Original subtitles

Ripped, corrected and synched by Fingersmaster. Enjoy!

This film was restored by Pathé in 2022 from an internegative

THE PARIS NEWS Special Edition

Here at Orly Airport,

the Paris News is on the spot to interview

the famous director of the Casino de Paris.

Mr. Henri Varnat,

what's the aim of your trip?

I'm travelling for work, so it's a pleasure trip.

My assistant Guy Cadenas and I

are off to find some spectacular new numbers.

So while you're away

we'll see no new shows?

You certainly will! My stage manager Mario Lamaindis

will replace me during rehearsals.

I trust him totally.

It's all under control.

As usual, boss!

I hope I'll be worthy of your trust, sir.

Mr. Varnat, it's time to board your plane

and fly after that rare bird.

Let's take off!

Goodbye and good luck, Mr. Varnat.

♪ Incredibly, fantastically, adorably ♪

♪ I love her ♪

♪ Victoriously, eternally, relentlessly ♪

♪ She's there ♪

♪ Unfortunately, perpetually, ♪ ♪ energetically ♪

♪ She refuses ♪

♪ Uselessly, hopelessly, impassively ♪

♪ I wait for her ♪

♪ My wretched flowers are rejected ♪

♪ And my poor heart is dejected ♪

♪ My alexandrines ♪ ♪ Of pixie dust ♪

♪ Inspire disdain ♪ ♪ And distrust ♪

♪ Incredibly, fantastically, adorably ♪

♪ I love her ♪

♪ Victoriously, eternally, relentlessly ♪

♪ She's there ♪

♪ Unfortunately, perpetually, ♪ ♪ energetically ♪

♪ She refuses ♪

♪ Uselessly, hopelessly, impassively ♪

♪ I wait for her ♪

♪ Miserably, deplorably ♪

♪ Incurably, invincibly, triumphantly ♪

♪ She's there ♪

Sir!

The show's nearly over. Full house.

Oh, Mr. Gordy!

Please forgive me. I didn't know it was you.

Miss!

Show Mr. Gordy to his box.

Mr. Gordy, if you'll come this way.

After you.

Thank you.

Opera!

♪ Crinoline! ♪

♪ I'm sorry girls ♪ ♪ I should have knocked ♪

♪ I should have said hello ♪ ♪ But I arrive with no intro ♪

♪ I have a pretty name ♪ ♪ You know it very well ♪

♪ This pretty name ♪ ♪ Starts my sweet refrain ♪

♪ Saint Catherine ♪

♪ Today is our name day ♪ ♪ Seamstress team ♪

♪ Let's dance ♪ ♪ Light and nimble ♪

♪ Throw away ♪ ♪ Thread and thimble ♪

♪ It's party time ♪ ♪ For sewing girls ♪

♪ Shake out your fancy ♪ ♪ Bonnets and curls ♪

♪ No more tacking ♪ ♪ And stitching ♪

♪ Hemming ♪ ♪ And snipping ♪

♪ We girls must look gorgeous ♪

♪ For true love to call us ♪

♪ Saint Catherine ♪

♪ Kind queen ♪ ♪ Of our fates ♪

♪ My dear guide above ♪

♪ Let today ♪

♪ Forever be ♪

♪ A day of love ♪

♪ Of love ♪

♪ It's party time ♪ ♪ For sewing girls ♪

♪ Shake out your fancy ♪ ♪ Bonnets and curls ♪

♪ No more tacking ♪ ♪ And stitching ♪

♪ Hemming ♪ ♪ And snipping ♪

PRIVATE

NO SMOKING

No, it's forbid... Oh, Mr. Gordy!

Promises! Promises!

I'm sick of your promises!

When are you giving me the lead in your show?

Belinda, darling, I can't always do what I want,

especially when Varnat is away.

Trust me, you'll be the star in my next show.

I promise.

I'm sick of being the understudy!

Catherine is so damn healthy.

What's she got that I haven't?

I know, but...

Hey, you!

What are you doing here? It's off limits...

Mr. Gordy, I'm so sorry.

May I introduce myself: I'm ...

I'm Mario Lamaindis.

In Mr. Varnat's absence, I'm the director here.

Catherine Miller's dressing room?

I'll take you there. Please, follow me.

No, this way, sir.

This way.

I saw your latest. A masterpiece.

Yes, I know.

- As all your plays are. - Naturally.

This way, please.

She's still on stage.

You can wait in here. Make yourself at home.

Thank you.

But I promise you.

I'm through with promises! I want it in writing! Get it?

Or kiss Belinda's breakfasts goodbye!

Whatever, but not now.

Gordy is with my star. I must have a photo.

I'll sign you a contract.

Tonight! Or I warn you, I'll ditch you.

But darling...

What a triumph, miss.

Six curtain calls tonight!

Yes, they were sweet.

A lovely audience.

Did you see that man alone in a box for 6?

Yes, the man in tails.

What a way to dress up.

A Minister, at least.

With a pitch pipe like a periscope.

Magnificent.

