Back to the Wall (1958) - full transcript

BACK TO THE WALL

Is anyone there?

Was that you, Mr Lacourt?

I wondered what was going on.

- We're just back.

- I didn't hear your name.

Wait a second.

We're not in yet.

Well...

Good evening, sir, ma'am.

"Lacourt."

They could at least

shut the door.

News flash. Mr Robert...

Please give your name

after 10 pm

COMPANY JACQUES DECREY

Industrial equipment

What is it?

- Don't worry, Julien. It's me.

- Oh, it's you, Mr Decrey.

It was over.

The hardest part was done.

I was now anxious

to get back to Gloria.

I needed her.

It had all started

over 3 months earlier.

That day, I had come home

from hunting 24 hours early.

I was happy to see her.

No. You know

it's not possible.

Come to Paris.

That's not possible either.

Come on. Be good.

- I'll call you tomorrow at 11.

- OK. Goodbye!

It's strange.

I wasn't feeling hurt,

but oddly empty,

a bit like when a lift

goes down too fast.

Are you alone?

Hey! Are you alone?

Huh?

Yes.

- It's sad, being alone.

- That's true.

Will you buy me a drink?

If you'd like me to.

A glass of champagne.

Do you come here often?

I think I know you...

And like this idiot said,

it's true, it was sad.

Gloria and I

had been married 8 years.

I had given her everything.

A rose for the lady?

Hey! She's talking to you.

It's 300 francs, sir.

Thank you.

- Thanks. You're sweet.

- Listen, be nice.

Leave me alone.

How long had Gloria

been sleeping with him?

I now knew

what I was feeling:

a need to hurt them.

I spent the night in a hotel,

and from that evening onwards

I was not alone anymore:

I had an idea, a little idea

that kept me company.

Come in.

- Here.

- Is ma'am lunching here?

Probably not.

I'll tell you.

Very good, ma'am.

Tell Louise to prepare

a cold meal for tonight

for when my husband gets back.

Yes, ma'am.

- Hello. You're back?

- Yes, Gisèle. Hello.

- Is my wife in her room?

- Yes, sir.

Hello?

- Hello, you.

- You're back already?

- What happened?

- Berger took a bullet.

- Is it bad?

- No, it's in his buttock.

It put a damper on things

so we came home.

- How are you?

- Fine.

- You're spending Sunday with me?

- Yes.

- Are you happy?

- Of course.

Excuse me, I have to tell Jérôme

to bring my luggage in.

I'll be right back.

It's Sunday.

The operator isn't answering.

I'd like to hear from Berger.

Aren't you getting dressed?

No. I'm going to see Louise

about lunch.

Right.

I'm going to get changed.

Give me the line.

I'll try the operator again.

- Hello?

- Gloria?

- What number would you like?

- Gambetta 24 26.

Oh. There's been a mistake.

This is Gambetta 24 26.

Oh. Excuse me.

It was already fun.

And it was just getting started.

"Yes, prince.

"I languish and I burn

for Theseus.

"I love him, not one whom hell..."

OK. I'm skipping a bit.

"...but the loyal,

"proud, even shy man."

You'd have

played Phaedra well.

You were stupid

to give up drama school.

Maybe, but I wasn't you,

I didn't have drive.

Go on.

You'll never know it.

You know where drive leads you:

living hand to mouth,

playing piano

to scrape a living.

Tell me about Lajarie's project.

Touring Bérénice around ski stations,

believe it or not.

Only Lajarie could

believe in it.

The other evening

he was sure about it.

Yes. He's always sure in bars.

It's later, making it happen,

that it's difficult.

What's that?

Leave it. I took it

from a friend with dark thoughts.

You're crazy.

It's almost 8 pm.

I have to go home.

Let's finish the scene.

"He shares your bearing,

eyes, speech..."

- No, dear. I'm late.

- Does Ma'am have a dinner tonight?

I have to dress up.

A minister is coming.

Why should I care?

To think, after

the drama school exam

we swore to live together

on love alone.

Yes, but you left

15 days later.

For a North African tour.

I couldn't say no.

