Original subtitles

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Restored in 2015 from the original 35 mm negative

by the �clair Group and L. E. Diapason.

MURIEL OR THE TIME OF RETURN

What I need is a chest of drawers,

four feet wide, no more.

It has to go between windows.

If I can't find one...

I'll get a Swedish table in teak.

Nothing too antique.

You're dealing with two tastes, mine and my husband's.

You see what I want. I'm counting on you.

The frame must be in good condition.

Good-bye.

Really, you're so careless.

How can I sell a table that's stained?

How can I sell it?

- When is he coming? - In less than an hour.

Is he staying long?

Please don't ask him. He's old enough to be your father.

That's not the point.

And don't hold it against him.

Life hasn't been kind to Alphonse.

I'm off to see Muriel.

Be back for dinner. His first night.

Where did you meet this girl? Her name's not from around here.

She's sick right now.

No, she's not.

When will you get rid of this stupid dresser?

I've sold it. In three days.

You never know what period you'll wake up to in this place.

- Was that the Paris train? - Yes, it was late.

When is the next one due?

Tomorrow morning at 10:00.

You didn't see... a man alone... hesitating?

I just look at the tickets.

Maybe he was delayed.

I don't know.

It's so easy to miss a train.

You might have guessed.

Don't forget your gloves again.

I'll go look around. Maybe she's late.

See if there's a room free.

I'm speechless.

Haven't you got any luggage?

It's at the caf�. My niece is with me.

I didn't know you had a niece.

I told her to come. She needed to get away.

You did well.

Is she staying long? Just so I know.

As long as you wish.

Don't look at my hair. I meant to have it done.

Life is so hectic.

- Let me look at you. - Later.

This is Fran�oise.

H�l�ne, who's been kind enough to invite us to stay.

Are you a student?

An actress. Just starting out.

A lovely profession.

Rather tiring.

Let's go.

Have you got any change, Fran�oise?

Let me.

We'll walk.

I sold my car to a friend.

The weather's been awful here.

The same in Paris.

We're almost there. The sea is nearby.

- Can you hear it? - On windy days.

You look cold.

No, it's just the fresh air.

I'm glad. Doesn't feel like a small town.

You can't get an idea at night.

- I'm out of cigarettes. - We'll buy some on the way.

- I have some at home. - I only smoke Bensons.

You'll have to make do with Pall Malls.

- I prefer Gauloises. - I've got those too.

It's raining.

It's quite a short trip from Paris.

We often misjudge distances.

You see, it wasn't far.

It looks rebuilt. Because of the war?

A martyr city.

Many died, were shot. I don't remember how many.

Two hundred, 3,000. I really don't remember.

You had a narrow escape, like me.

I'm so moved.

I wanted to tell you -

I'll go first.

- I'll walk up. - Fifth floor!

ANTIQUE FURNITURE

I'll go first.

Sorry about the apartment.

I'm still settling in after nearly two years.

I recognize all your little touches.

- Make yourselves at home. - I need to warm up first.

I'll keep my overcoat on.

Since returning to France I feel cold all the time.

For tonight we could go to a hotel.

It's no trouble. There's room for everybody.

We'll manage.

You cut your hair.

You used to wear it long.

What will you drink?

Whatever you've got.

Any Schweppes? - No.

Some Muscat?

Don't open a bottle just for us.

You know it's no trouble.

I'll clear some space if you want to use the bathroom.

We might disturb you less if I shared Fran�oise's room.

Forget it. What should I call you?

Everyone calls me H�l�ne.

Can I help?

No, I'm used to it.

It's you.

There are two of them.

He must have picked her up on the train.

It's Bernard.

Go on!

- You don't look too happy about it. - Go on, please.

Bernard Aughain. Mr. Noyard and his niece, Fran�oise.

You must be tired.

We already feel at home.

Bernard's just back from military service in Algeria.

- I was still there a year ago. - We must have met.

Fifteen years in North Africa.

The best years of my life.

Just 22 months for me.

A beautiful country. The sun, the blue skies.

He looks like you, H�l�ne. - Funny. Everyone says so.

We resemble those we love.

To your good health. To your homecoming.

To think Bernard fought in Algeria!

Where did you live?

A northern suburb of Algiers. I ran a caf�.

You know how it is with the curfew - always closing, reopening...

It's a shop now, I hear.

What was it called?

You wouldn't know it. It was more like a private club.

I was fairly influential.

- What's that? - Remember these?

None of your jokes now.

It's not dangerous. It's asleep. It'll only wake up when it's warm.

Put it away! You're frightening them!

- I catch spiders by their legs. - It's his age.

- This is hardly the time. - The last of the monsters.

I can't touch a live bird.

- I'm a Scorpio. You? - I don't know. Lobster, maybe.

It's so late. You must be starved.

Sit wherever you like.

Damn! I've lost my keys again!

This is your style, H�l�ne.

I'm so fond of crystal.

Careful with the plates.

They're very delicate, and I sold them yesterday.

Bernard, get the wine that's cooling in the sink.

I bought chicken chasseur in a light mushroom sauce.

You're not on a diet?

You know what he loves: Italian salami.

Like you, H�l�ne.

Except you preferred ham. Those were the days.

You haven't taken any fennel or red cabbage.

Just ask.

Are the shops good here?

I stick to the same people.

You look pensive, Bernard.

I'm leaving for New Caledonia.

- Good idea. - Who gave you that idea?

Who gave you that idea? - No one.

Where were we going, the two of us?

Near �tampes. Because of the mirror in the hallway.

It made our faces look green.

You're a strange family. We never went anywhere.

- Where are you going? - I don't like chicken. I'll cook eggs.

It wouldn't hurt you this once.

