Quartet (1981) - full transcript

- Mado, look at this.

Napoleon's.

- Napoleon's?

- Mm-hmm. Napoleon's sabre.

One of his sabres, I suppose.

He must've had several of them.

A man like Napoleon.

- Stephan?

- Well?

- Where did you get that sword?

- From a Frenchman

named de Coligny.

It belongs to his family.

- Why are they selling it?

- Because they need the money.

Everybody needs money.

You know that. I know that.

- But shouldn't he be taking it

to a museum?

- He has to do it on the sly.

His uncle and his mother

don't want him to sell it.

They would stop him

if they could.

- He probably has no right to sell it

without his mother's consent.

- His mother has nothing to say.

- What you going to do with it?

- I'm going to send it

to America.

- But... that's illegal.

- I saw a dress in the window

of Jean Veron's today.

A sort of peach colour.

You might call it apricot.

It would suit you.

- Really?

- Oh, you don't think

I'm too pale?

- Oh, you can't take

strong colours.

- You're probably right.

- No, except black.

I like you in black.

- My black crepe de Chine,

that's chic, isn't it?

- Mm. Makes you look

like a little nun.

We should get you

a white-lace collar to go with it.

- Ah, there you are, Anna.

- Lola's in the Select.

She'll be along in a minute.

I'm not in my assiette,

as the dear French say.

- Now,

what are we going to have?

- I've been trying to decide

- men or women.

- Well, are we ready to order?

- Women are worse. They'll kick your face

to bits if you let them.

- Oh, darling,

don't be depressed.

Have a fine.

H.J., do call Lefranc.

We are ready to order.

Monsieur Lefranc.

- Did you see Cri-Cri

count me dead, H.J.?

Considering she came to my party

last Saturday.

- Oh, don't worry about her, my dear.

She's having her little hour.

- Till her painter

throws her out.

- She's a character.

She's a type.

They have their little hour,

then we hear no more about them.

- Mar ya.

- Hello.

- There's that little...

Zelli girl.

- Couldn't you turn up tomorrow?

I wish you would.

I'd like to talk to you.

- I can't.

I have to meet my husband.

- Where did she come from?

Does anybody know?

- Somewhere rather vague

and exotic.

Martinique? Could that be right?

Anyway, her mother's

supposed to be a West Indian.

- That means she's a Creole.

- What is a Creole?

I thought it was a way of cooking chicken.

- Oh, you know the Heidlers,

do you?

- Not very well.

- Keep it that way.

- Why?

If you have something to say,

I wish you'd say it.

- I'm not too clear

about the whole thing, but...

it seems there was a girl

who killed herself.

Someone Heidler

had had an affair with.

And then he had

some sort of breakdown,

and his wife

had to take him away.

To New York or somewhere.

I believe Mrs. Heidler paints.

It's pretty awful to think of

the hundreds of women round here

painting away, isn't it?

- She's a decorative

little person.

You should get her

to sit for you, Lois.

- What does he do?

- He's a very important man.

He makes discoveries.

He helps young people.

He has flair.

He also has money, of course.

And that helps.

- ...working their fingers

to the bone for him,

he doesn't have to do a thing;

he doesn't have to pay

for servants.

- I hate all that kind of thing.

Astral bodies and all the rest of it.

- Astral bodies is theosophy.

- You've been neglecting us.

You want to avoid English people

in Paris.

H.J. and I most completely agree

with you.

If you see only Anglo-Americans

in Paris,

what's the use of being here

at all?

Oh, your husband's French,

of course.

- He's a Pole.

- And he, uh...

- He's an art dealer.

He acts between Frenchmen

who want to sell and foreigners.

It's usually foreigners

who want to buy.

- And what do the Frenchmen

want to sell?

- Pictures, fur coats...

Madame Dubarry's prie-dieu.

Anything.

- H.J.and I

have quite made up our minds

that eating is the greatest

pleasure in life.

Haven't we, H.J.?

Well, I mean, it is, isn't it?

It's one of the few pleasures

that never let you down.

Oh, the music.

- What about sex?

I mean, really. What about sex?

Well, are you forgetting about the sex?

- What?

- He... he didn't say anything?

- I see that the Zelli girl's husband...

been sentenced.

One year, to be followed

by expulsion from France.

In other words, theft.

- Ah, I feel sorry for her,

all the same.

I can just see how it happened.

People do get hold

of girls like that.

- We should do something

for her.

- Poor little devil.

What did you have in mind?

- We could have her

in the spare room.

She probably hasn't got a bean.

- Huh. But... we don't know

anything about her.

We don't even know

where she's from.

