Original subtitles

CROSSROADS

THE STORY YOU ARE ABOUT TO SEE IS NOT ENTIRELY FICTIONAL.

IT IS BASED ON OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS.

IT DESCRIBES MANY SIMILAR CASES THAT OCCURRED AFTER THE WAR...

...IN VARIOUS COUNTRIES, LIKE FRANCE, GERMANY OR ITALY.

HOWEVER, ANY RESEMBLANCE TO AN ACTUAL WAR VETERAN

IS PURELY ACCIDENTAL.

Stop!

I had started to think you weren't coming.

Throw the money over the wall!

That's good. You can leave.

Thank you again, Mr. de Vetheuil!

It's over. Drop your knife!

You can't do this. I haven't done anything wrong. Let me go!

- I'm an honest man, you hear! - Don't give me that!

You wanted to blackmail Mr. de Vetheuil.

- It's out of your league, pal. - Let's go!

There's no Mr. de Vetheuil. He's been dead for many years.

I wanted to help. The other one is an impostor.

Where to? The factory?

No! Home. It's my son's birthday.

- Some party! - Indeed.

- When will we be in Paris? - Around 4 PM, sir.

Very good.

- How's the party? - Very well, sir.

- Kids are having fun? - Yes, sir.

- You too, from what I see. - A lot, sir.

We played cowboys and Indians. Mr. Paul made me a general.

That's good.

- At least take my coat, general! - I beg your pardon, sir.

Daddy!

At last. We were expecting you. I was worried.

- All worked up? What's wrong? - Don't know!

I had to give Pierre your role, but he can't play the tiger.

- Come, quick! - That's terrible.

- The tiger. - The tiger.

Pierre. My dad.

- Suzanne, Michel, Roger. My dad. - I'm honored.

- Friends, my dad. - I'm honored.

Can you really play the tiger?

I'm not too bad. The last time, others liked what I did.

Good! Let's go to the forest!

Pardon me, sir! Mr. Alexandre is waiting in your office.

I'll join him.

- Tell my wife that I'm home. - Will do.

Hello. Thank you for coming, dear chap.

It went smoothly.

The police did a great job. I didn't even see the guy.

- Want a cigar? - No, thanks.

Did you inform the press? I don't want it to leak.

First, it's pointless.

- Second... - That's precisely why I'm here.

Read this!

"Roger de Vetheuil, the great industrialist,"

"or bad boy Jean Pelletier?"

Slanderous.

I thought you ought to know right away.

- They won't quit. This... - Roger. There you are.

The children are unhappy. They are looking for you all over.

Hi there.

Hello, Pierre. What is it? Something wrong?

- Nothing serious. - I disagree.

I think it's very serious, for me and for all of us. Read!

This is an outrage.

You're right, Roger. You can't let it go.

Absolutely not.

You do your duty and you're dragged through the mud.

This must stop, once and for all!

- Can I go to trial? - Yes, but it'll cause a stir.

- I don't care. - Let's go then!

You're an officer. Let's take them to court!

Yes, they deserve a lesson.

Quiet!

Defendant Roux, did you write the article in question?

Defendant Cambert, are you the paper's managing editor?

Did you know about this article?

- Yes, I did. - And I'm proud of writing it.

Let's see!

You claim, and this is the reason for the plaintiff's suit,

that Mr. de Vetheuil, the well known industrialist,

Officer of the Legion of Honor, French foreign trade advisor,

is actually a certain Jean Pelletier,

wanted by the police, eluding arrest by using false papers.

Do you still stand by the claim?

- I... - Yes, we do, and we'll prove it.

I was talking to your client, not you.

At his age, he should be able to answer by himself.

- Where are you going? - That's the courtroom?

- Yes. - Thank you.

- What are you doing? - It's the de Vetheuil trial?

- Yes. - Yes. Thank you then.

You can't go in. It's only for judges and jury.

- I'm a witness. - Were you summoned?

No, but I'd like to talk to the magistrate.

He's busy. Speak to the bailiff!

- Where's the bailiff? - That's me and I'm busy.

- Now go! - I beg your pardon.

In Aug. 1916, Mr. De Vetheuil left for the front

with 17th Artillery.

Cited several times during the campaign,

given the rank of captain, he went missing Dec. 16, 1917,

in the Somme.

It appears he was badly wounded and taken by the Germans.

