Catherine (1986 TV series)

Catherine
Written by	Juliette Benzoni (based on her novels)
Directed by	Marion Sarraut
Starring	Claudine Ancelot Pierre-Marie Escourrou Pascale Petit Philippe Clay
Music by	Robert Viger
Country of origin	France
No. of episodes	60
Production
Running time	26 minutes
Release
Original network	Antenne 2
Original release	March 19, 1986

Catherine - a French TV series produced for Antenne 2 channel in 1986. It was based on the series of "Catherine" novels written by Juliette Benzoni. The series was directed by Marion Sarraut, who had already successfully brought on TV another of Madame Benzoni's work - Marianne. The director had the author's assistance going so far as working together, like mother and daughter, to work on the best-seller Catherine. Two years of preparation, fifteen months of shooting, two hundred actors - over fifteen hundred costumes. The episodes were not to be seen in prime time - but from 13:30 - 14:00 each afternoon. The production was nevertheless a huge success. The readers of the books were more than satisfied with what Marion Sarraut had done to Catherine. To their great joy, the producers had adapted the seven books more or less truthfully. Some minor changes had to be made, probably also because of the small bugdet they had at their disposal. Claudine Ancelot was a perfect Catherine. At her side, Pierre-Marie Escourrou as her great love Arnaud de Montsalvy. Pascale Petit was Sara, Benoît Brione was the evil Gilles de Rais, and Geneviève Casile Queen Yolande.

For over two decades, the story of "Catherine and Arnaud" had vanished. In December 2007 the French company France Loisirs started releasing the long awaited Catherine Il suffit d'un amour TV-Serie on DVD. At the moment the whole TV series has been released on 5 double DVDs.

Production

The production of the "Catherine" TV series took 15 months after two years of preparation, because filming 7 novels was a huge task.

Characters

Catherine Legoix - daughter of goldsmith Gaucher and Jacquette Legoix. Tried to save Michel de Montsalvy, who was killed by her uncle. Met his brother Arnaud and fell in love with him forever. Married Garin de Brazey and was "persuaded" by Duke Philippe, to become his mistress. Beloved Lady of Montsalvy by her vassals. Was loved by many men, but her heart and love belonged only to one man - Arnaud de Montsalvy, whose wife she became.

Arnaud de Montsalvy - son of Isabelle de Montsalvy and Amaury de Montsalvy. Father died when he was a small child. Captain in the service of King Charles VII. Fell in love with Catherine at first sight, but refused to admit it, because he had sworn to kill every Legoix, whom he believed to be the murderer of his beloved brother Michel. Joyfully accepted the whole truth, screamed at him by Bishop Cauchon in Rouen that Catherine actually tried to save his brother. Though he loved Catherine with all his heart his fierce character, easily aroused made her suffer many times. When he was on the verge of dying, truly understood what a loving heart was capable of doing. Catherine had won his heart for all eternity.

Michel de Montsalvy - son of Isabelle de Montsalvy and Amaury de Montsalvy, Arnaud's older brother. Was in service of Louis de Guyenne. Catherine tried to save him from the Parisian mob by hiding him in her father's cellar. He was murdered by Catherine's uncle Thomas Legoix in 1413 after Legoix maiden, Marion had discovered him hiding in the cellar and revealed it to the mobs.

Dame Isabelle de Montsalvy - mother of Michel and Arnaud, Comtesse de Montsalvy, widow. At first, she disliked Catherine, but after realizing how much the young woman suffered and when the tragedy hit them both with Arnaud going down with leprosy, she accepted her truly and loved her like a daughter. Adored her grandson, little Michel who reminded her of her elder son. Died of a broken heart believing her son was a leper.

Michel de Montsalvy jr. - son of Catherine and Arnaud. Inherited his uncle Michel's look. Officially recognized as the Lord of Montsalvy not quite 2 years old, when his father was believed never to return.

Sara - born into a Gypsy tribe on the island of Cyprus. Seized by Turks and sold in the market to a Venetian merchant. She has the ability to see sometimes the glimples into the future. Met Catherine in 1413 in Barnabe's house. She looked after her and accompanied her and her mother to Burgundy. Became first Catherine's maid, then the best friend and helped her out of many bad situations. Now head of the household in the Château of Montsalvy. Only one, Arnaud ever feared.