People say she was born

in the West Indies, Martinique,

or some place like that.

- Is that supposed to be good,

or bad?

- I'm not saying it's either.

I'm merely stating a fact.

We don't know anything

about her,

except that her husband

is in jail.

It's true.

- I'm not going to have a discussion

on that sort of level.

- I think you're getting bored

again.

That's the reason you're ready

to bring in anybody at any cost.

- You just want to shut me off and shut me in,

make me into a tame husband.

- As if anyone could do that.

- I won't live like that.

- It's no use doing too much

for people, H...

It's simply no use

doing too much for people.

You know that, H.J.

- All we've ever done for anyone

is to have them in the spare room.

- And look what trouble

they brought with them.

All those types

we tried to be kind to.

- I'm not interested in being kind

to anyone. I'm interested in them.

In character.

In forms of life.

You should've married

a stockbroker

and stayed with him

in South Kensington.

- That is unfair. H.J.

You know perfectly well

I'm only thinking of you. I...

...I don't want us to get into

any more impossible situations.

- Don't you see

how dangerous it is to... to...

close oneself off?

Be afraid of...

Well, just because of some...

...unpleasant experience

in the past?

It's only a cubbyhole of a place,

but she'll be alright.

- Hello, Mado.

- My poor boy.

What rotten luck.

- Mado, listen.

The worst, th-the very worst,

is that this has happened

when I have no money.

What will you do?

I worry myself to death about you.

- I'll manage something.

Tell me what happened exactly.

I'd rather know.

- It's so stupid.

My defending lawyer

didn't know his métier.

Instead of making a case...

Instead of making a case,

he told the court

how I speak six languages.

Well... no luck.

If only I had some money

for you.

You must write at once to your family

to send you some money.

Have you written yet?

- Yes.

Mm... no.

I'll manage. I'm telling you.

- How?

- I will. Only, I have

such an awful cold, I can't think now.

This noise.

- What will you do?!

- Never mind.

As a matter of fact,

some people asked me

to go and live with them.

- Who? For godsakes, speak up!

- The Heidlers. You don't know them.

They're English.

- It's alright, then.

You go and live with them.

- I don't want to.

- Listen.

Do you want drive me mad?

They'll take care of you.

And I can have

some peace of mind about you.

- My darling, I love you.

You'll be out in spring.

The time will pass quickly.

- Quickly? My God, that's funny.

Quickly.

- I'll come to see you

every week.

And... in spring, we'll go away.

To...

to Berlin or Brussels.

- Promise you'll go and stay

with these people. Promise.

- Yes, yes. Yes.

- Say something.

Quick, speak to me.

- I love you.

I do.

- Alright. And you go and live

with these English people.

Good. Finally.

My poor little Mado.

Are they nice?

- Oh, yes.

Very nice.

- I won't be able to stand it.

- It's awfully good of you

to worry about me.

- Oh, nonsense. Rubbish.

We're your friends.

- Of course we are.

- I do love your frock.

I shall paint you

with short black gloves on.

Or - no,

she'll have short green gloves.

What do you think, H.J.?

- Do show her the room.

- So here we are.

- You are very kind, you know,

but--

- Oh, if you mean you're afraid

of being a bother,

put that right out of your head.

I'm used to it.

H.J. is always rescuing

some young genius or the other

and installing them in here.

- I really haven't got any money

at all.

I feel I ought to do something

about it.

- Well, what...

what will you do?

- I used to be on the stage,

just sort in the chorus,

in England.

- You must let us

take care of you.

I want it.

H.J. wants it.

I shall be awfully disappointed,

and hurt, if you don't let me.

I know what it is.

I love H.J. so terribly, but...

...he isn't always awfully nice

to me.

- It's just so difficult for me

to trust anyone.

- Well, naturally, with the life you've led

and your marriage.

- I didn't mean my marriage.

Not Stephan.

- Y-you mustn't think

I don't see the...

the angle that you look

at life from.

Because I do.

Please rest now.

Do rest.

Don't let's talk anymore.

- It really wasn't any use

talking to Lois about Stephan,

or how things were with me

when I met him.

Women like Lois,

who've always had money,

just don't understand

what it's like for somebody like me,

who've never had any.

- Oh, I'm sorry!

- I wasn't looking.

- Oh, you speak English.

Very good.

Very nice.

Uh... I...

I understand perfectly.

You'd just come down

from the second floor.

M. Gauthier, impresario.

And there was no job.

And you're feeling rotten.

- Yes.

- But I... I'm going up

to the third floor,

in hope and joy,

to M. Perron et Dussolier,

art dealers, auctioneers,

with this precious object,

which you nearly--

- What is it?