Bernard just loves eggs.

Bernard, bring the spoons.

I'll get them.

Teaspoons or tablespoons?

Nothing's ever simple!

We should have eaten out.

Don't be rude to your mother.

- She's not my mother. - Who is she, then?

My father's second wife. I was already here.

- And your father? - He's dead.

I was saying we should have eaten out tonight.

I'll look after you better tomorrow.

I've been so busy with English antique lovers and experts.

They took forever to decide.

I'll help you.

- Do you like crossword puzzles? - Not at all.

They make me dizzy. Alphonse can't live without them.

He even had to buy a new dictionary.

His favorite cake!

Drenched in alcohol.

He can't sit still.

This is paradise.

No, thanks. I'm nervous enough.

It's bad when I'm in a radio show.

I end up flubbing my lines. And my poor memory!

People with good memories have an easier life.

Finish the cake.

I hear one should eat honey.

We're eating as if we were in a hurry.

You eat too much in the provinces.

In my business, watching others eat, you forget how to enjoy food.

You eat for nourishment, not taste.

H�l�ne, congratulations. We'll come again.

I've never seen my uncle like this. He's usually so nervous.

- Me, nervous? - What's the time?

Bernard!

I'll come with you.

May I?

Do people still swim in Boulogne?

You don't seem to be enjoying yourself.

What do you do?

You already know.

I'm back from Algeria.

What did you do there?

- Same as everyone else. - Is that all?

And now?

I'm back home.

Everything's for sale here!

That's not for sale.

Pity.

It would make a nice paper knife.

Do you have a job?

What is it? - I'm looking.

What for? What are you interested in?

- I look. - At what?

- Do you read? - A little.

I don't like reading anything too long. I'm very busy.

Why are you so busy?

If I were in antiques, I'd stick to Louis XV.

You're not easy to talk to.

I'd like to ask you a question. What are you doing here?

Accompanying my uncle.

Sure, why not?

Did you volunteer?

Yes.

You weren't happy?

Does Boulogne get on your nerves?

Shall we go?

Coming?

This place is an auction house.

I was in a film about war once, as an extra.

It was set in 1830.

It was exhausting.

I'd like to see you eat lemons.

I've got the lips for it.

Shall we go see the sea?

It's on my way.

I'm not used to walking anymore.

- What about your sister? - My sister?

- Isn't Fran�oise...? - Oh yes! She's my sister's daughter.

You couldn't have met her. She's dead.

Like everyone around me.

I'm sorry.

I was so afraid you'd be disfigured in the war...

wounded...

I don't know. I kept seeing you in my dreams,

with your head in the shadows as if to hide your face.

Tomorrow you can sleep late. We all do here.

That's good. I'm so lazy.

We're upsetting your routine. - Not at all.

What's it like here?

Fine. People in the north are supposed to be cold and indifferent,

but I've met some lovely people.

- Are apartments hard to find? - Like everywhere else.

There's a small core of rich people.

I became an antique dealer. A friend suggested I work at home.

There were no shops suitable to display furniture in.

Concrete walls, large windows.

Selling at home seemed best.

People think they're getting family treasures on the cheap.

Many families I deal with have become friends.

We should kiss, H�l�ne.

You seem afraid of me.

It's all so sudden. Tomorrow.

- Everything I do is misinterpreted. - That's not what I meant.

But we've become...

We've become...

We were stupid not to meet again.

You're going to too much trouble.

I need to move around.

Where the devil are my keys?

And this cart won't roll!

Let's not sit at the table as if we were at a vigil.

We're fine here.

Did you ever get married?

Did you?

I married G�rard Aughain.

He had a child, Bernard.

I think he loved me.

I was looking for security.

One's afraid to be different, but there's a price to pay.

I've lived these last years never thinking of myself. A full life.

On the go 24 hours a day.

Not a minute to myself.

I've never lost heart.

Admit that you've been happy.

Often there's no choice.

Let's not sit here.

I never imagined you'd settle in the provinces.

A seaport isn't exactly the provinces.

Do you live in the same place?

I never wanted to change my lifestyle, in Paris or Algiers.

Still, an extra room is nice.

Those palm trees!

You'd have liked it.

I never think of taking photos.

I can't get used to the idea that it's over.

I'm so conservative.

You were impossible.

Those phone calls at all hours.

I had to stay in, waiting for those calls.

I didn't dare go out. I missed all my appointments.

For days I'd be eating the langoustines you so craved.

Then you'd turn up...

when I was going to bed.

You were furious because I looked you in the eye.

I loved you with no help from you.

You only do that at 20.

I'm curious to know. What about afterwards?

During the Liberation, I fell in love with someone.

You don't mind me telling you?

We have nothing to hide.

And I feel obliged to tell you about my life.

She'd had a terrible experience in the war.

She'd been abandoned in September '39 by a good-for-nothing,

unable to accept being loved.

She'd been very unhappy.

It was her first love. I pitied her.

That's our story!

There's no relation.

Wasn't I abandoned like she was?

Let's not rake up the past.

But that's why you're here.

And you haven't even mentioned Boulogne.

I'm unforgivable.

The Folkestone Hotel. Three days' holiday.

We ate sole at every meal.

We got lost near that cold storage depot, and -

I have to go out.

Why are you looking at me like that?

- You're disappointed. - I can't help it.

I can't help it.

I must go out.

I was so looking forward to this.

Why did you write me to come?

Something you said gave me the idea.

"If you need me, get in touch. I'll drop everything for you."

Did I write that?

No, you said it.

You see, I did love you.

Roland de Smoke, who tore down what was left of the city in '45.

As a contractor.

Mr. Noyard, back from Algeria.

