Original subtitles

THE GENTLEMAN FROM EPSOM

Where's Paupiette?

She's on the outside, doing well.

Turcos is leading. That's normal, he's from their stables.

- Uranium... Uranium wins! - Come on, Paupiette!

What's he doing?

What the hell's he doing? Sleeping?

The idiot! Everyone saw that.

Well done, Poincelet! Did you see that finish?

I saw a case of fraud.

The crook! He should go to jail!

- You bet on Paupiette? - Yes. This is scandalous!

There's no denying that, sir!

Results of the 5th race: First, No 6, Uranium.

Second, No 1, Paupiette.

Hello, Major!

So it seems we're beaten.

You call that "beaten"?

Philibert's riding was useless. I'll get him suspended.

I've lost 200,000 in 2 weeks. I remember your sure bets.

- Sorry? - Major!

I was looking for you. The head groom told me:

Paupiette had a digestive problem.

Her pulse was too fast. So Philibert held her back.

Sensible, but they could have told me.

Poor Mr Rothschild

looked for you everywhere.

Edmond's a good guy, but tell him I'm annoyed with him.

No. I'll tell him tonight.

Baron Edmond's your relative?

Yes. He's like a brother to me, and you're a fool!

What did I promise when you came begging for advice?

- Begging... - Yes. Begging.

What did I teach you about odds?

No horse at less than 10 to 1.

That's my rule. If you prefer useless odds,

evens or 2 to 1, then go to the conmen!

- Want a tip for the 6th? - Yes!

Pèlerins, a good bet for the 6th.

Sorry, but I thought I had the right...

You have no right.

We didn't study horses in the same schools.

I was learning dressage when you were riding a donkey.

So let's end it here. Keep to our own domains.

Don't speak to me any more. Even from a distance.

Major!

Excuse me for just now, Major, but...

I brought Rothschild in because you seemed to be in trouble.

I'm never in trouble.

Even if I was, I think I could handle it.

That said, you went beyond your duty as a tout.

Sorry. My intentions were good.

OK. I forgive you.

- Major... - Yes?

Do you have 1,000F?

If I had 1,000F, I'd make 16,000 in a few minutes.

I'd bet on Cumulus in the next race.

At 16 to 1... it's a gift.

Hurry up, it's going to rain.

OK. Seems like we'll be walking home.

Yes. Through the woods.

Besides, in spring it's a pleasant walk.

The young Duke de Morny often did it. Followed by his carriage.

Come under my brolly, but take your hands out of your pockets!

It's not the right moment,

but I know an exceptional client. Filthy rich. Owns a restaurant.

Oh...

I know. But he's rolling in it.

He dreams of horses all night. Wakes with a whinny.

He'll gamble the lot!

One of a vanishing race.

What are you waiting for, then?

Sounds silly, but I'm scared of messing up.

Of not taking the lot off him.

What's needed here is a classy gentleman.

You'd have made a killing with a case like that.

You wouldn't like to work with me?

I don't like partnerships.

But you know me well.

Yes... precisely.

- Who's that? - No idea, but what style!

Who's that?

A duchess.

You know her?

I know them all!

Tell me. How far do you think this madness would go?

- Whose madness? - This chef of yours.

Judging from the price of his dishes, there's no limit.

Oh... The guy's out of this world.

What do you think?

Let's try the pot-au-feu Dodin-Bouffant

when we can afford it.

- Some fruit? - No, thanks.

Would you prefer stewed pears?

- Thanks, but I must go. - Well, I won't insist.

Here. I bought some cigars specially for you.

You can smoke them in your club.

And try not to bet too much.

Aunt, the club's not like people think.

More an excuse to read The Times alongside kindred souls.

25 Louis on the star.

No more bets.

All bets are off. Starting now, Banker.

Star, 24-1. 50F.

We won't see that happen again for 100 years.

Unless it repeats now.

You know Robowsky's law of cyclical repetition?

No.

I do. 50 Louis on the star.

You're a brave man. Or else too naive!

200 on the star.

No more bets, gentlemen. The bank is closing.

All noted, gentlemen. Starting now, banker.

Star, 24-1. 500F.

Ace, 250F.

Talk about luck!

It's Robowsky's law!

- For the staff. - Thank you.

Thank you!

Ever seen that before?

Never. He must be in cahoots with the firm.

So, Major, let's talk about Papillon V.

I heard he was overtaken. What happened?

Victor rode badly.

Like Watkins on Holocauste in the Lupin!

He went too wide.

Then he tried to get back into the centre.

- Watkins on Holocauste. - Watkins on Holocauste?

Longchamp, 1899.

Have you got a tip for tomorrow?

