Original subtitles

My God, I am going to die.

I was so despondent day before yesterday

that I wanted to be anywhere but home for an evening

that promised to be as long as the one before.

Despite the burning fever consuming me,

I had them dress me and take me to the Vaudeville.

Julie put rouge on my cheeks

or I'd have looked like a corpse.

I went to the box

where I'd given you our first rendezvous.

The whole time I kept staring

at the chair where you sat that day.

I coughed

and spat blood all night.

Today I can no longer speak.

I can hardly move my arms.

My God!

Once I have confessed, dress me in that gown.

I can speak, but I suffocate when I do.

Give me air!

Armand...

Marguerite,

Marguerite, my darling.

Don't die.

My love...

I love you.

My love, you're here.

THE DIVINE SARAH BERNHARDT

That evening, there were 29 curtain calls.

27.

27, are you sure?

Absolutely. It was the 300th performance at the Renaissance.

Take that down, Maurice.

Done.

- When can we read it? - Soon.

When my memory fails, I say the opposite of press clippings.

That way I tell the truth.

You taught me truth is only in the present,

so isn't telling it already a lie?

If one can't tell the truth, one must lie with great sincerity.

Do you have a title?

What do you think of

"Memoirs of Sarah Bernhardt, World's Greatest Star"?

Perhaps a bit pretentious.

Or "The Divine." That sounds nice. And it's original.

I wanted you to know:

I've just bought land on Belle-Île.

You already own half the island!

It's just a lot on the coast to build my tomb, like Chateaubriand.

Belle-Île is far away, Mother.

So what? Am I to end up in Père-Lachaise like everyone else?

At least I could come every day.

Here we are. Ready for the butcher.

The Operation

All taxis are requisitioned to transport troops.

Maurice found the only limousine left.

At the station, it was a holy mess.

People are running scared:

The Germans could reach the capital.

May I? I must take your pulse.

Don't look so glum. It'll go fine.

They've already removed a kidney and a lung, so a leg...

These flowers...

They're oppressive.

Dearie, hand me a letter.

Of no interest.

Let's see.

Another German with a death threat.

To think they mean to shoot you if they win the war.

Such cowards!

I must leave you.

Samuel, I'm all yours.

But first, give me a kiss, and please,

don't get the wrong leg.

I thought it was an arm!

I'll be watching. I sleep with one eye open.

- I operate with one hand. - The one with two fingers?

Louise, say goodbye.

No funny stuff. You'd better come back.

My loyal friend.

I'm not worried.

You're not through with us.

I should hope not.

Maurice darling,

know that my love for you is boundless,

that the tears moistening my eyes when I die

will be of regret we are forever parted.

You'd better not die, Mother.

- You'd better not. - I'm not allowed to.

Clemenceau said I'm a national treasure.

I should be a museum piece.

Now, now. Buck up!

In six months I'll be back on stage.

I jumped. There was no mattress.

My knee went like this: Crack!

I sure felt the difference.

Well, I kept playing!

Sarah!

My dear Lucien!

I'd given up hope.

How do you feel?

You forgave me long ago.

I never apologized.

Do you think it's too late?

What are you talking about?

Apologize for what?

For the pain I caused you.

I wanted to tell you, in case...

In case what?

What are you talking about?

What's got into you? Is she drugged?

I'm as blameworthy as you.

Go on, darling.

Don't stay here. You'll catch your death.

What's keeping you? I'm ready.

Arise children of the fatherland

The day of glory

has arrived...

I may have 10-15 years left.

Why condemn me to suffer?

I beg you, cut this leg off.

May it run by itself where it pleases.

Or else I'll shoot myself in the knee. You'll have to cut it off.

I want to live fully or die now.

They're amputating legs of poor 20-year-olds.

And arms meant to hold.

Why refuse my request?

Out of the question. Cut it off now!

I had a horrible nightmare.

I was in my coffin,

one less leg.

My sister was lying next to me.

Suddenly,

she started to suffocate

and held out her hand to me.

But I couldn't move. I was paralyzed.

Just then, my mother came in the room and insulted me.

I said to her, "Stop!

"Your daughter is dying.

"She's dying."

I'm here, darling.

I'm here.

That's how my sister died. Like that.

I know.

Where is Maurice?

Where is Maurice?

Where is my beloved son,

my darling Maurice?

Fetch him, please.

Here you are at last!

How are you?

If I only knew.

- Are you in pain? - I'm suffering...

Suffering. It's silly.

What hurts is my missing foot, leg and knee.

Damned ironic!

Samuel!

Thank you.

Thank you.

Did everything go well?

Perfectly well.

How long did this little business take?

Fifteen minutes.

Is that all?

Hear that, Lucien?

A gam is gone in no time. Terrifying!

A week later

How is Miss Sarah Bernhardt today?

Better. Much better.

In fact, she has another visit.

Another Mr. Guitry.

Your son, I believe.

Tell Miss Bernhardt I'll stop by tomorrow instead.

- Yes, Mr. Guitry. - Thank you.

Barnum circus offered $100,000 to exhibit my leg.

I sent a telegram asking, "Which one?"

Already too thin

and they remove a chunk! What'll they call me now?

The Cripple?

The Lopsided?

You'll always be "My Lady of the Stage,"

"The Divine."

Don't worry, The Divine is just queasy.

I'm far too foolish to want to die now, in the prime of life!

I'll let you rest. The surgery must have drained you.

No, dear Sacha. It'll pass.

Maurice said you want to discuss a project.

Maybe not the right time.

Sure it is.

What else can I do, rearrange the furniture?

I've decided to immortalize our great men and women

by filming them.

I want you to be part of it.

If only I'd seen da Vinci paint the Mona Lisa.

Imagine if movies had existed.

