Original subtitles

THIS FILM WAS RESTORED AND DIGITIZED IN 2021 WITH THE SUPPORT OF CNC

PRESENTING THE FIRST MAJOR SPECTACLE OF FRENCH TALKING PICTURES

END OF THE WORLD

BASED ON THE ORIGINAL IDEA OF CAMILLE FLAMMARION

Behold, your mother.

My son.

Don't cry, mother. It makes me sad.

What do you think of my daughter, Schomburg?

The real Mary Magdalene couldn't have been as beautiful.

Or more desirable, Mr de Murcie.

I have to go, my dear, I don't want to miss my train.

-Will you come to see me with Martial? -Yes.

Right, Martial?

-Are you alright? -Perfectly fine, mother.

-I needn't worry about leaving you? -Not at all.

Goodbye, son.

Bye.

I'm sick and tired of Genevieve. I've had enough!

This meeting is to discuss the war.

I've come to say goodbye, Jean.

I'm going to the Pic du Midi Observatory, as far away from the world as possible.

I can't work in the Paris Observatory.

-Despite your Nobel Prize? -Yes.

An hour after my nomination I had 10 telegrams from different governments

asking for exclusive rights to my work in order to build new weapons.

This world sickens me.

Does love play any part in your disgust?

-If you want Genevieve, Martial... -Quiet, Jean!

Never, you hear me? Never.

I even came to offer you some money so you can afford to marry her.

No, Martial, thank you, but I could never accept.

I know my life's purpose. I must suffer.

Don't ask me to explain it.

Money would only divert me from my task.

-And Genevieve? -She's not meant for me, Martial.

I can't condemn her to live here with me in poverty,

sharing my uncertainty and my suffering.

No, I assure you, Martial, if you want to save her...

to save us...

No. Don't break my heart like this.

Leave me my strength.

We'll never speak of this again.

I know you have the gift of sacrifice.

But know that it doesn't solve everything.

What next?

You study the stars, Martial!

Help mankind to look up to them. Guide them towards them.

Let them forget their hatred by looking at the stars.

Humans want money, wealth, and prosperity at all costs.

But not idealism. They don't give a damn about that.

There are periods in human existence

when the inevitability of a great upheaval,

of a cataclysm that shakes society to its very roots,

imposes itself on every area of our relationships.

Why are you showing me this Kropotkin quote?

Because the time has come.

You're a poet.

You meander through these philosophies.

Poetry, love, the heart.

But the modern world is immunised to the sublime.

They don't understand you, my poor Jean.

The language you speak is dead in this age.

What are you reading?

THE KINGDOM OF EARTH

Novalic, of course!

That family is the bane of my existence.

One brother takes the prize that should have been mine

and the other steals my daughter!

I won't speak for Martial--

-Excuse me? -But I won't let you attack Jean!

No one is good enough to understand him.

I'll never get through to that child.

No. Are you serious?

Do you really think so?

-I do. -That would make me so happy, my friend.

I can't live at home anymore.

Please, Jean, keep me, or someone else will take me.

I need affection, love, arms to hold me.

I'll help you, comfort and encourage you.

I have money. We could go off together, far away, just the two of us.

We'd be so happy. So happy.

No, Genevieve. Wealth would turn me away from my purpose.

Some men are born to suffer

so they can understand and heal the suffering of others.

Do you understand?

But what about me? I can't live here in poverty.

It's not comfortable.

That's why it's impossible for us to be together, Genevieve.

Later, much later, we'll see.

900,000 FRANCS TO MR DE MURCIE FROM MR SCHOMBURG

This will buy you a much nicer observatory than Martial's.

You're... You're...

most magnanimous.

And...

What about Genevieve?

Don't worry, I have an idea.

Get your cauliflower!

Turnips, two francs a bunch!

Get out!

-How can you hit this child? -Mind your own business!

He's trying to seduce our daughter!

What are you doing? Leave her alone!

Let go of my daughter!

He wants to rape my daughter!

Dirty bastard!

You killed him!

Let's get out of here!

It's the police!

Since it's what you want, my darling, I will leave you,

but just one sign from you will bring me back.

I will await this sign. Farewell. Genevieve.

