Original subtitles

(chanting in Latin)

Man: Lewd women...

let the voluptuous heroine of this story be your model.

After her example,

be heedless of all that contradicts

pleasure's divine laws,

by which all her life

she was enchained.

As for all you young maidens,

thus achieve the ultimate in pleasure...

observe this ceremony of sadism which illustrates that truth.

Let us turn again to the words of de Sade himself:

"Voluptuaries of all ages, of either sex,

it is to you only I offer this work.

Nourish yourselves therefore upon its principles.

They favor your passions,

and these passions are naught by the means nature employs

to bring man to the end she prescribes for him.

Hearken only to these delicious promptings,

for no voice, save that of the passions,

can bring you to complete happiness.

And so...

a smattering of roses along the thorny paths of life."

(chanting continues)

( cries out )

(chanting continues)

( jackhammers rattling in distance )

( phone rings)

Hello?

Eugenie!

No, of course not.

I'm just taking my bath.

Oh, don't worry. I’ll prepare everything.

I promise you.

Oh, no. I'm sure he'll agree to that.

Yes. Yes, this weekend.

I understand.

Right.

Au revoir.

Woman: Eugenie! Haven't you finished yet?

- Who were you talking to? - Nobody.

Oh don't be silly. It must've been somebody.

I heard you talking.

- It was just a friend. - A boy?

- No. - Then who?

Can't you leave me alone?

Questions, questions all the time.

I can't meet anybody, go anywhere, do anything,

without you wanting to know everything!

I'm old enough to do what I want to, when I please!

( Exclaims ) Eugenie, come back!

- What's the matter? - It's Eugenie.

She's so easily upset, I can't understand her.

She probably feels the same about you.

- Where are you going? - A business appointment.

But the office is closed.

I'm not going to the office.

( Door shuts)

What can I do for you?

This the right road for Madeira?

Straight ahead. ls about three miles, I think.

Thank you.

Do you think there's going to be any rain?

Not here.

I telephoned yesterday to Madame Rene.

I'm expected.

Come on in.

Sorry, but we have to watch it.

Now I recognize you.

Madame Rene told me to expect you and the lady.

Follow me.

- She's in the Oriental suite. - All right.

Good morning.

If you want anything, ring the bell.

All right, all right.

Woman: Do you come here often?

I used to, years ago.

I've never been to a place like this before.

I'd prefer to go to a quiet place.

We've both too many friends.

You needn't look so nervous.

We're alone.

I find it hard to realize.

I've watched you for so long from a distance,

never daring to believe that...

That I was available? ( chuckles )

Didn't you know that every woman has her price?

You?

Are you shocked?

But you're rich.

I said nothing about money.

I don't understand.

You have other possessions.

What do you mean?

Eugenie.

What about her?

Oh, nothing.

We met some time ago at a party.

We've become quite friendly.

I want to invite her to spend a weekend on my island.

Her mother would never allow it.

Need she know?

Or is the price too high?

But why?

What do you want with her?

Perhaps you should ask,

“What do we want with each other?”

I spoke to her this morning,

and she pleaded with me to convince you.

(moaning)

Have I succeeded?

Is anything the matter?

But she's...

She's so young,

so innocent.

I know. That's what makes her so attractive.

You won't shock her?

No, I promise I won't.

L-- I would never forgive myself

if she came to any harm.

- We made a bargain. - Yes.

And I’ll keep it.

- You won't hurt her? - Of course I won't.

Is that the island?

Yeah, that's it.

Oh! It's beautiful!

Where are the servants?

Woman: There's only Therese.

I don't think I know her.

Is she one of your new discoveries?

Yes.

I met her in Arta Faugasta last summer.

Are you sure she can be trusted?

Oh, she's been deaf and dumb since birth.

She only knows how to serve me.

She'll be useful in many ways.

You didn't answer my question.

( Bell jangles)

Was that entirely wise?

Do you love me for my wisdom?

( Boat horn sounds)

And the rest of the servants?

Augustin took them to the mainland this morning.

He's bringing Eugenie back with him.

Eugenie. Wonderful.

How did you manage it?

Willpower.

You wanted it, so I willed it.

Isn't that how it's always been with us?

My dear...

What about the others?

They'll be here.

Later.

How well you've planned it.

I had you to inspire me.

- Eugenie! - Marianne!

Eugenie, how nice it is to see you!

Good morning.

Of course. You haven't met.

My elder brother, Mirvel.

If Eugenie hasn't met me,

I can at least claim to have met her.

I'm afraid I don't remember.

At the d'Masquinos' party.

And again two weeks ago, the French embassy.

I was that man who couldn't take his eyes off you.

Oh.

Augustin, put the suitcases in my room.

Oh.

