All language subtitles for Le bossu (1959) ENG

THE KING'S AVENGER

On this morning in 1701,
like every morning for nearly 20 years,

the Sun King, upon awakening,
receives his most favoured courtiers,

including Prince Philippe of Gonzague,
who was granted the supreme favour

of taking part in these morning rituals.

Sir, how did you find
the King this morning?

Ever more domineering.

Led by Madame de Maintenon,
and like all who are aging,

he thinks only about marriage-broking.

And who is to be his next victim?

He wishes my cousin, Philippe de Nevers,
to marry one of his nieces.

His Majesty has charged me with
informing him of these glad tidings.

Dear Philippe, the King knows what he
is doing in giving you his niece's hand.

Are you not one of the most fortunate
men in the kingdom?

The most unfortunate.

I don't understand you. Mademoiselle
de Savoie is certainly no Venus,

but to become the nephew of the King
of France... What an honour!

His Majesty charged me with informing
you of this. This has been done.

Do not forget: "What the King desires,
God desires. "

But what God has brought together,
the King cannot separate.

What are you trying to say?

For almost two years, I have been
married to Isabelle de Q�lus.

You know the enmity that exists between
the families of Nevers and Q�lus.

We have been forced
to keep our love hidden.

We took advantage
of her father's absence

to be secretly married before God
by one of my family's chaplains.

- You married... in secret?
- Yes.

We had hoped His Majesty would help us
to declare this fact to the old Marquis,

and thus obtain from him his belated
consent, a most urgent necessity

since a daughter has been born.
She is now almost one year old.

Knowing his current disposition, I fear
the King will be highly displeased

that you married
without having consulted him.

Could I have foreseen His Majesty's
sudden decision regarding me?

Poor Philippe, for you this decision
is as good as an order of exile.

I know.

I promise to help you overcome
this difficulty. You can count on me.

Thank you. But what
will you tell the King?

That illness requires you to travel to a
region more conducive to your health.

The King cares not for the sick, having
been unwell himself too often recently.

In a year or two,
matters may well have changed.

You must leave as soon as possible.

I will remain only long enough
to embrace my wife and daughter.

- How to tell Isabelle?
- I go tomorrow to Q�lus.

You know that the old Marquis trusts me.
I will facilitate the meeting.

Thank you, my faithful friend.

- Your wallet, sir!
- Get back, churl!

The "Nevers strike"!
To remain here would be unwise!

- What are you doing, thief?
- Monsieur Lagardere!

- Ah! It's you, Passepoil!
- Yes.

- You're trying to borrow my horse?
- No, sir.

I saw ten scoundrels set upon
a gentleman down the street...

- So you tried to flee... with my horse.
- Yes, but.... only to find help faster.

- What's done is done. Let's go.
- But there are ten, at least...

Exactly. That makes things even.
Show me the way. Jump to it!

- This way...
- To me, you two!

- Thank you, sir!
- You jest, my Lord!

You will defeat them single-handedly.
I am merely lessening your work.

If I knew your strike, my Lord,
I would dispatch them even quicker.

- I will teach you.
- You are generous, sir.

My Lord, this one was mine!

Go and find my horse.
My Lord, at your service.

As you please, sir.

- Well parried, sir!
- Hold, sirs!

Armed men are coming!
And with all these gentlemen here...

- We will continue later.
- Quickly!

- When it suits you, my Lord.
- Until the next time, sir.

- Look at all this!
- What a massacre!

Congratulations, P�rol!
Your hired killers performed wonders.

- I don't understand what happened.
- It seems that someone assisted him.

Whoever he may be, we shall find him.

At Q�lus, it will be simple to make
both father and child disappear.

I can't believe that you accepted
such a job.

One has to live. And the guards
are so overworked at the moment....

Those with the means
have their own guards.

I am acting honestly
when I attack dishonest men.

We were told that this lord
is involved in a conspiracy.

- A conspiracy?
- Yes.

According to what we were told,
he would try to assassinate

the Prince of Gonzague
unless we killed him.

Who was to pay you for this fine work?

P�rol, the Prince of Gonzague's
Captain of the Guard.

I want to know who wishes ill
towards Nevers.

Tomorrow, see this P�rol and find out.

Don't you realise
what will happen to me?

If they discover I've spoken to you...
Fellows like that don't forgive...

If I had some advice for you, Passepoil,
it would be to serve me faithfully.

- Yes.
- If not....

Sir, you have nothing to fear, since
you use such convincing arguments...

In short, my Lord, no one knows
of the existence of this child.

If child and father disappear....

Nevers' inheritance
comes to me by law.

You will be the most powerful nobleman
in the kingdom.

- After the King.
- For the time being, my Lord.

- Welcome, Monsieur de Gonzague.
- Thank you, my Lord.

It pleases me
to see you again, Isabelle.

I have important news to give you.

Do not be so unhappy.
I will take care of everything.

Have courage, Isabelle.

Your husband, my cousin,
the Duke of Nevers, will arrive tonight.

He will come through the back gate
that leads to the moat.

- May God protect us!
- Have courage!

How can we thank you?

You can count on me. I am ready
to sacrifice my life for your happiness.

