Le Plaisir (1952) - full transcript
Three stories about the pleasure. The first one is about a man hiding his age behind a mask to keep going to balls and fancying women - pleasure and youth. Then comes the long tale of Mme Tellier taking her girls (whores) to the country for attending her niece's communion - pleasure and purity. And lastly, Jean the painter falling in love with his model - pleasure and death.
HOUSE OF PLEASURE
We tried many ways
to offer you 3 of my stories.
I think the simplest way
is to tell them myself.
I've always liked the night.
I'm glad to talk to you
in the dark
as if I were seated next to you.
Maybe I am.
I'm worried because my tales are old
and you are modern.
But we'll see.
Here's the 1st one.
There was a ball
at the Dance Palace that night.
The orchestra's call
burst like a storm of music.
It split the walls
and spread everywhere.
Come in, ladies and gentlemen!
Have a dance!
The crowd poured in
like a torrent
from the 4 corners of Paris.
People from all classes
who loved noisy pleasures
that are a bit naughty.
Office workers,
and girls... lots of girls!
Girls in common cotton
as well as sheer batiste,
old diamond-laden ladies
looking for their youth,
poor 16-year olds wanting fun
with big-spending men.
Dress suits hunting for young flesh,
tasty, deflowered youth,
roamed among the excited crowd,
searching and picking up the scent.
In their midst appeared a man,
thin and dressed as a dandy.
He looked like he was
from a wax museum.
A strange caricature
of a stylish young man.
Ladies and gentlemen,
our great quadrille dancer,
Mr. Granval!
He danced awkwardly.
He seemed rusty
as he tried to imitate the others.
He seemed stiff.
He was as heavy as a pug-dog
playing with greyhounds.
You dance well.
You're lovely!
Music! Music!
Maestro, don't stop!
- Will he die?
- No, he just fainted.
A doctor!
Over there!
We need you, Doctor!
- You got him!
- Up there!
He's up there!
I didn't come here to...
He's over there!
A dancer who passed out!
Don't you recognise me?
Last winter at Nice?
We danced together.
- Indeed!
- We got separated.
Not this time! Come along!
I'm glad to see you.
You're lovely!
Sit down. Thirsty?
George, champagne!
I'll be right back.
But I can't! I...
He's tightly laced up.
I'll have to cut him free.
Get me some scissors!
Scissors! Hurry!
- Brandy, Doctor?
- Not now!
Well?
Don't worry, it'll be all right.
What happened to me?
- Prevost?
- I'm here.
You'll see her later. Don't move!
Where do you live?
Admiral St...
the other side of Montmartre...
at the end of Fishmonger St.
Go home and go to bed.
Don't move!
Admiral St.!
My hat!
- Go dance!
- Not alone!
The building was tall and shabby,
inhabited by a miserable,
ragged crowd.
The stairs were gummy.
I can't go on!
Courage! We're almost there.
And Funny Face? She'll wait?
She'll wait.
Another flight?
Yes. Ring twice.
Your wife'll be asleep!
No, she has insomnia.
- Good Lord, now what?
- It's nothing.
He suddenly felt weak
in a public place.
- At a ball?
- You know?
It's not the 1st time
he's had a fall, jumping about.
You reassure me!
He didn't eat,
so as to be more lithe.
Then he had an absinthe,
to perk him up.
Careful! 3 steps!
Why does he insist on dancing?
I could tell you plenty!
So they'll think he's young!
So the girls'll think
he's a gay-blade and...
let him whisper dirty talk
and rub against them
with their scents and pomades.
Help me with the sleeve.
Now the shoes.
That's the hard part.
That's it.
And don't think
he'll make room for me later!
I'll have to sleep just anywhere!
Sensualist!
He plays the young man
at the dances.
All of them!
He comes home in such a state!
What demon drives him to it?
Regret!
That he's no longer what he was!
He had lots of success.
More than any tenor or general!
Isn't he handsome for his age?
I'll fix a hot-water bottle.
Surprised at his success?
You didn't know him back then.
When I met him,
I was completely hooked.
Like a fish on a pole.
He was so kind as to make you cry.
I went home with him
and never left him...
in spite of everything.
- Married?
- Fortunately!
If not, he'd have left
me like the others.
I was his wife and maid.
He worked?
He was No.1 at Marcel's.
Marcel? The hairdresser?
By the Opera,
with all the actresses.
I'll fix him a compress.
Ambrose did the rich ones.
- Ambrose?
- That was him!
They gave him a fortune in tips!
They're all alike.
When they like a man,
they have him! It's easy!
I often waited for him all night.
He'd come in,
his eyes shining with content.
He'd say... "Another, Denise!"
What a man!
He had to brag about it.
Some men take more pleasure
in talking of it than in doing it.
But you're dressed
for an evening out!
No, I was there too.
No doubt you're not married.
When you are, it'll change.
I hope so.
Odd how a man has
to chase after them!
But that was his youth.
Now he's aged.
The day he saw his 1st grey hair...
I cleaned the house singing!
A man can change so quickly.
In just 2 years!
The women stopped wanting him.
So he went to the dance halls.
As if in a frenzy!
It's him!
I'm all alone!
Sorry to bore you with all this.
But you've given me a good lesson!
Doctor!
Give me your address,
in case he gets worse.
I don't think you need worry.
He'll live a long time yet.
Good! I want him to live and...
go on dancing.
The doctor pondered
the eternal drama
that is acted out daily,
in many ways,
in all worlds.
To the Dance Palace!
I don't tell only sad stories.
Would you like something cheerier?
Shall we say...spicier?
A fairy tale for adults!
It takes place in Normandy.
It begins in a small Channel port...
in a not quite
residential neighborhood.
I don't know if you see what I mean.
It's the story of a house.
Not a business house
in the usual sense.
It's a house... how shall I say?
I don't want to shock you but
it's a "house".
But a well-kept house!
Each night at 11,
the customers came by.
The 6 or 8 regulars never varied.
Not revellers but respectable
merchants and young men of the town.
They teased the girls a bit
or chatted calmly with Madam,
whom they all respected.
Too late!
Of good peasant stock,
Madam had adopted her profession
as if she were a milliner or draper.
Violent urban prejudices
don't exist in the country.
A peasant says
"It's a good trade..."
and sends his child to run a harem
as if it were a girls' school.
The house was a legacy
from her uncle.
She and her husband
sold their inn,
thinking the new business
more profitable.
They took over the place
that had languished
in its owners' absence.
They were worthy and well-loved
by their employees and neighbors.
In 2 years the husband
died of apoplexy.
His new job had made him
inactive and stout
and his health throttled him.
The house had 2 entries.
On the corner was a gloomy tavern
open to sailors and laborers.
2 ladies saw to
the customers' needs.
Louise, dressed as Liberty
and nicknamed Cocote
and Spanish Flora, known as Swinger
due to her hip movements.
They looked like dishwashers
in disguise.
They urged the men to drink.
They were aided
by a waiter named Frédéric,
beardless and strong as an ox.
