- In 1572, young queen Marguerite de Valois is driven by her mother Catherine de Médicis to marry Henri de Navarre, a Protestant leader, so as to appease the tensions between Catholics and Huguenots. But the marriage of convenience proves a double failure because not only are the newlyweds ill-matched sexually but a horrible killing spree (the Saint Bartholomew's Day massacre) ensues as well...—Guy Bellinger
- Everyone is familiar with the story of the Huguenots, the French Protestants at the time of the Inquisition, when the mere fact that anyone was a Protestant was deemed sufficient ground for sending him to prison and to torture. This photo-drama depicts one phase of the strife between the French Protestants and the power of Queen Catherine de Medici, probably one of the most cruel women who ever lived. King Henry of Navarre, the leader of the Huguenots, was married to the sister of King Charles of France. Although Henry was recognized leader of the Protestants his marriage was recognized as it was thought he could be eventually persuaded to turn Catholic and bring back the people with him. He was lured to Paris and there kept a virtual prisoner, although it was announced that he was free to go as he pleased. Wishing to return to Navarre so he could unite his forces, Henry received the assistance of some of his friends in planning to escape. Catherine de Medici, however, kept such a strict watch on his movements that the plot was discovered and the massacre of St. Bartholomew was ordered when Henry refused to change his conviction. De la Mole and Cocomas, leaders of the rival factions, meet and after a quarrel, fight a duel which ends disastrously for Cocomas. La Mole takes him to his apartment and cares for him until he is better. Then the former enemies swear eternal friendship. At the time of the second massacre La Mole seeks refuge in the apartment of King Henry where he is hidden by Queen Margaret. Cocomas finds refuge with the Duchess de Neveres, a close friend of Queen Margaret. Much impressed with the beauty of their protectors, La Mole and Cocomas go to a chemist and buy from him some wax figures supposed to be able to aid the little god Cupid in securing favor with the object of the affections. Queen Catherine de Medici, furious at being foiled in her effort to do away with Henry of Navarre decided to have him poisoned. Her plans, however, miscarry, and the poison intended for Henry causes the death of her own son, King Charles. Seeking a scapegoat she visits the room of La Mole and Cocomas and finding the wax figures has them accused of the crime of resorting to sorcery to cause the death of the King. The chemist is forced to swear that the figures were bought by the two men and that they represented the dead King. The court declares them guilty and condemns them to torture and death. In spite of the efforts of Queen Margaret and the Duchess de Neveres the sentence is carried out.—Moving Picture World synopsis
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