Original subtitles

You must be mad!

There's something wrong with you!

Why don't you get lost?

Sorry to have delayed you.

That was close!

- Thank you. - It's nothing.

Nothing, indeed!

- Perhaps you can help me find my car. - O.K., but what kind of car is it?

A Cadillac!

A white one.

You really think you can drive?

It's easier than walking.

Feel free to commit suicide.

You're right, son.

Come on.

You didn't know about that, eh?

Photo-electric cell.

They used to have footmen.

It was more decorative.

Here, take that - the key.

To open the main door.

Not easy sometimes.

It's there.

Where's the light switch?

Down, Horace!

Sit down, son.

Let's drink to your rescuing me!

After all, you saved my life.

Forget about it.

What else have we got to talk about?

You like scotch whisky?

Yes, once in a while. For a toast.

Good.

You're sociable.

You live here alone?

Alone?

You're an optimist, too.

Say, that's beautiful!

Isn't it?

Yeah, so nice to have good taste.

No, having money is nice.

How much would you say?

- I don't know. - You don't know...

'Course not.

But you'd like to know.

But I...

I'd like to know when you started thinking I was worth all this.

Before or after you pulled me out from under those car wheels?

Was it a rescue

or an investment?

What could it change?

Actually, all things considered,

I think it's after.

What's with you?

You're not the first drunk I've driven home.

I've heard the hiccups and fancy talk before but the others were polite.

They were right.

I'm sorry.

I used to get as drunk as a Lord,

now I get as drunk as an Indian.

Excuse me.

Tell me...

what do you do in life?

I'm available.

- How much do you make? - About 10,000 a week.

What can one do with that?

One drinks, smokes, goes to the movies.

One doesn't eat, of course.

60,000 a month, with bed and board. Would that be all right?

Doing what?

Like tonight.

Stop you from being run over by cars?

- Drive them. - A chauffeur.

You don't like the word?

Let's call it secretary.

It sounds better for everyone.

H�l�ne!

Where are you?

H�l�ne!

If you don't open up, you know what I can do!

Madame needs me?

No.

That's precisely what I came to tell you.

My husband and I have just talked about you.

You saved his life, so he says.

I'm very grateful to you.

Thank you.

Don't. I've come to dismiss you.

I hate telling you so, but we really don't need a chauffeur.

My husband agrees with me.

But he hired me.

He's changed his mind.

He's always been moody.

But he is not ungrateful.

He told me to give you these 50,000 francs.

He feels he owes you that much.

He's very kind.

It's quite natural.

But don't you think it would be much more natural

for Mr. Fr�minger to tell me so himself

tomorrow morning.

As you wish.

There was a chauffeur here before.

A chambermaid, a cook and a caretaker too.

I could have guessed.

What you can't guess is why they left.

Because they didn't get their wages.

You won't get any either.

The first bus comes at six. A piece of advice:

don't miss it.

I had a visitor last night.

- My wife? - Yes.

You said you spent a good night.

She gave me this on your behalf.

As a final payment.

Keep it.

And add this check.

Six month wages in advance.

But you needn't, Monsieur.

I do. And I have a good reason for it.

Take it!

And...

if you cashed it right now, that would be good.

- Is Mr. Martrais here yet? - Yes, sir.

They're having a meeting.

- All of them? - All of them.

They didn't ask for me?

No, sir.

- Miss Rosine? - Good morning, Mr. Fr�minger.

Good morning. No phone call?

No sir. Well, I mean...

I was told to pass all your incoming calls through to Mr. Babin.

All right. Thank you.

INCOMING MAIL

READ MAIL

ONGOING CASES

You're still here?

I thought I told you to leave.

- Am I mistaken? - No.

But you also told me that my wages wouldn't be paid, and you were wrong.

I got six months in advance.

With what I gave you, you got seven.

Yes indeed.

And you'll agree with me that

from the way things are going, I have no reason to leave.

Unless Madame doesn't like me.

If Madame didn't like you,

rest assured that she would have told you.

And I told you to leave.

- But it comes to the same thing. - Not quite.

It could even mean the opposite.

Is he nasty?

He is like me.

Some people he likes, some he dislikes.

You're going out?

No, I just got changed. No reason. Why?

Because I don't like driving at night.

- Where do you want me to drive you? - Anywhere.

I want to be anywhere but here.

- I can't stand it anymore. - If Madame...

Don't talk to me.

I knew you were not made to be a driver.

Shall we go and have a drink?

- Fred's. You know it? - Yes.

- You're not interested? - No.

I want peace and quiet.

Wind. Cool water.

What if we went for a swim?

I haven't got my bathing suit.

Neither have I.

Is it a problem?