The 3 other ladies
formed a sort of aristocracy
reserved for the 1st floor,
for those in the Jupiter Room.
Fernande was a pink
and white country girl.
From Marseilles,
Raphaële played the Jewish beauty.
Rosa only stopped drinking to sing
or singing to drink.
A little more!
That's all!
Bye, darling!
Your vest!
I'll call Raphaële!
Thanks.
Mr. Dupuis, don't catch cold!
Over the door burned a small lantern.
Sorry, but it will have to...
go out for the story to begin.
One evening in May,
the 1st to arrive, Mr. Poulin,
wood-merchant and ex-mayor,
found the door locked.
Anyone there?
Duvert!
Poulin!
- Where to?
- Same as always!
Not you?
Don't bother!
Nobody's home!
I know it's nobody's home!
I'm not joking.
I'll have another look with you
but it's closed.
You see!
Closed! The café, too!
The police must've closed it.
As mayor, I'd never have allowed
such a thing.
That's how wars start!
Let's go! I don't like this!
We mustn't meet a soul! We'd look...
Like what we are!
It's unnecessary.
That's the English yelling.
They're used to fisticuffs.
For them, it's like fencing.
Look! Tourneveau!
Yes, it's Saturday!
I have sad news for you.
We were... you know where.
Closed?
I know. I was there earlier.
Then where are you going?
To another place?
I was only going back
for conscience's sake.
But since you say so...
Let's walk. It's a nice night.
What's conscience have
to do with it?
You forget I'm a married man!
A father!
I go out only on Saturday!
You bachelors are lucky.
You can go whenever you wish!
Because we don't have homes!
Solitude is tragic. Isn't it?
Worse!
Let's walk. It's a nice night.
Yes, a nice night.
Yes... a nice night.
The 3 men met young Mr. Philippe,
the banker's son, another regular
and Mr. Pimpesse, the tax-man.
Then they met Mr. Dupuis,
the insurance agent.
Then, Mr. Vasse,
the commerce arbitrator.
What's wrong? It's closed?
What happened?
Such misfortune!
They went down to the jetty.
Beautiful!
The foam on the crests of the waves!
The monotonous sound of the sea...
Beautiful!
- Not very cheerful!
- Indeed not!
It had to happen on a Saturday!
And I had such a good dinner!
Mushrooms!
In this season?
Not from around here!
Yes, they were!
Not from this region!
But that's what I ate!
You didn't find them in this region!
No, but my elder daughter did!
She spent 2 hours
in the woods picking them!
What are you laughing at?
She knows how to!
She's 17!
I'm sure she knows how to!
You've insulted my daughter!
As ex-mayor,
I think our tax-man is wrong.
As mayor, I learned many things.
Such as?
Well, a tax-man's salary is...
A fresh dispute arose
between Mr. Poulin and Mr. Dupuis
about a tax-man's salary
and possible gains.
Insults flew on both sides.
The others kept them
from coming to blows.
Scoundrel?
We'll see!
I trust he'll see his lawyer.
Such behavior!
Why argue for nothing?
You call that nothing?
You should be in bed
and not arguing with your elders!
- He's still young.
- I'm wrong?
No, but he's young and we should...
Boredom had made them bitter.
For a Saturday
it's an odd Saturday!
Peace settled over the troubled town.
Yet one man still roamed,
cherishing vague hopes.
Yes... "Closed due
to a 1st Communion."
Madam's brother was a carpenter
in their native village.
He knew his sister was doing well.
So he invited her
for his child's 1st Communion.
Therefore, on Saturday morning...
Madam and her ladies
boarded the 8:00 express.
Have a nice holiday, ladies!
What're you up to?
I'm not used to so many clothes!
Where do you think you are?
With you!
Don't be insolent!
"A diplomatic crisis
between Bolivia and Chile."
That's far away!
"Possibility of a war
in the Pacific."
What's "Pacific" mean?
Peace!
Tickets, please!
You already saw them!
I'll see them again!
A peasant couple joined them.
The husband wore a blue blouse
with wide sleeves
plus an old tall hat.
Sitting upright,
his wife had a face like a hen,
a nose like a beak.
- Watch that calf!
- Yeah.
You said that the last time...
and it fell!
No longer alone, the ladies became
serious to make a proper impression.
Madame Rosa!
It's a popular tune!
The viscount taught it to me!
Your husband! How is he?
Not bad, my dear.
He's on a trip... to Paris.
What husband?
Cocote! Her husband!
You don't know him, dear.
He's extraordinarily thoughtful.
He sends me...
robes every day!
And jewels!
Flowers, too!
We drink nothing but champagne.
He kisses my hand.
He tells me things...
so marvelous!
But I've forgotten them .
At Bolbec, at the last minute,
a panting gentleman
arrived with a beard, cane, rings,
and a gold watch-chain.
He was heavily laden
with a suitcase and parcels.
Julien Ledentu... traveller.
Madam Tellier and...
The ladies are changing barracks?
Please be civil!
Sorry! I meant to say "convent".
Leaving the pond?
Going to be skewered?
Don't dare hop out!
Lost their panties!
They want my garters!
No, they don't!
But the ladies do!
What for?
To give to your lovers!
Sorry!
To give to the love of your heart!
It needs no garters!
Lovely! That's worth a reward!
The heart needs no garters!
Careful! Here's the merchandise!
Garters!
Silk! All colors!
I'd like the blue ones!
Here they are.
The pink!
The pink ones!
Red!
Here are the red ones!
Mauve!
Mauve! To go with your eyes!
These are larger, more dignified!
For a mistress!
Yes! Here!
The old couple left with
their basket, ducks and umbrella.
The old lady was annoyed.
Hussies going
to that devilish Paris!
True! They're of no interest!
Coming?
Now, my little pussies!
Let's try them on!
Sir, I must ask you
to mind your manners!
Then I'll pack them up.
I'd have given you
any pair you tried on.
Silk! All colors!
For free!
What?
I said, for free!
Pluck up your courage!
- A bargain!
- Flora! Later...
It'd only take a second.
Garters don't buy familiarity!
Sacrifices can be costly!
Some give diamond garters!
And they behave in tunnels!
Such a cad!
I'd never let you enter my house!
At the next station,
Joseph Rivet awaited them
with a large chair-filled cart
drawn by a white horse.
Careful with the parcel!
Louise! Hand me your suitcase!
Don't I get a kiss?
This is Rosa!
Rosa! Pass me your suitcase!
Hurry up!
I'm Joseph.
- No need to kiss them!
- I'm polite!
So start with me!
I saved the best for last!
Time to get everyone into the cart!
Raphaële, Fernande and Flora
can sit in front.
You know their names!
I'm not thick-skulled!
Thanks for the chairs!
I'm not used
to such a precious cargo.
Usually it's planks or
2 or 3 pigs, you know?
Yes, we know pigs!
I didn't mean anything nasty!
All right, Julia, sit next to me.
- And me?
- Rosa can sit between us.
Not at all! Raphaële!
Fernande, there!