Such temperament.

You, Mr. Gordy?

Heavens!

Magnificent. Marvelous.

You are Eliane. You are my Eliane.

No, Eliane's dressing room is next door.

Eliane Brontel. The heroine of my next play.

I've searched for months. I was in despair.

And I've found her.

I've found her at last.

Eliane is you.

- Me? - You.

Me? Lordy lord!

Eliane is... a woman of the world.

She leads a double life.

She used to be a...

not respectable in the past.

- No. - Yes.

She's retained some streaks of vulgarity,

and passion...

inadmissible passion.

And you think that I...

Trust me.

Have you never dreamed of playing drama?

Great drama?

Well... you see...

You've said farewell to the music hall.

But it's our secret for now.

It must explode like a bomb.

Like a bomb?

We'll talk about it.

You'll have supper with me, of course.

I'll wait for you in my car

in front of the stage door.

Eliane Brontel!

THE IMPERIAL MAXIM'S

The situation takes a dramatic turn...

Serve us.

Abandoned by one and all,

you find yourself alone in life,

confronting your destiny after losing everything.

Your reputation, your honour,

your love,

your child.

My lover too. What a bastard.

How did you think all that up?

From tonight on,

you're no longer Catherine Miller.

You're Eliane.

Eliane Brontel.

Yes, Master.

Eliane Brontel.

Sorry!

Not home yet!

Good evening.

Cathy, is that you?

Yes, mama.

What's that?

It's nothing. Just playing Indians with the boys.

You're very late. I was getting worried.

What happened to you?

Something wonderful.

Wonderful? At this hour of night?

Nothing silly, I hope?

Who were you out with?

A genius.

I dined at Maxim's with Alexandre Gordy.

Alexandre Gordy!

But that's fantastic!

Gaston!

You'll never guess what happened to Cathy!

What? An accident?

Something terrific.

She dined at Maxim's with Alexandre Gordy.

Gordy?

The fella who writes plays?

"The fella..."

The worldwide genius of theatre. The great Alexandre.

The Master.

Eliane. I'm Eliane.

Eliane Brontel.

Eliane Brontel. What a lovely name.

Don't you think I should call the doctor?

Eliane is the heroine of his new play.

He wrote the part for me, before we met.

We start rehearsing next week in his villa.

What villa?

His villa in Cannes.

Cannes is paradise on earth.

- Hello, miss. - Hello, sir.

Isn't my chauffeur here?

I haven't seen him, sir.

Can I call my villa?

Of course, Mr. Gordy.

Ah, it's you, sir.

Of course, sir.

No, sir, your secretary didn't tell us.

I beg your pardon, sir?

Your secretary forbade us to disturb him while he's working.

♪ Oh la la ♪ ♪ I'm goddam shattered ♪

♪ Dead beat burnt out ♪ ♪ Knackered ♪

♪ Condemned for life ♪

♪ To type type type ♪ ♪ All day long ♪

♪ Oh la la ♪ ♪ A prison cell of papers ♪

♪ With ballpoint bars ♪ ♪ And inkpot fetters ♪

♪ Red and black letters ♪ ♪ I've had enough ♪

♪ Of type type typing ♪ ♪ All this stuff ♪

♪ I was born to be idle ♪

♪ Like a beast in the Bible ♪

♪ But I didn't fight back ♪

♪ They looked me up in this trap ♪

♪ Oh la la ♪ ♪ I've had it Lord ♪

♪ Of non-stop forced labour ♪ ♪ Chained to a keyboard ♪

♪ Infernal machine ♪ ♪ For you it's sheer heaven ♪

♪ Typing twenty four seven ♪

♪ While you're fed ♪ ♪ Weird words to eat ♪

♪ I hunger for ♪ ♪ Rolling fields of wheat ♪

♪ I long for sun ♪ ♪ And a wide open sky ♪

♪ Not this type type typing ♪ ♪ Till I die ♪

♪ Patron Saint of Machines ♪

♪ Forgive me for offending you ♪

♪ If I've ever distressed you ♪

♪ It's because I'm done ♪ ♪ Padlocks are no fun ♪

♪ Oh la la ♪ ♪ For the sake of pleasure ♪

♪ Give me a quill pen ♪ ♪ A moment of leisure ♪

♪ I'll write a letter ♪ ♪ To Pierrot my friend ♪

♪ And this typing will end ♪

♪ No more type type typing ♪ ♪ All day long ♪

- A pleasant trip, sir? - Yes.

Is this a joke?

I'm sorry, sir, we didn't expect you.

Mr. Jacques didn't inform us.

Enough. Where is he?

In his room.

Jacques! What are you playing at?

Stop!

- What? - Don't walk on Act 3.

Lift up your feet.

How's your work going?

- What? - I have a line.

Which one?

You made me lose it.

How was your trip to Paris?

Found your heroine?

Yes. You'll never guess where. The Casino de Paris.

So she'll play stark naked?

Don't talk rubbish. She's exactly the part.

As if I knew her before I wrote it. Extraordinary.

