Original subtitles

The art gallery was crowded that afternoon.

Frederic Lansac had become what is known as a fashionable painter.

I split my time between the beauty institute, which Frederic and I owned as

partners, and the art gallery where I was a sort of master of ceremonies.

Ah, Moira.

The whole story started with her.

Hello, Moira, darling.

It's been so long.

I've just returned from the Orient.

I've always been passionately interested in India.

No one can imagine the extent of poverty there. It's a completely different

world. But you, you always bring with you the charm of Paris.

And you're still the old flatterer.

Oh, Albert, say your bye for me, please.

Oh, imagine the prestige.

Lanzac all our own.

Please, Albert.

And I suppose you'll be very busy.

You know, in Paris, I have so very many friends to see. Very many? Yes, I'm sure

they're all anxious to see me.

We've made up our minds on the Lansac, the beginning of my private museum.

You couldn't have made a wiser choice. You'll not regret it. As an investment,

it's a sure thing. I hope you're right. Yes.

Yvonne, will you take care of this gentleman?

Do me a favor and introduce us. And who is us? The Lansac and me. Who else? It's

really not much to ask. So sorry, Meyer. For the moment, it's simply not

possible. You know we're preparing an exhibition for the month of May. The two

paintings of Richemont you were talking to me about, are they still for sale?

I think so, but I don't get the connection. I've been thinking.

That looks splendid in my new apartment.

To return to Monsieur Lansac.

Lansac.

It wasn't difficult for her to get what she wanted.

A lover to show off to her friends.

A man in all the gossip columns.

The great Lansac.

The genius.

Lansac the decadent.

Well, for goodness sake, Greta, stop fidgeting. How can I do any work under

those conditions?

You were much nicer to me last night.

Hello, Anne.

You mean you didn't know I was back? I've been here two months.

Of course, I'd be glad to. You can come to my costume party Friday.

I'll introduce you to Frédéric Lansac.

That's right, painter.

Well, you know I've always been attracted by celebrities.

Come dressed as a marquise. You'll be charming.

The doctor should be through with his examination.

Waiting like this is unbearable. I must know the truth.

I had agreed to go to Maura's costume party and went to a costumer's for a

fitting.

And that was where I met Anne.

Anne who was to become... Anne with whom I fell instantly in love.

We didn't even go to Maura's party.

We wanted to be alone.

I was experiencing feelings I had never felt before.

You can't beat that kind of film. All the vampires, the horror, fresh blood,

it's delicious.

Where's your mysterious guest, Lorsac?

Oh, don't worry, he'll be here. You know how artists are.

Yes, speaking.

No, it's impossible.

I have a painting to finish.

Another painting for your private museum, I suppose.

Look, I have a party going here. It's not very nice to do this.

I already said that I'm busy with a painting.

I told all my friends you were coming. They're expecting you.

I'll have to explain it to your friends.

Had made a complete break with my past and spent all my time with Anne She had

become my only model and was the inspiration for my best paintings For

the first time I knew real love

We had gone to the country where I owned a Chateau,

but I wanted it to be a surprise

Ha ha ha!

Baron Frederick de Lensac, 1712-1786.

He was my great-great-great-grandfather.

He was a baron? Yes.

The dear old great-great-great-grandfather was also

an inveterate gambler, and he lost his title in the course of a dice game.

Too bad.

Baron de Sainte-de-Lensac. Sounds kind of nice.

Did you ever live here?

Yes.

Until the death of my parents, and left to myself, I decided I would travel.

Did you already know Wilfrid?

No.

I ran into him in Brazil.

He was there representing France at a convention of botanists. He's a

specialist on tropical orchids. I just dropped in on his lecture.

You were already interested in tropical plants?

Oh, no.

However, he made it sound pretty fascinating and he was French.

Well, we became friends and I soon began to share his passion for botany.

And a few months after, we left together for Paris.

And all Paris knows the rest.

Is there any ghost about?

Oh, sure.

But right now, I'm afraid he's fast asleep.

I want to live here, Frederick.

Oh, but you'd get bored without neighbors. It gets rather dull. I have

no desire to see people.

