Le crime d'Ovide Plouffe (1984) - full transcript
Ovide Plouffe has married Rita. She still tries to attract other men even after their marriage. Unhappy Ovide feels for Marie - a young French woman he had met. But his catholic background and surrounding can't let him love another woman or divorce from his wife. So Ovide finishes with Marie and plans a trip with Rita hoping for reconciliation. At the last instant he announces to Rita that he can't make the trip. She goes alone. The plane explodes, and Ovide is suspected and arrested for this horrible crime.
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- Thank you, Sir.
- Bon voyage, Mr Plouffe.
You'll be back when?
It should be Friday.
But with the fog in the Côte-Nord,
you never know.
It's bugging me having a husband
who's always away.
When I was
a record salesman,
I was always here.
That bugged you too.
Don't forget to listen
to my message on the radio.
Bye bye Arlette, my pet.
Be a good girl.
But I hear...
a voice that cries out to me...
Save me from the death...
that awaits me
I am young...
and I want to live...
Oh my father...
save your child
I am young...
and I want to live
Oh my father...
Oh...
My father...
Save...
your...
...child
Ah...
Rachel...
When the benign protection...
of the Lord...
will entrust your cradle...
into my hands
I had your happiness...
Dedicated my whole life...
and it is I...
who delivers you
to the executioner
And it is I...
who delivers you...
to the executioner
Rachel...
I deliver you to the executioner
Rachel
It is I...
I...
I...
who delivers you...
to the executioner.
That was the immortal aria...
of "Rachel, when the benign protection
of the Lord",
from the well known opera
"The Jewess"...
by Halévy.
Brought to you by Ovide Plouffe Inc.,
the jewellers.
And here now is
Mr Ovide Plouffe.
- Dear listeners, the musical part
of my program is now finished.
Now for my weekly
personal commentary.
We're in the spring of 1949,
and our society is blossoming.
A year ago I worked in a store
as a record salesman.
And now I am president of
the jewellers Ovide Plouffe Inc...
whose sales network extends
to all the north of Québec.
I did not go to university...
however, I'm interested in
every aspect of culture.
But you have to know
who to associate with.
My partner, Pacifique Berthet,
a master goldsmith and jeweller...
Is he not from Grenoble,
in France?
The province of Québec
is bursting with riches.
The Côte-Nord, with its iron mines,
is becoming our Klondike.
Our ways are evolving.
The war shattered everything.
Our craft industries
are becoming pluralist.
Let's roll up our sleeves!
A fabulous future awaits us.
On that note, I'll leave you
till next week.
Until then, keep time with a watch
from Ovide Plouffe Inc...
the watches that give you
the right time.
This is Ovide Plouffe...
calling you from Québec.
- Hello, Beauty!
Long time no see!
I've told you
not to come here!
What do you mean?
Ovide's not here, is he?
As if you didn't know!
But he could be back anytime.
I realise that.
Was there something
you wanted to buy?
No, I just called in
to say hello.
On such a beautiful day...
...my thoughts turned to you.
It's the first really nice spring day.
It feels like summer.
If you hadn't become
"Goody Two-shoes"...
...I'd have invited you to
a little picnic by Montmorency River.
Don't try and suck me
into your crooked dealings!
It's a shame that the small pleasures
of life no longer interest you.
At your age!
You know it would, alright...
two ex-fiances like us...
...sitting on the grass,
like in the pictures.
With a checkered tablecloth,
Cokes, sandwiches...
the little birds singing...
...the smell of lilacs.
And you know
I'm not dangerous! Eh?
Stop trying to tempt me.
It is a lovely day, though,
isn't it?
Yes.
Listen... wait for me
in Paquet's parking lot.
I'll be there in 5 minutes.
No one must see us together.
No problem...
I'll see you then.
I'm closing the shop till 3 o'clock.
I have to buy some clothes
for the little one, at Paquet's.
Oh?
I'm still not the slave
of this jewellery business.
I didn't say anything.
You're not answerable
to me.
I just don't like your tone.
My tone...?
You have 2 legs
you can walk on.
While for me, the first thing
I look for when I get up in the morning...
...is my crutches.
And the last thing I touch,
going to bed...
...is still my crutches.
Do you think it's fun to spend
10 hours a day in this hole...
...without sun?
You've never asked
what my life was like...
Without a wife...
Without anything.
If you were in my place,
you might be...
...less inclined to smile.
It's true that can't ever be fun
for you, when you think about it.
Well then, I'm sorry.
Isn't Canada beautiful!?
Sure is.
The mosquitoes still haven't turned up!
Come and sit down!
- Hi, Stan!
- Who's that?
Hello, Rita!
Good grief,
it's the devil himself.
- Hello there, Bob!
- No!
- Hello, Maryse!
- This feels planned!
No, no...
It's a coincidence! Really!
You had me sleep with
that guy for 100 bucks, once.
Once too many!
He's an architect.
He doesn't matter.
Take me home!
Don't fret! He's with Maryse,
his new girlfriend.
He's head-over-heels
in love.
They say she's the most beautiful girl
in Québec.
Come and sit down!
- Hello, Rita.
- Hi.
I can't help
that I've missed you.
Really?
I was talking about you the other day
with Maryse and with Stan.
I try, but it's impossible
to forget you.
Goddamn men!
But you can't tell me
that you can do without it!
She tries, but she finds it
really hard!
Don't sit here
like a couple of clods...
Come and join us.
I want you to meet Maryse.
Wait for me here.
Bottle number 2!
- That's enough.
- Yeah!
Here's to your love!
To your love!
Ta.
So, you're a model?
Yes... I travel all the time...
Montréal, Québec...
Must be a great life.
It has its ups and downs.
You know Rita has been...
Miss Sweet Caporal!
Once upon a time.
Looking at her,
it doesn't surprise me.
I've changed a bit
since then.
Don't say that...
You've never been more beautiful.
Bob... don't get her excited...
She'll want to finish up at the altar!
With thighs like that,
St Peter wouldn't let her in!
You think hers are
more beautiful than mine?
That's what I'd call beauty!
Have to be fair
to everyone!
Don't spend longer
on her than me!
You really are beautiful.
Don't forget me, Bob!
We're all alone...
Life is beautiful.
Hallelujah!
Many customers
while I was out?
No.
Mr Dupuis' clock is ready.
You seem strange.
I had a bit to drink.
Really?
Something up?
When I know you're making love,
it hurts me.
What?!
The Montmorency River
is a beautiful spot, eh?
You followed me?
To protect you.
Stan Labrie is a dangerous type.
I know him.
Good God!
You'll tell my husband?
No, I'm not a bastard.
Don't worry.
I won't say a thing.
Thank you.
Let me hold your hand.
I love you, too.
Didn't you know?
You're only saying this
because you've been drinking!
You'll have forgotten
by tomorrow.
No... I won't forget.
I think of you
24 hours a day.
It's because of you that
I became your husband's partner.
You can't imagine
what it does to me when...
...when, every day, I see men
undressing you with their eyes.
And seeing you
encouraging them.
- Yes, you encourage them!
- It's not true!
I know you encourage them!
And I'm in my corner,
torn apart with jealousy!
You never look at me.
It's you who gave me back
a taste for life.
I'm a normal man.
I would've wanted
to have a wife...
...children who
I would have loved.
I would've spoiled them.
I would've given them...
...everything that was denied me
as a kid.
Without you,
my life is meaningless.
I'm not a happy man!
A little while ago,
I saw you making love.
I heard you moaning...
It was horrible!
At night I dream of you.
I'm happy then.
I don't have my crutches.
I don't have calluses
on my fingers.
Then, you love me.
Oh, how you love me!
Stop saying these things
that don't make sense!
Please...
take all your clothes off!
Just this once...
As a favour to me!
There's no one here...
Ovide will never know!
Please take your clothes off,
just this once!
I beg of you...
Undress!
I want you, Rita!
I want you!
Just once, Rita!
- Please!
- No! Never!
- Just once!
- No!
Please!
Never!
You damned filthy cripple!
Forgive me.
I shouldn't have said that.
I didn't mean to say it...
Forgive me!
- He saw us.
- Who?
The cripple! Berthet!
He followed us in a taxi!
He had binoculars.
Then he came onto me
and wanted me to undress.
Then I called him
a damned filthy cripple.
The way he looked at me
was really scary.
I was afraid what he might do.
He's going to tell Ovide,
for sure!
It's over for me, Stan!
And it's all your damned fault!
Shit! Shit! Shit!
It was you
who made me do it.
Why couldn't you leave me alone?
You're a fiend!
What do you know about me
that I don't know?
Just listen to me...
Stop getting your knickers
in a knot, go home...
...and mum's the word... right?
I'll sort Berthet out.
You won't hear
any more about it.
I'm used to such situations.
I so hate myself!
Then I hate you!
Now, Rita...
No more tears.
You'll see... I'll fix everything...
No more problems.
Hello, Pacifique!
You shouldn't be too surprised
to see me!
What's this about?
Don't waste my time.
You know very well.
If you touch a hair
on Rita's head...
If you say one word
to her husband...
...you'll have your other leg
to worry about.
You want to finish your days
in a wheelchair?
I can see it now.
Think carefully,
you piece of shit!
In the meantime...
I'll warn the girls on Saint Roch St.
not to see you at any price.
It'll teach you
a bit of a lesson.
Just cool down
for a while.
At last!
I've been so bored!
You go away too much.
Next time,
I want you to take me.
Ovide, I don't want to work
in the jewellery shop any more.
It's too restricting.
Summer's coming, and I don't have time
to take care of the little one.
If you want to know,
it's disturbing...
...to have a cripple behind me,
watching me all day long...
...as though he had x-ray eyes.
Has he been disagreeable
towards you?
Oh no!
It's not serious!
If you want to stay home,
I'll get a replacement.
That's all there is to it.
One fine day we'll sell up,
and you'll enjoy a year in Paris.
If only that could happen!
I'll go and check things out
with Berthet.
Go on up and I'll join you
in 5 minutes.
What's the hurry?
You can do it tomorrow.
No, I'd rather do it today.
Ovide!
I'll run you a bath, then...
I'll put on my white negligee.
- In broad daylight?
- Certainly!
It's even better...
We're not tired!
Very well...
I'll be joining you.
Wine...?
Martinis...?!
You wanted some PR done...
That's what it costs.
You always have
good reasons.
The business was to have been
called 'Plouffe and Berthet'.
My name was skipped
at the lawyers...
...on the excuse
that your family...
...held control of the shares.
But without my knowledge,
there'd be no business.
This is the 10th time
I've had to listen to this!
Do the sales trips yourself...
...if you think I enjoy my nights
alone in country hotel rooms...
...with a suitcase full of jewellery.
Other than that, I'll have to replace
my wife in the shop.
You thought her overpaid.
You'll see it costing more,
and sales will drop.
Anything happen
while I was away?
No.
You sure nothing happened?
No, nothing happened.
Was something
supposed to happen?
Nothing happened
that I know of.
I think your wife may have
got a bit fed up...
...with annoying people.
What annoying people?
Annoying people in general.
She's so pretty.
Which one in particular?
I don't see myself
as a private detective.
What do you mean by that?
What are you trying
to tell me?
It's nothing.
Just words.
A cripple's ramblings...
