Original subtitles

STRONG MEDICINE

Passengers on Pan Am flight arriving from Rio de Janeiro ...

... please leave by Exit D.

If only he makes it through ...

Don't worry ... he always has.

Yes ...

Here we go again ... 20 years, and still the same anxiety.

Don't try to understand -- you'd have to be a woman.

There he is.

Thank you.

Next.

He made it.

See? I told you.

Nothing else to declare?

The gentleman says he has nothing at all.

He hasn't changed.

That would be too much to hope for.

- Hello. - Hey, Maine. Take this, you.

Go on.

Some women wouldn't mind a kind word, after two years.

How do I look?

Fine. You're fatter.

In Rio, I guess that's a compliment.

Always dragging your ass.

And always flashy. That suit must kill the local yokels.

Get in, old girl, I'm in a hurry.

Take a picture, why don't you?

I'm looking at the car, not you.

It must cost a bomb. - Oh, yes. The fruit of industry.

Lecomte, you took a risk coming back.

Turn right.

- Business was good, no problems -- - Not even with Nino?

I didn't know you knew.

And I thought -- - I do the thinking, not you. Turn right!

- But this isn't the way. - Shut up.

If you're sightseeing, choose a less ratty neighborhood.

I ran away from one like this at 16 -- I'm not going back at my age. - Stop.

Madame will take a taxi.

I thought we'd go to my place -- I've fixed dinner for you.

- Keep it warm, I'll be by after. - After what?

No! Go get me a pack of Luckies.

- Go on. - And count the change, nice and slow.

- I suppose there's no point asking what you're getting into? - Right.

- Look out, Lecomte. A lot's changed in two years. - I know.

- They're set in their ways. - I'll reset them.

Aside from Riton, who's a rock, and Roger, who's too yellow to act up --

-- the others say ...

... you won't get mad?

They say you're too old, washed up, useless, out of touch.

That's why I'm back -- to show them different. Now beat it.

They counted me out too soon.

- You haven't told anyone I'm back? - You said not to.

I love a surprise party. Off you go.

Hey -- women and children first!

- Say what? - It's the rule.

She's got herself a mink, so she'll wear it, heatwave be damned.

- What're those? - Charity cases.

I thought gigolos had to be polite!

An illusion of youth, my girl.

- That you lost long ago? - Go empty a bedpan, honey.

She got me, the bitch.

- Any idea what he's planning? - Not a one.

He wasn't bad-looking, though!

- Who? - That young oaf! No?

That's the last thing on my mind this evening.

Drive around until it's dark.

The first night shift, for student nurses ...

... may be compared to the vigil performed by medieval knights.

The day doesn't count -- the day is the day.

But the night -- is the night!

Tonight you will take your first steps on the long road you have chosen ...

... of humble, devoted service!

These first steps will be hard.

Very hard!

Excruciating.

Will you be strong enough?

Will you give up?

As you know, the orderlies are on strike.

So you will have to pick up the slack. - Oh, great.

- Mme Debrais? - Yes, doctor?

Which of these young ladies do I get?

General Medecine, Dr. Carré ... Aline Monnier!

I'll make do. Follow me, please.

Let me warn you against excessive familiarity with the doctors.

Men are men, and they get ideas ... if you know what I mean.

Certainly.

And if anything happens, as usual we take the fall -- not the higher ups.

To be fair, some girls lead them on. - Not in our class!

You have nothing to worry about.

Maternity, Dr. Yvonne Renard. Off you go.

Thérèse, Surgery. Dr. Augereau.

Augereau?

He cornered me once -- I had to slap him.

Cornered by Augereau -- my dream!

Well, let me go help the ladies in labor.

If Augereau bothers you, just send him to me!

I warned her before -- this can't go on!

The cat!

Off you go -- your night's beginning.

Risk of perforation?

We'll change the assignment ... All right.

Carré's sending me a typhoid case.

Your student nurse.

Well, now!

We know each other. - Yes.

Yes, doctor.

Is this your first night?

- Yes, doctor. - Lucky me.

Let's hope it won't be your last.

Show her the duty book.

Mme Julien?

Just a moment, Mme Debrais -- a new typhoid case.

Bed 17.

Icepack every two hours.

The usual round, nothing out of the ordinary.

Bed 2 gets an injection at 12:00, camphor solution.

Temperature, 5 and 16 every three hours, transfusion, 18.

Largactil for 22, watch how 27's draining.

Penicillin for 21 and 28. Change 32's dressings.

And the standard stuff: remake beds,

help with urination, you know the drill.

- Yes, ma'am. - And hourly rounds, of course.

- Yes, doctor. - You have big eyes -- use them.

Clear, precise reports. Got it?

- Yes, doctor. - The boy in 8 -- children's ward?

Mademoiselle doesn't have much to do -- she'll take care of him.

The child is subject to violent fits of coughing.

If they're extreme, 1cc of lobeline,

but only once a night,

Got all that in your pretty little head?

- But doctor, the children's ward -- - Isn't our responsibility, I know.

But the strike changes everything.

One night aide per ward, three student nurses, and it's all on me.

- Unsure of anything? - No.

I can see you're worried.

No -- I'm thinking about all those people in pain.