Go and wait for me by the sea.

I'll meet you there.

Well, you're here!

You came at the right moment. Michel wants to go for a drive.

- For wind and cold water! - To go to the casino.

I was about to drive him there, but since you're here...

and you're paid to do it, after all.

Go into the garage.

I wanted to see how far she'd go.

Now I know.

Horace!

Bitch!

Is it an insult?

Bitch!

Don't use up the word. You might want it later.

It was always said to me as a word of love.

It's not spelled like that?

It is.

Please, my dear Babin. Act like my place was yours.

You've been waiting a long time for this moment, haven't you?

More than a year.

A long time.

I must say that you've done everything you could to have me...

how can I say?

To have you fired.

Yes. Three times I think.

Two!

Don't apologize.

Apologize...

Well, Babin...

You really are what I've always thought you were:

a moron!

Do you know that just for that,

I could sweep you away, you and everyone here.

You could sing, my children, sing in a loud voice.

- Please... - Don't, Babin.

I might want to...

But, lucky for you,

I'm tired.

I was wrong to drink during meals.

It's embarrassing, isn't it, to have a drunkard represent you?

- Rather, yes. - Yes.

Well, we can't all be morphine addicts like our dear chairman,

faeces eaters

like

any one.

Or, very simply,

pederasts like our distinguished General Secretary.

We all smell bad, Babin,

very bad. But not only of oil, beetroot,

pharmaceuticals. And you,

smell even worse than I.

You'll go further.

You flatter me.

No. You will be perfect.

What would sometimes offend my nostrils

won't offend yours.

I leave debts,

you leave bad smells.

I won't show you out.

Mr. Fr�minger...

What now?

I only wanted to tell you that

I'm sorry you're leaving.

And that I'm not the only one.

Here, sir.

Goodbye, sir.

Put those on the hearse. Come on!

- Did you cash your check? - Yes, sir.

You did the right thing.

We need to talk. Come into my office.

- Sit down. - Thanks.

May I smoke too?

Unless it inconveniences you.

Stay!

I asked him to be present during our conversation.

Our last conversation.

You're leaving?

Charming.

You'd rather let me sort things out with your creditors.

You will have to sort things out,

but much more than you think.

And not only with my creditors.

In a few minutes,

I'll do what you've hoped for for months.

I'll shoot a bullet in my brain.

Don't say that sort of thing, sir.

If this sort of conversation bothers you...

If I were you, I'd avoid being unpleasant with this lad,

In a few hours, you will probably have to sleep with him.

It doesn't matter at all, son.

I shall be dead.

That detail would not stop him. He thinks of nothing else.

But, dear, no man has ever thought of anything else

when looking at you.

You inspire a very beautiful love,

which you actually make very well,

but which you never share.

In killing myself,

I shall bequeath a center piece to you,

my body.

A body which could possibly weigh 300 million

or no more than

its weight in muscles and bones.

It will depend on you.

I must say

that I didn't make things easy for you.

I wrote the insurance yesterday

to have the suicide clause removed.

Starting from today.

You've got no more than a few hours

to make my suicide look like murder.

Only a few hours.

It's a trap, of course,

but it's a golden trap,

garnished with a 300 million bait.

300 million is not the only possible prize

you might also win twenty years behind bars.

Nice, isn't it?

You can tell me more about your death some other time.

It's very interesting but I've got other things to do.

I'm sorry, I like you but

you'll have to find another chauffeur.

Your conversations are too much for me.

Good bye, Mr. Fr�minger.

Go and see.

What will you do?

I don't know, call a doctor, tell the police.

In any case, for the doctor,

it's a bit late.

As for the police,

isn't it a little too

early?

"You'll have a few hours to make my suicide look like murder. " He said so.

That's what we'll do.

- We? You think... - I don't think anything.

All I know is that I won't let those 300 million get away. Never.

All my life I've been a thing,

that people can buy, that they use.

I've had enough.

I've always had enough.

Those millions are mine, get it?

I've paid for them in advance,

I'd pick them up anywhere.

I must find...

Leave me alone.

I will, no need to tell me.

I'm leaving.

I knew it.

And I won't try to stop you.

And it's simpler this way.

I tried to fight, hoping I'd be happy some day.

It's not possible.

I'm too small and too lonely.

- Listen, I... - Don't say anything.

You'd take my courage away.

I'll leave Horace with you. He's a nice dog, you'll see.

Tomorrow, on the dressing table, you'll find a letter for the police.

I wouldn't want you to be charged with two murders.

Definitely not.

Goodbye!

Where are you?

Where are you? Answer me!

I'm here.

Come.

There we are!

Temporarily, time doesn't count.

We'll choose the day and time of his death.

