Franklin (2024) s01e02 Episode Script

1
[METAL CREAKING]
Allez.
[IN FRENCH] Start loading those crates.
Be careful with them. Quickly, quickly.
Come on. Faster. Let's go.
[WEAPON UNSHEATHES]
[CLATTER]
[WOOD CREAKING]
[STEVEDORES SHOUTING IN FRENCH]
- [STEVEDORE SPEAKS FRENCH]
- [STEVEDORE 2] Careful!
Muskets to the back.
Quickly!
- [SUPERVISOR SHOUTS]
- [STEVEDORE SPEAKS FRENCH]
[SUPERVISOR] Where are you going?
To take a piss.
There's a whole ocean.
[STEVEDORE 2 SPEAKS FRENCH]
I've never seen you before.
And I know everyone who works this dock.
[STEVEDORES CHATTERING IN FRENCH]
[GRUNTS, CHOKES]
- [GRUNTING]
[TEMPLE GRUNTING]
It's not bad. But swift with the lever.
The impression must be even.
Watch.
[FRANKLIN GRUNTS]
I-I can't do it this quickly.
You can if it serves as your livelihood.
I could print 500 pages a day.
But don't worry, boy. [CHUCKLES]
I've got other plans for you.
I might have plans of my own, you know.
Such as?
Never mind.
No, I I'm all ears.
Well, I intend to live pleasantly.
To have entertaining friends
and exciting adventures.
To reside in a house like this
and be regarded as
a wit and a gentleman.
Perhaps it would be best for
you to learn a trade after all.
[KNOCKS]
Do I disturb your labors?
They're more in the realm of a
distraction, Monsieur Chaumont.
To pass the time while Versailles
determines whether I,
in fact, exist.
Hmm. This is a philosophic question.
Well, it seems quite practical to me.
I have something to show you.
[LAUGHS] Ah.
[CHAUMONT] The demand
for them is everywhere.
My factory in the Loire
can barely keep up.
What do you think?
[LAUGHS] Your face is
as famous as the moon's.
Yet invisible to Count Vergennes.
[CHAUMONT] You understand
that here in France,
to get what one wants,
one pretends not to want it.
Well, in that case, I shall pretend
to not want to be 20 years younger.
Hmm. [LAUGHS]
That must be in your pamphlet.
It might suit at that.
[LENOIR, IN FRENCH] The press
was smuggled into France.
He's already printed
300 copies of his book.
- Do you want me to confiscate the machine?
- Not just yet.
Let's pretend we're unconcerned,
while he pretends not to care
about our lack of concern.
I'd recommend a more direct method.
[VERGENNES] Of course
you would, Lieutenant.
But indulge me, won't you?
[CHUCKLES] Some of this is very clever.
Have you bothered to read it?
I never read the books,
Monsieur le Comte.
I only forbid them.
[CHUCKLES]
"Force shits upon reason's back".
- I expect you'd agree with that.
- I've made a career of it.
Hmm.
going to happen?
It might when you stop fidgeting.
A lass that was laden with care ♪
Sat heavily under a thorn ♪
I listened for a while for to hear ♪
While thus she began for to mourn ♪
Whene'er my own lover was near ♪
The birds seemed far sweeter to sing ♪
The cold nipping wintertime wore ♪
A face that resembled spring ♪
So merry as we two have been ♪
So merry as we two have been ♪
My heart it is like for to break ♪
When I think on the
days we have seen ♪
I first heard that air 40 years ago
in the Allegheny Mountains,
with naught but howling
wilderness about me.
Forgive me.
I played it only to please you.
And pleasure it gave.
But [SIGHS]
how strange to feel the
moment was only yesterday,
and I still young and untested.
With all the time between a mere dream.
[SIGHS]
You think me a doddering old fool?
I think you a fool to
think so little of me.
Is it the nature of Americans to be
so ungenerous with their compliments?
I will shower you with them
in excess if you give me leave.
You may begin.