Isn't that so, Mr. De Vetheuil?

- Correct. - Thank you. Bailiff!

Quiet!

Mr. Leduc, continue your testimony!

It's all a mistake, Your Honor. I told the truth.

I beg to differ. You were tried for blackmail, not perjury.

- Tell us about the plaintiff! - It's Jean Pelletier. I swear.

Who is Jean Pelletier? How and when did you meet him?

In 1914, at a sugar refinery in Phym, destroyed in the war.

Speak to the jury!

Pelletier and I worked in the same office.

At that time, he didn't use the name de Vetheuil.

He was a good kid, reliable, intelligent.

He would have had a good career, but a woman led him astray.

- What woman? - Some girl he found in Paris.

She got him to quit his job and turned him into a small thug.

That was the last I saw him.

I later heard he got in trouble with the police.

- I wasn't surprised. - Yes, all right.

We know that Jean Pelletier worked in Phym for a while.

Later, his name appears in the Police files,

wanted for a number of offences.

In 1916, his name was entered in the roll

of the 25th Infantry Regiment,

recorded as missing in action in Dec. 1917.

Where was the 25th Infantry fighting in Dec. 1917?

In the Somme.

Where were you wounded, Mr. de Vetheuil?

- In the Somme. - When?

- December 1917. - Thank you.

What a convenient argument, my learned colleague.

Unfortunately, it doesn't hold water.

In 1917, in the Somme,

there were more than 200 regiments, at least 500,000 men.

Please continue your testimony, Mr. Leduc!

In January 1919, I saw Pelletier's picture in a paper.

It asked anyone who knew him to go to the military hospital.

The paper is in the case file:

It's the... �cho de Paris, Jan. 20, 1919.

Bailiff!

Take this to the jury!

In publishing Mr. De Vetheuil's picture,

the hospital was hoping to find out who he was.

Mr. Leduc. Anything else to add?

That's all.

So you became convinced he is Mr. Pelletier only 3 months ago?

- Yes, Your Honor! It's him. - The witness may step down.

Let's see! Now we must hear the plaintiff's witnesses.

- First... - No need to hear anyone.

These hearings are hard to bear. I know who I am.

My relatives, friends and family know who I am.

There is no point to have them repeat what everyone knows,

that I suffered for my country and that I'm an honest man.

I'd like to ask the plaintiff some questions.

Go ahead!

Mr. De Vetheuil, where did you study?

What's the point? All this was noted at the start of the trial.

Bear with me, Your Honor, I want to clarify the point.

Right!

- Where did you study? - At the Coll�ge Roche, Normandy.

- How do you know that? - I was told.

Which university did you go to afterwards?

Grenoble, then Oxford.

- I don't speak English. - Really?

You studied in Oxford and you can't speak English.

Let me ask you, sir. When did you graduate?

Really?

April 1913.

How do you know? Somebody told you.

This line of questioning is an outrage!

It's well known that Mr. de Vetheuil lost his memory.

Taking advantage of a disability

incurred in the defense of the country is beyond words.

I simply wanted to correct a statement your client made.

Mr. de Vetheuil said he knew who he was,

but only because others told him.

Bailiff! Bring in the next witness.

- Mich�le Allain! - Excuse me!

- Are you Mich�le Allain? - No.

- Later!

- OK! After Mich�le Allain. - Mich�le Allain?

Nice caboose.

Couldn't one of you give the letter to the judge?

- Let me try! - Thanks.

- Do you smoke? - Yes.

I'm not trying to bribe you.

- You met Pelletier in the war? - Yes.

- How did you meet him? - On the ride in the Luna park.

- He was your lover, wasn't he? - What is it to you?

- We were engaged. - You lived together.

What of it?

- For how long? - Ten months.

Were you close to Pelletier?

Yes.

Your Honor, I have a question for the witness.

Miss, do you recognize this man?

No.

Are you certain? Take a good look!

No.

Your Honor. For the sake of clarity,

could Mr. De Vetheuil come closer to the witness?

- Your Honor... - Why not?

- Swine. - But, ma'am?

Go away!

I can't look at him. Your Honor, I can't!

Witness!

The truth. It's Pelletier, isn't it? It's him.

Yes.

Never...

I've never seen this woman.

The jury will decide.

Please, Mr. De Vetheuil, take your seat!