I'd like to talk to you about that. We know so little about the issue.

It'll be a long time before I speak of it freely.

Give us some time.

Roland lived right here, where we are.

It was bombed.

He's convinced my apartment is where his attic used to be.

I'm ready.

Have the children gone out?

Fran�oise has run off, as usual.

She probably went out with Bernard. It's quite safe.

You'd think I didn't matter.

How old is she?

I don't deserve such treatment.

If we see them, we'll say you're worried.

- We'll be late. - You mustn't get so worked up.

I shouldn't have come.

I was better off in Italy.

Well?

His hair's gone all white.

All white?

It's only natural that his hair's gone white.

He's just as I expected him to be.

Although his eyes...

Roland, what's the matter?

"I lifted the tarpaulin.

Muriel's eyes weren't closed.

'We're at war,' Petit-Rouge says to me.

'When you're a civilian, you can think what you like.'

I noticed he didn't wash his hands. He claims the soap hurts his skin.

They've got their revolution. What about us?

Go back to France, to find what?

In people's eyes, we were 'engaged.' I still have a silly snapshot.

It all started with Muriel.

Since Muriel, I'm no longer alive.

I think I want to die. At least, I no longer fear dying."

Poor H�l�ne.

Anyway, he didn't come alone.

He brought his niece with him.

- If I'd gotten a letter like that - - What would you have done?

You know me.

Disappointed?

Where has the sea gone?

It's actually high tide.

Is England straight ahead?

I was going to stay near Paris.

Without your uncle?

You've known all along. He's not my uncle.

I met Alphonse a year ago, when he moved.

- A very ordinary story. In Algiers? - No, Paris.

I met him at the radio studio.

I don't know what he was doing there.

Nothing, probably.

He laughed. So did I.

Love at first sight.

If you like.

He used to get tickets for opening nights.

He got me the part in that film.

I could have kissed him.

He didn't take advantage.

I was the one to thank him as he deserved.

It was only fair.

Why tell me all this?

Because you asked.

Sitting at caf� tables,

learning my ten lines...

I had enough of auditions.

"We'll be in touch." "We'll let you know."

I had enough.

Do you disapprove?

No.

I know how it is.

You're not listening.

It's none of my business.

I don't want to be unhappy.

I'm afraid if I'm miserable, I'll never get over it.

I wanted to act, like -

You sound as if you were applying for a job.

I always played the sorrowful child for my mother.

With Alphonse, I can... breathe again.

He's shrewd.

He's shrewd... and elusive.

I'll well aware of that.

When he got H�l�ne's first letter, he said, "Very timely."

All boyish.

I must leave you.

I'm sort of engaged to a girl who lives near here.

It'll take me an hour to go and come back.

There's a caf� nearby. The Amyot.

I'll meet you there.

You're not going to shuttle between her and me all night?

I should have known I had nothing to say to you.

You look very much like a boy I know.

We have time. Tell me later.

I can't keep her waiting, you understand?

I understand!

Isn't this your scarf? I found it in the roulette room.

I took the liberty of running after you.

You didn't have much luck. Alfred told me.

A bad day. My mind was elsewhere.

I'm sorry. I have nothing left.

Are you married?

To the girl in the cloakroom, the blonde.

The casino closes in winter. You can be together then.

We work the winter season on the Riviera.

That must be pleasant.

We never thought about it. It's very overrated.

Are you going to retire?

We'll get divorced first.

We haven't had time until now.

- It's all over? - It never started.

When I'm older, I want to do as I please.

See you tomorrow perhaps.

Perhaps...

but I've got relatives staying with me.

Well, hello.

Where's Fran�oise?

She was going to the movies.

- What do you think of her? - Nothing.

I forgot to sort out the beds.

You can sleep

at the Borghes' upstairs,

Alphonse in the living room, Fran�oise in your room.

Afterwards, we'll see.

I'll go sleep in my shack.

Be careful. The roof isn't sound.

Are you having something?

I saw you through the window.

Don't go to bed too late.

Did you lose?

I'll be fine.

You're back late.

You shouldn't have waited up.

Where do I sleep?

That's right. I forgot to tell you.

In the living room. I'll make up your bed.

Do you want something to drink?

Still taking all those pills?

Not at all.

I just take sleeping pills.

What time can we get a train to Paris tomorrow?

Forgive me.

You have so few nights free.

Must I ask for an appointment?

That evening in June '39? And your birthday?

Where were you?

We even looked for you at your mother's.

And that Sunday I waited for you with the picnic basket.

It's difficult.

I would disappear to make you miss me.

It was stupid.

I would wait for you to call, to come for me.

I could see us returning, me in tears and you laughing.

It never turned out that way.

And tonight, in Boulogne-sur-Mer?

It's nearly 1:00. We must rest.

Do you keep the demolition man waiting as well?

What do I still mean to you?

You can't be serious.

Am I supposed to be a reminder?

Doesn't it sound like, "Come and see me before I die"?

I don't know what made me do it.

One can't... control one's own feelings.

Of course, I could have not written you, played dead.

But suddenly I remembered your hands,

and then I heard someone with your voice, in the street.

I turned around. It wasn't you.

But... Simone is dead!

No! Who told you?

Who told me that she'd disappeared?

She's alive!

Don't let her come!

Why?

I don't know.

Do you want a pillow?

I wonder where your Bernard took her.

Did you see how he looked at me? - You're exaggerating.

What did he do in Algeria but occupy it?

Later he'll learn what war is.

You should understand him.

Leave Bernard and Fran�oise alone.

That morning, when I went to the one armoire that hadn't burned,

I ended up with white ashes on my fingers.

Rain dripped onto Bernard's little bed.

He was still terrified.

