The Story of the Fox (1930) - full transcript

In the kingdom of animals, Master Fox is used to trick and fool everyone. So the King, the Lion, receives more and more complaints about him. He orders that Master Fox is arrested and ...

This is not an animated cartoon.

This is a revolution
in the history of cinema.

Ten years of work
went into its making.

The film you are about to see

was adapted by Roger Richeb?

from a scenario
by Ir?ne Starevitch

Directed and animated
by Ladislas and Ir?ne Starevitch

dialogue by Jean Nohain
and Antoinette Nordmann

Music composed
by Vincent Scotto.

The voices

Men, women, children, old folks,



the tale I will have the honour
and pleasure to tell you

is the oldest and most
beautiful story known to us animals.

On the evening, cows tell it
to their little calves in the byres,

rabbits tell it in their clearings,
squirrels in their trees...

wild beasts in their wilderness.

The tale of the fox.

I will pleased to leaf through
it for you.

Here we got some of the heroes
of our story.

Master Raven,

which Monsieur de la Fontaine
brought to our attention.

The lordlings of the poultry yard,

Sir Cock
and his worthy wife, Lady Hen.

Poor fearful little hare,

always hunted,
heart and ears twitching.



Renault and Cerberus,
the two farmyard's sergeant majors.

The wolf, his wife and their kid.

We wouldn't want to meet them
in the woods at night.

Ma?tre Badger,
best barrister at the beastly bar,

he'll plead for our true hero.

Look, that's him, Reynard the Fox,
ever crafty, ever on the make

proliferating daily, his wiles

were the despair
of all his fellow animals.

Say fox, and all you see
is a flash of tail.

That morning,
as every morning, actually

Sir Reynard
was strolling in the country,

looking for the victim of the day.

Sentimental?
This doesn't seem likely.

Are the animals
becoming distrustful?

Better check on that right away.

Not far away

was a beautiful black bird.

And the fox, nicer and nicer...

Good morning, Master Raven,
how cute,

and you seem to me

so elegant, so chic

and black suits you so well,

so well...

Trust me, if your song matches
your plumage...

you are the phoenix of these woods.

Ashamed, the raven belatedly swore
never to be taken in again.

But Reynard's jokes were sometimes
not so harmless.

One new year's eve, as the wolf
was warming up by the fire...

Lazybones- that's a shame.

You sure could get
some fish for supper.

Go out in this cold?

No fear-

I?ll warm you up if you're cold.

Don't hit me-

l want some fish, understand?

Ok, ok.

So unwillingly tearing himself away
from the fire,

He went out into the snow.

Led by a delicious smell,
he soon met the fox

who was engaged
in some mysterious task.

The fox was in fact busy
grilling fish.

The wolf came closer

and watched enviously.

Not only was the fox grilling fish

but he was eating them.
The wolf's mouth watered

but he dared not beg the fox
for charity.

However, one might not be missed.

Never mind that.
I?ve found a miraculous way,

you'll get as many fish
as you want.

I?ll tell you alone, keep it secret.

It?s called moonfishing.
It?s simple.

You make a hole in the ice
like that.

Then you stick your tail in it,
like this.

Like that, without a hook?

Then you just wait
until the fish will bite...

That's the way.

Good-bye now.

Wolf- Wolf-

In this one-sided battle,
the poor wolf lost his tail.

Coming back home after this
memorable hiding,

he still found that the fox

had other surprises for him.

To this great fortress...

came all the fox's victims
to lodge their complaints.

I?m here to reclaim my cheese,
with accrued interest.

And you?

So am I, but don't tell it.

All were here to seek justice
from the king of the beasts...

His Majesty the Lion.

The queen, charming,
coquettish and greedy

was only interested
in the Ortolan brochettes.

Speak fearlessly, Sir Wolf.

Here is my complaint, Sire.

The fox again?
Read it clerk.

Read it.

''Sire, I demand compensation

''for a cold,

''nervous breakdown
and stolen hams.''

The fox is up to his tricks again.

Silence in court-

l know the truth about the fox.
This wolf is an abominable liar.

Believe me, Sire,
Reynard is not what they claim.

Reynard lives quietly
on the outskirts of town

in a delightful old castle.

He lives with his wife,
three children

and a new born cub only weeks old.

This baby
is a sunshine in the house

and when he shows off,
the whole family

is overwhelmed with joy.