Barnabé - one of Catherine's closest friends and good friend of Sara. Met Catherine in Paris when she was a child. After her father's death he fled with her, her mother and Sara to Dijon/Burgundy. Saved Catherine's life several times and was always helping her in difficult situations. Left with Brother Etienne to become a monk. They met for the last time years later and he gave his life to save Catherine.

Story

Episode 1

Catherine Legoix, young girl born nearby the Pont au Change in Paris in 1400 found herself right in the middle of Cabochienne rebel in 1413. The war between Armagnacs and Burgundians began to look extremely serious. Catherine meets the young noble from Auvergne, Michel de Montsalvy. She also meets the gypsy Sara and Barnabe.

Episode 2

Catherine, having seen the young man being in danger from the Burgundians who want to kill him, is trying to help Michel hiding him in the cellar of her father's house. Unfortunately Marthon, her parents' servant discovers Michel's hiding place and reports him to Caboche. The Burgundians behead Michel and hang Catherine's father. Catherine is devastated.

Episode 3

After her father and Michel's death Catherine and her mother leave Paris together with Sara and Barnabe. They travel to Burgundy, where Catherine's uncle, Matthieu Gautherin lives. The years pass. In 1422 Catherine meets Duke Philippe of Burgundy.

Episode 4

Thanks to Duke Phillippe's pass Catherine leaves Brugges. During their trip to Saint-Quentin they find the wounded knight and take him with them. Moor doctor, Abou helps the knight who turns out to be no one else but Michel's younger brother.

Episode 5

On the way from Saint Quentin to Dijon Catherine is escorted by Jacques de Roussay, who introduces Garin de Brazey to her. Garin de Brazey escorts her safely to her uncle Matthieu Gautherin and her mother, Jacquette de Legoix.

Episode 6

In Dijon Catherine meets Duke Philippe of Burgundy again. He forces Catherine to marry Garin de Brazey, his grand treasurer. The wedding night comes, sombre. Catherine is unhappy. During her husband's absence she slips out of the house and returns to Marsannay.

Episode 7

Garin returns and goes to search his wife in Marsannay. Seeing her husband's strange behaviour Catherine comes to him one night, but Garin pushes her away. Confused and angry young woman decides to never bring herself closer to him.

Episode 8

Arnauld and his friends are bored in the court of the king Charles VII. But Arnauld returns to Burgundy together with Xantrailles to challenge the Duke of Burgundy in the name of the King of France. Exactly when he throws down the gauntlet to the Duke his eyes meet Catherine's eyes.

Episode 9

Arnauld is wounded after the very hard duel and Catherine, with anxiety consuming her approaches him in his tent. They finally declare love to one another. But Arnauld is taken hostage by Jean de Luxembourg's people and imprisoned together with Xantrailles.

Episode 10

Duke Phillippe manipulates Catherine so she spends the night in his bed chamber. In the morning he calls de Montsalvy and Xantrailles to meet Catherine and tells them that she is his lover. After returning home Catherine faces Garin's tremendous anger.

Episode 11

After being beaten almost to death by Garin, Catherine is receiving treatment by Abou-al-Khayr and recovers slowly in the house of her friend Ermengarde de Chateauvillain. One night she is being visited by Duke Philippe who wants to know why she left him.

Episode 12

Catherine thinks that the mysterious man is a spy and hits him in the head. After recognizing him she explains the reasons of her escape and they make love. Catherine appears on the Duke's court, beautiful and shining. One day after losing consciousness she finds out she's pregnant...

Episode 13

Garin, crazy with jealousy that his wife is pregnant by Duke Philippe, kidnaps her and imprisons in the Malain Castle and wants to hand her over to the two disgusting men, but Duke Philippe worried by Catherine's disappearance orders Barnabe to search for her. Barnabe is able to find her, kills both man, frees Catherine and they go to the St. Seine Abbey.

Episode 14

With the help from Jacquesa de Roussay Catherine visits Garin in prison. Eventually he reveals his secret about the reasons for hie strange behaviour towards women. Catherine and Garin are reconciled and say farewell to each other. Catherine gives birth to a son in Chateauvillain and Philippe makes the news public.

