Original subtitles

Dedicated to those who lived through these events

SAFE CONDUCT

She's coming. Hop to it!

Got the flowers?

l was taking them up

Clear the whole floor

Everybody out of sight! Move it!

Come back in five minutes!

Just one minute

Like last Tuesday

Carnations? Not for an actress! l told you!

She'll murder me! Marcel, help me!

She's here, ladies! To your rooms, please!

Him and his dame! What a fuss he makes!

You don't know who this ''dame'' is!

Everyone knows. lt's Suzanne Raymond. l saw her movies...

Please, out of sight, all of you! Shoo!

lf you need cigs...

Maybe later. ln you go. Take care of that cough

Out of sight! Thanks! Shoo!

Not again!

Got the champagne?

Snap to it!

What a mess! What did l do to deserve this?

See him? The Kraut in room twenty-five?

Get in here

He threatened me again

Someday l'll sock him

Aren't you gorgeous!

These things always happen to you

Gorgeous, gorgeous

You smell so sweet

What a pretty little puppy nose, nice and cold

True, l'm freezing

God, what a winter!

What a winter!

Think so?

See how l slipped in?

Nobody saw me

But still,

l felt so sad

So sad

-l didn't get the part. -What part? Why?

The Cayatte movie. The False Mistress

Can l have some tea? Steaming hot tea?

Better than tea...

...champagne!

Champagne's too cold

But it's a cold that warms

Tea

Tea?

Then tea it is

Darrieux will get it. They said it's either her or me

Nonsense! l shouldn't have bothered

lt was made for Darrieux

Everything's made for her. She's perfect from take one

l'm never sure of myself.

Nothing comes easy

l'm fed up. Fed up!

l'm such a goose!

How can you say that?

Would l write for a goose?

Hold on

Your passionate lover - it'll be little François Perier -

recites a letter about your frolics

Your husband may have intercepted it

You: ''You really wrote all that?''

Him: ''Yes, my love''

You: ''Must you always go on about things we did together?''

''What's the point? l was there!''

That's nice!

That's me all over

l just love it

l adore you!

Put this outside the door

You knock, then scoot!

Come on, now!

The champagne

Stay

Go on, then

But be careful. And the tea!

Ask for tea

Do you have any tea? Yes, tea

You don't have any? That's okay. Thanks

They have no tea or coffee, let alone real sugar!

Where do l put this?

Damn!

What's the matter?

l've made a mess!

The script for Roland Tual, Love Letters

He's expecting it tomorrow

lt soaks up like a blotter! Look at that!

Hear that?

Rumbling

lt's thunder

Come over here!

Not thunder, planes. Lots of them

Only the Germans have planes

They wouldn't bomb Paris, they're in it!

No, it's freezing out!

l have to see!

They're far away, over the suburbs

What is it?

lt's coming from above

What a sight!

That light

What's that light? lt's beautiful

lt's an air raid, all right

-Close it! lt's freezing! -They're bombing!

Close your window, Mr Jean!

The Brits are bombing Renault!

Close it, Jean!

Down we go!

Never any privacy!

First the champagne, then the phone and now planes!

l refuse to be seen in a shelter!

We're calmly going to do what l came for

Calmly? We're being bombed!

And if we're being bombed, l can't do a thing

Let me handle this

To the shelters!

ls there a doctor?

Shut off the mains!

No, Mr Devaivre! To the shelters!

l'm getting my son

He's safe. Your wife's here

lt's you! Got a flashlight?

-l'll get one? -Come on!

Find something to cover them. Sheets and blankets

Simone!

You okay?

l'm okay

Have you seen Dr Pelletier?

The raid is over

l'm not so sure

The flares looked like fireworks at first

-What are you doing? -Taking him

lt's 60 degrees with the windows closed

At home, it's 34 degrees

Are you sure?

Take the kid!

Please, can you help me?

Not the small ones, Roger!

The big ones, under your nose!

The Brits' bombs work better than worms!

What are you doing?

Fishing! ''The miracle of the fishes!''

We have to finish the scene tonight

We'll be right in. The power is out

We'll save you one

We're already behind

We'll be here till 6 a.m. again

How is it outside?

Not a pretty sight. There are bodies everywhere

They were really popping and real close!

We'll start soon. Did anybody call the supply company?

The phone is busy. George sent a cyclist to the power station

The bridges are out

How do l get home? My husband will be worried sick

Fish, you guys! There's plenty for everyone!

Fish?

lf the cables are damaged, we're in for a long wait

Check them. lf it comes back on, we don't wait

lt will be a while

We would do the same

Renault makes trucks and motors

They come and bomb, it's fair play

Fair play, no! There are the rules of war

You don't bomb the wounded, priests or artists!

Boulogne's full of artists, and movie studios

Everyone knows it. The civilised world anyway

As if the civilised world still exists

l've got a theatre gig next

Ladies and gentlemen...

...we have to finish this long scene

We have very little film left

They're striking the set tomorrow

So give it all you've got. Thanks!

Spare the candles! They have to match

Mr Le Chanois is waiting upstairs

l'm going up

How is your baby? Not too scared?

Don't waste your breath. He never stops

l call him Speedy

l was about to leave

Sandwich

l also brought you carbon paper

This is an epic!

Read it later

What if my wife can't decipher it?

Here's the dialogue for Salou

The power! l have to get back

Hold on!

Comrades are getting nabbed. There are informers everywhere

-l know them. -Not all of them!

Nicolas Hayer beat it before the Fritz came knocking

Mickey Bouladoux got pinched. lt stinks!

Mickey?

So?

Clouzot offered me a job

Aurenche gave up adapting a Nerval story

Clouzot put me on it

Tourneur needs an assistant. You!

But Clouzot is Continental, and Continental is German!

Exactly! When you are in the lion's jaws, he can't bite

Even the French police can't snoop at Continental

That's 50% less hassle

And the other 50% ? l'll think it over

-l'll call you tomorrow. -l'll call you

You can't. l moved

Again?

Bretons are great travellers

We dolly in on the table

The table for two

The 103 on the table for two!

Quiet on the set! We're back to work and glad of it!

Places, everyone! Off with your overcoats!

l'm cramped. l need to pull back

Mr Arrignon needs room. Push back the sound booth

-Buy some chocolate? -We're rehearsing!

l'm interested

What is that funny smell?

Fish. ln the sound booth. Not much left

Move me back, please

A little more

-Mark it. -Done, sir

Tench is no better or worse than carp

lt tastes like whatever it is cooked in

Cook it in sauce, it tastes good

Cook it in muck, it tastes like muck

Stop the hammers!

The hammers!

Silence!

Miss Gautier's shawl, please

This wait had too many minutes

Try to be not too dumb!

Camera!

8 Men in a Chateau. Scene 82, take 1!

Action!

Punish the Vichy Torturers

The grips had a good catch. Here's our share

Good. Jacques's coming for dinner. He just called

l was at the nursery. lt is quiet

There's a card from your brother, Louis. From Germany

Awful handwriting!

ls it the cold?

What kind of fish?

-Tench. -Any good?

Better than barbel and not as good as carp

l brought you some carbon paper

Almost new

And a new tract to type in seven copies?

lt is not ''traiter'', it is ''traitor''

''Someday soon Berlin and Tokyo may burn under Allied bombs''

You believe that?

Cleaned, scaled and chopped, we could make soup

lf we have gas to cook

You know Nerval's The Magic Hand?

Jean-Paul backed me as assistant. He's scripting it

l can't decide

You two get along well

The producer's the hitch. Continental

The Fritz?

Do what you think is best

The elevator is off limits. For those gentlemen only

Mr Tourneur is expecting us

The glass door at the back: Greven. The big cheese

On the right, Bauermeister. Watch your step with him

Clouzot's there. He runs the script department

Greetings, Aurenche. No regrets?

For The Magic Hand? None. But you'll do fine

Updating Nerval stumped me. But you will find a way

As l told Greven: Either you can or you can't

Or, you will or you won't

Did Herr Doktor understand you?

He acted like it. He pesters the hell out of me!

l'm running late

What is Clouzot like?

A tough nut, but he plays straight

He will back you up, except in a professional screw-up

Here, here and here... our offices

At the end, a minefield!

Mr Tourneur... Jean Devaivre

You have a fine reputation

l know you finished Mediterranean Alert

How would you describe an assistant director's job?

The director is in charge.

