Bad Liaisons (1955) - full transcript

The film that you're about to see

received the Best Director award

at the Venice Film Festival in 1955.

THE BAD ENCOUNTERS

The film that you're about to see

is the story of a modern girl,

a young provincial brutally thrown

into the feverish atmosphere of Paris.

Implicated in an abortion case and

interrogated at the Police HQ,

she will revisit in her memory

the snapshots of her life.

She recalls, one by one,

the different men she met

who turned out to be such

"Bad Encounters" for her.

What did you expect?

Have you decided to speak

at last?

Name: Racan, Catherine.

Occupation: journalist.

Case: Dr. Danielli (on the run)

sought for illegal abortions

The witness, one of his clients...

Hello.

This is Forbin.

No, not yet.

Nothing of interest.

We have no proof!

Apart from that note and

the anonymous letter,

we have nothing and

she knows it.

But...

She knows Danielli well.

I'm sure she resorted to his services.

Don't have too many illusions...

I think it's better to stop

the interrogation and resume it later.

So they're in a hurry? What do you

want me to do?

It's not my fault they let the doctor

slip away.

Tell the director we'll keep

him posted.

Any news, Inspector?

How many times can I repeat it

to you?

I'll fill you in any moment you want.

Have you managed to get ahold

of the doctor?

As you can see, I haven't.

That Racan, what is

she doing there?

Nothing at all.

- OK. I understand.

- That would surprise me.

Have you thought it over?

Have you decided to cooperate?

Do you realize that you've already

confessed everything

without even knowing it?

I advise you to stop

this little game

and to sign your confession

quickly.

Do you understand?

You just need to sign your statement

and you're free.

You'll go home and

it'll be over.

Are we in agreement?

What about the doctor?

What about him?

Do you agree?

No?

No!

As you wish.

I can search your place,

I can even arrest you.

You know what that means?

Then you'll have to explain yourself

to the investigating judge.

Let's go over your statement.

When you disagree, stop me.

Let's do it in your own words.

During the interrogation, the witness

stated:

I met Dr. Danielli...

through a mutual friend named

Alain Berg?re.

Question:

Did that encounter take place at

the doctor's legal residence?

Did you meet him at his place?

This wasn't the way you're

trying to insinuate it...

Danielli invited a few friends over...

I don't insinuate anything, miss.

It was during that party...

to which I came with Alain Berg?re,

a mutual acquaintance,

a photographer for a fashion magazine.

Question:

5 weeks later, did you come back

to the doctor's place

to tell him about your predicament?

You were pregnant,

you asked him if he would agree...

What's wrong?

You aren't feeling well?

It was at the end of October.

You went back to Danielli

and you asked him about

a special kind of service.

He didn't see any problem

and agreed to it, right?

Did he agree?

When you came back to Danielli

to discuss your condition,

did anybody come along with you?

You know well it was at his place.

You forget that Danielli was my doctor.

I've already told you, it's in

my statement.

I don't know why I keep answering

your questions.

Do you recognize this letter?

It's in your handwriting:

"January 5, 1954,

Dr. Danielli, Avenue de Tourville."

Do you want me to read it?

I know what's in it.

I wrote it.

It's clear, isn't it?

It only said that

I wasn't feeling well.

I've already told you

that Danielli was my doctor.

Why didn't you want

to call him?

You refuse to answer?

I'll note that you refuse to answer.

- Who brought this letter?

- No one.

No one.

You didn't feel well

and no one brought the letter.

You're lying. Your concierge

saw someone

He even recognized Alain Berg?re,

your lover.

It's not true. It wasn't him.

Who then?

- I don't know. A friend.

- Your lover?

Not at all.

His name?

What do you want to know?

My life is my business!

Since this morning, with all

your questions,

I don't know where I am.

What do you take people for?

You think we have time to come up

with alibies as we live?

Should we take notes so later on

we could explain how it happened?

Life isn't like that.

Not at all.

I don't care about your files,

your questions, your informers,

You don't understand anything.

There are things that

you'll never know.

Never, do you hear me?

I suggest that

you'd leave me alone.

I have nothing else to tell you.

Because I've had enough!

I want to go home!

I understand, you're entrapped

and that hurts.

I advise you not to resist.

Sign.

