All language subtitles for Les.Enfants.Du.Marais.1999.en

What I'm doing is no good.

I wanted to keep some for you, but
then I thought you did not want any.

Had I known you wanted
some, you know me.

I know I didn't collect much, but
there's no lily of the valley around here.

Or maybe just
some scrawny ones.

Garris, wait!

- You're a real bastard.
- I didn't want, I swear!

You could at least have kept
the bottle, it was returnable.

- I'll go back to get it.
- No, it's almost 12.

Don't walk so fast.

You need a lift?

Thanks, we won't say no.

For sure, we won't say no.

How old are you, son?

35.

My son would be your age,
had he not died at Verdun.

Were you in the war too?

What's the matter?

- My friend does not like that.
- Like what?

Like to speak of
that bloody war.

What are you going to
do with all these lilies?

Sell it. Tomorrow is May 1st.

People complain life is
expensive, and they buy flowers.

For all you know,

your lilies will make you
more money than my potatoes.

Lilies bring luck,
potatoes don't.

Thanks, you can drop us here.

- Thanks for your trouble
- See you.

Your Pamela is gone,
stop thinking about her.

Come on

Don't torture yourself;
what's the use.

We must be in a
good mood tonight.

We're not going to
sing "De Profundis"!

You're right.

We'll sing 'May' and make 100
francs more than last year.

Let's go

Shit! Shit! Shit!

I told you a 100
times to stop this.

But there's a wasp hive!

I don't care! Beat it!

Cri-Cri, don't dirty your dress. I've
already washed it twice this week.

I've always wondered why my first
memories are of that particular spring.

Must be the same for everyone.

You have memories
of before, of course.

How are you, little girl?

but you're too young, they are
only fragments, scattered images.

Then, when you are 4 or 5,

suddenly, it's like
you really exist.

Everything stays
with you forever.

Many years later,

you can tell it like a story.

I was about to turn 5.

Very few lilies, huh

Garris!

Your friend with the big bicycle came
and left a roast chicken on the table.

- Can we have some?
- Shut up.

He also said that if you are ok
with it, he'll go sing with you.

My goodness!

If Am�d�e comes along, they won't throw
coins, they'll throw buckets of water instead!

Bloody Am�d�e.

Such a nice guy.

- So can we have some chicken?
- Yes, yes, you'll get your chicken.

Go!

In life, to have what
you want, you must work.

Never forget that.

Either that, or
steal from people.

And me, Henry Pignolle, I don't
want my children to become thieves.

Understood?

Well said, right?

Not bad. Read it in your book
or came up with it on your own?

On my own.

In my book it says: "Never
force your children to work,

otherwise they
may get used to it"

Our father ever
read only one book

an old almanach from 1921 he
used to go through constantly,

He knew it by heart.

Let's go kids, your
mother will worry.

Jojo!

Take this.

Give her this one, tell
her it's from your father

- And from you too?
- If you want.

At times I ask myself why
I've stayed here 12 years.

Listening to the devil that
prevents me from leaving.

- I don't understand.
- Is that so?

What about me? What about the
kids? What would become of us?

You're not gonna leave
us, right, Garris?

You're not gonna leave us.

You're not feeling well?

No not too good.

Don't stay out in
the cold, come inside.

I cast some lines

in the pond. They
need to be reeled in.

I'll go. Where are they?

The dog will guide you.

Go, doggie.

Good, you have something?

Nice eel.

Put it in the back.

You can sell it if you want.

You'll get good money for it.

No, we'll eat it tomorrow.

You need to
regain our strength

I don't know how to gut it

I'll show you how, if
you stay for a while.

2 or 3 days. I'll leave
once you feel better.

But I am not sick! I have never
once been sick my entire life!

I'm 92, that's all.

That's my sickness.

Thanks for staying.

It's my pleasure.

Listen, if you're hungry,

there's bread and
cheese in the cabbard.

- Take whatever you want.
- I don't mind

The eel.

there's too much
for two of us.

Tomorrow you'll go
and give half to Riton

Who is Riton?

A guy who lives a bit
further, in the other hut.

His wife is never
in a hurry to cook

Always combing her hair,

pampering herself,

a vain one.

Poor Riton!

He's happy like that.

Every morning, as long as
he can look at his Pamela,

all is well.

Where do you come from?

I got my army
release in February.

You've been
walking ever since?

To go where?

I don't know. Here and there.

It's a beautiful country.

But one day, you
have to settle down.

Here.

you'd be good, you'd be free.

No need to sleep in
other people's houses

I'll leave you my
hut, and my boat.

The swamp.

can still feed a
man for a long time.

I always had all I needed here

Never been the
servant of anyone

She left me!

Pam�la

She left.

Where's the old man?

He left too.

Come on, it's getting late.
Let's not make Am�d�e wait.

I'm coming!

Let's get moving.

Your sister gives
me the creeps.

Come, Come. You know.

Ad�le is not mean, just
a bit mad that's all.

Her fianc� Bruno went off to
war in 1916, never came back.

Since then everytime someone walks in
front of the house, she thinks he's back.

One sec, one of my
feet is killing me.

Shit!

Feeling better?

Yes, feels good.

Tell me, Am�d�e, may
I ask you a question?

Nothing's indiscreet
between us.

Your father and you, how long since
you stopped talking to each other?

5 or 6 years.

But since he hardly spoke before,
except to criticise me, not a big loss.

That's not what I'm after. Why is it
you don't talk to each other anymore?

A stupid quarrel.

I'll tell you one day.

Where are you planning
to sing 'the May song'

to the people this year?

Around here.

You mean in my neighborhood?

In that case, I
really cannot join you.

- I'm sorry.
- No problem.

Let's go, Riton.

You know, we come here
because people are rich.

We did not think it would
cause you a problem of pride.

of dignity.

The rich are not
the ones giving most.

The rich give to get rid of us

They prefer if we yell elsewhere,
get on other people's nerves.

Let's go.

Listen, Am�d�e.

I'm telling you it's no
bother, we know you're a friend.

By the way, we didn't even
thank you for the chicken.

Ah, yes, that chicken
was really delicious.

It's nothing.

Listen,

may I offer some advice?

If you pass by the bank manager's
house, avoid it, he's a real mean one.

You'll recognise it
easily, a big white house.

He hates noise.

He's got a 2-meter-tall
black butler

A mean Senegalese
nicknamed Banania.

A negro? I don't like that.

Let's go. At night
all men are black.

Daddy is doing the horse.

Daddy does the dog.

Here comes the
beautiful month of May,

when gallant men
plant the May seeds,

I will plant one
just for my love,

It will be prettier than.

Shut up, Shut up!

And now, beat it!

1 Franc! Deserves
a second song.

No, no, for Christ sake.
I'm paying you to shut up.

Give him his money back.

No, keep it.
Please understand,

my baby just went
to sleep; I'm alone.

My wife went to her
grandfather's funeral.

Ah, that's why. We apologize.

Thanks. We hope the
little one will sleep well.

Yes, me too.

Good bye. Good night.

Good. I close the gate.

Let's go

- One, Two,
- Just one sec.

I'd like to let you know that
you don't emphasize 'May' enough.

- What do you mean?
- We sing May, so you must stress 'May'.

Here comes the beautiful
month of May. May.

Agreed?

Anybody there?

Apologies madam.
We came to sing May.

