Original subtitles

THE BUTCHER

To the inhabitants of Tremolat, Périgord

What about the Périgueux sauce?

Get on with it!

Out of the way! We have work to do

I hope it's your best beef, Popaul!

I killed it myself. If it's not good I'll cut my tongue out!

We'll eat it with sauce!

I'll carve

How about that?

Why are you laughing?

It looks so good, that's all

Not like in the army

When they did have a bit of good meat...

...they cooked it like leather

As father of the bride, I'm expected to make a speech

It won't be long, because I don't want to talk rubbish...

...and have my son-in-law correct my mistakes

When your daughter marries a teacher...

...you have to watch your grammar

Still, I know enough to say how this marriage pleases me...

...because I'm very fond of young Léon

He taught our youngest to read and write...

...he's a local lad and I'm sure he'll make my girl happy

You can be sure of that!

Funny things, weddings

Don't you think that weddings are funny?

Well, yes, everyone has a good time

- Things turn sour afterwards - Not always Well, yes, everyone has a good time

- Things turn sour afterwards - Not always

Some of my army pals were married

They weren't at home

Don't be evasive

They couldn't be sure

Miss Hélène, may I drink champagne?

Ask your mother

She says I can if you say so

- All right; do you like it? - I've never tasted it

Not bad

- You accept responsibility - Yes, I like that

He likes you; all the kids do, you know

Well, I like them, too

By popular request, I shall sing you a song

The Little Isle of Capri

Why won't you dance the waltz?

- You dance too well for me - You're not so bad

I haven't danced much in fifteen years

The people are nice here, much nicer than elsewhere

Why did you Join the army, then?

I'd have been all right here...

...but there was one rat among these nice people: my father

- How long have you lived here? - Ten years; I knew your father well

Wasn't he a real swine?

He was a butcher

He wasn't even a good one; he killed badly and chopped meat anyhow

Weddings... my mother may have been happy on her wedding day...

...but what she went through after, poor thing

- Why did you never come back? - To see the old man? No, thank you

I came back for my mother's funeral seven years ago

I was on holiday in Paris then

You holiday there, Parisians holiday here; that's logic

That's logic!

I'd liked to have seen you there

I wouldn't have minded; I'd have been a nurse

We had good times, but...

The rice was good, wasn't it?

The rice was all right, but the rice fields were treacherous

- You smoke in the street? - Are you shocked?

No, but it's unusual to see a woman smoke in the street

It's more hygienic than smoking indoors

Yes, that's logical

You're fond of logic, aren't you?

Well, I was fifteen years in the army

The army makes you appreciate two things you haven't got:

logic and liberty

Do you live above the school?

- How long have you been headmistress? - Three years

You're young for a headmistress

It's because I tread carefully

Are you fond of meat?

I ask because if I get a good animal some time...

...I could bring you some escalopes or choice Joints

You know, some animals are better than others

What a dream... a butcher to choose your meat for you

How wonderful

While I think of it... do you have to learn to be a butcher?

Yes, you do really... and that's what's funny

I was a butcher with my father and in the army, too

I've always been a butcher, in Algeria, in Indo-China... a butcher

Soldiers have to eat

Yes, that's logical

Well, here you are; I'll go home now

Thank you for seeing me home, Popaul

- You look fed up, Léon - I'd rather have stayed at home

Not tired of married life yet?

I hope you'll be very happy

You'll see how nice it is to go home to your wife after work

I'm going home to lunch

You've had five minutes extra break in honour of Monsieur Hamel's wedding

Are you deaf, you two?

Riri's father told him that the postman said...

...a dead woman has been found in Saint-Alver woods

He breathed an air of grandeur... comma...

...a majestic resolution... comma...

...a certain profundity...

...by which...

...even the most vulgar mind...

...must be impressed

Honoré de Balzac... I'll write the name for you

Do you know who Balzac was?

A writer

He was a nineteenth century novelist...

...who portrayed the society of his time

But I'll tell you about that later

Hearing the door of her room open suddenly, Hélène...

Don't laugh Just because it's my name

Hélène rose from the divan, but she saw the marquis...

...and gave a cry of surprise

He was changed almost beyond recognition

His pale face...

...had been bronzed by the tropical sun... His pale face...

...had been bronzed by the tropical sun...