Flora, in back!
Louise, in back, to balance us!
- And me?
- Behind me. She can hold on to...
No, Rosa's the lightest.
She'll sit on Fernande's lap.
We're not well-seated.
You just drive!
We're not seated right!
Just see to the horse!
The green landscape
stretched along the road.
Flowering rapeseed...
in sheets of rippling yellow
spread its strong, wholesome,
sweet and penetrating
odor far and wide.
Past the fields colored
by Nature's flowers
drove the cart,
with its own garish bouquet,
drawn by the trotting horse.
It vanished behind tall trees
to reappear beyond the green screen,
flaunting its dazzling bevy of ladies
among the yellow and green crops
flecked with patches
of red and blue.
The children?
It's their Absolution.
And your daughter?
Constance is there!
Children need Religion
so they can choose later.
Can we see her?
No, not now!
Mustn't disturb the cherubs!
Pity!
Hello, Maria!
- How nice!
- My pleasure!
My wife!
- I hurt you?
- Of course not!
Hurry! She's hungry!
I'll fix a nice omelet.
Our turn!
I'll get my cider.
You've never had any like it!
Your daughter?
You'll see her later.
Here's Miss Constance! Hurry!
Kiss Auntie!
She's grown!
Hello, treasure! Beautiful!
Some ladies are waiting for you!
Say hello to each one!
How pretty she is!
So sweet!
Looks like her mother!
Nice kid!
The present! From your aunt!
Use a knife! Hope you like it!
Here's your dress!
It's too pretty!
You like it, darling?
I can see business is good!
I mean... business!
Watch what you say!
The Good Lord understands things!
Don't tear your dress!
Hook it first!
Hurry with the pins!
Not all at once!
She's so good!
- Like her father!
- Says you!
Never saw such a dress!
What would you know?
You take me for a peasant?
You're better than many city men!
See? She knows as well as you do!
Let's have fun!
It's a Communion, not a funeral!
Space being limited,
sleeping arrangements were made.
Rivet slept in his workshop.
His wife and sister
were in the main bedroom...
next to Fernande and Raphaële.
Louise and Flora were in the kitchen.
Rosa was alone in a tiny attic room
but she couldn't find it.
End of the hall!
Good night!
It's so dark!
The boundless silence
was almost religious.
It enfolded the village,
calm and penetrating,
reaching to the stars.
- Well...
- What?
I'm all excited.
I've got goose-flesh!
'Cause there's no noise.
Think so?
It's odd, huh?
Can't sleep?
Are you afraid?
What is it?
The silence is deafening!
My heart's upside down!
I can't sleep.
Me neither!
I'm not used to sleeping alone!
Go find the carpenter!
Not on a night like this!
It'd be bad luck!
- Who is it?
- It's me.
I'm coming.
- What is it?
- I'm afraid.
I'm scared without Mama.
Want to come with me?
I'd like that.
That way you won't be afraid.
Wait!
Your dolly!
You mustn't cry!
You won't be afraid with me.
You're not scared now?
All right?
Sleep well...
my darling.
At 5, the Angelus bells
vigorously roused the ladies
who were used to a full morning
of well-earned repose.
The bells' plaintive tinkling rose
in the air only to die away,
like a feeble voice
drowned in the blue.
The sun was already high
in the radiant sky
with a hint of pink on the horizon,
the pale after-glow of dawn.
The communicants came out.
The parents,
in their Sunday best and...
with the clumsy movements
of weary laborers
followed their offspring.
The girls were lost in clouds
of tulle as snowy
as whipped cream.
They lined up near a nun
in a stiff coif.
The little boys,
like miniature waiters
with plastered-down hair,
walked with wide-spread legs
to avoid spots on their trousers.
A family's glory was measured
by the number of relatives
from far away.
The carpenter's triumph was supreme.
The Tellier regiment
followed Constance
on parade like a general staff
in full uniform.
The village was overwhelmed.
City ladies!
Need some room?
They can sit here.
Thanks, Mr. Mayor.
I'm honored to see such fine ladies
who have brought us a breath
of the city!
I'll go in back.
Sit there!
He's the Mayor?
Yes.
Handsome!
Rosa, you think he's handsome?
It's a question of taste.
I think you're better.
Like a spark setting fire
to a ripe field,
the tears of Rosa and her friends
swept the assembly.
Men, women, old folks,
lads in new smocks...
Soon all were sobbing
as if something supernatural
were hovering over them,
the emanation of a soul,
the mighty breath
of a Being who was invisible
and omnipotent.
You mustn't cry, Madam Rosa!
Dear brethren, dear children,
I thank you
from the bottom of my heart.
You've given me
the greatest joy of my life.
The feast was served in the shop
on a long trestle table.
The merriment was a bit subdued
due to the morning's emotions.
But Rivet was happy
and ready for drink.
He made his speech for the 4th time.
Ladies, I too wish to thank you.
You said that!
Already!
You can never say thank you enough!
So I want to thank you
for coming to our little party,
so intimate... and like
one big family
and for bringing with you
your beauty and your youth.
That's nice!
Time to go, Joseph!
Not now! I have to thank you!
And we thank you for thanking us!
But we want the 3:55 train!
Never! Not as long as I live!
You'll not take the 3:55!
After the coffee, we'll have a nip!
And then another nip!
Then... supper!
Come on! No supper
and no little nip!
Closing for 1 day
is all right, but not 2!
I understand... but even so
I have to thank you!
After you've harnessed up!
The ladies must pack.
Come along, ladies!
Everyone downstairs in 5 minutes!
Please, Louise! Hurry!
Behave yourself, Flora!
We'll eat in the cart!
She forgot...
Flora! Get dressed!
Sorry, but if we're to be on time!
Hurry up, Joseph!
Harness up!
I'll harness, I'll harness!
You can't imagine!
Thanks again all the same.
Joseph! Come here!
Obey your sister, Joseph!
What a scoundrel!
I'm telling you to come here!
You're a disgrace to the family!
Joseph, do as I say!
For a family day,
you could've at least...
I can at least say thanks.
Now what?
Me? Nothing!
You were with Rosa?
Of course I was with Rosa!
I had to thank her!
They were all so nice!
I'll harness up now.
Now listen, Maria!
They're like family, no?
It's awful to harness up now!
It's time to get going!
They set off, like the day before.
The white horse trotted
briskly along.
The sun drenched
the flowering fields
and the ladies couldn't resist it.
Alas, 'tis gone!
My dimpled arms,
My legs so trim
are yesterday's charms!
Why did you make me so pretty?
Of that, I know not a thing!
Unless God calls to me
My confessor shall know nothing!
When I went up to your room
I'd been drinking...
an' was overheated.
So... don't be mad at me, eh?
Thank you.
Quick, ladies!
Don't miss the train!
Raphaële! Fernande!
Hurry up, children!
We won't miss it!
Watch those high heels!
Let's go!
We could've had fun.
There's a time for everything!
Is the train leaving?
It won't go without you!
I think there's room here.
But me!