...from talking to myself
all the time.
A Tom Collins,
as usual?
Yes, ma'am!
Your bath is ready.
I put scented bubbles in,
so you'll smell nice.
Rita, tell me about the men
who annoy you in the shop.
What men?
Berthet just spoke to me.
That's right,
I've cheated on you four times.
The first three times
were last summer...
...when I was
Miss Sweet Caporal.
I had everyone after me
and we were flat broke, remember?
It all seems like a dream.
As if I wasn't visible.
With an architect, a lawyer,
an engineer.
They gave me 100 bucks each.
I was dying for it...
particularly when you were sick.
Since then,
I've been quite proper.
But...
last Thursday,
there was Stan Labrie...
...who came to see me
at the shop.
He wanted to invite me
to a picnic...
...by the Montmorency River.
I didn't want to go...
but you know me!
He was being so pleasant
and I was so bored.
So I went with him.
There we bumped into
this architect and his girl.
He was the one
from last summer.
He got me drinking champagne...
...and I lost my head.
That was the 4th time.
I admire you.
I love you.
Kick me out if you want to.
I wouldn’t be surprised.
Just tell me what'll happen.
I've always had a feeling
you may have been deceiving me.
Now I know for sure.
That's something, anyway.
Are you sorrier about them
than about me?
Shut up!
Please shut up!
What about you and Marie,
your little waitress?
You've been obsessed with her
for a year.
I've heard you calling out
to her in your sleep!
I'm sure you often cheated on me
in your mind, with her.
So that's worse than me...
I never thought of anyone else!
It's 4 o'clock.
The little one's due home.
You see to her...
I'm leaving.
- Where to?
- No longer your concern!
Say nothing to anyone,
particularly Berthet!
It was him who told you!
Berthet never mentioned it.
You're going to enjoy this.
Incredible!
My first evening in town
and you take me to 'Gérard's'!
It'll be a change
from home in Rimouski!
- Good evening, Mr Labrie.
- Good evening, Gérard.
You OK?
Ovide Plouffe, the radio
jeweller, was looking for you.
He's in the corner
over there.
Well... I don't have time.
I was just looking in.
Don't disturb him.
I'll see him later.
Don't tell him I was here.
You know what he's like...
He never stops talking.
- Come on!
- We going already?
Come on...
We'll come back later.
He's an extraordinary man.
I would have liked to have
introduced you.
But he looks like he wants
to be on his own tonight.
He knows music,
politics, books...
You'd find him quite interesting.
I think he's barely reached
his 7th year.
Don't!
Cut it out!
Thanks, Marie.
I'm a bit angry with you.
It's six months since
you were here last.
Very busy.
Always flying somewhere.
I hear about you
from your brothers.
And the radio too.
I listen to you every week.
- You do a good job.
- It's easy.
I really think it's good.
I notice you've put on
'The Paths of Love' a few times.
You know very well
it's for you.
Liar!
No... I never lie.
That can be risky!
You've got problems, eh?
A bit of trouble.
Big trouble?
You must have a boyfriend,
don't you, Marie?
I'm sure you do.
No, I have none at all.
At least that way
I don't make anyone unhappy.
So I do a lot of reading
and listening to music.
And take a lot of walks.
Like an old spinster, eh?
Hey, Babe!
You've got other customers.
He's not the only one
in the club!
He's gone white!
- Hey, we want another beer!
- Alright, I'm coming!
Excuse me.
So, what can I get you?
No need to make
so much noise.
Hey... we're paying too!
That's quite enough!
Hey... don't be crazy!
He's a gangster!
We were just fooling!
- He'll kill someone!
- Give me that!
You can relax, everybody.
It's not serious.
The gun isn't loaded.
Come along!
Fredo, music!
Do you realize
what you're doing?!
My program!
Your business!
I'm taking you home.
You should see a doctor.
I'm sorry.
Marie! Don't stand there.
Come back inside!
No...
That's it for me.
I'm fed up.
I quit.
You must see that
it's no longer possible!
I'm sorry, Mr Thibault.
I can't help feeling responsible
for what happened to you.
Do you have enough money
to carry on with?
Yes... I'll manage.
As a secretary?
I'd have to know shorthand
and typing.
I don't.
I know you have
no family here.
No.
And in France?
I never knew my father.
And my mother died
at the end of the war.
I adored my mother.
She was a singer.
Very popular with the Germans.
One day, she fell in love
with a colonel...
A remarkable man...
dazzling...
...a refined music-lover.
But she didn't know
he was also a torturer.
At the Liberation,
her head was shorn.
Next day she was found murdered
by someone unknown...
...before she had time
to understand.
She was 38.
- I see.
- No, you don't see.
From here, you can't imagine
what it was like for us.
No one should pass judgment
on women's behaviour during a war.
Life in Paris had become
very difficult for me.
An aunt arranged for me
to come over here.
There are still many admirers of
Marshal Pétain in Québec, you know.
But listen, maybe
there's a quick fix.
But please be honest with me.
You don't have to agree.
I'll be leaving soon to see about
my representatives in Charlevoix.
And I could offer you the same money,
to come, that you were making at Gérard's.
Then you could decide.
You're not being sensible.
On the contrary... it's a straight
business proposition.
You'd have your own hotel room.
I need a secretary with me.
If it wasn’t you,
it'd be someone else.
You'll see, the scenery
is very beautiful.
And it would give you time
to decide.
Where's your wife
in all this?
My wife?
I learned today that she'd deceived me,
for money.
In Stan Labrie's network?
As usual, I'm the last to know.
I tucked some aspirin
into your bag.
You never know.
And your big sweater too.
The nights are cold
along the river.
Are you sure you haven't
forgotten anything?
I washed her apron.
I put a bit of starch in the water.
It's always better.
Do you want to take it?
No.
I spoke to your sister, Cécile.
It looks like they'll take me back
at the factory.
It's up to you.
At least it'll give me
someone to talk to.
I hope you didn't say anything
to her about us.
They're not silly...
They'd suspect something.
- Bye bye, Arlette.
- Bye bye.
- Going to be a good girl?
- Mm.
Yes?
You're leaving for 3 weeks,
and you don't say goodbye?
Bye bye.
Can I hope that one day
you'll forgive me?
I love you, Ovide.
So, let's say...
10 Bulova wristwatches...
20 chains with crucifix...
30 St Christopher medallions...
5 pairs of Fleur-de-lys earrings...
40 engagement rings,
40 wedding rings...
20 rock-crystal rosaries...
and one grandfather clock...
to be delivered to
Monseigneur Labrie. That right?
Looks like you're having
a pleasant trip!
Business has been such,
that I've needed to put on staff.
...of exceptional beauty!
Don't move!
Hurry up!
My legs are freezing!
But I warned you...
It's the Labrador Current.
I've never liked jewellery.
I even feel humiliated selling
in front of you, but I've no choice.
You know, my father
was a working-class man.
One day the parish priest
came to see us...
He offered to pay for a classic education
for me to become a priest.
My father refused, declaring...
"All I have to leave my son,
is his liberty."
As you see, I didn't know
what to do with it.
Ouch!
What's wrong?
It's a cramp.
Not surprising...
with that cold water.
No, it's an emotional thing.
It's ridiculous.
Does this happen often?
It happens.
- Getting better?
- Yeah.
Oh, night...
come and bring...
to the world...
the calm enchantment...
of your mystery.
The shadow that descends...
is so soft.
So soft is the concert...
of your voices singing hope.
So great is your power...
transforming all...
in a happy dream.
Howdy.
Rita not here?
No.
Are you serving customers?
We're still waiting for
a new shop assistant, so...
You want the clientele
to dwindle.
Hey...
are you interested in planes?
We get around
the best way we can.
Well, keep on being a good boy,
Berthet...
I'm ready to lift the embargo
on the girls.
Cheers!
Wait... let me give you a hand
with your bags.
No!
Berthet didn't talk to anyone,
did he?
I told you so!
Leave me alone, Stan!
I don't want to talk with you.
You've been dressing like a widow
ever since.
Commendable...
While Ovide is having fun
playing the fool up north...
with the beautiful Marie.
What?
You didn't know?
I assumed...
Go away!
Leave me alone!
Ovide!
Ovide, I've caught one!
I can't hang on to it!
I'm sure there's not a salmon
in the world as good as this.
Not even at Maxim's.
Maxim's on the Rue Royale?
I'll take you there,
if you like.
Personally, I'd rather be reading
on the banks of the Seine.
We could take
Saint-Germain Boulevard...
go to Lipp's brasserie...
opposite the Café de Flore...
where we may see Jean-Paul Sartre
and Simone de Beauvoir.
And we could go and sit in the garden
of the Saint-Germain church...
in front of the bust of Guillaume
Apollinaire by Picasso.
And you've never been there?
No, but I've dreamed about it
since I was 12.
I can close my eyes,
and it's like I'm there.
So you'll be my guide.
It's gorgeous!
We can go back to the hotel,
if you want to.
We don't have to sleep here.
Why would we want
to go back?
I think it's very nice here.
Good evening.
What have you got there?
That's my raspberry.
Your raspberry?
What do you mean?
It's a birthmark.
My mother was sure it was
the sign of a gift from Heaven.
She was convinced that I could
cure all children's diseases...
scarlet fever, measles,
chicken pox.
So, at the slightest illness...
all my cousins came
to touch my birthmark.
It was idiotic.
Saint Ovide...
I believe I'm a bit feverish.
I have some aspirin in my bag,
if you like.
Thanks. But I don't think
it will be necessary.
Good night.
I don't think I snore.
I can't get to sleep.
It must be the salmon.
I had a nightmare.
There's too much protein in salmon.
I find you a bit odd, Ovide.
You're alone with a woman
in a chalet...
at night, lost in the middle
of the forest...
and you talk to me like
you were a nurse.
And you know very well
that I want you.
...that I love you completely.
I don't want to ruin the teenage dream
that I'm living with you.
Ruin... how?
You must know I'm conflicted
because of my marriage.
You'd understand that.
It wouldn't be fair for you.
And if you came to my bed now,
would that end your dream?
You'd still feel you were
deceiving your wife?
You are truly unique.
I can't help it.
What I do know is that
I'll always love you.
I don't want to lose you.
So break with everything
and we'll go away together. Anywhere.
At least you'll be freed there.
Now, I think it'd be
better to sleep.
Good night, Ovide.
Good night.
So here we are at the end
of our lovely trip.
The one we take to Paris
will be lovelier.
The Paris that you imagine
doesn't exist, Ovide...
...any more than does
the image you have of me.
I'm 22, and alone
in a strange country.
I've had my share of disasters.
As for you, you're married,
you have a child.
You haven't forgotten your wife.
It could even be
that you still love her.
That's quite a load for me.
I feel too good
with you, Ovide.
I want you all for myself.
As long as you're going
to Europe...
wouldn't you like Rome better?
You could see the pope,
at least.
Next year, I'll have some
beautiful specials for holy year.
But I want to go to Paris
this autumn, not next year.
It's not my business, but a lot of our
clients have been unhappy with Paris.
Don't expect to find
Corn Flakes or bacon.
They've never heard of Jello.
The cheese is smelly,
they laugh at your accent...
with the hand out for a tip
between two wines.
And the phones don't work.
And the things I could tell you
about the toilets!
