Original subtitles

THIS SERIES IS A WORK OF FICTION BASED ON TRUE EVENTS

Are you ready?

You don't look like a movie star yet, my poor darling.

Mom.

I beg you. Let me wear stockings.

At 15? You're kidding. What would your father say?

And fix your hair. You look like a mop.

You can't miss your dance lesson.

We'll leave if they make us wait, I'm warning you.

Where are you going?

Let's go. We're late.

MR. ALLEGRET

-Hello. -We have an appointment.

Mr. Allégret is expecting you.

-Brigitte, right? -Brigitte Bardot, yes. I'm her mom.

Please wait a few minutes.

We're in a rush. Brigitte has a dance lesson at 5:00 p.m.

Mom!

How old are you in this photo?

Fourteen and a half years old.

I'm 15 now.

It's my friend, Mrs. de La Villehuchet. Do you know her?

Anyway, she was the go-between.

At first, we said no.

My daughter, a model…

But she wasn't paid.

It's as a debutante, with her name on the photo…

well, underneath the photo…

We agreed eventually. My husband was against it,

but Brigitte insisted so much.

You're boring them, Mom.

My assistant Vadim showed me these photos.

I wanted to meet you, even though you're young for the part.

What kind of part?

I'm looking for a particular sort of girl.

Beautiful, but with something more…

How would you describe her, Vadim?

-Vadim wrote the script. -Really?

Unexpected.

Unpredictable,

maybe a false innocence.

A childlike woman.

Childlike, yes, but woman,

we're a long way off. And Brigitte has no experience.

That's what interests me.

I made inquiries, of course.

I don't often go to the movies, but I know you are a true talent spotter.

You're giving my daughter the opportunity of knowing whether she has a gift.

I don't think Brigitte is meant for this trade.

One needs so many qualities to succeed.

As I said, we don't often go to the movies.

My husband gets back from work late.

And we entertain a lot.

I hope you'll kindly come for dinner one evening.

-Okay. -It's always so fun mixing friends with…

You know, in our circle, people are a bit wary. Movie people…

I love balconies.

Really?

Why?

Does love need a reason?

Did she want to come or did you?

I stomped my feet so that they'd say yes.

Actually, I don't really care.

Did you really write the script?

Yes.

It's called Les lauriers sont coupés.

-Did you see The Curtain Rises? -What is it?

It's one of Mr. Allégret's films.

Want to be an actress? You should watch it.

-I don't want to be an actress. -Really?

I want to be a great dancer.

One needs a lot of rigor and tenacity.

I don't know what rigor is.

But tenacity, yes.

Why not a belly dancer while you're at it?

You're talking nonsense.

I've never seen a belly dancer.

Dad, fancy a macaron?

With pleasure.

Tell me, did you meet this man? Did he make a good impression?

-Who? -Marc Allégret. The director, Grandma.

He's a charming man. Well-mannered. Someone from our world.

Well, he makes movies,

but not at all one of these bohemians I was expecting.

-Right. -What's bohemian?

Kids, it's not your turn to talk.

She won't go to school anymore?

Mijanou, I'd say no, but Brigitte and studies…

Why not work the streets?

It's well-known that all actresses are tarts.

Always have been.

You can be so old-fashioned.

What's a tart?

A tart is a poor girl who does her best to survive.

You have a point.

What are you saying, Dad?

What's going on, Brigitte?

And what's a bohemian? Someone who doesn't live on Rue de la Pompe?

That's impudence. Go to your room.

No.

Come here, honeybun.

Tell me.

What do you think about it?

They probably won't pick me. They call it a screen test. Just to see.

My dear Pilou,

it isn't cinema which puts its girls out on the streets.

It's men.

-Do you agree? -I'll grant you that.

Right. Then let's give her a chance.

My name is Brigitte. I'm 15.

My name is Brigitte. I'm 15.

My name is Brigitte. I'm 15. I…

This mouth really does take up too much space.

Where did you take them, Michel?

Michel?

Did you hear the bombing yesterday evening?

It wasn't far.

Thank you.

And Pilou, the factory? Is it still working?

He's managing to bamboozle the boches. He speaks German.

But it's tough. He's never here.

Yes, we're scared.

So I kept the kids at home this morning.

Brigitte hates school and vice versa.

Dance is going well,

but with all these janitors' daughters, it isn't ideal.

-I prefer this one. -Yes, me too.

-Luckily, I have Mijanou. -She's so pretty.

