Original subtitles

- What brings you here? - I had to see you, Elzéar

Couldn't you have attended mass at the same time?

You're afraid of seeming to be a weak spirit

I'm afraid I've only just arrived

I came to find you because Panisse is dying

Poor Honoré is close to death.

Did he send you?

No, Fanny did. She's meeting her son, my godson, at the station

Yes, I baptised him

Who's his doctor?

Félicien.

He says it's his heart. He had an attack last year

That gave me a real scare

He recovered,

but last night he had another attack

Come and hear his confession

Does he realise he's so ill?

I think so

He called us all to say goodbye this morning,

Mr Brun, Escartefigue, the stoker and me.

But he was unable to speak

I'll come

Find an altar boy

Elzéar, I don't think you should tell him.

I can hardly avoid it if I confess him

Don't say you came on purpose

But I'll be bringing the host

and I'll have on my surplice

Precisely

You'll scare him.

And Félicien said the slightest shock could kill him

Why don't you leave your surplice and the altar boy downstairs?

You can say you just dropped by.

and then break the news little by little

It would be less hard on him that way.

I know I'm asking you to lie

but it's for Honoré's sake.

All right

Thank you, Elzéar

You're a good man

Elzéar is on his way

Tell him.

He doesn't speak any more. Not a word or gesture

The doctor just left

What did he say?

He said he's done for

Done for?

Done for

Poor Honoré

Monsieur Brun,

Panisse is done for

What was that? Did you speak, Honoré?

He said "bollocks"

Then he must be better.

He's asleep?

I feel a lot better.

I can breathe now

You're saved.

I don't know about saved, Félix.

I think so,

speaking for myself.

Let him speak. He can hardly breathe and you interrupt.

It was worth saying

What's worth saying on a day like this?

Now look

Who's dying here, you or him?

Him'

Then let him talk'.

Honoré, you don't look ill at all

You look fine.

That's what is so annoying. I don't look as if I'm dying

My face is like a baby's bottom

and my bottom like Félix's face

Minus the beard, of course

I'm dying and yet it doesn't feel like it

It's ridiculous

I don't mind dying

but I hate to think of not living

I hate to think I won't see my wife again and my son

Or you people

Or drink a pastis under the plane trees

Or play boules with you

Don't worry. We'll find a substitute

Wait till he's dead

I don't want him to worry.

I'll miss not shaving each morning in front of the open window,

looking out on the old port,

thinking about the day to come.

while watching Félix start out on his first trip of the day

I shall miss the little things

I shall miss the hairs on my chest

I'll miss my corn

It never did anyone any harm and it forecast the weather for me

But skeletons don't have corns

What an awful thought'

You'll lose more weight than me

Someone's coming

How's old Elzéar?

I haven't seen you for ages'.

Hello, César

- Hello, Félix. - How are you, Elzéar?

The Good Lord keeps me going

What's wrong with you, Honoré?

Are you ill?

Yes, it seems I'm ill.

But, Elzéar, it seems you're a liar

Honoré, he's a priest'

Why do you say that?

Why do you pretend you don't know?

You've no proof, I know

I suppose you just happened to be passing by chance

By chance

Not exactly by chance

You just looked in to pass the time of day

Why not?

I chanced to be passing and it seems I chose a good moment.

I know the chance that brought you here.

It was someone with auburn hair and almond eyes.

Someone called Fanny

No, it wasn't Fanny.

But let's say it was

Let's say your wife came to mass

and I spoke to her afterwards

What would be odd about that?

After all, I baptised her. I solemnised your marriage.

Quite natural, of course.

Nothing odd about that

And what if I asked after you?

"How's your husband? He never comes to church

"He must be knee-deep in sins"

What if she said,

"He's not too well. Come and see him some time"?

Surely, that's not a crime?

No, Elzéar, quite the contrary

The truth is: you panicked

You think you're worse than you are

But, if you're a bit worried.

If you think your hour has come.

I can ease your burden

Since I'm here..

and you seem well-disposed, why not let me confess you?

It wouldn't kill you

That's true

Since I'm so well, it's just the moment

to give me the Last Sacrament

Honoré, this is no joking matter

It's you, Elzéar. You're joking with me

You want to hear my confession?

It's urgent?

It's always urgent

But you think it's less urgent for Félix or César?

Yes, it's less urgent

Well, then. hear my confession

Wait a minute

Elzéar, do we have to be alone?

The early Christians used to confess in public.

but they were saints.

They had little to say.

I'm no saint but I'd like you all to stay

I don't think it looks good

when everyone leaves

When they're on the staircase they start to think.

"What's he confessing?

"He must have done a lot of awful things "

Everyone imagines the worst..

but I've nothing terrible to say

Not that I've done nothing but good

But any wrong I have done..

I regret it more than I regret confessing it openly

Except maybe before Honorine

I've committed no crimes.

but some things shouldn't be said in front of ladies.

even though ladies were involved

I shall leave

because of the ninth commandment.

Sit down.

Now, my son, at this solemn moment.

I must ask you about your life

My son..

Elzéar, I tell you frankly.

if you call me your son,

I shall laugh

What else can I say?

Call me Honoré

As you wish

Honoré, repeat after me:

Bless me, father, for I have sinned

May God be in your heart and on your lips.

so that you make a full confession of your sins.

In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen

Have you done any wrong in your life?

Of course I have

One can't live without doing wrong,

even without meaning to

- Haven't you, yourself? - Of course. I'm only human

But I'm not making my confession

You are

What wrong did you do?

I don't know;

I mean, I don't know what you think is wrong

God's commandments decide, not me

César, come over here

Read God's commandments to us

You could do with a reminder

I am the Lord thy God Thou shalt have no other gods before me

All right

I've never worshipped other gods, on my honour

Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain

That hits me hard

I've always sworn a lot.

What Marseillais hasn't?

Thou shalt not bear false witness

against thy neighbour

I must admit I have lied.

- Often? - Continually

Several times a day.

When playing boules or after hunting or fishing.

Especially to customers

If you told them the truth.

you'd never do business

For instance,

you couldn't have sold that boat to Monsieur Brun

Tell me all

Forget it. I'm not going to lodge a complaint

It wasn't a real lie. Just a tall story

Thank you

Thou shalt lie with no woman

except thy wedded wife

Go ahead, Honoré, relieve your conscience.

I'm embarrassed to tell you

There are many unfortunate girls in my parish.

I've heard worse stories, I'm sure

So go ahead

Yes, I admit I've sinned

What's worse,

I enjoyed it

If sinning made us suffer,

we'd all be saints

How often did you sin?

Often and with relish

Before my first marriage,

I knew a lovely girl.

I trust you confessed that before your wedding

I did, so we can forget that

Tell us We'd like to know

Félix, you have no discretion

It happened again during my first marriage

But I confessed before I married the second time

And since then?

The devil has tempted me.

In what guise?

The guise of one of my workers

Which one?

- The redhead. - I thought as much

Your confession concerns you alone.

That's a hard and fast rule

Félix, leave the room.

Seriously?

Go on Leave, you great oaf

Did you sin for long?

