Original subtitles

SWINGING THE BATON

Found a cool spot for yourself, finally.

I'm not sure maggots can digest trash.

Sorry, but it had to come out. I kept quiet for 40years.

Right.

Gonna celebrate this.

Now you don't have to visit me in secret.

- To freedom. - To freedom.

- He did take his time to die! - Please, Claudette.

I said nothing. This is on the house.

What now?

I'll hawk everything. I'll be able to enjoy life.

Good idea, but...

I'll sell everything. I'll be able to travel, at last.

Leave the village where nothing happens.

- Wanna come? It's on me? - That's too kind.

But I can't leave my drinkers alone.

- What's this? No service? - See!

Can't get a drink! What did we do wrong?

Listen. Today's Gérard's burial. Show some respect, please.

Or I'll reach for something.

Easy! Gérard would've been the first to toast, right?

- Right. - We are toasting to his memory.

OK. You can do it at home because we're closed.

Out! We're closing for the day.

For now, drink this.

This is one drink Gérard won't get.

- How much? - Sorry but...

your home was mortgaged quite some time ago.

A garage, no will, no kids, joint estate. It should be fast.

- How fast? - Three months.

- Three months? - Maybe two. If all goes well.

As for the fees, it should be...

To be paid once the estate is settled.

- How much did he say? - 10,000.

Euros?

They make no bones about it.

- Do you have the money? - Certainly not.

- Your bank accounts? - Empty.

You know he drank every penny.

Your pension? You're entitled to one.

You must be joking! The swine never registered me.

I could have claimed half of his had he not crashed into a tree.

- At least that's something. - That he crashed into a tree?

No. The pension.

%300 a month, just %10 a day. Not much.

To think I gave him my entire life.

Damn wino!

- I swear if I had the money... - I know.

Don't worry. I'll manage. Don't know how but I will.

He killed me at the altar. He can't do it again. I'm free.

GARAGE SALE

- How's Louise? - Gérard left her penniless.

No surprise there.

I told her to get a divorce.

That drunk left her with debt.

She still owes 10,000 for the house. Can you imagine?

Yep.

Would she'd accept if I...

Forget it, Marcel! She's too proud. You haven't got a chance.

She didn't look at you when she was young. Why should she now?

- That's not very nice. - You're right. My apologies.

If she won't accept my help, she could ask Bernard.

She's ruined, not sick.

He's not only our doctor. He's also the mayor.

My dear Marcel!

Except for booze, fun and votes, he doesn't do much.

- What can he do for her? - No way out, then?

I understand, Louise, but it's a personal problem.

I can't help you.

I wish I could help you, but my hands are tied.

There's no one I can turn to.

- I may have a solution. - Yes?

I need someone with idle time to spare at community hall.

- That's me. - Kind of you.

That's my worst flaw.

We need an activity leader to liven up village life.

What?

Find an interesting activity.

A cycling club for example. Do you bike?

You should. I just started and I look great.

- See my butt? - Never mind.

My wife thinks I'm cheating on her, so let her.

Find something and I'll help.

- Hey! Are you done yet? - Just a minute.

- Bernard just mocked you. - I know.

Liven up the village? Nothing happens here.

Good luck! You'll need it to get locals going.

I have to focus on young people.

Which ones?

There are only 3 young people left.

Don't bother! Target the seniors instead.

You'll be a hit with all the old geezers.

Now what can you do?

The books, housework, cooking.

That aside, what do you like to do?

I don't know.

There must be something, or we'll get nowhere.

Wait!

There's something I like. Dancing.

- Dancing? - Dancing.

That's it! Organize a tea dance.

I like it already. What better way to pick up men!

- And majorettes? - What?

A troupe of majorettes would meet all the criteria.

You can't be serious?

You are!

Forget it! It's tacky.

You asked me what I like. This is what I like.

I want to become what I was before: a majorette.

That's the idea. I'll start a troupe.

Drink up. It'll help you think it over.

- What do you see? - That you need a manicurist.

Confucius said: "The sage points to the moon,

"yet the fool looks at his finger."