- Voila.

Yes, to you,

an ordinary rocking horse,

but do you know who sat on it?

One of Swinburne's children.

The great English poet.

- He didn't have any children.

- Uh, then it was Millet,

the great English painter.

He had many children.

Please, don't deny me again.

I've set all my hopes...

on this little horse.

- Stephan, Stephan.

- That's right, she likes it.

: Do you intend

to keep going there?

- To see Stephan? Yes.

- Well... we don't approve.

You know, lots of girls

make extraordinary marriages.

You know,

for all sorts of reasons.

But the time comes

when you must cut loose.

Can't you see that?

- No, I can't.

- Tsk.

You're a very tiresome child.

You'll be alright.

You'll row your little boat along,

but if you try to help

your husband, you are done.

I hate myself made up.

I don't think it's my genre.

But H.J. likes it.

And I always give way to H.J.

I give him what he wants -

till his mood changes.

- Will you lend me 100 francs?

If I had 100 francs,

I could leave.

- Well... why on earth

should you want to leave?

- You'll never have to see me

again.

- We are making a great deal of fuss

about nothing at all, aren't we?

Drama is catching, I find.

Don't let H.J. hear you,

or he'll be very cross.

With both of us.

- You ought to do it often.

Do you think so?

- Don't rush off.

Oh, God, I get so utterly sick

of myself sometimes.

Do you ever get sick

of yourself?

- No.

- Well, I get sick of myself.

Don't bother with coats...

Ah, bonsoir, monsieur.

Pardon.

J Toot toot toot &

3 He'll keep me syncopated &

3 And feelin' fine &

3 Here comes that 5-09 ¢

;5097

J I hear the whistle &

J Blowin' down the line J

3 I hear the train a-comin' &

3 Down the track &

J Oh my Jack [

J When it gets goin' ♪

3 There's no holdin' back &

J It's right on time [

J With something very special

J Gettin' it home for me J

♪ I... ♪

35 Won't be doint

no more waitin' &

J Toot toot toot &

5 We'll be syncopated &

3 And feelin' fine &

3 Here comes that 5-0-9... &$

- Oh, there you are, Guy.

Where have you been?

- Oh, I've been hiding

in the fog.

I didn't think anyone

would want to see me.

What is it?

- Oh, look.

- Oh, yes!

- Would you like to try?

I can drink whatever I like,

and pull myself together

in a second with that.

Break it. Sniff it up.

- Oh.

- Oh, my dear,

it was in all the newspapers.

- What's this rubbish

we've got here?

- What are you trying to do?

Heidler doesn't like me talking to you.

- Why shouldn't he?

You're imagining it.

He's very kind.

- Kind?

Heidler kind?

My God.

- I can't stand that self-righteous American

Cairn fellow

Mar ya keeps on seeing.

I wonder if she's alright.

You're such a fool, Guy.

- Don't shout in my ear.

- Well, get out of the way.

Blocking up the bar.

- It's my bar.

- Then you ought to give

your clients a chance.

Come, my dear.

You alright?

- French people pretend

just as much as anybody else.

Ha. Maybe they pretend

about different things.

Maybe not quite so obvious,

but they all pretend.

You'll find that out, dear,

when you've been here

as long as I have.

- Sure. Excuse me.

- You see, Michel,

men feel disgusted by what they do,

and so they drink,

they take drugs,

and they're forever changing

partners.

- What about women?

- Oh, that's quite different.

They can stay happy

with each other

because they only do

what is beautiful.

Excuse me. I'm so sorry.

- They're like members of a harem

who can't get on.

- It'll all blow over, no doubt.

- He doesn't know himself.

That's what's so frightening.

He doesn't know his own nature.

I suppose it's a sort

of innocence in him, really.

Oh, God, this damn thing hurts my head.

- Do you know why your door

is open every morning?

Come over here,

listen to what I have to say.

Must you do that? When I'm alone

with you for five minutes,

you paint your mouth

or perform some other monkey trick.

Your door is open,

because I come up at night,

I look at you,

and then I go away again.

Don't you know I've wanted you

from the first moment I saw you?

Well, I kept off you, didn't I?

I knew I could have you

by putting my hands on you,

but I kept off you.

I thought it wouldn't be playing

the game, you see,

but there comes a limit.

I watched you tonight

and now I know

that somebody else will get you

if I don't. You're that sort.

- You're abominably rude

and stupid.

You have no idea

how other people feel.

- You think I don't know

how you feel?

- It's odd, the way he always

picks out the same kind of girl.

