Judex (1963) - full transcript

UNANIMOUS WINNER

JEAN—GEORGE AURIOL PRIZE, 1963

“Judex.”

It’s a Latin word meaning

“judge” or “avenger.”

I know. Thank you.

This "avenger" seems
more like a blackmailer.

I never thought anyone
would dare blackmail me again.

I don’t understand
what this Judex wants.

He asks for nothing for himself,
whereas usually —

Don’t be so naive,
Vallieres.



If I show
the slightest fear,

that’s when
the real blackmail will start.

We’ll soon find out.
On to serious business.

Did the bank phone
with closing prices in New York?

Yes, sir.
It was as you predicted.

Come in.

Sir, a Mr. Cocantin
is here to see you.

He says
you’re expecting him.

That’s right.
Show him in.

Good timing.

Mr. Cocantin.

Allow me
to introduce myself, sir.

Alfred Cocantin,
private detective.

I run an agency
called Celeritas,



which I took over from my uncle,
the late Mr. Regaudet,

decorated
for services to education —

him, not me —

Sit down.

Thank you, sir.

— And you, sir?
— Mr. Vallieres, my secretary.

I had occasion
in the past

to call upon the services
of your predecessor,

and l was very satisfied.

I hope you’ll prove equally satisfactory.
— Rest assured, sir.

Here’s the situation:

Tomorrow we celebrate both
Favraux Bank’s 20th anniversary

and my daughter
Jacqueline’s engagement

to Viscount Amaury
de la Rochefontaine.

The chateau
will be full of guests,

and I’m counting on you
to prevent any indiscretions

on the part of staff
employed for the occasion

or even by certain
business acquaintances

l was obliged to invite.

You will be introduced
as one of our guests.

Mr. Vallieres
will explain all the details,

and you may inform him
of your terms.

l’ll introduce you
to my daughter at once

so that you’ll have free run
of the premises.

And while you’re at it,

try to discover
who wrote this letter.

It’s no doubt
some servant’s idea of a joke.

Vallieres,
come here for a moment.

“Mr. Favraux, | order you
to atone for your crimes

by turning half of your fortune
over to your victims.

You have
until 6:00 pm. tomorrow

to comply.”

Signed “Judex.”

Phone Marco and tell him to sell
all our Rio Pinto holdings,

and to make sure people know
it’s Favraux Bank that’s selling.

In three days, we’ll buy it all back
for next to nothing.

I believe I’ll be treating myself
to a nice birthday present.

Come, my dear Cocantin.

Let’s take in
the spring air.

/ insist on speaking
to Mr. Favraux!

l have no time for charity.

I’m not asking for charity.

Don’t recognize me, do you?

Twenty years in prison
change a man.

My name is Pierre Kerjean.
— Never heard of you.

You weren’t so haughty
during your trial.

You promised
to make me a rich man

if I kept quiet
and took the fall for you.

You promised to watch over
my family while I served my time.

But my wife died destitute,
and my son disappeared,

and you didn’t lift a finger.

Now, Favraux,

you’re going
to help me find my son.

If you don’t,
it’s not too late for me to talk.

This man’s crazy.

Give him 40 sous
and send him away.

Come along, my good man.

My dear Jacqueline,
this is Mr. Cocantin.

He will be
our guest tomorrow.

Allow me to introduce
my daughter, Mrs. Aubry.

Mr. Favraux informed me
of your engagement.

I’m honored to be among
the first to congratulate you.

Thank you, sir.

Ah, here’s
my granddaughter, Alice.

Say hello to the gentleman, darling.
— Hello.

Hello, young lady.

I know of a little girl
named Alice.

— Like me?
— Yes.

She was
in her garden one day,

and what did
she see run past?

A rabbit dressed
in a lovely blue suit.

He stopped in front of Alice
without seeing her

and took out his watch and said —
— The rabbit had a watch?

Yes, a gold watch
on a chain.

Like Grandfather?

Excuse me, ma’am.