Aughain looked at me.

I took them both home.

The silverware had melted on the floor.

Bernard wouldn't let me out of his sight.

That's why he looks at you

as though he must justify himself.

It's hard for me to love him.

Could I have a front door key?

I'll leave one on the door for Fran�oise tonight.

I'm angry with you, H�l�ne.

All these memories.

1:00 already.

Tomorrow is Sunday. Is there a photo shop open?

I'd like to take your picture.

You know I don't photograph well. I always look blind.

Must we be so formal?

Where's Fran�oise?

Aren't you feeling well? I'm so worried.

- Any plum brandy left? - Fran�oise is taking your room.

I forgot to tell the Borghes. You could've cleaned your room.

I told you, I'd rather sleep at the studio.

I'll take the paper.

It isn't fit to live in. I don't know why you like it.

It's dangerous upstairs.

Just for one night. I'm going riding on the cliff early.

Are you alone?

- Is Muriel better? - Who said she was sick?

Why snap at me?

Got an alarm clock?

If anyone asks for me, don't say I'm at the studio.

Don't overwind it.

I hear voices in the dining room.

It's the neighbors. They talk all night long.

It comes up through the plumbing.

I can't understand them.

They're from the south.

Why didn't you keep our date at the Globe d'Or?

I wrote you in September, just after war was declared.

I was asking you to come.

I never got any letter.

Yes, you did.

You didn't want to see me anymore.

I wanted you to be my wife.

I was asking you to marry me.

I kept our appointment. I waited until midnight.

I didn't know what to order next.

You're lying.

- I swear - - Don't!

I mailed it at the main post office.

There was a Sunday collection.

What time is it?

Not late. Around 9:00.

I too had a horse once, when I was in Australia.

Are you new around here?

Yes. I'm very comfortable.

The police don't bother you?

No, I've got a license. I gather mussels.

Tell me, you ought to know.

Could you find me a mate for my nanny goat?

You must know a lot of people. - All right.

For my nanny goat!

Did Marie-Do come by?

No, I didn't see her.

No!

The casino is closing in two weeks' time.

Claudie, I can't explain every time.

Just believe me.

Thank you.

I swear.

I don't know, Claudie. Can you manage 10,000 francs?

I didn't know what was happening. I screamed!

Some days everything frightens us.

He seemed so nice. He was more surprised than me.

You have such strange adventures.

You're cold.

Let's go back.

I know that throat of yours.

It's always easier to talk outdoors, isn't it?

What's this called?

That's a pilocont�.

I used to fish trout out of a pool in front of my customers.

I've been watching you. You could do with less staff.

I'd like to start an exclusive snack bar here.

A buffet for rich people.

That's what I keep telling them.

- Boulogne is a small town. - You must know everybody.

Knowing people's first names isn't knowing them.

Damn! - What's the matter?

Does it show?

Not a window latch to be salvaged.

Not a window latch for me.

No kidding.

A documentary?

Worse.

You frighten me.

Listen, I'm not a mover.

Isn't this one less expensive?

What are we waiting for to party and be happy

You're not asleep?

Did I wake you up?

I must have fallen asleep. What time is it?

2:00 or 3:00, I think.

- I dreamed about you. - You shouldn't do that.

I'm right here. Don't close your eyes, Marie-Do.

Excuse me, do you have a Mr. Noyard staying here?

Disappointed?

I came to tell you.

I'm off to Montevideo. I just got the letter.

- It's all set? - Three years.

Three years go by quickly.

We'll talk tonight.

But I couldn't have.

Circumstances got in the way. We weren't in control.

But you believed her? Why?

You were capable of anything.

But you believed her!

I did... and I didn't.

That I would want you dead!

Nobody knew this woman.

I crossed the office I was working in,

covered up the typewriter.

I crossed the yard.

It was still light.

The ammunition shed was out in back.

I didn't see her at first.

As I went up to the table, I stumbled over her.

She looked asleep, but she was trembling.

They told me her name was Muriel.

It didn't seem to be her real name.

There were five of us around her...

talking things over.

She had to talk before nightfall.

Robert bent down and turned her over.

Muriel groaned.

She had her arm over her eyes.

We let go of her.

She collapses like a sack.

Then it starts again.

We drag her to the middle of the shed.

Robert kicks her in the hips.

He takes a flashlight

and turns it on her.

Her lips are swollen...

full of foam.

We tear off her clothes.

We try to prop her up in a chair.

She falls down again.

One arm is sort of twisted.

We have to get it over with.

She couldn't have talked if she'd wanted to.

I joined in.

Muriel groaned as she was slapped.

My palms were burning.

Muriel's hair was all wet.

Robert lights a cigarette.

He goes up to her. She screams.

Then she stared at me.

Why me?

She closed her eyes

and began to vomit.

Robert pulled away in disgust.

I left them all.

That night I went back to see her.

I lifted the tarpaulin.

As if she'd been a long time in the water.

Like a sack of potatoes split open.

Blood all over her body.

In her hair.

Burns on her breast.

Muriel's eyes weren't closed.

I hardly felt anything.

Nothing at all, perhaps.

I went to bed.

I slept well.

By the next morning...

Robert had disposed of her.

Where's that guy now?

Walking around Boulogne, like everybody else.

So are you.

Things happen that one couldn't imagine.

Once you start digging...

Me, I stay in my corner.

We would have hidden. You wouldn't have let me go to war.

We'd have tried to cross the Spanish border.

We'd have lived in Madrid...

poor and hunted.

And I'd have introduced you to my family.

You always thought I was an orphan.

My sister, my girlfriends from school,

my dog Lucky...

Then we'd have left for Africa...

together...

on one of those sailing boats that carry oranges.

