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Synopsis
An orphaned shepherdess, Alice, is being prepared for her wedding to village falconer Bertrand by her friends and her guardian, Raimbaud, who is caretaker of the local Count's property. Count Albéric has been banished by the king until he can return with a wife who loves him for himself, not his station. Catherine, an orphaned young lady of nobility and also a ward of Raimbaud's enters announcing that a wolf nearby is terrorizing villagers and livestock! The aldermen have offered money for the wolf's head. All run to the hunt except Alice and Catherine.
Alice reveals she is reluctant to marry Bertrand because she is in love with a mysterious stranger, “Hubert,” who had rescued her from drowning. Alice reports that she and Hubert had met for many days and had fallen in love. Catherine seizes the opportunity to beg Alice to renounce her betrothal so that she can marry Bertrand.
The others return. The wolf is still at large and Bertrand superstitiously believes the wolf is a werewolf, a man by day, cursed to change into a wolf at night. The girls are frightened but Raimbaud turns to Alice and Bertrand's wedding. Bertrand has delayed the wedding until the next day because he believes being married on a Friday would bring bad luck. Now when the dinner guests number thirteen, Catherine volunteers to find a fourteenth guest.
When they are alone, Alice admits to Bertrand that she is not in love with him but he surprises her by revealing he knows her secret — that she is in love with the werewolf!
Catherine returns with a stranger, Count Albéric in disguise. Alice and Bertrand recognize him as “Hubert” whom they believe to be a werewolf. Raimbaud enters and recognizes Count Albéric as his employer in disguise. Albéric knows Raimbaud has recognized him but is not aware the others think he is a werewolf.
Raimbaud agrees to let Alice choose her fiancé. But Alice, convinced “Hubert” is a werewolf, answers that she can never marry him, upsetting everyone. When the others leave to prepare the festivities, Catherine and Albéric converse alone.
Albéric is seeking someone who will love him for himself. He loves Alice but has been betrayed by her. Catherine, still preferring Bertrand, volunteers for the position. Raimbaud, overjoyed, gives his blessing. Albéric gives Catherine a ring and bids them meet him at nine o'clock in the forest.
Next Bertrand reveals to Catherine that he is reluctant to marry Alice, believing the marriage will bring bad luck. He admits he has always preferred Catherine rather than Alice but felt he was below her station. She tells him she is now engaged to the stranger, telling him of the planned rendezvous. Bertrand believes that is the moment the stranger will transform into a wolf and kill them. He assures her that he and the huntsmen will be there to save her and leaves.
Alice returns. Catherine reveals her engagement to “Hubert.” Alice and Catherine are united in their desire to save the young man, even if he is a werewolf. Catherine gives Alice Albéric's ring. Hearing hunting horns, Alice prays for Albéric's safety when suddenly he appears. Alice, frightened, prepares to lock him in for his own safety. She fears he will turn into a werewolf any minute and indeed nine o'clock sounds before she can get away. She drops her lantern and all is in darkness. Believing her death imminent, Alice begs “Monsieur le Loup,” to spare her life. Albéric begins to understand that everyone thinks he is a werewolf. Tester her love, he tells her it is true — and Alice's love for him overcomes her terror.
The villagers arrive, singing of victory. Bertrand appears with a wolf's head in his hand, surprised to see Albéric alive! Raimbaud reveals Albéric's true identity as the Count, to everyone's astonishment. Catherine reveals that she is actually now engaged to Bertrand and Alice now has Albéric's ring. All sing in celebration of the happy couples.
Productions
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Title Information
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Approximate Runtime (hh:mm)
1:20
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