A tour. And a mistress.

I didn't love her.

I thought...

Well, I met Jacques.

Let's not discuss it.

Yes... The money,

a great life, security...

Women love security.

You're doing it again.

Gloria...

I won't say it again,

Gloria.

Sorry.

I can't help it.

I love you.

If I had money,

I'd keep you.

If you had money,

you'd gamble, drink,

but you wouldn't keep me.

Come on. Be good

and work on your part.

"He shares your bearing,

eyes, speech..."

He was a real man.

Thank you.

My dear, the situation

is completely tragic.

Name a time when the situation

in France wasn't tragic.

Maybe the Second Empire,

just before the Battle of Sedan.

- It's not then.

- It's just after. No better.

You, one of the

most dynamic industrialists...

I was one of the most dynamic

industrialists.

I listened politely,

but I didn't care.

Gloria was late.

Shamefully late.

She'd spent the afternoon

with him.

One thing made me

behave respectably

and not scream

they were annoying me:

a white glint in the mailbox

at the end of the garden.

She didn't think to

excuse her lateness.

She had the letter.

She was still laughing,

but I knew she soon would stop.

My dear minister,

I'm confused by her lateness.

My dear, women, you might

have noticed, hate waiting.

It's a torture

reserved for us.

You'd forgive a pretty woman

like your wife anything, don't you?

Yes. Almost anything.

I heard the hunt at Berger's

ended tragically?

Well, let's not exaggerate.

Some lead in his buttocks.

But it's still a hunt

I'll remember.

The guard

positioned us curiously.

When I was in the hide...

I was being funny. I described

the hunt to make them laugh.

None of them knew that I

was the one killed at the hunt,

but they would know,

because everything comes out.

I was looking for you, minister.

I have no excuse for my lateness.

Your ravishing dress

is one to start with.

She was holding up better

than I'd have thought.

But I who knew her well

could see she was affected.

The cogs were in motion.

I just had to

let things unfold.

INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT

Company Jacques Decrey

- Hello.

- Hello, sir.

Madeleine, do we still have

Berthier's passport?

Yes, sir.

I'd like to check

when he last went to Spain.

It was 2 months before he died.

Wait...

Can you bring me his passport?

Send for Lombard.

- Hello, Lombard.

- Hello.

I've looked at the Chatellier file.

Impossible. 3.4 million for the wall?

Pebbles are expensive

when you pile them up.

No, it sounds right.

Try talking to them.

I'm counting on you.

Thanks, Madeleine.

- Have you got 20 1,000 notes?

- I'll look.

- They won't change dates.

- Told you.

- Such a cheek!

- It's the rules.

The boss said that.

And I said,

"So it's the rules. It's idiotic.

My husband works nights. I do days.

"If my holidays are in September

and his in October, we have no life."

We don't care about your lives.

Raymond said

not to be mad.

We're never together...

- Berthier, Louis?

- Yes.

Nothing in that name, sir.

Nothing. There was nothing.

They weren't scared yet.

"It would be easy to tell

your husband about Mr Normand.

"Since he is quick-tempered,

I advise you send 200,000 F

"to Louis Berthier, General delivery,

Rue de l'Ouest post office.

"A friend who doesn't yet

wish you well."

Everyone's had anonymous letters.

It's someone you fired.

Remember you fired a maid?

- Yes, a few months ago.

- It's her. It's a parting shot.

Forget about it.

I'm late again. Ghislaine's

stopped me being fired twice already.

That's it. It's there.

I don't have change.

You'll pay the taxi?

- Goodbye, my love.

- Goodbye, darling.

St Lazare station.

I'm late.

Women are always late.

She came home late.

She always

came home late, now.

But her lateness

almost pleased me.

I thought they were both

working at getting the money.

And yet, she was relaxed

that night.

She was laughing.

I hated her for laughing.

Maybe they didn't care

about my threats.

I felt cheated again,

I had to do better.

Mauvin Agency

Investigations

- Mr Mauvin?

- Yes. Come in.

This way, sir.

We'll step into my office.

- Excuse me.

- Go ahead.

