The Strange Door (1951) - full transcript

Pardon, monsieur.

C'est ma faute.

Which of these
fine fellas is it?

- Right over there, Sire.
- Hmm?

The one with
the inquisitive fingers.

Non mais dit donc,
espece de brute!

Judge him for yourself.

Tonight his fancy
turns to brunettes, Sire.

Last night it was the singer.

Before that, another.

Believe me, Sire, he is all
that you could ask for...



A drunken, brawling,
cheating villain.

Not a shred of decency
about him, I can assure you.

Perhaps he'll do.

We have carefully
observed his activities

since his arrival
a fortnight ago.

You are seeing him
at his best, Sire.

His sins would make
the devil blush.

I've seen enough.

He'll do very nicely.

I don't like your manners.

Nor I your ugly face.

Murderer!

He's killed Turec!
Get him!

If you please, I'm in a hurry!



Where to, sir?

Paris, and quickly!

Hang it, man,
you've taken the wrong turn!

The main road is washed out.

This'll take you
where you're going.

Where are the carriage tracks?

Here they are.

Turned off this way.

Come on!

Whoa.

What're you stopping here for?

We haven't as yet
discussed a fee.

The price to Paris
is 500 francs.

Have you lost your wits?

This is no time
to talk of money.

- Five hundred francs.
- I haven't got 500 francs.

You'll be paid in Paris.

Then stay here and rot!

Come on, follow me!

Come on, this way.

Over here, now!

Don't let him get away!

He didn't get this far.

Must've turned off.

Let's search back in the woods.

Pray step in.

I've been expecting you.

There's, uh...
There's some mistake.

My intrusion here is
accidental, I assure you.

Don't apologize.

You're very welcome.

Well, H can explain,
if you'll give me a moment.

A moment?

You're gonna have

all the time you want,
my friend, and more.

Shall we fortify ourselves?

You'll find the wine quite good.

I must say you don't present
a very pretty picture.

Nevertheless, I hope you'll accept
the hospitality of my house.

You'll find that chair
very comfortable.

I didn't expect to be
greeted quite so regally.

No?

In fact, if it weren't
for your door...

Oh, yes, that door.

Ah...

'Tis a nice little piece
of ingenuity, isn't it?

I don't know who you are,
sir, and I don't care.

You don't know me...

You are mistaken...

Denis de Beaulieu.

I know you well...
at least by reputation.

I said you were expected.

You'll permit me
to introduce myself.

I'm Alain Sire de Maletroit.

I am not impressed.

Your impertinence
is very entertaining.

And please don't think
of leaving so soon.

You'll find me a gracious host
if you don't try my patience.

Do you mean I'm a prisoner?

Pray let us postpone
that question, nephew.

Nephew?

What gibberish is this?

I'd as soon a baboon
were my uncle.

I'm afraid you'll have very
little control over that destiny

when you marry my niece.

Oh, so that's it.

You would force me into a
marriage with some toothless hag.

No, thank you.
I'm not the domestic type.

But you're much too modest.

There were numerous
candidates for the honor.

I selected you myself.

You'll make her
anidealhusband.

Well, we'll see about that.

Though I pity the poor lady if
she deserves no better than me.

Exactly.

I thought you'd be reasonable.

In your position, a gambler,
a wastrel, a libertine,

only two steps
ahead of the hangman...

- You lie.
- Do I?

What about that incident
in The Red Lion tavern?

How did you know about that?

Now, let us examine
your situation.

I offer you protection,
all the money you need,

a desirable marriage...
What have you got to lose?

My freedom.

Besides, your informants
failed to say

that nobody tells me what to do.

You will find
the atmosphere in here

healthier for you
than it is outside.

I'm doing you a favor,
believe me.

I don't like the smell
of your generosity!

Your good health...
nephew.

You look fatigued.

Take him to his chamber.

What the devil is that?

That, my friend, is something
that you'll learn less about

and hear more often
the longer you're here.

Sire, you were successful,
of course.

Of course.

How did he take it?

The usual reaction
of a rabbit in a trap.

He fought a little.
What else could he do?

What would you do under the
circumstances, Corbeau, hmm?