You're a majorette and now you quote some "Confu..." guy.

You're not all there.

You just wait! We'll find a solution.

I've been waiting 40 years. I'm in charge now.

I'll bring back the majorettes.

I don't want to be nasty. When did you do it last?

- You never forget it. - Really? Are you certain?

Go ahead then.

Lift it! Let me see you lift your leg.

Give it up, my dear. You're too old.

There's nothing you can do.

Speak for yourself. It'll come back in a jiffy.

Just be careful you don't hurt yourself.

- Find it amusing, do you? - No but...

- You, too, think I'm hopeless. - That's not true.

- But you've better things to do. - I don't need your help.

I'll start the troupe by myself.

Wait!

I was just kidding.

WANNA DANCE? JOIN THE REMPARTS MAJORETTES

Wanna dance? Join the Remparts Majorettes.

Majorettes here? Why not elect Miss Hot Dog?

- Weren't the majorettes passé? - Old Ma Ducasse is passé.

Shut up!

Here, you show women respect.

- Don't take it bad. - We were just kidding.

Let her have her majorettes!

At least, she doesn't get drunk on credit.

- We're sorry. - We didn't mean to offend you.

Keep quiet, then!

What?

- Nothing. - Speak up! Say it!

It's a pity your friendship is confined to your bar.

That's all.

Bring out the glasses! Tonight we're drinking big time.

Cheers, old friend!

Majorettes are joy incarnate, friends, clapping...

...going on the road.

- Any news about your daughter? - Drink up! It's better.

Gérard!

I hope that wherever you are...

...women are as ugly as sin.

Are you sure about your majorettes thing?

That thing.

I was never happier than when I was a majorette.

You were just 16.

I was good at it, wasn't I?

If Gérard hadn't come along...

You'd have joined the regional troupe. Don't I know it.

Get up. Let's do this!

That hurts.

Do what?

One more...

One more glass. That's what we'll do.

One more glass. It might not be the last one...

but it should be good.

- Let's go! - Not enough. I only got 1 glass.

- Let's do this. - I got 2...

Even so, you won't...

It's been 40 years since I have been inside here.

The lock won't complain.

Just taking back what's mine. Move back!

Not only was he lousy, the swine did fuck all!

So, I wasn't allowed to go inside.

This is for all the years you stole from me.

And this is for the child you refused to give me.

This is for bullying me and treating me as half-wit.

That's enough. Damn it! How does this thing works!

Cool it! Do you hear me! It's over.

It's over.

You can stop now.

I went a bit too far, didn't I?

- No kidding! - I have a good excuse.

I had to make up for lost time.

Tell me,

are we really going to start a troupe of majorettes?

We'll try,

but if it fails, we'll organize a tea dance instead.

I think I'm gonna throw up.

I'm up shit creek now.

- Push the button! - What do you think I'm doing?

- Focus on the tone, then! - The what?

- For once, tell it as it. - What do you mean "for once"?

You kept quiet for 40 years. Speak up now!

Why don't you do it since you're so good at it?

Can't you see I driving? If you wanna take over...

Clever! You know I don't have a license.

OK! Then let it out! Shout!

Attention, please!

Tryouts for the new majorette troupe

will be held at Remparts Sq. Bar a week from Saturday.

Free drinks. We're waiting for you.

Free drinks? Aren't you pushing it?

- Should I give up? Yes or no? - OK! I said nothing.

Saturday. 8 AM. Remparts Sq. Bar. Everyone welcome.

Majorettes tryouts...

REMPART MAJORETTES TRYOUTS - REMPART SQ. BAR

Can't you let us in to watch?

It's closed. Go home and show your wives some respect!

- I'm not married. - Get one... Elsewhere!

- Let's go on strike. - Strike?

- Yes, strike. - What kind?

- A strike is a strike, isn't it? - Not against drinking!

- You're right! - Maybe only half an hour.

How about work-to-rule?

Humor's not really your forte. A strike is a strike. Got it?

- Hungry? - No. I'm bored.