It'll be better afterwards.

So you haven't understood.

You're unable to understand anything.

You know nothing of

what's really going on.

Nothing.

Nothing.

You have to discover Paris at dusk,

when you're 20 and have just

arrived from the country...

It's the hour when

the first lights go up,

the hour when this gleaming and

mysterious life begins

in the capital, as you stroll

in its midst,

and where you'll play

a role some day.

The workshops and offices

have just closed,

the theaters are about to open,

the whole Paris is a theater.

At last, it lives up to its myth.

And we...

we live up to our dreams.

Paris, the magic name!

Paris, the promised land!

At last, we camp on the bank

of your river.

What dreams, what illusions

don't turn up in this sleep?

What hopes?

Paris for just the two of us.

Just the two of us in Paris.

How many ambitious young people

arriving from Clermont-Ferran

or Carcassonne didn't hear themselves

repeating this phrase,

with a girl's head

on their shoulder?

This city is so beautiful!

And all this belongs to us now!

It won't be easy, I know.

But you'll see, we'll make it.

I'm sure.

You'll see.

What's the point of coming

that far

if we aren't going to go

all the way?

And we've been

so lucky from the beginning.

We could've been apart, you and me,

fighting alone in the dark.

We're so much stronger

when there's two of us.

To win,

to succeed,

to become famous.

to make a name for yourself.

As everyone knows, alas,

that so often dreams remain just dreams.

illusions are lost and hopes

are frustrated.

What's left for youth

but to take the road back home?

So one night, we find ourselves

driving to the same station,

at the same hour,

when Paris once held so much promise.

What a pity!

How sad is to leave

like a thief,

carrying in your suitcase nothing

but the bitterness of a defeat!

Passengers traveling to

Dijon-Besan?on

please, board the train.

Passengers traveling to

Dijon-Besan?on...

We're the same but

the feeling is different.

I've bought you newspapers.

When I decided to quit, I thought I'd

never be able to read a paper again.

You see, one gets used

to everything.

Catherine!

- What are you going to do now?

- I don't know.

I haven't thought about it yet.

I'll work.

First, I'd like to take a break

for a while. And then...

Pierre, do you remember?

Don't you want to leave

with me?

No. You'll be better off alone

if you want to start over.

- That's what I was saying.

- I know.

Stay!

No, Catherine.

It's not for me. I feel

that I'll never make it.

Go now because I don't have

any courage left!

It takes more courage to stay.

Goodbye, Pierre!

Goodbye, Catherine!

We were doomed from the start!

We weren't strong enough!

It's my fault!

Forgive me!

It wasn't your fault...

But why to spend your life asking

for forgiveness?

I'm leaving you. Take a seat.

They'll bring you something

to eat.

And remember what I told you.

It was true. I didn't really know

what I was going to do.

I was distraught.

I needed to figure out

the situation.

I had enough money for two weeks,

maybe three.

I bought a ticket for

the Riviera.

If you allow me...

I assure you, it's not mine.

It's for my secretary

who couldn't come.

I'm not superstitious.

I don't believe in chance or

fateful encounters.

We see each other,

we cross paths.

Why do we have to meet again?

Alas, a few days later,

when my short vacation was

coming to an end,

I found myself in his presence again.

My first reaction was to flee,

to retreat as I was afraid

of what was going to happen to me...

I was no longer able to leave,

I didn't want to anymore.

I felt a vertiginous urge

to stay there,

spying, observing...

Miss...

I'm so clumsy... I'm sorry...

I'm so embarrassed...

Did you have a good trip?

What are you looking for?

Let me help you...

No, I was leaving...

I came only to buy

a detective novel,

but I got distracted with

these books on art...

Me too, you see?

Isn't it moving?

Very moving.

What always strikes me in these

reproductions is

that the slightest detail bears

the author's signature, his touch.

He talked and talked,

and I wasn't listening.

I felt as I was flying,

gliding...

It was like a vertigo.

Don't they frighten you,

all these books,

all this accumulated knowledge,

all these things that no one

will ever read?

The voice by my side sounded

so familiar,

repeating the same things,

the same discourses, intelligent

and useless, the same words.

What's wrong?

- With me?

- Yes.

You've suddenly become so sad.

Is it something I said

that brought you on the verge of tears?

