Release Year: 2001 Rating: PG Director: Alan Taylor Producer: Uberto Pasolini Distributor: Paramount Classics Synopsis:
History tells us that Napoleon Bonaparte died in exile on the desolate island of St. Helena in 1821. Or did he? This film supposes a more fanciful tale. A secret network of loyalists hatch an ingenious plot: the Emperor (Ian Holm) will return to Paris, while a double takes his place in exile. Trading identities with a dissolute sailor, Napoleon is spirited back to France to reclaim his throne. Yet, early on in the scheme, the plan goes awry. The double refuses to give up playing Napoleon thereby stranding the former Emperor in Paris. Friendless and alone, he meets and falls for a beautiful widow (Iben Hjejle). Ian Holm puts on a double performance as both the humbled Emperor and his grandiose imposter. Starring: an Holm, Iben Hjejle, Tim McInnerny, Tom Watson, Hugh Bonneville
