All language subtitles for Claude Chabrol - La Cérémonie (1995)

Miss.

- Are you Sophie Bonhomme?
- Yes, ma'am.

I'm Catherine Lelièvre.

Please, sit down.

Thank you, ma'am.

Would you like something?
A cup of tea?

- Don't bother.
- I insist.

Another tea, please.

Let me explain the situation.

We live in a house. It's a little remote,
but near a large village.

It's about six miles from here.

I must admit it's quite large,

but there are only three of us.

My stepdaughter occasionally
stays with us on weekends.

Now and then we entertain guests.
It's a little extra work.

The house is very well-equipped.

I'm not afraid of work, ma'am.

I usually do the cooking.

My husband picks up
groceries once a week,

or else we call in an order.

So you'd have lots of free time.

- I know how to cook.
- Really?

The house is remote.
Does that trouble you?

I don't know.

I can take you to town
once in a while, if you like.

I manage an art gallery.

Would you like my references?

Of course.

Mrs. Dutoit can't keep me.
Her husband died.

She's going to live
with her son in Australia.

My goodness.

So you're available right away?

Yes.

I was with her a long time.

There were never any problems.

She'll tell you.

Here's her number and address.

I'll call her tonight.

I think this will work out.
I don't foresee any problems.

The house is a bit hard to find
the first time.

I'll come get you at the station.

Do you know the train schedule?
What time will you arrive?

9:00 a.m.

That will be when?

Tuesday?

Yes, Tuesday.

- What day is today?
- Saturday.

That leaves you Sunday and Monday.

- Will that work?
- Tuesday's fine.

Thank you, ma'am.

It's a deal, then.
See you Tuesday.

Mrs. Dutoit paid me 5,500 francs.

Oh, pardon me.

- 6,000 francs?
- That's fine.

Hello.

Everything okay?

Well?

I'll tell you about it.

We were expecting you last night.

- I was busy.
- You could have called.

Your dad was concerned about you.

Need a hand?

No, that's kind of you.
I'm almost done.

Where are the men?

That's right. You'd already left.
They installed the satellite dish.

They're glued to the screen.

Look at this, George.
It's fantastic!

Admit it.

It's fantastic.

Just pick something.

What do you want to watch?

A sunset.

Well?

Knock on wood,
but this one isn't bad.

Not bad? Of course not.

Not the TV, you jerk.

I meant the maid, dear.

How degrading. " The maid.''

What should we call her?
What's her name?

- Sophie.
- For heaven's sake.

Why not housekeeper or domestic?

Can you imagine yourself saying
"my domestic''?

Honestly, darling,
calling her " maid'' is just fine.

Maid.
"Made-to-do-everything!''

- Who could complain?
- You idiot!

These are tasty.

- Can the maid cook?
- Fool! You ask dumb questions.

She says she can. And her former employer
says she's a hard worker.

Anyway, you're giving her
a trial period, right?

Well, no.

I stupidly forgot to mention it.

I'm sure she'll be fine.

- We need someone.
- That's for sure.

I hope she's not ugly.

You want to have a go at her?

Don't blame him
for liking pretty things.

- Thanks, George.
- Don't mention it.

Every valid question
deserves an answer.

Let me think.

I don't know.

I wasn't paying attention,
but she's not hideous.

Otherwise, I would have noticed.

I hope she's not as bad
as the one last week.

No comparison. Finished?

Unless you want to eat the shells.

You can judge for yourselves
on Tuesday.

She arrives at 9:00 a.m.

- I thought I'd missed you.
- No, I took an earlier train.

I hope I didn't keep you
waiting too long.

Let's go.

I'm parked in a spot
right out front. I got lucky.

Mrs. Lelièvre.

Excuse me. I'm the postal clerk
from St. Coulomb.

Yes, of course.

If you're going home, could you
drop me off at the post office?

Sure.

My bus won't be here for another hour,
and I can't leave Annie alone.

Sit up front with me, Sophie.

Yes, ma'am.

After you.

I like to take three days off
every month to see my family.

At the post office, you can do that
or take it all at once.

Couldn't you take a month off
to see your family?

I wouldn't like that at all.

Sophie, would you be kind enough
to look in the glove compartment?

There should be some cigarettes.

The Royales there.

Thanks.

Sorry.

- Thanks.
- Not at all.

Good-bye.

Bye.

She must be wondering who you are.

My husband can't stand her.

This weighs a ton.

Don't worry,
the house is easy to handle.

Sorry.

Follow me.

You're strong.

Here we are.

The shower's next door.

Unpack your things.
Take your time.

I'll show you around later.

I can come now.
I'll unpack later.

I'll have some coffee while I wait.

Do you like the room?

I don't know, ma'am.

I mean, yes, it's fine.

