All language subtitles for Madame X

Jacqueline.

Jacqueline.

Where are your thoughts?
In the past or the future?

In the present.

If anything so eternal as
Notre Dame is the present.

It fits you perfectly.

A halo or a bonnet.

No halo.

Yes, it's still there. You can't lose
something that is part of you.

It will always be there.

That is sweet of you, Jean.

But.

I have made a resolution.

I often do.

It gets under my skin too.

My resolution is.

I am not coming here anymore.

Jacqueline.
- You see.

I've been standing out there
taking myself to pieces.

I don't like myself.

You know that I'm very much
in love with you, don't you?

If you don't mind ..

I just can't talk about it.

If you put me in a cab, I'll ..

I'll go home.

And try to put the
pieces together again.

Jacqueline.

[ Door knocks ]

[ Door knocks ]

Who is there?
- Open this door.

There has been somebody here.

A woman.

She's out there.

Listen.
- Listen to me.

This is why I'm brushed aside
and why you wouldn't see me.

You're wrong, Annette.

It's between her and me.
- You stay out of here.

I have something to say.
- Well, say it then.

But the last word is mine.

[ Gunshot! ]

You can have him now.

I give him to you.

Jean.

Jean.

[ Door knocks ]

Open the door.

What are you doing here?
- You are Monsieur Fleuriot?

Yes.

Dr. LaFarge called me.

Dr. LaFarge? Is he here?

For your son. Yes, Monsieur.

What is the matter with Raymond?

The doctor is not sure.
- And madame? Is she with him?

Madame?
- Madame Fleuriot. Where is she?

I haven't seen her.

Doctor, what is it?
- Calm down. He is not dead.

He is not even dying.

Rose phoned me before midnight.

Your son's temperature may be
serious, maybe not. I can't tell.

But .. what do you ..?

It might be pleurisy or pneumonia.

Or flu perhaps.
There is a lot of that about.

Isn't Jacqueline here?

Rose told me she went out.

To dine, and the opera,
and dancing I dare say.

I telephoned her at 6 o'clock.

She said nothing about going out.

Temperatures every half hour.

We phoned your office
at half past twelve.

I was at the ministry.

Jacqueline knew that.

For heaven's sake, Fleuriot.

There was nothing wrong
when she went out.

These things can happen
so suddenly with children.

Not so sudden with wives though.

Dinner?

Opera eh?
- Come, Fleuriot.

Don't build fences.
You may fall over them.

I have a patient to look after.

Come downstairs. I want to talk to you.

No, Bernard. I can't. Not tonight.

Tonight. Now.

In the morning when I am able. Please.

Who is the man, Jacqueline?

Bernard, help me. Please help me.

Help you?
It's all I can do not to kill you.

Who is he?

Who is he?

If it would make it any easier for
you I would tell you. But it wouldn't.

I would only hurt you more.
I have hurt you enough.

I am hurt too. Horribly.

But that doesn't matter. It's you.

But if I told you everything,
could you forgive me?

It would help you too.

Could you? A little bit?
- No.

Then I can't tell you.

I can't tell you anything.

Bernard, I need help.
- It's late to ask for that.

Can't you see how tortured I am?
Can't you see?

Please, please. Give the child a chance.

Dr. LaFarge.

Raymond. Is he ill?
- Very.

You must be quiet.
- He was alright when I went out.

You'll l never have another
chance to neglect him.

Fleuriot, don't be hasty.
Things are better if you sleep on them.

You said, doctor, you had
a patient to look after.

Yes.

Rose. You will pack madame's things.

She is leaving. At once.
- No. When he's better.

Please.
- Now. Tonight.

No.

Don't be long, dear.

Doctor.

It's such a wonderful relief.

He's a sturdy lad, Rose.
He won a good fight.

Well, doctor?

It must be a better world than it looks,
Fleuriot, if we hang on to it so hard.

He has made it?
- With flags flying.

Yes, sir. With flags flying.

He'll be showing me his
uppercut any time now.

One punch and you're licked.

You are a wreck.
- It was a narrow squeak.

Forget about the youngster.
It's time you took care of yourself.

I don't want another
patient on my hands.

Who, me?

I'm as strong as an ox.

'Strong as an ox'. You hear that, Rose?
He's as strong as an ox.

He hasn't had 10 hours sleep in the last
10 days and he's as strong as an ox.

As stubborn as a mule, more like it.

You run upstairs and get some sleep.

Doctor's orders.

I'll never forget you for this, doctor.
- You forget it now and get some sleep.

That's the important thing. Sleep.

Goodnight, Fleuriot.
- Goodnight, doctor.

I'll see to it, doctor.

Aha.

Sentry duty, eh?

Doctor, how is he?

He passed the crisis safely.
There's very little danger left.

Practically none.

Dear madame.
- Rose.

I want to see Raymond. I must see him.

But Monsieur?
- You haven't seen me.

I came in without you knowing.

No. I'll go with you.

Rose, I thought I gave you orders.

It isn't Rose's fault.

I forced my way in.