No, it's nothing.

I was just thinking

why men's conversations always veer

towards general subjects.

Let's have lunch together. No,

not lunch, let's meet tonight.

- Tonight?

- Yes, let's have dinner.

Don't tell me you can't go.

Here's my proposition:

I'll be waiting for you at 10pm

at "The Jungle" for dinner.

Please let me know if you're busy

of have better things to do.

Come if you want to.

If you want to...

Did I want to?

No!

I don't drink much.

As you wish. Don't worry,

I'm not forcing you.

You don't need it.

And you?

I can drink,

or pretend to be drinking,

under certain circumstances

and when I want to.

And tonight you don't want to.

Not the slightest.

- Are you hurt?

- No, don't worry. It's nothing.

I can give you my handkerchief.

No, I have all I need. Thanks.

You see?

You asked me this morning why men

prefer to talk about general subjects

with women.

Look what happens

when they abandon that terrain,

and when they try to give a conversation

a slightly more personal tone?

It's amazing how fast things can go,

and soon a conversation

isn't possible.

Do I seem reasonable?

Good.

Let's sit down now and try

to dine quietly.

Do you believe in Hell?

Me?

Oh, I'm so silly.

I like the idea.

I'd like to try it.

Sin isn't that bad.

It's a splendid invention.

It's amazing how you start

appreciating things

when you believe you can burn

for eternity.

But between you and me,

frankly, I don't believe in it.

Furthermore, is it really necessary?

Look at them.

They think they're having fun

but they're dying of boredom...

... and fear.

Don't you think they are

punished enough with or without Hell?

It's not funny at all what you're

talking about.

It's not uplifting.

Why?

Because...

You speak of those things with such

disenchantment and pessimism.

With such disenchantment

and pessimism?

You're so blunt.

No.

No.

People get what they deserve.

If they're dying of boredom,

good for them.

They don't take any risk.

They want to have it all - for credit

or free, to seize the day.

They get used to everything -

in advance and deliberately -

so they wouldn't miss out,

as they say.

I don't know why I'm telling you this.

You're so young.

It's strange. I just thought

while listening to you

that you suddenly seemed so old.

Is it because I gesticulate

or speak too loudly?

Why don't you pour me a drink?

I feel so thirsty now.

What's your name?

My name won't mean anything...

...and we'll part in an hour.

Yes, in an hour.

You're right.

You knew that I'd come?

I was sure of it.

- Do you regret it?

- I never regret anything.

I like talking to you, you know?

I like listening to what you're saying.

For example, when you were talking

about Hell just now...

it's not that I believe in it

but I agree with you.

Why are you smiling all the time?

You aren't listening to me?

Are you laughing at me?

It's hot in here.

Let's go. Let's get some fresh air.

You're freezing. Come,

let me get you a coat.

Excuse me, I'll be back

in a moment.

Here's your coat.

Let me go.

Let me go!

I'm sorry.

One doesn't find happiness without

instantly sensing what's threatening it.

What's left of the days

when we were happy

but a few rare minutes?

A few brief moments when

you wanted to take him in your arms

and press him to you bosom

to prevent him from escaping...

... the majority likes to suntan

at the Mediterranean.

Catherine!

Catherine!

You know what I'm thinking of?

I'm wondering how we could put

your youth to use.

Some of them treat it like the lobby

of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Suspension point...

It's not too bad for a beginner.

No, I know.

Don't tell me again that your first

lover also wanted to be a journalist.

Too bad, I didn't meet you earlier.

I could've helped you with this one.

- Blaise!

- I'm sure he would've refused...

He was set on being a failure.

Today's young people are all alike.

Smothered by scruples,

then they reach for their gun once

they've heard the word "success."

It's a form of pride,

or their fear of life.

Girls are very simple:

they close their eyes and go ahead

without looking under their feet.

They can go anywhere because

they don't see anything.

That's why they always go

all the way.

Which one of the dresses

do you like the most?

None. There are women in the audience

who are much better dressed.

Great!

It's my photographer,

all I could find in Nice.

Could you go around the room and

take pictures of women at the tables?

Ms. Racan will tell you who.

I'm going to sleep because

fashion is women's business.

But, Blaise, I wouldn't know...

And then you'll tell me what

you've found.