Thank you.

J USTICE IS BORN OF HUMANITY

Over here.

This is your domain.
We'll look at it later.

Come on.

The vacuum cleaner and all that
are under the stairs.

The dining room.

Careful with the rug.
It's fragile.

The floor is easy.

Soap and water will do the trick.

My room.

- Please change the sheets.
- Yes, ma'am.

It's up to you to keep things tidy.

The library.

I'm running late.

Is everything clear?

I don't know. I think so.

I've got to run.

I'll be home around 6:00 p.m.

If you need anything,
call me at the gallery.

The number's by the phone.
Gilles comes home at 5:00. See you.

Well.

Did you prepare the vegetables?

Yes. I'll bring them right away.

Is she good?

So far, she's been wonderful.
Let's cross our fingers.

In any case, everything is tidy,
and her cooking is good.

Yeah.

- Does the gourmet approve?
- It's okay.

Set it in the center.
We'll serve ourselves.

Yes, ma'am.

We should teach her
to serve properly.

She must know how.
We can't ask her to take a test.

When are we leaving, Daddy?

The boat will be ready on the 20th.

I'm handling the plane tickets.

I hope it's not like last year.

- We could stay longer if you like.
- I'm going to my dad's.

My friend's having a birthday party.
It's gonna be great.

Is Sophie going away?

No, she just got here.

Where would she go?

At least we haven't been
bombarded by her friends.

Not one call or letter.

Thank heavens she's got the TV.

Okay, kids.
This chicken looks juicy.

You're trying to make a zombie
of her with that TV.

Honestly.

I'm relieved.
I don't have to do anything now.

I don't even have to
make conversation.

She's like a slave.
She's a human being, not a robot.

Don't you think
you're exaggerating a bit?

You may clear the table now.

Impeccable, except for your office.
She didn't touch the books.

That suits me,
as long as she tidies my papers.

Don't you see
you're wearing her out?

Why don't you let her use your car?

What about yours?

I thought of it. But I don't think
she knows how to drive.

I'll see about that tomorrow.

If she doesn't know how,
we can pay for lessons.

How about that, Melinda?
Is that too paternalistic?

Paternalistic, no.
Patronizing, yes.

Hey, I said no smoking.

It's easier not to start
than it is to quit.

I'm curious about something.

Why don't you use the dishwasher?

I don't like it. This is faster.
I don't like machines.

If you want to go into town,
my wife can lend you her car.

I don't know how to drive.

We'll pay for lessons.

No, I can't.
I have poor vision.

Really?

- Don't you have glasses?
- I don't know.

They're old.

We'll take care of that.

I'll make an appointment for you.

I'll drop you off.
Melinda can pick you up.

Very well.

Melinda will be here around 1 1 :00.

Take a walk around.

- Have the bill sent to me.
- Fine.

Have a good day.

Don't you have any change?

Yes, you do.

See, you have the exact change.

- Here you go.
- Thanks.

Can I help you?

Any lighter lenses?

Sure, follow me.

- Not too expensive?
- Not at all. Look.

I've only got 1 00 francs.

Then you're fine.

I'll take them.

Get in, Sophie.
Sorry to keep you waiting.

That's all right.

- When will they be ready?
- What?

- Your glasses.
- Wednesday.

That soon? Good. You'll have
another chance to come to town.

The house isn't too much for you?

Don't let them get the better of you
will all their demands.

They're happy with you.
Take advantage of it.

I understand.

Don't get up.
I just want a glass of milk.

" Could you please iron my white suit?
Thanks in advance.''

Here, that's for you.

I'll iron my things later.

- But if you have time...
- I'll do it. I like to iron.

- Got the tickets?
- Are you kidding?

Here, Philippe.
This is for Fournier.

Yes, sir.

Bye, Sophie.
I'll send you a card.

I hope you have
everything you need.

I placed an order for groceries
to be delivered this week.

If you need anything,just call.

We'll be back on the 2nd.

So have a good week.

- Don't forget to pick up your glasses.
- No, ma'am.

Hello. I've brought
Mrs. Lelièvre's order.

There's one more.

This work makes you thirsty.

Would you have any beer?

Don't bother.

Did you see the telethon last night?

We really came through.
Five million just from Brittany.

- I don't know.
- It's true.

You have to sign

for the delivery.

I can't sign for them.

Okay. Sign your own name then.

Just sign it.

Come on.

There.

It's official.

Gotta go.

If you need anything,

just call and I'll be right over.

No, not those.

These are better and cheaper.

- Is it milk chocolate?
- Yeah, it says right here.

" Selection of fine milk chocolates.''

You're right.

- Thanks.
- No problem.

- How are you doing at the Lelièvres?
- Fine.

Especially when they're gone, huh?