Even more extraordinary: I wrote it.

But I signed it. Or it wouldn't exist.

Don't keep questioning everything.

A famous author must know when to stop writing.

And as you're smart you knew.

I've written 27 masterpieces. All by myself.

How boring for you. Your memory was good then.

Dear boy, you've grown bitter.

At your age I was writing for Cordier.

Today you're writing for me.

In thirty years time, when you're a famous writer,

someone will write for you.

A logical progression.

Cordier's greatest successes were by me.

And Stovenin's masterpiece

was by Cordier.

As everyone knows.

Look here,

this discovery of yours...

Apart from her legs, can she talk?

There's text, I warn you.

She's wonderful.

If you knew her...

This time I'm only thinking about the play.

The roses slightly to the right.

That's it.

My photo an inch this way, in the light.

There. Perfect.

This must be your guest, sir.

Let me count them.

Gaston! Take Catherine's bag.

I can't do everything at once!

- What's up? - I forgot the hold-all!

Here! Throw it!

They're making fun of us!

- I gave you the hat box! - Me?

- And the hold-all? Edmond? - It's here, ma'am.

Careful! That's fragile!

- My mother. - What an honour, Master.

I'm thrilled to be here. A dream come true.

I know all your plays by heart. Such depth.

Such understanding of the human heart.

Sheer genius.

Sorry, my husband.

Hello, Mr. Gordy. I don't know your plays

but I know they're top notch.

Here! Catch!

Come along, darlings.

I hope you'll behave yourselves.

My little brothers. They're a bit rowdy.

You have brothers too?

Two youngsters.

Come on, darlings. Don't walk on the broken glass.

Don't worry. The Master adores children.

- Especially as cute as the young lady. - Who could resist her charm?

Shut up!

- That's our Tino. - Delightful.

We've talked about you so much.

See? He likes you already.

I bet he knows all your plays by heart.

Come along. And be good.

That parrot is something else.

Foul creature.

Jacques, you have good ideas occasionally.

What can we do with this family?

I could propose a sailing trip,

on your yacht, one stormy night.

They're very nice people. Likeable.

And spontaneous.

But the girl...

What about her?

She'll never be Eliane.

Trust me. You'll see what I'll make of her.

For sure. You'll test her dramatic temperament.

If you carry on like this...

Goodnight, Master.

By the way, your finger...

It's a disaster.

Why?

You'll never write again.

Hello.

No. You're nowhere near.

That's not a "hello!"

But I said hello.

I agree, child. You said hello.

But I didn't put in an exclamation mark for nothing.

Start again.

Let's go.

Hello.

No. You said it like: "Hello, folks."

I want an aggressive hello!

Come on.

No. You don't get it. Very bad.

But I said nothing.

See how you entered?

This isn't music hall.

In my plays you don't enter. You make an entrance.

Like this, for God's sake.

It's not rocket science.

Go ahead.

Hello!

You don't understand. This is hopeless.

Your hello must be full of hate!

Come on...

Try it again.

Maybe this time.

You must spit your hello in his face.

Come in.

Come in!

Goodbye!

That's the limit!

I can't take it!

Bravo. The entrance works well.

You're experienced.

But how will you get her off stage?

The same way as usual.

It's the childhood of art.

You know, in the heat of action I get fired up.

Don't hold it against me. That's how I do my best work.

Of course.

Have you forgiven me?

I'm not right for drama.

I'm not talented.

You are. You have what can't be taught.

Charm.

Thank you.

Blow your nose, snotty kid.

And kiss me.

After that kiss I'll want to make you cry every day.

Mama.

Mama!

Take a look.

- At what? - Look at this.

See? ls that part of the rehearsal?

Certainly.

- You think so? - Yes.

Are you sure?

Come in, Victor.

It's you. What do you want?

- I've rewritten the break-up. - Really? Put it there.

No. I want to read it to you.

Read it tomorrow.

I'd rather this evening.

Why?

- I'm not happy with it. - Rewrite it.

I want your advice.

But I trust you. I don't feel like working.

I can see it...

And smell it.

- What? - The balcony scene?

Champagne on ice?

As if that's all I ever think of...

Come in, Victor.

I see you do think about it occasionally.

I do what I like. I'm not accountable to you.

What's it got to do with you?

Are you in love with her?

Me? Where did you get that idea?

I'm not yet old enough for the easy lays.

Goodnight, Romeo.

What are you imagining?

Nothing.

But I know men.

I advise you to close that window.

You take Mr. Gordy for a scallywag.

His idiotic secretary maybe,

but he's not like that.

Alexandre is an exceptional human being.

Generous. Sensitive.

Intelligent.

He's clearly won you over.

What woman could resist his charm?

Another reason to shut the window.

He'd never do a thing like that.

He understands me.

And even if he wanted to, he wouldn't.

You think so?

Why?

Because he knows it would upset me.

And if he did,

he'd be out of here as fast as he came in.

Do as you please.

Goodnight, papa.

Goodnight, sweetie.