I'm telling you this
especially for your wife.
Paris is where I want to go...
Left Bank, Hôtel des Saints-Pères.
Well then...!
If you want to play the martyr,
that's your problem.
But it'd be so nice
to go to Miami.
No interest?
No? OK.
Plouffe...
Well, well... our big traveller.
Hello, Mum.
Drive me home.
I need to talk to you.
I've just arrived, Mum.
Drop your bags, and come back
and take your mother home.
There seems to be a smell
of good French perfume...
along the river.
News travels fast.
Don't be surprised...
The whole town knows.
It's dangerous, Ovide...
passionate love.
I would've liked to see you, Mum,
if Dad had cheated on you.
Cécile, I want to talk
to your brother in private.
Call in and see Rita.
She needs company.
- Hi, Cécile.
- Poor Rita.
One has to wonder what was
the point of him marrying!
A nice cup of tea
would do the trick.
Have you ever heard anything
about Ramona?
Who?
Ramona...
your father's mistress.
Dad's?
Yes, my wee boy.
You never knew about her.
It lasted 4 years.
If your father hadn't died,
I think it'd still be going.
But your father never guessed
that I knew about it.
What would that have achieved?
The family would have broken up.
I kept my ring.
Now I can't even get it off.
It's been like that
for years.
When I think about it...
I still have a twinge
in my heart.
For men, it's not supposed be serious
to have a bit on the side...
But for a woman...
it's the end of the world.
Do as I did, Ovide...
try to forgive.
No, I could never.
I'm telling you to try!
Try!
Take Rita with you
on your next trip.
It would be good for you to
see Folbeche, our old priest.
You could take him a nice statue
of the Virgin, for his new church.
He was always very fond
of statues.
You would gain by having
a good confession.
Shall I heat up your tea?
No, thanks.
I made them in the evenings.
It's aluminium tubing...
the material of the future.
It's half the weight of wood,
and much stronger.
And that's not all!
Look!
Like a trombone. In the theatre,
it takes less room.
Then that's not all!
Look at the little lights here.
Do you know what this is?
It's a flashlight!
One in each,
for walking at night.
Crutches with lights
is a real rarity.
You put the batteries
in at the top...
then you push this
little button here.
The current goes down.
And then it flashes
on and off.
Great, eh?
Try them out!
Much lighter, eh?
Looks modern.
You'll feel 10 years younger.
How much do I owe you?
Don't insult me!
They're a present.
I spoil friends of the family.
Thank you for encouraging Ovide
to travel with his wife.
And here is a beautiful
'Our Lady of Seven Sorrows'.
Perfect plaster,
not a scratch.
And look at the detail
of her expression...
Sorrow!
Yes, it's perfect.
It's rare, nowadays,
to sell a statue to a layman.
There's no demand anymore.
But look at me, here...
All those St Pierre Clavers, St Philippe
de Néris, St Catherine d'Alexandries!
I'm stuck with 3 floors of them!
Want to see my warehouse?
Oh no, thanks.
How about a St Christopher...
against accidents.
The luxury model!
With Jesus on his shoulders.
I'll give it to you
at half price.
The good times are over.
It was to be expected.
The church goes too far,
so you pay for its faults.
I assure you
I'm a believer, Sir!
I hope that your priest
will be happy with the statue.
I think it's good that...
your wife's going with you
to Baie-Comeau.
I don't want to meddle
in your private affairs, but...
you know what they say...
Happy marriages make for
prosperous businesses.
You sound like my mother.
You still taking the 11.58 plane?
As usual.
On July 14?
Let's hope it will go well.
It's mostly for my wife
that it's important.
Isn't that nice of you!
Are you here
to look for your sweet?
Yes.
Do you have a little girl
like me?
No, but I wish I did.
Arlette!
I told you not to come in here!
Never. Understand?
Do you understand?
- I'm not contagious, Ma'am.
- I didn't say you are.
Have you seen the account
from Dionne's?
It's in the package,
underneath there.
Ovide, could you do me a favour?
Depends on what it is.
I want to blast out some stumps
at my cottage at Saint-Augustin.
I'd need about thirty
sticks of dynamite.
For transport,
it's complicated, with my hip.
They know you.
So...
they'd sell you that
without difficulty.
Yes, I'll go there,
if that'll help.
Very good of you.
I just remembered, that account
should be there...
with last month's.
I don't think they'd paid.
29...
30...
Good...
Your detonators are there.
Don't forget what I told you.
Don't fool with dynamite.
Those sticks hit at 120 pounds
per square-inch.
We don't want to pick you up
in small pieces.
It's OK,
they're not for me.
I never miss you
on the radio.
I'm a Liberal like you.
Go get the government gang!
Here.
Sign this for me.
I should do my next broadcast
on Alfred Nobel.
You know that money from the invention
of dynamite created the Nobel prize?
Probably a man who couldn't live
with the consequences of his actions.
Do you think
I should wear it?
- Do you still like it?
- Yes.
You don't care about missing the party
at the French consul's tomorrow?
Aren't you starting to find
the divan a bit hard?
Not at all...
I'm used to it.
Oh well.
Well, goodnight then.
I think I'm going to start
being happy again.
You're a doll!
Hi.
Don't forget Mrs Pregent's clock.
She'll pick it up
tomorrow morning.
Give me that...
I'll put it in the boot.
No, it's too fragile.
Have a nice trip,
you lovers!
Careful with that...
it's fragile.
A small grandfather clock?
No, it's a statue.
A gift for our old priest.
We'll take care of it.
Trans-Canada Airlines announces
that the arrival of flight 134
from Bagotville
will be delayed...
There's your ticket.
What about you?
Listen to me, Rita.
This trip with you
was imposed on me by the family.
I've no desire to go on it.
Do you understand?
So you want me
to go on my own?
I shan't go.
Yes, you're going.
You're going to act like a grown-up.
You're capable.
You'll give the jewellery
to the agent at Baie-Comeau...
and the statue to Father Folbeche...
and I'll be here to pick you up
on Friday.
I'm not ready, Rita.
It's still too hard.
And I was feeling so happy.
What happened with us
is not easily forgotten.
When I get back...
...are you going to forgive me?
Flight 108 for Baie-Comeau and
Sept-Îles is now boarding.
I feel so down.
Thanks for doing this
for me.
I hope you have...
...three wonderful days.
You too.
I don't even get
a peck on the cheek?
When you get back.
Mr Dion is wanted at the
Canadian Pacific Airlines counter.
Mr Dion, please.
Still not leaving?
We've been delayed
about 10 minutes.
Waiting for 3 American big-businessmen.
Shit!
Hello, Ovide.
Hello, Marie.
Lieutenant Philippe d'Ormesson...
Mr Ovide Plouffe.
- From Paris?
- No, Dijon.
Yes, the famous mustard.
If you like.
Are you going to dance?
I'm ready to leave with you.
When are we leaving?
Whenever you like.
Are you married?
Yes, as you can see.
Don't worry, it's just an air
pocket... approaching the river.
Hold my hand.
Thank goodness you're here!
Mr Plouffe...!
Grant, oh Lord, your mercy
to Rita, your departed servant...
May she not suffer the punishment,
for she desired to do your will.
And as here, the true faith united her
with the society of the faithful...
So may your mercy have her join
the choir of holy angels.
In the name of the Father, the Son,
and the Holy Ghost.
Leave me alone.
Ovide Plouffe?
Police. We need to talk to you.
What's going on?
The jeweller Ovide Plouffe
has just been charged
with the criminal responsibility
for the death of his wife
Rita Toulouse and 22
other passengers
of the plane that crashed
in Saint-Joachim.
It seems the motive for the crime
was the insurance 50,000 dollars
that the accused hoped to use
to flee to Europe
with another woman.
At this very moment
Ovide Plouffe is being
transferred to prison
and a charge of
premeditated murder
will me made against him.
His trial should commence
in the coming days.
Listen, I don't even know
how to use dynamite.
I bought it for my partner who wanted
to remove stumps at his cottage.
The statue of The Virgin...
It was a gift from all my family
for Father Folbeche.
I went and bought it
to be of help.
And other than that,
I never had a mistress.
And I don't even remember
any insurance policy.
It's a terrible combination
of circumstances.
I must talk to my family.
Call out if you need the toilet.
But this doesn't make sense.
It's madness!
Officer...!
Hey, Plouffe!
What?
Shut up, you son-of-a-bitch!
Even if you offered me
50,000 dollars, Mr Plouffe...
...I'm still going to tell you
that it's all over for your brother.
The Minister of Justice,
the Prime Minister...
the American government,
public opinion...
Everybody wants
to see him hang.
Don't throw your money
to the wind.
I always aim
to win my lawsuits.
This one's lost
in advance.
Can you suggest another lawyer?
A young one... maybe.
One thing is certain... You must not
be called as a witness.
We don't want to see you
telling about us and Rita.
Do you realise how many people
could be involved?
High society people,
government people!
I'm aware.
You had your girls being supplied
to politicians.
If that comes out in court,
you're finished.
It's up to you to save
the city of Québec.
I'm aware of all that.
Your only chance
is to play dumb.
You're aware of nothing,
you know nothing. You've seen nothing.
Don't phone me.
Sit there.
Then eat.
No one is going to eat
with that son-of-a-bitch!
There were 7 kids
on that plane.
He hasn't eaten for 2 days.
Give him a chance.
We'll come back
when he's finished.
Come on, make yourself.
Eat.
No, I'm not hungry.
You were missed.
Not me.
One question...
Did you know that your partner decided
not to take the plane that morning?
No.
We found the joint accident policy
for Plouffe, his wife and you.
50,000 bucks each!
If he'd been on the plane,
you would've got 100,000.
A nice pot of money.
What do you want me to say?
Do you use fish eyes for bait?
That's illegal.
It's better than worms.
There's no question
of pleading madness.
There's no other way out.
All the evidence
is against you.
I'd rather hang than spend
the rest of my life in the asylum.
Anyway, your brother Napoléon
agrees with me.
Leave my brother out of it!
I'm not mad
and I'm not guilty.
Can you please get that
into your head?!
I know, I know!
Officer!
Disgusting!
If nobody is going to believe me,
I'm not interested in living.
Get out.
This is the morning
that we'll see the start...
of the trial for murder
of jeweller Ovide Plouffe.
At this very moment...
the prisoner is arriving
at the court...
where exceptional security measures
have been taken...
due to the indignation
of the people...
from the dreadful crime
that he's been accused of.
The public gallery is full
to overflowing.
Passes have been given
to selected people
for this historic trial
...which has gripped the entire world.
This is Claude Saint-Amand...
calling direct from
outside the court.
Get hold of yourself!
Get hold of yourself...
it'll be alright.
All of Québec high society
is here.
I'm going weak
at the knees!
My name is in headlines
this big in the papers.
I'm interviewed by journalists
from New York and Berlin.
I don't even know
what to say to them.
My client doesn't even
want to talk to me.
I don't have a single
decent piece of evidence!
You have to look at this as a golden opportunity to get yourself known.
Just do your duty.
If he's hanged, it won't hurt
the government.
Think of your future!
And besides that...
you're sure to be well paid.
Is there any hope?
Your brother needs
to help me a bit.
But talk to him!
As it is, you look more beaten
than he does.