Occasionally, the trap itself
is weaker than the rabbit.

We won't let that happen.

I can rely on you,
Corbeau, can't I?

He did not impress me
as a bloodless ninny.

You may find him difficult.

I hope so.

It'd quite spoil the game

if there were not
a struggle in him.

- Are the others returned?
- They're outside.

Bring 'em in.

All right, you, here.

Don't stand there like clods!

Come on in here!

Well, Turec, you make
a convincing kind of corpse.

Don't you agree, gentlemen?

Perhaps we might do something
about making it permanent.

Where's your sense
of humor, Turec?

After all, Moret did slip
your opponent

a pistol without a charge.

Supposing I had omitted
to take that precaution?

Life hangs by a slender thread.

Congratulations, Sire.
You've made your point.

I'm sure Turec is
convinced of your power.

I am, Sire.
Thank you, Sire.

Now, run along, both of you.

Keep out of my sight
till my business is settled.

I suggest you stay
in the old barracks.

The panel.

Voltan...

do you want your ears
cropped for eavesdropping?

Get up, do you hear?

I wasn't listening, I swear it.

I just came to report,
to tell you that...

he is restless tonight.

He always is
when she's in danger.

Nonsense.

Do you pay any heed
to the ravings of a madman?

Get back to your...
dufles.

And if I find you up here again,

I'll feed your liver
to the swine.

I'll quiet him.

Voltan knows a way...

a very good way.

Do you think, Sire, there
is anything in what he says?

Is it possible that your Br...

His name will never
be mentioned here.

Get out.

All of you.

I've waited 20 years
for this night, Helene.

Twenty years.

Please, you're hurting me.

I don't like intruders
in my sleep.

- I beg you...
- On the other hand,

maybe I'm more the fool to
question such a stroke of fate.

I came here to warn you.

I'm afraid you're
a little late for that.

You should have met me
on the terrace.

You cannot blame me
for finding you more desirable

than the others I've met here...

can you?

Now, to what am I indebted
for this mysterious visit?

I had to come to you.

My uncle...

Your uncle?

I'm Blanche de Maletroit.

You?

The devil you say.

This truly is
my night for surprises.

I had pictured you
a toothless hag.

I assure you, sir,
this is no time for levity.

You must get away from here.

You mustn't be a party
to any scheme of my uncle's.

What do you know about this?

Nothing.
Nothing at all.

I only know that my uncle
is an evil man,

that strange things
have happened here

as far back as I can remember.

You know that I'm being
forced to marry you?

I've been told.

He must have some fiendish
reason of his own for doing it.

Yes, I'm sure.

And, of course, you're
far above such scheming.

What do you take me for, a fool?

This visit to me doesn't smack
of sweet innocence.

I could more easily believe that
you, too, are not beyond trickery.

You... you...

What the devil
are you doing here?

I brought you fresh attire.

And there is
food and drink outside.

- The sire's orders.
- A pox on his orders.

No matter to me.

But if you want to keep
blood in your veins,

you'd better change your tune.

What do they call you,
my friend?

Wait outside.

Depends on their digestion.

Anything from pig to dog

through the whole
animal kingdom.

My true name is Talon.

You're unhappy here, Talon?

Oh, who is happy these days?

I'm sure you're above
accepting a bribe,

but merely
from a sense of justice,

will you help me
to get out of here?

I know nothing aboutjustice.

Bribery is different.
What have you to offer?

Nothing.

Not a thing.

In that case, I'll remain
faithful to my master.

Uh, suppose
I were to promise you

some future reward?

Oh, a future reward.

On such a promise,
I'll show you the way out.

Come.

Your kindness ovenlvhelms me.

I can see why they call you
such endearing names.

I suppose you'd have me
fly down to that mill wheel

and let it spin me
away from here.

That is no ordinary mill wheel.

You've perhaps heard
of Cabrissade?

The torturer.

In the Middle Ages
he used this chateau

for some of his
favorite experiments.

This mutton's good!

How is our guest?

Well enough, Sire.

He slept like a babe.

Speak up, swine.

How did he act, hmm?

I want to show him
every consideration.

He, um, offered me
a bribe this morning.

A sterling character, Sire.