"Farewell.

"Farewell, Robert.

"It's over.

"The past is dead.

"You were a great man for me,

"a hero,

"now you're just a dwarf.

"A stunted dwarf."

Come in.

Hi there!

It's us. Hello.

Meet my rabbit Achilles.

Say hello to the lady.

- Hello, lady. - Hello.

Already at work?

Did you sleep well?

No, I didn't sleep a wink.

Hear that, Achilles?

She didn't sleep a wink.

That's the champagne.

Champagne? For mosquitos?

Did you hear? There were mosquitos too.

What do you mean: "mosquitos too?"

Didn't you like the balcony scene?

The Master's masterpiece. Quite irresistible.

No one's ever resisted. Right?

You don't believe that Mr. Gordy and I...

He's a famous author.

And what's it got to do with you?

No kidding. What do you imagine?

I don't like the way you look down on me, kid.

I can see your game.

Picking faults since yesterday.

If you want your girlfriend in the play, say so.

So Gordy can steal her? No thanks!

Why do you care how I act? It's not your play.

That's no reason to ham it up.

This will end badly.

She's beautiful in anger.

Hello and goodbye!

Your "hello" is very good. You've got it.

Say, Achilles,

do you think I was wrong?

Terrific!

Sensational!

Yippee!

♪ Incredibly, fantastically, adorably ♪

♪ I love her ♪

♪ Victoriously, eternally, relentlessly ♪

♪ She's there ♪

♪ Unfortunately, perpetually, ♪ ♪ energetically ♪

♪ She refuses ♪

♪ Uselessly, hopelessly, impassively ♪

♪ I wait for her ♪

♪ My wretched flowers are rejected ♪

♪ And my poor heart is dejected ♪

♪ My alexandrines ♪ ♪ Of pixie dust ♪

♪ Inspire disdain ♪ ♪ And distrust ♪

♪ Miserably, deplorably, incurably ♪

♪ I love her ♪

♪ Invincibly, triumphantly, despotically ♪

♪ She's there ♪

♪ Inflexibly, regally, decidedly ♪

♪ She refuses ♪

♪ Utopically, poetically, fabulously ♪

♪ I wait for her ♪

♪ But the troubadour's time will come ♪

♪ Despite his tears of sorrow ♪

♪ Lady Hope, smile on me some ♪

♪ Today before tomorrow ♪

♪ Incredibly, fantastically, adorably ♪

♪ I love her ♪

♪ Victoriously, eternally, relentlessly ♪

♪ She's there ♪

♪ Unfortunately, perpetually, ♪ ♪ energetically ♪

♪ She refuses ♪

♪ Uselessly, hopelessly, impassively ♪

♪ I wait for her ♪

♪ Miserably, deplorably, incurably ♪

♪ Invincibly, triumphantly ♪

♪ She's there ♪

- Sorry, pop. - Bravo!

A first-rate number! I didn't know you're an artist.

It's just a by-line.

Call me Gaston.

Between artists like us.

Okay, Gaston.

I'm glad someone in this house sings.

The genius gets on my nerves with his carrying-on.

Your daughter wants to play drama? Great drama?

The Master will teach her to speak.

Yeah, tell me about it.

No, nothing.

The way she sings is enough.

When I think of all the songs she launched.

Tonight, when my wife's gone to bed,

I'll play you her records. Her first ones.

Great, Gaston.

You like my daughter?

I'm beginning to think so.

See you tonight.

Her first song.

Funny how it always brings a tear to my eye.

♪ Piccolina longs for the moon ♪

♪ The golden moon shining yonder ♪

♪ Piccolina yearns for riches ♪

♪ Stars on all her fingers ♪

♪ But when Papa Piccolino ♪ ♪ Sings songs of sorrow ♪

♪ Of poets and hoboes ♪ ♪ Lost with no tomorrow ♪

♪ Piccolina picks up the refrain ♪

♪ Floating from the high ♪ ♪ Parisian sky ♪

♪ Everything comes to an end ♪ ♪ Piccolina ♪

♪ That's how life goes on ♪

♪ There ain't no way we can change it ♪

♪ So believe me ♪ ♪ Believe me, Piccolina ♪

♪ Our only wealth is love ♪ ♪ So choose it ♪

♪ Sing on, Piccolina, ♪ ♪ Sing songs of sorrow ♪

♪ A song to send children ♪ ♪ Dreams of love ♪

♪ For princesses and hoboes ♪ ♪ The same song of love ♪

♪ The song Piccolina sings ♪

That was such a hit.

The whole of Paris sang it.

♪ Melody of love ♪

♪ Sweet nights in Napoli ♪

♪ When springtime enchants us ♪

♪ And all hearts awaken ♪

♪ The moon dances ♪

♪ Shining on romances ♪

♪ Melody of love ♪

♪ For lovers of a day ♪

♪ When their beautiful dream ♪ ♪ Ends to die away ♪

♪ Melody of love ♪

♪ Sing on forever ♪

♪ It's a refrain ♪

♪ For sweethearts in love ♪

♪ A poem celebrating love ♪

♪ Love, always love ♪

♪ Melody of love ♪

♪ For lovers of a day ♪

♪ When their beautiful dream ♪ ♪ Ends to die away ♪

♪ Melody of love ♪

♪ Sing on forever ♪

♪ Sing on forever ♪

This one's an exotic number, a huge success.