Possibly.

- Your money, Major. - Thank you.

Tomorrow at 7am I must be at Les Aigles, Chantilly.

Mme de Carbouffe wants me to judge a filly.

A last trial run between friends.

Is the horse a good bet?

20 to 1.

Pass the gravy. It's Savonarole all over again!

18 to 1 in the Prix du Cadran!

It's true, I gave you the tip.

If all goes well tomorrow, it'll pay more.

You'll call me?

I'll call you if it's definite.

Otherwise, remember my motto: "Take no chances."

Have some champagne!

It's not enough to be on the course at dawn.

You also have to be bright-eyed and clear-headed.

Early to bed.

Yes! And up with the horses.

Two things I hold dear: My reputation and your money.

- Goodnight. - I won't see you out.

Guesthouse Comfortable accommodation

It's 10 o'clock, Major.

Thank you.

Anything good today?

Oh... Both good and bad.

The problem is telling the difference.

I'm asking because I got my child benefit...

I'd like to make a profit, with a safe bet.

If you want a safe bet, invest in Pinay at 3.5%. Guaranteed.

Get me Wagram on 17-48, please.

Hello, Major? Here is Wagram.

Hello. Arthur?

Good. Very good, even.

Just back from Chantilly. I wish you'd been there.

She's really magic. So I gave my approval.

We're in for a treat.

Mme de Carbouffe has bet 300,000 on her.

The bet was placed in London, so as not to affect the odds.

Well done! What's her name?

The filly? Her name's Ridoxine.

Ridoxine... That's a nice name.

Wait till you see her!

Neck like a swan's, front legs straight as a die.

Like a cannon, if you get the idea.

Nervous to start with, but finishes like a bullet!

I'll bet then. 20,000F, to win!

Go ahead.

Er, by the way... Of course I had some expenses.

You know that...

Oh no! Not between friends, no.

No. Put 100 Louis on her for me, that'll do.

Goodbye.

Get me Trudaine, 78-23.

This is Friedman.

I thought you might forget me. Anything interesting?

At 7am I was on the race track

and at 7:10 I saw the horse of the year!

Front legs straight as a die.

A bit like a cannon, if you get the idea.

Nervous to start with, but finishes like a bullet!

What's his name?

Fantômas, by Funambule out of Mélisande.

It's the best bet of the day. Maybe of the season!

I don't know how to thank you.

The usual way. 100 Louis, to win, for me.

No joking, the race is already won.

Goodbye.

Commandante! Amico, come va? Any news?

I have a real mover for today. A rocket!

Front legs straight as a die, goes like a bullet!

What's the horse's name?

- Sycophante. - What?

Sy-co-phante!

As usual, put 100 Louis on for me, to win.

Goodbye.

Now get me Central 60 60.

Don't hesitate then.

As usual: 20,000 for me, 2,000 for you.

Hello. Your hair is beautiful.

How do you do?

I thought you'd forgotten me.

No need to panic.

I can't be at the track and here at the same time.

Let's go over there. Horses are men's business.

The major's here. A good sign.

- There's money to be made. - No change for us.

Ténébreuse?

Yes. This morning she showed us the way to win.

We may get a double win. The kind that goes down in history.

Jenny! Your door!

But it's a special case. In the 6th race, Arcan will be doped.

Oh!

I agree. I find that disgusting.

But dishonest people are everywhere. So, to defend yourself,

- you must profit from them. - Natürlich!

I was informed about it by the head groom.

A man who owes his career to me.

And I know it will be done

with Guatemalan dandelion extract. There's a catch.

I knew there would be...

The product works after ten minutes, and the effect lasts...

Five minutes.

- So? - So,

the timing must be dead on.

Too early, and it won't have worked,

Too late, he'll sprint to the paddock!

It's millimetres per second!

That's why there's only one strategy.

A big bet on Ténébreuse, then the lot on Arcan if the timing's right.

My dear Lucien... Do you permit me to call you that?

- I don't permit, I insist. - Well, dear Lucien,

if it works, it'll go down in history. A legendary win.

Right! I'll put the max on Ténébreuse, plus 5,000 for you.

- No, that's too much. - I insist.

- Very well. - Where do we meet?

As usual. 3 o'clock, on the lawn by the finish.

OK!

Goodbye now.

See you later, Major.

Come on, send in the troupe.

Rehearsal. I must go to town.

Ginette, get out my grey striped suit.

If he goes to the races, we'll be paying off the damages.

For the whole week! At least.

Ténébreuse has won! Put up the result.

Finish of the 5th race.

Photo finish for first place between No 1 and No 5.

In third place: No 3.

What trickery will they try next!