It would surely have been magnificent.

It'd leave valuable information about famous people to posterity.

Will anyone care about Sarah Bernhardt in 30 years?

I'm sure of it!

Like they'll finally recognize Rodin's talent.

"Nations have great men despite themselves."

I will film Rodin,

as well as Monet, Renoir, Anatole France

and Degas, if he agrees.

What's the problem?

Does he bite? Does he kick?

I hear he's unbearable.

I'm game once I'm back on my feet.

Or on my foot.

What about your father?

What about him?

Don't neglect the most talented actor of our time.

He neglects me.

Use this opportunity to mend bridges.

After ten years, it's time.

I want nothing to do with him. Nor does he.

Sacha, you love each other, don't you?

It's over between us

and you can't change it.

Maybe I can.

I fell out with your father as well.

You?

For reasons that were not unrelated to your quarrel.

How so?

Go on. You've said too much or not enough.

Sarah,

please.

If it can help you reconcile.

Tell me.

It was supposed to be a wonderful day.

"Sarah Bernhardt Day,"

in tribute to me.

But it turned out to be the most horrible.

The day I lost the love of my life.

20 years earlier

Just think! It'll be Sarah Bernhardt Day.

I'm very moved by my friends' tribute.

Why has the French government never done one?

If I had testicles, I'd have received an award long ago.

- Can I record that for my readers? - You must!

- Help me, Suzanne. - Now?

Isn't this what I came for?

For 29 years I've given the public

the vibrations of my soul, the beats of my heart, my tears.

I've played 112 parts.

I've struggled like no one!

What more must I do to deserve this day?

Must I die?

Yet some protest,

saying it is disproportionate for an actress.

- Then dry up the poison pens. - How?

Say I am a militant doyenne of an inspiring art.

That I'm the priestess of poetry.

That across oceans I have carried the genius of my nation,

and therein lies my pride.

Foreign audiences don't know French.

That is true talent!

The language of my emotions will give them access to a work.

It is easy to be a great king when one is king.

It is easy to be a great king when one is king.

That's gorgeous.

Let's see the other one.

Gorgeous, too.

Superpose them.

No, better on its own.

It is easy to be a great king when one is king!

You see?

Lucien?

Sarah.

I came to see you, but now's not the time.

Charlotte Lysès,

pleased to meet you.

I've heard about you since the cradle.

You don't say.

Charming.

I've never heard of you.

You will.

See you later, Lucien.

No. I always sleep in my own bed.

And I have so much to do today, Mr. Rostand.

Aren't you lucky.

Luck doesn't exist. It must be seized.

Get a hold of yourself, Edmond.

You've had a minor flop. So have I, then.

- You're still young! - Not anymore.

Your play's good and you know it.

You think so?

Yes. The Paris audience just wasn't ready for it.

What are you working on?

I'm writing a play.

Perfect.

For me?

- The hero is a man. - So what?

The role's for Coquelin.

You're a traitor, Edmond.

Especially when I'm with you, not my wife.

What's the play called?

I don't know yet.

"Cyrano."

Or "Cyrano de Bergerac."

Not bad, but can't you do better?

Is it really worth it? I must think it over.

If it's worth it?

Just write, damn it! You can think later.

Write!

Pitou!

Pitou!

Where'd that beast go?

What a state you're in!

You look like...

Like nothing.

You're ridiculous.

I was asleep.

My word! You're always tired.

Madam, it's 3 a.m.

So what? Do I sleep?

How would I make a living if I were as lazy as you are?

You get rich by giving your all.

Ponder that before going back to bed, lazy bum!

Why did you summon me?

Ah yes.

Where did you put d'Annunzio's play?

In the bin, like you asked me to.

Who, me? Liar!

Ask him to send it again.

Now?

Why, yes!

Ok.

Sorry for the interruption.

Vuitton delivered my 200 trunks. I hope it's enough for the tour.

Pitou!

Now what?

Take this to Lucien and wait for his answer.

Any news of my costumes from Italy?

At the theater later.

Perfect. I can finally finish my costumes

and rehearse in dress. I can't wait.

I've so dreamt of playing Lorenzo.

Go on!

Are you finished?

May I continue?

What a chore! I had to cut so much

to whittle a 6-hour play down to 2 hours.

That takes nerve!

Musset had his whims and I have mine.

No female character

has allowed me to attain such heights of human suffering,

except perhaps Phaedra.

Because most plays are by men.

A shame, for women have equal talent, but they aren't allowed to express it.

Lucky they don't mimic us.

You'd have them submissive and obedient?

Perhaps. I love them as they are.

Pregnant every year?

It's what they're for. There's nothing nobler.

What's more important than childbearing?

They can't have a bank account, work, choose a husband or vote.

Their essential mission is motherhood.

No, it's to live free.

Please resume the pose.

Free with their body and their mind!

For an artist you're backward.

Women devoted to art are hybrids,

monsters of the species. Vegetal beings.

Louise, honestly!

Why thank you.

I wasn't a perfect mother but he never lacked love.

Or money!

True.

He just squanders your fortune.

- He's right. - Force him to find work,

an occupation.

I found him one.

Not theater director, I hope.

Oh, shit.

- Kiss your revenue goodbye. - So what?

Money was made to be spent freely.

He'll ruin you.

- Act more responsibly. - Impossible.

Get off my back!

You're incapable of having progeny.

You can't understand the joy of a mother's sacrifices!

A conscious choice.

This tea is awful!

Alright,

are you finished?

Look at what I brought you.

Careful. I finished it last night.

Thank you. It's superb.

- Beautiful, isn't it? - Oh, yes.

Not bad.

Lucien hasn't been keeping in touch.

So? He's busy.

He has work, too.

He's changed. Last time I saw him I felt...