Monsieur Fleuriot.

The doctor said you're to take this.
It's to make you sleep.

Presently.

Upstairs.

Why don't you?

Later, later. Leave it upstairs.

It's getting late.

There is nothing here you need wait for.

There's nothing any place
in the world but here.

Dear.

I'm just lost.

I'm not even sorry for you, Jacqueline.
- It's the only chance I have.

If you can forgive me.

I'll take care of you.

See my chief clerk.
He will arrange money.

Take care of me?

That sounds like a verdict.
- It's my verdict.

How many ways do you have to hear it?
- No, no.

Wait. Not yet.

Your world is legal.

If it hasn't any heart,
it has to listen.

To be just.
- You can be sure of that.

Justice.

I don't know.

My hands are just numb
from beating on you.

These awful days and nights you
have kept me away from my boy.

I've paid for my sins
to the last centime.

But don't try to send me away for ever.

I'll fight you in every court
there is and don't you try and ..

Go ahead. Fight.

And you'll spread the record of your
unfaithfulness for all the world to see.

So our son can never escape it.

It's a new kind of mother love.

I won't fight you if it means
any harm to Raymond.

But you'll hurt him.

I'll be gone. He will ask questions.
What will you tell him?

The simplest thing. That you are dead.

You wouldn't, Bernard?

You couldn't.
- It's kinder than the truth.

Don't say any more.

I have no answer.

I can't let anything touch him.

Anything hurt him.

Even if I never see you again.

I accept it.

I'll accept anything.

You keep Raymond from knowing.

From suffering.

For what I've done.

Monsieur Fleuriot. Is he in?
- Yes, sir.

Monsieur Dourel.

Monsieur Dourel.

Rose, old friend. So good to see you.

It's wonderful to have you back again.

Everyone missed you terribly.

This is touching.
Why, you're actually crying.

You are an old friend.

We've been badly in need of old friends.

My dear woman, you
sound positively tragic.

What is wrong?

Monsieur Fleuriot would
want to tell you that himself.

But it's much too serious for an
old fool to be chattering about.

Maurice Dourel, my old friend.

No man could be so welcome.

I just arrived and came straight here.
My first call.

I can't tell you how glad I am.
- That's fine.

Let me look at you.
The man is a shadow of himself.

What is wrong with you?
- That takes a lot of telling.

Four years is a long time.

You can't see all the
Americas in a few days.

Raymond, eh?

You'll never know him.

A fine boy.

And Jacqueline, how is she?

I'm afraid I can't answer that.

You can't answer it?

She isn't .. dead, is she?

She's dead as far as I am concerned.

As far as he is concerned.

Jacqueline?

It does seem incredible, doesn't it?

In the name of heaven, Fleuriot,
don't be cryptic with me.

Are you suggesting there was
another man or something?

Just that.

Coffee?
- No thanks.

Bernard.

I don't think I ever told
you what a blow it was ..

When she fell in love with you.

What?

I say it now because it
gives me some rights.

Where is she?

I haven't the remotest idea.

You've cut her off from
the boy and yourself?

What would you have done?

Not that, certainly.

If I was fool enough to drive
her into another man's arms ..

I'd ask her for another chance.
I really would.

What sentimental rot.

Do you think I could be unfair about it?

She admitted it.

I wonder if you weren't too busy.

If you left her alone too much.

I have no patience with the
'neglected wife' excuse.

You have no patience with anything
if it doesn't walk a tight wire.

Did it ever occur to you that
a woman might lie awake ..

Wondering if she'd grown
ugly or something?

A man comes along, assures her
it isn't so. And went overboard.

Of course, you have no patience.

Never thought of it.

I suppose you'd have
given her another chance.

Did she ask for it?

I'll have no disgrace of
that kind around him.

Never.

Don't ever tell him ..

That she asked for another chance
and you wouldn't give it to her.

I warn you, Bernard.

No, Maurice. You are wrong.

Life is not a storybook.
- No.

It's just a lot of mistakes, mistakes.

And another chance all the way up.

A man made of steel and pig-iron
should never fall in love.

He wants latitude and he hasn't got it.

I'm going to see if something
can't be done about it.

No. Wait a minute.

At least you've given me an awful jolt.

I have brought you some
hot coffee, monsieur Dourel.

Pardon me.
- Rose.

Do you know where madame might be?

No, Monsieur Fleuriot, I do not.
- Have you seen her?

Have you, Rose?

Yes, Monsieur.

I saw her twice.

How long since you saw her?

Weeks, Monsieur.

She didn't tell you
what she had in mind?

I went to keep another rendezvous but ..

She was not there.

Nor since, Monsieur.

Rose, tell Pierre to stop a taxi.

Yes, Monsieur.

Maurice, I don't know whether
you'll be sane or crazy.

We'll see what the police
can do about finding her.

That's the Fleuriot I've
loved all these years.

What's all this noise about?

Is it a war or what?

We're busting broncos, Miss Brand.

Busting?

The word is bursting.

Bursting broncs.

No, it's busting.