There's no real man around here.

It'll drive them wild if I'm the leading majorette.

But...

It's my life, my breath and my lung...

- Is she talking about her dog? - She's nuts.

This is my daughter, Dolly: she's 3 and she weighs 6.5 kg.

She makes my heart beat.

My dad doesn't know I'm here.

He wants me to take up judo, but I like to dance.

- He's an asshole, anyway. - What?

- That's what Mom says. - I see. If she says it.

- It's not the same thing. - Indeed, it isn't.

The mother is better than the daughter, isn't she?

Ma'am, would you like to join the troupe?

Charlotte. Actually, I was Miss Firefighter '99.

Now it's Garence's turn to get her moment in the sun.

I also don't want her to feel inferior to her mother.

Quite so. That would be too bad.

My name is Brigitte. I'm 41. I live alone with my rabbit.

I'm Sylvianne...

Jeannot is his name.

I've lived and worked with my husband for 30 years...

I'm Dounia, 28 and unattached.

- I feel like a plant. - I'm a hairstylist.

- We're market gardeners. - I left my future ex-hubby.

I'm available.

His parents didn't like Muslim girls.

- If you ever need my services. - I'll think about it.

So I went back to my parents' house.

- This is France. - A dream come true.

- I thought... - She isn't like the others.

Maybe, if he saw me in a majorette outfit, he'd see me...

- You'll always be welcome. - Thank you.

- Fine arts won't help me. - She really loves music.

If you want a majorette with color. Why not?

Why not!

- It'd be nice if she could... - We'll take her.

- Thank you. - Thank you actually.

You got your troupe.

Now I have to clean up.

The Merry Widow and the Nympho joined the Miracle Club.

They'd had better luck forming their troupe in Lourdes.

I think there was a misunderstanding.

Majorettes? Not my first choice, but why not!

But I don't have money for it.

I'd given you help in kind...

Office space, posters, even the Town Hall minibus.

So what do I do now?

Calling it off is the right decision.

I'll call the girls if you want.

We'll find another way to pay for the notary fees.

I might get a loan! Not... a good idea.

- How about a competition? - What?

Yes. Competition means prize, and prize means notary.

- So we go on. - Go on?

Jus so you know, I won't dance.

%3.60. Not plonk. More like Château La Truffe.

Take 2. You never know. The joke might last longer.

At worse, we'll have some in stock.

Buying 12 bottles at once? What's up? Celebrating?

- Nothing. It's a boycott. - That's right. It's a boycott.

We're the revolutionaries of plonk.

Claudette is closing 3 times a week because of Louise's troupe.

Just like that. Without a warning.

They have to rehearse somewhere, right?

It'd be a pity to deny them that, don't you think?

Yes, but there are ways of doing it.

Here. Pay!

Claudette went too far.

She even said she'd rather see ballroom dancers.

We'll see what will happen. It'll be her or us.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 ,7, 8 and...

Lift your leg, follow the beat.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, turn right, turn left.

How much do you wanna bet it's over before it starts?

Too easy. All chicks in there, no rooster.

- You left out the boy, Hector. - I said a rooster.

What is this? We agreed I call the steps.

I was in charge of the moves. Turning is a move.

When you're told to turn right, what do you do?

What do you do? You do this. And that's a step.

Either way, I'm lost.

It's easy. This is a step and this is a movement.

I was joking.

We separate steps and moves.

Can we go on? I don't have all night.

Yes.

- It's gonna be a disaster. - We should give them some time.

You're joking! We're getting nowhere.

They should agree first.

- It isn't working. I'm stopping. - OK.

Heads, you continue. Tails, you quit.

- This isn't a game for me. - Nor is it for me.

- Do you fear fate? - Let's not go there.

We need outside help to go on.

- We want a coach. - A what?

A coach.

- A coach's not a bad idea. - Where can we find one?

- There's no one around here. - We put up an ad.

Yeah, I can just see it:

Aging majorettes desperately seeking leader.

People already think we're mad. Now they'll think we're morons.