No 5 was a neck ahead. I don't need a photo.

They were together 5m from the line. One stride.

No!

Yes!

What did I tell you? There's no problem.

Empty the bank!

20,000 at 12 to 1 means 240,000 for me.

Plus 24,000 for you.

What shall we do? Bet all or half of it?

Let's not get carried away.

That's not like you!

Last time we risked everything!

That was to recoup our losses. Now we must watch our winnings.

Not the same strategy.

If Arcan is full of dandelions, there's no risk.

Horses are unpredictable.

And if a horse is a junkie, you should fear the worst.

So what shall we do?

Hello, Major!

I told you not to speak to me again!

Still angry? You don't want to make peace?

Since I stopped seeing you, I keep losing.

I warned you. But I'll be kind,

though I don't expect any thanks.

Héliotrope in the next race...

Hello, hello.

Horses to the start.

It's fiesta time, Major!

We have nearly 300,000F safe on Arcan.

300,000 which was safe!

Well, well!

Imponderables... I accept that. But there are so many!

A photo that puts us second, a dandelion fiasco,

a bastard who trips us up!

That's a lot of imponderables.

A string of accidents.

Yet I'm open-minded.

Democratic, that's me.

Cheating jockeys, unpredictable horses,

let everyone have fun!

But if a mere shopkeeper pesters an officer,

a senior officer, claiming he's helping people out,

that's just not on!

These days the petty bourgeois take infernal liberties.

O tempora! O mores!

What?

It's Latin. It means "What strange times".

I'm not exaggerating.

We are seeing the triumph of subversion,

the overthrow of values.

But subversion is nothing new.

I saw it appear in 1927,

when they gave the hussars motorbikes.

Seeing Saumur turned into a garage

was more than an honest man could stand.

I handed in my whip, kepi and spurs.

I accepted the smell of horse dung. But not engine oil!

I'll leave you, gentlemen. I'm dining in town. Goodbye.

See you tomorrow, Major.

In this pan, I put oil...

Thank you, Hubert.

About two dessert spoons.

Then some butter.

About 50g butter.

50g butter is more or less the same

as the amount of oil. Next, an onion.

A large onion, of which I'll use just half.

I remove both ends, like this.

Then I chop it finely. This is to save time.

There. You see, it's very fast.

There's nothing difficult about it.

I put this onion in the pan, of course...

- Good evening. - Good evening.

Now we move to more serious things.

Take a fine pheasant.

- Yes? - "Fine pheasant."

It's Madam's brother.

- Talk of the devil... - Don't start that.

You've been told to announce "the Major"

or "Mr Richard Brillant-Charmery".

Me again. I didn't ask her to say that.

Good evening. How nice to see you.

You're turning that off because of me?

The sound's bad. You're here for dinner?

To give my sister a kiss.

Never a nuisance. Always affectionate.

You are affectionate so often, it seems the story goes on.

I don't follow you.

Equestrian disasters. Equine catastrophes.

Sorry to disappoint you,

but today I had a nice win.

You'll stay for dinner?

I don't see the link, but if you ask me to, I'll stay.

Thank you! Dear Richard,

If it's true you had a nice win,

could you pay back the 40,000F

Thérèse lent you for 24 hours ten years ago?

Lent you... out of my money.

I don't see how she could have lent it from her own.

True.

I don't get it. Is it an allusion?

An allusion to your rubber disasters

and petrol catastrophes.

The stock market is the necropolis of middle class dowries.

You've proved a good gravedigger.

If you've come to sow discord...

No! Richard's only joking.

That said, and with no reproach intended,

it's true, you didn't miss one catastrophe.

The Oustric affair, Nepal property, Swedish matches,

- the Andes tramways... - Stop there, Sis.

He missed the Panama affair because he wasn't yet born.

In 49 I missed Bagheera in the French Oaks.

- Whose fault was it? - Oh no, dear Hubert!

I'm too old for reproaches.

And where's my niece?

In her room. Doing her homework.

I'll go and help her then!

Help with what? He never could do additions.

My crazy uncle! How are you?

Fine, but don't call me that. It's the height of disrespect!

But that's whisky!

- Yes. - Dad won't let me drink it.

I don't usually agree with your father,

- but he's right there. - And if I like it?

What will I have to do if they forbid me to drink?

Get it as a gift.

Oh yes!

In gigolos' bachelor pads. Don't let me catch you!

There are no gigolos now, Uncle. That was in your day.

Subdued lighting, Carlos Gardel, the Orient Express,

the Borromean Islands. You were surely irresistible!

Yes... don't try to get round me!

What's this?

Oh, nothing. A few integrals, group theory.

It's new stuff. Quite amusing!