That's very good. That's
a fading tradition.

Please sing ahead.
It brings luck.

Here comes the
beautiful month of May.

It's true it's May
already. How time flies!

Keep quiet and listen.

They're dragging too much on 'May'
In my day we did not sing it that way.

Keep quiet and listen.

Do you have anything?
We got no small change.

Never mind, you'll
give next year.

If we're still around.

You can pay us in kindl.

What a great ideia.

3 eggs and a bottle
of good wine. Good.

This is bad manners. What will
they think of us? Dtop drinking.

I'm clearing my voice.

Yeah, right. Drunkard.

Look, an open gate
- this is strange.

Looks like no one is in

- Let's take a look.
- Stop it.

- Don't be an idiot
- Comne on.

It's open.

What is this all about?

You must have left a light on.

Impossible, I never forget.

They would deduct from my
salary, they've done it before.

Maybe your bosses are back.

No, not until Tuesday.

I must go. It's almost 12.

Maybe there are thieves?

Have you seen thieves
in those parts?

Listen, Marie.

I ran off to come see you.

If I'm not back before
12, I'll be found out.

Say good-bye, please!

Goo-bye, please.

Stop!

Stay away from me!

Don't be afraid,
Miss. Let me explain.

We were about to leave.

Right, Garris?

Your manners. Hat off
in front of a lady.

Sorry.

We were passing by, we
saw the gate wide open;

it seemed strange so we
came in to investigate,

You understand?

My friend and I are singing the
May in the neighborhood tonight,

to bring people luck.

That's as simple as that.

I remind you that you must take
your hat off in front of a lady.

I am not a lady,
I am the maid.

My bosses are in
Nice til Tuesday.

They don't tell me
what they're up to.

They're not very kind to you.

Neither kind or
unkind. They are bosses.

You guys really
gave me a good scare.

Especially you.

I'm sorry. Won't happen again.

Could I have a bit of wine
to recover from my emotions?

�Riton!

- You are pushing your luck.
- But of course you can!

The wine is mine. I get one bottle
a week but I don't drink much.

See? Why must you always
shame me in front of people!

Glasses are on top.

Take three. Some wine
will do me good tool.

Sit down.

- Do you live in town?
- No, the swamp.

If you were to pass through, it
would be nice to come visit us.

It's possible, why not?

Seriously, it
would make us happy.

Have you been here for long?

2 years. It's my first job.

I won't do this
forever, though.

Study, for instance.

Por ejemplo, asistir
a unas clases.

Become a hairdresser.

Work in a big
salon, in a big town.

With lots of people
and buses. Because here.

I'd cut women's hair
like Jean Harlow's

- Do you know about Jean Harlow?
- No.

I went to see her
in a movie tonight.

You cannot imagine.
Magnificient.

Really magnificient.

She's my favourite actress.

I'm probably boring you

- Am I boring you?
- No.

Not at all, on the contrary.

Cheers!

That's right. Cheers.

Listen, I've had enough.

My feet are killing me, and we're
not going to wake up people at 1�m!

That girl is real nice.

I'm talking to you, Don Juan.

I agree the girl is nice,
and pretty, and whatever,

but if we don't stop now, people will
not throw water but camber pots instead.

She promised to come see us

Promised, promised.
She said maybe.

- I agree with you she'll come
- You think so?

When a woman says
'maybe', it's for sure

If she says 'promised', it's
not even maybe, it's never.

- I should really read your book one of these days.
- You said it.

How much did we make?

I've told you 3 times already.

87 francs and 40 cents,

plus the eggs from the
old hag. That's how much.

We said we would aim
for at least 100 francs.

This guy is wide awake.
Here's our opportunity.

But it's a white house.

- So what?
- It's the bank manager's house.

Did you forget? The big Senegalese;
the cannibal Am�d�e told us about.

I've known many Senegalese

Entire regiments of them,
and I've never met a cannibal.

Or maybe my mind was
elsewhere. Come on

See, the banker is just like
me; his feet are killing him.

Philosophe!

My slippers, my
medecine, my camomile tea.

Here, sir. I've waited a long
time for sir, ready to intervene.

What a lousy night! 3 hours
standing, ancient foie-gras,

tepid champagne,
wrinkled old hags.

I'm exhausted, Philosophe.

Poor sir.

Wear your slippers,
you will feel better.

What on earth is this circus?

Out, get off my property!

Beat it!

Are you mad? What's
wrong with you?

Philosophe, get rid of this scum!
I don't want to hear them any more!

Banania!

Listen, my friend meant no harm.
Don't get mad, we're leaving.

It's true, we're leaving!

You're on your way,
Mister high and mighty.

With a big kick on
your small white ass.

You won't be able to
sit down ever again.

- Garris!
- I'm going to eat you!

I'm going to eat you!

Stop laughing, man.

It's dumb to laugh at
someone who's afraid.

You must have been
scared sometime too.

Maybe scared to death
for 4 years, like me.

I was just laughing at
him running his ass off.

Please, whitey.

5 francs. Way too much.

My boss his paying. I'll
tell him I gave you 10.

Marne! Vimy!

Somme!

What about you, man?

Villers Cotterets, Verdun!

The war!

this dirty war, this shit war!

my good man.

He chased me almost all the way
here, but I managed to lose him.

He didn't even go
beyond the gate.

We made 92 Francs and 40
cents. I counted again.

Aren't those the
banker's slippers?

I'm never as dumb as people think.
That's where my strength lies.

There,

with the slippers we're easily
over the 100 francs mark.

Come, we've got to get some sleep.
Tomorrow morning we're selling the lilies.

Her name is Marie.

- Who told you?
- She did.

I asked her. I told you,
I'm not as dumb as I look.

This head is not empty.

Hello, my friend!

- How's things?
- Good, as you can see.

If all goes well, I'll
be finished in an hour.

Sell me some happiness.

No, not you.

Yes, please, it's for a gift.

It's for an old lady
I'm very fond of.

She grows beautiful
rose bushes.

- Riton is not with you?
- He's doing the church exit.

- Shall we see each other later?
- Whenever you want, Am�d�e.

1'25 franc! Happiness
for the whole year!

Look, it's Sardi,
the French champion!

How much for the lot?

I've got to check, buddy.

Not 'buddy'. Sir.

Do you know who
you're talking to?

Jo Sardi. That's me.

20 francs, ok?

Mireille!

Oh, Jo!

The rest is for
the people here.

Ladies and gentlemen, a gift
of happiness from Jo Sardi.

Jo Sardi defends
his title tonight.

Come and see him fight,
come on time, come in numbers

It won't last long

Is that ok?

Sure, buddy.

Everybody believes in love,

the one that lasts forever.

But one day you go
back to your hut,

and there you are, it's over.

Pam�la has flown the coop.

Thomas, hit me again
- the same.

Listen, friend, don't you
think you've had enough by now?

No. Not enough to forget.

I warn you, this
is the last one.

In the beginning, I thought:

"Impossible,
she'll come back".

Cos she loved
her Riton, Pam�la.

Don't think she didn't.

For someone who sells happiness,
he's not very cheerful.

Jo! How are you?

Sit down here.

Order whatever you want.

What will it be,
Miss Mireille?

A Suze-Cassis for me.

For Jo, the usual.

Suze-Cassis and
Vittel-strawberry. On the way.

Fortunately there was Garris.