So touching a picture
cannot leave you unmoved, Sir.

My cousin's heart
is as pure as the mother's milk.

The true story is as follow, Sir.

On a cold winter night,
my cousin Reynard saw a peasant

who'd been fishing,
dragging his heavy catch.

Then, Reynard had a brilliant idea.

And there, in the moonlight,
he played dead.

What's this, a dead fox?

I?ll make a bedspread for grandma,
or pants for grandpa.

So the trip began,

the barrow was full of fish

in front of this treasure,
Reynard remembered his kids...

his beloved kids,

so fond of trout, salmon, gudgeon.

So, as in an old tale...

He strewed fish on the road.

what a feast for the family!

But the wolf was prowling,
the fierce, famished, lazy wolf...

who swallowed
until he was almost bursting.

This is the truth, Sire,

and you will give punishment
to all those...

who complain unfairly.

He's witty, Sire.

But what will he say
about Reynard's assault

on the hare, witnessed by myself?

In the royal chapel,

choir bunnies
innocently sing their praises

then, craftily disguised
as a monk...

But for me,

the hare would have become a meal.

You persist in your charges?

Yes he grabbed me here, Sire.

Yes here, I still bear the wound.

A base lie, Sire.

My cousin Reynard had come
to atone for a few venial sins...

when he saw that ungodly,
sacrilegious hare

crawling about on the altar.

My cousin to blame? what a farce.

The hare was drunk
on communion wine.

Heavens do you know
what you have done?

Stop, I say-
Stop this shameful behaviour.

That's too much.

The hare stuck out his tongue,
and that was just too much.

Hateful hare

or righteous Reynard, tell me,

which is the sinner?

What do you have to say?

Enough, I say

of these disputes.
The decision

l have come to

shall be irrevocable-

Take note clerk.

''We, Lion, king of the beasts,
decree: so that peace may reign,

''our subjects are forbidden
to eat each other.

''Only vegetables, dairy produce

''and fruit...

''Are permissible.

''From this day,

''the greatest love
must reign in the earth.''

Love... love.

You know how much I love you,
miaow, miaow

l won't go away, miaow, miaow

As you known you own my heart

Give me yours

Tonight

In the moonlight, with ecstasy

Miaow, miaow
l want to say

You're my only love

Honey

I?m coming to your house

Don't leave me alone

Open your arms

At this time of night

Everyone is home, sleeping

And, In the moonlight,
not a cat stirs

You know how much I love you
miaow, miaow

l won't go away, miaow, miaow

As you known

You own my heart
Give me yours

Tonight, in the moonlight

With ecstasy, miaow, miaow

l want to say

You're my only love

So that peace may reign

Our subjects
are forbidden to eat each other

Only vegetables, dairy produce
and fruit are permissible

Love must reign in the land

Offenders will be hanged

Only the king shall be entitled

To a little fresh meat on Thursdays
and Sundays

Thanks to His Majesty,

daddy and mummy
and me won't be eaten anymore.

No more meat? Me, a vegetarian?

Well, I'll try.

Oh, Wolf,
l am no longer of this world.

That's over. I am in heaven.

Friend, why should we have
to remember our old fights?

It?s so beautiful, here.

What a pity
you couldn't come with me.

On fleecy clouds in starry skies
l see my ancestors float by.

Angel rabbits fly like birds

Joy reigns alone

All is feasting and festivity

Festoons of sausage
Matchless delicacies

Here, death is not sad

Transformation comes to everything

You may drink your fill
Do you want wine, or milk?

Here are the little cups

And the winged casks

Just let the nectar flow
into your mouth

On earth you pay

You suffer and have to work hard

Come here take your share
Of heavenly bliss

Look my friend,
here's what awaits you

So beautiful. If only I dared...

So, come here, quickly.

Wait- I'll come down too.

In the bucket?

Reynard, I'm so grateful to you.

Reynard, will I see my ancestors?

Sure- By the way, whenever
you see mine, give them my regards.

What?

So long, stupid.

You, rascal-

- The devil-
- No a fox-

Help, help-

Up here, I'm in the well-

Come on, Mathieu,
the wolf is in the well.

You rascal-

Revenge...

Why?

Sire... the fox,

the fox... Look-

The court is shocked by this sight.
Come here and explain.

Since your royal decree,

l have lived happily
with my good wife and chickens.

But one day... beware-

Who goes there?

