All language subtitles for A Little Virtuous (1968)

A LITTLE VIRTUOUS

We do what we can.

At that time,

I was taking instant street photos
for an agency.

A dump called
Polnick Pictures.

And, fortunately, bosses
like its founder

are few and far between.

Claiming to be born
in the Warsaw ghetto,

Julius Polnick's real name was
Léon Pipard.

He was born in Meudon,
like anybody else.

Doris, his American secretary,

was born in Batignolles Square.

They shared their room
but not their dreams.

I shared a two-room apartment
with a friend.

We had failed all our
exams together.

François drew 36 inch breasts
and 34 inch hips,

for thingummybob's girdles.

And since we all have dreams,
I had my own nightmare:

Jeannine.

I'd invited her to dinner
one night.

Now, she'd been around
for 6 months.

She talked to me
about marriage,

I talked about
packing suitcases.

She didn't insist.

As for François, he would have
willingly married her.

Oh, excuse me!

One afternoon, he wanted to meet me
in a bar on St. Germain,

apparently to ask me
for the hand of my mistress.

That's where it all started.

Hello.

- Hello.
- Has François been in?

Not yet.

- A beer?
- Yes.

I'm sorry.

- It's quite alright.
- Sorry.

I'm really sorry.

- I wasn't thirsty.
- Oh, no!

If you break a glass
you have to pay for it,

If you knock one over,

you have to replace it.

- Perhaps you think I'm drunk?
- Not at all.

So, what'll you have?

By the way, I'm inviting you
to my table.

That's just the way I am.

It's called being altruistic.

You see, I'm not drunk.
I've got it all up here.

Isn't she lovely?

Isn't she cute?

I wouldn't want
to bother you.

Bother her?
You must be joking!

Nothing bothers her.

Like a statue!

That's how I like
my women.

I can speak for both of us,
drink for both of us,

I can...
You get my point.

At home, in Chartres,
I'm called Lajoie.

What'll you have?

- Well?
- Well, what?

You seem half-asleep!
What do you want to drink?

- A beer.
- One beer, two scotchs.

Well, I'll let you get
to know one another.

Your beer, Mr. Ferdinand.

Here they call me Ferdinand,

but usually, I'm called Fred.

I'm a photo-journalist.

I work for a huge outfit.

- I spend my life in planes...
- You're not obliged to talk.

Right then.

Since I don't have
to be here...

Is she making you leave?

Is she intimidating you?

- We're having fun, but...
- Right, let's go somewhere else.

I'm inviting you to dinner
at the Clauserie.

Come on, let's go.

Waiter, the cheque.

For God's sake!
My wallet!

Someone stole my wallet.

- Give it back.
- What's got into you?

I know people in Paris.
It's going to really heat up.

- Give it back or I'll call the cops!
- Calm down, gentlemen!

- No scandal here, please!
- Marcel, what's going on?

- Someone stole my wallet.
- Who?

Him.

Stupid and drunk.
We're not done yet.

There's no need
to bother the police.

Come with me.

There.

I'm sure we can
work it out between us.

No one suspects anyone.

- I'm not suspecting. I'm accusing.
- Madam was with you?

Yes. I can answer
for her.

And Mr. Fred is a customer,

- a regular...
- A regular what?

Pickpocket?
Nice customers you've got.

We'll remember this,
won't we, sweetie?

I'm sorry, Mr. Fred, but
it would be easiest if...

Mr. Fred totally understands
the situation.

All you have to do now
is apologize.

Apologize?
For being robbed?

That's a good one!
Are you making fun of me?

I want my wallet,
my papers,

my driver's licence,
my tax sticker...

If it's not him,
it must be her.

I thought you were answering
for madam.

"Madam"? "Madam"...

That's a good one!
"Madam"...

A stupid tart
I picked up outside.

She brought me here.

Your criminal was waiting
for her here.

I'm sure they're
working together.

Alka Seltzer
or a good kick?

You're beginning
to annoy everyone.

No, come on,
it's nothing.

The "stupid tart" knows
exactly what's going on.

I can take my clothes
off now, if you like.

I don't have any papers.

This isn't over
by a long shot!

They know me in Chartres.

- They call him Lajoie.
- I might well be drunk.

But I know your
little game.

- You're going to let them go?
- So what?

- I'll have you lose your licence.
- You just go right ahead.

He could catch us up and do that
number on us again. I don't want that.

- How long have you known him?
- 5 minutes.

Pardon?

Does it bother you that a woman
would go into a bar with a man

she'd only known
for 5 minutes?

No...

Did you take that wallet?

No, I swear I didn't.

I believe you.

Here we are then.

- Goodbye, Ferdinand.
- Goodbye.

I'd say that it fell out
of your pocket.

Yes, I...

You're going to say that
you don't understand?

On the contrary.

I understand very well.

You put it there.

Yes.

Wait a minute,
I'll go over it again:

before showing what was
in your purse, you...

Right! Don't make a song
and dance about it.

You're a real nitpicker.

I'm just not that
used to thieves.

Too bad for me.

He was getting out his car while
I was parking and smiled at me.

So I smiled back
at him.

He took me for a hooker,
which I thought was really funny.

So I followed him
to see what would happen.

But he was rude and gross...
Well, you saw him at work.

He put his wallet on the table,
so I nicked it.

I know it was stupid.

I'll mail it back to him.

Are you in a hurry?