Without him, I would have
killed myself a long time ago.

He's been a real
brother to me.

A real brother to me!

Friend, could you
keep it down a bit?

You are disturbing
a young lady.

A young lady?

Yes, you are disturbing
a young lady indeed.

Where is she?

There.

Pam�la!

I am not Pam�la.

You are Pam�la.

Pam�la!

- Leave me alone.
- My princess, my love!

Leave me alone!

Let go of me! -Shit.
I call you back

Let go of me!

Let go of me!

You know him?

Of course not. Can't
you see he's drunk!

Don't listent to him!

Your ass back on that chair!

Jo, champion!

Felix, my Vittel-strawberry.

Where is that peasant?

Take that!

Hillbilly! Hick!

I'm gonna show you
who's the hillbilly!

Jo! Enough!

Come on, hillbilly! Come on!

Shit! My table!

Not my chairs!

Let go, I'm gonna kill him!

Let's get the
hell out of here.

You're nothing but
a peasant you are!

Let's go. Don't run
or you'll get noticed.

My cap, I forgot my cap!

We don't give a shit about your cap.
Walk on, we must get away from here.

Don't give a shit? I've had it for 10
years, and it was a gift from Pam�la.

You are a drunk and
and imbecile. Shut up!

I thought I saw
Pam�la, that's all.

Pam�la is gone
forever. Forget her.

You have a good woman now, Emillie,
she takes good care of your kids.

Yes, she's a good woman,
but Pam�la was a princess.

No empeores las cosas.

�Jo, no seas gilipollas!

Wait. there's a
big one right here.

Got it.

I got one.

Have you seen your
father and Garris?

They're over
there, walking fast.

- They are going home.
- Shut up! They are going home.

I'll try to catch up.

Can I come with you?

You don't play a fool
like last time ok?

- You ok?
- yes.

How can I forget that day?

I can still feel
the sun on my skin.

I swear I can still smell

the perfume of those roses.

I saw Marie.

- When? Where?
- Around 11�m.

Outside the church.

- She did not see me.
- How was she?

On foot.

That's not what I'm
asking. How was she dressed?

For instance The
colour of her dress.

Red. Wait, let me think.

Actually rather green.

Cannot remember. But she was
wearing a very pretty dress.

She was with a soldier.

A soldier.

Actually.

I'm no sure. I don't think so.

He was walking slightly
in front of her, so.

- Hello, friends!
- Hello, friends!

I may have some work for you.

You know, Garris? The old
lady and her rose bushes.

The soil in her
garden needs digging.

Why don't you do it?

I don't know how.

I've never been
good with my hands.

I've never worked; I'm
not gonna start now!

Alright, we'll go.

Yes, we'll go. Will
you join us for lunch?

With great pleasure

- What is that?
- A Tench.

The pond is full of them.

This swamp is really
a beautiful place.

I understand why
you stay here.

You'll have to explain,
cos I don't understand.

Freedom.

Freedom.

Come.

Let's eat.

Sit down.

Don't we wait for Riton?

Riton.

He must be asleep.
He celebrated May 1st

a bit too much
today, Sr. Riton.

Help yourself.

I'm glad to have
lunch with you.

At my place for a long time,
we've been eating separately.

We eat alone in the kitchen,
at half hour intervals.

Your stories are
not very cheerful.

Did you hear? What is that?

A jumping carp.

Riton asked me a
question last night.

My father will not
speak to me because.

I refuse to marry the daughter of
a hardware store owner, Hortense.

She had a 300.000
francs dowry.

And a face you did not like?

No. That's not it.

There are some not so pretty girls who
have a heart of gold. I just didn't want.

What I enjoy is my
freedom, my books, my music.

Have you ever
listened to jazz?

A bit.

I'll bring my gramophone
one day, and play for you.

the most beautiful jazz
record I've ever listened to.

An American I tended to at the Marne
in 1918 sends them to me from Chicago.

You were a male nurse?

Only thing I could do.

We needed them.

Let me out! I have
a fight at 8pm!

Get me out! I want a
talker to get me out!

It's my right!
Get me a talker!

What is that?

An attorney! If you don't know,
learn to read. I must get out!

I must be in the ring tonight.

Calm down, Sordi. Tomorrow
you'll get an attorney.

- Tonight you stay here.
- I do not want to stay here!

Get me out of here right away!

I'll get him. I'll
get that bastard.

He will pay for this!

Very dearly!

A car tyre. Nonsense.

Journalists always exaggerate.

That's too much, dad.
That's the third one.

The doctor said
you must be careful.

What the doctor says

is as important to me as the
first frog I ever ate raw.

Did you really eat a frog raw?

Yes, like that.

- It was on a dare
- It that why you are called p�p� the frog?

Pierrot, would
you like a slap?

As long as I'm alive, you can
keep your slaps to yourself.

Such arrogance!

Marthe, we must
fire the fritz.

As long as I'm alive,
forget about it.

Firsly, Berthe is not a
fritz, she's from Alsace.

When your poor
mother passed away,

when you were 5, Marthe,

Berthe raised you.

She's part of the family.

What is this tyre story?

Front page. Read for yourself.

Laurent! How dare you?

One day I'll read well
and I'll teach you.

So, this tyre?

There was a boxing match
last night at the gymnasium.

the champion did not turn up and
the crowd ransacked the place.

they would even have thrown an old car tyre on
the ring. According to the journalists, that is.

Boxing does not interest me

since the 12 July
1921 to be exact.

The day of the fight
between Georges Carpentier

and Jack Dempsey,
at Jersey City.

Dad, you're
repeating yourself.

Carpentier lost, you
told us a 100 times,

It was a national tragedy.

I'm not the one who
said, it was a journalist.

Which goes to show they
don't always print nonsense.

Won't you attend the
directors' meeting?

It's in half an hour.

Whatever for? You do
very well wothout me.

Pierrot, get ready for school, the
driver will be here in 5 minutes.

Catherine, you did
not touch your plate.

I'm not hungry.

Laurent.

I will not change my decision.

I am very fond of Lucien, but we cannot
announce our daughter's engagement.

to a mere employee.

In the fall, when Bouthillier retires,
I will make him head of Human Resources.

Things will be different then.

Sack Bouthillier now, then.

And your senile father will let
me do this without protesting?

He would rather
fire me instead.

Good Morning, Sr. Richard.

Good morning, Jules.
How is your wife?

Slowly getting better.

Thank you, Sr. Richard.

- Soon finished?
- By next thursday,

we can sail away.

In the park pond?

It's forbidden.

I know a place where
nothing is forbidden.

Pierrot, let's go.

You're coming to
fetch me, right?

You bet!

Move over, Riton. Work faster.

We're not cattle. Otherwise we'd
chase flies away with our tails

Watch your mouth please.

I'm real glad that
your friends are here.

What is your first name again?

Am�d�e.

I have a big stock of wool,

I'll make you a
monogrammed cardigan

My little vice.

oh sorry, maybe you like
to sniff tobacco too,

Sr. Am�d�e.

The coalman!

Great luck, right
at my doorstep.

Perfect for my roses.

Leave it, I'll do it.

Do not dirty yourself.

- Slowing down?
- You have your hat.

Without my cap
I'm worth nothing.

Put it here.

And we're thirsty!

Good God, silly me.
Did not think of that.

You must always get noticed.