We started it. We'll see it through to the end.

- The end of what? - We'll see it through.

That's great, but who's gonna pay for this?

Given Claudette's character, I doubt it'll last much longer.

I bet she'll dump Louise at the first hurdle.

Don't sell Louise short.

She had to be resourceful to put up with her husband.

- Wanna double the bet, Yvette? - Aren't you getting greedy?

Not for 2 chocoballs. I'm betting on Louise.

- What's this? - A piggy bank.

We'll ask people to help us pay for a coach.

- You actually believe that? - Absolutely.

They're all stingy around here.

- We won't get far. - Here. It's a start.

Even better, it's a beginning.

Look who's here! The mayor. You're not boycotting me.

Spare me your sarcasm.

Your troupe is making waves, which reached my wife and me.

Don't take me for a dolt.

Is it the troupe or is it the bar?

- Don't care. Just fix it. - How much, then?

- I beg your pardon? - You won't fool me again.

Here. This is all I can do.

Find another rehearsal spot and reopen the bar.

You should have done it before making us sweat.

And deny myself the pleasure of seeing you sweat.

So we agree? The bar opens this week.

Perfect!

I have to see my patients before they tear down my waiting room.

No one is more impatient than a patient.

All right...

All you have to do now is let the drunks back in.

He didn't exactly go overboard. Let's hope they're real.

Would you like to run the bar on weeknights?

I don't know anything about it.

If you can pull a lever and tip a glass, you can run a bar.

- Improvise the rest! - Improvise?

- You're the only one we got. - Very well.

Let's do it!

"This is our place..."

This is going to be a long day.

What did I tell you! Claudette threw in the towel.

- You owe me 2 chocoballs. - Not so fast.

I got a tip. Don't believe what you see.

- What shouldn't I believe? - Double or nothing?

- You want an indigestion? - Got nothing much left.

- Double or nothing? - Too bad for your liver. Double.

Now let it out!

The two ninnies just moved to a more private venue.

- They're looking for a gigolo. - Really?

- I'm telling you. - I'll raise my bid, then.

I doubt anyone can turn the two toads into princesses.

We won't hop away. Cough up the dough!

- Not happy to see us? - I think he isn't into it.

He does pull a long face.

I was told you were looking for a choreographer.

Look no further. Here I am.

I performed in major nightclubs in Paris, London, New York.

- I also worked with Régine. - Régine? "The" Régine.

- Is there any other? - Of course not.

- How much do you want? - What's money if you can dance?

%300 a week, weekends off. In cash.

That's more than my pension. We can't afford it.

Don't worry! We'll work it out.

- When can you start, Mr... - Djeff... with a D,

like "dancer."

- OK. What's wrong? - Nothing.

But you're sulking. What's wrong, then?

I'm not sulking. I'm thinking.

What are you thinking of?

We won't see you anymore.

What are you saying, Dad? I'm not moving there.

- You sure? - Of course.

He can stay with me, near the center, and eat at the bar.

Good idea.

- You can't cook. - That's not true.

Right, then. What's on today's menu?

- There isn't one, never was. - I see.

Here, he'll have a cook, a room,

he can rehearse nearby and he'll have a garage for his car.

That's good.

- You run a 5-star hotel now. - Better than a truck stop.

Ladies! Please.

I can do both. Sleep here and eat at the bar.

That way, you can jazz up your menu daily.

Does that work? Perfect.

Don't leave. I'll be back in a second.

I'm good.

I'm trying to pamper you.

- Of course not! - Eat, then! It's better hot.

Excuse me.

I think I'm getting sick.

Surprise!

- Slept well? - Great, thank you.

- More coffee? - No, thank you.

- Lemon, raspberry, rhubarb? - Nothing. Thank you.

It'd be a pity to waste it.

It's homemade, not bought.

Doughnut?

Homemade is best.

I can't eat any more. Have pity on me.

Do you have something to ease digestion?

- How annoying. - Yes, really annoying.

We have to wait for the choco balls. Are your sources good?

Oh yes, now they even have a "coach."