Come on, help me.

Take the bottles away, I'll finish cleaning up.

Answer it!

There's no need. Usually at this time, he sleeps off his whisky and I sleep.

It's no time to change habits.

You know what you said to me last night?

- That I loved you. - Yeah!

Was it what you felt?

Hello?

The 760-82, Primus Agency.

Mrs. Fr�minger speaking.

Yes, very well. Thank you.

Tell me... I'd like a house maid to come this morning.

Yes.

Well, send me what you've got.

I'm sure it will do.

Thank you.

You must be crazy.

I don't think so.

You'll understand later.

I won't ask you for your references. I'm sure they're very good.

Well... I've only worked two months.

At least, you didn't stay long enough to get bad habits.

- You can do some cooking, can't you? - Yes, madam, a little.

You won't have laundry nor ironing, we send everything out.

You certainly know how to serve at table, prepare a tray.

- I think I can learn. - You will.

Everything will be all right.

Well, you're hired and you start right now.

- But... can I go and get my suitcase? - Of course!

- What's your name? - Jeanne B�let.

Well, Jeanne, see you later.

What do you think of her?

I'm understanding, am I not? I could have hired the old one.

Young or old, you know, I have no use for her.

That's true.

I'm not asking you to marry her

but...

it might be a good thing to tell her about it.

I'll say what you want.

But I don't like being taken for a dog on a leash.

So it's time you get to the point because I also have my say here.

Of course, darling.

She must only be made to believe that �ric is alive.

That she believes that he hides in his bedroom.

That she's ready to swear it to the police on her mother's head.

Sincere false witnesses are useful, believe me.

As �ric used to say, they're the best.

When you phoned the agency, why didn't you ask

for a mad woman.

She can become one.

It depends on you.

Tonight, the way to my room will be through hers.

I'll wait for you.

So, you're settled in, you like your room?

Yes, madam.

Don't think you're isolated, if you're fearful, as

the chauffeur's room is next to yours.

He seems nice.

He is.

At dinner, we have a light meal. I mean...

I have a light meal.

Tonight, make me an omelet and salad. The greens are in the cellar.

Yes, madam. For how many, the omelet?

Four.

I mean three, but as if there were four of us.

While I think of it, tell Robert to go get tobacco for...

Just tell him tobacco. He knows.

Yes, madam.

What does Madam drink with food?

Mineral water.

And you should open three bottles of beer too.

If I may, I'd rather drink water.

That's no problem. Robert drinks water too.

No more beer then?

Yes.

I...

Listen, dear, you'll discover the truth sooner or later.

I'm not a good liar.

Well...

How can I explain?

My husband is a business man and

he's just met serious difficulties

and he wants everyone to believe he's gone away for some time.

I tried to make you believe in it and

I... I'm so clumsy

He's here, in his room.

If it were known, he'd be hunted mercilessly.

Reporters, creditors...

The state he's in!

It would never end.

Dear girl,

what I have just told you is very serious.

- I'll ask you... - You can count on me.

I'm quite sure of it.

Thank you.

Someone is coming up. Can you see who it is?

Before I forget, madam told me to remind you about the tobacco.

- What tobacco? - As if you didn't know...

Who is it?

Bost, one of the creditors. He might well go up to �ric's room.

I've told you Monsieur is away. Believe me.

I only believe my own eyes.

And I saw his car in the garage.

I've just driven it in.

I've never seen you before. Who are you?

- The new chauffeur. - Great!

Cleaned out, crippled with debts,

they hire a new maid and a new chauffeur.

Admirable! I haven't got a chauffeur.

But... neither have I.

And you dare make fun of me.

But I warn you about your 400. You have them?

Your boss hasn't got them either but I want to see him all the same.

If only to hear a new fib.

If you're here about an invoice, I can take it.

Yeah, sure!

Give us your name, we'll write.

Let me say, young man, that my name is Bost.

Not Mr. Nobody.

I was told ten times that he was away but today, I'm going to check.

Do go and check, dear man,

Don't stop the gentleman, Robert.

- I'm embarrassed, madam. - Embarrassed but vehement.

My husband's gone on a trip. But if you won't take my word...

- Madam, please. - What is it about? You look worried.

- A problem? - Well...

An invoice. Always the same one actually.

See for yourself.

390,000 francs!

- You're that short on money? - I'm not that short.

I haven't got my handbag. Robert...

Have you got some change?

Come on, you didn't spend 300,000 on a suit, did you?

Thank you.

Take it!

Should I talk to my husband?

Come on, Bost, no false modesty between us.

If you're really short of money, we could help you.

But...

Madam, accept my apologies.

I was the victim of gossips, of horrible dirt about you.

