I Was It Three Times (1952) - full transcript
Jean Renneval, a mature and attractive stage actor, seduces Thérèse Verdier, a beautiful woman whom he notices attending the play one evening. Henri Verdier, her husband, is about to leave in a business appointment, but he makes arrangements with Henriette - Thérèse's friend - to stay at his place, and sleep there after dinner. He has learned from his first two earlier wives: Lucie cuckoo-ed him with Hector van Broken, his look-a-like; and Juliette with the sultan Hammanlif. His friend Marinier goes with him in the car to the railway station, and during their conversation, Verdier decides to return home - only to find he has been betrayed a third time. Renneval leaves the bedroom already dressed and composed with his costume of cardinal, and with his rhetoric convinces Verdier to accept his fate.
The film, begun on
the C?te d'Azur,
is completed in Paris at a Neuilly studio.
People have approached it in their own way
according to their tastes.
Seen stepping out of a car
large enough...
for the screenwriter,
the leading man,
and the director.
I told my assistant, Fran?ois Gir,
to come by auto.
He had the cheek to make out I said:
"Come by autogyro. "
Thanks!
Here are our industrious,
smiling workers.
Among them are perhaps
a future cinematographer,
a sound engineer or a set designer.
Here?s our film editor,
Raymond Lamy.
He edits, edits, edits
at a hectic pace.
Handling so much film
is always a worry.
Lana Marconi wanted
to come by horse.
In the end she accepted a cart
being attached to her horse.
Production manager Andr? Deroual,
never failed to arrive.
Got it. It'll be done.
And then to return.
Only to come back again.
Always on his own.
Attending to everything, watching everything
neglecting nothing...
he was a spectacle
of all-consuming activity...
efficient, yet courteous.
Under the pretext that
Neuilly is on the Seine,
Bernard Blier finds it best
to come by water.
He managed things
with masterful authority.
His admiral's cap,
wasn't taken off
'til the last moment.
As to my cinematographer
who organises his lighting
with such infallible precision,
he was able to turn up
at the last minute...
knowing he'd always
be first to be ready.
Louiguy,
who wrote the music for the film,
turns up conducting
the orchestra himself.
It either played one of his tunes,
or anything else at all.
This train from Marseilles
is bringing us Arius and Eyser,
from the Com?die-Fran?aise.
Simone Paris kept her balance
straight from the Basque coast.
She's welcomed
by Solange Varennes.
Mallet, Darbel
and de Fun?s arrive by bus,
with Poirier,
Pignier the assistant director,
sound engineer Janisse,
make-up man Chanteau,
cameraman Bachelet,
with Ren? Ribault,
Andr? Bernard, Paulette Bodrigard,
dresser Gilberte,
and script-girl Odette Lemarchand.
Flying at 342 kph,
this plane is bringing
Meg Lemonnier from Monte-Carlo.
Finally, keen to be noticed
at any cost,
Pauline Carton arrives on foot.
She doesn't get flustered
just because she's last to arrive...
nor because she's usually first on
in the filming.
How would I look in the subway
in a costume like this?
- You'd make an impression.
- I quite agree, madame.
- So how did it go?
- An automatic triumph.
When you've got a piece of work
that's so well written and put together,
success is a certainty.
So well, that you don't know
how much you'll get credit for,
us other actors, I mean.
But that's not the question
of the evening.
So what is the question?
It's about a member
of the audience.
Find out the name
of the woman with
the low-cut dress,
with diamonds up to here,
who?s in the box
on my right, please.
- She's ravishing.
- I'll take a look.
Thanks.
Come in.
What is it? Ah!
Monsieur Renneval,
sorry to bother you.
Are we sleeping together tonight?
Why do you ask?
A man I don't know,
a friend of a friend,
is asking me
to spend the evening with him.
Go ahead.
You're not irritated
by my asking every evening?
No.
Good luck.
Rest assured,
up to the end of the tour
you'll have preference.
I'm sure of it.
You're very conscientious
for a young actress.
So?
Well, she's Madame Verdier.
The husband's a jeweller
in the Place Vend?me.
She's been married once before,
the first with an officer's son.
Her present husband's with her
in the box.
He's not the old one.
The old one's the prefect.
You must have seen him...
I mean the husband.
I caught sight of him,
but now I'll take
a better look.
You always need to know
what the husband's like.
But how have you been able to get
so much detailed information
so quickly?
I checked with the usherettes.
One knew one bit, the other another...
Usherettes know everything!
People tell them things...
they pass love-notes.
In 15 years, you see a lot.
Especially here in Monte-Carlo.
They're all old ruined gamblers.
You're kidding me!
Ruined but not cured.
Some of them will draw
a random cloakroom number,
and dash out,
to blow all their tips on it
on the roulette wheels.
So,
this lady's really got to you?
Yes, she'd get to me
very nicely.
Bad luck you're leaving
day after tomorrow.
All the more reason
to make a move.
- Really?
- Of course.
Do you know
which are the men
who as a rule are most
adored by women?
It's those they
only make love once with.
It's like that
all over the world...
...those wonderful places
it's better not to return to.
full of beautiful pictures
never to be seen again
and beautiful books
better left unread.
There are even cities
where it's best to do
only one performance.
They're ringing.
When you get down to it
the theatre's your whole life.
- The theatre and love.
- Not at the same time!
Oh yes!
Anything's possible
when love and the theatre
are mixed.
They're bound together!
inseparable... a confusion.
Yes... confused... you sometimes
can't tell them apart.
And for me, to act
is to make love.
So also... making love
is acting?
No, I'm not saying that.
No. I'm not saying that
but I think about it.
Listen,
after a late supper, let's suppose...
Triumphant, like this one.
Let us not mince words.
So, after such a supper,
having just played 5 acts,
There remains another act
to be committed.
Love becomes the normal conclusion,
the consequence
in the end, the reward
for a job well done.
So an actor can expect applause
from his bed-mate
and a "bravo!" at... a... certain... moment!
No but I'd like to think that
one night I'd get an enthusiastic request,
murmured in my ear:
"More!"
You're on in 5 minutes.
After all, it is possible.
You see, Madame, an actor...
is not so much interested
in his own pleasure...
as in the memories he leaves.
But if we want that memory
to be indelible...
it's best we don't risk
erasing it ourselves.
- Your Eminence, come in...
what a wonderful surprise.
- You're so attractive, madame.
Seeing you overwhelms me.
He's speaking as though
he's addressing YOU.
I'm at a loss for the words
to express my feelings.
You know who that was ?
No.
Renneval.
You think so ?
I saw him last night at the theatre.
I recognised him right away.
- We could ask for his autograph ?
- Good idea.
- Are you game to ?
- He'll be flattered.
Monsieur Renneval ?
Would it be indiscrete
to ask for an autograph ?
- Not at all, mademoiselle.
- You see !
- "You see" what ?
- I was talking to my friend.
That surprised me,
but didn't offend me.
Don't hurry on my account,
mademoiselle.
Thanks.
It'd be really nice of you
to sign twice.
You don't have any other
errands around here ?
We'll divide up the page later.
It must be annoying for you
always having people after autographs.
I'd be more annoyed
if I wasn't asked.
Thank you, monsieur.
It's been so exciting
to see you close up
and here your voice.
And we like you better
without the beard and moustache!
Goodbye, young ladies.
GOODBYE, MONSIEUR.
- Thank you, madame.
- "Thank you" ? For what ?
For having been
so attractive yesterday,
during the whole evening performance.
Weren't you in the box
on my right,
at the theatre ?
- Indeed, yes.
I saw only you
during the entire performance.
I only played to you.
The declaration of love
in the second act
was being made to you.
I had the temerity to skip two retorts
at the end of the scene.
They didn't agree with
the real feelings
I felt for you.
Now fate, which sometimes
does things well,
has put you in my path.
Don't blame me for that.
No, monsieur, not at all.
You are just as attractive
in real life.
"In real life" ?
Oh, I?m sorry.
I so have the feeling
that last night
we were playing
on stage together !
Julie ?
Julie ?
Julie !
Never around, that one.
Yes, monsieur ?
- My wife's not back ?
- Not yet, monsieur.
- You've packed my bag ?
- Yes, monsieur.
- Do you know where she's gone ?
- To buy some magazines.
"Some magazines"...
She's doing the dirty on him,
for sure.
Please cover up.
Couldn't we take
a few steps together ?
You realise I'm making us perform
the craziest act of foolishness?
By me talking to you,
and you replying,
we've removed the footlights.
That wall of light that protects us
or equally separates us
so we could each keep our illusions
to ourselves.
We wear hairpieces on stage,
and we're covered in
transfiguring makeup.
That's how you see us.
As for you, I see you as
understanding, subtle...
in that combination,
you represent a high point.
Now we're suddenly
face to face:
the public and the actor.
Are our illusions in danger ?
I ask YOU!
That's reassuring.
Thank you.
- What ?
- Nothing.
- What's up ?
- My husband.
- You call that "nothing" ?
Do you mind if
he sees us together ?
- Very much so.
- Well, come through here.
- Are you free ?
- Yes, monsieur.
Have you seen Th?r?se ?
I only got a glimpse of him,
but he seemed quite alright.
- My husband ?
- Yes. Quite alright.
What do you mean
by "quite alright" ?
In his role, really.
He seemed perfect to me.
In life, we should look like
what we are.
I'm an actor,
so I must act like an actor.
He looks just like a husband.
Being a husband
isn't a profession.
No, but it's a job
just the same.
But if he looks like a husband
do I look like a married woman ?
It's different for a married woman.
She always stays a woman.
The day before their marriage
he was a different man.
Next day, he's a husband.
Besides, in French we say
man and woman.
She doesn't change her job.
And "woman" doesn't have a synonym
just as "cuckold" doesn't apply
to a woman.
A husband doesn't always
have to be one of those.
No! But the first step is taken.
But I won't speak badly of him.
Those men play
a major role in love.
Their blissful gullibility
favours those quick
little meetings
whose charm is in their brevity.
Would they be possible
without them ?
- Like omelets.
- What'd you say ?
What's this lift for ?
It brings you down
to this corridor,
which takes you
to another lift...
which takes you up
to the gaming room.
The gamblers don't have
time to lose.
They can go to their games anytime.
Can you take us up
to the ground floor ?
Do you ever get stage-fright ?
On stage, always a little.
- In real life ?
- Occasionally.
I had it terribly
when I addressed you on stage.
Good morning.
Oh, Henriette.
I didn't see you.
- What are you doing here ?
- Getting a bit of sun.
- You haven?t see Th?r?se, have you ?
- No.
- She's been out for an hour.
- And that worries you?
- Him again ?
- Yes.
- You want to hide ?
- I'd rather.
Let's go.
Walk resolutely.
You're looking for your wife,
you won't find her there.
Right off, you're at
a loose end.
- Tell me,
are we lost ?
I fear so, madame.
or rather, I hope so.