Madame, I consider you
the most intoxicating person
[DOOR SLAMS]
[MUTTERING IN FRENCH, SIGHS]
[CONTINUES MUTTERING]
Oh.
Oh.
[SIGHS]
Bien, bien, bien, bien, bien.
- [IN FRENCH] Have you seen Miss, uh
- Jupin?
Is that her name?
- That is the name of our governess, yes.
- Oui.
- Is that who you seek?
- Oui.
I sent her away for the evening.
Ah. That's what I was going to do.
[IN FRENCH] hanging about as it is.
Have you been, uh, kissing my wife?
[GASPS]
I, monsieur?
I'd never dream of kissing
another man's wife
in his own house.
Ah.
Outside the house?
[IN FRENCH] Husband!
[LAUGHS, KISSES]
You have my undying affection.
[LAUGHING, MUTTERING]
[DOOR CLOSES]
Did you really like my singing?
It was like a bird in my hand.
A bird you caught?
No. No, not exactly.
[IN FRENCH] Is the bird still alive?
Yes. A living bird.
That landed in my hand
and sang.
[IN FRENCH] I didn't really understand
what I was singing anyway.
It was about sadness
and love.
[ANNE] Cunégonde, where are you?
I have to go.
enough for tonight, wouldn't you?
[BEAUMARCHAIS, IN SPANISH]
Bien! Muy bien!
Adelante, mis gran héroes. Adelante!
Give me your strong arms.
Your brave souls.
[SHOUTS] There's a heavy
crate for the toughest man!
Rápido, rápido!
[TAPS]
What is it Oh! Greetings, friend!
Welcome to our little
enterprise. [LAUGHS]
- [IN FRENCH] Oui?
- You swore to exercise caution.
And so I am.
Only legal exports are loaded by day.
Everything else goes
under cover of darkness.
Sir, there is make-believe,
and there is business.
You pay no heed to cost,
no mind to discretion.
These are my ships!
And if this goes awry?
What will happen to me?
Your name appears nowhere in the
records of Hortalez and Company.
Any danger falls on me,
Rodrigue Hortalez of Valencia.
- [SCOFFS]
- Any loss is mine to repay.
You don't have a million livres to lose.
- And neither do the insurgents.
- Hmm.
That's true. But they have goods.
Cotton, tobacco, indigo to fill
the holds when our ships return.
Hmm. If they return.
I have faith, sir. The
Americans will win.
The weapons we are providing
will secure that victory.
And we will profit by it handsomely.
Not that such things matter to you.
Hmm?
You will give me your assurance
that from this moment on
- [ONLOOKER SCREAMS]
- [DOG BARKING]
[CROWD CLAMORING]
[PERSON GRUNTING]
[CLAMORING CONTINUES]
Nothing to worry about. Men
are stabbed here all the time.
So tell us, Temple. Is she pretty?
Is she rich?
- The girl you are seeing.
I didn't say I was seeing a girl.
[IN FRENCH] You didn't say you weren't.
[IN LATIN] The thing speaks for itself.
- [LAUGHS]
Well, she's short.
A little cross-eyed. Bit of a mustache.
- [IN FRENCH] Ah. He's after your sister!
- [LAUGHS]
[GASPS]
Madame, my most humble apologies.
Fuck off, you prick!
Can't you see I'm working?
[LAUGHS]
- Don't start anything.
- They can start. We'll finish it.
All hail the great defender of liberty!
Charles. What tavern were
you thrown out of today?
None. But it's early yet. When
are you off to save America?
Any day now. The court is honoring
me with a commission.
And my ass can play the flute.
That must keep your
boyfriend interested.
I'll do for you right now,
you little asshole.
Ready when you are.
What are you supposed to be?
I'm Gilbert's friend.
[MOCKING] "I'm Gilbert's
friend". [LAUGHS]
How did you get a monkey to talk?
[IMITATING MONKEY SCREECHING]
Yankee Doodle went to town
riding on a pony ♪
Stuck a feather up his ass
and called it macaroni ♪
[IN FRENCH] To victory, General!