Mr. Fr�minger has found a new job?

You've heard of Europetrol?

Europetrol?

What are you doing?

I'm tidying up.

The table was giving me trouble.

- This cold room can't have been... - Indeed. For a long time.

We don't entertain any more and the small refrigerator is enough.

It's my fault. I should have told you to spare you the trouble.

I should also have told you

never to touch my husband's bottles.

If he happened to come down, he'd make a big thing out of it.

Put all this as it was. I'll send Robert to help.

- He went out. - Yes.

Yes, that's right. Well, I'll help you myself.

- Madam shouldn't. - Yes, of course.

It's only natural. Don't you help me too?

Yes, of course.

So...

Come on, drink this.

Why don't you make her drink too? It would help.

Because, in my opinion, she won't go along with it.

I went along, didn't I?

She may not have the same reasons.

She may have other ones.

You didn't notice how she watched you, listened to you?

You say lunchtime, she's hungry.

When you say you're thirsty, her throat is dry.

If you say it's warm, she'll take off her blouse.

She was born to be in love.

Why don't you say it outright: a fool?

Because women always support one another.

It's time to go.

Join me later.

You want me to undress while waiting for you?

I should slap you like the worst...

Be sensible. I told you I'd wait for you.

Go!

Excuse me!

I came to say good night, neighbor to neighbor.

Madam might not be pleased.

It's extraordinary how people with taste give character to things.

This bedroom was plain and...

It isn't any more.

"The ice sea seen from Montenvers. "

Nice picture!

An aviator?

- Your brother? - My fianc�. He was killed in combat.

- Was he nice? - Yes. Clever too.

He wanted to fly commercial planes.

He said aviation was the future.

When all's said and done...

You must have suffered a lot.

Cried a lot.

You most certainly cried a lot.

- A lot. - Yeah.

I'm sure that even now, looking at his picture...

thinking about

certain summer nights, certain dance refrains.

I may have reopened a wound.

Forgive me.

You like reading, don't you?

Yes, especially when there are drawings. Makes you see things better.

- It avoids descriptions. - It's more like it is in life.

Not that life is always fun.

Come on!

Young and pretty like you are.

You are young and pretty.

I must not be the first man to say it.

They always tell me.

I mean, each time.

- Don't think I'm easy though. - I'm sure you're not.

But strange as it may seem, I hardly know you

and I already trust you.

No, we mustn't.

But since I'm telling you that I trust you.

What will you think of me?

H�l�ne!

The cold room is unplugged.

- Since when? - How would I know?

You could have started with that.

Shit!

I'm almost sure it was still plugged in after dinner.

Almost! You think that'll be enough to pull through this?

You're right.

Help me!

- What will you do? - Shut up, will you?

You're afraid? Well, be afraid!

Watch the garage.

No problem!

But tell your girlfriend to leave the plugs alone.

By the way,

- How is she? - Very good.

I was horrible.

Certain summer nights, certain dance refrains.

What?

I thought you were perfect.

I was wondering if you were going to cry with her.

Don't make that face!

You're upset?

You're wrong!

I was listening because I needed to be reassured.

And I am.

You will be soon.

The crime will take place tomorrow.

Well... The so-called crime.

By constantly thinking about it, I've found a way.

- Tomorrow, you'll take the car. - No way!

You'd rather speak about it upstairs?

No.

- No? - No.

You're getting whimsical, my love.

What did that girl say?

What will you think of me?

That will do, don't worry.

That's it, I found it!

I found what Madam asked me for.

We shall see.

Jeanne, go and do the shopping.

This way, you'll meet the shopkeepers. They'll be pleased.

- What shall I buy? - You choose.

Prepare a good meal.

I'm starving. Aren't you?

The fresh air didn't give you appetite?

I don't know if I've got appetite but you've got guts.

It's not the right time to lack guts. So?

I've found it.

- Far away? - With my walking back, one hour.

Well, it will do. But we mustn't be disturbed.

Maybe we should send the girl to the movies.

She'll see a movie but here.

I told you we needed a witness. I'll explain later.

- And for transportation? - I'll explain too.

You must be in the kitchen when Jeanne finishes tidying up.

It's nice, you helping me.

We'll be alone together sooner.

What if I told you that I think about tonight all day long?

Of the time when we'd be together.

Time drags, you know.

Love is strange.

Yesterday after you'd left, I dreamed of you.

I even dreamed that we got married.

Married?

Aren't dreams funny?

Very good. You're really a gem.

But you must be exhausted. Leave all this and have a bath.

You deserve it. Go on!

Thank you, madam.

While I think of it. Monsieur is worried.

Have you had the Rolls serviced?

The Rolls? But I didn't know that...