Miss Allain,

can you point to a distinctive mark

that would allow us to identify Pelletier?

No.

I can't say I can.

Actually, he was left-handed.

Juror number 3. Do you have question?

Yes. With what hand does Mr. de Vetheuil usually write?

You heard the question?

I'm left-handed.

Hello! The Sun? Let me talk to Ivan!

Is that you, Ivan?

Here's the rest of de Vetheuil's story, for the front-page.

"Bombshell: Mich�le Allain's evidence overturns case."

"De Vetheuil's at risk. More witnesses ask to speak."

"Mrs. de Vetheuil to testify."

Sorry, ma'am, but I must insist.

I realize my questions may distress you,

but in your husband's own interest you must answer.

Why have you never doubted his identity?

Easy!

I have always known Roger... I mean my husband.

Our families were friends.

The first time I met him, I must have been 4 years old...

Yes, 4 years old.

He was my playmate.

His face is part of my childhood's memories.

Later, we became engaged.

It was wartime and Roger was leaving.

We wanted to tie the knot before we were separated.

When we found him... after years of anguish,

in that hospital... among so many,

I recognized him right away.

It was the same look. It was Roger.

Others may look for proof, but I know I'm right.

For 10 years, my husband and I have never been apart.

I'm proud to carry his name.

That's all.

Thank you, ma'am. You may step down.

One moment!

Thank you.

Ma'am,

when he was younger, was Roger de Vetheuil left-handed?

- Or right-handed? - But...

You say you have evidence pertaining to the trial.

Yes.

With the parties' agreement: Do you swear to tell the truth,

the whole truth and nothing but the truth?

I do.

- Name? - Sarroux, Lucien.

- Profession. - Traveling salesman.

Make your statement!

Gentlemen of the jury, I've never met Mr. de Vetheuil.

I only know him from the papers, from the start of the trial.

But in testifying, I think I am doing the right thing.

I'm a traveling salesman. I sell wine, wholesale.

Two years ago I fell ill

and ended up in a hospital in Ceuta, Spanish Morocco,

where I had gone for business. In the bed next to mine,

there was some poor devil, a Moroccan legionnaire...

I mean Spanish.

He was dying.

We became friends and...

so, one evening...

just before his death.

He told me his life: appalling.

Involved with a bad crowd... down a slippery slope, a woman.

...gambling, stealing, and then running away to the Legion.

And that night...

he told me his real name.

He was a Frenchman and his name was...

Jean Pelletier.

"DE VETHEUIL WINS HIS TRIAL"

"DE VETHEUIL REMAINS DE VETHEUIL"

"DE VETHEUIL PREVAILS"

"DE VETHEUIL WINS HIS TRIAL"

"MYSTERY SOLVED"

Ah, Egypt! How wonderful!

The Sphinx, the pyramids, the Nile Valley,

the sun setting behind the 3rd cataract.

Unforgettable!

- Right up your alley! - What? No. Why?

- Because I thought... - Ah, no.

I suggest you go by boat. It's more comfortable.

- Yes, but slower than by plane. - But you get less seasickness.

- Is that OK with you dear? - Can I prepare the tickets?

- Yes. - Very well, Sir.

Crying? What's wrong?

I'm happy, too happy,

knowing that we are leaving together...

after that nightmare and what could have followed.

It's too wonderful, Roger.

One more word and I'll kiss you in front of everyone.

- Do it! - Do it?

You said 2 cabins.

One cabin.

Let me see! Yes, that's better.

A gentleman has been waiting for you in the hall for an hour.

- A gentleman? Who? - He refused to give his name.

A gentleman who refuses to give his name.

There you are. Sorry, I had a look around you while I waited.

I was close by and so decided to drop in. How are you?

My respects, ma'am!

- You remember Mr. Sarroux? - Of course.

We saw each other at the trial.

That's great over there.

- What's in there? - My office.

- Can I take a peek? - Please, do!

Thank you! Very nice. Very nice, indeed.

Pure silk?

What? Ah, yes. I think so.

I can see one has one's little habits.

I can sympathize with you. It'd be a pity to lose all this.

- May I? - Help yourself!

I know this one.

Twenty-eight proof.

- Some people can be nasty. - Yes.

It was a close call, wasn't it?

You owe me one...

The legionnaire story...

A clean cut!

What do you mean?