Go to the meeting place and find out
what your accomplices are planning.

Listen to yourself! They are no longer
my accomplices. I am your servant!

- True. Do as I say!
- And you, my Lord, be careful.

I finally have a good master,
so I don't want to lose him!

Father, it is late. Will you give me
permission to retire?

Good night, Isabelle.

What most surprised me
about Versailles, Monsieur de P�rol,

is the immorality which reigns there.

Our principles and traditions
are being lost.

A Q�lus would prefer to kill
his daughter by his own hand

rather than to let her be dishonoured.

Leave me.

Lady Marthe!

You do not believe that we will be
exposing little Aurore to grave danger?

She will never be truly safe
except under her father's protection.

But why not confess all to your family?

You are the wife of Philippe de Nevers
before God, and Aurore is your child.

My father is the enemy of Nevers.
You know how proud he is.

His heart is impervious
to all human feeling.

If he were to learn
of my secret marriage to Philippe

and the birth of Aurore,

he would be capable of wreaking
the cruellest vengeance upon us both.

Perhaps, with time,
matters will change...

Poor child. Madame, it is late.
It will be midnight soon.

Be brave, Isabelle.

Fate cannot be against us forever.

Have courage. We will find happiness
when this ordeal is over.

My Lord, you must leave immediately!

Twelve men are heading to the castle
to assassinate the Duke of Nevers.

Take her away from the dangers
which threaten her in this castle.

There is a piece of paper
pinned to her blanket.

It is the page I tore
from the chapel register.

It is evidence of our union before God,
and proves our child's identity.

I shall pray for you.

Farewell, my love.

May God protect you.

My Lord, do you really think a duel
is appropriate with the child present?

- You again, sir.
- My Lord.

If I may advise you, entrust the child
to this nursemaid here.

- You are mad!
- I have followed you from Paris.

You are marked for death. Twelve men
are preparing to attack at any moment.

I beseech you.

Go and wait near the horses.
And don't move!

Do you hear them?

- Can you hear it, P�rol?
- There is fighting by the moat.

Look, my Lord!
Someone is fighting by his side!

Did Nevers suspect something?
Could one of your men have warned him?

Truly, one cannot trust anyone
in this day and age.

Come, P�rol. Let us go
and observe what happens.

And another!

Come closer! I need a halberd
to reach you from here!

Come, P�rol!

My Lord, beware!

Coward! Ignoble coward!

My Lord... Assassin!

Turn and face me, or I shall strike you
in the back!

Hurry, my Lord, this way!

Coward! Whoever you may be, I will
recognise you. I have marked your hand!

And when the time comes,
if you don't come to Lagardere,

Lagardere will come to you!

- My Lord... What misfortune!
- Passepoil, let us carry him.

No use. It is too late.

My Lord, I will avenge you.

My child. Take care of my child.

Take her away from here.

I will watch over her.
I swear this to you.

Let me pass!

Madame, great misfortune
has overcome us.

Your husband, my dear cousin and best
friend Philippe de Nevers, is no more.

He succumbed to a band of ruffians
led by a scoundrel called Lagardere.

I spilt my blood defending him,
but there were too many of them.

- And my child?
- They took her.

Before he died, the Duke
entrusted you to my protection.

I swear to do all in my power
to return your daughter to you.

P�rol, have our horses saddled
and our men armed.

Madame, pray for those whose sole wish
is to avenge your husband.

Pray that they may be the instruments
of a just cause.

Madame, it is monstrous!

Leave me.

- I think we fooled them.
- But I believe they are not far behind.

A chapel! It is the best refuge
for this little angel.

Let's go.

- Still nothing?
- Still nothing, Captain.

Damnation, it's not possible!
Are you all asleep?

We found tracks at the roadside cross
of St Honorine,

but then lost them at St Jean farm.

Bunch of fools! Go back!

We will not sleep until we find
these child stealers.

The Prince promises 1,000 crowns to
the one who finds them, dead or alive!

Go, find them!

The tracks seem
to lead in this direction.

Let us follow them!

THIS CERTIFIES THE BAPTISM
OF AURORE DE NEVERS,

DAUGHTER OF
PHILIPPE, DUKE OF NEVERS

AND ISABELLE DE Q�LUS,
HIS WIFE BEFORE GOD

- Look at the tracks.
- They can't be far.

They have only just passed.

Master, P�rol's men
are coming along the river.

They are heading in our direction.

Untie the horses.
I will bring the child.

Go and look inside.

What good luck that I saw them coming.

There's nobody there.
All right, on our way.

I think we can return now,
they have gone.

By order of the King, a reward
of 5,000 crowns is offered

to whomever assists in the arrest
of the Chevalier de Lagardere,

who is responsible for the assassination
of His Royal Highness,

the Duke of Nevers.

For this crime he is condemned
to be hanged until he is dead.

All provosts are hereby ordered

to carry out this sentence immediately
notwithstanding any possible reprieve.

- She must be thirsty.
- Then let us stop.

Go down to that inn by the roadside
and bring back a jug of milk.

- Keep to yourself!
- Yes.

Learn what you can
about crossing the border.

I will do my best.

Welcome, my Lord.
Come in, my Lord.

