TV season

Series

1989-10-25

A history of the French Revolution from the decision of the king to convene the Etats-Generaux in 1789 in order to deal with France's debt problem. The first part of the movie tells the story from 1789 until August 10, 1792 (when King Louis XVI lost all his authority and was put in prison). The second part carries the story through the end of the terror in 1794, including the deaths by the guillotine of Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, Danton, and Desmoulins.

Episodes

Episode 1

The Years of Light

1989-10-25 • 166 min

This first part retraces the rise of the French Revolution, from the convocation of the Estates‑General in 1789 to the fall of the monarchy in August 1792. It follows the creation of the National Assembly, the Tennis Court Oath, the storming of the Bastille, and the abolition of privileges that shattered the old order. The film also depicts the October Days, the Flight to Varennes, the growing distrust toward Louis XVI, and the increasing radicalization of the revolutionary movement. The episode concludes with the assault on the Tuileries on August 10, 1792, which marks the end of royal power and opens the way to the Revolution’s darkest years.

Episode 2

The Years of Terror

1989-11-01 • 154 min

This second part covers the darkest years of the French Revolution, from the imprisonment of the royal family to the end of the Reign of Terror. It depicts the trial and execution of Louis XVI, the rise of Robespierre and the Committee of Public Safety, and the internal conflicts tearing the revolutionary factions apart. The film follows the fall of Danton and Desmoulins, the escalation of political violence, and the machinery of Terror that ultimately turns against its own leaders. The episode concludes with the downfall and execution of Robespierre, Saint‑Just, and Couthon in July 1794, marking the end of the Revolution’s most tragic and tumultuous period.