La Chienne (1931) - full transcript

DIGITALLY RESTORED IN 2014
FROM THE ORIGINAL NEGATIVE

Ladies and gentlemen,

we are proud to present

a stirring social drama.

Our presentation will prove

that vice never goes unpunished.

Ladies and gentlemen,
we're proud to present

a comedy with a moral.

- What are you doing?
- Announcing the show.

- That's my job.
- No, it's mine.

Ladies and gentlemen,
don't listen to them.



The play we shall perform
is neither drama nor comedy.

It contains no moral message

and has nothing to prove.

The characters are neither
heroes nor villains.

They're plain folk
like you and me.

The three leads are...

He, She, and the Other Guy -
as always.

He's a good sort,
shy, getting on in years,

and incredibly naive.

In sensitivity and intellect

he's so superior
to those around him

that they take him
for a complete idiot.

She...

is a girl with a certain charm



and a touch of vulgarity.

She's always sincere...
and lies all the time.

The Other Guy...

is just plain Dédé -
enough said.

And now, ladies and gentlemen,

on with the show!

Speaking for myself,

on this ceremonious occasion
I'm very moved to convey to you

the fond respect
of our happy family,

the firm that you manage
like a father.

Believe me, Mr. Henriot,

that the entire staff
of Henriot & Company,

hosiery wholesalers,
for whom I speak,

are proud of this award,

which is fitting recognition
of your courageous efforts.

Gentlemen, to your health!

Now, my friends...

as we say in the army...

bottoms up!

That's a good one.

Good old Legrand,
always on the ball!

The life of the party awakens!

Great idea!
It'll be a scream with old Legrand.

I say, Legrand,

the nighfs still young.

Here's what we've planned...

He won't go for it.

He's too scared of his wife.

No, I'd rather go straight home.

Did your wife give you
a midnight curfew?

Yes. I don't want trouble at home,
and I'm just not interested.

Are such crass pleasures
beneath you?

No, I know we can sometimes find

nature in a bouquet
of faded flowers,

the forest
in a bottle of perfume,

or freedom in a few cocktails,

but I believe those things
are best found in solitude.

I thought you were
more fun than that!

The illusion of love may survive

the sight of a dingy bedroom,
but inevitably one awakens.

I don't take life so seriously.

What counts is having fun
and being with the right crowd.

Well, you'll enjoy yourselves
more without me.

I'm not much fun,
and I'm not very sociable.

Very well, but I must say...

when it comes to wet blankets,
you lake the cake!

I'm awfully sorry,
Mr. Henriot.

It would have been funnier
with him there!

Don't sulk.
You know I don't like it.

I'm not sulking, Déde'.

I'll teach you to say
you're not sulking when you are!

I'll get you
your 100 francs tomorrow.

I need them tonight!

I can't go to Marchafs now.
It's too late.

Enough excuses!

Take that.

Are you hurt?

Forgive me.
I was passing by.

You hurt him.

I'll see you home.

We can't leave him like this.

He'll catch his death of cold.

I don't have money for a taxi.

It's all your fault!

It's nothing, darling.

The fresh air
was a shock for you.

We'll take you home.

You'll go to bed
and get some sleep.

You'll be fine.

Number 3, Rue Perrault.

No, wait here.
I'll be right down.

I'm sick of being around
such a dopey dame.

Get your claws in this guy
or we're through.

Bitch!

Sure, Déde', whatever you want.

I bumped into the door.

He's much better.

Which way are you headed now?

I live near Barbés.

May I accompany you?

All right.
We can walk. it's not far.

If you like.

He has good manners.

He can be nice when he wants.
- Still...

He has manners,
but he's easily led astray.

Then he gets worked up,
you know?

I understand.

Just yesterday
he said if he had money,

he'd dress me up nice
and I wouldn't look half bad.

You look fine as you are.

And he's so talented.

He does a terrific imitation
of Maurice Chevalier.

But he has no connections,
so I have to help him'

You help him?

Yes, we've been together
three years.

That's like being married,
isn't it'?

Yes.

You're an usher in a theater?

No, I'm... a painter.

I live around here.

- May I see you to your door?
- No, I'd best say good-bye here.

I live with my family,

and if neighbors see me
with a gentleman -

- Will I see you again?
- I'll write to you.

- I'd like that.
- But at what address?

