The honor of a Scotsman, the fate of a kingdom.
Quentin Durward is a French-German swashbuckler TV series. It was produced in 1970, directed by Gilles Grangier and broadcast in 1971. The series starred the German actor Amadeus August as the protagonist and the French actress Marie-France Boyer as Isabelle de Croye. The series was based on Sir Walter Scott's in 1823 published novel Quentin Durward. It concerns a Scottish soldier who serves French King Louis XI while the King has to overcome the schemes of his rival Charles the Bold and Jean Balue. The TV series kept close to the classic novel and was often shot at historic French locations. The French version consists of 7 instalments of 52 minutes each, while the dubbed German version had 13 episodes of about 25 minutes apiece. Both versions have been made available on DVD.
DirectorGilles Grangier
WriterPierre Nivollet
Episode 1
Jan 28, 1971
Quentin Durward, a fiery young Scotsman in search of freedom, leaves his clan to escape a deadly vendetta. His arrival in France immediately plunges him into intrigues he could never have imagined: he crosses paths with a mysterious “Maître Pierre,” whose true identity he does not know, and finds himself involved in a public execution. Guided by his sense of justice, Quentin frees a gypsy condemned to the gallows, triggering the wrath of Tristan the Hermit's men. Despite his courage, he is captured and sentenced in turn.
Episode 2
Feb 4, 1971
Saved from the gallows by Maître Pierre—who is none other than Louis XI—Quentin sees his destiny change dramatically. Recruited into the Scottish Guard, he is thrust into the heart of the kingdom's intrigues, while Countess Isabelle attempts to escape the ambitions of the Duke of Burgundy. Amidst manipulation and fragile alliances, the adventure intensifies and Quentin discovers that France is a place where every choice can be costly.
Episode 3
Feb 11, 1971
Quentin finds himself entrusted with a delicate mission: to escort Countess Isabelle de Croye, now coveted as much for her title as for her influence. Between the maneuvers of King Louis XI and the threats from the Duke of Burgundy, every stage of the journey becomes a potential trap. Quentin must show daring and loyalty to protect Isabelle, while the political noose tightens around them.
Episode 4
Feb 18, 1971
Quentin and Isabelle find refuge at the Count of Crèvecœur's house, but their stay is cut short: the Burgundians spot them and force the pair to flee once again. On the road, Quentin faces off against a Burgundian archer in a tense duel that confirms his fighting skills. Isabelle, meanwhile, realizes that every potential ally can become a danger.
Episode 5
Feb 25, 1971
Quentin and Isabelle find refuge in an isolated convent. The place seems peaceful, almost out of this world, and the nuns welcome them with kindness mixed with concern. Isabelle discovers a place where, for the first time in a long time, no one tells her what to do. Quentin, meanwhile, observes his surroundings, aware that his pursuers are never far away. Their presence eventually attracts attention: men lurk around, questions circulate, and the calm of the convent begins to crack.
Episode 6
Mar 4, 1971
Quentin and Isabelle come across the group of gypsies led by Hayraddin, whom Quentin had saved. They receive a cold welcome: they are tolerated, but nothing more. Isabelle discovers a harsh world, without hierarchy or courtesy, while Quentin has to deal with Hayraddin, whose help is real but never reassuring. Their escape continues in an atmosphere of contained tension, where every move can tip the balance to the good side... or the bad.
Episode 7
Mar 11, 1971
Quentin finally confronts the Burgundian forces to prevent Isabelle's abduction. Tension mounts around the decisive duel against the Boar of the Ardennes, a feared brute whose loyalty lies with the highest bidder. Quentin wins by a narrow margin, enough to break Burgundy's hold and allow Isabelle to return to the king's protection. Louis XI, satisfied, seals the political outcome... and hints at a place for Quentin at his side.