We'll start with the prettiest.

Alain Berg?re.

- And you sign: Catherine Racan.

- But, Blaise...

Catherine Racan.

It's a very good name for

a fashion reporter.

- And your article isn't bad at all.

- Blaise, I didn't write a single line.

You even managed to reveal some talent

in that stupid photographer from Nice

...that I thought of hiring.

- But you dictated everything.

Really? Well...

You know, it surprises me.

I find it better than

what I usually write.

You were very precise,

my little doe.

You see? I'm improving.

Catherine!

Do you hear me, Catherine?

I have big plans for you.

Don't argue without knowing

what I'm talking about.

Your article created some splash.

People ask about you,

want to know who you are.

Do you want to know how they talk

about you at the editorial office?

With certain fear.

Fear?

You know I'm here.

What do you think?

I'll see that you'll succeed.

It's not that unpleasant.

It's a little vain, I agree, but

you'll get over it.

You have to live with that.

It's this or nothing, my little girl.

You'll understand it soon.

There's even a little terrifying

when you think about it.

All these games, this life...

Something terrifying and appealing

at the same time,

that makes your head spin.

It's a bit like a jungle,

full of danger, fever, violence...

full of illusions, lies and madness.

One has to be strong,

you'll see...

no hesitation, no trembling, no retreat.

And especially, never look back.

There are so many good things

in front of you. Everybody wants to win.

- To win?

- Yes, to win.

And those who don't admit it

are hypocrites or cowards.

Too bad for them.

I have faith in you.

You'll learn the rules

of the game fast.

I bet on you, you see?

Maybe you're mistaken.

Maybe I'm like the others.

Catherine.

Maybe I don't have the force either.

Please, no complications,

no complexes!

Leave scruples and bad conscience

to others, like your friend Pierre.

- Blaise!

- To me, they're all losers!

At least, don't blame me for having

ambitions for you.

How could I recognize you so quickly

if you were like the others?

Do you believe I'm interested in you?

You desire me, that's all.

Now you ask yourself what you're

going to do with me.

You throw me in your game.

But I'm not doing it for myself,

Catherine. It's for you.

- It's because...

- Yes, Blaise. I know.

Me too.

At least, you don't regret it yet?

No, Blaise.

I regret nothing.

I never regret anything.

Sit down.

You haven't touched anything.

You aren't hungry?

OK, as they say...

Tell me, Ms. Racan,

why didn't you tell me you knew

Mr. Walter?

Mr. Blaise Walter. Don't deny it.

Amazing, how eloquent

this little notebook can be...

Because you've probably searched

my place...

You're implying that I don't have

the right but I don't care.

If you agreed to tell

what you knew...

Mr. Walter has nothing

to do with it.

Are you sure that Mr. Walter

has nothing to do with it?

Too bad.

Too bad.

Think carefully of what I'm asking.

It's in your interests.

Have you seen him lately?

On what terms did you part?

I've told you that Mr. Walter...

Last year you spent two weeks

with him on the Riviera.

It's written all over your notebook.

Have you met him since then?

Don't tell me that

in these circles...

and now...

You worked for his newspaper.

If Mr. Walter was involved in this

that would've suited you.

- Is that what you're implying?

- Don't be silly!

I only want to help you.

Me? Never, do you hear me?

Never!

Yes, I knew Mr. Walter well.

I was even his mistress

as you say.

But my notebook that you studied

so carefully is perfectly clear on this:

I haven't seen him for a year.

Is that clear?

You don't believe me?

Ask him yourself. Call him.

At this hour you'll certainly

find him at his newspaper.

Do you know his number?

What are you waiting for?

You aren't going to call him?

OK. I believe you.

And now would you please tell me all

that happened between Danielli and you.

Let's finish our story!

I'm talking to you, miss!

No, Blaise.

I don't regret anything.

I never regret anything.

I never regret anything.

When they met again

what a fateful encounter it was.

It was certain from the first sight

that one gesture from one or another was

enough for everything to start again.

One gesture was enough,

but the effects of time were

irrevocable.

So your friend Walter dumped you?

How dare you?

From that moment, as far as she was

concerned, everything was finished.

Exit these two.

That makes it simpler, right?

Don't you think?

I don't understand what

you're trying to say.