A man needs his wine.

Not nice to ask
for it, though.

Not nice!

Of course, while you
chit-chat on a bench,

you don't work up
much of a sweat!

Anyway, I'm going back to
the bar to look for my cap.

You set one foot inside
that bar and we're through.

Don't you think you've
been plenty stupid?

Still, I don't have my cap.

Thank you.

Any problem?

It's nothing. Riton
is lost his cap.

yesterday morning, he's
quite upset about it.

A cap? I have plenty of caps!

Aren't you thirsty?

There's a tab at the
corner of the house.

Sometimes you're
really nasty towards me.

Real nasty.

Sr. Riton!

Yes, here I am!

Here, pick one

They were my husband's

Looks lovely on you.

You look like an englishman.

Yeah, and I look
like a pink flamingo.

But you do look
like a flamingo.

Hello Sr. Richard.

Good morning, madam.

My neighbour. A very rich man.

Normal, his name is Rich-ard.

He must be surprised
to see visitors here.

Apart from the postman who brings
my pension, no one ever comes.

Pour away, Sr. Riton.

What about courtesy? Pour
for other people first.

Sorry, Madam Mercier.

No need to shame me
in front of everybody.

Not for me, no.

Just a drop for
me. To drink along.

Sorry, Riton, Did
not mean to offend.

Goodness me!

Pomerol?

- It's too much, Madam Mercier.
- It's ok.

Imagine. Just before his
death, my husband just ordered

120 bottles.

120 bottles!

And since I don't drink.

Drink slowly, Riton. A
good wine must be savoured.

If it was not that good, I
would not drink it so fast.

To your husband, who was a
good man and makes us all happy.

It's really good.

That's not frog
juice, that's for sure.

Frog juice? What
does that mean?

A popular expression to
talk about table wine.

Nice metaphor

Let me get you another
bottle to bring back.

Riton!

What did I do this time?

Nothing yet, you were about to. Leave
this bottle, she did not give it to you.

There, take this one back.

And take the rest
of the other one too.

See?

- We'll have to come back to finish
- Tomorrow?

No
- tomorrow we clean the mess from the boxing arena.

I read about that
in the newspaper.

They even said.

someone threw a tyre
onto the ring! -Yes

A tyre. Imagine that.

- Let me pay you for your afternoon.
- No, no.

You'll pay us when we're finished.
It's our rule, Riton and I.

Our rule?

Are we eating tyres tonight?

No. We cleaned
up the gymnasium.

We made 20 francs each.

Tonight we're having ham,

pasta, camembert and cherries.

- What's the tyre for?
- For the kids. It was in the rubbish

we cleaned out earlier, and
Garris wanted to bring it back.

Place it one meter high.

No higher or Cri-Cri
could injure herself.

Go, Cri-Cri.

There, now we turn.

There's your new home, Champ.

If you keep out of trouble
nobody will bother you.

Your friend's name is Castor.

- A regular.
- Hello.

Alright, have a nice stay.

If you prefer the top bunk,

I don't mind.

As long as you don't wet
your bed, it'll be fine.

I've never seen you box,
but I know about you, champ.

I'm no more champion,
My title was stolen.

I'm no more a boxer, they've
taken away my license.

So shut up.

Is this where you used
to live, grandfather?

Right here.

I was born here,

lived here almost 40 years.

Your mother too was born here.

And your granny,
that you never knew,

liked it here just fine.

Was my granny nice to you?

Yes.

Come on. Let's
try out our boat.

- They still live here?
- I think so.

Hello little girl.

I'm not 'little girl',
my name is Cri-Cri

You're very handsome.
Are you from the city?

Yes, with my grandfather.

Your boat is very pretty.

My grandfather made it.

Want to play with my brothers?

Go but don't get too dirty.
Your mother would kill me.

What's your name?

Pierrot.

- Like me!
- I'm Jojo. Shall we play with your boat?

Keep quiet! Shall we
play with your boat?

- I'd like to.
- Come.

Good day.

Good day.

Please have a seat.

An old man used to live here.

He's dead. I'm
living here now.

I used to live here too, with my
wife and daughter. A bit further up.

Collecting scrap iron.

I had a donkey to pull
my cart: Bourricot.

He was more intelligent
than many people I've known.

We did quite some
traveling together.

I still have his blanket

with smell of my
good companion on it.

All these potatoes for
you alone? That's a lot.

The kids next door love saut�ed
potatoes. There's never enough.

Would you like
a glass of wine?

I did not dare ask,
but I won't say no.

Your boat goes well.

And after that?

After that?

After that.

After that, I started scrapping
iron for myself instead of others.

My warehouse became a factory, I
had electricity installed, the works.

To tell you how it
happened is not interesting.

All I know is that
I became an imbecile.

From the swamp to owner
of the Richard foundries,

I don't think
you're an imbecile.

The old man told me. When I
moved to town with my family.

You're not happy here?

You think the swamp
cannot make you a living,

you and your family?

You will live to regret it.

Even if you make millions,
you will regret it.

You know what you are,
p�p� the frog? An imbecile.

Would you like one?

I don't mind if I do.

These days I have
to hide to smoke

Why did they call
you p�p� the frog?

I'm called that way because

I'm supposed to have eaten
a live frog, on a dare.

But it's not true.

The old man called
me p�p� the frog

Cos I was good
at catching frogs.

The old man was right.

I should never
have left the swamp.

I feel good here.

Could I come back visit you?

Whenever you want.

Pierrot!

My boy, I told you
not to dirty yourself!

My daughter Marthe
must not know

that we came here.

We were supposed
to be in the park!

In the park. I swear.

Me too. I swear.

Don't worry,
we'll clean him up

in the basin. Come

Thank you, sir. Go.

Take off your clothes
and get in here.

Please, it disturbs
me if you look.

I know. Few people these days
believe in love at first sight.

But this was the
day I got struck.

Look at you!

I ask you for the last
time Were did you go?

- In the park.
- Do you want a slap?

This is becoming a habit!
I brought him to the swamp.

What? In that place?

Yes, where you
were born, Marthe.

I don't want to hear about it.

Laurent does not want
people to know about it.

Go and change into your pajamas.
Everything you're wearing goes to the wash.

No lice in this house!

You never had any lice when
you lived there, Marthe.

Grandfather, I
did not betray you.

No.

- Good evening, Berthe.
- Good evening.

Dad, you can go to your
swamp whenever you want,

but not with my son.

What would you like
to eat this evening?

- Saut�ed potatoes.
- Consider it done.

Have you heard, Champ?

The president got shot.

Why do I care?

They also mention
you in the newspaper.

Never killed anyone myself.

You're gonna get
clobbered in civil court

About 10 of them filing
against you, asking for damages.

The bar owner, 2 clients,
3 police officers.

The fight promoter,
your manager

and the owner of the
arena that was ransacked.

It's all in the newspaper?

Word for word.

Eh, Jo. Want to read it?

I have a talker who takes
care of all this nonsense.

118 bottles!

Please, Marie mother of God,
let me drink just one bottle

before being hit by lightning.

Come, gentlemen.

Come inside for shelter.

Why didn't you come
and play with me?

Mister guard did
not let me in.

Will you come next thursday?

- You want my ball?
- I'd like to, but what if you get scolded?

I'll say I lost it.

Pierrot!

Where are you?