Yes, Gaston, I like Catherine.

I really do.

She has music in her veins.

It's criminal to make her give it all up

just to act in Mr. Gordy's plays.

Between you and me, what do you think?

We agree! Not worth a dime.

- Excuse me, but... - No, no.

Back to Catherine,

making a kid from Ménilmontant act in stuff like that

is a loopy idea.

Ménilmontant?

Sure. She was born there. On the corner of Rue des Pyrénées.

You don't know Ménilmontant?

Not very well, no.

Then you don't know Paris!

When she was little

I took her to Auguste's, the artists' café, for her grenadine.

She used to make sand pies in Séverine Square.

Really?

In Séverine Square...

What an adorable kid she was.

She sang all day long.

Everyone loved her.

Hi there!

What's up with you?

A safety net. You slap hard.

Only when people say mean things.

Well, I never mean to.

Can't you ever be serious?

When one's from Ménilmontant...

What? You were born in Ménilmontant?

Yep.

Why? Surprised?

No. But I was born there too.

Rue de Ménilmontant.

No kidding?

Just like me!

How amazing!

We must have the same childhood memories.

- You think so? - Absolutely.

I do anyway. I sure do.

♪ The school kids ♪

♪ All feel kinda funny ♪

♪ Thursdays when they meet ♪

♪ No teacher in the street ♪

♪ Yippee ♪

♪ In Séverine Square ♪

♪ Our bread and butter ♪

♪ Tastes of honey ♪

♪ Your frock, Catherine ♪

♪ Pale blue ♪

♪ It was pale blue ♪

♪ We played mamas ♪

♪ And papas too ♪

♪ We acted like grown-ups ♪

♪ In the way we knew ♪

♪ As children do ♪

♪ I wore a cap ♪

♪ Like a lolly-pop ♪

♪ With a pompom on top ♪

♪ A stage sailor boy ♪

♪ - Ahoy ♪ ♪ - Ahoy ♪

♪ On the bandstand ♪

♪ A splendid grandstand ♪

♪ The brass band leader ♪

♪ Blares full blast ♪

♪ One two! ♪

♪ Séverine Square ♪

♪ Lights up bright ♪

♪ On the night ♪ ♪ We're ten years old ♪

♪ I dream about it, Catherine ♪

♪ Often ♪

♪ Often ♪

So you were the little boy in a sailor's suit?

With blonde curls?

And a long beard?

Hello, children.

Hello, princess.

Hello.

Let's start rehearsing.

- Act 2. You know the reconciliation scene? - Yes.

You enter through that door.

Jacques, give her the lines.

We'll take it from Eliane's entrance.

Go ahead.

"Farewell."

Bravo!

You've made great progress. Carry on.

"Farewell.

"It's over, Robert. The past is dead.

"You were a great man for me, a hero.

"But now you're just a dwarf.

"A stunted dwarf."

With a long beard.

Are you mad?

I thought he should send her up a bit.

Stick to your text.

My text.

Well, the text.

Right. Do the end again.

"Farewell."

"No.

"You can't leave.

"You're mine."

"Let me go, Robert. I beg you."

"Kiss me."

Hey! The next bit.

The next bit?

What next bit?

The slap!

You must slap him.

Oh, sorry.

- We'll start again. - No. Just the slap.

To get in the mood.

No need. Start again.

Kiss me.

- What? - It's the text.

Method acting, see?

Cut it out.

"Kiss me."

Bravo! Very good.

I'm through. I'm leaving!

Lout! Apologize, d'you hear? Apologize to her!

Apologize? Right away.

The reconciliation scene?

I know it by heart.

What are you doing?

It's a prop.

You never know.

That girl has temperament.

What is it now?

Take that off, you're not funny.

- You're really angry? - Yes.

Why?

Kissing a woman is the best way to show you like her.

Was it unpleasant?

Yes. I only enjoy kissing a man if I love him.

So it's hopeless?

I hate being pushed.

And what would Mr. Gordy think?

Who cares?

I admire him so much.

What's so great about him?

Write a play like this yourself. Then you can talk.

I'll say no more.

Very wise.

If you understood women, you'd know we're moved

by a man who writes such lovely things.

Carry on. What you say is true...

Very true.

D'you think that scene is in the play?

I don't know. I haven't seen it before.

If you promise to be sensible

I'll forget everything.

I promise. Let's make peace.

- A kiss? - Don't start all that again.

Let's be friends, but no more talk of love.

Wait a minute.

Excuse me, Master.

I thought you'd gone out.

Are you sure I can stay here?

Please do.

What happy memories I'll have.

I'm not disturbing you, really?

But where's Catherine?