- Is someone waiting for you?
- No, why?

Do you always need
to know why?

Have a seat.

You have to excuse me,

but just now,
I thought...

When I'm not stealing wallets,
I'm in photos too.

But on the other side
of the camera.

- That sounds good.
- I model hairstyles, jewelry...

mostly for English
magazines.

I do pretty well.

Come and sit down.

So,

you said you were
a reporter?

No. I lied to you.

Oh! That's not very nice!

- Scotch or Cinzano?
- I'm not a reporter.

I take photos in the street
for a pitiful agency.

Scotch.

But it's just temporary.

Young and dynamic,

young Fred is looking
towards the future.

I want to work
at night.

Take tourists as they come out
of restaurants and nightclubs.

At night, people spend
more freely.

- Is that true?
- What do you think about that?

I don't go out much
at night.

And to follow up, since
there will be a follow up,

I'll try and start
a studio.

You will?

And produce albums.
Albums on...

a city...

or perhaps...

a woman.

You know...

like Doisneau,

or Cartier-Bresson...

Great.

I'll be right back.

Who's the "man of the future"?

Great idea -
photos with flash.

I nearly got caught
this afternoon.

He was there.
I had to be nice.

You could have been nice
to him at a hotel.

That's not what
it was about.

What was it about?

- I forgot to give you some ice.
- It's fine, thank you.

"Thank you!"

The wallet?

Do you like it?

- The dress?
- No, the mermaid.

Yes.

You can have it.

I can't accept it.

It might be something
you're very fond of.

- Of course, I'm fond of it.
- Well, there you are!

I liked it and someone
gave it to me.

You like it and I'm
giving it to you.

Life is simple.

Come on,
don't be so difficult.

I thought life was simple.

Right. I want it
to stay that way.

Are you really going to give
him back his wallet?

- You don't believe me?
- Not really.

OK. Wait a minute.

Tell me, how much
was in it?

- 280.
- Give me back 50.

- Are you crazy?
- No.

In our job, my pet,

we have morals and we know
the value of money.

When you start giving back the dough
you're on a slippery slope.

And I know that fatal
sequence of events.

Give it back today,
you'll be begging tomorrow.

A week later, you need a sponsor.
And a month later, it's all over.

What about the 50?
Come on. Give it to me.

Here you are.

All you have to do
is mail it.

Oh, don't put the name
of the sender

and especially not
the address.

I don't want anyone
coming here to thank me.

What about me?

If I wanted to thank you?

- Balzac 2196.
- Balzac...

So, now you need to ask me
for permission to leave.

That will avoid my having
to throw you out.

I have a whole series
of photos to do.

On the other side of Paris,
of course.

Excuse me.

Could we perhaps
have dinner tomorrow?

Call me.

And in case you want
to call me...

Thank you, Ferdinand.

- No. Fred.
- Goodbye, Fred.

Goodbye...

Claire.

I thought he was going
to start living here!

"Polnick Pictures."

Poor old guy, c'mon!

Hey, the "poor old guy"
is a young man.

What?

I said: he's a young man.

What we have to tell you is
extremely important.

- It concerns the three of us.
- What is it?

Beef stew.

It's about our future.

Give me some meat
and a few carrots.

Your sauce looks great.
Where did you get it?

Gouffé, page 611.

- Ferdinand...
- François?

Would you please listen
to me for a minute?

You must have noticed that
Jeannine and I...

- Aren't you having any?
- Will you let him speak?

We don't talk while
we're eating, do we!

François, are you in love
with Jeannine?

Yes.

Jeannine, are you in love
with François?

Yes.

Then, there's no problem!

You swore you'd get
them for me.

Just kill me now.

A gunshot to the head,
a hammer...

Let's be done with it.
I'm calling for death.

You couple of vultures!

You'd do well to understand
that Polnick Pictures

isn't subsidised.

I pay for the film.

- Yes, Mr. Polnick.
- Yes, I'm the one who pays.

It's my flesh and blood.

If you ruin it,
you're bleeding me dry.

He's teaching,
he's spouting dogma,

he's indoctrinating.

He's up to his old tricks,
in fact.

- Is it a good time to talk to him?
- Depends what about.

Money? Definitely not.

The coffers are empty.

With your permission.
May I?

- What did I just do?
- Take a photo.

No, gentlemen.
I was faking it.

The sucker either takes a card
or he doesn't.

Let's say he takes it.

Oh, what a great shot!

Oh, that's just lovely.
Let's take two.

And then, you take
your photo.

It's not hard, but you don't
learn it at school.

Here with me, you may not
earn a fortune.

No, but you'll learn
your job.

As for stashing away
the cash,

he's getting more
and more crafty.

He even manages
to hide it from me.

I can't find it
any more.

I found some papers
under his mattress

saying he'd bought
some louis.

Impossible to get
your hands on them.

- Even so, he didn't eat them!
- I'm not so sure.

We should turn him
upside down

and give him a good shake
so they fall out.

What the hell's
going on today, eh?

A gathering
of birds of prey?

A festival of vultures?

Do you know the cost of a flash
like the one you want?

- 282,75 francs.
- Yes, correct.

I just bought one.

*(INDISTINCT MUMBLING)

Not such a bad idea really!

Seems like a bit of a trap,
your idea.

I brought the idea and the tools.
I want a third of the profits.

Let's be serious:
a quarter.

No, a third or nothing.

And if I don't play along?