Episode 15

Fatal disease takes the life of Catherine's little son. Living with Ermengarde who treats her like a daughter, Catherine decides not to meet Duke Philippe again, her sorrow after their son's death is so big. Finding out that Arnauld is in Orlean Catherine escapes from Burgundy to join him again.

Episode 16

Catherine leaves together with Sara, Barnabe and Brother Etienne. Abou, on his way back to Granade accompanies them for some time, but later hi leaves them. After arriving to Orlean Catherine is recognized by Arnauld, who calls her aDuke Philippe's spy and orders to arrest her. Catherine is imprisoned and questioned by the court.

Episode 17

Catherine is sentenced by the court and the sentence is death. Arnauld visits her in prisons. He is harsh towards her, but doesn't deny the love for her. At the moment when Catherine is transported to the place where she is supposed to be hanged Jeanne d'Arc pardons her. Later she is taken in by the Dame Mathilde Bouchet.

Episode 18

Finally free, Catherine accompanies Jeanne d'Arc and her brothers in arms, one of whom is Arnauld de Montsalvy. She wants to see the battle, but Jeanne advises her to go to the Queen Yolande's court. Catherine goes there immediately.

Episode 19

In Loches Queen Yolande makes Catherine her companion. Catherine asks Barnabe to return to Chateauvillain. She also meets Catherine de la Tremouille, who turns out to be a great threat.

Episode 20

Catherine is depressed, here in this country is it possible that somebody wants to hurt her and possibly also kill her? Barnabe returns. In Bourges Catherine makes new friends, she meets Jacques Coeur and his wife Macee.

Episode 21

Cathering goes to the seriously wounded Arnaud. He wants her to go to Duke Philippe of Burgundy and ask him to pay the ransom in order to free Jeanne d'Arc. Unfortunately the meeting between Catherine and Philippe turns into the fight. Jeanne d'Arc's trial is to begin soon.

Episode 22

Arnaud has finally recovered. Together with Catherine and her friends they are trying to devise a plan, which goal's is making Jeanne free. With help from Brother Etienne they're coming back to Rouen where Brother Etienne introduces them to his cousin.

Episode 23

Unfortunately Arnaud and Catherine's plan failed. Catherine has been recognized by Bishop Pierre Couchon and imprisoned together with Arnaud. During the interrogation Couchon tells Arnaud the truth about his brother Michel and about Catherine's attempt to free him. Arnaud begs Catherine's forgiveness for blaming her about Michel's death and declares his love for her.

Episode 24

Sentenced to death, Catherine and Arnaud are saved at the last second by Barnabe. Unfortunately Arnaud is being caught by Venable, and Catherine together with Sara and Barnabe fell into freak Gilles de Rais' hands.

Episode 25

Anne de Sille helps Barnabe to escape from baleful Gilles de Rais. He stays to free Sara. Jean de Craon helps Catherine and Sara and they manage to escape from this weird place. They also manage to join Barnabe.

Episode 26

Gilles de Rais is mad that their prisoners escaped. He exiles both Catherine and Sara. Accompanied by Barnaba both women escape to Bourges, to their friend Jacques Coeur.

Episode 27

Jacques Coeur takes in Catherine. But the enemy is around and Arnaud is imprisoned in Sully. Barnabe and Xaintrailles help to free him. But the time spent in prison and bad treatment from La Tremouille cause temporary blindness and Arnaud is very weak.

Episode 28

After recovering and getting his eyesight back Arnauld asks Brother Etienne to marry him and Catherine. The ceremony takes place in their friends' presence. After reaching Montsalvy the couple see destroyed castle and exile's order against them issued by evil Georges de la Tremouille.

Episode 29

Arnaud and Catherine find shelter in Carlat being taken in by Arnaud's mother, Isabelle de Montsalvy. But they have to face Arnaud's cousin, Marie de Comborn's jealousy, because Marie wanted to marry Arnaud. For some reasons Arnaud seems to grow apart from his wife.

Episode 30

Worried Catherine keeps asking Arnaud every day about his behaviour and has to bear constant attacks from Marie de Comborn. Arnaud reveals his secret - he has become infected with leprosy and prepares to leave home in order to go to Calves, where there is the hospice for another people like him.