Please go in.

- Sit down.

- Thank you.

I'm listening, sir.

You can ask me anything.

If it's impossible,

I'll say no and forget it.

It might be impossible

because I'm not the right man,

or because it is, well...

too risky.

If it's possible, there are

2 scenarios: it's easy or difficult.

If it's difficult, I'm demanding.

Very demanding.

You see? That's clear.

It's mundane.

- Adultery?

- Yes.

I'm very perceptive.

- Are you suspicious?

- Much more than that.

I know her lover's address

and identity.

Really?

Half the work is done.

So what do you want me for?

Material proof

of their affair.

What do you call

"material proof"?

Photos leaving no doubts as to

the nature of their relationship.

I see.

- For a divorce, of course.

- No.

Let's say it's for a family album.

I like souvenirs.

Is it possible,

yes or no?

Possible, of course,

but difficult.

How much?

What did you envisage?

I hadn't anticipated this.

50,000.

Is that OK or not?

- Well, let's say 100.

- 100 it is.

The rest

when I have the photos.

Thank you.

Here is his address...

and my office.

I hope you'll do it quickly.

Count on me.

My company has

a reputation for speed.

Men who were cheated on

for 10 years

have found out in 24 hours.

Excuse me.

More cheating?

Yes, but he's fighting back,

that one.

And enjoying fighting back. It's

very uncommon and very interesting.

Sherlock Holmes

of Rue Saint Denis.

I see you got money upfront.

Hey, calm down.

You've been spending a lot recently.

By the way, Josiane.

I want to ask you something.

You got home late.

Where were you yesterday?

Ask the office, my boy.

After all, it's your job.

Oh! Women.

Well, the other's girl

will pay for it.

I don't know what's up,

he's no fun.

I never thought he was.

Today he's trying to beat

his own record.

Have you got the file?

I'm bringing it, sir.

That is obvious.

Conclusion: change working hours

and double the workforce.

I want to

meet commitments.

Bergaud, where are you

on the Movaco plant delivery?

You saw the letter?

It's not our fault.

They changed the boring.

We've not been delivered yet.

It's your problem.

The client doesn't care.

- Is he here?

- Yes, sir.

I'll see him at once.

See the other points

with them.

There's one about...

No, Lombard, not now.

Very well, sir.

- Hello, sir.

- Sit down.

So?

So, here it is.

Is it what you wanted?

Exactly.

The quality isn't

what I'd hoped for,

but the conditions were...

unique.

Of course.

I couldn't use a flash,

could I?

And also,

with the weather...

This close up

is quite good...

artistically speaking.

Is that right?

Yes. Thank you.

You won't be needing me again,

Mr Decrey?

- No, thank you.

- At your service.

I had the photos.

One of them in particular

hurt me.

It reminded me of a photo

from early in our marriage.

Only, it wasn't me

with Gloria.

That's it.

Hi, Dad.

Hello, my love.

Well! What are you doing

so early?

Being early

isn't your style.

You're here

to play for me?

Are you expecting?

My sister's baby.

All I'll ever have.

Her 5th.

Give me a little whisky.

"Give me",

that's the word.

When will you pay?

When I'm a customer.

I'm a friend now.

I have problems.

Hands off!

I do heartbreak

because I'm a good girl,

but I can't do

anything else.

Léon's going to get nasty.

I owe him too much,

I have to placate him.

Well, hold his hand

and charm him.

He wouldn't get it.

He's hard-hearted.

- But you must understand.

- I understand perfectly.

You're lovely

but it's over for us.

I need to get by.

Ask your friend.

She has money.

Her husband does, not her.

She has problems.

Someone's blackmailing her.

- How?

- I'll tell you.

Come on. Be nice.

Lend me 50,000

to keep Léon at bay.

What's up?

Why are you here?

I looked everywhere

for you.

Come here.

Not bad!

That's not bad,

either.

You've misunderstood

Please think again

See? It's worse than you thought.

What can we do?

There's no other way.

Send the money.

It's somewhat risky.

If not,

Jacques will find out.

So? You won't have to

check the time anymore.

