Part 1: In May 1789, in Versailles, a game tug of war takes place between conservative and more progressive bigwigs. Part 2: As the people of Paris revolt, King Louis XVI finds it increasingly difficult to get the situation under control.
Jacqueline is married to Maître André, but is in love with her lover Clavaroche, a fiery officer stationed in the city. In order to avert Master André's suspicions about his wife's fidelity, Clavaroche suggests that Jacqueline take a "Chandelier".