You don't know it?

If I understood that,

I'd have joined the artillery, like Napoleon and your grandpa.

I liked their uniform: black with a red stripe.

- Tell me, Uncle. - What?

Can you lend me 10,000F?

What for?

When you lend a woman money,

you never ask why.

Sorry.

I need it to buy a record player.

Dinner, children!

Great! Are you staying?

Now I definitely am.

Richard!

Maud!

- Where are you going? - For a ride. Going somewhere?

- Nowhere. - Then get in!

Incredible! After so long. To meet in the street!

Let me look at you...

You're just the same! Only better.

- You haven't changed! - I have!

No, you still talk nonsense!

You were in America, married.

- Well, I'm back. - From the marriage?

No, from America!

I come every year. I'm faithful to the boutiques here.

Steve comes when he can, but he's so busy...

And you?

Still available. What shall we do?

Dance, visit the antique shops or eat cakes?

Buy. Anything!

Provided it's ocelot, leather and not in the sales!

I was going to start with hats.

Ah... Keep away from those.

Why? Caroline Peloux...

She dresses ministers' wives. Wear her hats,

and you'll be called Madam President. No one will invite you!

- What's the name? - César.

César? Faubourg Saint-Honoré. I'll tell you when.

What do you think? With a flecked suit?

Oh... I'd prefer beige jersey.

Yes, maybe...

I'll take these two.

Right, madam.

It was you who taught me how to dress. Remember?

The Saratoga race course in spring. Wonderful sunshine...

You kissed my neck.

I'd just won on Lady Be Good at 30 to 1.

You said: "This is how to turn a horse into a mink!"

You spent the lot!

You can tell me, now: how much did you pay for that mink?

You still remember it: that's priceless.

I remember, yes.

The men's version.

We have matching card and chequebook holders.

Perfect!

Deliver it all to the Ritz. Tonight, without fail.

Mrs Mulligan.

You're at the Ritz? You're predictable.

Faithful. The concierge told me you don't go there any more.

Oh my! Don't talk to me of hotels. Too many people.

I'm after something in the Marais.

The only possibility.

Île Saint-Louis has become a cesspit.

A den for thieving billionaires and Peruvian perverts.

But... I hope you don't live in New York?

I do. For Steve's business. I'm used to it.

Our apartment's on the 32nd floor: a splendid view!

You learn something every day.

I thought the only views were from Versailles.

Don't tease me!

- What does he do? - Who?

Steve!

Business. Manganese mines, tungsten... Whatever.

Mines are a good idea.

Madam!

I was at Longchamp with the ambassador.

He studied in Harvard, with Steve.

I thought you might be at the weigh-in.

Angel, that's the last place I'd go.

It's become a meeting place for shopkeepers!

In a few years they've gone from top hats to bowlers,

then trilbies. Soon they'll be wearing caps!

Don't criticise caps. Steve has some funny ones.

Oh, excuse me. A cap can't be funny.

On that man's head, why not!

Too late. Here we are. You missed the chance of a fight.

Maybe not... What are you doing tonight?

- Packing. - A pity.

I came for a week. I fly from Orly tomorrow.

- We could have had dinner. - It'd be too late.

No problem. We'll have supper.

Don't refuse me. You never could.

OK. Come for me at 10. I'll try to be ready.

Valse triste, third violin out of tune,

maître d' watching the bill. Nothing's changed!

Hardly anything. A few details.

Look at the singer. Remember him?

- Well! - He's put on weight.

You once fought with him over me!

You asked for a sword, to kill him!

Look at him now. I should have done it!

He'd have died handsome!

A pound of caviar for two. That's what I call a customer!

A customer?

Once, in the 30s, the Major came here on horseback!

He was in love with Lulu de Montparnasse.

Lulu had the table to the right of the band, and dined topless!

A queen!

That night went on for 60 hours before anyone left.

He called Lulu "Sonia" and wanted to marry before the archimandrite.

- He was drunk like a Romanov! - Yes!

Drunk? Empty the ashtrays, you western boy!

My God, what a life!

Those were my crazy years, Richard.

When I laugh, I think of you.

- Do you often laugh? - Be fair.

Steve's a nice boy. Bright, hard-working.

Yes, the mines. Don't tell me he goes down them.

His grandfather arrived from Canada with one dollar.

Mine fought at Reichshoffen!

Horses were the death of us all.

At any rate, they separated you and me.

Here. In fact, I bought it for you.

Thank you.

Why say "in fact"? I never forget a thing.

Only me. You forgot me at Epsom, on Derby day.

Don't talk about that day, it still upsets me.

The infernal disaster, the hecatomb. Shakespeare!

