The film opens with the storming of the Bastille, and an explanation of the revolutions in France. Scenes showing the reign of terror and execution of Louis XVII. Whilst Paris falls into the chaos of terror, a young army officer commands a battery of artillery at Toulon. Captain Bonaparte earns his reputation as a intelligent young officer. The film flashes forward to March 1796, with Bonaparte marrying Josephine de Beauharnais and subsequently leaving for a campaign in Italy. He takes command of French forces in Italy and leads them in a string of victories. Within a year he has gained french control over northern Italy, and returns to France. He establishes a consulate, with himself as 1st consul and effective dictator. Bonaparte then suggests a french invasion of Egypt, to damage Britis