01x04 - Small Revenge

[bunniefuu]

[CROWD CLAMORING]

Dr. Franklin is nothing less

than the first mover
and prime conductor,

the inventor and leading
member of a secret cabal

designed for the purposes of keeping up

a spirit of clamor and discontent

in our American colonies!

[CROWD CLAMORING]

[CLAMORING CONTINUES]

The good doctor comes before
the king's Privy Council today

as an agent
of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

He bears a humble petition

from that august assembly

seeking the removal
of the royal governor.

For the sake of peace, he says.

I call it a funny sort of peace

that stains the waters of Boston Harbor

with £10,000 of East India tea!

[CROWD BOOS]

I give you this

scurrilous article in the pages
of the Public Advertiser.

"Rules by Which a Great Empire
May Be Reduced to a Small One".

The article is signed QED.

Quod erat demonstrandum.
Thus it is proved.

As you can see,

Dr. Franklin is truly a man of letters!

[CROWD LAUGHING]

These are the ravings
of a true insurrectionist.

[CROWD CHEERS]

I have never advocated insurrection.

- Ha! Ha!
- [CROWD BOOS, CLAMORS]

The prime minister knows

that I have served His
Majesty's government

here in London with unwavering zeal.

I put it to you, Dr. Franklin,

- that whilst you have sought...
- I have spent a decade

- trying to explain...
- ... preferment on the one hand...

- ... the colonies to England...
- ... with the other you have been conspiring...

- ... and England to the colonies.
- ... with rabble-rousers and other scum...

- My only goal has been to preserve...
- ... to foment rebellion...

- ... that fine and noble china vase...
- I say, to foment rebellion...

- ... the British Empire.
- ... all for your own personal profit.

[CROWD GROANING]

[CROWD SHOUTING]

[SHOUTING STOPS]

I ask the Privy Council to reject

the petition of the
Massachusetts Assembly.

Furthermore, I ask that
Dr. Franklin's charter

as agent of the colonies
of Massachusetts,

Pennsylvania, New Jersey
and Georgia be revoked.

[CROWD SHOUTING]

The solicitor general's request

is granted.

[CROWD CHEERING]

Whatever you're thinking,

saying it now will only
make our fortunes worse.

I'll make their master a little king.

[PEOPLE CHATTERING]

[LAUGHS]

[STRING MUSIC PLAYING]

[VILLAGERS CLAMORING]

[LAUGHS]

[IN FRENCH] Victory in Saratoga!
The English surrender!

America wins!

The marquis de Lafayette,
hero of Brandywine!

America wins!

- [PEOPLE CHATTERING]
- Victory!

The English lost in Saratoga.
America won!

[ACTOR SPEAKS FRENCH]

[ACTORS SPEAKING FRENCH]

- [LAUGHS]
- [SPEAKS FRENCH]

[SCOFFS]

[GUESTS CHATTERING]

[STRING MUSIC CONTINUES]

- Hold on! Calm down! Calm down!
- Please, sir. Please! Please!

Here. For you. These are
for you. You take these.

Make sure you hand all of them out!

Everyone has some? Now spread out! Go!

[VILLAGER] Monsieur Beaumarchais!

[VILLAGERS CLAMORING]

[MUSIC STOPS]

[VILLAGER 2] Oh, mon Dieu!

[PIANO PLAYS]

[MUSIC STOPS]

[PANTING]

"MARCH OF THE INSURGENTS"

[SIGHS]

- [PASSERBY] Monsieur?
- [VILLAGERS CHATTERING]

[PASSERBY] Monsieur?

- Are you all right, sir?
- Hein?

Do you need help?

- Not at all, my friend. All is well.
- [CHATTERING CONTINUES]

[SIGHS]

[CROWD GASPS, CLAMORS]

[MEOWING, PURRING]

[PLAYING MUSIC]

[GASPS] Bravo! What a
marvelous instrument. Bravo!

Yes, it's interesting.

[STAMMERS] I believe the
principle is Greek in origin.