I'm sad to see you go!
All aboard!
Maybe I'll come see you next month!
All right, but don't act silly!
Goodbye, Madam Rosa!
See you soon!
See you soon, Madam Rosa!
That night
the tiny lantern announced
the return of the flock to the fold.
The news spread like wildfire.
Have a nice trip?
Mr. Philippe even sent a message
to Mr. Tourneveau, the fish-curer.
A sailor brought a note.
Bad news?
He seemed happy.
Mr. Tourneveau, the fish-curer?
Yes. You have a letter for me?
What is it?
Read it yourself!
Come at once.
The cargo of fish has...
returned to port.
They've returned! My hat!
A ship was missing?
I don't burden you
with all my worries!
- They're back?
- I guess.
They're back?
- Madam?
- In her office.
Raphaële! Have a nice time?
A real vacation!
- Madam?
- Upstairs.
I'm glad to see you again!
And I'm glad to see you!
It's good you're back tonight.
If not, the week would've been sad!
Oh, I was already bored!
Where did you go with your cargo?
- I mean, your flock!
- The country!
They'll tell you all about it!
The champagne's on me!
10 bottles of champagne
for Mr. Tourneveau!
- How much?
- 10 francs each!
Not a very friendly price!
For you, 6 francs a bottle!
Will you be as generous
with your favors?
Tonight!
What? You agree?
I want everyone happy tonight!
I can't believe my ears!
Frédéric, flowers everywhere!
It turned into a regular ball,
a real celebration!
A wave of joy swept
over the Tellier house.
At midnight the dancing went on!
You've just seen pleasure
meet purity.
In "The Mask", pleasure met love.
And now... Pleasure and Death.
Not true death. A moral burial.
A bit tragic,
but it ends in marriage.
The tale is told
by a Parisian columnist
to whom I'll loan my voice...
as I often do.
Yes, that's him.
I've known him 30 years.
Why'd he marry that poor girl?
For the same reason
as any marriage! Folly!
- Even so!
- There's no "even so"!
No cure for stupidity!
For the couple you see,
the accident happened
in a special way.
The girl risked everything she had.
Risked? Who knows?
Who knows anything about women?
They lie without knowing
or understanding.
Yet the honesty of their feelings
and their sudden reactions
baffle our logic and upset our plans.
I witnessed their first encounter.
Jean hesitated between landscapes
or genre painting.
He hated nudes.
He didn't know the girl was a model.
He was entranced by her walk,
her childlike, sensual face,
her quiet elegance
and her divine waist.
Her name was Josephine.
As she passed,
she had no idea
her Fate had been settled.
And what a Fate!
He fell in love with her.
She thought he loved her completely.
It's curious
that when you want a woman
you believe
you can no longer live without her.
Well, he believed he loved her.
He swore fidelity to her
and lived with her completely.
The soup!
All right, at ease!
- Love me?
- I adore you!
- You?
- It's over!
Idiot! I'll kill you!
Pity! So young!
I'll kill me!
All women say that!
I'd do it!
Fix lunch instead!
What're we having?
Some lovely fish!
Great!
Big ones?
Wait till I open the can!
Sardines!
When you become known,
we'll have salmon!
You won't be able to eat it then!
That's life, my love!
Old age and salmon...
youth and sardines!
Why do you look at me that way?
I like to look at you...
'cause you're lovely and...
And?
I like you!
And you love me.
I love you!
Couldn't live without me?
I don't think so.
You should be sure.
I'm sure!
I love how you move.
Your everyday movements
are so graceful!
When you bend to me
or get into a car
or lift your arm
or give me your hand...
or eat sardines!
No one eats sardines like you!
For 3 months, Jean never noticed
that Josephine was like all models.
But his new way
of painting was a hit.
- I want No.8.
- No.8! If you please.
- Mr...
- Leconte.
It's sold!
It's sold! Thank you!
You're sold!
Yes, you're sold! Darling!
Know what?
We'll rent a country house!
Not new! An old one!
One we'll slowly fix up and...
- The money!
- We'll manage!
And trees!
I can see a tree!
One hit by lightning!
Not that way! Like this!
There, they had their first spat.
I know it's already happened to you,
that disgust follows possession,
that we must be able
to live with each other
not due to physical hunger
that soon dies
but in a harmony
of temperaments and moods.
We were walking in the forest,
silently penetrated
by the cool of the river
that enveloped us
and bathed our minds in happiness.
Then, Josephine yelled.
See that big fish jump?
Yes, I saw it.
No! You had your back to it!
True. My mind's a blank.
Then don't say you saw it!
Going to Paris?
I don't know yet.
You like walking without talking?
Folks talk if they're not dumb.
And you?
Oh, so many people talk
and say nothing.
You mean me?
Not especially. Just everyone!
Shut up! Please!
Why? I bother you?
You spoil the landscape!
What?
You didn't always think so! Gad!
And so began the scene,
hateful and stupid
with insults and recriminations.
And tears. Everything!
In 3 months she was fighting
the invincible, invisible ties
with which Habit binds our lives.
You come home at this hour?
I'll come home at any hour!
Meanwhile,
I fix your dinner and wait!
I'm not your maid!
If you don't like it,
it's easy!
You want me to leave!
They argued all day.
And they fought.
You're not going out!
The key!
You're hurting me!
Give me the key!
You do like work!
Work's all I do like!
He needs more and more money.
He's hooked.
Maybe it's for a farewell gift!
Painters don't know how to break off.
This time he's gone.
Bravo!
I couldn't turn her out!
Thanks for taking me in!
Perfectly natural!
We'll not get in each other's way.
We'll manage.
We're both making money.
What'll she do?
What should she?
Put your things down.
You'll forget her.
I'll put your bed by the window.
Don't worry.
You didn't make her hateful.
Maybe I was hateful first.
You had had enough.
When it begins to come to an end...
Sit down.
Maybe I was wrong.
Was it out of love? Or pride?
She looked for him.
No one had seen him.
She waited up each night.
One evening about 9...
Jean was working.
He felt liberated.
It's her, isn't it?
Look, I don't think he can...
I knew he was here!
You always hated me!
I don't want money!
Nor your letter!
Nor to be dismissed!
Don't treat me like just any girl!
I didn't chase after you!
You begged me! You took me!
Now... keep me!
You going to stick to me till I die?
Let me explain things.
No need!
Listen to me!
I've something to tell you
but no scenes!
Don't take life so tragically!
That does no good.
He still loves you but...
He loves you
but it's the classic story.
His family has a bride
he must marry.
Understand?
I understand quite well.
So... no scene, eh?
Pay no attention to me!
He says you're getting married.
Yes.
If you do, I'll kill myself.
I swear I'll kill myself!
So do it!
Don't defy me, Jean!
I'll go out the window.
It's upstairs.
Upstairs!
There you are.
Her legs were smashed.
I thought he'd go insane.
Was he trying to make amends
or was he truly moved by her act?
He married her.
But his life was over.
All he had left was his work.
That's the story.
He ignores you?