Snap out of it!
Save him!
Please!
You'll have to get involved.
That guy's a real wimp.
Give him a hand.
I'll pay you back
on the quiet.
I've already told you...
...that it wasn't a question
of money.
It's appalling, what's happening
to us, you know.
I've lost my clientele...
My bank manager has just
cut off my line of credit.
I'm on my way
to be bankrupt.
Cécile was fired from her job.
My mother can barely stand...
...her blood pressure's
through the roof.
If Ovide is condemned,
we're finished.
All criminals cause serious problems
for their family.
It's always like that.
Please rise!
The court is open.
Be very sensible.
Keep everything
to a minimum.
I've nothing to hide.
Don't compromise your chances
of returning to Paris.
Be discrete.
You know that life will be calm
over there.
All will be forgotten.
I'm with you heart and soul!
Be brave!
We dined together
at the hotel.
I was rather surprised to see that
he'd engaged a French secretary.
But I remember
he told me...
...not to get the wrong idea
about it.
I hadn't given it a thought.
I knew that he was married.
But I'd never seen
a secretary like her.
So good-looking!
He threw himself at us
like a madman.
It was a battle.
Then... he pulled out a revolver.
We were in fear
for our lives.
A real madman!
Dangerous!
He asked for 30 sticks of dynamite...
...for blasting out stumps
at a cottage.
I had no reason to doubt
anything he said.
Hey, Mr Plouffe...!
When I told him to be careful,
he said he knew how to use it.
Oddly, at one point he started
to tell me about the Nobel Prize...
I remember now,
he told me...
...that you have to be able to live
with the consequences of your actions,
...then not be afraid
to take chances.
I remember talking to him...
...of the slump in
the religious statue trade.
He showed no sympathy....
He just said dryly,
"One always pays for one's sins."
That's a hard man...
very hard.
He wasn't his usual self.
He started by cancelling his ticket...
Then he took his wife's
boarding pass.
He told me to be careful with
his statue, that it was very fragile.
Then he watched it go
on the cart to the plane.
He seemed nervous.
What struck me most of all was that he didn't kiss his wife as she left.
She was a beautiful woman.
He wanted to know the price
of two plane tickets for Paris.
I remember it very well...
because I tried to persuade him to go to Rome instead, for the holy year.
He told me to mind
my own business...
...and that he was leaving
for Paris in September.
He was fixated! He wouldn't
listen to reason.
I explained that the cheese
was smelly...
...that he wouldn't find
any Corn Flakes...
...but mostly that the toilets...
Thank you, Madam.
Because for me, Paris is...
In any case, I told him that
his wife would suffer martyrdom.
Because, as you know,
the toilets...
Thank you very much, Madam.
He was very pigheaded.
Yes, they're photos from a trip...
with Mr Plouffe.
I was his temporary secretary.
Mr Plouffe's conduct has always
been irreproachable towards me.
It's true that he'd mentioned
the possibility of a...
of a trip to Paris
under the same conditions.
But I never really
took it seriously.
Mr Plouffe is someone
who dreams a lot...
...and who seemed
very much in love with his wife.
That's all.
Today the cripple Berthet
gives evidence.
It's a Westclox alarm clock.
We sold them in the shop.
It's easy too
to use it as a timer.
I remember that once
I had tinkered with one like that.
To start my radio set
at 7am.
It was...
during a hospital stay.
My little gadget fascinated
the guy in the next bed.
Who happened to be...
...Mr Plouffe.
I seem to remember that...
...I explained to him
the way it worked...
...but I can't be totally sure
of that.
The purchase of the statue
was a suggestion...
...from the mother
of my former partner.
The box sat on my workbench
for a long time...
...until the day
of the flight.
Anyone with keys
to the jewellery shop...
...could have
got in at night to...
...open the box.
Anyone at all.
Not necessarily...
Personally, I have never
witnessed any domestic spat...
...between my former partner
and his wife.
But I realized...
...that she was well aware
when he went on a trip...
...with that secretary.
She was quite upset.
She changed.
She no longer came into the shop.
She didn't come into the shop because you'd try to molest her!
She called you
"that disgusting cripple"!
That's not true.
It's not true.
But that's what she told me
on the phone.
In any case,
I'm pretty sure!
Of course, I've never told anybody.
It was private
between us women.
Maybe it happened to her
at home. I don't know.
But I'm certain she was
telling the truth!
I accept her word!
Even though Rita was always saying that every man wanted to kiss her...
that's no reason...
That's not what
I mean to say....
What I meant was...
that I can't give you
all the details...
You make me say all kinds
of things. I wasn't there!
I always had a great deal
of affection for Mrs Rita.
She was so gay...
So joyful.
She always had my respect.
I'm tired...
If you would allow me...
I would like to sit down.
It's my hip.
My hip gives me great pain.
Son-of-a-bitch!
He took his old crutches
to make himself more pitiful!
Answer yes or no,
have you asked the accused...
...to buy dynamite to remove stumps
at your cottage?
No.
It's unbelievable!
There have never been any stumps
at my cottage!
I never asked him
to buy dynamite.
That's a lie!
You asked me to do it.
You killed my wife.
You have to believe him, Your Honour.
My son never lies.
We are faced with
a dangerous personality.
A megalomaniac...
...self-taught,
devoured by ambition...
...trying to get
to the level...
...of a university graduate.
He'd finished elementary school.
A modest leather worker...
...shop-assistant
in a record store...
...an industrious watch salesman...
...he dares to go on the radio with
a hotchpotch of moralising editorials...
...poorly digested memories
of his reading.
Success goes to his head.
He falls in love with
a young waitress.
His behavior is repulsive.
He imposes upon
his scorned wife...
...the task of washing
his mistress's clothes.
This apron is just an example
of the extent of his perversity.
We shan't show more.
We have respect for the nobility
of this courtroom.
His plan was diabolical.
The plane explodes over a river.
No trace of the dynamite...
The debris would be carried away
by the current.
It's the perfect crime.
But fate... I should say
poetic justice...
...always catches out
the likes of Julien Sorel!
The departure was delayed
by 10 minutes.
The plane crashed
onto Terra firma...
...killing all 22 passengers...
...including 7 children!
At that very moment,
this monster...
with a smile on his lips...
...was dancing in the arms
of the woman he wanted.
Members of the jury...
...Your Honour...
I demand the penalty of death.
I must remind the court...
that all the evidence
against my client...
...is circumstantial.
Admittedly overwhelming...
...as pointed out by
my learned colleague.
But ultimately, the Crown's case
rests upon...
the credibility
of the partner, Berthet.
I only hope that the jury...
...take this critical point
into consideration.
Members of the jury...
Your Honour...
Mr Plouffe...
I leave this trial...
...very worried.
Guilty.
Ovide Plouffe...
I sentence you to be hung
by the neck...
until you are dead...
on the 13th of October next...
...at Bordeaux Prison in Montréal.
May God have mercy
on your soul.
My little boy!
Mum!
- Congratulations, Jos.
- Thanks.
- You don't look happy.
- No, I'm not happy.
We're going to appeal.
The Senior Counsel is sure that
the judge has not been correct.
It has to go to appeal.
That will give us time
to break Berthet.
If not for yourself...
...at least do it for Mum.
She's going to pieces.
It's always the family,
Napoléon.
Rita would still be alive, if you'd all minded your own business.
Marie, the statue,
the trip with my wife...
Stop it!
I didn't blow up the plane,
Napoléon, I did worse...
I got you all involved
in my follies.
Above all Rita,
who I never should have married.
That's my crime.
There's no appeal for that.
You're feverish.
Kiss my daughter for me.
I'm less sure
than I was.
Ovide's always been
an odd sort of guy.
And Rita was no saint.
I know that
better than you.
Suddenly he blows up a plane!
It can be that!
Wake up!
I've see things
much worse than that!
It can happen,
even with us!
If you don't want to help me,
stay in your corner!
Not so loud!
Mummy!
If Ovide won't fight,
we'll save him by force!
With my oxy-acetylene torch...
I could cut my way into prison
in 35 seconds!
I know...
I tried it out yesterday.
You'll go off with Ovide
to Anticosti Island...
...to Ti-Me's cabin.
No one will find you there!
We'll do it at night.
The big ladder is ready.
There's no time to lose.
They're transferring Ovide
to Montréal in a few days.
There have been 3 escapes
in 40 years from that prison.
Ovide will be the fourth!
Judas Priest!
You little buggers!
You can see that
this can't go on.
Aren't your inquiries over?
You've got the guilty one
who's been sentenced.
What more do you
want from me?
I'm getting fed up with it!
You must understand... Investigations
like this are never completely finished.
Look... we received this
only yesterday.
What is it?
The report from Interpol.
About you.
You didn't tell us you did 2 years
in a reformatory in Grenoble.
Nobody asked me.
Is that where you learned
your clock-making skills?
Alcoholic father...
tubercular mother...
You haven't been lucky in life!
No.
When you arrived here
in Québec...
...we know you were fence
for stolen jewellery.
We've heard, too...
...that you are visited
from time to time...
...by girls from Saint-Roch St.
Stan Labrie's little girlfriends?
I have to pay for that.
I've yet to find a woman
who'd sleep with me for nothing...
...with my condition.
Who told you this?
Stan Labrie?
Let me tell you something...
Instead of besmirching
honest men...
...it's his type
you should investigate.
A pimp!
He often came
to the jewellery shop.
He knows more than you could imagine...
about Rita Toulouse.
You give me the shits!
Excuse us for disturbing you
in your devotions.
I wanted to ask you...
When was the last time
you saw Rita?
Well, I don't know...
I saw her from time to time.
That's normal. We were
engaged once upon a time.
Have you been talking
to the cripple about her?
Yeah.
If you're talking to the cripple,
you should talk about his geraniums.
Geraniums that have
grown quickly.
Yeah.
You're starting to look rather
worried all of a sudden!
I did warn you, though,
to be nice to me.
There's something hard here!
Alright...
You've got me.
But I wasn't alone...
He's the one who got me to do it.
We were to share
100,000 dollars.
You realize...
because of 10 minutes!
It wasn't my clock.
It was the plane
that wasn't on time.
If you'll allow me,
I'll get my better crutches.
This'll be big news, Stan!
Come off it, Jos...!
You're not going to believe
that son-of-a-bitch, are you?!
Lieutenant, the statue!
Don't you budge!
He had dynamite left over!
Albert!
Albert, get out of there, Albert!
Albert, get out of there!
Good... torches, gas bottle, masks, hacksaws, hammers, ropes...
...the big ladder.
We should do well with that.
It won’t work.
There's no other way!
We have to get him out!
It won't be necessary,
Napoléon.
I've given this
my full attention.
Your brother
will be released.
If I could just ask you a favour?
Could you get this
off me, please?
Yes, ma'am...
Yes, that's what I'm telling you.
I knew her in Canada...
What?...
No, in Canada...
Yes...
Yes, I believe she returned
to Paris...
What...?
Yes. Hello!
Vestiges of the Innu civilization
in Québec
A lecture by Ovide Plouffe
And that's why the Innu were known
as the allies of French colonization.
Unlike the Iroquois, who were subjected
very early to the British Empire.
It should also be noted that the Innu,
by their sweetness and civility...
...were well disposed
to French culture.