- I think he may be gay. - If he isn't, he'll become.

How about an advance? Just in case.

Just a small one while we wait.

OK.

You win. I give in. But remember, a bet is a bet!

Ladies, girls, young man.

Claudette.

- May I call you Claudette? - Of course.

- You don't dance? - I don't like it.

If you don't dance, you can't stay.

- I beg your pardon? - Out of the question.

Fine, this isn't for me anyway.

Not for you! All you need is someone to lead you.

That's what I'm here for.

You will dance and you will do it well

because I'll be here for you every step of the way.

Good!

I love it.

Excellent.

Brass band is great, really,

but not your style.

You need to find the right tempo,

the one that will set your apart from the others.

One. Raise your legs!

Or at least we try.

Two. Raise your knees! Not the calves. The knees.

There's work to be done, but you've got potential.

What is it?

Suck in your stomach and stick out your butt.

Remember, as a team.

Be the baton, think the baton,

become the baton.

The throw is very important.

Twirl your way to victory!

Nice hairdo.

You too.

Very well. You have a month to pay your overdraft.

Thank you very much. For him too.

Saved by majorettes. I can't believe it.

Nice hairdo.

Remember, as a team. Take five!

They're great. Almost like real ones.

Thanks. That's the goal.

- Charlotte, right? - Yes.

I appreciate your presence and encouragement.

Well, I am your No. 1 fan. Fan of the troupe, I mean.

Yes, but fans usually stay outside.

I don't understand.

If you could come by only every 2 or 3 or 4 days,

it'd be really great.

Any idea what we should call the troupe?

- What about The Claudettes? - It's taken. Any other ideas?

The Catherinettes.

It sounds too "spinsterish."

- Why not The Booties... - The bottoms?

The Booties. Since we shake our butts.

It reminds me too much of Djeff's nice buns.

True. He's handsome.

He's not my type, but compared to the locals, he's not bad.

A nice round butt...

What better way to keep an honest woman busy.

And his hands. Have you seen them?

They haven't seen much manual labor.

They look so soft. I'd easily let them tiptoe on my skin.

- Wouldn't you? - Yes, I mean no.

I'm too old for hanky-panky.

- Who says there's an age limit? - I'd fool around with him.

- Come on Claudette! - Don't be so prudish. It's true.

If he were staying at my place, my rabbit would end up as stew.

- How horrible! - For whom? Djeff or the rabbit?

I think he's past expiry date.

You don't know what you're missing.

An experienced man is better than a young stallion.

He lasts longer and he can take you to heaven.

I can't believe it. You're really sex starved.

When did you do it last?

- Sorry! - That's alright.

I did it in July at the firemen's ball.

I could never resist a handsome guy in uniform...

Absolutely! He looked like George Clooney.

Well...

Given everything I drank, he really did!

I did it last summer too. With a seasonal worker.

Not young but not bad.

- He came after me and caught me. - Aren't you married?

Yes, but it's been while since my husband touched me.

You'll understand later.

I've been around, so I understand what you mean.

I only attract country bumpkins.

Once the deed is done, I drive them away.

- I don't like country bumpkins. - Better you get rid of them.

Yes!

Keep laughing but we still don't have a name for the troupe.

That's true.

The Plus Belles Girls: they think they're big shots.

I thought I had seen everything,

but The Plus Belles Girls takes the cake.

How long have you been friends with Claudette?

Long enough to see our husbands depart.

She got a divorce. I didn't have the guts.

More her style.

When she was young, she was very popular.

I don't doubt it.

All the boys wanted her. They were very protective of me.

I envied her!

After we got married, our troubles got us closer.

Life with my husband was no picnic.

I fled to her when he drank and I couldn't stand it anymore.

I don't think I'd survived without her.

- She's one tough cookie. - It was tough for her too.

Her daughter blamed her for the divorce and eventually left.

Now she's in America. Claudette doesn't see her and it hurts.

- Fortunately, you're there. - It goes to show

you can screw up your love life and have great friends.

- And you? Have you been married? - No. Never!