[LAUGHS]
[SÉGUR] A duel at dawn.
All I want is a duel at dawn.
- [NOAILLES] Calm down, Philippe.
- [VENDOR] For the ladies!
So that Dr. Franklin's face may be
the first they see every morning!
Yes, young gentlemen!
Delight your paramours!
Even their droppings are like honey!
Do you know Dr. Franklin?
[IN FRENCH] If I got his blessing
Give it up, Gilbert. Our
families will never consent.
Glory ends all arguments.
So does a cannonball.
[IN FRENCH] Why would
he know Dr. Franklin?
[NOAILLES] He's American, isn't he?
Yes. And you're best
friends with Voltaire.
[ALL LAUGHING]
- Ah, oui.
- [LAUGHING]
[SÉGUR] Oh, yes! That's him.
Merde alors.
in Suriname at the time.
[CHUCKLING] Where on Earth is that?
You'll find it on the northeast coast
of South America, madame.
[CHUCKLING] And you may leave
it there as far as I'm concerned.
Nevertheless Uh
The eel.
The torporific eel,
much feared by the natives
of that benighted region
for its deadly effect.
But how does it kill?
It, um, bites.
- [BANCROFT] It electrocutes, madam.
- [GASPS]
As surely as the current
from a Leyden jar.
[THÉRÈSE] Can this be so?
Oh, I've observed it myself.
What a terrifying
hemisphere you inhabit.
[GASPS]
[IN FRENCH] Don't you think
so, Monsieur Chaumont?
What?
on dry land and close to Paris.
[THÉRÈSE] Hmm.
Ah-ah-ah-ah.
No. Really?
You've already been warned.
Dr. Bancroft is intent on
curing me by killing me.
Remember me in your will. [CHUCKLES]
[IN FRENCH] Suriname is adjacent
to our colony in Guyana, Mother.
Hmm.
[JACQUES] It's where the sugar
in this bowl comes from.
[STAMMERS] Yes. Or someplace like it.
[IN FRENCH] No Frenchman
turns his hand to it, of course.
It's all left to the Black Africans.
- Jacques.
Where brave patriots fight for freedom
and whip the backs of souls
they are pleased to call property.
Is that not so, learned monsieur?
You will find no greater abasement
of human nature. [SIGHS]
And yet you sit across
the table from this man,
whose ships carried that unholy cargo
in exchange for the
Judas coin of profit.
[IN FRENCH] You uncivil whelp!
You will leave this table.
Out with you.
[SIGHS]
It's a
It's only his way of jesting.
and in the morning
Madame.
[IN FRENCH] Please.
Leave us.
Allow me the honor.
[IN FRENCH] We have all been young, sir.
I take no offense.
out of the water at Le Havre.
[IN FRENCH] His throat slashed.
a suspect in the matter?
This is a dangerous game, monsieur.
Oh, I would not claim otherwise. [SIGHS]
Who will pay for all those ships
and arms if you do not win?
We will win.
Always I'm told this.
But where are the victories?
I do not see them.
[SIGHS] With your aid, we'll win them.
But if you do not.
What then?
The Congress of the United States
will make you whole, monsieur.
You have my guarantee.
[SIGHS]
Charming sort, young Jacques.
No wonder the ladies can't resist him.
[SIGHS] A man was just murdered
on the docks at Le Havre.
Where precisely?
Right by the loaded ships.
Coincidence.
Perhaps.
If I'm permitted.
Well, your gout will
certainly thank you.
I told Chaumont that Congress would
pay him everything that he's owed.
Is that true?
It is now.
[CHUCKLES]
[TEMPLE] Be plainspoken. He can't
abide anyone who puts on airs.
But don't be falsely humble.
He'll see right through that.
Uh, be serious but not too insistent,
and have something witty at hand to say,
but make it sound like
you just thought of it.
And don't bow.
Anything else?
Ju-Just be yourself.
[FRANKLIN] The marquis is aware
that the king has forbidden
any other French officers
from leaving for America.