The crushed-petal type.

- This one's quite tough.

- Mm-hmm.

- But they tend to wear the same kind

of little-girl's frocks.

You know...

You know, and the other one...

...when she died...

...I cleared out the spare room.

I got rid of all her things,

except this one

pathetic little frock.

It was the one I painted her in.

God knows why I kept it.

I pushed it out of sight

up on a shelf.

Somehow I...

I just couldn't bring myself

to throw it away.

It... it seemed...

It was too like a person.

It was like her.

I found it the other day

when I went to get

the room ready for Mar ya.

Oh, God.

Just to touch it

made me feel sick.

I hid it before H.J. came in.

God knows why I didn't burn it.

Bad enough I had to see it.

No need for him

to go over all that again.

- You take very good care

of him.

- She'll take care of herself.

I'm there to take care of him.

That's what he depends on,

that in the end I'll pull him through.

- What about Lois?

- My dear, you simply

don't understand Lois at all.

You are a funny little thing.

Why, look here. Do you know

what she said about you?

I tell you this because I...

I want you to realize

that Lois simply doesn't come into this at all

between you and me.

She said, "The matter with Mado

is she's too virtuous."

There. That's what she thinks

about the situation.

- Ah, there you are.

- Come on.

- Miss Mar ya?

- You don't know anything about him,

what he's like, or anything.

Oh, what is he like?

- I detest all this self-restraint we're all

supposed to be exercising all the time.

I'm sick of it.

One might as well be dead.

One is dead.

- He's right, huh? I haven't got

any money myself, as you know.

But I'll borrow some for you.

I'll borrow 500 francs.

It's not a whole lot,

but at least that way,

you can live for a while at the Dome

on coffee and croissants.

- I don't need money.

- Heidler is a humbug.

And God help you

if you don't see that.

J I need a good time huggin' &

3 Good time kissin' man &

J Don't want a part-time lover &

J Want a good time huggin' J

J Full-time lover man &

Kisses. Kisses for you?

Ah, drink, drink, drink.

- What are you doing

out here in the cold?

We're looking for you.

Lois is very worried about you. Come.

- Will you lunch with me again on Tuesday?

- Tuesday.

- There's something not right about Cairn.

I can't put my finger on it,

but I don't think

he's the sort of person

you ought to know,

quite frankly.

I'd like it

if you didn't see him again.

Look, we don't have to stay here

if you don't want to.

- I want to.

- Why?

They're an abominable lot

of people.

It's just scruff.

- You don't know what it is

to want to be like other people

and have a good time

and be happy.

- Why are you drinking that?

You're drunk already.

- It makes me feel wonderful.

- I love you so much,

I wish I were dead.

Be nice to me.

I'll make you happy.

That's what I'm here for.

J I need a good time huggin' &

J Good time kissin' man... &

J Don't want a part-time lover &

J I want a good time huggin' J

J Full-time lovin' man... J

J Don't want a part-time lover &

J A full-time... I

JLlovin'... J

J Full-time lover man... &

3 Oh that man &

- Do you think I'm mad?

Possessed?

- Shhh.

- Go away.

- I want to comfort you.

- I'm so scared.

- I want to hold you safe and tight.

- I'm so scared of being happy.

- There. There now. You're--

- I can't stand anymore.

- You're excitable.

You'll tear yourself to bits.

I'm holding you safe.

Safe and tight.

Yes.

Wh-wh-what are you saying?

- You don't understand.

- Oh, yes, I do.

I do, my dear, I do. I do.

Ah.

- And, uh, what about the job

with the modiste?

- They wanted to see

my work permit.

- Same old story.

What it is to be foreigner

in Paris.

You will be able to come,

won't you, next Sunday?

I mean, it's not too much

trouble for you, is it?

- It's only half an hour

on the tram. I told you.

It's nothing.

- Perhaps it's true, then.

You do care for me.

- I love you.

I'm waiting.

- You went to the prison again

today, didn't you?

You can't go to those places and...

come home and expect everything

to be alright.

- Lois? I want to leave.

The sooner, the better.

- Don't be silly, Mado.

You know that I'm pulling

every string I can to fix you up.

So is H.J.

I'm almost sure I can get you

a mannequin job in about a month or six weeks

with... what's his name

on the Rue Royale?

I don't believe

in forcing things.

I believe in letting them alone.

And I hate scenes.

Of course you can't go.

- The stupid thing is,

I really can't,

unless you lend me some money.

- Could you move your head

a bit?

No, to... to the left.

- The only thing I can think about

is not getting paid!

It inhibits my performance.

- We must get Mado another hat, H.J.

