[passenger groaning]
[rowers groaning]
[groaning continues]
Fetch the box.
What's wrong?
Merely thinking.
About what?
Roasted pheasant.
Potatoes in butter. Candied carrots.
Chased by a respectable Madeira.
And our mission, of course.
[passenger] For a young man's instruction, Paris is the only city.
Much indulge the senses but also engage the intellect.
[grandchild] I thought I was meant to help you.
[passenger] No doubt you will, somehow or another.
How long must we stay?
Until we win France to our side and secure our independence.
Or we are hanged.
Is there a third choice?
I suppose there's always treason.
[sighs]
[horses snort]
[villagers clamoring]
[resident speaking French]
[seller shouting, speaking French]
[shouting continues]
[horses snorting]
[villagers continue speaking French]
- [speaking French] - [horse whinnies]
- Out of the way! - [speaking French]
[driver speaking French]
[villagers speaking French]
[villagers shouting indistinctly]
[horse whinnies]
[villagers chattering]
[villagers clamoring]
[driver] Make way! Move aside!
Make way!
Move aside!
[villagers clamoring]
[in English] Best to keep the curtains drawn.
- Why? - [yawns]
Because we've been followed every step since we've landed.
So, our presence is a rather badly kept secret.
But I would prefer to avoid pandemonium.
[villagers clamoring]
[driver shouting in French]
[horse whinnies]
That's it. I can't go any further.
- Docteur Franklin! - Docteur Franklin!
[in English] Do they mean to attack us?
[chuckles] They mean to see me.
They have it in their heads that I invented electricity.
Who am I to dissuade them?
[villagers clamoring]
[crowd cheering]
[villagers shouting]
Shh.
- [villagers shushing] - [in French] Ladies and gentlemen.
Thank you for such a warm welcome.
[cheering, laughing]
And I am--
- I am thrilled to be here in Paris. - [cheering]
- Merci. - Follow me, please.
I am--
I am impatient to meet you all... later.
[crowd clamoring]
[villager, in English] Thank you for the electricity!
[beggar shouting in French]
[beggar 2 clamoring]
[crowd clamoring]
[clamoring continues]
[majordomo speaks French]
[in English] Ah. A discreet little entrance.
- You know how I hate a fuss. - [both chuckle]
Well, I must say, you look awful.
Do you speak as a friend or as a physician? [chuckles]
- Both. - How are you keeping, Bancroft?
Hmm, tolerably well.
And the better for your company, sudden as it is.
Well, we'll talk about that in private.
Uh, Temple. Temple.
- Step forward. - [Bancroft] Ah. [chuckles]
- [Franklin] And stop looking so wide-eyed. - I--
[Franklin] This is my grandson.
- [Temple] Sorry, I, uh-- - He can actually speak on occasion.
- [Bancroft chuckles] - Dr. Edward Bancroft.
We worked the American bench together in parliament.
No greater patriot or a better man to raise a glass with.
Well, in both respects, I am at best second to your grandfather.
Uh, but, uh, may I ask, what do you think of French women, young master?
I-- Well, I've yet to meet any, sir.
My grandfather is keen on a moral education.
Oh, don't listen to him. He's always spouting some nonsense.
- [chuckles] - [chuckles] This way.
I doubt you heard.
Catastrophe at Fort Washington.
A complete rout.
- How many? - Sixty killed. 3,000 captured. [sighs]
We've lost New York.
[sighs] Forgive me. A hard blow on arrival.
All the greater spur for success.
Mmm.
[people whispering]
[farting, groaning]
It's remarkable how one's outlook is improved by the passing of wind.
Ah. A subject woefully understudied.
- Perhaps I shall rectify that. - It can only add to your renown.
What is electricity compared to a good fart?
[both laughing]
[Bancroft] Oh, young master does not approve?
Oh, uh, forgive me. My thoughts are elsewhere.
Oh, what is her name?
America, sir.
She's in need of some rescue.
[Franklin grumbles]
Since, uh, we are now forced to be earnest,
may I rely upon your confidence?