Yves, you're reckless.

What are you scared of?

That he'll kill you?

No.

Make you give up your mink coats?

You want me to say it?

You're scared

of hurting him.

Maybe.

FASHION

Fashion this year

finally reflects

changes in women's lives.

That's ravishing.

Don't you like it?

Yes.

I don't love everything,

but those little jackets...

Actually, Jacques,

I wanted to tell you...

I fancy some new stuff...

Go ahead.

Few husbands encourage spending.

You can count them.

I've never

refused you anything.

No.

But, you see, my dear...

You're going

to ask for a lot.

Bill my office. My secretary

will pay, I won't see it.

Oh, you're a love,

but I'd rather you gave me cash.

You go into a shop, choose,

pay, take your purchases home.

That's what's fun.

I get it.

Novelty.

It's not going to cost me too much?

What do you want? 100,000 F?

You know,

the big designer shops...

200,000?

I was sure you'd want 200,000 F.

It's easy being generous

when you're sending yourself money.

I put away my money

then saw the pointlessness,

the stupidity

of what I was doing.

She'd given in.

I felt pity for her,

a need to see her

and take her in my arms.

Miss, I'd like

Gambetta 2426, please.

Hello? Gambetta 2426?

Someone for you. Cabin 3, sir.

Thank you.

Hello, Gisèle?

Pass me my wife.

She's at

the hairdresser's?

Yes, no, no. I know.

Thank you. Goodbye, Gisèle.

I used to pick her up

from the hairdresser's,

in the early days

of our marriage.

I soon came back to reality.

I'd had a risible

moment of compassion.

I had to keep on.

"Dear miss,

"Fees relating to

the photos

"were omitted

from the last bill.

"They come to 500,000 F.

"Please send the money

as before.

"In case of non-payment

within 3 days,

"your husband

will be contacted

"to pay the debt.

"A friend starting

to wish you well."

Jacques...

I have a confession

to make.

"A confession"?

Yes.

I know I'm going

to hurt you.

- Jacques...

- Speak.

God, speak!

Don't shout, Jacques.

It scares me.

The bracelet you gave me

for our 5th anniversary, I lost it.

I was still

kidding myself.

For a moment, I thought

she'd tell me everything.

She'd actually

pawned her bracelet for money.

But it had a safety chain.

You must not have

closed it.

- I went to the police.

- What did they say?

To go to

the lost property office.

For a 300,000 F bracelet?

Human honesty works better

with old umbrellas.

It was worth so much?

And she'd have been robbed

by the jeweller.

There's one today.

A big one. Lots to read.

That idiot thought

I came to pick up love letters.

This act was becoming

more sinister.

120,000.

She'd been ripped off

worse than I'd thought.

Selling the bracelet

proved they were desperate.

I had to hound them,

send the money back. A masterstroke.

Miss, do you have

a form for a money order?

- Take one, sir.

- Thank you.

"Here is your deposit.

"I'll wait until Thursday

for the whole sum owed.

Finally some money!

Someone sent it to you?

Yes, Suzanne.

I lent her some.

Friends give back

what you lend them now!

This coffee is excellent.

Hello? Mr Yves Normand?

Sir, if you have some sway

over your mistress,

Mrs Decrey,

advise her to send me

what I'm owed soon.

Otherwise, I will have to

follow through with...

with my projects.

Understand?

Well, your guy is extremely daring.

What about the photos?

That's even better.

She hasn't a clue?

It's not stopped.

I know.

How?

- He phoned me.

- You?

Yes. He told me

to put pressure on you.

- It's serious.

- He sent back the 120,000 F.

No?

He wants it all.

I don't know where to get the money.

If only I could help.

What to do?

It's horrible.

If we send what he wants,

it won't stop there.

- You were wrong to answer.

- Maybe.

But now, what can we do?

I was talking about it

with Ghislaine.

Give me a second?

500,000 F

for tomorrow morning.

We're in a right mess.

She doesn't know

where to get it.

- Ask her husband.

- Impossible.

Why not? He has money.

It's to buy his peace of mind.

500,000 to not know

he's being cheated on.

