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STRANGERS IN THE HOUSE

FROM THE BOOK BY GEORGES SIMENON

It's raining on the city.

On dripping rooftops

and flooded gardens.

It's raining on the city.

The shadows of trees blur

behind the shimmering sheets
of silent rain.

It's raining on the city.

The small town shivers
and shuts up shop under the downpour.

It's raining on the city,
and in the middle of this deluge

the cathedral appears like a ship
beaten by the storm.

In the streets, the shop signs
are getting soaked.

Do you see Bluchet's huge red hat
dripping with water?

The downpour intensifies
and streams overflow.

Pedestrians hurry along, their heads down.

Here's Tellier's big clock,
water trickling all over it.

A little further down,
you'll see the golden horse's head

of the horse butcher.

There it is, sad and dismal.

It looks so proud
when it sparkles in the sun.

But today the icy rain
dampens all spirits.

It's raining on the city.

That whistle is the local train to Paris
with only 10 passengers on board.

On the corner of this street
of notaries and solicitors

is the Loursats' home,

the Loursats of Saint-Marc.

In the dining room,

Mr Hector Loursat eats his soup
with his daughter, Nicole.

Hector Loursat is not a notary
or judge, he is a lawyer.

A lawyer "in partibus,"
since he hasn't practised in 20 years.

He gave that up the day
his wife left him for another man.

Just as he gave up on life.

Angele, the second course.

Fine. Fine!

Damn.

The rope's stuck again!

Then unstick it, you old witch!

- Angele, a little less noise, please.
- It's not my fault things don't work.

- I didn't ask your opinion.
- Well you have it. For free.

Nothing works in this house.

It's rotten and dirty.

- I've had enough.
- And then you get to leave later.

Thank God I'm leaving.

And in a hurry.

I'll be far away
when the roof comes crashing down.

Why don't you gather your things
and leave now!

Can I?

- Mr Loursat doesn't like scenes.
- I couldn't care less.

Let me tell him a couple of truths.

He's just an old drunk

and if he had blood in his veins
instead of wine, he'd throw me out!

But he's too much of a coward.

Isn't that so, "Sir"?

- That's it.
- No, that's not it.

- Don't you insult my father.
- Your father? Good one!

Do you know your father? He's long gone.

Liar!

Don't believe me? Ask him yourself.

Get out, right now!

Easy there, my dear. You don't scare me.

The things I could tell you.
I was up in the attic the other day.

You forgot to close the door.

The things I've seen…

Here's some advice, keep your mouth shut.

Besides, you're not firing me.
I'm leaving.

I'm tired of your schemes!
I'm not going to jail!

- Get out!
- Shut up, you!

Get out!

Idiot.
If I can't even have a bit of fun…

Nicole… You poor thing.

Shouldn't your father be here?

It's over. The storm has passed.

The house returns to silence

just like all the others,
and the hours pass.

It's almost midnight.
Leaving the dining room,

Loursat has retired to his overheated den.

Just like every other night.

For 20 years he's only been interested
in his dusty old books

and an old bottle of Burgundy
warming up near the fire.

Angele was right, Mr Loursat drinks.

Can you see him drinking?

He can't not.

What did I tell you?

Another glass.

Did you hear that?
It sounded like a whip-crack.

But it didn't come from outside.

Nicole?

Nicole!

Nicole.

- What is it?
- Open up.

Just a minute.

- What do you want?
- Did you hear something?

I was asleep.

There's someone in the house.

- You think?
- I think there was a gunshot.

See, there's nobody up here.
It's the drink talking.

I have had a drink,

but someone must have
turned that light on.

A cigarette. Still lit.

It's the drink, is it?

He's probably dead.

Who is it?

How should I know?

I'm going to call Rogissart.

Why get your cousin involved in this?

You're forgetting
that he's a state prosecutor.

If you know that person,
it might be best to say so now.

I don't know anything.

And the one sneaking out earlier.
You don't know him either?

Fine, as you wish.

Go and get dressed. They'll be here soon.

Hello.

Hello? Put me through to 144.

Hello?

Hello? Is that the prosecutor?

Yes. Who's this?

Loursat?

Is that you, Hector?

It's Hector.

No, I was telling Laurence "It's Hector."

What?

I've just found a stiff in my house.

Yes, a stiff.

He says he's found a stiff… a dead body.

What? Give it to me.

In a bed on the second floor.
The poor chap's still warm.

He'd just snuffed it when I got there.

It seems like we've got a crime.

It's your job to find that out.

Now you've got something to keep you busy.

There's no more I can do.

- What's he saying?
- I don't understand.

He must be drunk again.

Not quite yet! But we'll get there.

Give my nocturnal regards
to my dearest cousin.

He seems happy.

I wonder if it's all just a joke.

I wouldn't put it past him.

- Are you going?
- I have to.

If it's not a joke, it's a mess.
And a big one.

I don't think it's true.
He's drunk, and having you on.

Oh, that man!

I've spent 20 years doing my utmost
to avoid messes like this,

and your cousin has to screw it all up.

You should have warned me
before we got married.

A Loursat in the family
should come with a warning.

We got married before the catastrophe.
Hector was still normal then.

The "catastrophe"? Really?

All because he became a cuckold.

It happens to plenty of men
and they don't behave so childishly.

Gérard, not this again.

No, no, but…

I'm not picking him as a specific example.

I was thinking of his sister,
Marthe Dossin.

Ah, now there's one who understood
her duty as a woman.

When her husband was out chasing skirts,
did she cry about it?

Did she let the whole town know?

Not at all.
She immediately hired pretty maids

to keep her husband home
as much as possible.

All for her son.

That's a real woman. And a mother.

Don't get so worked up about it!

Don't you see?

A crime committed at Loursat's.
The prosecutor's cousin.

My enemies will be all over this.

I'll have three columns
in tomorrow's newspaper.

Best-case scenario,
the whole town will be laughing.

Ah well…

Bye.

Hello? Put me through to 273.

Marthe Dossin? It's Laurence.

What a nice surprise!
How are you, my darling?

Oh, I'm not well at all.

My heart is so fragile, it might
break at any moment.

And also I'm so worried,
my boy hasn't come home yet.

Anything involving Edmond, I go insane.

I imagine the most terrible things…

That he's had an accident,
or met a woman. It's awful!

What?

A man's been found dead
at your brother's house.

It can't be.
That sounds like quite a scandal!

I won't dare go outside.

Wait. I think that's Edmond.

Thank you. Call me tomorrow morning.

Edmond…

Edmond, is that you?

Still up?

- Good evening, Mother.
- Good evening, Darling.

The look on your face. What's wrong?

- Where have you been?
- The cinema.

- This late?
- I was talking with Destrivaux outside.

Is that lie the truth?

You must never lie to me.
It would be awful.

You're all I have, little one.
My only comfort and support.

I don't like you staying out so late.

I don't want to wait up this late.

If you want to see a film,
we'll go arm in arm, like lovers.

Please, Mother!

- Are you ashamed of your mother?
- Of course not.

- If so, tell me and I'll disappear.
- You're crazy.

Don't talk to me that way. Go to bed now.