Oh, you have it.
The Congress has sent me here
to elicit France in our war against England.
Oh, no wonder your guts are twisted.
As an unofficial emissary, I cannot approach Versailles directly.
- You're looking for a go-between. - [Franklin] Someone well placed at court.
Well, I have some patients of influence.
You see? I told you we could rely on Mr. Bancroft.
W-Whether they can be persuaded to oblige themselves--
I'll do the persuading. An introduction will suffice.
America's situation-- [sighs]
It's not ideal.
[Franklin] I count the loss of New York as nothing.
Army is merely regrouping.
By spring it will number 80,000 trained men.
And the deeper the British press into the continent, the worse they will fare.
You concur in this opinion, Master Temple?
Respectfully, sir, we are outmanned, outgunned and outspent.
There are many who side with the enemy.
Including some I, at least, hold dear.
Remind me to instruct you in the usefulness of the well-timed lie.
[Bancroft] Does he speak the truth?
Unless the French court provides us with men, money and arms,
the United States will end before it has begun.
Good Lord.
Well, I will aid you as I can.
Though, I must say, I'd... [chuckles] ...rather not be hanged.
Nor would I if I could avoid it.
Though it certainly would empty the bowels.
[both laughing]
[laughing continues]
[in French] Dr. Franklin, Monsieur Bancroft and the boy
remained at the table for another 32 minutes.
The boy retired at 9:27, Dr. Franklin 46 minutes later.
The last candle was snuffed out at 11:55.
Any visitors?
None managed to secure interviews.
My agents have verified their identities and will proceed accordingly.
Very thorough, lieutenant.
A good policemen takes certain pride in the details.
If that's all, minister?
Uh, we don't need people getting ideas in their heads
about this American rebellion, do we?
A few arrests never hurt.
Well then--
You--
Mmm. Good.
I-Is he gone?
- He's heading for his carriage. - [minister] Hmm.
- [spouse sighs] - And now my coffee's cold.
That's what happens if you work while you eat.
How do you suppose Monsieur Lenoir amuses himself?
I don't know.
Drinking the tears of children?
[both chuckle]
Could you have Ayaz lay out my red brocade?
Who are you meeting with?
Who do you think?
Well, don't wear that.
Then what?
The velvet.
With the leopard fur.
You always look good in it.
[sighs]
[passersby chattering]
[minister] I believe, Your Majesty, that Dr. Franklin has come
to persuade us to join America's fight against England.
The last war cost us Canada and all our territory east of the--
Mississippi, Your Majesty.
To say nothing of our possessions in India.
And 20 million livres in debt.
Why should we play mercenary now?
To cripple our enemy by embracing this new nation.
With what?
England controls the seas.
Our navy is being rebuilt to its former strength.
The first minister knows that.
The Americans have no chance of winning.
And the foreign minister knows that.
They can win.
With our backing.
Are these insurgents reliable?
They are political amateurs who know nothing of the world.
They know enough to seek our help.
And we can use them to our advantage.
France should be everyone's friend, but no one's ally.
Let Britain and America destroy each other.
England seeks our ruin.
Here's a chance to seize her trade and make her taste submission.
Perhaps all this talk of liberty has turned your head.
I have no care for liberty, Your Majesty.
Only for France.
You will have nothing to do with Dr. Franklin on our behalf.
Uh... If Your Majesty might--
You may leave us now, Count Vergennes.
Sire.
[sighs]
I was right! It was the comte Almaviva.
I think it's the mischievous Figaro.
The man himself, my lord.
Ah, my friend, Figaro!
Would that we could exchange places.
[actor] Does Your Excellency know many masters who would make good valets?
No! No, no, no, no, no, no!
The line is, "who would be worthy of valets?"
"Who would be worthy of valets?"
Say the words precisely!
When I want you to improvise, I will tell you what to say!
Huh?
Again, please.
This is a closed rehearsal.
Remove yourself at once.
[sighs]
[Franklin grunts]
[in English] You are...