He bears full responsibility,

but only has eyes. An extra pair comes in handy

Have you read Le Chanois's script?

The treatment. lt is not finished

Bryau is always cold

Von Schertel... SD

SD?

Controls the SS

-What's he doing at Continental? -Renting space

Understand German?

My wife gets by. Me, not a word

Many speak excellent French

My rule is simple: make good films

Artistic and script matters: see Mr Clouzot

For administrative issues:

Mr Bauermeister

Like all directors, actors and key technicians,

you will be given a pass

You must be ready for an August shoot

You'll have twenty-eight days

Come, Tourneur, let's have lunch

Spaak told me about A Shady Business

Balzac. Fine

l won't work for Continental. Period!

l can't keep turning Greven down

You must help me. When you won't, you won't

Sure, sure. Stop kicking the mahogany

lt scratches, too

Hold on

Don't move

There. Sure l will help you

But stop kicking the furniture. lt is distracting

Helping a friend like you will be easy. How?

Put me under contract

Fabulous!

Avoid the rock and the soft spot.

l'll have a project next month

l need a contract today. Predated. l signed one, two weeks ago

-With whom? -With you. ln this office

lt is easy enough to understand

l won't work for the Jerries, or end up in Berlin or in prison

l keep turning Greven down, l need an excuse

You must save me

First finish Three-Way Romance

lt is finished. We need something else,

For three months. Ten years!

Something else

l have it

Double Six. The play. Read it

-A play? By whom? -Achard

-You mean Domino. - l wanted The Lover from Borneo

lt is a dream title Borneo, Africa, tigers

There are no tigers in Africa. And Borneo's in Asia

Movies are made of dreams, and dreams can't be mapped out

l have something else

Roland Tual will produce if you distribute

-The title? -Love Letters. Listen

No, no, l'll take it!

l am sobbing already. Love Letters. lt is worth its weight

We will fool Greven

l have Gravey. His contract is a plague!

-He asking a lot? -Yes, and a pound of butter a week

-What for? -For bartering

To work! l'm head over heels in work

Find me pre-war subjects.

Passion, gas lamps, backstairs

-Back streets. -Back streets. With peepholes

l can never keep up with you

So my wife says

She is a great bridge player. She costs me

She play for money?

But if she plays well, she wins?

All the time

So why does she cost you?

lt is beyond me

Why are we talking about this?

Tell Greven we have a three-picture contract

Strange man! Seen his office chest?

-The what? -The chest

Storage chest?

No, man's chest. The head... like on statues!

The bust! The word is ''bust.''

Like buster

He hangs his coat and hat on it

So l saw. And?

Mussolini with a hat on his head!

You mean Hitler. Logical for a German dignitary

The thing has a forelock: Mussolini!

Mussolini's forelock!

The guy starts a sentence, but you never know

Did l sign a contract or not?

Why does he keep doing that?

He had a lobotomy

But he must do it for a reason

He thinks you are a Jew

Tomorrow, l will have lettuce

What brings you here?

l was in the neighbourhood

For you

Shall l get Olga?

Good timing. She is free at this hour

A Comédie Française actor mentioned you

One who often plays priests

Can l take those?

Oh, Jeannot!

My fingers are numb

Goddamned suitcases!

The handles cut through your fingers

l hate them!

A wheelbarrow is better

Maybe not on a staircase

They say it is very nice in French. Very sad

Not too heavy?

This place has become total chaos!

A new table?

A gift from Paul

He deals in hot furniture

Madame knows him from his vice squad days

He rents space upstairs and pays in services

lt is just for a day or two until l find something

There is no hurry

Make yourself at home

-You want a bath? -Still have hot water?

Sure! For the Germans

Put those in the closet

They will wrinkle in your suitcase

This all the same story?

No. l wish it was

-How do you keep track? -l manage

lf not, l start over. lt is better sometimes

Besides, clutter has a certain charm

Honeysuckle vines are a lot more fun

than matches in a box, or a military parade

l keep track very easily

You don't look like it

My life is a mess, not my papers

lt is my own fault. l always say yes

-Because you are nice. -Maybe so, but

l say yes to producers, hucksters, and women

So l am broke, l have four scripts and three women on my hands

No, four women and three scripts

Come on. lt's cold

Those handbags in the closet. Do you collect them?

They're for later...

...when l open a shop

l won't end up in a sailor's brothel

l'll have my own business

A leather goods shop

Luxury stuff

Handbags are so pretty

Even empty, they're pretty

lt's fine, but...

...the set is too big

Too wide for Stage 4. Two yards too long

With a thirty-five...

...we won't frame it all

lf l place it diagonally on A

But on the A there's the gallery

We have to cut it down or take out this wall

l noted the camera angles on the floor plan

l'll work it out

Cut this, maybe

Add arch. Gives volume

And the paintings there?

They're for the painter's studio

l painted two, small ones

Good. Arches, cats

Clouzot doesn't like Le Chanois's dialogue

He says it lacks ''punch''. That's the word he used

Here are both versions. You decide

l'll read them tonight, sir

For the historical explanation of the severed hand...

...we have to simplify. lt is too long

Or we ask for an extra day or two

We said twenty eight days. Twenty eight!

lf there is an extension...

...it will be an extension of six hundred miles

We'll send you to Babelsberg to study German production methods

And if we sent you to Stalingrad to study crawling methods?

Here's your pass

Mr Greven just signed Palau

Good. You won't be sorry

And your contract? Bring it in signed

He'll be great as the Devil, Palau

He's got funny eyes like a duck

Palau... No?

Talk him into it. lt is Dad's birthday. Make an effort

Do you realise the workload he has?

That's just it. He needs a break and it's Sunday. So come

''People of Paris, the French must fight!

''Turn out in force and demonstrate!

''The gas is on only four hours a day!''

The union must be joking! ''Go and fight...''

With what? And why? For gas?

Jacques, please!

Come on, this is a riot

He has you type Communist tracts but he was on the other side

He fights a war, great! But he works for the Germans

Not for but under the Germans

So how is Clouzot's dialogue?

Your brother's getting

You slave at weekends for them?

l work on films. For Tourneur, Clouzot and myself

To learn. And l'm always learning

Then shoot. Direct your first film

Not now. Not until we've kicked them out

And l haven't signed a contract. l never will

So how about Sunday? Are you coming?

Can't we put it back a week?

We'll celebrate Christmas on Bastille Day

Mom found a duck and turnips

We can set it back

But the duck's plucked. lt's this Sunday or never

l'll come with the baby

Jean will drop by

l took two tracts

l'll come for lunch

l love duck!

Devaivre?

This is Didot. Marc Valbel's friend

Hold on

Last year you had some apples. Got any left?

l need two. Remember where we met with Marc?

Sure l do

l'll meet you there

-Now? -Now

l have to run. l won't be long

-You know, l'm going -You said the less we know

l'll put the baby to bed

l'll do the ironing. l'll wait up for you

l have a pass

You're getting thin

Over there

Let's see them

Good

Let's go

Where they from?

l stole them on the day of the Armistice

l took them home

You got a head start

Would you have fired?

You picked up some coal. Very clever

You don't talk much

Usually the guys l take along don't stop talking

ln three minutes, bang!

Any special reason for going after the Fritz?

l just want them out, that's all

Let's go

And the van?

l don't know whose it is

So long!

Polish it well!

Activate the work!

You really pulled it off

The statue... A great idea!

lt adds to the scene

Every camera angle is a good one...

...and the paintings are great!

lt can all be dismantled

The Krauts won't believe their eyes

''ln Babelsberg we do this, we do that.''

But look what we can do with the little they give us

Nice work, Mr Andrejew!

For the walls, here are the grey samples

This one

The latest tract. Make 8 copies. For the art department

Greetings!

-How are your trotters? -We manage!

lt's dumb losing your toes in Russia when your name's Softi

How many was it? Frostbitten toes?

Three left toes, two right. You bet, it was forty degrees below zero!

No time to go out for a pee

l've got some liquid butter. Want some?

No, thanks

You can tell there is a war on. Even in June it's freezing!

War shakes up the skies, too

l got you darlings' lung from the butcher's

They gave it to me in a shoebox to avoid jealousy

Then getting it by the concierge, a fortune!

You're rich folks' cats!

But you know...

...the poor are the same

They go hungry to feed their pets

Crumbs for birds, birds for cats!

lf only they would eat them!

You might say, if they're poor, it's because they're not too bright

l got us some calf liver!