Have they written you
since they left?

They're lucky to have you.
They've been looking for a while.

- Thanks.
- Good-bye.

- I'm going home.
- Can't you stay a while?

No, there might be calls.

I'd drive you,
but I have to get back to work.

- I understand.
- I'm there all day.

If you're in town, stop by.
Okay?

It's so quiet,
I have time to read.

Am I disturbing you?

You got a card.
I was in the area.

- I'll let you in.
- Don't bother.

- You have a car?
- It's old, but it's hanging in there.

Here.

I don't have my glasses.

I'll read it, if you don't mind.

" Having a great time. The water's nice.
Thinking of you -- Melinda.''

Yeah.

I don't take vacations.
I don't like them.

They say Corsica's dangerous.

- They've even got pirates.
- Pirates?

Yeah, guys who blow up boats.

This is a big place.
You must really have your hands full.

Wow, what a job!

You could eat off the floor.

You should come to my place too.

Very classy.

What a TV.
It must've cost a bundle.

- How does it work?
- I don't know.

You never tried?

So many channels.

Look at all these books!

I love reading.

I took a book. Do you mind?

"Journey to the End of the Night. "
Any good?

- I don't know.
- Céline -- that's my mother's name.

They've got some library.

Think I could go upstairs?

- How do you turn it off?
- Like this.

- Let's be friends.
- If you want.

I like the way it's decorated.

- They sleep in the same room?
- Yes.

All these clothes!

You can see she was a model.

Some doubt it, but it's true.

Models change their names
like actresses.

Are there any photos around?

I modeled as a kid.
They didn't pick me.

They chose a skinny blond.
I'm sure it was her, as a blond.

I'd really like to be an actress.
Wouldn't you?

I don't know.

I saw her photos.
One day she was in the post office.

We recognized each other.
I could tell she was watching me.

Maybe she wasn't sure
and wondered where she'd seen me.

I wonder why
she's living in the country.

Maybe she wants to hide
after the way she lived in Paris.

Odd things must go on here.

Besides,

this house has a strange
reputation in town.

And he's a shady character.

Is it true he listens
to music all the time?

Sometimes.

Someone in his factory told me
he listens to music in his office.

He's the girl's father.
Is she nice?

She's not mean.

Is this it?

It's not the biggest and the best,
but it's not bad.

They gave you their old TV.
I don't even have one.

I can come and keep you company.

- If you'd like.
- Relax, we're friends.

I'd better get going.

- Can I wash my hands?
- I'll get soap.

Don't bother.

Maybe we can go out sometime.

I volunteer at the church.

It's good to help others.
They need a hand

sorting clothes and all that.

You interested?

Maybe.

- You free Sundays?
- Maybe.

I knew it. They don't even
observe the Lord's day.

You stand up to them, now.

See you soon.

Thanks for the tour.

Drop in for a visit
whenever you want.

Okay.

Hi.

Is there a problem?

It's the battery again.

I just got it fixed.

Want me to take a look?

Could you?
I'm hopeless with cars.

Don't expect any miracles,
but I'm good with cars.

Not me.

- Poetry's my thing.
- Really?

You trying to get published?

Not yet.
I'm gonna wait a while.

Try starting the engine.

It works.

The battery must have
a short circuit.

- Thanks a lot.
- Have you got a rag?

I have a hankie.

Thanks.

Thanks again.

No problem.
If I were you, I'd see a mechanic.

What a nice surprise.

Haven't seen you much lately.
Got a beau?

- No. I've got exams.
- Already?

I've got to study.

That's true.

- You still like hunting?
- Sure.

- Where are Catherine and Gilles?
- They're taking a walk.

They're mushroom hunting.

- Why didn't you go?
- You know how it is.

Shall I clean the guns?

Sure. It won't do them any harm.

Is our precious Sophie
taking driving lessons?

She never brought it up again.

Gilles says
he often sees her in town.

Perhaps she prefers walking.

So, do I clean the guns?

I'll try to make it one Sunday.
No promises.

Then I'll clean the guns.

Sophie, you never stop.

Not even on Sundays.

I like ironing.

Go ahead. Don't mind me.

Yes, sir.

Do you mind giving me a lift?
My scooter's on the blink.

Of course I mind, but come on.

- Bye, Mom.
- See you tonight.

Come here, you.

I'm running late.

Bye.

I have a meeting this morning.
I'm afraid I won't be back.

I made you a shopping list.

I left it next to the phone
with the number.

Call them around 2:30.
They'll deliver it later in the day.

Don't forget.
There's nothing left to eat.

- Yes, ma'am.
- Thanks. I'll see you later.

What brings you here now?

Can you help me?

Our phone's down.

I have to order groceries.
Could you do it for me?

Give me that.