Yes ... of course ...

They're just numbers here.

Ah, mademoiselle goes in for humanitarianism.

The typhoid case is in bed and 47 just croaked.

Mademoiselle, you take care of the body. You know what to do?

- But it's usually a man ... - The strike.

Where are you going? - To take care of the body.

Typhoid first, morgue later.

Off you go.

In stormy weather, corpses don't keep.

Ah, you interns ...

... always giving the newbies a hard time.

Julien, lend her a hand.

Your piece.

Go slow. Stop in front of the last house.

Get out and ring. When the door opens, I'll go in. You get back in the car.

Just a courtesy call on my pal Nino.

Just like that? All by yourself? - You want to go with me?

If you like ... - Don't worry. Just seeing me will give him fits.

Stop.

Looks like nobody's there.

Ring.

What do we do now? Wait?

The car sticks out like a sore thumb around here.

We'll come back later.

Take me to Maine's, we can have dinner there.

They're going away.

I'm not seeing things.

I tell you, it's him.

Yes, I'll stay put.

Mademoiselle? I think we're lost.

Where's the maternity ward?

It's started. - Out this door, first building on your right.

Thank you.

Hurry, Albert.

What's happening? - Nothing, a slight appendicitis.

I'd rather you had that!

No, I can't.

I can't, Mama.

Don't you be scared, hear me!

You were about to faint. Poor bunny.

Have a good cry, that'll relax you.

Don't be scared of the gentleman.

See, this is how you start.

When a man's dead, what harm can he do you?

You don't want to look?

Yes, I do.

You make me laugh, with your exams and diplomas.

Your real exam is now. Right?

I know.

Not that I haven't known girls to give up. Isn't that right, big boy?

There's no job in the world that deserves more devotion.

That's nice, it does you credit.

Come help me, he's too heavy.

You're a sensitive little thing. All nerves and sentiment.

You'll never last the night. - Yes I will.

To begin with, I have no choice. I'm on scholarship.

If I gave up, I'd have nothing. No job, just debts.

I want to be a nurse; I will be a nurse. - Fine, begin with this. With me.

And when things get tough tonight, come see me for a nice strong coffee.

Now, to work. Come on, honey, take that end.

Student nurse, I need you.

Little 8 is in a bad way. Injection, quick! - Lord! I'll wash my hands and be right there.

Lefèvre, where's that fougasse recipe? You promised me a week ago.

- Yes, I'll give it to you in just a bit. - My cousins are coming over Sunday.

Mme Julien? I thought I saw a cat outside.

There are always a few around.

How many times have I told you not to bring that animal here?

Poor little thing. If I leave him home alone, he cries to break your heart.

- I warn you, Mme Julien ... - Mme Debrais, I'm just an aide

and you have the right to scold me ... But not here!

I respect the repose of the dead.

That bank job in '47. I thought it was all up with us.

But no ... luck was with us again.

Let's hope it lasts.

30 kilos of dope in Marseille.

Riton got away clean.

... as the driven snow, you could say.

Those were the good old days.

That was tough, gunplay on the Swiss border.

Your poor father -- that did for him.

You're like him ...

... to look at. But just that. He was a real man.

Solid as a rock.

Hang on, I'm not as old as he was.

At your age, he'd been nicked three times.

Banned from the country for 60 years. That says something.

They were easier times. - Times are what men make them.

Nowadays, you need a magnifying glass to find a real man.

Miss that?

Sometimes.

But I'm a woman.

I need tenderness.

All those responsibilities on my shoulders -- it was hard.

Now that I'm back, you can have a holiday.

Sometimes I really missed you, you know.

In every way.

You still had a nice built then, when was it? 1950?

'51.

Women are like champagne, there are good years and bad.

I hear old movie stars pass the night looking at photos from their glory days.

You shouldn't drink so much, it makes your broken veins worse.

Lecomte, up to 1955, that was a good year, no?

Sec. Extra dry.

How's this?

Brut.

You all forget who talks, who gives orders. Me.

I'm putting you all straight. Even you.

- Even Nino? - Especially Nino.

- Nino might not go for that. - Wait until he sees me.

He'll be scared ... - It'll kill him.

The big bad wolf will make Nino shake in his shoes.

- Shut your face. - Nino won't play that game now.

He doesn't have to, I'm playing alone. Solitaire.

I got you to admit it. You can lose at solitaire

if you don't have the right cards. Nino holds them now.

Tomorrow, maybe he won't.

Why are you so scared of Nino? Who is he?

I know Nino, I made him. I've seen him work, he's nothing.

Who is this Nino!

- It's Nino. - Keep out of this.

He's on the phone. He wants to talk to Maine.

Hello? Hey, you.

You don't have the money this month? It's getting to be a habit.

Get him over here.

Listen, I think we should have a little chat. I'm all alone here.

No, the club's closed for three days.

City hall. The striptease was too hot.

No, I'm throwing a new show together. Come by, have a drink.

Find out where he is.

If you're tired, I won't insist.

In bed already?

Oh, no -- you're not my type, and Montmartre's too far.

Your bachelor pad?

A garden? Sounds lovely.

Send me some flowers tomorrow. And some green stuff, if you can.

That's right. Sleep well.