Please.

This is serious.

There might be a way.

I went to the post office 3 times,

there wasn't anything.

That day, I was given

a strangely sized

red envelope.

Why was there only

a blank sheet of paper?

Thank you.

I'd like to send a telegram.

- Shall I go?

- No, let me. Take the wheel.

- A can of oil too.

- Yes, sir.

Hello, Mr Louis Berthier.

You must know who sent me.

- Who are you?

- Take it!

- But...

- No scene, please.

I have an even crazier friend

in the car behind us.

- How much is it?

- 3,400.

Keep the change, we're in a hurry.

Get going, Mr Berthier.

We're looking for

a quiet place to talk.

Move or I'll run you over!

Take the first right.

We'll go to the quay.

It's quiet.

We'll be quick.

We learned you were

writing too much.

It doesn't please people

whose view we now share.

From today, we have decided

you can't write.

Don't make us liars.

If we have to meet again,

we won't be so nice.

You shouldn't laugh.

We're serious.

We'll get our hands on you again

if you haven't understood.

- Number plate?

- Underlined in my address book.

Now, slowly, driving licence,

vehicle documents, ID.

Hand them over.

We don't believe you're called

"Berthier". We want your address.

- You really want it?

- A bit.

- You're called "Decrey"?

- Show me.

You're related

to the lady?

- I'm her husband.

- Huh?

- You're her husband?

- Yes.

Oh, shit.

You're cheated on,

you write.

Shut up, Paul.

You don't get it.

- He looks ahead.

- Put yourself in our place.

Better not.

You could have problems.

I've not written down your

number plate, I've memorized it.

So I'm in charge now.

- I'm going to get angry.

- That's not reasonable.

You have to be reasonable with

reasonable people. He is reasonable.

Understood, Mr Decrey. But

don't push it, we could get angry.

- We're listening.

- How much did my wife give you?

Don't add a zero.

I know her price range.

- 100,000 F.

- Surprising, but I'll let it go.

I'll give you double

and you'll work for me.

- OK?

- Ghislaine won't like it, Mario.

We'll explain. She'll have

to understand. We have.

OK, Mr Decrey.

I'll explain what you're to do.

- When does the post office close?

- Don't worry.

Now Ghislaine's friends

are on it, we're safe.

Your blackmailer will remain silent.

Hello?

Ghislaine, well, it's to say

we hung around for nothing.

2 days. They'll think

we want to rob the post office.

The show's over.

No, Mario. Play straight.

Go back there tomorrow.

I'm saying he didn't come.

He's suspicious.

We won't spend our lives there.

Or the price goes up.

Go back,

we'll talk.

- What's up?

- No one came.

They're getting fed up.

And they're trying it on.

It's only human.

They're going back tomorrow.

It won't work.

He's better than us.

I'm scared. I don't know why,

I'm very scared.

It's strange, it's like he's

suspicious, like he's been warned.

You didn't tell anyone?

No. Only you and Yves know.

Well, we'll see tomorrow.

- Come on, Gloria.

- I have to go home.

A whisky, please.

A whisky.

Yes, sir.

Are you, Ghislaine?

I'm the guy who didn't

go to the post office.

- So?

- Do you like playing poker?

- I don't play cards.

- Why?

Because it's boring

and I never win.

What if you were sure to win...

a lot?

Norman is very nice,

but you're not together anymore.

- Why told you?

- Your post office friends.

- They're working for me, now.

- The bastards.

No. Life is hard.

So what?

They weren't on a crusade.

You know,

I don't wish him any harm.

I just want him

to leave my wife.

- Gloria's your wife?

- Yes.

You see,

I'm playing poker with you.

- And I'm declaring.

- I don't understand.

Don't try to understand

too much in poker.

It's all intuition.

If Gloria believed

the bastard blackmailing her

was just a friendly hustler

needing money,

a smart alec who'd found

a way to get some...

a nobody...

you know what I mean,

she'd be disgusted by him.

I'd give a lot of money

for her to be disgusted by him.

All that isn't very nice.

Do you prefer my wife's role?