I’ve come to get Miss Alice
for her lesson.

Mr. Cocantin,
this is Miss Verdier,

my granddaughter’s
governess.

Go with Miss Marie now,
and be a good girl.

Good—bye, my darling.

Show that gentleman
over there to his room.

Yes, sir.

I don’t understand.

I went to make inquiries
early this morning, as you asked.

That vagabond never regained
consciousness and died last night

at the hospital he’d been taken to
by passers—by who’d found him.

And no one suspects you.

“Not content to merely
destroy other people’s lives,

you murder them as well.

If by midnight tonight
you have not carried out my orders,

you will be punished
mercilessly.

Judex.”

Did you murder someone?
— What?

I mean... this letter —

Let me remind you
you’re not here on vacation

nor to tell stories
about rabbits and watches.

But!—

Silence! You have until this evening
to find out who wrote those letters.

Good—bye, monsieur.
— Very well.

...Miss Jacqueline doesn’t seem
too happy about it. ..

No, and as the big day
approaches. . .

Her father’s
making her remarry,

though she was quite unhappy
the first time around.

He married her off
too young, poor girl.

He must like the sound of a
“de la Rochefontaine” for a son—in—law!

And what a match
for the bridegroom!

It seems
he doesn’t have a sous.

I’m sure he can’t wait
to come sleep in this bed.

No, Mr. Favraux. ..

I will never be
your mistress.

Marie, I need you so.

Will you be my wife?

We’ll be married
right after Jacqueline’s wedding.

My fortune will be yours.

I’m not the sort of woman
you can buy.

“‘Will you walk a little faster?’
said a whiting to a snail.

‘There’s a porpoise close behind us,
and he’s treading on my tail.

See how eagerly the lobsters
and the turtles all advance!

They are waiting on the shingle.
Will you come and join the dance?”’

I wonder what sort of mask
Favraux will wear.

A vulture’s head.

My dear friends...

I’d like to announce
some great and happy news.

Tonight we are
not only celebrating

the culmination
of 20 years of effort

and utmost dedication

that have allowed
the Favraux Bank to prosper

and extend its activities
into almost every branch of industry.

We’re celebrating as well...

the engagement

of my daughter Jacqueline

to Viscount Amaury
de la Rochefontaine.

My joy is all the greater —

With the great happiness
I feel at this moment —

I’m a doctor.
Let me through.

He’s dead.

Diana...

THE NIGHT
AFTER FAVRAUX’S FUNERAL...

Mr. Favraux died
at the exact time indicated

in Judex’s second letter.

The coincidence
is extremely troubling.

I felt it was merely that — coincidence.
That’s why I said nothing.

I felt it was my duty
to inform you.

Mrs. Aubry will decide for herself
what action to take.

Mr. Cocantin...

I’m sure I needn’t ask you
to exercise the utmost discretion.

Besides, I believe you’re bound
by professional secrecy.

You can count on me, sir.

Vallieres,
we must alert the police.

No, madame.
That’s impossible.

Why?

Madame, those letters
speak the truth.

Show me
some kind of proof.

| only remained
in your father’s employ

to try to set right, insofar as
my modest means would allow,

certain misdeeds
I’d been powerless to prevent.

Mr. Favraux’s fortune...

like that of many others...

has its origins...

in the Panama scandal.

Your father was
at that time

just a stockbroker’s clerk.

And then...

fate placed
in his possession —

I’d rather not say how —

certain documents
that were very compromising

for certain high—ranking
politicians and financiers.

With those documents,

he had no trouble obtaining
the funds and backing

to carry out
his first major business deals.

As early as 1882,

when the Union Générale
Bank crashed...

Not a moment too soon.

This will take three days.

Follow the doctor’s
instructions to the letter,

and don’t let your guard down
for a single moment.

Jacqueline,
the gentleman is right.

It’s no use insisting.
I’ve given it a lot of thought.

l’m renouncing
my inheritance.

| only ask
that my daughter’s share

be kept for her
until she comes of age.