-Is the man sleeping, Grandpa? -What?

That's Jean Novalic!

Good God, could he be sick?

My God, he's hurt.

Yes my love, help me here.

The poor guy.

Try to hold his legs.

Open the door.

-Look at my hat, Grandpa. -Oh, it's lovely.

Well, my little Genevieve.

What's wrong?

You always come back from Jean's place

more hopeless than ever.

There's nothing for you there.

He's a fanatic, a poor madman.

He hopes to renew humanity, but he can't even pay his rent!

But there is a man who adores you.

-Martial? -I've had enough of hearing about family!

No.

He's handsome, rich, and you'd be happy with him.

You'd have everything you ever wanted.

Up again? You're going to kill yourself, my poor friend.

How's your head?

Not good, doctor.

-Was it a very violent blow? -Oh, yes.

I need to know the truth.

-Do you fear for my life? -No, no.

And what about my sanity?

Because of this.

Hang in there. I'll be back this evening.

This party is absolutely spellbinding, Schomburg.

Behave yourself. We're not alone.

The Princess is watching us.

Doesn't it bother you, Princess?

Yes, I admit. I am watching Schomburg.

But what do you expect? He's so handsome, so self-assured.

Life is beautiful.

I only have eyes and longing for you, my divine Genevieve.

Shh. Isabelle.

THIS IS MY LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT

Kill me or kill him.

What you're telling me is awful.

I see only one way to avoid a scandal.

Marriage.

Nothing else can save the De Murcies from disgrace.

No!

But, yes. Come now, Genevieve.

Genevieve!

I've just discovered a comet in the Gemini constellation

21 h 1'42" right ascension, 49B0 53'45" northern decline...

headed on a collision course with Earth.

Appalling forecast: I predict the end of the world.

I'm his brother, Doctor. You can tell me.

He took a blow to the head.

On top of exhaustion, poverty and hardship.

He's hanging by a thread.

-Is he going to die? -No, I don't believe so.

But he will certainly lose his mind.

I'm afraid all that's left is to take him to an asylum this evening.

Do whatever is necessary, Doctor.

Please summon our mother to the asylum.

Martial, explain the end of the world to me.

You can't imagine, Jean, I spotted Lexell's Comet

10 days ago in the Observatory and it's on a direct course to Earth.

-I knew it. -But how?

Behind you. Open it.

Read it.

"This is my last will and testament.

"The old world will end.

"But I feel that a part of the universe will be saved.

"I leave to you, Martial, the means to help bring about this salvation.

"Take advantage of the cataclysm to transform the hearts of men.

-"Keep these methods secret..." -Shh.

Swear to me, Martial...

that you'll make the most of this unique moment in human history...

to teach human beings to understand and love each other.

I swear it, Jean.

Over there. Open the cupboard.

If you need my writing...

If you need my words and my pictures...

FOR MARTIAL

TO MY ENGLISH-SPEAKING BROTHERS

BASIS OF THE STATES-GENERAL OF THE UNIVERSAL CONVENTION

All that death can take from me is a body drained of its light.

I will remain here...

among you.

Mr Novalic, you have the floor. Thank you.

Gentlemen, I cannot put off any longer

the serious news I have to report.

I can confirm

that my calculations show that a comet is heading for Earth.

But no other astronomer, here or abroad, has reported anything unusual.

What comet is he talking about?

Silence, gentlemen. Please continue, Mr Novalic.

I am referring to the famous Lexell's Comet.

Which in 1570 came within two million kilometres of Earth

which then vanished from our solar system.

Its nucleus appears to be seven times that of Earth

and its tail is 300,000 kilometres long.

In one month it will be visible to the naked eye

and it will strike Earth in 114 days.

I'm losing my mind!

I feel... I can't speak anymore.

Come back, please, one last time. I beg you.

Calm down, please.

My little brother. Look, it's me, Martial.

Just look at me.

Please, calm yourself, my little brother, I beg you.

Genevieve...

I feel I'm going mad.

Genevieve...

Jean, I'm sorry.

Genevieve.

-You're sick. Forgive me. -Genevieve.

If only you knew. That wretch. That coward!

He took me. He hurt me.