I wasn't going to let down an old pal, Pelletier?

- Get out! - No, you don't. Not with me.

With the others. We've known each other for too long.

- Please, get out! - As you wish.

But let me tell you one thing.

OK! You got out of a tight spot.

Letting down your pals the way you did your Missus

is rotten. You hear me! And dangerous.

You've changed, Jean.

Think it over! We're not done.

Hello! Put me through to the crime squad!

That's it. Mrs. Pelletier...

Cassette.

- Hello, young man! - Hello, Mr. Sarroux.

- You know me? - Yes.

I saw your picture in the paper during the trial.

- Ah, yes. - You defended dad. You're great.

Great, you say? I'm an old friend of your dad.

You're a nice lad. Good.

- Give this to your employer! - Very well, sir!

See you, lad! Bye-bye, sir.

Come in!

- From the gentleman who left. - OK!

Mrs. Pelletier, 8 Cassette St.

Hello!

What, the criminal police? No, cancel it!

"Cassette Street."

- Mrs. Pelletier, please! - Fourth floor, left.

But I think she's out shopping. Ah, there she is.

Mrs. Pelletier! Someone for you.

No! No more journalists. I wrote the judge that I know nothing.

I'm not a journalist. I'm here for something else.

- I need to speak with you. - But I don't know you.

- You don't know me? - No.

Are you certain?

- Yes. Come up, sir. - Thank you.

Tell Emma to bring up my bread!

Oh, God! I was afraid of this.

Please, come in!

Put your hat there.

Please, come in!

Excuse me, but 4 flights of stairs...

for an old woman like me...

Sit down.

- My name is de Vetheuil. - I thought as much.

What a pain in the neck, this trial!

- What do you want? - Ma'am...

I...

I don't know why but I've complete trust in you.

I want your help because I'm in a very serious situation.

I won the trial.

But since then...

I started having doubts.

- Doubts? - Yes.

Something hazy.

I've been having flashbacks.

A whistling sound.

That's it. A whistling sound.

The street sign as well.

All this... I mean. Am I wrong?

Am I wrong or do I and your son look so much alike that...

No, sir.

- My son is dead. - I'm sorry, ma'am.

Of course, you look like him a little.

You're somebody else, sir.

- I don't know how to tell you... - Yes.

Forgive me but I have to ask you to leave.

It's getting late and I have to prepare dinner.

Sorry. My apologies.

Your hat.

- You have a child, I think. - A boy. He's 10.

You must be happy. Does he look like you?

- That's what they say. - That's the best time.

Later, when they're grown up, they change. And you lose them.

I hope my visit did not stir painful memories.

No, on the contrary. It did me good.

- Goodbye, ma'am. - Farewell, Mr. de Vetheuil.

- Hello. - Hello.

Did you just leave Mrs. Pelletier's place?

- Yes. - Are you her son?

No. Mrs. Pelletier doesn't have a son. He died in the war.

Not true.

- What do you know? - I know.

The other day, she said she was afraid he might come.

She was afraid he'd come.

Emma, what are you doing jabbering? Come right away!

I wasn't doing anything wrong. The man was asking...

- Come in! - Ma'am, wait! Please.

- I must talk to you. - Please, no.

I told you everything. Now leave me alone!

- Ma'am, please listen! - No.

Ma'am.

You're mad.

She had nothing to tell you. That's all there is to it.

This woman believes I'm her son.

She said nothing to avoid upsetting my life.

No. I'm worried about you.

Since the trial you're out your mind.

Can't you see I can't live with this uncertainty?

Now I need the truth.

I shall find it by any means.

I won't let you go through with this madness.

You're not Pelletier. It's ridiculous and dangerous.

You also have nothing to do with Mich�le Allain.

Besides, she won't even see you.

She won't see de Vetheuil, but she'll see Jean Pelletier.

Remember! No talking to her if I'm not there!

- Promise? - Yes.

- Excuse me, ma'am. - Will you excuse me?

Young Dalbois just ordered his 8th bottle.

That's enough. His father stopped paying his bills.

- Good evening. - Good evening.

- Booked a good table? - Yes, ma'am.

Mr. de Vetheuil.

It's kind of you not to have kept a grudge.

- Good evening, ma'am. - Mr. Alexandre, as well.

- Everybody here? - Why not?

- When is the main show? - Shortly.

