A Polish countess is dispatched by her country to become Napoleon Bonaparte's mistress at the urging of Polish leaders, who feel she might influence him to support Polish independence.
The film chronicles the passionate and tumultuous love affair between Napoleon Bonaparte and Countess Marie Walewska, a Polish noblewoman. Despite their intense connection, political circumstances and Napoleon's ambition often stand in the way of their happiness. Marie sacrifices much for Napoleon, becoming his mistress and bearing him a son, all while navigating the complexities of court and the expectations of her homeland.
Conquest received mixed reviews upon its release, with much of the praise directed towards Greta Garbo's performance and the film's lavish production values. While some critics found the historical narrative compelling, others felt the pacing was slow and the romance occasionally overwrought. Despite the critical division, the film was a significant box office disappointment, contributing to Garbo's decision to retire from filmmaking soon after.
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Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor for Charles Boyer.
The film marked Greta Garbo's penultimate screen appearance and was intended to be her triumphant return to historical drama after a hiatus, but it ultimately failed to recoup its production costs.
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