Felt what?

Go see him. It'll clear things up.

I waited for him in Parc Monceau. He was with a young woman.

That's a sign of good health.

You know something?

You've seen him?

No.

Liar.

I'm telling you so.

You sure?

Yes, you idiot.

He's avoiding me. He doesn't even bring Sacha.

Now relax.

You're imagining things.

If he left me, I'd die.

Don't be silly.

Stop! I'm not in the mood.

Come on. Loosen up.

Forget everything.

You can't refuse pleasure.

10 years earlier

Lucien, my Eros

Take me, now.

I missed you so.

I counted the days until I'd see you.

You're the only person I take pleasure with.

Who brings me to climax.

What about your husband?

Has he never...

No, only you.

It's not only good, it's beautiful.

I wonder why you and I never married.

Are you serious?

You're right, it's absurd.

But I'm pleased you could ponder it, even for a second.

I love you, Sarah.

And I love you, Lucien.

You're my god.

Your Eros, then, I hope.

What are you thinking?

I was imagining myself as Mrs. Guitry-Bernhardt.

And?

You'd never wait two years for my return from the tour.

Nor would you.

True. But I'd come with you.

You'd sacrifice your career?

Yes.

Are you kidding me?

No.

Well,

I'm pleased you could ponder it, even for a second.

"When the Earth

"Goes high in the sky..."

See, darling. Yes, kitty.

"I couldn't say it

"To anyone but you."

You see?

"Yes, I will go

"Wherever you go..."

Yes, my baby. Yes, my lovely.

I stumble on this passage.

Would you agree

to be Sacha's godmother?

Lucien!

With pleasure!

Are you sure?

Or I'll ask Réjane.

I saw you watch her during last night's performance.

Jealous?

Of what?

Her foul-smelling breath?

That's unfair, Sarah.

You can at least admit

her acting is more poetic than yours.

Nonsense!

Where the ordinary meets the exceptional,

the superficial meets the profound.

Scoundrel! Just you wait.

Will you be mean?

Worse, cruel.

Promise?

I'm tense as it is.

You asked for it.

- Too bad if I come. - I despise waste.

Madam Sarah...

Could you please write your name?

- My name? - Yes, please.

Why, yes.

- What are you doing? - I don't know, Lucien.

Signing!

It's very amusing. There.

- Me, too, please. - Oh, yes. How amusing.

I sign the handkerchief?

Put "For Madeleine."

I may be starting a trend!

You too, Mr. Guitry. Please.

So amusing.

When you speak your lines, you're wonderful.

But your silences are the most admirable.

Because I write the silences.

I spent my childhood with a nursemaid.

I so wished my mother would take me back.

So I jumped out a window

from the second floor.

Poor darling.

Kneecap and arm broken.

I never regretted it, because she hastened to me

and kept me for a while.

Afterward came the convent.

And then she sold me.

She forced me to sit in the lap of a client.

He raped me. More than once.

Is the bastard still alive?

I doubt it.

What's his name?

If he's alive, his days are numbered.

You won't forsake me, will you?

Never.

- Promise? - It's a promise.

If you promise to stop harming yourself.

I didn't know about you and my father.

Or that...

May I interrupt?

If it's about a wooden leg, get lost.

There are metal ones. This orthopedist has brought a selection.

Keep pulling my leg!

- You see me on stage with that? - How will you move about?

I already told you. Leave me alone!

As you wish.

I tried several of those horrors.

You actually strap them on.

Sacha...

Sorry. What were you saying?

I was discussing artificial limbs.

Forgive me.

It must be such a nuisance to wear.

Know what happens when they aren't properly fastened?

They turn and your foot ends up backwards.

- You're joking. - Not at all!

That's why I asked for a sedan chair

like a Byzantine empress.

You'll never walk?

I have the right to rest.

I've been walking for almost 70 years.

What's wrong?

It's just that I ache all over.

Shall I keep going?

Yes.

Please.

I'll ask Antoine. Maybe they're at reception.

Yes, please do.

- Mr. Reynolds! - What a pleasure.

I'm so sorry to have missed your lunch invitation.

Why didn't you come?

You know how much it meant to me.

I had to go to my wife's grave. Vandals...

What?

Your wife died and you didn't even tell me?

Me, your oldest friend? How despicable!

She died three years ago. You came to the funeral.

I know...

My friend, I know.

But I still can't believe it.

How is your opera coming along?

I've hit a rough patch.

My son! Excuse me.

How much did you lose?

10,000 francs.

You don't say!

Lucky I'm going on tour to refill the coffers.

They're already empty?

You know,

sets and costumes are a real drain.

Three million in four years.

You don't say!

There's a bit more.

That'll do.

Thank you.

Do you know that man?

Mr. Bongard. A former soldier.

I hired him to protect us.

To protect us? From what?

Idiocy, mother.

Idiocy.

There's no end in sight.

Have you found the velvet, Suzanne?

It's arrived, and it's gorgeous.

I look exhausted.

Maybe you're overdoing it.

Three plays at once is...

This damn knee keeps me awake.

If I only could find that bastard.

Which one?

The one who forgot the mattress for my jump in La Tosca.

Come in!

I knew you couldn't be far!

Darling, you're sweet to come.

Come sit near me.

Did you get my invitation?

- Are you coming? - No.

What do you mean, no?

I got no invitation.

Then you're coming.

It's gorgeous.

Isn't it?

What do you think?

Indeed.

Mirbeau says we'll soon be partners again.

It's true.

I can't wait.

To start with such a play is bold.

Without a doubt.

So Sacha will perform for my tribute?

What a doll!

That kid will surprise us.

Surely not with his school grades.

Last time he told me,

"Why write or learn what's in books? It's all there."