Here you will find good food, pleasant
lodgings and fine wine. Be seated!

I never refuse good wine. But for now,
I would prefer a jug of....

I have an excellent ros� from B�arn.
Ajug of ros� for the gentleman!

Miss, I would like a jug of milk.

Milk, for you? What do you want
with a jug of milk?

- It's for a thirsty child.
- I'll go and see if there is any left.

Welcome, Captain, and your band
of gallant companions!

Hello, you old rogue!

What can I offer you?

We are dying of thirst.
Some of your ros�. Be quick about it.

Two jugs of ros�
for these gentlemen!

To what do we owe the pleasure
of your company?

We seek two bandits attempting to cross
the border. They have stolen a child.

- A child?
- A ten-month-old infant.

- Have you seen anyone suspicious?
- No.

We'll catch them soon.
The guards have been doubled.

They'll find it difficult
to cross into Spain.

Indeed. Two men with a small child
in their arms?

- They'll soon be captured.
- I hope so.

After all, who will nurse the child?
Men aren't wet nurses!

Get down, you! Here, the jug of milk
for the little one.

That's it.

I'm dying of thirst.

5,000 crowns for he who brings
them back, dead or alive.

5,000 crowns! They must be dangerous.

If we find them,
we'll kill them on the spot.

No point in my widow
receiving the reward!

You find it amusing
that I speak about my widow?

No, sir. Laughter is... infectious.

- To your health, sir!
- To the King!

- Long live the King!
- Long live the King!

- Good, is it not?
- First-rate!

Where has my customer gone?
Here's his ros�.

He drank his ros�.
He even paid for it.

That wasn't wine, that was milk.

- Milk? He was drinking milk?
- Some still remains.

- He wanted it for a thirsty child.
- Do you know this fellow?

- First time I've seen him.
- That's it! Come on!

- Captain! Look over there!
- That's them! Quick, let's go!

Passepoil! Quick, over here.

Stay right here until I return.

One moment, Sultan.
Wait a moment longer.

Let's go now.

There you are!

Yes, here I am! Don't stop,
or you are a dead man!

Throw the pistol away. Go on!

Stop.

Stop!

Get down from the horse.
I feel like being generous.

Since there is a price on my head,
I will give you a chance to claim it.

So, fellow, en garde.

You are acting under orders
of the King, so I will spare your life.

Know that I am innocent of the crime
of which I am accused.

And remember, all my actions
have been for honourable reasons.

All fresh and creamy.
Time to feed Miss Aurore!

Up to here it's fine, but then...
I get tangled up.

Let me do it, master. I know how,
I was the oldest of twelve children.

What's this, then?

A shepherd with his flock of sheep.

Is Spain far from here?

Good, we're in Spain.

What do I feel down there?

What's have you done now?

Come now. I swear,
that's how life is.

If I had been told that night in Paris
when I was hired to attack your father

that his daughter would
pee down my leg in Spain,

how I would have laughed!
Well, that's the way it goes....

Five years later, in Paris.

- Was it a pleasant journey, my Lord?
- Excellent. We made five leagues a day.

Do you bear good news?

My trips to Q�lus have rarely been
joyful. I've waited patiently for years.

The marquis has finally consented
to give me his daughter's hand.

Congratulations, my Lord.

And what does Mademoiselle de Q�lus
think of her father's decision?

She will do me the honour
of becoming my wife.

In three months we shall be married.

My Lord, your charm
guarantees your success.

No, P�rol, she simply believes
that we pursue a common goal.

She has conferred on me her cherished
hope, to retrieve her daughter Aurore.

- We must not disappoint her.
- We will not disappoint her, My Lord.

According to news I received from Spain,
Lagardere and the child are in Segovia.

Four reliable scoundrels
who are devoted to our cause

are waiting only for you
to give the order to depart.

They need wait no longer.
Do what must be done.

P�rol, be sure to tell them
that they serve a very noble cause.

Even rogues aspire to grand ideals.

- Segovia?
- That way.

- Is it far?
- An hour or two.

- And what's that?
- ''A''.

- "A". And that?
- ''U''.

- And that?
- ''R''.

''O'', ''R", "E''.

- And that makes...?
- Aurore!

Very good! And now you've learnt to read
your name, you will learn to write it.

Put that in your hand.

Goodbye, Passepoil.
Bring me some oranges.

Yes, as always!

Don't drink too much, and don't talk!

As always. Let's go.

Let's go!

Come, we have to search
the whole market

and find anyone who has information
about our two fellows.

Hello, sir, would you like
some oranges, as usual?

Who's that fellow over there?

- I've seen his face somewhere before.
- You think? No....

Wait, I want to put
my mind at rest. Come.

- Who is that man?
- A poor deaf-mute.

I'm still sure
I've seen his face before.

Look, he's a local.
You can tell straight away.

Wait. Let's see if he's mute.

What's going on, then?
Damnation, I spoke!

- That's our fellow!
- I knew it! Let's go!

This way!

No, another one.
I don't like this one.

I assure you, this one is very ripe.

- No.
- This one is better.

- Give me another.
- But this one is riper...

My friends, I have an idea.
Let us untie his donkey.