I'll take care of it tomorrow.

The bottles!

- I'll shut the door. - It's done.

Turn the light off.

Let's take him back.

Quiet! Don't move!

I'm sorry, the water heater has stopped.

- I hope I didn't break it. - Don't worry!

It cuts off automatically when water turns into steam.

It only needs adjusting.

There you are! Problem solved.

Thank you, madam. I'm sorry.

Quiet!

Go to bed! Go to bed!

If he doesn't stop, I'll knock him down.

Don't ever try that.

Where is she now?

- There she is! - Keep going, I'll deal with her.

I'm very clumsy. There's nail varnish everywhere.

It's nothing. I'll clean it up.

Well... did you find it?

- No, though I've looked at them all. - Never mind, give me this one.

Take her away now.

And don't forget to leave the light on in her room.

The night is so sweet, everything is so quiet.

I feel happy, you know.

Life is strange!

If I hadn't registered at the job center, we'd never have met.

I'd never have met Madam either.

She can be nice.

I've never had an employer like her.

And neither have I!

What's that?

- Madam wants you. - Oh, bother.

It felt so good.

What if I pretended I was asleep?

So that she comes here and finds us together?

You've got strange ideas!

You're right. I'll go!

- You'll stay here, won't you? - Of course.

While you're waiting, you'll think of me?

I'll think of nothing else.

Yes!

Madam rang for me?

Poor girl, you must be very sleepy.

I'm living the hardest hour in my whole life.

A moment when I should be courageous enough to remain alone.

But I am not. I can't.

- Can I do something to help? - No, nothing.

Yes... Stay with me for a little while.

Go and get some aspirin from the bathroom.

I'm sorry. You're so young to be involved in all this.

I'm young but I know how life is.

Nothing's worse than loneliness.

Yes, my sweet.

There won't be a fourth meal to prepare.

Monsieur?

Monsieur.

When shall I see him again?

God knows.

I can say that I've had my share of misfortune and sorrows too.

But things always work themselves out in the end.

Monsieur will come back.

When one has a wife like madam.

You're sweet.

Go to bed now. You were nice to keep me company.

I think I'll be able to sleep now.

Someone's waiting for you, isn't it?

Go to him quickly.

Good night, madam.

Say, you've been smoking a lot.

I had to do something!

What did she want?

- She was sad. - Yeah?

Monsieur's gone.

That's what I heard.

I saw him.

You did?

Come in!

A gendarme's asking for you. He says it's urgent.

He is downstairs.

I apologize, Madam. Mrs. Fr�minger?

- Yes. What is it about? - About an accident, Madam.

An accident which occurred to your husband's car.

A Rolls Royce, number...

719 BU 06. Is that right?

- Yes. - Would you follow me, madam,

to the site of the accident?

Jeanne, my jacket, please.

You know more. Tell me, please.

I can only tell you that the car was found down on the rocks.

Oh, my God!

I really don't understand.

If your husband had been thrust out,

he would be on the rocks.

If he wasn't, he should be in the car.

And if he'd gone for help,

you would have been told.

Mrs. Fr�minger, I suppose.

Inspector Plantavin, of the second mobile brigade.

Inspector...

Even if what you've got to tell me is terrible, please

- tell me. - Tell you what?

Your husband's car had been parked for a while before he made the jump,

or rather before he was made to jump.

There's no track of skidding or braking.

What can I say that you don't already know?

Inspector, I admire your composure but

unfortunately, if you were in my place...

I wouldn't worry at all,

you'll probably receive a letter from Switzerland or Italy, saying

"I am feeling fine, give my regards to my creditors," signed Fr�minger.

No?

You can drive her home.

They can't stop the investigation. It doesn't make sense.

They will find him. They must!

If they don't look for him, they won't find him.

If you'd left him on the roadside,

instead of trying to be smart...

- But it was too simple. - Why didn't you do it?

- I'm sorry I didn't. - Of course, it's my fault, I'm a fool...

- I found this one, madam. - Thank you.

"Did Fr�minger have money problems?

"The police think the business man might have fled to Italy. "

They think...

If I were to do it again, they wouldn't think...

It must be done again.

It can still be corrected.

- You know what to do? - Go back there,

move him to where he can be seen, get caught,

they'll charge me with murder and you'll cash your check.

But no one's stopping you.

I told you stake outs are useful.

I thought he was dead.

The dog led me to him.

It wasn't an accident, was it?

No. He was killed.

- It's awful! - A bullet in the head.

I'm sorry, madam, but

because of new developments in the investigation,

I'll have to go to your house

and question everyone there.

I understand.

Please...

Let's try to go over the events again.

It never does harm.

You're saying that Mr. Fr�minger had been on a trip for several days.

