Let Joy Reign Supreme

Que la fte commence... English title Let Joy Reign Supreme is a 1975 French film directed by Bertrand Tavernier and starring Philippe Noiret. It is a historical drama set during the 18th century French Rgence centring on the Breton Pontcallec Conspiracy.

In France in 1719, Philippe II, Duke of Orlans is the regent for the young Louis XV. He is sophisticated, gentle, a liberal and a libertine. He endeavours to keep his subjects cultured and happy to stop the peasants from rising up, but he knows he has no real royal authority. To assist him, dOrlans enlists the aid of an atheistic and venal priest named Guillaume Dubois, who is as much of a libertine as Philippe, and unfortunately does not care for anyone except himself. At the beginning of the movie, a very gruesome scene shows the autopsy of Marie Louise lisabeth dOrlans, Duchess of Berry, elder daughter of the Regent. The voluptuous young princess expires onJuly 1719, her health fatally ruined by her debauched life and a series of clandestine pregnancies. Notoriously promiscuous, Joufflotte chubby as she was nicknamed because of her generous proportions, was rumored of committing incest with her father. The autopsy reveals that the Rubenesque princess was again pregnant. Philippe is very much affected by her death. Meanwhile, a rebellion led by a Breton squire named Pontcallec occurs. Philippes natural idealism is further shaken when he is forced to execute Pontcallecs band of revolutionaries. Dubois, however, tries to take advantage of the revolt and subsequent famine to become archbishop. It becomes apparent that true joy will only be found when the peasants successfully overthrow the aristocrats who have held them down for so long.The movie provides a description of 18th century court life, and features the music of the real Philippe dOrlans. ........

Source: Wikipedia