He won't forgive me.
He's wrong.
He's found love, fame and fortune.
Isn't that happiness?
Even so, it's quite sad.
But happiness is no lark!
Subtitling by ECLAIR GROUP
We tried many ways
to offer you 3 of my stories.
I think the simplest way
is to tell them myself.
I've always liked the night.
I'm glad to talk to you
in the dark
as if I were seated next to you.
Maybe I am.
I'm worried because my tales are old
and you are modern.
But we'll see.
Here's the 1st one.
There was a ball
at the Dance Palace that night.
The orchestra's call
burst like a storm of music.
It split the walls
and spread everywhere.
Come in, ladies and gentlemen!
Have a dance!
The crowd poured in
like a torrent
from the 4 corners of Paris.
People from all classes
who loved noisy pleasures
that are a bit naughty.
Office workers,
and girls... lots of girls!
Girls in common cotton
as well as sheer batiste,
old diamond-laden ladies
looking for their youth,
poor 16-year olds wanting fun
with big-spending men.
Dress suits hunting for young flesh,
tasty, deflowered youth,
roamed among the excited crowd,
searching and picking up the scent.
In their midst appeared a man,
thin and dressed as a dandy.
He looked like he was
from a wax museum.
A strange caricature
of a stylish young man.
Ladies and gentlemen,
our great quadrille dancer,
Mr. Granval!
He danced awkwardly.
He seemed rusty
as he tried to imitate the others.
He seemed stiff.
He was as heavy as a pug-dog
playing with greyhounds.
You dance well.
You're lovely!
Music! Music!
Maestro, don't stop!
- Will he die?
- No, he just fainted.
A doctor!
Over there!
We need you, Doctor!
- You got him!
- Up there!
He's up there!
I didn't come here to...
He's over there!
A dancer who passed out!
Don't you recognise me?
Last winter at Nice?
We danced together.
- Indeed!
- We got separated.
Not this time! Come along!
I'm glad to see you.
You're lovely!
Sit down. Thirsty?
George, champagne!
I'll be right back.
But I can't! I...
He's tightly laced up.
I'll have to cut him free.
Get me some scissors!
Scissors! Hurry!
- Brandy, Doctor?
- Not now!
Well?
Don't worry, it'll be all right.
What happened to me?
- Prevost?
- I'm here.
You'll see her later. Don't move!
Where do you live?
Admiral St...
the other side of Montmartre...
at the end of Fishmonger St.
Go home and go to bed.
Don't move!
Admiral St.!
My hat!
- Go dance!
- Not alone!
The building was tall and shabby,
inhabited by a miserable,
ragged crowd.
The stairs were gummy.
I can't go on!
Courage! We're almost there.
And Funny Face? She'll wait?
She'll wait.
Another flight?
Yes. Ring twice.
Your wife'll be asleep!
No, she has insomnia.
- Good Lord, now what?
- It's nothing.
He suddenly felt weak
in a public place.
- At a ball?
- You know?
It's not the 1st time
he's had a fall, jumping about.
You reassure me!
He didn't eat,
so as to be more lithe.
Then he had an absinthe,
to perk him up.
Careful! 3 steps!
Why does he insist on dancing?
I could tell you plenty!
So they'll think he's young!
So the girls'll think
he's a gay-blade and...
let him whisper dirty talk
and rub against them
with their scents and pomades.
Help me with the sleeve.
Now the shoes.
That's the hard part.
That's it.
And don't think
he'll make room for me later!
I'll have to sleep just anywhere!
Sensualist!
He plays the young man
at the dances.
All of them!
He comes home in such a state!
What demon drives him to it?
Regret!
That he's no longer what he was!
He had lots of success.
More than any tenor or general!
Isn't he handsome for his age?
I'll fix a hot-water bottle.
Surprised at his success?
You didn't know him back then.
When I met him,
I was completely hooked.
Like a fish on a pole.
He was so kind as to make you cry.
I went home with him
and never left him...
in spite of everything.
- Married?
- Fortunately!
If not, he'd have left
me like the others.
I was his wife and maid.
He worked?
He was No.1 at Marcel's.
Marcel? The hairdresser?
By the Opera,
with all the actresses.
I'll fix him a compress.
Ambrose did the rich ones.
- Ambrose?
- That was him!
They gave him a fortune in tips!
They're all alike.
When they like a man,
they have him! It's easy!
I often waited for him all night.
He'd come in,
his eyes shining with content.
He'd say... "Another, Denise!"
What a man!
He had to brag about it.
Some men take more pleasure
in talking of it than in doing it.
But you're dressed
for an evening out!
No, I was there too.
No doubt you're not married.
When you are, it'll change.
I hope so.
Odd how a man has
to chase after them!
But that was his youth.
Now he's aged.
The day he saw his 1st grey hair...
I cleaned the house singing!
A man can change so quickly.
In just 2 years!
The women stopped wanting him.
So he went to the dance halls.
As if in a frenzy!
It's him!
I'm all alone!
Sorry to bore you with all this.
But you've given me a good lesson!
Doctor!
Give me your address,
in case he gets worse.
I don't think you need worry.
He'll live a long time yet.
Good! I want him to live and...
go on dancing.
The doctor pondered
the eternal drama
that is acted out daily,
in many ways,
in all worlds.
To the Dance Palace!
I don't tell only sad stories.
Would you like something cheerier?
Shall we say...spicier?
A fairy tale for adults!
It takes place in Normandy.
It begins in a small Channel port...
in a not quite
residential neighborhood.
I don't know if you see what I mean.
It's the story of a house.
Not a business house
in the usual sense.
It's a house... how shall I say?
I don't want to shock you but
it's a "house".
But a well-kept house!
Each night at 11,
the customers came by.
The 6 or 8 regulars never varied.
Not revellers but respectable
merchants and young men of the town.
They teased the girls a bit
or chatted calmly with Madam,
whom they all respected.
Too late!
Of good peasant stock,
Madam had adopted her profession
as if she were a milliner or draper.
Violent urban prejudices
don't exist in the country.
A peasant says
"It's a good trade..."
and sends his child to run a harem
as if it were a girls' school.
The house was a legacy
from her uncle.
She and her husband
sold their inn,
thinking the new business
more profitable.
They took over the place
that had languished
in its owners' absence.
They were worthy and well-loved
by their employees and neighbors.
In 2 years the husband
died of apoplexy.
His new job had made him
inactive and stout
and his health throttled him.
The house had 2 entries.
On the corner was a gloomy tavern
open to sailors and laborers.
2 ladies saw to
the customers' needs.
Louise, dressed as Liberty
and nicknamed Cocote
and Spanish Flora, known as Swinger
due to her hip movements.
They looked like dishwashers
in disguise.
They urged the men to drink.
They were aided
by a waiter named Frédéric,
beardless and strong as an ox.
The 3 other ladies
formed a sort of aristocracy
reserved for the 1st floor,
for those in the Jupiter Room.
Fernande was a pink
and white country girl.
From Marseilles,
Raphaële played the Jewish beauty.
