Original subtitles

-Are their worries over? -They're just starting.

How do you mean?

Everything.

They've shared out the inheritance, but they still need a manager.

Frédéric's the manager...

He is nominally, for now.

He has stupidly fired Howard, the New York agent.

You're not interested.

I am.

Listen! The bells...

I've drawn up this inventory for you.

It will show you exactly where we stand.

You can read it later.

Our position is fragile...

with the Germans invading the American market.

You'll see...

That's why, as I said in my letter,

I wish to buy back your shares.

I think the price is a very advantageous one.

I'll let you judge.

I believe it's your best option. It's common sense.

Do have one...

No, thank you.

Perhaps you feel you can't, because of Jean.

You'd be wrong, I believe.

I mean, you're entirely free to make up your own mind.

That's my daughter.

Pleasant journey? Give me that.

We've booked you a hotel room.

I saw Nathalie. She agrees.

She knows I won't take back her shares?

That she'll retain the dividends?

She'll do what you say.

She's a curious woman.

I'm not likely to forget that errand.

The apartment is all right, isn't it?

One feels uneasy there, but...

-Aline wasn't up when I called. -Was she ill?

No, she was sleeping.

I could do nothing for Aline.

I chose to leave her to her mother. You understand?

You had your reasons.

What if I were dead?

Orphaned children can be raised well.

For her, I wanted to be dead.

You think that's awful.

Was Julie with you?

No, you know she's ill.

It's up to you now. You can't refuse to be our manager.

I haven't decided yet.

We can't delay.

Rose, can you pass me the other curtain?

May, it's time for bed now.

Put him to bed, then you can go.

I'll come to tuck you in.

Good-bye, Rose.

I was worried.

You didn't invite Guy in?

We were at a solicitor's in Brienz. Come with me.

What's wrong?

You've noticed how tense I've been...

The family has asked me to manage the firm.

We can't live off Pommerel's interest.

You can find work in Switzerland.

I can't do just any job.

We're not going to live in Limoges...

with that factory, those appalling problems... No!

-Let me explain... -It's impossible!

I've been happy not working all these years.

But this is a direct appeal to my skills...

to family responsibility... to a deep instinct...

Thousands of jobs are at stake.

The firm won't die!

It might. A large firm is fragile...

How do you know about that?

I have a plan.

What plan?

It's nothing new. I'm using Bavouzet's ideas.

He can't impose them, but I can.

They won't like it, but I'll save Barnery.

You sound as if your mind's made up, Jean.

-It's impossible. Have you thought? -Yes.

But why not accept happiness?

Why do we have to join the fray like everyone else? It sickens me.

It means our love is over.

-Not at all... -It can't live just anywhere.

How can you impose a plan without shares?

Nathalie's giving me hers.

You've seen her?

Guy saw her. She's assigning me her shares.

So all this is to pay her dividends...

No! And what of it?

Should she and Aline be paupers?

No, Pauline, not you... Don't you understand?

I understand perfectly.

I agreed on a sort of impulse...

I hoped you'd help me understand.

Don't cry. We'll do whatever you want.

Leave me, Jean. For pity's sake, leave me alone.

I understand your regrets.

If you only understand, my bond here isn't that strong.

I won't force you. I can still back out.

We'd leave so much here.

I'm aware of that.

I'll get dinner ready.

I fear that you may be wrong again...

That you'll regret it later.

I know what awaits me.

I know the everyday work of the factory.

First, we have to remove Frédéric with court cases, lawyers...

Then recover lost time, build a new factory to bring down costs.

We'll refuse the workers' pay rise.

There will be an outcry, strikes...

I'll be the most hated man in Limoges.

All to succeed or fail, which amounts to the same.

Frédéric, I'll be frank with you.

The family is dissatisfied with you.

You must accept that fact.

They want you to step down and have asked me to take over.

I have accepted.

I hold Nathalie's shares.

Paul is ready to pay a good price for yours,

five times what you offered Nathalie.

You won't wish to be involved in a company run by me.

I suggest you accept Paul's offer. He may change his mind.

Jean, you've been away for along time.

This is typical. One gets bored in exile.

One invents a mission.

There you are, Frédéric, old man.

Think it over.

I hope it will all work out.

Don't disturb me again today.

No, please, not now...

Follow me, please.