And this, you don't understand either?

I know, we've already

talked about it.

But let me explain:

You return to Paris, you're looking

for a job...

You find it in a ladies' magazine where

you relationship with Walter

opens the doors for you.

That doesn't prevent you

from going out...

You visit the bars and clubs

near St.Germain-des-Pr?s...

- You meet jazz musicians...

- You're so well informed.

Look,

you've finally understood.

And at that time Alain Berg?re

became your lover.

It's not true!

Thanks. Don't move.

Thanks.

I hope we can call you again

for the follow-up.

It was very nice of you.

No. It's only natural.

Because this job is very important

for me at the moment.

I was in your situation

not that long ago.

I can only thank you for that.

Are you free?

No, I meant for dinner.

Invite me because you really need

to thank me.

I understand. I'm inviting you then.

No complexes, please.

You'll pay me back when

you get the money for the photos.

It's so crowded here.

Let's go somewhere else.

What do we do?

I don't know.

- You want to go to the movies?

- Is there an American film playing?

Sure. I don't go to the movies

to see a film.

I go to the movies just like that.

- What do you mean "just like that"?

- Just like that.

You guys, are all alike.

You can never decide.

You need to be taken by the hand

and then you're surprised.

And then you complain

you've been had.

Does it happen to you often?

You don't want to tell me

you're that old?

If I told you what life taught me

about guys...

It doesn't show but I've had

my share of tears.

You're saying all this but if you

put yourself in our place...

We are too, you know...

I'm so tired. I have been up

since 8am.

Where do we go?

- Let's sit down.

- Over there?

Caf?s are made for people

who can't decide.

They are full of us.

- I wish I knew what drink to order.

- It's so easy.

First order "whatever" and then

"the same thing."

It's a kids' play. Waiter!

What's wrong?

You don't want to sit down?

Don't they scare you - this noise,

this night, this city,

...these lights?

- And you?

There are days when I want

to leave this all,

and then I don't have

enough courage.

How beautiful Paris was

when we'd just discovered it!

Do you remember?

How new everything was!

Scintillating!

So full of hope and promise!

Everything changes -

the people, the places...

Like just now, at that caf?,

I didn't notice a single friendly face.

Do you know where I'm going?

And Blaise?

Did Walter see you

when you came to Paris?

Did he offer you a job?

He saw me once,

barely let me in the door,

...like he barely recognized me..

- Yes, he's like that.

I didn't want to say it to you...

I'm a big girl. You can

tell me all now.

OK.

I'll take you home.

Get in.

And one for the doctor!

Do you know Catherine?

Dr. Danielli. Catherine Racan.

Good evening.

It's Dr. Danielli...

You don't have to do it every time.

I never forget a pretty face.

- You know everybody.

- But Doctor...

Yes, you know them all by heart:

their names, faces, phone numbers,

bank account numbers,

All women in Paris fight to get them.

A few known names create an illusion

of having read a good article.

Right, Alain?

Wait! H?l?ne! H?l?ne!

This is H?l?ne, she's in charge of

a radio program.

Have you met?

Miss...

I don't have to introduce you two.

Hello, Alain.

Hello, H?l?ne.

Hello, Alain. Hello, H?l?ne...

Everybody knows each other, used to

know or will get to know some day.

Excuse me. I have to make

other introductions.

There's no need

to introduce you two?

Good.

I'd like to ask you a few questions.

- I assure you, I don't understand.

- You will soon.

Did you meet H?l?ne Ducouret at

Dr. Danielli's?

Yes or no?

Yes.

H?l?ne Ducouret was Alain Berg?re's

mistress before you.

- Oh please...

- May I continue?

And who also became

Danielli's mistress.

When you met the witness, did you know

about her relationship with Berg?re?

I didn't know anything.

I was never concerned with

people's private lives.

It's up to you.

She came here to talk to me about

your friend Danielli,

Don't worry about it.

We'll call you when we need you.

Ms. Ducouret, I'm listening.

Do you like these parties?

I hate them.

Jacques loves them.

However, in his situation,

they are absolutely necessary.

Do you realize that?

Don't you think Alain looks

too gloomy?

Maybe you don't notice

since you see him every day

...but you have to pay attention.

- He works too much, poor soul,

He's up since 8am.