General delivery.
Maurice Legrand, with a D.

I'm married, you see.

All right,
but which post office?

Which post office?
Place Vintimille.

Good-bye, then.

Good-bye, Mr. Legrand.

Darling!

Hey there.

I'm sorry!
What do I owe you?

Fifteen francs.

- Keep the change.
- Thank you.

Are you about done
clowning around?

Sorry.
I was trying to be quiet.

Why are you back so late?

It's not late.

I said to be home by 11:00!

Everyone from work was there.

The boss made a speech,
and the senator came.

That's no reason to wake me up
with your crummy pictures!

I'm sick of your paintings!

Kindly remove these canvases

that are cluttering up
my apartment!

My visitors think
they're in a junk shop!

I put them away as best I can.

I never want to see them again!
You hear me?

Find another place for them...

or I'll have the junkman come up

and haul all this garbage away!

Understand?

Painting! The very idea!

It's my only passion.

You call that a passion?

You're the laughingstock
of the neighborhood,

fancying yourself an artist!

Oh, I wouldn't go that far...

My first husband would
never have wasted his time

fiddling around with painting!

Ah, yes. The sergeant.

That's right.
The sergeant!

A real man! A hero!

A brave man
who gave his life in 1914

for sluggards like you!

That wasn't my fault.

How handsome
my Alexis looked on parade!

I admit I'm not as dashing
as Alexis Godard!

In any case, you've been warned.

Now hurry up and get to bed!
I want to get some sleep!

You must have made
a lovely couple.

ONE MONTH LATER

Here's the life of the party.

Poor thing.

His wife beat him up.

Leave him alone.
He's a nut case.

You and Josephine Baker -
don't make me laugh!

It's like saying

you met old Legrand out
with a pretty girl!

You see, Yvonne?
What would you have done?

Maurice had me leave my family
and move in here.

Maurice?

The painter I met when Dédé
felt faint and we took him home.

What about Dédé?

He knows all about it,
of course.

Why would he be jealous
of a 42-year-old man?

Come look in here.
- Sure.

You sure have a nice view!

He's a swell guy,
setting you up like this.

Is he very rich?

He gives me lots of stuff,
but I think he's a bit stingy.

The furniture
is on the installment plan,

because
he couldn't pay up front.

Did you see the wallpaper?

Dédé helped pick it out.
I want him to like it here.

You're so sweet to him.

See the pictures?

Maurice painted them.
Oil paintings.

His wife couldn't stand them,

so he brought them here.

I'm no expert,
but I think they're swell.

Good thing he's giving me
money tomorrow.

Household expenses,
the furniture, rent,

a tip for the concierge -
it adds up!

Only I'm not telling Déde'.

If he knows,
I have 1,000 francs,

he'll remember he owes
one guy 800, and another 300,

and I'll be broke!

Better for him
that I get settled in.

Come see the bathroom.

My dream!

And a vacuum cleaner!
- It's more hygienic.

This thing uses gas.
It's automatic!

It must be handy
for washing clothes.

- Want to take a bath?
- No kidding! Can I?

I'll get you
a fresh bar of soap.

You love your painter?

I can't say
I dislike it with Maurice.

It's just nothing.
I lay back and think of Dédé.

- You go to his place?
- Of course not. He's married.

To a colonel's widow!

Well, I never!

Ifs not disgusting
like it was with old Marchal.

He was the lusty type.

So why did you do it
with Marshal?

I had to when Dédé was broke.

So you like my little place?

What would you have done
in my place?

Amédée, I'm thirsty.

I'll shuffle.

A strawberry vermouth.
Same for you, Gustave?

Two vermouth!

A word of advice, pal:

Train them correctly
right from the start

And for that you gotta know
what you're doing.

Especially since
your dame's no spring chicken.

Don't let her snow you
with her diamonds and chauffeur.

How did you know all that?

When I see a handsome kid
like you in a fancy car

with some old bag,

you can't tell me
she's your cousin

and that you saved up
for the gas!

I bet you met at a dance hall.

You always meet that type
in a dance hall.

You're right,

but you're hardly one
to be handing out advice.

I know. You mean Lulu.

You're sayin' she still acts
kinda... dopey, right?

I've never been able
to get her to wise up.

I really have to rough her up

just to get her
to bring me 50 francs!