-Taking down what she says? -lt's automatic

Read me something you wrote?

lt's been a bad day

No, wait

Here's something l like

A scene between the count, Douce's father...

...and the beautiful young woman

The teacher? Like your mom?

She was a governess

The count says something funny

She laughs. That makes him happy

He: ''l love to see you laugh. You don't laugh enough.''

She: ''But, sir, l've never been so happy.''

He's very moved

''Truly? How l wish to see you carefree!''

l like that: ''carefree.''

l tried ''happy'' but it's too dull

''Easy-going'' didn't fit

That's more like us girls

''Easy women'' like they say. ''Carefree'' is better

l love to see you laugh. You don't laugh enough

l fear this house is too gloomy, too austere for you

l've never been so happy

Truly? How l wish to see you carefree

You even write on death notices?

Whatever comes to hand

-A relative? -An uncle

Was he rich?

He was old and blew every cent

-On women? -On books. Let me work

You come from a weird family! Books!

l'm getting nowhere!

And when you get nowhere, you repeat yourself. You ramble

So that's why you were sighing

Luckily, Bost will fix it

The man you work with?

Pierre Bost is gifted. He's a writer

And you aren't?

l'm a juggler, a pied piper

-A poet. -That's sweet

Known this Mr Bost long?

We worked on a film years ago, but not at the same time

We only just met

He was released recently for excessive thinness

His release form read:

''Displays a pathetic look''.

Bost is terrific

l want to dazzle him. lt inspires me

lt forces me to... Yes, l want to dazzle Bost

lf l didn't know you, l might wonder: ''Does he like women or men?''

Women, naturally. Too much!

The girls' mail. Take it up

Check-ups are on Friday

Do they mean next Friday or every Friday?

At least the Germans write in French

That one is fine. Now the 112 on the statue

Say, Thirard, for the street scene...

...walking my dog this morning, l noticed long shadows

lt produced quite a terrific, mysterious effect

That's what l want: very long shadows!

You'll have them, sir

l need a hand here

l told you, no smoking

What cig?

Stand in for Mr Fresnay. The camera will follow you

-Your butts are gross! -Not at all!

lf only you were as well groomed as my cigs

l steam 'em, dry 'em, comb 'em, mix 'em with endive...

...and l add corn silk

A real treat!

''...so l think life is short, and hell eternal''.

-48 secs. 80 feet. -We have the film?

No, sir

l'll cut the shot in two. l need 55 feet

With a short end of 67 feet and a quick clap, it will do

Hear that, men? The first take has to be right

Our first takes have been right for 3 weeks!

They're coming!

They're coming!

Butts!

My extinguisher!

Just checking!

Arthur, watch the sound booth!

A swivel stool for Mr Fresnay!

How long, Mr Thirard? Problems, Mr Nee?

None, fella

Get that tattle filter out of the way

Mr Bauermeister!

l'm glad to see you

Shooting only with short ends is a juggling act

We need extra film stock

Not a foot. You ate up too much film for the early scenes

The mountain inn set. Too many angles, too many takes

You went too far, so you're punished: short ends

l know you'll do just fine

Your hair's too long. A matter of dignity

They won't provide longer short ends, so they shorten the hair

Besides, long hair is filthy

Gentlemen, to work!

-Hello, Mr Manuel. -ls Mr Tourneur still here?

He's in his office

l came to tell him l won't be scoring his film

You're quitting?

Look after yourself, sir

The wind has to change some day

Children, Paul needs the table

Relax, he'll replace it

Sorry. l sold this one. That's business!

No hurry. My boys won't be here for half an hour

They'll have another one

So, you're in the movies?

Quite a world! You're lucky. l love artists!

She can tell you

Especially famous artists

l had Raimu over for dinner here. l live upstairs

Raimu!

A quart of olive oil got him here!

You know any stars? l'll invite them

Name one, l'll see to it

Not everyone likes olive oil

Anything!

l can get anything. l have connections

Give me some names

-Off the top of my head? -Let's hear it

Alerme

Debucourt

Gravey

Sorry, l don't know him

Women, rather. Women are pretty

l have perfume

Stockings

Moreno

Marguerite Moreno

That old bag? He's pulling my leg?

He's a fan. He has seen your films. He can talk about them

lt's just a lunch. Anything more is your business

What does this guy do?

He's in business. Like everyone

Business, business! What kind?

Property, l think. He deals in furniture

He's an antique dealer?

Yes... l don't know. Maybe

He may not know gothic from Louis Seize...

...but he trades furniture on the black market

We're his guests. You'll get a gift of your choice

Nothing to it!

Except it's in a shady place

Shady? lt's a brothel. lt's not shady!

You'll like the Madame

Will l like your doll?

Olga's like a little sister to me

Okay, okay, l'll come

l want oysters, foie gras...

...and for the gift: coffee

Coffee beans... Watch my makeup!

Real coffee

But l warn you: no Germans. Not at the table

-lt's so Chinese! -lt's oriental

l asked Reine to accompany me

My seamstress and friend. Reine Sorignal

Why, of course. A friend, Marinette Burguière

Come this way

l'm delighted to have you here, children

They're just passing through!

We'll go upstairs

Your Suzanne's a looker

You're quite a couple!

Watch the steps

lt's waxed Prussian-style

Nice!

Sorry, it's like a junk shop here. There's no room

The table, the statue

l've seen this before. lt's magnificent!

Oysters! l must be dreaming

Never too old!

A promise is a promise. Abyssinian. A good pound

Thanks so much

Nothing like pre-war coffee

-Wait till the war is over. -lt won't be pre-war

For you

They're autographed

Why do you always do period films? For the gowns?

l don't write my roles. Fortunately

People are scrambling for fabric

True, fabric is hard to come by

Designers don't have that problem. They just have to pay

Money buys everything

A period film's a good medium for putting ideas across

Nowadays, any critical allusion to the army, the church, the family

The police

The police... lt's censored!

ln suit and tie, you're a public threat...

...but say it in a period costume

Other times, other ways

-Cheers! -To us!

Mouton-Rothschild 1929. lt's not dishwater!

Do you make a lot?

Goodness, yes

How much?

Excuse me?

Sorry. l'm nosey

lt's no secret

ln a play, l get 4,000 francs per performance

Really?

But in a movie, l make up for it. l can earn 30,000 francs

That's more like it

How about you?

lt's pretty unpredictable with us. There are ups and downs

lt takes stamina

Do you know Mr Giraudoux? Jean Giraudoux?

Sure, l know him. By name

l mean in person

No, but l think l might some day

Juliette, more chestnuts!

l know him

Jean used to take me to lunch with him at Louvre Hotel

He's really got manners...

...and education...

...and goodness

He's not paid what his worth either

Some more pheasant, darling?

You look lovely

Every man for himself and God for me!

Juliette will bring cigars and coffee

You're having fun?

The kid is a gas!

She asked what l earn on dresses per month

She totted it up...

...and said l'd earn more with a leather goods shop

-You're pushing me. - No

You're the one who's pushing

You asked me: ''ls Max Ernst is a Jew?''

l answer: ''Who gives a damn!''

''A great artist?'' ''Absolutely.''

''Can one be an artist and a Jew?'' ''Certainly

''But l won't denounce any.''

Then: ''ls Céline a great writer?'' ''Yes!''

''You approve his anti-Semitic work?''

''l don't read the rags he writes for.''

''So, you're a Jew-lover.'' ''Mostly, l've been a Jewess-lover!''

l may be drunk, but it won't stop me from speaking my mind!

He's back again!

With his net!

-You sure? -l saw him

Take a look

He's a bit thick

Dirty creep!

Who?

What's this about?

lt's just Camille. A guy who catches cats

Cats?

What does he do with all those cats?

He skins them or sells them for food, who knows?

Maybe they served us cat

No, it had feathers

-Calm down. -l'll punch him out!

l warned him

Nothing is dumber than an anti-Semite!

Listen to yourself!

What are they doing?

They're hitting him!

Oh, my God!

Take him away!

Shit! Split it again!

You're crazy! He's dangerous

He is a cop for the Germans

l've wrangled with cops before

Please, Jean, calm down. Do it for me

He started it, l'll finish it

He's good for the prison infirmary

l'll fix him good!

Beating up a tramp in his 60s!

He gets this way

He's overworked

So when he drinks, he collapses

Mr Tourneur, could l add...