I have, on several occasions...
...visited Innu villages north of
the St Lawrence river and I've...
...often admired their...
...and the river full of agates...
and protein and...
We'll return to the Innus
in their mountains next week.
Thank you.
Subtitles by FatPlank
---
- Thank you, Sir.
- Bon voyage, Mr Plouffe.
You'll be back when?
It should be Friday.
But with the fog in the Côte-Nord,
you never know.
It's bugging me having a husband
who's always away.
When I was
a record salesman,
I was always here.
That bugged you too.
Don't forget to listen
to my message on the radio.
Bye bye Arlette, my pet.
Be a good girl.
But I hear...
a voice that cries out to me...
Save me from the death...
that awaits me
I am young...
and I want to live...
Oh my father...
save your child
I am young...
and I want to live
Oh my father...
Oh...
My father...
Save...
your...
...child
Ah...
Rachel...
When the benign protection...
of the Lord...
will entrust your cradle...
into my hands
I had your happiness...
Dedicated my whole life...
and it is I...
who delivers you
to the executioner
And it is I...
who delivers you...
to the executioner
Rachel...
I deliver you to the executioner
Rachel
It is I...
I...
I...
who delivers you...
to the executioner.
That was the immortal aria...
of "Rachel, when the benign protection
of the Lord",
from the well known opera
"The Jewess"...
by Halévy.
Brought to you by Ovide Plouffe Inc.,
the jewellers.
And here now is
Mr Ovide Plouffe.
- Dear listeners, the musical part
of my program is now finished.
Now for my weekly
personal commentary.
We're in the spring of 1949,
and our society is blossoming.
A year ago I worked in a store
as a record salesman.
And now I am president of
the jewellers Ovide Plouffe Inc...
whose sales network extends
to all the north of Québec.
I did not go to university...
however, I'm interested in
every aspect of culture.
But you have to know
who to associate with.
My partner, Pacifique Berthet,
a master goldsmith and jeweller...
Is he not from Grenoble,
in France?
The province of Québec
is bursting with riches.
The Côte-Nord, with its iron mines,
is becoming our Klondike.
Our ways are evolving.
The war shattered everything.
Our craft industries
are becoming pluralist.
Let's roll up our sleeves!
A fabulous future awaits us.
On that note, I'll leave you
till next week.
Until then, keep time with a watch
from Ovide Plouffe Inc...
the watches that give you
the right time.
This is Ovide Plouffe...
calling you from Québec.
- Hello, Beauty!
Long time no see!
I've told you
not to come here!
What do you mean?
Ovide's not here, is he?
As if you didn't know!
But he could be back anytime.
I realise that.
Was there something
you wanted to buy?
No, I just called in
to say hello.
On such a beautiful day...
...my thoughts turned to you.
It's the first really nice spring day.
It feels like summer.
If you hadn't become
"Goody Two-shoes"...
...I'd have invited you to
a little picnic by Montmorency River.
Don't try and suck me
into your crooked dealings!
It's a shame that the small pleasures
of life no longer interest you.
At your age!
You know it would, alright...
two ex-fiances like us...
...sitting on the grass,
like in the pictures.
With a checkered tablecloth,
Cokes, sandwiches...
the little birds singing...
...the smell of lilacs.
And you know
I'm not dangerous! Eh?
Stop trying to tempt me.
It is a lovely day, though,
isn't it?
Yes.
Listen... wait for me
in Paquet's parking lot.
I'll be there in 5 minutes.
No one must see us together.
No problem...
I'll see you then.
I'm closing the shop till 3 o'clock.
I have to buy some clothes
for the little one, at Paquet's.
Oh?
I'm still not the slave
of this jewellery business.
I didn't say anything.
You're not answerable
to me.
I just don't like your tone.
My tone...?
You have 2 legs
you can walk on.
While for me, the first thing
I look for when I get up in the morning...
...is my crutches.
And the last thing I touch,
going to bed...
...is still my crutches.
Do you think it's fun to spend
10 hours a day in this hole...
...without sun?
You've never asked
what my life was like...
Without a wife...
Without anything.
If you were in my place,
you might be...
...less inclined to smile.
It's true that can't ever be fun
for you, when you think about it.
Well then, I'm sorry.
Isn't Canada beautiful!?
Sure is.
The mosquitoes still haven't turned up!
Come and sit down!
- Hi, Stan!
- Who's that?
Hello, Rita!
Good grief,
it's the devil himself.
- Hello there, Bob!
- No!
- Hello, Maryse!
- This feels planned!
No, no...
It's a coincidence! Really!
You had me sleep with
that guy for 100 bucks, once.
Once too many!
He's an architect.
He doesn't matter.
Take me home!
Don't fret! He's with Maryse,
his new girlfriend.
He's head-over-heels
in love.
They say she's the most beautiful girl
in Québec.
Come and sit down!
- Hello, Rita.
- Hi.
I can't help
that I've missed you.
Really?
I was talking about you the other day
with Maryse and with Stan.
I try, but it's impossible
to forget you.
Goddamn men!
But you can't tell me
that you can do without it!
She tries, but she finds it
really hard!
Don't sit here
like a couple of clods...
Come and join us.
I want you to meet Maryse.
Wait for me here.
Bottle number 2!
- That's enough.
- Yeah!
Here's to your love!
To your love!
Ta.
So, you're a model?
Yes... I travel all the time...
Montréal, Québec...
Must be a great life.
It has its ups and downs.
You know Rita has been...
Miss Sweet Caporal!
Once upon a time.
Looking at her,
it doesn't surprise me.
I've changed a bit
since then.
Don't say that...
You've never been more beautiful.
Bob... don't get her excited...
She'll want to finish up at the altar!
With thighs like that,
St Peter wouldn't let her in!
You think hers are
more beautiful than mine?
That's what I'd call beauty!
Have to be fair
to everyone!
Don't spend longer
on her than me!
You really are beautiful.
Don't forget me, Bob!
We're all alone...
Life is beautiful.
Hallelujah!
Many customers
while I was out?
No.
Mr Dupuis' clock is ready.
You seem strange.
I had a bit to drink.
Really?
Something up?
When I know you're making love,
it hurts me.
What?!
The Montmorency River
is a beautiful spot, eh?
You followed me?
To protect you.
Stan Labrie is a dangerous type.
I know him.
Good God!
You'll tell my husband?
No, I'm not a bastard.
Don't worry.
I won't say a thing.
Thank you.
Let me hold your hand.
I love you, too.
Didn't you know?
You're only saying this
because you've been drinking!
You'll have forgotten
by tomorrow.
No... I won't forget.
I think of you
24 hours a day.
It's because of you that
I became your husband's partner.
You can't imagine
what it does to me when...
...when, every day, I see men
undressing you with their eyes.
And seeing you
encouraging them.
- Yes, you encourage them!
- It's not true!
I know you encourage them!
And I'm in my corner,
torn apart with jealousy!
You never look at me.
It's you who gave me back
a taste for life.
I'm a normal man.
I would've wanted
to have a wife...
...children who
I would have loved.
I would've spoiled them.
I would've given them...
...everything that was denied me
as a kid.
Without you,
my life is meaningless.
I'm not a happy man!
A little while ago,
I saw you making love.
I heard you moaning...
It was horrible!
At night I dream of you.
I'm happy then.
I don't have my crutches.
I don't have calluses
on my fingers.
Then, you love me.
Oh, how you love me!
Stop saying these things
that don't make sense!
Please...
take all your clothes off!
Just this once...
As a favour to me!
There's no one here...
Ovide will never know!
Please take your clothes off,
just this once!
I beg of you...
Undress!
I want you, Rita!
I want you!
Just once, Rita!
- Please!
- No! Never!
- Just once!
- No!
Please!
Never!
You damned filthy cripple!
Forgive me.
I shouldn't have said that.
I didn't mean to say it...
Forgive me!
- He saw us.
- Who?
The cripple! Berthet!
He followed us in a taxi!
He had binoculars.
Then he came onto me
and wanted me to undress.
Then I called him
a damned filthy cripple.
The way he looked at me
was really scary.
I was afraid what he might do.
He's going to tell Ovide,
for sure!
It's over for me, Stan!
And it's all your damned fault!
Shit! Shit! Shit!
It was you
who made me do it.
Why couldn't you leave me alone?
You're a fiend!
What do you know about me
that I don't know?
Just listen to me...
Stop getting your knickers
in a knot, go home...
...and mum's the word... right?
I'll sort Berthet out.
You won't hear
any more about it.
I'm used to such situations.
I so hate myself!
Then I hate you!
Now, Rita...
No more tears.
You'll see... I'll fix everything...
No more problems.
Hello, Pacifique!
You shouldn't be too surprised
to see me!
What's this about?
Don't waste my time.
You know very well.
If you touch a hair
on Rita's head...
If you say one word
to her husband...
...you'll have your other leg
to worry about.
You want to finish your days
in a wheelchair?
I can see it now.
Think carefully,
you piece of shit!
In the meantime...
I'll warn the girls on Saint Roch St.
not to see you at any price.
It'll teach you
a bit of a lesson.
Just cool down
for a while.
At last!
I've been so bored!
You go away too much.
Next time,
I want you to take me.
Ovide, I don't want to work
in the jewellery shop any more.
It's too restricting.
Summer's coming, and I don't have time
to take care of the little one.
If you want to know,
it's disturbing...
...to have a cripple behind me,
watching me all day long...
...as though he had x-ray eyes.
Has he been disagreeable
towards you?
Oh no!
It's not serious!
If you want to stay home,
I'll get a replacement.
That's all there is to it.
One fine day we'll sell up,
and you'll enjoy a year in Paris.
If only that could happen!
I'll go and check things out
with Berthet.
Go on up and I'll join you
in 5 minutes.
What's the hurry?
You can do it tomorrow.
No, I'd rather do it today.
Ovide!
I'll run you a bath, then...
I'll put on my white negligee.
- In broad daylight?
- Certainly!
It's even better...
We're not tired!
Very well...
I'll be joining you.
Wine...?
Martinis...?!
You wanted some PR done...
That's what it costs.
You always have
good reasons.
The business was to have been
called 'Plouffe and Berthet'.
My name was skipped
at the lawyers...
...on the excuse
that your family...
...held control of the shares.
But without my knowledge,
there'd be no business.
This is the 10th time
I've had to listen to this!
Do the sales trips yourself...
...if you think I enjoy my nights
alone in country hotel rooms...
...with a suitcase full of jewellery.
Other than that, I'll have to replace
my wife in the shop.
You thought her overpaid.
You'll see it costing more,
and sales will drop.
Anything happen
while I was away?
No.
You sure nothing happened?
No, nothing happened.
Was something
supposed to happen?
Nothing happened
that I know of.
I think your wife may have
got a bit fed up...
...with annoying people.
What annoying people?
Annoying people in general.
She's so pretty.
Which one in particular?
I don't see myself
as a private detective.
What do you mean by that?
What are you trying
to tell me?
It's nothing.
Just words.
A cripple's ramblings...
...from talking to myself
all the time.
A Tom Collins,
as usual?
Yes, ma'am!
Your bath is ready.
I put scented bubbles in,
so you'll smell nice.
Rita, tell me about the men
who annoy you in the shop.
What men?
Berthet just spoke to me.