Either wrong person, or wrong timing.

When it was the right timing, the person was wrong.

I got used to live alone. Now it's too late.

No. You're still a young and handsome man.

- You too. - Young or a handsome man?

You're very beautiful. Wanna dance?

- Now... Right away? No. - I'm your coach.

- Well, what do you say... - It's late

Stop it! Am I still attractive?

- Yes. With your new hairdo. - Am I sexy?

Yes, of course. Wanna come in?

- Do you want me? - What?

If you were a man... I mean. Everyone knows you like Louise.

Forget her! She doesn't care about you.

- You should go home to sleep. - I don't wanna sleep.

I just want to know if you want me.

I don't know. Of course. Obviously.

Thank you.

That's all I wanted to know.

That's why you woke me up.

MAJORETTES PARADE FRIDAY, REMPART SQUARE

I'll show you.

- So are you proud of your wife? - I'm not...

Since she's with the majorettes I'm getting fed up.

- Can't wait till it's over. - You don't have to wait long.

And their coach... Djeff this, Djeff that...

- I feel he's moved in with us. - A bit jealous?

Of him? That'll be the day. I think he's gay.

They're all crazy about him, except your wife.

Join them then, and take her place.

It's potato season. I need workers.

What's wrong? Scared about the parade?

I can't get the right steps.

Anyway, we're all hopeless.

Am I the only who sees it? Wake up!

Wait!

- That's it. There they go again. - Take five!

- Don't worry. - My dad doesn't know I'm here.

- If he finds me, he'll beat me. - Your dad is an asshole.

- What's wrong? - Don't you wanna be with him?

Are you out of your mind?

I know what you two are up to, the glow in your eyes...

You got it wrong. The glow is for the troupe.

For the girls, France's eyes, Hector's smile. It's...

It's for the two of us. For what we can do together.

- Really? - Of course.

No man shall ever come between us again.

- We're too old for that. - Speak for yourself!

This is for Djeff. What the mayor gave us isn't enough.

Thank you.

I expect you to reimburse me when you get your inheritance.

That's a promise. Thank you for everything.

No sweat!

Let's get back to rehearsal. After all, it's so expensive.

You always keep money in your bra?

Yes, so I know no one will get it without my consent.

Let's go! Everyone is waiting. Marcel, start serving!

Listen up, everybody.

To Louise and Claudette,

who, together with their troupe, showed us what fun is all about.

And to nice legs!

Come Louise, a speech.

Thank you.

Thank you for being here, for believing in us.

You're all great.

To our Plus Belles Girls.

Here's to nice legs!

Because...

What's your name?

I wanted to thank you, in particular.

I love you.

You're not the only one. My bar's never been so full.

Real two-legged sponges. Look at the corpses.

Louise, I always knew it was going to work.

- So? - So what?

- Weren't we amazing? - Frankly! No.

- What do you want? - Are you afraid of my mother?

- Why do you say that? No way. - Don't worry, she scares me too.

- I think she adopted you. - Actually, we adopted her.

- Right, Djeff? - Yes. Excuse me.

- Do you like my wife? - I beg your pardon.

- Do you like my wife? - Yes. No, not in that way.

I can't believe it. Don't be such a moron.

I saw you during the show. You were looking at me.

- So? - You naughty boy!

I can't believe it. Are they all plastered?

- It's disgusting. - It's OK.

That's enough. Come along!

- Pascal, wait! It's his father. - So what?

Impossible. You're not my son. Parading with girls.

In front of our neighbors. What have I done to you?

Tomorrow you are going to judo classes.

- Pascal! - What do you want?

- Do you love your son? - None of your business.

Do you really love him?

If you do, let him dance. He's got talent.

He can live his dream.

- I never had that opportunity. - That's not my problem.

Boys don't dance, they do sport.

- Can we go home? - My pleasure.

What's happened?

Dear Marcel, I think we're out in the cold again.

Speak for yourself.

- We could do it, we're ready. - It's too soon.

- Competitions are tough. - We still have time to train.