Isn't she rehearsing?

We're taking a break.

I hope you're pleased with her?

She's marvellous.

A little tense.

You make her work too hard.

May I say something?

If you go on like this, you'll make her ill.

Me?

The child needs to relax, some fresh air.

Why don't you take her out on your lovely yacht?

It would do her good.

That's an idea.

Catherine will be over the moon.

Just between us,

she adores you.

The Riviera News? Mr. Gordy here.

About that interview you asked for...

Tell your reporters tomorrow at 10, in Cannes aboard my yacht.

That's right.

"Idyll on the Riviera

"Will Gordy marry his new star,

"Catherine Miller, from the Casino de Paris?"

Come in.

Hello.

Alexandre,

I've come to say goodbye.

You're kidding?

No, for once.

It's a shame because I like you.

- But... - But what?

I read today's newspaper.

And it gave me an idea for a comedy.

You want to write solo?

Yes, for once.

The story of a famous man.

Great presence,

universally acclaimed,

successful.

I see.

The truth is, someone else writes his plays.

Audiences will never swallow that.

A woman comes between them?

He even announces their marriage.

He'll deny it later.

Fake news

but good publicity.

Is that why you're leaving?

I don't want the two men

to become enemies.

Enemies?

Why enemies?

Let's just say...

Rivals.

I'd prefer that.

But what's to stop you writing your play here?

You want me to?

Absolutely.

I'm dying to know how it ends.

Especially as, for the third act,

I have an idea.

I'm glad you understand me at last.

You know how journalists are, they marry people off so fast.

They drag a word out of you, then they embroider.

They do indeed.

Mind you, they deformed my words

but not my inner thoughts.

You're not angry, I hope?

It's rather flattering.

Of course, Alexandre.

Besides, proposing to a woman is the best way to prove

you love her.

I'm very touched.

I don't want to seem to push you for a decision...

May I take your smile to mean there's a hope?

♪ Love is no child's game ♪ ♪ My mother told me ♪

♪ It's for grown-ups only ♪ ♪ It's for life ♪

♪ It's only when you're twenty ♪ ♪ That life opens up to you ♪

♪ With the first spring ♪ ♪ You can do everything ♪

♪ Where the boys go ♪ ♪ All the girls go too ♪

♪ Where the girls go ♪ ♪ All the boys go too ♪

No, Belinda! That's not right! Make it sexier.

Much sexier. Like this, honey.

It's a provocative, sensual dance. Get it?

What's the point as Catherine will do it?

Now don't be jealous.

Your turn will come.

♪ Where the boys go ♪ ♪ All the girls go too ♪

♪ Where the girls go ♪ ♪ All the boys go too ♪

♪ Where the boys go ♪ ♪ All the girls go too ♪

Seen the latest?

"Will Catherine abandon the Casino de Paris

"to marry Alexandre Gordy?"

Show the boss.

Are you nuts?

You girls at the back! Show the audience more than your legs.

Smile!

Flash your teeth!

Very good, children.

Perfect!

Stunning!

I'm knocked out...

Hey! Oh heck!

What's going on?

What's happened?

What happened? Has he fainted?

How dreadful! How dreadful...

How wonderful!

How wonderful!

Some refreshment, miss.

Thank you, Victor.

Hi there.

It's me.

Don't we feel good in the sun?

No, I'm not over here.

Keep looking.

Not there either.

You're burning...

Thanks, I was stifling.

What we go through for a one-to-one with you.

No, no!

No, don't out me off.

What's the danger anyway?

You can hold me without risking your reputation.

A smile at last. Thank you, lady.

You already look pretty good but when you smile...

you're spectacular.

♪ Incredibly, fantastically, adorably ♪

♪ I love her ♪

♪ Victoriously, eternally, relentlessly ♪

♪ She's there ♪

♪ Unfortunately, perpetually, ♪ ♪ energetically ♪

♪ She refuses ♪

♪ Uselessly, hopelessly, impassively ♪

♪ I wait for her ♪

♪ My wretched flowers are rejected ♪

♪ And my poor heart... ♪

Catherine, I want to tell you...

Let me listen.

♪ My alexandrines ♪ ♪ Of pixie dust ♪

♪ Miserably, deplorably, incurably ♪

♪ I love her. ♪

♪ Invincibly, triumphantly, despotically ♪

♪ She's there. ♪

♪ Inflexibly, regally, decidedly ♪

♪ She refuses. ♪

♪ Utopically, poetically, fabulously ♪

♪ I wait for her ♪

♪ But the troubadour's time will come ♪

♪ Despite his tears of sorrow ♪

Catherine, I must tell you...

Leave me alone. We don't have the right.

Because of Gordy?

I'm under his roof.

But Catherine, I...

Leave me alone.

Excuse me, miss! Sorry, sir!

Excuse me, miss, I'm in a hurry.

- Just a minute, sir. - I'm in a hurry!

- Mr. Mario? - That's me.

I'm Mr. Gordy's secretary.

We spoke on the phone last night?

I must see your boss right away.