Just five or six minutes

But how many months?

About a year. Then she married and stopped.

You seem to regret it

Yes, I regretted it then,

but now I regret I regretted it

Now I hear you talking, I regret it sincerely

But you don't know the worst.

When she finished with me.

I'd better stop confessing

I can see I'm grieving you

Honoré, I'm listening with all a priest's compassion

Speak

When she finished with me.

I took another

Now I have a question to ask you

But, as it concerns a third party, I should like us to be alone.

Leave the room, all of you

What is it, Elzéar?

What about the child?

You've never told me it wasn't yours.

But you already knew

Everybody knows.

Everyone knows

But he doesn't know.

Have a drink

Keep your strength up.

It's Honoré's white wine

He knew how to choose them

It's quite frightening, reading the commandments, don't you agree?

- Well, I... - Pity the dead.

I'm not a great believer.

but there was something about that service

I found most comforting

It comforts you to see that man?

One thing worries me though.

What if our God isn't the true one?

- Oh! - What are you saying?

I know Moslems, Hindus, Chinese, Blacks,

their God isn't the same as ours

What's a sin for us isn't necessarily a sin for them

They may not be right but suppose they are, Monsieur Brun

That's the question

Poor old Panisse is well prepared for a meeting with Elzéar's God

But suppose that up there, in the clouds,

he finds a god he doesn't know at all

A red, black or yellow one

Or one like you see in antique shops.

with a big belly and lots of arms.

What could poor Panisse say to a god like that?

How would he communicate?

Put yourself in his place. Tired by your death..

and dizzy after your journey.

trying to make yourself understood to this god

You pray and he says..

"What's that? What are you saying?"

All in Chinese

It's tragic. You give me the creeps.

So the Bible's all a lie?

Aren't you ashamed to talk like that

in front of an altar boy?

If you went to church more,

you'd know there's only one God - ours.

Yes, ours is the good one.

but people are easily taken in

and I'm sorry for them

There

The priest doesn't scare me.

It's what the doctor said

I've no faith in doctors. They often make mistakes

Quite right

Sorry, Doctor. I was speaking in general.

But it's true of Panisse's doctor too. You're quite right

He's conscious?

Yes, Elzéar is in there

Oh, dear, I'm sorry to hear that.

Mind you stay here. No going up

One is quite enough

Now everything is in order

I'm sure, if you're called before God,

He'll be lenient with you

Don't you feel better for it?

Yes, it has done me good

I imagined you worse than you were

I had brought the extreme unction with me

It would do no harm.

Yes, it would

Too early, it can do a lot of harm.

What are you saying?

- What are you doing? - My duty

But your duty prevents me from doing mine

I'm the doctor. Let me speak

Why come here scaring everyone with your altar boy?

By the way, he has adenoids

Send him down to my surgery

His nose needs unblocking

How are you feeling?

I'll have a listen

Don't breathe, Honoré

That doesn't sound at all bad

You sound a lot better

Of course, you're still not very strong

but there's life in the old dog yet

I'm done for

Of course you are. And so am I

Elzéar too

We all have to die sooner or later

How long would you give me?

Eternity, if it were mine to give

I can give him eternity if he merits it

Your eternity begins with a funeral

No, with the soul's salvation

Your salvation caused the deaths of two of my patients only last week

Me?

God knows, I'm no pagan, Elzéar

When my time comes, I'll call you to perform your little ceremony.

- It will give you peace. - That's true.

But the full ceremony, when it's with the oil and everything.

makes you go before your time

For you, who practise religion every day,

it's nothing special

But, for everyone else, it's the first time

and it's very disturbing

Communion never killed anyone

That last one can

I'd have saved your sexton, the other week

He had heart trouble too

But I'd hardly gone after ordering total calm,

when you arrived with your altar boy.

You made him tell his life story, annointed him

and off he went

He may be in heaven, but he's not here

And the tram employee who had his leg cut off.

He was doing fine, till you came along.

Then he felt he was as good as dead.

And that was the end of him.

I'd rather you didn't kill my patients.

I kill enough myself without that

So I'm a murderer

No, but you're too eager

Wait for my call

I'd be confessing corpses

God knows His job'.

In the final moments, clarity returns. We call it euphoria

It's the best time for confession so wait for it

If you're so eager to use your oil, make a salad dressing'.

Then there's your altar boy. A good Christian, but adenoidal

My poor husband had a strange death

One day he wakes me at dawn,

he puts his hands on his chest and asks:

"What if I died suddenly?"

I said, "That wouldn't be very clever"

Says he, "I'm not clever then" and dies.

No way'

He was fifty-three. The doctor said he died of an emboliger.

An emboliger?

Yes, monsieur, an emboliger.

But everyone has an emboliger. I've an emboliger

Mine's as big as a sovereign

No, it's not a navel

It's a medical word for a disease

Doctor told me it was like a cork in his arteries.

It stopped him dead. Like cutting off the gas.

What she means is an embolidre

Some people call that an embolism

In Lyon.

In any event, he died

A fine way to die.

For those left behind. But I'd prefer a poor life to a fine death

How's dad?

He's upstairs. The doctor is with him

And the priest

We were there for his confession

Don't go up yet

He must be prepared.

Besides,

we must see what the doctor says

Go upstairs and see.

Don't upset yourself

You can't do anything about it

Anyway, he hasn't left us yet

He's better

I hope to save him, this time.

But he won't see Christmas

I'm afraid we're all so ignorant

At least you've your son

I'll come round again this evening,

see he takes his medicine and keep him quiet

The boy is here

Tell him gently

You have to lie to sick people

Even when they know, it helps them if you lie

I've some other visits to make now

See you this evening, Fanny.

I've something to tell you

Elzéar has pardoned my sins

but he's still bothered by one thing

What's that?

The boy.

I think Honoré should tell him the truth before he dies

No, I won't tell him

I've been his father all my life

I want to die that way

Am I to lose everything at the same time?

My life and my son?

Is bringing up the boy such a terrible sin?

Of course not, Fanny dear

It's just that it's not exactly telling a lie

but it's hiding the truth

A lie by omission

I can see this admission is hard for Honoré,

so it will be even more laudable and appreciated by the Lord

It's not a sin exactly

but just imagine if Marius had a daughter

What if Césariot, in ignorance, married the girl?

That would be an incest, a mortal sin.

A terrible state for two young Christians to be in

And you would be punished

An omission with such awful implications

cannot be absolved

If Marius had a daughter, I'd know

Supposing he has a daughter and doesn't even know?

Supposing you go fishing

and pull out a bus? Suppose.

Supposing everyone went blind in one eye

It would spell ruin for opticians and a bonanza for monocle sellers

My suppositions are less preposterous than yours

I refuse. I refuse to tell him'.

I'll do my time in purgatory like a good soldier

I fought at Verdun during the war

Purgatory can't be worse.

If you go on bothering me,

I'll hide my head and die straight away'.

Then I'll hear no more about it'.

Calm down, Honoré'.

Your father wants to speak to you. He's better but don't excite him

Come along, my boy

We'll take Our Lord back home

Why are you here?