See, they're broncs.
And you gotta bust broncs.

Broncs from out west.

Back home, Miss brand.
- I see.

Be careful and don't but your legs or
your mother will need a new governess.

Okay.

Hello, Mr Fariman.

We're riding a herd, Mr Fariman.

Sailing tonight?
- Yep.

Homeward bound for Long Island sound.

Where's the folks?
- Tom and mum are at aunt Eve's.

Bridge or something.

Have you ever tried those
broncs on the open range?

They can go miles and miles.
Come on, Pete.

These broncs never get tired.

I am sorry to find you alone.

I am glad of the chance to
tell you what I think of you.

Isn't that a waste of time?
- Maybe.

Anyway, you ruined the
season for me in Monte Carlo.

I had nothing to do with
your season, Mr Fariman.

I made every effort to flirt with you.
Complete failure.

That escaped me entirely.

Don't you think you could
relent on my last evening?

I have my duties, Mr Fariman.

How often have I asked you
aboard my yacht for a cocktail?

Several times. Thank you very much.

I keep on only because you
decline so charmingly.

Tell the Simons I'll see
them in Florida as usual.

You've been very patient with me.
- Bon voyage.

If you change your mind I'll be
happy to shake one up for you.

No thanks.
- No?

Well, au revoir.

Goodbye, you outlaws.

You had better take to the hills.
Here is the sheriff and his posse.

What is it?

Is there anyone in this household
by the name of 'Brand'?

Mademoiselle Brand.

Not that I know of.

Perhaps she was the governess before me.

I've been here only three months.

You know where she went, by any chance?

No. I couldn't tell you.

Who's looking for her?

The Prefect de Police.

Paris.

Might I see your mistress?
- She's not at home.

Then we'll wait.

It's hardly worthwhile.

Mistress won't be home until ..

Alan and Peter.

Time for your dinner. Inside.

Okay.

Hurry.

What did they want?
- I'll tell you later.

They may be quite late.
Midnight or after.

Then we will come back in the morning.
- Yes, do.

Who are you looking for?

We were enquiring after
a Mademoiselle Brand.

But why? She has done nothing.

Oh, it's not criminal.

But someone in Paris in a
ministry is anxious to locate her.

Good evening, sir.
- Evening, Edison.

Get under way at once.

At once, sir?
- Yes. Why not?

Yes, sir.

Standby to raise anchor.

I'd have bet a million dollars
to a nickel you wouldn't come.

Did you ever win a bet on
what a woman might do?

No. Nor on what she would do.

Let's have that cocktail.

It's a long time since I had one.

And whose fault was that?

Better late than never.

I had a nice look around your yacht.
I congratulate you.

It's charming.

Glad you like it. Wait, we're under way.

I'll tell them to heave to.
- Why do that?

You don't realize.
Our next port is Glasgow.

Do you mix your own cocktails?

Yes I do.

You know.

This is the first time in my life I've
ever been stumped for something to say.

Good morning.

Shall I serve coffee on deck, ma'am?

Morning.

Good morning.

Which way is New York from here?
- Southwest. There. 20 miles or so.

It looked impressive
when we came in last night.

Yes, ma'am. It's a swell place at night.
From the deck of a ship.

Ahoy, on deck.
- Hello there, young fellow.

Glad to see you.
- I'm glad to see you.

Where you been? I understood
you came straight from Glasgow.

What did you do?
Make a detour via way of Shanghai?

We cruised. Put in here and there.
Had a little engine trouble.

Miss Brand, this is Mr Hugh Fariman.

Junior.

How do you do, Miss Brand?

Jose, where is dad? Still below?
- Yes, sir.

Today is his wedding anniversary.
We were afraid he wouldn't make it.

He should be at his own
wedding anniversary.

You bet. I was certainly relieved
to see the old tub at anchor.

Your mother too I imagine.

She doesn't know he's home yet.

But she's planned this party for weeks.
You know, an annual jamboree.

Say. Are there many guests aboard?

I ought to know about the
knives and forks and things.

Not many.

In fact, I'm the only guest.

Don't worry about the
wedding anniversary.

Thanks.

Don't tell dad I was here.
- I won't.

Thanks. Thanks a lot.

You didn't see me.

What?

You haven't seen me either.

So long.

Here you are, lady.

Not very imposing.

Is that this?

Yeah, that's it.
The fare is two and a quarter.

I'm not going to live here.

Just a little business.

You got the price of this taxi?

A little business first.
Then everything will be alright.

Take that trunk in.

I should take you to the police station.
- Do as you're told. Fetch it in.

Your first trip to New Orleans?

I am too tired for the story of my life.

How much is this one?

How much you got?

Six dollars and ten cents.

Sold.

What's this?
- I hope there's 2 bucks and 2 bits.

Three Chanels, two
Scaparellis and some others.

Open it up.

We don't handle stolen goods.
- A good idea. Neither do I.

They belong to me and
I want to sell them.

You live in New Orleans?

Not yet. I just arrived.

Gee, mom. Look.

You sure left a good
man someplace, honey.