I'll put the idea
to Plus Photo.

- They'll go for it.
- You're a little racketeer!

After all I've done
for you.

I've shared everything
with you:

my food, my house,
Doris...

Well, you weren't the first
and you won't be the last.

There's no reason to strangle
your benefactor.

I said a third.

Do you agree or not?

What's got into you suddenly
that you want to earn this money?

Is it a woman?
A babe?

Do you agree?

I have to since you've got me
by the throat.

I was sure of it.
I'm starting this evening.

Go on, get out of here.

Are you Polnick Pictures?

Yes, I am.
Well, I am and I'm not.

I'm just the artistic director
and financial backer.

But just as a volunteer,
of course.

Do you have an employee
called Ferdinand Thibault?

Why?

Did he use my excellent reputation
for questionable purposes?

Has he made some
porno movies?

- I'm not surprised!
- Mr. Thibault is in hospital.

Oh, shit!

Did they steal
your camera?

Just the film.
Apart from that...

I'm sorry,
I'm just upset.

I was woken up
by a cop.

That really shook me up!

I don't know why,

but cops really
make me nervous.

Someone hit you with some
brass knuckles - a nasty weapon.

I've got the proof.

Have you finished
talking nonsense?

- Who are you anyway?
- The cop on duty.

Inspector Lorenzi.

It's the fourth mugging of this kind
in the neighbourhood.

In your case, they just took
your roll of film.

The others no longer
had their wallets.

I'm thinking you took a photo of
someone who didn't want it taken.

But the brass knuckles tie
your mugging to the others.

You can help us.

How?

By trying to remember.

While you were taking
your photos,

did you notice
any face...

No, I didn't.

Right.

Well, I won't tire you
any longer.

We'll see each
other again.

Just think about
all of this.

- Are you ready?
- Yes.

You'll be left with
a little scar.

It'll make you more manly.
You needed it.

- Jeannine.
- What?

- Why, come on.
- I'm coming.

You'll have to manage on your own
for a couple of days.

We have to go
to Arcachon.

We might even get
set up there.

- Are there any newspapers
in Arcachon? - What?

- Are there any newspapers
in Arcachon? - No, there aren't.

But there are oysters.

Jeannine, please!

- Oh, you know...
- Exactly, I know, I know.

Is Ferdinand Thibault here?

Yes, he's here.

Ferdinand, you have
a visitor.

Hello.

Hello.

Shall we go?

- I find her not too bad at all.
- I'm not surprised!

So, this head of yours.

Not too badly damaged?

No.

I thought you lived alone.

- Who was it?
- Just a friend.

No, I'm not talking
about him.

A lady friend.

I take a photo of you
on some guy's arm,

I wake up in hospital,
and on top of that,

you're asking me
questions!

You've got a nerve.

I hadn't heard from you.
I dropped in at Polnick Pictures.

The boss told me
everything.

Any other questions?

Yes.

- What's all this?
- Just a light meal.

Aren't you hungry?

Not really.

Liar.

You're delighted to see me
and you're dying of hunger.

Only, you're sulking.
That's normal.

Do you like
smoked salmon?

I'm really sorry
about last night.

I was with a guy who hates
being photographed.

- Where are the plates?
- In the kitchen cupboard.

On top of that, Brady was
in a bad temper last night.

We'd just had a row.

He wanted me to go to Rome
for a photo shoot.

- Who's Brady?
- The guy from last night.

I brought you some
raspberries.

Do you like them?

Who was that last night?

An impresario,
an old friend.

Not that old.

- Why are you laughing?
- No reason.

Sometimes I think of funny things
and I laugh.

Sometimes I think of things
that aren't so funny...

Don't pay any attention.

A doctor told me I was
cyclothymic.

What do you think?

Since yesterday,
I don't think any more.

Or I think too much.
It comes to the same thing.

Where's the cutlery?

You know, the police
questioned me.

He was good, the inspector,
very good.

We talked about
all kinds of things.

- About me?
- About you?

No.

About everything
except you.

Does that make you
feel better?

I really don't care.

Why did you come here?

To sleep with you.

Well, no, not exactly.

But if you said to me:
"I need a rest.

I'm going away for a couple of days.
Do you want to come with me?"

I might not say no.

If you think you're never
better off than at home,

I wouldn't make a fuss.

Have you been stealing
for a long time?

No. Let's not talk
about that.

You'll blame me for all kinds
of things and we'll have a row.

When we're together,
I want us to be happy.

But I don't blame you
for anything.

I just want to understand.

Do you think that's
of any use?

I didn't learn to steal
in the crib, you know.

I never told you
I was a child prodigy.

When I was 16, I used to work
in the basement of a book shop.

I wrapped things up.

Up to the day when the owner
looked at me strangely.

His wife too,
as it happens.

So I left.

I wrapped things up
in a leather shop,

then in a drugstore.

I can't tell you how
many packets I made up.

Later on I ended up
in a shoe store.

That's where I met Brady.

He'd just bought some
alligator shoes.

Very fashionable.

He told me I was
photogenic,

and that he ran
a model agency.

And you left
the shoe store.

Well, if I hadn't left it,

right now we'd be
in a cheap crummy hotel.

- It's all the same to me.
- Not to me.

So, be quiet.

We're good, aren't we?

We're nearly happy!

I know it bothers you
to talk about it,

but I prefer to because
there's not much else.