Did they close the school? Have you been expelled?

Mother sent word that you were ill

That's certainly true

I'll wager you've brought your special hat for the funeral.

Just in case

Here's someone who doesn't lie

and doesn't take a sick man for a fool

Thank you, my boy.

But I think I've been given a respite

I'm sure of it. I've been given a respite

Perhaps not for very long

but enough to make me happy

First of all, because it's good to be alive, even if one is ill

But, above all because I wanted to see you

To explain my legacy

Oh, things like that.

I don't mean my legal testament. I've dealt with that already

I want to give you my moral legacy

I want to talk to you about life

To give you advice for later

To explain the book I'd have written for you.

if I'd had more schooling.

I feel I've still time

Now I'd like to sleep a little

Stay beside me.

Will you shut the window?

Sit down over there

Find a book or something to do

Maybe you think I'm selfish, to keep you here

Of course not. I'm happy to stay with you.

Try to sleep It will do you good.

Go to sleep, dad

Hello, kid.

Hi there

Want your money?

- I don't deserve it but it's due. - Come on, then.

When I think I don't work for it.

your money burns my hands.

Only till you pay your bar bills.

That's what consoles me

You can laugh.

but at night I think, "What have I done for our garage?"

You put down the cash

But I didn't earn it. It was left me by my aunt

What work did I ever do? None. All because of my affliction

And your laziness.

Laziness is an affliction too. Maybe the very worst.

This morning in the newspaper I was reading an obituary

You like that sort of thing?

It gives me something to do

Something struck me. I saw your father's name.

My father's name?

It's nothing to worry about

Your father's name was there but not in the star part.

The star was..

Look..

"Madame Honoré Panisse and her son

"Madame Honorine Cabanis and Madame Claudine Foulon.

"announce with great sadness.

"the death of Honoré Panisse

"Sail-maker in Marseilles, he departed his life.

"at the age of sixty-six. Please pray for him."

Panisse is dead

Well, he was sixty-six.

Then there's another announcement

in much bigger letters.

It must have cost a fortune.

"César Ollivier of the Bar de la marine

"Aldebert Brun, Customs Inspector, Captain Escartefigue, retired

"Ex-stoker Innocent Mangiapan and Doctor Félicien Venelle.

"have the sad duty to inform you..

"of the death of Honoré Panisse,

"their dear friend for over thirty years."

Panisse is dead

Poor old Honoré

- You knew him well? - I'll say I did.

I told you about him.

The man who took your wife and child?

He took them in. It was more my fault than his

Any debt he owed me, he repaid with interest Without him.

What, he..?

Yes, he went to see the lawyers and judges

He saved us from the courts.

And he helped with the garage in secret

I thought Peugeot gave me that credit because they trusted me

Later I discovered he'd guaranteed it. Of course, we paid it back.

but, if we'd failed, he'd have had to pay

Then we must go to the funeral tomorrow morning.

No, I can't.

No, I don't want to see my father and Escartefigue

All that lot.

They wouldn't be pleased to see me and I'd find it very distressing

Let's put our hats on. This sun is scorching

No one else has

Someone has to be first

Félix, put your cap on or you'll have a stroke

Is it unseemly?

It's better than dying at the funeral. I'm putting mine on

You're right.

That's very strange

- What's wrong? - It's the wrong hat

Where?

I left it downstairs when I went up to see our poor old friend.

I must have picked up the wrong one

Put on your hat.

No, I can't. It's not done

Félicien says you could have a stroke.

Really?

Maybe it belongs to the dead man

What a ghastly idea'

Look, here are the initials.

- They're not his. - Too bad.

César, put your hat on. Honoré would want it.

You must put on your hat

César, I order you to put on your hat.

It's an order?

I know my job inside and out

Of course.

No one's denying it.

An aperitif isn't a medicine like cod liver oil

It's better and harmless

- Better tasting. - We agree on that

When I say it's harmless, I should explain

It's said aperitifs are bad for the liver.

But aperitifs are made from plants

Wormwood, gentian..

Sage, aniseed, orange

- And alcohol. - A vine is a plant

None of these plants have livers.

They don't know what a liver is

- Neither do I. - Don't interrupt'.

They never met a liver

I will not believe that plants hate a liver they've never met

What can one say?

I'd say your whole argument was absurd

Why?

Sulphuric acid never saw copper

But it will attack a copper plate

That has nothing to do with aperitifs

Maybe not.

I'm sorry, Monsieur Brun, this is a scientific matter'.

Maybe over Félix's head

I'm listening'

You're listening but it goes over your head.

Tell me what aperitifs and sulphuric acid have in common

More than you think

Spoken like a Lyonnais'.

Diamonds, trumps Three for me

Sulphuric acid'

Spade

So are you playing.?

He's really dead.

It's only just sunk in

Yes. That empty chair is sadder than his grave

The poets have said it all

Listen to these lines written by Sully Prudhomme

He's a great writer and poet

who is taken for a fool these days.

Listen

It's when you sit as a family round the table

When the chairs are further apart, then you say your real goodbye

That's beautiful

Do you have to go tonight?

It wouldn't matter much if I were a day late, but what's the point?

Won't you stay for my sake?

You'll only ask me again tomorrow

I'd like you to stay.

because there are still some things we've not talked about

You mean the will and all that.

You deal with it, mother

I need to get back, I mustn't miss any classes

If I come top in the coming exams, they'll make me a major

First place, you mean?

First in my year. On leaving the Military Academy..

certain posts are offered to you

Engineer for canals, ports, artillery, railways..

Some are much better than others

I'd have first choice.

In one way it's not important, as you and dad have provided for me.

but it would be a great honour

I'm sorry dad won't know.

He couldn't be more proud of you than he already was.

He was such a good father

A wonderful father.

I talked about him sometimes to my school-friends

and show them his letters

Like my friend Dubouchet. The one I go out with on Sundays

His father only ever wrote to him to scold him.

Whereas mine..

Others had devoted fathers.

but never one

as good as mine

But.

But what?

What were you going to say?

He wasn't your father

- What was that? - That's the truth of the matter.

Mother'.

Mother, that's absurd'. It would be frightful

What are you saying?

The truth

I know it's going to hurt you

I know you'll despise me.

But you are not Honoré's son

I remember something my father said

Your husband rather, since that's all he is now

One day he said to me, "Your mother isn't like other women

"She's intelligent, devoted.

"She's clean.

"There's no other word for it

"Clean - that's what she is."

I know that's what he thought

That's what Dad said.

What will I think of other women now I know my mother can lie?

I never lied to him. He knew.

You confessed and he let you stay?

No, dear

He knew before he married me

He knew before?

He knew absolutely everything. I never lied to him.

But you lied to me for twenty years.

I never said he was your father

But you let me think it

That was to please him.

He insisted I said nothing.

What could I say?

For twenty years,

he brought me up, he fed me

He loved me

He devoted himself to me

- And he knew. - He knew.

He lived for you and me

He was a saint

Almost

Devoting his life to us made him happy

Our marriage was full of his laughter

Did no one else know your secret?