Rosa only stopped drinking to sing
or singing to drink.
A little more!
That's all!
Bye, darling!
Your vest!
I'll call Raphaële!
Thanks.
Mr. Dupuis, don't catch cold!
Over the door burned a small lantern.
Sorry, but it will have to...
go out for the story to begin.
One evening in May,
the 1st to arrive, Mr. Poulin,
wood-merchant and ex-mayor,
found the door locked.
Anyone there?
Duvert!
Poulin!
- Where to?
- Same as always!
Not you?
Don't bother!
Nobody's home!
I know it's nobody's home!
I'm not joking.
I'll have another look with you
but it's closed.
You see!
Closed! The café, too!
The police must've closed it.
As mayor, I'd never have allowed
such a thing.
That's how wars start!
Let's go! I don't like this!
We mustn't meet a soul! We'd look...
Like what we are!
It's unnecessary.
That's the English yelling.
They're used to fisticuffs.
For them, it's like fencing.
Look! Tourneveau!
Yes, it's Saturday!
I have sad news for you.
We were... you know where.
Closed?
I know. I was there earlier.
Then where are you going?
To another place?
I was only going back
for conscience's sake.
But since you say so...
Let's walk. It's a nice night.
What's conscience have
to do with it?
You forget I'm a married man!
A father!
I go out only on Saturday!
You bachelors are lucky.
You can go whenever you wish!
Because we don't have homes!
Solitude is tragic. Isn't it?
Worse!
Let's walk. It's a nice night.
Yes, a nice night.
Yes... a nice night.
The 3 men met young Mr. Philippe,
the banker's son, another regular
and Mr. Pimpesse, the tax-man.
Then they met Mr. Dupuis,
the insurance agent.
Then, Mr. Vasse,
the commerce arbitrator.
What's wrong? It's closed?
What happened?
Such misfortune!
They went down to the jetty.
Beautiful!
The foam on the crests of the waves!
The monotonous sound of the sea...
Beautiful!
- Not very cheerful!
- Indeed not!
It had to happen on a Saturday!
And I had such a good dinner!
Mushrooms!
In this season?
Not from around here!
Yes, they were!
Not from this region!
But that's what I ate!
You didn't find them in this region!
No, but my elder daughter did!
She spent 2 hours
in the woods picking them!
What are you laughing at?
She knows how to!
She's 17!
I'm sure she knows how to!
You've insulted my daughter!
As ex-mayor,
I think our tax-man is wrong.
As mayor, I learned many things.
Such as?
Well, a tax-man's salary is...
A fresh dispute arose
between Mr. Poulin and Mr. Dupuis
about a tax-man's salary
and possible gains.
Insults flew on both sides.
The others kept them
from coming to blows.
Scoundrel?
We'll see!
I trust he'll see his lawyer.
Such behavior!
Why argue for nothing?
You call that nothing?
You should be in bed
and not arguing with your elders!
- He's still young.
- I'm wrong?
No, but he's young and we should...
Boredom had made them bitter.
For a Saturday
it's an odd Saturday!
Peace settled over the troubled town.
Yet one man still roamed,
cherishing vague hopes.
Yes... "Closed due
to a 1st Communion."
Madam's brother was a carpenter
in their native village.
He knew his sister was doing well.
So he invited her
for his child's 1st Communion.
Therefore, on Saturday morning...
Madam and her ladies
boarded the 8:00 express.
Have a nice holiday, ladies!
What're you up to?
I'm not used to so many clothes!
Where do you think you are?
With you!
Don't be insolent!
"A diplomatic crisis
between Bolivia and Chile."
That's far away!
"Possibility of a war
in the Pacific."
What's "Pacific" mean?
Peace!
Tickets, please!
You already saw them!
I'll see them again!
A peasant couple joined them.
The husband wore a blue blouse
with wide sleeves
plus an old tall hat.
Sitting upright,
his wife had a face like a hen,
a nose like a beak.
- Watch that calf!
- Yeah.
You said that the last time...
and it fell!
No longer alone, the ladies became
serious to make a proper impression.
Madame Rosa!
It's a popular tune!
The viscount taught it to me!
Your husband! How is he?
Not bad, my dear.
He's on a trip... to Paris.
What husband?
Cocote! Her husband!
You don't know him, dear.
He's extraordinarily thoughtful.
He sends me...
robes every day!
And jewels!
Flowers, too!
We drink nothing but champagne.
He kisses my hand.
He tells me things...
so marvelous!
But I've forgotten them .
At Bolbec, at the last minute,
a panting gentleman
arrived with a beard, cane, rings,
and a gold watch-chain.
He was heavily laden
with a suitcase and parcels.
Julien Ledentu... traveller.
Madam Tellier and...
The ladies are changing barracks?
Please be civil!
Sorry! I meant to say "convent".
Leaving the pond?
Going to be skewered?
Don't dare hop out!
Lost their panties!
They want my garters!
No, they don't!
But the ladies do!
What for?
To give to your lovers!
Sorry!
To give to the love of your heart!
It needs no garters!
Lovely! That's worth a reward!
The heart needs no garters!
Careful! Here's the merchandise!
Garters!
Silk! All colors!
I'd like the blue ones!
Here they are.
The pink!
The pink ones!
Red!
Here are the red ones!
Mauve!
Mauve! To go with your eyes!
These are larger, more dignified!
For a mistress!
Yes! Here!
The old couple left with
their basket, ducks and umbrella.
The old lady was annoyed.
Hussies going
to that devilish Paris!
True! They're of no interest!
Coming?
Now, my little pussies!
Let's try them on!
Sir, I must ask you
to mind your manners!
Then I'll pack them up.
I'd have given you
any pair you tried on.
Silk! All colors!
For free!
What?
I said, for free!
Pluck up your courage!
- A bargain!
- Flora! Later...
It'd only take a second.
Garters don't buy familiarity!
Sacrifices can be costly!
Some give diamond garters!
And they behave in tunnels!
Such a cad!
I'd never let you enter my house!
At the next station,
Joseph Rivet awaited them
with a large chair-filled cart
drawn by a white horse.
Careful with the parcel!
Louise! Hand me your suitcase!
Don't I get a kiss?
This is Rosa!
Rosa! Pass me your suitcase!
Hurry up!
I'm Joseph.
- No need to kiss them!
- I'm polite!
So start with me!
I saved the best for last!
Time to get everyone into the cart!
Raphaële, Fernande and Flora
can sit in front.
You know their names!
I'm not thick-skulled!
Thanks for the chairs!
I'm not used
to such a precious cargo.
Usually it's planks or
2 or 3 pigs, you know?
Yes, we know pigs!
I didn't mean anything nasty!
All right, Julia, sit next to me.
- And me?
- Rosa can sit between us.
Not at all! Raphaële!
Fernande, there!
Flora, in back!
Louise, in back, to balance us!
- And me?
- Behind me. She can hold on to...
No, Rosa's the lightest.
She'll sit on Fernande's lap.
We're not well-seated.