She must be chic.

She must do us credit.

Is she coming to the country

this weekend?

Oh, no. No,

she's going to the prison again.

You must stop her, H.J.

Ah, aren't they pathetic?

They really look as if

they could do with a good meal.

Not to speak of a bath.

You wouldn't care to have them

in the spare room, would you, H.J.?

Do sit down, darling.

I can't see a thing.

- I may be young and innocent...

...but I know a hussy

when I see one.

- Darling Mar ya!

Ah, really, Guy,

you don't know her very well.

She's a sweet, young thing,

on the sentimental side.

- You go away, Guy!

- He wasn't doing anything.

He's just a little pink-eyed,

aren't you, darling?

I like your scarf.

Very dashing.

- It's Hugo's. It's the only thing

he left behind when he ran off.

- I expect you to come

to the country this weekend.

- You know I have

to see Stephan next Sunday.

- Must we have all that again?

- Let's go to Luna Park.

We'll put Mado on the joy wheel

and watch her

being banged about a bit.

Well, she ought to amuse us

sometimes.

She ought to sing

for her supper.

That's what she's here for,

after all, isn't it?

Well, shall we go to Luna Park?

- No, I don't think so.

- I'm bored to death

with Montparnasse!

Bored, bored... bored!

Well, let's go

to a proper musical.

That's what I feel like.

Something really low-life.

- What?

- You'd like that, wouldn't you, Mar ya?

Something really canaille?

- You're coming to Brunoy

on Saturday, aren't you?

What's the matter?

- Nothing.

- Can't you come?

Just to please me.

Can't you not go to the prison

just for once?

- Do you think I'm the maid

to be made love to...

every time

the mistress's back is turned?

H.J., I can't go on with this.

It isn't my line at all.

- But that's not playing

the game, is it?

Not any sort of game.

- What game? Your game?

Lois's game?

Why should I be playing

Lois's game?

- I must tell you that

you misunderstand Lois utterly.

You will persist in judging us

by the standards of the awful life

you've lived.

Can't you see

you're in a different world now?

You're not going to be let down.

You're with friends.

Now what's she doing there?

What's keeping her?

My dear, must we have

this conversation now?

Lois doesn't want

to be given away.

She just doesn't want

anybody to know.

And I assure you,

that is all she cares about.

I see.

: Why don't you take Mar ya?

They'll be some company for you.

: She may refuse.

You know how she is.

- Yes, she is terribly surly.

She's very embarrassing

sometimes,

you know,

when there are people.

You ought to tell her.

- Don't forget her background.

- You mustn't think

that I don't know

the arrangement that you two

have made about me!

- You're mad.

- You've made an arrangement:

If he wants the woman,

let him have her.

Do you think I don't know?!

- Don't shout.

They can hear every

single word next door.

No, no, let me talk to her!

You don't understand how to deal

with a woman of this sort. I do.

- Look out, Heidler,

I'll kill you!

- You're hysterical!

Talk calmly.

- I am not going to live

with Lois and you any longer!

I am not!

- What's this all about?

What do you want? Money?

- Swine! Incredible swine!

Let me get at him again!

- You're right, you're right!

Oh, God. Oh, God.

Leave me alone!

I'm done with you!

- Oh, H.J., my dearest--

- Damn you! Leave me alone!

- Hadn't you better

get back to bed, Mar ya?

- I'm going to bed.

I'm very drunk.

I shan't remember anything at all

about this in the morning.

- He always does that.

When there's been a scene,

he always says next morning

that he was too drunk

to remember anything.

It's his way

of getting out of things.

I say, you're not going to talk

to anybody in Paris...

about this, are you?

- Is that all

you're worried about?

- Yes... as a matter of fact.

- Shall I send Lois away?

I'll do anything you want.

If you're not happy with us,

I'll find somewhere else for you.

There now. Be quiet now.

It's all going to be alright.

I'll break with her.

I'll take you away somewhere.

Is that what you want?

- No.

- I'll take a hotel room for you.

We'll have a place of our own.

Don't worry.

- H.J.? I'm coming up.

- H.J., be good to Lois.

You must be good to Lois.

- I shouldn't worry too much

about Lois if I were you.

I don't intend to let you go.

Make no mistake about that.

Get up at once.

Please. Get up.

I can't stand this.

I won't tolerate this.

Lois, please, please. Get up.

Now, now, now.

Go and wash your face.

Please.

Here, here, here.

Please.

Please.

You left those people?

Really, you must be mad.

Where are you now?

- In a hotel.

What's it matter where I am?

I'm waiting for you.

- And when I am free,

I'll have no money.