That's right,
I've cheated on you four times.
The first three times
were last summer...
...when I was
Miss Sweet Caporal.
I had everyone after me
and we were flat broke, remember?
It all seems like a dream.
As if I wasn't visible.
With an architect, a lawyer,
an engineer.
They gave me 100 bucks each.
I was dying for it...
particularly when you were sick.
Since then,
I've been quite proper.
But...
last Thursday,
there was Stan Labrie...
...who came to see me
at the shop.
He wanted to invite me
to a picnic...
...by the Montmorency River.
I didn't want to go...
but you know me!
He was being so pleasant
and I was so bored.
So I went with him.
There we bumped into
this architect and his girl.
He was the one
from last summer.
He got me drinking champagne...
...and I lost my head.
That was the 4th time.
I admire you.
I love you.
Kick me out if you want to.
I wouldn’t be surprised.
Just tell me what'll happen.
I've always had a feeling
you may have been deceiving me.
Now I know for sure.
That's something, anyway.
Are you sorrier about them
than about me?
Shut up!
Please shut up!
What about you and Marie,
your little waitress?
You've been obsessed with her
for a year.
I've heard you calling out
to her in your sleep!
I'm sure you often cheated on me
in your mind, with her.
So that's worse than me...
I never thought of anyone else!
It's 4 o'clock.
The little one's due home.
You see to her...
I'm leaving.
- Where to?
- No longer your concern!
Say nothing to anyone,
particularly Berthet!
It was him who told you!
Berthet never mentioned it.
You're going to enjoy this.
Incredible!
My first evening in town
and you take me to 'Gérard's'!
It'll be a change
from home in Rimouski!
- Good evening, Mr Labrie.
- Good evening, Gérard.
You OK?
Ovide Plouffe, the radio
jeweller, was looking for you.
He's in the corner
over there.
Well... I don't have time.
I was just looking in.
Don't disturb him.
I'll see him later.
Don't tell him I was here.
You know what he's like...
He never stops talking.
- Come on!
- We going already?
Come on...
We'll come back later.
He's an extraordinary man.
I would have liked to have
introduced you.
But he looks like he wants
to be on his own tonight.
He knows music,
politics, books...
You'd find him quite interesting.
I think he's barely reached
his 7th year.
Don't!
Cut it out!
Thanks, Marie.
I'm a bit angry with you.
It's six months since
you were here last.
Very busy.
Always flying somewhere.
I hear about you
from your brothers.
And the radio too.
I listen to you every week.
- You do a good job.
- It's easy.
I really think it's good.
I notice you've put on
'The Paths of Love' a few times.
You know very well
it's for you.
Liar!
No... I never lie.
That can be risky!
You've got problems, eh?
A bit of trouble.
Big trouble?
You must have a boyfriend,
don't you, Marie?
I'm sure you do.
No, I have none at all.
At least that way
I don't make anyone unhappy.
So I do a lot of reading
and listening to music.
And take a lot of walks.
Like an old spinster, eh?
Hey, Babe!
You've got other customers.
He's not the only one
in the club!
He's gone white!
- Hey, we want another beer!
- Alright, I'm coming!
Excuse me.
So, what can I get you?
No need to make
so much noise.
Hey... we're paying too!
That's quite enough!
Hey... don't be crazy!
He's a gangster!
We were just fooling!
- He'll kill someone!
- Give me that!
You can relax, everybody.
It's not serious.
The gun isn't loaded.
Come along!
Fredo, music!
Do you realize
what you're doing?!
My program!
Your business!
I'm taking you home.
You should see a doctor.
I'm sorry.
Marie! Don't stand there.
Come back inside!
No...
That's it for me.
I'm fed up.
I quit.
You must see that
it's no longer possible!
I'm sorry, Mr Thibault.
I can't help feeling responsible
for what happened to you.
Do you have enough money
to carry on with?
Yes... I'll manage.
As a secretary?
I'd have to know shorthand
and typing.
I don't.
I know you have
no family here.
No.
And in France?
I never knew my father.
And my mother died
at the end of the war.
I adored my mother.
She was a singer.
Very popular with the Germans.
One day, she fell in love
with a colonel...
A remarkable man...
dazzling...
...a refined music-lover.
But she didn't know
he was also a torturer.
At the Liberation,
her head was shorn.
Next day she was found murdered
by someone unknown...
...before she had time
to understand.
She was 38.
- I see.
- No, you don't see.
From here, you can't imagine
what it was like for us.
No one should pass judgment
on women's behaviour during a war.
Life in Paris had become
very difficult for me.
An aunt arranged for me
to come over here.
There are still many admirers of
Marshal Pétain in Québec, you know.
But listen, maybe
there's a quick fix.
But please be honest with me.
You don't have to agree.
I'll be leaving soon to see about
my representatives in Charlevoix.
And I could offer you the same money,
to come, that you were making at Gérard's.
Then you could decide.
You're not being sensible.
On the contrary... it's a straight
business proposition.
You'd have your own hotel room.
I need a secretary with me.
If it wasn’t you,
it'd be someone else.
You'll see, the scenery
is very beautiful.
And it would give you time
to decide.
Where's your wife
in all this?
My wife?
I learned today that she'd deceived me,
for money.
In Stan Labrie's network?
As usual, I'm the last to know.
I tucked some aspirin
into your bag.
You never know.
And your big sweater too.
The nights are cold
along the river.
Are you sure you haven't
forgotten anything?
I washed her apron.
I put a bit of starch in the water.
It's always better.
Do you want to take it?
No.
I spoke to your sister, Cécile.
It looks like they'll take me back
at the factory.
It's up to you.
At least it'll give me
someone to talk to.
I hope you didn't say anything
to her about us.
They're not silly...
They'd suspect something.
- Bye bye, Arlette.
- Bye bye.
- Going to be a good girl?
- Mm.
Yes?
You're leaving for 3 weeks,
and you don't say goodbye?
Bye bye.
Can I hope that one day
you'll forgive me?
I love you, Ovide.
So, let's say...
10 Bulova wristwatches...
20 chains with crucifix...
30 St Christopher medallions...
5 pairs of Fleur-de-lys earrings...
40 engagement rings,
40 wedding rings...
20 rock-crystal rosaries...
and one grandfather clock...
to be delivered to
Monseigneur Labrie. That right?
Looks like you're having
a pleasant trip!
Business has been such,
that I've needed to put on staff.
...of exceptional beauty!
Don't move!
Hurry up!
My legs are freezing!
But I warned you...
It's the Labrador Current.
I've never liked jewellery.
I even feel humiliated selling
in front of you, but I've no choice.
You know, my father
was a working-class man.
One day the parish priest
came to see us...
He offered to pay for a classic education
for me to become a priest.
My father refused, declaring...
"All I have to leave my son,
is his liberty."
As you see, I didn't know
what to do with it.
Ouch!
What's wrong?
It's a cramp.
Not surprising...
with that cold water.
No, it's an emotional thing.
It's ridiculous.
Does this happen often?
It happens.
- Getting better?
- Yeah.
Oh, night...
come and bring...
to the world...
the calm enchantment...
of your mystery.
The shadow that descends...
is so soft.
So soft is the concert...
of your voices singing hope.
So great is your power...
transforming all...
in a happy dream.
Howdy.
Rita not here?
No.
Are you serving customers?
We're still waiting for
a new shop assistant, so...
You want the clientele
to dwindle.
Hey...
are you interested in planes?
We get around
the best way we can.
Well, keep on being a good boy,
Berthet...
I'm ready to lift the embargo
on the girls.
Cheers!
Wait... let me give you a hand
with your bags.
No!
Berthet didn't talk to anyone,
did he?
I told you so!
Leave me alone, Stan!
I don't want to talk with you.
You've been dressing like a widow
ever since.
Commendable...
While Ovide is having fun
playing the fool up north...
with the beautiful Marie.
What?
You didn't know?
I assumed...
Go away!
Leave me alone!
Ovide!
Ovide, I've caught one!
I can't hang on to it!
I'm sure there's not a salmon
in the world as good as this.
Not even at Maxim's.
Maxim's on the Rue Royale?
I'll take you there,
if you like.
Personally, I'd rather be reading
on the banks of the Seine.
We could take
Saint-Germain Boulevard...
go to Lipp's brasserie...
opposite the Café de Flore...
where we may see Jean-Paul Sartre
and Simone de Beauvoir.
And we could go and sit in the garden
of the Saint-Germain church...
in front of the bust of Guillaume
Apollinaire by Picasso.
And you've never been there?
No, but I've dreamed about it
since I was 12.
I can close my eyes,
and it's like I'm there.
So you'll be my guide.
It's gorgeous!
We can go back to the hotel,
if you want to.
We don't have to sleep here.
Why would we want
to go back?
I think it's very nice here.
Good evening.
What have you got there?
That's my raspberry.
Your raspberry?
What do you mean?
It's a birthmark.
My mother was sure it was
the sign of a gift from Heaven.
She was convinced that I could
cure all children's diseases...
scarlet fever, measles,
chicken pox.
So, at the slightest illness...
all my cousins came
to touch my birthmark.
It was idiotic.
Saint Ovide...
I believe I'm a bit feverish.
I have some aspirin in my bag,
if you like.
Thanks. But I don't think
it will be necessary.
Good night.
I don't think I snore.
I can't get to sleep.
It must be the salmon.
I had a nightmare.
There's too much protein in salmon.
I find you a bit odd, Ovide.
You're alone with a woman
in a chalet...
at night, lost in the middle
of the forest...
and you talk to me like
you were a nurse.
And you know very well
that I want you.
...that I love you completely.
I don't want to ruin the teenage dream
that I'm living with you.
Ruin... how?
You must know I'm conflicted
because of my marriage.
You'd understand that.
It wouldn't be fair for you.
And if you came to my bed now,
would that end your dream?
You'd still feel you were
deceiving your wife?
You are truly unique.
I can't help it.
What I do know is that
I'll always love you.
I don't want to lose you.
So break with everything
and we'll go away together. Anywhere.
At least you'll be freed there.
Now, I think it'd be
better to sleep.
Good night, Ovide.
Good night.
So here we are at the end
of our lovely trip.
The one we take to Paris
will be lovelier.
The Paris that you imagine
doesn't exist, Ovide...
...any more than does
the image you have of me.
I'm 22, and alone
in a strange country.
I've had my share of disasters.
As for you, you're married,
you have a child.
You haven't forgotten your wife.
It could even be
that you still love her.
That's quite a load for me.
I feel too good
with you, Ovide.
I want you all for myself.
As long as you're going
to Europe...
wouldn't you like Rome better?
You could see the pope,
at least.
Next year, I'll have some
beautiful specials for holy year.
But I want to go to Paris
this autumn, not next year.
It's not my business, but a lot of our
clients have been unhappy with Paris.
Don't expect to find
Corn Flakes or bacon.
They've never heard of Jello.
The cheese is smelly,
they laugh at your accent...
with the hand out for a tip
between two wines.
And the phones don't work.
And the things I could tell you
about the toilets!
I'm telling you this
especially for your wife.
Paris is where I want to go...
Left Bank, Hôtel des Saints-Pères.
Well then...!
If you want to play the martyr,
that's your problem.
But it'd be so nice
to go to Miami.
