The Duellists (1977)

The Duellists (1977), a British drama directed by Ridley Scott and produced by David Puttnam, is set in France during the Napoleonic Wars. It follows the intense rivalry of two officers, Bonapartist Gabriel Feraud and aristocratic Armand d’Hubert, as they engage in a series of duels over nearly two decades. The film, based on Joseph Conrad’s short story The Duel, delves into the political turmoil of early 19th-century France. Garnering critical acclaim at its debut, it won the award for Best Debut Film at the 1977 Cannes Film Festival and was also nominated for the Palme d’Or. This marked Scott’s first feature film as a director.

In 1800, while in Strasbourg, Lieutenant Gabriel Feraud of the French 7th Hussars, known for his strong support of Napoleon and his love for dueling, almost kills the nephew of the city’s mayor. Due to pressure from the mayor, Brigadier-General Treillard instructs one of his officers, Lieutenant Armand d’Hubert of the 3rd Hussars, to restrain Feraud by placing him under house arrest. Upon receiving this order, Feraud perceives it as a personal insult and challenges d’Hubert to a duel. The outcome is inconclusive as Feraud is rendered unconscious during the fight. Additionally, d’Hubert ends up with scratches on his face from an attack by Feraud’s mistress. As a result of this incident, General Treillard dismisses d’Hubert from his staff and assigns him back to active duty with his regiment.