The Duke of Kent's trainer recommended Sun Cap.

But I don't know what came over me. Patriotism...

I bet on Fanfaron: a French horse.

We're betrayed by our own.

I had no money left even to buy an orange!

Why didn't you say?

And... why did Lady Be Good win,

and Fanfaron lose, why do things happen,

why don't we like to explain them?

Who knows?

In the end it's all so stupid!

Shashlik Special, that's no surprise!

I meant at Epsom. Did you wait a long time for me?

I can't say. I had no watch.

You'd pawned my watch the day before.

I was asked to leave.

I stayed waiting by the gates, and then...

And then Steve.

What do you mean, Steve?

A gentleman approached me.

He offered to take me back to London. I accepted. It was him.

Allow me to say, as a gentleman, that...

Approaching a lady at a racecourse...

What about you, in Saratoga?

First, that was in the stands, and second, it was me.

I'd picked five winners. That made me daring.

He'd just won on Sun Cap.

So he'd bet on my horse, as well?

Darling, you're wonderful. You'll never grow up!

I'd kept this memory of you. You haven't spoiled it.

Thank you, Richard.

Let's dance.

Richard, the time's flown.

My flight's in 4 hours. I just have time to go to the hotel.

Maître d'hôtel, the bill.

You don't have Diner's Club?

It may be common in the US.

I think it's like canteen vouchers.

Do you have a pen? Not a ballpoint.

Thank you.

Let's see... That's perfect.

I'll give you a cheque for 200,000. Bring me the difference.

- Can I drop you off? - No, thanks.

I like to smoke my last cigar under the chestnut trees.

I had a wonderful night.

Where will our next meeting be? In Epsom or Saratoga?

What brings you here?

Something that may not matter to you, but does to me.

Family honour.

Do you still play billiards with Baron Emblain?

No. We never played billiards, only bridge.

- Well, it's the same thing. - I never noticed that.

The result is the same.

He won't play with you again. At anything.

May I ask you something?

Is the Baron still on the board of the Bank of Paris?

He's the CEO, even.

I wrote a cheque that bounced.

What?

A sort of Russian evening, you know how they are.

You can't be a gentleman without paying 200,000.

- What will you do? - Go to jail.

Impossible!

What about Thérèse? Your niece? And me?

I told you it concerned family honour.

Too bad! I won't be blackmailed.

- Forget your honour. - Hubert, that's ignoble.

Take responsibility for your mistakes.

I'll leave you in your mess!

Even if I wanted to, I couldn't help you.

The banks are on strike.

On strike? Really? Is it official?

Of course it's official.

If you read anything but the racing papers...

Oh no. I prefer to forget your advice!

Charlot, have you seen my accomplice?

Not yet. That's odd.

He must be busy.

Find me a sucker. I'll make a start.

Get your Paris Turf!

My dear Charlot! Can you get me out of a pickle?

I've no money to get in. I've a tip for the 4th.

I can do you a favour.

If you can fleece Léon, I'll give you 2,000F.

Then we'll be quits.

I wouldn't do it for others.

I'm overwhelmed by your trust.

There you are. That's for fleecing Léon.

And 2,000 for you. Gamble with it...

Oh, please. You don't need to give me instructions!

The black one, I put it there. I won't show this one.

1,000F if you can find it!

Here. Pick your card up.

Oh, you lost! Take a look.

One left, one right, one in the middle.

I'll start again.

Two reds have lost. I put the black one here.

Here? Turn your card over.

Watch the red one.

You have to find it, I have to hide it.

Who saw it, for 10,000?

Where is it?

- On the right. - In the middle.

It should be, but he slipped the card out.

No less than 20,000.

Want to go halves with me?

But I was sure.

- What happened? - I don't know, I got confused.

Once again. All on the ace of diamonds.

We want the red one. Keep watching it.

The red one wins.

Here it is, the ace of diamonds.

There. All on the ace of diamonds.

Red wins.

You find it. Who saw it, for 10,000?

Well done, sir.

Start again.

It's always red that wins. It's there.

Red always wins. Sorry.

Red always wins. Who saw it for 40?

I said 40!

- May I? - If you like.

No!

You made me lose the first two tries.

Start again. Red always wins.

You have to find it.

26 to 1...

Centurion at 26 to 1... That's interesting.

What do you think?

I think we'll be walking home again.

Really, you're always too slow.

Sultane is not really fit. And Centurion?

Charly, what's that horse at 26 to 1 today?

The horse at 26 to 1? That's Centurion.

But I tell you, I'm not convinced at all.

No 17, 8-1.

Hello, hello! They're under starter's orders.

You're not watching?

No point. It's obvious.

May I?

If you want to...