Now he has added bribery
to his other virtues.

Good choice, Corbeau, hmm?

Excellent.

Well, I feel better
than I have for years!

My appetite has an edge.

Mmm!

What are you gaping at?

Does the sight of food
distract you?

It's not the sight of food
that distracts me, Sire.

It's the lack of it.

Oh, um, Talon...

did you, um, accept the bribe?

It wasn't juicy enough, Sire.

Not near as juicy as that chop.

Well, here, dog.

He's earned a bone
for his fidelity.

But he'd have betrayed me
if he could.

I-I can't trust anyone.

I'm surrounded by rogues.

Birds of a feather, Sire.

Tell me, could you tolerate an
honest man in this house, hmm?

That's right, Corbeau.

In my secluded dominion,
villainy binds men together.

But I'm an understanding master.

My servants appreciate me.

Oh...

Turn around, my dear.

Let me look at you.

You'll make a beautiful bride.

Uncle, why are you
doing this to me?

My dear, to give you happiness.

You're 20, well past the age
when maidenhood is fashionable.

But such a marriage must fail.

It will not fail.

But it is Armand I love.
How can you possibly...

I do not wish to discuss it.

Ah, de Beaulieu,
did you sleep well?

I see that you have resigned
yourself to my hospitality.

This is my niece
Blanche de Maletroit.

Blanche,
this is Denis de Beaulieu.

Oh, so I meet my prize.

Well, I must say she exceeds
my expectations.

Nevertheless,
I choose my own women.

I prefer it that way.

You, uh... you have
no choice in the matter.

I'd rather be dead
than be forced on this man.

My dear, my dear,
don't say you find him...

unattractive.

Looking on you both,
I should say

that you are divinely suited
to each other.

Your sight is as foul
as your plans.

Uncle, please don't force me
into this marriage,

even though
you disapprove of Armand.

On the contrary, my dear,

I heartily approve
of your young captain,

but he has proved himself
undeserving

by his cruel neglect of you.

He would not willingly
neglect me.

I promise you
that Monsieur de Beaulieu

will prove even more devoted
in his attentions.

Isn't that right, Denis?

To admit you are right
about anything

is to impugn
the meaning of the word.

Oh, Uncle, I don't wish
to displease you.

I'm grateful for all the care
you've given me

since the death of my parents.

No gratitude, no gratitude.

Nevertheless, I'm grateful.

Only consider my feelings.

Admit my right to happiness,
to the man of my choice.

Armand is a good man.

He's of honorable family.

He's kind and thoughtful...
and he loves me.

It's very tiresome of you,
Blanche, to go on in this way.

I've told you that Armand
is neglectful and unworthy.

Very well.

If that be so,
I'll make you a promise.

On the soul of my mother...

Your mother?

I promise I'll never
see him again.

I-I'll give him up.

Only...

please don't make me go through
with this unholy marriage.

You see, de Maletroit,

no mortal man could endure
such a paragon of virtue.

This lady is too pure, too
noble for a man of my tastes.

There, Uncle.

By his own words, this
gentleman reveals himself.

Few of us are...
perfect.

Please, give me a little time.

Most assuredly.

I wouldn't have you
rush headlong into this.

It takes time to kindle
the fires of love.

You shall have 24 hours.

Now, make the most of it.

Learn to love your husband.

For appearance's sake, I would
like you to go to the altar

with a smile of happiness
on your face.

How could I be happy
with a man I've just met?

Just met?

Have you forgotten your visit
to him last night?

And that, alone, is reason
enough for you to marry him.

They've begun by disliking
each other.

Hatred will come later.

I'm in the mood for relaxation.

Let's visit the dungeons.
That's always diverting, hmm?

It would be amusing

if we could let him know
what's going to happen.

But he won't understand.

Mmm... what a pity
his mind is so clouded.

Lessens the pleasure.
Come along.

Forgive me, I'd rather not.
It depresses me.

When I think of what he was
and what he's become now, I...

You're squeamish, Corbeau,
much too squeamish.

So, there is another man?

Yes.

And, of course, he is all
the things you said of him?

Then there is
all the less reason

why your uncle should prefer me.

Perhaps he thinks
you're better for me.