Oh, one other thing.

Mrs Boucherand says you're often seen
with your cousin Nicole.

You shouldn't see that young woman.

If you meet her in the street,
a simple "hello" will suffice.

What has Nicole ever done?

Maybe nothing, but your uncle
is making scenes again.

He's managed to have someone
get killed in his house.

It can't be true. It's not possible!

- We didn't kill him!
- Kill who?

Edmond, darling!

My baby!

I don't know who he is,
how he got here,

or what happened to him.

It's up to you to find out.
You, and Superintendent Minet.

Excuse me, it's Binet, not Minet.

Minet.

- Is Nicole at home?
- Yes, she's getting dressed.

She'll be right here.

Does she know?

She was right by me
when I opened the door.

So nobody in this house knows this man?

So it seems.

Mr Loursat, would you allow me
to interrogate Nicole?

Be my guest. I'm going to bed.

I need my sleep. If you need me,

don't wake me suddenly,
it upsets my stomach.

What a shame. He used to be
one of the town's best men.

After you, prosecutor.

Ah, at last, my breakfast!

If you're not happy, I can take it back.

It stinks like a rabbit hutch in here!

Mind your own smells, nosey old woman!

- Is anyone still here?
- Ducup and the court clerk.

Close the window! Close it!

- And the young lady?
- She's been up all night with them.

- Is Rogissart still here?
- He left this morning.

How is Nicole doing?

How do you expect? She's still standing.

And what do you care?
You were hardly there to help.

I can only thank you
for your honesty, Miss.

If you'd like to re-read your statement…

And sign it…

I'll just sign it. I'm too tired.

Thank you.

Ah, Nicole. I was going to say,
about your statement…

Leave me alone.

You must admit that this curious crime

taking place in the home
of someone as curious as yourself

can only arouse a certain curiosity.

Er, no, thank you.

As I said, I interviewed
your daughter at great length.

I must confess, when the prosecutor
gave me the honour…

and it is a great honour for me…

to handle this case…

Ducup. You're boring me.

As you wish, then.

You see, Miss Nicole goes out
every night with her friends.

Among them is your nephew, Edmond Dossin.

My nephew, that cretin.

And Jules Daillat, the butcher's son.

Destrivaux, whose father works
at the bank.

A chap called Luska…

And a new fellow, Emile Manu.

Whose mother gives piano lessons
to your daughter.

These youths meet at a bar
near the market,

the Boxing Bar.

- Morning, Jo.
- Morning, Mr Destrivaux.

- Are the others here?
- Upstairs.

So, is it true? It's no joke?

What?

You don't know?

No, he doesn't know.
And so what if he did?

- Morning, Mr Manu.
- Morning, Jo.

- What's going on?
- Nothing. Come on, upstairs.

What'll you have?

- A coffee.
- A vermouth.

Here they are.

- Finally!
- We had to get out of work.

There's no need to lose our heads.

We're s-s-s-screwed. That's it.

Screwed? Why?

We're all going to pay dearly
for whoever messed up.

I didn't do anything wrong.

Nor did we. But how do we p-p-prove it?

Well, you can explain why you were
shoplifting lighters.

- Are you cold?
- No, but I'm a nervous wreck.

I've got a headache.
And I'm sweating b-b-b-buckets!

We're all in trouble, that's the truth.

I want to know which bastard
left us in this mess.

He might be closer than you think.

- Are you talking about me?
- I just threw it out. You caught it.

Catch this!

Coward! You'll pay!

Can't you see he's not well!

Poor baby.

Rather than fighting,
we should be thinking.

Hey now, you're quite the gang!

Edmond just fell over.

Yeah, he fell on Manu's fist.
Poor old Edmond.

- You're fighting now?
- He's overreacting.

What's going on, chaps?

You don't usually come here on mornings.

Big Louis is dead.
Someone killed him last night.

Oh my God!

- Which idiot was it?
- We don't know.

Look, you're a bunch of spoiled brats.

I want no part of this.
I don't want the police here.

So?

So you'd better get lost!

- We're waiting for Miss Loursat.
- Then wait outside!

Jo, you can't just kick us out!

No? At times like these,
it's every man for himself.

But Nicole's coming!

You've got 10 minutes to clear out.

- Nicole, at last!
- What's happened?

I've been up since 3 a.m.
I probably look like it.

I held out as long as I could,
but in the end I gave in.

And you turned us all in.

I told them everything.
Gave all the names.

- Even mine?
- Why not?

Nicole, I'm your cousin.
We're flesh and blood.

Hear that? "Flesh and blood"!
Coward! Swine!

Some leader you are.

You got us all into this,
I never wanted to steal.

You said that we had to,
to f-f-free ourselves.

And now he wants to pass the buck.

You deserve a thrashing!

- R-r-revolting.
- That's rich.

It's Nicole who grassed,
and I'm getting the blame!

I didn't betray you.
I wanted to stay quiet.

Don't worry, your day will come.

What did you tell them, exactly?

I don't remember.

I told them about the meetings,
the passwords…

That Luska brought you into the gang
two weeks ago.

And that Edmond dared you to
steal a car, to prove yourself.

- Steal? We were just borrowing it.
- Shut up!

Carry on, Nicole.

I told them that you took
the deputy's car.

That we went for a drink
and coming back you ran someone over.

And we brought the guy home
without father knowing.

Do they know about us?

Yes, I felt it was best
to tell them everything.

- Are you angry with me?
- No, you did right.

Right, Jo?

Where's he gone?

He left. Got scared.

That's reassuring.

- Going home, Mr Destrivaux?
- I'm getting out of town.

Don't. Go home and tell
your dad everything.

- He was young too, once.
- Never. He's always been a banker.

You look exhausted, Nicole.

I didn't have time to freshen up.

I was so lost, in a hurry to see you
and confess everything.

- Are you really not angry?
- You're crazy. I'm proud of our love.

It's not pride, it's happiness.

Since we've been in love,
I'm happy even when I'm sad.

Silly isn't it?

How did they react when they heard
that I'd paid you a visit?

I didn't notice.

I was so tired.

- Are you afraid?
- Afraid, me?

No. I'm very afraid.

The patient was unbearable.
He made all kinds of demands.

Every night, Manu would come
to check on him

hoping to meet your daughter.

One night, Manu,
instead of visiting the patient,

came across Miss Nicole in her bedroom.

I don't want to insist, but…

I understand. I'm not a virgin.

I'd like to ask you to submit
to an official interrogation.

Mr Rogissart is very dismayed.
He's doing everything he can

to prevent Nicole's name going public.

Rogissart is an idiot. A complete idiot.

Take Mr Loursat's statement.

Thank you.

Write…

Hector Dominique François Loursat
of Saint-Marc.

50 years old.

Lawyer.

Husband of Geneviève Loursat,

who left without leaving an address.

Presumed father of Nicole Loursat.

Write.

I do not know what
Nicole Loursat may have done.

I have no interest whatsoever.

On Wednesday night

I thought I heard a gunshot.
I was wrong to be alarmed.

In a bedroom on the second floor

I found a dead man.

I man I did not know.

That is all I have to say.

