The Road to Shame (1959) - full transcript

"Every year,
around the world and even here, "

“thousands of young women disappear. "

“Perhaps If they had been more aware of the
fearsome hicks employed by the traffickers, "

“some women would not have
fallen into their sordid traps. "

“Only by revealing the
tactics of the bandits"

"will It be possible to
provoke their failure?'

“by showing without pointless hypocrisy
how the most odious constraints are exercised, "

“through sophisticated approaches,
followed by dramatic violence. "

"Hiding the truth would mean
hiding the seriousness of the danger"

"and thus remain defenseless against
the most despicable of traffics. “

Come on, go ahead.



WOMEN DISAPPEAR

Why not shooting fireworks
while you're at it?

- You're still going out?
- Hush.

- It's the second time this week.
- Gimme my shoe.

Your father knows about this?
Where are you going?

- It's my business only.
- It's mine too, don't you think?

- Pierre... - I can't stand
knowing you're alone out there.

Not knowing where you are
and with whom you are.

You have no reason to
be jealous, I assure you.

- Let me come with you then.
- Not tonight.

- Béatrice...
- Listen, Pierre.

I want to go out alone,
it's my right.

You're not my husband yet.

That's enough Pierre.
You must leave me alone now.



I'm tired of you
treating me like a kid.

It's only a girls' night out.
It's not a crime.

That girl The day I will
make her wedding dress,

she will probably come
and try it after the wedding.

Gee, they don't fit!

Young lady, evening shoes must
be worn very tight

- At last!
- I'm sorry Madame

- but It's always the same at home.
- Sure, sure.

You're lucky that I'm late.

These girls will make me die.

- I was afraid you wouldn't come.
- Don't talk nonsense.

- You know Thérése?
- Good evening.

- Béatrice.
- Good evening.

It would help If we could
get that cat out of the picture.

Firm and fast.

- But without excess. Got It?
- Yeah.

Could you repeat
what you said earlier?

What, are you crazy?

You guys never stop arguing!

- Hands off.
- Dirty little brat!

Stop it!

I don't get It,
I was just passing by

and this guy
suddenly jumped at mo.

Calm down and hand me
your papers, quick!

- You got a job?
- Of course.

We're sorry, sir.

You want to lodge a complaint?

No, let him go.

Come on, go home.

- Good night sir.
- Good evening, sirs.

The little prick!

You could have him put in jail.

What came over you?

I want him to remember me.

Little scumbag!

No need to play play so rough, mate.

You'd better give me his wallet.

This way It will look
like an honest little "mugging".

- So?
- I almost look like a lady.

Wait a little.

You think It's really necessary?
I don't want to keep Cora waiting.

She wouldn't be the first
to wait in my studio.

Fréhel, Damia, even that
hothead of Mistinguette.

Well, they all had
lo wail their turn.

So It's surely not Cora
who will make me shiver.

Where's that damn needle?

- That's what you're looking for?
- Thanks.

Coraline has made a brilliant marriage. Good for her.

She shops now at fashion designers.
Very well.

Nevertheless, It's me
who made her communion dress.

All the same, at our sewing room,

we have customers much less
impatient than Coraline.

- Where ls It?
- In the Carton lounge.

What's certain Is that she
stayed the same after her marriage.

I find her as nice as before.

It's true. She could have invited
society ladies instead of us.

- You like It like that?
- It's wonderful.

It's her.
If you could see her car.

The worst thing In the world after
stupidity is clumsiness, my dear Nasol.

To prevent that fool from
being busted was really clumsy.

And to risk sending him to the morgue

after the cops separated you

was completely unwise.

Unwise?
That's rich coming from you.

Keep your advices for yourself.

What about your recent
"operations" on my turf?

You find that careful?

Didn't you get your share
on each of these "operations"?

That's nut the point.

At this rate,
there shall be soon no street

where you haven't snatched a girl.

That's what I call being unwise.
Really unwise.

What are you driving at?

It's over, Victor.

We must stop before
the oops understand.

After, it will be too late.

Too late for what, Nasol?

You don't care If
the cops tear us apart, huh?

"Victor Qualio? Who is Victor Qualio?"

