could have taken the
whole Russian and Austrian army
prisoners....
FRANCIS II
....yes.....
 67.

NAPOLEON
....but after all, there will be
less tears....and now I have left
you more subjects, Emperor Francis.
143 OMITTED

144 INT. TUILERIES - NIGHT

Napoleon is back, he sits by candlelight with his mother
Letizia.
LETIZIA
It is time to put this mystery to
rest, Emperor. I want to know if it
is you or Josephine. To this end,
we will conduct a practical
experiment. At the end of the
Hallway, waiting for you, undressed
and ready to receive, is 18 year old
Éléonore Denuelle de La Plaigne.
She is a brunette with brown eyes.
The object of thi s hardly unpleasant
task is see if you can father a
child. And then we will have an
answer to this nagging question of
who is keeping who from an heir to
the throne of France.

145 INT. TUILERIES - HALLWAY - NIGHT

LETIZIA walks Napoleon down the hall by candlelight and
leaves him. Napoleon opens the door.
146 INT. TUILERIES - BEDROOM - THAT MOMENT
18 year old Elenore is waiting naked for Napoleon under the
covers. He enters the room.
147 INT. NEW YEARS EVE PARTY - MONTHS LATER
JOSEPHINE at the party, talking with friends. She sees
something across the room....
LETIZIA comes across the party to find Napoleon and whisper
something private into his ear (the news that Elenore is
pregnant.) Napoleon looks overjoyed. (”My son is strong.
And has full use of his artillery. You will have a child.”)
JOSEPHINE, across the room, sees LETIZIA’S conversation with
her very hap py son and she knows what’s what.

148 INT. TUILERIES - MONTAGE

Napoleon & Josephine are masked and dancing the waltz
surrounded by a party. All this over:
 68.

JOSEPHINE (VO)
He is contrary to all his usual
customs. He is at all functions well
past his usual bedtime. I asked him
to wear a disguise and appear among
the dancers at the Masked Ball and
he did so without hesitation.
SEE NAPOLEON in disguise amongst the dancers.
JOSEPHINE (VO)
I have heard, that when he is
removed from my presence, he loses
the ease and quiet and displays
impatience.
149 INT. TUILER IES - FIREPLACE ROOM – NIGHT
Napoleon and Josephine just sitting by the fire, talking for
hours about nothing, enjoying each other.
JOSEPHINE (VO)
I am a flower that opens it petals
and smiles to the sunshine,
unconscious that the storm is near
which will lay me low and scatter
leaves to the heavens.
150 INT. TUILERIES - BATH - DAY
Napoleon is in the steaming hot bath. Josephine sits with
him. The Secretary is here writing dictation.
NAPOLEON
On the matter of twins....for
purposes of inheritance...which
should be considered the first born?
The first in or the first out?
JOSEPHINE
The first out.
NAPOLEON
But the last out was the first in.
JOSEPHINE
The first in would have been the
first to be conceived..........
He looks at he r. She comes to him and kisses him. HOLD.
JOSEPHINE (VO)
In all the power, in all the
attention to me or the lavish
honours he bestows on Eugene…I can
see my own dark destiny………
 69.

151 INT. TUILERIES - OFFICE - MORNING

He is awake early and working. She is still dressed for bed,
watching him work. She says:
JOSEPHINE
When will you insist on a Divorce…?
NAPOLEON
isn’t that rich? From the only
woman I have ever loved and given
what I’ve conquered...
JOSEPHINE
I’m too desperate and I’m too old to
wait for you to tell me what I know
is coming....
NAPOLEON
then if you insist……
JOSEPHINE
I’ll make it easy for you……
I know that you have a bastard
child.
I live in this world, and I am not
as blind as I pretend to be.
Napoleon storms out of his office.
152 INT. TUILERIES - OFFICE - DUSK
Napoleon sits with his DR. COVISART.
NAPOLEON
If I succeed in making the birth of
a boy who shall be my own son, I
want you, as a witness to pretend
the confinement of the
Empress........
DR. COVISART
Your Highness, You are asking me to
lie about the status of the Mother
of your heir…
NAPOLEON
That is another way of putting it,
yes.
DR. COVISART
Emperor, it is my duty and my honor
to do what you require of me.
I promise secrecy but……if asked……I
cannot contain what I know to
be the truth.
(MORE)
 70.

DR. COVISART (CONT’D)

As painful as it is, the truth is
that the Empress is no longer
capable of bearing you a child.
153 INT. TUILERIES - DAY
Napoleon is watching his STAND-IN get his portrait painted.
He looks like Napoleon, is wearing his Emperor’s outfit and
is sitting quite still. Napoleon is moody and sullen and
Talleyrand and Fouche are trying to speak with him:
NAPOLEON
I am not an instigator. I’m not
born of a Tigress. You suggest
divorce after years of debate - you
can see that it has me divided - I
am NOT ambitious. I have never EVER
picked a quarrel with anyone.
TALLEYRAND
You are the greatest leader in the
history of the World and the World’s
Only Chance At Peace. There is NO
DOUBT that will be achieved. This
measure…………is about what happens
ONCE we are there…The Security of
the Empire depends on an heir.
NAPOLEON
I didn’t threaten the Prussians when
they forced me to go and dethrone
them at Jena!!!!!
154 INT. TUILERIE S - SMALL DINING ROOM - NIGHT
TITLE: DIVORCE
Napoleon & Josephine are eating dinner. She’s already been
crying and knows what’s coming. They eat in silence.
NAPOLEON
Josephine, my good Josephine, you
know how I have loved you. It is
you, to you alone, that I owe the
few moments of happiness I have
known in this world. My destiny is
more powerful than my will: My
affections must yield to the
interests of France.
She cannot control herself.
JOSEPHINE
I expected this; I understand and
feel for you........
Napoleon goes to leave and calls to the Servant:
 71.

NAPOLEON
Carry her Majesty to her apartment.
She will need her daughter and her
Doctor.
We HEAR JOSEPHINE SCREAMING AND CRYING LIKE AN ANIMAL.

155 OMITTED

156 INT. TUILERIES - JOSEPHINE'S BEDROOM - MORNING

A near comatose Josephine in lays in bed. Hortense by her
side, Eugene is reading the terms of divorce.
EUGENE
3,000,000 Francs a year.
Malmaison and its revenues.
The Élysée Palace in Paris.
The rank of empress.
The title of “Majesty” and the right
to use the imperial coat of arms and
to have your carriage drawn by eight
horses.
Your present debts of 2,000,000
francs to be paid as an advance
ag ainst future revenues.
157 INT. TUILERIES - HALLWAY - DAY
Josephine walking down a corridor in a beautiful gown
followed by her entourage and Hortense.