First I'll call the repair service.

Don't bother.
Mr. Lelièvre is going to call.

He should've taken the list, then.

He didn't know about the list.

I forgot to tell him.

It's beneath him anyway.

I'd like to place an order.

For the Lelièvre family.

Two packs of spaghetti,

two heads of lettuce,

four veal cutlets,

eight lamb chops,

four rump steaks,

four cans of sardines in oil,

and three cans with pimento --

Why sardines?
They make their own.

Must be better than theirs.

Got that? Sardines.

Okay.

Six bottles of water,

four packs of coffee.

Yes, " Carte Noire.''

Two packs of blue napkins.

Ten pounds of detergent.

Okay, I'll tell them.

Thanks a lot.

Okay.

Here. They didn't have...

the water, the coffee,

or the laundry detergent,
and the blue napkins are out of stock.

Big stores run out of things too.

Try next door.

Thanks. It was nice of you.

Bye.

Wait a minute.

You want to see this?

Sure. Why not?

I love Paul Newman.

- Can I come over?
- Yes. When's it on?

Look. On Sunday.

I'll take you by the church first.

They're collecting for winter.

Then afterwards...
I'll wait in the drive at noon.

I need " Carte Noire'' coffee,

six bottles of water,

laundry detergent
and blue paper napkins.

Do you have that?

You're really loaded down.
Poor Sophie. Get in.

Thank you, ma'am.

Some things were out of stock,
so I went to the other market.

That was nice of you.

I like walking anyway.

By the way,
it's Melinda's birthday on Sunday.

We'll be having some guests.
Can you be there?

Well, on Sunday...

- I'm volunteering at the church.
- Really?

It's good to help others.

The postal clerk and I
are going to sort clothes.

I understand.

Listen, do what you can.

I'll try to manage myself.

Quick, it's really windy.

- Did you see this?
-Just a second.

- They were out of blue napkins.
- I'll manage.

- Why are you home?
- I'm working.

Did you see this?
Just look at this package.

It's been opened
and clumsily resealed.

You think so?
What's in it?

Looks like a gift for Melinda.

She'll think I opened it.

Don't be foolish.

It's obvious the letters
have been resealed too.

I've had it with that girl.

If they're gonna hire misfits,
they should at least do their job.

- Misfits?
- Exactly.

Her daughter ended up
in the hospital...

and then she died.

- I didn't hear about it.
- It's true.

They couldn't prove
it was child abuse,

but she was arrested and charged.

How do you know?

It was in the papers.
Don't you remember?

You know I don't read the papers.

Maybe it wasn't her.

It was. I recognized
her picture right away.

She'll be hearing from me.

That's no proof.

Yes, or I would have complained.

How's it going, Sophie?

Can I help out?

No, thank you.

- Did you do all this?
- No.

Just the quiches and cheese tarts.

- How nice of you.
- It was nothing.

- Is it noon yet?
- No, it's 1 1 :30.

Don't worry. You're not late.

It's Jeremy.

It's Jeremy.

At least he's not late.

- Can I give you this?
- Yes.

- Happy birthday.
- What is it?

Why don't you open it?

- Is it party time?
- My brother Gilles,Jeremy.

- Great.
- You like it?

It was the best one for the price.

Can I borrow it?

- I'll steal it.
-Just you try.

- Come meet my parents.
- Concerto for Flute and Harp, K299.

You did your homework.

This is Jeremy.
Meet my parents.

- Look what I got.
- How wonderful.

Dad, he listens to Mozart.

- You like Mozart?
- Very much.

Melinda says
you're crazy about music.

Put them on the table.

Have a seat,Jeremy.

Make yourself comfortable.

You're our first guest.

We're waiting for a couple of friends
and some of my husband's cousins.

Dear, could you ask Sophie
for some ice?

Really, Catherine.
These little quiches are divine.

Our Sophie made them.

She's a bit odd, but a real pearl.

You're so lucky.

How does it feel being 20?

No big deal.
I love the gifts.

A philosopher once said...

" Let no one say that
20 is the best age in life.''

- It could be worse.
- Speaking of quotes,

I have one that's less famous,

but quite troubling.

" There are aspects
of good people I find loathsome,

least of all the evil within them.''

- My God! Who said that?
- Nietzsche.

Listen, I didn't prepare a huge feast.

It's more a light buffet.

What a good idea.

Thanks, dear.
Where's Sophie?

She's not there.

What do you mean?

It's all ready, but she's not there.

What's going on here?

Excuse me.

I can't believe it.

She took off.

Jeanne?

- You took your time.
- I couldn't come any sooner.

That's okay.

Look what I found.
Mushrooms. You like them?

We'll cook them at my place.
Then we'll stop by the church.

The bastards wouldn't let you go?