A business trip?

When did you see him for the last time?

Take Mrs. Fr�minger and this man out and stay with them.

Sit down, my dear.

Your mistress sleeps with the chauffeur.

And they offed the husband.

Indeed. With today's youth, cuckolds don't die in their beds.

Come on, tell me what happened.

- It's not true. - What's not true?

Robert isn't sleeping with Madam.

How do you know?

You're his mistress?

Yes.

Since when?

I was hired two days ago.

- Bravo! You waste no time. - We're in love.

Of course. You're not sleeping with the boss too, are you?

What, oh?

I've already told you that he wasn't here.

Listen, girl, I don't care about your love stories, I don't make the beds.

But as for lying, you're too young.

When you say that your boss was away, you're lying. It shows.

False witness, accessory to murder, the judge will like it.

- The judge? - You'll find out who he is soon enough.

And about prison too.

Madam made me promise not to tell anyone.

She's so nice.

Every one's nice, my sweet.

She made you promise not to say what?

That Monsieur was here.

In his bedroom.

When did he leave?

Yesterday night. At about ten.

I saw him go out.

I was with Madam.

And where was the chauffeur then?

In my bedroom.

I joined him afterwards.

Go to bed now.

Come on!

I'd like to know who's lying in this house.

Why did you tell everybody that your husband was on a trip?

You're going to say: "Because he was on a trip. "

Why has your maid just told me that he left yesterday night?

You'll answer that she's lying.

But... I've still said nothing.

I'm listening, madam.

I might as well tell the truth now.

He's lived three days locked in in his room.

Like a plague-stricken man.

So the truth is that Mr. Fr�minger left this house yesterday night, right?

To go where?

He had planned something in Yugoslavia. I was to go there later.

He didn't mention an appointment?

He wasn't supposed to meet any one?

He said nothing to me.

All right. You must need some rest.

You're free to go.

With your permission, we'll have a look-

a quick look at your husband's papers. You never know,

we might find a clue.

- Say, you... - Yeah...

I didn't know you'd given up art paintings.

It shows you don't know everything.

Of course. But there's one thing I know,

it's that you're still a womanizer.

I've just seen the maid. Well, congratulations!

Mind you, I'd rather have the woman of the house.

In every way.

But don't you feel she would be above your means?

In every way.

Nice of you to remind me but you're right,

never become a police officer.

60,000 a month, work day and night. That's not wages.

But let's be fair,

it's not a job either.

Those bastards are cheeky these days.

He's right to make fun of us.

That's what cops, the military, and clergymen are made for.

But he's wrong to laugh.

Never be the first to laugh.

- You're not thirsty? - No, I'm sleepy.

Give me some of their stuff there.

Oh, bloody hell!

Go get the Fr�minger woman.

I'm sorry, madam, to test your strength in these painful days,

especially about a small detail,

small but one you forgot to mention.

Didn't you know that upon your husband's death, you'd get 300 million?

You're disturbing me for this?

To ask me such a stupid question?

Of course I knew.

Why did you hide it from me?

I didn't hide it; you didn't ask me.

Another question, if I may.

For a 300 million insurance,

the yearly premium must be quite high.

Quite, yes.

Do you think your husband could have afforded to go on paying?

I suppose so, I don't know.

Let's say that he couldn't,

the insurance would be canceled.

Yes.

Don't you think it's a motive for murder?

No.

The yearly premium is about 2 million.

My mink coat is worth 3, my car 4,

and my jewels much more.

I could have paid the premiums for twenty years.

20 years, it adds up to 40 million, that's a fair amount.

So is 300 million.

If you can get it.

It implied that your husband should die before you.

If you look at statistics, men...

My husband was 19 years older than I.

Look at the statistics.

You'll now ask me if I was jealous.

Don't waste your time, I wasn't.

I'm really sorry to disappoint you.

But I had no reason to kill poor �ric.

No reason?

Would you come into the other room, please?

No reason?

Then why did you try to kill yourself in Athens?

During that little threeway trip

with his American chairman?

And Florence?

Beautiful city, Florence.

Especially with a collector

who doesn't like to keep masterpieces for his exclusive use?

You loved him then?

Yes.

You see that what I said was not so stupid.

Being treated in such a way by a man whom you love...

People have killed for lesser reasons.

Any jury would absolve you.

And they would be right.

I'd like to be your defense attorney.

Thank you for the generous offer

but I won't need it.

I didn't kill my husband.

That I've thought of it,

it's true.

The only trouble is that I didn't.

And I must count on you to know who did.

But that's more difficult than psychoanalysis.

She could say it more kindly but it holds together.

What if we suppose that Fr�minger killed himself?