Oh, of course.

I'm an angelic figure,
complete with wings and halo.

You appear more the small boy

who would fancy himself
the devil.

Now, let's forget about me
and talk about you.

Does your uncle mistreat you?

Does he deny you
all the things you want?

No.

No, I can't say that he does.

It's just that, as far back
as I can remember,

something strange
has always happened.

Whenever I've held anything
really dear to me,

it's been snatched away,
destroyed.

There was once a maid.
She was my companion.

Then again, a little spaniel.

Your uncle did these things?

I have no proof.
They just happened.

This young captain...

Do you love him?

Armand?

You heard my uncle.

I haven't seen him for months.

He visited with me
one day last spring.

That was the last
I ever saw of him.

No word since.

That's very strange.

Strange?
Yes, it is.

You, uh, think something
has happened?

I'm sure he would've gotten
word to me somehow

if he were able.

That's why you must
get away from here.

I appreciate your concern,

but I've already discovered
that one does not

just walk out of here at will.

I know that, too,
but I'll find a way.

Come, come, come, Edmond.

Surely, you don't fear me
after all these years.

You must know that I
wouldn't do you bodily harm.

That would be too easy,
too quick an end.

I have more delicacy than that.

A father's fondest dream
is about to come true.

And what a wonderful husband
he'll make, Edmond.

A blackguard without scruple
or conscience,

to destroy her.

Yes, my dear brother,

she shall know the agony
of betrayal as I've known it.

She shall suffer
as I've suffered.

And that's my gift to your child...
my wedding gift.

A husband for her,
a son-in-law for you.

That's right, scream.

If only you could understand
what I'm talking about.

To hear you beg for mercy...

That would be
my supreme pleasure.

Where have you been?

Haven't I told you
never to leave him?

Water, Sire.
I came to bring him water.

Ah?

I am desolated, Edmond,

that I can't invite you
to the wedding supper,

but I fear that a man
who's been dead for 20 years

might cast a gloom
upon the company.

See what I brought you, Master?

From the sire's
own dinner table.

Tell me, Voltan,
is what my brother says true?

Is there such a man here?

Is my daughter
being forced to marry him?

It is true, Master.

If only I could get out of this.

If only I could get out.

It is the one key I do not have.

The only one.

The sire always keeps it
with him.

You've been
my faithful friend, Voltan.

Without you, I could never
have endured these years.

It was my wish
to serve you, Master.

Now there's one more thing
I ask of you,

and you must find the courage.

Courage?

I'm too afraid of him.

This man must never marry her.

You understand?

I understand.

Tonight.

It must be done tonight.

It will be done.

Voltan, what are you doing here?

I came to wake him.

He's in danger.

Who is this nightmare?

You mustn't say that.

He's my friend Voltan.

He'll help you.
Won't you, Voltan?

Help him?

Now, listen carefully
to what I tell you.

If he remains here,
something evil will happen.

You understand that?

Yes, I understand.

It must not happen.

You must get him away from here.

You can do it, can't you?

You know a way out.

Yes, Mistress.

Voltan knows a way.

Then let us go at once.

Well, Voltan?

It is better, Mistress,
if you do not go.

The way runs through
the old barracks.

I'm not afraid.

He's right, Blanche.

I wouldn't have you in danger
because of me.

I'm not worthy of it.

Somehow I wish our meeting

had been under
different circumstances.

I can't help thinking...

Oh, please, Denis, say no more.

You must go quickly.

Good-bye.

Please be careful.

Ready, Voltan.

This way.

Down there.

Why do you wait?

You go, I'll follow.

The statue is heavy.
It must be held.

Lead the way.

Very interesting.

Too bad I can't spend
more time here.

This was the man I thought
I had killed at the tavern.

But if you killed him,
how can this be?

That's just the point, Voltan.

How can it be?

There was only
the sire's word for it.

Just as I thought...
Not a trace of a bullet wound.

Voltan, there was
a sinister purpose

in making me seem a scoundrel.

I fear it means nothing
but harm for your mistress.

Harm for her?

One thing is certain...
She needs help.

You would help her?

Come, take me back to her.

Here. See that they are
delivered promptly.

Do not spare your horse.