Howard has sold our porcelain to the American railways.

It will be hard, but I want to respect the deadline.

I'll see for the whiteware.

-Stay late this evening to do it. -Of course.

They want a specific design, too. I think I know what they mean.

Come with me, I'll show you.

Now then...

Give me that one.

This service was made

in 1875 for the Queen of Portugal.

One of our finest.

Similar to this, but even more sober.

With this tone. Can it be done?

I think so. I'll ask Dubreuil. He'll probably remember.

I especially want this greyish green...

Mr. Vouzelles wishes to see you.

I'll see him at 11:15.

Use a gold band like this. Forget the one we're using now.

Your cousin designed it to save money.

The customers don't like it.

I left you time to settle in.

When did you return to Limoges?

I live between Paris and here.

The new mayor sent for me.

You still write for Socialist journals?

-Yes, of course. -After you.

We haven't met in 20 years, but if I remember rightly,

the worker won't be forgotten in this factory now.

This plate is made in Germany.

It's much cheaper. This is serious.

We risk losing the American market.

I have to build a new factory with new methods and machines.

The workers come later.

It's always later. Have their lives improved in 30 years?

Not a great deal. I'm having housing built for them.

But if we shut down, what will they do?

I'd never have called on old Barnery. But you reason like he did.

Nothing can change in this office.

With a civil servant in my shoes, it would be the same.

I must keep the factory going.

Does the factory's prosperity matter

if the workers barely scrape by?

I'm sure you deserve your salary,

but between Barnery's progress

and the conditions they live in,

there's such a gulf.

A disastrous contradiction.

I'm afraid for you and for them.

Think of the riots here in 1905.

Everyone remembers your uncle's contempt.

He wouldn't give an inch. People died on the streets.

I won't negotiate until the new factory is finished.

Look.

You know the site...

The production workshops here, the kilns here...

Each kiln can bake 20,000 pieces at once.

The decoration workshops, the whiteware stores...

Gently, Max. How did school go?

Fine.

-We'll have lunch now. -Very good.

Stop drinking, you'll ruin your appetite.

Why not let him serve us?

I prefer it this way.

Give me Max's plate.

A well-cooked piece or he won't eat it.

The first slice...

I have to go to America.

I need to see Howard and sort out the customs problems.

We may open a Toronto office, too.

Will you be away long?

Two and a half months, with the crossing.

Sit up straight!

You were too sharp with him. Usually, you spoil him.

He takes advantage.

What are you doing?

I'm watching him go.

I think the rose bush may be dead.

That first frost was too hard.

No, I don't think so.

We'll see in the spring.

It's stopped raining. I'll go now.

This is my husband's library.

His papers...

Here, we mustn't touch a thing.

I knew you were in Limoges.

I haven't seen you at church.

I don't go often.

You haven't changed.

We must show the Catholics we're here.

Show what? What we're not?

We are what we want to be.

I wanted to come sooner.

I understand.

You had to settle in...

No, it's not that.

I wanted to find you again.

You wrote to me in Switzerland.

-That was so long ago. -But I haven't forgotten.

Neither have you.

It hurt me.

We judge those we love.

You understood!

Only you could.

No, I didn't understand. I didn't understand what you did.

Didn't you need my friendship?

One last point...

The penalties inflicted on us by the US Customs

following the campaign by the American Potters' Association...

Our ambassador, Mr. Jusserand,

has seen the Attorney General in New York

and I know from a reliable source

that he received a warm welcome.

There. Thank you for coming, gentlemen.

I wasn't here when your wife passed away. You received my letter?

Yes, thank you.

Does the political climate worry you, sir?

How could one not worry?

Everyone talks of war.

-It's only a bluff. -That's true...

I was struck by the words

that His Holiness, Pope Pius X, recently said to his cardinals:

"France will be punished,

"but she will rise again."

That one there? Yes.

Lovely... I can see lots there.

If you put the ladder here, I can pick them all.

Is it steady?

Go ahead.

Can you hold the basket? That way I can...

Are you so pleased to see me?

You're home so early.

I was at the prefecture, it was sunny...

I didn't want to go to work.

What was it like?

We talked about war.

You won't go to fight...

I'm a sergeant. An old one, but a sergeant all the same.

It's not possible.

In Switzerland, you used to jot down phrases.