It will undoubtedly lead us back
to its home. We need merely follow.

That way, we will take the other fellow
and the child unawares.

- Great idea, chief!
- It's not bad, I'd say.

You, take off the baskets.
And you, stay here.

Go back to the market
and try to capture him.

Come on, back home. On your way!

Come on, get going!

Look at that!
Accursed donkey! I tell you...

Is it going to stay there all day?

So much for that idea....

Wait, I'm coming! Make up your mind,
confounded donkey!

There's nothing we can do.

Don't go so far away!

Come back!

You, take care of the child. Come on!

Aurore, my little Aurore.

Master, there's not a moment to lose!
We must leave immediately!

- Why?
- Don't worry, I concealed my tracks.

But I have a feeling that it won't
be long before we have visitors.

You have a feeling...

Finally, we've arrived.

- It's Toledo.
- It's about time.

- Can I help you, sir?
- Senor Don Miguel.

He is here, come in.

- Is this the Duke of Alba's sword?
- Yes.

No, not that one. This one.

Sir, a foreign gentleman has given me
this sword to present to you.

Treat this gentleman with the utmost
respect. I will come in a moment.

Senor Don Miguel
will receive you soon. Follow me.

Welcome.

The guest you see here may bring you
more trouble than joy.

The law of my country has accused me
of a crime I did not commit.

I have chosen to go into exile.

I do not wish to be a cause
of discomfort for you.

- I would understand...
- Consider this your home, Henri.

My home is yours until you are able
to avenge these wrongs.

Look! They have not waited for us
to make each other's acquaintance.

That delightful child and my daughter
Flore will be raised as sisters.

1715. Too early for some,
too late for others.

Louis XlVis no longer on the throne.

The court have abandoned Versailles
and returned to the Tuileries palace.

Until the young King Louis XV
obtains his majority,

the Regent, Duke Philippe d'Orl�ans,
rules in his stead.

The high principles of religion,
high birth and service to the state

have given way to a mania for living
in accordance with the Regency style.

The fashion was for extravagance.

Great lords owned private
and secret residences

where they entertained
intimate friends.

They held suppers where
fine foods and heady wines

were not the only delicacies available.

ln his private residence,
the Prince of Gonzague

hosted the most refined
soirees in all of Paris.

The treasury was empty, but there
were many wealthy Frenchmen.

Rich in banknotes, rich in hope.

France knew heady days when
state bonds increased their value.

The Prince of Gonzague turned
the courtyard of his town house

into a veritable banking establishment.

- 10,000 louis profit!
- A good day, P�rol.

We will do even better tomorrow,
my Lord. Confidence reigns.

What is it?

Her Highness, the Princess of Gonzague,
asks if my Lord will receive her.

Yes, inform the Princess
that I await her.

Leave me, P�rol. I must let her
state her piece yet again.

Your private life
is none of my concern, sir.

However, my astonishment
at these libels can hardly surprise you.

How fortunate, our Lord Gonzague
Who all our gold invests

Beauties open wide their arms
And husbands, wide their chests

Slander, naught but slander!

I do not want the name I bear
to be a byword for corruption,

dishonesty and debauchery.

Cease these activities
for which I could be reproached.

Madame, who would dare
imply such a thing?

Aurore de Nevers, my daughter.

God willing, I will find her one day.

Alas, Madame...

Could time have caused you
to forget your promise, Philippe?

No, Madame.

For more than 16 years,
we have moved heaven and earth.

- But I fear that to go on hoping...
- Never will I abandon hope.

- How beautiful they are.
- Yes.

What are you thinking, Aurore?

Flore, in truth I am most unhappy.

Henri forbids me from leaving
the house or seeing anyone.

Except for you. He seems
to fear some danger.

- Are these the stirrings of jealousy?
- Jealousy? What madness is this?

Why do you blush so, then?
Tell me softly, do you love him?

- Why softly?
- Loudly, then, if you wish.

- Yes, I love him.
- At last! And him?

He loves me... like a daughter.

- Impossible, he isn't your father.
- I'm not entirely certain.

Passepoil raises his eyes
to the heavens when I ask.

- Why don't you ask Henri?
- You think?

If he isn't your father and if he isn't
madly in love with you, it's because....

- It's because...?
- It's because he loves another.

Another?

Good morning, Aurore.

You certainly are quiet this morning.
What were you discussing with Flore?

- Nothing.
- Truly?

And you? Where were you?
Whom were you with?

Since when do well-bred children
pose indiscreet questions to adults?

I don't care about being well-bred!

It is time that you realise
that I am no longer a child.

- So she is no longer a child?
- So it would seem.

She is not wrong, Henri.
She is now a beautiful young woman.

Is it not now the time
that she learn the truth?

About her birth, her family,
her mother...

Henri, how happy I am.

- You truly are a child.
- Not at all.

Indeed! It was only a few days ago
that you were sad, and wept.

Today you are laughing, and are happy.

Yes, I am happy. You have barely
left my side for the past few days.

- That proves to me that...
- What does that prove to you?

- That you do not love another.
- What an idea!

Sit next to me.

Who are you, to have abandoned
everything for me?