The Abbé is right.

[IN ENGLISH] I merely
perfected the mechanism.

The tone may be softened or swelled

by the pressure of the finger...

[MUSIC PLAYING]

- [HELVÉTIUS CHUCKLES]
- ... and continued for any length.

The instrument, being well tuned,
never requires adjustment.

I have an instrument
like that of my own.

Well, you must play it for
me sometime, madame.

Perhaps you would like
to play it yourself.

Whatever are you talking about?

Nothing you haven't
thought of, you rascal.

[CHUCKLES]

[HELVÉTIUS] Come sit beside me.

[SNIFFS, GRUNTING]

Not there. That's Mark
Antony's seat. Here.

[GRUNTS, EXHALES SHARPLY]

So, now that your country has won

such a glorious victory at, uh... Um.

[IN FRENCH] What is
the name of the place?

Saratoga. In the colony
of New York, I believe.

[IN ENGLISH] What sort of place is it?

Well, I'm afraid you'd have to ask
Gentleman Johnny Burgoyne.

Though I expect he wished that
he'd never been there. [CHUCKLES]

[CHUCKLES] Oh, you're a clever one.

My late husband was a
philosopher, you know.

He believed good and evil were

mere fictions or something of the kind.

But under his wig,

- he was bald as a baby's rump.
- [CHUCKLES]

You are terribly ancient, but
you still have most of your hair.

- Mmm.
- Perhaps you'd like to fluff it.

Tie it up with a little ribbon.

And I could sit peacefully on your lap.

With you on my lap, sir,
there'd be very little peace.

- [CHUCKLES] Ooh.
- [CLEARS THROAT]

What impure thoughts are running
through your head, Abbé?

- I, madame? [CHUCKLES]
- Mmm.

Only that Dr. Franklin is a merry
man to carry such a burden.

Uh, what burden is that,
Monsieur l'Abbé?

[ABBÉ] Your country's fate, of course.

Ah, in that I have some cause
for merriment today.

I should think Versailles must
take note of this victory.

If they do not, Monsieur Cabanis,

I've spilled a great
deal of ink in vain.

Tell me something, you old bear.

Is this the sort of nonsense

you talk about with that
mopey little teacup?

You mean Madame Brillon?

No. No, we discuss music and books

and delicate matters of the soul.

No wonder you look like

a starving man given a pea for dinner.

Fill in everyone's glasses, Mr. Cabanis,

and let's have a toast.

- To?
- To Saratoga?

To eating a full plate.

[IN FRENCH] Come look at this.

Very skillful, Your Majesty.

Do you enjoy the mechanical
arts, Foreign Minister?

Alas, obligations do not
afford me the time.

[LOUIS XVI] What's
interesting about locks

is that unless you cr*ck them open,
you've no idea what's inside.

But then you've broken the lock.

Your Majesty, you know
of the victory at Saratoga.

Yes. Rather bloodied old
George's nose, hmm?

There's an opportunity here.

It would be wise to seize it
before it's too late.

You're on about your alliance again.

I'm certain England is seeking a way out

before it suffers even greater losses.

The Americans may well be
inclined to grant them one.

Then we wouldn't have to
pay for a w*r, would we?

[STAMMERS] We'd only be delaying one.

Against an enemy we could have weakened

if we had been bold enough to act.

I don't know.

- Your Majesty means...
- I don't know.

Yes.

- [STAMMERS] Yes, I may proceed?
- Yes, I don't know.

Did he mean to refuse
you without saying it?

Possibly. [SIGHS]

Does he wish you to negotiate

but doesn't want it
known that he said so?

He might.

Is he setting a trap,

expecting that you'll disobey,
and so expose you?

[VERGENNES GRUNTS]

He's not that smart.

Are you sure?

Non.

What are the risks?

Disgrace. Exile. Prison.

I think that covers it.

And the rewards?

France wins. The English lose. And...

You succeed.

[SIGHS]

What should I do?

Charles, my dear,

you've already decided.