Oh, darling, please.

Say yes.

Very well then, my love.

The castle is all yours.

I'll go and tell the good news to our ghost.

Don't be afraid, my darling.

Calm down.

You've nothing to fear.

They've lived here ever since I was a child.

My father took them in many years ago.

When I left the place, I let them stay on here to take care of the chateau.

I forgot to tell you about them.

No one knows where they're from.

My father brought them back with him from the village. The boys were throwing

stones and tormenting them.

So my mother decided they could stay.

What are their names?

They're called Igor and Olaf.

Don't worry. I'll send them away before we move in here.

No, they can stay No Frederick, let them stay

It was so unexpected

I wish he'd hurry.

I must know.

After our marriage, we decided to celebrate by giving a sumptuous

reception at the Chateau.

A special lighting and sound effects show was to climax the evening.

Oh, Frederick.

Darling, please.

Look, our guest's arriving.

Oh, no, just a few minutes more. Don't move.

You were never as beautiful as you are tonight.

You're so beautiful.

If you love me, I shall be beautiful, Frederick.

I'm so happy with you.

Sometimes I'm frightened that something will spoil it that something will just

there's absolutely nothing Nothing which could destroy the happiness we found

together Absolutely nothing Frederick

Frederick

Frederick we're here

I didn't get an invitation to your party. An oversight, I suppose.

An oversight you quickly corrected.

I'm very glad to see you, Moira. Keep away from me.

Moira was mad with jealousy.

Anne tried to reason with her.

Anne!

Anne! And then it happened.

Look out, Anne!

It is a miracle that your wife is still alive.

But her face and her body have been horribly burned.

She will never walk again.

Her eyesight is impaired and what she sees will be distorted.

As for her face, her face will remain completely disfigured.

She should awaken soon.

It was a terrible shock for Frederick, losing his wife in such a horrible

accident.

She was so beautiful.

She was indeed.

And now Frederick has cut himself off from the outside world.

Well, I hope you'll enjoy working here, Dr.

Romare.

Look out! Don't touch that plant!

It's extremely dangerous.

I'm listening, go ahead.

Get it over with, my friend.

Frederick, take hold of yourself.

Frederick, make an effort.

It's difficult, I'm sure, but you've got to try.

The trouble is, it's finished.

Completely finished.

There's no more, Frederick!

Lansac, the great Lansac is unable to hold a paintbrush, incapable of making a

simple drawing, incapable of painting his wife.

Because you don't paint monsters.

Frederick.

I want you to help me.

I have to leave for a while and I want you to replace me at the Institute.

Speak to Olmeir.

He doesn't inspire sufficient confidence and besides...

You're my associate and it seems natural... Impossible.

I couldn't possibly leave Anne.

I provided for a trained nurse to come here to the chateau.

That's out of the question.

Your only desire is to be forgotten.

And she doesn't want to see anyone.

I have confidence in the nurse.

I'm sure she won't breathe a word.

That is something she would never admit.

But for God's sake, you're not going to spend the rest of your life in this

room, in this gloomy chateau with a woman who's a hopeless invalid.

You'll feel sorry for yourself.

But can't you try to get away?

Can't you try and...

I'm

taking a flight tomorrow at five o'clock. I'd be glad to see you at the

Institute before I leave.

Here, take this plant and put it in the back of Monsieur Lansac's car.

Be careful, hold it up like this. Right.

It's very dangerous.

What is it?

It's a new crossbreed.

Monsieur Lansac hasn't found a name for it yet.

He wants to start it before we start using it at the Institute.

In the center of this plant, there are prickly thorns which secrete a poison

whose effect is instantaneous.

Good evening, Anne.

Did you just get back?

Yes.

Hold up! Hold up!

Don't touch that plant.

You see those prickly thorns at the center of the plant?

If you prick yourself, you'll be dead.

You understand?

You'll be dead.

Now take it and bring it to the little plant room.

You must warn Igor.

Be careful.

Don't touch it.

You'll feel better now each day you make me suffer a little more madam. I know

that will do get out I want to be alone.

Is there something I can do? Yeah, get out Get out Girl is

unbearable. I can't stand having her around Aren't you exaggerating a bit?