You will take these.

They go as far
as the township of Rouen.

Well?

Shall I await the answer, sir?

When the Sire de Maletroit
extends an invitation,

the answer is always yes.

Now, you've all had
your instructions.

Are there any questions?

Two beeves have been
slaughtered.

Will that be sufficient?

Yes, with the suckling pig
and the muttons.

Cook, what of the game?

Peafowl, quail, grouse,
partridge, and baby larks.

Good. I would suggest
also a pie of venison

flavored with truffles
and spices,

and the eels, of course,
and the snails.

Lots of snails.

But that's all.

We don't want our guests
to overeat, hmm?

All right, be off with you.

Oh, steward, I'll come
to the cellars later.

I want to taste the wines.

Is that the list of vintages?

Yes, sir.

We have Chanson Pére & Fils
Meursault, Chablis Supérieur,

Charmes-Chambertin...

Sir, I must have
a word with you.

Speak, man.
Speak quickly.

Oh, the service, Your Reverence,

will be dignified but brief.

I don't believe in excessive
sentiments on these occasions.

As you will, Sire.

Corbeau has made all fitting
arrangements for the music.

The ceremony will start
promptly at eight of the clock.

Have him brought here
immediately.

Oh, a trifling detail.

Monsieur de Beaulieu is not
a native of these parts,

so you'll refrain discreetly
from mentioning his family.

That's all.

Turec and Moret
have just been found.

I was unaware
that they were lost.

You did not permit me to finish.

Turec and Moret
have just been found dead.

Murdered.

Murdered?

What are you talking about?
How is that possible?

It's true.

They were killed
sometime during the night.

Do you think our bridegroom
might have a hand in this?

I know no more.

Good day, Uncle.

Ah, my dear niece, it does my
heart good to see you so merry.

And have I not reason for cheer?

The happy bride.

Perhaps my lady has some other
reason for her good humor.

What other reason
could there be?

Corbeau is a cynic.
Pay no heed to him.

Nothing is too good for you.

It will be a festive occasion.

I hope you won't
be disappointed, Uncle.

Disappointed?
Why should I be?

Oh, for many reasons.

Perhaps some important
personage may not appear.

Even the bridegroom
may be absent.

I've heard
of such things happening.

Not in this case, my dear.

You're right, as always,
my dear uncle.

I trust you spent
a peaceful night.

Never better, Sire.

Two of my men
were slain last night.

- Oh, and will they rise again?
- What do you mean by that?

Your men are so hardy.
Like cats, they have nine lives.

Nevertheless, they are dead.

Well, we mustn't talk about
death at a time like this.

It's not fair to my bride.

We're on the threshold of a
new life... marriage, happiness.

Everything lies
in front of us except death.

Come, bride-to-be.

Although our future is too
well-ordained for discussion,

our past is still worth
talking about.

There is a formality
that requires your attention.

The signing of the articles
of marriage.

There's another formality...
The publishing of the banns.

You haven't allowed
the prescribed time.

Do you think I would
overlook such a thing?

Examine the date
on this document, nephew...

That is the night on which you
honored me by walking through my door.

It is also the date of the
publishing of the banns.

If you please.

Thank you.

Now I think Monsieur de Beaulieu

would enjoy the privacy
of his chamber for a while.

Besides, my dear, it is most
unlucky for the bride and groom

to see too much of each other
on their wedding day.

Count Grassin!

Ah, my dear Count Grassin.

A trifle late
but always welcome.

It's a long journey, my friend.

And, alas, punctuality
was never one of my virtues.

It suffices that you are here.

I assure you nothing
could've kept me away.

I want you to meet my
nephew-elect Denis de Beaulieu.

Denis, this is Count Grassin.

- Good evening, sir.
- De Beaulieu? Hmm.

I once knew some de
Beaulieus in Normandy.

- The name is not unique in France.
- Mm-hmm.

The ones I refer to
were rather an impetuous lot.

The son, particularly.

Had a faculty
for getting into trouble.

One scrape after another.

Finally, his father
disinherited him.

You're not related,
by any chance?

To rabble of that sort?

If so, would I admit it?
Forgive me.

I meant no offense in linking you
with the Normandy de Beaulieus.