Guys like the one in the bar,
the fat one,

- do you ever sleep with them?
- Not often. I don't like fat guys.

Where are you going, Fred?
Come on, don't be stupid.

What are you doing?

As you can see...

- Do you really want to go?
- Yes.

Will we see each
other again?

No.

But, what did I do?
What did I say?

What shouldn't I
have said?

Oh, well...

This is really stupid.

You think one way,
and I think another.

I love you.

But we'll never understand
each other.

What did you say?

We'll never understand
each other.

No, before that.
You said something else.

Fred!

I love you too.

Look, if you want,
I can drop everything.

And when I say everything,
I mean everything:

dinners downtown,
the wallets, even the photos.

No. The photos,
that's a job.

It's a job we could even
do together.

- Wait, that's given me an idea.
- Really?

- Aren't I amazing!
- Yes, you really are!

Last week, it was
"the photos with flash" deal,

this week, it's
"the fashion photos" deal.

What'll it be next?

We just need
a good enlarger.

We just need
a good sponsor.

I'll put up the money.
I'll provide the model.

And I'll do the work.
We'll cut it 50-50.

Once the initial outlay
has been paid back.

Why does he want
to give me 50%?

It's not a gift,
it's rent.

I'm going to set up here,
if you agree.

And where'll I go?
Out on the street?

Why not?

But not this street, another one
so that we can't hear you any more.

You see how they treat us
once we stop pleasing them!

A broken puppet,
a discarded old man...

When would you start?

Tomorrow.

Maybe you'd like
to ask me first?

Drop the odd word
my way.

Shit!

Not even a phone call.
Nothing!

You could at least let me know
how you're doing.

Well anyway, you're not sick.
I'm glad.

It'd be a nightmare.

That's not certain.

- May we know where you were?
- Nowhere.

And who with?

Roses have secrets,
women have their mysteries.

She was nowhere with nobody.
Not with somebody at the George V.

- But that's life!
- That was life.

Some things are about
to change.

What are we doing?
You coming, or not?

- I'm not coming.
- Call Martine.

Have her join you
at the George V.

Tell her Claire's sick.

It's true she's sick.

- Sick in the head!
- Right. See you tomorrow.

Tell Martine that we're going
to Deauville, tomorrow at 9 o'clock.

OK. On your way.

Have a nice evening!

What's Martine going
to do in Deauville?

You lead your own life,
get distracted, sleep around.

With the result...

Deauville! You were the one
who told me about it.

The two guys
from Lebanon.

It seems that when they saw you,
they nearly went crazy.

- Did you tell me or did I make it up?
- I told you.

What's been said
has been said.

- Now we have to talk seriously.
- About us?

About the three of us.

Who's the third person?

You!

Three days?

Where?

Copenhagen.

That's lucky for you.
It's supposed to be very nice.

Oh, there or
anywhere else...

- You seem bored with the idea.
- Well I'm not happy about it.

You know, I had an idea
just now.

How about if we
got married?

That's not funny!

I'm not trying
to be funny.

I love you.

You see, even if Copenhagen
wasn't Copenhagen,

even if you weren't
coming back,

I would always be able
to picture you, just as you are.

And I would think about you
my whole life.

Here, take this. So you can
think of me for at least 3 days.

Claire, look at me.

Oh, don't worry.
I'll never steal again.

Do you believe me?

Please forgive me.

Oh, guys! This is going
to give us such a kick!

Hey Fred,

Don't you think this
looks great?

It's going to be terrific.

Looks like a dairy.

A bit more soul,
a bit more style...

Hello.

Odeon 10277.

Stay on the line.
You have a call from Copenhagen.

Don't hang up.

I'm not hanging up.

Are you sure that...

Right, I'll pass you
to him.

It's for you.
Copenhagen.

- What's the matter?
- Nothing.

It's stupid, but I would
have liked someone

to be calling me
from Copenhagen!

Hello? Is that you?

Fred?

I'm so happy to hear you.

No, a terrible time.

No, the weather's good...
I haven't even paid attention.

If you knew how
I miss you.

Oh, just work.
And you?

We're going full blast.

You start the day
after tomorrow.

Exclusive model
for Fred Thibault.

They're calling me.
Love you, lots and lots.

Me too.

I really love you.

- So?
- They're soaking.

Do you know what
they have in mind?

On the boat all day, get back
for the Ambassador's Gala,

dinner and casino.

We're good 'til 5 o'clock
tomorrow morning.

Martine says you spent
most of your time on the phone.

The guy wasn't looking
for a receptionist.

- Next time...
- There won't be a next time.

I don't understand.

You'll go on without me.
I'm getting out of the game.

- Do you understand?
- Badly.

Or I understand too well.

- Still the same little fish?
- Yes.

I've decided to live
with him.

- What about me?
- Oh, you...

Yes, me.
I exist.

Your happiness is all very well.
I even approve of it.

But what about my happiness?
Where's that?

You're taking the train and
leaving me on the platform.

After 10 years, you've got to admit
that it's pretty shitty.

Who's to say I won't do
something stupid,

even kill myself?

One doesn't die of sorrow
but of deprivation.

- You're the one who told me.
- Oh, stick the knife back in!

Look at me a minute.

Do you think I can't see
what's going on?

It would suit you
if I croaked.

You look at me
like I'm a zombie.

When I think that
I taught you everything!

Even how to eat crayfish!

- I took you to the heights.
- That's right, Louis.