You just want me to
tell you you're right.

[CHUCKLES]

[INHALES DEEPLY]

I'll have Gérard handle it.

That way there's someone else to blame.

[IN ENGLISH] Well... [SIGHS]

... who would have thought all it took

to make the English appreciate you

was to capture 6,000 of their soldiers?

Stack up the Madeira so he can see it.

- Right.
- [HORSES WHINNY]

He's here. [GRUNTS]

Keep him occupied.

W-Where the devil are you going?

I BECAME FULLY VERSED IN THE
NUANCED ART OF SEXUAL PLEASURE

[BREATHING SHAKILY]

- [KNOCKS]
- [GASPS]

[FRANKLIN] Temple.

- I know you're in there, boy.
- I-I'm busy.

[FRANKLIN] I'm coming in.

- What are you doing?
- Reading.

- I don't see any book.
- [TEMPLE] I finished it.

Then you're not reading.

What do you want?

[SIGHS] We have been rather

disputatious with each other of late.

Have we?

Whatever I might instruct,
it is only in the hope

that I have bettered your
prospects in this world

after I have passed from it.

You need me to do something, don't you?

Put on a decent coat
and hurry up. [GRUNTS]

[SIGHS]

Ah, Monsieur Gérard.
Welcome to our petite hôtel.

The pleasure is mine, Doctor.

A small gesture of
our nation's goodwill.

[STAMMERING] A nice little Armagnac.

Oh, most thoughtful.

Uh, Bancroft, would you, uh... [GRUNTS]

Of course. [SIGHS]

Minister Vergennes
wishes to convey his...

[STAMMERS] Is that cheese?

Stilton. Just arrived this
afternoon from Derbyshire.

Quite extravagant. How
could I refuse? [CHUCKLING]

Now, you really must try this.

Oh, I thank you, but English cheese

has never been to my liking.

[FRANKLIN] As you please.

Minister Vergennes
wishes to convey his...

You know, the oddest thing...

I seem to recall you telling me

that His Majesty preferred
that we win our independence

before entering into any negotiations.

His Majesty, that is to say,
Minister Vergennes...

[KNOCKS]

[FRANKLIN] I believe
you know my secretary.

Your secre...

I hope you will not object to him

taking the minutes of our interview.

Just so there can be
no misunderstandings.

Of course. [CHUCKLES]

- Master Temple.
- [STAMMERS] Monsieur.

Anyway, you were saying...
Please, please, please.

- [GÉRARD GRUNTS]
- The Minister Vergennes...

Before we begin,

I must exact your promise

not to advertise any
piece of our discussion.

Nothing remains secret
in Paris for very long.

Nonetheless.

Very well.

And you, Master Temple?

You have my promise.

[INHALES SHARPLY]

[CLEARS THROAT]

[STAMMERS, SIGHS]
Oh, I suppose I'll, um,

go catch up on the correspondence.

What may France offer to prevent America

from being seduced by the promise
of a false peace with England?

You are aware that since
my arrival in this country,

I have advocated for a treaty
of amity and commerce,

which is not yet concluded?

I am.

Conclude that treaty,

and America will consider
closing her ears

to any proposals that do not
guarantee her independence.

Versailles is prepared to offer
you a treaty on those terms.

The necessary documents can
be yours in a matter of days.

Mmm. At which point we can
discuss the second treaty.

[STAMMERS, SPEAKS IN FRENCH] The what?

[IN ENGLISH] One that binds
our countries together

in a m*llitary alliance.

Oh. No, no, no, no, no.
[CHUCKLES] You are...

[IN FRENCH] You can't put
the plow before the oxen.

[IN ENGLISH] We say putting
the cart before the horse.

Say it as you like. This
cannot be a condition.

[SIGHS] So, we are to be left
to our own devices after all.

Uh, in that case, monsieur, I...

If the question is raising
arms in America's defense,

this may be discussed.

Discussed or agreed upon?

An open declaration of w*r
is out of the question.

England must be the one
to commence hostilities.