“He's unknown on this turf. "

"But Nasol, we know him. "

"We'll present him with the bill. "

Victor, I'm warning you.
Tonight's operation is the last one.

Does this mean that you want to
deprive us of your collaboration?

Yes. And operations
like that on my turf are over.

My word! We raise our voice now.

We give orders.

We're not afraid of
the big bad wolf anymore.

We become courageous.

You're not playing at home,
you seem to forget that too often.

I pay well enough the right
to say and do what I like.

You can't buy everything, Victor.

From now on, you'll
need my authorization too.

- “Signed Nasol“.
- That's right.

Nasol, the purse snatcher.

The boozers' robber.

Nasol, the champ of
the break-in in maid': rooms.

Nasol, the loser.

MY qoodnes!

Very good.

That rug is so fragile.

- That little street we talked about, It's
discreet enough? - Not a single rat.

Then move him there.

And that brick he wanted to
use to smash that little punk?

There's still a chance I can use it.

Seize it. And don't forget
to leave this hanging nearby.

When committing his first murder,
that poor young man

had the misfortune
of losing his wallet.

And don't forget to
recover your chewing-gum.

It has no chance to serve
again but it would attract attention.

- You're crazy!
- I know Béatrice is here.

Now you see there's nobody here.

- But you're hurt, my poor boy!
- No, it's nothing.

- What about this?
- It's a dress.

It's Béatrice's dress.
Why did she leave it here?

To wear the one
I just made her instead.

Oh, I'm sorry.

Wait, I'm going to fix your face.

Here's to refresh yourself a little.

Who has messed you up so badly?

I'd like to know too.

If I still had my wallet,
I would have said

a guy who had a
meeting with Béatrice.

You should be ashamed of
yourself thinking things like that.

Don't you think it's curious

that a car following her all
evening finally tries to run over me.

And to top It all, one of the guys got out
of the car and tried to break my face.

So now there are two of them?
Come on, kiddo...

Say, you really don't
know where Béatrice went?

I swear to you. She just talked
with other girls and then they left.

I think you shouldn't worry
too much about this.

From what I heard, they just
had the intention to go out and dance.

Well, my dear lawyer,
you're quite dashing!

Not bad, huh?
It cost me an arm.

Cigarette?

He makes no progress.

You think they can read music?

No, but with your luck you can bet
some of them will be music lovers.

I see here someone who's not very
confident in your talent.

Right, Lambert?

You can't be too careful.

- Where's Merlin?
- Not here yet.

Nothing special tonight, gentlemen.

The usual routine.
Just try to avoid changing partners.

It's a waste of time.

Of course, I want you all to be flawless.

I'm willing to forgive
Pasquier’s wrong notes

but under no circumstances
I will forgive Lambert’s clumsiness.

Just in case, I remind you

that hand-kissing for young girls
is contrary to common practice.

One of them might know this detail.

Be tactful and show
flexibility in general.

Don't forget the kind of characters
you're supposed to personify.

Well, down to the real business now.
Pasquier.

Norbert Pasquier, fashion designer.

I'm shipping out tomorrow for the Middle
East where I'll show my winter collection.

And obviously a young model
as extra baggage

would be very handy.
That's very good.

Maybe my friend Féllcien
could accompany me

with his new secretary?

Under what pretext?

Cotton purchases for my mills.

I'm a textile manufacturer.

No, gentlemen. No more "shipment"
toward the Middle East.

Flight pursers are
becoming more curious

about young female passengers.

A recent Interpol circular
recommended them to be on the lookout.

I have a copy on my desk.

No. No unnecessary risk.

I will add that every girl

has to keep the belief that
she has a unique opportunity.

A personnel opportunity.

Well, how can I put this?
Think "Sleeping beauty"

rather than "Embarkation for Cythera".

Each of you tonight

is a potential prince charming.

- Yeah, great, great...
- Lambert!

Pierre Lambert,
Champagne maker from Epernay.

“People In ministries
only drink Champagne Lambert. "

“Lambert, Champagne of the Republic. "

Decidedly you will never forget your
beginnings as a street hawker.

How about a little discretion, huh?

And your work will be
much more effective.

- Your turn, Delacour.
- Maitre Delacour.

