Arquivo

The scenario is the Prince of Condé?s castle. The year is 1671. François Vatel is the loyal and devoted servant to the proud, if old and ruined, Prince of Condé, who wishes to win back the favors of King Louis XIV to gain command of a new military campaign against the Dutch. For such, Condé places his future in the hands of Vatel, and entrusts him to invite the entire court of Versailles to pay him a visit in his castle in Chantilly. The festivities are to last three days and three nights. All must be perfect. Vatel imagines extremely elaborate menus and theater performances that he knows are much appreciated by the King. Mid all the excitement, Vatel is seduced by Anne de Montausier, a young woman desired by the King himself and by the Marquis of Lauzun. Her heart will not yield to either of these; even so, she gives herself to Vatel, the magnificent Master of Ceremonies, in spite of his unassuming origins and, above all a good-hearted man. The great event is almost over. To judge by the general atmosphere, success is practically guaranteed. On the evening of the third day, however, the fish that was ordered for the final banquet does not arrive in time. Vatel will have to change the menu or find a most creative solution.