Eight of them.

A hundred for the lot.
What you say, lady?

Say nothing to nobody.

Come here with me.

Going to buy those?
- I got a better idea.

Imagine one of them
girls in a Chanel dress.

Wear them yourself.

You got a hangover but you got class.

I asked for some streamlined girls.

What do I get? Fish men.

No good.

They have too many ins and outs.
Bumps, bumps.

This girl can use a job.

You ever been a hostess?
- I am a famous hostess.

I have been for years.
- In what caf� were you a hostess?

I've entertained in the
old world and the new.

The best caf�s and the worst.

Mine is the best worst caf�
in the whole world.

Let me see the shape of you.

Scipio doesn't mean any damage.
Ask Nora.

Anybody that knows me knows that
I never get fresh with my ladies.

So, you want a job?

What are you doing here?
- Three bucks. I brought her here.

You need a job.

Scipio, look. The last word.

Chanel.

Nice, nice.

Put some on those heifers.
Maybe they'll look like reindeers.

Wait a minute, Scipio. You got a buyer.

If they look good, sure. Here.

Put this on.

Where do I change?
- Right here. I am in a hurry.

Here you. The three bucks.
- Keep it. I'll buy a seat for the show.

Get out. These ladies is ladies.

You understand? Get out or I
throw you out of the window.

Okay. I'm away. Good luck, kid.

Get out.

These foreigners don't know
much about the ladies.

Come on, change quick. Get a move on.

Three hundred, Scipio.

It's a bargain.

It must be good.

50/50.

Next there will be a song, huh?

There is the orchestra. You sing.

Ah, you sing now, eh?

You're setting me on fire.

My heart is ablaze.

You are setting me on fire.

And love is to blame.

Up on your feet.

It's tearing me asunder.

I'm living in a daze.

I gaze at you in wonder.

With my soul ..

Ablaze.

You've got me in your power.

You cast your spell.

And every burning hour.

I am learning so well.

It's you that I desire.

It's you I'm dreaming of.

You're setting me on fire.

With the torch .. of ..

Love.

Good.

Thank you.

My dear young lady.

I ask you myself, personally.

When you sing in here
get up on your feet.

Walt around the customers.
Sing. Sing for everybody.

Everybody is trying to be happy.

Why walk around and break their
hearts with a sad, cheap song?

That is right. No sad songs.

Listen.

You may be captain of the
dockers but I am Captain Scipio.

You understand?
- Captain?

Aye aye, captain.
- Nevertheless.

I am the boss here.

While you sing in here,
get up on your feet.

Drift around the tables.

Drift?

That's it. Drift.

Fill it up, captain.

I want to drift.

Sure. You can drift with me.

I am pushing out with the tide.

Don't give her any more.
Can't you see the lady is blotto?

Blotto? That's right. Blotto.
It blots out everything.

You're fired!

That's alright.
Been here too long anyhow.

Our new stewardess.

Shut up below decks.

You mugs.

Come in.

Two men from the Prefect of Police.

A personal matter.

Could it be possible?

Bring them in.

Gentlemen.

Monsieur Fleuriot. Monsieur Dourel.

Well, gentlemen?

Mr Fleuriot, I am sorry.
I have no news for you.

But ten years of search all over the
world has produced absolutely nothing.

No word from anywhere.

Unfortunately no, sir.

The Prefect asked me get your permission
to remove the case from the records.

Yes, of course.

Please tell the Prefect that
I appreciate his efforts.

These reports cover our efforts over
the past years. Sorry, Monsieur.

Thank you.
- Good afternoon.

A scant report.

On a life so dear to us.

If she were alive you
would have found her.

You have done your very best.

Come in.

Monsieur Fleuriot.

There's a young gentleman ..
- Can I come in, father?

Yes, of course. Come in, my son.

Monsieur Dourel.

How is that awful business, school?

As awful as ever.

Have lunch with us?
- Love it.

'The report from Chicago
sounded encouraging'.

That sounds mysterious.

It's some woman the
government is looking for.

What did she do, kill somebody?

We have a strong suspicion
that somebody killed her.

They killed her, huh?
- No. Not really.

I suppose if I'm to be a lawyer I must
get used to people killing each other.

Let's feed him and he
won't be so bloodthirsty.

That sounds good to me.

I'm far more starving than bloodthirsty.

The boys out there are happy tonight.

Yeah. The fishing must be good.

Alter the course.

North north-west three points.

Alter the course.
North north-west three points.

Why?

Are we putting into Buenos Aires?
- Yes. Tomorrow.

I shall drop something off there.

You come up to listen to the song, eh?

No.

I'm trying to get further away from it.

[ Singing in Portuguese ]

Do you know what this song
means in Portuguese?

I don't know Portuguese.

It says: 'Farewell'.

'Farewell' is alright in any language.

Tomorrow we sail to Buenos Aires.

You liked it the last
time we put in there.

It is too hot to get excited.

Scipio, he was right.

You drink too much.

Ever hear of a short
life and a merry one?

A merry wife and short?