To have dedicated your life
to me since my infancy?

Is there some family secret that
prevents you from telling me the truth?

Does some blood tie
exist between us?

No, I am merely a friend.

Henry, how happy I am.

Aurore, try to understand.

One night long ago in the ditches
around the castle of Q�lus,

I swore to your dying father,
the Duke of Nevers,

to punish his murderer
and return you to your mother,

whose only hope
is to see you again one day.

She alone has the power to grant
or forbid the feelings in your heart.

Master!

- My dear master!
- What do you want?

- I've been looking for you for hours!
- Why?

Don Miguel has sent me
to bring you back immediately.

He has received news from Paris.
It seems that strange things are afoot!

A family council, or some such thing.
Make haste!

Be careful, it's fragile.

Here is a list of addresses of friends
who can help you along the way.

And my son's papers, which should help
you cross the border without trouble.

Thank you, Don Miguel.

Despite the dangers that you face,
I approve of your decision to leave.

Yes. It is imperative that we reach
Paris before the family council.

I pray you will arrive in time
to prevent the worst.

Good luck, Henri.

Put it there.

- Goodbye.
- Farewell, for now.

- No embrace for me?
- Goodbye, my little Aurore.

Thank you from the depth of my heart.
Thank you for everything.

Tie it down tightly so that it holds.

- Flore, goodbye.
- Goodbye, Passepoil.

Goodbye, Don Miguel.

Take this.

ln Paris, the courtyard
of the Gonzague town house

has become a playground
for speculators.

- Another?
- Yes.

- I'm selling 100 shares.
- I'll pay market price.

- I'll pay 100 more!
- Agreed.

My hump brings luck, sir!

Signing a transfer on it
guarantees good fortune!

Then come closer, sir,
come closer!

Approach, so I can sign my transfers
upon your back!

- That will be two livres, sir.
- Two livres! That's steep!

- But your profit is assured!
- We shall see...

His Lordship, the Prince of Gonzague!

It would please me if any hats
still on heads are removed!

Your Lordship promised to advise me.

Buy! Buy today in order
to sell more dearly tomorrow!

- Good evening, my Lord.
- How are you, hunchback?

Very well, my Lord.

But...

If I am a hunchback, you also are one!

- What insolence is this?
- My Lord,

you have a hunch
when it comes to business!

I will have to thrash you some day
for your impertinence.

My Lord, my hump only brings
good luck if you stroke it!

- What's all this fuss, young man?
- They're going to fight over me!

Young man, I demand...

Apologise to her.

- My apologies, Madame.
- That's better. Go.

Thank you, Mr Passepoil.
Good manners are a rarity nowadays.

In our day, young people respected
ladies of quality. But now....

You will allow me to accompany you?

Perfect. Come in.

Come on, hurry up!

Your hat!

My Lord, here are the gypsies
whom I spoke to you about.

They have come to thank you
for your leniency.

- Thank you, my Lord.
- May God protect you.

They truly look like false witnesses.
You don't think it will be obvious?

Quite the contrary. The fact they look
so suspicious will convince the council

that we did not chose them ourselves.

So you claim to have proof that
the Duke of Nevers' daughter is dead.

We saw her dead body
as clearly as we see you.

And what proof do you have of this?

We discovered in the woods one morning

a child's body that had been
half-eaten by wolves.

It was terrible, terrible, terrible!

If you please!

What led you to believe
it was Nevers' daughter?

She wore a small medal around her neck
with her name on the back.

"Aurore de Nevers."
There was also a date of birth.

- Have you kept this medal?
- No, my Lord.

The medal was made of gold,
and we are poor people.

We sold it to buy food.

The child, was she by herself?

No, my Lord. We found the body
of a cavalier in a ravine,

apparently killed in an accident
with a horse.

Very good.

If only all that were true.
I feel as though I'm dreaming.

My dear P�rol,
ensure that they remain at hand.

Tomorrow, their testimony
will convince the family council.

I have no doubt, my Lord.

My dear P�rol, it falls to me
to perform a most unhappy task.

I must inform the Princess
of this dreadful news.

Go.

Madame, I have waited until now
to confirm to you the terrible news

for which I have been trying
to prepare you for several months.

This very moment, I have received
incontestable proof

that your little Aurore is no more.

- No, it's not possible. It's not true!
- I fear so, Madame.

Three witnesses, gallant gypsies,
discovered her in a forest.

Tomorrow they will provide proofs
of her death to the family council.

It is impossible. Something within me
tells me that she still lives.

The details you would learn about
her end would only deepen your grief.

For reasons of affection, I advise you
not to attend the ceremony.

Yes. I will obey you, sir.

May the sincerity of my feelings
and the assurance of my deep affection

be of comfort to you in this ordeal
that you are undergoing.

Madame, why are you weeping like this?

God will protect you.
You must not despair!

Leave me, I beg of you.
Everything is at an end.

- It is all over for me.
- Here is a letter for you.

No, I am no longer interested
in such things.

My little Aurore is dead. Leave me.

Her Ladyship, the Princess of Gonzague,
care of Lady Marthe

This is all the chicken you have?

You'll find none better, not plumper
nor fresher. It was killed this morning.