158 INT. TUILERIES - THRONE ROOM - DAY

A divorce ceremony. Napoleon stood with his arms crossed and
motionless and speechless.
A writing apparatus of gold lay upon a small table in the
midst of the apartment and before it an arm chair is
placed....
Josephine enters the room with Hortense. All our main
players are here to watch, Barras, Talleyrand, etc, etc.
Cambaceres reads the decree:
CAMBACERES
Article I. The marriage contracted
be tween the Emperor Napoleon and the
Empress Josephine is dissolved.
Article II. The Empress Josephine
shall preserve the title and rank of
Empress Queen Crowned.
 72.

The Articles are continued to be read as Josephine melts,

signs the official paper..........Cambaceres FADES OUT ON THE
SOUNDTRACK.....CU. JOSEPHINE.
It’s a few moments later and she is required to read the
declaration of divorce:
JOSEPHINE
“With the permission of my dear
husband, I must declare that, with
no hope of having children, I have
the pleasure of giving him the
greatest proof of attachmen t and
devotedness that was ever
given......”
She cannot continue to read it. Cambaceres reads it for her.
CAMBACERES
“In consenting to the dissolution of
a marriage which is now an obstacle
to the happiness of France.....”
159 INT. MALMAISON -- DAY
Josephine arriving and moving in to her new home.
VARIOUS IMAGES OF JOSEPHINE making her home, fighting
depression.
CAMBACERES (VO)
“.....by depriving it of the
blessing of being governed by the
descendants of this great man, who
was raised up by providence to
efface the evils of a terrible
revolution and to restore to the
altar, the Throne and Social Order.”
She watches TWO SWANS on the lake who se home is a small
oriental temple.
NAPOLEON comes to visit, watches her at a distance.
NAPOLEON letter to her at this time. This could be him a
scene between them, face to face:
NAPOLEON (VO)
You have shown great courage so far
and you should maintain it. You
must not permit yourself to fall
into melancholy.
160 INT. MALMAISON - DUSK
He sits with her, by the fire, holding off emotion, he says:
 73.

NAPOLEON
You must take care of your health
because it is precious to me. Will
you write me tomorrow?
JOSEPHINE
(nods yes)
NAPOLEON
Every day?
JOSEPHINE
(nods yes)
He leaves.
161 INT. TREATY OF TILSIT - TENT - LOCATION TBD - DAY
Finally....the Meeting Of Two Great Leaders.
Alexander and Napoleon meeting, it’s been going great……
DIALOGUE ACKNOWLEDGING BATTLE TO BE ADDED.
ALEXANDER
I never expected that our friendship
would bring me such joy....
NAPOLEON
...and laughter!
The misunderstandings that man has,
with age, can be seen as Comedies,
don’t you think?
We are linked. It is Us against
Britain.
They are what keeps us apa rt and
yet, the joke of it - it is WE who
are connected - and THEY who are
separate. And the cruel irony? It
is THEY who command the Seas. So,
how is that - that these pale and
crook’d teeth’d Salamanders should
keep us apart?
ALEXANDER
May I call you Brother?
NAPOLEON
Wouldn’t that Be Right? There is a
way to call me Brother.
Last night at dinner...I was charmed
by your Sister....is she spoken for?
ALEXANDER
……she is to be married to the Duke
of Oldenburg.
 74.

NAPOLEON
……what about her younger sister,
Anna. Is there a formal offer for
Anna?
ALEXANDER
She is fifteen years old.
NAPOLEON
yes, I see. that is a detail.
BEAT, THEN: (Alexander begged off with Religious differences
between them.)
NAPOLEON
Our friendship is built on our
mutual distrust of England!
When we hold to the Continental
Blockade we choke them from the
trade and fight for our most sacred
rights. That is what is important
between us! I’ve just thought of
something....should I tell you?
ALEXANDER
What is it?
NAPOLEON
Imagine an army of fifty thousand
men - Russians, Frenchmen
and...perhaps even Austrians -
marching by way of Constantinople
into Asia would have only to reach
the Euphrates in order to make
England tremble and bring her down
on her knees before the Continent.
ALEXANDE R
Your mind works so fast, Emperor!
Sometimes it’s hard to gain
breathing space!
162 INT. GAMBLING CLUB - NIGHT
The Austrian Ambassador engrossing in a hand....Caulaincourt
stands at the table.
CAULAINCOURT
.......His Majesty, The Emperor
Bonaparte, would like to make a
formal offer to Austria and His
Majesty Francis for the hand of
Archduchess Marie-Louise, his eldest
daughter. This...union...would
unite Austria and France in an
unbreakable matrimonial bond………
AUSTRIAN AMBASSADOR
.......are you joking?
 75.

CAULAINCOURT
I may find it humorous but his
Majesty does not.
163 INT. TUILERIES - RECEPTION ROOM - DAY
The doors are open for the ceremonial arrival of Napoleon’s
new wife: 19 year old Austrian MARIE-LOUISE. Napoleon
crosses to greet her and sweep her into a bedroom upstairs...
NAPOLEON
How do I look to you? Do I resemble
my portrait?
MARIE-LOUISE
Oh yes. And even more handsome. And
strong.
NAPOLEON
And you are even more beautiful.
Would you like to see the bedroom?
164 INT. TUILERIES - HALLWAY - DAY
A long, long hallway. It’s months later. A NURSE and
COURTIER walk down the hallway holding a small bundle. They
arrive at a door and a guard allows them inside....(Note: Is
this accurate?)
165 INT. TUILERIES - RECEPTION ROOM - DAY
The NURSE and COURTIER enter and cross the room. Napoleon
sees them and moves to them and takes the baby from them.
Holds the baby up.
166 EXT. PARIS LOCATION - DAY
A hundred and one gun salute to the birth of Napoleon’s son.
TITLE: March 20, 1811
167 INT. COACH - DAY
Napoleon and the new BABY and a NANNY are traveling to the
country.
168 EXT. MALMAISON -- DAY
Josephine steps outside. Hortense and her Maids stay back.
The carriage arrives.
Napoleon and the Nanny and the Baby step out.
Napoleon brings the baby to Josephine and shares with her.
Josephine takes the baby, embraced by Napoleon....
 76.

Josephine walks away, cradling the baby. They go for a long

walk. Napoleon and everyone else watching and giving
distance.
Josephine speaks to the child:
JOSEPHINE
Sweet child, one day you will know
what I have sacrificed for you.
169 INT. TSAR ALEXANDER'S PALACE - NIGHT
A sinister and very clear meeting of Alexander with Russian
Court and Nobility (aka Gangsters) who are speaking the truth
to Alexander:
RUSSIAN COURT MEMBER
What’s good for your friend Napoleon
is not good for Russia....and If It
Is Not Good For Russia....it can not
be good for His Majesty.
Alexander begins to see the full scale of the situation.
RUSSIAN COURT MEMBER
It is the Timber Trade with Bri tain
that makes Russia great.......
Your Father made the regrettable
mistake of placing Russia behind
himself. I don’t want to see his
Majesty become unpopular with the
Russian people.

