The Duellists

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.