The film is a biographical epic that chronicles the life of Napoleon Bonaparte, tracing his journey from humble beginnings in Corsica to his rise as Emperor of France, and ultimately his downfall and exile. It focuses on his military triumphs, political strategies, and personal life, portraying him as a complex and controversial figure in history.

Rather than being a traditional narrative film, it's told in semi-documentary style, blending reenactments, dramatizations, and commentary, which was characteristic of Sacha Guitry's storytelling