I’ll leave it in your hands,

and I thank you.

My respects, madame.

This is madness!
Why are you doing this?

Since my inheritance seems to be
of such great concern to you,

it’s only fair
to release you from your vow.

Do as your feelings dictate.

In that case, allow me
to reclaim my freedom.

Your luggage has been loaded
on the carriage outside, sir.

You are free to leave
whenever you wish.

Thank you, Fernand.
Good—bye.

Good—bye, sir.

Madame, I’ve come
to say good—bye.

Good—bye, Vallieres.

Thank you for everything.

I remain
your devoted servant.

Don’t hesitate to call
if you need me.

Thank you, Vallieres.

You’re my only friend.

I’m going to be very lonely.

My little Alice
only left yesterday,

and I miss her already.

I worry about her.

There’s no reason to.

Marie—Jeanne is a fine woman,
and she adores the child.

Besides,
Loisy isn’t that far away.

I know.

I suppose
all mothers are like me.

Good—bye.

Come see me now and then.
I’d like that.

I’ll write you
with my new address.

Good—bye, madame.

Well, well —
Favraux’s widow!

Please!

That’s not funny.

If you only knew
how it felt to leave there

with my wages in hand
like a servant,

when l was nearly
the lady of the house.

Don’t be angry.
I was just joking.

You think I’m happy
about the situation?

He could at least
have married you

and then
kicked the bucket.

Hands off.
This isn’t the time.

Save your energy for tonight.
— What are we doing tonight?

— Going back to the chateau.
— What?

Listen.

There are some extremely
valuable documents in his office.

We’ve hit
the mother lode this time.

Have a look in there.

Hello .7

Act natural
or you’ll regret it.

Jacqueline, he/p/

Help me!

Jacqueline, answer me!

Marie Verdier!

Get the chloroform!

Let’s take her with us.
It’ll give us time to make her talk.

My tool bag.

“If anyone threatens you,
set these pigeons free.

I will rush to your aid.

I’m watching over you.
Judex.”

That was Favraux’s voice
on the phone. I’m sure of it.

It could have been a hoax.

What about the dogs?

And Judex’s threatening
letters to Favraux?

Are they hoaxes too?

What if Favraux’s still alive,
held prisoner by Judex?

It could be worth
trying to find him, right?

You’d stand to gain too
if! married him.

Keep dreaming.

If Favraux marries you —
assuming we find him —

when Jacqueline tells him
what you did to her last night —

She won’t be a nuisance
much longer,

once I learn what’s happened
to her father — which won’t be long now.

What do you intend to do?

I need two strong men.

Go tell Pierrot and Leon.

The four of us will pay our respects
tonight at Favraux’s grave.

MEANWHILE,
AT FAVRAUX’S “GRAVE”...

Favraux!

BANKER FAVRAUX. ..

I HAD CONDEMNED YOU
TO DEATH.

YOUR DAUGHTER’S ACTIONS
HAVE SAVED YOUR LIFE.

I CONDEMN YOU INSTEAD
TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT.

Where is he?
I want to talk to him.

Later.
You’re still too weak.

You had a close call.

No thanks to him.
If you hadn’t picked me up in time —

Perhaps he knows
something about my son.

I thought about that myself
when l snatched him from his grave.

Just as I thought.
Favraux has vanished.

We have to find Jacqueline.
— But how?

She left her kid
with the nanny.

I’ll get her address
from the nanny.

Your turn.

Come in.

A telegram for you,
Mrs. Aubry.

Thank you.

Mrs. Vivier.

My daughter’s just had
a serious accident.

This is from her nanny.
I must go.

It may not be
as bad as you fear.

I’ll look after the little one.

There she is.

She fell for the telegram.

Your turn now, Pierrot.
Have you got it?

Room 20, third floor.

Grab any papers
bearing Favraux’s name

or dealing with banks
or money.