I am.
To what do I owe this honor?
I was hoping for a private word after the rehearsal.
[in French] Get out!
[in English] We are very similar, you know, Dr. Franklin.
Really?
How so?
You are a writer.
Beaumarchais is a writer.
Beaumarchais is something new in the world of theater.
You are something new in the world of men.
- Hmm. - Uh, you are an American.
And for this, Beaumarchais loves you.
[chuckles]
Um, I, uh, hope you will not think me forward if I trade on that affection.
Ah, no. Beaumarchais is yours to ravage.
Do-- Do I say this correctly?
You do!
You do. And I am most intrigued by the offer.
- Dr. Bancroft isn't yet-- - Ah! Ah, a splendid man.
He said nothing of my--
[grunts]
Only that you're a person of some standing in Versailles.
[chuckles]
Uh, I am secretary to the king
and-- and lieutenant general of the Chase of the Tribunal.
And bailiwick of the Warren of the Louvre.
- Mm-hmm. - Uh, I don't know what it means either.
Tell me, what sort of man is Foreign Minister Vergennes?
- What sort? - Mmm.
- Bien. Y-You see where we are? - Mm-hmm.
Here, one night, you may play the lover.
The next, a king.
After that, a beggar.
But who are you really?
You are what the role requires you to be.
We understand each other perfectly.
I ask you to commit that to memory.
I've divulged its contents to no one.
Not even my associates.
You may count on Beaumarchais's absolute discretion.
[Vergennes, in French] 100 tons of powder, 100,000 livres.
80,000 blankets, 56,000 livres.
100 tons of saltpeter, 110,000 livres.
Eight ships of the line, 7,730,000 livres.
[sighs]
The American situation is worse than I feared.
In my opinion, it would be prudent to provide the Americans
with enough assistance to put them on an equal level of strength with England.
Equal, but not superior.
Statecraft is not stagecraft, Monsieur Beaumarchais.
- Is there really any difference? - [grunts]
You should be aware that His Majesty has made it clear
this office is to have no communication with Dr. Franklin.
Yet, you entertained this audience.
[grunts]
How did you leave the conversation?
With promises to introduce Dr. Franklin to certain suppliers of contraband.
Hmm.
There might be armaments in the royal arsenal no longer in use.
But we have no ships to put them in.
I may be able to provide the ships.
I didn't say the armaments were yours.
I simply said they might exist.
[sighs] Bien.
The longer Dr. Franklin remains in Paris, the more his presence becomes troublesome.
Persuade our guest he would be happier in the country.
With fewer people to distract him.
[chuckles]
- [in English] Lovers, beggars and kings. - Hmm?
[in French] You may rely on Beaumarchais.
[stammers, speaking French]
- Oui. [mutters] - [continues speaking French]
- [Franklin, in English] Where is it?
Yeah. No idea what you're trying to say.
"M-My name is Temple, but I've come to worship before you."
M-Meaning her-- Whoever she is.
It might be best to remain silent and trade upon an air of mystery.
[Franklin] Where is it, Temple?
- [sighs] Excuse me. - You're supposed to be guarding it.
Where is the damned thing?
The one place you haven't bothered to look.
You might have just told me.
I did. You weren't listening.
[grumbles]
[in French] I would like to present... [stammers] ...Dr. Franklin of Philadelphia.
[in English] And what on earth are you meant to be?
An American.
Chaumont is one of the richest merchants in France.
And I might say the greediest.
If he smells money in it, he will provide all the ships you need.
And what would be the best way to open his purse?
To play your part with conviction.
I will endeavor to do my best.
What about me?
Uh, be honest and plain, but don't say anything you cannot take back later.
[guests chattering]
[chattering continues]
[guest gasps]
[chattering continues]
[speaks French]
Perhaps I'm overdressed.
[translates into French]
[crowd laughing, clamoring]
We'll get you a fleet by sunset.
[speaks French]
Pardon me, but it's difficult to understand all of you
when everyone speaks at the same time.