-How much time? -Three minutes

Sure, they're real pearls

Move the table closer

There was an extra here

Hear that, Jacques?

Hop to it!

This is take 59?

Don't touch what is on your plate

-Not even the lettuce. -The chicken looks yummy

lt's not chicken, it's rutabaga. Like the rest

Carved and raw

But we have to look like we're eating

So look like it, without eating

Character acting, right?

How low are you framing?

Just under her treasure chest. A lot of chest!

-Get a shawl. -lt's my endowment!

A shawl for the young lady!

You'll be on Ladies' Delight next

-So what? -l want a part

A real role. No more extra work

-What's a real role? -You know

Three scenes with three lines for a dozen eggs

-Eggs aren't rare. -A rabbit, then

Okay, but with six eggs

-Six eggs and half a rabbit. -The liver included

For tomorrow. l have guests

Mr Fresnay on the set!

Mr Fresnay's right here!

Mr Fresnay's on the set, always ready!

Lift your boom when the kid exits

You bet! We'll lift it

Ready ladies and gents?

Care to see the set-up?

What's with gramps?

We're going to shoot!

My wife's been incarcerated by the police in Vittel

She still has a US passport. She's American. l'm worried

l understand, sir

My mind is not on this, So if you could fill in for me...

Count on me, sir

Go to it, fella. We're behind you

Okay. The camera goes here, at 35

First, we don't see Mr Larquey, only his shadow

His name is Angel. l want a strange, eerie effect

You'll have it, sir

Rehearsal. Silence

Don't wrinkle my tie!

lt's a bad idea

-lt's like a wax museum. -No, you'll see

There's no mystery

We have to imagine the hand

lf it doesn't work, we'll cut it

This will go great guns, fellas!

We'll see!

Thanks for my script

What about it?

For backing it against Clouzot's. Thanks!

Yours was shorter

l'm not a philanthropist

So we'll make a little deal

Today, 1 cent. Tomorrow, 2 cents

lt gives you time to make a decision

8 cents, cents, 32, 64, 128,

256, 512, 1024

Doubling it to infinity

Do you know what infinity's like?

l know. l've been there. lt's quite nice

Cut!

Not only great guns, but howitzers!

l'll lead the way

Don't buy it, mister, don't buy it!

Quiet! You sorcerer!

And the shadows, sir?

His name's Angel...

...so he thinks he's everyone's guardian

lt's very good

l couldn't have done better

Thank you

-You believe in that? -Why shouldn't l?

But it's impossible

You have no valid reason to refuse

l do! l'm under contract. l'm tied up until January '43

Predated contracts which arrived just in time!

That's all right. Eat! Drink!

l choose good subjects...

three times out of five

l don't make films in Germany

l leave our propaganda to the French

Vichy censorship can't touch us and l pay the best

-What more do you want? -l don't know

lsn't it a bit too salty?

Salt always hides something...

...ever since the Middle Ages

Forget the Middle Ages, Aurenche

lt's salted just right

Hire Prévert Hire Jeanson, Véry, Laroche

Jeanson was denounced by the French...

and the others tell me, ''Hire Aurenche.''

Spaak!

Hello, Dr Greven

Tell him to work for me, Spaak

Tell him l'm no ogre

Odette Joyeux is raving about Love Letters

Thanks. How about you?

l have my ups and downs

He's not afraid to work for me. He's finishing a film...

...and he's signed to do a Simenon, a Maigret

Give him my two films then

He doesn't have that French light touch

You have it. l want to make lots of good films

Better than the Americans...

...so l need good scripts, hence, good scriptwriters.

Take your pick

No...

...do you know why?

No more Jews. Not in Germany, not here

The best writers...

...were Jews, Natanson, André Lang, Pierre Wolff. All gone!

lf you know any, send them over

Mr Greven...

...even if l knew any, do you think l would tell you?

Do know what you risk talking to me like that?

l could send you to Germany tomorrow

Sure... lf l were a labourer...

...or maitre d'hôtel, l'd answer differently

But we're bourgeois. l'm poor, but still a bourgeois

We're two of a kind

l have a Jew at Continental and a communist too

l know it. He doesn't know l know

Just one film, Aurenche. A comedy

You know how to write gags

l'll have Fernandel in three months, he'll direct it

lt's called Adrien. A Jean de Letraz hit

But those kind of plays...

...are just what l loathe

As for Fernandel...

...he's a gag factory, a walking gag

Where would l fit in? l'd ruin it all

René!

René Wheeler!

Selling shoelaces?

Not by choice. l have to eat

l don't sell any, so l don't eat

l just turned down a film. A piece of crap

l can accept it for you. You do it all and l'll collect it from you.

There are bad points. Director and star: Fernandel

lt 's for Continental, the Fritz

lf you eat with the devil, at least you eat

ls that cop here to monitor the gags?

l've had this idea l wanted to do with you

lt's a story about river poachers

A totally free narrative shot entirely on location

- Which region? - The Rhone. Simple people

Anarchists, extravagant as we like them

Well, Aurenche!

l'm not fickle, but when l left

You know what Napoleon said?

René Wheeler, a first-class writer

Take him and we'll be a team

What did our friend Napoleon say?

lt'll come back to me. René is free as of now

He knows it's Fernandel in front and behind the camera

Fernandel's ideas, gags, the works

He talks so l'll say yes without thinking...

...but still, l'm thinking

And l say yes anyway

Go up and see Marcel Bryau...

...who is in charge of contracts

Don't go. l'll see you in a minute

''Patience and time accomplish more than force and rage.''

That's it

Have a good day

Come along

So it's Fernandel

Your timing of the Tourneur film was perfect!

Only a 17-second difference with the final cut

Do the same on Ladies' Delight. You'll work with Cayatte

The Military Cross? Are the stars citations?

You were an officer?

Cavalry lieutenant, transferred to a reconnaissance group

But what happened to you French? This whole debacle!

ln '14 you held firm. l fought you, you had courage!

But now, why is this beating? Why so fast?

Fine. l have one, too. l was a fighter pilot

See Bauermeister, you have 30 days. Nights, rather

Power shortage. Take two extra nights

Cayatte lacks experience. You have it

Show him where the camera goes

lt is freezing!

The young lady there

That is a projector, not a foot-warmer

Put a scrim on that projector

The two girls on the left

The lady in the brown coat...

...move to the left. The other lady, too. My left

Not your left

You are holding me up. l am going to work

-Ausweiss, please! -What ausweiss?

Your pass

You have my lD. My papers are in order. Tell them!

lt is curfew. You need ausweiss

l am an extra! Over there. Ladies' Delight! Extra!

Me, movies, Continental, studio!

Continental is you! lt is German!

-Tract! -That is nothing

l found it on the ground!

l am going to make a stink! l know the director!

And l work for you! Continental is German, it is you!

l am cold and hungry!

l have fish bone paste

They are coming!

-Butts! -What a waste!

Quiet on the set!

Ready?

Ready, Michel?

Let us do it

-A chair? -No, thank you

Do you need anything?

Scene 248, take one!

Action!

Take your money back. Baudu does not accept charity

You ruined me, but you won't last

You have created...

...a mastrous monchine... Shit!

Cut!

''A monstrous machine''!

This was written by a mindless midget

-Stay in your places. -l am in my place!

-lt is okay, Michel. -Bug off!

Silence!

Hammers!

Maybe there is no director!

Watch your manners!

-Water for Mr Simon. -Which take?

-Sixth. -Bad times in Billancourt!

ln 20 years, trade will be one big battlefield...

...on which quality, probity and confidence...

...will be sacrificed

Beware, Mouret!

You are inaugurating a reign of junk and razzle-dazzle

There is a price that you, too...

...that you too, one day

What? ''You, too, one day...'' What!

l can't do it!

l can't go on playing with watchdogs around

Take a three-minute break

Reload!

Michel is a pain, but what balls!

Swiss balls! Safer than Gallic ones. Neutral balls!

lt is going to be hell!

Machine guns and anti-aircraft guns. We will go nuts!

-Go to my godmother. -They won't shoot all day

Where did you get this?

The dairywoman. l hired her daughter as an extra

Can the baby eat it?

Sure, sure

lt is milk. He can eat the cream

As for us... the crust is good

Your brother gets my goat

He only comes to pick up girls...

...but tonight, absent for duty

What do you mean?

He never showed up

l found him work as an extra. But him...

