Directed by
Ridley Scott
Made by
Paramount Pictures
Discover the intricate plot of The Duellists (1978). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
In the charming city of Strasbourg in 1800, tensions escalate dramatically when Lieutenant Gabriel Feraud, a fervent Bonapartist and passionate duelist, nearly kills the Mayor’s nephew during a fierce duel. The fallout from this dangerous incident forces Mayor Brigadier-General Treillard to intervene, ordering Lieutenant Armand d’Hubert, of the 3rd Hussars, to place Feraud under house arrest. However, Feraud perceives this command as a personal slight and promptly challenges d’Hubert to a duel, which ends abruptly as Feraud loses consciousness before a clear resolution can be reached.
This initial clash serves as a catalyst for a series of tumultuous events. The chaos of war provides a brief pause in their rivalry, but six months later, Feraud once again confronts d’Hubert, leading to a duel that leaves d’Hubert gravely injured. As d’Hubert recuperates, he focuses on honing his fencing skills, only to face Feraud once more in a subsequent duel. This encounter spirals into a savage wrestling match, ultimately interrupted by outside intervention, illustrating the fierce animosity boiling between the two men.
With d’Hubert’s promotion to captain offering a sliver of hope—given that military protocol forbids dueling between officers of differing ranks—he is dispatched to Lübeck, where he is taken aback to find that Feraud has also risen in rank to captain. Just weeks ahead of d’Hubert’s expected promotion to major, he attempts to slip away unnoticed but is thwarted by Feraud’s timely challenge. During this confrontation, d’Hubert’s former lover, Laura, cautions him against the fatalistic path of dueling, foreboding his inevitable demise.
Despite her warnings, the duel ensues, and d’Hubert ultimately triumphs, wounding Feraud and forcing him to concede defeat. Elated, d’Hubert prepares to leave the field, but soon learns that Feraud’s regiment is being sent to Spain while he remains in Northern Europe, trapped in a perpetual cycle of vendettas and violence.
As the French Army retreats from Moscow, d’Hubert and Feraud, now both colonels, unintentionally reunite amid the chaos of war. Initially distrustful, they must set aside their rivalry to collaborate in a desperate attempt to reconnect with their forces. The tension escalates when Feraud seeks volunteers to track down Russian Cossacks, with d’Hubert being the sole officer to join him. Their mission quickly turns perilous as they fall under attack. With quick reflexes, Feraud dispatches one foe, while d’Hubert skillfully defends against the others. In the aftermath, d’Hubert wryly remarks, >“Pistols next time,” implying their conflict is far from over, and he offers Feraud a drink to celebrate their narrow escape. However, Feraud’s distant demeanor speaks volumes, as he coldly accepts the gesture without a word.
Post-Napoleon’s exile to Elba, d’Hubert recuperates at his sister Leonie’s home where he meets the enchanting Adele. As their romance flourishes, Colonel Perteley—a devoted Bonapartist—pressures d’Hubert to rejoin the Napoleonic faction, but he remains steadfast. Feraud, upon learning of d’Hubert’s refusal, labels him a traitor, his disdain palpable.
The drama escalates following Napoleon’s defeat at Waterloo, leading d’Hubert to marry Adele and enlist in the service of Louis XVIII. Meanwhile, Feraud faces dire consequences for his actions during the Hundred Days war, finding himself captured and sentenced to execution. Unbeknownst to him, it is d’Hubert who intervenes, imploring the Minister of Police to spare Feraud’s life. As a result, Feraud is granted parole but must live under close supervision. Meanwhile, d’Hubert and Adele look forward to welcoming their first child.
As d’Hubert’s standing rises in the new French Army, a surprising challenge arrives from Feraud, demanding a pistol duel. Reluctantly adhering to the code of honor, d’Hubert accepts the duel invitation. The two warriors meet at a dilapidated château, reminiscent of their troubled past. In a startling twist, Feraud’s careless ruse allows d’Hubert an advantage. Instead of swiftly eliminating his adversary, d’Hubert seizes the moment, declaring his life is now in d’Hubert’s hands, thus mandating that Feraud “conduct [himself] as a dead man,” never again daring to provoke a duel.
As d’Hubert finally finds solace in a quiet life with his beloved, Feraud is confined to a lonely outpost, his life now a shadow of its former glory, consumed by a fading obsession for dueling. In starkly separate worlds, one man enjoys domestic tranquility while the other, bound by history and rivalry, endures a slow, haunting decline, echoing the fate of his once-glorious leader, caught in the relentless grasp of a bygone era.
Track the key events of The Duellists (1978) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Duel with the Mayor's Nephew
In the charming city of Strasbourg in 1800, Lieutenant Gabriel Feraud nearly kills the Mayor's nephew during a heated duel. This reckless act of bravado waylays the peaceful atmosphere, prompting serious consequences.
Order of House Arrest
Following the duel, Mayor Brigadier-General Treillard intervenes and orders Lieutenant Armand d'Hubert to place Feraud under house arrest. Feraud, feeling personally insulted, reacts by challenging d'Hubert to a duel.