So that peace may reign,
our subjects

are forbidden

to eat each other...

Ware fox, ware fox-

This decree is so stirring,
isn't it?

Love... it's true enough.
Damned lion-

You're a very cute hen.

I?m not what you think.

No, we are not what you think.

Come and join the dance.

Oh, dear Reynard...

Stop thief-

Now I am widowed...
She loved to dance.

It has been her ruin.

The cock is lying, Sire.

What he says is all cockadoodle.

The cock himself killed his wife
to implicate my cousin.

Jealous of the amorous activities
of his wife,

well known locally
as a shameless cock teaser.

That's enough.

The law is the law.
l intend to see my decree enforced.

Captain Bear... Bring back

the fox, dead or alive.

You known where is his castle
at Malpertuis.

Go and bring him back.

Daddy- mummy-
The bear is coming,

he doesn't look pleased,
and he's coming here.

Quick, we'll try plan A.

Oh, I suffer so much-
Bear, what do you want?

Read this.

Lovely honey, isn't it?

There is no need to drool.

l can see you love honey,

l can show you
a mine of honey this deep,

As deep as that?

Come quickly, I'll show you.

Come closer, that's here.

Here, in this hole?

Yes you'll see, it's wonderful,
it's full right to the bottom.

I?ve to stick my snout down there?

Is there really honey in there?

Yes, but you'll have
to stick your snout

right in to reach it.

Right in, all the way.

Now you can reap your reward.

Come, hurry, there's a bear here-

Come on, he's not far away.

Come closer, hit him bad.

Mr Greedy thought
there was honey in there.

You may be a lion,
still you eat like a pig, my dear.

l should advise a little moderation.

I?ve had a beating, Sire.

I?m just a poor,
bruised and battered bear, Sire.

In beastly gods name,
what's this mess?

The treacherous Reynard
set a bear-trap for me, Sire.

A whole gang of peasants
set upon me

and talked of selling my skin.

It is horrible,
but now that it is damaged,

they let me go.

Ah, bloody honey-

Don't toy with my heart

You know how much I love you
miaow, miaow

l won't go away, miaow, miaow

Enough-

No more serenades-

By the way, come here, you-

Me?

l got a mission for you.

Go to Malpertuis
and bring back Reynard,

cost what it may.

Another cop,
this time, it's the cat.

Quick, let's try plan B.

And you, Mouse,
try to turn on the charm.

l know where
there are swarms of mice.

That'll keep you fed for weeks.

It?s called Mouseland.

Mouseland, Mouseland, Mouseland

Here it is,
just say I sent you along.

And have fun.

Thank you, Sire Reynard.

Don't mention it, cutie pussy.

The fox, Sire,
just look what he did to me.

Come here.

l fought like a lion
and he caught me like a rat.

No one will be able to catch him,

he is so treacherous...

Enough, everyone is laughing at me.

Send for the badger right now,
I?ve got to talk with him.

Ma?tre Badger, you speak so well.

l want to give you a mission
on which your life depends.

l want to see your cousin Reynard

here at court,
where signal punishment awaits him.

You alone seem cunning enough
to persuade him to come.

lf by tomorrow
you have not succeeded,

you will be punished in his stead.

l shall try, Sire.

The lion is in great good mood,
l assure you,

you have nothing to fear.

I?m not all sure of the king's
good intentions towards me.

l will answer for him with my life,
believe me.

You sure cannot imagine
the reception that awaits you.

I?ll sleep on it
and I'll think about it.

That night,
the fox had a remarkable nightmare.

So, male and female,
the great day has now dawned

To settle these disruptive disputes,

the king has decided
on single combat

between Sire Reynard,
squire of Malpertuis

and his enemy the wolf.

Captain Bear, that noted master

of single combat,
will see fair play.

The wolf has entered the list

A stir of excitement announces
the fox's arrival.

Doffing his cape,

Reynard reveals a dazzling
suit of armour. He bows.

What an eye-catching figure.

Fierce and alert,
the wolf looks at him askance.

The king wears the modest uniform
of a Corporal of the guard.

The queen looks charming
in brocaded satin,

delightfully trimmed
with fresh ermine.

The fox has dealt
the first telling blow,

but his adversary regains his feet.

The battle, listeners,
is now waxing fast and furious.

Excuse me, but I can't really see.

The wolf has grabbed the fox tail,
he's raining axe blows on him.

Captain Bear is firmly in control.