Welcome, man of the new world.
[in English] Dr. Franklin, allow me the pleasure to present our host,
Jacques-Donatien Le Ray de Chaumont.
[in French] Monsieur Chaumont, the esteemed Dr. Benjamin Franklin.
[in English] You do honor to this house, Dr. Franklin.
Here, you are among friends.
And honored to be so, Monsieur Chaumont.
[in French] My wife, Thérèse.
Madame, it's an honor.
I find your hat delightful, Dr. Franklin.
What is it?
[in English] The fur of the Canadian marten.
Oh.
A creature that spends most of the winter asleep.
A condition that I much admire.
[translates into French]
[crowd laughing]
But the splendor of your own adornment...
- I call it, "Coiffure de l'Indépendance." - [Franklin] Mmm.
[in English] You approve?
Madame, I am sorely tempted to climb aboard and man the cannons myself.
[Franklin, Beaumarchais chuckle]
[in French] Allow me to introduce my grandson, Temple Franklin.
- [guest] What's that on his head? - Bienvenue.
Better check to see if someone's spaniel's gone missing.
[chuckles] Remind me where America is?
Somewhere between India and purgatory.
I should like to go there.
And do what, madame?
Play piano for the red Indians.
- [scoffs] They're all savages. - [guests chuckling]
"Everyone gives the title of barbarism to whatever is not his practice."
My wife, no doubt, quotes some book.
A practice I have always found without purpose.
Indeed.
[speaking French]
What could be more useless?
[in English] You-- You are his grandfather?
[stammers, in French] Yes. I mean, no. Um...
He is my grandson.
[guest 2 chuckles]
[in English] Uh, I'm-I'm actually more of his associate.
This means what?
We confer on important matters that I'm not at liberty to discuss.
It is a secret?
And... [in French] ...dangerous?
[in English] Alas, I-I-I cannot say.
[bell tinkling]
[Chaumont, in French] Ladies and gentlemen. Dinner is--
- [guest 3] Attention! - [guests gasp, exclaim]
[crowd gasping]
[in English] Dr. Franklin.
I'm humbled.
My son. Jacques.
A flair for the dramatic, sir.
Forgive my late arrival.
I was unavoidably detained.
By a lady or by the law?
Possibly both.
[in French] Dear parents, I beg indulgence for my--
[groans] You smell of drink.
Clean yourself up.
Let's all go inside, yes?
Everyone.
Please. Now.
If you will.
[crowd chattering]
[chattering continues]
[in English] I trust you're keeping your head about you.
- Why would you say that? - Because we are here for a purpose.
And I was once 17.
[Jacques, in French] Fill my glass. I'm thirsty.
[in English] Quite dashing, isn't he?
One has the oddest desire to punch him in the nose.
[glass clinks]
[in French] Ladies and gentlemen.
Honored guests.
Please join Madame Chaumont and me
in welcoming the esteemed Dr. Franklin and his grandson
to our little rustic retreat.
[guests chuckle]
[in English] Dr. Franklin, know that at this table-- In this kingdom--
You will find universal favor to your country.
A few words, please?
Um.
[in French] I thank you all.
I may be... [chuckles] ...one of the ancients...
[guests chuckling]
...but I learn that most things,
sex better than war.
[guests laughing, chattering]
[sighs]
[in English] A long life has taught me
that diplomacy must never be a siege but a seduction.
Think of America as a courted virgin.
One that does not solicit favors but grants them.
And nothing speaks to romance quite as loudly
as a dowry worth half a hemisphere.
[Chaumont laughs]
Uh. No. Mm-hmm.
[translates into French]
[guests muttering]
[continues translating into French]
[guests laugh]
[in English] I give you all a most successful courtship.
[translates into French]
- [in English] To America and victory. - [guest speaks French]
[guests, in English] America! America!
[applause]
[guests chattering]
[guest 2] Madame Chaumont.
[chattering continues]
[all speaking French]
[speaking French]
Uh, Philadelphia? [speaking French]
[speaks French]
[Franklin speaking French]
[in English] May I have a word, please?