You just drive!
We're not seated right!
Just see to the horse!
The green landscape
stretched along the road.
Flowering rapeseed...
in sheets of rippling yellow
spread its strong, wholesome,
sweet and penetrating
odor far and wide.
Past the fields colored
by Nature's flowers
drove the cart,
with its own garish bouquet,
drawn by the trotting horse.
It vanished behind tall trees
to reappear beyond the green screen,
flaunting its dazzling bevy of ladies
among the yellow and green crops
flecked with patches
of red and blue.
The children?
It's their Absolution.
And your daughter?
Constance is there!
Children need Religion
so they can choose later.
Can we see her?
No, not now!
Mustn't disturb the cherubs!
Pity!
Hello, Maria!
- How nice!
- My pleasure!
My wife!
- I hurt you?
- Of course not!
Hurry! She's hungry!
I'll fix a nice omelet.
Our turn!
I'll get my cider.
You've never had any like it!
Your daughter?
You'll see her later.
Here's Miss Constance! Hurry!
Kiss Auntie!
She's grown!
Hello, treasure! Beautiful!
Some ladies are waiting for you!
Say hello to each one!
How pretty she is!
So sweet!
Looks like her mother!
Nice kid!
The present! From your aunt!
Use a knife! Hope you like it!
Here's your dress!
It's too pretty!
You like it, darling?
I can see business is good!
I mean... business!
Watch what you say!
The Good Lord understands things!
Don't tear your dress!
Hook it first!
Hurry with the pins!
Not all at once!
She's so good!
- Like her father!
- Says you!
Never saw such a dress!
What would you know?
You take me for a peasant?
You're better than many city men!
See? She knows as well as you do!
Let's have fun!
It's a Communion, not a funeral!
Space being limited,
sleeping arrangements were made.
Rivet slept in his workshop.
His wife and sister
were in the main bedroom...
next to Fernande and Raphaële.
Louise and Flora were in the kitchen.
Rosa was alone in a tiny attic room
but she couldn't find it.
End of the hall!
Good night!
It's so dark!
The boundless silence
was almost religious.
It enfolded the village,
calm and penetrating,
reaching to the stars.
- Well...
- What?
I'm all excited.
I've got goose-flesh!
'Cause there's no noise.
Think so?
It's odd, huh?
Can't sleep?
Are you afraid?
What is it?
The silence is deafening!
My heart's upside down!
I can't sleep.
Me neither!
I'm not used to sleeping alone!
Go find the carpenter!
Not on a night like this!
It'd be bad luck!
- Who is it?
- It's me.
I'm coming.
- What is it?
- I'm afraid.
I'm scared without Mama.
Want to come with me?
I'd like that.
That way you won't be afraid.
Wait!
Your dolly!
You mustn't cry!
You won't be afraid with me.
You're not scared now?
All right?
Sleep well...
my darling.
At 5, the Angelus bells
vigorously roused the ladies
who were used to a full morning
of well-earned repose.
The bells' plaintive tinkling rose
in the air only to die away,
like a feeble voice
drowned in the blue.
The sun was already high
in the radiant sky
with a hint of pink on the horizon,
the pale after-glow of dawn.
The communicants came out.
The parents,
in their Sunday best and...
with the clumsy movements
of weary laborers
followed their offspring.
The girls were lost in clouds
of tulle as snowy
as whipped cream.
They lined up near a nun
in a stiff coif.
The little boys,
like miniature waiters
with plastered-down hair,
walked with wide-spread legs
to avoid spots on their trousers.
A family's glory was measured
by the number of relatives
from far away.
The carpenter's triumph was supreme.
The Tellier regiment
followed Constance
on parade like a general staff
in full uniform.
The village was overwhelmed.
City ladies!
Need some room?
They can sit here.
Thanks, Mr. Mayor.
I'm honored to see such fine ladies
who have brought us a breath
of the city!
I'll go in back.
Sit there!
He's the Mayor?
Yes.
Handsome!
Rosa, you think he's handsome?
It's a question of taste.
I think you're better.
Like a spark setting fire
to a ripe field,
the tears of Rosa and her friends
swept the assembly.
Men, women, old folks,
lads in new smocks...
Soon all were sobbing
as if something supernatural
were hovering over them,
the emanation of a soul,
the mighty breath
of a Being who was invisible
and omnipotent.
You mustn't cry, Madam Rosa!
Dear brethren, dear children,
I thank you
from the bottom of my heart.
You've given me
the greatest joy of my life.
The feast was served in the shop
on a long trestle table.
The merriment was a bit subdued
due to the morning's emotions.
But Rivet was happy
and ready for drink.
He made his speech for the 4th time.
Ladies, I too wish to thank you.
You said that!
Already!
You can never say thank you enough!
So I want to thank you
for coming to our little party,
so intimate... and like
one big family
and for bringing with you
your beauty and your youth.
That's nice!
Time to go, Joseph!
Not now! I have to thank you!
And we thank you for thanking us!
But we want the 3:55 train!
Never! Not as long as I live!
You'll not take the 3:55!
After the coffee, we'll have a nip!
And then another nip!
Then... supper!
Come on! No supper
and no little nip!
Closing for 1 day
is all right, but not 2!
I understand... but even so
I have to thank you!
After you've harnessed up!
The ladies must pack.
Come along, ladies!
Everyone downstairs in 5 minutes!
Please, Louise! Hurry!
Behave yourself, Flora!
We'll eat in the cart!
She forgot...
Flora! Get dressed!
Sorry, but if we're to be on time!
Hurry up, Joseph!
Harness up!
I'll harness, I'll harness!
You can't imagine!
Thanks again all the same.
Joseph! Come here!
Obey your sister, Joseph!
What a scoundrel!
I'm telling you to come here!
You're a disgrace to the family!
Joseph, do as I say!
For a family day,
you could've at least...
I can at least say thanks.
Now what?
Me? Nothing!
You were with Rosa?
Of course I was with Rosa!
I had to thank her!
They were all so nice!
I'll harness up now.
Now listen, Maria!
They're like family, no?
It's awful to harness up now!
It's time to get going!
They set off, like the day before.
The white horse trotted
briskly along.
The sun drenched
the flowering fields
and the ladies couldn't resist it.
Alas, 'tis gone!
My dimpled arms,
My legs so trim
are yesterday's charms!
Why did you make me so pretty?
Of that, I know not a thing!
Unless God calls to me
My confessor shall know nothing!
When I went up to your room
I'd been drinking...
an' was overheated.
So... don't be mad at me, eh?
Thank you.
Quick, ladies!
Don't miss the train!
Raphaële! Fernande!
Hurry up, children!
We won't miss it!
Watch those high heels!
Let's go!
We could've had fun.
There's a time for everything!
Is the train leaving?
It won't go without you!
I think there's room here.
But me!
I'm sad to see you go!
All aboard!
Maybe I'll come see you next month!
All right, but don't act silly!
Goodbye, Madam Rosa!
See you soon!
See you soon, Madam Rosa!