Don't be embarrassed, my dear.

I didn't know you had a brother.

A stepbrother.

Seriously, he's been admiring you from afar

all summer.

He insisted that I invite him.

I told her that otherwise I'd kill myself.

- So taking pity on his youth... - And innocence...

- I told him he could come. - ( woman laughing )

Marianne?

Marianne?

What are you reading?

Uh, nothing in particular.

Ah, the Marquis de Sade.

Fascinating.

It seems my sister is quite a collector.

Have you read it?

No. If I'd been found with it in the convent,

I'd have been expelled.

No modern home is complete

without the works of the Marquis.

I don't think my mother would agree with that.

So much truth.

And so misunderstood.

For the young and inexperienced,

there's no better passport to life.

" 'Tis but folly in our parents when they foretell

the disasters of a libertine career.

There are thorns everywhere.

But along the path of vice, roses bloom above them.

Profit, then, from the fairest period of your life.

These golden years of pleasure are only too few and too brief.

For we are so fortunate as to have enjoyed them.

Delicious memories console and amuse us

in our old age.

'Tis us, my dear.

You will remain in human memory."

Marianne: Well said, brother.

I don't normally give my best performances in public.

Oh, that's not what I'd heard.

Oh, but Eugenie,

what are you doing reading a book?

In lovely weather like this, we should all be outside.

How about a swim before we eat?

I’ve got a better idea.

Eugenie: Yes?

Oh!

Get out.

Who is she?

Why have I never seen her before?

- She never leaves the island. - Poor girl.

She's happy enough.

As she can't speak or hear, other people disturb her.

She prefers solitude.

Oh, I'd better unpack.

Oh, why bother?

I have enough clothes for the both of us.

- Oh! - ( chuckles )

- How wonderful! - Just look.

And they're all yours?

You can take whatever you like.

Half of them I’ll never wear again.

-( Both chuckling ) - Oh, what a lovely dress.

Can I have this one?

You can have whatever you like.

Oh... Come, let's have a bath now, hmm?

Okay. ( chuckles )

You know, you're so good to me, I can hardly believe I'm here.

My mother thinks I'm spending the weekend

with some school friends.

My father was supposed to drive me to the station.

Instead, he brought me to the harbor,

where the boat was waiting, just as you promised.

Come, let me help you.

Don't be shy.

You've nothing to be ashamed of.

(laughing)

You know, one day a man will do what I'm doing.

His hands will replace mine.

(both laughing)

Come on.

Let's get some sun.

Lie down. Let me put some of this on you.

- Oh, I can do it myself. - Not so well.

And afterwards, you can take care of me.

- Are you glad to be here? - Do you need to ask?

Do you remember what I promised you?

Yes.

You promised me information and advice.

Good. There's so much for you to learn.

Are you sure you're ready to begin?

Yes.

If you're the teacher, of course I am.

All right.

Well...

let's start.

(birds calling)

- I give you a toast. - A toast.

To Eugenie, the most adorable

of all nature's adorable creatures.

Eugenie, you're not drinking.

- To myself? - Marianne: And why not?

A degree of selfishness is a very important part

of the armory of a woman of experience.

- Okay, I’ll obey my teacher. - Good girl.

Mirvel: Bravo.

Mm! I'm not used to that much wine, you know.

A good wine helps to strengthen one's resolution.

But good resolutions, I hope. ( chuckles )

Wine has got nothing to do with virtue.

But a great deal to do with pleasure.

Sister, you've wined and dined us to perfection.

But I still feel...

something's missing -- music.

Romantic, for preference.

I’ve got the very thing,

prepared and waiting.

Augustin!

(all chuckling)

Mirvel: Were you watching us, perhaps?

Oh, no, sir!

I don't believe you, but never mind.

If you play as well as you lie, we'll all be quite content.

Oh, ignore my brother.

He's drunk too much, as have we all.

So play for us,

and lull us into gentle oblivion.

♪ Voice ♪

♪ In the night ♪

♪ In the hollow heart ♪

♪ Of darkness ♪

♪ A voice I hear ♪

♪ Lamenting ♪

♪ Through love ♪

♪ ls dead ♪

♪ Voice ♪

♪ In the night ♪

♪ Like the echo ♪

♪ Of my sadness ♪

♪ When all the world ♪

♪ ls silent ♪

♪ Through love ♪

♪ ls dead ♪

♪ Deep inside ♪

♪ The heart of a man ♪

♪ Love is a promise ♪

♪ Made ♪

♪ Through ♪

♪ Forgotten a'

♪ So gently ♪

♪ Spoken ♪

♪ So cruelly ♪

♪ Broken ♪

The wine was drugged.

What of it?

You brought her here as a plaything.