If I had a house like this, I wouldn't shoot myself at night in the woods.

And we would have found the gun.

Then who?

- Her? - She'd be nicer to me.

Want to know what I think, boss?

Shoot!

I feel pity for men who marry women of that sort.

I knew you'd say something stupid.

I caught this man prowling about the premises.

You didn't catch me and I wasn't prowling about.

I am...

I mean.. I was a friend of �ric Fr�minger.

Poor �ric! I've just learnt the awful news.

How did it happen?

Inspector Plantavin of the second Mobile Brigade.

Charles Babin, business man, 43,

Albert the First Boulevard, Monte Carlo.

That's Fr�minger's office's address.

Yes, yes, he was our agent with power of attorney.

He had just resigned

for health reasons.

Did he know of some danger and did he want to spare us?

We'll never know since our poor friend...

Mrs. Fr�minger must still be in an indescribable state.

Indescribable.

You came to offer your condolences?

Yes, exactly.

You were a close friend?

Not really close, no.

I would see poor �ric mainly at the office.

If you could wait a moment.

- The door opposite? - No, that one.

- You mean I don't... - No, you get out.

- Mrs. Fr�minger doesn't want to see you. - But...

Is it true that you're one of Fr�minger's executioners?

No, I mean a moral executioner.

Fr�minger was a friend. I admired him before I came to pity him.

Poor and dear Fr�minger.

A very capable man but destroyed by alcohol.

His activity was taking a disastrous turn

and for a long time, I've defended him but...

You fired him!

I joined up with the majority.

You came here to look for what?

How can I explain, Inspector? It's a delicate matter.

Mr. Fr�minger often worked at home.

He would take papers, files from the office.

We first thought it was private papers

but since then,

we've noticed that some documents were missing.

Accounting documents.

Internal accounting, of no interest.

But which would be used wrongly.

Tax inspectors are so finicky.

It would only take someone with bad intentions.

To blackmail you.

That's why, if by any chance, when searching

you found some of these documents you could give them to us.

in order to avoid any indiscretion.

Be assured that we would show our gratitude.

For what it is worth.

I have no doubt.

- Thank you. - Of course,

no need to mention our conversation in your report.

I'll mention it only briefly, Mr. Babin.

Attempt at corruption.

Please...

What do you make of this, L�on?

I'd say something stupid again.

A little riddle.

Number one, Fr�minger has compromising documents in his possession.

Number two, Babin, fears blackmail.

Number one and number two make an appointment.

Who killed number one?

- Number two. - Bravo!

But number one came empty-handed. He died for nothing.

Number two now tries to get to number three.

Get number three!

Get Mrs. Fr�minger.

The inspector is a fool.

A stubborn fool though!

All the better!

He's on the wrong track.

He's convinced that �ric was killed by his former associates.

That's good news.

He's also convinced that I'm next on their list.

That makes it easy.

Watch the road.

Don't worry, I won't leave the game with the cards I hold.

What we need now is a nice little assault, a classic one,

concealed clumsily.

The inspector will be ecstatic. This is what he is waiting for.

He'll bring me face to face with the one he suspects.

And I might recognize him.

Oh, by the way, you'll phone Babin,

so that he's nearby.

You'll tell him that

you can't tell him who you are but

that you can get hold of �ric's papers.

He'll most certainly come.

With a bit of luck, he'll get caught.

In any case, he won't have any alibi for that time.

Then, the gun �ric was killed with will be found in the vicinity,

without any fingerprints, of course.

Babin always wears gloves.

You want to send him to the guillotine.

Of course not. Trust me!

Evidently.

I'll ask for the jury's clemency in Court.

The victim's widow is always listened to.

Provided that they like my hairdo that day, he'll get

twenty years. At the most.

And believe me, he's deserved it for some time.

You're not hoping the police will make him confess, are you?

It's happened before.

What bothers you about it all?

All of it.

Yours is the easy part. You hit whereas I'll be hit.

And you'll have a perfect alibi.

After dinner, you'll take Jeanne to the "Petit Casino"

and at 11 o'clock sharp

you'll do what it takes to...

Chauffeur, not too rusty from too much driving?

- He dances really well. - He also makes the others dance.

Remember, at Fred's, those parties? You were great at the piano.

You play the piano?

- He didn't even tell me. - I can't say everything.

Can you make her dance. Because, I, the waltz, you know...

Don't behave too well. I'll try my luck at roulette.

"Emergency Exit"

- It's all finalized. - So?

This is what I'll tell the police tomorrow:

I was driving back home when suddenly I felt I had a flat tire.

It's all right. I've done it.

I got down,

I saw a light there, on the construction site,

Come! Come!