They have guests.
It's Melinda's birthday.

I had to prepare everything.

- Then I snuck out.
- Good for you.

I'd like to see their faces.

It's not just her birthday.
It's mine, too.

Really?
We'll celebrate with the mushrooms.

That's great.

Could you get the wine
from the fridge?

I hope I didn't use too much garlic.

It can't hurt.

The bread's fresh.
I got it this morning.

A little wine.

You like them?

Is it really your birthday?

I heard something about you.

Something good, I hope.

You killed your daughter.

- Who told you that?
- I just know.

- How do you know?
- I just do.

It's not true.
It was her own fault.

Anyway, they couldn't prove it.

Want to see pictures?

It wasn't you?

I said no! Even the judge said
there was no proof.

How could a mother kill her own child?
It's not possible.

Even if it wasn't normal.

I know something about you too.

Do you like chocolate ice cream?

It's in the freezer.
Take it out so it will soften up.

It's cold, but good.

Isn't that you in the picture?

Read it.

Okay, then I will.

" The fire was criminal,
but the criminal runs free.

The fire that ravaged
1 5 Providence Street

was proved to have been
criminal in nature.

Mr.Jacques Bonhomme
died in the fire,

but the arsonist
remains at large.

The victim was cared for
by his daughter,

who had stepped out
to go shopping.

She was quickly proven innocent.

Can the same be said
of the real estate developers

who put up a luxury building
on the site of the modest home?''

Isn't that you?
Isn't your name Sophie Bonhomme?

Leave that. We'll do it later.

Did you kill him?

They couldn't prove anything.

Enough of that.
Let's go help the poor.

We need a change.

Wait.

Hello, Mrs. Lantier.

Glad you're here.
We need you.

I brought a friend with me.

Sophie, Mrs. Lantier.

Nice to have your help.

We get a lot of donations,
mostly unusable.

Come this way. Here we are.

- To work.
- What do we do?

Do what I do. Keep the good stuff.
Toss the rest.

I can sew
the missing buttons on this.

Forget it. It's falling apart. Toss it.

Hurry up. You're late.
Father's waiting.

You're 1 5 minutes late, children.
Hurry up.

Look at this thing -- full of holes.
Some charity.

What's that?

It's the choir rehearsing.

How generous.

" Arithmetic -- Level One and Two.''

What nerve.
They really take us for a trash can.

- Don't you think?
- I don't know.

Did you notice that Mrs. Lantier
reeks of old tobacco?

And the priest smells like pee.

My father stank of pee too.

Evening, Sophie. The party's over.
I hope we haven't left you too much work.

Evening, miss.

- Happy birthday.
- Thanks.

- Sophie told me.
- Have a good evening.

This way.

There.

Quick, turn it on!

Did you put on Channel 2?
No, that's Channel 1 .

Damn commercials!

I had to come all this way
to buy stamps.

It's not my fault.

Miss, look at these letters.

They have been systematically
opened and resealed.

And it's not the first time.

My packages too.

I'm going to have to
file a complaint.

I don't know. They arrive like that.
It's not my fault.

Very well.

An investigation will clarify things.

I'll report that this never happened
with your predecessor.

In any case, you can't prove it.

Look at me.

I can see you just fine.

You went free once for lack of proof.

Don't think it'll be so easy
the second time.

Who do you think you are,
accusing me of opening your mail?

I know more about you
than you do about me.

You read newspaper gossip,
but I know who you and your family are.

Your wife's a whore,
and your first wife was no better!

No wonder she killed herself.

Excuse me.

Did you see that guy?

Did you let her have it?

The woman's crazy.

- Where are you going?
- Soccer.

Hi, Sophie.
Sorry to bother you.

I left a file on my desk
that I really need here.

I'm sending my driver to pick it up.
Could you give it to him?

It's on the left side.

The file says --

- What happened, Sophie?
- I couldn't find it.

It was right under your nose.
No one was here when he came.

- The line went dead.
- I called right back.

It didn't ring.

- I have to go to the kitchen.
- Wait.

When the driver got here,
no one was in.

I went shopping because
the phone wasn't working.

Is my husband home?

Here you are.

Your hired help
is getting on my nerves.

She's not a secretary, George.

She's simply a maid.

You don't have to be Einstein
to find a file on a desk.

She hangs up on me and takes off.
Unbelievable.

That's how she is.
There are certain things she can't do.

Ordering, phoning and
tidying books are beyond her.

Excuse me, but the house is perfect.

I excuse you.

But I'm getting fed up.

Don't you see that she's changed?

Sometimes she's really insolent.

And she seems to be here
less and less.

Listen, dear, I don't want
to start this all over again.

It's not a question of that.

But no one's irreplaceable.

That's true...

but it was so hard finding her.