Fat chance. Ready? Let's go tuck him in.

That phone call was bizarre. Too smooth -- not his usual style.

Don't go there alone. Take Riton and the boys.

I know everyone's afraid of you, but even so. - You're turning into a nervous old lady.

Well, if it'll calm you down.

Don't get beaten down, Maine ...

... you've still got what it takes.

There, angel, all done.

He won't even remember that we saved his life.

Do you think grown-ups remember any better?

Doctor, little 8 was turning blue.

Did you give him an injection? - All fixed. - Perfect.

Go see 18, I'll be right there.

Temperature normal.

It'll go up if he sees you with your coif disarranged.

You're not here to fix your face, mademoiselle.

Does your knowledge extend to the name and use of this device?

A transfusion drip.

May I ask what happens if an air bubble gets in the line?

An embolism for the patient. - Bravo.

And when the bottle is empty? - We change it.

You'll have a great career if you don't shout in the wards.

What time must you change 18's serum bottle?

4:00. It's in the duty book.

Strange I have to remind you.

One day a nurse forgot to change the serum bottle.

The man died.

The father of a large family.

His wife threw herself in the Seine with their 19 children --

-- including triplets.

Of course, even the youngest of them was a heavy drinker.

No matter ... they died as they lived -- soaked.

So, to make you smile like a human being, I have to say idiotic things.

Are you giving her compresses? - Sleep now.

Easy for you to say, with all this coming and going.

16 wants to pee again, she never stops.

Elevated temperature.

Normal in early typhoid.

I can't tell yet about perforation.

Do you know the symptoms?

One of the cases you refuse to see as a mere number ...

... wants to relieve herself.

As you provide this service of your noble profession,

take 5's temperature, too. - And then?

Then ...

... come see me on hospital business. - Where?

In my room.

Won't the storm break?

You can't breathe.

Nino, they're here.

I knew it wouldn't be long.

He's there. Don't move unless I call you.

Ah, Lecomte.

Tell Nino I want to see him.

I don't know if he's in.

When he knows it's me, he will be.

Move it.

He's gone to bed. I'll ask him, if you'll come with me.

- You first. - This way.

Are you there?

Answer me.

- A little drink will do you good. - I never drink. Thank you.

Your loss.

My father sends it to me from the country.

He's a country doctor.

Out on the road in all weather, day and night?

May I ask what kind of fiction you read?

You wanted to speak to me, doctor.

No hurry.

Sit down.

Go on, sit down. You're exhausted.

That's an order.

Are you afraid? - Me? of what?

Rape.

I, afraid of rape?

No?

That's not what I meant ... They might need me downstairs.

They'll call you.

So, you were saying, rape ...

If you had me come up to hear your barrack-room humor ...

Barrack-room humor is a lot worse.

I have work to do.

- Definitely, you begin to interest me. - You can't imagine how little I care.

You take everything so seriously.

I may seem foolish to you,

but suffering means something to me.

I'm here to help.

Sick people don't make me laugh. - No?

- I find them pretty funny, most of the time. - Obviously. - As much as that?

Pardon me.

Do you really want to go back downstairs?

When your colleagues come up, I have a hard time getting rid of them.

Makes for a change. - Too bad.

What you call joking may be funny, but it doesn't make me laugh.

I have other things on my mind -- especially tonight.

Pure, brave, burning ...

Tell me, Joan of Arc,

do you know what a dicrotic pulse is? - A dicrotic pulse?

Of course I do.

So you must know that in typhoid cases

the pulse ceases to be dicrotic in the event of intestinal perforation.

Of course. - Good.

Take the patient's pulse every hour. If anything's off, tell me.

That's the only reason I asked you to see me.

You may go.

Well, sweetie, how was the private lesson?

Don't make me jealous.

Come up and see me.

I, too, give lessons to little girls.

I was there, Riton... I saw it. He just had time to plug Nino.

He didn't even tell me he was back.

I have to learn about it while his body's cooling.

Yes, Lecomte bumped off, that's a shame.

You seem so broken up about it, I wonder if you'll ever recover.

So what's your stupid scheme?

Spit it out.

What do you think will happen when people find out he's dead?

- Some nice photos in Paris-Match. - And?

You got a crystal ball?

It'll be a mess. Anarchy in the smuggling racket.

Revolution in the dope trade. Hell to pay in the nightclubs.

Maine can realign, whatever happens.

But it will be every man for himself.

Unless someone takes Lecomte's place.

So?

Well, what's your bright idea?

Listen. Suppose everyone thinks he's still in Rio.

Everything will go on as before, the boys will pay up every week,

all adding up in Maine's hands.

Never mind adding, she'd better think about dividing.

By three:

Her, you, me.

Nice set-up.

You're growing up, boy. - Sorrow brings maturity.

- No joke! You owe everything to Lecomte. - Yeah, even a legacy.

Lucky she didn't tell anyone he was back.

What's with the little marquis? Nervous? - He wants his dose.

All right, just to keep him quiet, but no more on credit.

His American heiress dumped him and he hasn't found a replacement.

So what do you want from me?

You're not cutting me in out of the goodness of your heart.

The two guys who were with Nino ... They know Lecomte is back.

No problem. I know where to find them.