...he will get packed off to Germany, like my brother

Except that he got squealed on

lt has been a while

lt is every day now

Air raids all the time! Your Brits are a pain!

And always the same targets: Renault, Salmson, Sauter

So long, Billancourt! l am moving to Rue St Charles

But that is right where Citroen is!

So? They would never bomb Citroen. Citroen is all Jews

-Mr Raoul! -This is not bad

More of that gutless literature. My hat is no trash can!

Rehearsal, gentlemen!

l dare you to repeat that

What you call my tomahawk pin is Pétain's francisque

l am proud of it!

But you still kiss Kraut ass!

l fought them but l respect the victors

-''And l inform.'' -What nerve!

Hands off! l will denounce you!

Mr Aimable!

You are behind on the set construction

Let me show you why

Coffins?

The wood for our sets. Requisitioned

lt is in great demand on the Russian front

That is furniture for the Atlantic Wall

The studio head sells to the Krauts

No profit is too small

To make household savings, use everything

Let nothing go to waste

Mum, what are you doing here?

Simone got a summons

-Summons? -l came to watch the baby

-Summoned by whom? -How should l know?

You know Simone. She called...

...showed me a paper when l got here...

...and said, ''l am going to Fresnes.''

The prison! l am going

You are crazy!

Try the police first

lt must be those shoe coupons. They looked shady to me

She got them from her father

Those shoes were trash

Wood and cardboard

Let the time go by

Let the days go past

Let the wind blow high

But make sure love stands fast...

Strange place to meet

There is safety in numbers

You wanted to see me?

l am worried

Simone got a summons. l asked the police. No news

Who summoned her? Where?

l do not know. But she is at Fresnes

l will ask around

Continental is no protection. This proves it

That is irrelevant. She works at Sirius Distribution

lf we got her out

Our job is intelligence, infiltration, not playing commandos

Sorry to wake you, Mum

lt was because of Jacques

He was arrested outside the studio

He was going to work

They found tracts on him

-They did not hurt you? -No, not me

He is at Cherche-Midi Prison

Better than Fresnes

l think

One little tract! lt is no big deal. Maybe he found it

l saw the report. lt is not one tract

Everyone says that, ''l found it!''

But two! You do not find two!

Two tracts is a big deal!

He is only 20. He is a kid

The Russian front is full of German kids...

...who may never reach 20

Excuse me

l overheard you

lt is a regulation. A German directive

lf there are several tracts, they investigate

You should speak to Mr Von Schertel

Wait here, l will see if he is free

His name is Dubuis, isn't it? Jacques Dubuis?

And the herbs! A stew without herbs is mush

Herbs and the marrow bone

Ah, the marrow bone!

A thing of the past!

But l should tell you...

...about my mother's stew for funeral meals

Shoulder, shank, ribs

Beef cheeks. Sorry, l have to run. See you

Have you checked on My Love is Yours?

Sure, sure

And your contract! Bring it in signed.

l have asked you 10 times!

Sure, of course

Ah, Devaivre! l know you are crying for lumber and film stock

Materials and film are my department. l decide who gets it

l know, Mr Beurkley

lf you need anything, come see me

Come in

My secretary told me...

...about your brother-in-law

He is not a Jew? A Communist?

A Freemason?

You have a good reputation here at Continental

l will look into it

l swear! lt came back to me

You sure?

The statue was at Harry Baur's

He had invited Christian and me over

His collection was stunning: paintings, books, and bronzes

including that one

-She is fooling herself! -She can fool me, her husband...

...but not about something so minor

Anyway, she is a lousy liar

That Paul is not just a dealer or an ex-vice squad cop

He robbed Baur before murdering him!

He does not scare me

You can't speak to him, smile at him... He is Gestapo

Come with me

l would love to, but l can't leave now

Where would we go?

How long would you stay with me?

My dear, sweet Olga,

lt is not you l left, but that murderer, Paul Maillebuau

You know deep down l am an incorrigible flirt...

...loyal to all my women, not just one...

...to my friends and my beliefs, too

That is the risky part nowadays

l have the courage to write...

...but l can't stand physical pain

Still, l want to face these shameful times with integrity...

...using my own weapons...

...not writing a single scene or line, even just to eat...

...that might seem to support all the horrible things l loathe...

...and which Paul Maillebuau embodies

Stay away from him, Olga

l will call next week to see how you are

Love, Jean

lt is closed?

-lsn't it obvious? -Be nice to a blind man

l am crying!

Why do these things always happen to you?

l am spoiled by the gods!

What is that?

What are you waving at me?

That ring! Nothing escapes me

From the new guy? The wop? He is in good, is he?

-Show my friends respect. -No, show me respect!

That ring is an insult! An obscenity!

You should talk! The way you carry on in a brothel!

l will leave you alone

No, stay!

Yes, stay! You are part of the family

You have slept together, haven't you?

Do not try turning the tables on me!

You are a tart! A kept woman!

We have been through this...

...before

l love you...

...but l love life, fine things

Things l can't buy you

-Darling... -lt is fake!

Fake?

Stop it, children

Fake? l doubt that very much!

ln Africa, it is called a Congolese emerald

You creep!

They are sold on every street corner. Everywhere!

Stop it! You are lying!

Let us see

Here, look!

Congolese, fake!

Listen to him! Fake!

What are you doing?

l threw it out

Get out!

Get out of here right now!

Your suitcases

What a jerk!

l can't see a thing!

Goddammit to hell!

We will find it

l looked all over. l must have thrown it too far...

...or someone picked it up

l will pay her back. l will buy her another

You have no idea how much that ring cost

l will sell my Soutine. l was offered a fortune for it

lt would kill me

l do not even know where l am sleeping tonight

-lt is heavy! -You can say that again

-l will carry it. -l won't say no

l forgot my hat

When my husband died l thought of moving...

...but l like this area

l have my room, there are others

That is too much bother. ls it worth making up two beds?

lsn't it a beauty?

lf it is worth a fortune, yes

You are lovely without your hat

For those waiting for cod, we are out

Without coupons, l have date paste

Very sweet, not very good

We do not have much choice

We come, we wait, and take what is left

Here, Mum...

...the December ration tickets are not in yet

l am off to Sirius. Masson asked Jean to come and photograph a poster

Excuse me

No wine before Tuesday!

Only Jerusalem artichokes left

Wait! You won't get off so easy

You promised me something

Hello, Gilberte

ls Simone here?

l thought l had missed you

Masson is inside. l must run

That is right, you run, l run, everybody runs!

Can't they afford a photographer? What misers!

And that Beurkley!

He hires poor empty-headed actresses so he can bed them

A Gestapo bastard, for sure!

l am quitting Continental,

l am fed up!

Fed up with not saying what l think, kowtowing. l am fed up!

-l could not help your brother. -We are all fed up

You are acting like a child!

Keep going, for my brother

-Keep going, but how? -Keep going!

l am expecting some news

Mr Duborny has contacts at Cherche-Midi

l have to run

Go and see Masson

She is his girl since Carthacalha?

Beurkley's?

With his connections, he has got more, but she is one

He forgot his briefcase

Two at a time, side by side

Faster!

l can not go any faster

ls he coming back?

Yes

Hurry, let us finish

Done

You will be the death of me

Why did you do that?

lf no-one does anything

Hello, my dear fellow

There should be royalties waiting on my adapted books

Haven't we met?

-Sure, Mr Pierre Nord. -Right, Devaivre

You did my trailers in '38-'39

You work here now?

No, at Continental Films

ls that so?

Of course. Do l see the cashier for my royalties?

Masson just told me

Do you know what you photographed?

Not at all. lt is in German

Give me the film

l will handle it

What l want mostly

My brother-in-law has been arrested

His name may be in there...

...Jacques Dubuis

There is not much chance, but you never know

-You have a phone number? -0930

-Where can l reach you? -l travel a lot

ln case of an extreme emergency,

Lyon station, third class waiting room, Thursday and Saturday

l am a civil servant...

...in Vichy

l break my neck!

This way, Mr Pottier

My coat

Here

lsn't Annie wonderful? You should be delighted

Can't l ever have a screening without an air raid?

Tomorrow at 10 am, postpone the screening of The Crow

l will let Clouzot know

Very well, sir

To the shelter!

Simone!

Where are you? No arguments

You are leaving

You are going to my godmother's

l was waiting for you. The next train is at 4:15

Couldn't it wait...

...until tomorrow?