Hunchback, life goes well?
Come, how do you like this cloak?

Bring your hood forward more.
Enemies could be all around.

It seems you resemble your mother
somewhat. One never knows...

Good, just what I'm looking for.

How much for a plate?

- Look at the hideous hunchback.
- Goodness, turn away!

- He frightens you?
- No. But turn away.

He looks nasty. Look, he's watching us.

Oh, well... No matter. Come, let's go.

How strange, he lives next door to us.

He's allowed to.
Come, don't dwell upon it.

Come in.

I don't like that hunchback.

I've often seen him
roaming the streets.

One time, he was even looking
through our windows!

- You must speak about it to Lagardere.
- Come help me in the kitchen.

The master will complain once more
that we are lunching late.

He won't be in a good mood as it is.

- What do you know about that?
- A premonition. Clean these.

- I believe that he's had enough.
- You think? What ideas you have.

He never spends time with me.
It is certain, he loves another.

So that is how you see matters,
my dear Aurore?

You reveal your youth
by talking like that.

What do you know about love, or men?

When we love, we are often
too reserved, this is well known.

Even the great seducers.

Take me, for example. God knows
that I have had my conquests.

Ah, they say love is blind,

but what is sure
is that it is often mute.

So, the table is not yet set.
We are not dining today, perhaps?

- What are you doing? Daydreaming?
- Just that, daydreaming.

- Don't be angry, he got home late.
- The market was crowded.

- One person too many, I'm sure!
- Yes, a hideous hunchback.

- With a nasty look.
- It gets better!

Aurore, you went out despite
my interdiction. Well done, Passepoil.

No, she saw him... out the window.
What nonsense am I saying?

- It's not worth me explaining myself.
- Hurry. We'll deal with this later.

It's not his fault! If I don't even
have the right to leave the house,

tell me plainly that I am your prisoner.
Lock me away!

Listen to me.
You are too old for tantrums.

You must promise me
that you will not do anything imprudent.

- What are you trying to say?
- I ask you to be a little patient.

In a few days, you will regain
your name, your family, your mother.

You are not pleased that you
will finally meet your mother?

It will please me greatly...
You can finally get rid of me!

His Highness, the Duke of Orl�ans.

Good day, my cousin.

Sirs, be brief and swift.

The charges of state weigh down upon us.

On this tenth day
of the month of May, 1717,

in the reign of Louis XV, under the
guardianship of the Duke of Orl�ans,

the Regent of the realm,
a family council is convened

at the request of the His Highness,
the Prince of Gonzague,

for the purpose of ruling upon
the existence or non-existence

of descendants of the Duke of Nevers,
and the distribution of his possessions.

- I have a request, my Lord.
- We are listening.

The Princess of Gonzague,
my unfortunate wife,

asks to be excused
from these proceedings

which will reawaken
painful memories for her,

and which risk damaging
her delicate state of health.

Granted.

At the Prince of Gonzague's request,
the family council allows that his wife,

born Isabelle de Q�lus, be represented
by the King's Counsellor.

- Is there any opposition?
- Yes.

- There is an objection. Mine.
- What is this, Madame?

My Lord, I can prove that my daughter,
Aurore de Nevers, is alive.

If you allow, I shall present her to you

at the ball which you are holding
tomorrow at your palace.

- Has grief unbalanced your senses?
- No, sir.

- Has she gone mad?
- Anguish has disturbed her mind.

My Lord, please forgive me
for this incident.

But I can provide three witnesses
who can confirm

that the bandit Lagardere died
in an accident with a horse,

and that the child he had stolen
found its death in the same manner.

May it please the tribunal
to hear the witnesses.

Bring in the witnesses.

My Lord, the witnesses
have been abducted,

and the armed guard who watched
them has disappeared.

What a lovely heart line.
I've never seen one like it.

I see women upon this hand.

Yes. How many women
have you caused to suffer?

Suffering was not the only thing
they felt. Do not exaggerate!

What a seducer!

- You see all that on my hand?
- No, in your eyes.

Do not use your sorcery
to try to hypnotise me!

My dear P�rol, this is not like you.

You, who wish to be
Chief Constable one day.

Allowing genuine prisoners
to escape is excusable,

but willing prisoners?
You admit, it's somewhat feeble.

The man watching over them
disappeared at the same time.

- Where did they go?
- I haven't the slightest idea.

At least try to come up with one idea
for finding them. You are paid for that.

What is it?

- A hunchback desires an audience.
- Drive him away!

No! Let him enter.

This clown amuses me sometimes.
His hump has always brought me luck.

I advise you to stroke it as he passes,
you have a most urgent need of some.

To what do we owe
the honour of your visit?

It seems you allow yourself
great liberties.

My Lord.

It is necessary, in order to obtain
what one wants in life,

to show a little audacity,

sometimes even great audacity,

when one possesses neither beauty
nor intelligence,

nor the power which heaven
has lavished upon you, my Lord.

Flatterer. And what do you hope
to gain, my audacious one?

The love of an incomparable beauty.

I am in love with a heavenly creature.

A true princess.

Possessing neither charm nor fortune,

the only path which remains to me
for seducing her is illusion.