Hello, Louis? Come right away, with your brother.

There. In an hour they'll be past talking.

Two rats gone. And then?

And then there's the body. Lecomte's body.

Where do we put it?

In the river ...

No, I couldn't do that to him. He never liked water.

Where is he? - 14th arrondissement.

14th ...

All right, I'll bury him in my garden, in La Garenne.

He'll rest easier there, poor old fellow.

Have you told Maine? - No, not yet.

Break it gently. She's sensitive.

I'll finish up here and meet you at her place.

What a lousy business, though ... Not telling me he was coming back.

Could you keep it down? - But Mme Maine, they have to rehearse.

- Rehearse in silence. - The song needs work ... - To hell with it.

No one comes to hear them, just to see them bare. So shut them up.

My head is splitting.

Just the dance.

You're not broken-hearted, admit it.

It's still sinking in ... but tomorrow ...

Tomorrow, it'll be you that's sunk.

Because I don't believe he's dead.

Lecomte getting picked off like a kid -- ridiculous.

You warned him, I warned him. He had to play cowboy. That's that.

20 times, 100 times I've been told he was dead. 1,000 times.

That I'd never see him again. What a laugh.

Every time, he came through like a boss. The boss that he was.

You've got me putting him in the past tense.

You can -- he's done with the present now.

Look at that! Look at what he's come through.

Don't believe me? Just come to the garage.

Then to Riton's garden. - You bet I will.

Just to see your face when your scheme blows up in it.

Heard of Napoleon? A Corsican everyone was afraid of.

But he died, like everyone does.

There were books about him too.

He'll be missed, though.

Even when he wasn't here, he was on our minds.

We couldn't get by without him. - Well, now we can.

Oh, he gave me some tough times.

But some good times, too.

So if it's true ...

... to think of him there, all alone ...

... under Riton's lilac bushes ...

About Riton. When the two guys are taken care of ...

and Lecomte is ... - Don't say it.

What use will Riton be? He's a drag, he's got no class.

To replace Lecomte, you need someone young. Right?

I don't know, I can't think about it now. - Try.

He'd be comfy in his garden, next to his old friend Lecomte.

And then it would be a two-way split. You and me.

Two's better than three, that's for sure.

Yes, but Riton's a friend -- I need friends now.

I'll be so lonely.

I'll be there. We'll be great together.

You, in the know about everything. - You, young ... and smart.

The dough we'll rake in. - Yeah.

But money isn't everything.

I know.

I always had eyes for you --

-- since you brought it up, Maine.

I didn't dare before -- there was always Lecomte.

And then, you were the boss ...

But I've been interested in you for years.

You won't believe me --

When I was a boy, no higher than that ...

You had to be ahead of your age in something, I guess.

What's wrong, Maine? - You're moving way too fast.

What about propriety? A little self-control, my boy.

Open the door, it's Riton.

You again? I've told you it's not allowed.

She's having a baby, not you. - Thanks to who? It takes two, you know.

I don't know. I'm an innocent girl.

Madame, it's the new patient's husband. He won't go away.

Of course, all papas-to-be are nervous.

A first child? Wonderful.

You must realize that a primipara's mate is an essentially anxious creature.

Monsieur, as a member of that class, must be handled with the greatest care.

Go see if the dear little one is closer to entering the world.

Sylvie, come here a second.

And if you feel weak, a tiny drink every now and then.

See you tomorrow.

- The mate of what, did you say? - The primipara.

And congratulations.

- Boy, she gets all the attention. - Is the pulse dicrotic or not?

- Are you giving her more ice? - How can I tell?

Someone around here must know. Come on.

The melon my husband brought me -- did the day nurse put it in the icebox?

Yes, yes -- sleep.

With that one getting all the ice, will my melon keep fresh?

Yes, don't worry.

Don't worry! With my melon going bad!

Shit!

You have to be firm with them.

- They're in pain, Sylvie, you shouldn't. - Oh, you're still up in the clouds.

Haven't you gotten over that? - I never will. - Not me.

Two deliveries in three hours will disgust you with everything --

-- especially love.

Speaking of which, how's Augereau?

He's a boor, a brute, a cynic. Completely heartless. He doesn't care.

The patients can all --

Dicrotic pulse!

Come on, Renard must know.

Ah Sylvie, I was looking for you.

Thérèse wanted to ask you something. - Not now, my dear.

The father was right to be worried. Come quick.

Yes doctor? Ah, it's you. What is it?

Madame, for a typhoid case,

if there's intestinal perforation, the pulse ...

If that happens, tell the surgeon, Dr. Augereau.

But what are the symptoms?

Severe intestinal pain

and the pulse is no longer dicrotic.

That's what I needed to know. Thank you.

Roger might get a swelled head.

- It happens, with young fellows. - He might get nasty.

Even with you, who practically raised him.

It was René's idea. I could never stand him.

- Well, in that case ... - In that case,

you don't see the use of him. Two's better than three.

And there's room in your garden.

You catch on quick.

No credit to me -- he suggested the same thing about you.

The scum. Doublecrossing me.

With a rat like that, why hold back? You agree?

Of course. We've got to look out for ourselves.

But that'll be another gone. I'll feel so alone.

So alone.