Leave us a moment, Suzanne, please.

Sorry for the other night. I was ridiculous.

You've a right to enjoy yourself.

Besides...

Anyway, she's very pretty.

She's young.

Very young.

What's her name already?

Charlotte Lysès.

Are you angry with me?

No.

In fact, I must talk to you.

My teardrop...

I lost my teardrop!

The diamond Hugo gave me!

Suzanne!

See if my diamond teardrop is at the stage door.

The staircase, the lobby, everywhere!

Sure you had it this morning?

You know I never take it off.

Perhaps it came off in your bed?

No, it's a bad sign. I can feel it.

Moments of joy always comes at a cost.

Calm down.

Tomorrow will be a wonderful day.

You're right.

What did you want to tell me?

Nothing.

- Sarah, we must talk. - Not now, Édouard.

- Then later? - No.

Get me other shoes. These are tight.

Jules, you start today.

Mucha, you're here already.

Just arrived.

Go on without me.

Do you have it?

I love it! I love the attitude.

But shouldn't you put my name outside the poster? It'd be more...

No, it associates you with the character.

The public is coming for Sarah Bernhardt.

And this time Sarah is playing a man.

Sold.

Damned idiot!

Murderer!

Copying Mounet, that brilliant fool, that roaring brute!

That moron sprained my wrists

playing Britannicus!

He pulled my hair, pinched me!

He was a dangerous madman!

But what beauty and what talent!

But since you youngsters have no talent,

if you imitate him, you're done for!

So use your soul with conviction if we are to be convinced!

Your turn.

Ah, that Florence!

That was his ruin!

No! The voice is an instrument. Modulate it.

Intonation gives words their weight.

Seek that intelligence.

I'm starting to doubt yours.

Was not his youth the dawn of a rising sun?

Start over.

Was not his youth the dawn of...

Again.

Was not his youth the dawn of a rising sun?

Keep that up and you're out. Don't cry, make me cry!

And often, even now, it seems to me that a sudden spark...

There, that's better.

That was better.

The public should hear every syllable,

even when you murmur.

Your heart must bleed if they are to feel something.

I say in spite of myself that all is not dead within him.

It is all unfathomable!

Antoine, ask for more light.

We can't see a thing.

- They're on full, madam. - Full what? I don't believe this.

I want light!

Light, for god's sake!

Light! Light!

There.

That wasn't so hard.

I'll show you. It will be clearer.

These stairs... I'd put them more in center stage.

There, like that.

And this fountain...

I'd move it up so people can see me in it.

And I'd remove this column, because...

There. Even this one.

We remove this one,

and this one.

I'd leave this one.

The extras will need space.

So they can move around.

Thank you, Mr. Rudat.

I'm famished. Thank you for waiting!

Careful. Grab it.

Here, Georges. Uncork this.

I saw the rehearsal. Impressive!

Your fervor

and the sincerity of your acting are stunning.

Thank you, dearest.

Here we go.

Sarah?

Oh, Samuel.

Are you not ill?

Clearly not.

I was summoned urgently.

Rest assured I'm fine, darling.

Are you fooling with me?

I came from the other side of Paris.

I have something very important to ask.

I have patients waiting.

Real ones.

Now that you're here...

You have two minutes.

Could you graft a panther tail onto my lower back?

A panther tail?

Is this a joke?

No. And I don't see what's funny.

I love animals. I wish to feel closer to them.

Worse than crazy, you're demented.

Oh please!

I am a surgeon. Not a taxidermist!

It's time for change! Find someone.

- I'm not interested. - Listen to you!

It's highly interesting.

Édouard, you're still here?

I'll be outside.

I can't live without you.

- I don't love you. - I'll love for two.

Be reasonable. It will pass.

You haunt the very center of my life.

Pull yourself together. This is pathetic, humiliating even.

- I won't let you leave me. - I will! Get used to it.

Don't hurt me, you fool!

Give me another chance.

Stop pestering me!

I told you it was over. Over! Do you understand?

And forever. And ever and ever!

What a pain.

Édouard will no longer be coming.

Oh really?

Tell Antoine I replaced him.

Alright.

You see, it's interesting.

I'm breaking up with Sarah.

What?

You heard me.

You must be joking?

Who is she?

Her name is Charlotte Lysès. An actress.

Don't know her.

Why leave Sarah?

I want to settle down and have children.

So what's the problem?

I no longer want to lie.

That's a new one.

My mind is made up.

You can't leave her.

Promise me you'll be there for her.

What a mess.

When are you breaking the news?

I've tried several times and failed.

Even this morning at the theater.

Today? The eve of her tribute.

Madness.

It'll never be the right day.

Please, Lucien.

Think it over some more. You can't do this to her.

What did his minion say again?

"Mr. Lucien Guitry left early for his house in Le Perreux.

"I can have your letter delivered."

Load of nonsense! He never goes there.

I saw him this morning. Were you told why he left?

Why the hell would he go there?

He should be here. Or is he unwell?

Yes, that's possible.

You moron, you don't even know where he is!

- Nor do you. I don't insult you. - What insolence!

Be gone, you roach.

That's petty.

Calling people roaches.

Honestly.

What are you doing, Lucien? Why aren't you here?

Le Perreux, my ass. Liar, liar, liar!

Edmond! I was afraid you too would stand me up.

My apologies. I was delayed at the theater.

Is something wrong?

I put my finger in my eye. Quite unpleasant.

Sure you did.

Have you always taken me for a fool?

You forgot something the other night.

Thank you, what a relief!

It's my lucky charm.

As every coin has a flip side, I fear the splendid day ahead...

Nothing ill will happen.

You are as inextinguishable as the sun.

Could you fasten it?

I'm usually able to live only in the moment.

The clasp is damaged.