But now...

with Legrand on the hook,
I'll be on easy street.

Easy street!
- Who's this Legrand?

The guy I met the other night.

He's loaded, pal!

Don't know him.

He tried to horn in
on my conversation with Lulu.

A guy in a tux.

Probably dead drunk
from some nightclub.

He starts bawling me out,
so I lay him out flat.

God's truth.
So he gets up and says,

“Okay, okay.
Let's go have a drink.”

We were bosom buddies
just like that!

Back at your stupid
painting again?

Been out for a walk, dear?

I don't have time for fun.

I went to collect my dividends.

Our dividends.

My dividends!

Nothing here is yours.

Our dividends.

Ours.

Our dividends.

So you're cluttering up my place
with more paintings?

I said to get rid of them,
not paint more.

- Just one picture.
- Another self-portrait?

You couldn't find
some other model?

And what did you do
with the others?

Sold them to the junkman.

Sold them?
You couldn't have!

I did. For 100 francs.

Where's the money?

Hand it over.

Scared I'd do
something extravagant?

With what I give you every week,

and the way you waste it
on paints and canvas?

I don't have
to worry about that!

You're not like Alexis.

Did you have to worry
with Alexis?

He was a man.

A real ladies' man.

Amédée, another round.

- Vermouth?
- Strawberry for me. Always.

Yes, pal, he's a painter.

He paints pictures
and sells them in America.

They sell as fast
as he can paint 'em.

He's setting Lulu up nice.

The dumb broad was talking

about dropping him for me -
a pimp!

I spelled it out for her.

Said I'd see her more often,
since he's hitched.

And I can take her out in society
once she's smartly dressed.

How would I look
going out with a dame

who's in cheap cotton stockings
and a dime-store hat?

Not me!

Anyway,
I've won 37.50 francs.

Add it to what I owe you.
You're in no rush for it, right?

Mind getting the drinks too'?

What a lovely evening.
You spoil me, darling.

Happy?

Yes, but I'm worried
you're spending too much on me.

I have eight francs left.
Enough for the metro.

Half past midnight.

I told Adéle
I'd be back by midnight.

How time flies!

And we didn't even
do anything, darling.

When I think we've never
spent a night together.

I'd love to spend
a whole night with you,

feel your warm, soft body
next to mine all night long.

I'm coming up.

No, you mustn't get
in trouble over me.

I'll make up something.
Let me come up.

Be sensible.
I want to as much as you do.

Go home now.
I have to go.

Your lights are on!

I forgot to turn them off
when I left.

I'd rather come up,
just in case.

Don't worry. A burglar
wouldn't turn on the lights.

And I'm afraid three flights
would exhaust you.

What a sweet girl!

Kiss me.

Better than that.

It's Pelletier!

Evening, Déde'!

It's about time.
I was about to scram.

Darling, Maurice saw the light
and wanted to come up.

So what?

You can say
I'm your kid brother Fernand.

Listen.

I need some dough, baby.

I don't have any.

He only had eight francs left.

And those flowers?

And what's that?
- Candy.

Fine. I'm off.

Where are you going to do
with those?

If anyone asks,
just say you don't know.

- Dédé.
- What?

Stay a while.

Sure! And make polite
conversation with Madame?

What do you take me for?

- Yes, Mr. Gustave?
- A brandy.

- Make it two.
- Two brandies!

- What's all this?
- I gotta talk to you.

This is strictly legit.

I'm not getting mixed up
in any shady business.

I'm selling paintings.
- You're kidding me!

What are you laughing about?

There's money in paintings
like everything else.

Legrand gave them to Lulu.
I'm selling 'em.

Are they signed?
The cops will get you.

They're not signed.

I won't say they're
by Maurice Legrand, idiot.

He gave them to Lulu,
so they're mine.

People say
they're worth something.

With paintings,
all that counts is the signature.

Since you can't use
a well-known name,

all you'll get is peanuts.

Same again, Amédée.

- Put it on my tab.
- Will do.

I'll say I painted them.

You don't look like a painter.

- Lulu, then.
- “Lulu”! That's no name.

What's her full name?

Lucienne Pelletier.

Sounds low-class.

I've got an idea.

Say Lulu painted them,
but call her Clara Wood.

Whds Clara Wood?