I've got to get back to my meeting.

Poor darling.

I hope it won't be long.

Eat without me.

- We're watching a movie tonight.
- TV dinners?

- Without me?
- Without you.

A good movie, too.

Her omelet was good.

Yeah, great.

Why?

I mean Sophie's a good cook.

Yeah, she is.
That's nothing new.

- What's wrong?
- Nothing.

Do me a favor and get my cigarettes
from the bedroom.

Right now?

- Do you mind?
- Not at all.

- He's odd, isn't he?
- He won't say anything.

Thanks, darling.

You want one?

Make up your mind.

You can smoke in my presence.

Anything to keep you happy.

Something's bothering me.

I don't think George and Sophie
are getting along anymore.

Why do you say that?

He says she's getting complacent.

I hadn't noticed.

- She's upstairs with her friend.
- Her friend?

You know, the postal clerk.

What?

She's here?

George will be furious.

Don't tell him.

You think?

What choice have you got?

I can't.

I can't start hiding things from him.

Why can't things ever be easy?

Can I come and watch
a movie tomorrow?

Just don't let them see you.

I'm afraid I've got something
unpleasant to tell you.

My wife and I don't wish
to interfere with your personal life.

You can see who you want.

But we do not wish

to have your friend
in our house like last night.

- She didn't do anything.
- No discussion.

I won't have someone in my house

who tells lies about my family

and opens my mail.

I can't stop you from seeing her.

That's your business.

Look what you made me do.

You look upset.

It's the maid.

I don't know about you,
but I find her...

Revolting?

Exactly.

If your mother wasn't so anxious
about having the help,

I'd throw her out now.

When are you getting
your scooter back? I'm not a taxi.

- Missed me?
- It's not that.

What? Is the jerk on your back again?

You can't come over anymore.

I knew it.
See how they're using you?

And you keep kissing their feet.
You're a sucker.

Even Melinda calls him a fascist.

His wife picks up men all day long.

In her so-called " gallery.''
You call that a gallery?

And the son's nuts.
He's the one who said I was there.

You can't see whoever you want?
What bullshit!

I won't listen to them.

They're pathetic.

What do they know?
They've got it all.

Their biggest worry
is what color car to buy.

Or which cousin stole
half the inheritance.

I'd be happy with a tenth
of what they have.

I'd have the life I wanted,
instead of just the opposite.

They won't get away with it.

Drop me off here.

I'll drop you off at the door.
No one's here at this hour.

Why's the girl's car here?

Can't hang onto a boyfriend,
so she runs home to daddy.

It's that easy.

Do you know anything?
You must. You never say a word.

I'll drop you off here
so you don't get in more trouble.

Find out what you can.

Then tell me... for once.

See you later.

I stopped by to make a few calls.
It's cheaper.

I have to call England.
Jeremy's there.

They're not expecting you.

I'll call now.

Hi.

How are you?
Hanging in there?

I'm fine.
But I'd rather be with you.

How are you?

Listen, I've got a problem.

- Is it serious?
- Kind of.

I'm 1 0 days late.

- Has that ever happened before?
- Never. This is the first time.

I'm sure I'm pregnant.
I feel nauseous.

Don't panic.
First buy a pregnancy test.

If it's positive,
we'll have a few weeks to think.

If you want an abortion,

or if you want to keep it,
I'm with you.

How do you feel about it?

I don't know.
I need to think.

I'm notjumping forjoy.
It's too early.

But I swear I'll stand by you.

If my dad find's out, he'll go crazy.

You're overreacting.

You don't understand.

He's obsessed with sex education.

He's talked about birth control
since I was 1 2.

He thinks it could happen
to anyone but me.

Plus I'm on his health plan.

If I have an abortion,
he'll find out and disown me.

That's not true.

Anyway, what matters
is you and me, not your dad.

We'll talk it over together
and decide what to do.

- Then I'll talk to him. Okay?
- Okay.

- Will you call me tomorrow?
- Okay. I will.

I love you, Melinda.

We will have kids.

If not this time, we'll try again.
Don't worry.

I love you too. I'll call you.

You'll strain your eyes.

How about some tea?

Why not?

Catherine said Dad won't let
your friend come over.

That's right.

He ought to let you
see who you want.

Dad always thinks he knows what's best.
It's so fascist.

Jeanne and I help out at the church.

I know. You told me.

- Where are the tea cups?
- In the dish drainer.

If you had a baby,
what would you name it?

I don't know.

I don't like my name.
Sophie's a pretty name.

Did you know it means
"wisdom'' in Greek?

Is there any sugar?

Let's have some fun.

I saw a good quiz.

" Are you a bitch?''

They don't mince words.

" 1 . He says he's in love with a man.