- What illusion?
- The illusion of possessing influence.

You want me to ask the Regent
to make you a duke?

I cannot be a duke,
I am already the King of hunchbacks!

So what do you want from me?

My Lord,

if I could obtain two invitations
for the Regent's ball,

I am certain that my princess
would no longer be able to refuse me.

I can refuse nothing
to so tender a lover.

Here is what you ask from me.

Thank you, my Lord, thank you.
Touch my hump.

Softly, it is painful today.

It will give you twice the good fortune.

I hope you will present me
to your princess.

I will not fail to do so.

When something is promised,
it must be done!

You were about to commit a terrible act.
It is foolish to serve the wicked.

You must be witless not to realise
that with such people,

when you are no longer of use...
No more gypsies!

But if you are honest with us,
nothing untoward will happen to you.

Here I am! If you don't mind,
I'll return in a moment.

My Lord, you called me?

Listen, you will need all your wits,
and you don't have many to begin with.

This does not bode well
for me, I'm sure!

This evening, at the Regent's masked
ball, before the nobles of the realm,

the Duke of Nevers' daughter
will meet her mother.

The resemblance between
the two women will unmask Gonzague.

- Everything has been planned.
- But is it in your plans, my Lord,

that you could be arrested
and hung within the hour?

Don't forget that there
is a price on your head.

To gain 5,000 crowns, there are those
who would sell their own parents.

Gonzague is cunning,
and an all-powerful nobleman.

Today, my right is my power.

- What is happening?
- My dear Aurore.

Tonight will be your first ball.
Here is your dress.

Aurore, look.

I wanted you to be the most beautiful.

It's marvellous!

This evening, you will be the most
elegant. Your name demands it.

Your name is the only one
that I wish to bear.

I understand that a young lady
can be whimsical before her first ball,

but do not plan a future
you do not control.

I will prove to the world that you are
the daughter of the Duke of Nevers.

Prove to me that you are worthy of him.

A carriage will come tonight at ten
o'clock to take you to the ball.

You, watch for the carriage's arrival,
then help her to get in.

- And then?
- Then, you wait for my orders!

And now, no carelessness.

Princess, no time to daydream. Go make
yourself beautiful. I'll bring this up.

I heard everything, my Lord.

A carriage is coming at ten o'clock
to pick up the young girl

and take her to the Regent's ball.

I think we have them this time.

My compliments, P�rol,
you selected them well.

But might not your disappearance rouse
suspicions and compromise everything?

No, my Lord, my parents remained
there with my hat, vest and bag.

They made a figure
that looks to be sleeping.

- How beautiful you are!
- What value is it, to be beautiful?

The only man I want to say those words
shows only indifference towards me.

Do not believe that! I will explain.
One asks a girl's papa for her hand.

As he swore to be a papa to you,
he cannot ask himself for your hand.

Not knowing your mother's mind,

he will say nothing until he knows
she will agree.

- Simple, you see?
- You think I will please him like this?

But you are wonderful, my Aurore.
You have the air of a princess.

The carriage is here.

- Goodbye, Aurore.
- Goodbye, Passepoil.

- What's going on?
- Is Aurore not ready?

- Yes, she was ready.
- Then where is she?

- She just departed in the carriage.
- Which carriage?

The carriage which came to pick her up.

Oh, good God! Our little one
has been kidnapped!

What is to be done?

Take this, it is the only proof
of Aurore's identity.

If I disappear, make sure
it reaches the Princess.

Her child's fate
depends upon this torn page.

- What will you do, sir?
- I must risk everything.

Willingly or otherwise, I must make
P�rol or Gonzague lead me to Aurore.

- To the joys of life!
- Yes!

Let us drink to the joys of life.

Let us drink to a future which
has never looked so appealing.

To the joys of our fine country.

We didn't come to discuss
the country's greatness.

Women will never appreciate
the civic virtues.

Happily.

I believe this soiree brings us more joy
than the Regent's ball.

Speaking of which, would it not be best
that you make an appearance there?

I will appear briefly
soon after midnight.

Perhaps we will be lucky enough
to see the Duke of Nevers' daughter.

I am pleased
to welcome you tonight, Princess.

Good evening, P�rol.

The Prince of Gonzague beseeches
Your Highness to forgive his tardiness.

It is due to a minor indisposition.

Tell him that I wish him
the best of health.

And tell him that I hope
he will not do anything imprudent.

Madame, would you do me the pleasure
of accompanying me?

You seem preoccupied, Madame.

May your dearest wish be granted.

Your restored smile will be
the loveliest jewel at this ball,

and will give me great joy.

But of course, my friend,
we shall discuss it later.

- The excellent Monsieur de P�rol.
- Good evening, hunchback.

What new mischief
are you contemplating?

- I seek the Prince of Gonzague.
- To present your princess to him.

Just as I promised him, my Lord,
and to express my gratitude.

- But where is he?
- He suffers from a minor illness.

I go to join him immediately.
I will therefore be your messenger.

Thank you, my Lord.

Go, and do not spare the horses!

Faster, Passepoil. Faster!

Pass them!

My Lord, to the devil with the Regent!
Stay with us.