Ah, here's a door.
Come on.
Give me your hand.
No.
Thanks.
Let me guide you.
Do you know what you'd do
if you were nice ?
You'd come to dinner tonight
at the house.
I wouldn't want Th?r?se
to be alone.
Be glad to.
And also, if you were
a real friend...
- I'd spend the night with her.
- Precisely.
I'm not saying no,
but I'll wait for her to ask.
Thanks
- Oh, there's a curtain.
A curtain is always
hiding something.
Could it be a show.
Have you ever seen a nightclub
with nobody in it ?
- Never.
- I'll give you a...
look!
Amazing!
All those people
who aren't there.
- All the noise that nobody hears.
- It's incredible.
A nightclub
on a diet of silence.
Something's missing.
Allow me.
Let's sit down.
Let's pretend to be
at this table.
- What's missing ?
- Nothing.
Shall we have fun making a huge
stretch of the imagination?
Yes.
- Would you like some music ?
- Very much.
Let's hear it then.
Shall we have a man
at the piano over there ?
- Why not ?
- Here he is.
I'd like a bass, too.
Your every wish
is my command.
Would you like percussion ?
I think it's essential.
Here we are then.
Clarinet
at counterpoint.
- A violin, madame ?
- Why not two ?
Done...
Two violins, please.
- Two saxes ?
- Love it!
- Two saxes, please...thanks.
And a trumpet ?
- Need to say "a trumpet" ?
- Naturally.
- Why ?
- Because he plays trumpet.
A trumpet...
with a bit more light ?
There.
When your imagination's involved,
it'd be mad to interfere.
What's left to imagine ?
There are people there.
And down there.
4 at that table.
All over the place.
Some are dancing.
And now we're dressed differently.
- Are you coming this evening ?
- Where to ?
- To the theatre.
- No, unfortunately.
Oh ! And here I am
leaving tomorrow.
- Tomorrow ?
- Yes, for months and months.
I'm playing Italy, Greece
Libya, Egypt.
Why don't you come ?
To Egypt ...Libya ?
- No, to the theatre tonight.
- Because my husband's going away.
- Going away ?
- For two days.
- Where to ?
- Paris...on business.
He's taking the 9.40 train.
That's between acts.
And I'm not in the second act.
I'll have an hour,
a full hour...
...by adding both intervals
before and after the second act.
You don't mind, do you...
that I've got a free hour
from the minute
your husband leaves.
Why do you say "don't mind" ?
- So you're going tomorrow ?
- Yes.
- So soon ?
- Yes.
So you see there are wonderful places
around the world
where it's better
not to return to.
The wonderful pictures,
it's better not to see again,
and the beautiful books
it's better not to read again.
- You have pretty feet.
- Do I ?
Very.
Women don't like men's feet.
They don't do anything for women.
For us, they matter.
What's funny,
is that it only matters
when they have shoes on.
Madame, would it be indiscrete
to ask you where you live ?
- Don't talk to me about that.
- Why ?
Our garden fence is 3 strides
from the stage door.
Let's stroll over.
You'll get what I mean.
Oh, but then...
All the same,
it's odd we've never slept together.
I don't see that it's odd.
- I'm a friend of Th?r?se's.
- Precisely!
Precisely wrong!
You're still so middle-class.
You laugh at women
who behave like Th?r?se.
What makes you think
that Th?r?se behaves herself?
You're disgusting.
What entitles you
to doubt her, anyway ?
- I'll tell you one day.
- Has she got someone ?
the way we talk
about these things...
- Do you suspect her ?
- It doesn't matter.
Anything could happen, any time.
Why ?
- Until this evening.
- ...This evening.
- Our garden gate...
- The artists' entrance.
Just a stone's throw.
Listen...
Just come to bed with me one time,
and I'll tell you everything.
Are you really as frivolous
as you like to make out ?
It's a bit more complicated
than that.
Since I don't have it in me
to play the serious lover...
- Why do you say that ?
- I think it's true.
So rather than suffer,
I get straight to the point.
Oh...I don't always enjoy doing it.
But I think on balance it gives me
the best chance.
So if she should deceive me
some day,
I console myself by saying
I've been up-front about mine.
If I told you I'd
already been three times ?
No, no, no.
Not a cuckold...unfaithful.
See you later.
8 o'clock?...
As I'm leaving.
- Monsieur Verdier.
- That's right.
- A telegram.
- Thanks.
I wish I could tell you more.
That's the first time
that's happened.
Even though I started quite young.
Have you seen anybody ?
No one...and you ?
No one at all.
How would you think
I could have seen someone ?
That's the crazy part
about dining outside at this time.
Let's hope she hasn't
caught a chill.
No...in you go !
You're not dressed warmly enough,
to stay outside.
In this weather...
You don't realise how chilly it is...
and you wake up with a cold.
We dined too early.
It's only 8.30
- What's it matter ?
- It doesn't...you're right.
Isn't Th?r?se
always right ?
What time's your train ?
9.40.
I've still got an hour.
When I take a train,
I'm always on the platform
half an hour early.
That's a lot.
It's better
than being late.
- She's keen to get rid of me !
- Don't be silly.
- Good evening, madame.
- Good evening, Monsieur Renneval.
If you have the courage,
the strength or the desire,
be a sweetie and get me
my electric razor.
- Didn't you shave this morning ?
- Yes, and I'm shaving again tonight.
It isn't a role for you
to worry about your appearance.
You're shaving a second time,
arriving early...
So you've seen her ?
I met her this morning.
We're talking about the same one...
the one in the front box ?
That's the one.
You've got a chance ?
Oh, madame... a chance ?
How about we say a certainty.
So that's it !
I'm flabbergasted !
- "Flabbergasted" ? Why ?
- Because.
I didn't want to say anything yesterday
to discourage you,
but that woman
makes out to be...
Please realise, I'm not saying it
to disappoint you.
Just tell me what you want
to say about her.
You shouldn't believe
what say people.
You know what jealousy does.
It's easy to slander people.
You're torturing me !
Just get to the point !
According to an old usher
who knew her as a child,
she's an honest woman.
- "Honest" ?
- Yes.
But maybe that's wrong...
And maybe it doesn't scare you.
It doesn't scare me.
Great !
Usually, in love situations,
honest women...
Hold on !...
They aren't to be overlooked.
- No ?
- Not at all.
I've had the odd experience,
I'll have you know.
Honest women are usually more sensual
than the others.
- Why ?
- Why indeed ?
Because they're
usually unsatisfied.
Well...
I guess you've put your finger on it.
And it's odd that you should be telling
that to me,
who fits that picture.
Sensual ?
Unsatisfied.
With one exception, though.
He was a fireman.
Oh, a great guy.
He used to call me
his little fire.
But it only lasted...
One time.
But as you were saying
so well yesterday,
There are beautiful places
it's better not to return to,
paintings it's better
not to see again.
None of it matters...
we'll see !
- Isn't that true ?
- Of course, monsieur.
I would've liked to go.
We don't know 'Primerose'.
It seems it's
a delightful play.
- So are you both going ?
- Out of the question.
8.45.
I heard.
I met Henriette
this morning.
Oh yes ?
You know what I asked her ?
To spend the night here
with you.
What for ?
- I asked you what for ?
- To keep you company.
What an idea !
I know you don't like
being alone.
Yes...when we were living
in that lonely villa,
but I've nothing to fear here.
Anyway, I brought my pyjamas.
Don't say another word...
You're too kind, but...
At the last minute
you'll ask me if I'll stay.
Stay...of course.
It'll make me very happy.
Me too.
It'll calm me down.
- It'll calm you down ?
- Yes.
For a husband, there aren't only
burglars to worry about.
There's the local Casanovas.
What do you take me for !
Just joking.
You've no call whatever
to suggest such a thing.
None, but...
What ?
Nothing about you.
I was thinking about
what I'd suffered.
Because your first two wives
were sluts...
They weren't sluts.
You're defending them ?
You're forcing me to.
So it was me who started this ?
You've already told me
they cheated on you.
So what've you got
to boast about ?
I'm not boasting...
I know it didn't cover me in any glory.
But they were no more sluts
than you are.
Let me finish.
They weren't sluts.
They became unfaithful
because they found themselves in unpredictable situations
that were out of their control.
That could happen to you.
Supposing a man
seeing me leave tonight
climbs over the garden gate,
gags you, throws you on the divan
and abuses you.
- Would you be guilty ?
- No.
However, I...
What do you think
this man would be like ?
I don't know.
Tall, strong, frightening.
Yes, but are you quite sure
he knows you're leaving tonight?
Of course not.
But I AM sure you wouldn't
be laughing about it.
Stands to reason.
I don't doubt
you're sure of yourself,
but accidents do happen.
When I met Henriette
this morning, I talked about it...
- There's time.
- What for ?
To tell you how I was
the first time.
You'll see a man
can be what he should be
without his wife
deceiving him.
She was very attractive.
You've seen her photos.
Beautiful but boring...
...and melancholic.
I told her so.
No, darling, you're not
a pain in the neck,
but you're so gloomy.
Not only that,
you're worried.
Why that worried look ?
Who are you worried about ?
- You.
- Me ? Must be something else.
- What are you afraid of ?
- That you're cheating on me and are leaving me.
In the 3 years
we've been married,
have I ever cheated on you ?
- How would I know?
- This really calming.
- Who for ?
For you, for heaven's sake...
...silly little fool!
You look hurt
for no reason at all.
Smile, my darling.
Give me a smile now and again.
Not just for my sake...
it'll do you good.
There's no reason for people like us
to take ourselves seriously.
We met.
I found you very pleasing.
I had to please you.
You had a lover,
I had a mistress.
We slept together.
We went off to Brittany.
Later, I married you...
to make you happy.
There's no reason for it
to end in Greek tragedy.
Show a little humour...
even in our intimate moments.
Some people think
making love is a serious business.
That's alright for them.
I think it's something
that can be amusing,
not screamingly funny,
but nicely so.
and if I sometimes wished for
a woman who could laugh out loud,
I'd never wish for
a woman in tears.
I'm off.
Where are you going ?
I should be at Bourdier's
by 5 o'clock.
Ah, that's right.
Walk with me a bit...
Get some fresh air.
Henri, do you want me
to tell you the truth ?
Go ahead.
If you were to leave me,
my life 'd be over.
That's just the sort of thing
we don't say. Off you go !
Henri, look at me properly.
With pleasure, darling.
- I swear to you on my mother...
- How's she going ?
- Not very well.
- So be careful what you say.
I couldn't stand being touched
by anyone but you.
- Is there any question of that ?
- Of course not.
You shouldn't go around
imagining sleeping with another man,
because that's not
very nice for me.
Dr Marinier's here.
Show him in. Good afternoon.
Go in... No, better outside.
- Is he a good doctor ?
- You've something wrong ?
Not at all...
but if I got sick ?
