In 18th-century Europe, a Polish countess is sent on a mission by her homeland's leaders. They hope she can sway Napoleon Bonaparte, then at the height of his power, to support Polish independence. To achieve this, she must become the French emperor's mistress.
Saved by the timeliest intervention of some French troops, the "Count Walewski" (Henry Stephenson) and his younger wife "Marie" (Greta Garbo) are spared the excesses of the Russian soldiers who have forced their way into their home. Shortly thereafter, she is introduced formally to the all-conquering and very charming Napoleon Bonaparte (Charles Boyer) and after a bit of a rocky start, is soon subject of his letters declaring his undying infatuation. She decides that perhaps she can do more good for the future of her nation's independence if she plays along - even if this does alienate her from husband. Swiftly, she becomes his confidante and begins to exercise considerable influence over an Emperor who is determined to start his own dynasty - only, well, not with her! What now ensues is really a mini biopic on the rise and fall of Napoleon, condensed and rather rushed - whilst "Marie" keeps a secret from her lover that could rock what's left of his empire. Boyer looks natural in the role but Garbo isn't on her best form here. Certainly, the camera loves her, but her characterisation is just all too dryly performed. Even at her most seductive - and, let's face it, she doesn't have to try very hard with the Frenchman - she looks disinterested. As if she's reading a cue card just out of shot. The latter stages of the plot do play into the conspiracy theorists' hands a little, and perhaps the last ten minutes intrigues a little more but for the most part, and saving an entertaining short cameo from the card-playing Maria Ouspenskaya, this is a grand looking but sluggish drama that doesn't quite catch fire.
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