Episode 31

4 years later Rodrigue de Vilandrado proposes to Catherine and declares that he wants to be Carlat's governor. Catherine rejects him and doesn't want to do anything with him. One day she goes to visit Arnaud and she sees him from a distance.

Episode 32

Catherine has to leave Carlat and her little son, Michel goes with Dame Isabelle, his grandmother. On the road to Angers Catherine meets his old friend, Jacques Coeur and in Angers she meets the young man, Pierre de Breze.

Episode 33

Georges de la Tremouille and Gilles de Rais are conspiring against the king Charles VII. At the Queen Yolande's court Catherine meets spies plotting the plan to exclude the two cousins. Barnabe, Catherine's friend, dreams of becoming a monk and leaves with Brother Etienne.

Episode 34

Catherine, made up as the Gypsy with the help from Sara joins a train of Gypsy wagons. Thanks to this effort she's able to introduce herself in the castle where Gilles de Rais and Georges de la Tremouille reside and where she can take her revenge on them.

Episode 35

Gilles de Rais recognizes Catherine and wants the black diamond from her. She becomes La Tremouille wife's servant, but she is imprisoned after the quarrel.

Episode 36

Catherine tries to draw Georges de la Tremouille into an ambush in Chinon castle, where the conspirators plan to attack. She's successful and her mission is completed. After this, Pierre de Breze who fell in love with her asks Catherine to marry him, but she refuses. In the presence of the Queen Yolande and King Charles VII the justice is finally done to her and her loved ones.

Episode 37

Catherine explains to Cadet Bernard that her husband is not dead, but he is infected with leprosy. Then she comes back to Montsalvy where she finds out that her mother-in-love, Dame Isabelle is dying. She comforts her about the meeting with Pierre de Breze.

Episode 38

Catherine goes back to the hospice only to find out that Arnaud is no longer there. The Dame Isabelle dies. With abbot Bernard's approval Catherine leaves for Santiago de Compostela sanctuary to beg for Arnaud's health. On her road to Compostela she meets her old friend, Ermengarde de Chateauvillain.

Episode 39

Catherine and Ermengarde exchange their memories at night. In the morning a disagreement arises between Catherine and Gerbert Bohat, pilgrims' leader. Catherine decides to go further alone, with Gauthier de Chazey only and Ermengarde. Josse and Margot join them. A mysterious emissary follows them.

Episode 40

The emissary turns out to be Jean Van Eyck, sent to Catherine by the Duke of Burgundy, Philippe. But Catherine is listening to her heart's voice only and with help from her new friends Josse and Margot, she manages to continue her journey to Compostela. Gauthier and Josse find Fortunat, from whom Catherine learns that Arnaud is no longer sick.

Episode 41

On the road from Burgos Margot and Gauthier suddenly disappear. Catherine and Josse manage to find Gauthier, but he's in very bad shape. They go back to Coca where Don Alonso, a very kind and hospitable bishop, is having them staying. Catherine meets a very strange lookalike there as well as her old friend Abou.

Episode 42

Abou is treating Gauthier, who has lost his memory and performs the successful skull trepanation on him. In the meantime some strange young monk named Tomas (*) is trying to kill Catherine, but Josse manages to save her. After the surgery Gauthier finally is able to recognize Catherine and remember another things.

Episode 43

In Alhambra (Grenada) Arnaud became Princess Zobeida's (caliph's sister) favourite. Waiting for the couple to reunite Abou takes Catherine to Morayma, a bathing servant, so she can introduce Catherine in the Palace.

Episode 44

In the harem Catherine finds Margot, who mysteriously disappeared earlier. She makes her familiar with Marie Vermeil, the French prisoner captured in Auxonne. Princess Zobeida meets Catherine face to face and turns out to be a dangerous person.

Episode 45

In the Palace Catherine manages to approach Arnaud, who is still being imprisoned by Zobeida. She surprises them and Arnaud accidentally kills her. For which he is sentenced to death. But their friends are alerted and with the opportunity of the clans' fight they manage to free Arnaud.

Episode 46

After being saved by Jacques Coeur, who was sent to Alhambra by Queen Yolande, Catherine and Arnaud reach Montsalvy and some time later their daughter Isabelle is born. The ball is being organized for little Isabelle in Montsalvy and everybody is united around the Queen Yolande. Arnaud, however, has to leave together with his brothers in arms in order to liberate Paris.