- I admire you.

He owes you everything

but I'm so happy

that he's finally found his way.

He deserves to succeed.

It's only fair, isn't it?

He's wasted enough time.

I hope H?l?ne is being a good hostess?

The subject of our conversation

has turned passionate,

like a novel.

And we're only on the first chapter.

Did you talk about Alain?

I like Alain.

He lacks self-confidence

but you've changed him.

H?l?ne is different.

She's so sceptical, so lucid.

It may only hurt her.

I have nothing to fear anymore.

I'm immune to all this.

I have in me this old, melancholy

streak,

that makes me shed tears of

blood and desesperation

about the human condition.

I swear, I'm not kidding.

- Have you seen Catherine?

- Catherine?

She's with Danielli, at the buffet.

- There's no reason to push me over.

- I'm sorry.

Oh, you excuse yourself now!

- Oh please...

- I assure you, you're making progress.

I was just talking to Ms. Racan.

How you like to spoil things!

Tell Danielli that

we aren't here to wash our

dirty linen!

Right, let's behave like gentlemen,

or pretend to be ones.

- Shut up!

- You're at my home.

- Even more reason to.

H?l?ne is so dear to me because

she offers an example

of someone very realistic and tough,

who doesn't forget, from time to time,

to show compassion for the others.

- You aren't drinking?

- No, I'm listening to you.

Beware, you should never listen to

men talking about themselves,

because in that case they're usually

talking about something else,

without ever recognizing it.

What's wrong?

Excuse me.

- How nice of you to come.

- I promised you.

I've kept the promise but

I can't stay long.

I think you know everybody

except maybe Ms. Racan.

We've met before.

It's a small world.

Indeed.

Alain Berg?re.

Excuse me.

Excuse me, I have a phone call.

Do you know Danielli?

- Through Alain.

- Alain?

Alain Berg?re, the photographer

from Nice.

Don't you remember anything?

I've seen too much.

Is it him?

The kid is making progress.

Bravo!

I like seeing people succeed.

You also look more assured.

They talk a lot about you

in press circles.

I'm not exaggerating.

I'm really happy.

And a bit flattered.

It's all due to my articles.

Well, they're yours.

It's very kind of you.

It's nice here, isn't it?

And it's one of the most liberal homes.

Danielli is a charming man.

One may say: vices humanize

a man so much,

They tidy him up, give him polish...

I'm sure you agree with me now.

No, don't worry, Madam.

I'm sure it's not that serious.

Yes, I'll be there in 10 minutes.

You aren't interrupting.

Please, wait for me.

Hello? Agreed. See you

soon, madam.

- You see, it's like this.

- Do you have to leave, doctor?

Of course.

Do you really have to rush out

at this hour,

while all these people having fun

right now.

Do you really think they're

having fun?

Are you having fun?

I don't know.

You've just got me worried.

Rest assured, I'm not asking for

anything.

I never ask anyone for anything.

What for?

But there are moments when

we have a panic attack.

Doesn't it happen to you?

Yes.

Especially, you, young women.

I'm always worried about you.

You want to live like boys but you're

so different and more vulnerable.

Well, Ms. Racan, I'm simply

trying to tell you

that you can trust me...

because... I like you a lot.

I hope we can talk about all this

when we see each other again.

See you later, dear. Go on

having fun without me.

You didn't know?

Blaise and Catherine...

You have all the links in the chain.

Look, Alain, please do me a favor.

I'm so tired.

You feel tired when it suits you.

Let's have fun for once.

Do as you wish.

Catherine!

Are you leaving?

Without saying "goodbye"

to me?

I'm tired.

All this is going too fast for me.

I have to get used to it.

Goodbye.

- Catherine!

- I have to go now.

This thing with Alain Berg?re...

Is it serious?

Is this a police interrogation?

No, you misunderstood!

Life is so stupid!

- Life is what you make of it.

- You haven't changed a bit!

Life is a lottery!

The numbers are up by chance:

7 and 14,

8 and 15...

And it goes on like this forever.

Regarding Alain and me, I don't intend

to dedicate my whole life to him.

It doesn't lead you anywhere.

What a waste!

Wasted time,

wasted tenderness...

Why to conceal it?

Whose fault is it?

Yours.

- Mine?