170 INT. TUILERIES - MAP ROOM - DAY

Napoleon is watching his one-year-old son, Napoleon The King
Of Rome play on the map of Europe painted on the floor.
NAPOLEON
A battle will dispose of the fine
resolutions of your friend Alexander
and his fortifications of sand.
He is false and feeble.
CAULAINCOURT
Your majesty, his fortifications are
not sand - they are Snow and Winter.
NAPOLEON
He is false, feeble and sickly.
CAULAINCOURT
Do not underestimate his staff.
 77.

NAPOLEON
Thank you for your advice. And now,
I would like you go and tell the
Russian Ambassador that we must ask
for his passport and to leave Paris.
If he needs an explanation, please
let him know that we will be
terminating the fatal influence
Russia has exercised over Europe
these last fifty years....don’t
worry, Old friend...I am only waging
a political war against
Alexander...we can soon agr ee when
he negotiates.
CAULAINCOURT
You cannot ignore my warnings about
what the Russian winter is capable
of --
NAPOLEON
-- you’re frozen already, my Old
Friend. Remember this: Alexander is
a young man, he longs for a taste
of glory, and like all children, he
wants to go a different way from his
Father....he will negotiate once I
take Moscow.
171 EXT. RUSSIAN LANDSCAPE - DAY
Napoleon assembling the biggest Army he’s ever commanded.
TO BE WRITTEN: NAPOLEON’S ARMY ON THE WAY TO MOSCOW.
NAPOLEON (VO)
.....My dearest Josephine.....we are
600,000 men marching into Russia.
We are 250,000 horses.....
..Italians, Neapolitans, Poles,
Bavarians, Saxons.........my Father-
In-Law Francis has provided 40,000
men for operations........and I
think of you all the while.
I Have Come To Finish Once And For
All With The Colossus of the
Barbarian North.
Despite careful organization, there
have been break downs in supply. We
are suffering sickness, desertion
and famine. By the time we reached
Vilna, twenty thousand horses died.
This wastage is the equivalent of
two large battles. I sacrificed my
most precious weapon: Mobility. We
are large in numbers but we suffer
because of it....The Russians
continue to retreat. I have made my
Generals too rich.
(MORE)
 78.

NAPOLEON (VO) (CONT'D)

They think only of pleasures, of
hunting, of rolling through Paris in
their magnificent carriages. They
have grown sick of war. The very
danger pushes us on to Moscow. The
die is cast. Victory will justify
and save us. My striking force has
been reduced to 160,000. Moscow is
now only 200 miles away. To halt
the campaign at this stage would
mean a humiliating retreat.
Tomorrow, we will resu me our
advance. We found Russians
entrenched on the banks of the river
Moskva near Borodino. This was the
most terrible of all my battles. My
guard showed themselves worthy of
victory and the Russians worthy of
being invincible.....

172 EXT. MOSCOW - CITY SUBURBS - DAY

The army is already a mess, having suffered terrible losses
in battle on the way here....They are sick, hungry, tired and
expecting a fight in Moscow. They are half the size of when
the started in men and horses.
This view of Moscow is beautiful for a moment but something
is missing. CU. NAPOLEON he looks at the chimneys.
There is no smoke coming from any of the chimney stacks.....

173 EXT. THE K REMLIN - MOSCOW - DAY (OCTOBER 1812)

They stop in front of the Kremlin gates which are wide open.
Surprisingly, the sun is shining. It’s a warm and pleasant
day.
Napoleon rides his white charger through the empty streets of
Moscow, flanked by CAULAINCOURT, EUGENE and Marshals
BERTHIER, NEY and DAVOUT, and his Imperial Guard.
An eerie silence pervades. The windows of the surrounding
buildings are empty.
TITLE: MOSCOW, OCTOBER 181 2
NAPOLEON
Three hundred thousand souls live in
this city. And they’ve just
left.....?
We PULL BACK to take in a vista of the Kremlin and the onion
domes of St Basil's. The city is abandoned.
 79.

174 INT. THE KREMLIN - THRONE ROOM - LATE AFTERNOON

A door has been left open into the darkened Kremlin.
Napoleon and his Marshals enter and walk through the
darkness.
The Tsar's gilded rooms are empty, abandoned. Napoleon's
footsteps echo in the vast empty chamber.
NAPOLEON
Your Highness Alexander....come-out,
come-out wherever you are....peek-a-
boo......
No answer. He walks to the window, gazing out on the empty
city.
NAPOLEON
It’s not very s porting, is it?
For his honor and Russia's, not
mine.
There's dignity to be had in defeat.

175 INT. KREMLIN ROOM - THRONE ROOM- LATER

Napoleon and Staff looking over MAPS.
NAPOLEON
He’s hiding in St. Petersburg....we
will take fight to St. Petersburg...
DAVOUT
Your Majesty, we are lucky to have
made it to Moscow. There is barely
enough to get us back to Poland, let
alone another assault.
One of Napoleon’s Guards emerges with a case of wine from the
Tsar’s cellar.
GUARD
Chateau Lafoy. He’s drinking our
wine.
One of the Guar ds uncorks a bottle and begins to fill
glasses.
NAPOLEON
We can wait longer. He will
come.......
176 INT. THE KREMLIN -- TSAR ALEXANDER'S CHAMBER -- NIGHT
Napoleon awakes in Tsar Alexander's bed. He sits up in bed,
pulls back the heavy curtains...
 80.

....and there, on the skyline behind St. Basil’s, he sees a

strange orange GLOW. Then another.
Napoleon looks closer...piecing it together....EUGENE enters.
EUGENE
(Father), they’ve set the fires.
NAPOLEON
Who?
EUGENE
It has been started by the Russians.
NAPOLEON
No it hasn’t - they’re not to burn
their own city, be sensible - who
has started these fires -- ?

177 EXT. MOSCOW STREETS - FRENCH CAMP - CONT INUED

Napoleon and Eugene emerge into the streets. The whole grand
army stand staring at the huge fire.....
Suddenly....those few flurries of snow fall....Russian Winter
has arrived. Napoleon thinks:
BERTHIER
We can remain only long enough to
reorganize. We march back to Paris.
NAPOLEON
There is no reason. Alexander will
negotiate.
BERTHIER
He is not, your Majesty. And you
must face the harsh view of this
situation.

We have let too much time slip

away...we will be marching into the
Russian winter, with horses who are
not raised for this weather.
NAPOLEON
Winter? This is the Winter they
promised us? He will come. He
will negotiate for he is much more
embarrassed than I am.
Napoleon moves back inside....
BERTHIER (CALLING OUT)
If we go back to Poland, we can wait
out the winter months..... ..
(MORE)
 81.

BERTHIER (CALLING OUT) (CONT'D)

These horses are not bred for this
weather! A French horse will die
within weeks!
NAPOLEON
(So we will eat them)

178 EXT. KAGULA ROAD - OUTSIDE MOSCOW - DUSK

CAMERA behind the grand army as it marches across a BRUTAL
SNOW STORM with temperatures well below freezing.
TITLE: NOVEMBER 6
Napoleon rides with Davout and Berthier. Caulaincourt and
Eugene nearby......they see something on the horizon....
179 EXT. KAGULA ROAD - ANOTHER DAY
Cossacks walk in the woods and flank the Grand Army as it
marches along the road........waiting to swoop down and kill
them or waiting for them to move into the woods to look for
food...........