Which it will the moment any arrangement

between us is publicly proclaimed.

In either case, the result is the same.

If you wish to convince His
Majesty that an alliance is...

Is he not already convinced?

As I've said, f-friendship, trade...

Are you not authorized to negotiate?

I am not authorized to start a w*r.

- [FRANKLIN] But you've already done so.
- [SIGHS]

We are simply determining
how and when it will begin.

[SIGHS] I...

I will have to consult
with Minister Vergennes.

Well, by all means, but I
suggest you make haste.

Please take some cheese with you.

Why aren't you privy
to the negotiations?

Does he suspect you?

It was the Frenchman. He...
He wasn't having any of it.

Can you get your hands
on the boy's notes?

Master Franklin's more careful
than his grandfather.

You're not paid for excuses. Find a way.

[BANCROFT STAMMERS]

Suppose a treaty is made.

Uh, say a copy in the boy's hand
found its way to London

before it could be
dispatched to America.

And paint him as the Judas goat.

Well, no. I wasn't think...

- Actually...
- No, no, no, no. A letter is found.

In it he professes undying loyalty

to his father and the British Crown.

Well, I... He'd never
write such a thing.

I mean, the boy is obstreperous
but he's not...

A traitor?

[CHUCKLES] He doesn't have to
write it. He only has to sign it.

Well, that will crush the old fellow.

Must he be dishonored
as well as defeated?

It's hardly the worst that
can happen to a man.

Do well to remember that.

- [IN FRENCH] A declaration of w*r.
- He was quite brazen about it.

He'll have us all carrying muskets
by the time he's done.

What do I answer?

[SIGHS] That you will confer with me.

Isn't that what I'm doing now?

Non. Now we're only talking.

We can confer after
I've advised His Majesty.

- Monsieur le Comte.
- Mm-hmm?

With the greatest respect,

I'm uncertain which master I'm serving.

You are serving me.

We both serve the king.

And we all serve France.

So...

Use your discretion.

Resist his blandishments.

Say nothing you can't take back. And...

Carry on with the excellent work.

He's right, of course.

It's w*r any way you look at it.

[ORCHESTRAL MUSIC PLAYING]

[IN ENGLISH] Bravo! Bravo!

[CHUCKLES] Thank you.

A little march to brighten the way

for General Burgoyne
and his men to prison.

[CHUCKLES]

[KISSES]

Such an expense for so
modest an audience,

and surely music
so exquisite must be shared.

Hmm. A performance at the opera

to encourage support for your cause.

That is a splendid notion.

Mm-hmm. And under which
man's name should it appear?

No man's. It is yours to claim.

[CHUCKLING]

The chevalier d'Éon
would stand a better chance.

But since it pleased you so much,
I will teach you the notes.

Oh, I-I fear I would
make a poor student.

[IN FRENCH] You underestimate
my patience.

[CLAPS]

- [PIANO NOTES PLAYING]
- [FRANKLIN, ANNE HUMMING]

[FRANKLIN LAUGHS]

[IN ENGLISH] All right.

[HUMMING CONTINUES]

[HUMMING]

- [PLAYS DISSONANT NOTE]
- Oh.

I was beginning to think
you had forgotten all about us

with all those visitors taking
up so much of your time.

We Americans are new
at making treaties, you see.

Advantage may be taken
of our incapacities.

- [PLAYS DISSONANT NOTE]
- Oh! [GROANS]

[ANNE] Mi, do, mi.

Beware a Frenchman's promise.

Always demand proof of his sincerity.

I believe you show a gift for
statesmanship, Madame Brillon.

[LAUGHS]

Women, by necessity,
are experts at negotiation.

What terms of alliance should
you and I establish then?

- [HUMS]
- [LAUGHS]

- [ANNE LAUGHS]
- [GROANS]

First, there must be peace,

friendship and eternal love between us.

And the stipulations
to maintain this peace?

That Dr. Franklin remain in my company

as much and as long as it pleases me.

And while I am in this pleasant company?