Buenos Aires is the place for it.

Anyhow, thanks.

Thanks for the long, long voyage.

This is the most best
room we have, Se�or.

What class of hotel
did you say this was?

Very excellent, Se�or.

Very high. Very good.

See if you can find some
most excellent bed linen.

This looks slightly infested.
- Si, Se�or. It shall be done.

Will the Se�or be with us long?

That's a question I can't answer.

I never know.

[ Door knocks ]

What do you want?
- What do I want?

Open the door. I want to talk to you.

Well, I want my money.

I have no money.
- No money?

Not a centime.
- So.

You stay in my hotel a fortnight and
then you tell me you have no money.

Why should I tell you I
have money when I haven't?

No money. No money.

What do I tell the grocer and butcher
when they come to collect their bills?

No money, eh?

Tell them they supply abominable food.

Rubber meat and sawdust vegetables.

Sawdust?

Vegetables. She cannot pay for sawdust.

Sawdust.
- Wait a minute.

What is all this row?
- Se�or.

It's not hard enough for a poor man?

But this buzzard should
cheat me out of my money.

Stop your chatter.
Send me to jail if you like.

Jail? I will send you to jail.
- Just a minute.

I might have a better idea.
- Anybody might.

But Se�or she owes me ..
- Do not annoy us.

You may even get your money.

Ah.

Step into my place for a minute.
Let's have a little chat.

Why not?

You are French?

I was a French lady.

I am sure of that.

Let's see if we can't find
a way out of your trouble.

Who told you I was in trouble?

I heard the landlord.

I owe him some money.

And you can't pay it?

That is unfortunate.

For the landlord.

What are you doing in South America?

I don't remember.

What are you doing?

A very rich city this.

There's plenty of ways
to turn an honest penny.

I've a sneaking suspicion that an honest
penny wouldn't interest you at all.

Clever girl. Devilish clever.

That's why I am where I am today.

Because I am 'devilish clever'.

Know anything about cards?

A little. Why?

I'll tell you later.

The first thing is to pay your bill.
I want you near me.

I'm beginning to think that you and
I might do very well together.

Well, I can't lose anything.

A very useful brain, that.

You're not a Frenchman?

No.

By the grave of heaven I'm an Alsatian.

Just say you're an Alsatian.

What do you say to a drink?

Try it and see.

We'll drink to a partnership
that looks very promising.

Are you trying to interest me in a
drink or something more personal?

I think partners should get acquainted.
Don't you?

My name is Lerocle.

Listen here, my friend.

I've seen a lot of life.

Too much.

You don't have to finesse the approach.

You're going to pay my hotel bill.

What do you want of me?

What is it?

There's a great sporting crowd here.

Glorious gamblers.

You'll have to play cards.

Monkey with the horses. Get the idea?

Not being a horse, I am afraid not.

I'm going to get you some fine feathers.

So we can meet some of these folk.

I see.

Pigeons for you to pluck.

At which I am an expert.

There was a time.

There was a time I would
not speak to your breed.

Hot-shot.

I can quite imagine that.

My friends were always nice people.

The very best.

What happened?

Tell me.

Indiscretion?

He wouldn't forgive me.

He is a very clever man.

Very clever.

But very hard.

I'm sure he was rich and important.

Very important.

One of the greatest lawyers in Paris.

One of the greatest.

And I suppose heading for public life?

I want to see his name written up high.

Bernard Fleuriot.

Premier of France.

Maybe a minister.

A very able man.

He can do anything he wants to do.

I suppose.

If he knew you were destitute.

He'd want to help you.

Wouldn't he?

That's all over.

He'll never get his chance to help me.

He had one chance.

He is never going to see
what he made of me.

Never.

Bernard Fleuriot.

What did I say?

Can you imagine that?

I say, Lerocle.

You must not pay any attention to me.

Understand?

See, when I get plenty
to drink I like to talk.

I don't know what I say when I talk.
- That's alright, old girl.

No harm in telling me who you are.
- But I haven't told you.

I ..

Wait a minute.

Give me another drink
and I'll tell you the truth.

How is it to see France again?

Well.

The chestnuts in the spring.

Again.

Why not?

Why not?

Where were we?

Yes.

My name is.

Or was.

Chandor.

My husband was Chandor.

That's it.
Now I'm telling you the truth.

And he was an attorney.
Not a very good one.

You understand?
That was my way of romancing.

I like to imagine I was
the wife of a big man.

But now we've got it straight.
Haven't we, Lerocle?

Now we've got it straight.
Will you leave everything to me?

I've left everything I've ever
had in the hands of others.

Why not now?

Bernard Fleuriot, eh?

Thinking or just not-thinking?

Hello. Sit down, Maurice.

Sherry?
- Yes please.

Dry.

Are they a good-looking
pair or am I infatuated?

Is that serious?
- They think so.

I hope so.

She is nice.
- You're sure he's good enough for her?

Monsieur Dourel.

Good evening, my dear.

Well, Raymond. The criminal elements
in Paris are shaking in their shoes.