180 EXT. CAMPFIRE ON THE ROAD - NIGHT

Men around a campfire, eating horse meat. Cossacks swoop
down....some Men don’t even fight back....some Fire the guns
at the Cossacks......
NAPOLEON and EUGENE and CAULAINCOURT around a fire. The
fighting is just a hundred yards away but they don’t even
look at it or react.......
Caulaincourt looks at him.
NAPOLEON
All will be well when we arrive at
Minsk.
IMAGE: Moving past more dead bodies, hors es......Wolves Have
come down to finish off the remains leaving blood streaks
along the snow......
IMAGE: Corpses are stripped of their clothes by those who are
alive and cold. So now we see a line of dead naked bodies on
the road.........
181 INT. ZANIVIKI TOWN - NIGHT
A small town is overrun with soldiers to get inside the wood
shacks to get any kind of warmth. Soldiers go wild and
dismantle the homes to use for fire wood.
 82.

A FIRE STARTS IN ONE OF THE HORSE BARNS, TRAPPING MEN INSIDE

AS THE DOORS ARE LOCKED FROM THE OUTSIDE.
TITLE: NOVEMBER 27
182 EXT. RUSSIAN TUNDRA -- DAY
AERIAL SHOT: as the Grand Armeé marches.
The Hussars are marching on foot now, wrapped in the hides of
their slaughtered horses: they have eaten their cavalry.
Only Napoleon and his Generals ride on horseback.
Napoleon takes out his pocket scope. THEIR POV: far off in
the distance, they are being stalked by a group of riders --
COSSACKS in heavy papaha fur hats.

183 EXT. CAMP - RUSSIAN PINE FORES T - NIGHT

The WIND HOWLS off the steppes. The grenadiers huddle in
their horse hides for warmth around a dying campfire. They
have been reduced to cavemen.
A CORPORAL'S eyes have drifted closed. One of the grenadiers
is eyeing the very weakened soldier.

184 EXT. RUSSIAN TUNDRA -- DAY

The corpse of the Grenadier lies splayed out in the snow, its
thigh stripped clean of flesh, next to the embers of the
campfire where he was cooked and eaten.
Napoleon, himself haggard and bearded, blanches as he gazes
down at the human carcass.
Napoleon to Caulaincourt ride off.....
185 EXT. RUSSIAN VILLAGE - DAY
In a small Russian village. What’s left of the French Army
is very slight.
......a SLEIGH is found in a barn......
Caulaincourt to Napoleon.
CAULAINCOURT
Your Majesty, it is time for you to
leave this misery and return to
Paris and I have found a way.....
Napoleon sees the sleigh....

186 INT. BARN - RUSSIAN VILLAGE - LATER

Napoleon meets with Eugene, Berthier.
 83.

NAPOLEON
General Berthier you are left in
command. I am well pleased with the
fine spirit you have all
shown.....Caulaincourt will be
coming with me. That is what will
happen.
He makes his way to Eugene and kisses him.
NAPOLEON
Good bye, my son. Take care.
Guards are mid-transfer of rugs and arms and his toilet
equipment. Napoleon stops it all, gets in and they roll --

187 INT. SLEIGH – MOVING

The Emperor and Caulaincourt moving fast.
NAPOLEON
Now we will make time. Our disasters
will make a great sensation in
France - but my arrival will counter-
balance Europe’s bad efforts. We
will show the French people, that
the Enemy is Russia.
CAULAINCORUT
As a matter of fact, Your Majesty,
it is you that they fear. It is your
Majesty who is the cause of
everyone’s anxiety and prevents them
from s eeing the other dangers. A
World State run by you is not what
they want –

188 EXT. RUSSIAN TUNDRA - DUSK

The sleigh traveling...............

189 EXT. RUSSIAN TUNDRA - BORODINO BATTLEFIELD - A SLED - DAY

The sleigh is flying across the landscape. He looks out and
glimpses something in the snow that startles him.
NAPOLEON
Stop. Stop!
The sleigh driver obeys. Napoleon stands up in the sled --
-- all around him are ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND BODIES, French and
Russian soldiers and their horses, frozen in the snow.
 84.

NAPOLEON
Where are we?
SLEIGH DRIVER
Borodino, majesty.
NAPOLEON
How long ago was it that we fought
this battle?
SLEIGH DRIVER
Three months.
Napoleon climbs down from the sled. He walks into the
battlefield --
-- RAVENS are plucking out the eyes of the dead; wolves are
fighting over their bones. A frozen French soldier gazes up
at Napoleon accusingly.
NAPOLEON
Why am I not allowed to weep?
190 OMITTED
191 OMITTED

192 INT. TREATY OF FONTAINEBLEAU

Talleyrand reading Napoleon’s fate to him:
TALLEYRAND
You have been exiled. In no
uncertain terms.
The Allied Coalition of Austria,
Prussia, Russia and England and with
the agreement of The French Council
will grant you Sovereignty of the
island of Elba.
With a revenue of 2 million francs
from the French funds, pensions for
the Bonaparte family, and the
Empress Marie-Louise.
It also provides for Empress
Josephine to retain all her
properties and an allotted annual
income of one million francs. With
provisions for her two children
Eugene and Hortense....
BEAT. Napoleon about to sign the agreement in front of him.
193 EXT. MALMAISON - DAY
Josephine and her staff awaiting a Royal Procession arriving
at her home....A Carriage coming protected by 12 Riders.
 85.

...THE DOOR OPENS FROM THE COACH TO REVEAL THE VISITOR:

CZAR ALEXANDER OF RUSSIA. The very man who defeated Napoleon
is now calling on Josephine....he’s weak demeanor previously
is now fluffed up on some ego....
JOSEPHINE
Your Highness.
ALEXANDER
Empress....

194 EXT. MALMAISON - VARIOUS

They’re walking or sitting....
JOSEPHINE
I am afraid of the criticism that
will come to me for opening my house
to the very man who humbled my
country and my husband.....
ALEXANDER
I understand your fear. If it
brings you any comfort, it’s because
of me that he has retained his
title, been given 2 million francs.
He is neither in prison nor dead.
Have you seen him?
JOSEPHINE
No.
ALEXANDER
I can thi nk of a great many men that
would like to come and visit with
you, starting with the Prussian
King....you don’t have to lock
yourself away because he is not
here...your charms are your own and
(company) available without him....

195 INT. SMALL ROOM ON ELBA - DAY

Napoleon is fat and sweaty.
TITLE UP: ELBA
A FEW IMAGES SHOW US NAPOLEON’S DAILY LIFE ON ELBA:
He sits at a desk, sorts through letters. He writes letters,
reads newspapers.
A scruffy Tunisian Boy helps him in his daily life.
 86.