She feels to you go run after you can console her but listen Don't come any

closer. Don't touch

Don't come any closer. Go run after her.

What makes her hate me so?

It's not you that she hates, Agnes.

It's what you represent.

The reflection of her past beauty.

You must be patient.

She suffers, I'm sure you know that.

You simply can't imagine how much she suffers.

She's lost everything, Agnes.

Everything.

Why did you leave me?

Anne, I love you.

I love you so, Anne.

Madam? I'm so sorry about last night. I was really hateful. Oh, it's nothing,

madam. My husband said I was very unfair.

He feels that you're doing a great deal for me.

It's just part of my job, madam. No.

No, he was right.

And I promise that I'll be much calmer in future, dear little Agnes.

You're so sensitive, so beautiful.

This bride is new, isn't it?

I've never seen one like it. Most unusual.

My husband brought it to me last night. It's an extremely rare variety.

By the way, would you be good enough to water it for me?

See that the water enters the center of the plant. Spread the leaves.

They aren't fragile, don't worry.

Spread them with your hands.

Yes, that's right.

Dear little Agnes.

So sensitive.

So beautiful.

I wanted to go to your wife's funeral, but Wilfried advised me again. Yes, he

was right. I didn't want anybody to attend.

Yes, of course. I understand your grief.

She was so pretty.

Her face was so fascinating.

Her face so fascinating.

Yes.

She stood between us, Frederick.

She had to die.

I killed her so that our love would remain intact.

Frederick, her beauty was something I couldn't tolerate.

I couldn't stand the sight of her face, her body.

She was too beautiful.

What can I do for you? I want to see Professor Romain. I'm afraid he's in the

solarium. Thank you. I'll find a way.

Listen, doctor, I've got no time to lose.

The police are after me now.

Sorry, we told you not to come back here. Try to understand.

When will you do the operation?

Don't say that word.

Don't come to my house tonight.

For God's sake, don't come here again.

It's too dangerous.

There we are.

Cast is ready.

I'll operate Friday night.

A smart cover-up you've figured out at the Institute. Nobody would ever imagine

that. That's none of your business.

Be here at seven o'clock Friday.

Very interesting, Dr. Romare.

You mean you... Yes, I heard every word.

You're running a risky business.

The penalty is severe for surgeons who engage in, let's say, practice on the

side. Let me try to explain. To explain what?

That the Institute furnishes a perfect cover and Professor Romare, who is so

gentle with his tropical plants, is in fact just a filthy butcher who

transforms the faces of criminals.

You've taken advantage of me, of my name and reputation for your trafficking

human flesh.

You'd better not play with me.

I won't put up with it.

I trusted you. I'll explain. Just let me try to explain.

The expression filthy butcher doesn't apply.

I was a surgeon, a top surgeon.

I've saved quite a number of human lives.

Human faces.

You see, I was... I was always strangely attracted by faces.

I am fascinated by their miraculous unity of... of lines,

of facets, of shadows and colors.

And then ten years ago, I was involved in a very tragic situation.

I had to operate on the face of a child.

Under normal circumstances, I would never have done it.

But you see, for me, it was a form of experience.

I failed and the child died.

The parents brought me to court, and then I lost my license and was put in

prison.

When I was set free as a surgeon, I was finished.

No, I was only able to work as a surgeon, but I was forbidden to use that

skill.

What to do?

I was trapped into modifying the face of a man I once knew in prison. He had been

sought after by the police.

I was caught in a vicious circle.

The underworld has a system.

Then a few months ago, I decided enough was enough, and I was through with it.

As long as I continued, it was hopeless.

Your associate, Wilfrey, begged me to take a job at the Institute.

I believed I would be able to forget the past, and then...

This man came along.

You can see I'm just being pushed.

I can't do anything.

That's my story, Mr. Lossack.

You've heard it, now you may call the police.

Come with me.

With you?

But where?

To my house, to the chateau.

There's someone I want you to meet.

Someone who will be delighted to make your acquaintance.

My wife.

There's nothing I can do for her.

Too late for a surgeon to help.