May I?

That's all. Finished.

You can go now.

Goodbye, Sir.

It's closing time.
Bring down the shutters.

Yes, Sir.

Look, Sir.

Give me a book.

- Which book, Sir?
- Doesn't matter. Any.

Show Sir our new arrivals.

If you'd like to choose…

No point. It's just words.

Don't you think? I'll take this one.

- 20 francs. I'll get you a bag.
- No, no point.

Here.

Goodbye, Sir.

Out for a walk?

We've just had a call from Paris.

They've identified the victim as
Louis Cagalin, AKA Big Louis.

A shady character doing the rounds.
I'll keep you informed.

Sorry.

If you think I'm afraid of you…

I didn't kill Big Louis!

Why are you telling me that?

You saw me at your house
and recognised me in the bookshop.

If you tell the police,
my mother will lose all her students.

She has enough to worry about.

Why were you on the second floor
after leaving Nicole's room?

I was going downstairs
when I heard the shot.

Instead of running, I went up.
Someone came out of Louis' room.

- Did you see the murderer?
- No, the hallway was dark.

- Too bad. And then?
- He must have heard me.

He ran down the corridor.
I was scared, I got out.

- Do you love Nicole?
- Yes, Sir, and she loves me.

If all this hadn't happened,
I was going to ask for her hand.

I wouldn't dishonour your family.

That's good. Very good.

How long has Nicole been your lover?

Nicole? My lover?

Are you mad? Nicole, my lover!

If she's not, then what were you
doing in her room every night?

Nothing. Talking.

OK, I won't lie,
we kissed a couple of times.

But mainly just talking.
We talk for hours.

You talk? About what?

Everything. Nicole tells me all sorts.
She's a real chatterbox, you know.

- Nicole, a chatterbox?
- Oh, yes!

She never says a word.

With you, of course not.

Why "of course not"?

I don't know. Because…
Maybe she thinks you don't love her.

- She thinks that?
- Yes. Well, it seems…

But she could be wrong. Must be wrong.

- How long have you known her?
- Since Luska introduced us.

- Who's Luska?
- A friend who works at Prix Unique.

- And?
- He took me to Boxing Bar.

- Nicole was there, naturally.
- Yes.

Before you, did she have a boyfriend?

I don't think so.
Edmond pretended to be her lover.

But that was just a game, I'm sure of it.

How did the accident happen?

Stupidly. At the Boxing Bar
we were mixing our liquor.

Later, I had some white wine.

When I tried to brake, it was too late.

Daillat drove us to your house.
They had to help me up.

Carry on.

I slept. I woke up at 4 a.m.
The doctor had gone.

- And Nicole?
- She was watching over me.

The others had gone home.

Apart from Big Louis,
who was in bed, watching us.

I was ashamed. I apologised to Nicole
and the stranger.

That's all. If the police arrest me
I'll try to kill myself first.

Get lost.

I said get lost!

Goodbye, Sir.

Good-for-nothing.

"Good-for-nothing".
But, who is he thinking of?

Emile Manu, or Hector Loursat?

Emile is loved, he is not.
He never has been.

And that's the truth.

He knows where he's going.
And we must follow him.

- Got any red wine?
- Beaujolais, Mr Loursat. The best.

I'll take a glass. Do you know me?

I've seen you in the street.
I suspected you'd want words with me.

Really?

Well, you're wrong. If anyone
looked out for those kids, it was me.

When they'd had enough, I stopped serving.

The other night, when Emile came in,

he wanted to borrow money
against his wristwatch.

I gave him a loan
and told him to keep the watch.

- What'll you have?
- A shot of mint liquor.

Like that Luska chap, who works
outside Prix Unique all day.

Edmond and your daughter,
they get up whatever time they like.

If times are hard,
their parents are on hand.

But when I see these underfed youths

from homes where they count
every penny, I feel bad.

They want to be like the others,
or even better off.

What's wrong, Sir? You're not listening.

On the contrary, I think I was.

It's funny… I've spent today
listening to everybody,

and the past 20 years listening to no one.

- Strange. How much do I owe you?
- Eight francs. Mates' rates.

Here.

Will the murderer go free
due to extenuating circumstances?

Personally, I don't care.
The law is pretty hard lately.

In Nevers, they just executed
a 19-year-old.

Goodbye, Sir.

What a chump!

Quiet! You don't know him.

Who is he?

A guy who, when he speaks, people listen.

And it doesn't happen often.

Come on now. You know me.

I'm an old friend of your father.
We studied together.

Classics.

We were discharged together.

In his name and in mine,
I urge you to speak.

I don't care! I don't care!
Leave me alone!

Tell us the truth,
and all this will be over.

I said leave me alone!

You're making me ill.

If you carry on…

If you carry on, I'll pass out!

Calm down Mr Dossin.
I'm asking you quite amicably.

30 seconds of honesty
and you're free to go.

You were saying that every week,
the gang members all had to bring…

A stolen object. Anything.
The bigger the better.

One day, Luska stole a pumpkin.

A pumpkin?

- A what?
- A pumpkin.

A pumpkin?

A pumpkin, it was around 10 kilos,
and unripe.

- What for?
- For the honour.

It's a game we learned in our
holidays, a fad.

- Where did you keep your loot?
- In my uncle's attic.

We were going to give it all back.
It was just a bit of fun.

We never hurt anyone.

The pumpkin, maybe not. But the car!

We'd have returned it
if it wasn't for the accident.

Anyway it was Manu's idea, to impress us.

Another thing. During the two weeks
he spent at your uncle's,

Big Louis sent several money orders
to his mistress,

a certain Julie Sirot,
with whom he has three children.

The total sum of these orders
comes to 2,600 francs.

Where did that money come from?

If he sent any money,
he must have had it before the accident.

We know that's not the case.

You wouldn't have paid it to him
as compensation?

- No, Sir.
- Do you think I was born yesterday?

Don't tell me a cad like Cagalin
didn't try to extort you!

Get something out of you. Admit it!

- Not me.
- Not you?

- No, not me.
- Then who?

I don't know.
I can't say, it would be bad!

Was Cagalin blackmailing one of your pals?

It seemed that way. I can't be sure.

Look, have a little courage.

It's nice to cover for your friends.
Very classy.

I'd expect no less
from Charles Dossin's son,

but class has its limits.

You can speak without fear, my boy.
There has been a crime.

Who was it?

Manu… Emile Manu.

- Who's there?
- It's me.

Weren't you expecting me?
Why was the door locked?

Yes, I was expecting you.

- So, what's the matter?
- I'm afraid.

- Of what?
- Big Louis.

I feel like he's still up in the attic.

I hear him walking up and down.

It's horrible being all alone here.
The house creaks all over.

That's because it's old.

Before, I didn't hear anything.
Now, he walks. I hear steps.

You know Big Louis is dead.
He's not in this house.

Emile, won't you tell me the truth?

Tell me, then I won't be afraid any more!

What do you want me to say? What truth?

- Emile, you killed Big Louis.
- Nicole!

Are you mad?

I don't know.
This idea is stuck in my head.

It just keeps coming back.