That you do anything I want you to do.

[CHUCKLES]

Anything I am... [IN FRENCH]
... allowed to do.

[LAUGHS, SPEAKS IN ENGLISH]
Are those terms acceptable?

[SIGHS] Well, you ask for
a monopoly on my affections

and leave none for
other agreeable ladies.

Ladies such as the
Washerwoman of Auteuil?

- [PLAYS LOW NOTES]
- I would naturally demand reciprocity.

Your terms?

[INHALES SHARPLY]

The said Dr. Franklin would go away

from Madame Brillon whenever he pleases,

that he will stay away
as long as he pleases...

[PLAYS HIGH NOTES]

... and that he will love
any other woman

as far as he finds her amiable.

[PLAYS HIGH NOTES]

Perhaps you're right.
I cannot teach you after all.

Oh, madame.

I thought that we were only practicing.

Of course we were.

You are here to win victory
for your country.

Everything else is a pastime.

Oh, you are not so to me.

The hours spent in
your company are the...

Have kept us both amused. [SIGHS]

If you wish for more,
it is yours for the asking.

Marriages are kind of an
alliance, are they not?

And the terms are always
honored by the parties involved.

[SIGHS]

But they are alliances nonetheless.
Not to be casually broken.

[BOTH SIGH]

I accept the conditions you propose

since every treaty must be a compromise.

[SIGHS]

Shall we continue?

[CROWD SHOUTING, CLAMORING]

Quite a crowd. All mad for America.

Half of them are policemen.
The other half are spies.

Should I tell Simon to send them off?

I asked him to let them in.

[CROWD CLAMORING]

Uh, well. No three hands in chess, hey?

I'd like you to stay this time.

Dr. Franklin. My thanks
for receiving me again.

I welcome all visitors, Mr. Williams.

You know my colleague, Dr. Bancroft.

Only by reputation.

I assure you he's not nearly
as devilish as they say he is.

[LAUGHS]

May we speak somewhere in private?

Well, I'd be happy to oblige,

but the last time we did so,

I met with some loss of property.

And I'm rather superstitious.

I thought you wished
to parley, Dr. Franklin.

Indeed I do. Please begin.

Out here?

I find the air bracing.

[CHUCKLES]

If a passport could be obtained,

would you be willing
to negotiate in London

without any French interference?

Well, my late experience
was less than pleasing.

I am now here among people
that love and respect me.

You're much too wise to mistake

personal flattery with national resolve.

[CHUCKLES] I'm not nearly that wise.

I find it very hard to believe

that anything could
ever persuade America

to throw herself into
the arms of France.

On the contrary, Mr. Williams.

America has been forced and
driven into the arms of France.

Can you really afford to put
faith in such a reluctant ally?

Our parliament is prepared
to bestow autonomy on the colonies.

America would have complete
control of its internal affairs.

Autonomy is not independence.

[SIGHS] Must we endlessly
quibble over words?

[CHUCKLES]

In the end, we are all Englishmen.

What do you think?

Should we not, um,
discuss that separately?

I see no cause for circumspection.

We are in a position to press advantage

and put an end to profitless w*r.

Dr. Bancroft speaks the truth.

The Crown is in a giving vein.

But I am not.

[CLICKS TONGUE] My friend,
think on what he offers.

What he offers is too
little and too late.

If you did not care to negotiate,

why did you bother to meet again?

So they would all see us talking.

[CROWD CLAMORING]

[IN FRENCH] Who or
what is this Williams?

He claims to represent
the English prime minister.

- What did they discuss?
- It wasn't clear.

Every other man at Passy is a spy.

Doesn't anyone know how to do his job?

I suspect the doctor arranged
the whole affair for our benefit.

Of course he did.

He means for us to respond
in haste and confusion.

Isn't that what we're doing?

Tell Dr. Franklin that France will
guarantee American independence

if w*r is declared.

But we don't guarantee that it will.

Should he press the point...

We make guarantees, but
we don't guarantee anything?