You'll have to ask him
the name of a good doctor.
- Good afternoon old chap.
- Good afternoon.
'Afternoon, Lucie.
I can only give you a few minutes.
That's more than enough.
- You'll be home for dinner ?
- Of course...
...but not before 8.30.
- See you!
I'm listening.
I've just seen the most stunning,
the most striking, the most shocking ...
Get to the point please.
Well old friend,
I just saw your double.
I just meet you
at the post office.
Your size, face, eyes,
voice, gestures ...
no doubt about it...YOU!
I even said hello to him.
I've often heard that everyone
has a double somewhere.
But I never really thought
that such a likeness
really occurred.
You seem more dubious than amused
by what I'm telling you.
It annoys me more than
it amuses me.
How could you know I was there ?
- You know about him ?
- In a way.
Come with me
as far as Saint-Sauveur.
You'll find something beautiful.
We'll find it too ?
So tell me about it.
I knew I had a double
who lived in Ostend.
Where you spent 8 days...
a month ago.
When my train pulled in
there on the platform,
was a gorgeous young blonde,
with beautiful eyes.
She saw me, smiled at me,
called me Hector,
threw her arms around my neck
and gave me the most exquisite kiss
I've ever had in my life.
What else could you do ?
You did what you had to do.
- I assume you did...
- Of course.
This woman
was Hector's mistress.
For an hour I made love
as "Hecky".
- So how did it end up ?
- Badly...terribly badly.
A message signed "Hecky"
arrived at that final moment.
He missed his train
and he apologized.
- What is it ?
Monsieur
wants to see Monsieur.
What do you mean ?
Monsieur Verdier is there
and he wants to see Monsieur Verdier.
- What are you trying to say ?
- I haven't got a clue.
Perhaps he's been drinking
and wants to play a joke on you.
- He's in the vestibule ?
- Yes, madame.
What are you doing there ?
Don't stand
there in the vestibule.
Excuse me but I
want to talk to Henri Verdier.
What are you on about ?
You're wrong being on first-name terms.
I'm not your husband.
Sorry, I just don't get the joke.
- And where did that suit come from ?
It's my suit, madame.
You can be so annoying.
You've just been on at me
for being too sad-faced.
If this's something you've come up with
to make me laugh...
Listen to me...
I beg of you !
Calm down, madame.
Hold off the attack,
and listen to me for just a minute.
- Between your husband and me there's....
- No, I don't want to hear it !
Maybe it's something funny,
but I'm just not in the mood
for it right now.
- In that case...
- No, Henri, don't you go off !
I can see through your little game.
A man of your age
who does what you're doing to his wife
is either a lunatic
or a man who's fallen out of love.
And as you're very well-balanced,
it's you who doesn't love me any more.
We should separate.
I'd never be a burden to anybody.
Do you want me to leave tonight ?
What a stupid question !
Your eyes are full of hate.
You're looking at me out of curiosity...
quite indifferent.
I barely know you.
- But...madame...
- Shut up !
I had three lovers
before I met you.
I'll slap you if you laugh !
I lost the second one.
The other two left me.
But neither of them laughed at me.
I can put up with anything from a man
except that.
It drives a woman crazy.
You're trying to drive me crazy
right now !
- Stop it Henri !
- I'm NOT HENRI !
You asked for it !
I'm sorry ! Have I hurt you ?
Let me see.
Oh, I might've killed you.
How terrible !
Darling...forgive me !
I love you so ! I adore you !
Your mouth...
OK by me, madame.
I hadn't heard anything until today.
I was convinced this woman
had said nothing to Hector.
But his presence implies
she's confessed all.
He's obviously looking for me.
Saint-Sauveur was no accident.
Why 'd he be looking for you ?
Such a close resemblance is just chance.
It excuses his mistress, but not me.
She mistook me for him,
but I knew it was wrong...
Of course.
- What are you doing ?
- Going back to the house.
I'm scared something
might 've happened.
- Take me darling !
- Whereabouts ?
- You're doing a hundred !
- That's the least of my worries.
I'm glad.
Now they'll never know
I cracked it a week ago.
All over ? That was quick !
I wasn't mistaken.
I'll tell Madame Quentin.
It'll make her happy.
Is that the local paper ?
Is that Madame Quentin ?
This is Zo?, from Madame Verdier's.
Good morning.
I have some interesting news.
Everything's patched up between them.
Exactly.
They're at it now.
Pass the word to Marguerite and Mathilde.
And do you have
anything new for me?
Some dirt on... ?
Whose place ?
The Montverts ?
Cuckold ?
Honestly, it doesn't surprise me.
Does the haberdasher
know about it ?
Perfect.
It's so convenient having you
to collect the district gossip.
Gives your paper a purpose !
It's so helpful for those of us
who live other people's lives.
Is Madame in ?
- She's in there.
- Resting ?
I haven't been listening...
But I don't think...
- You're acting crazy.
- I think I am.
- Henri !
You stay covered up.
So as to avoid a ridiculous fight...
...we exchanged cards.
How does it finish ?
We fought a duel...by hiding.
- How ?
- Masked.
- Wearing masks ?
- Yes, fencing masks.
- So as to pretend better.
- Pretend what ?
So as not to really fight.
We both agree.
We had to avoid a scandal.
Two doubles duelling
in front of witnesses!
But I was still obliged to seek redress
by force of arms.
But to get out of having witnesses,
we had to pretend
to stage an attack.
- "An attack" ?
- Yes.
Is that what you call reparations ?
- Funny sort of reparations.
- Why ?
Each in his own way
to avenge his honour.
- An attack isn't a duel.
- Yes it is.
When the swords have
their points unsheathed.
Are they ?
We pretend not to fight.
But you fought ?
Of course.
With just one witness...
my friend Marinier,
...lucky he's a doctor.
You're ready ? Let's go.
You stay here.
- No !
- Yes.
You're not supposed
to be there.
Monsieur Verdier,
you're there.
- No...let's see.
- It's me.
- It's a mix-up.
- She's well aware of that.
- It is you, isn't it ?
- I'm pretty sure of it.
Seriously.
Madame.
Monsieur.
Monsieur.
Monsieur.
Monsieur.
Monsieur.
Prepare yourselves, gentlemen.
You must be proud,
having two men fighting for you.
That's true.
It's like the Three Musketeers.
- Oh, I'd love it to happen to me !
- What is it ?
- A bit of dust in my eye.
- What is it ?
- He has a bit of dust in his eye.
You beast !
Darling...show me.
Oh, my darling !
Quickly, Doctor !
- Lucie !
Lucie !
- Who was the victim ?
- Him, unfortunately.
"Unfortunately" ?
- Because Lucie's
thrown herself at him,
and now she's hugging him.
I managed to get him
to admit he wasn't me.
And she was the one
who said she couldn't stand
being with anyone but me !
That's the moral
of this story :
We are all deluding ourselves in love.
When I was saying to you
that it might well happen to you
and that she wasn't a whore,
I wasn't wrong.
She stayed faithful
and he made me a cuckold.
I'll miss my train.
Julie !
- But you've separated from her.
- It went wrong.
3 days later I was in a cake shop,
she saw me, took me for the other guy,
smiled and said :
"I've only thought of you
since the other day."
You may look the same,
but there are differences.
My hat and coat.
And the other one...
your second wife.
- She's not a whore either ?
- No.
I haven't the time
to tell you about it.
Women enjoy a man being cuckolded.
It gives you ideas.
As if we were missing out !
OK...quickly...in two minutes !
It was 7 years ago,
I had just married a charming person,
not over-endowed in the brain department,
but no less sweet.
That was for sure.
I had just set up
in the Place Vend?me.
That's the crowning point in the career
of any jeweller.
For want of anything better to do,
Juliette acted as my secretary.
She wanted to handle sales,
though she understood nothing.
Too much shop-girl carry-on,
nice in its place,
but doesn't fit
the important transactions
in an upmarket jewellers.
If you're selling a bra
you can make deals.
But to take a cheque for 800 000 francs
for a ring worth maybe half that,
calls for a certain manner.
Juliette certainly didn't have
that manner.
Her clients always left
empty-handed.
There was this particular day
when she seemed to realise it.
"You've sold a lot, dear ?"
That wasn't a nice thing to ask,
but I thought it best
to laugh it off.
But she wasn't in the mood
for joshing that morning.
And I saw in her eyes
that this harmless quip
filled her heart
with a desire for revenge.
The Sultan of Manamesh,
after his official visit,
was staying incognito
at the Ritz.
Insofar as a man dressed that way
walking with his entourage
can pass as incognito.
He was buying everything on this trip,
particularly paintings.
And when he saw "Renoir"
he jumped for joy.
He was wrong.
He even wanted to take a shop
on the Place Vend?me.
He loved Paris.
But he was made to understand
that was impossible.
Juliette had gone to put on
a coat and beret.
I saw her race out the door.
Where was she going ? Nowhere.
She just wandered about.
Later she told me what had
happened outside.
The sultan's propositions...
His offers coming through
his interpreter,
her continuous refusals...
and the final disappointment
of that singular character.
I saw Juliette again at lunch.
Sorry I'm late.
Give me some of that.
- You're starting with the fruit salad ?
- What ?
You're not starting
with the fruit salad ?
With salt, no appetizers.
So you see, my little Henri,
you've never known
what sort of woman I was.
Do you want to know what I am ?
Love to.
I'm an exceptional woman.
What do you mean by exceptional ?
What ?
Of the first order.
Everything I do is planned.
I'm a thinking woman,
and an action woman as well.
You could have me govern
a large country
or manage a railway network.
I'm organised.
Do you know where I get
my life-force from ?
I'm going to tell you.
It comes from being smart,
insightful, visionary,
subtle, positive,
lucid, ingenious, inventive and wise,
and I'm being modest.
And how do you see yourself
as "modest" ?
Up to now, I?ve never had to
use any of these attributes.
Why's that ?
I can't tell you.
Well, I want to know !
In a married relationship,
the wife shouldn't eclipse
her husband.
You mocked me about
the sale of a piece of jewellery
which didn't go through.
- I didn't mock you.
It was totally unfair.
If I didn't sell the piece
to that couple
it's because I didn't want
to sell it to them
Why not ?
It was too expensive for them.
By offering it to his wife,
he was making
a huge sacrifice.
I saw it in his eyes.
I thought that this man
who was probably in poor health,
would go without treatment
just to make please his wife,
who had a slit for a mouth.
This thought stopped me
from selling.
I advised them not to buy.
Exactly.
But there's a chance
to make a big deal for you.
Then you'll see
what sort of saleswoman I am.
Don't shrug like that, Henri.
You're trying to challenge me.
- Admit it.
- I do ...
I won't forget it.
It was a different kind
of pain in the arse,
but still a pain in the arse.
Two hours later at the shop
I received a very interesting
phone call.
I was asked to come to room 83
at The Ritz,
with the diamond and emerald piece
I had in the window,
and to come without delay.