It isn't worth worrying about.

The main thing is for you to feel at home here.

Comfortable.

Look at me.

Hurry, the car is downstairs.

Come in for a minute.

I'm not buying the table. It's too expensive.

- Are you alone? - Here, yes.

- Anything wrong? You look pale. - I'm frightened.

Why do you say that?

I don't know what's going to happen.

What more did you expect?

I wonder what I'm doing with my life.

Well, later I'll be my age.

Do I look my age?

What a state you're in!

He's always cold.

It's not his fault.

His overcoat is always lying around, his cigarettes.

I'm like him. I shouldn't be angry, but I am.

Bernard sneers, and you think I'm ridiculous.

I should have kept things to myself, not involved the whole town.

I should have gone into hiding with Alphonse the moment he arrived.

Just the two of us, far away.

It's my problem, no one else's.

And everyone sticks his nose in!

How you treat me!

Love affairs are like dinners.

Some guests behave, others don't.

I should have kept things to myself.

I should have.

I ruined everything.

And this apartment!

I so wanted it to be extraordinary and wild.

You need to sleep.

That's just it. I sleep, like everyone else.

Are you sure it's 220 volts here?

Of course. Roland was telling me -

Just what were you telling me?

Shall we go back?

Where?

We must leave.

Can you see me with H�l�ne in 10 years?

I can't see you with her now.

But she loves you.

That will pass, now that she's seen me.

Do you know what you're doing?

I'm thinking of you.

Easy to say.

And I'm thinking of her.

I prefer your memories to hers. They're more familiar.

It's just as though -

And especially those - - Finish your sentences.

I'm talking nonsense, I know.

Give me your arm.

We'll leave tonight.

In Paris I'm leaving you.

After Boulogne, it's impossible.

What about me?

I mean it. It has to be.

I'm late!

You know I don't like to run!

That's him, all right. Know where I can find him?

Marcel might know.

It's wonderful that we have so much time.

This is where it was.

Poor Folkestone.

They've made a crossroads out of it.

Mrs. Aughain, don't forget me. I've been dreaming of my round table.

Will you get it?

You gave the chest to Mrs. Zambeau that you'd promised me.

Here I am.

Shall we have a drink?

I never go to caf�s.

We're celebrating today.

I don't know this place.

It's nice.

Him again!

- Nothing for me. - Go on, have something.

Two shandies.

Help yourself.

Merci vielmol.

Did you see our customer?

Was that when you escaped?

I didn't escape.

Nothing so foolish.

Risk my life?

You wrote me

you were escaping to meet me.

I didn't have your address.

We parted in wartime. - I can still see that letter.

We can't rehash every detail.

Wasn't it you and I who loved each other?

Poor H�l�ne.

You deserved better.

Of course you did.

I followed you for an hour, then came up to you in the restaurant.

A young man came to the table and -

Hello, Robert.

Has Bernard gone to Paris? I haven't seen him for days.

No, he's here in Boulogne.

- Are you on leave? - No, discharged.

After the hospital in Paris.

I was sick.

I haven't seen Bernard for a week. - Were you badly hurt?

Just a small wound in my thigh.

I'll tell him. Are you still with your parents?

Why, no. How -

Forgive me!

My memory's so awful! I forget everything!

That's all right.

Try and get Bernard to go see his former boss.

It would be a big relief.

You must come visit us.

I didn't introduce you.

- Is Bernard here? - You never know when he's here.

He's discreet.

Forgive me. - I'm going up.

What are you doing here?

Can't I come to my own place?

It's strange seeing you here.

Will you show me something?

I don't want to be a filmmaker.

I'm just collecting evidence.

Against whom?

You wouldn't understand.

Go now, I beg you.

I'm going.

You've been back for over eight months.

Muriel isn't here, you know.

Can you lend me 3,000 francs?

I'm only interested in Muriel for your sake.

- Bernard. - What?

Well, was he there?

There was the Polish store, then the seed merchant.

What seed merchant! It was a Spanish grocer.

No, first the florist!

What about the fishing tackle shop?

Then the hosiery shop.

I don't remember that. It was a tobacco shop.

What are you talking about?

I've lived here for 30 years.

It was bombed, but I haven't forgotten my street.

I'm done with the sugar.

You haven't said a word.

I can't get a tan.

I burn too easily.

H�l�ne enjoys sunbathing.

Three, seven, nine - it never fails.

Many systems don't work in practice.

What would you have done in my place?

All right down there?

Were you better off behind your counter?

Didn't I say? I was the manager. I paid plenty to be left in peace.

At our expense?

In '40, during the war, we didn't have any radios to hear soft music.

Why didn't you stay there? Didn't you want Arabs in your caf�?

I respect all races, even though I can't stand Arabs.

Finish without me.

Your pencil.

You might think of us.

You're right. It's better that you go.

Someone's changed you, and I know who.

Whereas you don't change.

The things they invent in the papers. Today I read of a prisoner

released after rotting for eight years in Indochina.

- Alphonse loves the bizarre. - What can you do with him?

It's like the story of the sliding house. You know it, of course.

It's that tall building shaped like a toolbox.

There were sketches, a pilot study, blueprints,

300 pages of descriptions and measurements.

Work finally started with 1,000 pages of specifications,

with full insurance coverage.

In short, the building went up.

All the doorknobs and fittings are in place.

The building's ready, the windows are in, but...

it's sliding away,

and the cliff is receding.

So we're waiting for it to collapse.

It's new, empty, and we're waiting for it to collapse.

It won't make a pretty ruin.

A pile of rubble and rusty iron.

Not a window latch to be salvaged.

Not a window latch for me.

At the casino they don't serve scallops.