There are four lagging behind by 30 lengths.

One of them's No 17. That's Centurion, right?

We're 11th at present.

Don't talk nonsense.

We're still 11th.

Caught in the act!

Band of crooks! Arrest them!

- Moreno is back... - Moreno's a scoundrel!

He fixed it. He had orders. We know who from.

And they'll make Jolie Môme win the next race.

All thanks to you.

I thought I'd cracked it. I've lost another 30,000.

Why should I care? Even if it's true.

- Don't think... - I think nothing.

I came to place a safe bet in the 4th,

and now I don't have the money to do it.

- What number was it? - No 6. Jolie Môme.

Jolie Môme!

No 6. 20, to win.

Thank you.

There.

Major Richard Brillant-Charmery. Squadron leader.

Oscar Robineau. Grains and fodder. From La Ferté.

Pleased to meet you.

Same here.

It's Jolie Môme, No 6!

Well done!

There! I'll pay you back.

- No need. - Listen...

I made you lose 20,000F and you made me win 250.

I'd be a real cad.

I'll give it to the fund to aid poor horsemen.

So what shall we do?

Let's get out of here. Tonight we'll meet your chef.

Call that a rare steak? It's burnt!

Bechamel is not supposed to be mud! Take that away!

- Just one minute. - Fine.

Hello, Henriette.

Mr Charly.

There.

There you are.

You promised me a tip for the Omnium.

No sign. I thought you were dead.

Don't joke about that. Death is serious.

I'm not joking. Be it a heart attack or the highway code...

We drink, we talk, and then one day that's it!

Lots of people die.

You didn't see me because I had no tip.

You should still come and see me.

I can't refuse.

Here.

- What are you looking at? - The Major comes here?

Major? What major?

Where did you see a major?

The white-haired man over there.

He's a major of what?

Everything! A retired squadron leader.

Instructor at the Cadre Noir.

Cited in all equestrian manuals from 1912 to now.

Horse owners fight over him.

He knows magic words. He blows in the horses' nostrils.

He talks to them.

- What now? - Mr Cheyrolle wants to say goodbye.

One moment.

Mr Cheyrolle. Was everything satisfactory?

As always. See you soon.

That way.

- So he talks to horses? - Yes.

- In what language? - Depends where they're from.

Australian, sometimes Norman.

He has passwords. Dialects.

He calls it oral tradition.

Major...

Ah... Mr Ripeux, I presume?

You know me?

I've read your menu carefully.

Henriette!

Thanks. Bye, Henriette.

Goodbye, sir.

The Major's not been seen for 2 days. What can I say?

The truth. He isn't ill?

How would I know? His key is here.

Tell him Mr Arthur is asking after him.

The Major, please. It's his friend Lucien.

Yes, Lucien. You know what a friend is.

Friend or not, the Major is in town.

I already told you. I'll note your call.

Good evening.

So what do you think, Major?

Quite remarkable.

No, I meant this idea of mine.

That's different. I was in the army long enough

to have some experience of betrayal.

You tell a friend something, he repeats it...

and the empire falls.

Don't look like that!

Pay no attention. It's my emotions.

When I like people, I want them to like me too.

Mummy always told me: "Gaspard, you're too sensitive."

What can I say? People don't change.

You find me ridiculous?

Ridiculous? Of course not.

Rather, you've touched me. Yes, touched me.

Your professionalism, love of horses,

sensitivity.

I was a leader of men. I can recognize them.

You're one of them.

I'm one of them?

Oh yes! And a good one.

No, no, no. I'll get it.

You know what we should do?

Have lunch together tomorrow. It's pike quenelles.

We can talk of this and that.

- Sadly, I must go to Chantilly. - You're obliged to?

- I'm going with Brunoise. - Ah! Your wife?

A filly racing in the French Oaks.

There'll be a surprise. At 25 to 1.

She's going to win?

Of course there are imponderables. But in fact...

Imponderables? With a man like you!

Sadly, it's not me at the starting gate.

Wine waiter!

Thank you, sir.

Let me explain.

A filly is always subject to various troubles:

astrological factors, sex...

Things we must take into account.

"We"? You said "we". As if we were already partners.

Yes, but...

Well, if you insist, come with me to Chantilly tomorrow.

- Alas! - Why "alas"?

My thrombosis! My pulse is like a chicken's.

I've been told to avoid emotions.

They said if I went to the races, I might die there.

If a Ripeux gets stressed out,

it may be the end of the world for him.

I see. Well, as you can't come...

No, wait! Wait one second.

Give me that, girl!

Can you put 100,000 on Brunoise for me?

Don't refuse. Think of my heart.

People might think I'm taking bets.