Some of them were beautiful.

You don't write now, you don't read...

-No time. -It's a shame.

Are you afraid I'll lose my soul? It wasn't in those phrases.

So can you put your soul in porcelain?

A little of it, yes.

Men put bits of their soul into many things.

And women?

I pity women.

They want love to provide.

But love isn't life itself...

A woman who has loved, in joy and sorrow, finds the world empty.

She'll know nothing else.

It's war.

Wait for me.

THE IVORY SERVICE

Please...

Try to keep calm. There...

I want to know!

-Are you there? -I'm here...

It hurts. Don't leave me.

I'm here.

Take deep breaths, now...

Any news of your husband?

Not for along time.

There's an offensive on.

We've gained ground. Today's report is interesting.

I'm Fayet, the solicitor in Barbazac. I knew your husband well.

How is my son? Can they save his eye?

I don't think so.

Doctor...

What's the matter?

This just came for you.

It's typewritten...

You open it.

He's well... He's writing from an office.

He's leaving the front.

He's going to be an intelligence officer...

with an American division.

Did you have a good journey? Long?

The train stopped everywhere.

You know Pierre Vouzelles.

Time to go.

It'll soon be over now.

Is Max well?

I've brought a photo.

You've put on weight.

It's padding, a thick vest.

Wait a second while I see the Colonel.

What a handsome omelette!

-Fresh eggs. -Thank you, Madame Julien.

You haven't written much.

Were you on the front line?

Losses are heavy. The regiment's disbanded.

Have you moved forward?

Yes... I don't know.

We've changed places.

I don't read the papers like you do.

Remember Paul Giri, Edouard's son?

His wife works with me. He's dead.

You're leaving?

I'll be back at four.

Here's the key.

Take a walk along the river.

Come and see.

Why are all these frames ready

when this side is running behind?

Yes, I know, but you must work something out.

Don't forget your meeting.

Yes, all right.

Sautard, I read your report on oil-fired kilns.

We'll demolish these. You have a free hand.

Those kilns are hard to control.

-A mere detail. -We ought to wait.

There are new electric kilns. Let's not be too hasty.

Oil kilns will reduce the workforce.

We must catch up with our competitors.

Do it before I go to America for three months.

Hello, Solange.

It's an honour to see you. Did you have a nice walk?

She's avoiding us.

You'll see, we're not that boring.

I'm absolutely parched.

What have you been doing?

Nothing. It's been a lovely day.

Louise is expecting a visit. Patience!

Have you heard from your husband?

Well, have you?

I won't wait for his letters, to see if they're loving enough.

He came back altered from the war.

And left again quickly.

Mr. René Fayet is waiting outside.

Do you know René Fayet?

I looked after him during the war.

I hardly see him here. He's in the woods all day.

Not all day...

How can a one-eyed boy aim a rifle?

No hunting today?

No, nothing. Just tennis with Louise later.

-May I walk with you? -Of course.

I remember you in Barbazac, madame.

Madame...

You were a child.

There's no difference between us now.

Oh, there is...

Have you left Barbazac?

Ilive in Paris. Louise invites me here in summer.

Will you succeed your father?

No, I'm at business school.

-What do you want to sell? -Porcelain.

Really? Whose porcelain?

Yours. I've visited your Limoges factory.

There are some horrible items...

But the best ones deserve to be better known.

I'd like to open an outlet.

I'll speak to my husband when he gets back.

They're from Saintonge.

Good, aren't they?

I was thinking...

Girls of today must scandalise you.

Why?

You were raised differently in Barbazac.

In such a limited way.

But love may be impossible without that.

You were raised for love?

It was forbidden, which means the same.

I feel that love...must be imagined first.

Like a religion settling in a young heart.

Amorous women are rare. The times don't change that.

-Where are you going now? -To Joncherolles.

-I'll cut through the woods. -The woods?

-Do you know the paths? -No.

You'll lose your way.

-I'll soon see. -Be reasonable...

Show me a path then.

No, I forgot, you have to play tennis with Louise.

Aren't you tired?

No. Are you?

-No. -Are you in a hurry?

No...

They're expecting me.

No, they aren't... You went out for the day.

It's lucky that I saved you.

Fernande!

I was going to a talk, but I think I'll stay in.

It doesn't matter.