A filly who won at Tremblay today.
Cost me 500 francs.

We gotta see an an dealer fast.
I'll come with you.

Okay-

I'll break my date
with the old bag.

We'll get a cab
and I'll help with your paintings.

Yeah, forget the old bag.

I've had enough
of this art game.

This is my last try.

Don't let it get you down.
You gotta keep trying.

Wait for us here.

- Mr. Wallstein?
- That's me.

- I have two paintings here.
- Just a minute.

Where'd that lithograph go'?

Let's see them.

They're unsigned.
Who are they by?

Clara Wood.

- Who's that?
- An American artist.

- And they belong to you'?
- No. Well, practically.

I'm her business manager.

I see.

I'm Langelarde, the art critic.

You know, it's critics
who make a painter's career.

I might be able to promote
this Clara Wood.

Is she young?
Does she paint a lot?

I'd say sq!

She's a great artist.

- That remains to be seen.
- I'm happy to discuss it.

I can see we'll get along.

I'm sure we will.

And all strictly on the level.

Wallstein, come have a look.

Look at this.

SEVERAL WEEKS GO BY

Excuse me.
My boss sent me.

I'd like to ask
the price of this painting.

Twenty-five thousand.

But it's not even
a well-known artist.

Perhaps not to you,

but Clara Wood is becoming
quite famous abroad.

Really?
My boss said the same thing.

Could you give me her address?

My boss would like
to deal with her directly.

Impossible.

Clara Wood has signed
an exclusive ten-year contract

with Mr. Wallstein.

What a pity. Good-bye.

It was my idea,

and my kid brother Fernand
took the paintings to a dealer.

Your brother Fernand?

I told you about him.
He's in business.

Oh, yes.

And the dealer thought
they were terrific.

He wanted the artist
to sign them all,

and you did give them
to me, didn't you?

Yes, darling.

Don't you think ifs swell
we sold them all,

all those paintings you said
were too ugly to sign?

I think it's great.

I'm so happy to be going out
in society with you.

I feel the same way.
You know that.

Only the evening
isn't going to be much fun.

Thafll do.

The other hand.

I know Langelarde's friends.

All artists,
decked out in blue and red.

No idea how to dress.

You look so sharp.

I'd love to go
somewhere classy with you,

like the opera.

No one goes
to the opera anymore.

But if you really want to,
we can go.

One of these days.

It's just that now
that you've made it -

I've made it?

Yes, you're a big name now,
and all thanks to me!

You gotta go out and be seen.

So tonight we just gotta
put up with those loonies.

Now that I've made it,

I wish I hadn't,

so I could be with you
all the time

in a little house,
just you and me.

Well, tonight
I gotta talk to Wallstein.

Yes, Dédé.

My tum.

Evening, boys.

Isn't Clara here?

She's probably with Langelarde.

Don't mind us, Clara!

Mr. Wallstein,
how about a little advance?

Don't push it, pal.

Besides, Langelarde has
a client to introduce to Clara.

Just be patient.
- Whds the client?

Some guy who wants
his portrait done.

Clara doesn't do portraits!

That's her big mistake.

Clara, we must have
a serious talk.

You're pleased with me, I hope?

I take you out in high society,

and we've started
to attract a lot of collectors.

Now, believe me,

it's time you start
doing portraits.

I don't feel like it.

Why not'? We've given
lots of painters their start.

And this
is a very attractive deal.

I'll introduce you anyway.
The guy's loaded.

If you're too dumb to seize
this chance, tough luck.

No, I don't want
to do portraits.

Men are such bores!

It's always the same thing.

Play us something nice.

A little waltz?

I'll talk to her.

Come on.

Are you crazy?
Turning down that deal!

Would you like me to do it?

What do you think?

I'll ask him
for a photo of himself.

Then Maurice can do it.

No, no photos.
They'll smell a rat.

Just ask him
for an advance of 5,000

and then get friendly with him.

What a bore!

What's it matter,
just this once?

Good evening, Langelarde.

My dear Mr. Dugodet.

Allow me to introduce
Mr. Wallstein.

My pleasure.

- Mr. Gustave.
- My pleasure.

Where's this Clara you spoke of?

She's over there dancing.

Clara, my dear.

Clara, this is Mr. Dugodet.

It's an honor.

What an unusual place!

But you know
what they say about artists!