...giving him a poetic appearance

He breathed an air of grandeur, a certain profundity...

...by which even the most vulgar mind must be impressed

I don't want to disturb you

I know I shouldn't call in school hours

I've brought you a leg of lamb

It's a special one, look

Perhaps you'll help me collect the books

I used to sit there

Were you a good pupil?

I was fine at French and history, but no good at problems about trains

Our teacher wasn't nearly as nice as you, the old hag

Her name was Vachin; cow by name and cow by nature

- You mustn't insult my colleague - Colleague or not, cow she was

They'd have heard about Vachin sooner or later

She'd never have let the butcher deliver during school hours

Have you got a fridge?

Wait, I'll walk as far as the baker's with you

Come and eat the lamb with me tonight, if you don't fear being compromised

- What's wrong? - Nothing. You took me by surprise

It would lose half its savour if I ate it alone

Well, will you?

What time shall I come?

About seven, after I've marked the books

I'm not very busy these days

I do the buying and slaughtering; my assistant runs the shop

It's different in the autumn, in the game season

That was a policeman from Périgueux

About the crime at Saint-Alver

The Gaillotin girl was found stabbed to death

Two weeks ago Jean danced with her

But I've not seen her since

I expect some tramp did it

I'm sorry, I was miles away

The police will be here for ages

I expect you're right

It'll give us something to talk about, but still...

Will you put it on my account?

- Am I too early? - No, come up, the door's open

Punctuality is the politeness of butchers

As Louis XIV said

- I've nearly finished - So I am too early

No. Would you like a drink?

I can do without a drink; I've drunk enough in my time

Why not sit there?

I'll be five minutes

- It must be fun to teach kids - Yes, it's a worthwhile Job

You smoke "Gauloises"?

What do you think of this?

It was so hot the air was like an overcoat

Well... is it good?

We could eat early, then go to the Sarlat cinema

Yes, but I don't like war films, they're disgusting

I made war for fifteen years; you must be stupid to enJoy war films

- Why did you stay in the army? - Because I am stupid

I've seen a few things... it wasn't pretty

It's a comedy film tonight. Shall we start cooking?

Downstairs to the kitchen?

I'm proud of my little kitchen

Did you see the police today?

It seems a girl was stabbed at Saint-Alver

They haven't found any clues

- How long to cook it? - Half an hour will do

No garlic?

Never with lamb!

- Shall I make my salad? - Yes, but you're my guest

Are the eggs hard-boiled?

What sign were you born under?

Libra, the Scales; that's why I swagger. I was born on 6th October

I'm Scorpio

- That's a bad sign - All signs are good

Do you need anything else?

Just a small knife

My van's not very elegant to drive to Sarlat

There's my little car

What's so funny?

You and your little car

Haven't you seen me drive it?

A small escalope, please

Congratulations on the examination results

My young brother would have failed, but for you

They're back

It seems they're on the trail of some tramp

Maybe they've found a new clue

It's dreadful; think of that poor girl

I've seen corpses, head in the muck, cut in two, mouths gaping

Piled three or four high, kids with their eyes out

I've seen an old woman like her cut to pieces

I've seen my pals rotting in the sun, eaten by vermin

Yes, war is horrible, but it's a Job to be done...

...whereas a murder like this is savagery

We counted bodies by the lorry-load

Three francs. On your account?

There they go again

Monsieur La Hire, the school fête's on 22nd October

Can I come and ransack your costume collection?

You may have what you like

You said I could Join in. I love dressing up and playing the fool

- And for you, Madame Tirant? - I've come for my minced beef

What about a nice steak? It would restore your teeth

Will you come mushrooming with Charles and Lisette this afternoon?

- What time? - About four

I may still be working then

Join us if you can, in the wood behind the grottoes I may still be working then

Join us if you can, in the wood behind the grottoes

How's this for a haul? I can sniff out mushrooms

Come and see the mushrooms Popaul's found

Do you think you've done enough for one day?

I like to watch you with the children

Can we go and play over there?

You know, Miss Hélène, there's one thing I've noticed

School teachers are usually known by their surname

I never knew Vachin's first name...

...but with you it's the opposite, always Miss Hélène

Everyone calls you that. What is your surname?

Do you mind me asking?

Not at all, why shouldn't you know my surname?