[in French] Of course. Excuse me.
[in English] Chaumont has made an offer.
Money or arms?
For you to be his guest here.
It would be wise to accept.
[sighs] What about America and victory?
Mon très cher. Any seduction worth the name takes time.
[guests chattering]
[harpsichord playing in distance]
- [chattering continues] - [harpsichord continues]
[harpsichord stops]
[in French] I'm sorry, Madame.
[stammers] I've disturbed you.
Not at all.
I came here for quiet.
Perhaps you have as well?
And two may be as quiet together as one.
[resumes playing harpsichord]
You play beautifully.
Maestro Boccherini was a good teacher.
I'm not familiar with the piece.
[chuckles]
I only wrote it just now.
So easily?
The feeling gives birth to the idea. Don't you find?
I wish it were so. But I must work to be clever.
[in English] I think that is what a clever person would say.
Oh, I think madame may be more clever than I.
Oh, no.
I could never be so witty before so many people.
Is that why you play music that no one will hear?
But you have heard it, sir.
Isn't that sufficient?
Benjamin Franklin, ma'am.
Late of the printing trade from the city of Philadelphia.
Anne Louise Brillon de Jouy of Passy.
[in French] I am delighted to meet you.
[in English] Are you absolutely sure, my boy?
Mmm. Very good.
- You tricked me. - I merely asked a question.
You answered as you chose.
- [chuckling] How am I to blame? - That's sophistry.
It is chess.
Chess teaches a great deal of useful skills.
Foresight, circumspection, caution...
Never show impatience.
Always think several moves ahead.
Most importantly, never hurry your opponent.
Then stop tapping the table.
Well, she seemed a charming girl.
- Who? - Um.
Cuné-- Cunégonde? Is-Is that her name?
How do you know that?
Oh. I passed some pleasant moments with her mother.
Did you?
There might be an opportunity for you to encounter her more often.
How is that?
Monsieur Chaumont has invited us to be his guests at the Valentinois.
I like it here.
The Brillons would be our next-door neighbors.
Just a little stroll away.
You're up to something.
I am plotting to deliver cannons, rifles, ships and soldiers to the United States.
Monsieur Chaumont could make that possible.
No, you're up to something else.
"Pleasant moments."
Pardon?
Well, you said you shared some pleasant moments with her mother.
I spoke imprecisely.
Oh, you never do that.
You are a very untrusting young man.
I am your grandson.
It undoubtedly surpasses any present French cartography.
I'd like you to convey it to the comte de Vergennes.
I thought Versailles was off-limits.
It is off-limits to me.
But a young American of open countenance, here to further his education...
Who could refuse him?
The foreign minister could.
He won't.
Monsieur Beaumarchais has made certain arrangements.
The only question is your own diligence.
- I won't fail you, Grandfather. - Good lad.
Now give him this.
Place it in Count Vergennes's hands personally.
His and no one else's.
You understand what we're on about?
We're playing chess.
[passersby chattering]
[in French] What business do you have here?
- Uh. Le comte... - What do you want with him?
- [functionary speaking French] - [speaking French]
The queen!
[people whispering]
- A needle! A needle! - [clamoring]
[horse whinnies]
Over there.
Thank you.
[in English] You may be certain
Count Vergennes will receive Dr. Franklin's message.
I'm sorry, sir. But my grandfather's instructed me
to place the letter in Count Vergennes's hands m-myself.
The minister is very busy.
Ah.
Then I'll wait.
[sighs]
- [in French] I must see him immediately. - It's customary
to make an appointment first, Marquis.
If you please.
[sighs]
Monsieur le Comte.
Sir, we have the grandson of Dr. Franklin. He is delivering a message.
- The marquis de Lafayette is here as well. - [clicks tongue] Shit, him again? [sighs]
Bring the boy in.
Do you have business with Count Vergennes?
- [door opens] - Uh. Par-pardon.
[in English] The minister will see you now.