Come over here right this minute.
You're gonna catch a deadly cold!

See you thursday?

See you thursday.

If you have followed my
story, one thing is sure:

the stupidity of adults meant that Pierrot
and I could not see each other any more.

No frog juice, eh, Sr. Riton?

You said it!

You know what, Madam Mercier?

Something good
about such heavy rain

If the sun comes out
straight afterwards

it's a good time for snails.

It's exactly what I
was thinking about.

We could take the Tane train
and go towards the black forest.

Great minds think alike.

I am not expecting anyone!

Here comes the
other great spirit.

Sr. Am�d�e, you
are soaking wet.

Sorry for barging
in unannounced.

I'll take off my shoes to
avoid dirtying your floors.

Did you notice?

What?

The portrait looks
like your Marie.

My Marie? I only saw her once.

Come in, Sr. Am�d�e.

Your friends are here.

Give me your jacquet.

I'll hang it in
the kitchen to dry.

I went to see my notary public

Got caught in the rain on the
way back. Almost fell off my bike.

Yo usee your notary
often these days, no?

It's for a plot of land I wish
to sell on the Graves road.

He may have found me a buyer.

- Congrats, you're gonna be rich.
- Rich, no.

But I may be able
to redecorate my room

or buy some books.

I made you some coffee.

Do you like this
protrait, Sr. Garris?

Reminds him of someone.

Reason enough to take it.
I've gathered too many things

I'm glad to get rid of some.

- Listen, Madam Mercier.
- Do take it

It has no value anyway.

I got it from the provision
shop, in exchange of some coupons.

Take it.

I can't tell you how happy
I am to have some company.

Without you, in
such bad weather,

I would be sad the
entire afternoon.

Sr. Pignole!

No smoking in front of a lady.

At least ask for permission.

You don't mind if I
smoke, Madam Mercier?

Of course not, Sr. Riton.

Actually, I'll have
a quick sniff myself.

Sr. Am�d�e?

Not keen.

See Garris, you can smoke too. You
just have to ask for permission.

This is good weather.

It's written in my book:

"water in the gutters,
time for snails"

Don't you invent
some of your sayings?

My book also says: "strangers irritate
you, friends break your heart."

You're right for once. Tomorrow
we pick snails. Money to be made.

We leave very
early. So tonight,

you don't drink, you sleep.

Are you coming along, Am�d�e?

A nice walk, you'll get a tan.

I'd love to. I've never
been to pick snails.

We meet at 6�m, the train
station near the market.

Agreed?

Agreed

Don't go so fast. The Tane
train won't leave without us.

- I have delicate feet!
- Come on!

Hi guys, how are you?

After the Vacherie stop, you
jump off halfway up the slope, ok?

You'll see, there's a congress
of big Bourgogne snails.

- You're the best, Tane.
- Only a train driver.

Let's go.

My feet!

Come on, sit down.

Where's Am�d�e?

Wait for me!

Come on Am�d�e!

Quick!

Use the steps, here.

Sorry. I took too long
to bathe this morning.

No here.

It's fragile.

Sit down.

The way you're dressed, the
snails will hide in their shells.

It's my first time, I
did not know what to wear.

I spent part of the night reading
about snails in our region.

Would you like
some good advice?

Always useful.

We must stop
halfway up the slope,

after the place
called 'La Vacherie'.

In May-June,
after strong rains,

big Bourgognes are everywhere,
falling over each other.

You're the best, Am�d�e.

I'm happy I came along.

Get ready, it's about time.

Come on, Am�d�e!

I'm really happy I came along.

What an adventure!

I'm going back to my slippers.

Can someone help? My
two hands are full.

Leave them here. You'll pick
them up on your way back.

Ok.

Let's go.

Garris! Lots of small
grey ones over here.

No, don't take the grey ones.

Only bourgognes.
They sell better.

Ok
- I let you go.

You're lucky.

No small grey ones, he said.

Good hunt?

Forgive me for not
helping, I hate slugs.

They are not slugs.

Garris! Time for lunch.

An onion

Leave me something
to drink this time.

You see how he treats me?

He likes you very much. He
teases you because he's shy.

I know, I'm not that dumb.

But sometimes,

I fear he'll do what he's been
meaning to do for quite sometime.

Which is?

Going back on the road.

Leave.

Because he can make do
on his own, anywhere.

I know that he stayed because
of me and the children.

Us, without him.

Is this a funeral?
What's the matter?

- Noting. I was talking about Pam�la.
- Ah, ok.

May I read you a few lines?

I think they were
written for us.

- Certainly.
- If it's not too long.

Of course not!

Listen.

"Liberty is not lazyness,
it's free use of one's time,

it's the choice of the
work and the exercise.

Being free, in short,
is not doing nothing,

but being the sole decider of
what to do or what not to do.

You understand?

I understand that being free,

it's like the way we live.

Precisely!

We are the last free men!

I'm really glad I came along.

What an adventure!

Come on, hurry up.

Riton really has no luck.

There's only one idiot
in the whole world

capable of leaving his
shoes on the train rails.

I don't care about the shoes.

This way they won't
hurt my feet anymore.

Are you happy now?

Hop on board.

This poor bird threw itself at the train
right at the entrance of the village of Voux.

Here, for your kids, Riton.

You're not dropping
off for a drink?

I'm not allowed to.

He can't go to
the bar bare feet.

He'd look like a vagrant.

He would shame us.

You're right. And his
feet are not very clean.

And your face, fatso,
you think it's clean?

Come along, Am�d�e.

You didn't think
I'd forget about you?

Smile first.

I need a lot of
patience with you.

'Patience and white wine
win over strength or rage".

I never got to
taste Tane's turkey.

It was early June, I think.

I mostly remember the
smell of compresses.

Painful?

That's what you get
for playing in the rain.

Her dress is ruined.

I'll buy her a nice new one
with the money from the snails.

My hat first.

I've been asking
you for months.

What do I look like, going
to town without a hat.

I'll buy you the dress.

You sick my daughter
is real sick?

She caught a cold,
she's not very strong.

Luckily it's the warm season.
The sun makes everything better.

- Snails, ladies and gentlemen?
- Your bourgognes are big.

Picked yesterday, soaked last
night and cleaned this morning.

-1 Franc per dozen.
- Go ahead, we don't do this every day.

-4 Dozens please.
- Off we go.

4 Dozens for me too.

Straight away madam.
There's enough to go around.

Hello, Mister
accordeon player.

Hello, Marie.

You sell snails these days?

I sell a bit of everything, depends
on the weather. You want some?

They're not on my
mistress's shopping list.

And my 4 dozens?

Certainly madam. They're
not gonna fly off.

I waited for you, you know.

Is that so? Why?

You were supposed
to come and visit.

I don't have much free time. But
I'll come, you can count on it.

Do you like earrings?

Yes.

Riton!

Yes! Good day.

There you go, madam.
Thank you very much.

Take my place. 1
franc 50 per dozen.

Hello, Marie.

Hello

How much for a dozen?

2 Francs. It's cheap if you
consider the trouble I went through.

One dozen then.

- I think the blue ones suit you best.
- You think so?

The gentleman is right. they
are the ones, no hesitation.

Ok, the blue ones, then.

Good Bye, lovers.

Why did you buy me a gift?

Because it makes me happy.

11�m! I must be going.

- I'll come visit. I promise.
- Soon?