- And I want to come back down.
- You mean to come crashing down.

Living on a pittance...
I can just see you.

Out in the burbs
without a car.

You're not hoping
I'll give you money?

No, I'm not hoping for anything.
I'm listening.

I staked everything on you.
I invested in the apartment,

the clothes, the cars.

I have to get something back.
It's only natural.

How much do you think
it's all worth?

OK, let's say I give up
the clothes and the cars.

The apartment though,
that's 4 years rent...

10,000. Let's say 15 so as not
to quibble.

What's the extra 5,
a fine?

The price of my grief!

OK.

We'll pay.

You're not happy?
You think it's too much?

No.

Listen, this is stupid.

Here we are,
in front of our house,

it's a beautiful day...

When I think it's
all over for us!

- Have you really thought
about it? - Yes, I have,

and that's why I
don't think it's too much.

Bitch!

Lights.

What's your
little friend's name?

Claire. He's told you
at least 10 times.

When I was your age I had
women running after me.

I was never really
handsome,

but I had a certain
something.

A kind of animal
magnetism.

- Do you see what I mean?
- We can't see but can imagine.

Try it with the cigar.

How about a smile?
That's it, I've had enough.

Blow up the best one to 30x40.
It'll give us a baseline.

You know what I think
about wasting film.

Yes, chief.

Oh la la!

Very pretty!

Quite lovely!
Oriental!

Ferdinand, it's your babe.

- Claire, Mr. Polnick.
- Good morning, Mr. Polnick.

Don't call me "Mr".
Just Polnick.

Goddesses can do
what they like.

Beauty is at home
everywhere.

- Fred!
- Just a minute.

Last night you said something
about photos.

I don't know
what you meant.

- It's our first job.
- Yes.

If I pull it off, we're good.
If not, I'll be back on the street.

- But with you here,
I'm not worried. - Fred!

- Excuse me. I'll be right back.
- Take your time.

It's not bad.
It's really not bad at all.

What do you think?

- The idiot have been quite handsome!
- Looks like a god!

We'll put it in the window,
it'll inspire confidence.

We'll get going as soon
as you're ready.

I'm here.

Very pretty.

Yes.

Yes, very nice.
Great.

You should stay in the shop,
in case there's a customer.

What's this guy's problem!
I don't believe it!

Right. You know what you're doing.
Pose however you like.

I'd prefer you
to tell me.

Just do exactly
what you usually do.

I'll be here and
take the photos.

No, you're too stiff.
Can you be a little more relaxed?

Well, it's your profession,
you know better than I do.

Like this?

Wait a minute...

Don't try and strike
an attitude.

Oh, OK, so what
should I...

Look...

You're going to think of
something... Sit down, there.

It's really strange.

What's your hand supposed
to be resting on?

- I'm showing off the sleeve.
- Put it up there, then.

Wait a minute.

OK, go ahead.

You've had photos
taken before?

It's stupid, but...

- Is this OK like this?
- Does it bother you to be doing this?

No, it's not bothering me.

- Is it not working?
- You have to react or something.

You just have to tell me.
I'll do whatever you tell me.

It's not up to me. 3 days ago you had
a photo shoot in Copenhagen.

No photographer is going to say:
"Take up this or that position."

- It's incredible.
- How about this?

No, I assure you it's terrible.
There's nothing there.

Let's try something else.

If you like.

OK. Come on,
follow me.

Move around this.
Turn around.

- No not like that!
- But I'm turning the stool round.

Have you never had photos taken?
It's just not possible!

What's going on?

I think the only photo she's ever
had taken was for her identity card.

- Have you never posed before or what?
- I'm sorry, you know...

No, I'm the one who's sorry.
I'm too agitated.

It's stupid.

There's someone who wants
to speak to you.

Who do you mean
"someone"?

That cop.

I'll send him packing
and then come right back.

Don't worry. We'll get
some awesome photos.

I've come at a bad time,
haven't I?

I have, I can feel it.

You're very intuitive.

I'm in the middle of
an important job.

Last night, a man was mugged,
just like you were.

But in his case it's more serious.
We're not sure if he'll survive.

I'm very sorry
for him, but...

"But what do you
want me to do?"

Let's give it one
more try.

When I left the hospital,
the victim was in a coma.

The mugger is to be part of a gang
of pickpockets working St Germain.

A big man with very dark hair.
Mean anything to you?

I'm sorry.

Someone attacked you face on,
but you have no idea at all?

I'm sorry.

Right.

Well, Mr. Thibault,
I won't bother you any longer.

Goodbye.

All the best.

Listen...

Let me know
how he's doing.

He's got a 50-50 chance.

Well, that's very nice.

May I?

- Do you have the receipt?
- The receipt?

- Are you kidding me?
- As it happens, I'm not.

I have an exact description
of that case:

rose gold, 20 carats,
exclusive to Cartier.

It was stolen with that wallet
in the bar on St. Germain.

No it's not true.
You're crazy!

Watch what you say,
you little snot!

You could get slapped.

In the meantime,
go and get your jacket.

While you're at it,
get a cover story.

Go on!

Leave him alone.

I stole that case and
the wallet so leave him alone.

That can't be true!

What are you talking about?

It's true.

She was taken away,
put on trial and found guilty.

A mandatory one year
prison term.

As it was her first offence, she
could have got away with 6 months.

But she paid the extra price
for keeping her mouth shut.