In serving the cause of America,
I fight for France.
This he will understand.
And you seek my blessings
for this escapade?
He needs a recommendation
to Congress and General Washington.
- If it came from you
- For this honor, I would offer my life.
May I ask why?
Sir, the moment I heard of
America [SPEAKS FRENCH]
His heart
Oui. My-My heart was was enlisted
to fight for the liberty of man.
And your family, they consent to this?
[SCOFFS]
Have you even told them?
I wish [SIGHS HEAVILY]
do a thing that matters.
I want no pay.
I want to learn.
- Hmm.
- [LAFAYETTE] I know I am young.
It's not a question of youth, Marquis.
Congress will never permit a foreigner
to hold sway over American generals.
I go to America to serve,
Dr. Franklin, not to lead.
[SIGHS]
Allow me time to consider your
most generous offer of assistance.
I conduct myself by your devices.
[IN FRENCH] I couldn't
think of anything funny.
talk to him. You'll have your letter.
[SIGHS] I have learned, monsieur,
to file my dispatches to London
under two separate headings.
What I am told, and what
is actually happening.
[GRUNTS] I assure you,
Ambassador Stormont,
we have looked into the matter
of illegal smuggling most thoroughly.
Well, not thoroughly enough, it seems.
Well, France is full of adventurers.
Merchants sell their goods
to whomever they choose.
[CLICKS TONGUE] Bad enough
for Dr. Franklin to associate
with a known arms dealer like Chaumont.
Mmm.
He's also being squired around
by that nuisance, Beaumarchais. [SCOFFS]
You really should have trusted
His Majesty's clandestine affairs
to someone a little less obvious.
Forgive me for saying that my faith
in the intentions of the court
is being sorely tested.
[SIGHS]
As Poor Richard says,
"In the affairs of the world,
men are saved not by faith
but by the lack of it".
[STORMONT CHUCKLES]
Smuggling is one thing,
Monsieur le Comte,
but smugglers who travel
in fleets is quite another.
Well, the only French fleet I'm aware of
is currently fishing for cod.
I'm reliably informed that
ships are being outfitted
at this very moment in Le Havre.
- Really?
- Mmm.
Well, perhaps you'd like to
take a look at the cargo list,
- hmm?
- Please.
Fifty-two cannons, 6,132 rifles,
1,029 barrels of gunpowder
and 20,000 cannonballs.
[GRUNTS]
May I ask how the ambassador
came by such a precise list?
You may not.
His Majesty's government
has no desire to interfere
in a squabble between Englishmen.
[IN FRENCH] Do you take me for
a complete imbecile, Count Vergennes?
[SIGHS]
[ACTOR] Ah, Lindor!
I'll seal it now, though I
don't know when or how
I shall be able to
get it into his hands.
I saw him through the
veil of my own jealousy,
speaking with Figaro the barber.
He's a good man.
A man who at times showed me sympathy.
If only I could foster his attention.
Just for a moment!
[GASPS] Monsieur Figaro!
[AUDIENCE LAUGHS]
[ACTOR] I'm so glad to see you!
Are you well?
Not very well, Monsieur Figaro.
I'm dying of boredom.
[CHUCKLES] I can believe it.
Only imbeciles get fat on boredom.
[AUDIENCE LAUGHS]
[ACTOR] Who were you
talking to just now?
[ACTOR 2] A young bachelor.
A relative of mine.
He has a way with words,
and he's very handsome.
A young man such as your friend
won't go unnoticed for long.
He has one big failing.
A failing! Are you sure?
[ACTOR 2] He's in love.
[ACTOR] In love?
And you call that a failing?
[ACTOR 2] It is when you
haven't got any money.
Life's so unfair!
[AUDIENCE LAUGHS]
[ACTORS CONTINUE INDISTINCTLY]
[PASSERBY SPEAKING FRENCH]
Beaumarchais is right?
Is there no choice
between love and quiet?
He's just having a little sport, madame.
[IN FRENCH] Yes, of course.
the habit of always being
guided by my wife's opinion.