Tomorrow, l won't have the strength

lt is all right

20-minute stop!

l was an hour early, not to be late!

l feel so filthy!

How you have grown!

Jean could not come?

Too much work

Him and his movies! They are not God!

For Jean, they are

He will turn up the first chance he gets

But it is miles!

Hurry, Estelle!

Visiting the poor always take time

Not the time spent with them, but the time climbing stairs!

The poor always live high up

Not that one, it is too nice

You see, young lady...

...you must learn to choose what you give the destitute

lf you give them fine things...

...you also give them regrets for the luxury they will never have

But if you like that blouse

My God, they are laughing! We blew it!

They are not laughing at it, they are laughing with us

With Moreno...

...they love her

She embodies the cruel, good conscience

of the bourgeois aristocracy which is alive and well

She shows her true self. lt is funny

When you read it, you laughed, too

-True. l did. -You see!

A drama without any humour is stiff as a board

Therese, you are foolish! You hardly have enough to eat

We get by with the animals

That is it!

The cat eats the bird, who eats the cat? You do!

When you are starving!

l wish you patience and resignation

What should we wish you, dear lady?

Wish her impatience and revolt!

Magnificent! A very fluid manner of...

Not only good taste and skill...

...but a blend of virulence and grace, a very personal grace

A young lady's grace, a caustic grace

You are a young lady, old man!

The end does not work. l needed more time and money

You know the producers. Not yours, Continental's loaded

Adrien is an accident

Sure, bread and butter work. As for money...

Like it?

''lmpatience and revolt... '' Wait till Vichy sees it

-Did you like it? -Yes, l did

l love when she says, ''l want to be happy, not humble''

You will have censorship problems, Bost

And the Church may rate it a five, ''To be prohibited.'' Maybe worse

There is worse than a prohibition?

A six. Like for my film, A Life of Pleasure

''Socially, morally and religiously pernicious''

Do they burn the unlucky films?

Yes, and they shoot the imprudent audiences

You! Aren't you Pottier's assistant?

Yes, sir. Le Chanois asked me to come tonight

That is his business. Tell Pottier...

...l have not finished the Maigret script

Do not forget. l can't run after him

Pierre!

She says it is a proud film. Superb, isn't it?

Why is that, miss?

Because everyone faces up

The young to their elders, the servants to their masters

And when Douce dies, it is sad...

...but she was not happy with those people, so better to die

Jean! l knew it!

He needs his sleep

Will we be able to talk normally after this?

Don't you want to see Paris?

l mended the collar and pocket

Put them in my suitcase

Thanks for keeping them under the spuds

Be careful

What if l stayed?

What would Tourneur do without you?

Need a hand?

-Going far? -Paris

l can take you to the station

No, l am going by bike

Good God! You a bicycle racer?

Do not bother

l used to race, but mainly on tracks

The Vel d'Hiv bicycle races. l am in shape

But from here to Paris it is over 220 miles...

...one way or the other

Still, the train is easier

They are constantly inspected...

...''Papers! Open your bags!''

Roads, too. Afraid of something?

l will give you a lift

You say you are from Curbigny... You know Marc Bérot?

He is a neighbour. l mainly know Mrs Barou

Josephine? She is a good friend!

l am her godson

Good Lord, are you the star? The one in movies? Devaivre?

René Fléchard, plumber-roofer

-Are we stopping? -This calls for a drink

You need energy

-l would not deprive you. -We have got plenty here

Thanks

Some take advantage: butter at 1000 F, eggs at 10 F

-Drink up. -lt will knock me out

We will settle scores someday

You make note of the collaborators, too?

Yes and no. l work at a German firm

Oh, shit!

lt just happened that way. We are not pals

But it is true, it is a problem

l am in a bind... between work and my family

l want out, but there could be reprisals

Anyway, where could l go?

There is a place

lf you decide, l will tell you where

Nicht black market! For my kids!

-Who is it? -lt is Louis, your brother

Anyone see you? The concierge?

You hardly wrote. We were worried. Especially the folks

A card every six months!

lt is over now

-l hate to write. -So, in fact, you escaped

ln fact, yes

They kept saying, ''Workers, not prisoners!''

But if you went out, you knew what to expect

l itch!

Stowaways are fine for adventure stories

-But Berlin-Paris... -Here?

Lying half frozen on a boxcar roof...

...half scorched against a hot water pipe

Good luck!

You can find me work here...

...like for your in-law?

He is in big trouble

They arrested him in March, and no sign of him since

That does not mean a thing

Take me: l vanish, l reappear!

He will turn up again

Jacques Dubuis, my brother, never came back

And l never saw him again...

...except once, 57 years after his arrest...

...in 8 Men in a Chateau where he was an extra

That is him!

The Germans sent him to die in a Silesian salt mine

He grew so thin...

...his campmates called him, ''Stringbean''

He was 20 years old

The other day, at the Académie Française...

...that taffeta thing, the ''slipper'' play

What an endless bore!

My wife understood it, but she is a bridge whiz. Bingo!

Excuse me!

The metro was packed!

Suzanne was perfect, losing weight helped

But he got fatter. How could he do it?

Splendid, Suzanne!

A superb funeral for riffraff! The cream of Paris Corsicans!

Carbone and Spirito, the underworld kings

Tino Rossi sang?

As good as a state funeral, and cartloads of flowers!

My dear...

My dear, you were fabulous!

Leg of lamb!

You remind me of... the name escapes me

An American actor... What is his name?

So kind of you!

The audience hung on every word

Yes, it is so

And the play is fairly short. That is what is great!

Plays are all too long. Even short, Claudel is long

Haven't we met?

-Richebé. Can we talk? -But Suzanne

You came! l have missed you so much!

Congratulations!

-Rewriting Michel Duran's script? -Only your lines

You are an angel. Danielle Darrieux sent me a sweet note

l waited for you every day

l swear, l am doing you a favour

They have arrested Jeanson twice. Spaak is in for it now

Why not me next?

Who knows, you live with me?

They censored the best scene in Douce

The Countess's visit to the poor, cut!

They did the same to Spaak.

The method: censorship, then prison

Why not just say ''l am leaving?''

''Because l saw Suzanne again''

She told me

''Because l miss her''

''Our affair was just a bandage. l healed, so l am leaving''

Are you angry?

lf only l could be

-What? -My painting stays put

Your painting?

What is in my house is mine. lt is the law. Look it up

Goddamn them!

Suitcases!

Women and suitcases!

Darling! But you are too early!

-l was to call you. -But since l am here

So is my husband

-Who is it? -Nothing, it is a charity

Have anything hot, besides coffee?

Beef extract?

Hot milk? Herb tea?

A grog?

-There is no rum. -Grog with calvados

A calvados grog, then

''Women are more...

...''resolute''

Another grog. A hefty one

We are nearly out of gas

A cold grog?

Cold

With less water?

With no water

A cold grog without water

-l do not have change. -No problem

All that

Watch the curtain

What do l tell her?

l do not know?

Jean, darling, what is it?

l killed him

l killed Suzanne's lover

You have been drinking! What has got into you?

l saw red

He got arrogant... You called me a coward

You did, a little

He had a gun. l grabbed it and bang!

What will we do? What will you do?

The police, ''l did it!''

Sleep first and tomorrow, the police

Wait. Think it over

See a lawyer

You know what a lawyer costs?

-Less then what you earn. -...And spend!

No lawyer. l am broke. lt is prison for me

You can have it back

Get the best lawyer

Take it! Get going!

What you just did is beyond words

Reine, l did not kill anyone. l had nowhere to go

l made it up on the landing

You did not kill anyone?

You bastard!

Funny, isn't it?

The detectives' office. The chief inspector's office

The sentry box

You the film director?

You are shaking Maigret's hand. l am the original

l nabbed Mestorino, but l have got to run

He has the original?

One of them: they have taken up beer and pipe smoking

Mr Tourneur

This closet is perfect. For Cecile... her body

Just fine

l will build some steps for perspective

As you like, but l want shadows, corners, possibilities

-Corners... -Right up my alley

lt is those cold baths!

-But l mend fast. -l hope so

l need you

Did you read the script on The Affair of the Poisons?

Yes, l did, sir

Repulsive. Especially now

Trash disguised as history. lt would not be wise to do that now

lt shows France in a shameful light

You can't stay here. Go home to bed

l will send the company doctor. l owe you that much

Can you stand suction cups?

lnhalations...