- And you say you love me?
- It's because I love you.

I'm scared for you.

Don't be, I've done nothing wrong.

- Do you swear?
- On my life.

- No, on mine.
- If you want.

- Say it.
- I swear on your life.

- Listen. Did you hear that?
- What?

Footsteps in the attic.

No, it's just the furniture creaking.
Or your father in his office.

- I'm afraid of the dead.
- With me, it's the living.

Big Louis' soul is wandering,
looking for his killer.

We must find the killer to restore calm.

- Everything will be calm again.
- Do you think so?

We're two against the world,
but we love each other.

We're the strong ones.

And you're the only one who's on my side.

Why the only one?
Are the others against you?

I don't know. I was just saying.

Will they arrest you?

Arrest me? Why do you say that?

Why would they arrest me?

I'd like to see them try!

Let them come, if they dare!

Why, because I ran over Big Louis?
It was an accident.

Like any other.

They can't arrest me for that.

It would be awful.

It can't happen.

It can't…

- What are you thinking?
- Your father came by the bookshop.

- He's looking for the killer too.
- I told him I didn't know anything.

- Did he believe you?
- I think so.

- What else?
- He asked how long we'd been lovers.

- Is that all?
- Aren't you annoyed?

He has the right to think
just about anything.

You know, if you'd asked me,
I wouldn't have refused.

- You'd do that?
- With my eyes shut.

But thank you for having
the patience to wait.

Now I feel stronger.

Emile, hurry up, it's a quarter-to.

I'm ready.

- You're having coffee in here now?
- It's my lunch.

In the dining room? You've gone mad.

- Dining rooms are for dining.
- When we have company.

When we're alone,
you can eat in the kitchen.

There's no shame in that.

Well…

What is it?

Two men I don't recognise.
They must have got the wrong address.

Go down and see.

I'm… a little late. Would you mind…

Finish your lunch, I'll go.

We're the police, madam.
We'd like a word with your son.

With Emile? Has he done something wrong?

Let me go! I said let me go!

Calm down, boy!

I don't care, I'll try again! Let me go!

Very clever.

The gun might have jammed!
But I'll try again!

Emile, my baby, what have you done?

They're going to take you away!
Please, answer me!

Don't worry mother. It's all a mistake.

- You hear me? A mistake!
- Tell it to the judge.

You can't arrest me, I didn't shoot!

I hope it's true,
but either way, you're coming with us.

- To prison?
- To the Palace of Justice.

- Take these off, I won't run.
- No can do. It's the rules.

Now we're truly dishonoured.
The neighbours will see the handcuffs.

Wait.

Now no one will see.

Chin up, lad. Kiss your mother.

Emile, darling, tell me the truth.

It's a mistake, mother, I swear.
Don't worry, I'll be back.

Read it for me, my hands are all soapy.

- Okay.
- Quickly then.

"Dear friend, I can't reach you
by telephone."

"Please come by the Palace."
Signed, Rogissart.

- Is Nicole in?
- No, Mrs Manu came to get her.

Her son was arrested this morning.

Fine, I'll go.

How awful! If his father were alive,
he would die of shame!

Does Emile not look like his father?

No. He's more like his grandmother.

His father was an artist.

A real artist.

After his work day
he would paint watercolours.

Every night. He would work from postcards.

Here you are at last!

- You disconnected your phone?
- Yes.

I don't like to be disturbed.
I need my peace.

- Do you always get up at 11?
- Oh, no!

Some days, at four in the afternoon.
I need my sleep.

Please, sit.

- I am sitting.
- Yes.

Hector, I'm quite perturbed.

Not just for you, but for all of us.

There's no hiding a case
involving a dead man.

This scandal will shock our whole society.

- You seem indifferent.
- Yes.

Come now.

You know that our town's situation
is a little…

a little special.

You look quite stressed.

You should drink some wine
and eat some red meat.

- Without sauce, the sauce is…
- Please!

We understand your past misfortunes,
but isn't this a bit much?

No.

Manu was in your house
the night of the crime.

Your daughter admitted it.
She was almost boastful

that he spent the night in her room.

I'd like to be present
for Manu's interrogation.

This morning it almost wrapped up neatly.

When he saw that he was caught,
Manu tried to kill himself.

Unfortunately, the gun jammed.

Or the rascal was putting on an act.
In any case he's alive.

What an inconsiderate fellow.

If he'd succeeded,
this case would be closed.

Yes, what a rascal.
He's done it to annoy you.

This is not the time for sarcasm!

Manu is guilty, there is no doubt.

How about we listen to Manu?

Ducup.

Come in.

The magistrate
will ask you a few questions.

- I didn't kill Big Louis!
- Sit down.

As the prosecutor said,
I will be asking the questions.

I didn't kill him!
I don't want to go to jail!

He told you, didn't he?

Please calm down.

I asked Mr Loursat
to observe this interview,

given the exceptional nature
of his situation.

You're young, you're impulsive,
you acted without thinking.

It's a lie! You can't hold me,
I'm innocent! I didn't kill him!

- They put me in handcuffs!
- Silence!

You're here to answer my questions,
not make a scene!

Before your arrival,
your pals were a harmless bunch.

You turned up and things went south.

The first day, you proposed
to steal a car.

- It wasn't my idea.
- But you did it.

Let's not mince words.

At subsequent meetings,

you and your pals began to plan
serious robberies.

- Big Louis made us do it.
- It's always someone else's fault!

Look, maybe Big Louis was involved.

We've certainly heard
bad things about him.

But it's still true that you yourself

were a harmful influence on the group.

And wasn't Big Louis blackmailing you?

He took 2,600 francs off you in two weeks.

Tell me, by what sordid means
did you acquire this sum?

- Answer.
- I'm not saying another word.

Don't be difficult, now.

You earn 800 francs a month
in Georges' bookshop.

That was clearly not enough to meet
your victim's demands, or was it?

Answer.

- Perfect.
- Be advised that by law,

you have the right to appoint a lawyer

and have him present
for your interrogation.

I choose Mr Loursat.

I accept.

- What did he say?
- Nothing.

I hardly saw him.
He chose my father as his lawyer.

- The old man?
- Yes, old woman.

Later I'm visiting Manu in jail.
If you have anything to tell him…

No, thank you.

Can't I visit him, though?

- But you have nothing to tell him?
- Nothing for you to tell him.

I see. Well, I'll file a request
with Ducup.

I appreciate it.

I know that you're in love with that boy.

Your tie is crooked.

My tie?

Well, vanity and me…

That used to make your mother furious.

She was a vain woman, your mother.

Father…

Why don't you love me?

- Why?
- I don't believe you truly hate me.

I've never hated you, Nicole.

But you've never loved me either.

- And you?
- I wanted to love you.

Like all my friends love their fathers.

But you never wanted it.

If I'm not your daughter,
that's your own fault.

If you'd held me on your knee
when I was little…

If you'd told me children's stories…

If you'd helped me with homework,
or taken me on walks…

I'd be your daughter.

But you wouldn't.

Why not?

Won't you answer me?

It's a lot more complicated
than you imagine.

- You forgot your bottles.
- Oh yes.