Not a man like you!

Appearances are dangerous.

Cloakroom!

Well?

You should have seen his eyes. He was enchanted.

- How much? - 100,000.

I knew it. Only you could get that much from him.

I consider that sum as merely a deposit.

- What did you sell him? - Brunoise.

She's never finished a race. We can keep the money.

- How much do I get? - Nothing.

Oh.

Because tomorrow I'll put it all

on Reine de Saba.

She'll do the trick.

Reine de Saba? I'd never have thought of her.

You poor thing! Luckily, I think for you.

Taxi!

Léon Zitrone, from Chantilly,

at the Princes de Condé race course,

which belongs to the French Academy,

for the start of the French Oaks,

a classic race for the best fillies,

over 2, 100 metres.

Who'll win? That's what the punters are asking.

There's talk of Reine de Saba, Pomme d'Amour and Fric-Frac,

which is an odd name for a mare.

She's the one on the far right of your screen.

They're about to start. The starting gate's up.

In the lead is Araminthe II,

a great filly who won at Tremblay,

3 weeks ago. But I doubt she'll win here.

I think it will be Reine de Saba.

They've now covered 400 metres.

Soon they'll pass the Princes de Condé's stables.

They're slowing now. Fric-Frac's good.

Reine de Saba needs a second wind.

Minouchette's catching up.

A good race. Half way, and no one beaten yet.

10 fillies still have a chance to win as they pass the château.

Reine de Saba, with her smooth, easy-going gait,

still leading, looks like winning.

No! Another horse is coming up!

Brunoise! Watch her on your screen. Her jockey has a light-coloured cap.

Brunoise is coming up.

This is unexpected.

Brunoise tackles Reine de Saba. She's going to win the French Oaks!

But Brunoise never won anything!

She can't be beaten now. Brunoise takes first place,

a length and a half ahead of Reine de Saba.

My God! What have I done?

You're in trouble. Tell me about it.

There's no more to say.

Turn that thing off.

It's Aunt Berthe.

I'm always coming and going.

Béatrice, hurry up! We'll be late.

Well. What are you doing here?

You should have come last night.

We had lobster gratin.

Hello, Aunt Berthe.

We're off to the Goya exhibition.

You should come. They say it's apocalyptic!

No more than what's on that.

- I'm ready. - Let's go.

Well, Richard? Not coming?

No, thanks. But I'll walk you to the car.

It's not my fault if Brunoise won.

Not your fault?

Who introduced me to that supposed sucker,

whom we now owe 850,000F? You have that?

- No. - Well then!

Brunoise was your idea.

Of course, since you had no ideas!

What can we do?

No idea. But your idiot will send us

first to the vice squad,

then to court, and finally to jail. A nice tiercé.

What if we tell Ripeux everything? A sin confessed...

"A sin confessed"?

In life there are two things to be used only as a last resort:

- cyanide and loyalty. - And meanwhile?

The strategy of Caesar and Napoleon: play all your cards.

It's lucky I wasn't there. I'd have dropped dead.

It must have been exciting.

Oh, you know...

I changed saddles. Her lateral tensors were compressed.

Brunoise's lateral tensors?

Yes, the way you saddle a horse is very important.

I wrote an article on that, which is studied by all officers.

What were the odds on Brunoise?

8 and a half.

You won 850,000. You should have seen Chanopoulos's face.

Why? He came second?

He's the bookie. Your 100,000, plus the stables' bet of 500,000,

meant he had to pay out 5 million.

So I gave him until tomorrow to pay.

Of course, we're civilised.

Well, this is very kind, Ripeux.

You're a real poet. But why a candle?

To mark our first victory. Hoping it won't be the last!

Who knows?

Your mother was right. You're too sensitive.

And as an old soldier, I won't blame you for that.

Oh my!

I don't want to spoil things...

What?

- Ripeux. - Yes?

Do you really think money brings happiness?

It doesn't spoil it...

If you say so. Let me give you a chance.

You have a daughter to provide for. You want to make a fortune?

I think of that every night. Why?

Well, listen.

There's a horse racing at Auteuil.

A son of Minos married into the Saint-Simon family.

All his ancestors bestowed gifts on him.

What's this horse's name?

Minotaure.

You think it's a good bet?

It's the best!

You'd bet the lot?

I never bet. But the stables will bet their maximum.

That's why, if you bet the 850,000 from Brunoise,

you still won't get much more than 4 million.

That means it's 5 to 1.

Yes.

I don't want to annoy you,

but can I ask a silly question?

What if he loses?

In the end you may be right. Friendship is leading me astray.

But I understand. A nice little restaurant,

a bit of middle class cooking, a little business...