Granny knows?

She does

And my aunt?

She knows too

I suppose my godfather knows too

He does

In short, the story was well publicised

I was the only one in the dark

There must have been so much whispering and worrying

It must have made poor dad look so silly

What a position

He was fully aware of his position. He chose it

He never stopped thanking me for his son

I should have been told

I loved Dad very much, but I'd have loved him even more

I'd have thanked him for his kindness

Now it's too late

Dear Dad, it makes no difference

Though you weren't my father, you were always my dad

And he always will be'.

And my real father?

I've just made you a confession

It cost me a lot to tell you

You'll despise me

You despise me already

I only told you.

because the priest insisted when Honoré was dying

He said I had to tell you you weren't Honoré's son

But not the rest. After all, what good would it do?

What good?

So is my pretend dad dead?

Perhaps

What do you mean by that?

Don't you know?

I don't care much but maybe you still do

Césariot, don't talk to your mother like that

I don't want to hurt you.

but since you've gone so far why not tell me everything?

Forget it Let sleeping dogs lie.

Is that really possible?

Maybe you've reasons for not telling.

You've seen him?

You intend to see him

It would be awkward if I knew

You're hurting me.

I'm sorry, Mother.

But it could be a man I see here sometimes

I feel as if.

I've lost my father twice over.

yet you're not quite a widow.

Is he still alive?

A moment ago you said perhaps

I can't be sure. I've not seen him for fifteen years

He wrote?

Never

Do I know him?

You saw him fifteen years ago

I've no desire to know who he is.

Some rich fellow who deserted you

But he's a swine'

He wasn't a rich man

He didn't know about you when he left

Nor did I

You can't have known him long

So you did it.

just like that?

No, dear

I'd known him a long time

- He loved me. - And you loved him?

If I hadn't loved him, my dear..

you wouldn't be here to blame me

If he loved you so, why did he leave?

He was mad about the sea

He wanted to be a sailor

It was like an illness

Like Marius, César's son

It was him

I'm Marius's son?

Now who's that?

- Who's that? - Me

- Who's me? - Césariot.

- What is it? An accident? - Yes.

It's not mother, it's me.

- What is it? - The accident concerns me

What's wrong? Are you ill?

No. Shut the door so we can talk

I'm to shut the door, am I?

I'd do it if I could, I wouldn't give orders to my grandfather

Why are you calling me grandfather? Am I old suddenly?

I'm calling you grandfather because that's who you are

Who said?

Mother. She just told me.

Is that the accident?

A funny sort of accident

Don't try to pump me'.

I'd never do that

Tell me what happened

When that priest Elzéar heard Dad's confession.

he insisted I was told the truth

Dad refused He left it to Mother

I've just learned Dad was nothing to me

It seems the man who made my mother pregnant is your son, Marius

So I called you grandfather

What do you think?

I've been walking round the port

I couldn't decide whether I'd dreamt it or Mother had gone mad

I saw your light was on.

so I knocked

What do you say to all that?

It's too bad poor old Honoré had to go and die

This is madness

You can say that again

What about you? How do you feel?

Different

Yes, but what do you feel about it?

How do you feel about me?

You've always been my godfather. I've always loved you

I may not have shown it.

Yes, I know. It's not a thing you say.

Your being my grandfather doesn't change anything

You're vexed that you're grandson to a bartender

I'm surprised to be Marius's son, a man who's done so little in life.

- Except maybe you, of course. - He didn't do it alone

So your Marius slept with Mother

I imagine so, since you're here

It disgusts me

Why?

- Why should it? - It just does.

So where is Marius?

In Toulon, running a garage

- You've seen him? - Thirteen years ago

- Toulon isn't far. - It's far enough

Why didn't he come here?

He wanted to be a sailor

At twenty-one he joined the navy.

He didn't want to see Fanny and her husband.

He used to come here in secret.

Then he met a woman. That's too good a word for her

She was a loathsome woman

The kind you wouldn't touch with a barge pole

He loved her?

He was living with her

So I've a host of brothers not to be touched with a barge pole.

No, you're his only child.

That's one blessing.

This woman introduced him to a lot of disreputable people.

and some dubious business

So he's in prison

No, it was a close shave but he avoided that.

Then one day I said, "Leave that girl or don't come back again"

It happened here

And, well.

he replied..

rather rudely

He swore at you?

Worse than that.

He said, "I thought you'd be more tolerant"

So?

Tolerance. All this talk of tolerance'.

You just listen to me, Marius, do you hear?

I can't slap you any longer

But my dad would have thrown me out for such insolence. Beat it'.

- Were you any different? - I didn't kill him.

That's stupid

Calm down or you'll have a fit

- You take advantage of me too. - Listen, tolerance..

What about it? You too?

Tolerance means being generous, aware of others

I know what the word means

Do you?

Even if I haven't had an education like you'.

I was washing glasses when I was ten

I'm merely trying to point out something to you

Marius thought you were tolerant

He expected kindness, yet you threw him out Wasn't that very stupid?

There wasn't only that

He bore a grudge for something else

Why?

After your mother married,

he came back from Australia

Honoré.

wasn't home

He was going to Paris on business

Marius visited your mother that night

When I found out..

I rushed over. I arrived just in the nick of time

- I made him leave. - But for that..

She loved him too much

Mind you, she was very glad I came..

because she was about to give in

That time he obeyed me

I've no book learning but I spoke out about our family honour

I said what had to be said

At the time he understood, but later he resented what I'd done.

And, one evening... it all came out.

From that night on, it was all over.

He wasn't my son. You took his place.

- Didn't you love him? - Me?

He meant everything to me

I never married again because of him. I was his father

When his mother died, I had to be his mother too.

Of course, I didn't speak too fondly to him. It wouldn't do

And I shouted at him That's my way

I thought he'd understand but he didn't

And one night - maybe he'd drunk too much.

the irreparable happened

- Nothing is irreparable. - Oh yes, some things are

I've never told anyone this because I'm ashamed.

but, that night, while we were quarrelling.

I was in such a rage, I hit him

He hit me back.

My child hit me

It's terrible when a son hits his father.

It's almost patricide

He didn't hit me hard but all the same.

Afterwards he thought I'd kill him

But I didn't say a word.

I opened the door and he left.

I thought I was the son of an honest tradesman and a decent woman

But my mother was a barman's mistress.

And my father and grandfather were at each other's throats.

What a fine bunch of relatives

Césariot is leaving this morning, within the next few minutes

He's going with the stoker on his mother's motor boat

Césariot said that he was going off to meet a friend.

I wouldn't mind betting it's a girlfriend

If he said it was a friend..

what makes you think it must be a girlfriend?

He's lying out of discretion. Don't you know what a lie is?

You're going too far, César'.

He asks me if I know what lying is'.

I've done nothing else since birth'.

I lied to my nurse, my parents, my brothers

I lied to my boss, my wife, my friends

I've lied to everybody'

Who's to say I'm not lying now?

And I don't know what a lie is?

After such a confession, we must admit he's an accomplished liar

He says Césariot didn't lie and it's not a girlfriend

But then why lie?