- Maine ... - Yes?

It's a bit soon to bring this up, but ...

Do you remember Cannes, the evening I ...

Riton, don't remind a woman of her weakness.

No, I just mean ...

Lecomte didn't pay enough attention to you.

You're sharp, really smart ...

So, if you feel lonely ...

Well, I always had time for you.

You're a stand-up guy. You're not too young, not too pushy.

So, once my mourning is over,

if I wanted a fresh start ...

It's stupid, but ... I shouldn't have come.

Don't come in ... Roger, you know.

You're not going to off him here.

In your garden -- after he's done the digging.

You've got a head on your shoulders, Maine.

Open the trunk, that'll save time.

In the back, by the stairs.

Lecomte? Where are you?

Well? What happened?

They must have taken him away. - They would have taken Nino too.

Not necessarily.

Anyway, they wouldn't have had time. The boys offed them right away.

He was dead, right? You saw him, you were sure.

He wasn't moving. He was shot full of holes.

So who was right after all? Maine.

Lecomte doesn't get offed that easily.

A near miss, Maine.

He can't have gotten far. - Look.

At 40°C and a little over, the pulse is still almost normal, see?

Here it comes, Bijou.

That's the thing you said -- but if the guts act up ...

- The pulse accelerates. - See, she gets it, Bijou.

And when you don't know something, just ask Augereau.

- I'd rather die. - Here's his little snack.

He has to have it warmed up. You're a fussy one, aren't you, Bijou?

Shit -- Debrais.

You scared me! - I copied the recipe.

That's nice. Now we'll have coffee, all three of us.

Missy could use it.

Buck up, my girl, the night isn't half through.

Are you bawling? - She's tired and nervous.

Look, while I'm making the coffee, go out and get some air.

It'll do you good.

That poor little thing, she's white as a ghost.

- But if Augereau... - I'll talk to him.

He won't eat you, or me either.

Not that I'd have minded, once upon a time.

And look around, see if my cat's anywhere.

Kitty?

Kitty!

Oh, kitty, there you are.

Come in -- the more the merrier!

Quick, doctor, there's a man on the grounds.

Is that why you're making all this noise?

He's lying in the bushes.

Yes, it's the caretaker. He's still drunk.

And what's this? Wine?

Did you use your coif to bandage him?

Emergency case for surgery, sweetheart. No skin off our nose.

Debrais, look at this.

Look at those scars.

He's been through the wars.

Knife. Knife ...

Bullet.

Razor. To complete the set.

He's not a man, he's a patchwork.

How did he come through it all?

- Luck. - Luck ... well, old man.

This time you may have pushed it too far.

Hello?

Yes, inspector, we found a man in the bushes.

But I don't know. They don't tell me the details.

If you want, I'll transfer you to the doctor on duty.

All right, hold on.

It must be gang-related.

Any ID? - Nothing.

Will you operate?

We'll see.

Do you think he'll come through? - Yes.

And if he doesn't, I doubt it'll be a great civic loss.

He's still a human being.

Would Joan of Arc be good enough to do the necessary for a blood transfusion?

Faster, mademoiselle, a man's life is at stake.

A police inspector is on the phone for you. - All right, later.

He's in isolation, in 4.

Hello?

Yes.

Good evening, sir.

Yes, I've just examined him.

No. Not looking good.

Absolutely not, that's an official refusal.

Yes, I accept that responsibility.

He can't be moved. He'll leave my care after the surgeon in chief operates.

Well, if he's that precious, send an officer to guard him.

An officer? Yes, of course ...

... but in an ambulance, couldn't he ...

Listen, doctor, this is ...

- Excessive. - Excessive.

Well, we'll talk again tomorrow, but I'm sending an officer right away.

That way they won't call the police.

Where will you get an officer?

You're nuts. I'm not getting mixed up in this.

You've got no choice. If Lecomte makes it, you're in a bad way, honey.

You ran out on him when he was in trouble.

And your scheme -- wasn't that pretty?

- But you both went for it. - I let you think I did.

I wanted to see how far you'd go.

Enough now, do what you're told.

- Do I look like a cop? - You're dirty enough.

- Once I'm there, what do I do? - Case the joint and stay close to him.

You have three hours to spring him.

If you see it can't be done, phone me.

- Here? - Here. Ask for the chief, that's me.

Tell me the patient's getting worse. I'll understand.

What's the point? What'll you do? - You'll see.

Be a man, for once, and just do it.

What'll I do!

To begin with, I'll think. - There's plenty ...

... to think about.

The doctor says he's not doing well.

He might die there.

Lecomte dying in a hospital bed -- that's a sad end.

- And everyone would hear about it. - He had to come back and make trouble.

Maybe Roger can get him out.

That would be best.

Yes, of course.

Well then ...

... here's to as little trouble as possible, for him and for us.

You know, Riton, we're too old for all this fighting and scheming.

- We've done our fair share. - I don't ask for much out of life --

just a quiet routine, money coming in every month, enough to live on.

Is that too much to ask?

To think we almost had it.

But it was too good to be true.

And here we are, waiting for that loser to phone.

We'll wait, but downstairs. We don't know what'll happen,

so let's have an alibi. - You don't miss a trick, do you?