[speaks French] If you please--
Monsieur le Comte, when will you entertain my request?
In due time, Marquis.
The cause of liberty cannot be kept waiting forever.
If you'll permit me, I have business with this young man.
[in English] I understand you have a message for me.
Call again tomorrow morning. You shall have your answer.
Until then, you can remain here as our guest.
With respect, sir, I'm expected back in Paris.
I'm sure your guardian will not mind
leaving you in our charge for a little while.
You will, of course, understand
that you have to say nothing about the reason for your visit.
Is that understood?
Ah.
[in French] Mr. Secretary.
Marquis, this visitor is new to France and the court.
I count on you to acquaint him with our customs.
Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier.
The marquis de Lafayette, at your service.
- [in English] Temple. Temple Fr-- - [Vergennes clears throat]
Uh, William Temple, sir.
Américain?
Yes. Uh-- Uh, oui.
[in French] Then we must be friends.
Be sure to have him back here promptly at 12:00 tomorrow.
- On the dot, monsieur. - Hmm. Better go this way.
[Lafayette] Will you take my plea to the king?
Be back by noon.
[Vergennes grunts]
Marquis.
[Lafayette] My American friend.
They say you can walk for days in the Ohio forest and never see the sky.
- Is this true? - It could be.
[Lafayette] I will go there and see it myself.
[in English] Wh-- Why do you have so many names?
- [in French] Sorry? - [in English] Names.
- Joseph, Paul-- Names. - Ah!
Oui, oui oui. Alors.
So many before me, um, they-- they make dead in battle.
And so, ma mère, she want me have protection of Heaven.
And so,
Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier.
Wh-- What do I call you then?
Gilbert.
Gilbert. Uh, Temple.
Temple. Temple. Like, uh-- Like temple.
- Uh-- - Enchanté, Temple.
Enchanté.
And what is this?
My clothes.
Ah, non.
Non. Non, non, non, non, non.
[Lafayette speaks French]
[in French] The proper adjustments, please.
We want the silhouette of a man, not a slug.
[tailor speaking French]
Is the wig here?
No violet. I don't want to see any violet.
Let's try on the green immediately. It'll work much better.
[tailor speaks French]
Yes.
We can take some length away there for a more striking silhouette.
Because he's not very tall.
Yes. Those could be interesting.
That's nice.
What about these? These could work.
[guests chattering]
Here, we drink champagne.
[in English] We drink champagne.
And, uh--
[in French] Don't look at people too much.
We let them look at us.
[harpsichord playing]
This way, Monsieur le marquis de Lafayette.
[Lafayette speaks French]
[audience cheering]
- [guest mutters] - I will be the one to ask him.
[in English] You meet General Washington?
No, but I'd like to. Why?
We-- We go to, uh-- to America.
Uh, Ségur, Noailles, Lafayette. And we-- we fight.
We fight for Washington. We fight for liberty!
- [in French] And mostly glory. - Don't forget honor.
Yes, honor. And--
To kill British!
[Noailles] My country cousin. He is very hot-blooded. [chuckling]
[in English] He has very hot blood. [laughs]
We hate British.
British, they-- they kill my, uh, father.
[Ségur, in French] Oh, don't be so morbid, Gilbert.
[in English] So, tell me, Temple. Do you like Paris?
Uh, oui.
But I-I-I've only been here a few weeks, so--
[in French] There is nothing for us here.
Nothing but the court and its stupid rituals.
[in English] The king-- The king, he-- [in French] How do you say?
- [Noailles, in English] He say no. - He say no to go to America and fight.
But I-- [chuckles]
- I have buy a ship. - [Ségur shushes]
[in French] You talk too loud, Gilbert. Anyone here could be a "nose".
[blows raspberry]
Hey, spies!
Say hello to our friend from America!
[all cheering]
[speaks French]
[Temple speaks French]
[applause]
[in English] The wags are convinced you've abandoned America
and come to Paris to finish your days as a Frenchman.
