| Synopsis | The Libertine tells the true story of the Earl of Rochester friend and confidant of King Charles II. He delights in tweaking the noses of London's royals with his merciless cynicism. His rebellious escapades and sexual liaisons inspire awe amongst both men and women but it is his subversive wit that earns their reverence. The darling of court and commoners, Rochester is a formidable presence who becomes enraptured by a young actress being driven off the stage by an unforgiving audience. He bets his friends that he can make her London's best and most famous actress and sure enough, Rochester is a man who always collects.
Meanwhile, broke and besieged, King Charles is struggling to maintain the stability of his monarchy. In an attempt to build bridges with an old foe he hatches a plan to welcome the French Ambassador to London; a spectacular and profound stage entertainment in his honor. Clearly, his exceptionally clever friend the Earl is the man to be trusted with such an important task.
Only Rochester has, by now, fallen in love with his protege, the young and once struggling actress. Their affair, and her subsequent betrayal prove to be the undoing of the celebrated Earl.
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