...and above all, rest

Stay warm and rest

Make the most of the weekend. Stay in bed

Drink hot liquids, sweat...

...and you will feel better

Thanks, doctor

l will inform Continental

l will come by Monday

l will be at work Monday

For Richard, Stalag 17...

...from his mama, Josette

This is Pottier

Spaak is done

He drops off The Majestic Case script at Continental at noon

l understand, but...

You go get script at Continental right away...

...and you read it

A crate of oranges, not a wagonload

What will l do with all that fruit?

l am putting it back

Can you read this?

Sure, l can read it

But l can't understand it

Think we spoke Kraut together?

lf only l could find Jacques's name

What is all this stuff?

l will tell you later

No. The less you know, the better

-Going out? -Just for a few hours.

lt is worth it

Not in your condition

l am supposed to be asleep. Do not answer the door

What about the telephone?

Let it ring

lf it keeps up, pretend you are me

Talk through a hankie and cough

That is all, just cough

l get it, l cough

Stay here

There you are!

''Saturday, third class waiting room''

l did not say inside. So it is something urgent?

-A big package. Want to see it? -Not here

Over here. Explain it to me. We have time

Get a platform ticket

Those photos you took were good

You saved a few necks

Get a platform ticket...

...and meet me on platform 15, fifth car, middle compartment

lt is full, madame

There is the cyclist

He is looking around

Tell him to get on

He is suspicious. Let him see you

Buy a ticket for Melun

That is not what we said

And this?

Check it

You will ride back

Quick! We leave in minutes

Go easy, it is not a tractor

Get a ticket

You are amazing

What is it all about?

lt smells... like medicine

That is my chest. Tincture of iodine

-Watch yourself. -l am okay

l am interested in Jacques Dubuis, my brother-in-law

He may be...

...on a list

These are not police documents. lt is more military

-We get off at Moulins. -Moulins?

But l have a ticket for Melun

Melun? l said Moulins

-You heard wrong. -And my bike?

l have to tell the baggage car...

...at the next stop

Then tell them!

Tell them

-So, the key with the red ribbon? -Red wire

Ticket check!

Put that away, fast!

Sit over there

Here

An administrative pass

Write your name in

Hurry!

You have got nerves of steel

You did not bat an eyelash

Nothing to it. lt comes naturally

l get chills afterwards

-May l have the papers back? -Sure. Now you can

Moulins!

25-minute stop!

lt is for my bike

l saw your name on the frame. You a professional racer?

-Ever win? -Never

Neither did l

l came in third. Behind Péquinet, and behind...

Behind who else?

Me, maybe?

Wait, your pump! l put it aside

Go easy on my bike!

You sure took your time

Stop coughing, it is me

No, stay put!

Stay there and wait for me

Whatever you do, wait

l do not know?

A few hours, five or six

This is a real opportunity

l will radio the Brits while you fly

Fly?

l am not flying!

Keep the papers. l am going home

Listen!

The British want to know how you got these papers

ln person, you can convince them. Not by radio

lt is too complicated

l am sick! l should be in bed. My brother is waiting

l work on Monday. You kidding me?

What you have done is fantastic

But you have to go all the way

lf l see De Gaulle, what do l say?

What the hell am l doing here?

You steal these from a chemist?

lt is me. Tincture of iodine

-You speak English? -Sort of

No, not really, not well

Badly, act as if not at all

l have to get back fast

Read them quickly

l have to be at work on Monday

Want to eat?

Some tea?

lf you want

Aren't you reading the file?

Very secret

How did you get this... in your hands? Tell me

lt is like this

l work in the movies...

...for Continental, a German company, but French films

Two floors cinema, and the office of an SD... Whatever that means?

Nothing to do with movies

lt is Von Schertel's office...

...at the end of the hall

l was home sick yesterday Bunged up!

The flu

l had trouble with the lock

Go on

You take a key

A key on a red wire

lf you wouldn't mind starting over for me

Start over, from where?

The beginning

What do you mean?

lf you do not mind

Von Schertel... ln the pictures, he does what?

Nothing

lt is geographic

He is just there, at the end of the hall

You are at home. You get a call. From whom?

The director, Richard Pottier. My director

Not another one!

What time is it?

l have to get home and no-one's even bothered to read what

Now start over

No more interruptions

lt is like this... l work in the movies

The wrong key?

You expect me...

...to believe that?

l could not believe it either, but it worked

Why did you steal it? Why this? ln a cinema office?

You do not understand

You are not listening

Yesterday was Saturday. You work Saturdays?

Pottier phoned me

Pottier, Richard. Me, assistant. He does not care if l am sick

He sends me to the Champs-Elysées. l told this to him, him

You!

That thing in your hand. What is that?

My pump

You need a bicycle pump on the airplane?

No, it just happened like that!

l was going to pick up a script

lt was the wrong key. l do not think, l just do it

Then things snowballed

The train, Melun, Moulins, the plane, and now you!

l have done my job! Enough!

l am going home. What time is it?

What are you working on?

l am starting Cécile is Dead A Simenon. Maigret

Harry Baur

-He is fine, Maigret. -lt is Albert Préjean this time

You should use Baur again

He is dead

Sit down

Get off my back with that tea

Do you understand English?

A little, if you talk slowly

Faster, l will understand better

ls that English?

Me not Saint Cloud. Me, Boulogne

Work now, Monday. Leave

Good night, all!

You come with me. l have a mission over France

l will drop you on the way

Great! Why am l being measured?

lf we boom, you can blow to pieces

With measurements, a piece is enough for a name

Sign this waiver

The British crown is not responsible

Have some tea

They are nuts with their tea!

My wife loves tea. We can't get any in France

l do not care for the stuff, but...

We climbing?

Yes, region very Pétain

Bad for us. We climb over flak

Not afraid?

We are hit. We may turn back

Turn back?

lmpossible to turn back!

That is enough! l am going home!

My family, my brother is waiting. He will be shot, understand?

-Blockhead! Moron! Shot! -Calm down

l have to jump, l am jumping!

Jump!

Put your two feet together, one foot lower and you break it

The knees are like springs, and forward!

Curl up and roll, l know. l was a jockey

-What is that? -Tea for your wife

Find him, damn it! l have had my fill of amateurs!

Over there, l think!

Here he is!

l will remember this!

You are here, no?

lt is a miracle

What time is it?

ls this yours?

l should do a written report

lf l had to explain this in writing, it would take hours

Do not bother, l am here. Just get me to Moulins

l am going home, Basta, and no-one is the wiser

Where is my pump?

What pump?

The Bluemels, black celluloid. Long, lightweight

And what is that?

lt happens

The next train for Paris?

4:42 pm via Nevers, Gien, Montargis...

...first, second and third class

Anything else?

But tomorrow is the same, 4:42

lt is me, Jean

My bike

The phone rang off the hook

First, our folks. They wanted news about me

l said you were ill

Then Mr Tourneur

l imitated your voice. lt was easy, l caught your germs

What did Tourneur want?

To see how you were. He was worried about you

Who else called?

Richard Pottier

l barely understood him. He is down with it, too

No, it is his accent...

...Hungarian or Austrian

lt comes off

Reassure Mum that l am fine

Take my bike

Careful, the front wheel is bent. A pedal is loose

lt makes a noise

lt has done a lot of riding, l guess

lf l told you, you would not believe me

-Jean Devaivre? -Yes, but...

Continental Films. lnspection

-Why aren't you at work? -l am sick

Sick with what?

The doctor came

The Continental doktor

Ask him

Mr Spaak's script, you have it?

There, on the stack

You read all that?

l read what l am given

No other papers from Spaak?

l am out of coal

l have a fever, l am shivering

lf you have coal for me, thanks

The bed is cold

So?

You were supposedly in bed

On the bed...

...not in it

-Where were you yesterday? -Here, resting

The prescription is here

You live alone? Why?

My wife and child are in the country

Why?

The air is better there

Do you have lD papers?

May l ask what this is about?

Suction cups

Turn around

Who applied them?

My mother, she comes every day. The concierge...

...must have told you

Very hard calves

That is what the doctor said, ''What hard calves!''

He does not know why either

My papers?

You won't need them before tomorrow. l will be back then

What are you doing?

As you see, l am examining you. How do you feel?

Better. Fine. Hello, doctor

Weren't you coming back...

...tomorrow?

lt is tomorrow

lf you have slept since my visit...