And very clever.

Because my poor Brigitte, it's…

-Hang on… -Come on.

Action.

Bardot screen tests. First take.

My name is Brigitte. I'm 15.

-Have you ever been in a movie? -Never.

I'm a dancer.

I've done some photos for magazines.

Very well. Let's start. You have learned your lines?

Yes, I think so.

Go on, Jérôme.

Some words lose their meaning when you repeat them too many times.

-For me, it's different. -For me, it's different.

I'm sorry. Can we start again?

Cut.

It's cut, thanks.

You're shaking.

You're scared?

I want to leave.

I feel dirty with this slab of makeup. I look like a breaded escalope.

We'll fix it.

There you go.

And I'll act opposite you.

Feeling better? Not scared anymore?

Less.

Bardot screen tests. Second take.

Some words lose their meaning when you repeat them too many times.

For me, it's different.

For me, they mean something.

Because it's my first time saying them.

I love you.

I love you.

I love you.

A presence? Brigitte? Really?

You look surprised.

Sorry.

The subway broke down.

I was telling your mom I was impressed by your relaxation.

-It's thanks to him. -Not at all.

It is. I was scared to death.

Sit down, Brigitte.

Well, this project still is a project. That gives us time.

Can I drink coffee?

Can you fetch a cup, or two, if you'd like some?

I was saying, that gives us time to go further.

Further?

I think that a few work sessions on classical texts,

Molière, Marivaux…

Learning by heart is important. And maybe…

more screen tests.

Vadim can help you. Right, Vadim?

Really? Would you do that?

If my boss asks me.

-Where? -Sorry?

Where would these work sessions take place?

-Here. -Or your home if you'd prefer.

Yes. I'd prefer.

"Alas!" said I, "What could have been the cause?"

"Did I, without thinking, let any-- let anything fall on him?"

This "anything" is tough. I trip over it every time.

We can feel the struggle. That's why you trip over it.

Try to slide from one word to the next.

Don't act. Be genuine.

It'll be effortless.

Start again?

"Did I, without thinking, let anything fall on him?"

"No," replied she,

"it was your eyes which gave the fatal blow."

-Why are you laughing? -Because it's funny.

And why is it funny?

She's pretending. She's manipulating Arnolphe.

She acts naive to make him swallow her story about a balcony, a meeting.

She's crazy in love with him, and she cares about nothing else.

She makes fun of him.

Don't know if Molière would agree, but I prefer her that way.

Molière completely agrees.

Shall we start again?

"What news?"

"The kitten is dead."

"Pity! But what, then? We are all mortal…"

Get up. It's better if she stands.

I think it's better like this.

Get up, please.

And like this?

"We are all mortal,

and every one is for himself."

"The kitten is dead."

"The kitten is dead."

Time for homework.

Dad, Vadim is asking if I can join him at the movies tomorrow.

The Third Man. Orson Welles.

I've already seen it, but--

A 15-year-old girl doesn't go out with a man.

And if we brought Mijanou?

How old are you?

Twenty-one.

Brigitte is a minor. Don't forget it. You understand?

Yes, sir.

Tell me, what's that name, "Vadim"?

Roger Vadim Plemiannikov.

With two "N's."

But everyone calls me Vadim because Plemiannikov, really…

Yes.

Why not Roger?

Hello.

Sorry.

What are you doing here?

-What time is it? -Almost 9:00 a.m.

I brought croissants.

I went to bed at dawn, Brigitte.

Go back home.

I can't go back home. I should be in school.

Well, go there.

The bell rings at 8:00 a.m. It's too late.

Who is Christian?

He is.

Merci, La Big.

And jam, please.

What's wrong?

What, "What's wrong?"

You look like you saw Jesus.

Well, yes.

What's that?

It's good.

It's just good.

What about dance? You're not afraid of getting fat?

Not today.

Is it him? You don't want to say?

Just so you can snitch on me?

If you don't tell me, I can make it up.

You're a little devil.

How old am I, Mijanou?

Fifteen.

I'll tell you in three years.

When I go up, go up, go up I go up to your place

My heart leaps, leaps, leaps for joy

And in the small staircase

Which never stops going up

Oh, l love, love, love I love going to your place

Even, even, even if your place is high up

So don't be surprised

If my heart beats

When I go up, go up

Darling, when I go up Go up to your place

Shit, it's 12:00 p.m. Your math class.

I missed it.

You're so soft, so cushiony when you sleep.

But I'm awake now.