No interest?
No? OK.
Plouffe...
Well, well... our big traveller.
Hello, Mum.
Drive me home.
I need to talk to you.
I've just arrived, Mum.
Drop your bags, and come back
and take your mother home.
There seems to be a smell
of good French perfume...
along the river.
News travels fast.
Don't be surprised...
The whole town knows.
It's dangerous, Ovide...
passionate love.
I would've liked to see you, Mum,
if Dad had cheated on you.
Cécile, I want to talk
to your brother in private.
Call in and see Rita.
She needs company.
- Hi, Cécile.
- Poor Rita.
One has to wonder what was
the point of him marrying!
A nice cup of tea
would do the trick.
Have you ever heard anything
about Ramona?
Who?
Ramona...
your father's mistress.
Dad's?
Yes, my wee boy.
You never knew about her.
It lasted 4 years.
If your father hadn't died,
I think it'd still be going.
But your father never guessed
that I knew about it.
What would that have achieved?
The family would have broken up.
I kept my ring.
Now I can't even get it off.
It's been like that
for years.
When I think about it...
I still have a twinge
in my heart.
For men, it's not supposed be serious
to have a bit on the side...
But for a woman...
it's the end of the world.
Do as I did, Ovide...
try to forgive.
No, I could never.
I'm telling you to try!
Try!
Take Rita with you
on your next trip.
It would be good for you to
see Folbeche, our old priest.
You could take him a nice statue
of the Virgin, for his new church.
He was always very fond
of statues.
You would gain by having
a good confession.
Shall I heat up your tea?
No, thanks.
I made them in the evenings.
It's aluminium tubing...
the material of the future.
It's half the weight of wood,
and much stronger.
And that's not all!
Look!
Like a trombone. In the theatre,
it takes less room.
Then that's not all!
Look at the little lights here.
Do you know what this is?
It's a flashlight!
One in each,
for walking at night.
Crutches with lights
is a real rarity.
You put the batteries
in at the top...
then you push this
little button here.
The current goes down.
And then it flashes
on and off.
Great, eh?
Try them out!
Much lighter, eh?
Looks modern.
You'll feel 10 years younger.
How much do I owe you?
Don't insult me!
They're a present.
I spoil friends of the family.
Thank you for encouraging Ovide
to travel with his wife.
And here is a beautiful
'Our Lady of Seven Sorrows'.
Perfect plaster,
not a scratch.
And look at the detail
of her expression...
Sorrow!
Yes, it's perfect.
It's rare, nowadays,
to sell a statue to a layman.
There's no demand anymore.
But look at me, here...
All those St Pierre Clavers, St Philippe
de Néris, St Catherine d'Alexandries!
I'm stuck with 3 floors of them!
Want to see my warehouse?
Oh no, thanks.
How about a St Christopher...
against accidents.
The luxury model!
With Jesus on his shoulders.
I'll give it to you
at half price.
The good times are over.
It was to be expected.
The church goes too far,
so you pay for its faults.
I assure you
I'm a believer, Sir!
I hope that your priest
will be happy with the statue.
I think it's good that...
your wife's going with you
to Baie-Comeau.
I don't want to meddle
in your private affairs, but...
you know what they say...
Happy marriages make for
prosperous businesses.
You sound like my mother.
You still taking the 11.58 plane?
As usual.
On July 14?
Let's hope it will go well.
It's mostly for my wife
that it's important.
Isn't that nice of you!
Are you here
to look for your sweet?
Yes.
Do you have a little girl
like me?
No, but I wish I did.
Arlette!
I told you not to come in here!
Never. Understand?
Do you understand?
- I'm not contagious, Ma'am.
- I didn't say you are.
Have you seen the account
from Dionne's?
It's in the package,
underneath there.
Ovide, could you do me a favour?
Depends on what it is.
I want to blast out some stumps
at my cottage at Saint-Augustin.
I'd need about thirty
sticks of dynamite.
For transport,
it's complicated, with my hip.
They know you.
So...
they'd sell you that
without difficulty.
Yes, I'll go there,
if that'll help.
Very good of you.
I just remembered, that account
should be there...
with last month's.
I don't think they'd paid.
29...
30...
Good...
Your detonators are there.
Don't forget what I told you.
Don't fool with dynamite.
Those sticks hit at 120 pounds
per square-inch.
We don't want to pick you up
in small pieces.
It's OK,
they're not for me.
I never miss you
on the radio.
I'm a Liberal like you.
Go get the government gang!
Here.
Sign this for me.
I should do my next broadcast
on Alfred Nobel.
You know that money from the invention
of dynamite created the Nobel prize?
Probably a man who couldn't live
with the consequences of his actions.
Do you think
I should wear it?
- Do you still like it?
- Yes.
You don't care about missing the party
at the French consul's tomorrow?
Aren't you starting to find
the divan a bit hard?
Not at all...
I'm used to it.
Oh well.
Well, goodnight then.
I think I'm going to start
being happy again.
You're a doll!
Hi.
Don't forget Mrs Pregent's clock.
She'll pick it up
tomorrow morning.
Give me that...
I'll put it in the boot.
No, it's too fragile.
Have a nice trip,
you lovers!
Careful with that...
it's fragile.
A small grandfather clock?
No, it's a statue.
A gift for our old priest.
We'll take care of it.
Trans-Canada Airlines announces
that the arrival of flight 134
from Bagotville
will be delayed...
There's your ticket.
What about you?
Listen to me, Rita.
This trip with you
was imposed on me by the family.
I've no desire to go on it.
Do you understand?
So you want me
to go on my own?
I shan't go.
Yes, you're going.
You're going to act like a grown-up.
You're capable.
You'll give the jewellery
to the agent at Baie-Comeau...
and the statue to Father Folbeche...
and I'll be here to pick you up
on Friday.
I'm not ready, Rita.
It's still too hard.
And I was feeling so happy.
What happened with us
is not easily forgotten.
When I get back...
...are you going to forgive me?
Flight 108 for Baie-Comeau and
Sept-Îles is now boarding.
I feel so down.
Thanks for doing this
for me.
I hope you have...
...three wonderful days.
You too.
I don't even get
a peck on the cheek?
When you get back.
Mr Dion is wanted at the
Canadian Pacific Airlines counter.
Mr Dion, please.
Still not leaving?
We've been delayed
about 10 minutes.
Waiting for 3 American big-businessmen.
Shit!
Hello, Ovide.
Hello, Marie.
Lieutenant Philippe d'Ormesson...
Mr Ovide Plouffe.
- From Paris?
- No, Dijon.
Yes, the famous mustard.
If you like.
Are you going to dance?
I'm ready to leave with you.
When are we leaving?
Whenever you like.
Are you married?
Yes, as you can see.
Don't worry, it's just an air
pocket... approaching the river.
Hold my hand.
Thank goodness you're here!
Mr Plouffe...!
Grant, oh Lord, your mercy
to Rita, your departed servant...
May she not suffer the punishment,
for she desired to do your will.
And as here, the true faith united her
with the society of the faithful...
So may your mercy have her join
the choir of holy angels.
In the name of the Father, the Son,
and the Holy Ghost.
Leave me alone.
Ovide Plouffe?
Police. We need to talk to you.
What's going on?
The jeweller Ovide Plouffe
has just been charged
with the criminal responsibility
for the death of his wife
Rita Toulouse and 22
other passengers
of the plane that crashed
in Saint-Joachim.
It seems the motive for the crime
was the insurance 50,000 dollars
that the accused hoped to use
to flee to Europe
with another woman.
At this very moment
Ovide Plouffe is being
transferred to prison
and a charge of
premeditated murder
will me made against him.
His trial should commence
in the coming days.
Listen, I don't even know
how to use dynamite.
I bought it for my partner who wanted
to remove stumps at his cottage.
The statue of The Virgin...
It was a gift from all my family
for Father Folbeche.
I went and bought it
to be of help.
And other than that,
I never had a mistress.
And I don't even remember
any insurance policy.
It's a terrible combination
of circumstances.
I must talk to my family.
Call out if you need the toilet.
But this doesn't make sense.
It's madness!
Officer...!
Hey, Plouffe!
What?
Shut up, you son-of-a-bitch!
Even if you offered me
50,000 dollars, Mr Plouffe...
...I'm still going to tell you
that it's all over for your brother.
The Minister of Justice,
the Prime Minister...
the American government,
public opinion...
Everybody wants
to see him hang.
Don't throw your money
to the wind.
I always aim
to win my lawsuits.
This one's lost
in advance.
Can you suggest another lawyer?
A young one... maybe.
One thing is certain... You must not
be called as a witness.
We don't want to see you
telling about us and Rita.
Do you realise how many people
could be involved?
High society people,
government people!
I'm aware.
You had your girls being supplied
to politicians.
If that comes out in court,
you're finished.
It's up to you to save
the city of Québec.
I'm aware of all that.
Your only chance
is to play dumb.
You're aware of nothing,
you know nothing. You've seen nothing.
Don't phone me.
Sit there.
Then eat.
No one is going to eat
with that son-of-a-bitch!
There were 7 kids
on that plane.
He hasn't eaten for 2 days.
Give him a chance.
We'll come back
when he's finished.
Come on, make yourself.
Eat.
No, I'm not hungry.
You were missed.
Not me.
One question...
Did you know that your partner decided
not to take the plane that morning?
No.
We found the joint accident policy
for Plouffe, his wife and you.
50,000 bucks each!
If he'd been on the plane,
you would've got 100,000.
A nice pot of money.
What do you want me to say?
Do you use fish eyes for bait?
That's illegal.
It's better than worms.
There's no question
of pleading madness.
There's no other way out.
All the evidence
is against you.
I'd rather hang than spend
the rest of my life in the asylum.
Anyway, your brother Napoléon
agrees with me.
Leave my brother out of it!
I'm not mad
and I'm not guilty.
Can you please get that
into your head?!
I know, I know!
Officer!
Disgusting!
If nobody is going to believe me,
I'm not interested in living.
Get out.
This is the morning
that we'll see the start...
of the trial for murder
of jeweller Ovide Plouffe.
At this very moment...
the prisoner is arriving
at the court...
where exceptional security measures
have been taken...
due to the indignation
of the people...
from the dreadful crime
that he's been accused of.
The public gallery is full
to overflowing.
Passes have been given
to selected people
for this historic trial
...which has gripped the entire world.
This is Claude Saint-Amand...
calling direct from
outside the court.
Get hold of yourself!
Get hold of yourself...
it'll be alright.
All of Québec high society
is here.
I'm going weak
at the knees!
My name is in headlines
this big in the papers.
I'm interviewed by journalists
from New York and Berlin.
I don't even know
what to say to them.
My client doesn't even
want to talk to me.
I don't have a single
decent piece of evidence!
You have to look at this as a golden opportunity to get yourself known.
Just do your duty.
If he's hanged, it won't hurt
the government.
Think of your future!
And besides that...
you're sure to be well paid.
Is there any hope?
Your brother needs
to help me a bit.
But talk to him!
As it is, you look more beaten
than he does.
Snap out of it!
Save him!
Please!
You'll have to get involved.
That guy's a real wimp.
Give him a hand.
I'll pay you back
on the quiet.
I've already told you...
...that it wasn't a question
of money.
It's appalling, what's happening
to us, you know.