You should have it repaired.

Come with me!

Your talent for graphology is news, Jojotte.

It's nothing complicated.

Handwriting, depending on form and dimension,

reflects personality traits.

And sends innocent souls to the penal colonies.

Aptly put.

What do you mean?

Dear Maria, didn't a graphologist tip Dreyfus' sentence?

Not at all.

He was found guilty after fair trial.

What do you know about fairness?

He delivered documents to the Germans.

The worst of crimes.

Because you believe that? Credulous child.

You believe in a miscarriage of justice?

Yes, my boy! Dreyfus was sentenced for being Jewish.

He was condemned for treason.

And he may well protest, there's proof.

You're incapable of understanding.

All the sadder as we are of Jewish stock.

You're harsh.

I think he understands it perfectly.

France is rife with anti-Semitism.

He is the perfect culprit.

Didn't Barrès state,

"I need not know why Dreyfus betrayed,

"I deduce it from his race"?

I don't deny it, but it is irrelevant!

Listen, Maurice, I think...

Stay out of it, Edmond! Be quiet.

You know very well I am often the target of their hatred.

We should change the subject.

Last night, Loïe Fuller mentioned a young American dancer,

Isadora Duncan, who apparently moves like...

Dreyfus is guilty

and his sentence is too lenient.

People are executed for less.

I regret there's no death sentence

for this sort of crime.

I've overlooked a lot!

Your gambling debts, your managerial ineptitude,

but I will not have you taking sides against this captain!

Well, dear ones,

what a joyful christening!

It's ok.

And the death penalty is barbaric. Disgraceful for a civilized country.

I was at Vaillant's execution.

The scene is etched in my memory.

All those people who came to watch him die.

Women and children.

He appeared and yelled, "Long live anarchy!"

They grabbed him

and threw him on the slab.

The blade fell,

his body toppled.

In a second, the scaffold was taken down,

the courtyard swept.

The crowd rushed over in search of a drop of blood.

I felt sick at heart.

Amen.

Something awful happened to me today.

I thought I'd lost the teardrop Victor Hugo gave me.

I envy you for having known him.

Jules Renard said he's the greatest,

"He alone has spoken. The rest of us babble."

After the premiere of Hernani

I received his magnificent diamond accompanied by a note:

"You moved me, and I, the old warrior,

"I wept.

"This tear you caused me to shed is yours."

The most beautiful compliment I've received.

Losing this tear would be like losing the father I never had.

I'm certain you're a Hugo in the making.

I'm flattered.

You're writing me a fine play, Edmond, aren't you?

That "Cyrano"something, how is it coming along?

I'm making progress. Slowly.

He's thinking! And thinking.

By the time he's done, I'll be dead.

Perfect, it's for Coquelin.

I recently told Barbier, "Nice play, had it been in verse."

Surprised, he says, "It is in verse!" I reply, "In other verse!"

He took it very badly.

I have the right to choose what I play.

On stage is where we take responsibility for our acts.

I believe he even offered the role to Miss Favart.

That long-nosed goose!

She rolls her tongue when speaking.

Long bust, no legs. Awful hands. Her fingers have bellies!

She looks like a bald parrot!

And what animal do I look like?

A North American antelope.

Do you not think Edmond looks like an owl?

Oh, yes. With big...

A pessimistic owl.

The first time I read your work, I thought:

That man must be a redhead. And yet redheads are mean.

Except Jules Renard.

Your hair is rather brown.

I was indisputably red and mean.

But as I grew kinder, I became browner.

Kindness never came to me!

I've remained a redhead with curly hair.

People think it isn't natural. And yet, look.

You're mad!

Even wet, it's curly.

I almost forgot!

I must show you Alceste.

Truly, this hand,

doesn't it evoke Rodin?

You must be joking, Edmond.

It's much better than a Rodin.

Don't forget that Rodin called Sarah's sculptures "shit."

Sure, she refuses his advances.

That's unusual.

Whose hand is that?

Her Lucien's.

That way he is never far.

My latest acquisition.

Not to worry, Alceste doesn't like living flesh.

Good grief!

Where'd that horror come from?

I prefer it to your crocodile.

It's not an ordinary snake. It's a boa constrictor imperator.

In that case!

Maurice, come look!

From afar!

Not even kings

Can match the happiness

I know

I am mad.

Do what I will, I cannot hide my passion.

"I see the strange effects of love.

"Theseus, tho' dead, seems present..."

No, you sound like you've eaten plaster!

If I flop at my tribute tomorrow night, I swear

I'll poke your eyes out.

"In your soul there burns a constant flame."

You drive me crazy! Miserable pest, out! You're useless!

Madam, I'm not an actor.

Out of my sight.

Should I kill you? No, that'd be too easy.

You missed.

"Sarah Bernhardt Day"

The Comédie-Française teaches us to feel nothing.

Performance requires the opposite.

Playing a character takes everything. I perform with my whole body and soul.

With my whole sex.

Your sex?

What is essential, you see, Mr. Zola,

is to have long arms.

Please explain, madam.

To envelop the audience and never let it go.

Until, in an embrace, in a kiss,

we become one.

- The secret to your success? - Not only.

I banished the corset from my wardrobe.

Without it, my movements are free,

my body language is expressive.

Harmony is restored.

And I can finally breathe.

We shackle women to make them obedient,

but they will eventually rebel.

As well they should.

I asked you to come,

and forgive me if we're in the kitchen, it's the calmest room,

because I have something to ask.

Helping you would be an honor.

You already have, and forcefully so, when the press disgraced me.

I am very grateful, my friend.

They criticize you for being a mother with no husband.

And for advocating free love.

That may be.

First, I must congratulate you for your article on anti-Semitism.