- Yes, yours.

Don't pretend you don't understand.

You know perfectly well what I'm saying.

For a few days, your eyes were sad

and melancholy, and then what?

You were wrong about me,

that's what I reproach you for.

You thought you had to defend

yourself against me.

I confess that I was afraid.

Yes, afraid!

I was afraid to be a burden to you.

Afraid of me?

Look at me and

look at yourself!

You could make anything out of me,

and you knew it well.

Stop it.

You could take me by the hand and

I'd follow you to the end of the world.

I'd never met anyone before you.

No one, you understand?

You were everything for me...

Catherine...

No, no. Do you remember:

never regret anything?

So many chances lost...

So many illusions destroyed...

How you're trembling, Catherine...

Yes, you're trembling.

You're afraid.

As soon as I'd entered that room

I only saw the void, the ghosts...

until I'd seen again your face...

- No, Blaise!

I thought if there was a chance to touch

your shoulder... - No, Blaise!

It's too late now.

Listen, no more speeches.

- You aren't going to let me leave

just like that? - Let me go.

- I was alone too!

- Let me go!

- Come, the car is waiting!

- It's not possible!

- Why, is it because of him?

- Because of whom, of what?

What does it matter?

Did you really think that you could

disappear just like that,

and I'd stay there breathless,

motionless,

waiting for your favors,

praying to Heaven to send you back

my way?

Life isn't that simple, Blaise.

You were right.

And for all this...

you let me come up here

to tell me all this.

Blaise!

To let me know I can't keep you 'cause

I was lucky to have you the first time.

- For this? Tell me!

- Blaise!

Catherine...

It's all over now.

It's forgotten, erased...

They're together, I saw them.

Did you notice how they looked at

each other all night?

Blaise left the same time as Danielli.

He warned that he wouldn' t stay long.

- As you you wish, my boy.

If it suits you... - Shut up!

She loves him, it's obvious.

She's always loved only him.

Go ahead!

Catherine, what are you doing here?

What's wrong?

Bastard!

Come here, little idiot!

Alain! Stop! Are you crazy?

I can explain!

We can't leave them like that!

We have to do something!

It's your fault. Now let Alain take

his revenge!

These two are crazy!

Leave me alone!

Puppies!

Catherine... It's over.

- Go away! Don't you understand?

Go away!

Very nice.

Danielli is innocent. I swear!

- What about this?

- What does it prove?

Because I wrote it.

Don't you believe me?

I'm asking myself how

I can believe you.

When you typed in an anonymous letter,

did you put just lies in there?

I'm telling you I was jealous,

blinded by jealousy.

That's what you say.

Just think for a second...

I'm here only to make up for the harm

I've done.

I wrote this letter when I was mad.

You have to understand me.

Did you know what kind of service

the doctor was asked for?

All I know that he refused.

Did Danielli tell you that Ms. Racan

came to see him?

Yes, he hinted it.

What about the professional secrets?

OK, he hinted it to you...

but when?

I don't remember exactly...

Wait...

Was it a few days or weeks after

that party?

- No, much later.

- When exactly?

Very recently. Danielli and Catherine

started seeing each other a lot.

He told me she interested him.

He found her amusing.

- And Danielli naturally refused?

- I'm sure of it!

He would never agree to it!

Miss, you seem to be pretty

well informed about Ms. Racan's life.

Can you tell me whom she's been

seeing recently?

Someone like Ms. Racan's seeing

a lot of people.

Like your friend Alain Berg?re?

They meet from time to time

but officially they broke up.

- How do you know?

- In our circles, everything is known.

- How about Mr. Walter?

- Blaise?

I think he got the message...

Actually, Ms. Racan disappeared from

our circle recently.

She went to the country for a change

of scene, to her family near Besan?on.

And then she suddenly reappeared.

There's someone you could

probably interrogate...

a little trumpeter with whom

Catherine spent a lot of time.

Thank you.

Did you say Besan?on?

I believe she has a lot of ties there -

her parents and friends...

Are you sure Ms. Racan came to see

Dr. Danielli after her trip?

Yes, I told you it was in

the early autumn.

We haven't seen her again after

that incident...

Find me anything from Besan?on - letters,

telegrams...

If they've already left the apartment,

send them back.

- What is it?