Mr. Gordy is waiting for you on his yacht.

This way.

It's a bit cramped but...

Gotcha!

What are you doing? Open the door!

I'll be right back.

Sir.

Sir!

I may not look it but I'm angry.

I'm very angry!

I demand to see Catherine.

You can't. She isn't here.

So Gordy doesn't want me to see her.

This is outrageous.

I'll sue him, d'you hear?

For abduction and confinement at sea.

And I'll sue you for complicity!

If you like. But Gordy isn't involved.

I don't understand?

You're intelligent.

You are. Despite appearances.

I wanted to see you alone.

- I don't have time. - That's why I kidnapped you.

- Are you bullshitting me? - No.

I can bring Catherine back to the Casino.

I'll write you a revue for her.

You must be mad.

You're mad. Admit it.

- Take me back to land. - No.

I'll go back alone.

If you like. You can swim back.

We're very far out to sea.

Murderous wretch!

Don't blow your top. Listen.

- I don't have time. - Sit down!

Then stay standing.

Never.

Don't act tougher than you really are.

You like Catherine?

So do I.

I'm working for her.

With all my heart.

Don't look so grumpy.

♪ Come over ♪

♪ Come nearer ♪

♪ Come closer ♪

♪ Come into my theatre ♪

♪ Of stucco and plaster ♪

♪ The scarlet universe ♪

♪ Of a madman's world ♪

♪ Come in, come in ♪

♪ This way, this way ♪

♪ Let free ♪

♪ Your despondent hearts ♪

♪ See all the elements ♪

♪ At my disposal ♪

♪ To enchant you ♪

♪ What kind of power ♪

♪ Does a magician ♪

♪ Hold in his hands ♪

♪ You'll see ♪

♪ Come, come along ♪

♪ Come along with me ♪

♪ Let free ♪

♪ Your white souls ♪

♪ Let them revel ♪

♪ In the revenge ♪

♪ Of a madman's world ♪

♪ What kind of power ♪

♪ Does a magician ♪

♪ Hold in his hands ♪

♪ You'll see ♪

♪ But I'm longing ♪

♪ To show you ♪

♪ The very best number ♪

♪ From your magician ♪

♪ A girl ♪

♪ Chiseled by my hands ♪

♪ Far beyond the curtains ♪

♪ Of the human stage ♪

♪ Come over ♪

♪ Come closer ♪

♪ Come and admire ♪

♪ Admire ♪

♪ The white cavalcade ♪

♪ Of the girl I await ♪

♪ On her merry-go-round ♪

♪ But I'm trembling in fear ♪

♪ That this heavenly creature ♪

♪ With a peal of laughter ♪

♪ Will break your magician's heart ♪

♪ Lord she's so pretty ♪

♪ She creates life itself ♪

♪ Her gaze reaches further ♪

♪ Than a magician's power ♪

♪ What power ♪

♪ Does a magician have? ♪

♪ What is his power ♪

♪ Faced with love? ♪

♪ None ♪

What comes next?

Next? I don't know.

I haven't written it yet.

So get started! Sit down.

- Are you joking? - I don't have the time.

Here's what I want...

- I'm listening. - Let me think.

You have an idea?

No.

But I trust you.

Watch out, I have an expert eye. An eye for detail.

- Tell me... - Not now.

Yes, now.

I have all you need. How much?

Nothing.

Too expensive.

Nothing? Really nothing?

I'll write this show on one condition:

Catherine must play in it. Deal.

I accept your price.

But if she refuses?

All covered.

Hi!

What? Are you here?

You bet. I set it all up.

Too good to be true!

I knew someone would want a cut.

One thing at a time.

You'll start rehearsals now with an understudy, right?

And Catherine?

We'll get her to decide.

Just a question of time.

Anyway, I'm on the case.

All right.

♪ Come over ♪

♪ Come nearer ♪

♪ Come closer ♪

♪ Come into my theatre ♪

It's hell! I'll have no voice for the opening!

I begged you to lower the scale!

You're a moron!

Don't you get it?

It's you who doesn't get it.

Silly idiot!

Hey! Mind your manners!

Come on, children...

Hear that, pal?

Everyone knows Catherine will play in the show, not you.

You did that to me? Say it isn't true!

Of course it isn't. I'll explain...

You're all pigs!

I won't forget that.

I won't be insulted.

By a woman does it count?

It wasn't me!

Don't touch me! Monster! I've been so sweet to you!

Take that, swine! You promised me!

Next time...

"Alexandre Gordy invites you to a soirée

"in honour of Miss Catherine Miller,

"August 20th, in the gardens of his villa.

"Dancing. R.S.V.P."

- What's happening? - A surprise.

Turn round.

She's into it again, my friend.

You think so?

She has singing in her blood.

I know her.

That's why I bought her brother back from America.

I know she'll decide now.

Lovely! Give me a kiss, darling.

She's charming.

And pretty. She has what counts most for an artist: personality.

- I'll be in my room. - Yes, miss.

- I'll get changed too. - Yes, sir.