Not enough. In a few weeks, yes. Now it's out of the question.

We're going to compete, and you'll help us.

- You know why? - Tell me.

- Because we pay you. - Right!

It's your call.

- You were pushing it. - What choice did I have?

It was your idea. Here is the check.

- Did you hear? - Did I miss something?

The Plus Belles Girls entered a competition.

- They don't fear ridicule. - Asking for the town's bus too!

The mayor must be sleeping with one of them.

And we know which one.

What a cheat!

The house and the garage will have to be auctioned off.

- What does that mean? - We have to sell at a loss.

But you should raise the money in the meantime.

I'm sorry, but I can't lend you anymore.

I really can't. I doubt Djeff will work on credit.

- Maybe if we ask Bernard. - To sell our charms?

- That's not funny. - How much is left?

- Nothing. - That does it! We're screwed.

- Hector was good the other day. - Good.

But that's over, now he's into judo.

Really? He was still rehearsing this week.

- Are you certain? - That's what Garence told me.

- Is that a problem? - Yes.

- I won't stand for it. - Wait!

Something can be done.

- Like what? - Would you help me?

- What's in it for me? - We get rid of the coach.

No more coach, no more troupe.

What a crook!

Are you doing it on purpose?

- What's the problem? - Everything.

Why can't you be like the others?

I thought I'd...

You don't think, you just dance, like the others, if you can.

- Can't you be synchronized? - We did it last time.

Exactly! That is not enough. Do you want to win, yes or no?

Obviously. We don't want to ham it up.

Show me, then!

- It's a butcher shop right now. - At least, it's halal.

Think they can pull it off?

The Plus Belles Girls? Impossible.

- Wanna bet? - I put on 2 kg with all this.

- Last one! - Gambling will ruin you.

Chocolate will.

This is your bank. Your checks bounced.

Your banking privileges could be suspended.

I can't cover for you anymore. Call me!

Those bitches!

We'll have to kick it up a notch.

Where's Djeff? He isn't coming.

He's coming. I'm sure. He can't just let us down now.

Had he stayed at my house, he'd be here.

- Or he'd fled like your hubby. - Or cheated like yours.

You could never hold your wicked tongue.

You just can't resist, even with Djeff.

You're right. I did nothing to help you.

Without me, all this wouldn't exist.

Actually, you helped me because you wanted to feel alive.

You're just selfish like with your daughter.

Leave her out of this!

We've got a competition to win.

Deal with your problems later.

We worked hard to get here, right? Now let's win this.

We'll show 'em how to handle a baton! Right?

Yes.

And now, The Plus Belles Girls.

Those bitches.

- You did it on purpose. - It's not my fault if we lost.

You're the one who's knock-kneed.

You need to be knocked around.

You're gonna pay for this.

There's the fairy!

- We know everything. - You're a crook.

- What? - You never performed on stage.

You've never worked in Paris or London,

only in nightclubs in Beauvais and Arras.

You've danced with an old drag queen called Robert.

- That's our Djeff. - That's not even his real name.

His real name is André Tatavian. He still hasn't paid his car.

- Why? - For the money.

Not for the local landmarks.

See, the type of guy he is, son?

- We trusted you. - Trust!

Whose trust? Yours? Certainly not.

I embellished my life a bit, but I hurt no one.

I cheated no one. I turned you into a real troupe.

One that can stand on its own feet, perform together.

What did I get? Blank checks.

I worked for nothing. So, who got screwed? You?

I did! So don't talk to me about trust. Not you.

We were hoping for a prize, maybe not the first,

but something to pay Djeff, earn more elsewhere,

to save my house, garage, my life.

I really believed in it.

- I'll reimburse you, I swear. - Reimburse Claudette?

That's crazy. Her last checks bounced too.

I know. I've been in the red for months.

The mayor's money and the kitty wasn't enough.

I wanted a prize too.

Why not tell us? We'd have helped you, put some money each.

- I can't believe it. - He's still a crook.

That's enough. Haven't you done enough harm, you two?

Who's the crook? I made you dream and that's priceless.