Sometimes tuna, flounder. It's a revelation.

- They're wonderful. So light. - We don't eat them on the coast.

There's a wonderful restaurant, Chez Adrien, the Lobster King,

in Paris near the Gare Saint-Lazare.

They boil the lobster alive in front of you! You get used to it.

It's like live eels.

The cook here got deported.

If he had died, we'd have lost the recipe.

I'll try to make it like he does.

I prefer grilled herring, fresh.

With mustard sauce!

A man isn't a bird.

I don't see him flying, a cigarette in his beak.

- He's got a bird's eye. - A strange bird!

I have 200 windows to sell,

95 assorted doors, 30 fireplaces,

plus 150 used cars in perfect condition.

I even have the marble staircase of the old Folkestone Hotel.

- And the submarine? - The navy wouldn't sell it.

I also have a caravan of trailers and six airplane engines.

You wouldn't happen to have a fur coat?

Where are we going?

I'm taking Fran�oise to watch the trawlers come in.

I'll bring her back.

She doesn't realize how rude she's being.

It's her age. It doesn't matter.

- Not to you, H�l�ne. - Forget it.

I owe you. I'll pay you back tomorrow.

I lost the key to my desk.

It's better not to be young like Fran�oise...

but like you.

- Good night. - Won't I see you tonight?

- I won't stay out long. - Going to the casino?

Should I come with you?

You wouldn't enjoy it.

See you later.

Better watch out. Someone's been talking.

Who?

That Alphonse who's staying with you, hanging round.

I never let it bother me.

One day he'll leave without warning.

People confide in me. I've seen his hands, and I know.

Lend me some money. I really need it.

Stop gambling. Your friend suspects the worst.

We suspect each other. That's the trouble.

Let me have 20,000 francs.

I already have a mortgage on your apartment.

I know, my sweet. It's a good deal for you.

- Your Alphonse is frightened. - We're all frightened.

But when you're frightened, you forget.

You know I once loved him?

Good night, Claudie. Thank you.

Alphonse, it's you.

Is that you, Alphonse? It's me, Ernest.

- Did it go badly? - Why?

What's wrong?

I don't mean to criticize, but admit it -

Did I hurt you?

We must leave.

Why aren't you in bed?

I never know what you're thinking.

It's as if you've forgotten I'm here.

That forest..

trees without birds.

Rain is falling.

You're gathering wood, twigs. We pile them up and light them.

For a long time you watch the glowing wood.

After an hour, the wood is blazing in the rain.

You're in a frenzy.

You run to feed the fire, dance around it, dragging me along.

Darling! You're soaked to the skin. You're so careless.

That day I knew I loved you.

I can't follow you.

I tried to kill myself.

- Today? - No, of course not.

You know when I mean.

I still bear the scar.

The night you went to a meeting.

You never asked me about it.

Is that all you care?

How many times did you pretend to die?

And Simone would happen to drop by for news.

I can't help it if I'm to be pitied.

Don't answer it.

Why did you ask me to come?

Tomorrow we'll lunch at home. It'll be fun. We'll ask Claudie.

You know -

I'll get it.

Just a moment. Alphonse, it's for you.

Speaking.

No, don't.

Where are you?

Certainly not. I'll be right there.

A cruise ship has run aground near the beach. It's all lit up.

It's fantastic, like a big celebration.

What a sight! We could swim to it!

Is that for television?

A beer.

What are you doing? Hiding?

I saw H�l�ne Aughain at the Brasserie Alsacienne.

She wasn't alone.

Not in bed yet?

I'm going to bed late...

for a change.

Be quiet.

I know that boy.

- She told me to encourage you - - To go back to the office. I know.

You were supposed to stay two days in Boulogne looking for a job.

We haven't heard a thing.

Simone is frantic.

- Our plans? - All off.

Everything you said in Marseille?

That's all past.

I run around all day looking. Tomorrow I've got an interview.

What is courage?

I don't think you can handle it.

Who's this Aughain woman? You're coming back with me tomorrow.

You and your camera!

What can you film at night, without sun?

Give me two days. I'm expecting an answer.

Leave my camera out of this!

Call Simone. It won't take much to please her.

You want to tell about Muriel? It's not for telling.

Shut up about Muriel!

You've got two days.

Call Simone. Don't let me down.

Got any money?

It's a trap, really.

You make a fuss over nothing.

"You're right.

Time to leave."

Roland, it's me, H�l�ne.

No, I'm frightened. What should I do?

You had barred your door to us.

You lived in a bathrobe...

and ate yogurt.

Don't close your eyes, Marie-Do.

You should film that stranded ship. It's like a monster.

Muriel, come here at once!

Some people attract stains more than others.

I'm one.

- Robert followed me. - Nonsense.

I think he resents me.

I'm frightened.

Are you sure?

You don't know him.

You're right. I have to talk to him.

Marie-Do, it's so easy to be happy with you.

Look, Claudie, half of it tomorrow, I promise.

I think it would be better if you left.

Wouldn't it be easier if I stayed?

Where's downtown, please?

This is it.

- What's wrong? - I'll stay in a hotel while I wait for you.

Why?

I'm sorry I met H�l�ne.

Mireille got him to like old books. She buys him fine editions.

That life is over.

Loud shouting, cars with loudspeakers,

speeches on village squares,

leaflets.

This is France.

The thing is for every Frenchman to feel alone, to be frightened to death.

He'll surround himself with barbed wire.

He hates trouble.

So let's keep him at gunpoint, without shooting.

- You like what's happening? - Of course.

You still thinking about Muriel? Is that what's bothering you?

What about the amnesty?

Others should hide, not us.

- So I'm in the way? - Not yet.

But you must get it over with.