[Franklin] Conjectures do me no harm,
so I've never found it necessary to correct them.
- [knocks] - [sighs]
[Franklin] If it's another favor-seeker, say that I'm indisposed.
[chuckles] Well, well, well.
Enter, young nobleman.
Where have--
What are you wearing?
It is a gift from Gilbert.
Well, who is Gilbert and why is he giving you clothes?
He is a marquis or a count. [chuckles] I forget.
But he is a fine fellow.
And all he talks about is coming to America to fight.
- He's gonna buy this-- - Do you bring Monsieur Vergennes's reply?
Ah.
And go change into something more suited to your station.
Th-This is the dress of court.
We're not at court, and we're not Frenchmen.
Maybe I should wear a fur cap.
Keep at it, and you'll be wearing leg-irons.
Um, the letter. The letter.
Minister Vergennes welcomes the opportunity for an interview.
Mmm.
- [Franklin sighs] - [Bancroft chuckles]
A midnight assignation.
- What? - [chuckles]
You rogue.
[Bancroft] Perhaps you misunderstood.
- The instructions were quite clear. - [sighs]
Look, the last occasion I engaged in such hugger-mugger,
I wound up with a cutpurse and a vile bout of crabs.
Ah, you must tell me about it sometime.
[chuckles]
Oh. [sighs]
Here comes old Diogenes.
If he's still searching for an honest man, he will be disappointed.
- Dr. Franklin? - Hmm.
- [in French] This way, please. - [grunts]
- Alone. - [grunting]
[sighs]
[in English] I'll, um, keep myself amused.
[sighs]
[in Turkish] Did he come alone?
He came with a gentleman.
Serve him tea, and make sure he stays in the carriage.
Yes, sir.
[in English] I trust you did not send this as a jest. [grunts]
Why would I do such a thing?
To remind France of what it no longer possesses?
Does France need reminding?
I would welcome you with pleasure, Dr. Franklin,
were you actually to be here.
And I would be honored to make your acquaintance, Count Vergennes,
were we ever to meet.
But since this conversation is wholly imaginary,
are we not free to discuss anything we like?
A prudent man should temper even his fantasies.
Well, then by all means let us speak realistically.
Very well.
The last time you visited our country,
you were a loyal subject of the British Crown,
quite convinced of English superiority.
What use is experience if a man cannot learn from it?
And what have you learned?
That I prefer freedom to servitude and citizenship to vassalage.
La France is no republic.
Why should our king be preferable to yours?
Well, His Majesty, King Louis, can help us defeat the English.
That will benefit us both. Monarchy and republic.
If I may?
[grunts]
20 years ago, all this was New France.
Lost in wars to Great Britain.
Nothing in life is quite as satisfying as a humiliation repaid.
And what might be the price of this satisfaction?
A treaty of alliance, a loan of two million livres,
and the friendship of a grateful nation.
But America is not a nation.
Merely a string of little towns trapped between an ocean and the edge of a forest.
And what are the English without us?
Shopkeepers on an island?
We'll flourish in their absence,
and they will wither without their monopoly on our commerce.
With us, you can trade.
With them, you will only fight.
Do you really wish me to believe that you haven't concluded this already?
Your son.
Pardon?
Monsieur Temple's father.
He is in an American prison, is he not?
If you know his fate, then why do you ask me?
Guilty of loyalty to the English king.
A traitor to your Congress.
Will you petition to see him hanged?
Do you say this to wound me, sir?
What is your true allegiance, Dr. Franklin?
How do I know it will not change yet again with experience?
I come here tonight not as anyone's father,
but as a representative of the United States.
I have seen no letter from your Congress.
You carry no title.
There is only secrecy and go-betweens.
And your army has lost nearly every campaign it has fought.
What position would you take if you were me?
I would enumerate my opponent's weaknesses.
Expose the futility of his pursuit.
And scheme how I might best work the situation to my advantage.
Dr. Franklin, I have long admired you, and I look forward to the day we meet.
Do we have an alliance?
No, we have a battle.