Once again, you've made your voice heard

to speak up against the general trend.

When 10 million people talk nonsense, it's still nonsense.

That is why you must stand up for Dreyfus.

I am revolted by the atmosphere shrouding this case,

but quite ignorant as to the crux of the matter.

Then I implore you to delve into it.

You will come away convinced Dreyfus is innocent.

A man's life is at stake, Émile.

You are the only one who can save him.

I'm flattered by your esteem. Unfortunately...

I know how much justice and truth are important to you.

In its name, study the case,

I beseech you.

I will consider it.

Thank you, Émile.

Thank you!

I wanted to talk later. After your big day.

Talk about what?

Thank you, you can leave us.

You know I'm seeing someone?

Of course.

And?

And I intend to marry.

Is that so!

I understand.

We'll have to be extremely discreet.

It's different this time.

Come on, we've always had several affairs at once.

Haven't we?

We must stop seeing each other.

Are you joking?

After seeing you the other day,

Charlotte set a condition on my attending your tribute. That she come with me.

You'd let her do that?

You've lost your senses.

It's serious, Sarah.

I care for her.

More than me?

Don't make me say it.

I am, though.

Say it.

Then yes.

I don't believe you.

I refuse, do you hear me?

Our affair was the cause of my divorce.

I won't let history repeat itself.

You and I are through.

You'd sacrifice your freedom

for a ninny who'll cheat on you first chance she gets?

Like you when you married your young dandy.

It changed nothing between us.

I've always been faithful in my love for you

and always will be.

Will she be able to say the same?

Haven't I proved it enough?

Why destroy it all now?

You want to write it all off?

A 10-year romance.

With such understanding.

Such respect for the other.

Isn't that priceless?

Isn't it worth...

taking an occasional risk?

I love her.

I love you, too.

Lucien, you make me so happy.

You know that.

We're so good together.

You can't deny it. Say that we're good together.

Only death can separate us.

Don't.

Please, don't.

Lucien, you know it.

- Does it not sadden you? - On the contrary!

For me, it's like a walk in the park!

And I love to travel.

I have a car with 6 bedrooms, a kitchen,

3 sitting rooms.

The train is ours. It stops when we like.

Two years is a long time.

It's an interlude! Halfway around the world.

I'll go as far as Australia,

stop in the Sandwich Islands,

and perform in Honolulu before Queen Pomare.

Isn't that extraordinary?

Even in the most remote places, people will know my name,

if they don't already.

For Pete's sake! Not my hair!

Won't you miss comfort, family and friends?

We'll reunite on my return. It's all pleasure!

- Are you never bored? - Think on!

I've seen flaming forests, angry Indians, I performed for cowboys.

Dirty Jewish whore!

As if I needed to fall on this damn knee again.

- The one that hurts? - Yes.

Bastard!

Can you walk?

I think so.

Take my arm.

Have you seen Lucien?

No.

Thank you, darling.

- Can you go on stage? - Are you joking?

- Sit at least. - Why not back to the audience?

I'd rather die!

- Be reasonable. - What's that mean?

A sedative maybe?

No, nothing. Go now! I must leave myself.

- What? - She's getting into character.

I'm afraid I'll have stage fright.

You know what you should do first?

Close your eyes,

breathe deeply, slowly...

Like that. Go on, do it.

Then, step out.

Once on stage, you forget everything.

You get stage fright?

Of course I do.

- Really? - Yes.

- Sarah does too? - Of course.

One night before going on stage,

an actress told Sarah she never had stage fright.

Know what she answered?

"Not to worry, it'll come with talent."

Tonight, you'll meet someone I care for.

- Who is it? - You'll see.

Your sweetheart?

SARAH BERNHARDT DAY by her admirers and friends

She was Sarah Bernhardtesque!

She outdid herself!

I cannot play Phaedra without fainting and spitting blood.

I held back this time.

- I wish I were a great poet. - But you are.

Kiss me.

That's enough, now! What about me?

- I am all yours. - Not you!

Three women fainted tonight. Did you see?

1st, 3rd and 5th row.

You have a trained eye.

I'm so moved.

She is Sarabesque...

Saraloquent.

Sarazzmatazz.

Nice!

Saravishing!

Sarated!

Saraband!

Saraggedy!

Yes, Saraggedy!

Even better, yes.

Bravo, my dear.

Sarambunctious!

Sarambunctious, that's me!

Reynaldo, dearest!

Here you are at last.

You moved us to tears.

Diamond tears, I hope.

Crying diamond tears would be marvelous. Right, Émile?

All worth the same: diamonds and shit.

Still, diamonds are rarer!

You've received so many telegrams.

The Emperor of Brazil.

"In this day of glory,

"Rio sends its laurels to the unforgettable enchantress."

Not bad.

- I've heard better. - Ok, alright.

Oscar Wilde.

"My dearest golden voice..."

Nice.

"I beseech you, beautiful Sarah,

"never stop dying."

Such a charming man,

sentenced to hard labor for a dandy.

English justice is as corrupt as ours.

It condemns a man for being homosexual, while celebrating Shakespeare!

He was, too?

Shakespeare, why yes.

The sonnets!

If Maurice says so, Maurice knows so!

Leave poor Maurice alone!

Your attention, please.

Sarah, these lines are for you.

Excuse me. Sorry.

In these beautiless times

You alone still remain

Wearing proud a headband

Or brandishing the sword

You imbue with the truth

Every one of your moves

And your voice with laments

So sincerely bitter

That the truest of tears roll down your cheeks

Do you not ever sense, Sarah,

That sometimes

Furtively are pressed, while you perform,

Shakespeare's very lips

On the rings of your hand?

Marvelous!

He'll make her cry again!

Talented beast!

Everyone to my house!