I can't take it. I'm having palpitations, I panic...

-It must be my heart. -Of course not.

-Is it about Jean? -Not at all.

You had me worried...

It's about Aline.

Why'? She isn't ill.

You should keep a closer eye on her.

I don't know what you mean.

I set a good example.

She goes out a lot.

People see her everywhere, at night.

What people?

-My children saw her at Montparnasse. -Your children...

They work, you know, they have a right to a little fun.

I can't force her to stay at home...

subjecting her to my suffering.

Why does it always have to be you?

-Are you responsible? -Responsible?

Is it my fault she had no family?

She's young, I can't lock her away.

She used to come to dinner. I know she's a good child.

You don't know her. I can't do a thing with her!

She's a heartless, lying idler who just wants to have fun.

If her home was more pleasant...

Pleasant... You have no idea, you poor thing.

I'd better go.

I have to get my granddaughters' tea for them.

You do that too?

Yes, I don't have a maid.

I could have raised a daughter normally,

helped by a father, like any woman with a decent husband...

Jean!

I had such an idea of him...

I'm still here.

Let's go to the bar. I'll call you when your table's ready.

Two glasses of champagne.

-Aline Barnery? -In person.

Recognise me?

I recognise you... You're Dominique Chambon.

We were at the Protestant school together.

This way, please.

Let's meet.

Come for tea on Tuesday.

6, Rond-Point Longchamp.

Good evening, Mother.

Where were you?

Still up?

I spend my life tidying this place.

I want you home earlier.

I'll come home when I like!

-Was it fun at least? -No.

What have I done wrong? Tell me!

Nothing!

Listen to me.

I understand. I'm like you.

It's not because your father abandoned us that...

Don't think all men are like him.

I wondered whom I'd find here.

The schoolgirl or the Montparnasse woman.

I don't know.

Neither one nor the other.

-You haven't changed. -Yes, I have, completely.

Things used to be so different.

We all used to laugh so much.

You remember?

Do I remember?

It was my last easy year.

I had friends.

Yes.

I didn't like them.

Why?

I was all alone.

No one bothered about me.

But I enjoyed admiring you.

And now we meet again.

Would you like a cigarette?

They're my only luxury.

My father died that last year at school.

1 didn't know.

My brother was killed in the war.

I ended up alone.

And now?

Too much is missing in my life.

I can't complain. I love my work.

In that case, no...

You can't complain.

You first mentioned this factory 10 years ago.

It's taken you a while.

The war came along...and then I hesitated.

You hesitated?

Either my mind wasn't on work or I'd rush into things.

You have to keep track of new inventions all the time.

-This factory's costly. -Very costly.

-And you're still using the old one. -Yes.

When they're not on strike.

-You should give them the raise they want. -I have, twice.

They earn less than before the war.

I can't give in, I need to build up whiteware stocks.

Stocks? What for?

At a time like this?

A German worker makes 1,800 cups a day.

Now the Japanese with their ridiculous wages...

And you think the union is wrong

to resist this absurd contest?

The union can't rule the world.

What is it you want?

Local workers making 1,800 cups a day? Why not 3,000?

Do you remember that castle in the war that had...

only its cellars left?

It stank of rats.

Pontet told me that even the cellars went in the end.

Pontet?

That's impossible.

-He died at Soupir. -Oh, yes...

It must have been Latie.

He's the only one left apart from us.

Yes, it was Latie. Have you seen him?

They weren't supposed to be picketing!

Surprised?

Why don't they open the gates?

Drive!

I wanted you to see this.

Our brand-new celadon service.

The Song Chinese made it, but never used a mass-coloured paste.

That's what gives it...

this full moon glow.

It isn't drab, is it?

-It's very beautiful. -Because it's made in complex conditions.

Just a few degrees more can kill the hue.

Do people still care these days?

I'm determined to think they do.

It took a year and a half to perfect.

In any case, they've never made finer porcelain here.

This must end.

They'll never give in.

I'll negotiate.

I can see the union secretary.

You can't build a factory and stock and raise pay.

No, we need stock.

The coming crisis could last two years.

-Give up the new factory. -You know I can't! We need it.

Look... What do you think?

Is this Max's book?

-Has he gone out? -Yes.

With his friend Audousset.

I'm not too keen on that boy.

