CBC's Eli Glasner breaks down Chevalier starring Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Joseph Bologne, an 18th-century French Caribbean musician. | CBC News

In 18th century France, the legendary Chevalier dÉon captivated Europe as a soldier, spy, and diplomat who lived openly as both male and female. Their gender became such a source of speculation that the London Stock Exchange created a betting pool worth millions in todays money to settle the debate. As a decorated captain in the French Dragoons and member of the kings secret spy network, dÉon infiltrated the Russian court presenting as a woman named Lia de Beaumont. Later, a treaty actually requ