Give me the green box
for the piece in the window.
Right now...
put on your hat and coat.
I challenged you just now.
Here's your chance.
Apartment 83 over at The Ritz.
Sell it.
Price is 4 million.
You can accept 3.
And if you pull this off,
I'll give you the leopard skin coat
you've had your eye on.
At that time, I didn't know
the Sultan had designs on her.
In the time it took
to cross the square, she was in the Ritz.
I'm going to reveal something
I've never told you.
It was on that same day
that you and I met.
In that shop,
when you came in
to ask the price of a brooch.
I remember.
But you didn't know
what a red-letter day it was.
Give me the blue box.
And when you had the piece
in your hand,
do you remember
what you said to me ?
- It's really that much?
- Yes, madame.
And I even added...
It's not the sort of thing
you can afford to buy for yourself.
- And you looked into my eyes...
- You didn't think I was ugly.
I was insuring my future.
Planning against misfortune.
So you were saving me up
for later.
- I didn't keep you waiting long.
- No. That's true.
And this brooch
which seemed exorbitant at the time...
your still wearing it.
Your engagement present.
A wonderful present.
So what happened with the sultan
and the emeralds?
An hour later
she came back with the cheque.
Three and a half million
instead of three.
And she was wearing
the necklace.
Even more astonishing,
was that she demanded the coat
that I'd promised her.
But she wasn't a tart.
I still didn't know you should never
challenge women.
I'll be lucky if
I don't miss my train...
Au revoir, Henriette.
Let me fix your coat.
It'd be a crime
not to deceive him, wouldn't it?
Why are you saying that to me ?
Because I intend behaving
very badly this evening.
- I'm expecting Jean Renneval.
- You're joking ?
Not at all.
Clear it away.
It's scary there are
men like that.
Renneval ?
No... men like Henri.
They're the ones
who make women unfaithful.
- He's not only deceiving ME...
- He's deceiving YOU ?
Yes. I found out this morning.
Quite by chance.
He said to us during lunch
that he was going to Paris
to finalise a deal with Bourdier.
The woman may have to change her alibi...
his remains the same.
He received a telegram informing him
that the appointment was cancelled.
How do you know ?
Because the post office
is 2 minutes from here.
The gum hasn't had time to dry.
That lets me take a look...
without it being noticeable.
When he saw it the envelope was resealed.
You see, I believe in coincidences.
I'm alone this evening.
He's good in bed.
I'm talking about Renneval.
There's time between acts,
he only has to cross the street,
He doesn't know my name,
he's leaving tomorrow,
and my husband's deceiving me.
Look at me and tell me
you don't envy me.
Any woman
would have to envy you .
What's he like ?
He's nice. What more can I say ?
Confident?
He'd be silly if he wasn't.
How old is he ?
He's every age.
He changes it so often,
he loses track.
- I just thought of something.
- What ?
Julie...one person too many.
Julie !
- Oh ! The hot water's freezing
The cold water too.
You're not going out
dressed like that ?
Of course I am.
Nothing wrong with it.
Julie, go to the casino...
Lend me 1000 francs.
Bet 100 on "5" every time "17" wins.
After "5", logically you should play "21" .
Probably.
Here's 1000 francs to play with.
- I've got an hour to spare.
- Me too.
- Good luck.
- Good luck to you too, madame!
It occurs to me :
if Renneval comes between acts,
he'll be in make-up.
Most likely in a costume.
That IS a bit of a bother.
He might be wearing a beard.
Off or on...
it's all the same to me.
You really are crazy !
He's the 'tall dark and handsome' one
that Henri goes on about.
He won't have to leap over the fence,
or gag me, to have his way.
- Is he in town for long ?
- No.
- He's leaving tomorrow.
- Oh !
What ?
There are wonderful things
in the world
it's better not to go back to,
wonderful paintings
it's better not to see again,
such beautiful books
it's better not to read again.
- That's about YOU ? About HIM ?
- No.
He's just playing one of his roles.
I heard the bell for interval.
Let me say something
about what I'm doing
so you don't judge me too harshly.
It's not the first time
I've deceived Henri.
It's the third time.
So you see...
it's not as serious as you thought !
- Where's the train ?
- It's left.
Shit !
- I'll open the small gate.
Shit ! Shit !
Are you going to carry on
the whole way?
Shit ! Shit ! Shit !
- What did he say ?
"Shit".
Such language !
I adore you !
There's nothing dumber
than missing your train.
The next one's not 'til 11.57.
Has she already gone to bed ?
I adore you !
I'm going crazy...
this can't be happening !
This is the weirdest thing
that ever happened.
I thought I'd seen everything,
but here's a new one !
That woman.
I never expected it from Th?r?se.
Henriette either, for that matter.
It's a strange feeling.
Certainly different.
A serious development.
This really screws me up
right now!
I'd love to do the same
to them.
One thing though...
I can't just walk in on them.
Hullo...who's calling ?
It's you, Henriette ?
Henriette ! Where are you calling from ?
Your place ?
Good Lord !
Get dressed, monsieur,
and come and face me !
As for you, we'll settle this
right away.
A white-haired man...stark naked !
Come in.
- Isn't Renneval here ?
- He's gone out.
- "Gone out" ?
- Yes.
But he's dressed...
and he's not far away.
Yes, a cardinal.
Unfortunately.
Good grief !
- That's incredible !
- lncredible indeed.
One could even say...
That's why you won't say anything.
In the face of God's will,
there can be no response.
Be respectful, even when surprised.
What interest could the Almighty have
in putting you into this situation?
What about YOU ?
I am but God's instrument...
my role is a small one.
But truly, why did He pick YOU ?
Is it a test ?
Is it a punishment ?
Who can explain
my presence here?
YOU can explain !
Shall I achieve that ?
Your conduct is unspeakable !
So, let's not speak of it.
It's not for you to pass judgment.
- Whadda you mean "not for me" ?
- No.
I'm only answerable to God,
my son.
I'm not your son.
I must insist on
your addressing me as "father".
Otherwise this discussion
must be terminated.
I appreciate your feelings,
and I wish to calm your anger.
- But unfortunately...moreover relatively...
- SHUT THE FUCK UP !
...relative to what affects you,
it does not permit you
to lessen respect for my robes.
You hardly set an example to it
worthy of respect !
I had taken it off, my son.
You saw that yourself.
- Ask me to sit down.
- What do you mean ?
Offer me a seat. You can't leave
a cardinal standing.
Sit down.
A cardinal...
But why ? WHY ?
The fear of scandal,
the assurance of
total discretion,
the rarity of the occurrence,
the attraction of its novelty...
She swore that I was
the first cardinal she'd ever had.
How did you two
get to know each other ?
As I was saying...
In that sacred place.
Yes, at confession.
A wounded heart can awaken
so much compassion.
- But really !
- You have the proof of it.
Who would you rather have
taken your honour...
an atheist, a foreigner, a protestant,
a Jew, or a Buddhist ?
I wouldn't think so.
Her sin was inevitable,
since not even I
could stop it.
My exhortations,
my sagacious advise,
nothing could deflect her
from the path of evil.
Someone had to sacrifice himself...
and it fell to me.
You would understand me, my child,
were you not personally involved.
But let us put the past behind us
and face the present.
Don't stay standing my child.
Be seated.
I beg of you.
Be seated.
What do you intend to do ?
- Well, I...uh.....
- Yes, yes, yes.
I understand your embarrassment
and I will help with your confusion.
But any sort of meeting
involving sword or pistol
is simply not possible.
The Church condemns duelling
and forbids it.
Don't give it a thought.
If that window had been opened...
and passing in the street
I noticed you in my house ?
That's one solution,
but I'd advise against it.
Why ?
You'd be thought to be crazy,
as it would be highly unlikely.
And suppose she admits ...
Consider the ridicule
that would be heaped on you.
On you too.
It's quite different for me
my child.
I have no particular home,
no links of any kind.
I can change my name,
city, country even.
We have our colonies, don't we...
wonderful opportunities out there,
favourable to our business.
Do you know Latin ?
Not at all.
I don't wish to contradict you, but...
You're on the wrong track, my child.
Only one question matters :
do you believe ?
No, I don't BELIEVE...
I KNOW FOR SURE !
- I saw you screwing...
- No...
Yes !
I was asking if
you believed in God.
If I believe in God ?
Yes.
That is most important.
for it is HE
who gives you the strength
to carry the burden of this trial.
Consider what is happening to you
as a humiliation
or a warning.
You gotta be joking !
I'm not one to be joking,
but control your temper.
That's the sign of a better type of person.
Why has Heaven chosen me ?
Why does he want
this affair to be here ?
I'll end up believing it.
As a matter of fact, it goes on and on.
Something special's in store for me.
Either as a king,
or as my double.
And as icing on the cake,
fate serves me up
with a cardinal.
What more can happen ?
Do not ask, my son...
keep it as a surprise.
I believe you've been married three times.
- And betrayed...
- Three times.
And each time...
unable to take revenge.
So don't hesitate my son.
Examine your conscience.
Is there nothing for you
to reproach yourself for ?
Search carefully.
This business trip to Paris,
was there no other purpose
that you hid from your partner ?
- How do you know ?
- I don't know anything.
Let's suppose your wife
found out about your two-timing,
and wanted revenge.
That changes everything.
The adventure takes on a whole new aspect.
Our laws have established
the concept of self-defence.
A papal edict
of Pope Gregory Vll ...
One of the most beautiful edicts ever...
authorises that a crime
is absolved
when it is in the form
of retaliation.
I can see clearly now.
Let me retain the active role
that I've had to take here.
Leave it to me to sort things out.
Tell me why, having left,
that you came back ?
I'd missed my train.
No one misses his train.
- Is there another one ?
- Yes at 11.57.
- You have to catch it.
- Oh ?
And you have to stay in Paris
for four days.
"Four days" ?
4 or 5, to allow you both
to calm down.
4 or 5 days ?
Or 7 or 8.
And you believe that...
If I BELIEVE ?
She'll go along with it ?
Oh, after what she's done...
It would be nice to see.
Come on!
You're staying in Monaco ?
I'm on tour.
"On tour" ?
An inspection tour
of the whole diocese.
I leave tomorrow.
So, after all that...
that's it ?
Oh, yes !
We have a paradox.
It doesn't allow for
a logical outcome.
So who's going to tell her
I'll be spending 8 days in Paris ?
- Would you like me to ?
- Coming from a man like you...
Only...don't stay with her
after you tell her.
You'll go on and on about it
and make things worse.
Make a fresh start.
Let's agree on that.
And if I took her
to see "Primerose" ?
That's exactly what not to do.
Don't encourage her
with additional pleasures.
Leave her to her remorse,
though overlook her fault.
That can only raise you
in her estimation.
That's the end of it.
Madame...
Madame, before leaving
for several days...
your husband wishes
to pay his respects.