He can choose his own friends.

It's pretty, isn't it?

Where have you been?

I was out visiting.

You were interested in porcelain once.

Once?

You'd ask questions.

You didn't understand, but noted my answers anyway.

-You learnt them by heart. - I did?

I thought it was for a friend.

I have no friends.

You had friends at Joncherolles. It's only natural.

Children.

Children and young people.

Listen, Jean.

You were hardly around.

I felt that you couldn't see me.

You were so inattentive.

Because of the war perhaps, from being with men...

ll don't remember the man I was then...

It's odd having been a man you don't remember.

It happens once or twice in a lifetime.

You're right, I was inattentive.

I had become inhuman.

You had abandoned me, Jean.

You were cold... Unrecognizable...

And you were on holiday.

I'd like a holiday with you.

I'd like to travel, I'd like to leave Limoges.

-With the factory... -It's always the factory! Always!

Everyone is furious. Guy won't see me.

I dare not even visit Louise.

Do you know what they say?

That you're lowering dividends

to fund your crazy schemes!

I went to see that striker's wife.

I felt such terrible hatred.

Know how they live?

And what's it all for?

Is it really that heroic?

I don't know what you're doing anymore.

It's true, I feel worn out.

Let's go away then.

You're not made for this.

True industrialists feel nothing.

I'll never leave the factory.

-Even old? -Never.

That's a pity.

Old people must have so much to tell each other.

Or perhaps it's too late.

We walked here four years ago.

You told me, "I hate taking walks," and we went back.

You were in love with a young man.

I accepted it. Your happiness was what counted.

What happiness without you?

I felt no sorrow.

You were drawn to youth, it seemed innocent to me.

The man you love is too close to you.

He smothers you, he tires you.

Could I ever love another man?

No, it wasn't him you loved.

It was your own youth, your independence.

Nothing happened with Rene.

Almost nothing.

"Almost nothing" Yes, I thought so.

-What is it? -I'm looking at you.

You're right, we'll almost be old soon.

Even you have wrinkles around your eyes.

I have to look closely to spot them.

They don't seem to be part of you.

We don't often have days like this.

This way, Mr. Pommerel.

Thank you, Emmanuel.

You promised not to be late. Reverend Sabatier's here.

-Who? -Reverend Sabatier, from Paris...

My dear fellow...

Reverend...

-I'm sorry I'm late. -I understand.

They have cups like these at Joncherolles.

Remember, Felix?

It's the latest Barnery service,

celadon.

Look, Mr. Sabatier,

see how fine it is...

The sea-water hew...

I must admit Jean Barnery has taste.

In our different fields,

we both strive to maintain quality at all costs.

I'm very fond of Mrs. Jean Barnery.

I see her in Limoges.

I know Mrs. Jean Barnery, but not the woman you're referring to.

They say the daughter leads a dissipated life.

That's all in the past now.

I often see Aline.

Please excuse me, I must be going.

Why did you say that? You know he knows Nathalie.

I didn't start it.

-Besides, I like Pauline. -Men never notice anything.

We shocked him.

I don't want the unpleasant business mentioned again.

My dear, if Jean Barnery left Nathalie, he had his reasons.

Yes.

Apparently, she was unbearable.

Before Barnery, in our world, were there

unbearable people? Did they divorce?

You can't fake a romantic comedy all your life.

Other people's happiness is my revenge.

What happiness?

You must side with your husband or your wife for good.

Do you think life with Arthur has always been easy?

-No. -No.

It's not right to keep changing one's mind,

causing trouble all around...

Jean Barnery takes a wife, sends her away, takes her back...

He acts the pauper, gives her his money...

Now he's an industrialist and still sure of his moral superiority.

He's a show-off, like all the Barnerys.

Pass...

-One diamond. -Pass.

-One heart. -One no trumps.

Pass.

I heard enough as a girl about Robert Barnery,

his genius and taste... Any rich man can buy tanagras.

But not necessarily choose them well.

Limoges porcelain may not be that beautiful. Some say it's hideous.

Limoges, November 4, 1929...

Dear Vouzelles, thank you for your letter and your loyalty.

{ had seen this world crisis coming.

But now it's here, I don't recognize the danger I feared.

The American market has collapsed.

{ shut the new factory before it was used

and withdrew to the old one.