Your wife.
Will she come here?
She is passed these three years.
[IN FRENCH] Oh, I am very sorry.
- Deborah.
Was yours a marriage of the heart?
She was a faithful
helpmate all her days.
Hmm.
I was called into the salon
by my mother one day.
Papa was there with a man
I had never seen before.
He looked old.
We talked about nothing, really.
My playmates.
[IN FRENCH] My little dog.
I played the spinet.
Not so well. I had
only started to study.
But the man clapped his
hands and took his leave.
Arrangements were made.
I was wed to Monsieur
Brillon a month later.
I was 15.
[FRANKLIN SIGHS]
Many sorrows in this life, Madame
Brillon, but also many pleasures.
What can we do but put aside
the one and enjoy the other?
- "He who cannot be happy in any state
- [LAUGHING]
can be so in no state".
- You've read my little book. [CHUCKLES]
- Of course.
But how unkind not to
give me a copy yourself.
It's nothing but a
hodgepodge of trivialities.
I didn't think it would interest you.
[IN FRENCH] What a shame.
I would have insisted
everyone I know read it.
- Could you insist now?
- [CHUCKLES]
I could for a soul I knew
to be devoted to me.
Madame. I am that soul.
[BOTH CHUCKLE]
What?
You and I.
We do business now.
I like it.
[COACHEE] Whoa, whoa!
- [HORSE BLUSTERS]
- [PEOPLE CHATTERING]
[IN FRENCH] Anything to declare?
See for yourself.
- Where are you headed?
- Passy.
- Together?
- [STAMMERS]
How dare you.
[CARRIAGE DOOR CLOSES]
[DRIVER SPEAKING FRENCH]
You do.
Gilbert is paying for
everything himself.
His service costs America nothing.
A price that Congress
will no doubt appreciate.
Check.
Glory is what your friend prizes,
as do all young men.
Glory and recognition.
What's wrong with that?
Say he finds glory in battle.
He'll be a hero in both
countries, wouldn't he?
He'd be someone to rally around.
Bring America and
France closer together.
You're getting better at this game.
- [KNOCKS]
- [FRANKLIN] Yes?
[BANCROFT] Forgive
the intrusion, Doctor.
[SIGHS] An urgent message
has just arrived from Paris.
- My grandson and I have no secrets.
- [BANCROFT] Very well.
Lord North's private secretary
seeks a confidential interview.
He claims to be carrying
peace proposals.
[BANCROFT] Mr. Williams,
as he signs himself,
suggests meeting on neutral ground.
[FRANKLIN] An excellent way to
dash our hopes with the French.
- [TEMPLE] What do you propose?
- [FRANKLIN] I'll meet him everywhere.
[IN FRENCH] The Englishman
will await Dr. Franklin
in his coach near the Passy barrier.
Should Dr. Franklin prefer,
he has also suggested
the gallery at the Luxembourg
Palace, or the Bois de Boulogne.
[PEDESTRIANS CHATTERING]
I want observers in each place.
- Two-man teams.
- [PEDESTRIAN] Bonjour. Bonjour.
One man watches Franklin.
The other covers the surroundings.
[GALLERY ATTENDEES CHATTERING, CHUCKLING]
[LENOIR] Do not intervene,
but don't let him out of your sight.
[CHATTERING CONTINUES]
I want to know who this Mr. Williams is,
how long they met for
and, if possible, what
they talked about.
I'm told it might be of some
importance to Versailles.
[GROUP CHATTERING, LAUGHING]
me to accompany you?
I've never seen three men play
the same game of chess at once.
[GRUNTS] Just be sure
that is what's being played.
Meaning what?
Simply that you be careful.
You have a very dark turn of mind.
[SIGHS] I stand revealed.
Sir. Your humble servant,
Bartholomew Williams.
Forgive me if I don't return
the bow, Mr. Williams.
My knees no longer oblige.
Think nothing of it. I bring greetings
of fellowship from Lord North.
Do you?
You must have a different
understanding of the notion than I.