Albert! A good table for Mr. de Vetheuil.

I must talk to you.

- To me? - Yes, tonight.

- Yes, but alone. - All right.

- I'll send someone later. - Good.

Will you excuse me?

What the heck are we doing here? Let's go! We still got time.

He's coming over. His wife too. Great.

I shouldn't have let you come.

- Will you dance, sir? - No... Yes, miss.

So you dance after all?

That does it.

She's waiting, at the end of the corridor.

Thank you.

May I?

- Where's my friend? - Don't know. Lost him somewhere.

He'll be back.

Why did you come back?

Answer me!

Why did you come here?

- I wanted to see you again. - Thought it over?

We don't always do what we want.

I also didn't know where I could find you.

Really! Couldn't find me?

Looked for me everywhere? Poor Jean. So worried about me.

Yes, especially since the trial.

You came back after so many years.

And you have the gall to tell me this just like that.

And why not? It's true.

And you think you can come back into my life just like that...

...come and go, take me!

...Take me back.

I could have died, but who cares?

- Wrong! I'm here, am I not? - Yes. Visiting.

If you think I'll go through all that again,

you can forget it.

Stop! Please, don't touch me! Go! Get lost! You disgust me.

- If that's the way you want it. - You're revolting.

Get out of my sight! Do you hear me? If I could, I'd hurt you.

Don't... Don't go! Stay!

Jean...

- Good evening. - Good evening.

- How's things? - Not bad.

- How much? - 8,000.

- Give me 2,000 f! Mich�le? - Upstairs.

- Upstairs? Are you sure? - Yes.

It's funny though... with you there, like old times.

Deep down, you've been the only man for me.

Do you remember our little room at the Belleville Hotel?

I never forgot it.

We were really happy there.

The bistro. Do you remember?

The bistro, downstairs. You hit the owner when he pinched me.

To enrage us, he'd play the pianola.

I...

I had a crush right away...

...from the first day.

On the scenic ride at the fair.

Jean. What's wrong?

Jean. What's wrong?

What's wrong? What did I do?

My dear. I mean Mich�le. I just played an unworthy game.

I'm such a wretch. I needed the truth. Now I have it.

It's all so obvious.

I haven't figured it out yet because I'm so upset.

Forgive me!

So that's why he came back.

There you are. Come back to see your old girlfriend?

Chatted with my woman?

- More sensible now? - Let me pass!

Wait a second! There's a small matter to settle.

Don't worry! I'm not jealous. Business is business.

You cough up and I keep quiet or I give you away.

Understood?

I see.

I'll add that to your bill.

- Quick! - What happened?

- You look funny. - I'll explain later.

Now you know everything.

I took someone else's place at your side...

not realizing it.

Someone who came first and who's dead.

I...

I wrecked your life.

You would have never married someone like Jean Pelletier.

The harm is done. Now it must be undone.

We must first save your future.

I'll do whatever you want, whatever you require.

Obviously, I'll have to go back to my name...

...my old name.

I'll have to...

...leave.

Evidently alone, because I can't drag you down with me.

My love.

It's not about me. It's about us. I'm your wife.

I'm yours. Do you understand?

For everything else, we'll do whatever you want.

Going away alone, without me...

I won't have it.

It's almost dawn.

Mom!

Mom! Where are you?

There you are.

- Darling. - You're choking me.

Hurry! If you're late again, you'll be punished.

- I'm used to it. Bye mom! - Let me see! What's this?

- Did you have a fight? - No.

- What did you do? - Nothing.

The others always pester me.

They badger you? You don't get along with your classmates? Why?

Because of dad.

Because of your father? What happened, love?

Please, tell me!

They told me that de Vetheuil is not my real name,

that dad really is...

- What? - I can't say it.

Even though there were 3, these liars won't do it again...

Mom.

- My God! - What they say is untrue, right?

Of course, love. It's untrue. Calm down!

- Not a word to dad! - Why?

It would hurt him.

You won't go to school tomorrow. I'll see the headmaster.

Our life is going to change. We're leaving Paris.

- We'll go live elsewhere. - Elsewhere?

Yes.

In the meantime, promise me that you'll be a good boy!

- Very well. - You're a big boy. No fights.

- Do you promise? - Yes.

Go now! Hurry!

DE VETHEUIL FACTORY LTD.

- You can't go in. - I told you he's there.