If you think I like your wife...

Exactly,

pull something on her.

She did to you.

What have you got to lose?

Talk isn't everything.

I'm putting myself

in her place.

She'd need proof.

I have some.

Do you have

a phone token?

You're ugly.

You're also a cheapskate.

Hello? Yes?

It's no fun.

Is being a cheater's wife fun?

But yes, sir.

It's not impossible.

- Of course, I get you.

- Do you get me?

You're not good at following

your own wife.

Do something to change yourself!

- Hang up. I'm talking to you!

- Hello? Yes!

That's wonderful.

Count on me, Mr Decrey.

I'll call her tomorrow morning,

without fail.

Ah. Finally.

Are you listening now?

Maybe you don't care

about being cheated on.

- You're boasting, angel.

- How?

Look at yourself.

- Boor. You're all boors!

- We're looking after ourselves.

If you knew how much we're

getting from that bastard.

It's simple in something like this,

I'd work for nothing.

Drat, drat and drat!

Yves isn't someone

to be run over.

If something happens,

he'll be in a taxi, not under it.

If he were just late,

he'd have phoned.

I'm scared to death.

If I had died

every time he'd stood me up,

I'd be long dead.

- Did you know him well before?

- Sort of, yes.

Were you his mistress?

You know, questions like that,

between women,

always end in stupid scenes.

Oh, let it go.

One thing you can be sure of

is that he loves you.

And he's certainly

never loved anyone else.

He's elusive.

I sometimes wonder who he could be.

You're not the first to do that.

If it helps,

I think he, too,

wonders who he is.

Yves is a bird

in a tree.

A bird is nice, it sings,

whistles, preens itself,

but you're not sure

where it will land.

Oh, shit. I can't do

these baby clothes.

I'm not used to it.

Is it knit 2, purl 2

for garter stitch?

No. It's not.

Poor kid.

He'll be dressed like a fool.

The aunt he has!

Here, I'll finish the row.

Strange things happen

at Fredi's bar.

The suckers in for the atmosphere

in the evening would be surprised

seeing us here.

There.

Now you can keep going.

Thank you. You're kind.

Some advice between women:

I'd be wary of him.

Why say that?

I'm a terrible knitter,

but I've studied men.

I love looking for young talent.

- Someone told me about you.

- Really?

Someone I trust completely.

I can't remember who.

- Pernicini?

- No.

- Meunier-Dufort?

- No.

- Lévy?

- Which Lévy?

I know several.

You're right. It must be a Lévy.

Whatever,

if you're interested in it,

you seem to be

our perfect Perdican.

15 days in Brussels, maybe Liège,

Gand, Namur, if we do well.

Can I ask who will play Camille?

It's important.

- Martinella.

- From the Comédie-Française?

I'm counting on her.

But she'll be expensive.

That's why I can

only pay you 8,000 F,

and union fees, of course.

You know, I'm an artist,

not a businessman.

That's my weakness

and my strength.

Yes, it's not much,

but the role is great!

Success in Brussels

and you've made it, my boy.

You'll see,

I'm an honest businessman.

If you sign now,

in 3 days, 4 max,

I'll give you an advance.

How much?

Because, just now,

I have to admit that...

He always needs money.

And he is so weak.

He's not bad, he's weak.

I don't know if you've noticed.

You can't not notice.

That's what I loved in him.

I have a sucker's taste.

But not everyone

is a sucker like me.

What about blue ribbons?

Yes. That would be pretty.

What if it's a girl?

Change them to pink.

True.

You never know quite

what it is either.

- What do you mean?

- Nothing.

What are you getting at?

You know, I'm not asking

you anything. You're asking me.

I can't say someone went

to the post office, no one did.

It's strange no one went

the day the Corsicans

kept watch...

as if the blackmailer

knew he'd be caught.

Who did you tell

about the trap

apart from Yves?

- Be logical, my girl.

- No. That's impossible.

It's impossible.

It's despicable.

It's not nice,

but in life,

lots of things aren't nice.

And other things are nice.

It evens out.

Don't go into details.

Sometimes,

he falls asleep beside me.