I used a word Félix doesn't understand

Discretion.

Discretion is a delicate sentiment.

It's subtle, refined, beautiful.

Quite different from anything you'd know'.

Here, take this

Thanks, my flower

Don't be cheeky'.

I only called you that because I admire you

The words just came out.

Is our captain ready?

He's just coming Are you ready?

I've cleaned and polished everything. Even the brass

Fanny has never looked so good

Almost as clean and shipshape as you.

I just have to crank her up and we'll be off

- Where are you going? - East.

That's the East We're heading East

- Where to? - No idea

You know but you won't tell me.

If I know where we're going.

may the Good Lord strike me dead'.

May I have to do my war service again.

You never went to the war

I know, I was only thirteen. It was just a manner of speaking

But I swear on my parents' grave I don't know where we're going'.

- You believe me? - Yes.

Don't

He's visiting friends in Les Lecques

- Then why did you lie? - For the fun of it.

But you swore you weren't

My parents are dead anyway. We're going to Les Lecques

- You're sure? - May I be struck by lightning.

Listen to what I want you to do

Telephone me every two days

And give me news of my son

I don't want to bother Césariot.

There's no need

I can't leave the shop but you'll keep me in touch

I'll tell you about the people he meets, the fishing trips, the.

What if I see him with a girl? Shall I tell you?

Of course. If he does anything silly, let me know

And the people he meets

If I see him with a woman, I'll look at her.

I'll photograph her here

And, telephonically, I'll send you a full description

Buy some cigarettes.

Clear sky, a good wind.

Let's go

The weather is good. I wish I could go too.

Next time

Of course. Anyway I don't know these people or your friend's mother

And I've the shop to attend to

Let me hear from you

Every day

I can telephone while he's out fishing and give you the news

That's it. Let him call

- We're not going to Australia. - I know that, stupid

I must go now. Thank Madame Dromard for me.

I'll be off, then Goodbye, dear

Don't go out in the boat if it's rough. And keep in touch

- I will. - I'll be off, then

- Goodbye. - Goodbye, dear

Let's be under way.

The bicarbonate is under your pants'.

What for?

For your digestion'.

Okay. Goodbye

- Hey, kid. - Yes, boss?

Why come here?

Take this screwdriver and remove the boat's name-plate

Put this one in its place.

Le Pescadou is a nice name. You're de-christening the boat?

For the time being. I found the name-plate in the shop

Give me the pliers.

I'm not inquisitive. I mind my own business

But I'd like to know what's going on

You'll go when I say

- Not the same place as you? - No, I'm leaving you in Les Lecques

- You're leaving me behind? - Just for a few days

You'll go to Monsieur Dromard. Villa Canaris

And you'll give him this letter

And then?

Then I've some money for you

You'll go to the Palm Hotel,

book a room.

and wait for my telephone call

I might as well tell you, your mother told me to keep an eye on you

I knew it

I'm to call her every morning and tell her what you've been up to.

And watch out for any girls

If any come near me, what are you to do?

Make a mental note of her appearance

and describe her in the tiniest detail over the phone.

You can report back once Dromard has read my letter

I'll call you and tell you what to say to my mother

You ought to call her too.

Oh, I will, don't worry

Excuse me, monsieur

Monsieur Dromard?

You want Monsieur Dromard? He's dead

He must have died very suddenly.

That's it exactly All at once.

That's too bad. It changes everything

Especially for him

So young too

He wasn't very old. Seventy-two maybe, but he didn't look it

You scared me for a moment

I meant the young one. He's not dead, is he?

The chap with the black beard? He's gone to Paris with his mother

Paris?

Mind you, I don't know exactly.

but my daughter works for them and she was complaining that they'd left

When they're away, she doesn't get paid, of course

- Thank you. - You're welcome

This is too bad Now what do I do?

It's a catastrophe'.

It's most inconvenient

Hello, monsieur

What now?

Madame, one of Césariot's friends is outside

From his accent, I'd say he's from the North

Let him in.

- Hello, monsieur. - Madame

Please come in. Césariot's friends are always welcome here

But I'm afraid he's away visiting some friends.

Let me give you a drink

That's very kind of you

You've studied together?

Yes, for three years now

- So you're going into the army too? - Yes, I'm making it my career.

- You're from Paris? - No, from Valence

But I know this area because we have a house on the coast.

But I had to go back to Valence for a family wedding

Now I'm off to the Balearics

Maybe I can catch up with Césariot on my way home

You go back in October too?

I hope you'll let me invite Césariot to stay with us before then.

We're so close.

- Where are you exactly? - At Les Lecques, near St Cyr.

What is your name?

Dromard Pierre Dromard

I met you once

Last year in Paris

I seem to remember, but didn't you have a beard then?

Fancy you remembering. I shaved it off for this wedding

- He's telephoned? - Better than that.

Meet Monsieur Dromard. He's on his travels

- Césariot's godfather. - Pleased to meet you.

For my part, I'm so sorry

Why?

Oh, never mind

No reason at all

So you're travelling from your villa in Les Lecques..

leaving my godson at your home

Césariot has the freedom of the place

What place?

At Les Lecques. Of your house at Les Lecques

You invited my godson to spend a few days with you.

But you know that. He's with you

Oh, yes, of course. So I'm given to believe

That's why the cook telephoned the other day. I didn't quite understand.

Yes, he must be there

You're as bad a liar as my son.

If they're all like you, you'll make a fine regiment

I'm sure you know where he is too

You're aiding and abetting. his debaucheries'.

It runs in the family'.

She's always been a bit hasty

Some people have quick tempers but it doesn't mean anything

Les Lecques is on the telephone. Take it here

It will be news from the Dromards

Hello, Marseilles?

- Is that you? - It's the driver

How are things?

Going fine.

Tell me, what's this Monsieur Dromard like?

Charming. Very well educated

I like him. And I think he likes me too

He gave me some money this morning.

What are they doing right now?

Playing boules. I can see them from here

How's that?

Through the window. They're having great fun

Dromard is about to make a throw.

Yes, that's him all right

Oh, that was a marvellous hit'.

It's a wonder you didn't hear it

Excuse me, monsieur

I want to speak to Marius Ollivier.

He's under that car

Right, thanks

Monsieur Marius Ollivier?

That's me. How can I help?

My boat has engine trouble

A sailor suggested I come to you

I don't know that I can help. Cars are more my line.

- If it's a Diesel... - No, it's a Baudoin

I serviced one of those for two years

Monsieur Frère's boat. Do you know him?

- No, I'm a stranger here. - Well, no matter

Let's go and have a look.

I'm going to see a boat. What's its name?

A pretty name

I'll fetch my tools

- Come on, young man. - Lead the way.

- You like to fish? - As much as possible

- You don't fish. - I'd like to learn.

But you've some fine equipment on board.

My father's. He went fishing twice a week He knew where to go.

That's what makes a serious fisherman

Marius knows the best spots all along the coast

- Let's go tomorrow. - I leave at four

That's fine by me. What about you?

I shan't be coming along. I never do.