Another right from the wolf.

But his axe has broken
and hit Captain Bear in the belly.

The battle, nevertheless, goes on,

with the wolf belabouring the fox.

The fox has his second wind.

And the wolf is down.

The fox hammers the wolf.

The wolf grabs and throws the fox,
the fox is finished.

Now Reynard, you are mine.

It?s all over,
I?m going to die in your arms.

So, as one might have predicted,
the result is a victory for...

In a very good mood,
Reynard decided to go see the king.

Reynard shall be well
and truly hanged

A fine knot for you.

''By order of the king,
Reynard is condemned

''to suffer the ignominy
of public execution.

''As a malefactor unfit to live,
may he find welcome in hell.

''We shall hang him forthwith

''to end his misdeeds.

''By decree of his majesty...''

We are ready, gentlemen,
let justice be done.

Come, Madame Raven,

there'll be fresh fox meat
for lunch.

Before I die, Sire, I wish to make

a last confession.

Wait, executioner,
let the fox speak.

What you do not know is
that I hoped

to make you
the richest monarch on earth.

My heart is as pure
as the heavens themselves.

l had amassed for you
a wonderful treasure

of gold, pearls, rubies,
amethysts, emeralds, aquamarines.

One vast diamond was shaped
like a leg of mutton.

Alas, it's too late, now.

Shall I explain?

Speak.

The treachery of this bear,

this wolf, this cat.

Approach.

Who, me... really?

The bear is compromised,
the cat is compromised...

Do you think the cat's guilty,
though he's in love with the queen?

Speak without fear.

You and I, Sire,
are victims of a conspiracy.

l hardly dare reveal
the danger that threatens us.

The bear,
your Captain of the guard,

has a burning desire
to rule in your place.

His dream is to kill you
and your lovely queen.

And then to settle on your throne.

Being too cowardly to act himself,

he enlisted the cat,

who was to secure for your successor
the symbol of your authority,

the golden banded goose claw.

Stop don't listen
to these dreadful things.

l have not yet told you the most
dreadful, incredible thing, Sire.

Your assassin... There he stands.

The bear persuaded him
to carry out his evil designs.

Your death is to occurs
in a matter of days,

maybe only minutes.

The assassination
has been planned in every details.

He's gone too far- I'll fix him.

Stop, assassin-

Arrest them all-

Throw them into jail.

Yes, in jail-

All three of them.

Damn- missed it.

So great a menagerie-

Deliver this box to the king
with my compliments.

Yes, Sir.

Here is a cute little box
in a cute little bag.

For your treasure,
consult your daily paper

The fox was making a fool of me-

That's too much-

Furious, the lion
decided to apprehend

Sir Reynard
and prepared to lay siege

to the castle of Malpertuis.

There are many
of them this time, see?

Brave and loyal companions in arms,

centuries of guilt confront you
in this castle.

Guard this horn, Captain.

Only if it is sounded
will hostilities cease.

Swear allegiance and constancy-

Is everything ready?
Come here, Wolf...

Go, I charge you to summon
the fox to surrender.

Reynard, you are lost.
By order of the king, surrender-

What's that, I can't hear you-

l, Wolf, summon you to surrender-

Otherwise, we attack-

l can't hear you,
come a little closer.

The wolf, Your Majesty.

That's too much.
Proceed, Captain Bear.

In the name of king,
Reynard, surrender-

Or the king will send his armies
and you'll die.

Obey, that's better.
The king is powerful.

One moment, I'm coming.

At last, he's being reasonable.
Gently now.

Have a good trip, Captain-

The honour to lead the attack
shall be yours, Sir Ass. Forward-

Don't play the mule,
Reynard, surrender-

No-

Into the breach, my second army.

Do not forget
that you all are pigs.

Come on my friend.

On the head-

Stupid bloody ass-

Listen carefully,

I?m entrusting the horn
to your care.

Do not use it.

Now soldiers,
follow me for the final assault.

The retreat...

I?m going back home.

To the rear-

Cock, you turncoat-

The cock betrayed us.
l recant my oath to fight.

The king realised that

cunning, witty Reynard would make
the best minister.

Oh, my Queen, the crown.

Reynard is more resourceful
than you all,

and I have concluded a pact
of peace and friendship with him.

l wish you all
to obey him in future.

Obey him as you would me,
this is my will.

That's all folks.

Subtitling by TVS - TITRA FILM