How so?
Well, I make it a point not to use
words that mean their opposite.
The prime minister
is sincere in his desire
to see an end to this misadventure.
When may we expect the Crown's surrender?
[CHUCKLES] Well, Doctor,
you are far from home.
Perhaps the news has reached you late.
Since your arrival here,
three colonies have been
reclaimed by His Majesty.
Our army has learned from its setbacks
and eager to prosecute
a summer campaign.
I believe our determination
will not be lacking.
[CHUCKLES] That's a stirring tale
to romance your French patrons with.
But it is ludicrous to think that
the greatest army in the world
could be outmaneuvered by soldiers
under the command of a
New Hampshire attorney,
or a battalion led by a
Rhode Island blacksmith,
or artillery directed
by a Boston bookseller.
Not to mention the incompetency
of a Philadelphia printer. [CHUCKLES]
France is not your ally.
Mr. Vergennes pretends you do not exist.
And Louis has nothing to gain
from joining with America.
Better for him that we
cut each other's throats.
[GRUNTS] Something your master,
King George, knows a great deal about.
I'm distressed you would
view that personally.
Well, how should I view it, sir?
As a simple equation.
Time and men and money will defeat you,
and it may cost us a great deal.
But it will cost you more.
If the price is our lives, we'll pay it.
Easy words on a sunny day in France.
The reality is harsher.
Mr. Williams, I have the oddest
apprehension that you're threatening me.
[CHUCKLES]
I'm making you an offer, Dr. Franklin.
'Cause you seek independence.
You may have it.
Now we're back to words
with different meanings.
America would be subject to Parliament
only in matters of policy
and foreign trade.
All restrictive acts passed
would be repealed,
and you may debate the rights
of man amongst yourselves
for as much as you wish.
Goes without saying, anyone
who helped secure such a peace
would find himself amply rewarded.
A knighthood, possibly even a peerage.
It's enough to secure a family's
fortune for the next 500 years.
Long after this rebellion is forgotten
and its conspirators turned to dust.
Trust in your wisdom, sir.
Well, then I'll tell you
what my wisdom instructs.
You think you're going to lose.
You fear that your
army will be shattered,
your king will be humiliated
and your nation bankrupted.
And, you know, Mr. Williams,
I believe you're right.
[SIGHS]
There's always your old
profession to fall back on.
[FRANKLIN] Hmm.
Good day, Dr. Franklin.
Good day, Mr. Williams.
- Mes chéris, mes chéris.
- [LAUGHS]
[IN FRENCH] How splendid you all were.
What a performance!
- So what about our money?
- Ah, oui.
Soon.
[KNOCKS]
[PERFORMER CLEARS THROAT]
a fine-looking horse.
Jacques said I could ride
him whenever I liked.
As long as I take care of him.
You might want to stay clear
of that young man.
Is that what you came to tell me?
For your friend, the marquis.
Though I have doubts about him too.
[CHUCKLES]
[LAFAYETTE] My friend.
[TEMPLE] Couldn't we have
just met at the Épée?
No. E-Everyone sees us
there, they talk at court,
the court tells the king,
and he stops me
from, uh, go to America.
What makes you think
you're going to America?
Because you
You said I
I am not going? No.
Tell Dr. Franklin I will repay
this favor in English blood.
Don't shed too much of your own.
We'll see each other again.
In victory.
[IN FRENCH] Good luck!
[WIND HOWLING]
Oh, no, no, no. Oh!
[GRUNTS, SIGHS]
[SIGHS, CHUCKLES]
Well, I'm grateful for your
assistance, Master Temple.
As you can see, your grandfather
has no aptitude for bureaucracy.
[TEMPLE CHUCKLES]
- [BANCROFT SIGHS]
- Uh, these figures don't make any sense.
- The arithmetic doesn't add up properly.
- Yes.
And, uh, look at this.
Well, it appears to be a shopping list.
The writing on the back
looks like names.
A list of prisoners to be
exchanged. [SIGHS]
Some I once called friends.
