Set in the period 1784–1789, the film portrays Jefferson when he was US minister to France at Palace of Versailles before the French Revolution. French liberals and intellectuals hope he will lead them away from the corruption of the court of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette and toward a more democratic form of government. Although deploring the poverty of the common people, he embraces the riches of French culture and civilization. It is his first time abroad, and he takes advantage of the opportunity to extend his knowledge of liberal arts and science while absorbing the refinements France has to offer.