Monty Python shot. All of his movements around the Island

have a sad/faded Majestic air. NOTE: He is kept here by
BRITISH TROOPS.

196 INT. MALMAISON -- NIGHT

Josephine is WALTZING with Alexander................

197 EXT. ELBA - DAY

Napoleon and his young Houseboy are fencing, getting some
of the old moves back…but he’s winded, overweight.
NAPOLEON
Enough. That’s all for today.
BOY
Water?
NAPOLEON
Yes.
Boy runs to get Napoleon some water.

Napoleon watching from a cliff’s edge with a spyglass seeing

SHIPS in the small harbour.
Newspapers arrive. Napoleon gets to the paper. He is
reading news that is approximately seven days o ld.
He reads something that doesn’t sit well with him. A news
item about Alexander and Josephine. Or is this in the form
of a letter from someone else?
NAPOLEON
Boy. What day is it?
BOY
Tuesday.
NAPOLEON
17?
BOY
Yes.

198 EXT. GARDEN ON ELBA – DAY

Napoleon and his mother Letizia eating lunch. He is moody and
quiet………she says:
LETIZIA
It brings me no great joy to sit
with my son and have him moody and
sullen.
(MORE)
 87.

LETIZIA (CONT’D)
If you’re incapable of enjoying a
lovely lunch that I have cooked than
it is time for a change.
BEAT, THEN:
You were not meant to die on this
island, my son.
NAPOLEON
My wife is entertaining the Russian
Emperor. In my home.

199 EXT. SEA OFF ELBA – NIGHT

Napoleon and a group of ten-man rowboats head towards The
Inconstant.
200 EXT. THE INCONSTANT – SHIP’S DECK – NIGHT
The Inconstant’s BRITISH (FRENCH?) crew has been taken by
surprise, overwhelmed by the Hussars. The white flag of the
Bourbons has been taken down and is being replaced by the
Tricolor of the Republic. Napoleon appears on deck:
NAPOLEON
Good evening. I am here to dissuade
you from resistance. You know who I
am. You don’t have to fear me if
you don’t provoke me.
I have been delivered by Providen ce.
Louis XVIII/Royalty has driven
France to failure and ruin. With
this little army, we will march into
Paris.

201 OMITTED

202 INT. MALMAISON - JOSEPHINE’S BEDROOM - SAME

Dr. Covisart is examining Josephine who is weak and pale.
DR. COVISART
Your chest is congested. Your
throat is inflamed. My suggestion is
to stay in bed.
JOSEPHINE
Alexander is coming tonight....
DR. COVISART
I would suggest that you cancel that
visit. It would be unwise to accept
visitors....
 88.

Hortense stands nearby.

203 EXT. BEACH -- GOLFE-JEAN -- DAY (MARCH 1, 1815)

Napoleon and his troops arrived from Elba. We are on the
beach that extends between Cannes and Antibes.
The INCONSTANT is anchored 100 yards off shore and boats are
bringing Napoleon and his men ashore...
Leathery FISHERMEN watch him arrive. It’s all very awkward
and ungraceful...
NAPOLEON
You know me. I am your Emperor.

204 INT. MALMAISON - JOSEPHINE’S BEDROOM - DAY

Josephine is having trouble breathing. She is surrounded by
Hortense, Eugene and her ladies in waiting.

205 EXT. COUNTRY ROAD -- GRASSE -- DAY

Napoleon on the move. They march, 500 of them, with Napoleon
leading the way atop a decent chestnut horse brought over on
the boat from Elba.
The villagers all come out and look.
Napoleon takes off his cocked hat and waves it at them like
it's some kind of parade.
A LITTLE BOY breaks free of the villagers and falls in
alongside Napoleon's horse. He marches mockingly along with
them, and the villagers LAUGH.
Napoleon reaches down, lifts the boy up, and gives him a ride
on the horse.
Some of the villagers fall into step as well, singing and
marching: somebody beats a washboard like a drum.
206 INT. TUILERIES - DINING ROOM -- DAY
A MESSENGER arrives in the presence of the new French
King....Louis XVIII, the portly Bourbon, who has been
restored to the throne in Napoleon's absence, who is in the
middle of his breakfast.
The messenger bows his head.
LOUIS XVIII
You may speak.
MESSENGER
Bonaparte, your Majesty.
 89.

Louis chews slowly on a boiled egg.

MESSENGER
He has returned. A ship landed on
the beach in Antibes this morning
and they are on the march.
LOUIS XVIII
Who’s marching where?
MESSENGER
Napoleon Bonaparte is marching
towards Paris.
Nervous laughter. Louis XVII wipes his mouth and slowly
stands up....
207 EXT. COUNTRY ROAD, LAFFREY - MORNING
Napoleon leads his army on this cold morning. We come over a
rise, and the procession stops......
REGIMENT OF GOVERNMENT TROOPS BLOCK THE ROAD A FEW HUNDRED
YARDS AWAY.
It’s a stand off. A young COLONEL CHARLES LA BÉDOYÈRE is
sent ahead full gallop to speak with Napoleon.
LA BÉDOYÈRE
Your Majesty. General Marchand, in
defense of the Royal Government of
King Louis XVIII, requests that you
surre nder your weapons and cease
your march so that you may be
arrested and returned to your
island.
NAPOLEON
Good afternoon to you, Colonel.
Would please inform General Marchand
that I will come and speak with him.
I have no fight with my own 5th
Army.
La Bedoyere gallops back and speaks with General Marchand
From Napoleon’s POV - General Marchand ignores this
information and shouts direction to his 5 th Army.
The 5th Army front line kneels with its muskets so that the
second line may fire over their shoulders, multiplying the
amount of ammunition that can be fired per square foot.
General Marchand and his Lt. Cambronne steel themselves for
the volley of hot lead that is to come.
Napoleon rides his horse towards the 5th Army......
....getting closer....100 Ft away......
 90.

General Marchand calls out:

GENERAL MARCHAND
Make ready!
500 muskets are simultaneously cocked. The 5th awaits the
command to fire --
Napoleon is upon them....a few yards away. He dismounts.
He gazes into the eyes of the regiment before him.
GENERAL MARCHAND
FIRE!!!!!
No one fires.
NAPOLEON (TO TROOPS)
Soldiers of the 5th Regiment...do
you recognize me?
VOICES
Yes...Emperor.....yes.....
NAPOLEON
Sold iers of the 5th Regiment....will
you join me in reclaiming France?
I have missed you and I am
melancholy for my home and our
victories together. I want to come
home to Paris. Will you join me?
VOICES
Vive L’Empereur!
208 EXT. TUILERIES -- DAY
PANIC. LOUIS is fleeing the scene with his two dogs and
heading towards a waiting Grand Coach.
VALETS and CHAMBERMAIDS they scurry behind him burdened with
luggage......
LOUIS XVIII
out. out. OUT!!!!!!!!!