Episode 47

In the Montsalvy after Arnaud left to Paris, the intrigues started to unfold. Azalais being jealous about Catherine, conspires with the enemy. Marie, who joined Catherine after their escape from the harem, discovers her game and informs Catherine about it.

Episode 48

Catherine accompanied by her page Beranger leaves for Paris in order to warn Arnaud about the danger from the people of Montsalvy. Unfortunately in the meantime Arnaud being driven by his desire for revenge on his brother Michel's murderers kills Guillaume Pierre Legoix and is imprisoned again...

Episode 49

Catherine together with Tristan l'Hermite tries to defend Arnaud's case. Unfortunately the connetable Richemond fails to keep his promise. Desperate Catherine, accompanied by Margot, stays in the auberge. Tristan is stunned.

Episode 50

Berthe Legoix found Catherine and wants to take revenge on her. Fortunately thanks to Margot Catherine is saved in time. In Chinon she asks for the audience with the King, who doesn't care about this matter. Catherine turns then with her request to the Dauphin Louis, who agrees to pardon her husband. Reassured Catherine goes back to Bourges.

Episode 51

Jacques Coeur, who is still in love with Catherine, would like to keep her at his place. But Catherine leaves for Burgundy, summond earlier by the Queen Yolande who enthrusted her with a mission concerning her son. In Burgundy Catherine meets a strange man, Damoiseau de Commercy.

Episode 52

In Burgundy Catherine meets his old friend Barnabe, who became a monk. Earlier she pays a visit to Dame Ermendarde. Catherine's mission is completed when she meets King Rene and delivers the letter from his mother to him.

Episode 53

After completing her mission for the Queen Yolande Catherine has nothing else to do but return to Montsalvy. Unfortunately, on the way home she falls into Damoiseau de Commercy's trap and becomes a victim of raping. Barnabe saves Catherine, but it costs him his life.

Episode 54

Catherine leaves for la Lorraine, where people talk a lot about Jeanne d'Arc. A person is impersonating her. Catherine soon discovers that she's pregnant by Damoiseau de Commercy and she's terrified by this fact. She goes back to Lille together with her companions.

Episode 55

Jacques de Roussay brings Catherine in to the Duke's palace and Catherine meets Duke Philippe of Burgundy again. He orders to guard her day and night. Duke's wife throws Catherine out of the palace and Catherine joins her travelling companions. She meets Jean van Eyck in Bruges.

Episode 56

In Bruges, Catherine and her friends stayed in "A thorny crown" auberge. Master Cornelis recognizes her and informs the mayor about it, who orders to imprison Catherine in her room. Believing that she's pregnant by Duke Philippe he wants to exchange her for certain privileges.

Episode 57

Catherine finds some comfort and hope during the visit of her old friend, Jean de Saint-Remy, who offers her a plan to escape. She manages to escape from her guards, but being very weak due to her condition she falls into the ice-cold water. Dame Beatrice gives her a shelter in the Béguinage.

Episode 58

In the Béguinage Catherine receives treatment from the nuns. Regaining her strength after the miscarriage Catherine is able to leave her temporary companions. Before leaving Flanders she goes to say good bye to Duke Philippe. Accompanied by her page and esquire she arrives at Montsalvy.

Episode 59

After being thrown out from Montsalvy by her husband, Catherine stays with Dame Mathilde de Roquemaurel. Montsalvy is in the grip of riot for some time and the epidemic spreads around. Catherine wants to save her husband at all costs and risking her life she returns to the castle.

Episode 60

With the help from Fortunat, Gaubert and her faithful Sara, Catherine comes to Montsalvy. Arnaud is still alive and Catherine is going to try everything in order to save him. Catherine's actions make Arnaud feel ashamed and he shows remorse for his own behaviour begging for Catherine's forgiveness in public. A year later there is a huge joy in the castle...

(*) it's Tomas Torquemada, who later became one of the most famous Spanish inquisitors.

External links

• official site of Catherine de Montsalvy
• Juliette Benzoni
• Catherine de Montsalvy
• Catherine at the Internet Movie Database