Goodbye, Th?r?se.
Goodbye, my friend.
Goodbye my child.
Goodbye father.
Kiss it.
- Kiss it.
- Wha...?
Kiss my ring.
Please forgive me,
but a pious duty calls.
Come, my son,
let us leave together.
Off we go.
I'll be back after the second act.
Subtitles - FatPlank [RLB] for KG.
the C?te d'Azur,
is completed in Paris at a Neuilly studio.
People have approached it in their own way
according to their tastes.
Seen stepping out of a car
large enough...
for the screenwriter,
the leading man,
and the director.
I told my assistant, Fran?ois Gir,
to come by auto.
He had the cheek to make out I said:
"Come by autogyro. "
Thanks!
Here are our industrious,
smiling workers.
Among them are perhaps
a future cinematographer,
a sound engineer or a set designer.
Here?s our film editor,
Raymond Lamy.
He edits, edits, edits
at a hectic pace.
Handling so much film
is always a worry.
Lana Marconi wanted
to come by horse.
In the end she accepted a cart
being attached to her horse.
Production manager Andr? Deroual,
never failed to arrive.
Got it. It'll be done.
And then to return.
Only to come back again.
Always on his own.
Attending to everything, watching everything
neglecting nothing...
he was a spectacle
of all-consuming activity...
efficient, yet courteous.
Under the pretext that
Neuilly is on the Seine,
Bernard Blier finds it best
to come by water.
He managed things
with masterful authority.
His admiral's cap,
wasn't taken off
'til the last moment.
As to my cinematographer
who organises his lighting
with such infallible precision,
he was able to turn up
at the last minute...
knowing he'd always
be first to be ready.
Louiguy,
who wrote the music for the film,
turns up conducting
the orchestra himself.
It either played one of his tunes,
or anything else at all.
This train from Marseilles
is bringing us Arius and Eyser,
from the Com?die-Fran?aise.
Simone Paris kept her balance
straight from the Basque coast.
She's welcomed
by Solange Varennes.
Mallet, Darbel
and de Fun?s arrive by bus,
with Poirier,
Pignier the assistant director,
sound engineer Janisse,
make-up man Chanteau,
cameraman Bachelet,
with Ren? Ribault,
Andr? Bernard, Paulette Bodrigard,
dresser Gilberte,
and script-girl Odette Lemarchand.
Flying at 342 kph,
this plane is bringing
Meg Lemonnier from Monte-Carlo.
Finally, keen to be noticed
at any cost,
Pauline Carton arrives on foot.
She doesn't get flustered
just because she's last to arrive...
nor because she's usually first on
in the filming.
How would I look in the subway
in a costume like this?
- You'd make an impression.
- I quite agree, madame.
- So how did it go?
- An automatic triumph.
When you've got a piece of work
that's so well written and put together,
success is a certainty.
So well, that you don't know
how much you'll get credit for,
us other actors, I mean.
But that's not the question
of the evening.
So what is the question?
It's about a member
of the audience.
Find out the name
of the woman with
the low-cut dress,
with diamonds up to here,
who?s in the box
on my right, please.
- She's ravishing.
- I'll take a look.
Thanks.
Come in.
What is it? Ah!
Monsieur Renneval,
sorry to bother you.
Are we sleeping together tonight?
Why do you ask?
A man I don't know,
a friend of a friend,
is asking me
to spend the evening with him.
Go ahead.
You're not irritated
by my asking every evening?
No.
Good luck.
Rest assured,
up to the end of the tour
you'll have preference.
I'm sure of it.
You're very conscientious
for a young actress.
So?
Well, she's Madame Verdier.
The husband's a jeweller
in the Place Vend?me.
She's been married once before,
the first with an officer's son.
Her present husband's with her
in the box.
He's not the old one.
The old one's the prefect.
You must have seen him...
I mean the husband.
I caught sight of him,
but now I'll take
a better look.
You always need to know
what the husband's like.
But how have you been able to get
so much detailed information
so quickly?
I checked with the usherettes.
One knew one bit, the other another...
Usherettes know everything!
People tell them things...
they pass love-notes.
In 15 years, you see a lot.
Especially here in Monte-Carlo.
They're all old ruined gamblers.
You're kidding me!
Ruined but not cured.
Some of them will draw
a random cloakroom number,
and dash out,
to blow all their tips on it
on the roulette wheels.
So,
this lady's really got to you?
Yes, she'd get to me
very nicely.
Bad luck you're leaving
day after tomorrow.
All the more reason
to make a move.
- Really?
- Of course.
Do you know
which are the men
who as a rule are most
adored by women?
It's those they
only make love once with.
It's like that
all over the world...
...those wonderful places
it's better not to return to.
full of beautiful pictures
never to be seen again
and beautiful books
better left unread.
There are even cities
where it's best to do
only one performance.
They're ringing.
When you get down to it
the theatre's your whole life.
- The theatre and love.
- Not at the same time!
Oh yes!
Anything's possible
when love and the theatre
are mixed.
They're bound together!
inseparable... a confusion.
Yes... confused... you sometimes
can't tell them apart.
And for me, to act
is to make love.
So also... making love
is acting?
No, I'm not saying that.
No. I'm not saying that
but I think about it.
Listen,
after a late supper, let's suppose...
Triumphant, like this one.
Let us not mince words.
So, after such a supper,
having just played 5 acts,
There remains another act
to be committed.
Love becomes the normal conclusion,
the consequence
in the end, the reward
for a job well done.
So an actor can expect applause
from his bed-mate
and a "bravo!" at... a... certain... moment!
No but I'd like to think that
one night I'd get an enthusiastic request,
murmured in my ear:
"More!"
You're on in 5 minutes.
After all, it is possible.
You see, Madame, an actor...
is not so much interested
in his own pleasure...
as in the memories he leaves.
But if we want that memory
to be indelible...
it's best we don't risk
erasing it ourselves.
- Your Eminence, come in...
what a wonderful surprise.
- You're so attractive, madame.
Seeing you overwhelms me.
He's speaking as though
he's addressing YOU.
I'm at a loss for the words
to express my feelings.
You know who that was ?
No.
Renneval.
You think so ?
I saw him last night at the theatre.
I recognised him right away.
- We could ask for his autograph ?
- Good idea.
- Are you game to ?
- He'll be flattered.
Monsieur Renneval ?
Would it be indiscrete
to ask for an autograph ?
- Not at all, mademoiselle.
- You see !
- "You see" what ?
- I was talking to my friend.
That surprised me,
but didn't offend me.
Don't hurry on my account,
mademoiselle.
Thanks.
It'd be really nice of you
to sign twice.
You don't have any other
errands around here ?
We'll divide up the page later.
It must be annoying for you
always having people after autographs.
I'd be more annoyed
if I wasn't asked.
Thank you, monsieur.
It's been so exciting
to see you close up
and here your voice.
And we like you better
without the beard and moustache!
Goodbye, young ladies.
GOODBYE, MONSIEUR.
- Thank you, madame.
- "Thank you" ? For what ?
For having been
so attractive yesterday,
during the whole evening performance.
Weren't you in the box
on my right,
at the theatre ?
- Indeed, yes.
I saw only you
during the entire performance.
I only played to you.
The declaration of love
in the second act
was being made to you.
I had the temerity to skip two retorts
at the end of the scene.
They didn't agree with
the real feelings
I felt for you.
Now fate, which sometimes
does things well,
has put you in my path.
Don't blame me for that.
No, monsieur, not at all.
You are just as attractive
in real life.
"In real life" ?
Oh, I?m sorry.
I so have the feeling
that last night
we were playing
on stage together !
Julie ?
Julie ?
Julie !
Never around, that one.
Yes, monsieur ?
- My wife's not back ?
- Not yet, monsieur.
- You've packed my bag ?
- Yes, monsieur.
- Do you know where she's gone ?
- To buy some magazines.
"Some magazines"...
She's doing the dirty on him,
for sure.
Please cover up.
Couldn't we take
a few steps together ?
You realise I'm making us perform
the craziest act of foolishness?
By me talking to you,
and you replying,
we've removed the footlights.
That wall of light that protects us
or equally separates us
so we could each keep our illusions
to ourselves.
We wear hairpieces on stage,
and we're covered in
transfiguring makeup.
That's how you see us.
As for you, I see you as
understanding, subtle...
in that combination,
you represent a high point.
Now we're suddenly
face to face:
the public and the actor.
Are our illusions in danger ?
I ask YOU!
That's reassuring.
Thank you.
- What ?
- Nothing.
- What's up ?
- My husband.
- You call that "nothing" ?
Do you mind if
he sees us together ?
- Very much so.
- Well, come through here.
- Are you free ?
- Yes, monsieur.
Have you seen Th?r?se ?
I only got a glimpse of him,
but he seemed quite alright.
- My husband ?
- Yes. Quite alright.
What do you mean
by "quite alright" ?
In his role, really.
He seemed perfect to me.
In life, we should look like
what we are.
I'm an actor,
so I must act like an actor.
He looks just like a husband.
Being a husband
isn't a profession.
No, but it's a job
just the same.
But if he looks like a husband
do I look like a married woman ?
It's different for a married woman.
She always stays a woman.
The day before their marriage
he was a different man.
Next day, he's a husband.
Besides, in French we say
man and woman.
She doesn't change her job.
And "woman" doesn't have a synonym
just as "cuckold" doesn't apply
to a woman.
A husband doesn't always
have to be one of those.
No! But the first step is taken.
But I won't speak badly of him.
Those men play
a major role in love.
Their blissful gullibility
favours those quick
little meetings
whose charm is in their brevity.
Would they be possible
without them ?
- Like omelets.
- What'd you say ?
What's this lift for ?
It brings you down
to this corridor,
which takes you
to another lift...
which takes you up
to the gaming room.
The gamblers don't have
time to lose.
They can go to their games anytime.
Can you take us up
to the ground floor ?
Do you ever get stage-fright ?
On stage, always a little.
- In real life ?
- Occasionally.
I had it terribly
when I addressed you on stage.
Good morning.
Oh, Henriette.
I didn't see you.
- What are you doing here ?
- Getting a bit of sun.
- You haven?t see Th?r?se, have you ?
- No.
- She's been out for an hour.
- And that worries you?
- Him again ?
- Yes.
- You want to hide ?
- I'd rather.
Let's go.
Walk resolutely.
You're looking for your wife,
you won't find her there.
Right off, you're at
a loose end.
- Tell me,
are we lost ?
I fear so, madame.
or rather, I hope so.
Ah, here's a door.
Come on.
Give me your hand.
No.
Thanks.
Let me guide you.
Do you know what you'd do
if you were nice ?
You'd come to dinner tonight
at the house.
I wouldn't want Th?r?se
to be alone.
Be glad to.
And also, if you were
a real friend...
- I'd spend the night with her.
- Precisely.