You don't say.

Your lesson…

You're here?

I am here, yes.

So?

Well, listen, I was absolutely pitiful.

It didn't work out.

They saw Gélin after me.

They'd be stupid not to take him.

I'll write you a part.

You'll love Brigitte.

She'll give you a hard time. Eventually, you'll kill her.

What fun. You'll make me die in my first movie.

Well, yes.

Well, I'm going to take a piss.

And if you could… Right?

So that I can sleep.

You'll miss your dance lesson.

I know. I'm going.

I love you.

I love you too.

All I do at home,

at school, dancing even,

I'm like a robot.

They think I'm there,

people, teachers,

and parents,

but I'm here with you all day long.

I make love with you all day long.

It's all I think about.

We have to be careful.

-If your parents suspected… -They'd kill you.

My father told me.

I'm not joking. We really have to be careful.

He wasn't joking at all either. My father is a bit mad.

What do you mean, "at all"?

He's got a revolver.

He might very well use it.

Right.

Can I come back later?

It's Tuesday. I'm coming.

Yes, right.

Bye, Christian.

Bye, Brigitte.

She's cute.

I'm crazy about her. Her father is gonna kill me.

What is that?

Dad, you're scaring me.

Is that Molière?

Is that "The kitten is dead"?

Never again, you hear?

Never will this foreigner ever walk into our home again!

I don't know what you're talking about.

I haven't done anything. It's the maid or La Big.

I'll kill him!

I'll find him, and I'll kill him!

You're leaving for boarding school!

Dad, I swear! Mom, I beg you!

-We'll lock you up! -Please.

Lock you up!

There!

I found this in the family room's sofa.

It's not me.

Pilou.

You're going to take a bath and calm down.

Yes.

Mom, help me. I haven't done anything.

You're leaving on Monday.

I won't leave! I'd rather die!

Don't do this to me! Dad, Mom, I beg you!

Vadim hasn't done anything! Me neither!

He's never touched me! Never, I swear!

I'd rather die than not see him anymore.

Open!

Open!

-Who are you? -Where's Roger?

No idea.

Who are you?

Who is Roger?

Damn it!

I forbid you to approach my daughter, you hear?

If I see you hanging around her again,

I'll put a bullet in your head.

Never again. You got it?

You will never see my daughter again.

One, two, three,

four, five, six, seven, eight!

Arm up, two, three, four,

five, six, seven.

Dance is joy.

It's always joy.

Why are you crying?

My feet are hurting.

Dancer always feet hurting, Brigitte.

We forget.

We smile.

I order you to forget.

Understood?

Détourné!

One, two, three, four,

five, six, head, eight.

One, two,

three, four,

five, six, seven, eight.

One, two, three, four, five.

They're watching me. They forbade me from seeing you.

Not to see you? They're mad. I'd go crazy.

I beg you, let's leave.

Let's hide somewhere.

-My father is hysterical. He could-- -I know.

He came to see me.

He threatened you? He scared you?

You're 15, Brigitte.

Sixteen in September.

They could send me to prison. They could do anything.

We need to buy time.

Locked up in a boarding school without seeing you?

I'd die.

I'm going to spend a few weeks in Nice. See my mom.

I need to work in peace.

You don't love me anymore.

Be reasonable. We have no choice.

Shit, she's early.

Pilou, are you ready?

I'm exhausted.

I'll get the car from the garage.

Let's get a cab if you're tired, but for the love of God, make a decision.

Don't punish Mijanou, who has nothing to do with it.

There's an endive and ham gratin you can warm up.

See you later.

Yes, Mom.

Tomorrow, I'm going to buy you some socks. You'll need 12 pairs.

Everything needs to be ready.

Yes, Mom.

You'll catch your death with a small jacket at this time of year.

Hurry up.

My God.

No!

It'll be okay.

Is it my fault? Is that what you're saying?

I hope you're joking!

The girl needs room to breathe!

I listened at the door.

They're yelling at each other, as usual. They won't send you to boarding school.

They want to speak with Vadim.

Make him promise not to sleep with you.

Did you sleep with him?

You can tell me now.

A hundred times.

A thousand times.

A thousand times?

Didn't it hurt you?

I don't know how to explain, but I didn't know that love was like that.

I didn't know that there was a treasure hidden in my body.

In yours too.

One day, you'll see.

Vadim found it.

Do you think Mom has a hidden treasure too?

Yes, most likely. But I don't know if Dad found it.

