Reign of Terror 1949

Robespierre's bid for dictatorial power

The most powerful man in France, Maximilien Robespierre, schemes to seize control and install himself as dictator. He summons Barras, the only man who can nominate him before the National Convention. Barras refuses, throwing Robespierre's plan into jeopardy as Barras goes into hiding.

The stolen black book threatens the plan

Robespierre informs D'Aubigny that his black book, a volatile list of those to be denounced and executed, has been stolen. He gives D'Aubigny 24 hours to recover it, tightening the clock on everyone involved. The threat of the list heightens the stakes for all sides.

D'Aubigny reaches Barras through Madelon

D'Aubigny makes contact with Barras through Madelon, his former lover. The meeting is tense, because they are being watched, and soon after the police move to arrest Barras. Despite the pressure, D'Aubigny navigates between both sides to avoid exposing his own loyalty.

Barras is arrested

Saint-Just's police arrest Barras, locking him away in prison. D'Aubigny carefully manages the situation so neither side suspects his betrayal. He tries to keep Barras and Robespierre from turning on each other.

Murdered men and a distracting theft

In Barras's prison, D'Aubigny informs Barras that three of his men have been murdered. The rooms show little sign of ransacking, which leads to the theory that the theft was a distraction. D'Aubigny warns that Robespierre's enemies may be using the theft to advance their own positions.

Madelon disguises Madame Duval to free D'Aubigny

Saint-Just orders Madame Duval's wife to identify her husband. Madelon disguises herself as Madame Duval and extracts D'Aubigny from Barras's prison while the real Madame Duval waits at the gate.

D'Aubigny retrieves the book and defeats Fouché

D'Aubigny returns to Robespierre's private office, concealed behind the bakery, and finds the fabled book. Fouché confronts him and attempts to stab him, but D'Aubigny overpowers Fouché and escapes.

Escape to the Blanchards' farm and the manhunt begins

D'Aubigny and Madelon hide at the Blanchards' farm, evading Saint-Just's Sergeant. They escape on horseback, but Madelon is captured and brought back to Paris.

Madelon is tortured but silent

Back in Paris, the Sergeant tortures Madelon for information. She refuses to talk, maintaining her cover and resolve, which buys time for the conspirators.

The Convention convenes and the web tightens

The National Convention begins to assemble as Fouché reveals Madelon's earring to D'Aubigny, signaling that Robespierre's demise may hinge on hidden loyalties. The absence of the book raises the stakes as more lives hang in the balance.

Power struggle erupts at the Convention

Fouché and Robespierre maneuver while Barras's influence shifts as the book passes from delegate to delegate. Robespierre denounces Barras in a dramatic speech, igniting a lethal political confrontation.

Robespierre is shot and deposed

Fouché orders a man to shoot Robespierre through the jaw, silencing him forever. Robespierre is then taken toward the Guillotine, marking the collapse of his bid for power.

The secret room is found and Madelon is rescued

D'Aubigny returns to Robespierre's office and tears it apart, using a torch to reveal a hidden room behind a stained floor. He kills the Sergeant and rescues Madelon, ending their immediate peril.