And I look at him.

He's sleeping

with his nasty little smile.

I don't know

where he is.

He's at Longchamp or Auteuil.

If he's cheating,

it's with a filly.

You made me doubt and...

I'll never know now.

Never.

If you don't want to know...

There is a very simple way.

Only you never think

about practical things.

Send money to the post office.

The blackmailer

will go back soon,

when he's sure

the Corsicans aren't there.

Note the serial numbers.

And if someone you know

takes them,

you might see them,

in their pocket.

How dare you!

I was wrong to confide in you.

Wrong to talk to you.

- How much?

- Nothing. It's for the knitting.

Yes...

If he calls, say I waited

as long as I could.

- We'll get back to it tomorrow.

- Goodnight.

Goodbye.

See you tomorrow.

Gloria?

Why are you here?

I was waiting for you.

I was in Paris.

I thought you could take me home.

If you want?

I've not had

this unexpected pleasure in years.

You needed me.

What an event!

- You're not sick?

- No.

- A bit sad, maybe?

- A bit.

- For no reason, of course.

- For no reason.

That's the saddest thing

there is,

being sad without reason.

How do you know?

I know many things

you don't know about.

Shall we go straight home

or go to eat somewhere quiet?

Whatever you want.

A strange infatuation

overcame me,

like when I was first

in love with her.

Confused,

she'd come to find me.

She needed me,

but because she was

suffering for the other man.

Ghislaine had done

some good work.

It hurt me

to see her suffering,

but I knew that at the end,

we might be together

again.

- Hello?

- Hello, my love.

- Hello.

- I'm sorry about yesterday.

It's great, I've a role in

On ne badine pas avec l'amour.

15 days in Brussels, then a tour,

Gand, Namur, Liège, then...

Gloria, are you listening?

- Nothing to say?

- So, you're leaving?

Not for long.

Time will fly by.

You sound happy to leave Paris.

Don't you realise what this means?

- Who gave you the part?

- Mauvinelli.

- Who is that?

- I don't know.

He called me.

Someone mentioned me.

- Have you signed?

- He'll call back.

Tomorrow afternoon.

It's in the bag.

What's wrong, dear?

Aren't you happy for me?

Yes. Yes, my love.

Very happy.

"A down payment.

The rest will follow."

Don't swindle me.

The Mauvin Agency

never does that.

I'll take you

to the Deux Magots.

- We're even.

- Yes.

This time, I don't need you.

Only call if something happens.

- Goodbye, Mr Mauvin.

- Goodbye, sir.

I won't say

"until next time".

Everything would soon be over.

It was time.

I had hurt Gloria a lot

and I was exhausted.

Poor love, you'll never learn

how to pack.

Luckily you're here.

- Will you write?

- Of course.

- Every day?

- Every day.

And you'll be good?

And you?

I hope you trust me?

I want to trust you.

I have to hurry,

I've not shaved yet.

Tell me, my love.

Can you get my passport?

Where is it?

Look in the desk,

bottom drawer.

Do you love me?

Gloria, what are you doing

with that revolver?

Don't be an idiot!

Drop it!

Gloria!

Gloria?

Gloria, please, what happened?

I cheated on you, Jacques.

And I killed my lover.

You killed him?

He did something

so horrible.

It wasn't him

I wanted to kill.

Leave me alone, Jacques.

I'm lost.

She had killed him.

I'd thought of everything

but that.

I had to follow through

with my character,

keep on pretending,

like someone who knew nothing.

And I had to find

a way to save her.

Where is he?

His place.

How did you kill him?

I found his gun.

He threw himself at me.

Did anyone see you leave?

No.

There was blood

in our relationship now,

this crime...

Gloria's crime. Her life

could be over because of me.

The corpse of a man

who had done nothing but love her.

Love her like I did, perhaps.

No, it couldn't be.

I had to find a way.

And fast. Very fast.

Several months had gone by.

The investigation was over.

The police thought Yves Normand

had done a runner.

Gloria and I had slowly returned

to an almost normal life.

We had decided

she would not leave me.