- Announce me and he'll see me. - I told you he has already left.

Already left?

- I'll come back. - As you wish.

Look who's here!

Hi, kiddo! Why are you here? Come to see your dad?

- Yes. - He isn't here. What's wrong?

Remember me? I'm your dad's friend. We've met already.

- Yes. - You see.

Why aren't you in school? Did you skip class?

That's why you have a long face.

Don't worry! I'll fix it. I'll see your dad.

In short, everything is in order.

You go back to your old name.

You give up all your official functions.

To return the Legion of Honor, go to the Chancery.

For your status at the factory, I'll talk to the de Vetheuils.

It should be easy. You're relinquishing everything.

Here!

Sign all these, please!

- You picked the worst solution. - Maybe...

but it's my solution.

You should also write to the Public Prosecutor

because I intend to answer for my crimes.

They were settled long ago. No one cares about them anymore.

To think that you're throwing away your life for this.

It's foolish, you know. Really stupid.

Who hasn't done something foolish in their youth?

And after?

Didn't you come back more useful and honest

than the real de Vetheuil?

Spare me your courtroom pleas! I made my decision.

Hello! Yes. Ah, it's you.

What is it?

Paul?

What's happened? Speak up!

What do you mean he hasn't come home for lunch?

He's not at school?

You usually walk to school with Paul de Vetheuil, don't you?

Yes, headmaster.

Was he with you this morning?

No, sir. We're not on speaking terms since yesterday.

- Why? You didn't fight, I hope? - No, sir.

You don't talk to him anymore?

No, we don't.

- I came with him this morning. - To school?

- Something happened to him? - Answer the policeman!

Yes, I came with him. When we arrived, he just left.

Why? Did he tell you where he was going?

Don't know. He was strange, said he wanted to see his father.

You're not eating, ma'am?

- And you, sir? - No.

- You can retire. - Very well, sir.

- Just leave the phone connected. - As you wish.

- Mr. de Vetheuil's residence? - Yes.

- He has a young son? - Yes. So?

I was sent by the clinic on Bonaparte St.

No. It's not too bad. You can take him home tomorrow.

You know, jumping into the Seine River,

especially at night. He was lucky to survive.

It's awful. I don't understand.

Children's despair is no big deal.

They invent incredible tragedies and believe they're real.

Yours spun me quite a tale.

A man he met in the street

told him that his father was a gangster.

Imagine that!

Paul! My dear.

Why did you do it?

Why?

Dad...

It's not true, right?

No, my dear Paul.

I'll prove it to you.

- Over there! - Very well, Mr. Lucien.

Ernest?

- Many customers tonight? - No, ma'am.

Only 3 orange juices. For some bums.

- OK! I'll be down shortly. - There's no rush.

Aren't you fed up of this life yet?

Why don't we go to country?

Out of the way, in a nice quiet spot.

- What do you think? - I think you lost it.

I don't think so...

Sweetheart.

Fishing, bowling with the priest on Sundays.

That would be something.

- Buy a house? - Uh-huh.

With what?

A house! Don't make me laugh!

- You blow everything on horses. - Nonsense.

I saw Pelletier yesterday. He'll give me 500,000 f to shut up.

- I'm getting the dough tonight. - You did what?

Why not?

He's a swine and a bastard. He owes me!

I saved him, didn't I?

When you're a man, you share.

Here! Fasten this.

- We share. - Yes, we do.

- He promised you nothing. - No need among honest people.

We know what we owe each other.

- Done. - If I were you, I'd drop it.

- I see. You worry about him. - No, about you.

You think I don't see through you?

Since he came back...

...you're out of your mind. What an idiot!

He doesn't care about you.

What's next? I don't want you to pester him. Get it!

Milady doesn't want.

Your Pelletier is starting to get on my nerves.

- I'll thrash him. - Thrash him?

- You're too small. - Take this!

Where's my jacket?

Jean!

You?

Yes. I know I shouldn't have waited in front of your home.

Don't go! You don't know him. If he gets a hold of you...

...you'll never see the end of it.

- But I have no choice. - No. Don't go! He's very angry.

Please understand! I'm not the only one affected.

I have 2 other people to protect.

- I must see Sarroux. - Yes. OK.

Please, promise me you won't take any risks!

- Will you, please? - I promise.

Thank you, Mich�le.