Lawyer of the Advocacy of Paris.
High society divorces.

A lawyer?
You're kidding me, right?

With a wrinkled
little face like yours.

Give up the Idea of going
to the other side of the barricade.

Tonight you will be Doctor Delacour.

Plastic surgery, clinics In
the world's best cities.

- You see what I mean?
- Very well.

- Only princely noses.
- Perfect.

Also, I remind you
that all our guests

can easily be seduced by the
lure of a new, easy, pleasant

and fruitful career that ls going to
get them out of their mediocre lives

and that In no way
they must have

the feeling you are proposing
yourself as a rich guardian.

We are dealing with honest girls.
Let's never forget this.

One last thing.

No personal selection.

Let freely play the inclinations
of these young people.

It is the least we can give them.

I... I'm sorry.

Car trouble?

Bad luck at the game?

Come on, Mr Merlin!

It... It will never happen again.

That's fine!

We would be sorry to lose
Coraline': husband in our team.

- Be careful!
- Oh, that girl!

It's wonderful. Hardly feels
like we're driving at all.

I have It for two weeks.
This is the first issued in France.

You're so lucky.

- You know, It's a bit of a liability
for my husband. - A liability?

Yes, in his profession he cannot afford
to have an old-fashioned car.

It's part of his social standing.

- We'll see your husband tonight?
- I hope so.

What does he look like?

You want to know
if he's handsome?

No, only If he's not too
imposing or too important.

We don't want to look
stupid in front of him.

- And the others?
- Don't worry.

You'll see.
Everyone will be very, very nice.

There we are, buddy.
You're okay?

Where the fuck did
I put this damn brick?

Well I never...

What are you going to serve
to our charming guests?

Punch with a hint of cinnamon.

It's still the best cocktail
to support our little "seasoning".

Above all, serve it light.

And earlier than usual.

I don't want the
party to go out of hand.

I hate when that happens.

- There come the broads!
- Really, Mr Lambert,

it ls diff cult
to count on you.

You're too kind, sir.

Victor Quaglio, our host.

My friend Béatrice.

Thanks for your presence, Miss.

I hope you won't get bored with us.

- And this ls my husband.
- Miss.

It has been a long time
since I wanted to meet you.

An enticing selection.

- Pleased to meet you. - I didn't know
you were on the French Riviera, Doctor.

- Madame.
- Good evening.

My congratulations.
What a beautiful bracelet!

- 2 years of marriage, It counts.
- I'd even say it adds up.

Excuse mo.

His husband ls doing
well with his cars.

This kind of trinket must cost
at least 100.000 francs.

- You mean It's a real one?
- I can guarantee you that

I've never robbed, er,
seen one of such value.

Thank you.

No thanks, I can't stand Champagne.

You'll hurt poor
Lambert’s feelings, my dear.

This bottle comes straight from his caves.

- And he's very proud of them.
- In that case.

That Lambert,
what a bore with his Champagne.

Because he sells the best,
he sends two boxes

each time he's invited.

I admit it is very good though.

- It's you the fashion designer?
- No, it's not mo.

It's Norbert Pasquier,
the tall guy there.

I'm in the textile industry. Sorry.

All change!

Some punch, sir?

Camille is doing the best.

Hoarder!

Tell me, I have not yet had
the opportunity to thank you

for the young girl you recommended me.

- What girl?
- Nadine Martin.

Yes, I remember now.

- Are you satisfied with her?
- Satisfied?

She's simply extraordinary.

I put her to the test
at 60.000 a month.

She now earns 100.000
and I'm still winning.

You see, that girl I had before...

My dear Carette, I'm sorry,
but her dance card is full.

AI her dances are mine.

Forgive me,
I'm a bit of a selfish person.

Excuse me, please.
I have to leave you alone a few minutes.

Coral
You're not feeling well?

I'm fine. Excuse ma.

- Tom ls outside.
- And then?

- He comes for whom? - Neither
you nor me, I suppose, so forget him.

You didn't believe me either
the last time I warned you.

You had to see the "result"
to believe me.

Listen Georges,
I agreed to do a certain job

but I don't want to be mixed In
some bloody business again.

Just shut up.
And take care of your friend.

You'll have to take
care of her yourself.