The word is out that you
are a full-fledged lawyer.

Helene, my dear.

Did he dance you too hard?
You look flushed.

No harm in that, my dear.

I know you mean well, gentlemen.
But leave her alone.

We didn't make her blush.

Quite, father.
The girl is starving to death.

Raymond, how does it feel
to be finished with school?

You had a lot of it.

The one thing I want to
do now is to get to work.

Only one thing?

One thing at a time.

Father, how long did it take you to
get started? I mean, your first case.

This is serious.

It took me just a year
to get my first case.

A whole year?

A whole year.

And he lost the case.

Well.

How long after you were
admitted to the bar?

I mean, how long before you got married.

I can answer that.

It was several years.

But you need not wait that long.

My felicitations.

And mine too of course.

Now that you've guessed it you
can see why I want to get going.

Honestly, I can't imagine anyone in
serious trouble trusting it to me.

Raymond, how silly.

People in serious trouble don't
care who helps them out.

I didn't mean it that way.

Of course you didn't. Come, let's dance
and leave these wise old owls alone.

'Alone' is the proper word.

There he goes.

Why shouldn't they forget us?
- Right.

I'm glad I kept things from him.

There isn't a cloud.

Come, come.

A fine condition you're in
at 9 o'clock in the morning.

9 o'clock or 10 o'clock.

Yesterday or tomorrow?
What's the difference?

Yes. But you're home again.
Do you realise you are back in France?

I just sort-of forget where I am.

You'll see your family again.
Get to see your friends.

My family?

What family?

I don't have any friends.

But I have.

A couple of them coming up right away.

I don't want them to see you like this.

You're such a kindly soul, Lerocle.
- Never mind about that.

I don't want my friends
to think you are common.

Remember, you are a lady.

I am a lady.

Why shouldn't they think I am common?

I'm just as common as you are, Lerocle.

And heaven knows, that's common enough.

We are birds of a feather, eh Lerocle?

That is the idea.

Birds of a feather.

[ Door knocks ]

My friend, what a pleasure
to see you again.

What a pleasure.
- Glad to see you two.

We had your cablegram.

Alert and prosperous as usual.
I am glad of that.

I have a very important job here.

Worthy of your genius.

Where is she?

In there. What's left of her. Not much.

I see. You gather up the pieces
and fetch them to market.

Unless she's an infernal
and amazing liar.

She's the wife of a man
very important in Paris.

Yes. You wrote us that.
- Who is she?

And he will strip himself financially to
keep this skeleton safely in the closet.

Who is he, Lerocle?

His name. Who is this giant?

Bernard Fleuriot.

Bernard Fleuriot.
- Did I say he was important?

The senior advocate.
- Is he a big fish?

A big fish?
- I'll get out of here.

What's the matter with you?
- Nothing, my friend. I need fresh air.

I don't want to go to prison.
- You are frightened?

The bigger they are the
quieter they keep. Look here.

I'm getting you into something
which means a fortune for all of us.

Here's the charmed lady herself.

Just in time.

My dear, old friends of mine.
Mr Peridcord. Dr. Meryval.

Charmed.

And how do you find Paris, madame?
- I love it.

Love at first sight.

Did you say 'first sight'?
- My first visit.

You can stop lying.
These men know all about you.

You've been telling them fairy stories.

Let me tell you something.

A very dangerous man.

Only thinks he's smart.

Ever notice how smart
people fool themselves?

Stop your drunken raving. I warn you.

I'm not raving.
I know why these men are here.

They're like you. Hawks.

Buzzards.

That feed on the living and the dead.

I was born in the gutter
where I spent my life.

I never was anybody.

Do you think you'd find me with
a swine like this if I were?

Now, get out of here. Get out.

Get out and stay out.

How dare you try and
cripple a job of mine.

Why not?

You scavenger.

I go the rest of the way alone.

What are you going to do?

It's gone eleven o'clock.
I'm going to see Mr Fleuriot.

Wait.

Let me powder my nose
and I'll go with you.

Are you on the level about that?
- Why not?

When you're going to sell something
you should take the samples along.

You're not going?

Neither are you.

No?

I'm not afraid of the great man.
- Wait a minute.

I've gone through some
awful, awful years.

Do you think I'll let
anything happen now?

I'll live handsomely
for the rest of my life.

You go to bed and have a drink.

[ Gunshot! ]

Bring in the prisoner called Lerocle.

Won't you be seated please?
- Thank you.

Madame, the state has
appointed me to defend you.

The laws of France provide for prisoners
who can't do anything for themselves.

I don't need a lawyer.
- But you do, Madame.

I should know best what I need.

You're charged with killing
a man in cold blood.

You confessed the murder.

But there must be some reason for it.
There must surely.

I killed him. That is sufficient.

When you were arrested you said he
was going to hurt someone you loved.

That was clever of me.

Why not tell me what this
fellow Lerocle was doing?

I looked him up. He was very vicious.
- I've nothing to say, young man.

I want to help you but I can't unless
you tell me of the circumstances.