I've come back to you. I'll take care of you.

-Genevieve. -I'll never leave you again.

You'll raise me up so I never fall again.

The end of the world...

The end of the world!

The end of the world...

Martial!

Just end it all, Martial.

This is horrendous!

Jean... Let me go, let me go!

Jean, Jean, answer me!

Answer me. Martial...

No, no, Martial. Martial!

Don't leave me, Jean!

No! No!

Jean, Jean! Please, Martial, don't let him go!

Doctor!

Jean!

Jean...

My Jean...

FOR GENEVIEVE WHEN SHE COMES BACK

Dearest Genevieve, my darling...

When you hear these words

I may be dead to the world or even beyond reason.

But your grief will be lessened when you learn that my voice and my image

despite everything, will appear to you when you call.

I didn't tell you before, so you wouldn't witness my decline.

Now that my spirit has been set free

I can reveal your part in the great purpose you will share with Martial.

Engrave my words on your heart, Genevieve.

From this moment on, you must do everything Martial says.

Later, when your purpose is fulfilled, you will marry him.

You'll look beyond the grave and into my eyes.

The eyes that loved you so much without being able to admit it.

You'll tell me gently,

"Jean, happiness is returning to Earth."

I think I will understand.

Are you ready to do what he asks?

Think carefully. It means saying goodbye to your glamorous life.

Yes, Martial. I will work with you.

Dear Father, If you want to avoid unhappiness, do not come after me.

I am leaving home. I will work towards your happiness

as well as the happiness of all. Genevieve.

Tell me, Martial, why did he keep repeating "The end of the world.

"The end of the world."?

Because we are hurtling towards it.

But that's impossible. Am I dreaming?

What's your opinion, Martial?

It's true, Genevieve. You can trust me completely.

Then all those who hate each other, who want to kill each other...

They will all huddle together like a gigantic flock of sheep.

And we will be their shepherds.

It's him!

It's him.

You're tired and overwrought. There's nothing for you there.

It's him!

This is the life of a reporter!

Please be seated, gentlemen.

I declare the meeting open. Please let the interpreters in.

The representative from China has the floor.

All Mr Novalic's calculations are absolutely correct

and a catastrophe appears imminent.

Novalic's calculations on Lexell's Comet are absolutely correct.

The end of the world can be expected within 92 days.

Take measures against mass panic.

The International Research Committee.

Naturally, these telegrams will be encrypted.

Goodnight, gentlemen.

FAILURE TO NEGOTIATE CONFLICT IN THE PACIFIC AND THE WORLD WAR

So, do you feel that nothing can prevent the outbreak of a world war?

Absolutely nothing.

Then, you will help me to prevent it.

Prevent a war?

Tomorrow you will announce the end of the world.

And all these diplomatic problems will disappear as if by magic.

Are you serious?

I'm not one to make jokes.

And my scientific reputation still has merit.

Of course.

Here are my calculations on Lexell's Comet

which I discovered a week ago in my observatory.

The scientific community has been informed.

Amazing!

How much?

I didn't come here for money, sir.

-Then, how can I thank you? -By publishing the news.

At once.

Hello.

Everyone to my office, right away.

Martial Novalic has announced the end of the world.

-The end of the world? -Absolutely.

I want the scientific documents published on the front page.

Banner headline. Get to work.

There's a man who knows how to make a headline.

The column is too dark.

Who cares? It's the end of the world!

Very funny, wise guy.

A new version of the scientific conclusions from Stockholm.

And everything that concerning post 203.

What's the point of that?

Please, have a seat.

Come in, gentlemen.

END OF THE WORLD CONFIRMED

WHAT'S LEFT TO LIVE

Is it true what they're saying? Or is it some kind of joke?

Not at all.

It's very serious indeed.

The comet, are we talking caput here?

Listen Werster, I wouldn't associate my name to such a thing

if I weren't absolutely sure.

Oh, this is such a bore!

Come in, dear friend.

Have a seat.

Here we are.

The end of the world will take place in 90 days.

But if you don't act, you'll be ruined by Schomburg by the end of the week.

Listen to me, Werster.

