He was tortured under the command of Viscount de Montagne ( Stephen Bekassy ) and his parents were ordered to hang .
Through flashbacks we learn that Balsamo was a French gypsy boy who endured much hardship .
Balsamo was tortured under the command of Viscount de Montagne ( Stephen Bekassy ) and Balsamo 's parents were ordered to hang .
Through flashbacks we learn that Balsamo was a French gypsy boy who endured much hardship .