Call that rehearsing? Put some heat in it.

And what about the song? Are you counting on me to sing it?

From the top.

Come on, in step!

Don't move, now.

Go to sleep like a good boy.

- Am I really messed up? - Oh, no.

If you stay quiet, soon you'll be good as new.

- Tell me what I've got. - Don't talk.

- Do I ... - Hush.

I have to do my rounds, please go to sleep.

- What's that? - Don't touch.

It's a little mixture to put you back on your feet.

Don't worry, I'll be back.

Thanks. - That's what I'm here for.

That's where we found him.

He must have crawled from the other entrance.

- There's another? - Yes, behind the surgery.

Yesterday an ambulance broke down the gate.

Big, isn't it?

Not enough staff.

There should be two of me to look after it all.

People come in and out. I can't see everything.

- Of course. - It's no good.

After you, officer.

It's quiet.

Funny, some nights are like that,

nothing happening.

Let's not keep the cop waiting.

Here she comes, Miss Constant Crisis.

If she gets on your nerves, send her to me.

No, boy, she's not that kind.

Which ward is on fire now? - Little 8 is having another fit.

He'll die!

- Did you give him an injection? - You said just one a night.

You'll learn that this job requires some initiative, mademoiselle.

- The cop's waiting. - Give him a drink.

Police!

Hello, the duty doctor apologizes for making you wait.

A slight technical hitch.

Too bad if it hurts! Too bad!

What is she doing!?

The necessary. Making him fight back.

- Doctor, if you need it, the injection is ready. - Thanks.

If he doesn't want to live ...

... there's nothing we can do.

Absolutely nothing.

Lobeline, quick.

He wants to live, this little fellow.

If you lose your cool so easily, this isn't the job for you.

If you're asleep on your feet, lie down.

In any event, you won't last the night. - We'll see about that.

And the transfusion? I said to keep an eye on it, didn't I?

Well, sonny ...

... if she'd seen that, she would have passed right out.

Like it? Shall we continue the tour?

I bet you've never seen a hospital at night. - Not yet.

Of course, the real show is a good surgical operation.

Open, cut, slice, discard ... Would you like that?

- That must be interesting. - Lots of blood.

You must be used to that, interrogating suspects.

Come on. Staff room. A little drink ...

... preserving alcohol, of course!

White lightning, officer!

We flavor it with appendices ... Delicious ... you must try it.

- Suppose the wounded man comes to? - He must be dead by now.

You think? - Sure.

I want to know what you're doing, what's wrong with me.

Where I was hurt.

If you keep upsetting yourself, I'll call the doctor.

Fuck off.

What hospital is this?

A hospital where you'll be cured, if you stop fretting.

If you go to sleep.

Stop babytalking me, you dumb broad.

See, now you're all white.

You'll faint, and then where'll you be?

Go to sleep. I won't hear another word.

What do they say about me?

Sleep.

Do they know who I am?

Tell me, for God's sake.

If I tell you now, will you sleep?

Promise?

Yes, I promise.

Of course we know who you are.

You're a gangster, you were in a fight.

If only that made you reconsider your ways.

Do they know my name?

No, but they will soon. The officer will question you.

- What officer? - The one downstairs.

Sleep.

Are you in pain? - No, I'm all right.

Mademoiselle? - Hush.

The needle came out of my arm.

Because you keep moving.

Don't waste your strength trying to frighten me.

I'm much too tired.

Calm? - He won't stop talking.

A little delirium is normal. - He knows what he's saying.

Yes? Then it's your delirium.

Do you recognize him, officer? - No.

But we can't know them all. We have to look at the files.

Incoming, doctor. Could you see him? - Yes, right away.

Do the paperwork, I'll be right down.

Incredible. Never seen anything like it.

- Not good? - This man ...

Unless a vital organ was affected, he'll be on his feet in a fortnight.

- So maybe we could transport him? - I said no.

And don't question him right away. He's lost a lot of blood.

Lecomte, are you sleeping?

You punk.

Scum. Dirtbag.

Trash. Shithead.

- You mad? - Fuck off.

I treated you like a son. And you left me for dead.

- You told me not to move. - For your sake, you little coward.

But when I was bleeding out, who ran like a little bitch?

Did you want me dead? - I can't believe this.

Did you want to run your own racket?

Are you kidding? You know I'm not up to it.

None of you wanted me to come back, but you haven't heard the last of me.

They'll toe the line -- and you first of all.

Don't get excited. You're getting stronger,

but watch your arteries. - One nurse is enough for me.

Funny -- I could swear I saw her somewhere before.

Want to tell me your life story? Get me out of here.

Come on, no more kidding around. - What do you want to do? - Make tracks.

You can't, there's only one exit.

Doctors and nurses all over, they'd stop us right away.

Just the two of us, we can't do anything. - I'm not getting trapped in here.

Wait Riton told me to phone him.

He must be waiting. - I don't know about Riton.

But go phone him.

Then get that dumb broad back, leave me alone with her.

Don't run off in the meantime.

Lecomte is still alive.

Shit.

When you come back tomorrow, the operation will be over.

In 10 days he'll be home.

Thank you, doctor, you're very kind. Goodbye, doctor.

Goodbye, madame.