It's quieter over here.

Time to go, pal.

- She's really something!
- That's one way to handle it.

Darling!

Put “Pay to the order of'
and my name.

Andre' Joguin.

Thatis-h'.

Now your name.

The date.

That's it.

You can be so inept, sugar.

So inept.

Very nice.

You say your wine merchant
coughed up

without batting an eye'?

Then you're not
very smart, baby.

You should have asked for more.

Listen...

can you lend me 300 of that

to buy fabric
and get a dress made?

You're the one
who wants me to go out.

In your situation,

a smart dame always finds a way.

Don't ask me! Who got you
where you are now? Me!

Jeez!

I owe on the furniture too.

Then tell the old guy
to get a move on.

He must paint in slow motion!

You're leaving already?

You're mean.

You're going to that café again

where your pals
will get you drinking.

It's bad for you.

They'll win
all your money at cards.

Well, good-bye, darling.

Bye.

Kiss me better than that.

Don't drink too much.

And be careful
you don't catch cold.

You look so sad.

Come now.

What's the matter?

Is something wrong'?

I thought Wallstein -

Oh, art dealers
make lots of promises

they don't always keep.

Anyway...
maybe it'll all work out.

But for now I'm broke.

All right.

Good night, Legrand.

- Mr. Legrand?
- Yes.

- Don't you recognize me?
- No.

Sure you do.

I'm sure you've seen
my face somewhere.

I'm sure she's put
my picture in plain view.

I know how she is:

right where
it will get your goat, too.

Don't recognize me
without the mustache?

Alexis Godard, the sergeant!

I was your wife's husband!

Alexis Godard?

My wife's husband?
The sergeant?

But aren't you dead?
- Yes!

That's why I need
to talk to you.

But not here.
Let's go to a cafe' and I'll explain.

Come on.

In September 1914,
I was reported killed in action.

But I was a POW in Germany
under a dead pal's name.

I'd taken his ID card.

I swapped mine for his.

To get away from my wife,
not the army.

- And after that?
- After that?

After the war ended,

I knocked around
and even went to jail.

I have an offer for you.

An offer?

Suppose I said, “That's my wife.

You're not married.

I'm taking her back.
It's my right.

And I'm a war hero!

What were you doing
while I was off being killed?

You stole my lawful wife.”
What would you say?

Why, I'd have no answer.

I'd have to step aside.
- Sorry.

You got a cigarette?

Gimme a light.

Thanks.

I thought you'd want to help me.

I'm willing to make
the sacrifice,

but I deserve
a little something, don't I?

What's 10,000 francs to you?

Not all at once, of course.

Give me 5,000 today

and the rest in a month or two.

No, I'm the one
who should walk away.

I'm the one
who must make the sacrifice.

You're Ad'ele's lawful husband.
You have priority.

I stole your wife.

It was excusable
as long as I didn't know,

but I can't go on with it now!

What a shame.

I passed myself off for dead.
I took another man's name.

I even pulled some capers
in a dead man's name.

If I go public now
by claiming my wife,

I'll have to explain
to the authorities.

No! I gotta disappear!

Give me 1,000 francs
and you'll never see me again.

A thousand francs?

I'm sure you've done like I did

and squirreled
some money away on the sly.

Yes, we have some savings.

Adéle hides it in the wardrobe.
I'm not allowed near it.

But come to think of it...

you're Mrs. Godardls
real husband.

That's right.

So why don't you come
and take the money?

You know where the wardrobe is.

No dice. If you want to pay me,
take the money yourself.

No, listen.

If I take
Mrs. Godard's money

from her apartment,
I'm a burglar.

What if Adéle catches me
and calls the police?

Don't worry. We're going
to the theater tomorrow night.

We'll be out until midnight.

Come tomorrow night at 11:00.
I'll give you the key.

When you walk past
the concierge's door,

just call out “Legrand.”

Once you've got what you want,

you can just walk out.

It's a deal.

Tomorrow night at 11:00.

Legrand?

Marlborough is of! to war

Who knows when he'll return

You went to that café again?

Don't worry your little head.

Marlborough is of! to war

Marlborough is of! to war

Who knows when he'll return

Just look
at the state you're in!

He?! return on Easter

He?! return on Easter

Or Trinity Sunday

What if he came back
before that?