I have some in my office,
I think, anyway…

- Been busy in here lately?
- It's pretty quiet.

The low season.

- Good afternoon.
- Hello, Sir.

- Why did you try to kill yourself?
- I told you I didn't fancy jail.

- Who killed Big Louis?
- You think it was me, too?

I don't think anything.

How did you meet the gang?

Through Luska. I told you.

- They had secrets, passwords…
- There were regulations.

- Written?
- Yes. Edmond Dossin kept a list.

He wrote them?

They never said so,
but it fits his character.

To complicate life with papers.
He made me sign one for Nicole.

Some kind of marriage act?

A sales act. Yeah, he sold me Nicole.

You don't understand.
Those were the rules.

Nobody could take another's girl
without consent and compensation.

How much did you pay?

I was supposed to pay him
50 francs a month, for a year.

What a guy.

A letter for you, Sir.
From the magistrate.

Thank you.

Sit.

- Destrivaux.
- What?

- What do you make of Destrivaux?
- He was stealing lighters.

- I don't understand.
- He chose the easiest thing.

He was too cowardly to go further.

The magistrate tells me he's disappeared.

He wasn't the shooter!

- So who was?
- I don't know.

Have a think. This will pass some time.

Distract you.

I'll see you tomorrow with the magistrate.

Right, I'm off.

Father will be home soon.

I'll catch him in the street.
So as not to bother you.

- You're not a bother.
- I'm not so sure.

You've hardly said a word
since I've been here.

Deep down, do you think I'm mean?

- You're crazy!
- Well, it's not important anyhow.

But I was expecting you to…

Right now only one thing matters,
defending him.

We're all he's got.

Give me your hand, Amédé.
No more silly thoughts.

- You don't hate me?
- You idiot.

I feel better. But now we need to act.

The whole town is against him and me.
The poor, pitiful kids.

You'll never know,
here in your nice house.

I spend my days at my stall.

People avoid me,
look at me like I was a dog.

They'd spit in my face
given half a chance.

If we don't find something,
Emile will be convicted.

You don't know my father.

Has he found anything?

Oh, it's you.

Good evening.

I'm sorry, Mr… I mean, Sir.

I've been waiting for you.
I'm Amédé Luska.

I came to say that
if I can be of service in any way…

I mean, when the police question me
I'll say whatever you want me to.

The truth will suffice, trust me.

Right you are, Sir.

- Are you tired, Father.
- No, thirsty, rather!

Excuse me.

And then, the tunnel.
A very long, dark tunnel.

One that goes on for months.

For months, the investigation
continues in stifling darkness.

It seems we will never get out.

But, one day we shall
come to the end of the tunnel

and finally we will see light.

But it's the cold, sinister light
that illuminates only the courtroom.

The room is packed.
Crowds jostling to get in,

yet everyone found a space.
Everyone is here.

Destrivaux senior, whose crooked pince-nez
expresses shame and inner pain.

The Daillats, father and uncle,
their moustaches waxed like boots.

Nearby, Mrs Manu
carries an air of dignity and resignation.

In the seat of honour, Mr Dossin,
who we sadly never got the chance to know.

Mrs Rogissart,
trying to impress the jury.

If Rogissart manages to take down Manu…

The high court won't be far off.

But all eyes are fixed on Loursat.

Unfazed by the public curiosity,
he remains gruff and distant

like a zoo animal
who knows he's being watched.

He has the doleful look of a caged beast.

Rumour has it that Loursat
has started drinking again.

The judge has one last look
through his notes…

We will start with the hearing
of the witnesses.

Jury members, be advised

that the prosecution will forego
the testimony of one witness,

Mr Hector Loursat, of Saint-Marc,

as he will be defending the accused.

Clerk, bring in the first witness.

Right away.

Mr Edmond Dossin.

Silence!

Your full name and age.

Edmond Dossin, 18.

You are not a relative of the accused
nor acting in his service?

Do you swear to tell the truth,
the whole truth and nothing more?

Raise your right hand and say "I do."

I do.

- Are you ill?
- No, it's nothing.

Then turn to face the jury
and make your statement.

Members of the jury,
I am the real culprit.

- I knew it.
- Silence!

Yes, it should be me in his place.

You killed Big Louis?

No. Certainly not, your Honour.

But it's all my fault.

Who accepted Manu into the club? I did.

Whose idea was this gang, this clique?
Mine.

The meetings, the passwords. All my ideas.

I was responsible, I was the leader.

The boss, as Jo would say.

But if I'd known how it would end up…

I regret it so much.

Your Honour, Mr Dossin is recovering
from a nervous breakdown.

I would have waived his testimony,

if he hadn't insisted on appearing.

Please forgive his emotional state.

If his testimony is non-essential,
we can move ahead.

- That's fine.
- Just one question.

You stated previously that
Big Louis was blackmailing Manu.

- Do you maintain that?
- Yes. Big Louis told me himself.

Do you recall his words?

I remember exactly what he said,

"Your little friend will have to pay.
I can't work with my leg hurt."

"He'll be paying me off
for the rest of his days."

Big Louis said that to me
in a friendly chat we had.

And did you pass this on to Manu?

Yes.

- How did he react?
- He didn't say anything.

Just clenched his fists and walked out.

Members of the jury,

I will add nothing more.

No questions, counsel?

Hmm? No, your Honour.

Next witness!

Mr Destrivaux.

Young Mr Destrivaux fled the town
shortly after the crime.

The Parisian police picked him up.

And he immediately signed up
to join the army.

What is your name?

Marcel Destrivaux, 19.
Firefighter, 11th Engineers' Regiment.

- Isn't that your son?
- Yes.

He looks like a good lad.

In the military, yes.
As a civilian, he's an idiot.

Lower your hand. Turn to face the jury,

and make your statement.

I'm sorry for what I've done,
for dishonouring my family's name.

I beg for forgiveness
for any harm I've caused…

Very well.

Now tell us what you know of this case.

Nothing.

But you do know Manu?

Yes, your Honour.

What did you think of him
when you met in the Boxing Bar?

Nothing.

Oh, he didn't know how to play cards.

- And?
- So we taught him.

- What did you teach him?
- Ecarté.

Edmond Dossin taught him,
and he won 50 francs.

Did Dossin have much luck?

No, he was cheating.

- Did he often cheat?
- Always.

He didn't even hide it.

And you played with him?

Yes, we all wanted to figure out
his trick.

Silence! Strange way to think of it.

- And after cards, what then?
- We drank.

- What did you drink?
- Just a few glasses.

- Beer?
- No, Pernod mixed with Cognac.

- And?
- It made us thirsty.

Silence!

Dossin said,
"I'll buy us a round at the inn."

Then Manu went to steal the deputy's car.

Why the deputy's car?

It was an idea floating around.
We always said we'd do it.

- But you never did?
- We didn't dare.

But Manu…

he dared to.

He'd never chicken out of anything.

The court understands.
What happened at the inn?

We drank some more.

- More Pernod?
- No, your Honour.

White wine and kirsch, for a change.

Silence!

And afterwards?

After… I don't remember.

I don't remember a thing
because I was blind drunk.