You have been invited here in order to find a solution.

But it can't be done.

I can do nothing for her.

A complete craft is possible, but the science at its present stage... No.

No, you'd need a face in its entirety.

A living face.

And that obviously means the donor's death.

It's simply impossible.

You don't imagine a man of that...

I've already said you would have to cut up a live face, a woman's living face.

Why, it's too horrible.

It's impossible. It can't be done.

You don't think... Don't tell me you... It's absolutely impossible to... Can't

expect... No.

You propose that I... Well, that's monstrous.

I simply can't.

Dear Agnes, it has been such a long time since we've heard from you.

I suppose by this time that you're accustomed to your new life at the

Chateau.

I'm writing this short letter to tell you that Paul and I have decided to get

married in early summer.

And I would be very happy if you could get away from your job so that I could

tell you more in greater detail.

I miss you very much and I'm anxiously looking forward to your next letter.

Paul sends his love.

Your loving sister, Barbara.

You must answer the letter.

Tell her that her sister has gone away.

Oh, come on. You're not going to start about that letter again.

I don't see anything abnormal about the fact that she took advantage of a chance

to travel. It doesn't seem like her.

She's not the type to seek adventure.

Your sister is no longer here. She went to Japan.

One of our friends was looking for a companion to accompany her abroad and

she accepted Oh Paul, it's not like her. Oh look calm down I'm sure that tomorrow

you'll receive a letter a postcard from Hong Kong or Tokyo

I've got to go there to Japan. No,

I'll go to the Chateau where she was working You're only going to look

ridiculous talk about looking ridiculous Gentlemen of the jury This unfortunate

abandoned child is not guilty.

He's a victim of society.

Go on home. I'll close up.

Thank you. Good night, Mr. Lansac.

Romare.

I'm going back to the chateau.

Get the girl and bring her there.

Don't be afraid.

You can trust me. I don't want you to be afraid of me.

Thank you.

I don't have confidence in Romare.

I'm afraid he won't see the thing through.

The man has no choice.

Now, don't you worry. There won't be any trouble.

I want to see that girl, Frederick.

Bring her to me.

You mean now?

Here?

I want to fix her features in my mind.

To get an idea of her beauty.

Go and get her.

Amen.

You killed her!

You've killed her! You killed her so that I'd remain a monster like you!

Good afternoon.

Tell me, what's wrong?

You seem to be frightened.

I was frightened in the forest.

An animal, no doubt.

I was upset. I'm sensitive.

Come in and sit down by the fire.

And may I ask what could possibly bring such a delightful young lady to this

dreary chateau? I'm preparing a guide on old chateaus for tourists.

And I would like to write a chapter on this place.

Your room is all ready for you.

You live here alone?

Yes.

My wife was killed in an accident.

There's a storm breaking.

Now you're a prisoner here.

Yes, I'm afraid so.

I think I'll have to spend the night here.

Would you like some more wine?

They're quite all right. They're my servants.

The first time they may be a little frightening.

Tomorrow I'll show you around the chateau.

Come with me.

I will take you to your room.

This way.

I have gradually become accustomed to solitude.

After the death of my wife, I thought I might live somewhere else, leave the

chateau, but... Tell me, what's that strange noise?

The shutters.

Nobody has occupied that room for ages.

It's been a long time.

It was my wife's room. Oh, pardon me.

This is your room.

I hope that the storm won't keep you from sleeping.

Good night.

Nobody has occupied that room for ages.

It was my wife's room.

Agnes?

Agnes?

Who are you?

Where is Agnes?

Where's my sister?

I killed her because she was beautiful and despised my ugliness.

I regretted it afterwards because her face would have suited me perfectly.

But you're beautiful too.

And you're going to give me your face.

Hans Romer?

Yes.

The distinguished surgeon, Hans Romer.

I'm no longer in practice. Oh, yes, I'd forgotten about that. You've lost your

license to practice.

Who are you anyway?

What do you want?

Of course I should explain. Excuse me, doctor.

Dorsey, Inspector Dorsey.

Do you recognize this man?

No.

No. And this one?

Neither. You're certain?

Look at this picture.