I'm sorry for him
but there is no other solution.

Yeah... obviously.

Problem ls, at this late hour,
I don't have time for a clean job.

Come on, you can't tell me tales.

In any case, I'll need
your garage to "anesthetize" him.

The solution would be to leave him In
a place frequented by Nasol's friends.

You must leave, quickly!

Don't be selfish.

I'm expecting this dance since
the beginning of the evening.

I do not see our lovely Coraline.

I saw her heading towards the terrace.
Probably to get some fresh air.

You couldn't stay quiet, huh?

Pretty girls are not
lacking in this city.

But you had to develop
a fixation with that one.

You should have understood
after the warning we gave you.

But you refused to understand.

First you saw me killing
that moron of Nasol.

Then you managed to
come here on your own.

But here you're
just a nuisance to us.

Where the fuck did I put
the adhesive tape?

There it is.

Adhesive tape ls great
to stay anonymous.

Provided that you apply It with
gloves to avoid fingerprints.

Does It bother you
that I speak to you?

We're not a bunch of savages, you know.

I have nothing against you,
I'm just doing my job.

I even think I've been
pretty nice to you tonight.

I stopped the guy who beat you
to split your head open

and a little later I cleared It
up for you by killing him.

Notice that, no matter what,
you couldn't get out of this.

You know why?

I'm going to tell you.

Your wallet has been placed
under Nasol': head.

Making you his official murderer.

You follow ma?

And tomorrow, when the cops find you
as dead as him,

they'll probably think that some of
his gangster friends have killed you.

That's it

Come on, handsome!

What the fuck is this?

Say, that's a neat trick...

So now we ran Into
a regular magician!

You'll have to explain this to me.

Well, that's not very kind from you...

Is this your good deed

or you just fell In love
with the guy?

Let's go upstairs.

She'll have to explain this.
Come on!

It's not your lucky day.

What were you thinking?
Spill the beans!

What's wrong with you?

You think the situation ls not complicated
enough! You want to compromise us?

Come on, tell me!

Spit It out!
Tell me!

I beg you, Georges, not this!

Take off your dress.

Georges...

You know how much it costs.

Take it off!

Georges!

What were you thinking?
Come on, spill it!

Stop, Georges, stop!

Come on, speak!
Speak!

Another trick of
that little punk.

Where is Béatrice?

I beg you to leave.

They mustn't see you near me.

You tried to help me earlier.

At least, answer my question

- ls Béatrice downstairs?
- Yes.

- We're gonna stay up all night long?
- Certainly not!

Make up your mind then.
What do you want exactly?

Béatrice.
And that car to get her out of here.

Make the slightest move
to stop me and I'll shoot.

Oh, oh! Okay...

But you see,
it's not up to mo.

- I'll try.
- No!

- How do you want me to do then?
- The telephone.

- Hurry up!
- Coming, coming...

Hello? Yes, it's mo.

Could you ask Sir to have the extreme
kindness to come to the phone?

- It's urgent.
- Are you crazy?

- What's wrong with you?
- Hurry up, I'm serious.

Alright but you take full
responsibility for this. Hang on.

I'm sorry but Sir is
urgently asked on the telephone.

It won't take long.
Wait for me please.

I have yet many
things to tell you.

Yes, absolutely.

This gentleman would be very
grateful to us if we could

bring him that young person.

He wants to leave with her.

Furthermore, he would like
to borrow us the car

for this little trip.

Well, you see, given his insistence,

I do not think we
can deny him anything.

Alright, I'm coming.

That fool of Merlin let
himself be disarmed.

No girls on the terrace.

Turn the music loud
and rush to close the gate.

A very troublesome thing happened, Miss.

A young man who pretends to
be your boyfriend

forced his way into my house.

He's armed and holds our
friend Merlin at gunpoint.

- It's unbelievable!
- That's my opinion.

As I do not want
a scandal in my house,

you will ask him
to clear off quickly.

You can count on me.
Nothing gives him this right.

This way please.

May I ask, young man,
the reason for this scandal?

Cut the crap and hands up!

- You too, the killer.
- The killer'?

Yep... and he's blabbering like
that for a while now.

Sir should do like me
to be on the safe side.