As soon as I have
enough free time.

- Good Bye
- Thank you

How are you, Don Juan?

I'll get back to my station.

To do what?

No more snails. Even at 2.50.

Doesn't mean much, you know.

No. It means
absolutely nothing.

I bought it for you at
the market. You like it?

It's beautiful.

Good quality.

He keeps his word. Not
like you with my hat.

You'll have your hat.

You'll sleep with it.
You'll be buried with it.

I'll make you
another poultice.

I want my football.

Pierrot!

Jojo! The football,
over here, straight away!

And hurry up!

Living proof that bad
temper means good heart.

There, little Cri-Cri.

Sorry, am I intruding?

Not at all. Come
on in, Sr. Richard.

No Mister between us. P�p�,
like everyone calls me.

Or buddy, like you
say around here.

A gift from my personal stash.

I know someone
who's gonna be happy.

Did you paint this?

No. I just wanted
to touch it up.

Why?

So that it looks more
like someone I know.

This young lady is lovely.

Sit down.

Your friend Riton is not here?

No. He's catching frogs.

Frogs? at the pond
of the 3 priests?

I'm going. Give me a
fishing rod and some line.

Take the rod outside, it's
ready. I'll give you a hook.

No need.

Really?

P�p�.

This is not for fun. We have an order from the
Grand Hotel for 20 dozens for tomorrow night.

You don't know me, son! You
don't know p�p� the frog.

Here come the reinforcements.

I did not hear you arrive.

- Can I take one of your frogs?
- Help yourself.

You don't use a hook?

No need. It damages them.

How do you do it?

Not difficult, I'll teach you.

Garris must see this,

Otherwise he won't
believe me, as usual.

- Are you sick?
- No.

How come you're lying in
bed when it's sunny outside?

- That's not like you.
- Sometimes, you need to think.

True. People are not
used to thinking anymore.

But don't do too much of it.

Just like for wine.

You can meditate without
help from the bottle.

Are you gonna keep
lecturing me much longer?

Get up, I need an opinion.

What's that huge book,
the history of the world?

I wanted your input for the
new wallpaper in my bedroom.

You understand? I'd
like flowers in my room,

but not too big,
not too garish.

Flowers that let
me listen to music.

That's not the way to choose.

Look.

Long live anarchy!

That's what you need.

Forget me nots?

Forget me nots!

- You think so?
- Sure.

Forget me nots!

You're right! Everything
goes well with forget me nots.

Mozart, Bizet,

Haendel,

Louis Armstrong.

Thanks. You have
solved a great dilemma.

Let's not exxagerate. I just
have the knack for these things.

Come and look!

He took 120. 120! And
without a hook. Come, quickly!

Come Am�d�e. We must see that.

I told you.

10 years ago, I would
have done your 20 dozens.

But I'm a bit tired now.

- How many did you catch in the end?
- I don't know. I didn't count.

I don't know how to count.

For money, my wife
used to handle all this.

At least, I have not lost
the knack for frog fishing.

Indeed!

Will you cut it out
with your negro music!

Gives me headaches!

Isn't it sublime?

- Once again?
- No,

Otherwise Emilie will come with her
carpet beater, and your gramophone Boom!

Ayway I must replace the diamond and I didn't
bring a spare. I would not want to damage this disk.

What did you say it was?

'West End Blues". The trumpet
player is Louis Armstrong, the best.

To p�p� the frog,

the ace of frog fishing.

To friendship.

To friendship,
�Eh, I got an ideia!

I don't believe you.

The hook damaged my frogs.

They won't be good for the Grand
H�tel. Shall we eat them tonight?

My apologies. This
is a great ideia.

What do you say, p�p�?

Well, yes.

Maybe you're
expected back at home.

I don't care if I'm expected.

My son-in-law wil
make noise - great.

My daughter will not talk to me for 3
days. At least I won't hear her voice.

You, Am�d�e?

Nobody ever expects me. And
I've never eaten frog legs.

I'd like to try.

I'll do the cooking.

Ok. Riton skins the frog,
I take care of the fire,

- and Am�d�e sets the table.
- Alright.

It's Cri-Cri.

- She'd like to meet the rich mister.
- Keep quiet. She'd like to see the rich mister.

The rich mister's
name is p�p�.

Tell Cri-Cri I finish my
glass and will be right over.

Let's go.

What's your first name?

I would not like to spoil
the evening. Hyacinth.

Calling me that is forbidden!

And you, son, if you
want to make me happy,

Stop being so respectful. As if I was
born with a silver spoon in my mouth!

I've lived in this swamp
much longer than you have.

Sorry p�p�, but there's
no shame in being rich.

Especially when you earned
it with your own hands.

I'd like to be rich.

I was never richer
than when I lived here.

You wanted to talk
to me, darling?

I could not go and join
Pierrot from town in the park.

I had promised.

I will explain to him that you
were sick. Is that what you want?

Yes.

No wonder I found
him a bit sad.

He was a bit sad?

But not too much?

No. But I will tell him
that you are resting well.

And if you rest well, next week
you can come and play with him.

But what if the
guard won't let me in?

Don't worry, I'll be there.

Nobody will prevent
you from getting in.

See you on
thursday, my darling.

Good night Madam.

Tell Riton that if he comes back after the
kids are asleep, he can go sleep outside.

I will tell him, Madam.

Why are you always
nasty, mommy?

I don't know.

I don't know.

Do you know what time it is?

I don't care.

Let me see. You've
been drinking!

Pommerol. Excellent.

And where were you? Tell me.

With some friends of mine.

- You don't have any friends
- On the contrary.

I have friends.

And who are these friends?
People from "there", I suppose.

Yes. And please
don't talk so loud.

You'll wake up everyone.

It's strange, this habit
you have of talking that way.

- No, not this horrible thing.
- There, smell it, memories!

Do you know what I had
for dinner this evening?

No.

Frogs!

Alive?

Alive!

Ah, Bourricot. It's difficult
to have some peace and quiet.

Hello, Joseph. You look like
you're in very good health.

I don't look like anything. What
do you want to tell me, talker?

Good. Listen. I have
rather bad news I'm afraid.

But I may have some good
news. I'm not saying that.

- it's sure.
- Out with it.

I pleaded as best I could
in front of the tribunal.

I even thought.

I just want to
know the results.

Well,

To pay the damages
to all claimants,

Your bank account
was not enough.

We had to confiscate,

and auction off.

Not my mother's house...?

My mother's house?

Joseph, your mother
has been dead for years.

So what?

I bought it for her!

We only have one mother!

Please, Jo.

Behave.

I got nothing left?

Joseph!

Don't you want to
hear the good news?

That if I'm a good boy,
I'll see my sentence reduced?

Since I'm polite, I won't tell you
where you can put your reduction

I wish you good day.

Is that you, Marie?

How did you guess?

I'm glad you're here.

It could only be you.

I like your smile.

How do you find
me, better or worse?

I prefer your
real hair colour.

But this is nice too.

I love them; I wear
them all the time.

Have you been
living here for long?

It'll soon be 12 years.

- And you never felt like leaving?
- Yes, often.

It's beautiful here. But
why did you not leave?

Show me your house.

Is it a portrait
of your girlfriend?

I don't have a girlfriend.

But you must have known
many women during your life.

A few, but they
did not matter.

Why do you live alone?
Why are you not married?