If you cooperate with him and act against me,

to force stocks to rise...

you won't prevent the cataclysm,

and you risk losing everything if we come through.

On the other hand,

if you act with me, and against him when everything drops

on condition of indemnity...

Oh, it's all just a strategy!

No, Werster.

It's a matter of human well-being.

Open an account for Martial Novalic

to a limit of 600 million francs.

R228.

Thank you, miss.

200 million at your disposal

to acquire an immediate majority in newspapers

and worldwide media outlets.

And I really mean worldwide.

Wherever you notice Schomburg's influence,

buy up and act in opposition.

Here's the text for the telegram.

"Tests made by the chemist Dochi conclude that the comet is surrounded

"by billions of cubic metres of carbon monoxide.

"No human life will survive the cataclysm.

“Findings corroborated by the Erchel Committee, Philadelphia."

Set the wavelength on the Eiffel Tower to 2020.

Release the Philadelphia telegram as soon as the stock exchange opens.

Hello, hello.

This is the Eiffel Tower national station.

French squadrons are under pressure.

The mobilisation order will be...

Implement plan four!

It's me.

I refuse! Do you hear me? Categorically.

I will not take part in weapons manufacturing.

I won't speculate further on the war!

Very well.

Very well, then.

As you please.

Fine.

Goodbye.

Leave me alone. I don't matter anymore.

Concern yourself with humanity, my friend, just like your brother.

Obviously, it runs in the family.

And leave me be. I'm very tired.

Sell! Sell!

Sell off everything, no matter how low it goes.

Just sell, come on, let's go!

Buy up everything! Buy! Buy!

Not a bad increase, eh?

No expenses spared, let's go!

Stocks are continuing to fall!

Moscow exchange hit hard!

Wall Street has lost half its value!

Amsterdam in crisis! Stocks collapsing!

London, average loss of one third.

Quiet.

Here...

speaking to you is Martial Novalic.

732 hours...

left to live.

Sell everything! It's all over!

I said sell everything! Do you hear me?

Sell everything! Everything!

Sell everything, I say!

Gentlemen!

We've lost everything!

I'm selling 5,000 mortgages for one franc!

Everything is lost, madam.

I can't hear anything and I don't care!

De Murcie, come with me to see the secretary.

Thank you, sir.

Close the Stock Exchange at once, and set a currency freeze

or even gold itself will become worthless.

Nothing can halt this colossal hoax except the arrest of Martial Novalic

and his corroborator, Werster.

Hello?

Yes, that's me.

I order the arrest of Martial Novalic and Monsieur Werster.

Yes, Secretary, Martial Novalic and Werster will be arrested tonight.

Destroy their radio station and seize their newspapers.

Quick! Quick! Or everything will be lost.

Gentlemen! Listen!

The police are on their way! Save what you can.

Plan three, out the circuits.

Listen to me on channel 2018 at 8:00 tomorrow.

I'll give you my orders.

You can trust me, and I thank you all.

Now, go!

We'll be with Jean Novalic at the Sacré-Coeur.

Cut all these switchboard wires.

Mr Martin, show them.

Cut the wires, remove the cables.

Cut the high-tension wires.

Cut the conductor cable.

Genevieve, it's you!

What's happened? What's wrong?

I was afraid you believed in this end of the world nonsense.

Perhaps, Father. That's why I came back.

I need to live.

Do you understand? I need to live!

I need pleasure, fun...

I'm just a woman. I don't understand these things.

I'm too weak, do you understand?

Beauty, beauty!

I can't take it anymore.

My friends, we'll go inside shortly.

But for now, we drink!

Gather ye rosebuds while ye may!

Before we pair off in the approaching dusk,

let me remind you that tonight we're supposed to see the so-called comet.

Well, look around. Nothing in sight.

-Its absence is all the brighter! -Exactly.

It's not working, Martial. The governments have seized control.

The truth is being suppressed everywhere.

Stocks are rising.

And on top of it all, Genevieve is with Schomburg.

-That's impossible. -I'm sure of it.

Martial...

Martial.

Genevieve, come with me.

What about Isabelle?

This comet business is a colossal fraud.

Martial and Werster are hiding with Jean Novalic.

What should we do?

