La Salamandre d'or (1962)
Directed by Maurice Régamey

Film Synopsis

France's determined war against the armies of King Charles V of Spain culminates in a humiliating defeat at the Battle of Pavia on 24th February 1525.  After King Francis I of France has been taken prisoner by his enemies, it is left to the queen mother Louise de Savoie to raise the ransom of two million ecus for his release and ensure that this is safely delivered to the royal court in Madrid.  This errand she confers on the king's loyal equerry, Antoine de Montpezat, who can be depended on to fulfil the mission with tact and celerity.  Unfortunately, the one thing the regent hasn't allowed for is the personal ambition of the treacherous governor Vandoeuvre, who poses the greatest threat to the French throne.  Montpezat has his own reasons for going to war with Vandoeuvre, as the latter intends to marry his fiancée...