The Horseman on the Roof

The Horseman on the Roof

Year: 1995

Runtime: 135 mins

Language: French

Director: Jean-Paul Rappeneau

RomanceHistoryAdventureDrama

In a time of war and disease, a young officer gallantly tries to help a young woman find her husband.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Horseman on the Roof (1995)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Horseman on the Roof (1995). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1832

The events take place in July 1832, a time of political tension and early Italian movements for independence. The cholera epidemic adds urgency to every decision, shaping how characters move and react. The historical setting emphasizes the clash between revolutionary ideals and the realities of occupation and disease.

Location

Aix-en-Provence, Meyrargues, Manosque, Les Mées, Gap, Théus Castle

The story unfolds across southern France, moving from Aix-en-Provence to the countryside around Meyrargues, Manosque, and the hills near Gap. The rural towns, markets, and hillside routes create a backdrop of peril and resilience amid a cholera outbreak. Castles, convents, and quarantined spaces punctuate the landscape, highlighting a borderlands atmosphere between Italian rebels and Austrian authorities.

🗺️ France 🕰️ 19th Century 🏞️ Rural landscapes

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:38

Main Characters – The Horseman on the Roof (1995)

Meet the key characters of The Horseman on the Roof (1995), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Angelo Pardi

A young Piedmont Hussar colonel whose courage and resourcefulness drive him to fight for Italian independence. He is dutiful, chivalrous, and determined to complete his mission even at great personal risk. His romance with Pauline tests his strict sense of duty and his capacity for tenderness.

🗡️ Hero 🧭 Patriotism 💪 Determination

Pauline de Théus

A cultured countess who embodies strength and resolve. She offers shelter and aid to Angelo, and their bond grows amid peril and mutual respect. Her wit and courage help drive the escape and the trust that forms between them.

❤️ Romance 🏰 Aristocracy 🧭 Courage

Giuseppe

Patriot ally who turns out to be the traitor, holding money to aid the revolution. His betrayal intensifies the danger for Angelo and others, underscoring the risks within a cause-driven movement.

🗡️ Betrayal 💰 Money & Power

Laurent de Théus

Count and Pauline’s husband, a figure of property and high society who becomes entwined in the personal drama surrounding Angelo and Pauline. His presence anchors the domestic and political tensions of the era.

🏰 Aristocracy 🧭 Duty

Austrian Agent

A determined interceptor pursuing the rebels across rural France, signaling the pressures of imperial rule. His pursuits escalate danger and test the fugitives’ ingenuity and resolve.

🕵️ Espionage ⚔️ Conflict

Epilogue narrator

The voice guiding the final reflections, tying together the personal memories with the broader historical arc. This presence offers a reflective lens on love, loyalty, and the cost of freedom.

🎙️ Narration 🕰️ Time & memory

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:38

Major Themes – The Horseman on the Roof (1995)

Explore the central themes of The Horseman on the Roof (1995), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🗡️ Patriotism

The film centers on a fight for Italian independence and the moral choices that come with it. Angelo's mission to support the rebellion tests personal loyalty against practical danger. Romantic and familial ties intermingle with national duty, making patriotism a living, costly virtue. The narrative treats national awakening as a personal journey as much as a political one.

🛡️ Courage

Heroes materialize in acts of daring—fights, escapes, and rooftop chases—where risk defines character. Angelo repeatedly puts himself in harm's way to protect others, embodying chivalric ideals amid chaos. The story frames bravery as a steady, chosen path rather than a momentary impulse. Courage is tested by mobs, traitors, and the ever-present threat of capture.

⚕️ Disease & Compassion

The cholera epidemic is a constant, shaping how people move and how aid is given. A physician teaches practical care, turning medicine into a lifeline in a world of scarcity and fear. Angelo and Pauline’s acts of care transcend political boundaries, underscoring humanity amid conflict. The disease backdrop exposes the cost of war and the value of mercy.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:38

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The Horseman on the Roof Summary

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The Horseman on the Roof Summary

The Horseman on the Roof Timeline

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The Horseman on the Roof Timeline

The Horseman on the Roof Spoiler-Free Summary

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The Horseman on the Roof Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Horseman on the Roof

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More About The Horseman on the Roof

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