Actually, you want to die.

Why do you say that?

- Don't trust little Marie-Do. - You're a bastard.

You know the whole town!

Don't wait till tomorrow.

Enter our great contest:

"The Future Is Ours!"

That's where I used to live.

I miss you, H�l�ne.

We'll bring you oranges!

Sorry I couldn't come yesterday.

That's okay. I managed.

A woman was asking for you.

Young?

She looked like a Parisian.

No message?

She seemed in a hurry.

Mr. Noyard, please.

He isn't here. Who's calling?

When we leave, it's forever.

Then people would never leave.

If you leave, I won't see you again.

If I believed that, I wouldn't leave.

- If you leave, you won't see me again. - You don't mean that!

We're decorating a country house.

We must respect its style.

It doesn't really have a style.

Well, it's old.

I've got a beautiful rustic armoire.

I'm sorry. My husband is sleeping.

He has a weak heart.

I don't have everything here.

I can show you more tomorrow.

Can we mix styles?

Certainly.

Would you have a painting of some elegant ruins?

Nothing sad.

A cliff with little temples,

fishermen and townsfolk, and lots of sky.

We'll call again.

I'll show you out.

It's good to go back to old things, especially in this town.

They saw you on my bed.

I wasn't doing anything wrong.

Somehow I've been able to sleep again here.

I fixed up a bedside lamp so you don't strain your eyes.

No one's looking. - Let me finish.

Finish what?

You're the one who asked me to come.

I rushed here without a thought.

One can never guess your moods.

Can't we be done with the past?

We are.

It's actually a very ordinary story. What a comfort!

You're amazing. You are!

We never really know the one we love.

We think we do, but we don't.

Cada persona es un mundo.

I hope you'll need me for a long time.

Will you need me for a long time?

I hope forever.

You've been through my things.

- Looking for what? - Just looking.

- And I wanted to marry you. - Don't be a fool.

It's hard enough living with you. - With me?

Near you.

Were you fiddling with my tape recorder?

I only moved it to make room.

What's on the tape?

Secrets? Confessions?

I'm sick of this dump that feeds on memories!

What a family! And now you slap me!

Those two aging lovebirds!

And you're crazy! - Possibly.

I complain to everyone when I'm unhappy.

Don't get all upset.

I'm leaving.

You can stay.

And a chocolate bar.

- Aren't you Mrs. Clore's daughter? - No.

I could have sworn!

I'm often mistaken for someone else.

Hand me the napkins on the little table.

Hold them flat.

Linen wrinkles so easily.

When are we leaving?

You told me we were leaving.

I can't do that to H�l�ne.

She's being very kind to us.

We could wait a day or two.

Time enough to talk to her.

Did you really love H�l�ne?

What about her?

How do you expect me to answer?

Yet she got you to come here.

She's that kind of girl. She needs everybody around her.

You've aged so much in a few days.

If I met you now for the first time in the street, I'd help you across.

I'm leaving.

You idiot!

Can't you see I'm changing the film!

Too late now.

Making yourself useful?

Helping H�l�ne.

Why stare at me?

I'm trying to imagine you in Algeria.

I'll answer you when I'm dressed.

I'm not frightened.

Great. And the children will dance at the wedding.

I'll buy you a ticket for Paris in the morning.

There's a train tonight. I'm all packed.

I wouldn't want to be in your shoes.

I end things quickly!

Easy to say.

- Eavesdropping? - I waited politely at my own door.

Don't take it out on the azalea.

You don't seem to enjoy visits.

Is it natural to walk around town all day?

For Alphonse to see so many people?

Or go through our things?

He doesn't even have the courage of his opinions.

I know what I'm talking about.

I followed Alphonse through the caf�s.

He buys rounds for anyone who'll listen.

He goes in all the bakeries as if he weren't eating enough.

Don't you know him?

Enough!

Don't you have anything to be ashamed of?

Haven't I been lenient enough?

My brooch, last year,

when you were on leave - - I didn't sell it.

Here it is.

Bernard, what does this mean?

I'm moving to the studio.

We'll get along better apart.

You're always late.

Careful!

- Hello, Claudie. - Hello. Do you know Marc?

I'll go first.

Hi. I brought Marc. You don't mind?

Another cactus?

Where shall I put this? - In the kitchen.

Did I tell you I found a hairdryer?

You really don't mind about Marc? He seemed so lost.

Here's the mayonnaise...

and here is...

lobster...

cold meats...

headcheese for those who like it, and cornichons.

H�l�ne, champagne. Remember?

When I walked into the restaurant and ordered people to stop eating!

A woman handed me a ring. She thought it was a robbery.

We were so drunk! Then the car went into the pond.

We'd lost our way. The tires were covered with grass.

Isn't Bernard here?

So people still laugh!

Let's make some punch!

Remember the punch when the casino opened?

You never told me where you wandered all night.

It's for you.

I'm not here.

Go tell him yourself.

I'll go. I'll say you're out.

Hello? Mr. Noyard isn't here.

It must be hard to be an actress here. Who can discover you?

I did Patachou's hands. She looks much younger.

She's all right.

She looks pretty good.

No, all right.

He hung up.

But it can't be!

It was Ernest's voice.

I looked at him and said to Fran�oise, "It's him."

He was dressed for skiing in June.

"What are you doing here?" You know what he answered?

"I'm skiing at Arcachon, on a slope of pine needles.

It's better than snow!"

Lend us your tape recorder.

I never recognize my voice.

It doesn't work.

Those gadgets are too fragile.

In Africa, I taped music off the radio for my customers. It was great.

- It must have been fun. - It was!

Well, as much fun as it could be down there.

I've won that trip to London. You lost the bet. Pay up!