May I ask you another question? But it's even more personal

Ask, anyway

You needn't answer

I think I know the question; I promise I'll answer

Well, I'll take the plunge, then

Why is it you haven't a lover?

Because I don't want one

Yes, I understand...

...but the question is: why not?

Because I had a very unhappy affair ten years ago

I was deeply in love with a boy who was everything I wanted

Then, after some months, he Just left me

Well, that...

...that made me physically ill and it took me a long time to get better

That's why I came here; now I'm very happy

I don't say you're not happy, but still it's not normal

It's quite normal

It's not difficult to do without things

But that's awful

I'm not in the least troubled, you know

I love the children as if they were my own

You don't convince me

And anyway...

I know what I'm doing

It's fine that people meet, fall in love...

...make love and so on...

...but I don't want to take any more chances

I know that it's not always so marvellous...

...but never to make love can drive you crazy

Making love can send you mad, too

So it's irrelevant

Damn it all, if I kissed you, what would you say?

I wouldn't say anything

But I ask you not to

Are you giving me a present? What for?

What's the date?

It's my birthday

- How handsome you are! - It doesn't take much

You must understand the instincts, the feelings...

...even the intellect of Cro-Magnon man... were really human

Only his problems of subsistence differed from ours

What does subsistence mean? Keeping alive

He began to draw

Do you know what desires are called when they rise above the savage state?

Aspirations

If Cro-Magnon man hadn't survived in his world, you wouldn't exist

What if Cro-Magnon man came back?

I don't know. He might adapt himself to our conditions

He might die

I don't want him to die; I'm sure he was very nice

Has everyone brought lunch?

I've got some chocolate rolls if anyone is still hungry

I'd like a chocolate roll

Rain?

Of course not, the sky is clear

It's blood!

Don't move; I won't be long

I'm a police officer

I'm afraid I must ask you a few questions

I've come down on the night train, haven't slept a wink

This your classroom?

Young for a headmistress, aren't you? They say you're a wonderful teacher

Périgueux's a bit out of its depth with these murders

They've called us in to cover themselves

Sadistic crimes are always a problem

So you found the body

I read your statement; no point in going over it

The kids must have been shocked, especially the little girl

I'd like to ask you...

Interesting point from the autopsy: she wasn't raped

Not raped... that's extremely unusual

Usually... well, she can't have been dead long when you found her

Any unusual noises...

...before the blood and all that?

You didn't have the feeling that someone else was there?

You were going to say something

I'd been giving my attention to the children on the path down

- The kids heard nothing? - Not as far as I know

We'll check that later. You say you approached the body...

Tell the infants to come in, too. Monsieur Hamel may be away today

Did any of you who were on the outing yesterday...

...hear or see anything unusual?

Now don't invent anything, tell me the truth

They're not liars

- Can we talk somewhere else now? - In the yard

Charles, I leave you in charge; I won't be long

Keep quiet, like Miss Hélène said!

I congratulate you on your composure; it must have been terrifying

I don't want to keep you, but think carefully

Have you any idea, however vague, that might put us on the track?

There's no doubt that in this area, not necessarily locally...

...there's a madman at large, do you understand?

Yes, but I can't help you

Between ourselves... her husband... Léon Hamel...

...could he have done it?

That's unthinkable

If you knew what we see, if you knew human nature...

You go to your pupils and I'll stew in my own Juice

Can I use your phone?

Our line's through the post office and that's not open yet

- Every modern convenience - It's the school phone, not mine

You're living in the Middle Ages - Every modern convenience - It's the school phone, not mine

You're living in the Middle Ages

Not too squashed-up, children? I'll give you something to draw

Can I come up? I've a surprise for you

I've brought it from Périgueux

Come up

Cherries in brandy, I hope you like them

Big ones, too; none of the rubbish they sell in cafés

Are you all right?

I'm a little tired. Shall we taste them now?

Sit down, I'll find some dishes

This business is getting you down

They're the best I've ever had

They're good, aren't they?

This is the first time I've seen you out of sorts

Don't worry, Popaul, you're too kind

I'm not completely insensitive, I know you've had a shock

And poor Hamel must be in a state

He couldn't work today

So you took his class, too

You must take a holiday. If you fall ill...

No, I'm very strong

If you had seen her

I thought of the corpses you talked about

They couldn't have been worse

Don't think of her like that

Picture her on her wedding day, when we became friends

She was a little tipsy, flushed...