I've had to lay off more workers. You know I did it reluctantly.

I'm here about Aline.

Sit down.

She's taking her vows?

Yes, she's going to be a deaconess.

But...

Did she decide of her own free will?

Yes, entirely.

She wasn't forced?

There's been no intervention?

Or sorrow?

She's known great sorrow.

She had a friend called Dominique.

They saw each other every day.

And then the young woman died last year.

A painful death. Aline was with her to the end.

Then she decided to work for God and the sick.

There's no other reason? You're sure?

How can I put it...

Something to do with me?

She doesn't bear a grudge against you.

I want to see her.

Leave her in peace.

It's for the best.

Is business improving in Limoges?

No, not at all.

I use three kilns out of twenty.

But I hope to go on giving Nathalie the same amount.

I came to Paris to close down our outlet here.

I'm cutting back. And I'll bide my time.

Aline Barnery...

Do you feel yourself imbued with such gratitude to your God

that you wish to join the deaconesses and devote to Him

your body and your mind that belong to Him?

Yes, by the grace of God.

Aline Barnery,

do you feel ready to accept

the title of deaconess and the obligations that it entails,

to serve God and the poor according to the rules of the order,

under the Council's instructions

wherever and however

it sees fit to employ you?

Yes, by the grace of God.

Merciful Father, Christ our Saviour,

fill her with Your grace

through which past sins are erased

and all things are made new again.

She's happy this way, you know.

Where will she go?

I don't know.

Deaconesses go where they're sent.

Shall I tell her you were here?

Good-bye, Jean.

I'm burning our old letters.

-All of them? -Yes.

-Does it upset you? -No.

We're not like that now.

The factory can last two more years on our stocks.

Maybe three.

-See what we risk after. -Yes.

If we stopped now, we'd save something before being ruined.

While there's still a chance?

A chance...

It's not up to us to decide.

Or we change our methods.

Make corner shop china like others.

The others make that stuff perfectly well.

If Barnery no longer makes Barnery,

it's not worth going on.

The market isn't there now.

There's France.

What about the ivory porcelain?

-What about it? -It's more beautiful than the celadon.

Make it for the French market.

Forget about America.

It's not perfect yet.

We managed to make a few pieces, but I gave up on it.

Is it reasonable

to keep on making such costly tests?

Just to obtain a slightly rarer hue...

Not only a rarer hew...

It's something unique.

I had designed a shape...

It's never been done before.

A plate like 2 bow! without sides.

The first one was as flat as a pancake, so I raised the rim.

Then we made a groove in the center, see...

with a slight indent.

The plate immediately came to life.

But then other problems took over.

This is what you must work on.

Dyeing the paste won't work.

Let's try something else.

The glaze must be coloured before dipping.

Let's colour the glaze.

Hello, Father.

You look well. How was your holiday?

Excellent. I skied a lot.

-Are you staying? -A week.

Mother will be sad.

She wishes you'd join the firm.

Have you lowered costs?

No, I've laid many people off.

The small factories are lucky.

In prosperous times, large firms crush small ones.

-Not in a recession. -Yes.

But perhaps... competition isn't a universal solution.

Competition built Barnery.

And now it can destroy us.

If we replace the principles you oppose, no one will need luxury goods.

A few connoisseurs justified such fantasies.

Vouzelles says world economic relations have changed.

Human relations too.

-He says your ideas aren't... -Economic relations change.

Some virtues remain.

Agreement could replace social conflict.

Solidarity could defeat profit.

-Vouzelles says that... -His is a world of abstract generosity.

We'd work for the good of all, not one factory.

I know that tune. I know it...

You know, during the war, on the Front,

there was no profit. We were equal, we stood together.

It was touching, but I remember the sheer mediocrity.

You know, Max, a man's hardest ordeal

is being brought down to size.

His greatness is to accept his limits.

This is the placing and drawing room

to prepare the pieces for firing.

They are placed on saggers to go into the kiln.

After drawing, we send the pieces to the wipers

who clean them, the last step before glazing.

What a perfect gesture!

-Mrs. Howard... -Mr. Barnery!

Forgive me.

Don't mention it. This young man has been "piloting" me.

-How is your husband? -He's well.

I have no need to go to New York and I'm afraid we no longer write.

He has closed the Toronto store.