Precisely. Now go away.

We know what you're up to.

I have no idea what
you're talking about.

You're not the only one with informants.

You think you can ransack the treasury

and start a w*r without us knowing?

Gentlemen, whatever I do...
If I was doing it...

I do with the king's consent.

Then why hasn't he told us about it?

That seems a question
that answers itself.

You're bluffing.

Am I?

Shall we go see His Majesty
and ask him directly?

I'm sure he won't mind.

I hear there's a good little
library in the Bastille.

To keep the prisoners occupied.

[IN ENGLISH] Versailles guarantees
America's independence

on the condition of a declaration of w*r

between France and England.

That is a most welcome point.

Well, I should expect so.

Only, if no w*r is declared...

[SIGHS]

I'm sorry?

What is your concern?

If no w*r is declared,

France can go right
on trading with England

while the British army
sees to our utter destruction.

[SIGHS] And so you want?

A guarantee.

Of the guarantee?

Yes.

And what form should this
guaranteed guarantee take?

Gold is always persuasive.

How much gold?

Mmm. [CLICKS TONGUE] Six million livre.

A six million livre loan.

A six million livre gift.

[LAUGHS] We give you
six million livre and you...

Spend it.

Well, you do want us to win, don't you?

[SIGHS]

Write it down, Master Temple.

Come off it, man.

You and I both know what's being spoken

about in the king's carriages.

Hmm. But what about
the queen's carriages?

It's your intention then
to lie to my face.

"Lie". The most impolitic
word, Mr. Ambassador.

You deny that you're plotting
with the insurgents

to sever England from
her rightful possession?

- Again. [SIGHS] "Plotting".
- [SCOFFS]

[IN FRENCH] Good god, man.

Can't you see that Franklin
is playing us both for fools?

[IN ENGLISH] He has no authority
to negotiate with anyone.

Then you should have
no cause for concern,

whatever the outcome.

- [IN FRENCH] Pardon, sir, but...
- The king requests your presence.

Right now?

[SIGHS] Monsieur Stormont,

I regret I must conclude
our interview prematurely.

Sir. I demand an answer.

We both may have one shortly.

[SIGHS]

[STORMONT SIGHS]

Day by day our little undertakings
creep along, don't they?

And then, all at once...

Splendid bit of metalwork, Your Majesty.

Count Maurepas and Monsieur Necker
have been chatting with me.

Have they, sire?

[LOUIS XVI] A monarchy allying itself

with a rebel army,
seeking to overthrow a king.

Where will that notion lead,
once it is set loose?

No man can predict the future.

Certainly not his own.

I rely on the counsel of my ministers.

If I cannot trust them,
what remedy do I have?

You are the king.

All remedies are yours.

I should like the people to love me.

But I don't think a republic
is a terribly good idea.

I hope never to see one myself.

[LOUIS XVI] Make an alliance
with the Americans.

And teach the rosbifs a lesson
they won't forget.

Pleased with yourselves?

- What did you tell him?
- Ah...

That a w*r could be financed
without raising taxes.

That's all he wanted to hear.

Makes you and me look good, doesn't it?

[SIGHS]

[SNIFFS]

[SIGHS]

[IN ENGLISH] Yes?

[CHUCKLES] What are you wearing?

A little bit of revenge.

- [CHUCKLES]
- [DOOR OPENS]

[CLEARS THROAT]

- [KNOCKS]
- Who is it?

- It's me, Master Temple.
- Come in.

Yes.

Forgive the interruption.
The work goes well?

Almost finished.

You have a fine hand, young man.

I dare say better than your
grandfather's. [CHUCKLES]

I wouldn't have disturbed you otherwise,

um, but Dr. Franklin's
retired for the evening,

and certain dispatches
still require his signature.

I-I was hoping you'd agree
to sign on his behalf.

- Of course.
- Yes. Thank you.

Uh, it's all been agreed to then?

Should Congress approve.

Yes.

Now, we do expect a full account
of Versailles tomorrow,

with particular regard
to ladies' necklines.