That night
the tiny lantern announced
the return of the flock to the fold.
The news spread like wildfire.
Have a nice trip?
Mr. Philippe even sent a message
to Mr. Tourneveau, the fish-curer.
A sailor brought a note.
Bad news?
He seemed happy.
Mr. Tourneveau, the fish-curer?
Yes. You have a letter for me?
What is it?
Read it yourself!
Come at once.
The cargo of fish has...
returned to port.
They've returned! My hat!
A ship was missing?
I don't burden you
with all my worries!
- They're back?
- I guess.
They're back?
- Madam?
- In her office.
Raphaële! Have a nice time?
A real vacation!
- Madam?
- Upstairs.
I'm glad to see you again!
And I'm glad to see you!
It's good you're back tonight.
If not, the week would've been sad!
Oh, I was already bored!
Where did you go with your cargo?
- I mean, your flock!
- The country!
They'll tell you all about it!
The champagne's on me!
10 bottles of champagne
for Mr. Tourneveau!
- How much?
- 10 francs each!
Not a very friendly price!
For you, 6 francs a bottle!
Will you be as generous
with your favors?
Tonight!
What? You agree?
I want everyone happy tonight!
I can't believe my ears!
Frédéric, flowers everywhere!
It turned into a regular ball,
a real celebration!
A wave of joy swept
over the Tellier house.
At midnight the dancing went on!
You've just seen pleasure
meet purity.
In "The Mask", pleasure met love.
And now... Pleasure and Death.
Not true death. A moral burial.
A bit tragic,
but it ends in marriage.
The tale is told
by a Parisian columnist
to whom I'll loan my voice...
as I often do.
Yes, that's him.
I've known him 30 years.
Why'd he marry that poor girl?
For the same reason
as any marriage! Folly!
- Even so!
- There's no "even so"!
No cure for stupidity!
For the couple you see,
the accident happened
in a special way.
The girl risked everything she had.
Risked? Who knows?
Who knows anything about women?
They lie without knowing
or understanding.
Yet the honesty of their feelings
and their sudden reactions
baffle our logic and upset our plans.
I witnessed their first encounter.
Jean hesitated between landscapes
or genre painting.
He hated nudes.
He didn't know the girl was a model.
He was entranced by her walk,
her childlike, sensual face,
her quiet elegance
and her divine waist.
Her name was Josephine.
As she passed,
she had no idea
her Fate had been settled.
And what a Fate!
He fell in love with her.
She thought he loved her completely.
It's curious
that when you want a woman
you believe
you can no longer live without her.
Well, he believed he loved her.
He swore fidelity to her
and lived with her completely.
The soup!
All right, at ease!
- Love me?
- I adore you!
- You?
- It's over!
Idiot! I'll kill you!
Pity! So young!
I'll kill me!
All women say that!
I'd do it!
Fix lunch instead!
What're we having?
Some lovely fish!
Great!
Big ones?
Wait till I open the can!
Sardines!
When you become known,
we'll have salmon!
You won't be able to eat it then!
That's life, my love!
Old age and salmon...
youth and sardines!
Why do you look at me that way?
I like to look at you...
'cause you're lovely and...
And?
I like you!
And you love me.
I love you!
Couldn't live without me?
I don't think so.
You should be sure.
I'm sure!
I love how you move.
Your everyday movements
are so graceful!
When you bend to me
or get into a car
or lift your arm
or give me your hand...
or eat sardines!
No one eats sardines like you!
For 3 months, Jean never noticed
that Josephine was like all models.
But his new way
of painting was a hit.
- I want No.8.
- No.8! If you please.
- Mr...
- Leconte.
It's sold!
It's sold! Thank you!
You're sold!
Yes, you're sold! Darling!
Know what?
We'll rent a country house!
Not new! An old one!
One we'll slowly fix up and...
- The money!
- We'll manage!
And trees!
I can see a tree!
One hit by lightning!
Not that way! Like this!
There, they had their first spat.
I know it's already happened to you,
that disgust follows possession,
that we must be able
to live with each other
not due to physical hunger
that soon dies
but in a harmony
of temperaments and moods.
We were walking in the forest,
silently penetrated
by the cool of the river
that enveloped us
and bathed our minds in happiness.
Then, Josephine yelled.
See that big fish jump?
Yes, I saw it.
No! You had your back to it!
True. My mind's a blank.
Then don't say you saw it!
Going to Paris?
I don't know yet.
You like walking without talking?
Folks talk if they're not dumb.
And you?
Oh, so many people talk
and say nothing.
You mean me?
Not especially. Just everyone!
Shut up! Please!
Why? I bother you?
You spoil the landscape!
What?
You didn't always think so! Gad!
And so began the scene,
hateful and stupid
with insults and recriminations.
And tears. Everything!
In 3 months she was fighting
the invincible, invisible ties
with which Habit binds our lives.
You come home at this hour?
I'll come home at any hour!
Meanwhile,
I fix your dinner and wait!
I'm not your maid!
If you don't like it,
it's easy!
You want me to leave!
They argued all day.
And they fought.
You're not going out!
The key!
You're hurting me!
Give me the key!
You do like work!
Work's all I do like!
He needs more and more money.
He's hooked.
Maybe it's for a farewell gift!
Painters don't know how to break off.
This time he's gone.
Bravo!
I couldn't turn her out!
Thanks for taking me in!
Perfectly natural!
We'll not get in each other's way.
We'll manage.
We're both making money.
What'll she do?
What should she?
Put your things down.
You'll forget her.
I'll put your bed by the window.
Don't worry.
You didn't make her hateful.
Maybe I was hateful first.
You had had enough.
When it begins to come to an end...
Sit down.
Maybe I was wrong.
Was it out of love? Or pride?
She looked for him.
No one had seen him.
She waited up each night.
One evening about 9...
Jean was working.
He felt liberated.
It's her, isn't it?
Look, I don't think he can...
I knew he was here!
You always hated me!
I don't want money!
Nor your letter!
Nor to be dismissed!
Don't treat me like just any girl!
I didn't chase after you!
You begged me! You took me!
Now... keep me!
You going to stick to me till I die?
Let me explain things.
No need!
Listen to me!
I've something to tell you
but no scenes!
Don't take life so tragically!
That does no good.
He still loves you but...
He loves you
but it's the classic story.
His family has a bride
he must marry.
Understand?
I understand quite well.
So... no scene, eh?
Pay no attention to me!
He says you're getting married.
Yes.
If you do, I'll kill myself.
I swear I'll kill myself!
So do it!
Don't defy me, Jean!
I'll go out the window.
It's upstairs.
Upstairs!
There you are.
Her legs were smashed.
I thought he'd go insane.
Was he trying to make amends
or was he truly moved by her act?
He married her.
But his life was over.
All he had left was his work.
That's the story.
He ignores you?
He won't forgive me.
He's wrong.
He's found love, fame and fortune.
Isn't that happiness?
Even so, it's quite sad.
But happiness is no lark!
Subtitling by ECLAIR GROUP