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The Taking of Power by Louis XIV (1966)

The Taking of Power by Louis XIV (1966)

Drama History
Release Date: 1966, October 8
Directors: Roberto Rossellini
Countries: France
Production: ORTF, ORTF
Cast: Jacques Préboist, Rita Maiden, Gilette Barbier, Maurice Barrier, Michelle Marquais, Michel Debrane, Pierre Barrat, Paula Dehelly, Hélène Manesse, Axel Ganz, Raymond Jourdan, Jean Obé

Overview:

Cardinal Mazarin dies, leaving a power vacuum in which the young Louis asserts his intention to govern as well as rule. Mazarin's fiscal advisor, Colbert, warns against Fouquet, the Superintendant who has been systematically looting the treasury and wants to be prime minister. Fouquet believes Louis will soon tire of exercizing power and overplays his hand by offering a bribe to Louis' mistress to be his ally. She reports this to the king who arrests Fouquet. Louis and Colbert design a brilliant strategy to keep merchants making money, nobles in debt, the urban poor working and fed, and peasants untaxed.

Keywords:

monarchy biopic 17th century louis xiv french history