Unbelievable. These young men
from honourable families…

Why did you do this?

- We were bored.
- Are there no better distractions?

No, your Honour.

Did you know that Big Louis
was blackmailing your friend Manu?

Yes, your Honour.

- How did you know?
- Because I lent him money.

You lent him 2,600 francs?

Oh no. 600 francs.

I had saved it up to buy a bike.

I still need that bike.
I'm not made for walking.

- So you lent 600 francs to Manu?
- Yes, your Honour.

In two stages. First he asked me for 300.

He said he'd pay you back next month,

with 100 extra, for drop handlebars.

Drop handlebars, can you imagine?

Not exactly. So, you gave him 300 francs?

Then Emile came to me and said,
"I need another 300 francs."

I said, "What about my bike?"
and he said "I'll pay you next month."

I said, "Unless you borrow even more.
This is the last time."

"This has got to end."

- Are you sure of that?
- Of what?

"This is the last time.
This has got to end."

Yes, yes. That's what he said.

Members of the jury,
you have just heard it.

On the eve of the crime,
Manu had already decided

to end his victim's life.
He cynically admitted it.

No such thing! What are you saying?

I'm merely citing your exact words.

I didn't mean that.

I can't imagine another meaning!

You said, "This is the last time."

You always say that when you want
to borrow money.

Silence!

If you didn't, nobody would lend to you.

Charming. On the subject of money, Manu…

perhaps you can explain where you found
the additional 2,000 francs

that Big Louis was demanding?

The first 1000, at home.
In an old wallet of my father's.

I was planning to return it.

And the rest of the sum?

- The rest…
- Come on, Manu…

From Mr Testut.

- Mr Testut?
- Yes, he's a customer of the bookshop.

He came to the shop to pay a bill,
I was alone there.

I kept the money.

I would have given it back
by the end of the month.

- How?
- I don't know, somehow.

The jury will consider that.

Prosecutor, any questions?

Any questions, counsel?

No, your Honour.

May your service to your country
outweigh your imprudence.

Thank you.

Next witness.

Miss Nicole Loursat.

Silence!

Your full name, age and profession.

- The kid's not bothered.
- He's seen enough.

Lower your hand and tell the jury
what you know about this case.

The night of the crime,
Manu spent the evening with me.

He left around midnight.

Three minutes later I heard a gunshot.

At first, I didn't realise what it was,

and before I could do anything,
father knocked on my door.

That's all I know.

That's all you think you know,

but I'm sure you can tell us more.

- I'll do what I can.
- Alright.

You said that Manu
spent the evening with you.

Did you not go upstairs at all
to check on your patient?

No, your Honour.

We both stayed in my room.

Wasn't Manu there to attend to Big Louis?

Initially yes, but later,
Big Louis became unbearable.

Every day he would demand more money!

- Was Big Louis rude to Manu?
- To everyone.

Yourself included?

With me, it was different.

He was rather too… nice.

Too gallant?

His leg was injured
but his hands were free to roam.

- Did you tell Manu about this?
- Yes.

How did he react?

I don't remember.

You're under oath, Miss.

Tell the whole truth.

Emile said, "As soon as he's up,
I'll smash his…

face in."

But in fact, he couldn't wait that long.

Why do you say that?
Manu didn't shoot him, I'm positive!

The court would like to believe you,
but when the murder took place

there were only four people in the house.

Yourself, your father, the maid and Manu.

- So say the police.
- The police are quite logical.

How could a stranger have gotten in?

The front door was locked all night

and there are only two keys
to the garden gate.

Mr Loursat had one of them.

- What about yours?
- I had lent it to Manu.

Then we're agreed.

My question was, how could
a stranger have gotten in?

- The garden gate.
- What did you say?

That he could have gotten in
by the garden gate.

- You left it open?
- Yes, your Honour.

- And why didn't you say so earlier?
- Nobody asked me.

So, whenever you went to visit
Miss Loursat,

the gate was left open all night?

- No.
- What? That's what you just said.

I said I left it open that night.

I was only expecting to stay
a few minutes,

but then Nicole told me about
Big Louis' new demands

and I stayed to discuss the situation.

Curious coincidence.

Supposing you haven't invented
this… theory,

for your own benefit,

how could this phantom assassin
have guessed

that that night, specifically that night,

he would find an easy way in?

- Answer.
- I don't know.

The courtroom is not a place for jokes!

Say something.

- What?
- Say something.

What am I supposed to say?

Does anyone have any more questions
for the witness?

- Mr Loursat…
- No questions, your Honour.

Thank you, Miss.

Your Honour, Doctor Matraigue has arrived.

Send him in.

Doctor Matraigue, you're up.

Thank you.

Silence!

Aren't you going in?

Oh, with that guy it's always
the same monologue.

"Members of the jury,
I have examined the victim's body."

"The bullet entered his left side
and came out of his buttocks."

"The wounds were not serious,"

"but the projectile's path
caused internal injuries"

"striking the epiglottis, the mesentery,"

"and the sub-mastoidal muscle."

And so forth.
He's like an anatomy textbook.

No more questions? Thank you, Doctor.

That was fast.
The Judge must have dinner reservations.

Next witness.

Mr Daillat.

- Who's that?
- The butcher's son.

You know, the kid who
s-s-s-speaks like this.

You work for your father,

and you admitted that on several occasions

you have stolen hams from the cellar.

They never even n-n-noticed.

And you also took money
from the cash register?

L-I-like all of them.

- Who?
- My f-father and my u-u-uncle.

Everyone dips into the r-r-r-register.

Well, more or less.

You know Manu.
What do you think of him?

He's a g-g-g-good talker.

Silence!

Clerk, please show the witness the gun.

The weapon you see here, Daillat,

is the one which killed Big Louis.

I don't know.

No, we already know it is!

- Daillat, do you recognise this gun?
- Yes.

It was B-B-Big Louis' gun.

Correct. And how do you know?

Manu showed it to me.

Big Louis was asleep, and he said,

"Hey, take a look at his sh-sh-shooter."

And pulled it out of his overcoat.

Thank you.

Prosecutor, any questions?

No, I'm satisfied.

- Counsel?
- No, your Honour.

Superintendent Binet.

Oh, that's Mr Minet…

Alfred Binet, 47,
Superintendent in the Flying Squad.

I was brought in to locate
the murder weapon.

I carried out searches,
first at the crime scene

then in Mrs Manu's house, but in vain.

Then I had the idea to search
Georges Bookshop.

There, within five minutes
I had located the gun

well hidden in a drawer in Manu's desk.

The gun you're referring to,

is it the one you see before you?

Yes, your Honour.

Come now, Manu… Stop denying it.

This proves your guilt.

For the last time,
will you admit your crime?

I'm sure the jury and the court
would appreciate it.

I never put that gun in my desk drawer!

The witness may stand down.

Next witness.

Mr Luska.

Your full name, age and profession.

Amédé Luska, 19, salesman at Prix Unique.

You are not a relative of the accused
nor acting in his service?

Do you swear to tell the truth,
the whole truth and nothing more?

Raise your right hand and say, "I do".

I do.

