An aspiring young physician, Robert Merivel found himself in the service of King Charles II and saves the life of someone close to the King. Merivel joins the King's court and lives the high life provided to someone of his position. Merivel is ordered to marry his King's mistress in order to divert the queens suspicions. He is given one order by the king and that is not to fall in love. The situation worsens when Merivel finds himself in love with his new wife. Eventually, the King finds out and relieves Merivel of his position and wealth. His fall from grace leaves Merivel where he first started. And through his travels and reunions with an old friend, he rediscovers his love for true medicine and what it really means to be a physician.
Robert Downey Jr.
as Robert Merivel
Meg Ryan
as Katharine
Sam Neill
as King Charles II
David Thewlis
as John Pearce
Hugh Grant
as Elias Finn
Polly Walker
as Celia Clemence
Ian McKellen
as Will Gates
Ian McDiarmid
as Ambrose
Mary MacLeod
as Midwife
Willie Ross
as Man with Visible Heart
Benjamin Whitrow
as Merivel's Father
Roger Ashton-Griffiths
as Mr. Bung