I will have to leave France.

You have friends

and you lose them.

It's not so funny, you know!

- Don't quarrel with me.

- Forgive me. I'm, uh...

I'm going off my head in here.

Last Sunday,

when you didn't come--

- No, don't.

- You couldn't help it.

You were ll.

- Yes.

- Every number they called,

I thought it was mine.

I was glad when the time was up,

I can tell you.

You go mad, shut away in here.

- I never will not turn up

again, Stephan.

So don't worry.

- I'm not late.

Your clock is fast.

- What happened

the day before yesterday?

And Saturday.

One week.

I haven't seen you for one week.

- Open your eyes, savage.

- I feel as if I'd fallen down

a precipice.

- You funny thing.

- Please.

- Hmm?

- Be nice with me.

I love you so.

- There. There.

There. You're such a darling...

...pretty little thing.

Such a funny,

pretty little thing.

I say, did you notice what I did

with my wristwatch?

Lois has got hold

of two Hungarians for tonight.

I promised I'd turn up.

Lois asked me to meet that young

American guy, what's-his-name...

Sculptor.

Are you alright for money?

Better leave you some money and,

uh...

Whew. Say,

it's frightfully hot in here. Ahem.

Mind if I open the window?

Get some air in.

Ah. It's better.

Now, where's your handbag, hmm?

Now, look here.

Do go and dine somewhere decent,

for godsake. Hmm?

Lois is expecting you

on Saturday. You know that.

- Oh, she is, is she?

- She certainly is.

And so am I.

- Why should I be a butt

for Lois and her friends?

She wants me there

so she can talk at me,

so she can watch

for the right moment

to put her enormous foot down!

- You talk the most awful

nonsense sometimes, don't you?

- Aren't Lois's feet enormous?

Huge, big feet like puddles?

Alright, I'll come.

What's it matter, anyway?

- I hate

having to explain things.

I hate having to talk

about things.

Surely you must see

that you can't let Lois down.

- What about letting me down?

- We must keep up appearances.

We must play the game.

Savage.

Bolshevist.

You'll end up in Red Russia.

That's what'll happen to you.

- It's horrible when someone

has no self-control,

the consequences

for everyone else around.

- She was pretty.

- Mm. She tried to kill herself

at least twice.

And that was ages

before we even knew her.

Once,

she tried to cut her throat.

I didn't put the scar in, of course,

but one could distinctly see it.

"It's as if all the blood

in my body

is being drained very slowly,

all the time.

All the blood in my heart.

What can I say

to make you believe me?"

- You're right, of course.

It's my fault

for getting involved

with these neurasthenics.

But it's not I

who seek them out.

They who find me.

It's as if they sensed

a weakness in me that...

...they fasten onto.

- Ah, Mar ya! Hello, my dear.

Now, you just pop upstairs,

put on something warm,

we'll go out

and have a lovely day together, huh?

- Who sent you?

- Sent me?

I've come to take you out.

- Lois sent you, didn't she?

- She thought you might be seedy

when she got your letter to them.

- My letter to them?

- You did write to them,

didn't you, saying you were ill or something?

- You mean she read my letter?

My letter to H.J.?

- I find...

don't you, that married people

often have rather strange relationships?

Everyone thinks they're on the point

of breaking up,

and then it turns out

they're thicker than ever.

Of course, you'd know

better than I do,

being married yourself.

Lois...

...Is a very rare person.

I'm very, very fond of her.

If I were to tell you everything

she's been through with him...

I don't know why she puts up

with him, really. Do you?

But that's the sort of person

she is.

Come on.

Really, don't you think...

Honestly, don't you think women

are truly superior beings?

I only have to think

of my own parents.

Father -

very charming and all that,

but weak, shiftless.

Oh, we children were on Mother's side.

Absolutely.

I suppose that's made me

the way I am.

I can't bear to see a woman

taken advantage of,

whether it's you or Lois or...

whoever.

What a beast.

She's most extraordinarily fond

of you.

She thinks about you,

wants to help you.

Ah. Really fears...

for you sometimes.

But I told her that basically

you're quite a sensible sort of person.

You wouldn't

ever do anything silly.

- So Lois has sent you

to make sure I don't kill myself,

like the other girl.

- You mustn't get hysterical.

You really mustn't.

- I didn't like those dark

circles around your eyes.

I hope you haven't been

overdoing anything.

- She was singing

an English parody!

- ...French are like, sometimes.

- I hate people who try

to get by with nothing

but their sensitivity.

- Your sensitivity, what is it?

Clergymen's daughters with long,

slim fingers and no money.

