Desiree(1954) | Legit

: Before he was Emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte (played by a magnetic Marlon Brando ) was engaged to a young silk merchant's daughter named Désirée Clary ( Jean Simmons ).

If you love lush historical dramas with a dash of "what if," you need to revisit the 1954 classic . Directed by Henry Koster, this film brings to life the real-world romance and rivalry that shaped the Napoleonic era. Why it’s worth a watch: Desiree(1954)

: Beyond Brando and Simmons, Merle Oberon delivers a poignant performance as Empress Joséphine. : Before he was Emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte (played

: While it has that classic Hollywood "soap" feel, the film is rooted in the fascinating true story of the woman who would eventually become the Queen of Sweden . Why it’s worth a watch: : Beyond Brando

You can currently find Désirée on platforms like Apple TV .

: Filmed in glorious CinemaScope , the production is a feast for the eyes, earning Academy Award nominations for its gorgeous costumes and art direction.