I'd love to see your face

if he came back before that.

You're revolting!

Just go to bed!

We'll have a little talk
about this tomorrow.

Just you wait!

Big things are going
to happen tomorrow, Adéle.

Forgive me, Madame,
for being so familiar

and calling you Adéle.

It's a habit born
of a long misunderstanding

that led to us sleeping
together for several years.

Tomorrow...

Are you going to read
much longer?

Fifty more pages.

I'm thirsty.

Thafll teach you
to go out drinking.

That's better.

The power's gone out!

Shit!

Bastard!

Help!

You said you'd be
at the theater!

Help! Murder!

We'll sort it out tomorrow.
Go easy!

Murder!

Help!

Let's get a light
in the kitchen.

Help! Murder!

The neighbors
will tear you to pieces.

What about the dough
you promised me?

Keep out of sight!

Come in.

He was still drunk...

so he went to the kitchen
for some water.

Then the lights went out.

I heard someone swear.

My husband's disappeared!

Madame, I can understand
why you'd make up

this story about robbers.

But the police serve the law
and have a right to the truth.

And I'm sure they're discreet.

Officers, ifs a matter
of some delicacy.

I was in bed with Madame
when her husband caught us.

Fearing a violent scene,
Madame called the police.

But I'm a peaceful man,

and her husband is very civil.

And where is
Madame's husband now?

Is he the one who disappeared?

- My goose is cooked.
- You're not dead'?

No.

Why won't you let me dump him?

We need him!

We need him?

No, listen.

I did a little figuring.

Don't get up yet.

Stay till half past, okay?

Don't scowl like that.

You'll be with your buddies
in 40 minutes.

Is your little woman
such bad company?

Listen...

I did a few calculations.

We must have something left
from the paintings you sold.

Now I have to account to you
for the dough?

You're so mean.

It's just that you said

you'd take care
of putting something aside.

That was a good idea.
I might have spent it all.

So now maybe we have enough
to live on for a few months

if we went away together?

Freedom!

Lulu, life is beautiful!

And you could paint
pictures yourself.

You're as smart as old Legrand.
Smarter even.

I'd mix your colors
and clean your brushes.

It would be wonderful.

Would you shut up?

You can be a real pain
when you get started.

All right, darling.

I won't say any more
if it bothers you.

Kiss me.

Mr. Legrand!

I believe Miss Pelletier is out.

I have a key.

She went out
and hasn't come back yet.

That's all right.
I'll wait upstairs.

Oh, well.
Let them work it out!

You're my brother.
I'm sick and you're visiting.

Make something up!

Get dressed, quick!

That's right.

He's my boyfriend.
What about it'?

Madame has her little caprices!

You wanted to get me into bed?
Think I enjoy it?

And you just had to give
the old geezer a key?

Don't be mad.
He didn't say anything.

No, but I get the feeling
he was laughing at us.

If I'd known that a minute ago,

I'd have busted that chair
over his head!

You think blubbering
is gonna help?

I'll give you something
to blubber about.

Whds gonna give us
paintings now?

My car's not even paid off.

The whole thing makes me sick!

I'm gettin' outta here.
Good night.

When will you be back?

I'm very busy this week.
Next week too.

Will you write to me?

Oh, sure.
I'll write to you.

THE NEXT MORNING

I didn't think you'd be back.

Darling, I'm so sorry
I didn't guess the truth.

I've always been off
in my own world, ignorant about life.

I never knew what wretched lives
women have to live,

how one slipup
is fatal for them,

how there's always a man
to take advantage of it.

But now I know.
I understand.

I'm free now.
You have nothing to fear.

I feel strong enough
to protect you from anyone.

But why didn't you trust me?

Why didn't you confide in me?

I'd have torn you
from that man's clutches.

How about finishing
your painting?

What?

IneediL

What if I don't finish it?

You'd better.

So that's it.

My paintings.

That's all you saw in me.

What else?
Take a look in the mirror.

What a fool!

To think I believed it all.

You disgust me!

You think I enjoyed it?

If it hadn't been
for your money,

I'd have dumped you in a minute.

Monsieur wants true love!
To be loved for himself!

What a laugh!

You slut!

You're no woman.
You're a bitch!

Talk away.

You lick the hand that feeds you
and the hand that beats you!