She refused to name
any of her accomplices.

The examining magistrate and
the judge didn't like that.

Honesty is a question
of optics.

Claire made me promise
not to see her or write to her.

And I kept that promise.

At school, I had learned
that a year is 365 days,

that each day has 24 hours
and that each hour has 60 minutes.

No one ever told me
that some minutes

last for an eternity.

Now, I knew that.

I just completed
an extra year of classes.

I'll go and make
some coffee.

I thought no one
would be waiting,

and that you'd have
forgotten me.

You should have.

Next time, I'll try to.

I'm sorry, Claire.

We've got all the time
in the world.

You know, I still feel cold
and hard inside.

I'm warning you.

It's going to be great.

You'll come to life again.

I've changed jobs,
you know.

I'm working in
a nightclub.

I take photos of the audience
and of the performance.

For publicity.

I earn 3 times what
I made at Polnick's.

- Did you dump him?
- He dropped me.

He bought a laundry.

Listen...

Life is still beautiful.

We'll start off
again together,

but on the right foot,
this time.

You'll see,
it's going to be great.

Look,

we'll pretend
I just met you.

I brought you here
without knowing you beforehand.

Nothing has happened
between us.

We're starting
from scratch.

I promise to do my best.

A whole week in Berlin to bring
this back? Thanks a lot!

- We've seen worse.
- Not in my club.

Don't wear yourself out.

We're sending them back
on the next plane.

My new boss was called
Maxime Kerman.

He had put on more than 50
shows in Paris, New York and Vegas.

He'd been bankrupt 11 times
and made a fortune 12 times.

I found him fascinating.

Everything led to believe
he was.

Claire was happy
and asked for nothing more.

But I did.

I'm a perfectionist.

You know,

I've been thinking of this
for a few days:

What if we got married?

Don't you want
to be my wife?

Do you take as your husband
M. Ferdinand Thibault?

Yes.

Well, my girl,
I've got 5 washing machines.

Women bring in their laundry,
put some money in the machine,

come back and pick up
their laundry.

I don't do anything.

He'll have to invent
a money counting machine!

Try to start the engine.

We must've blown a gasket.

Well, are the young newlyweds
having some mechanical trouble?

Oh, Mr. Kerman!

I wanted to get to the town hall
but with phone calls, traffic jams...

- Mrs. Thibault, I presume.
- Yes, for 3 hours.

Maxime Kerman.
Congratulations!

- I think we've blown a gasket.
- It'll be best to leave your car here.

- We'll get it towed tomorrow.
- Take her to Paris and send a mechanic.

I'd prefer to stay with you.
I'm sorry.

Totally understandable.

No, you'll get soaked
and catch cold.

You have to go home and
get some hot toddies ready

or I'll divorce you.

Be careful.

Come on.

- We'll send someone out to you.
- I'll be waiting.

A blue Dauphine, broken down
just after the turn-off back there.

- Please go as soon as you can.
- Sure thing.

Before dropping you off
I have to make a slight detour.

- I hope you'll excuse me.
- Where are you going?

Champs-Elysées.

So, I'll take a taxi
from there.

We live in an impossible
neighbourhood.

Contrescarpe.

I'm sure you don't spend
your evenings there.

I've spent more there
than you have.

When I was your husband's age
I had a room on Lomond.

Did you?

I was even a student.
I wanted to be a lawyer.

Then some friends opened a bar
in the Latin Quarter.

A sort of "jazz club".
I took care of it.

And now, I sell strip-tease,
electric guitar music...

Illusions.

Fred is delighted
to work with you.

He was lucky.

Yes, I really think
he was.

That's enough, thank you.

Next.

And here it is!

- You found it amusing?
- Oh yes!

- Who's your agent?
- Mariani.

Have them call us,
before noon tomorrow.

Very well, sir.
Excuse me, Miss.

No, I should apologize
to you, sir.

Thank you, Miss.

I'll remember this
the next time.

I'll get married in Paris and
I'll take the metro.

Next time, it'll be at
the Madeleine,

with the red carpet,
the singers, the whole deal.

We'll be rich.

- I'm going to be working.
- Where's that?

At Club 22.

And what are you going
to do there?

Look after the cloakroom?
Sell cigarettes?

I'll be in the first show.

I'll have my name
on the marquee.

In small letters,
but it'll be there.

I showed Mr. Kerman
and Hubert what I could do.

And what can you do?

Pick pockets.

What?

What about the car?

Totalled!

The next day, we bought
a new one.

A helluva deal,

thanks to one of Claire's
old friends, a certain Maurice.

A week later, we left Contrescarpe
and moved onto rue François 1er.

A simple swap,

thanks to another of Claire`s friends,
a certain Robert, this time.

Friends and more friends,
amazing deals, insignificant swaps,

we spent 3 million
in two weeks.

It's just an advance
on my contract.

They'll take it out of
each cheque.

Kerman and Hubert agree.

Well, if Kerman
and Hubert agree...

She has a 6 month contract.

After that, you'll have to
pay it back really fast.

And if it doesn't work out,
after all, Claire isn't a singer.

She's not a thief either,
but she steals.

Why wouldn't she sing?

For the publicity photos
I told him you preferred this one.

And what did he say?

He prefers one
of these three.

He's paying.

Did you speak to him
about my raise?

- Yes.
- And?

No.

Oh, OK.

You seem a little tense.

Don't you like the soup?