I can't find the nutcracker.

Could this do?

Don't worry. These glasses aren't valuable.

- I think that was the doorbell. - I'll go.

Can't we have some peace on a Sunday?

- Mrs. Aughain? - Ernest, it's you.

You know me?

I'm H�l�ne.

They told me -

They just told me too...!

This is really a pleasure!

Yes, I remember now. You were so thin.

We're finishing lunch. Come in. - No, I can wait.

Alphonse is here. I suppose you're looking for him.

So he came to Boulogne for you?

For me?

A ghost from the past: Ernest Choisy.

Bernard Aughain, my friends. We'll make room for you.

Take my seat. I'm finished.

I work 10 hours a day, yet I read.

I read till the book falls from my hands.

He's a fishy type from the suburbs.

That's like him, overeating.

I like a book only when I've seen the movie.

He's like a cat. He can smell the lobster.

How long are you staying?

- Same as you. - On business?

When I heard Alphonse was here -

He was the one skiing on pine needles!

How long since we last met? - Exactly seven days.

I'll go.

For you.

Thank you, Claudie.

What a nice thought.

I'm sorry I came empty-handed.

Not only autos go a hundred.

Not only autos go a hundred

How annoying

Time too rushes on

In such a hurry How insane

Take it easy, Mr. Time Slow down at the curve

Yesterday just a kid and already I have white hair

Truly I do... already

Usually, it's at 25 or 30

That we start talking about our age

Already

At 35 and 40 we say it more often

A little less at 50

Already

Then when we're old, well, We don't say it, but many times

We look at old photos

You see yourself as a kid in the arms of a young mother

No doubt saying happily He's six months old

Already

If only women could be 20 forever and men could be 30

What a dream!

But not a chance

We have to age We have to die

There is happiness down here but since we don't see it

We prefer to fear the future, regret the past

Already

Not long ago, daring Lindbergh

Flew down from the skies

So far away, so long ago

Already

Still further back, it was the Cartel Still further yet, Deschanel

And way back, C�cile Sorel

Already

Despite our tears, despite our tricks

Fate has its fun with us Everything moves on

Alphonse, let me speak.

I didn't come here for fun.

I'm not meddling in H�l�ne's affairs. She can take care of herself.

But Algiers is like everything else.

He cries when he talks about it, but he never set foot there.

Never!

Like in '45. Didn't he tell you he was a secret agent?

Four identities, multiple birth certificates.

Visits to Buckingham Palace,

villas in Cairo, producing movies!

As for his bankrupt restaurant, he's more discreet.

I've come to take you back. That's all there is to it.

You understand...

he's married to my sister, Simone.

I'll say what I like, Alphonse.

You're bankrupt.

Simone is alone with the restaurant on her hands.

And I can't do anything more.

Here you are back with H�l�ne after all these years.

Why, I don't know.

We never knew what you two wanted. That's what killed Simone.

Well, what almost killed her.

You're wrong.

When we were a singing duo in the war, that's what you did best.

Alphonse, you're coming with me.

When his Algeria story bores people,

he'll switch to your tragedy, H�l�ne.

Why didn't you tell H�l�ne I had set a date with her,

that Sunday in September '40, at the Globe d'Or?

To tell you -

There's no point now. You wouldn't understand.

And I never sent my letter.

You make me laugh. That's not love!

I'm taking you back, Alphonse. I'm taking you back!

Fran�oise, the tape recorder.

I didn't mean to press the button.

I only heard laughter.

Don't look at me that way.

Was it you?

Friends of yours?

Someone who died?

H�l�ne, where are you?

Hello. De Smoke?

H�l�ne isn't here anymore.

No, it's serious.

We must find her.

I don't know!

Yes, perhaps.

- Are you from here? - Yes.

Robert.

What is it?

Come down!

Come down! - Why?

I said come down!

No...

don't come down!

Have you found a mate for my nanny goat?

For my goat.

I wanted to write to tell you to forget our silly disagreement.

And here you are.

You took the first step.

Thank you.

Antoine will be happy.

He has a soft spot for you. Come in.

Antoine, guess who's here.

We've got a rush job for a wedding.

The bridegroom's suit. You know him.

Maurice's son. The kid who used to follow you around.

Will you have something? Coffee?

No, thanks.

We saw your sister. She's changed so much.

You should see her. That's all she wants.

And Bernard? We don't see him around.

- He's fine. - Isn't he thinking of marriage?

He should settle down at his age.

- He's just back from military service. - You only think of marriage.

Our young neighbor is back from the service too.

It transformed him.

The little one is asleep.

She looks like you.

She's as well-behaved as a grown-up.

Thank you for the money order.

We've been lucky. She didn't have a cold all winter.

Did you hear that?

It's a plane.

I hope it wasn't Bernard.

I'm going.

You remember the ceiling full of holes,

the linen turned to ashes, the melted silverware?

The snow fell on my bed.

No, it was rain. It was rain!

Your hair was white from the plaster.

You know, I'm going to leave.

This is good-bye.

I don't think I'll be coming back.

But you have no money.

It doesn't matter.

Stay with us a while.

You look dreadful.

Get H�l�ne a little brandy.

Where would you go?

- We must let Muriel know. - Who's Muriel?

Bernard's fianc�e.

I've never met her.

Bernard told me he knew a Muriel.

One mustn't disturb her.

If only I'd done what I should have.

Bernard can't be far away.

He'll realize how worried we are.

Surely he'll come back.

I wish it could end that way.

I'll get some cigarettes.

The Paris train?

It doesn't stop here anymore.

You catch it at the new station.

Things change.

- You think we can convince them? - I hope so.

It would settle everything.

Alphonse?

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