Lady Oscar 1979

Birth of Oscar and a gender-subversive upbringing

General Jarjayes' wife dies giving birth to a daughter. He refuses to accept a female heir and names the child Oscar, raising her as a boy to serve as his heir and companion. He tells the housekeeper that André will grow up with Oscar and become her closest friend, so the girl can be around men.

Oscar trains as a swordswoman and grows up as a boy

As the years pass, Oscar learns to sword-fight and behaves like a boy in all but birth. She forms an inseparable bond with André, who acts as her ally and confidant. Their unusual upbringing shapes a trust and loyalty that lasts years.

André's romantic feelings start

André begins to fall in love with Oscar, despite their close friendship. Oscar loves him as a brother and never returns his romantic feelings. The two navigate their roles within a rigid aristocratic world.

Oscar is appointed as royal guard by Marie Antoinette

The Queen of France notices Oscar's prowess and grants her a prestigious position as a personal guard. This elevates Oscar into court life and gives her access to power at Versailles. She becomes part of an elite circle while still bound by her vow to André.

The Queen's private affair becomes public

Marie Antoinette's secret lover Hans Axel von Fersen becomes part of court gossip, highlighting the Crown's hypocrisy. The aristocracy clings to power while ignoring the suffering of commoners. This public scandal intensifies the people's hunger for reform.

André moves to Paris as a stable boy and observes poverty

André leaves the palace life behind and becomes a common stable boy in Paris, witnessing the suffering of the lower classes every day. He grows convinced that revolution is necessary and tries to show Oscar his point of view. The contrast between aristocratic security and street hardship deepens his resolve.

Oscar's loyalty to the Crown and growing attraction to Fersen

Despite recognizing the outside world's cruelty, Oscar remains loyal to the Crown. She also starts to feel drawn toward Fersen, whose charisma complicates her loyalties. This inner conflict marks the early seeds of change.

Masked ball confession

At a masked ball, André confesses his love for Oscar and attempts to kiss her. Oscar is shocked and unable to return his feelings, though they remain friends. The moment cements the tension between duty, love, and friendship.

Revolution breaks out and orders to shoot protestors

In 1789, the revolution begins and Oscar is ordered to fire on protesting crowds outside Versailles. She and the other guards refuse and they are jailed for their defiance. André and some revolutionaries organize a daring rescue.

Oscar and the rebels free the jailed guards

André and other revolutionaries free Oscar and the other guards. Oscar declares her love for André, and the two begin a relationship. The alliance between them signals a blend of romance and rebellion.

Father's refusal and sword conflict

The General refuses to join the rebels and even attempts to kill Oscar. A sword fight erupts, during which André defends Oscar and helps them escape. The escape marks a dangerous turning point as the old order fights back.