You know how to reassure people. - I'm a most complex creature.

Excuse me ... - Yes?

Where can I make a phone call? I have to report back in.

Near the entrance building.

The patient is asking for the nurse.

Doctor, this might be silly ... - No, no.

I'm sure I've seen that officer somewhere before.

- The policemen's ball? - I'm sure it was recently.

I think he recognizes me too ... He keeps staring at me.

Any man would. - Are you sure it's not ...

A fake policeman. Like in detective stories?

It's late. It's very late.

Little girls are asleep on their feet.

They have dreadful nightmares.

I'm sure of that.

I thought the gangster was asking for you.

Doctor? - Yes.

I believe I'm much less afraid of you.

No, it's a sound effect for the striptease, "The Widow."

A widow ... A poor widow.

- No more, Maine, you're sloshed. - Who's going to stop me?

I might be a widow too, like her.

And this is my place, this here. It's in my name.

And your club is in my name, and the other clubs, and the hotels.

What of it?

Nothing.

I realize I'm a rich widow.

Hang on, you're not a widow yet. What the hell is he doing?

Go back to my place, I'll listen here.

What are you waiting for? He's hung up on you already.

Hello? Yes.

Yes, it's me.

He's recovering like you wouldn't believe.

I can't do anything here alone. I'd better beat it.

Huh? Wait for what?

I'm sure I've seen that girl before, somewhere.

And she recognizes me too.

Two doctors, some broads.

Is the surgery far away from the entrance?

Well, hang on for another half hour.

Call back in the meantime, Maine will tell you what to do.

If Roger gets caught, the little shit, I know he'll rat us out.

We have no choice -- you and the boys will have to go in.

That's crazy.

A hospital is like a prison. - It's a big risk, but ...

... we've got to take it.

You're not the one taking the risk.

If I lost you, it would be dreadful.

But I love that you're a hero. Going in against all odds to save your pal.

Even if you can only bring back his remains. Understand?

In his condition, getting shaken up ...

... could be unhealthy.

If you'd told me this morning that I'd be back in the game tonight ...

Tough as you are, you'd have accepted the challenge.

It's just the surprise that throws you.

- You know me. - You bet I do, big boy.

All the time you've been on my mind.

So if Roger telephones, I'll tell him Superman is on the way.

Look at that -- my alibi.

That might do for some hicktown hall, ladies, but not for my club.

Music! We rehearse all night if we have to.

Coming so close to death -- it makes a man think.

You see your whole life ... yeah.

You want to make up for things -- you're ashamed.

And then remorse. Remorse is terrible.

It gnaws at you.

Don't think of that now.

You'll raise your temperature.

- You have a wonderful job. - Yes, it's marvelous.

- A job for a saint. - Don't exaggerate.

I shouldn't let you talk.

When I see you taking care of me,

devoting yourself, I can't help it ...

... I think of my daughter.

You two must be the same age.

My poor little girl, what will become of her?

Her whole life ruined by me.

Why?

She's proud of me, she loves me ...

... all of a sudden, she'll find out.

What a blow.

You're her father, she'll still love you.

And all of a sudden, penniless.

- She will find work. - Her engagement broken.

- Poor kid. - It would have been a fine marriage ...

If he's a nice boy, if he really loves her,

that won't stop him marrying her.

Maybe not, but I've got to see them both, explain things to them.

Then they'd understand. - Calm yourself.

If I had 24 hours, I could ensure their happiness.

I need to get out of here -- just for that.

Listen, I'd be willing to pay a lot for 24 hours of freedom.

You're the only one who could help me.

Once I'd settled matters, I'd give myself up to the police.

Unashamed.

The kids would be proud of me.

And in prison, I'd think of them.

Of them -- happy at last. Thanks to you.

That would be wonderful.

I'm just like you. I like to dream, to imagine things.

- So ask me -- whatever you want. - May I?

Go on -- anything. - No, I'm making you talk, I shouldn't.

Come on, spit it out!

In your life, you must have seen many things.

You must have experience ...

How much?

Do you believe you can love someone you thought you hated?

How should I know? Write to Miss Lonelyhearts.

Beat it for a minute, I've got to talk to the prisoner.

With pleasure.

If you'd kindly let me pass.

Say what?

What's wrong?

She recognized me. From when I bought cigarettes.

You had to play the fool. We're getting out now.

Riton's coming with the boys. Let's just get to the exit.

Well, dollface will take us there. - No, don't ...

Clothes, quick.

Think you can make it?

And you?

To the exit. By the shortest way. Don't get cute.

If you make a noise, I'll operate. No anesthetic.

Okay, go.

Open. Open it.

Look.

No one there.

- Which way? - Left.

Sure this is the right way? - Yes, I swear.

Mademoiselle?

Answer.

What is it? - Isn't it time for my medicine?

Not yet. - All right, my mistake.

Hey, darling ... Oh, it's you.

Tell me. You spent some time with him.

What did you think of that policeman?

- No sense of humor. - Aside from that?

Nerves need care. Suspiciously snazzy, must be on the take.

But with you -- would you say he was normal?

Yes. Why, did he make a pass at you?

That would be funny.

Good night.

Give me a smoke.

Carré, the gangster's escaped.