We’ll pick up Morales
and head for the countryside.

Got it. If I run into anyone,
I’ll say I’m checking the plumbing.

A pigeon just arrived.

Kerjean
will drive you to Loisy.

See if anything’s happened
to a Marie—Jeanne Bontemps there

who’s looking after
a little girl named Alice.

Get the other car ready for me.
I’ll stop in Paris first.

Are you feeling ill,
madame?

Lean on me.

This woman doesn’t look well, Sister.
May I offer you my car?

Thank you, sir.

We’ll take her
to the clinic where | work.

That poor woman
looks terribly ill.

These city women
are so fragile.

How true.

— She’s not sinking.
— We should have weighed her down.

I want to see
where she goes.

Ship ahoy!

There’s someone
in the water.

Hey, mister!

There’s someone
in the water!

Quick, go get help!

Let’s hope she’s dead.

Follow them
and try to find out.

— Is she dead?
— No, she fainted.

No, go play elsewhere.
You shouldn’t see this.

Call Marville
for an ambulance right away.

I’m on my way.

Get up!

Help! Help!

It’s the same lady.

— What’s going on?
— Damn piece of junk!

— What’s the problem?
— I don’t know. It broke down.

Did an ambulance go by
coming from Loisy?

Not half an hour ago.
It went that way.

Thank you.

Watch the vehicles.
I’ll have a look around.

You think anyone’s inside?

It’s abandoned.

Better here
than out on the road, right?

Go get the car
and come back for us.

It’s quite a hike!

Stop!

Kill him! He saw me.

My name’s Pierre Kerjean.

That ring was once mine.

I gave it to my wife
the day l was arrested.

You’re my father.

Filthy traitor!

Now I’ve told you everything.

If Mother hadn't died —

If you’d been with us,

perhaps things
would have been different.

It’s a good thing you appeared.
— Rather late in the game.

No, Judex.

This is my son.
l’ve forgiven him

— Where are the others?
— The woman’s in there.

Break down the door.

Two men brought you to me.

They said they knew
of my loyalty to your family.

You were delirious.
They left without further explanation.

The younger of the two
said his name was Judex.

Who are you?

Don’t come any closer.

Don’t be afraid.

l’m Vallieres.

What about my daughter?

Why isn’t she here?

She’s safer in Loisy,

where my men
are watching over her.

Your men?

Listen to me, I beg you.

I’m not your enemy.
You know that.

Leave me alone.
You killed my father.

No, Jacqueline.
He’s alive.

Alive?

It’s true.
I intended to kill him.

I could have done so without
arousing the slightest suspicion.

But I couldn’t do it...

for your sake.

BUT WHAT HAD BECOME OF
COCANTIN THE DETECTIVE?

“The coffin was empty.

With a cry of rage,
the two nuns recoiled

as the coffin
fell to the ground.

‘Just who are you?’
cried one,

as she suddenly threatened
the other with a gun.

The other nun
pulled out a gun too.

‘Enough of this charade!’
she shouted imperiously.

With their free hands,
both nuns pulled off their veils,

and cries of hatred
escaped their lips.

‘Juve!’

‘Fantomas!”’

What is it now?

Sir, this little kid —

What nerve!

Mr. Cocantin, please.

That’s me, my child.
What do you have to tell me?

This woman here is the nun
who kidnapped Alice’s mother

in an ambulance.

When the real nurses got back
to the village, they were a mess.

Alice said it was
her governess,

and Marie—Jeanne
knew you were a —

What are you again?

A detective.

Right. She said
you were a detective...

and that you were
at Alice’s mother’s chateau

when she was rich.

Hold on.
I’m not following any of this.

This is Mrs. Aubry,
and this is Miss Verdier.

Leave us, please.
— Yeah, go away.

Try to be a bit clearer.

What’s Miss Verdier got to do
with kidnapping someone?

That’s Alice’s governess.
It was on Marie—Jeanne’s mantelpiece.