...it has been over 24 hours

l have to work!

l doubt that

l am strong enough. l feel better

l admit days of rest has helped your recovery, but still

What did Mr Bauermeister say?

He is expecting you

Your papers

The keys are in the door

They made such a fuss!

But there were only two people here Saturday

Spaak brings the script, you come for it

So it is simple. When it is not you, it is him

Maybe someone else?

The guardian is always here, it is not possible

Maybe they lost them?

Are you that interested?

No, but if it is not him?

lf it is not him, the system returns to you

So, quiet

These days, it is better to shut up...

...it is always better

But right now, it is an obligation

This is where they find the body

l am doing insert shots on Stage B

lf it isn't Softi!

Still tiptoeing around like a sneak

Leave him alone

You are getting sloppy, leaving nasty papers around!

''Those who work for the Krauts, will be treated like Krauts.''

Where did you get that?

The illegal union. As if one was legal!

Have you seen this?

All tracts...

...are crap!

On all sides, De Gaulle's as well as the Communists'

lt is his mother

She hounded him for a red flag. So he went to get her one

lnstead of waiting here, quietly...

...for them to come. Right?

They are coming, Jean-Paul?

Patience, we are on our way!

Get off my back!

l imagined a bigger fish tank

lt is to measure

There is a collection...

...for our buddies killed by the Brits at Photosonor

-l will chip in some cash. -Afraid to cash in your chips?

So long

You do not look well

l am okay

Well, not really

l was at a meeting with the comrades

l am sick over it

Film people and others. ''Real workers'' as they say

lt is clear. No more contact with the Krauts

That is new

Continental is German. You can't work there anymore

l had the Party's approval

lf not, congratulations

But there is a new party line: action-resistance

Hey, l was resisting back in '40

Along with Max Douy, Nicolas, Painlevé and Lemare...

...l did not go begging, like some here, to dub German films...

...or negotiating with Greven to make Franco-German newsreels

l did not wait for the invasion...

...of Russia

l organised, infiltrated studios, started a union

When the Fritz go...

...we won't have helped the German cinema but saved...

...French cinema. -Discredited it!

Like Clouzot's vile The Crow!

He never sold out. He is protecting a Dreyfus, me!

A Levy, Jean Ferry, and others

His film is an abscess on France's honour!

lt attacks informers. lt is about poison-pen letters...

...based on a pre-war case

Get your facts straight

So what! That is your business!

lt reminds me of those stupid magazines about stars...

...their earnings, German boyfriends, Berlin tours

Movies are just another industry

The new Party line is an armed struggle. Either you obey...

...or you get out

Excluded by my comrades!

''Comrade'', a finer word than ''brother.''

You do not choose a brother...

...you choose your comrades

There were eight of us in October '40

Where was Daquin in '40? Yeah, l am sick over it

What about us?

Us?

We do okay

Forget about them

Dogs bark, fools act foolish

l rewrote the opening of Cécile

The downstairs neighbour... He has to be meaner

Hello, Spaak

l am sorry

Not as sorry as l am

The last time we spoke...

...was at Fouquet's

Got a cigarette?

You know l do not smoke

What is your situation?

l am questioned every few days...

...''Where is your brother?''

l did not know when they arrested me. How should l know now?

This was not my doing

l deal with movies, not politics or police

You and l have a problem

Your contract

You have not delivered...

...the final script on Majestic

You have not delivered!

We can't shoot without the essential work

And me, Dr Greven...

...l can't deliver it without the essential, my freedom

Your freedom? lmpossible!

lt is beyond my power

But you can still work in these conditions

Jeanson did a lot of writing here: articles...

...script dialogue. l know he did

Get Duran, or Le Chanois

Talk to Clouzot

Clouzot won't hear of it. You are under a sole author contract

Then sue me

l admire your work

Grand lllusion...

...Who Killed Santa Claus?, A Life of Pleasure

l love all those films. lt is you l want

Freedom, as l said, l can't give you

But better treatment...

...l can

You mean...

...food?

Bread?

Sardines?

For my wife, too?

Food packages?

Tobacco? l can't write without tobacco

And erasers, paper, pencils, a dictionary...

...warm slippers. Aspirin

l may as well forget liquor

-The cop is here. -l will tell Devaivre

Maybe some beer?.

He is here

With more lumber, it would be more impressive

Why? You do fine with plaster

Then give me plaster

So, today's instalment? Any good?

All right, but just three pages. Three short pages

lt is not enough!

You can't demand too much of a man who is starving

lf we had him here on the set...

...we would work faster

We would avoid the prison shuttle

lf he were here, you say?

l will see to that

Get your papers together

And my things, too?

No, you come back tonight

Ladies and gents, back to work

Action!

Fast

Faster

lt is no good...

...the plates are empty. lt is obvious

Cover the plates and platters...

...or else keep the extras in front of the dishes

Yes. lt is not good!

The plates are empty. Ridiculous!

You extras, stand in front of the dishes!

But what goes on the plates?

The usual: rutabaga, Jerusalem artichokes, lettuce

The extras ate it all while my back was turned!

Jean, please!

And me?

Why does Spaak keep writing scenes with food in them?

Two months in jail

Straighten these nails!

-What a nice loaf! -Easy! lt is fake!

Except the piece for Mr Préjean!

-Shit! -That is life!

Can you do a cast of this?

For when?

-When it is ready. -You got it, kid!

For me?

The crew wrote something

The crew has to hand it to you

ln Von Schertel's office...

...the papers

What papers?

l had three bottles of my own stock! No more!

l drank two glasses of three bottles only. Shit!

Bunch of sticky fingers!

Near the North Station, maybe farther

How much farther? The suburbs?

The suburbs, yes

This pie is delicious

-Why not finish it? -Gladly

That is war, bombs and death...

...but while it is far off, finish the bottle

You took part...

...you endured it

l prefer ''endured.''

Not me. l had my eyes closed

Half-open

Enough to see people and women go by...

...watch them a while

l did nothing serious

You made films!

''Patience and submission.''

No, ''impatience and revolt.''

lt is good to say...

...when everyone bows down

That is why it was cut

-You wrote that! -No, we wrote it

l claim impatience but the revolt is yours...

...or the other way around

Still, l think of the story about the roofer who falls

Everyone hears his scream...

...but those on the wrong side cross rather than dirty their shoes

You are funny! People have to survive somehow

lf survival is all, how do we differ from animals?

l thought that in the stalag. Why are we here?

What is the point? l would have given up

Then one day...

...l saw a prisoner like myself

He was always busy with something on his lap

He was writing

Writing on Stendahl, with a piece of lead...

...stuck in a splinter of wood. Writing on a writer

That was his life buoy

He restored my taste for life

Some make sheets, some make bread...

...others make up stories

We are nothing more or less...

...than story-makers

What good do we do?

We enlighten the lives of sheet-makers...

...and bread-makers. -ls that enough?

l think so

l never forget that and thanks to that...

...l made a friend

Watch the glass doors. They are made of paper!

Hello, son...

...l knew l would find you here

We are striking the sets. We finished at 6 am

l saw Greven, he said to read these

Tell me what you think

-Sure, sir. -l will be on Stage B...

...to see Andrejew. l will see you after

By the way...

...Le Chanois was arrested

When?

At sun up...

...this morning

For what reason?

An open secret: his name is Dreyfus and he is a Communist

See you in 15 minutes

l forgot, my brother is sick. l have to go to the drugstore

Go ahead

Goodbye, sir

Jean Devaivre never returned to Continental

He pedalled for seventeen hours to the maquis...

...where René Fléchard, plumber-roofer, was waiting...

along with other fighters who would become his friends

Le Chanois, on Dr Greven's demand...

...was released within three days, without talking

He carried on, but was sanctioned by the Party...

...for having worked at Continental

Tourneur was suspended for almost two years after the war...

...and directed two films from scripts he hated

Jean Aurenche, the ever-faithful friend...

...remained close to Pierre Bost until Bost's death

He often talked to me about Reine, Suzanne and Olga

Olga lost everything in '44, her hair included...

...but got it all back three years later

Jean helped her open her shop...

...in '47...

...the year Devaivre directed his first film...

... La Dame d'onze heures, which Le Chanois wrote

lt was followed by The Farm of Seven Sins

53 years later, in April 2000...

...Devaivre told me that if he had to relive that period...

...he would probably be stupid enough to do exactly the same thing

Subtitles: Cynthia Schoch - Lenny Borger

Processed by L.V.T. - Paris