A thing like this can't
happen without a reason.

Please say what it was.

Your life is at stake.

Don't you understand? Your life.

If you could save my life I
wouldn't thank you for it.

I've had enough of it.

Quite.

Let her go.

Can't you do that tomorrow?

Why?

You're so busy you're wearing me down.

This must be in Geneva tomorrow.

Suppose it isn't? What will happen?

Nothing.

Then don't wear me down.

I will not go hunting. Shoo.

I came down here for peace and quiet.

[ Car horn ]

I didn't do that.

This is an unexpected pleasure.
- How are you, father?

Hello, my son.

Helene, my dear. It's nice to see you.

Dourel has just been complaining.

That it's too quiet around here.

I love lots of noise.
Lots of jangle and toot.

Father, I hate to disturb you
but I'm in trouble up to my ears.

Are you?

I dare say it isn't as bad as it looks.

Did I hear the word 'trouble'?

Father.

Did you ever have a case where a client
absolutely refused to tell you anything?

No. But I've had them lie to me.

This mystery woman, as you know,
killed a man in cold blood.

There were no witnesses.
She won't say anything about herself.

Who she is, why she did it, or anything.
Not a word.

That is a new kind of woman.
- It's not very funny.

The case starts tomorrow
and I'm stumped.

After all, nobody expects you to win
a case under circumstances like that.

She is such a poor, miserable creature.

I'd like to help her if she'd let me.

Have you found out anything about her?
- Nothing.

Women are troublesome, aren't they?

All you can do is your best.

After all, you are a
lawyer, not a doctor.

Rose.

Monsieur Dourel is taking me
to court tomorrow to hear you.

You will be ashamed of me, Rose.
- Nonsense. You'll bring it off somehow.

They will let me know when you
make your plea to the jury.

I've been invited to the bench.

It all seems so hopeless, father.

What can you say for a woman
when she won't speak for herself?

What can you tell a jury when
you have nothing to say?

There is an old one I've
used once or twice.

Simple.

Effective.
- What is it?

If your client is a woman
and the case is difficult.

Find some man and blame it all on him.

Right. It's all our fault.

Here's to the sweet, foolish women
who go right on letting us do it.

On the evening of June 23 I was
called to the Hotel Three Crowns.

I found a man dead at
the head of the stairs.

In a room on the same
floor I found a woman.

She possessed a revolver.

I took her to headquarters.

Do you identify the accused?

Yes, Mr President.

Continue.

I asked her why she killed the man.

She said she did it to prevent
him doing something ..

That would cause unhappiness
to someone she loved.

Was that all she said?

Yes, Mr President.
Then I took her in charge.

That is all I know.

Madam. You heard the evidence.

Do you wish to ask any questions?

Your silence may do you grave harm.

You said nothing at the hearing.

It is my duty to warn you that in France
a criminal jury is limited to facts.

The concrete elements of the crime.

Madame. Please, Madame.
Help me a little.

That will do. You may stand down.

If you please, Mr President.

I would like to ask the witness if
he saw the murder committed?

You heard the question.
Please answer it.

No, Monsieur.

Then he has nothing but her confession
that she alone committed the crime.

I'm sure the jury members will remember
that when they form their verdict.

Mr President, may I remind our
young friend we have our confession.

That is more than
sufficient in this case.

Mr President, isn't the prosecutor
anticipating the verdict?

I think not.

Any further questions?

No thank you. Nothing further.

You may stand down.

Prosecutor Valmorin, you may proceed.

Gentlemen of the court.

Gentlemen of the jury.

Never in my long career as a prosecutor.

Has a case been brought before me
which required so little consideration.

Here she is.

A murderess.

A washed-up piece of human wreckage.

Scarcely worth the trouble
and expense she brings us.

A murderess who hides her name.

And whose real identity
is no more known to us ..

Than it is to the journalists who
have dubbed her 'Madam X'.

A murderess without the grace to say:

'I killed him. But I am sorry'.

Why she killed him is beside the issue.

By her own confession she took his life.

And the law says:

'Thou shalt not kill'.

Sympathy, maudlin sentiment ..

Has no place in the
summing-up of this crime.

You must not let yourselves to be swayed
by any appeal should it be made to you.

Your duty is clear.

A life has been taken.

I demand hers in return.

These are never very
pleasant tasks for me.

No!

Wait. No, wait.

What are you trying to say?
- Let her speak.

I said I wouldn't speak but I will.

Yes. I will. But no-one else must.
No-one else must.

I'm not asking for leniency in any way.

I'm only trying to stop anyone
from trying to help me.

From trying to save me.

They told you I killed this man Lerocle.

Because he was going to bring
shame on somebody I love.

That is .. that's the truth.

That someone is a boy.

The son of mine.

Somewhere in this world.

Twenty years ago.

Twenty years ago I asked
for another chance.

It wouldn't be any good to me now.

I asked for it then. And begged for it.

And it might have saved me.
Body and soul.

But I didn't get it.

I was condemned.

That verdict was just.

How I lived.

Nobody knows.