Call the police, have them send men. Tell the caretaker.

Thérèse?

Thérèse!

Lecomte, help me.

He's fainted. Let me work.

Give him air. Open the door.

No, no gun.

I could use some air too. - Quick, Lecomte, she'll tell.

That's too heavy for you.

They must have gone out through the grounds.

Don't be afraid. It's all over.

The police are on the way.

Come on, relax, my girl.

I don't want to relax. I've had it.

Don't laugh at me.

You were worried too.

I can't take this. I need to get out of here.

I don't care if I don't finish the night.

What time is it? 4:30.

When were you supposed to change 18's serum bottle?

Very professional.

- Was that why you were calling for me? - Just for that.

Go finish your night.

It won't be much longer now.

Why you asked me to I don't know -- I tried to alert the caretaker.

He's probably dead drunk, he doesn't answer.

Yes. Thank you.

Surgery, back of the grounds, to the right.

What is Riton doing, what the hell are they doing? - Move.

Don't do it.

- The gate. - It's wide enough for two.

It's hopeless, let's beat it. No, by the other gate.

Too late, Lecomte. We're done for.

Hell no. The gate I came in by.

There we are. Waking up?

Strong boy. That was a close one.

No. Stay down. You've got to sleep a little more.

- Are those pistols? - Yes ...

It's Davy Crockett attacking.

Close your eyes. I'll tell you the story.

You mustn't be so nervous.

Of course not -- there's no reason to be.

The great Indian chief, with his feathered headdress ...

... said ...

To be continued tomorrow morning.

Take the right-hand path; you, go around the building. Hurry.

Don't panic! There must be no panic!

They'll wake my patients. Who's shooting?

The strikers are attacking!

No panic, Julien. To your posts, everyone. No panic.

Lord! The cat!

What do we do? - Wait for things to settle down.

Talk, goddamnit.

Riton never could back down. Never.

- It's over, Lecomte. We're done for. - No, not yet. Over there.

Don't tense up.

Push.

One last push.

You're going to make it, little wretch.

What's that noise? - It's been going on for a while.

I didn't hear it.

Is it a boy?

Sure. Don't you hear the guns saluting?

Thank you.

Well?

René. René Lecomte.

René Lecomte?

Bijou. My Bijou.

Come inside. - You'll get yourself killed.

We were frightened, weren't we? Come along, sweetie.

Is she trying to get shot?

Lecomte.

You're right -- it wouldn't be safe.

Stop talking to me like that.

Without me, you wouldn't have gotten even this far.

I'm tired of your contempt, hear me?

We're in the same boat. If we're going down, it'll be together.

Stop sneering. I'm not afraid of you, hear me?

I say I'm not afraid of you. - Sure you're not.

Don't be a fool. You can't make it alone.

You're too weak. You've lost too much blood.

What have I done to you? I haven't done anything!

No, so why are you shaking? Is your fit over?

Go down.

Look, the door.

Strip him.

No one notices a man in coveralls.

- There's only one. - Enough for me.

You won't get more than 10 years, at your age that's nothing. Move it.

All right, everyone in.

Come on, quick.

- Awww, no more shooting. - Over already?

- We were having fun for once. - Be good, get back in bed.

I assure you, you'll catch cold.

You're in your nightshirts. - Don't you like the view?

Oh please get back in bed. I'm exhausted.

- But giving shots, that she likes. - Got to be a dingbat to do this job.

Oh, yeah.

All right, back to bed. Hush now. To bed.

Dreadful example of human ingratitude.

Back to bed. Nothing to see now, anyway.

But doctor, there's more!

Drop it, Lecomte.

Don't be a fool.

You can't even stand.

Drop it, I say.

He was always polite with you? - He was our Al Capone.

They aren't the only ones with big gangsters.

Come on, kids, let's catch the widow.

Bunch of savages.

Bathtime! Rub-a-dub-dub!

- Come on, get back ... - Maine, a photo for the front page.

It's all right. It's their job, after all.

Allow me ... I've told the police everything.

I didn't even know he was back.

And now I'll see him in the morgue. - Do you still love him?

I am a woman.

I lost everything tonight. Roger, a son. Riton, a faithful friend.

They knew. They didn't tell me.

See you around.

Hi, girls.

Mademoiselle, I must know.

It's a boy. Congratulations. 3.2 kilos. The handsomest I've ever seen.

The spitting image of his father. I'm going to bed.

So, see you.

Go on. You'll save a metro ticket.

Well? You finished your night after all.

Are you happy? - Very.

You're not ...

... too disillusioned? - Disillusioned?

By what? - I don't know ...

All this.

Life.

It's even more wonderful than I thought.

You are incorrigible.

Goodbye, doctor. Kittycat, behave.

Goodbye.

Goodbye, doctor.

Hello, Renard. What a night.

Ghastly. But it looks like a fine day.

Keep an eye on him, mademoiselle. Don't let his temperature rise.

You heard her. - No.

We're open till dawn. You'll always be welcome. All of you.

You too, inspector. I'll be so in need of friends.

Maine, look this way.

She wasn't involved. - What a brave woman ...

Shameful -- joyriding while patients suffer.

Not any more they don't. I put them all out of their misery.