- Good night, Mr. de Vetheuil. - Good night, Marcelin.

- I'll let myself out. - Very well.

May I?

Come in!

Here's the money.

That's something! All this moolah in your drawer.

- Hold it! - Excuse me!

It goes without saying that you'll leave France right away,

and that I won't hear from you.

Agreed! I'm leaving, don't you worry!

- Count it! - No need. I trust you.

You're getting off the hook cheap.

This is just peanuts.

Good.

I'll be off now?

My dear Pelletier, another time...

Fine, do as you please.

- Sarroux! - Yes?

In the underworld, when you don't keep your word...

Yes!

...there can be repercussions.

That depends on who's involved.

Be that as it may...

if you don't keep your word,

I'll remind you myself.

- Understood? - Very well.

I'll tell you one thing though. Your attitude is a mistake.

Because you're not de Vetheuil, you know.

All this is very nice: the factory, the car, the money.

They're yours because I allowed you.

A quick phone call, and the game is up and you know it!

I own you, old buddy.

I'll come here when I want. And you'll pay up again

because you'll be scared, like now.

I see.

You don't scare me.

I warn you.

If I'm not back by 1 AM, Mich�le will call the papers.

Open the safe!

- What do you want to do? - Open it!

Very well.

The combination is 32, 12.

Open it!

Go ahead! Help yourself!

No, I won't.

So you can shoot a burglar caught in the act.

No way, old buddy!

You can't kill an old friend. You can't kill a man.

We'll both take the plunge, understood.

You first. Then, everything will be fine.

Go ahead! Take it.

Yes, ma'am. I rang his office. I rang accounting.

Mr. de Vetheuil isn't answering.

- What? - I'm certain he's there.

Try again! Please!

Stay on the line!

I see a light in the office.

Please hold, ma'am! I'll check it out.

Mr. de Vetheuil!

Hello, police? This is the de Vetheuil Factory. Come quickly!

My usual.

What's wrong, Mr. Lucien? You're so pale tonight.

Not now. Buzz off!

- His name is Sarroux. - Yes.

He testified at my trial.

- Where can we find him? - Maybe at Mich�le's.

- You know, the night club. - Let's go!

One moment, please.

Before you go, I'd like to make a statement and...

That can wait. After we have arrested him.

Mr. de Vetheuil, if you feel better,

you can come with us to identify the guy.

Well...

...what happened?

Speak up!

That bastard.

He almost killed me.

It's a miracle I'm alive.

Here. Hide this!

Tomorrow, throw it away! I took it when I left the factory.

What about him? Did you kill him?

No. He's fine, I swear.

Now I'm going to Crystal's in Marseille.

Don't try to contact me! I'll send news through friends.

Shit! Cops.

Quick! Go up on the roof.

The bastard sold me out.

So, what are you waiting for? Move it! They're downstairs.

Lucien Sarroux?

Mrs. Allain's apartment, 1st floor.

You want the cops to bring me down, don't you!

With Sarroux dead, your Pelletier will be off the hook.

- Is this how you feel about me? - Don't be crazy, Lucien!

- I swear. - Don't push it!

I'm not afraid of prison. But he'll join me.

- What are you doing? - I'm staying.

Let them arrest me! I'll spill the beans.

No, Lucien.

- You can't do that. - Yes, I can.

He tried to get me. I'll get him.

- Listen! - Too late.

- There's time to run. Go! - I've had it!

I won't let you, Lucien. You can't.

- Have you finished? - You can't. I love him.

Bitch!

Police. Open up!

Don't get arrested! Run!

He ratted on me. I'll rat on him.

Stop! There's been a scuffle.

Get a doctor, quick!

Don't bother! I didn't miss...

Do you want to stop the questioning?

No.

Please hurry.

You can let him in.

- Go! - Thank you.

I'll read your statement.

I killed Sarroux over money.

He refused to give me my share of what he stole

at the de Vetheuil Factory.

We had planned the robbery over the past 6 months.

At the trial,

I lied when I said de Vetheuil was somebody else.

We wanted to scare him so as to blackmail him.

Excuse me!

I've never met Mr. de Vetheuil. He's not Jean Pelletier.

I wish him a happy life. I hope he can forget.

This way, my death will have had a purpose.

Please, sign.

THE END

Translation: Pierre Rossi TV5 Qu�bec Canada