Why not?

It's too early.

She didn't love you?

Yes, she did but there was the family honour to consider

All that baloney.

So I never knew my son. Her husband brought him up

Did that upset you?

A bit

Not enormously. They said the true father was the one who loved the boy.

Not you?

How can you love deeply what you don't know?

I would have loved him but the other fellow was paying

They said he loved the most

Why?

Nowadays loving and paying are the same thing

A friend gives you food but a father gives you life.

An elephant eats coconuts but the coconut tree isn't his father

An elephant isn't a coconut tree with a trunk'

Of course not.

We'd better move on. We're wasting our time here.

The garage is a going concern?

It doesn't make much but it's good camouflage.

A good front

Marius had the idea and it's worked well

You can keep all sorts of tools in a garage

Jemmies, for instance.

Locksmith's tools too

Keys, picklocks. See what I mean?

Above all, welding gear and blow torches

The blow torch is a fine tool.

And Marius is an expert

The only stuff we don't touch is stolen cars. You know why?

No, it's not my line.

Where do you look for a stolen car?

In a garage

So we don't touch them

There are other things which make more money

Such as?

For instance, right now there's a good job

But maybe I shouldn't tell you. Marius hasn't said anything?

He's shy. He doesn't dare.

But I trust you

Shall I tell him?

All right, but if he doesn't like it, he must keep his mouth shut.

I'm sure I can trust you but I'm warning you Don't talk

It would be dangerous

What's the job?

A hundred and sixty kilos of opium

Your boat isn't suspect.

Join us on the job. It could be worth your while

What do you say?

- Marius is in this too? - Of course

- I think it's stupid. - Why?

He's a very likeable boy. He's no more a journalist than I am

It's a nasty sort of joke.

Listen, Marius..

The false customs officer will catch us, fire a few shots in the air..

It's absolutely crazy'.

When I see the boy, I will tell him everything

It's not funny. Just because he's educated..

you want to make a fool of him. He'll think I'm a swine

All right. Don't fret

We'll say it's off

Tell the truth.

We don't need to say anything. Look, he's leaving.

Here's my admiral arriving

It's hard

You've not been bored?

Quite the contrary'.

- Dromard? - Wasn't there

- He knows I'm here? - I couldn't deliver the letter

- Didn't see him. - I don't get it

Listen and don't be cross.

- I fear the worst. - You may be right

But I think I was smart and acted in everyone's interest

I took the initiative and it's turned out very well.

Now I do fear the worst

Here we go

They're back. The boat is just coming now

Fanny will shout at him.

No, it's not worth it

Maybe, but you're sure to shout at him. So will you, César

Why would I do that? Why shout at him?

Why should I? After all, what has he done?

After all, he's twenty.

We'll ask him to tell us about his holiday and see what he says

We've come back

What a nerve'.

Madame Dromard sends her regards

My regards to you too

Is something wrong?

Yes, there is You and your lies'.

It's a wonder they didn't break the telephone'

Get out of here, you little rat... by the other door'.

You said you wouldn't shout

This is going to be fun

Your skin is all salty

Don't kiss me'.

- Why not? - I don't want to

- She's cross because you left. - I wasn't gone long

- You're sorry you're back. - No, I'm not

It's always fun being by the sea with friends

I'd feel the same

You had some good fishing?

Fishing?

Oh yes Especially long-lining

We were lucky with the weather

At this time of year in Les Lecques it seldom snows.

I'd have liked to see the masked ball

Where?

At the Dromards'. The stoker told us

What was your disguise?

I wasn't disguised. It was just a costume.

You know.

What did you go as?

As a liar'.

Meaning what?

You're lying. I'm ashamed that a son of mine should be so stupid'.

Why do you say that?

Dromard was here two days ago. He dropped by to see you

That was smart

You should have warned him

We said you were at his house.

It makes you look quite ridiculous

He tried to lie to help you but I soon threw him out

I can imagine

As for the girl you were with, I'll find out who she is

You'll go to the doctor straight away.

and have a thorough check-up

Your clothes must be disinfected'.

Take them off'.

You shouldn't speak to him like that

I'll bring up my son as I choose. You've no right to criticize'.

She's very hot-tempered. She can't help it

Yes, have me disinfected

You admit it?

I was in Toulon with Marius Ollivier, my father

You saw Marius?

- I spoke to him. - What did he say?

He didn't know who I was

Despite what I'd heard of him.

I was curious and stupidly wanted to see him.

I saw him and I can't say I'm proud of it

He's a bad lot and I'm his son'

Who told you that?

A man in his gang told me all about him

They wanted me to join in some drug business

They're not criminals, just shady characters.

They financed their garage by selling their women.

How was he?

Very young-looking. You'd never take him for my father.

He was twenty when you were born. He's only forty

So you saw him?

We went fishing together.

He has a mole just like mine

Lower down

- You've a good memory. - Memories are all I have

- It's monstrous! - Why?

You loved him'.

Yes, passionately'

You probably still do'.

I lost my father three months ago and now I feel I've lost my mother

- A man like that... - It's lies'.

I don't know why, but they lied'.

My dear, if you'd known him when he was your age

He was such fun. He was handsome.

He was strong

I loved him right from the time we went to Sunday school together.

He wasn't like the other boys

They were so rude

They annoyed girls with their gestures on purpose

But he never did

He was so gentle

I loved him more than anything

Later. when I was older.

when I was selling my shellfish.

I could hear him working in the bar.

Sometimes he'd come outside and we'd have a chat

When he spoke to me.

my knees used to tremble

In the afternoons, I often sat on the terrace.

I'd put my legs up on another chair, pull my hat over my eyes.

and pretend to be asleep

Then he'd come out of the bar and look at me

Through the little holes in the straw, I would watch him.

He was so handsome

In his blue apron

His arms all golden

His hair in his eyes

You still love him'.

Selfish boy'

No one is more selfish than a child.

First you took my blood to make yours

So your little body would become strong.

And then you took my milk

You woke me each night. I was your slave

Your teeth, your whooping-cough.

your homework, scarlet fever, your exams

You took everything

Or rather, I gave you all

Even the children I couldn't have

What children?

You forced me to marry Honoré

Because of you, I lost the children he couldn't give me

And I haven't lived.

I've spent my life watching you grow

And you'd blame me for what happened before you were born?

I wasn't always a mother. I was a woman like any other

I had a right to my own life. I was eighteen

Don't despise me because my life began..

with a wonderful night of love

Nothing was missing, neither tears nor secret elation.

Secret elation?

And you've no sense of regret?

Why should I have? I paid dearly enough.

I never thought of you as a woman.

- What's that? - A bowler hat.

Why didn't you kick it away?

I didn't see the need

That's because you're from Lyon. A Marseilles man wouldn't hesitate.

Il shoote

Then what happens?

It's like this

There's a stone under the hat

The person who kicks it will break his leg

And that's funny

We call it a fool's decoy

You might as well call it a leg break

You want to maim someone?

As many people as possible

- It's crazy. - Stupid

Even criminal

But amusing

I don't see what's funny about it

You're having me on. There's no stone under that hat

Yes, there is Take a look.