I'm not saying no,
but I'll wait for her to ask.
Thanks
- Oh, there's a curtain.
A curtain is always
hiding something.
Could it be a show.
Have you ever seen a nightclub
with nobody in it ?
- Never.
- I'll give you a...
look!
Amazing!
All those people
who aren't there.
- All the noise that nobody hears.
- It's incredible.
A nightclub
on a diet of silence.
Something's missing.
Allow me.
Let's sit down.
Let's pretend to be
at this table.
- What's missing ?
- Nothing.
Shall we have fun making a huge
stretch of the imagination?
Yes.
- Would you like some music ?
- Very much.
Let's hear it then.
Shall we have a man
at the piano over there ?
- Why not ?
- Here he is.
I'd like a bass, too.
Your every wish
is my command.
Would you like percussion ?
I think it's essential.
Here we are then.
Clarinet
at counterpoint.
- A violin, madame ?
- Why not two ?
Done...
Two violins, please.
- Two saxes ?
- Love it!
- Two saxes, please...thanks.
And a trumpet ?
- Need to say "a trumpet" ?
- Naturally.
- Why ?
- Because he plays trumpet.
A trumpet...
with a bit more light ?
There.
When your imagination's involved,
it'd be mad to interfere.
What's left to imagine ?
There are people there.
And down there.
4 at that table.
All over the place.
Some are dancing.
And now we're dressed differently.
- Are you coming this evening ?
- Where to ?
- To the theatre.
- No, unfortunately.
Oh ! And here I am
leaving tomorrow.
- Tomorrow ?
- Yes, for months and months.
I'm playing Italy, Greece
Libya, Egypt.
Why don't you come ?
To Egypt ...Libya ?
- No, to the theatre tonight.
- Because my husband's going away.
- Going away ?
- For two days.
- Where to ?
- Paris...on business.
He's taking the 9.40 train.
That's between acts.
And I'm not in the second act.
I'll have an hour,
a full hour...
...by adding both intervals
before and after the second act.
You don't mind, do you...
that I've got a free hour
from the minute
your husband leaves.
Why do you say "don't mind" ?
- So you're going tomorrow ?
- Yes.
- So soon ?
- Yes.
So you see there are wonderful places
around the world
where it's better
not to return to.
The wonderful pictures,
it's better not to see again,
and the beautiful books
it's better not to read again.
- You have pretty feet.
- Do I ?
Very.
Women don't like men's feet.
They don't do anything for women.
For us, they matter.
What's funny,
is that it only matters
when they have shoes on.
Madame, would it be indiscrete
to ask you where you live ?
- Don't talk to me about that.
- Why ?
Our garden fence is 3 strides
from the stage door.
Let's stroll over.
You'll get what I mean.
Oh, but then...
All the same,
it's odd we've never slept together.
I don't see that it's odd.
- I'm a friend of Th?r?se's.
- Precisely!
Precisely wrong!
You're still so middle-class.
You laugh at women
who behave like Th?r?se.
What makes you think
that Th?r?se behaves herself?
You're disgusting.
What entitles you
to doubt her, anyway ?
- I'll tell you one day.
- Has she got someone ?
the way we talk
about these things...
- Do you suspect her ?
- It doesn't matter.
Anything could happen, any time.
Why ?
- Until this evening.
- ...This evening.
- Our garden gate...
- The artists' entrance.
Just a stone's throw.
Listen...
Just come to bed with me one time,
and I'll tell you everything.
Are you really as frivolous
as you like to make out ?
It's a bit more complicated
than that.
Since I don't have it in me
to play the serious lover...
- Why do you say that ?
- I think it's true.
So rather than suffer,
I get straight to the point.
Oh...I don't always enjoy doing it.
But I think on balance it gives me
the best chance.
So if she should deceive me
some day,
I console myself by saying
I've been up-front about mine.
If I told you I'd
already been three times ?
No, no, no.
Not a cuckold...unfaithful.
See you later.
8 o'clock?...
As I'm leaving.
- Monsieur Verdier.
- That's right.
- A telegram.
- Thanks.
I wish I could tell you more.
That's the first time
that's happened.
Even though I started quite young.
Have you seen anybody ?
No one...and you ?
No one at all.
How would you think
I could have seen someone ?
That's the crazy part
about dining outside at this time.
Let's hope she hasn't
caught a chill.
No...in you go !
You're not dressed warmly enough,
to stay outside.
In this weather...
You don't realise how chilly it is...
and you wake up with a cold.
We dined too early.
It's only 8.30
- What's it matter ?
- It doesn't...you're right.
Isn't Th?r?se
always right ?
What time's your train ?
9.40.
I've still got an hour.
When I take a train,
I'm always on the platform
half an hour early.
That's a lot.
It's better
than being late.
- She's keen to get rid of me !
- Don't be silly.
- Good evening, madame.
- Good evening, Monsieur Renneval.
If you have the courage,
the strength or the desire,
be a sweetie and get me
my electric razor.
- Didn't you shave this morning ?
- Yes, and I'm shaving again tonight.
It isn't a role for you
to worry about your appearance.
You're shaving a second time,
arriving early...
So you've seen her ?
I met her this morning.
We're talking about the same one...
the one in the front box ?
That's the one.
You've got a chance ?
Oh, madame... a chance ?
How about we say a certainty.
So that's it !
I'm flabbergasted !
- "Flabbergasted" ? Why ?
- Because.
I didn't want to say anything yesterday
to discourage you,
but that woman
makes out to be...
Please realise, I'm not saying it
to disappoint you.
Just tell me what you want
to say about her.
You shouldn't believe
what say people.
You know what jealousy does.
It's easy to slander people.
You're torturing me !
Just get to the point !
According to an old usher
who knew her as a child,
she's an honest woman.
- "Honest" ?
- Yes.
But maybe that's wrong...
And maybe it doesn't scare you.
It doesn't scare me.
Great !
Usually, in love situations,
honest women...
Hold on !...
They aren't to be overlooked.
- No ?
- Not at all.
I've had the odd experience,
I'll have you know.
Honest women are usually more sensual
than the others.
- Why ?
- Why indeed ?
Because they're
usually unsatisfied.
Well...
I guess you've put your finger on it.
And it's odd that you should be telling
that to me,
who fits that picture.
Sensual ?
Unsatisfied.
With one exception, though.
He was a fireman.
Oh, a great guy.
He used to call me
his little fire.
But it only lasted...
One time.
But as you were saying
so well yesterday,
There are beautiful places
it's better not to return to,
paintings it's better
not to see again.
None of it matters...
we'll see !
- Isn't that true ?
- Of course, monsieur.
I would've liked to go.
We don't know 'Primerose'.
It seems it's
a delightful play.
- So are you both going ?
- Out of the question.
8.45.
I heard.
I met Henriette
this morning.
Oh yes ?
You know what I asked her ?
To spend the night here
with you.
What for ?
- I asked you what for ?
- To keep you company.
What an idea !
I know you don't like
being alone.
Yes...when we were living
in that lonely villa,
but I've nothing to fear here.
Anyway, I brought my pyjamas.
Don't say another word...
You're too kind, but...
At the last minute
you'll ask me if I'll stay.
Stay...of course.
It'll make me very happy.
Me too.
It'll calm me down.
- It'll calm you down ?
- Yes.
For a husband, there aren't only
burglars to worry about.
There's the local Casanovas.
What do you take me for !
Just joking.
You've no call whatever
to suggest such a thing.
None, but...
What ?
Nothing about you.
I was thinking about
what I'd suffered.
Because your first two wives
were sluts...
They weren't sluts.
You're defending them ?
You're forcing me to.
So it was me who started this ?
You've already told me
they cheated on you.
So what've you got
to boast about ?
I'm not boasting...
I know it didn't cover me in any glory.
But they were no more sluts
than you are.
Let me finish.
They weren't sluts.
They became unfaithful
because they found themselves in unpredictable situations
that were out of their control.
That could happen to you.
Supposing a man
seeing me leave tonight
climbs over the garden gate,
gags you, throws you on the divan
and abuses you.
- Would you be guilty ?
- No.
However, I...
What do you think
this man would be like ?
I don't know.
Tall, strong, frightening.
Yes, but are you quite sure
he knows you're leaving tonight?
Of course not.
But I AM sure you wouldn't
be laughing about it.
Stands to reason.
I don't doubt
you're sure of yourself,
but accidents do happen.
When I met Henriette
this morning, I talked about it...
- There's time.
- What for ?
To tell you how I was
the first time.
You'll see a man
can be what he should be
without his wife
deceiving him.
She was very attractive.
You've seen her photos.
Beautiful but boring...
...and melancholic.
I told her so.
No, darling, you're not
a pain in the neck,
but you're so gloomy.
Not only that,
you're worried.
Why that worried look ?
Who are you worried about ?
- You.
- Me ? Must be something else.
- What are you afraid of ?
- That you're cheating on me and are leaving me.
In the 3 years
we've been married,
have I ever cheated on you ?
- How would I know?
- This really calming.
- Who for ?
For you, for heaven's sake...
...silly little fool!
You look hurt
for no reason at all.
Smile, my darling.
Give me a smile now and again.
Not just for my sake...
it'll do you good.
There's no reason for people like us
to take ourselves seriously.
We met.
I found you very pleasing.
I had to please you.
You had a lover,
I had a mistress.
We slept together.
We went off to Brittany.
Later, I married you...
to make you happy.
There's no reason for it
to end in Greek tragedy.
Show a little humour...
even in our intimate moments.
Some people think
making love is a serious business.
That's alright for them.
I think it's something
that can be amusing,
not screamingly funny,
but nicely so.
and if I sometimes wished for
a woman who could laugh out loud,
I'd never wish for
a woman in tears.
I'm off.
Where are you going ?
I should be at Bourdier's
by 5 o'clock.
Ah, that's right.
Walk with me a bit...
Get some fresh air.
Henri, do you want me
to tell you the truth ?
Go ahead.
If you were to leave me,
my life 'd be over.
That's just the sort of thing
we don't say. Off you go !
Henri, look at me properly.
With pleasure, darling.
- I swear to you on my mother...
- How's she going ?
- Not very well.
- So be careful what you say.
I couldn't stand being touched
by anyone but you.
- Is there any question of that ?
- Of course not.
You shouldn't go around
imagining sleeping with another man,
because that's not
very nice for me.
Dr Marinier's here.
Show him in. Good afternoon.
Go in... No, better outside.
- Is he a good doctor ?
- You've something wrong ?
Not at all...
but if I got sick ?
You'll have to ask him
the name of a good doctor.
- Good afternoon old chap.
- Good afternoon.
'Afternoon, Lucie.
I can only give you a few minutes.
That's more than enough.
- You'll be home for dinner ?
- Of course...
...but not before 8.30.
- See you!
I'm listening.
I've just seen the most stunning,
the most striking, the most shocking ...
Get to the point please.