First Duel Between Feraud and d'Hubert
D'Hubert and Feraud's first duel takes place, but it ends abruptly as Feraud loses consciousness before a resolution can be reached. This unresolved confrontation sets the stage for their tumultuous rivalry.
Six-Month Pause
As war breaks out, the animosity between Feraud and d'Hubert is momentarily sidelined. However, after six months, they reconnect through another duel, resulting in severe injuries for d'Hubert.
Severe Injury
D'Hubert finds himself gravely injured during a subsequent duel with Feraud. During his recovery, he begins to refine his fencing skills, determined to overcome Feraud in their next encounter.
Wrestling Match During Duel
In their next clash, the duel escalates into a savage wrestling match, demonstrating the raw emotions and hatred boiling between the two men. It is abruptly interrupted, leaving their rivalry unresolved.
Promotion and Reassignment
D'Hubert receives a promotion to captain, which gives him hope that military protocol will prevent further dueling. However, he is shocked to encounter Feraud, who has also been promoted to captain.
Foreboding Warning
As d'Hubert anticipates a promotion to major, he attempts to sneak away but is confronted by Feraud's challenge. His former lover, Laura, warns him of the dangers of pursuing their violent rivalry, fearing for his life.
Final Duel
Ignoring Laura's warnings, d'Hubert engages in a duel with Feraud and successfully wounds him. This moment of victory is bittersweet, as d'Hubert realizes the cyclical nature of their violence continues with Feraud being reassigned to Spain.
Unintentional Reunion
As the French Army retreats from Moscow, d'Hubert and Feraud, now colonels, accidentally reunite. Forced to collaborate during the chaos, they put aside their rivalry for survival, but tension lingers.
Mission Against Cossacks
D'Hubert joins Feraud on a dangerous mission to confront Russian Cossacks. The mission quickly escalates, leading to a fierce battle where both officers showcase their fighting skills, but the strain of their rivalry remains evident.
Napoleon's Exile
In the aftermath of Napoleon's exile, d'Hubert recuperates at his sister’s home, where he meets Adele. Their romance blossoms amidst the political turmoil, as d’Hubert grapples with Feraud's growing resentment.
Marrying Adele
Despite rising tensions following Napoleon's defeat, d'Hubert marries Adele and pledges allegiance to Louis XVIII. Feraud, meanwhile, is captured and faces execution for his actions during the war.
Feraud's Parole
D'Hubert secretly intervenes to save Feraud from execution, appealing to the Minister of Police. Feraud receives parole but is closely monitored, a stark contrast to d'Hubert's prosperous life preparing for fatherhood.
The Final Challenge
As d'Hubert's reputation grows, Feraud issues a challenge for a pistol duel. The duel takes place at an old château where d'Hubert gains the upper hand, forcing Feraud to accept a life of peace, separate from their violent history.
Meet the characters that bring The Duellists (1978) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Lieutenant Gabriel Feraud
Gabriel Feraud is a passionate Bonapartist and skilled duelist, driven by a fierce sense of honor that often leads him into conflict. His determination and rivalry with d'Hubert showcase the destructive nature of obsession and the toll it takes on his humanity over time.
Lieutenant Armand d'Hubert
Armand d'Hubert is a dedicated officer whose life is intertwined with the honor code of his time. Initially caught in a rivalry, he evolves throughout the film as he navigates the consequences of his choices, revealing a man seeking peace amidst the chaos of war.
Adele
Adele emerges as a beacon of hope and love for d'Hubert, representing the possibility of a peaceful life away from dueling and threats. Her presence emphasizes the personal sacrifices made in the pursuit of honor and the complexity of relationships during turbulent times.
Uncover the settings of The Duellists (1978), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
1800s
Set during the early 1800s, a time marked by the rise and fall of Napoleonic rule in Europe, the film captures the intense political and social upheaval of the period. The aftermath of significant military campaigns, shifting allegiances, and the personal honor code of dueling are prominent themes that reflect the values and challenges of the era.
Location
Strasbourg, Lübeck
The story unfolds in the charming city of Strasbourg, known for its picturesque half-timbered houses and rich European heritage. Lübeck, on the other hand, is recognized for its medieval old town and significant role in trade, providing a backdrop that juxtaposes the characters' military and personal conflicts.
Explore the core themes of The Duellists (1978). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Honor
The theme of honor is central to the rivalry between Feraud and d'Hubert, driving their violent encounters and personal decisions. Their adherence to a strict code of conduct leads to a cycle of revenge and conflict, showcasing how the pursuit of honor can overshadow human connection.
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Conflict
The movie explores the pervasive nature of conflict, both on a personal level between the two protagonists and on a larger scale amid the backdrop of war. Their duels symbolize not only their personal vendetta but also reflect the broader chaos and turmoil of the Napoleonic Wars.
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Love and Loss
Love and loss are poignantly depicted through d'Hubert's relationship with Adele and the life choices he makes as a result. His emotional journey highlights the contrast between the tranquility he seeks and the relentless violence surrounding him, illustrating how love can be both a refuge and a source of tension.
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