The sooner I leave such fine company,
the sooner I shall return.

Farewell, I will not be long.

When the second chime of midnight
sounds, I will be on my way back.

P�rol is here. Art�mise,
return to our friends.

My Lord, excuse me.

You recognised me in spite of my mask?

- I would recognise you anywhere.
- What do you want?

- Who gave you my secret address?
- Monsieur de P�rol.

He charged me with delivering this ring.

Lagardere wore it some few
moments ago upon his hand.

Monsieur de P�rol was slightly
injured as he fought.

He is dead, my Lord.

Dear P�rol!

Without a doubt, hunchback,
you are our lucky charm!

Let me run my hand
over your back one more time.

This evening, I want you
to be the King of my celebrations!

My ladies, this evening I wish you
to lavish your affections

upon my friend, the hunchback.
Treat him like a prince.

Let us drink to this bearer
of good tidings.

My lords, Lagardere is dead,
long live the hunchback!

Lagardere is dead,
killed by dear Monsieur de P�rol.

Celebrate this happy event
in a fitting manner.

Let us drink to the health of Monsieur
de P�rol, and his messenger.

Long live P�rol!
Long live the hunchback!

Amuse yourselves until I return.
Duty calls, but my house is yours.

I leave you with my loveliest friends.
Art�mise, be gentle, he is a romantic.

He has told me of his love,
it is truly moving.

And you, my Lord,
are not an easy man to move!

His eyes are so lovely,
I could never be cruel.

He has a proud bearing,
and a noble figure.

He lacks only a sword
to be a true gentleman.

If I lack only that, my Lord,
this is now rectified!

ln that case, en garde!

There is a time for everything, my Lord.

When the time comes, I will be ready.

- While I wait, I will quench my thirst.
- My cellar is yours.

- Thank you, my Lord.
- Farewell, gallant sir.

But no, not "farewell".
Until we meet again soon.

We will not finish this evening
without you, my Lord.

My Lady!

I hope you will excuse my tardiness
caused by a sudden illness.

I had expected to arrive
before midnight.

- Have you good tidings to pass on?
- No, my Lord.

I have very bad tidings which
will cause you surprise and grief.

Your friend, your faithful confident,

Monsieur de P�rol, has been killed.

He was marked with a deep wound
between the eyes.

The "Nevers strike",
I have been informed.

You understand, Madame,
that I do what duty impels me.

I do not know what impels you, sir.

But I strongly doubt
that it is your duty.

Good sir, do you wish for me
to die of thirst?

It's not our fault the hunchback
tarries in the cellar!

He is tasting all the vintages,
the lucky devil!

How ungrateful!
You should go yourself!

We all begged him
to find us something to drink.

It was he who obligingly suggested it.

- He likes drinking more than wooing.
- The devil take all drunkards!

I wager that we shall soon find him
in the cellar sleeping under a barrel.

Do not be afraid, I beg of you.
Do not cry out.

I am here to save you.

Do you not recognise my voice?

Can it then be you?

Be brave.

Be brave, Aurore. Control your feelings.

Come with me.

Aurore, go back up!

Where is the hunchback?

He must be found.
He will pay dearly for his treachery!

Come, follow me.

Your deception is revealed.
Commend your soul to God!

Not before I send yours to hell.

Go back up, protect yourself.

Surrender, hunchback. You are lost!

The hunchback is dead.

Long live Lagardere!

As for you, treacherous Prince,
notorious murderer,

since you have not come to Lagardere,
it is Lagardere who comes to you!

Attack him!

You, climb up there.

You, take the secret stairway
to the gallery.

I beg you, get behind me!

He fell into the trap.
Come, we attack from behind!

His Royal Highness, the Prince
of Orl�ans, Regent of the realm.

What is happening?

First of all, good sirs,
surrender your swords.

Cousin, excuse this inopportune visit.

I note that you have recovered
from your indisposition.

One shouldn't be a slave
to protocol, don't you think?

You were late to my ball,
so I am early to yours.

It is not my custom to allow an outlaw,
a condemned man, to carry a sword!

We shall speak more about it, sir.

My child, my daughter.

So this young woman lived in your house
and you kept it secret.

Her remarkable resemblance
to the Princess of Gonzague,

this never struck you?

I was preparing to take her
to your ball. Yes, Madame.

- We were leaving when Lagardere...
- Murderer!

I marked your hand in the ditches
around the castle of Q�lus.

I was defending Nevers!

Why deny it? You know well
that you are lost.

Madame, please give me the paper
which my servant gave you.

Before dying, the Duke of Nevers
wrote in blood

the name of his killer
on his daughter's birth certificate.

As you will see, this name is your own!
I will hear it from your mouth.

Villain! You confess your crime!
There was nothing written on the paper!

One moment, sirs!

May my sword and your arms be
the instruments of the King's justice.

Let us trust in God's judgment.

En garde, sirs!

Do not be afraid.

May God bless your union.

Chevalier de Lagardere, the daughter
of our sadly-missed friend Nevers

could not choose a more worthy
or more loyal husband

than the one we now make
the Count of Lagardere.

The King will soon reach his majority,
and he alone can make you a duke.

I always believed
that everything would end well.