Good evening.

The rumour about you and the young lady...

ls it true?

I can't say.

Not for the moment anyway.

Thank you.

- Excuse me. - Good evening.

- Champagne? - No, thank you.

Yes, please.

- Time to go? - Yes, darling.

Looking for inspiration for your third act?

I've found mine.

You end up alone with a monologue?

It's a very good end.

There could be a twist?

Cheers.

Why on earth are you all alone?

What are you doing? Come down.

Gordy's looking for you.

Come on. He's ready to announce the great news.

I'm staying up here to stop him.

That beats everything.

Have you gone mad?

You don't want to marry Gordy anymore?

I never promised. I'm writing to explain.

I see. That secretary's been working on you.

Absolutely not.

Catherine, do you take me for an idiot?

I'm not blind.

I'm free to do what I want, no?

To do what you want, but not to be selfish.

I beg you, think of your children.

My children?

Yes. The children you'll have one day.

They'll be so happy here,

on the beach in the sun.

I've always put my children first.

I made all my decisions with them in mind.

Wait.

I'll answer it.

Hello? Yes?

Yes, I'm listening. Hold on.

It's for you. Paris.

What's the problem now?

Hello? I'll hold on.

Hello, darling. It's Belinda.

I've just heard something dreadful.

You're quitting Gordy's play to be in his secretary's revue.

His secretary? But what...

It's vile, he promised me the part. He promised!

What is this about?

What revue?

The new one?

By Jacques Merval?

Are you sure?

You're going to mess up. But I'll stop you.

That Jacques is a hustler.

Listen here...

She'll say it.

Didn't you tell her about the revue?

I haven't had the chance.

And you?

No, me neither.

I left you alone together long enough.

I wonder what you talked about.

I'll explain.

- Excuse me. - Sure.

You're good at selling your sleaze, don't expect me to promote it.

You're just a cheap hustler, a liar and a rat!

Little punk.

Alexandre, I've made an important decision.

Master, what a beautiful party!

I must talk to you.

- Alone? - Alone.

Alone? Naturally. I'll leave you.

Looks like the shit's hit the fan.

Check out what Jacques is up to.

You're right. I will.

You can announce it, Alexandre.

We'll be very happy.

If you only knew...

Yes, I can imagine.

I see it all clearly.

I think I understand why you're sad.

And as I'm not the cause of your sadness,

it makes me very sad too.

I hate him.

I'd love to be hated so passionately.

No, I really hate him.

He's on the make. A cheap hustler.

Whereas you, Alexandre,

you're a sincere, loyal man

with no ulterior motives.

I didn't realize you love him so much.

Maybe you're right to love him.

I don't want to hear about him.

But I have to talk to you.

I have a lotto tell you, on condition it remains between us.

Jacques and I have a secret.

It's time you knew it...

What will you do in Paris?

Work on my revue.

Stay here.

It will all sort out. She'll play in your revue.

She certainly won't!

I'll show her! "A cheap hustler!"

Listen...

No!

He could have told you...

Good evening.

He could have told you everything.

But he refrained.

You see how honest he is?

Much more so than me.

You're a wonderful man!

I adore you!

You should say that to him.

- Have you seen Mr. Jacques? - No, miss.

Victor, have you seen Mr. Jacques?

- What did you say? - No.

Thanks.

♪ Paris is you ♪

♪ I owe you this joy ♪

♪ The loveliest dream ♪ ♪ For the world is mine ♪

♪ Castles and jewels ♪

♪ The treasures of madmen ♪

♪ Are petty and trivial ♪

♪ Now we have love ♪

♪ The rooftops of Paris ♪ ♪ The cooing doves ♪

♪ A paradise smiles at me ♪

♪ The sun and the rain ♪

♪ All sing of life beside you ♪

♪ Paris ♪

♪ How this beauty grows ♪

♪ As soon as I see you ♪

♪ Everything fascinates me ♪ ♪ Lights us up radiantly ♪

♪ My one happiness is you ♪

♪ Yes, my one happiness ♪

♪ Is you ♪

♪ Yes, Paris is you ♪

♪ I owe you this joy ♪

♪ Castles and jewels ♪

♪ The treasures of madmen ♪

♪ The rooftops of Paris ♪

♪ The cooing doves ♪

♪ A paradise ♪

♪ Smiles at me ♪

♪ The sun and the rain ♪

♪ All sing of life at your side ♪

♪ Beloved Paris ♪

♪ How this beauty grows ♪

♪ As soon as I see you ♪

♪ My one happiness ♪

♪ Is you ♪

Miss...

Have you never dreamed of playing drama?

Great drama?

No, Master. Never.

Would you like to?

Swell! But I don't know if I have any talent.

Yes, you have.

One question: do you have a family?

No.

You'll have supper with me.

I'd be delighted to, Master.

You see, Jacques my boy,

it was me who came up with the third act.

Yes, but I prompted you.

THE END

4K restoration by L'lmage Retrouvée, Paris-Bologna

-- English --