Well old friend,
I just saw your double.
I just meet you
at the post office.
Your size, face, eyes,
voice, gestures ...
no doubt about it...YOU!
I even said hello to him.
I've often heard that everyone
has a double somewhere.
But I never really thought
that such a likeness
really occurred.
You seem more dubious than amused
by what I'm telling you.
It annoys me more than
it amuses me.
How could you know I was there ?
- You know about him ?
- In a way.
Come with me
as far as Saint-Sauveur.
You'll find something beautiful.
We'll find it too ?
So tell me about it.
I knew I had a double
who lived in Ostend.
Where you spent 8 days...
a month ago.
When my train pulled in
there on the platform,
was a gorgeous young blonde,
with beautiful eyes.
She saw me, smiled at me,
called me Hector,
threw her arms around my neck
and gave me the most exquisite kiss
I've ever had in my life.
What else could you do ?
You did what you had to do.
- I assume you did...
- Of course.
This woman
was Hector's mistress.
For an hour I made love
as "Hecky".
- So how did it end up ?
- Badly...terribly badly.
A message signed "Hecky"
arrived at that final moment.
He missed his train
and he apologized.
- What is it ?
Monsieur
wants to see Monsieur.
What do you mean ?
Monsieur Verdier is there
and he wants to see Monsieur Verdier.
- What are you trying to say ?
- I haven't got a clue.
Perhaps he's been drinking
and wants to play a joke on you.
- He's in the vestibule ?
- Yes, madame.
What are you doing there ?
Don't stand
there in the vestibule.
Excuse me but I
want to talk to Henri Verdier.
What are you on about ?
You're wrong being on first-name terms.
I'm not your husband.
Sorry, I just don't get the joke.
- And where did that suit come from ?
It's my suit, madame.
You can be so annoying.
You've just been on at me
for being too sad-faced.
If this's something you've come up with
to make me laugh...
Listen to me...
I beg of you !
Calm down, madame.
Hold off the attack,
and listen to me for just a minute.
- Between your husband and me there's....
- No, I don't want to hear it !
Maybe it's something funny,
but I'm just not in the mood
for it right now.
- In that case...
- No, Henri, don't you go off !
I can see through your little game.
A man of your age
who does what you're doing to his wife
is either a lunatic
or a man who's fallen out of love.
And as you're very well-balanced,
it's you who doesn't love me any more.
We should separate.
I'd never be a burden to anybody.
Do you want me to leave tonight ?
What a stupid question !
Your eyes are full of hate.
You're looking at me out of curiosity...
quite indifferent.
I barely know you.
- But...madame...
- Shut up !
I had three lovers
before I met you.
I'll slap you if you laugh !
I lost the second one.
The other two left me.
But neither of them laughed at me.
I can put up with anything from a man
except that.
It drives a woman crazy.
You're trying to drive me crazy
right now !
- Stop it Henri !
- I'm NOT HENRI !
You asked for it !
I'm sorry ! Have I hurt you ?
Let me see.
Oh, I might've killed you.
How terrible !
Darling...forgive me !
I love you so ! I adore you !
Your mouth...
OK by me, madame.
I hadn't heard anything until today.
I was convinced this woman
had said nothing to Hector.
But his presence implies
she's confessed all.
He's obviously looking for me.
Saint-Sauveur was no accident.
Why 'd he be looking for you ?
Such a close resemblance is just chance.
It excuses his mistress, but not me.
She mistook me for him,
but I knew it was wrong...
Of course.
- What are you doing ?
- Going back to the house.
I'm scared something
might 've happened.
- Take me darling !
- Whereabouts ?
- You're doing a hundred !
- That's the least of my worries.
I'm glad.
Now they'll never know
I cracked it a week ago.
All over ? That was quick !
I wasn't mistaken.
I'll tell Madame Quentin.
It'll make her happy.
Is that the local paper ?
Is that Madame Quentin ?
This is Zo?, from Madame Verdier's.
Good morning.
I have some interesting news.
Everything's patched up between them.
Exactly.
They're at it now.
Pass the word to Marguerite and Mathilde.
And do you have
anything new for me?
Some dirt on... ?
Whose place ?
The Montverts ?
Cuckold ?
Honestly, it doesn't surprise me.
Does the haberdasher
know about it ?
Perfect.
It's so convenient having you
to collect the district gossip.
Gives your paper a purpose !
It's so helpful for those of us
who live other people's lives.
Is Madame in ?
- She's in there.
- Resting ?
I haven't been listening...
But I don't think...
- You're acting crazy.
- I think I am.
- Henri !
You stay covered up.
So as to avoid a ridiculous fight...
...we exchanged cards.
How does it finish ?
We fought a duel...by hiding.
- How ?
- Masked.
- Wearing masks ?
- Yes, fencing masks.
- So as to pretend better.
- Pretend what ?
So as not to really fight.
We both agree.
We had to avoid a scandal.
Two doubles duelling
in front of witnesses!
But I was still obliged to seek redress
by force of arms.
But to get out of having witnesses,
we had to pretend
to stage an attack.
- "An attack" ?
- Yes.
Is that what you call reparations ?
- Funny sort of reparations.
- Why ?
Each in his own way
to avenge his honour.
- An attack isn't a duel.
- Yes it is.
When the swords have
their points unsheathed.
Are they ?
We pretend not to fight.
But you fought ?
Of course.
With just one witness...
my friend Marinier,
...lucky he's a doctor.
You're ready ? Let's go.
You stay here.
- No !
- Yes.
You're not supposed
to be there.
Monsieur Verdier,
you're there.
- No...let's see.
- It's me.
- It's a mix-up.
- She's well aware of that.
- It is you, isn't it ?
- I'm pretty sure of it.
Seriously.
Madame.
Monsieur.
Monsieur.
Monsieur.
Monsieur.
Monsieur.
Prepare yourselves, gentlemen.
You must be proud,
having two men fighting for you.
That's true.
It's like the Three Musketeers.
- Oh, I'd love it to happen to me !
- What is it ?
- A bit of dust in my eye.
- What is it ?
- He has a bit of dust in his eye.
You beast !
Darling...show me.
Oh, my darling !
Quickly, Doctor !
- Lucie !
Lucie !
- Who was the victim ?
- Him, unfortunately.
"Unfortunately" ?
- Because Lucie's
thrown herself at him,
and now she's hugging him.
I managed to get him
to admit he wasn't me.
And she was the one
who said she couldn't stand
being with anyone but me !
That's the moral
of this story :
We are all deluding ourselves in love.
When I was saying to you
that it might well happen to you
and that she wasn't a whore,
I wasn't wrong.
She stayed faithful
and he made me a cuckold.
I'll miss my train.
Julie !
- But you've separated from her.
- It went wrong.
3 days later I was in a cake shop,
she saw me, took me for the other guy,
smiled and said :
"I've only thought of you
since the other day."
You may look the same,
but there are differences.
My hat and coat.
And the other one...
your second wife.
- She's not a whore either ?
- No.
I haven't the time
to tell you about it.
Women enjoy a man being cuckolded.
It gives you ideas.
As if we were missing out !
OK...quickly...in two minutes !
It was 7 years ago,
I had just married a charming person,
not over-endowed in the brain department,
but no less sweet.
That was for sure.
I had just set up
in the Place Vend?me.
That's the crowning point in the career
of any jeweller.
For want of anything better to do,
Juliette acted as my secretary.
She wanted to handle sales,
though she understood nothing.
Too much shop-girl carry-on,
nice in its place,
but doesn't fit
the important transactions
in an upmarket jewellers.
If you're selling a bra
you can make deals.
But to take a cheque for 800 000 francs
for a ring worth maybe half that,
calls for a certain manner.
Juliette certainly didn't have
that manner.
Her clients always left
empty-handed.
There was this particular day
when she seemed to realise it.
"You've sold a lot, dear ?"
That wasn't a nice thing to ask,
but I thought it best
to laugh it off.
But she wasn't in the mood
for joshing that morning.
And I saw in her eyes
that this harmless quip
filled her heart
with a desire for revenge.
The Sultan of Manamesh,
after his official visit,
was staying incognito
at the Ritz.
Insofar as a man dressed that way
walking with his entourage
can pass as incognito.
He was buying everything on this trip,
particularly paintings.
And when he saw "Renoir"
he jumped for joy.
He was wrong.
He even wanted to take a shop
on the Place Vend?me.
He loved Paris.
But he was made to understand
that was impossible.
Juliette had gone to put on
a coat and beret.
I saw her race out the door.
Where was she going ? Nowhere.
She just wandered about.
Later she told me what had
happened outside.
The sultan's propositions...
His offers coming through
his interpreter,
her continuous refusals...
and the final disappointment
of that singular character.
I saw Juliette again at lunch.
Sorry I'm late.
Give me some of that.
- You're starting with the fruit salad ?
- What ?
You're not starting
with the fruit salad ?
With salt, no appetizers.
So you see, my little Henri,
you've never known
what sort of woman I was.
Do you want to know what I am ?
Love to.
I'm an exceptional woman.
What do you mean by exceptional ?
What ?
Of the first order.
Everything I do is planned.
I'm a thinking woman,
and an action woman as well.
You could have me govern
a large country
or manage a railway network.
I'm organised.
Do you know where I get
my life-force from ?
I'm going to tell you.
It comes from being smart,
insightful, visionary,
subtle, positive,
lucid, ingenious, inventive and wise,
and I'm being modest.
And how do you see yourself
as "modest" ?
Up to now, I?ve never had to
use any of these attributes.
Why's that ?
I can't tell you.
Well, I want to know !
In a married relationship,
the wife shouldn't eclipse
her husband.
You mocked me about
the sale of a piece of jewellery
which didn't go through.
- I didn't mock you.
It was totally unfair.
If I didn't sell the piece
to that couple
it's because I didn't want
to sell it to them
Why not ?
It was too expensive for them.
By offering it to his wife,
he was making
a huge sacrifice.
I saw it in his eyes.
I thought that this man
who was probably in poor health,
would go without treatment
just to make please his wife,
who had a slit for a mouth.
This thought stopped me
from selling.
I advised them not to buy.
Exactly.
But there's a chance
to make a big deal for you.
Then you'll see
what sort of saleswoman I am.
Don't shrug like that, Henri.
You're trying to challenge me.
- Admit it.
- I do ...
I won't forget it.
It was a different kind
of pain in the arse,
but still a pain in the arse.
Two hours later at the shop
I received a very interesting
phone call.
I was asked to come to room 83
at The Ritz,
with the diamond and emerald piece
I had in the window,
and to come without delay.
Give me the green box
for the piece in the window.
Right now...
put on your hat and coat.
I challenged you just now.
Here's your chance.
Apartment 83 over at The Ritz.
Sell it.
Price is 4 million.
You can accept 3.
And if you pull this off,
I'll give you the leopard skin coat
you've had your eye on.
At that time, I didn't know
the Sultan had designs on her.