She’s the nun
in the ambulance

who took Alice’s mother away
after she drowned.

What’s all this about nuns?

You’re sure
this is the place?

| tell you,
Marie—Jeanne said it was here.

l was so happy with you.

Why did this have
to spoil everything?

You know I still love you.
For me nothing’s changed.

No, it’s over.

I could never
trust you again.

We can start over.
We can forget about all this.

Leave me alone.

Can’t you see I’m unhappy
and that we’re through?

Leave me and go.

Go find your darling daddy,
since he means so much to you.

My father told me
where Favraux is,

and I know
how to get to him.

It’s her!

See you tomorrow
along the Cote des Moines.

I’ll be tailing you tomorrow,
sweetheart.

— Me too!
— No, you’ll stay at my place.

This could be dangerous.
Come on.

Careful.
I’m being followed.

— I don’t understand!
— Well! It’s Mr. Cocantin.

Since he’s so curious,
we’ll take him with us.

Keep an eye on him.
I’ll hide the car.

Get out.

THAT EVENING,
THANKS TO JUDEX...

JACQUELINE WOULD SEE
HER FATHER AGAIN.

Don’t say a word.
We’ve no time to waste.

Go straight to Loisy and gather
the men. Await my orders there.

Come with me, Cocantin.

Your father’s been kidnapped.

I promised l’d return him to you,
and I’ll keep my word.

— And that’s all you heard?
— Just the name of the town,

and a building being torn down.
Not much to go on.

It’s got to be around here.

How’d he get here?

— It’s unbelievable!
— How’d you get here?

In the crooks’ car.
I know where they are.

— Get in.
— I hid in the trunk. It’s that way.

They’re up there.

They barred the door.

Call Loisy 3
and give them our location.

Loisy 3...

We’re safe here.
Here’s what we’ll do.

We’ll go into hiding
for a while.

When Judex has lost
all trace of you, you can reemerge.

You’ll recover your name
and your fortune.

My brother and I
will help you.

You’ll be rich and powerful
once again.

No, dear Marie,
that’s impossible.

Many people
were only too glad l’d “died,”

some of them
in high places.

I’m ashamed to admit it,

but people hated me.

If I came back,
I wouldn’t remain alive for long.

There’s too much at stake.

All | ask is to be forgotten

and to be left alone to live

with my daughter
and granddaughter.

Mr. Favraux...

you asked me once
to marry you.

| only hesitated
because of your vast fortune.

Now...

I can say yes.

I’m sure
he didn’t come alone.

The others might already be
inside or on the roof.

Go and see.

Mr. Favraux...

we could be in
for a rough night.

Get some rest.
There’s a bed next door.

What about you?

Don’t worry about me.

I’ll keep watch here
with my brother.

When I get tired,
you can come take my place.

Morales is a coward.

He’ll betray me
the first chance he gets.

I want nothing more
to do with him.

I need a man like you.

Favraux has certain information
that’s worth a fortune.

I know
how to get him to talk.

Just think of what
we could do together...

you and l.

Your loss, you fool!

It’s to keep him from yelling.
Come next door.

DAISY’S CIRCUS

Daisy!

Cocantin!

Stop!

I’m so happy
to see you again.

Come this way.

You know my uncle,
the lion tamer,

that brute who “only wanted
what was best” for me?

Well, the lions ate him.

Now I’m free.

But what are you
doing here?

I’m waiting for a friend
who’s in danger up there.

You have to help him!

I can’t.
I’m no acrobat.

Sound asleep.
Lucky him.

We should get out of here
right now.

His men could find us
any minute.

We can’t just let them
nab us here!

Perhaps you’re right.

Bring the car around
to the door by the empty lot.

Stop!

Hands up and don’t move.

One move and you’re dead.

You’ll never
get me again, Judex.

For the last time, Favraux,
give yourself up,

or I’ll break this door down.

IN HOMAGE TO LOUIS FEUILLADE

IN MEMORY OF AN UNHAPPY TIME