Marie-Antoinette reine de France (1956)
Directed by Jean Delannoy

Film Synopsis

In 1774, King Louis XV is a dying man.  His illness in compounded by fears over his son's ability to govern France after his death.  In particular, he is anxious about his consort, Marie-Antoinette, who has so far failed to produce an heir and is known to attend balls in her husband's absence.  At one of these balls, Marie-Antoinette makes a strong impression on a Swedish officer, Axel de Fersen, something that will later fuel rumours against her.  When Louis XV dies, his son is crowned Louis XVI and it isn't long before public sentiment turns against the new king.  Marie-Antoinette is seen to spend large amounts of money whilst the ordinary people go hungry.  Time is running out for the French monarchy, and not even Marie-Antoinette will be spared...