If you knew how you bore me,
you wouldn't waste your breath.

So your pimp beat you.

He was right:
It's the only way to treat you.

Maybe he did, but I love him.

You love him?

Get dressed.
We're going away right now!

Far away. Hurry up!

If I sing beneath your window

Like a gallant troubadour

If 4 hope
you?! appear there

Alas, ifs not for love's sake

How could you want
to stay with him?

I've sacrificed
everything for you.

I want you to know that.

If you did,
you might understand.

I've given you everything.
You can't love that man.

He has no heart, no feelings...

no breeding.

My little Lucienne,
you don't love me anymore?

No, don't laugh.

Don't laugh.

Don't laugh like that.

Don't laugh like that!

You to whom I've so often sung

Appear before me, I pray

Bestow that kindness upon me

Be kind, my unknown beloved

To whom I've so often sung

Appear before me, I pray

Move it, kids.
You're in my way!

He could have said hello.

I'd have given him
Miss Pelletier's mail.

What's this world coming to'?

I'm going to take the mail up.

Anatole!

Something awfufs happened!

So how's Lulu?

I don't want to talk about Lulu!

- Don't get mad, pal.
- I'm not mad.

- You had a fight?
- Not at all. Just stay out of it.

Mr. André, over there.

Some buddies looking for me.

What is it?

- Andre' Joguin?
- Yes. Why?

- Come with us.
- I don't even know you!

Okay-

Unbelievable!

Hasn't this gone on long enough?
Let me go.

I'm a busy man!
You're wasting my time!

Simmer down.
Just be patient.

Easy for you to say!

Here's Philoméne.
Look at that ugly mug.

Hello, Mr. Legrand.

How are you?

Good-bye, Mr. Legrand.

Here they come.

Mr. Legrand.

Don't worry, pal.
It'll all work out.

Excuse me, ma'am,

are you Mrs. Pelletier,
the mother of...?

No, sir.
I've already told you.

I'm a cashier
for a wholesale hosiery company.

How could I keep
a mistress on my salary?

Then...

Very well.

Do you know Andre' Joguin?

I saw him once,

the day I met
Lucienne Pelletier.

Later, when I heard
she was seeing him again,

I decided to break off
all contact with her.

But...

I was very attached to her, sir.

I'm a weak man.

I just couldn't say
good-bye to her.

Did she happen to leave
any paintings with you?

Any sketches...

or drawings?

I could -

You know, Mr. Legrand,

liaisons like that are dangerous
at our age, and as a rule...

they end badly.

It's best to just stay
quietly at home.

In any case...

your testimony sheds
no new light on this case.

And you're not the son of person
we usually find

mixed up in this sort of crime.

Forgive me
for taking up your time.

Don't be frightened.

We'll be called in
to see the magistrate.

Just let me do the talking.

Sure, you're the lawyer.

But just make them understand...

- I never knew she painted.
- Be quiet! Don't be a fool!

Andre' Joguin.

You can tell the magistrate
everything, buddy.

Hello, sir.

Sit down.

Well?

Have you thought it over?

Have you decided to confess
to killing Lucienne Pelletier?

You know I can't confess
just to make you happy, sir.

Though you obviously
think I did.

But why would I kill her?

I had everything to lose.

But you yourself admitted

that Lulu questioned you
about finances that evening,

and from what I've learned,
a violent argument ensued.

She even announced she was
leaving you for an honest man,

a cashier for a hosiery company

with whom she was also involved.

What's this about a cashier
for a hosiery company?

Lulu never mentioned that!

If she'd had an affair with a cashier,
she'd have told me.

I'd have advised against it.
She could do a lot better!

She was a beautiful girl, sir.

That's enough.

What's this cashier's name?

Maurice Legrand.

You're mistaken, sir.

Mr. Legrand is a painter.

I'm in a position to know,
believe me.

- May I remind you -
- Keep quiet, you.

You weren't there.

If you really insist
I killed Lulu,

I don't want to contradict you.
- So you confess?

Not at all.
I was just kidding.

I see.

Very well.

Let's have a look
at your record.

What we've turned up
isn't exactly in your favor.

What you've turned up?

Oh, I pulled a few stunts,
like all kids from good families.

Happens in the best of circles.

Sure, I accepted money
from women,

but they wanted me to have it.

What would you have done?