209 EXT. TUILERIES - DAY

Napoleon’s arrival, days later. Exhausted but triumphant.
CROWDS fill the gardens of the Fontainebleau now.
The white fleur-de-lis Bourbon flag is taken down and the
hand-sewn tricolor is raised.
Napoleon ascends the steps of the Palace. Marshals Ney,
Davout and Talleyrand are there to greet him.
 91.

They embrace.....something important is unsaid between them.

210 INT. MALMAISON - BEDROOM - DAY

Napoleon over Josephine’s empty bed. Hortense in the corner.
He holds the bed.

211 INT. MALMAISON - DINING ROOM - DAY

Napoleon is sitting with Hortense.
NAPOLEON
And no one thought to notify me?
HORTENSE
No.
NAPOLEON
I want my letters that I wrote her.
Do you know where she keeps them?
HORTENSE
They were stolen by her Valet.
NAPOLEON
Where did she keep them?
HORTENSE
In the cupboard in her bedroom, next
to her bed.
NAPOLEON
What did he do with them?
HORTENSE
He sold them.
DUKE OF WELLINGTON (VO)
He is an Enemy of the Human Race....

212 INT. THE CONGRESS OF VIENNA - DAY

The Powers of Europe, great and small, have assembled here
for one purpose: to destroy Napoleon.
Duke of Wellington, Tsar Alexander, Archduke Charles of
Austria, the monarchs of Spain, Sweden, Portugal, and Louis
XVIII. And, most importantly: TALLEYRAND. NEED MORE
ACCURATE WORDING HERE, SKETCH:
 92.

DUKE OF WELLINGTON
(reads aloud)
"Napoleon Bonaparte has destroyed
the only title on which his
existence depended. As an enemy and
disturber of the tranquility of the
world, he has rendered himself
liable to public vengeance." This
congregation of Allies will string
along the French/Belgian border an
army of 70,000 troops from England
and 120,000 troops from
Prussia...Majesty?
ALEXANDER
The Russian Army will bring 400,000
Men.
DUKE OF WELLINGTON
This blow should have been stuck
long ago. This man has held the
world hostage by his ego, his blind
abuse of power and his lack of
manners. We will all sleep again
without him. I believe that I speak
for all of us when I say that the
one regret we all share is that we
allowed this man’s existence.

213 INT. TUILERIES - MAP ROOM - DAY

A VAST MAP OF THE KINGDOM OF THE NETHERLANDS (now Belgium)
is laid out on the floor. Napoleon walks upon it, surrounded
by his Marshals, including Marshals NEY and La Bédoyère, who
has joined Napoleon’s staff.
NAPOLEON
Strike quickly against Wellington
and Blucher - defeat them
separately.
Disallow them from uniting
forces...here. This is what
Britain does not know how to do that
I know....t his is a fight on land.
They have not treated me as the
Royalty that I am. Treating me by a
standard they would not apply to
themselves.
He indicates a point on the map with the toe of his boot.

214 EXT. WATERLOO BATTLEFIELD - BRITISH POSITION - DAY (JUNE 18,

1815)
TITLE: WATERLOO
 93.

The mist rises off a great expanse, with three small

FARMHOUSES arranged around a gentle hillock.
The DUKE OF WELLINGTON walks that hill with his officers.
We PUSH PAST him, to reveal a line of British REDCOATS
digging trenches along the ridge.

215 INT. NAPOLEON'S TENT -- DAY

Napoleon sits on a copper field toilet, his pants around his
ankles. He is doubled over and in great pain.
He rises, pulls up his pants, and glances in the toilet.
Inside is a half-pint of blood. A hemorrhage.
215A INT. NAPOLEON'S TENT -- DAY
Napoleon enters as his Marshals stand waiting. Marshal Ney is
anxious to begin.
NAPOLEON
I’m not ignoring your warning about
the fire power of the English
infantry - I am disagreeing with it
and feel that a frontal attack is a
stronger strategy.....
MARSHAL NEY
He has positioned himself on higher
ground, Emperor. Defense is
Wellington’s strength--
NAPOLEON
And it’s his only one...The Duke is
simply n ot that
accomplished...except at defense.
MARSHAL NEY
...
NAPOLEON
He’s an ordinary thinker who is
adept at doing nothing unless it is
done for him...
216 EXT. WATERLOO BATTLEFIELD -- FRENCH POSITION -- DAY
Napoleon walks the battlefield. He feeds bread to his troops
as he rallies them, wishing them good luck and victory.(In
the BG, a boy exits the tent and empties Napoleon’s toilet
when no one’s looking.)
The ground is damp and soft; his boots are muddy. Napoleon
evaluates the wet ground with two officers.
NAPOLEON
We are in no hurry to start this
battle.
(MORE)
(MORE)
 94.

NAPOLEON (CONT’D)
We can wait until mid-day when the
ground is drier. We cannot move our
heavy artillery into place on this
mud.
Napoleon extends his spyglass and peers across the
battlefield at the British digging their trenches.
216A EXT. WATERLOO BATTLEFIELD -- BRITISH POSITION -- DAY
Wellington checks the mud that has accumulated on the bottom
of his pristinely polished boots.
He evaluates the same wet ground, as his men dig trenches in
perfect British unison. They are organized and ready.
WELLINGTON
Well done, men! Now’s your time!
Now’s your time!
He walks further, encouraging the troops.
WELLINGTON (CONT’D)
Patience shall win the day today.
Hold this ground.
(sotto voce)
Let him come to us...

217 OMITTED

218 OMITTED

219 EXT. BELGIAN ROAD -- DAY

A lone ENGLISH HORSEMAN with a pair of horses blazes across a
rough road through open country as he comes in sight of:
PRUSSIAN INFANTRY, led by General Gebhard von BLÜCHER on
horseback. 110,000 men in unison, moving like a machine.
They spread out in a vast army of men.
The English rider, a scout, halts before Blucher’s advance
officers. There is an exchange.
At a distance, this is witnessed by a- -
FRENCH SCOUT, similarly equipped with two horses. He studies
this through a small telescope.
(Footnote: These riders were the most effective form of
distant communication during battle. A pony express, in
effect.)
 95.