In the time it took
to cross the square, she was in the Ritz.
I'm going to reveal something
I've never told you.
It was on that same day
that you and I met.
In that shop,
when you came in
to ask the price of a brooch.
I remember.
But you didn't know
what a red-letter day it was.
Give me the blue box.
And when you had the piece
in your hand,
do you remember
what you said to me ?
- It's really that much?
- Yes, madame.
And I even added...
It's not the sort of thing
you can afford to buy for yourself.
- And you looked into my eyes...
- You didn't think I was ugly.
I was insuring my future.
Planning against misfortune.
So you were saving me up
for later.
- I didn't keep you waiting long.
- No. That's true.
And this brooch
which seemed exorbitant at the time...
your still wearing it.
Your engagement present.
A wonderful present.
So what happened with the sultan
and the emeralds?
An hour later
she came back with the cheque.
Three and a half million
instead of three.
And she was wearing
the necklace.
Even more astonishing,
was that she demanded the coat
that I'd promised her.
But she wasn't a tart.
I still didn't know you should never
challenge women.
I'll be lucky if
I don't miss my train...
Au revoir, Henriette.
Let me fix your coat.
It'd be a crime
not to deceive him, wouldn't it?
Why are you saying that to me ?
Because I intend behaving
very badly this evening.
- I'm expecting Jean Renneval.
- You're joking ?
Not at all.
Clear it away.
It's scary there are
men like that.
Renneval ?
No... men like Henri.
They're the ones
who make women unfaithful.
- He's not only deceiving ME...
- He's deceiving YOU ?
Yes. I found out this morning.
Quite by chance.
He said to us during lunch
that he was going to Paris
to finalise a deal with Bourdier.
The woman may have to change her alibi...
his remains the same.
He received a telegram informing him
that the appointment was cancelled.
How do you know ?
Because the post office
is 2 minutes from here.
The gum hasn't had time to dry.
That lets me take a look...
without it being noticeable.
When he saw it the envelope was resealed.
You see, I believe in coincidences.
I'm alone this evening.
He's good in bed.
I'm talking about Renneval.
There's time between acts,
he only has to cross the street,
He doesn't know my name,
he's leaving tomorrow,
and my husband's deceiving me.
Look at me and tell me
you don't envy me.
Any woman
would have to envy you .
What's he like ?
He's nice. What more can I say ?
Confident?
He'd be silly if he wasn't.
How old is he ?
He's every age.
He changes it so often,
he loses track.
- I just thought of something.
- What ?
Julie...one person too many.
Julie !
- Oh ! The hot water's freezing
The cold water too.
You're not going out
dressed like that ?
Of course I am.
Nothing wrong with it.
Julie, go to the casino...
Lend me 1000 francs.
Bet 100 on "5" every time "17" wins.
After "5", logically you should play "21" .
Probably.
Here's 1000 francs to play with.
- I've got an hour to spare.
- Me too.
- Good luck.
- Good luck to you too, madame!
It occurs to me :
if Renneval comes between acts,
he'll be in make-up.
Most likely in a costume.
That IS a bit of a bother.
He might be wearing a beard.
Off or on...
it's all the same to me.
You really are crazy !
He's the 'tall dark and handsome' one
that Henri goes on about.
He won't have to leap over the fence,
or gag me, to have his way.
- Is he in town for long ?
- No.
- He's leaving tomorrow.
- Oh !
What ?
There are wonderful things
in the world
it's better not to go back to,
wonderful paintings
it's better not to see again,
such beautiful books
it's better not to read again.
- That's about YOU ? About HIM ?
- No.
He's just playing one of his roles.
I heard the bell for interval.
Let me say something
about what I'm doing
so you don't judge me too harshly.
It's not the first time
I've deceived Henri.
It's the third time.
So you see...
it's not as serious as you thought !
- Where's the train ?
- It's left.
Shit !
- I'll open the small gate.
Shit ! Shit !
Are you going to carry on
the whole way?
Shit ! Shit ! Shit !
- What did he say ?
"Shit".
Such language !
I adore you !
There's nothing dumber
than missing your train.
The next one's not 'til 11.57.
Has she already gone to bed ?
I adore you !
I'm going crazy...
this can't be happening !
This is the weirdest thing
that ever happened.
I thought I'd seen everything,
but here's a new one !
That woman.
I never expected it from Th?r?se.
Henriette either, for that matter.
It's a strange feeling.
Certainly different.
A serious development.
This really screws me up
right now!
I'd love to do the same
to them.
One thing though...
I can't just walk in on them.
Hullo...who's calling ?
It's you, Henriette ?
Henriette ! Where are you calling from ?
Your place ?
Good Lord !
Get dressed, monsieur,
and come and face me !
As for you, we'll settle this
right away.
A white-haired man...stark naked !
Come in.
- Isn't Renneval here ?
- He's gone out.
- "Gone out" ?
- Yes.
But he's dressed...
and he's not far away.
Yes, a cardinal.
Unfortunately.
Good grief !
- That's incredible !
- lncredible indeed.
One could even say...
That's why you won't say anything.
In the face of God's will,
there can be no response.
Be respectful, even when surprised.
What interest could the Almighty have
in putting you into this situation?
What about YOU ?
I am but God's instrument...
my role is a small one.
But truly, why did He pick YOU ?
Is it a test ?
Is it a punishment ?
Who can explain
my presence here?
YOU can explain !
Shall I achieve that ?
Your conduct is unspeakable !
So, let's not speak of it.
It's not for you to pass judgment.
- Whadda you mean "not for me" ?
- No.
I'm only answerable to God,
my son.
I'm not your son.
I must insist on
your addressing me as "father".
Otherwise this discussion
must be terminated.
I appreciate your feelings,
and I wish to calm your anger.
- But unfortunately...moreover relatively...
- SHUT THE FUCK UP !
...relative to what affects you,
it does not permit you
to lessen respect for my robes.
You hardly set an example to it
worthy of respect !
I had taken it off, my son.
You saw that yourself.
- Ask me to sit down.
- What do you mean ?
Offer me a seat. You can't leave
a cardinal standing.
Sit down.
A cardinal...
But why ? WHY ?
The fear of scandal,
the assurance of
total discretion,
the rarity of the occurrence,
the attraction of its novelty...
She swore that I was
the first cardinal she'd ever had.
How did you two
get to know each other ?
As I was saying...
In that sacred place.
Yes, at confession.
A wounded heart can awaken
so much compassion.
- But really !
- You have the proof of it.
Who would you rather have
taken your honour...
an atheist, a foreigner, a protestant,
a Jew, or a Buddhist ?
I wouldn't think so.
Her sin was inevitable,
since not even I
could stop it.
My exhortations,
my sagacious advise,
nothing could deflect her
from the path of evil.
Someone had to sacrifice himself...
and it fell to me.
You would understand me, my child,
were you not personally involved.
But let us put the past behind us
and face the present.
Don't stay standing my child.
Be seated.
I beg of you.
Be seated.
What do you intend to do ?
- Well, I...uh.....
- Yes, yes, yes.
I understand your embarrassment
and I will help with your confusion.
But any sort of meeting
involving sword or pistol
is simply not possible.
The Church condemns duelling
and forbids it.
Don't give it a thought.
If that window had been opened...
and passing in the street
I noticed you in my house ?
That's one solution,
but I'd advise against it.
Why ?
You'd be thought to be crazy,
as it would be highly unlikely.
And suppose she admits ...
Consider the ridicule
that would be heaped on you.
On you too.
It's quite different for me
my child.
I have no particular home,
no links of any kind.
I can change my name,
city, country even.
We have our colonies, don't we...
wonderful opportunities out there,
favourable to our business.
Do you know Latin ?
Not at all.
I don't wish to contradict you, but...
You're on the wrong track, my child.
Only one question matters :
do you believe ?
No, I don't BELIEVE...
I KNOW FOR SURE !
- I saw you screwing...
- No...
Yes !
I was asking if
you believed in God.
If I believe in God ?
Yes.
That is most important.
for it is HE
who gives you the strength
to carry the burden of this trial.
Consider what is happening to you
as a humiliation
or a warning.
You gotta be joking !
I'm not one to be joking,
but control your temper.
That's the sign of a better type of person.
Why has Heaven chosen me ?
Why does he want
this affair to be here ?
I'll end up believing it.
As a matter of fact, it goes on and on.
Something special's in store for me.
Either as a king,
or as my double.
And as icing on the cake,
fate serves me up
with a cardinal.
What more can happen ?
Do not ask, my son...
keep it as a surprise.
I believe you've been married three times.
- And betrayed...
- Three times.
And each time...
unable to take revenge.
So don't hesitate my son.
Examine your conscience.
Is there nothing for you
to reproach yourself for ?
Search carefully.
This business trip to Paris,
was there no other purpose
that you hid from your partner ?
- How do you know ?
- I don't know anything.
Let's suppose your wife
found out about your two-timing,
and wanted revenge.
That changes everything.
The adventure takes on a whole new aspect.
Our laws have established
the concept of self-defence.
A papal edict
of Pope Gregory Vll ...
One of the most beautiful edicts ever...
authorises that a crime
is absolved
when it is in the form
of retaliation.
I can see clearly now.
Let me retain the active role
that I've had to take here.
Leave it to me to sort things out.
Tell me why, having left,
that you came back ?
I'd missed my train.
No one misses his train.
- Is there another one ?
- Yes at 11.57.
- You have to catch it.
- Oh ?
And you have to stay in Paris
for four days.
"Four days" ?
4 or 5, to allow you both
to calm down.
4 or 5 days ?
Or 7 or 8.
And you believe that...
If I BELIEVE ?
She'll go along with it ?
Oh, after what she's done...
It would be nice to see.
Come on!
You're staying in Monaco ?
I'm on tour.
"On tour" ?
An inspection tour
of the whole diocese.
I leave tomorrow.
So, after all that...
that's it ?
Oh, yes !
We have a paradox.
It doesn't allow for
a logical outcome.
So who's going to tell her
I'll be spending 8 days in Paris ?
- Would you like me to ?
- Coming from a man like you...
Only...don't stay with her
after you tell her.
You'll go on and on about it
and make things worse.
Make a fresh start.
Let's agree on that.
And if I took her
to see "Primerose" ?
That's exactly what not to do.
Don't encourage her
with additional pleasures.
Leave her to her remorse,
though overlook her fault.
That can only raise you
in her estimation.
That's the end of it.
Madame...
Madame, before leaving
for several days...
your husband wishes
to pay his respects.
Goodbye, Th?r?se.
Goodbye, my friend.
Goodbye my child.
Goodbye father.
Kiss it.
- Kiss it.
- Wha...?
Kiss my ring.
Please forgive me,
but a pious duty calls.
Come, my son,
let us leave together.
Off we go.
I'll be back after the second act.
Subtitles - FatPlank [RLB] for KG.