1807, in Warsaw, Napoleon has taken control and seeks Polish troops to aid him in throwing Russia out of Poland entirely. He is smitten with Countess Marie Walewska (played by Catherine Schell), a married woman, and when he writes to her from back in Paris she rejects his entreaties for her to join him there, not wishing to violate her religious wedding vows.
Her husband and other dignitaries put on the patriotic pressure and convince her to make the sexual sacrifice in order to help free their country.
Key issue is that Nappy's brother-in-law (played by Peter Bowles) wants him to name him king of Poland, but Holm puts the kibosh on that plan. Ultimately Schell agrees to being Holm's mistress, but remains steadfast to her principles nonetheless.
Schell, who was an international star working in Britain at this time including a memorable role in a "Pink Panther" movie, gives a moving performance in this dramatic episode, first to not have Billie Whitelaw as Josephine in the cast. Holm as Napoleon in this episode is less sympathetic than ever in his unyielding selfishness, especially compared to the selflessness embodied in patriot Schell.
Her husband and other dignitaries put on the patriotic pressure and convince her to make the sexual sacrifice in order to help free their country.
Key issue is that Nappy's brother-in-law (played by Peter Bowles) wants him to name him king of Poland, but Holm puts the kibosh on that plan. Ultimately Schell agrees to being Holm's mistress, but remains steadfast to her principles nonetheless.
Schell, who was an international star working in Britain at this time including a memorable role in a "Pink Panther" movie, gives a moving performance in this dramatic episode, first to not have Billie Whitelaw as Josephine in the cast. Holm as Napoleon in this episode is less sympathetic than ever in his unyielding selfishness, especially compared to the selflessness embodied in patriot Schell.