See for yourself

My gosh, it's true

But it's such a stupid game'

Dangerous too

Quick. Someone's coming.

He's just the type

You think he'll fall for it?

Another Lyonnais'.

The mere fact of sitting here makes us guilty too.

- We preside but we disapprove. - We even blame you

Here comes another.

He's the one

Are you hurt?

Just let me catch that creep'.

It was put there on purpose. And my shoes are new'.

Nothing broken?

Yes, my barometer

Barometer?

A corn, gentleman. A superb corn. It forecasts the weather.

three days in advance

I can't feel it any more.

I'm sorry I needed that badly.

Shooting pains in my shoulder

My foot will be numb for days. What an idiotic thing to do'.

Quite criminal

- I might have broken my leg. - Surely not

Don't you know that kicking a stone like that can kill?

You don't believe me?

Put the hat back over the stone

Wait and see. Someone may be disabled for life.

With any luck an old man will come along..

and you'll hear his bones snap

Let's wait

- What brings you here? - Business.

- You're alone? - I'm a big boy now

You'd better go, even if you were sent

Why are you talking to me like that?

It's the way I talk to scoundrels

- Where's my godfather? - Inside

He was a bit rude

Just his little joke.

Really?

I know the fellow better than you. He's a journalist from Martigues

What's this? Césariot, a journalist?

You know better?

I've known him all his life. He's Panisse's son

- We grew up together. - But in different schools

Yes, he went to the Academy.

Did you say he was Panisse's son?

The sail-maker?

Who died?

Then he's Marius's son.

That's what they say

And many believe it

It's a catastrophe! This is terrible

I've committed a crime'.

- I'm a criminal. - Shut the door

You're certainly a cad

Call me whatever you like

It's quite stupid

Mother, I have to talk to you seriously.

I've been called up. It's not a surprise

But I have to be in Fontainebleau tomorrow

Now another thing

I've just seen the tattooed man I told you about

The one who knows Marius

Why talk of him?

He says he lied. I want you to speak to him.

I don't have to speak to him. I know he lied

What's more, Marius is here

He's come to order some spare parts. I'm going to see him

But why?

Go to César's and wait

- What are you doing here? - Waiting for you

- Who told you I was here? - Your partner

- Where is he? - With your father

What's he doing there?

I don't know. But we were very glad to see him

You know my father?

I'm. Césariot

I'm Fanny's son

What was that?

I'm your son

I wish I could say something fatherly

I wish I could find the words but I can't.

Me too. I'd like to say something.

the words of a son

It's very difficult.

We must look very silly talking like this

You came to Toulon to see me?

- You knew I was your father? - Mother had just told me

I longed to know you..

but they said terrible things about you so I left.

You repeated these follies to your mother?

What did she say?

She was very upset

But she didn't quite believe me.

Not quite but a bit, eh?

- Where are we going? - To your father's.

Do you mind?

I'll go anywhere you say.

I've a taxi waiting

Oh yes, you're rich

Here he is

Fernand, you're dangerous

I know you're going to insult me..

and I'm sure you're right

All right'.

But there's no time for that now.

I've a feeling there's a family scene brewing

You'll find me outside on the terrace

Hello Father.

Yes, it's a family scene... the first and the last

I want to vindicate myself

If that's possible, Marius.

no one will be happier than me

Why did this boy, when he wanted to meet his father..

have to come in secret, like a spy?

- I wasn't sure how you'd react. - You expected a bad lot.

Or, at least, a cad

Why did he believe Fernand?

You'd led him to expect trouble

He feared the worst

So Fernand fed him all those ridiculous stories

And he believed them Why?

Because you'd brought him up to despise his father

That's a crime, a real crime.

Never'.

I never said a word against you, never

But he knew César had a son

A son who never visited

No one ever talked about you to him

One day a long time ago,

Monsieur Brun said to my godfather.

"What's this I hear about Marius? Is he playing the fool?"

You put your finger to your lips and took him into the kitchen.

Another time I asked mother, "What does godfather's son do?"

Tearfully she said,

"He's a sailor, far away on the sea"

I wondered who this man could be.

that everyone spoke of in hushed tones..

. and who never came back.

Marius, if you had always behaved honestly..

When was I dishonest?

One day a man came into this bar.

He was drunk and laughing to himself

He said, "I know your son well

"We were in prison together"

He said it in front of Monsieur Brun and Escartefigue

I didn't dare speak. I came into the kitchen.

and I wept

What was he like?

The fellow's name was Padovani

He spoke the truth'.

When we were in the navy, we spent a fortnight in the cells

We were crewmen together.

After a spree one night, we hassled a petty officer

Padovani has come a long way since then

He's even been decorated

What about the smuggling?

That was foolishness, not a crime. I was with some friends

You landed up in court

So did your brother, Emile

My family seems to keep the law busy.

But Uncle Emile was different.

What did Emile do? Burglary, theft?

Shut up'.

He's making good use of his education: very witty

What did Emile do?

One day, in the country.

he set some traps to catch birds.

He was caught and charged with three crimes

Poaching with a snare..

trapping a bird that shouldn't be killed, out of season

And he was brought before the judge'.

That proves my point

I was only twenty. I was led astray by my friends.

You chose them.

I was alone in Toulon, I didn't know a soul'.

What do you expect? I found my friends in bars

Not in high society'.

Besides, I had no job

Hunger makes you do silly things

You were hungry?

I've been hungry And cold

- You could have said so. - To whom? You?

Last time you threw me out'

Out?

- You threw me out. You were drunk! - So were you'.

You hit me. I protected myself and you made a great drama of it

I would have died rather than ask you for anything

A fine excuse

As good as yours

You might at least have sent me a postcard or telephoned'.

You never even asked after me'.

Who says I didn't?

How could you?

Ange kept me informed

Every time he came to Marseilles, he drank in the bar and watched you.

Ange?

Is he the fellow with a blue birthmark on his face?

Yes

Is that why he watched me all the time?

When he came back, I'd ask him how many people you'd shouted at.

He'd say two, three or four. It always made me laugh

Though it shows a lack of respect, I'm glad to hear it

And now, suppose we talk about that woman?

What woman?

You mean the one I "sold"?

Listen Fanny, I was sick

Sick of being alone, of having no job

She lived across the corridor. That's how I knew her.

She looked after me for four months when I was ill with a fever

Don't you think I would have too?

You weren't there and she fed me

So I kept her for five years

Where is she now?

She left long ago, taking my savings

Fortunately, I didn't have much

That's the woman whom, according to my son, I sold.

That's all there is to it

That's the extent of my crimes

Except for the sentence that started it all.

What sentence?

I've been banished

Since when?

You sentenced me eighteen years ago

You refused to let me stay here, the only town where I wasn't alone.

You knew that if I'd had a family.

things would have been quite different for me

I always knew that, Marius

We did it for the boy's sake

Why did you accept that?

You knew that if I'd had a son bearing my name, I'd have come back

Marius, Honorine was in tears

Fanny wanted to drown herself.

