Ferdinand de Lesseps (played by Tyrone Power) is a protagonist in Suez.
Central protagonist who travels to Egypt, conceives the idea for the Suez Canal, and relentlessly pursues its construction. He navigates complex political alliances with Napoleon III, endures personal heartbreak, and overcomes sabotage and funding crises to ultimately complete the canal. Countess Eugenie de Montijo (played by Loretta Young) is a protagonist in Suez.
Initially an admirer of Ferdinand, she rejects his proposal to marry Napoleon III. She rises to become Empress of France and later honors Ferdinand for his successful completion of the Suez Canal. Toni Pellerin (played by Annabella) appears in Suez.
A spirited woman raised by her grandfather who deeply loves Ferdinand. She accompanies him to Paris, persuades him to remain patient after his father's death, and ultimately sacrifices her life rescuing him during a devastating sandstorm near the canal's completion. Prince Said (played by J. Edward Bromberg) appears in Suez.
The heir to Egypt's throne who befriends Ferdinand early on. He plays a critical role by personally bankrupting himself to keep the canal project financially viable when imperial political support is withdrawn. Benjamin Disraeli (played by Miles Mander) appears in Suez.
Vicomte Rene De Latour (played by Joseph Schildkraut) appears in Suez.
Ferdinand's friend from Paris, introduced during their tennis match where Countess Eugenie first notices Ferdinand's charm. Count Mathieu de Lesseps (played by Henry Stephenson) appears in Suez.
Ferdinand's father and the French Consul-General in Egypt. His sudden return to France and subsequent fatal stroke deeply impact Ferdinand, fueling his resolve and shaping his political caution. Prime Minister (played by George Zucco) appears in Suez.
Suez (1938) character relationship network mapped with AI analysis. Explore the connections, alliances, and conflicts between characters.
Characters
Ferdinand de Lesseps
(played by Tyrone Power) — protagonist
Central protagonist who travels to Egypt, conceives the idea for the Suez Canal, and relentlessly pursues its construction. He navigates complex political alliances with Napoleon III, endures personal...
Countess Eugenie de Montijo
(played by Loretta Young) — protagonist
Initially an admirer of Ferdinand, she rejects his proposal to marry Napoleon III. She rises to become Empress of France and later honors Ferdinand for his successful completion of the Suez Canal.
Toni Pellerin
(played by Annabella) — supporting
A spirited woman raised by her grandfather who deeply loves Ferdinand. She accompanies him to Paris, persuades him to remain patient after his father's death, and ultimately sacrifices her life rescui...
Prince Said
(played by J. Edward Bromberg) — supporting
The heir to Egypt's throne who befriends Ferdinand early on. He plays a critical role by personally bankrupting himself to keep the canal project financially viable when imperial political support is...
Benjamin Disraeli
(played by Miles Mander) — supporting
Vicomte Rene De Latour
(played by Joseph Schildkraut) — supporting
Ferdinand's friend from Paris, introduced during their tennis match where Countess Eugenie first notices Ferdinand's charm.
Count Mathieu de Lesseps
(played by Henry Stephenson) — supporting
Ferdinand's father and the French Consul-General in Egypt. His sudden return to France and subsequent fatal stroke deeply impact Ferdinand, fueling his resolve and shaping his political caution.
Prime Minister
(played by George Zucco) — minor
Key Relationships
Benjamin Disraeli → Prime Minister
(Conflict Political Rival)
Ferdinand de Lesseps → Prime Minister
(Conflict Opposing Authority)
Ferdinand de Lesseps → Vicomte Rene De Latour
(Social Friend)
Ferdinand de Lesseps → Count Mathieu de Lesseps
(Family Father)
Ferdinand de Lesseps → Benjamin Disraeli
(Alliance Political Ally)
Ferdinand de Lesseps → Prince Said
(Alliance Financial Backer)
Ferdinand de Lesseps → Toni Pellerin
(Romantic Devoted Protector)
Ferdinand de Lesseps → Countess Eugenie de Montijo
(Romantic Unrequited Love)
Story Analysis
A historical drama tracing Ferdinand de Lesseps' relentless pursuit to build the Suez Canal amid political betrayal, personal sacrifice, and international diplomacy.