I've lost my clientele...
My bank manager has just
cut off my line of credit.
I'm on my way
to be bankrupt.
Cécile was fired from her job.
My mother can barely stand...
...her blood pressure's
through the roof.
If Ovide is condemned,
we're finished.
All criminals cause serious problems
for their family.
It's always like that.
Please rise!
The court is open.
Be very sensible.
Keep everything
to a minimum.
I've nothing to hide.
Don't compromise your chances
of returning to Paris.
Be discrete.
You know that life will be calm
over there.
All will be forgotten.
I'm with you heart and soul!
Be brave!
We dined together
at the hotel.
I was rather surprised to see that
he'd engaged a French secretary.
But I remember
he told me...
...not to get the wrong idea
about it.
I hadn't given it a thought.
I knew that he was married.
But I'd never seen
a secretary like her.
So good-looking!
He threw himself at us
like a madman.
It was a battle.
Then... he pulled out a revolver.
We were in fear
for our lives.
A real madman!
Dangerous!
He asked for 30 sticks of dynamite...
...for blasting out stumps
at a cottage.
I had no reason to doubt
anything he said.
Hey, Mr Plouffe...!
When I told him to be careful,
he said he knew how to use it.
Oddly, at one point he started
to tell me about the Nobel Prize...
I remember now,
he told me...
...that you have to be able to live
with the consequences of your actions,
...then not be afraid
to take chances.
I remember talking to him...
...of the slump in
the religious statue trade.
He showed no sympathy....
He just said dryly,
"One always pays for one's sins."
That's a hard man...
very hard.
He wasn't his usual self.
He started by cancelling his ticket...
Then he took his wife's
boarding pass.
He told me to be careful with
his statue, that it was very fragile.
Then he watched it go
on the cart to the plane.
He seemed nervous.
What struck me most of all was that he didn't kiss his wife as she left.
She was a beautiful woman.
He wanted to know the price
of two plane tickets for Paris.
I remember it very well...
because I tried to persuade him to go to Rome instead, for the holy year.
He told me to mind
my own business...
...and that he was leaving
for Paris in September.
He was fixated! He wouldn't
listen to reason.
I explained that the cheese
was smelly...
...that he wouldn't find
any Corn Flakes...
...but mostly that the toilets...
Thank you, Madam.
Because for me, Paris is...
In any case, I told him that
his wife would suffer martyrdom.
Because, as you know,
the toilets...
Thank you very much, Madam.
He was very pigheaded.
Yes, they're photos from a trip...
with Mr Plouffe.
I was his temporary secretary.
Mr Plouffe's conduct has always
been irreproachable towards me.
It's true that he'd mentioned
the possibility of a...
of a trip to Paris
under the same conditions.
But I never really
took it seriously.
Mr Plouffe is someone
who dreams a lot...
...and who seemed
very much in love with his wife.
That's all.
Today the cripple Berthet
gives evidence.
It's a Westclox alarm clock.
We sold them in the shop.
It's easy too
to use it as a timer.
I remember that once
I had tinkered with one like that.
To start my radio set
at 7am.
It was...
during a hospital stay.
My little gadget fascinated
the guy in the next bed.
Who happened to be...
...Mr Plouffe.
I seem to remember that...
...I explained to him
the way it worked...
...but I can't be totally sure
of that.
The purchase of the statue
was a suggestion...
...from the mother
of my former partner.
The box sat on my workbench
for a long time...
...until the day
of the flight.
Anyone with keys
to the jewellery shop...
...could have
got in at night to...
...open the box.
Anyone at all.
Not necessarily...
Personally, I have never
witnessed any domestic spat...
...between my former partner
and his wife.
But I realized...
...that she was well aware
when he went on a trip...
...with that secretary.
She was quite upset.
She changed.
She no longer came into the shop.
She didn't come into the shop because you'd try to molest her!
She called you
"that disgusting cripple"!
That's not true.
It's not true.
But that's what she told me
on the phone.
In any case,
I'm pretty sure!
Of course, I've never told anybody.
It was private
between us women.
Maybe it happened to her
at home. I don't know.
But I'm certain she was
telling the truth!
I accept her word!
Even though Rita was always saying that every man wanted to kiss her...
that's no reason...
That's not what
I mean to say....
What I meant was...
that I can't give you
all the details...
You make me say all kinds
of things. I wasn't there!
I always had a great deal
of affection for Mrs Rita.
She was so gay...
So joyful.
She always had my respect.
I'm tired...
If you would allow me...
I would like to sit down.
It's my hip.
My hip gives me great pain.
Son-of-a-bitch!
He took his old crutches
to make himself more pitiful!
Answer yes or no,
have you asked the accused...
...to buy dynamite to remove stumps
at your cottage?
No.
It's unbelievable!
There have never been any stumps
at my cottage!
I never asked him
to buy dynamite.
That's a lie!
You asked me to do it.
You killed my wife.
You have to believe him, Your Honour.
My son never lies.
We are faced with
a dangerous personality.
A megalomaniac...
...self-taught,
devoured by ambition...
...trying to get
to the level...
...of a university graduate.
He'd finished elementary school.
A modest leather worker...
...shop-assistant
in a record store...
...an industrious watch salesman...
...he dares to go on the radio with
a hotchpotch of moralising editorials...
...poorly digested memories
of his reading.
Success goes to his head.
He falls in love with
a young waitress.
His behavior is repulsive.
He imposes upon
his scorned wife...
...the task of washing
his mistress's clothes.
This apron is just an example
of the extent of his perversity.
We shan't show more.
We have respect for the nobility
of this courtroom.
His plan was diabolical.
The plane explodes over a river.
No trace of the dynamite...
The debris would be carried away
by the current.
It's the perfect crime.
But fate... I should say
poetic justice...
...always catches out
the likes of Julien Sorel!
The departure was delayed
by 10 minutes.
The plane crashed
onto Terra firma...
...killing all 22 passengers...
...including 7 children!
At that very moment,
this monster...
with a smile on his lips...
...was dancing in the arms
of the woman he wanted.
Members of the jury...
...Your Honour...
I demand the penalty of death.
I must remind the court...
that all the evidence
against my client...
...is circumstantial.
Admittedly overwhelming...
...as pointed out by
my learned colleague.
But ultimately, the Crown's case
rests upon...
the credibility
of the partner, Berthet.
I only hope that the jury...
...take this critical point
into consideration.
Members of the jury...
Your Honour...
Mr Plouffe...
I leave this trial...
...very worried.
Guilty.
Ovide Plouffe...
I sentence you to be hung
by the neck...
until you are dead...
on the 13th of October next...
...at Bordeaux Prison in Montréal.
May God have mercy
on your soul.
My little boy!
Mum!
- Congratulations, Jos.
- Thanks.
- You don't look happy.
- No, I'm not happy.
We're going to appeal.
The Senior Counsel is sure that
the judge has not been correct.
It has to go to appeal.
That will give us time
to break Berthet.
If not for yourself...
...at least do it for Mum.
She's going to pieces.
It's always the family,
Napoléon.
Rita would still be alive, if you'd all minded your own business.
Marie, the statue,
the trip with my wife...
Stop it!
I didn't blow up the plane,
Napoléon, I did worse...
I got you all involved
in my follies.
Above all Rita,
who I never should have married.
That's my crime.
There's no appeal for that.
You're feverish.
Kiss my daughter for me.
I'm less sure
than I was.
Ovide's always been
an odd sort of guy.
And Rita was no saint.
I know that
better than you.
Suddenly he blows up a plane!
It can be that!
Wake up!
I've see things
much worse than that!
It can happen,
even with us!
If you don't want to help me,
stay in your corner!
Not so loud!
Mummy!
If Ovide won't fight,
we'll save him by force!
With my oxy-acetylene torch...
I could cut my way into prison
in 35 seconds!
I know...
I tried it out yesterday.
You'll go off with Ovide
to Anticosti Island...
...to Ti-Me's cabin.
No one will find you there!
We'll do it at night.
The big ladder is ready.
There's no time to lose.
They're transferring Ovide
to Montréal in a few days.
There have been 3 escapes
in 40 years from that prison.
Ovide will be the fourth!
Judas Priest!
You little buggers!
You can see that
this can't go on.
Aren't your inquiries over?
You've got the guilty one
who's been sentenced.
What more do you
want from me?
I'm getting fed up with it!
You must understand... Investigations
like this are never completely finished.
Look... we received this
only yesterday.
What is it?
The report from Interpol.
About you.
You didn't tell us you did 2 years
in a reformatory in Grenoble.
Nobody asked me.
Is that where you learned
your clock-making skills?
Alcoholic father...
tubercular mother...
You haven't been lucky in life!
No.
When you arrived here
in Québec...
...we know you were fence
for stolen jewellery.
We've heard, too...
...that you are visited
from time to time...
...by girls from Saint-Roch St.
Stan Labrie's little girlfriends?
I have to pay for that.
I've yet to find a woman
who'd sleep with me for nothing...
...with my condition.
Who told you this?
Stan Labrie?
Let me tell you something...
Instead of besmirching
honest men...
...it's his type
you should investigate.
A pimp!
He often came
to the jewellery shop.
He knows more than you could imagine...
about Rita Toulouse.
You give me the shits!
Excuse us for disturbing you
in your devotions.
I wanted to ask you...
When was the last time
you saw Rita?
Well, I don't know...
I saw her from time to time.
That's normal. We were
engaged once upon a time.
Have you been talking
to the cripple about her?
Yeah.
If you're talking to the cripple,
you should talk about his geraniums.
Geraniums that have
grown quickly.
Yeah.
You're starting to look rather
worried all of a sudden!
I did warn you, though,
to be nice to me.
There's something hard here!
Alright...
You've got me.
But I wasn't alone...
He's the one who got me to do it.
We were to share
100,000 dollars.
You realize...
because of 10 minutes!
It wasn't my clock.
It was the plane
that wasn't on time.
If you'll allow me,
I'll get my better crutches.
This'll be big news, Stan!
Come off it, Jos...!
You're not going to believe
that son-of-a-bitch, are you?!
Lieutenant, the statue!
Don't you budge!
He had dynamite left over!
Albert!
Albert, get out of there, Albert!
Albert, get out of there!
Good... torches, gas bottle, masks, hacksaws, hammers, ropes...
...the big ladder.
We should do well with that.
It won’t work.
There's no other way!
We have to get him out!
It won't be necessary,
Napoléon.
I've given this
my full attention.
Your brother
will be released.
If I could just ask you a favour?
Could you get this
off me, please?
Yes, ma'am...
Yes, that's what I'm telling you.
I knew her in Canada...
What?...
No, in Canada...
Yes...
Yes, I believe she returned
to Paris...
What...?
Yes. Hello!
Vestiges of the Innu civilization
in Québec
A lecture by Ovide Plouffe
And that's why the Innu were known
as the allies of French colonization.
Unlike the Iroquois, who were subjected
very early to the British Empire.
It should also be noted that the Innu,
by their sweetness and civility...
...were well disposed
to French culture.
I have, on several occasions...
...visited Innu villages north of
the St Lawrence river and I've...
...often admired their...
...and the river full of agates...
and protein and...
We'll return to the Innus
in their mountains next week.
Thank you.
Subtitles by FatPlank