MovieChat Forums > The Duchess (2008) Discussion > Proposed Duel - Script Goof?

Proposed Duel - Script Goof?


At one point the Duke posits that he was capable of calling Charles Grey out for a duel. However, as noted later in the film, Grey had no rank and little status. Dueling was something that was supposed to be conducted by equals, lest the social order be endangered.

More likely the Duke would have threatened to have his servants go and "teach him a lesson."

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I believe Grey was a Gentleman and therefore it would be permissible for Lord Voldemort to duel him.

Don't Care What The Governments Say
They're All Bought And Paid For Anyway

- Sun Green

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I looked him up and Charles Grey was the 2nd Earl of Grey.

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He was later Earl Grey, but not at the time set in the movie. He was, at that time, "merely" the son of General Sir Charles Grey.

His father, the General, became the first Earl Grey in 1806, but died a year later.

So younger Charles Grey became the 2nd Earl Grey in 1807....and that was a year after Geogiana died. And, by the way, Earl Grey tea is named after him.

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