A. You laugh.

B. You make him take an AI DS test.

C. You ask for a divorce.

D. You ask to meet his lover.

E. You all shack up.

F. You try to keep it a secret.''

I know. You ask the questions

to see if I'm a bitch.

- I've got work to do.
- It won't take long.

I don't have my glasses.

There they are.

Here.

Did I upset you?

I'm sorry.

Let's look at fashions.

I like that better.

Are you dyslexic?

I'm sorry.

I mean.

I didn't realize.

You can't read?

You should have told us.

There are lots of people like you.

I can teach you if you'd like.

The other day I saw a show
about it on TV,

about illiteracy.

There was a doctor.

She said she had ways
to help people like you,

and even older than you.

She wrote a book.
Dad could send you to see her in Paris.

If you say a word to anybody,

I'll tell your dad you're pregnant.

What?

If you talk, I'll tell.

I'm not the bitch. You are.

Mind your own business.

Hi, George.

Sophie, we're home.

Where's Melinda?

My little girl.
What a nice surprise.

What's wrong?

I'll leave you.

No, please stay.

I have to tell you something.

What terrible thing did you find out?

She's illiterate.

What?

It can't be true.

Of course.

We should have known.

I admit I never thought of it.

- How can that still exist?
- Well, it does.

Imagine being so ashamed.

Still, it's no excuse for blackmail.

I'm sorry, but she's fired.

Yes. We can't ignore this.

What a pair. One can't read at all,
and the other reads our mail.

Well, kids.

You know why I'm here.
Melinda told me everything.

I'm sorry,
but I won't tolerate blackmail.

I know life is hard.

And if you're illiterate,
you're certainly not completely to blame.

I feel sorry for you in a way.

But blackmail? No.

That I can't tolerate.

I'm turning this off.
Are you even interested?

I could throw you out tonight,
you know.

We have no contract.

I don't want to be too hard.

You can keep your room for a week.

Let's see. Today's Thursday.

I want you out in a week.

Understood?

You'll get your work records
with your payment.

But I don't want any calls
asking for references.

That's in your best interest.

Of course, if you find something sooner,
don't hesitate to go.

The sooner you leave, the better.

Naturally, you're relieved
of your duties.

Good night.

- They're so slow.
- What is it?

Hello, ma'am.
We're collecting for the church.

We're here to help you
remember your fellow man.

If you have any old clothes
or cans of food you'd care to donate...

The priest usually comes by.

Well, this time it's us.

- The priest is in choir practice.
- Come in.

- Who is it?
- The girls from the church.

- We put some things aside.
- Should I get them?

No, I'll handle it.

I put this aside.

You always come around
the same time of year.

Looks like a pile of trash.

What?

We're not the city dump, you know.

- What are you doing?
- Sorting.

Come and help.

This one -- out it goes.

Just look at this.

This stinks.

We can keep this.
It's not too bad.

Honestly.

This has expired.
Are you trying to poison the poor?

- What is it?
- Come and see.

The rest is trash.
Thanks. See you next year.

I'll call the church.
You'll see!

Next time, keep your junk!

Heathens!

That's it for today.
Deliver this stuff and we're done.

We had a laugh, huh?

Did you finally get Sundays off?

They fired me.

Fired you?

The bastards!

I knew it.

- Was it Melinda?
- Yeah.

Damn car!

The battery short-circuits.

Tell me everything.

First we'll drop this off.

This stinks!

Okay.

Ah, there you are.

We collected this.
It's all good. We made sure.

Put it in the corner.

The priest wants to see you.

Father, it's Jeanne and Sophie.

Coming.

Here you are.

I have something
very serious to say.

I suppose you do what you can,
as well as you can.

But we can no longer accept
the way you behave.

We're very tolerant.

We can't expect too much
from volunteers.

But our reputation is at risk,

and your behavior is unacceptable.

We've had complaints.

And I must say I can hardly believe

what I've heard.

I don't know what got into you,
but you've gone too far.

In a word,

we no longer want you
working with us.

You don't want our help?

Maybe you should get some help.

A very good idea.

Bye.

He scurries and scurries

The ferret in the woods

He screws, he screws

Our father, the priest

With Mrs. Lantier

You think so?

Well, well.

- Don't you think?
- Tell me how they fired you.

- There's nothing to say.
- You never spill the beans, do you?

Come on.
Let's eat at my place.

Yes, I'm hungry.

I'm not even sure I've got any food.

I love your coffee maker.

Why stay with the bastards?

You'll have no trouble finding work.

In the meantime, you can stay here.

- Think so?
- Yeah.

It'll be a laugh.

We'll go get your stuff later.

Okay?

- Melinda's pregnant.
- Really?

- Were they upset?
- I don't know.

How did you find out?