Time for your snack!

Where do you think you are?

At a playground, a soccer field?

You are at your parents' home.

This isn't your house. It's ours.

And I ask you to respect it.

I'd like you to speak to us with reserve and respect from now on.

I'm asking you to address us formally.

Brigitte is 15. She's a child. I hope you realize this.

-I'm ready to-- -No, let me speak, Roger.

We hope that you will respect the rules we have established.

Brigitte will continue her studies. She will get her high school diploma.

She can continue her dance lessons, if she'd like.

-You understand? -Yes, Dad.

Fine.

She'll be allowed to go out once a month.

No! Once a week.

Twice a month.

There.

-Until 11:00 p.m. -Midnight, Mom.

-Time to get home. -From where?

The movies, the theater. We're far from everything here.

11:30 p.m. Not one minute later.

Then, when Brigitte is 18, if your feelings--

-In three years? -It's almost your birthday.

I was saying, when Brigitte is 18,

if your feelings last,

then we'll consider a marriage.

Two problems. First, you'll have to find a stable job.

To start a family.

Second?

Yes, second,

well, you'll have to convert.

An Orthodox ceremony is out of the question. Right?

We're Catholic. Our grandchildren will be too.

Personally, I don't care. If it makes you happy.

Very well.

I'm happy to get home by midnight.

11:30 p.m.

I'll keep wearing socks forever, if you'd like.

I'll meet with Vadim twice a month. I'm okay with all of this.

But to ask him to change religions? I refuse.

-But since I-- -Shut up.

-I refuse. -Well, then…

-No. -What?

Pilou, he's not a Jew. Let's not put the cart before the horse.

We'll talk about it again in good time if necessary.

Yes. Fine.

How old are you?

I'm 17.

And you've just shot a movie?

-Yes, ma'am. -Did you enjoy it?

No. Not at all.

With Bourvil. Crazy for Love.

I'd love to make movies, but not like that.

How?

I'd like them to let me do my hair and my makeup as I wish.

It feels like a costume.

Cinema isn't reality.

Reality isn't necessarily to look like all these women.

I find these women so beautiful. I'll never be like them.

I don't want to be.

Come and sit.

She did screen tests with Allégret. Marc loves her. Wanna see them?

-The movie didn't work out, but-- -I know.

What are you up to?

Paris Match. Photoreports, I like it a lot.

It pays well.

Well, it pays.

But I still write my scripts. I have lots of ideas.

Lots of ideas is fine, but you need one good idea.

I'm working on a story.

A woman.

Well, a girl.

All the men are fighting over her, and she doesn't care.

It starts like a comedy,

and it ends in tragedy.

Who do you want for the girl?

I'm kidding.

With your heavyweights,

I know that you don't take beginners,

but for Brigitte, promise me to think about it.

Brigitte is something special.

You'll love her. I know it.

You love her, in any case.

Yes. We love each other. We're getting married.

The perfect young woman.

Hello, Christine? It's Olga.

I have a young woman you should see here. When do you shoot?

Okay, then. Tomorrow, 4:00 p.m.

I'll come with her.

Who is Christine?

-A producer. -They exist?

She's the first one.

-That's one thing over with. -It was so hot in that city hall.

Never seen a woman mayor before. To think we couldn't vote six years ago.

It's ready. The tables are set. The drinks are in the kitchen.

-The flowers on the table? -Tomorrow morning.

-We'll be here at 8:00 a.m. -Perfect. Thanks.

Let's have a drink.

Vadim, fancy a Scotch?

With pleasure.

No, I prepared champagne!

And nibbles. A full dinner tonight with the day we'll have tomorrow…

I'm exhausted. My feet are hurting.

I can't wait to go to bed.

-Here. -Thank you.

-For once, Dad? -For once.

To my new family.

Not yet. Tomorrow.

-I couldn't take any more of that speech. -Me neither.

We're hungry. What's La Big doing?

La Big?

The Franco-Russian friendship?

I wanted to say, "Mayor…" or "Mrs. Mayor," I'm not sure how to say it,

"my daughter isn't marrying a foreigner."

I'm happy you're not considering me a foreigner anymore.

Vadim!

Have some champagne with us, La Big?

Of course.

I'll drink to my husband.

At the risk of repeating myself,

Vadim is still single until tomorrow.

You're right, Mijanou. We suffered through a lackluster speech.

We signed a paper in front of witnesses. We kissed in front of everyone.

We promised and swore many things…

Not sure if we believe them, right?