Don't you find a most unusual resemblance?

They're both the same. Before, after, before, after, before, after, before,

after. I've said that I didn't recognize these men, so stop. This man, he's had

his face transformed by a great specialist.

A very great specialist.

Now look.

Professor.

I've told you I'm not impressed. Professor, I am aware of what you said,

but the ability, the scientific technique of which you're a master, the

know-how, you haven't forgotten that.

And you operated on him.

But I can swear that ever since I was released from prison, I haven't touched

a scalpel.

I work as a botanist. I'm not going back to my former profession.

I gave up seven years. Don't you think I've been punished sufficiently? Don't

you, Inspector?

Take it easy, Don.

This is only routine.

A visit to... just to check up.

The man in the photograph was discovered by the police after he'd been shot.

And the fingerprints we took matched somebody else's face.

Obviously, he'd had his face changed.

We even found traces of the stitches.

Of course, the police knew it could only be the work of horrible Professor

Romare. The old sadist.

The surgeon who butchers little children. That was easy.

I understand perfectly your anger, Professor, but I'm just doing my duty.

A cog in the complicated administration based on I.B. machines, the latest

trick. You know, they find a face changed or fixed.

They push a button and a few seconds later the machine drops a couple of

perforated cars. Including mine, of course.

What do you expect?

Simply scientific method.

One of these days you'll have automatic machines to replace us inspectors.

Yes, it's me you have to come over here at once the operation is for tonight.

I'm afraid it's impossible I Can't But I told you it's just not

possible tonight. I you have no choice. You would better be here.

I Could see to it that the police get certain information Well, okay, then you

can count on me I'll be there this evening.

I'll be there something wrong

You look pale. Something serious, I expect. No, I'm not a bit upset.

They received a shipment of plants.

I must go. They're extremely rare. These varieties, one has to be careful.

Temperature must be regulated. I'd be very glad to drop you if you don't mind

a police car. Many thanks, but I might be a bit late. And in that case, I

should prefer to take my own car.

Unless, of course, you should place me under arrest.

Don't be silly, Professor.

I've already told you. The reason for my visit is just simple routine IBM.

That's all for now. I hope to have the pleasure of seeing you again very soon.

No, don't bother, you know, I can find a way out

The

operations

for tonight Romeo's on his way. I must prepare her Frederick.

I'm frightened.

I'm afraid it may not succeed If I have to stay like this, I'd rather die

You'll help me if I have to. You mustn't say that. You will live, Anne. Beautiful

again.

You must never despair, Anne. This horrible nightmare will pass.

Yes, and I shall be your wife again.

Kiss me, Frederick.

Just kiss me once.

At last I'll be able to look at myself without trembling.

I'll be beautiful again.

My suffering will come to an end.

Beautiful. Take all those dresses and burn them. I never want to see them

again. I want bright colored dresses to show off my beauty.

You will learn to love me again, Frederick.

To desire me.

For I shall be desirable again.

There's not a chance.

Not the slightest chance of succeeding.

That poor girl would have been sacrificed for nothing.

Caught in a diabolical trap.

On the one hand, that sly police inspector playing at cat and mouse.

And here, this monstrous couple.

She's asleep.

The injection has taken effect.

God knows what hideous dreams she may be having.

No, no, please don't.

Oh, doctor, please have pity.

They've already killed two women, including my sister. Isn't that enough?

Why? Doctor, you're not like them. They're not human.

They'll make you like they are.

I want to live, to live.

I'm sure it was successful.

I shall be like this for the rest of my life.

And it's all your fault.

You and these two hideous dwarfs.

You killed Romare.

Killed him because he was going to give me back my beauty.

I'll kill you for what you've done.

I'll kill you.

You're happy now, aren't you?

Happy that the plan failed.

Take me out of here.

Take me away.

You were behind the whole thing because you wanted me to remain hideous.

Idiots like yourselves!

Take me out of here!

What happened tell me what's all this about go take me away, let's go quickly

what happened go quickly

Hello, I've just killed my wife and one of my servants, too.

You'd also find two women buried on the grounds.

Yes, that's right.

At the Chateau de L'Orsay.