It's no problem for them, anyway.

Keep it or get rid of it,
no problem.

Too bad there's no food.

Great meal.

Please, dear.
It's just ham and salad.

Wasn't the salad perfect?

Don't push it.
Melinda made it.

I'm not pushing it.
It was perfect.

The concert starts in 1 0 minutes.

Hurry up.

Come on. Move it.

Let's move the TV
into the library for the stereo.

How do we move this thing?

It rolls and there's an extension.

You decided to join us after all?

I like opera.

Can I tape this?

Sure. I'll set it up.

What impressive handiwork.

You bully!

It's connected.

I hopeJeremy doesn't call
during the second act.

He called twice. The blessed event
isn't for tomorrow.

I found the Italian-French
bilingual score for the opera.

It's in the CD.

It's not the same.

Mozart, here we come.

- Is it recording?
- Yes.

When I was pregnant and all alone,

nobody was there to dry my tears

or to tell me what to do,
where to go for an abortion.

But I wanted it. I wasn't afraid
to raise it on my own.

The cops who accused me
of letting her die on purpose

should've known I could've
gotten rid of her from the start.

She never cried.
She stayed in her corner.

Even if she ran out of food,
she didn't complain.

She was almost four.
Just 1 2 days short of it.

I came in carrying some bags.

I felt something against my leg.

I didn't know it was her.
I got scared.

It was a reflex.
I kicked to get it off me.

It was winter.
The wood stove was on.

There were two rooms.
I took the bags into the kitchen.

I was putting things away.
I can't remember too well.

When I came back into the room,
I saw her up against the stove.

She wasn't moving.
Her cheek was all blistered.

I panicked.
I don't know what I did.

Then I went to the neighbor's.

I'd hoped the bitch would help me,

but all she said was,
"What have you done?''

She's the one
who called the police.

I sat in the corner,
unable to do a thing.

I explained everything to the police,
but they wouldn't believe me.

They took me to prison.

I could never figure out
what the judge was thinking.

Maybe nothing at all.

Then came the verdict.

I think the judge believed me.
He wasn't hard on me.

He said there was no proof
that I was lying.

He said it was a terrible accident.

So they let me go.

The post office gave me my job back.

They transferred me here from Rennes

to avoid gossip and things like that.

What about your old man?

Stop here.

Why? We're getting your stuff.

I'm asking you.

Are you still afraid of them?

Come on. Hurry up.

- Want some hot chocolate?
- Yeah, okay.

Hands up!

They must like hunting.

They sure do.

- Let's go upstairs.
- No, let me.

They've been screwing!

Hold this.

Take that, bitch!

They'll know it's us.

You too.
So she won't be jealous.

How about some chocolate?

Hang on. We have to pour it.

- Anyone for coffee?
- I'm taping it.

Wait till the intermission.

Come on, clothes.
Come on!

Come on, beauty.

Come on, dress.

Trash.

No more phone.

- What do we do now?
- I don't know.

Let's scare them.

How does this work?

No, not like that.

I saw him do it.

- You have hidden talents.
- I know where the bullets are.

- You're gonna break it!
- You're supposed to.

You stick those inside?

How do you like it?

It's very consistent.
No one's stealing the show.

Did you hear any noises earlier?

Sophie must be sneaking back in.

She's creeping back in.

I thought I heard glass breaking.

No. It was the opera, the stereo.

Are you dozing?

No,just thinking.
Digesting what I heard.

What was that?

I think that postal clerk is here.

You think? I'll go see.

- Let them say their good-byes.
- I'll be back in a minute.

Don't go. You'll miss
the start of the second act.

What the hell is going on?

Put those down right now
or I'll call the police.

I told you to keep out.

His goose is cooked.

What was that, a gunshot?

It's the postal clerk's old wreck.

This is my favorite part.

What's George up to?

He just shot those two loonies.

Go and see, Gilles.
I'm worried.

Quiet. He's just throwing them out.

Come on. Let's go.

Go and see, Gilles.

Please.

- Where's my husband?
- He's dead.

Good.

Well done.

I have to go.

You know what to do?

I'll clean up.

Afterwards,
you'll need to call the police.

Say you found it like this.

They won't be able to prove anything.

I'll take this.

I like it.

That's Melinda's.
Jeremy gave it to her for her birthday.

Exactly. She won't be needing it.

Bye now.

Shit!

The car was in the middle
of the road with no lights on.

Right there at the curve.

By the time we saw it,
it was too late to avoid it.

The poor thing.

I understand, Father.
It was clearly not your fault.

It was just fate.

The poor child.

What's this?

A radio.

You think now's the time
for that, Crenn?

Go and see, Gilles.

Please.

- Where's my husband?
- He's dead.

Gilles.!

Good.

Well done.