- Don't worry.

They're getting killed off slowly.

- I say, a riddle.

Why is love like Rasputin?

- Why do you want money?

- Stephan is coming out next week.

- If you go back

to your husband,

I can't see you again.

You understand that?

- Are you going to try and stop me,

you and your damned Lois?!

- What... what's the matter?

- She's getting worked up again.

Her husband's coming out.

Your husband will be expelled

from France.

He'll go to Brussels and then

to Amsterdam, from pillar to post.

Then he'll try and get back to Paris,

where they'll arrest him again.

Now, is that the sort of life

you want to share with him?

- And what sort of life

do you think

I'm going to share with you

and her?!

- I'm not going

to have my party spoiled.

- Were you trying

to borrow money from him?

- Why don't you give it to me?

You should want to.

- Well, H.J. calls the shots,

you know.

- Why is love... like Rasputin?

Why is love... like Rasputin?

- I haven't the faintest idea.

- Because... you can...

...poison it...

and you can...

stab it!

And you can...

knock it down in the mud...

...and it will always

get up again.

- Ha!

- Well, don't you think

that's good?

Don't you think that's funny?

Love will not die.

It simply will not die.

Just like Rasputin.

- Why is your hair so long?

- The barber there always lets

people grow it before they come out.

Decent of him.

A lot of the wardens

are quite decent types.

They do their work.

I expect they'd prefer

to do something else.

Now what do you wish?

An éclair?

Choux a la creme?

Meringue? The ones you like!

- But I can't eat

all those cakes.

- But you must.

Mado, you don't look well.

You haven't been eating

properly.

You haven't been taking care

of yourself.

Now, come on.

I'll be able to stay four days

in Paris.

A type I left Fresnes with this morning

may be able to lend me some money.

Bernadet. Marcel Bernadet.

Lives with a girl in Montmartre.

She was there to see him

this morning.

A bit cold it seems,

but she's a good girl.

Huh. She was so pleased

to see him, she cried.

Ah.

The fun of that man is women,

you know.

You've got some cream

on your lip.

I don't blame you.

- Will you just be kind to me

for a little?

- A year in jail doesn't make

a man appetizing, huh?

- That'll be Schlamovitz

arguing with his lady friend.

Still, it's nice of him

to let me stay here.

He was in there with me.

Came out two weeks ago.

Pierre.

Pity.

Transparent soaps.

Skin food.

A very good business.

- I know a type who makes

a fortune every three years in the Argentine.

Then he comes to Paris

to spend it, the fool.

My God. Paris.

- Yes.

Provided you turn your back on the towns

and go right out in the country.

- But you can't ride.

- I can always learn.

- Yes.

In charge of accounts.

- Do you think you could get

a job like that?

- I need a haircut.

- I met her one night

at the Moulin de la Galette.

She had nowhere to go,

so I brought her home.

- Hmm.

You have very nice, soft hair, monsieur.

I'm glad you don't use pomade.

Not like that one.

Makes you sick,

so much pomade.

- If I tell you he has to leave Paris

as quickly as possible,

I say it for his sake.

I'm quite safe;

nobody's bothering about me.

He goes out and someone who knows him

sees him on the boulevard...

- You've been very kind to him,

Mr. Schlamovitz.

Thank you.

We worked together

in the library there.

They have some

very fascinating books.

You would be surprised.

One can get an education

- I had a friend who went to Berlin

when he came out.

He did very well there.

- I was thinking more

of Amsterdam.

- Well, Amsterdam can be nice,

too.

- I thought you were

so enchanted with Paris.

- Well, every place can be nice

with a nice friend.

- They are late.

Are we sure we want to do this?

My poor H.J.

- I thought we decided that

we were going to see it through.

- Don't let's go.

- But they're waiting for us.

I don't care. I want to be able

to thank your friends.

- I don't want to see them.

I don't want them to see you.

- Naturally not.

- It's they

who are not good enough.

- Stephan...

...wherever you're going,

don't go without me.

- I only have just enough

for my own fare.

- I'll borrow some money from the Heidlers,

and then I can go with you.

Why not? Why not?

- I must get away.

I've lost my luck.

- We always said we'd be together

when you came out.

- You don't come out.

Nobody ever comes out.

- For godsake, ask the waiter

for another fine. I'm so thirsty.

- Don't have brandy, Mado.

She oughtn't to drink brandy.

- I'm afraid you must come.

- You're coming back with us, aren't you?

We'll drop you off

at your hotel.

- You're very kind, monsieur.

I'll take her home.

- No, no, no, I think she should come

with us. It's all on the way.