She was working with me

at the factory, every day.

Time was slowly

healing our wounds.

She must have started

loving me again.

Differently, undoubtedly,

but the road ahead of us

was clear.

Yet one thing obsessed me.

There, in the night,

a few metres from me,

was the wall.

Up to now,

I had not told Gloria,

but it was more and more difficult

to keep quiet.

It was becoming an obsession.

I had to talk to her,

I had to share this secret,

the final obstacle between us.

What are you doing?

Gloria...

I never thought I'd tell you...

but you have to know.

He's there,

hidden in that wall.

And he'll never be found.

That evening,

I felt she was mine,

that we were together for good.

We are at your service

if your wife desires any changes.

It's perfect, thank you.

Thank you.

Here you are, sir.

Thank you, Mr Decrey.

Merry Christmas.

- Thank you. Goodbye.

- Goodbye, sir.

What were you doing

in Place Vendôme?

We're late.

What can one do in Place Vendôme

on Christmas Eve?

Careful, you'll break

the Christmas baubles.

No, come on, we won't have time

to decorate our tree.

Have you got the holly?

Here it is.

"Merry Christmas."

Yeah, right!

- It's another 3 am thing.

- Christmas is still nice.

Not for those

who do the washing up.

- Do you know when we're serving?

- I'll ask.

- Jérôme?

- Sir?

Help me, Jérôme.

The candles aren't straight.

We'll start a fire.

Do you have a tree?

The lady bought us one.

We've not had time to decorate.

But it does

make things merry. Green.

You're beautiful!

If you mess up my hair

I won't be anymore.

- Where are the baubles?

- In the car.

- I'll finish these then get them.

- No, I'll go.

Be careful, my dear.

Don't catch cold.

Did you find them?

Passport

It was you.

Gloria, please.

Gloria, open up.

You don't get it,

it was for you.

- Evening, Jérôme.

- Ma'am.

Here, Jérôme. Take this.

Thank you.

Merry Christmas!

Isn't that what they say?

We've not got the wrong day?

You look strange.

Hello, Hélène.

Can I say hello to Gloria?

Not now. In a bit

if she doesn't come down.

You've not

been fighting again?

Oh, no!

Not at Christmas!

Sort it out at New Year

when we're not here.

I'll eat oysters

in peace.

Tell me about it!

You nearly didn't

eat your oysters in peace.

More and I wouldn't

have come.

You don't know

how annoying he can be.

I apologized.

I won't do it again.

Good.

- It's not serious between you two?

- She's highly strung.

Watch out, Jacques.

Gloria is very sensitive.

That's what's always said

about women.

Even when they shoot us,

they are sensitive.

Bang!

"Sorry, dear. You're not hurt?"

Henri, you are absurd, as always.

Not much for him,

it's his 3rd.

And us, forever hit in the liver,

our tender spleen,

are we not sensitive?

Say something.

Stand up for yourself, your sex.

If men aren't united,

they'll get us.

Jérôme, tell Gisèle

to send for my wife.

We have guests.

Gisèle has gone out.

The lady sent her on an errand.

Well. Excuse me.

Gloria!

Gloria...

Jacques! Jacques!

Open up!

What's going on?

Jacques! Open up!

- Mr Decrey?

- Yes.

Inspector Bertin.

Please come with me.

- Where are we going?

- Your factory.

Mr Decrey?

Superintendent Devral.

We have a letter from Mrs Decrey

that I'm going to read to you.

"Yves Normand

has been dead for 6 months.

"His body is in the new wall

of my husband's factory.

"My husband is a criminal,

he is to blame for everything.

"Whatever his reasons,

I cannot live with him,

"and I am not strong enough

to live without him."

If, as we have cause to believe,

we find Yves Normand's body,

your guilt will be clear,

Mr Decrey.

Have you anything to say

about the letter?

Can you please

reread the last sentence?

"Whatever his reasons,

"I cannot live with him,

"but I am not strong enough

to live without him."

You'll find Yves Normand's body

in the middle of the wall,

about 1 m from the top.

And I have nothing to say.

Subtitles: Eclair Media