Nobody cares.

I exiled myself in strange places.

Among strange people.

So that my boy would think I am dead.

And I want him to think it.

Somewhere in this world he lives.

Still thinking it.

And Lerocle.

Lerocle found out all this.

He was going to my husband
and that boy to tell them ..

Not only that I am alive.

But to tell them the kind of
thing that I have become.

So I killed him.

I killed him.

To keep my boy from knowing what I was.

And what I am.

Please, Mr President.

Do what you like with me.

Take my life.

The sooner the better but please ..

Please do it at once.

I can't.

I can't stand it anymore.

At the request of the
president I was interrupted.

You may finish.

Mr President. In view of the state
of mind and health of the accused.

I beg a few moments recess.

I see no occasion.

Proceed.

Unfortunately, the accused has
saved me from further discussion.

You have heard the story.

Now gentlemen, from her own lips.

Very pitiful. Very tragic.

But in no matter extenuating.

Because her final words
carried her own conviction.

She killed a man to save others.

Very beautiful.

But a man has been murdered.

And that is not as yet .. legal.

I see no necessity to detain you further
as I know my young and learned friend ..

Raymond Fleuriot.

Is anxious to begin his defense of her.

You may speak, Raymond Fleuriot.

Raymond?

Oh no.

No!

I must say something for you.
- No.

No.

Gentlemen of the court.

Gentlemen of the jury.

As you may know, this is
my first important case.

I studied many things which I can say to
you to help you understand this woman.

But she forestalled me.

She just laid before you such a story of
heroism and courage as is rarely heard.

Here she is.

Willing to go to her death.

That others might never feel
the shame which they should.

Yes, gentlemen. This poor creature's
sacrifice is a foolish one.

This man.

This husband of whom she
speaks shouldn't be protected.

From what she just told us ..
- Don't.

He should be here on trial, not she.

He is without heart, without soul.

Just picture this woman as she was.

A creature of refinement.

A lady of luxury. A mother.

Pleading and begging
for one more chance.

One more chance to live decently for
the sake of this boy she loves so much.

Stop it, I say.
- Look then at the man.

The man, mind you, who was
so good, so pure himself.

That he would not give a fellow
creature one more chance.

Who is the Godlike man?

Who blistered that one sin on her soul
so she could think of nothing else.

Where does he come from? By what
heavenly appointment does he live?

It's too bad we can't make her speak.

It's a great pity she
won't tell us who he is.

So that everyone might know the name
of this paragon who lives amongst us.

And the boy.

I'm little more than a boy myself.

But I tell you, the young man who
would not pick this creature up.

And take her to his heart
and call her 'mother'.

In preference to touching the hand
of the man who calls himself the father.

Is no man and has no right to a mother.
- I can't stand it.

I can't stand it.

Even now she asks that
nothing be done for her.

Gentlemen, you must believe.
You must feel what I do.

The is the first time I've ever asked
my fellow man to help me save a life.

A life which is not
mine or yours to take.

Just put yourselves in
her place, gentlemen.

All those years in exile.

An outcast running away from her past
that her boy might have a future.

Suffering the humiliation of conscience.

Giving all she has that the boy who
did not know her might never know her.

Won't you please, as men.

Not as jurors, as men.

Give her back some little part
of what life has taken from her.

Something in my heart today ..

Tells me we're crucifying her
without understanding her.

I beg of you, gentlemen.
I plead with you.

Honestly, I know I couldn't defend her
if something within me didn't demand it.

She's asked you for nothing but justice.

Never more than that.

But I do, gentlemen.

I ask for more than justice.

You cannot convict this woman.

You cannot deny her mercy.

For mercy is something ..

Something she has never known.

Madame.

Have you anything further
to say in your defense?

Gentlemen of the jury, my
instructions shall be very brief.

You will weigh the evidence as you heard
it and render your verdict accordingly.

The court is recessed.

I'll be with you in a moment, madame.

Bernard.

Raymond doesn't know.

He must never know.

Madame, I am sorry I didn't do better.

Madame, don't be alarmed.
This is my father.

I hope.

I hope he will always be worthy of you.

And Monsieur Dourel, our good friend.

I am sure he is.

The jury seemed sympathetic.
I am sure they will be lenient.

I don't care about that.

I don't care about anything now.

After listening to you plead for me.

I must help you. You must let me.

I killed a man to keep my secret.

You can't help me.

This boy has.

He spoke for my boy.

He said he would take me in his arms.

Any boy would do that, madame.

That's all I needed.

Madame.

I have to go and see what the
gentlemen have decided to do with me.

Raymond.

I hope you don't mind
me calling you Raymond.

Of course I don't.

Raymond.

I haven't any money.

I haven't anything to pay you with
for what you've done for me.

But I can ..

I can give you a mother's kiss.

If you'll let me.

Gladly.

Madame.

I'm alright.

Madame.

Is there a doctor here?

Come with me, doctor. Please.

This woman is dead.

It must always be her secret now.

She was a wonderful woman, father.

Whoever she was.

..f-x..