The Lady and the Duke Poster

The Lady and the Duke 2001

★ 6.437 votes129 min📅 2001-09-07

Éric Rohmer's historical drama *The Lady and the Duke (2001)* transports viewers to the heart of revolutionary Paris, where elegance and peril collide.

Director: Éric Rohmer

Cast

Lucy Russell
Lucy Russell
Grace Elliot
Jean-Claude Dreyfus
Jean-Claude Dreyfus
Le duc d'Orléans
Rosette
Rosette
Fanchette
Marie Rivière
Marie Rivière
Madame Laurent
Charlotte Véry
Charlotte Véry
Vergniaud
Léonard Cobiant
Champcenetz
François Marthouret
François Marthouret
Dumouriez
Caroline Morin
Nanon
Serge Renko
Serge Renko
Vergniaud
Éric Viellard
Éric Viellard
Osselin

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Lady and the Duke (2001) about?

Set during the French Revolution, this historical drama follows Grace Dalrymple Elliot, a British aristocrat who refuses to abandon her refined life despite the chaos unfolding around her. Her loyalty to the Duke of Orléans and her decision to shelter a fugitive force her to confront the brutal realities of war and revolution.

Who directed The Lady and the Duke?

Éric Rohmer, the acclaimed French filmmaker known for his nuanced character studies and historical dramas like *Perceval le Gallois*, directed *The Lady and the Duke*.

Who stars in The Lady and the Duke?

The film stars Lucy Russell as Grace Dalrymple Elliot, alongside Jean-Claude Dreyfus, Rosette, Marie Rivière, and Charlotte Véry in pivotal roles.

Is The Lady and the Duke (2001) worth watching?

For fans of period dramas and character-driven narratives, *The Lady and the Duke* is a compelling watch. Rohmer's direction and Russell's performance elevate the film beyond typical historical fare, offering a thoughtful exploration of survival and loyalty during turbulent times.

How long is The Lady and the Duke?

The runtime for *The Lady and the Duke (2001)* is 129 minutes.

About The Lady and the Duke (2001) — A Revolutionary Romance of Grace and Danger

Éric Rohmer's historical drama *The Lady and the Duke (2001)* transports viewers to the heart of revolutionary Paris, where elegance and peril collide. Lucy Russell stars as Grace Dalrymple Elliot, a British aristocrat clinging to her refined lifestyle amid the chaos of the French Revolution. With unwavering poise, Grace navigates treacherous waters, balancing survival against the backdrop of political upheaval while maintaining a fragile friendship with the Duke of Orléans. Rohmer crafts a visually striking tale of resilience and moral dilemma, blending romance, drama, and history into a poignant character study. The film's atmospheric tension and understated intensity make it a standout in Rohmer's filmography, offering a glimpse into a world where privilege and peril intertwine.

Set against the revolution's backdrop, the story explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the fragile nature of human connections. Russell's performance anchors the narrative, capturing Grace's determination and vulnerability as she risks everything to protect a fugitive. The film's restrained yet evocative storytelling immerses audiences in a bygone era, where every choice could mean life—or death.