220 EXT. WATERLOO BATTLEFIELD -- FRENCH POSITION -- DAY

The French troops wait for their orders. Napoleon paces in
the mud. La Bédoyère receives the news of Blucher’s imminence
from the French Scout behind him with two winded horses.
LA BÉDOYÈRE
Prussian troops have been sighted on
the road, sire. Twenty miles.
Napoleon studies the rider and lathered horses.
NAPOLEON
(shouts)
You are certain?
The rider nods, thrilled to be addressed by Napoleon.
NAPOLEON (CONT’D)
Then, they’re out of the battle....
La Bédoyère looks doubtful.
Napoleon takes out his spyglass again. HIS POV THROUGH THE
SCOPE: at the other end of the battlefield, Wellington is
pacing too.
NAPOLEON (CONT’D)
I want reports of Blucher’s progress
every two hours...get on with it.
221 EXT. WATERLOO BATTLEFIELD -- BRITISH POSITION -- DAY
Wellington stakes out a place beneath a great tree and gazes
back at the French position, unable to locate Napoleon. He is
surrounded by a handful of LIEUTENANTS.
The BRITISH EXPRESS RIDER has arrived. He dismounts on the
run. (He is slower than the French rider.)
BRITISH EXPRESS RIDER
(saluting)
Blucher at twenty miles, sir.
Wellington looks at his pocket watch. He then extends his
spyglass toward t he French side, clearly scoping Napoleon.
WELLINGTON
(sotto voce)
He appears to be...just waiting.
There is the feeling of two gunslingers, waiting to see who
will draw first. Wellington’s Lieutenants await patiently. It
is still raining, although only a soft drizzle.
WELLINGTON (CONT’D)
He’s excellent at everything...
(beat)
But the one thing he cannot resist
is an attack...
(MORE)
(MORE)
 96.

WELLINGTON (CONT’D)
(sotto voce)
Let us see how this General can
attack our position.
A row of BRITISH SNIPERS, rifles resting on rods with forks,
are set-up a few yards from Wellington. One has bound a small
scope to his rifle and is peeking through it. He calls out:
BRITISH SNIPER
(excited)
There’s Bonaparte, sir. I think I
can reach him. May I fire?
WELLINGTON
(irritated)
No, no! Generals commanding armies
have better thi ngs to do than to
shoot at one another.
(then)
Hold your fire, soldier.
222 EXT. WATERLOO BATTLEFIELD -- FRENCH POSITION -- DAY
It has stopped raining. Napoleon grimaces with pain, but
conceals it from his Marshals. Then, abruptly, as if trying
to distract from the pain:

NAPOLEON
Fire cannons.
THE FRENCH CANNONS FIRE -- a volley more powerful than any we
have heard before. The Boy covers his ears as he watches the
cannon batteries, spellbound.

223 EXT. BELGIAN ROAD -- DAY

The cannon fire can be heard from twelve miles away; the
Prussian troops are unsettled by the sound. Blucher looks
concerned, but they remain stoic and march onward.
BLUCHER
We must increase the pace. On the
double!
PRUSSIAN OFFICER
(calls out; relayed)
On the double!

224 EXT. WATERLOO BATTLEFIELD -- BRITISH POSITION -- DAY

The British troops take cover at the French cannon fire --
BRITISH LIEUTENANT
Take cover!
 97.

-- they burrow in their newly-dug trenches as the cannonballs

whistle overhead --
-- and SMASH into the stand of trees behind their lines.

225 EXT. WATERLOO BATTLEFIELD -- FRENCH POSITION -- EVENING

GUNNERY SERGEANT
(bellows; agitated)
Lower range! Lower the range!
The CANNON BATTERIES work in precisely-timed formation,
firing in unison for maximum effect.
But, they are still hitting the ramparts above the trenches --
with only minor damage to those dug into the trenches.
Napoleon signals and the cannons cease firing. SILENCE. He
gazes through his spyglass: a cloud of wet particles and
debris rises from the British position. Only a few Redcoats
are visible.
MARSHALL NEY
(impatient)
Calvary! Now! Emperor, now!
NAPOLEON
Ney! Silence, damnit! Send in the
infantry. The ground is still too
soft. We need the higher position...
Ney is furious at being called out in front of officers.

226 EXT. THE FRENCH INFANTRY - BATTLEFIELD

Forward orders are given by BUGLE.
The French Battalion marches across the muddy battlefield in
tightly packed lines. The British slowly emerge from their
trenches. They raise their muskets, steady arms resting on
the ridge of the trenches --
-- and FIRE. As French soldiers fall, the surrounding troops
stoically close ranks and continue to advance.
227 EXT. BELGIAN ROAD -- DAY
The Prussian troops march on, toward Waterloo. This is very
bad. Blucher can now hear the GUNFIRE.
BLUCHER
Faster, men! Double time now.
PRUSSIAN OFFICER
That would not be possible, sire!
 98.

AS:
227A EXT. BELGIAN ROAD -- DAY
The ENGLISH SCOUT blazes up to Blucher’s army, that are now
on the double. He receives info, wheels his pair of horses
around and races back towards Waterloo.
AS:

228 EXT. WATERLOO BATTLEFIELD -- FRENCH POSITION -- DAY

The French Scout appears, leaps off his horse, and reports to
an officer who runs to Ney. Napoleon stands nearby.
NAPOLEON
How far?
MARSHAL NEY
Five miles. Or less.
NAPOLEON
Damnit. Damnit.
229 EXT. WATERLOO BATTLEFIELD -- BRITISH POSITION -- DAY
A VOLLEY OF RIFLE and CANNON FIRE from the British trenches.
More French soldiers fall. Wellington watches it all from
beneath his tree.
WELLINGTON
Where’s Blucher?
BRITISH LIEUTENANT
Less than two hours, sir.
WELLINGTON
Which will come first? Nightfall or
the Prussians?
The scene on the field below is grim. Smoke, bodies, the
Earth rent by cannon fire.

230 EXT. WATERLOO BATTLEFIELD -- FRENCH POSITION /BRITSH POSITION -

- EVENING
The sky is black with smoke. Napoleon is in pain. In the
BG, Marshals Ney and La Bédoyère are arguing. Ney canters
up, gesturing violently at Napoleon, who is doubled-over from
the pain.
NAPOLEON
Very well. Charge. Charge!
Ney rides to the French Soldiers, addressing them.
 99.

MARSHALL NEY
Calvary! Follow the brave of the
braves! Charge!
THE FRENCH CAVALRY CHARGE across the battlefield toward the
British position, led by Marshal Ney himself. Wellington
sees them coming.
They hit soft ground. Wellington gleefully watches horses
wallow and slow down in the mud. He bellows order:
WELLINGTON
Fix bayonets!
(then)
Wait until you feel their horses’
breath.
In unison, we see the Br itish Army fix bayonets to their
rifles in the hundreds. The British, now like a machine, a
fortress in motion, form up into INFANTRY SQUARES, their
bayonets pointing outward --
-- as Ney’s cavalry storms the British trenches, riding in
and across the French position.
WELLINGTON (CONT’D)
(bellows from
horseback)
Stand fast to the last man. We must
not be beat or what will they say in
England. We mus t hold our ground!
As the French riders hit on the squares with their sabers,
the British repel and spook the horses with their bayonets.
But the bayonets spook the horses and they rear up. Ney is
forced to wave off his riders, sounding the signal of the
BUGLE’S RETREAT.
231 OMITTED

232 EXT. WATERLOO BATTLEFIELD -- FRENCH POSITION -- EVENING

Napoleon breeches are stained with blood. He sees the
defeated cavalry returning. He rises and telescopes his
spyglass, and slowly PANS the horizon, when he sees --
BLÜCHER’s PRUSSIAN TROOPS approaching.
LA BÉDOYÈRE (O.S.)
They’re here. The Prussians. First
over the rise, Emperor.
Napoleon lowers his scope. La Bédoyère is grim-faced.
LA BÉDOYÈRE
When our infantry sees them coming
there’ll be pani c--
 100.