Luckily, he retired before the crash.

You live in a world of beauty.

This way, please.

It's all right.

Théodore...

Call Pauline, but don't alarm her.

I'm sorry...

I think I've put my knee out. I didn't see the hole.

This year's first...

Fardissou picked them for you...

Remember the cherry tree...

that day you came home early from the factory?

I wasn't expecting you.

It was just before the war.

I've swallowed a stone.

Got rid of the stone?

I thought I was choking.

Yes, I remember that day.

I had bought a novel...

I was watching you without you seeing me.

I've forgotten too many things.

I'd like to remember you in Switzerland.

You can rest now.

I'll go to the factory.

Yes, I'll rest.

The Transatlantique has ordered a service for the first-class cabins.

People still appreciate quality.

Yesterday... Yes, it was yesterday...

I dreamt about the factory. When I think about it...

What I've done or nothing...

"Our dwelling is removed...

"and carried away from us...

"as a shepherd's tent..."

That's from the Bible. I often said it...

Very often at a graveside,

without really understanding.

The factory is still there.

Not for much longer and neither am ll.

Everything I've done is worthless, I was always wrong.

But you know...

I don't feel I've had a wasted life.

No life is wasted...

when you've known love.

If only for your work-tools.

I'd really like to know

the meaning of this hope at the heart of all things.

We can't meet the Transatlantique order.

I promise you, it's too expensive.

We have to do it. We have to.

We'll be working at a loss.

With the cost of the ivory service...

It doesn't matter.

Mr. Jean will notice when he sees the accounts.

Jean mustn't know.

What?

-Draw up fresh accounts. - can't be responsible.

I can.

Gently...

Shall I put the light on so you can see?

You can switch it off.

It's good.

I'm pleased.

Mr. Paul Desca...

I'll be happy to see him.

You'll find the maker among his works.

Hello, Jean.

You look better.

Fine porcelain. As inventive as ever, Jean.

As ever...

You'll return to the factory.

I'm not sure. But I don't complain.

I was afraid of dying without looking at life.

So, you like this ivory porcelain?

It's magnificent.

When I was a boy...

my cousins made plates for their dolls...

with magnolia petals.

Julie collected them.

It was this same, smooth tone.

I think we've revived it.

You've been to the Charente?

I don't have much good news.

Tell me about Barbazac.

The latest local elections

threw out the old cognac merchants.

The people want new men.

The winegrower must sell his wine.

If Hennessy can't buy, let the State do it.

Bourgaud-Duperron

has gone bankrupt.

Hear that, Pauline? Bourgaud-Duperron...

Pommerel is getting by. He's never done much business.

He keeps chugging along.

Poor old Pommerel, if only he knew...

He who was always half-ruined...

All the same, in life...

there are some pleasant things.

It takes patience to see them.

You have to look for them.

What today's world is losing...

is love.

Don't tire yourself, Jean.

Let me tell Paul this because I'm sure of it...

But once you're sure, your voice has almost gone.

Love...

There's nothing else in life...

Nothing.

Is he in much pain?

At times.

It eases occasionally.

What's wrong exactly?

-Did he have a fall? -He fell and put his knee out.

The trauma awoke something older.

He has already had tuberculosis.

You know, resurrections can happen.

I believe in resurrection.

I'm keeping you...

He mustn't think we're talking about him.

A letter from Max...

It's time to eat.

Shall ll read it to you?

Do you think he'll marry her?

He told me he would.

I'm not too keen on her.

We must welcome her here.

What awaits Max in today's world?

War...

Worrying about yourself is nothing,

whereas fearing for others...

That's the worst.

I'll put it here.

I wanted to ask you something.

You've hired Theodore at the factory.

But it's Max's place...

-Theodore will take over from me. -Theodore?

Frederic's son?

You have a son too.

He's inherited my youth, he can go elsewhere.

The world needs children. We need a man here.

Can you get the journal I was reading?

There, under the dictionary.

You'll see, I've marked the page.

"An Italian gardener scrapes the ground with a sleepy rake.

"Suddenly, he speaks in his dialect.

"His words ring out in the midday silence

"and blend with the distinctive sound of his rake turning the gravel.

"He seems to say:

"how futile work is."

You scared me...

Why?

I was out in the garden,

under the cherry tree.