- Let's dance.

- You've done so much

for my wife, madame.

You are very kind.

There's nothing I can do

to thank you.

- But you don't need me

to tell you

that she's a very highly strung girl.

There have been difficulties.

One has had to protect her,

rather.

- Against whom?

- Against herself, principally.

We've seen too many girls left alone

to drift around Paris.

- Yes.

People take advantage of them.

- So it all comes down

to a question of money.

I might've known with you!

- Do look at H.J.

He can't dance and he hates it.

I don't know

why he's doing it with her.

Do you?

- I expect you can tell me.

Don't forget... I've been away.

- I'm the last person to be able

to forget that,

Monsieur... Zelli.

Let's just sit here

and wait for them, shall we?

- You've made a mistake, madame.

I'm not the type to sit and wait.

- I've had to long enough.

- I've never shared a woman

in my life,

and now to have to share her

with someone like that.

He smells of jail.

- Oh, you disgust me.

- I have a horror of you.

When I think of you,

I feel sick!

- Don't let her

stew up our game.

- What is it

that you want of me?

I told you I have to leave Paris

very soon.

- Take her with you.

Don't you see what will happen?

- That's between

the three of you.

- She is your wife.

- I carry very little

when I travel.

- That must be very convenient,

but not everyone can do it.

Some of us have to put up

with things.

- Well, I wouldn't.

I'm used to living in a decent way

among decent people.

- You know the conditions.

- As if I could...

leave him that way.

- It's all so abominably sordid.

And pitiful.

Pitiful.

- You should stay with Lois.

Just be with her.

She's your sort.

- Don't you think I long to?

So that I can be rid of you

once and for all.

And let you stay with your sort,

your convict husband.

Ah.

Don't you think it's time

we rejoined our companions?

He went off, did he?

- He went off.

- Thank God.

- Are you going alone?

I've had enough, too!

Up to here!

- So now we know.

- You've got to take me away

with you.

Away from them.

Please help me.

- You must think

I'm Jesus Christ.

So all the time you came

to visit me in jail,

you were Heidler's mistress.

You just came to laugh at me,

well put away behind the bars.

- Don't leave me, Stephan.

You're all I have.

Please.

Help me.

- Tell me...

when you were living

in the hotel...

Heidler came to visit you.

When did he come? Huh? Often?

No!

I don't remember.

It doesn't matter!

- It doesn't matter.

You're funny, you.

You have a special way

of looking at things.

- He said he had a horror of me.

And when he thought of me,

he felt sick.

Be kind to me, Stephan.

Be good to me.

Because I'm unhappy that I think

I'm going to die of it.

- Unhappy?

Of course you're unhappy.

Can't you see that this man,

who is at the end of his love,

this bag of bluff,

he just wants you as a sort of dessert

to finish off his meal?

My poor Mado.

Poor Mado.

- No, don't touch me.

Don't kiss me.

That isn't what I want.

- Then what is it you want?

Alright, I'll help you.

Only, do this.

Send a pneumatique to Heidler,

tell him to come here.

Say you have to speak to him urgently.

Go on, do it now.

- And then?

- Then [I'll be waiting for him.

- You must be mad.

- He's made a fool of you.

He forgot me when he did that.

I'll be waiting for him.

I'll jump on him from behind the door

and break his back!

- You are mad!

- Go on, send a pneumatique.

I'll come with you.

- No!

- You poor thing, you.

What fools women are.

And it isn't only that they are

beasts and traitors,

but they are such fools!

Well, stay here and weep.

I'll go and find Heidler myself.

Look here. You see this?

You thought I was well put away

behind the bars.

Wait a bit. Let me pass.

- No!

- Let me pass!

- No! You think

I'd let you touch him?!

I love him. I love him!

You think I care for you?

Not this much!

It's him. I love him! Heidler!

- Will you get away

from that door?

- You shan't go!

If you go, I'll call the police!

I'll go straight to the police station

and give you up!

No!

Ah!

- Take me with you.

- No, I don't want anyone.

I'm late. Please leave me alone.

- Take me with you.

- I don't have any money.

- Well, I have some.

- I'm going to miss my train.

Please.

- I know a little hotel

in Amsterdam where we can stay.

Come. Hurry up.

- Stephan!

- Never mind, mademoiselle.

There are hundreds like them.

I must explain to you,

mademoiselle...

...that I am an old-fashioned

sort of person.

You can call me conservative

or traditionalist if you like,

but I believe in the family.

Parents and grandparents,

grandchildren, children.

Nowadays...

people live in a dirty way.

There's no tradition.

There's nothing beautiful.

Difuze