You're tired, and now you're crying

Dry your eyes

I saw some lambs at Périgueux; lovely Joints they'd make

I'm sorry, I can't help it

You know what? I'll redecorate this room for you

Don't cry any more

It's over now

- Got a light? - That's better

That's my lighter

Of course. It works beautifully

Are you starting again? You're crying differently now

What shall I do? Go away?

Please stay! I want you to stay

I loved her so

Do you know Paul Thomas?

I had to trouble him, like everyone else. May I walk with you?

This is a dreadful business

No clue, no lead of any sort

The same sadist did both murders; the same wounds, no rape

If I don't stop him, he'll do it again The same sadist did both murders; the same wounds, no rape

If I don't stop him, he'll do it again

Interrogations get us nowhere; we can't lock people in their homes

We can't even be sure it's someone local

And the weapon... probably a flick-knife

Everyone has them in the country

I'm going to Miss Hélène's

- Is it nearly finished? - Just the ceiling to do

Do question 5 on page 72

"A train leaves Orléans..."

You'll never learn if I set you easy problems

- My place is a shambles - It'll be nice when it's finished

See you tomorrow

- Tomorrow's Sunday - See you on Monday, then

Poor chap

I'm going shopping in Bergerac

Get to work, Charles; no slacking, both of you

She's always setting me problems about trains

Could you help me?

I've spilt paint on the carpet

You need spirit

Where is it?

You know everything

Since last year...

...she's been giving me train problems

Where are clean rags?

In the little table drawer

Shall I read you my problem?

Don't count on me

"Another train leaves Toulouse at 14.43..."

Any idea of the distance between Orléans and Toulouse?

I never could understand those problems

I must be going. I've done the first coat, now it must dry

Shall I put the ladder away?

Do you know another girl's been murdered? At Bergerac this time

Didn't you hear? I said another girl's been found murdered

I'm not surprised. Do you think it's going to stop all of a sudden?

That's true, you're right, Popaul

Another murder?

Never mind that, have you done the problem?

I couldn't

- Don't you understand the principle? - Not at all

You add together the distances travelled by each train...

It's double-dutch to me

One train travelled 367 kilometres...

Charles, did you look for something in this drawer?

No, Popaul looked for a cloth to clean the carpet

- It's late, you're tired - Tomorrow's Sunday

Anyway, you've got the hang of the problem now

Let me in, I want to talk to you

Just for two minutes... please

Just a couple of words

I've got a headache. Come tomorrow

It's important now

Really, I'm not very well. Wait till the morning

I switched off the light. I got in through the woodshed

Keep still and listen

I saw you found the lighter

So you knew it was me

When I discovered I'd lost it, I bought another in Périgueux

I knew you'd notice if I didn't have it

But that was a waste of time since you'd already found it

This is what I killed them with, this knife

I can't help myself, it's like a nightmare

I can't breathe until I've done it, until I've stuck my knife

Trust me

Don't speak

I know it's finished between us, my shame is terrible

I couldn't bear to face you; I know I horrify you

And I can't bear that

Miss Hélène, help me

See, I've killed myself. Help me

Stay where you are, don't move

Let go

Press hard. I'm going to take you to hospital

Don't tell them why; don't tell them who I am

Hurry

I'm losing all my blood

Don't talk

I must talk to you now

I spent my nights thinking of you

I spent nights outside the school, looking at your window

You were the only one

When I saw your eyes...

...I forgot everything

I forgot who I was

I lived only for you

Please don't talk

You can't stop me

I want to take you in my arms

I would have liked to have been with you always, to love you...

...to protect you, to know you needed me

If I could have taken you to a desert island...

How far it is

I have so much blood

It keeps flowing

I know about blood, I've seen so much...

...so much blood flowing

When you were there, there was no blood

I didn't think about blood

I don't know if I can hold out

My blood keeps flowing

Once, when I was little, I fainted at the sight of blood

Have you noticed the smell of blood?

All blood has the same smell...

...the blood of animals and the blood of men

Some blood is redder than others...

...but all blood smells the same

How far it is

Keep quiet, we're there

Kiss me

He's dead

When the lift stopped he cried "Miss Hélène", then he died

You're tired; go home. We'll see about the details tomorrow