Yes, indeed,

- as I also brought you. - Why, you...

Please, no temper.

I'm not complaining.

You've performed your duties with admirable efficiency

and perfect tact.

Ah, shut up.

- What did you say? - I wanted to say, “Forgive me.”

(strumming guitar)

I would remind you, Augustin, that when I saw you first,

you were grateful to have enough to eat.

You had nothing but the ragged clothes you wore.

No future and no hope. But now...

I'm your gardener and boatman.

Precisely.

A man of position and responsibility.

Come here.

Show me that you haven't forgotten.

Tomorrow they'll arrive.

- I heard the bell. - Marianne: Good.

Then we'll wait for the boat.

It should arrive with the tide.

They'll demand a new sacrifice.

I don't know what to do. It's horrible.

- I love her. - Mirvel,

do you remember the vows that you took

when you entered the order

and signed with your own blood?

I remember them, sister.

I know my duties.

Believe me, she won't escape.

She will be mine before the sacrifice starts.

I must have her.

(exclaims)

(bell ringing)

(bell ringing continues)

(boat motor chugging)

(birds warbling)

( moans softly )

I fell asleep,

and I had such a strange dream.

Or was it a dream?

Oh, you drank too much at lunch.

We thought we'd let you sleep it off.

Where is everybody?

Resting, like yourself.

It was terrible.

So cruel.

But wonderful too.

Was it only a dream?

How can I tell? It was your dream.

Yes, it was.

The dream I’ve had so many times before.

But this time it was real.

In this bed, and with...

- Mirvel: Eugenie? Sister? - ( gasps )

Where are you? Where are you hiding?

Don't let him come in.

Uh, go away. We're changing for supper.

-( Both laughing ) - Shh.

Mirvel: Well, don't be long.

(bell ringing)

(birds warbling)

(people laughing)

- Oh! - No.

-( laughing ) - Where's Augustin?

Oh, I sent him down to the boathouse.

He's probably singing to himself.

And how beautifully he sings.

Oh, occasionally I prefer the record player.

Click, click. ( laughs )

Less troublesome...

and much more obedient.

I should've thought that hardly possible.

( Music plays on stereo )

Oh!

Your knowledge of my requirements,

dear brother, is extensive but not necessarily complete.

My dear ladies, do you mind if I smoke?

Oh, please do.

I don't think smoking is a vice.

My father does it all the time.

One's parents' habits are a dangerous guide

to the difference between vice and virtue.

- Both: Oh! - ls that another quotation

from the works of the Marquis de Sade?

No, I made it up myself.

- At least, I think I did. - ( chuckling )

( bird squawking )

What's that?

It's just a night bird, I expect

Mmm.

It's getting cold.

Oh!

Can't you think of something amusing for us to do?

Mirvel: Let's play games.

Lovely. What shall we play?

You're the hostess.

Well, I suggest...

charades.

But we're only three people.

It's possible. Let's go into the other room.

Oh, no, no. We'd better stay here.

( Boat motor chugs)

Remember, Eugenie, you have nothing to fear.

Why should I be afraid?

Oh.

Well, remember the dream

you had this afternoon?

Maybe you'll dream

again tonight.

- I hope not. - Ah!

Or do I?

It's very difficult.

What do you think about dreams?

Dreams are only an extension of our own desires.

- Or fears. - Oh.

- Smoke? - Should I?

Oh, now, really, dear. Don't be ridiculous.

Of course you should.

(coughing)

(laughing)

This cigarette tastes funny.

They're Turkish.

Oriental.

They're sweet, but rather nice.

You haven't told us what or how we play it.

In a moment.

Imagine yourself...

free of all restraint,

floating on a cloud,

( sighs ) observing below you

the foolish, earthbound men and women.

Dolmance: We are your friends, Eugenie.

Disciples, like your host,

of the divine Marquis.

He whose lessons we have learned so well,

and to whom in homage we wear

the very costumes of his time.

We are coming to celebrate your initiation, Eugenie,

into the practices to which the Marquis gave his name.

We shall be watching you, Eugenie.

Observing...

and admiring your aptitude to learn.

( Eugenie screaming )

(sobbing, screaming)

Dolmance: Cruelty, far from being a vice,

is the first sentiment nature injects in us all.

Cruelty is natural.

Cruelty is simply the energy in man

which civilization has not yet altogether corrupted.

Female cruelty is, if anything, more active than the male.

Announce a cruel spectacle, a burning, a battle,

you will see droves of women come running.

But these occasions are not numerous enough

to feed their fury.

They contain themselves, and they suffer,

as you Eugenie, must suffer too.

(ominous music plays)

(gasping, whimpering )

- (mutters ) -( Eugenie crying out )

( Eugenie screams)

Good morning, Eugenie.