Now then, Luska. What can you tell us?

I believe that Manu is innocent.

Really? Do you know
who the real culprit is?

No, but I'm sure it's not him.

I'm not asking for your
personal opinion, but facts.

- Why are you so sure?
- I've known Emile forever.

We went to school together.
He's always been the nicest guy,

the best friend, he wouldn't hurt a fly.

It hasn't been that long.
He can't have changed so fast.

This isn't like him at all.

I was so surprised
when he asked to join the gang.

I just couldn't imagine him
playing bandits.

But soon I understood,
he only joined because he loved Nicole.

It took real love for him
to silence his conscience.

So how could he be a killer?

What if he killed out of jealousy?

Why, because Big Louis
tried it on with Nicole?

Maybe Emile would have punched
his lights out later,

but he could never have shot a sick man.

May I, your Honour?

You said that Manu was in love
with Miss Loursat?

Oh, he was nuts for her! I mean… crazy.

And Big Louis' blackmail wasn't
a huge obstacle in the way

of the marriage of these two young people?

Can you swear that Manu didn't kill him
to remove this obstacle?

Out of love, in a way?

Well?

No answer?

His silence speaks for itself.

During the period from the accident
to the night of the crime,

did Manu tell you anything?

Nothing.

- You, his best friend?
- We hardly saw each other.

And after the crime,
you didn't see him again?

- Yes.
- When?

- The next day, he came to the shop.
- What for?

Come on, Luska!

He was afraid they'd search his house.
He wanted me to keep a package.

- The revolver!
- I don't know, he just said a package.

And you didn't agree to it?

Yes. I went to get it from him
that evening.

but Manu told me he'd found
a better hiding place.

The desk drawer.

Manu, what do you say to that?

It wasn't the revolver.

- Then what was it?
- Letters from Nicole.

You met every day,
yet you were writing letters?

There was never enough time
to say everything.

- Where are these letters now?
- I burnt them.

I might have guessed.

No questions, counsel?

Members of the jury,
I suspect that Mr Loursat

is saving himself for
his closing statement.

We'll hear the rest
of the witnesses tomorrow.

We'll resume tomorrow at 9 a.m.

Court is adjourned.

What are you doing in my room?

I thought you were in here so I came in.

Drunkard!

You don't even know how to behave.

I hate you, with all my heart!

Thanks.

- Where are you going?
- To lie down, I'm tired.

No. That's too easy.
First you'll listen to me.

- I want to sleep.
- Don't worry, this won't be long.

You can go and nurse your wine shortly.

- Sit down.
- I can stand.

You wouldn't think it.

Take a look in the mirror.

That's the face you showed them
all day in court.

That moronic face…

Those dead lips…

You can be proud of yourself.
You did a great job.

Everything's lost because of you!
You betrayed us!

While they were attacking Manu,
I was watching you.

You didn't move.
You could have been asleep.

Everyone was appalled, even Rogissart.

Why did you do that? Tell me why!

To get your revenge on me?

On him?

On life?

Maybe there's another explanation…

But I don't even want to go there,
it would be too awful.

Maybe it suits you
for Manu to be convicted?

You were there too, that night!

Think what you like.

Ladies and gentlemen, all rise!

The court is in session.

Send in the first witness.

Mrs Dossin.

- Your full name?
- Marthe Dossin.

- Age?
- 35.

- She's older than 35…
- She had her son at 21.

- How old is her son?
- 19.

Raise your hand and say, "I do."

I do.

Turn to face the jury
and make your statement.

Members of the jury,

the day my son met Manu

was the worst day of my life.

Edmond's health had always
caused me worries.

He was an excessively nervous child,

but I was always proud of him.
God wished…

- No! That's quite enough!
- Counsel…

I'm sorry, your Honour,
but this situation is a bit special.

The witness is my sister,
over there are my nephew and daughter,

my cousin is my adversary,
the accused is my future son-in-law.

This has become a family affair
and thus I shall break a few rules.

I will not allow
the parents of these children,

who should be standing in the dock,

to parade themselves on the witness stand!

Whatever circumstances
led to Big Louis' death,

the culprit cannot be a child.

Children are never culprits.
The real culprits are Marthe,

Dossin, Destrivaux, Daillat,
Mrs Manu, and myself!

Since the start of this trial,

the state prosecutor

has attempted to hide
the crucial element of this case.

Jury members, beware.
To salvage a lost cause,

Mr Loursat wishes to discredit
our most honourable townsfolk.

Your Honour, I implore you

to stop this becoming a scandal.

Your Honour,

I implore you to listen.

For 20 years I haven't set foot
in this place.

If I had to ransack every closet
to find my robes,

if I've returned to sit at this bench,
it's not to be stopped

by vain respect
for bourgeois respectability.

I'm not looking for scandal,
as the prosecutor thinks.

Yet I won't avoid it,
if it can help bring the truth to light.

But not a dressed-up truth

which conforms to what the rules allow.

The naked truth,

which climbs out of the bath
like the fine whore she is,

splashing all over her surroundings.

- Mere words.
- You want facts?

If my nephew, who is not the smartest lad,

but neither the complete cretin
he may appear,

managed to organise this gangster show,

it's because he was suffocating at home.

He could no longer stand
the constant moaning,

his mother's cuddles,
his father's nagging.

You hear me, Marthe?
If you had been a more normal mother,

if your husband had frequented
less whores,

your son would not be here.

Mr Destrivaux, senior,
is a different story.

He's a banker, and goes through life

with the walls of his vault
like a portable bunker

where he shuts himself away
to eat, love and sleep.

Look at him there.

What contact could a son have
with such a perfect bureaucrat?

The Daillats are different.
They all dip into the cash register.

The boy grows up amid shouting,
arguments, fighting.

Luska ran away from his parents' shop

simply because it smelled unpleasant.

And as for Nicole Loursat,
she spent her childhood

looking at a drunkard,
filthy and repulsive.

That was me myself, ladies and gentlemen.

And finally we have Mrs Manu.

A curious, yet banal story.

While Mrs Dossin spends
her days and nights

lounging on a divan,

Mrs Manu gets up at 5 a.m.
to wax her floors.

While the Daillats squander the profits
from their business,

Mrs Manu counts every penny.

While Mr Destrivaux hides
in his palace of silence,

Mrs Manu makes conversation with her son.

At night, she leaves her bedroom door ajar

to listen and watch over his sleep.

She's the perfect mother. She's a saint.

It's no surprise that Manu
only had one desire,

to get out of there.

Escape!

Escape, that's what these children sought.

They were sickened by the
bourgeois scenes of home life.

They were prepared to undertake
any kind of foolish acts

to break free from stifling conformism.

Your Honour, you asked one of them,

"Are there no better distractions?"

Really?

Members of the jury,
can you show me the way

to the stadium, the velodrome,
the swimming pool?

Don't bother. There is no stadium,
velodrome or swimming pool.

There are 132 cafés and bistros,

I've counted!

And four brothels.

I didn't count those,
but I'm sure my fellow townspeople

are well aware of their locations.

Gentlemen…

when children can't get drunk
on fresh air and adventure,

they need to blow off steam
somewhere else.