- We've found the trace of Danielli's.

OK, go. If there's anything new,

report to me.

OK?

Tell me, Ms. Racan...

Why didn't you tell me that

you went back to Besan?on?

It's not true!

That's what she told you.

She hates Danielli and

she hates me.

Besan?on is where Pierre Jaeger lives -

the young man with whom you arrived

to Paris.

- You saw him again, right?

- It's not true!

She made this all up!

Why are you resisting?

There's concrete proof against you.

We've found the documents and letters

at your place...

They leave no doubt about your

little adventure with your friend.

You have no right, you hear me?

You have no right!

I'll tell you the truth,

and it's very simple...

During your trip to Besan?on, you met

your former boyfriend.

Maybe you tried living together again.

I don't know and I don't care.

I'm not asking you why you didn't want

to stay with him, but one thing is clear

when you'd returned to Paris

you needed to see Danielli.

The dates, this telegram,

the doctor's statement,

the testimonies we've got -

everything concurs.

As you wish, at this point...

Look what we've found!

This came from Besan?on.

It's postmarked.

"Catherine, my dear Catherine,

"When you came here I was so excited

to see you again.

"I'll never forget the few days

we spent together.

"Our happiness from the old days

was reborn.

"Something was telling me

that your love smacked of pity.

"but I tried not to let it show.

"I tried to resemble what you

wanted me to be.

"We should have remained just friends

and not to start it over.

"Everything would've been simpler.

"You should've realized that, and I

should've more courage to resist you.

"My conduct at the station was

unforgivable but you have to forgive me.

No, Pierre, no!

"Happiness, when you've found it

after having lost it...

"And when you've lost it again,

that hurts so much.

"It seems that you can understand me

and forgive me.

Be careful, Pierre!

"When I saw on the train

that was taking you away,

"I realized that you were leaving

for good,

"that you were abandoning me

once again,

but this time I'll never see you again,

never again..."

Get off, Pierre!

The train is leaving!

- I thought the train would leave.

- I'm short of time.

We have 5 more minutes.

We've said everything.

Let's not start it all over again.

What if I stopped you from leaving

or left with you?

Don't be silly. Don't spoil

everything now.

What if I left with you? What if your

Parisian friends

saw you returning with

a hick in your luggage!

- Your Walters, your Daniellis!

- Shut up!

Because you're going back

and trying to find more reason to!

And just your impulses aren't

enough for you!

Tell me, why did you

come back here?

Because you'd also realized that!

You aren't stronger than

everybody else!

I came because I wanted to see

you again, Pierre.

For a moment I thought

I still loved you.

Catherine!

Didn't you like being with me

last night?

Didn't you feel secure?

At least, you don't regret it?

Tell me.

Tell me!

Yes, I can see it.

You'd like to erase all this,

like nothing happened!

Because I'm a failure and

you feel ashamed now!

But so are you, you know?

We're in the same boat.

- We're equal!

- You're hurting me!

Look, the train is moving! Go!

Get off, I'm begging you!

I don't care! Do you hear me?

I don't care!

Don't ever come back or

I'll kick you out!

Hello?

Very good.

Just a moment.

It's from Besan?on and

it's written by Pierre Jaeger.

Is it worth the trouble

for me to read that letter?

You don't have to bring it.

Thank you.

Sign it.

Do you think it's all fair?

She did what they asked

because she was tired,

because she was fighting all day

and now she was leaving.

But she felt something

she hadn't known before...

She felt ashamed.

Miss!

Miss!

Miss, I wanted to tell you...

I've just learned...

It had to end like this...

Yes.

It had to end like this.

He's dead, isn't he?

Dr. Danielli shot himself with a gun

at a restaurant at the Champs-Elys?es.

Because of you...

That day, destiny was particularly

cruel to her.

At the very moment she'd found a friend

and thought that her nighmare was over,

she didn't know yet what sort of

ironic conclusion she was heading for.

She had yet to find out what

sinister fame he rendered her,

this very Parisian doctor, by killing

himself in the middle of the city.

She suddenly recalled a man

that she loved so much,

who once predicted she would

be famous,

and would see her name

in the papers.

She, who dreamed of becoming someone

to talk about...

of conquering this terrifying city

where she arrived one autumn night...

very much like this one.