2 hours later

Your sister's death by morphine overdose shouldn't...

Liquor will do the trick!

Let's go.

You look like you're the one in pain.

A panther tail would make me happy!

You're exasperating!

A friend said on his deathbed,

"The joy of never hearing Sarah Bernhardt's name again!"

He laughed, declared, "Good riddance,"

and died!

I order you to apologize this instant!

My ass yet again!

I'm going to kick your little ass.

Go ahead and try.

I am forced to shed tears!

To shed blood!

My poor child.

You're splendid.

Sacha, this is Charlotte.

Delighted.

Me too.

Are you ok?

Of all sexual aberrations, chastity is the worst.

Trust a gynecologist.

We could summarize love in three acts.

A glance, a grind, a gush!

But first and foremost,

a crush!

In love, as in theater, you give yourself to lose yourself.

That's what's exquisite.

And we love all the more when we don't love ourselves.

I don't see the connection, but it's lovely.

Get me some more.

Why do we expect from women what men are incapable of honoring?

We're not that different.

I cannot have a master.

A certain Sigmund Freud would like to meet you.

Sigmund what?

Freud.

Know him?

Of course.

He's a doctor. From Austria.

Not Austria, dammit!

I didn't invite him. Who did?

Come meet him!

I'm coming.

Good evening.

Madam.

I wanted to express my deepest fascination.

Seeing you on stage, I felt as if I had known you for years.

I study the power of hypnosis and could not resist yours.

You are an enchantress.

We would do great things together.

If you could grant me just...

Yes, but I must sit down.

I'm so tired, I could yawn in my sleep.

Mr. Freud?

Dr. Samuel Pozzi.

- Pleased to meet you. - It's an honor.

Mucha!

We haven't even seen each other. The place is packed.

The room is spinning.

Where is Georges?

I saw him a minute ago in charming company.

I see.

Feel better, darling?

Without a doubt. I'd love another drink.

It is said, Sarah,

that you've played so many roles

when you look at yourself in a mirror,

you no longer know who you are.

We know very well that you are generous, loyal, funny,

and, most of all, the greatest actress in the world.

I will end with your own words:

"Hate rarely, as it is too tiring,

"remain indifferent mostly, forgive often,

"and never forget."

Rest assured, Sarah,

we will always forgive and never forget you.

My little Sacha.

You were fabulous.

You are so witty. But making fun of me is naughty!

I'm teasing. Give me a kiss.

You know how much I admire your father.

The same blood runs in your veins.

- Are you happy? - Very happy.

Go see your admirers.

You're back.

Astonishing child.

He's a natural.

Like father, like son.

We must talk.

Your son was a huge hit!

Not too fast, dear. I hurt my knee.

You know what Samuel said about his manliness?

That at past 50, it's still a bone!

I found it in my bed.

Impossible.

Although, maybe. Edmond told me...

the clasp was damaged.

You left it on purpose.

What?

Nonsense. Ask Rostand. He'll tell you.

I shouldn't have this morning.

Yet you seemed raring to go.

Stop it.

Kiss me!

You won't see me again.

Is that so?

How will we do Mirbeau's play?

- I should hate you. - Yes.

But you love me.

Wait, Lucien.

I was cowardly.

Weak.

Selfish.

But it's over.

You can't do this.

I won't let you go. What do you think?

That you can just waltz off?

Don't make it harder.

You swine. You liar.

I hoped we could part in peace.

I can't suffer more. Do you hear me?

I am yours. You are mine.

We are two sides of the same coin.

I love you.

Stop it, please!

What, do you want me to beg?

You want me at your feet?

That silly goose will never love you as much as I do.

Don't forsake me.

Stand up.

But you swore.

Don't forsake me!

Guess what? Mirbeau offered me an audition.

Congratulations.

I'm glad we came.

Shall we leave now?

Something wrong?

Everything's fine.

You seem upset.

No, I just want to leave now.

Too crowded. I'll get Sacha.

Magnificent, isn't it?

Lucien told me you were getting married.

All my best wishes!

- Really? - Yes.

I don't believe a word.

I didn't expect you to be accommodating.

How so?

Because you are not opposed to our liaison.

I know what you're doing.

You won't succeed in separating us.

Lucien didn't tell you?

You're wasting your time.

Your naivety

is disarming, my dear girl.

You are pathetic.

The show is over. Go to bed.

I'm dying to know how he explained

the presence of my diamond in your bedroom.

You must find it natural that he welcomes other women in his bed.

- Undresses them. - Let go.

Penetrates them from all sides!

I said, let go.

At your leisure.

But don't say I didn't warn you.

Everything ok?

I can't find Sacha.

She's setting me against you.

Say we didn't sleep together today.

Let's leave.

Not yet married, already cuckold. Poor Charlotte!

- Enough. - Answer and get this over with.

Swear on your son's head

that we weren't together today.

That you didn't let yourself go in me. Totally, in fact.

Please answer her.

Swear since she's asking you to!

I love you.

Swear!

Believe me, I love you.

That said, he still hasn't sworn.

Go ahead, slap me.

There are too many people here.

I'm suffocating!

Thank you for everything!

Great Madam Veto swore one day

The folks of Paris she would slay

Our cannoneers so stout, Soon put my lady out

Let us dance the Carmagnole The sound grows higher and higher

Let us dance the Carmagnole The higher sound of cannon fire

Finally, I accept your offer.

- Are you sure? - Yes. Give me some.

You're completely drunk.

All the more reason!

I'm totally unable

to count the number of lovers I've had.

It goes fast. 10 for each finger.

10, 20, 30, 40...

- About a hundred. - A hundred.

- I'm turning in. Won't you... - Don't interrupt!

Where was I?

Oh, yes.

All my lovers

are friends. We never part angry.