I thought I'd find a nightwatchman there who could help change tires.

I opened the door,

I went inside...

Come in!

I had hardly stepped inside

when someone struck me violently on my head.

Hit me!

And don't forget to lose the gun.

Hit me!

What are you waiting for?

Harder!

You must stun me.

Don't you understand? You must knock me down.

I can't.

I won't be able to.

Don't you understand that I love you, godammit?

You love me!

Ah, you love me!

But what's with you all loving me?

Do you ask me if I love you?

If I love your ugly faces, your wanting sex?

You fool!

If you could know, you'd kill me.

What did you think?

That I'd become your property?

I never was.

Neither yours nor anyone else's.

You've only shared my bed, all of you!

A wide bed. Empty!

But now it's over.

Never again!

Not you, not anyone!

Never!

Never, hear me?

Free...

I'll go and find him. Or he'll lose everything he's got.

With me, I don't think he can be lucky gambling.

- Did you win? - Yes.

- A lot? - Not bad.

- Shall we dance? - Not any more.

Why?

I want to be alone with you.

Let's go back?

Darling, what's going on?

- What's going on? - Mrs. Fr�minger didn't come back.

After what the cops said yesterday, I start worrying.

What were they saying?

That those who killed Fr�minger might go after her now.

- You think so? - Yeah.

I'll drive down to Nice.

If I don't find her, I'll go to the police.

H�l�ne!

H�l�ne!

Border 10 km

Turn left! We're going home.

We need to talk.

And you want me to believe that when I talked to you in the car

you were on your way to tell the police.

The Italian police, no doubt!

You're positive that you saw him in the street after 11?

Absolutely sure.

I was going home, I heard gunshots,

and two minutes later, I saw him walking very fast towards Nice.

All right.

Well?

You still say you danced with him all evening?

Yes.

Well... except for one dance.

Except for one dance?

He's only left me ten minutes to go gambling.

To go gambling?

At about what time?

It must have been about 11.

We came back afterwards.

Good. I have enough.

It's done, boss. We've got him.

He left the girl 10 minutes, pretending he would gamble.

And it happens to have been at 11, when the gunshots were heard.

That's what you call gambling?

That's the gun the dog was killed with.

Fr�minger was killed with it too.

- What time was the dog killed? - Eleven.

Well?

Why did you kill Fr�minger?

I didn't kill him.

Go get the girl.

Come here!

There's something wrong with your story.

You're sure you saw your boss go out the night he died?

- Yes. - All right. Let's admit it.

And you're sure you stayed with your mistress afterwards?

- Yes. - For how long?

About one hour.

All right. But what has been doing during that hour?

- He was waiting for me in the room. - How do you know?

- I could see the light. - And you could see him?

No... But he was waiting for me.

- The ashtray was full of cigarette butts. - Stop it! All right, I get it!

I hope that you understand too.

Let me ask my question again:

Why did you kill Fr�minger?

I tell you once more that I didn't kill him.

I had just saved his life so why would I have killed him?

Tell me,

why?

You go and sit down.

Excuse me but there's an English gentleman here

from the Lloyds Insurance Company.

Show him in.

- You want me to... - No, don't. We'll send him away.

Excuse me, gentlemen. I'm from Lloyds Insurance.

- I'm coming from London. - I quite understand, my poor man,

but you came here for nothing.

Mrs. Fr�minger is dead.

Really sorry.

But my mission doesn't concern her.

Our customer wrote to us the day before he died

to change the beneficiary of his policy.

The new beneficiary is one Robert Montillon.

But it can't be!

I swear that I didn't know.

That you didn't know what, Mr. Robert Montillon?

It's really too stupid.

All the more stupid that no one will get the insurance money.

- Fr�minger killed himself. - Not that again!

That would not change our obligations in any way.

But hadn't Fr�minger cancelled the suicide clause?

He didn't write anything about that.

You knew the insurance policy. Bravo!

Yes.

From Fr�minger himself.

It's what gave H�l�ne the idea to...

H�l�ne? You call her H�l�ne now?

She was your mistress?

You killed her.

Yes.

It was an accident.

So now we have a suicide and an accident.

Two times nothing!

Well, all you have to is transfer 300 million to this deserving young man.

And we go away, wishing him the best.

Why did you hit her before killing her?

- I didn't want to. She made me. - She asked you?

Yeah!

You're damn obliging.

The dog asked you to shoot him too.

The problem with you is that you're too nice.

You don't know how to say no.

You can take comfort:

when we ask the jury for your head,

they won't say no either.

Take that away.

She was the one you loved, wasn't she?

Yes.

Why did he kill her?

He just told you.

The part of the policeman was played by

English subtitles: cinephage & nottsforest