I see my error.

You, also, my friend,
must forgive an old man

whose tongue age has robbed
of diplomacy.

Your servant.

Then, come, sir.

Would you join me in a cup
to show there's no ill feeling?

We'll pledge the good
health of our host.

Any excuse for a drink.

Thank heaven
you are here, Grassin.

What is this comedy
you're playing?

I'm a prisoner here.

I need your help desperately.

What can I do?

You must arrange
for an escape tonight.

And believe me, sir,
I soon put him in his place.

Imagine trying to sell me
black britches

when I specifically
ordered purple, eh?

It will not be easy.

De Maletroit is a clever man.

Fortunately,
I know this house well.

There is a door
in the south wing

leading to the burial ground.

Can you find it?

I'll find it.

Good.

At two of the clock, my
coach will be waiting there.

What of the guards?
Every exit is covered.

I repeat, it will not be easy.

Good luck.

In springtime,
in spring... time

In pretty,
pretty springtime

With a hey and a ho
and a hey-nonny-no...

The perfect bridegroom.

The more fool, he.

In springtime,
in springtime...

Get to your feet.

I need a drink.

It was a good party.
I must come again.

You drunken sot.

Arouse yourself.

It's time you joined your bride.

My... my bride.

My pretty little bride.

Where is she?

She's upstairs.

She's gone.

Oh, that's too bad.

See him to her chambers.

My little bride,
my little bride...

Shh!

I want to surprise her.

See?

My little bride awaits me.

Now, go away.
I wanna be alone.

Oh, no, wait a minute, I...

I'm sorry, friends. I'll
take care of you next time.

Good night.

I'm sorry, Blanche.

I didn't mean to frighten you.

- Then you're not...
- Luck was with me tonight.

I met an old friend at the
reception... Count Grassin.

You knew Count Grassin?

A long time ago.

He was a friend of my father's.

He will help us
get away from here.

I will take you to his
estate in Normandy.

You'll be safe there.

Then you can have this mockery
of a marriage annulled.

Oh.

That's what you want, isn't it?

Oh, yes, I suppose so.

Isn't it?

You must tell me
something truthfully.

This young captain, Armand,
do you love him very much?

I don't know.

Last night when you left,

I thought a weight would be
lifted from my heart.

It wasn't so.

I was glad you were safely away,

but I was sorry you'd gone.

And when you saw
that I had returned?

I knew how much you meant to me.

Oh, darling.

My life was meaningless
until I met you...

Wasted in an aimless
search for pleasure.

I love you.

Come, we must hurry.

Oh, you'll need a cloak.

There's a door
in the south wing.

Count Grassin will be waiting.

This way.

Help me.

Here?

The old armor is kept here.

Yes, I know.

Some of it fell on me
last night.

Careful.

Must we go through here?

It's the only way.

Then we must chance it.

What was that?
Who's there?

- Count Grassin?
- In there, sir.

He's had
a bit too much to drink.

Traitor!

And you call yourself a friend.

You'll have
to speak louder, Denis.

Much louder.

Run for the gate, Blanche!

It's high time you arrived.
What delayed you?

I saw someone near the gate
and gave chase.

Where's the girl?

Have no fear.
She won't get far.

So, the honeymooners return.

Reluctantly, I gather.

You ran away... why?

Wh-why do you want
to desert me so soon?

Are you dissatisfied
with your surroundings?

Why, you never even
said good-bye to me.

You hate us so.

I should think you'd be glad
to get rid of us.

You mean that you went out of
consideration for my feelings?

How very thoughtful of you.

There was no need
to kill Grassin.

You could've saved yourself
an unprovoked murder.

Unprovoked?

Well, I won't dispute that
point, but it did upset me.

I'm-I'm averse to bloodshed.

Besides, knives are untidy.

Why didn't you stop us sooner?

My little pleasantry,
that's all.

It amused me to let you think
you could get away together.

I hope you've both observed
that I have a sense of humor.

Uncle, what more
do you want of us?

You wished us to marry...
We've done so.

Now we ask only to be free
to go our own way together.

- Together?
- We ask no more.

Together?

You're telling me that you
no longer dislike each other?

