Madame du Barry Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for Madame du Barry.
Madame du Barry Ending Explained: After Jeanette becomes the mistress of the ambitious Jean du Barry, he marries her off to one of his cousins so that she has an entre to the royal court. Directed by J. Gordon Edwards, this 1917 drama film stars Theda Bara (Madame du Barry), alongside Charles Clary as Louis XV, Fred Church as Cossé-Brissac, Herschel Mayall as Jean du Barry. Rated 7/10 by audiences, the conclusion brings the story to a satisfying close.
What Happens at the End of Madame du Barry?
After Jeanette becomes the mistress of the ambitious Jean du Barry, he marries her off to one of his cousins so that she has an entre to the royal court. She soon becomes the favorite of the King and Jean du Barry becomes a regular around the court too. But all this is disturbed when Madame du Barry falls for Conte Brissac of the King's Guard. Jean du Barry's attempts to expose her affair only get him banished from the court.
J. Gordon Edwards's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Theda Bara (Madame du Barry)'s journey. She soon becomes the favorite of the King and Jean du Barry becomes a regular around the court too.
How Does Theda Bara (Madame du Barry)'s Story End?
- Theda Bara: Theda Bara's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with J. Gordon Edwards delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's 1h 45m runtime.
- Charles Clary (Louis XV): Charles Clary's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Fred Church (Cossé-Brissac): Fred Church's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
Is Madame du Barry Based on a True Story?
Yes — Madame du Barry draws from real events. The ending reflects documented outcomes, though J. Gordon Edwards has taken creative liberties in dramatizing specific scenes for cinematic impact.
What Does the Ending of Madame du Barry Mean?
The ending of Madame du Barry ties together the narrative threads involving Theda Bara. J. Gordon Edwards chooses a conclusion that prioritizes thematic consistency over surprise, resulting in an ending that rewards viewers who engaged with the story's central themes.