And Panisse ensured the boy's future

That's it exactly

You were stupid enough to think he needed money

and Panisse had plenty.

You were ten months old when I came back

I asked for my wife and child

You used him as the reason to send me away

You'd taken my place

Theirs was a ferocious love. I was a threat to the child's security

When you're scared, you easily believe evil of your enemy.

It suited you to believe I'd gone bad

It saved you feeling remorse

Remorse for what?

For years they've painted me as the villain and themselves as saints

Especially Panisse

Saint Honoré

He'd given the child a name

But I'd given him a son'.

I'm not criticising him. He was very kind.

But, I ask you, where was this great sacrifice he made?

At fifty, he took on a young, beautiful woman.

If that's a sacrifice, I know plenty who'd do the same any day

And you were happy to see me go

If I'd married Fanny, I'd have had authority.

over the family and the boy

Whereas you could have your way with Honoré

As for you, Fanny..

You're going to say I was happy.

I know you were miserable some of the time,

especially at night

You sacrificed yourself but you became a lady

You don't sell shellfish now. You eat them

You sacrificed yourself surrounded by servants.

sitting in an armchair beside a warm fire

You had a good meal every day.

and you brought a good appetite to your sacrifice

I know. I often thought about it

Should I have rejected the few advantages I had?

You did right to enjoy them. Never refuse a drink if it's offered

Your mother saw only three things: saving the family honour.

lying in bed late and listening to the radio

Everyone gained something except me'.

You painted me as the villain but I was the victim'.

A fine victim, coming back to shout at us

It's my right'.

You think so?

- There's duty too. - Shut up. Your father's talking

He's just found his son and he's already shouting at him

Naturally, that shocks you

Why are you blaming everybody?

I've every right'.

Your stupid solution didn't save her honour

Nobody said Fanny had done wrong but they thought.

Fanny has her head screwed on. Her child will be rich

And look at the result

My son hasn't my name

My wife is a widow.

and my poor father is a grandfather in secret

And none of us has a place that is really a home

Yes, it's a real mess

That was fine idea of yours.

sailing off on your oceanographic measurings

Don't cry, Fanny.

That won't help

I've not come here to make you unhappier than you have been already

I only brought these things up because of him

Our story only has relative importance, now that we're parents

But I felt I had to tell him.

he's the son of an honest man

You're old enough to make up your own mind

You've seen me working. You know what I do

I do my best

I'm no great thinker..

By the way, when you made me talk on the boat..

I realise now you were putting me through my paces

Maybe my theories on motors were far-fetched

But, when you've teachers, it's easy

They're knowledgeable and they can communicate that knowledge.

You only have to take it in

But I studied alone, at night.

The little I know wasn't given to me

I took it

I took it'.

You know where to find me now.

Maybe we could go fishing again sometime

Garage Marius Ollivier

in Toulon.

You'll find my name in the directory.

Where are you going?

Back home.

Well, what serves me as home

Hello, Marius.

Hello.

You came in that car?

I'm running it in for a customer

The Torpedo is yours?

They're good cars, very robust

Does the boy know you're here?

He left for Paris last night, to join the army.

As a soldier or officer?

In the ranks for a year.

That will do the spoilt brat good

I nearly didn't come. I was scared

And I was right

Scared of what?

I still love you, Fanny

Just as I always did

Even more than before

But it's no longer possible

Why not? I'm free now

- You suggest I marry you? - Why not?

That really would be dishonourable.

Putting on a dead man's shoes when they're still warm

I'd take Honoré's wife, shop, and his money.

and goodbye poverty'.

No, Fanny, it can't be done.

I helped earn that money

If I only kept my share, would you have me?

No, I wouldn't

I want you with nothing.

That's to say, as you were when I first knew you

That's easy. We can get rid of the money.

But the other day in Dad's kitchen.

you didn't seem the same girl.

You don't speak like you used to.

You have another look about you.

You've been with educated people

I'm just a worker. You might say an artisan

I don't pare my nails with a knife.

but if I were lucky enough to live with you.

perhaps I'd make jokes you wouldn't think at all funny

Perhaps when I tried to please you, I'd only shock you

I'd displease you

You, Marius?

You, displease me?

Yes, I feel awkward in your presence

I don't dare look at you.

In bed, I'd feel I was sleeping with the boss's wife

Maybe I'm too old.

Too old? Of course not'

You could be your son's sister. No, it's not that.

I'll tell you

I think you're too beautiful for me

You have your hair done in a salon, you paint your nails

Not that I object.

If I'd the money to give you what you're used to.

the house, the servants, the couturier clothes

You've had that money

It's marked you

On the contrary'

The money protected me

Listen to me

To you, I can tell everything.

I wasn't a good wife to Honoré

I did all I could to make him happy.

but very often I had the vilest thoughts

I often thought.

He's thirty years older than I am

If life is anything to go by, he'll die thirty years before me

If Marius is still free then..

You thought that?

I know it was horrible of me

Not that I wished he were dead

I nursed him like a daughter

And I mourned him genuinely

But he had to die one day

My great fear was..

I'd only be free when I was old.

Money helped me protect myself

Marius, if you want me, your love is all I desire.

I'll do all your accounts. I'll do the housework

I'll bring you your coffee

Marius, don't refuse me

Our son is grown up now. He's a man

He'll soon find a girl and marry

I'm alone, Marius

I only have you.

I feel it would be dishonest to accept such a sacrifice.

Give me a few days. I must decide what we do

And also if we have the right to do it

Forgive me. I long to kiss you

I'll telephone you tomorrow

He's so stupid

You were listening'.

I wasn't listening, but I heard.

- Who told you we were here? - Someone heard you phone Marius

And once again you interfered

If you and my mother hadn't meddled, I'd have been happy long ago.

Even now you want to put a spanner in the works

Don't shout at me, Fanny. I don't mean any harm.

I've always thought of you as a daughter.

I came with a message for you and Marius

He's gone

No, he hasn't. I think he has trouble with his car.

Who sent you?

Follow me and you'll see

What are you doing here?

I came to be shouted at for a change

What's wrong?

She won't start.

And you're a mechanic?

Even so.

Even so, I think it might start with this

What's that?

It's a piece you take out of the motor so a boat won't start

Where did you find it?

There

To keep you here longer

You usually want me to go.

Children, I heard some of what you were saying

You talk too much - or not enough

Marius, you're stupid to say Fanny will despise you

You're afraid of your son.

and of what he'd say.

I know what he'd say. He's said it

When?

The other night. It was he who heard you on the telephone

To his mind, there are only three solutions.

"Either mother will live alone.

and, if I marry, she'll make my wife's life hell

"Or she'll see your son in secret.

meeting him in squalid hotel bedrooms

"Or else they'll marry

"I'd prefer that they married"

He said that?

In his ceremonial hat.

Now I've delivered my message, I'll leave you.

so you can start your discussion all over again

I'll run you home

I'll take the bus

Come on, I'll drive you

Didn't I say I was taking the bus?

Father

If we marry, will you be pleased?

No. I'll be furious

Césariot will never have our name

No, he won't

But others will