Probably because I did
not find the right woman.

You ask many questions!

My turn to ask you a question.

Who was that soldat
with you the other day?

B�bert? A friend,
nothing more.

There you go, no
need to get excited.

That's exactly what I thought.

I slept late last night. My bosses were
having a party. And alcohol makes me sleepy.

Just a drop. To make peace.

I'm not angry
with you, you know.

I just don't want
you to imagine things.

I would never go with a
man before marriage. Never.

You believe me?

Of course I do.

Well Cheers

May I smoke?

As much as you want.

Garris, Garris! Come!

Forgive me. My neighbours went to the
village, I must watch over their kids.

- What's the matter?
- Cri-Cri is gone.

- Which way?
- This way.

Come here darling. It's over

Run and get Dr. Legars. His house is
at the bottom of the hill before town.

Cough.

Again.

Is it serious?

If it turns into a pneumonia, it can
be. She needs medication immediately.

- What has she done this time?
- Nothing. Can't you see she's sick?

My little Cri-Cri.

Not too much medication,
Doctor, we don't have much.

Enough to buy a
ridiculous hat!

Give Cri-Cri whatever
she needs, I will pay.

All this is this
bloody Riton's fault.

Riton, always Riton! That one,
he has ruined my life proper!

A chicken. That's
what he is. A Chicken.

On top of which he is
stupid. Really stupid.

Couldn't he watch
his kids himself?

And of all days he had
to go to town today.

As soon as the girl is feeling
better, I take my things and leave.

Anywhere. Far from here, far
from Sr. Pignole and his family.

And Marie.

She did not even recognise
herself on the portrait.

She must have left unhappy.

For once she comes to visit, and I
leave her alone and don't come back.

- Shit! Shit!
- Garris, You must come.

- Beat it. Leave me be.
- No

It's for Cri-Cri. I gave her the syrup
but I cannot manage with the pills.

Manage on your
own. I want peace.

Let's go, you irritant.

Higher! Higher!

Pass it to me!
No! Higher, higher!

You made this kite, p�p�?

Gives me something to do.

Since Pierrot left for
holidays, I'm bored.

I know someone else
who misses him too.

- P�p�, thanks for all the.
- It's my pleasure.

It will be a welcome
change from the usual beans.

How is Garris?

Not good these days.

Why is that?

Garris sometimes needs to be alone,
and it's best to leave him be.

I'll tell you what's wrong.
Your Garris is in love.

That's all.

Maybe, but that's
none of your business.

You're looking for the Loiseau? They
left to spend the summer in Nice.

ACtually I was
looking for their maid.

Marie?

They took her with them.

Did they tell you when
they're coming back?

Previous years September,

Sometimes October.

- Thank you, Madam.
- You're welcome.

Crir-cri. So nice to
see you back to normal.

- Can I tell you something?
- Of course.

It's regarding Pierrot.

Your brother?

No, the one from the city.

I think I'm in love with him.

Really? Are you sure?

Well, no.

What does it feel
like to be in love?

Why do you ask me?

Because you're in love too.

Who told you that?

Mommy. She said we don't see you
anymore because you're in love.

What's it like? We're
happy and sad? Is that it?

Yes, it's more
or less like that.

You're a very clever girl.

Hello, Raymond.

Hello.

Hola, Hyacinth.

You're very handsome today.

- My daughter forces me, as you know.
- Yes, Yes.

What do you bet I still
know how to do this?

Go ahead.

You are still
pretty good at it.

Remember when we used
to do this together?

Feels like yesterday.

What can I do for you...?

- I need a favour.
- Yes.

I need you to write a
bearer's cheque for me.

That's easy!

There.

Good.

- How much?
-1,000 francs

- Where are you going?
- What do you think? Going to work.

They need men at Testud's place,
to work with the harvesting machine.

No need to do any more work
for me, P�p� gave me a cheque.

Show me?

1,000 francs! That's too much.

We'll never be able
to pay him back.

That's not my style.

He does not want
us to pay him back.

We swamp people,
we live off nothing.

the bourgeois
will not like that.

they will think
it's irregular.

It will appear improper, and P�p�
will have problems with his family.

We'll return him
his cheque tonight.

I could have put these
1,000 Francs to good use.

You won't be short of
anything. I'll work.

I will deliver coal.

Coal? that's too tough for me.

I said 'I' would deliver coal.

You will go fishing.

Not his style, not his style.

My style is to be human.

Ready!

Do you have some shoe polish?

We don't have enough to eat
and you want some shoe polish?

You really have a
nasty disposition.

Riton is dressed
like a gentleman!

Oh the sneaky one!

Testud, can I take one hour
off? I'll work later tonight.

Go ahead.

No, not him!

Where are you going?

Taking a walk. I was
just passing through.

Of course. That's why
you're wearing a tie.

Hand over the cheque.

We can't cash it.
The negro is there.

Banania!

You're afraid of him?

Come with me.

- Hello, buddy.
- Hello, buddy. Happy to see you.

Are you nuts!

Sir.

1,000 Francs to the bearer.

Is that it?

My goodness!

Say thank you.

Thank you very much, sir.

And now?

We cashed in the cheque.
Isn't that what you wanted?

Now we return P�p� his money.

What?

Hello.

Your cap.

We are friends
of P�p�. Is he in?

We'd like to talk to him.

He's not in.

He went to run an errand but
he should be back shortly.

We'll wait for him outside.

Ok.

Oh, what a surprise,
these are friends of mine.

Put them in the
living room. Come on.

Come in, put
yourselves at ease.

Sit down. Berthe, aperitifs!

- We did not want to disturb you.
- You are not disturbing at all.

What brings you here?

This.

What is this?

Your money.

Why are you returning it?

It's my money.

I do what I please with it.

Berthe, set this down
here and leave us, please.

You must understand,

We may be poor,
but we're proud.

If someone does something
for us, we must pay back.

Otherwise, we're
not even poor,

we're miserable.

No. I don't understand.

Then you must have forgotten.

Hello, father, am I intruding?

Of course not, son in law.

Let me introduce two of my
friends, Messrs Garris and Riton.

People of the swamp,

like me.

They came here tonight to
return money that I lent them.

You see, Laurent, people
of the swamp are honest.

Unlike all those clients
whose ass you kiss constantly.

Isn't that true, Laurent?

My friends, let
me show you out.

It's not true, you
are not my friends.

I have no more friends.

Come on, tell me.
Tell me what you think.

What I think is
that you are right.

We may be poor, but
we're not miserable.

There are days when I am real
happy to know you, Sr. Riton.

The rest of the
year, how is it?

I'm still happy.

With all this we
missed our aperitif.

I'm gonna buy you an aperitif
you won't soon forget.

Aperitif, here we come!

Jo, I came to tell
you... 6 months

it's a long time.

- Long for whom?
- For you,

For you, Jo.

And for me.

Well, Jo,

I met someone.

What do you want
me to do? Cry?

What do I care Go
with whom you please.

I left some cigarettes.

Thank you. You will have
been kind until the end.

September came and went,

like every
September month does.

Garris brought me to
town one afternoon,

a beautiful afternoon
I would never forget.

Pierrot! You're back!

Yes, school has started.

Don't you want to
come in, my dear boy?

If my grandfather
is ok with it.

Sr. Richard, Come in with him.

It would make me so happy.