[TEMPLE] I will do my best.

"My devotion to my dearest
father, cruelly imprisoned..."

It's a nice touch.

"... compels me to denounce

all who call themselves
patriots and abhor"...

He abhors it, does he?

"... the rebellion they
so unlawfully foment".

Quite the knack for treason.

Oh, I suppose you mean
that as a compliment.

[CROWD CLAMORING]

[CROWD SHOUTING, CLAMORING]

[SHOUTING CONTINUES]

Remember, Grandfather.
Never wear the hat...

Carry it under the arm. Yes. Yes.

I won't embarrass you.

Franklin!

[IN FRENCH] Long live America!

[MUSICIANS PLAYING]

[CROWD CHATTERING]

- [FRANKLIN GRUNTS]
- [CROWD APPLAUDING, SHOUTING]

[IN ENGLISH] Dr. Franklin,

what a pleasure to meet
you for the first time.

Somehow, Count Vergennes,
I feel like we are old friends.

It is customary for visitors
here to wear swords.

However, in your case,
better to forgo it.

[IN FRENCH] If you will
please follow me, gentlemen.

[MUSICIANS PLAYING FANFARE]

[MUSICIANS PLAYING MARCH]

[SOLDIERS] Et un, deux.

[CROWD SHOUTING]

He doesn't look like an ambassador.

He's not even wearing a wig.

[GUEST SPEAKS FRENCH]

Where is your sword, Dr. Franklin?

[SHOUTING CONTINUES]

[SÉGUR SPEAKS FRENCH]

Merci.

[CROWD CHATTERING]

[COURTIERS SPEAKING FRENCH]

The man who discovered electricity

has now electrified two
continents. [CHUCKLES]

[IN ENGLISH] Allow Beaumarchais
the privilege to be among the first

to congratulate America's
new ambassador.

I regret the injuries suffered
on our behalf.

Oh.

All this is no longer necessary,

but the effect is sensational.

[CHUCKLES]

[BELL TOLLS]

[GUESTS MURMURING]

[IN FRENCH] The deputy of
the United Colonies of America,

Monsieur Benjamin Franklin.

[VERGENNES] Your Majesty, permit me
to present Dr. Benjamin Franklin

and his grandson, William
Temple Franklin.

Your Majesty.

[IN ENGLISH] Please assure your Congress

of my friendship, Dr. Franklin.

I hope our alliance...

will be good for both our countries.

Your Majesty may rely on
the gratitude of Congress

and her fidelity to her engagements.

[IN FRENCH] That's that
then, I suppose. Bien.

[IN ENGLISH] May I add, sire?

If all monarchies were governed

by the principles in your heart,

republics would never be formed.

[IN FRENCH] Wasn't I
saying just the same thing?

[SIGHS] Bien, docteur...

[IN ENGLISH] ... we have both
lied our way into a partnership.

Lied, monsieur?

- We merely anticipated a future truth.
- [CHUCKLES]

[ENTOURAGE LAUGHING, CHATTERING]

[GASPS, SPEAKS IN FRENCH]
The Americans are here!

[CHATTERING CONTINUES]

[IN ENGLISH] Don't say too much.
She can be, um, fouineuse.

A what?

[WHISPERS] Busybody.

[FRANKLIN] Mmm.

[IN FRENCH] Your Majesty,
the Americans have arrived.

[CLEARS THROAT]

Your Majesty, Dr. Franklin.

[IN ENGLISH] Your Majesty.

Tell me, Dr. Franklin,

I play the banker's card
or la carte anglaise?

The English card is never
a wise wager, Your Majesty.

It will be on your head.

[ALL LAUGHING]

You are good for gambling
other's money, yes?

If I do, madame, it
is with the intention

of rewarding my benefactor

as well as myself.

And so, make two people happy.

[IN FRENCH] What did he say?

He said spending the king's money
makes two people happy.

[LAUGHING]

[IN ENGLISH] You sit here...

and say what cards I play.