Oh, that would be a pity.

You haven't been rash enough
to fall in love?

Oh...

There's your answer.

There's nothing
you can do about it.

How wrong you are.

There are many things I can do,

but I'm afraid you'd find them
rather disagreeable.

Uncle, what's back
of your hatred?

What have I ever done to you?

You?

It's not you, Blanche.

You have her to thank
for your fate... your mother.

My mother?

I loved her once.

She led me to believe
that she loved me.

You loved my mother?

Does that surprise you?
Look at her beauty.

She should've been mine,
but she betrayed me.

She married your father,
a spineless dreamer.

My mother died when I was born.

Hasn't her debt been paid?

Ah, she paid for her
faithlessness, but your father...

He's dead, too.

Dead?

You shall be the judge of that.

Blanche, it's clear to me now.

Why I was chosen
to be your husband.

He thought I was a scoundrel.
He thought I'd destroy you.

That's why Armand
was so unwelcome here.

Quite so.

What have you done to Armand?

Hmm? Oh, he was too saintly
for this wicked world.

I sent him to paradise.

- No.
- Oh, here.

His ring.

You're really
quite clever, Denis.

I can promise you
an interesting evening.

You will find
that I have a practical

as well as a romantic side.

But, first of all,

I must introduce you
to another guest of mine.

Come along.

The wheel turns swiftly tonight.

Perhaps too swiftly.

Good wine should be sipped
and savored slowly.

I've waited long enough.
My cup is full.

I must slake my thirst.

Each to his own taste.

Now, we shall have
a little family reunion.

No, Corbeau.

I share this wine with no one.

Who is he?

Time does not permit
a formal introduction.

You said a family reunion.

I did.

Allow me to present your
father... Edmond de Maletroit.

Oh...

You must forgive
his indifference.

Twenty years of residence here

have dulled the edge
of his perception.

My father.

Make the most of this occasion.

It will be brief.

You have at most 15 minutes.

The walls.

They're moving!

The ingenuity
of the de Maletroits.

Don't think badly of me.

Family affection
was never my strong point.

- You maniac!
- Aah!

You should not have opposed me.

I offered you much.

Do what you want with me,
but let Blanche go free.

No, Denis, no.

Is that a fair request?

You mustn't ask
for the impossible.

Forgive me,
I'm pressed for time.

I bid each of you
a fond farewell.

He's a madman.

Yes.

He's been mad for 20 years.

No, not I.

I'm quite sane.

But he would've killed me
long ago had he known it.

It was the only thing
that saved me,

robbed him of the
pleasure of killing me.

But all these years?

If I had only known.

I didn't want you to, my dear.

You could've done nothing.

Everyone was under his thumb.

Only Voltan remained faithful.

I swore him to secrecy...

to guard you from harm.

I've failed.

It will not be long.

I wonder if you really
hate her so much.

What do you mean?

Love and hatred
are often confused.

They are not dissimilar,
and she is like her mother.

You go too far, Corbeau!

We're alone now;
We can speak truthfully.

My life has always been empty.

I was born without purpose
and I'll die that way.

But I envied you because
you knew the passion

of both love and hate,

and that is what made you
my superior.

Am I not so still?

I'm only telling you this

lest you regret
what you're doing.

Regret?

You think that I'm a weakling?

I know no pangs of conscience.

My way is clear!

I was wrong.

You'll carry your hatred
to the grave.

I'm still your servant.

I wonder if you really
hate her so much.

And she is like her mother.

You'll carry your hatred
to the grave.

I wonder if you
really hate her so much.

She is like her mother...

like her mother...
like her mother.

I wonder if you really
hate her so much.

The walls...
They've stopped moving.

Voltan!

Master, the key.

The key!

The key to the cell.

Voltan.

Voltan, you must help us.

Voltan!

Voltan, the key.

Only you can help us now.

The key... we must have the key.

My dear, you're the image
of your mother.

Isn't she lovely, Denis?

She is, indeed, sir.

My boy, this door
brought you into our lives.

It stands open now.

You're free
to leave as you came,

or stay, if you wish.

I'm a willing prisoner.

If Blanche will have me, Sire,

you may seal this door
again forever.