They go to the cinema, where they swoon

before the exploits
of the hero of the week,

or drool over the legs of the starlet

or the vamp.

And one fine day,

or night,

these children go from spectators
to actors

and drench themselves in blood.

Well, this bloody cloak,

it is you, it is us,

who have thrown it onto their shoulders.

I have finished.

The prosecutor can continue
his interrogations in peace.

Oh, I'm not following you down that path.

I discard the testimony of this witness.

So, what do I do?

You may stand down.

Nevertheless, I don't see how
the defence's diatribe

diminishes the charges against Manu.

If you're planning to claim
extenuating circumstances,

I will only ask the same thing
from the jury.

Very kind of you, Prosecutor,
but don't try to pre-empt me.

Let's move on. Next witness.

All witnesses for the prosecution
have been heard.

Then we'll hear those for the defence.

No, your Honour.
I waive testimony of all my witnesses.

- He's drunk!
- He's mad!

Mr Loursat…

Have you really thought this through?

Of course, your Honour.

Oh… this is a scandal!

I know what you're thinking, Prosecutor.

But this morning I drank
only a cup of coffee.

Which is still in my stomach.

I waive the testimony
of the defence witnesses.

But I would like to re-call
all those of the prosecution.

I protest against this deliberate
muddying of the debate, your Honour!

Mr Loursat has had every opportunity
to cross-examine my witnesses.

The defence has free rein, Sir!
One of the glories of French justice!

I needed certain information
I could only hear in public.

I am only asking for what is my right!

Who do you wish to hear, Mr Loursat?

Superintendent Minet…
er, Binet, Bidet…

Is Superintendent Binet in the room?

Yes, your Honour.

Come to the bar.

Superintendent, in your statement,
one detail jumped out at me,

"within five minutes
I had located the gun"

"well hidden in a drawer in Manu's desk."

Yes, it was buried under
a load of papers and books.

To find a well hidden object so rapidly

shows you are a very perceptive man.

The idea to search Georges' bookshop,

was it yours?

I… don't understand.

I asked if this idea wasn't
suggested to you by a third party!

Well, the police received a tip-off.

- An anonymous letter?
- If you want…

If I want?

- It was a signed anonymous letter.
- What?

Yes, it was signed "X."

And you didn't try to find out
who this "X" was?

What for?

As his Honour said,
the police are quite logical.

Thank you, Mr Minet.

Binet.

- I'd like to speak to young Dossin.
- Edmond Dossin.

I don't see where any of this is going.

I am the only judge
of the defence's interests.

There's no hurry, boy. Plenty of time.

What do you want to know?

Your Honour, would you ask him
if he's in love with my daughter?

You heard the question.

Sure, we flirted.

But it was like everything…
a kind of game.

Indeed, members of the jury,

my nephew was parading himself
as my daughter's lover.

I have a complicated family.

That's all I wanted to know.

Can young Mr Destrivaux
return to the bar?

This is exhibitionism!

Let's see, young soldier…

When you were a civilian,

were you in love with Nicole?

- Uh…
- Uh yes, or uh no?

- Uh… yes.
- Thank you.

Daillat.

Don't worry, my little friend.

Don't be alarmed.

And you? Are you an exception to the rule?

- I'm sorry?
- Oh, right.

- Were you in love with my daughter?
- Of course.

She was the only g-g-girl
in the gang, so…

Thank you.

He's overexcited.

Luska!

I really don't see the point
of these questions.

Others will, Prosecutor.

Then they're more intelligent than me.

I've contradicted you so much already.

I won't risk another one.

Luska, you heard the question
I asked all your friends.

- Will you answer it?
- Yes, Sir.

I have never been in love with Nicole.

At last! One who isn't
in love with my daughter!

Finally, an impartial witness.

Members of the jury,

the crime we are judging today

is not a crime of interest,
but a crime of jealousy.

Manu is not the murderer,

but the victim.

In murdering Big Louis,
the killer was targeting Manu.

Through this blackmailer,
he was able to reach his rival.

This is pure rhetoric,
we're not at the closing arguments yet!

I don't care!
I argued before, I argue now,

and I'll carry on arguing
until my time is up!

My one and only duty here

is to defend an innocent man
falsely accused by society!

Members of the jury,

to understand children,

you have to feel like a child.

Forget your age for five minutes
and join me in the Boxing Bar,

where the gang met up every night.

All five: four boys and one girl.

All the boys, except Luska,
dream of a fling with Nicole.

For some of them,
this is just a kind of game,

like stealing lighters and pumpkins.

But in one of them, love blossoms.

And this feeling is so authentic,

that the lover boy
represses it, keeps quiet.

At this moment, your Honour,

we're in early November.

An event occurs.

A new boy arrives in the "mafia,"
as my nephew calls it.

A new boy already on the cusp of manhood.

The woman recognises this at once,
and moves closer.

For one of the boys, this is a nightmare.

Jealousy takes over his heart.

And at night, when Manu comes
to meet Nicole in her room,

the misfortunate one
prowls around the garden walls.

He suffers, gentlemen.

Like only a child can suffer.

And so one night, this obsessive,
this unwell person,

sees that the garden gate
has been left ajar.

Finally, he will be able to
realise his unhappiness.

He enters the house,
climbs the stairs on his tiptoes.

He hears muffled voices.

He puts his ear to the door and hears
the words he wanted to say,

words he wanted to be said to him.

He is overcome with hatred.

He knows there is a gun upstairs.
He goes up.

Big Louis is asleep.
The gun is right there,

in the pocket of his overcoat.
He takes it!

His plan is to kill Manu,
but then Big Louis wakes up.

A terrible, abominable, criminal idea

crosses the mind of this wretched soul.

By killing Big Louis,

he will get rid of his rival.

And he shoots!

Don't be afraid, little one.

That is what happened

the night of the crime.

Just a hypothesis.

Luska, you know Manu well…

He's a good friend of yours,
you were always friends,

you went to school together
as young children…

- You're going to help me save Manu.
- Yes, Sir!

Thank you.

Is Manu right or left-handed?

Right-handed.

Thank you.

Oh, Luska…

in which of Manu's desk drawers
did they find the gun?

The right or the left?

In the right.

- Are you certain?
- Of course.

How do you know that?

The Superintendent said…

The Superintendent never said
which drawer the gun was found in.

No-one could have known.
Except the person who put it there.

Except the person who wrote
the anonymous letter.

You aren't in love with Nicole, Luska?

Here is a photograph I found
in my daughter's bedroom.

All your friends are looking
at the photographer,

except you, who's looking at Nicole.

An expressive look at that.

My dear Luska…
how you must have suffered

when you heard the sound of their kissing.

How they were laughing at you.

- Making fun of you.
- It's not true!

What joy you must have felt

when you heard Big Louis
let out that cry…

that cry of death
which would condemn Manu.

It's not true, he didn't cry out!

Your game is up, Luska! Confess!

Coward! Murderer!

I demand Manu's immediate release.

The court is adjourned.

Thank you, Sir!

Father, I'm sorry.

It's alright.

Well, I've worked up quite a thirst!

THE END