What about
this white slave trade business?

White slave trade? No!

I gave advice to young girls

who wished to travel
and broaden their minds.

That's right -
broaden their minds.

Better than being dairymaids

or working in a factory.

It starts out
with what you call “stunts”

but it ends up with murder.

- You mean Lulu?
- According to the concierge.

That concierge is out to get me!

For the last time, sir,

I'm the fall guy
in this whole business.

I was sitting pretty
before I got arrested!

You're a real cynic.

A cynic?
Why am I a cynic?

Mr. Legrand...

you've been
with our company for years...

and up until now,

we've done nothing
but sing your praises...

sing your praises...

and sing your praises.

You and a young woman -

who'd made
quite a reputation for herself

even before this highly
publicized tragedy -

had an unfortunate affair.

Most unfortunate.

This would all be
quite inexplicable

had you not incurred
on that young lady's behalf

expenses that far exceeded

your known sources of income.

We do not pry
into our employees' private lives,

on the condition that
in their professional capacity

they behave correctly.

However...

we were concerned
by these exorbitant sums

inasmuch as we feared

that the money
might have come from our till.

We examined your books
last night

after the office closed.

There are 2,500 francs missing.

Henriot & Company's cashiers
must be above suspicion,

and we therefore
must dismiss you.

Find another line of work
where you won't be placed

in temptation's way.

Very well, sir.

I'll leave.

But you'll get your money back.
I'll pay you back to show -

Never mind that.

You're leaving us
for health reasons.

No one here
will ever know about this.

Thank you, sir.

ANDRE JOGUIN
CHARGE: MURDER

Defendant...

you're about to hear
the evidence against you.

The first witness, please.

My husband and I

were listening
to the street singers

when I saw him going up
to Miss Pelletiefs apartment.

A few minutes later
I took her mail up

and found the body.

I remember wondering
why he didn't say hello,

because he could have
taken her mail up with him.

My husband and I
said to ourselves...

“What's this world coming to?”

And you saw no one else
enter the building?

No one.

Any further questions,
Counselor?

No, Your Honor.

You may stand down.

I fear I have
only negative reports

regarding André Joguin.

He was constantly going AWOL,

and he even became the procurer

for a prostitute
in a nearby town.

Colonel, would you please turn
to face the jury?

He finished
his military service in Africa,

where, if his superiors
hadn't been too lenient

in allowing him
to return to civilian life,

he'd still be sewing time
in a penal battalion,

and this tragedy
would not have happened.

Gentlemen of the jury,
I can't believe that by now

some doubt has not
arisen in your minds.

And should that doubt
not be enough

to convince you
to acquit the defendant,

consider his troubled youth
and difficult background -

- Let me talk.
- Be quiet!

Let me talk.
I want to talk.

I don't know where
you dug up all that twaddle!

Do you know my family?

Were you near the kid
when she got knocked off? No!

So cut out all the fancy talk.

All that matters here
is the accused,

and that seems to be me!

Listen, I want to behave
correctly and not shout,

but I swear I'm not guilty!

I swear I didn't kill Lulu!
It wasn't me!

He just committed suicide.

Foreman, will you please
read for the court

your verdict?

On my honor and my conscience,

before God and men,

the jury's decision

is yes on all counts.

Bring in the accused.

To enforce
the aforesaid articles,

André Joguin
is sentenced to death.

His public execution
will be held in a place in Paris

designated
by the public authorities.

Based on the conclusions
reached by...

Hey, what do you think
you're doing?

Shit!

What?

Legrand!

The sergeant!

The sarge!

I'll be damned!

Good to see you again.

You old son of a gun!

I'll be damned!

What are you up to ihese days?

Nothing much. And you?

What's it look like?

Same as me, then.

How's Adéle?

She kicked the bucket years ago.

Good for her.

I wouldn't mind
being dead myself.

Cheerful, ain't you?

Listen...

you got any tobacco?

I can't believe it!

A lot's happened
since I saw you last.

I've done it all.

I've been a peddler,

a tramp,

a drunk, a thief.

And to start it all off,
a murderer!

What can I say?

It takes all kinds!

Here, you can have my shoes.

Yes, in the car.

- Hey, Sarge!
- What?

Twenty francs!

No kiddin'!

We're gonna have a feast!
Come on!

Life is beautiful!