NAPOLEON
(cuts him off)
Tell them they’re ours. Send the
word to the field. Tell them
they’re reinforcements.
LA BEDOYERE
No one is going to believe that,
Emperor--
NAPOLEON
Go! They are in blue...Tell them!
Muddy blue is blue, damnit!
(Script Note: RS isn’t sure if he believes this beat above
about NB lying to his own army. Let’s please review.)
The Boy is watching the disaster unfolding around him.
Scattered FIRES burn; the dead and wounded are everywhere.
Cannons FIRE seemingly at random. Horses are bleeding.
NAPOLEON
Bring me my horse!
His horse is led around. The Boy watches as Napoleon mounts
his horse. The Imperial Guards surround Napoleon as they ride
onto the field. Napoleon visibly sways in the saddle as he
rides.
Napoleon sees--
THE PRUSSIANS, are now seen on the rise. They are comin g at
us from across the field, rifles poised.
NAPOLEON
Charge!
The Imperial Guard struggles on ground that is still muddy
and soft. The Prussians fire, now engaging from the
southeast. Bullets HISS and whiz around us. Napoleon looks
disoriented as the Guard and the Prussians clash. The
bullets strike the bodies of the men around him.
The order begins to collapse, and the Prussians stream past
th em. A tight scrum of loyal Guards surrounds Napoleon like
a bodyguard as the Prussians smash into them.
The regular infantry turns to see the Prussians in full
attack mode -- and they panic.
FRENCH INFANTRYMAN
We're lost, boys! You're on your
own now!
233 EXT. WATERLOO BATTLEFIELD -- BRITISH POSITION -- EVENING
Wellington finally has the moment he’s been waiting for:
WELLINGTON
Now.
 101.

His orders are echoed and bellowed as the BRITISH INFANTRY

emerges from its trenches and CHARGES, formidably marching -
The French Infantry tries to flee. One of the Imperial
Guards raises his sword to attack the fleeing infantryman.
IMPERIAL GUARD
The Guard dies, it does not
surrender!
He is sabered by a BRITISH CAVALRY OFFICER.
Chaos. A melee of panicking infantry, wild-eyed horses,
charging Pru ssians, circling cavalry.
From out of the melee, we find Marshal Ney shouting above the
din, his face streaked with blood, his eyes and hair wild. He
is fighting with a broken saber, as it has been snapped in
half from the battle.
MARSHAL NEY
Lancers! Where are my lancers?
Come see how a Marshal of France
dies!
Napoleon, still delirious, watches Marshal Ney. He grabs Ney
by the collar, both on h orseback.
NAPOLEON
(shouts)
Marshal. You are relieved of duty.
Ney wrestles free from Napoleon and rides off into the night.
One of Napoleon’s Guards sees Napoleon reeling in his saddle
and turns to his comrades:
IMPERIAL GUARD
The Emperor! Get him out!
The six-man scrum of Imperial Guards escorts Napoleon from
the battlefield, back towards his tent. Napoleon looks nearly
unconscious in his saddle.
One of the Guards takes a bullet to the head and falls from
his horse. Napoleon’s horse bolts with Napoleon listing to
one side.

234 EXT. COUNTRY ROAD -- EVE

NAPOLEON'S HORSE races Bonaparte away from the field of
battle, its eyes wild, its nostrils flaring. The glow of the
distant battle lights up the night sky behind them........
234A EXT. WATERLOO BATTLEFIELD
As Wellington now sits atop his horse. He watches the French
side in chaos.
 102.

WELLINGTON
The battle is mine; there will be an
end of the war.
235 EXT. FIELD -- AWAY FROM BATTLEFIELD -- EVE
Napoleon sits on the grass, sheltering in a grouping of
young, thin trees. He is slightly bleeding. His horse mills
around him, untethered.
PRE-LAP SOUND OF CRISP CLACK OF SHOES ON WOOD FLOOR.....
WELLINGTON (OC)
Good afternoon, Your Majesty....
NAPOLEON (OC)
Good afternoon......

236 INT. ENGLISH SHIP BELLEROPHON, OFF ROCHEFORT - DAY

Napoleon is kept in the belly of this British Warship.
He is fraternizing with his captors, eating a full English
Breakfast. They are enamored by him, fully
engaged....there’s a pause and they stand to attention as
DUKE OF WELLINGTON arrives to speak with Napoleon:
DIALOGUE TO BE ADDED FOR NAPOLEON & SHIPMEN
WELLINGTON
Would you like a glass of water?
NAPOLEON
The hospitality and forgiveness of
the British people is what I admire
in the face of the European
hostility.
I imagine I will love the Cotswolds,
soft rolling hills and gentle
light......
WELLINGTON
It is by only a narrow margin of
opinion that you have been spared
the fate of being shot.
CU. NAPOLEON this is not the news he was expecting and it’s
difficult for Lord Keith to deliver....
WELLINGTON
Politically, it is impossible for
the English government to keep you
in England. You are permitted to
take three officers and 12 servants
into Exile.
 103.

NAPOLEON
...
WELLINGTON
Exile will be contained to the
island of St. Helena. At the
residence of Longwood.
NAPOLEON
St. Helena.
WELLINGTON
St. Helena is 1000 miles away from
the Mainland of Africa. Your
correspondences will be read. Your
presence will be checked twice daily
by the orderly officer....
NAPOLEON
Who would suppose that all this
would be decided so quickly?
One must also not forget that I am
only a man, after all.

237 EXT. SOUTH ATLANTIC OCEAN - DAY

Napoleon seeing his final home from a distance. It’s a
volcanic rock of an island.

238 EXT. ST. HELENA - OLIVE ORCHARD - DAY

Daily life is pleasant but dull. There are a few families on
the island.
Napoleon is warmer, more reflective.
He befriends a few of the family’s YOUNG GIRLS. He sits
around, joking with them:
NAPOLEON
What is the capital of France?
GIRL
Paris.
NAPOLEON
Of Russia?
GIRL
Petersburg. And Moscow before.
NAPOLEON
Who burnt it?
GIRL
I don’t know, sir.
 104.

NAPOLEON
It was I who burnt it.
ANOTHER GIRL
I believe, sir, the Russians burnt
it to get rid of the French.
He laughs and laughs and corrects her.....
239 INT. ST HELENA HOME - BEDROOM
NAPOLEON laying in bed, looking at a picture across the room
of Josephine.
NAPOLEON (VO)
I have beaten the enemy. I am tired
to death. I send you a thousand
kisses. I am in bed, hopefully I
will dream of you.