( Startled gasps )

- Good morning, Augustin. - Good morning, madam.

Will this wind drop so we can go out on the boat?

- Perhaps. - I hope so.

-(gasps) - What's the matter, Eugenie?

Have you had another dream?

Oh, no! This time it wasn't a dream!

They beat me and--

- They beat you? - ( sobbing )

Then where are the marks?

L-- I don't understand.

Tsk, tsk, tsk, tsk.

There. Come along.

But what about the man in the red coat

and all his terrible friends?

Eugenie, I think you must have had another dream.

And all those people you speak of...

are as unreal as the marks

you thought were on your body.

You see?

- Then what happened? - Nothing.

You fell asleep, and we carried you to bed.

It was then, I fear, that your nightmare began.

( Sobs ) Thank heavens it really was a nightmare.

I feel so happy now.

Then this is no time for tears. The whole day lies ahead of us,

so let's enjoy ourselves together.

(singing in Spanish)

( laughing, chattering )

- Wait! - I’ll race you up to the house!

- Okay! - I’ll give you a start, huh?

- One, two, three! - See ya!

(laughing)

(ominous music plays)

That music again.

What about it?

I heard it in my dreams yesterday.

Come along.

( Music continues)

(mumbling, gasping)

Dolmance: Dream on, Eugenie.

Dream of all that has happened to you.

Taste again the pain and the pleasure,

for soon it will be time for you to wake.

( Gasps )

(whimpering)

(chains clinking)

Marianne?

Marianne?

Is anybody there?

( Gasps )

( screams )

- You! - Eugenie.

You... You murdered her!

Shall we say she fulfilled her purpose?

Dear Therese.

She delighted in her own suffering.

So when the time came for her to die,

she was quite content.

I don't understand!

Don't you?

Poor Eugenie.

And after I planned it especially for you.

- For me? - Of course, my dear.

( Gasping )

I told you the truth when first we met.

I've been watching you for weeks.

Hoping...

Hoping that some day

we would share the same stimulating experience.

You've never been out of my sight

since you've been here.

(exclaims)

Yes.

But... might your sister...

Madame Saint Ange is not only my stepsister,

but for the past two years has been my mistress as well.

I don't believe you.

Then ask her yourself. But not yet.

Relax, Eugenie.

Eugenie: No!

( Gasping )

Eugenie: Let go of me!

( Mirvel gasps)

(choking gasp)

( Eugenie sobs)

Marianne!

Marianne!

Did you love him?

Once.

But now I'm glad that he's dead.

And I'm glad that you killed him.

But why me?

Because since he first saw you,

it was you he wanted and not me.

But why did you ask me here?

Because of him.

And my own plans.

Please, please, I must go home!

I must go home tonight.

Poor Eugenie.

I'm afraid that will not be possible.

Why not? Why not?

I have invited company...

especially for you.

Dolmance: Eugenie.

We meet again.

Everything that has gone before

has been a preparation for this moment.

Last night,

we played a-- a charade.

The whips that beat you were made of wool.

The blood was water, specially stained.

The pain that you suffered was in your mind,

together with the pleasure.

But now, reality awaits you at last.

She hates you,

but most of all, she hates the man

who dared to love you, whom you killed.

Please let me go.

This is the way she planned it, step by step.

Yes.

( Cries out )

(screaming )

Save for one thing--

All this, which you so carefully prepared for her,

is waiting now for you.

No! No!

Dolmance, you can't!

No! ( gasping )

She planned all this for you, Eugenie.

Why do you pity her?

( Cries out )

(screaming, groaning)

(screaming )

The play is over,

for the author is dead.

Or should we say “the adaptor,”

for the author himself died 150 years ago.

I approved her plans, and then unknown to her,

I provided a final act

that was more to the author's taste and mine.

First, her lover lying dead,

and then her own end,

and finally your own education,

corruption and destruction.

You will remain here

with the body of the man who loved you

and the body of the woman who hated you.

In the morning,

your mother will learn where to find you.

She will come here with the police.

The law is hard.

And for a murderess,

however young, however rich,

there is no mercy.

The last word is from the author:

“I never dine so heartily,

I never sleep so soundly,

as when during the day,

I have sufficiently befouled myself

with what some fools call crime.”

Augustin.

( Gasping )

(sobbing )

( gasps )

(gasping continues)

(sobbing )

(wailing)

( gasps )

( gasps )

(alarm sounding)

(sobbing )

(phone ringing)

( ringing grows louder)

(ringing continues)

Hello?

Eugenie!

No, of course not. I was just taking my bath.

Don't worry. I’ll prepare everything.

I promise you.

Oh, no. I'm sure he'll agree to that.

Yes. Yes, this weekend. Au revoir.

II