At 2:00 AM, if the Eiffel Tower radio should announce

that Martial and Werster are dead, you'll get one million, understand?

Go along with them. You can watch.

I'm not going.

I said go!

This is the Eiffel Tower national radio station.

This is the Eiffel Tower national radio station.

Thanks to Genevieve de Murcie, the police now have proof...

of a plot by the criminals Novalic and Werster for world domination.

Genevieve de Murcie, abducted and held by these outlaws

managed to escape and return to her father.

The arrest of the two criminals is only a matter of hours away.

I'll kill Schomburg...

and get Genevieve back!

The police will be here any minute! Get going!

Please, leave at once.

-Is this true? -Yes, it's true. Please, quickly!

We must prevent the Tower from broadcasting tonight.

The comet! Look!

Quick, get in my car! Hide yourselves.

We're going to try to knock out the Tower radio station.

If we fail, we'll play our last card.

-I'll draw the police to the north side. -That'd be really helpful.

I'm on your side now. I'll go.

Thank you.

Did you hear? Come and see!

Is it the comet?

Oh, look, it's the comet. So, it's true!

I've got to see this comet!

The broadcasting booth must be here.

Hello? Hello.

Yes, Mr Secretary. This is the Tower.

I'm waiting for orders from the minister.

-In one hour... -In one hour...

-you will announce to all stations... -you will announce to all stations...

the order for general mobilisation.

The order for general mobilisation.

"In one hour, announce to all stations the order for general mobilisation."

I understand, yes.

-Please, darling! -So it was true?

I won't be beaten by Martial and Werster.

Quick! In my car!

Don't panic. There's nothing to worry about.

Come on.

Stay there.

Let us know if something happens. Come on, Martial.

Something's gone wrong with the equipment.

Check the emergency devices. Get the gauge to repair the station.

There's nothing we can do, the antenna is on the ground.

Sir, we've seen lights on top of the tower twice.

Someone must be working up there.

Martial and Werster will finally pay for their crime.

Seal all exits from the Tower.

Stand by all the pillars, go on.

Come on, let's go.

Werster? Tell Martial that Schomburg is coming up on the elevator

and that all the exits are guarded.

-Don't come up with Schomburg. -Alright.

Don't move, Genevieve.

Is this everyone? Let's go, then.

Poor Martial.

Perhaps I was wrong. It wasn't Genevieve.

Think of our work, Martial.

Come on, the lift has fallen!

Change the wavelength to 1330.

Mr Novalic.

The latest telegrams say that all the foreign delegations are en route.

The first will arrive in Paris this evening

and the last will get here in four days by plane.

Good.

Gentlemen...

The States General for a universal convention

will open on 5th August, the night before the collision.

I'm counting on your bravery and loyalty

to bring this supreme task to a successful conclusion.

Mr Novalic.

Since the comet appeared, strange natural phenomena

have been occurring all over the world.

The end of the world is inevitable.

St. John in Revelation predicts more terrible and awe-inspiring events.

32 hours to live!

32 hours to live!

32 hours to live!

32 hours to live!

32 hours to live!

32 hours to live!

-My friends, my friends! -Quiet! Listen to him!

My friends, this is our last celebration.

Forget the dark thoughts.

Let our last hours be devoted to forgetting,

to pleasure and to love!

What is it?

Why are you here?

To life!

To life...

Not death. I don't want to die.

Save me. Save me. Save me!

Throughout this tragedy between Earth and the heavens,

mankind has forgotten their hatred of class and borders.

Our solemn undertaking

will immortalise these moments for all time.

Let us swear now

to cement in the blood and fire of cataclysm

the new universal law which will emerge from the States General

and will become sacred law for all who survive.

First article of the Constitution...

I proclaim a universal republic!

Article two, within the framework of the Universal Republic,

the Federated States of Europe are now established.

In the name of my country...

As representative of Italy, in behalf of my country, I...

And all those who survive...

THE END

HISTORICAL AND SCIENTIFIC ADVISOR LAURENT VERAY

2K RESTORATION FROM A 4K SCAN BY GAUMONT

FROM A NITRATE NEGATIVE PRESERVED BY LES ARCHIVES FRANÇAISE DU FILM