Pierre, you're going
to leave this house immediately!

Don't stand in front of him, stupid,
or he will kill the both of us!

What's wrong with you, Pierre?
You have no right!

That's my opinion too.

That's why I would be
very grateful to you

If you could bring this young man
to a more reasonable perspective.

- Filthy scumbag!
- Pierre!

Shut up, stupid,
and get in that car!

- I don't know what to do...
- Get in the car, for Christ sake!

Or I swear I'm going
to kill them all.

And I'll start
with this human wreck.

I beg you, Miss, obey him.

This comedy has lasted long enough.

Please get us rid of this madman.

Leave with him.

Hands up, you tool
And stay close to the others.

Close your door.

Turn on the ignition.

Start the car.

Open this door.

Face the wall now.

A single move and
I kill the three of you.

Hands higher up.

Not here.

Rush to the gate.
See you there.

A banker, a diamond seller, a fashion
designer... You still haven't understood?

- You're completely crazy.
- Look in front of you and say it again.

- Give me the key, quickly!
- What key?

If he moves, shoot him.

Come, come.

I won't tell you twice, you know.

I probably hit him,
he fell over there.

Good. A 40 meters fall
and hard rocks on the arrival.

Try to find him.

I wouldn't like people to make a grisly
discovery at the base of the property.

It's a quiet home here.

What a night!

I'm not sure I enjoy your little
artistic experiences

on Coraline': skin.

Remember that
before being your wife,

Coraline is our associate first.

If a punishment ls Imposed to her,
it must be on my order

and not, In any case,
for your personal enjoyment.

I know what Coraline tried to do.

She'll have to explain later.

Meanwhile, go help Tom in his search.

In your Interest,
try to behave properly.

Well...

Don't be afraid.

So, Cora,
what's going on with you?

A small crisis of conscience?

I have a remedy for that.
I advise you to remember it.

We'll talk about that tomorrow.

For the moment,
go back to your guests.

They need your presence.

We pout?

We don't like what we've seen?

I can act very differently

when I meet a superior woman like you.

Don't touch me,
you're disgusting.

Too bad for you, kid.
I would have thought you more intelligent.

Give me a favor. Lock the
little Miss in the Directoire room.

She badly needs to think.

Turn out your light, fool.

We don't need the attention.

He must be in there.

Or else he took the swan dive.

- I'll have a look.
- I'm coming with you.

What for?
I see, you're afraid of the dark.

You need to be led by the hand.

It's just that we'll make a
better search if we are two.

Cut the crap, please!

There's no need for you to be
scared to dead. He's unharmed.

And watch your step,

If you don't want
to take the plunge too.

Open the door!

Thanks.

How did it go?

Quietly.
We leave in the morning.

You'll find the little
Béatrice in the Directoire room.

I don't think I'm his type.

I have no doubt that you will
have more success than me.

At least, tell me
what I'm supposed to do.

I'm telling you again,
I don't know.

This is about your future, not mine.

I am not here to give you advices.

Really? I would have thought
the opposite was true.

You got a cigarette?

Everything': alright?

Say, this is very nice...

Leave me alone!

Leave me alone!

Pierre!

Will you shut up!

- What's wrong with here?
- Nervous breakdown. And not a small one.

Camille's stupid drug again.
One day there will be a catastrophe.

He always puts too much of it.

Last month already, the little
brunette almost died.

You remember?
It started exactly the same.

- I'm going to see Victor.
- No, I'll tell him. Take care of her.

Will you shut up for a minute?

Get out, quick.

Victor, the little Jacqueline...

It's just a nervous breakdown.

We can'! have this turning
into a syncope like the other day.

Victor, I swear... it's urgent.

Quick!

I'll buy you dresses on the way.

Tons of them. I want you to be the
most beautiful woman of the cruise.

All the same!

- What will they say at my work?
- Don't worry, we'll settle everything.

Coraline will call your boss.

And you'll send postcards to
your colleagues while ashore.

Athens, Naples, Alexandria...

I can already see their faces.

They will be mad with jealousy.

Now that's smart!

I swear!

You're a real help, pal.

Well, come on,

we'll go for a stroll.

You're a little
bit too showy here.

