Napoleon and Love (1974)
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Edward de Souza as
Episodes 5
Rose
The young Napoleon, at 25 a general in the French army, is unemployed. In Marseilles, he woos Désirée Clary, daughter of a rich merchant. But despite her acceptance to his proposal of marriage, her family refuse permission until he has a position and money. He leaves for Paris where, through good fortune and timing, he is put in charge of the defence of the Tuileries. He sucessfully quashes an unprising and is made Commander of the Army of the Interior. He meets Josephine, falls madly in love, and eventually marries her.
Read MoreJosephine
n Italy, Napoleon wages a brilliant campaign, while in Paris, his new wife, Josephine is bored. She meets Captain Charles and they become lovers. Napoleon, in Milan, sends for Josephine but she prefers to stay in Paris with Captain Charles. She tells Napoleon she is pregnant when he demands that she join him in Italy. However, the news of Josephine's pregnancy increases Napoleon's desire for a reunion and he is furious at the delay. Josephine, lover and all, makes the trip.
Read MorePauline
Returning to Paris after his successful Italian campaign, Napoleon leaves almost at once to take command of his army in Egypt. He promises to send for Josephine as soon as it is safe. Josephine continues her affair with Captain Charles until she realises he is only after her money. Napoleon hears of her infidelity and threatens to divorce her.
Read MoreGeorgina
Napoleon, now First Consul and leader of France, has a sucession of mistresses. The most serious contender for his affections is Georgina, ambitious star of the Comedie Francais. Josephine is madly jealous - her love grows as Napoleon's wanes. He is poised to make himself Emperor, and his family urges him to divorce Josephine.
Read MoreThe End of Love
Napoleon meets his Waterloo, both personally and militarily. His disastrous Russian campaign results in abdication and exile to Elba. He believes his wife and son will accompany him but they go with the Emperor of Austria to Vienna. Josephine, faithful to the last dies soon after his departure. Almost a year later Napoleon returns to France, and so begins the famous "100 days". Then comes defeat at Waterloo - Napoleon prepares to meet his destiny - permanent exile on the island of St Helena in the Atlantic ocean.
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