If I lose, I make words with my husband

about us make treaty with you.

And if you win?

Maybe I buy you cannon myself.

That is just the sort of game I like.

[CHUCKLES]

- [ORCHESTRAL MUSIC PLAYING]
- [HOTEL GUESTS CHATTERING]

[SPEAKING FRENCH]

Oh, pardon me.

You said just a few people.

- Forty, 50...
- [CHUCKLES]

Do we need to give them
so much to drink?

- It's an investment, my dear.
- Ah.

In what?

In America. Now that the agreement's

been signed, they'll all want a piece.

Mmm.

And who will they have to come to?
The man who was there first.

[CHUCKLES] You mean the man
who hasn't been paid yet?

Maybe the king knows a bit more
about this sort of thing than you do.

[IN ENGLISH] The world is
hearing your music at last.

The world? My neighbors, perhaps.

Not that they care who wrote it.

Then you must let them know.

That would not be proper.

If you do not tell people
who you are, then they...

They will decide for themselves.

Madame, I'll turn you American yet.

- [BOTH CHUCKLE]
- [BEAUMARCHAIS, IN FRENCH] Attention!

[MUSIC STOPS]

Your attention, please!

Mesdames et messieurs.

[IN ENGLISH] Ladies and gentlemen,

I address you... [IN FRENCH]
... tonight in two languages.

[IN ENGLISH] Because...
[IN FRENCH] ... our king...

[IN ENGLISH] ... has made
official what we know...

[IN FRENCH] ... in our hearts...
[IN ENGLISH] ... always to have been true.

That between the old soul of France...

[IN FRENCH] ... and the
youthful spirit of America...

[IN ENGLISH] ... there is a bond
of friendship and understanding

that nothing can break.

[IN FRENCH] To friendship.

To liberty.

To Franklinity!

[GUESTS LAUGHING]

As you wish, madame.

[IN ENGLISH] I have
finally become a noun.

[ALL LAUGHING]

[MUSIC RESUMES]

[CROWD EXCLAIMING]

- Ah.
- [CROWD CONTINUES EXCLAIMING]

[IN FRENCH] What have you got there?

Um.

- An empty glass.
- Ah.

Let's get that fixed.

Hey! Over here.

Now bugger off.

Ah.

Here's to, uh, what you do.

- Monsieur.
- Ah.

Need to talk.

By all means.

[IN ENGLISH] What are
your boy's intentions?

- You mean Temple?
- Mmm.

Uh, in regards to what?

My daughter.

Well, he holds her
in the highest regard.

Oh.

[IN FRENCH] Let's work
out the terms then.

Want to get it nailed down
before she's too old.

You are proposing...

Our own alliance. If
you catch my meaning.

Oui, oui, oui. Very wise.

So, you're in agreement?

Nothing could make me,
or my grandson, happier.

- [IN ENGLISH] Oh. Let's drink to that.
- Mmm.

[FRANKLIN SIGHS]

- [IN FRENCH] And Madame Brillon?
- [CROWD EXCLAIMING]

Ah.

What about her?

[IN ENGLISH] Does she
favor the union as well?

[IN FRENCH] We won't fuss over that.

[KISSING, GROANING]

What did you say then?

That the time had come
to reach an accord,

and that if they did not,
both nations would suffer.

That's what made them sign?

And then you met the queen.

You're always right
at the center of things.

What will you do next?

This.

[IN ENGLISH] My boy!

Mademoiselle.

Grandfather, we, uh...

This has been a day
of glorious alliances.

Mr. Temple was just telling me.

Temple is a splendid boy.

You are a splendid girl.

You make a splendid pair,
and I am gonna take a piss.

[GUEST] You're drunk.

And you, sir, are a damnable
rogue, whoever you may be.

Sweet mercy of Providence.

No, John Adams of Massachusetts.

Mr. Adams, what are you doing here?

I might ask you the same question.

[STAMMERS] I'm pursui...

I have just concluded...

Have you been sent to assist me?

No, sir.

To replace you.