Come here, old buddy.

What a night, I swear!

That's it

Pierre, we should really go to the police.

Excellent Idea.
Let me recover my wallet first.

Cops are already there.

What now?

Let's get your dress.
You can't stay half-naked.

But I'm telling you that I can't!

It's true, I always forget
that business with your wallet.

What if I called the cops myself?

An anonymous tip of course.
I could explain everything.

- If you don't tell them how you're In the
know, they won't believe you. - You're right.

What if I talked only about Béatrice?

Saying that
she wants to testify.

- There's no risk for you.
- Not a single one.

And I'm pretty sure
I can lead them to the villa.

- I'll get right on It.
- Above all, don't talk about Pierre.

Don't worry.

Have the others come downstairs.

The cops could
be here in ten minutes.

What about the girls?

Leave them alone.
I don't want a single room locked.

In the criminal code,
it means sequestration.

You take Coraline with you.

Carol, you go first by the way on top.

Meet you all at Paul's in one week.

Hello?

Bianey, take Martin with you
and go get me this guy.

Above all, don't show him his wallet.

Thomas, stay here with Morin.

I leave you here with three policemen
and one brigadier.

Take the bystanders' identities.
Justin case.

You promised you
wouldn't talk about Pierre.

Well, my poor darling, It's not me
who talked about him first.

It's them.
As soon as I pronounced your name,

and I couldn't do otherwise,

they started to ask me:
"What about her boyfriend named Pierre?"

"Haven't you seen him by any chance?"

I played dumb and answered
that I didn't know him.

But they kept at it

and asked me to tell you that,
in case you knew about Pierre's whereabouts,

you had to make your best
to have him come with you to the precinct.

You will do as you like
but in your place,

considering that they
woke the Inspector up,

- I would go there.
- You're probably right.

Good bye, madam.
And thanks for everything.

Excuse us to have you
involved in this story.

Don't mention It.
Good bye, kiddos.

Good bye, madam.
Good night.

Either you resign yourself to see
your boyfriend killed in front of you

or you put your ass
in that car pronto.

Come on, quick.

Why are you waiting
so long to kill me?

Don't push me too much or
I will easily yield to your wish.

Come on, get In the car.
And no sudden moves.

You like driving so much.

You're going to do it one last time.

- Where to?
- To the villa, my friend.

You know the way, don't you?
I'm tired at this late hour.

Come on.

Start the car, kid.

Take a left,
it's a short cut.

I told you to go left!

- What If we talked seriously now?
- I have nothing to say to you.

I thought you had understood
the stupidity of your behavior.

I can do a great deal for you, Béatrice.

A great deal, If you
decide to change your attitude.

- You're despicable.
- Don't start again.

I have nothing but contempt for you
and I'm no longer afraid of you.

I'm afraid you'll have
to change your point of view.

What a night!

You got it all wrong, Béatrice.

The cops you were waiting for won't come.
And for good reason.

You're going to
have to be reasonable.

Very reasonable.

Look alter her.

This way.

- Victor, what do we do?
- Let's vamoose with the cash.

Turn around!

Turn around! You hear ma?

You want to kill me because your
friends are getting killed by my friends.

Bu! I want to share
my death with you.

It's cute, isn't it?

You're fucking crazy!
Some innocents girls are in this house!

You really want to kill them, right?

Take him away.

Go away, I 599 W"-

Come, it's time to go.

So you bring the
cops with you now.

You don't seem very
happy to see me.

I'd rather have seen you alone.

And you're probably going to
sermon me about my clumsiness.

Don't take me for another Nasol, please.

Because, unless I commit suicide,

you have no one
left to do your dirty work.

Is that what you really think?

You had the chance to
get out of their paws.

Why did you come back?

I came back for this.

Look out, Pierre!

Victor!

It's the end of the party.

Sir leaves us already?

Either you take me with you
or I kill you like a rat.

I still have the strength, you know.

I don't take anyone, especially not you.

You got a face that
cops are unlikely to forget.

Scumbag!

I know people who
have died for less.

I know. Only It was me
wacking them for you.

Turns out I can do it too.

That's where I started.

One for your clumsiness.

One for your imprudence.

And three others for pleasure.