The Cabal of Hypocrites by Mikhail Bulgakov. Short summary

5 seconds

Describes the tragedy of the life of the comedian Moliere. Tortured by the clergy, betrayed by those close to him, he is ready to hide in a foreign country. But death overtakes him right on the stage.

1 minute

A comedy is being staged at the Palais Royale. Moliere is on stage. He is visibly disturbed as His Majesty the King of France himself sits in the audience. The playwright casually and very flatteringly compliments his patron.

Meanwhile, backstage, a drama plays out. Moliere puts an end to his relationship with the actress Madeleine and wants to marry her sister, who is expecting a child from him.

But the young wife, in spite of all her vows, cheats on her husband with his adopted son Moirron. Angered, Molière drives his son away.

In confession before her death, Madeleine says that the sister is in fact her daughter. She does not know who the father is, as she was at the same time intimate with two men. Perhaps Molière married his own daughter.

The clergy hold the comedian to account, they instigate the famous duelist to challenge the actor to a duel. Moirron returns to his father, begs his forgiveness and is prepared to shoot himself instead to atone for the betrayal with his blood.

Molière decides to play his last performance and flee to England. However, his heart stops right on the stage.