Sr. Richard,

May I introduce, senhor.
Am�d�e and Sr. Garris.

We know each other.

We are good friends.

And great frog lovers.

I'll fetch some wine, and
some snacks for the kids.

I'll go with you.

We've missed you, you know.

I was the one who
was punished the most.

By the way, 15 December
is Tane's birthday.

We do a big dinner at
my place. Will you come?

Of course I will.

- Who is Tane?
- The driver of the black forest train.

A nice guy. You will like him.

My husband must have known
him. He knew everyone.

These two are cute.

They are happy to see each other
again. You brought her along on purpose?

"...and the green paradise
of children's love,

the innocent eden,

filled with furtive
pleasures..."

"Is it now further
than India and China?

Can we recall it
with plaintive cries?

and animate it with
a silvery voice,

the innocent eden, filled
with furtive pleasures."

Bravo!

It was beautiful.

Yes?

Can I help you?

Sorry to intrude, I would
like to talk to the maid.

That's me.

I meant Marie.

She does not work here anymore. I'm
replacing her. During the holidays,

she met a pharmacist, in Nice.

Not very young, but very rich.

In no time it was done: the
ring, the mayor, the priest.

You mean she got married?

Just like that.

Can you believe her luck?

Are you related,
a friend maybe?

A friend yes, kindof.

See you, Jo.

I like you, Jo. I don't
want to say 'see you soon'

Then don't say it.

Hey, Jo. Nice to see you free.

- Hug?
- And what else!

- Nippy
- Wait, I got lots of clothes in the car.

Everything I could salvage.

What are you going to do now?

I know perfectly
well what I will do.

Be reasonable.

That rat-face was piss drunk.

- I'm going to kill him.
- Kill him? How so?

- It's hunting season right?
- Yes

Hunting accident. It happens.

If you get caught, you don't
get 6 months; you lose your head.

Let's go.

P�p�!

Garris!

- I am doing a delivery in the high district. Shall I drop you off?
- Ok.

Sorry I'm not shaking
your hand. Coal.

Mind if I take the leash?

Bourricot was not exactly
like that. He had a temper.

I wanted to tell you.

I won't be able to make
Tane's birthday dinner.

It's the date the
family has chosen

for the engagement of
Catherine, my grand-daughter.

Engagement is during the day.
You can come out at night.

I will try, but this sort
of dead boring celebrations

can last until 2 am.

Who is Catherine marrying?

An awful man. Similar
to my son-in-law.

She won't have fun everyday.

Fortunately, she's different.
She'll understand pretty quickly.

If you'd like to bet.
This idiot Lucien,

within a year he'll
be wearing horns.

Santa Claus! Your bear!

Wait!

Why do you run away like
this? Do I scare you?

You thought I
was someone else?

I mean you no harm.
See? You lost a bear!

There. Happy holidays.

I too did some shit jobs when I
was young, like 'sandwich-man'.

'sandwich-man'!

The bastard!

Wait, Santa Claus! Wait!

His name is Henri Pignole.

Unfortunately, I have
no address for him.

He was recommended by.

a Sr. Richard.

Where can I find
this Sr. Richard?

At his house, Marshall
Fayolle Street.

Daddy, please!

Let me have my fianc�.

Gentlemen, if you please.

Sr. Mayor, what do you
think of this Adolf Hitler?

He's a strong man. He will
be chancelor soon. And then.

He will re-arm
Germany, then war.

A good little war is not bad
for business, isn't it, Laurent?

- Granny, you're ok?
- Yes.

Here comes the horned one

- What?
- Nothing.

I told that man

"If you really
want to be my lover

you will have to duel
against my husband"

- Do you know what he did?
- I don't give a shit.

- I beg yor pardon?
- I don't give a shit.

Did you stab in
some garlic at least?

Yes, Sr. Pignole.

It smells real good.

What's wrong, Riton?

- The boxer is back.
- So what?

It worries me, that's all.

Let him come, your boxer.

This time, winter
has really started!

Sorry

I would like to see
Sr. Richard, please.

I'm his
son-in-law.

As you can see, we are in
the midst of a function.

- May I know the reason for your visit?
- Pignolle,

Riton Pignolle. Does
that ring a bell?

Come, Sr. Richard.

- What's the matter? -A tall,
brown-hair man. Looks nasty.

- I don't know him.
- Please go and have a look.

Don't let the other
idiot speak for you.

Please excuse me. Ah, sorry.

- What did he want?
- Nothing much.

Just to know the address
of one of your friends

from 'over there'. A
certain Riton, I believe.

You told him?

I have nothing
to hide. Why not?

Idiot! What's his
business with Riton?

Nothing good, I think.

Nothing good.

Happy birthday to you,

happy birthday to you.

Come on, blow the years away.

Well done! Cheers!

Cheers!

Thanks, guys.

What a pity p�p�
could not make it.

- He can still make it.
- At this hour? Don't think so.

Let's drink to his health.

To p�p�'s health!

He won't come, at this hour.

Close the door,
we're freezing.

- Good morning madam.
- Good morning.

Is Pierrot in?

Please come in.

Pierrot.

Pierrot.

Hello, Pierrot.

Hello.

It's a fake one. It's for you.

Your grandfather was a
champion frog fisherman.

And he ate them alive.

Be strong.

Madam.

Sir.

- Do you live here, little one?
- Yes.

Do you know Riton Pignole?

He's my father.

Do you know where he is?

Near the pond. He's fishing.

You look nasty.

Don't do that.

You bet I will!

I've been thinking
about it for months!

First I'll shoot
off your balls,

then I will watch you
suffer for a while.

Just for pleasure.

And when I feel like it,
I'll shoot your face off.

I'm sinking!

Shit, I'm thinking!
Get me out�!

Grab this!

I don't want to die like this!

Grab on!

Pull! Pull!

Pull harder.

My leg!

Cri-Cri, bring the
gentleman to my place.

My leg!

My leg is broken!

How is he?

Like someone whose
leg is broken.

Is he in pain?

You should have thought
about the pain beforehand.

I've never been so
scared in my life.

Never.

I understand.

A lost cow once fell in.

We tried everything.
the poor thing sunk in,

sunk in Slowly
suffocated to death.

Horrible, no?

My goodness!

Alright, I need to get back to
the hospital to look in on Riton.

See you later.

You can wear this.

Tell him I'll
visit him tomorrow.

Tell him thank you.

That I would do
anything for him.

Anything.

I'll tell him, buddy.

There you have it,
the whole story.

Time has since passed.

Many things were told to me, I
didn't witness them first hand.

Maybe I distort a little bit.

Most of those I met that
year are gone, of course.

Hey, friend!

Others too.

What does it matter.

Our father and Jo Sordi, both equally
stupid, could only get on well.

They became inseparable.

Jo became boxing manager,
dad was corner man.

They died together,

in Lyons, under
the bombs in May 44.

3 years later I married
Pierrot. I was 20.

He became a famous doctor, and
thank God, he's still alive.

The small frog Garris gave
him never leaves his pocket.

You will of course wonder
what became of Garris.

He left on a spring day.

No one ever heard
from him again.

But I'm pretty sure

that he walked towards
the sun, went to Nice,

and eloped with a
pharmacist's wife.

As for the swamp,

It's been drained long ago to
make space for a world of fools.

There are times in life

when you'd want everything
to remain the same forever.