Well, anyway, you know what, Mijanou?

We're still not allowed to love each other.

My darling, I think you're tired, which is understandable.

We're all getting up early tomorrow.

Your mother is right. We'll go to bed early.

Tomorrow will be a great day. A great night too.

My dear, tonight you'll sleep well. The last time in your childhood bedroom.

Yes. Two young women.

I'm proud of you.

And, I must say, a bit proud of us.

It's true that we were strict at times, I'll admit it,

but your upbringing paid off.

And you, Vadim,

you were wise and patient enough to wait for Brigitte to turn 18.

Thank you.

Really.

Well, see you tomorrow.

-See you tomorrow. -Mijanou, can you leave us?

-I need to talk to Mom and Dad. -I can't stay?

No.

Sit down, Dad.

Well, yes.

Mom, Dad, I'm going to hurt you, but never mind.

For three years…

no, for three years and two months, I've been making love with Vadim.

Are you proud of your upbringing, Dad?

You mostly taught me about hypocrisy.

I've been lying to you every day.

It's made me very unhappy.

I was happy too.

Thanks to Vadim.

Thanks to Vadim, I felt loved for the first time.

Beautiful for the first time.

He taught me who I was.

Who I truly am.

As they say, I'm not who you think I am.

I'm not obedient.

I'm not well-behaved.

I'm not a virgin.

Don't be disappointed. You've helped me too.

You've wanted to lock me up, so I know what freedom is.

I don't want to shock you,

but freedom is falling asleep naked

against the body of the man I love.

So tonight I won't fall asleep in my childhood bedroom.

Tonight

I'll make love with my husband.

Don't worry. I'll be here tomorrow morning.

I'll wear my beautiful white dress.

I'll pretend to be a virgin, to be frightened, even,

in front of the vicar and your friends, to make you happy.

Good night, Mom. Good night, Dad.

Gonna say good night?

Good night.

Too bad there's no snow.

Funny, now that we're allowed, I don't want it as much.

-Soon, you'll cheat on me. -No.

Yes.

Look. See, there's a bit of snow.

I'm scared.

THREE YEARS LATER, 1955

You bought a Cadillac?

We'll have it tomorrow.

But, Raoul!

Two million? We haven't paid the rent for three months.

When it's going bad, you have to show it's going well.

-Did you get yesterday's admissions? -Yeah. It's dead.

I told Hossein.

And this title.

I was the one who found it too.

Forgive Our Sins.

It's negative.

Nobody forgives anyone.

Especially not a failure.

Believe me, it's time for the Cadillac.

This is interesting though.

I'm meeting this guy tonight.

I heard that the girl, his wife, could give a centenarian a hard-on.

-She had a part in The Grand Maneuver. -Yes, I saw it.

Cute, but…

"Cute, but"?

That won't be enough.

He wrote it for her. I'll have to get things straight.

What do we do about this?

Write a check for Crédit Lyonnais. If it's not better in eight days…

-You'll give the car back. -No.

I'll write a check for another bank.

Vadim, thanks.

-Are you leaving? -Yes, we're going.

-Bye. -Bye.

-Jean-Louis, see you soon. Delighted. -See you soon.

Let's call each other.

-Yeah. Okay. -Get home safely.

-He's cute, isn't he? -Who?

-Trintignant. -I'm thinking about him for the brother.

His little brother? The one I'm married to? This kid?

-I think he's great. -Yes, you'll have the screen to yourself.

-Raoul. How are you? -I'm good.

Come. We're right there.

Christian Marquand. Mr. Raoul J. Lévy.

Raoul.

-Nice to meet you. -Nice to meet you.

-Here, Raoul. -Thank you very much.

Raoul just produced Robert's film. Forgive Our Sins.

It's bringing down the house. I'll give you copies.

Did you read it, Raoul?

It needs some work, but…

The characters. It feels fresh. And the small fishing harbor.

I know Saint-Tropez well. It can be very photogenic.

But the title…

Three Cocks in the Village?

No, that's offbeat humor. Take it with a pinch of humor.

It's hard enough to get people into the theaters,

so offbeat humor before they get through the doors…

Did you consider any actors?

The girl is carrying the whole thing.

-Where's Brigitte? -I don't know.

We need a star.

Why not Italian?

Because co-production…

Lollobrigida, or the latest one, Sophia Loren.

Christian for the big brother. I'll do screen tests for the younger one.

And the girl…

The girl,

it's her.