It's bitter.

What's wrong?

I feel as though
you're supporting me.

It really bothers me.

Kerman is giving you an advance
of 3 M but won't give me a raise.

So much the better.

That way, you'll quit.

Photographing the performances...
You're better than that!

Remember? Bailey,
Cartier-Bresson?

You must do what
you want to do,

without thinking
about money.

I want you to succeed,
to become someone.

- And that's how I'll do it?
- You're silly!

They say I'm both
deep and shallow

That I lie and tell
the truth

At the same time

That's what they say, but
they say so many things

You'd have to be really
smart to figure it all out

When I know who I am,
who I am, who I am

I will tell you, I promise,
I promise

I promise

I promise

But please don't try
to understand

Whether I'm too soft or
not soft at all

You'll get lost
and so will I

Life takes me
wherever it wants

When I know who I am
who I am, who I am

I will tell you, I promise,
I promise

I promise

I promise

That was great,
except the beginning.

We'll work on it
again tomorrow.

- You were really terrific!
- No, you're both terrific.

Not going to kiss me?

I'm going to change.
Come and join me soon.

It was the beginning
of a new life.

Claire was happy,
and as for me...

It's great, if you're ever broke,
she can pick pockets on the metro.

My wife came home at 4 in the morning
and got up mid-afternoon.

Once in a while we'd meet
in the kitchen at the end of the day.

I'd have dinner and
she'd have breakfast.

It wasn't exactly the kind of
married life I'd dreamed of.

But I had hated Claire's
first job so much,

that I had to pretend
to like the second.

Kerman wants me to perform
in another club after 10 p.m.

The Regent.

I'll double my earnings.

What do you have
to say about that?

But I didn't have time
to say anything.

Even before it
was signed,

the new contract had been
transformed into carpets and curtains

and a whole load
of useless things.

And into what was, for Claire,
the indispensable proof of happiness:

a convertible.

Finally, on my birthday,
the surprise to end them all:

My dream studio.

From now on, I'd work
for myself,

or rather, for her.

Well, my friend!

If I'd had a set-up
like this,

I wouldn't have finished up
in the laundry business.

I would've signed on with one of
those rags: "Life", "The Times"...

And you're complaining?

She's working when
I'm sleeping...

We never see
each other anymore.

I miss our apartment
in Contrescarpe,

Polnick Pictures...

Me too. Well, I miss it
on your account.

If you want to change your life,
you have to change your wife.

You should have married
a real sucker like me.

With a tiny apartment
and a bike.

All very well to say that...

Claire is the kind of woman
a lot of men need.

Perhaps she's going
a little fast for you,

but she loves you.

She does still love you,
doesn't she?

Well, yes...
Yes, I think so.

So, what are you
complaining about?

I promise

- You stood me up this afternoon.
- Sorry, I was busy.

You!

Yes, me!

The old proverb is right:

"Out of sight,
out of mind."

I expected something else after
our 18 month separation.

- What? - I don't know.
A look, a gesture, some surprise.

I am surprised since
you've ignored me for so long.

Now, that hurts!

You're not asking me
how I am or where I've been?

No.

But I can tell you where
I got out of.

I was there a whole year,
with no goodwill packages, nothing.

You could have taken care
of the lawyer, couldn't you?

- Perhaps you weren't in Paris.
- Oh shut up, I've been to hell.

- May I?
- No.

Canada, d'you know
what that is?

Forty below in winter.
And those winds...

Try and cross the street
and you're blown away.

D'you remember Theo?
That's how I lost him.

- What a cruel loss!
- It was Christmas night.

We were on a job.
Theo was the look out.

There was a terrible wind.

I didn't find him
until May.

I buried him over there.

A long way from
Bougival.

Finished your roll-call
of the dead?

Then, please excuse me.

- Someone's waiting for me?
- Who would that be?

- My husband. - Listen, sweetheart,
I'm your husband.

Don't you remember?

10th May 1962,
Montrouge Town Hall:

"Will you take Mr. Louis Brady
as your husband?"

You're not going to tell me
you've forgotten?

Surely you wouldn't
have got married again?

That would be stupid!

Because for bigamy,
you land in jail for 2 years.

And if I'd ratted on you,
you'd have landed up there...

That's true. You acted like
a real guy. I appreciate that.

That's why we can talk
man to man.

Oh, Louis, with your fancy words,
your old tricks...

What is it you want?
Money?

I'm going through
a bad patch.

That damned winter,
Theo's death.

And then, when I got back
I found my house underwater.

A real flood.

- And Martine went to live
on a kibbutz. - No kidding!

Now, she's driving
a tractor.

See, I can still make you laugh.
Like always.

We could've been an act!

We were:
Brady and Partner,

any type of racket,
appointments over the phone.

That's all finished.

- Well and truly finished.
- "Well" as far as you're concerned.

- Do you want some money?
- I want a lot of money.

Well then, you won't
get any.

Fred will find out I was married,
because I'll tell him.

Then, I'll get
a good lawyer.

And who'll pay for that?
Kerman or Hubert?

They're both very nice,
Kerman and Hubert.

So the Brady circus is dead,
long live the new clown!

Mme Thibault and her duo, matinees
Monday and Friday, in the hotel...

- Shut up!
- The apartment, the studio...

Does he really think you earn
the same as Aznavour?

He'll find out that you earn your
real money during the intermissions.

You bastard!

How did it go?