You're not one for the big deals, Ripeux.

You can put your 850,000F in a savings account.

Yes, then I'll be sure of my 2%.

Sure that it won't be 3%.

Admit it, you've been taken in by Ripeux!

It was the same in school. I fooled them all.

The school inspector told me:

"You'll be an actor!"

I could have been one. But no way!

They say Auvergne folk are tight-fisted.

I'm one of them. I check my takings every night.

I'm always after profit. Greedy as a boa constrictor!

You can't imagine.

You're from the elite of Saumur. We're different.

Oh no!

I came to Paris in sneakers.

So you see, I want to stuff myself.

Gorge myself. Rent safety deposit boxes in Switzerland.

I want the lot!

Minotaure will be the best thing yet! I know it!

I scent things like a pointer.

No more than 4 million, you say? You don't know me.

The 850,000 from Brunoise, plus 100,000. There!

That's Ripeux's style.

Will that get me 5 million?

It's in the bag.

Hello, hello.

Horses to the starting gate.

No 6, Minotaure, at 25 to 1.

- Same to you. - Not a penny.

Are you sure Minotaure's not improving?

What if he does the same as Brunoise?

I've checked again. No chance.

Hey, you, who can see! What number is Minotaure?

No 6. Purple silks. Green cap.

Hey, he's well placed, your Minotaure.

He's usually at the back. How much have you got on him?

900,000.

Flamenco has won!

Well! That was a close thing!

We're on form today. But we mustn't be complacent.

Finding a loser is one thing,

finding the winner next time is another.

- It must be his heart. - It's just the excitement.

It's strange though.

- We were there... - Not surprising.

No. He even said he had 950,000 on Minotaure.

He can't be normal!

Examine your conscience.

Up to now, your tricks produced suckers, not victims.

I did nothing!

Lesson: if you're not as strong as a horse, don't go to the races.

Minotaure will be the best thing yet. We'll make a fortune!

I scent like a pointer! The 850 from Brunoise plus 100,000.

That's Ripeux's style!

Hey, you rogue! Escaped from jail?

But you were in Fresnes!

Why are you here?

I have a great tip for the last race.

The last? So have I.

A bit of a crazy beast. But goes like a rocket!

Mine's like a cannon, if you see what I mean.

I do. But I thought it was a well kept secret?

No secrets for me. I have an expert.

Don't tell me. Mine's a big horseman, of the old school.

Mine came out of Saumur!

- Saumur? - The Cadre Noir.

The Major?

Exactly.

It's the same man. He calls you at 10am each day?

Natürlich. What did he give you?

No 7, Fleur des Pois.

The jockeys are mounting.

No 7, 22 to win.

No 3, 22 to win.

No 7, 22 to win.

Hello, hello.

Horses to the starting gate.

There we are. All the tricksters are at the gate.

- What do we do? - With the tricksters?

No. Who do we bet on?

It seems that No 8, Mexicana, ridden by young Victor...

Hello, hello. Horses are under starter's orders.

Hey! No 7, 20 to win.

No 7, 20.

There.

For God's sake, I said 7, not 8!

What do I want with your No 8?

- No good for anything. - It's too late.

- Too late? - What's up?

I've had enough! Enough!

This time it's pure robbery. I'll sue!

- Well? - No 7!

Go on, No 7, go on!

This time I think we're in luck.

It's tight. Barely a length.

I came 5th, then 2nd,

so I just have to be patient.

6,650.

Thank you.

So, Major, you bet on Mexicana?

You told your friends 7, but bet on 8?

Fleur des Pois had a dizzy spell earlier.

I was informed this morning. I moved your bets to Mexicana.

If you're not happy, I can refund your bets.

- Look, Major... - I can give you a lift.

No, thanks. We'll sort out the accounts tonight. I must go.

Goodbye, gentlemen.

That's a real gentleman.

Yes. Like the old days. Times gone by.

He's maybe the last of them. We're lucky we found him.

I don't understand. I thought you bet on No 7, Fleur des Pois.

Oh! To be or not to be, that...

What leads you gamblers astray

is your rigid reasoning, your belief in the logic of horses.

Their origins, the distance, the weight...

That's why I place great importance on intuition.

Sometimes a premonition leads to a slip of the tongue.

You think 7 and say 8.

Obviously, if you say more than you think...

You really are an oaf.

Get this: I won because I needed to win.

- That's all. - Right.

Get your France-Soir. End of the bank strike.

France-Soir, latest news. End of the bank strike.

Look, the bank strike is over.

Things always go back to normal in the end.

Now, will you do something for me?

Yes, boss.

Take your hands out of your pockets.

Subtitles: ECLAIR