[SIGHS]
Your father's not on there.
I wouldn't expect so.
You hear nothing from him?
My stepmother writes,
but Grandfather won't allow
me to see any of her letters.
And refuses to answer them.
Yes, well, he can be a hard man
about some things. I've seen it.
Do you think my father
is a traitor, Mr. Bancroft?
[SIGHS]
One man's traitor is another's patriot.
It depends on which side you stand.
Your father chose loyalty to the Crown.
Time and fortune will tell
us if he chose wisely.
But you are here with your grandfather,
and your loyalty must be to him.
[TEMPLE SIGHS]
[GRUNTS] Take these for his signature.
Uh, make certain he signs them all,
and don't let him out of
your sight till he does.
- It's up to us to
- [TEMPLE] Correct his mistakes.
[CHUCKLES] And just so.
[STRING MUSIC PLAYING]
[GUESTS CHATTERING IN FRENCH]
Go ahead!
a secret, murder two of them".
[IN FRENCH] She translated it herself.
Would you delight me
with another quotation?
Ah, pardon.
- [GUEST GASPS]
- [GUEST 2 SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY]
Didn't I tell you your book would be
in every salon, every boudoir?
I am in awe of your powers, madame.
[CHUCKLES] What a talented liar.
How might I prove my sincerity?
Hmm.
You could try not flirting with
every woman in the room.
Mmm.
Is there perhaps another way?
[CHUCKLES]
[MUSIC CONTINUES]
I see the resemblance.
Oh. [CHUCKLES] He's 73 with
a an animal on his head.
But your souls are the same.
- You think so?
- [CHUCKLES]
Here is Franklin.
- And here is Franklinet.
- [BOTH CHUCKLE]
[GUESTS GASPING, CLAMORING]
[BEAUMARCHAIS] Excusez-moi. Pardon.
[MUSIC STOPS]
[IN FRENCH] Ladies and gentlemen
[GUESTS CHATTERING]
[GUESTS LAUGHING]
Might you briefly spare Beaumarchais
a Franklin or two?
[GUESTS LAUGHING]
- [MUSIC RESUMES]
- It's just like one of his plays!
from Count Vergennes?
The English ambassador had a copy
of the ship's, um, list of cargo.
The manifest.
They know what we plan.
Before we plan it.
Oh, which is why the man on
the dock was killed, n'est-ce pas?
[IN FRENCH] You don't need
to be so excited about it.
You have to admit it's interesting.
What are we going to do now?
- Carry on.
- Hmm.
What choice do we have?
[SIGHS]
[IN FRENCH] I think
I'm going to be sick.
Excuse me, madame.
- Is everything all right?
- Possibly not.
[CHUCKLES]
[SPEAKS FRENCH]
We're safe enough in Passy tonight.
Someone is spying on us.
Shouldn't we find out who it is?
Easier to ask who it is not.
In the meantime, we keep
My friend, there's
been an incident.
I blame myself.
If I hadn't been called away
on an urgent matter
No need, Mr. Bancroft.
Whoever did this was bent
on fear, not robbery.
[IN FRENCH] Perhaps
someone who took offense
at your recent publication?
know, Lieutenant Lenoir,
it might have been your own doing.
[IN FRENCH] Our censors do not go so far
as to overturn printing
presses, Dr. Franklin.
there are none to overturn.
[IN FRENCH] Could the intruder
have taken certain documents?
Documents which might compromise
you or His Majesty's government?
of a hand at the paperwork.
You'd have to ask Mr. Bancroft
or my grandson.
[LENOIR] Oh, we will.
[IN FRENCH] Round up the servants.
Let's see what they know about this.
to confine yourself to Passy
while we investigate this matter.
[SCOFFS] No doubt
as our visitor intended.
[IN FRENCH] With your
permission, Mr. Bancroft.
Just a few questions.
[STAMMERS] Yes, of course.
[SIGHS]
[SIGHS]
Do you know what you hold there?
Letters.
Words.
Power.
Never forget that.