Same as usual.

Hello.

Speaking.

I was just thinking about you.
I need 5M francs.

Where on earth do you think
I can find 5 million?

Are you kidding me?
I asked you for 5M, not 1M.

If you'd given me
a little more time....

Whenever I've done that,
it's never worked out.

Just 1M for a car like that!
You're the Queen of Hearts!

I sold it in an hour.

OK, well I'll try and come up
with a bit more cash.

I'll give you whatever
I can get.

Then you'll leave
and won't tell Fred.

Why?

If you do, I'll kill you.

Well, for heaven's sake,
if that's love...

Love, respect.
You can call it what you like.

In any case, I forbid you
to get involved.

I've never cheated
on Fred.

Oh really!

Well, you know
what I mean.

Kerman and Hubert wanted
something. I did too.

So we worked it out.

I only gave them what
I've given to other guys:

a young woman, not bad-looking
a good partner

who knows when to leave.

An hour with Hubert or an hour
at the hairdresser's...

It's Fred who
really counts.

With him, I feel as though
I got married in white.

Everything is
clean and neat.

I won't let anyone
touch it.

Right, well you get me another 4M
and I'll leave you your whites.

If not, I'll bring out the dirty laundry
and we'll wash it together.

No, you wouldn't do that.
You can't do that.

- Listen, I'll go looking...
- Don't just go looking.

Find something!

I could pay you back
in 2 or 3 installments.

You know you couldn't.

I thought you were a woman
who knew what things cost.

But you're over-valuing
yourself.

No-one can stop you
from talking to Max.

- What did you say to him?
- What did I say...

The same as I've
said to you.

What I'm going to have
to tell Fred.

Suddenly, I really don't
want to talk to anyone.

- I want to die!
- Oh, come on!

Tomorrow, if it's nice I'll
take you to lunch at Montfort.

Max offered St. Germain.
I want to die, not to eat!

Stop thief!

Stop thief!

Stop thief!

- Wait a sec. I'll think that'll be all.
- Shall we come back tomorrow?

- Call me around 10.
- OK.

Well, what's the matter
with you?

We have to leave or
I'm going to go mad.

Are you sick?

- Your hands are very cold.
- Fred, I don't want to lose you.

I'm sorry,
but I don't get it...

You don't want to lose me!
What are you talking about?

- You want to leave, to go where?
- I don't know, anywhere.

We don't see each other anymore,
we hardly know one another.

And soon, you'll see, we won't love
one another anymore.

We're living the lives
of idiots.

Happy idiots.

We've got an apartment
near the Champs-Elysées,

a parking space,

a radio, a stereo...

I thought you had
everything you wanted.

Claire...

Look at me.

Anyone would think
you're scared.

What are you
scared of?

Oh, Fred!

Do you remember when you told me:
"We're starting from scratch"?

I believed it, you know.
I assure you, I believed it.

I still believe it.

But I beg you
to take me away.

There'll always be
something here.

You're right.

- We have a second chance
at something we missed. - Really?

We didn't have
a honeymoon, did we?

- Where do you want to go?
- I don't care.

- Rome? Venice? Madrid?
- Wherever you like.

Right.

Oh, Fred!
You're terrific!

Terrific, right.

Hello? Air France?
Listen...

- When do you want to leave?
- When we've packed our bags.

I'd like 2 seats
for Rome.

For tonight.
Oh, it's full.

What about Madrid?
Yes. Great. 2 seats.

Just a minute.
Have you got the car?

- No. I took it in for maintenance.
- Very well.

Thibault.
T, h, i, b, a, u, I, t.

Thank you.

And there we are.

We just have to call back
to cancel.

Why?

We're tied up,
my poor sweetie.

You can't just walk out
on your job.

Of course I can.

Kerman agrees.

Look... he even gave me
a month's advance.

So, you can't be
trusted.

That's discouraging.

- I couldn't get the money.
- So I see.

Well, it sure is nice
at your house.

You're making progress,
getting some class.

He's coming back.
Please leave, Louis.

No way.
I came to see him.

Let us leave. Please.
I'll send you the money, I'll manage.

Listen...

Listen, I really want him
to stay out of all this.

Do you understand?

One day, we'll leave
each other for sure.

I'll come back to you.

I swear I'll come back.

So please give us
a chance.

Let me lie to him
a little while longer.

It's true that's what
you like to do.

But I'm all for honest,
legal, proper situations.

Having 2 husbands is not legal.
Being a kept woman, not very proper.

And that your little sweetie-pie
unknowingly benefits, not very honest.

At least like that
it would all be sorted out.

Either he takes his medicine,
or we'll be back in business.

Back in business?
Poor guy.

Be careful.
Always be polite!

I'm going to make
a café au lait.

Do you want one?

Don't bother.
I can find the kitchen.

It's true, I always find
everything.

What kind of coffee pot
do you have?

It's not as good
as the kind of percolator

that I've got
in Bougival.

I'll bring it over.

Claire?

What's the matter?

What's happened?

Brady.

Why?

Why?

I didn't want you
to know.

And she told me everything
I wasn't supposed to know.

Absolutely everything.

What an insidious poison
the truth can be.

The woman I loved had cheated on me
while we were at our happiest.

And at the very instant
that she stopped lying,

I felt a long dark night
descended upon us.

Her hand was icy cold,

but I knew from now on
I would be holding it for ever.

English subs: Nocturne for KG