Right, Jojotte? You were among the first.

And Montesquiou... He doesn't count. He vomited.

Now look!

It's no secret.

Everyone knows he only likes men.

During or after? Not the same.

Pitou! Mind your own business.

Honestly. I can boast I was the only woman in his life.

The only woman.

There was Victor Hugo...

And Samuel, my fine doctor.

You ought to stop.

Edmond, my new recruit.

Hush, his wife is here.

Gambetta.

The Prince of Wales.

Mounet-Sully...

All of Paris!

That's enough!

Leave him alone!

He's a pain. We argue. But we love each other. Right, Pitou?

Hasty, but true.

And the Prince de Ligne.

Nearly forgot him! The father of my son.

There's no proof.

Stop it, Pitou.

There's no proof he's the father.

Fustilarian! Where do you come from?

The parlor.

The kitchen.

The study.

It's over.

No, he'll be back. You'll see.

If you'd seen how he looked at her!

He seemed so...

He loves you, too. He told you so.

And for longer than her.

I was horrid. I was ghastly.

Listen to me. He'll be back.

No, it's over for good.

He's through with me.

I've lost everything.

His love,

his friendship,

and maybe worst of all,

I've lost his esteem.

Your grief got the better of you. It's human.

In time he'll understand.

I'm so weary.

I'm cold.

I feel as if I were dead.

Don't say that.

Find me a cigarette.

No, one of yours.

Come, let's go back inside.

I want to stay outside some more.

No, you'll catch cold.

Wait.

There you have it.

How the best day of my life turned into a total nightmare.

How, the day of my tribute, I committed the most despicable act.

Afterward,

what happened?

Charlotte refused to see him again.

And your father was furious with me.

After three years of what seemed an eternal purgatory,

he finally forgave me.

As for them,

their paths crossed again.

How? I don't know. But they reunited.

Your father was so happy.

He relived a romance he thought gone forever.

And then you,

unbeknownst to you,

shattered his dream again

by stealing Charlotte.

I thought she was just one of his many conquests.

How did I not know about their romance?

You were only 11.

The worst is that

neither of them told me about their former liaison.

I wonder why.

What would it have changed?

A rupture was the only solution.

Not to see you and Charlotte.

Maybe I should have told you everything.

But I wanted to respect their decision,

and I wasn't proud of what I'd done.

Sacha?

Are you listening?

I'm sorry.

For what?

You're right.

It would have made no difference.

You know,

me and Charlotte fell head over heels.

Help me up. I'm sick of this bed.

I have to stretch my... leg.

It will do me good.

I plan to become an expert in hopping.

Trying to do me in? I want to be on the boards, not in a box!

3 months later

Convalescence in Champigny-sur-Marne

- Already? - You mean finally!

I have my theater for 15 more years and I'll use it.

You'll be 85 by then, dearie.

I'll act again. Old age is for the ill.

And those who "never felt younger."

I'm full of vim and vigor. I want my way now!

And I'll make myself useful.

- You're enlisting? - Exactly.

I'm going East, to the front,

maybe into the trenches, to perform and boost troop morale.

I'll call it

"The Army Theater."

In your condition? You're reckless.

My plans won't be delayed by pen-pushers.

Are they waiting for the war to end?

At least give up your U.S. tour.

I must go convince the Americans

to fight beside their allies.

That's true.

Do you realize how many people I can mobilize?

"'How is Jules,' she asked. 'No better?'"

What a wonderful surprise!

You wrote to say you couldn't come.

I lied.

Sorry I couldn't come sooner.

We're at war, dear Lucien.

Know what I dreamt last night?

Of shoes! Silly, isn't it?

Sorry to disturb you but...

Your creditors...

Louise, get rid of those roaches.

I tried, but they won't budge.

Then in my desk...

Very well.

The flowers are lovely.

We'll put them in water.

I was the world's wealthiest actress.

Look at me now.

You're too generous with everyone.

Think of yourself now.

I just finished paying my hospital bill.

Why didn't you ask me?

The last plays I produced were flops.

Maybe Sarah Bernhardt is obsolete.

Know what they call me now?

"Do or Die"?

"The Diabolical"?

No, it's less poetic.

"Chairbound Bound for the Cemetery."

Funny, isn't it?

You'll always be my divine Sarah.

I've never loved anyone but you.

And I've never stopped loving you.

Stop, or we'll soon be crying.

You're right.

Shall we join the others?

I will carry you triumphantly.

In 1918, Sacha divorced Charlotte

and finally reconciled with his father.

Seven happy years during which we made up for lost time.

In 1921,

I brought Lucien and Sarah together in a play.

But Sarah was seriously ill and couldn't go on stage.

More than 600,000 people gathered in Paris

to follow the five-float cortège decked in white camellias

to her final resting place.

I remember our last rehearsal.

Sarah was to recite a long tirade

and she declaimed it as ever...

in a tremendous performance,

at once magnificent,

and heartrending.

When she finished, instead of answering,

I held out my hand,

and said, "One moment, darling,"

because I was weeping.

I was waiting for you.

You're splendid.

How are you, my darling?

Like a starless night.

Finally, you're the one who forsook me.

I so wish I'd have been there to hold your hand.

My heart stopped, but it continued beating for you.

Mine has dried up.

Entirely.

You see, even death cannot part us.

Will you come back,

Sarah?

Whenever you like.

Until you come to me.

Lucien would go to her

two years later.

Here is the woman we called "Madam," but my father called "Ma Dame."

She was truly Our Lady of the Stage.

The woman I consider my second mother:

Sarah Bernhardt.

Those of Our Land A film by Sacha Guitry

Subtitles: Cynthia Schoch & Mariette Kelley

Subtitling: TransPerfect Media France