On that note, André Tatavian bids you goodbye.

- And your stuff? - I'll be gone tonight.

- I'm sorry. - Not as much as I am.

Look at me! I'm your wife, remember!

Make an effort! Do something! Tell me something.

Nice weather, don't you think?

Happy you got to see the circus freak?

At least, you'll have something to talk about tonight.

Louise.

May I?

- Are you sure? - Absolutely.

SUMMONS TO PAY

Hello!

Mom!

I know it's you. You know about last-call return?

- We have it even in Orlando. - Jeanne.

I wasn't sure about the number. Or that it was you.

- Now you know. - Mommy!

Is that...

- You have... - Her name is Claudette. She's 5.

Americans think it's a very French.

Pretty name.

Listen. Regardless of what happened between us.

It was a long time ago. I think about you very often.

I miss you a lot.

I miss you too.

My God! France.

Today I don't feel like being mean.

Me neither.

- It isn't too late. - For what?

To get the troupe back together.

With what money? I'm about to lose my home.

No way! Never. I'd sell my bar before I see you on the streets.

- Thank you. - That's enough.

Your dreams, the troupe, all this will continue. Understood?

I got money. I don't use it. It's not good company either.

So do me a favor. Let me help you! All of you. Just this once.

That's a surprise, Marcel.

I don't have children, no real friends, not even a dog.

- I only have you. - Me?

Each morning I get up hoping for you to look at me,

love me the way I love you.

Yes. I love you, Louise. I've loved you for a long time.

I love you too, my dear.

- How did you find me? - André, won't you introduce me?

They're leaving, Dad.

As you wish. Ladies. What a shame.

Now you know. The money was for him.

You'll excuse me. I have a class to teach.

With our apologies.

We're training for another competition and we need you.

Really! That's no longer my problem. They too need me.

Back to work.

The Majorettes of Lons.

Thank you, ladies.

And now, a cheer for the Saint-Leu Starlets.

Started without me, are we?

- Am I happy or what! - I'm glad to see you too.

Remember though, we're here to win.

Thank you, ladies.

A warm round of applause for the Saint-Leu Starlets.

- Thank you. - Let's go.

And now the Plus Belles Girls.

Wait! Sorry but I'm not performing with you.

What are you talking about? This is no time to quit.

- That's not it. - OK. No arguments. You dance.

No, it's your time to shine, your dream, not mine.

The Plus Belles Girls.

Please come forward!

You can't let me down.

- The sage points to the moon... - I know the proverb.

You always stared at the moon.

The Plus Belles Girls. We're waiting for you.

What's going on? Something wrong?

No, everything is fine.

- We gotta go. Where's Claudette? - She has a substitute.

Let's go! We have to twirl our way to victory.

Don't worry! Everything will be fine.

There they are.

THE PLUS BELLES GIRLS COME FROM THE REMPARTS

I always knew they'd win.

If you can run a bar you can hold a baton.

- I'd shorten the skirts though. - Good idea.

Don't stop, for once, you're not prattling.

That's it then. I'm off to the airport.

- I'll miss you. - What are you talking about?

I'll be gone for 4 weeks. I'll bring back news.

Can you handle it?

I've been at it for weeks. One more, one less...

How many hours between here and Florida?

All I know about Florida is they grow grapefruit.

Don't worry! Everything will be fine.

- Think so? - Yes.

You'll make 2 people happy, and be a great grandmother.

- If you don't yell too much. - Me? I never yell.

- Yes, you do. - I have a strong personality.

- Do I yell? - Absolutely.

But it'll be harder in English.

Let's go. I don't want to miss my flight.

- I'll really miss you. - You too.

May I?

- Certainly. - Of course.

This feels great, doesn't it?

Normally, villages aren't my thing. Too quiet.

People gossip.

May I?

But I like it here.

I think I'll stay.

It's over. No more criticism. No more insults.

But then again...

Thank you.

Yes, because if you weren't dead I wouldn't be so alive.

Now you're free at last.

Translation: Pierre Rossi Épilogue