On Guard (1997)

In the intrigue-laden early 1700s, a beguiling tapestry of treachery, bravery, and vengeance is woven. At its center are the Comte de Gonzague, a man of insatiable greed, and his virtuous cousin, the Duc de Nevers. Although heir to Nevers’ estates, Gonzague's ambition stretches beyond mere inheritance. A secret looms over them – a recently born, unrecognized daughter of Nevers, whose existence Gonzague has cunningly kept hidden. When Nevers learns of his bastard child, he embarks on a perilous journey to wed the child's mother, a noble baroness, in her secluded chateau. But the castle's serenity is shattered by Gonzague and his men's ruthless bloodshed, leaving only two survivors: Nevers' loyal friend, the deft swordsman Lafardère, and the infant girl, the now rightful heiress to Nevers' considerable fortune. Assuming the pair to have perished, Gonzague is oblivious to their curious refuge within a band of wandering Italian performers. Two decades drift by, and Gonzague stumbles upon the truth of their survival, igniting his murderous intent anew. However, Lafardère, armed with his sword and a clever disguise as a hunchback, infiltrates Gonzague's inner circle, serving as his unsuspecting bookkeeper. In a world draped in deception, Lafardère, once a street urchin, finds himself in a deadly dance with destiny. Sworn to avenge his fallen friend, he becomes the guardian of a secret heir and the nemesis of a relentless villain. As the sword of vengeance hangs over them, the fate of Nevers' legacy hangs precariously in the balance.

On Guard is an action movie featuring Daniel Auteuil and directed by Philippe de Broca.

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