All language subtitles for 1951_La_Poison_HD_VFSTEN.7.7

And it's Michel Simon

in a film by Sacha Guitry

Dialogue and direction
by the director - of course

Music and original songs by Louiguy

The film is called Lapoison

Jean Debucourt ofthe Comédie
Française is one ofthe main actors

And what's more...

"As you've been kind enough
to ask for my autograph,

"here it is.

"Michel Simon,
the film I have just directed

"was one ofthe greatestjoys
I've had working in theatre.

"No one will stop me
from calling it theatre.

"I'd never directed you
as an actor before,

"and you are exceptional,
unique even.

"For between the moment you stop
being yourself and start acting,

"it's impossible to see the join,

"and it's the same when you stop acting
and become yourself again.

"You're so good that in theory
there's no reason to interrupt the shots.

"I rank you amongst the greatest actors:

"Frédérick Lemaître, Sarah Bernhardt,
my father, Zacconi, Chaliapin.

"Like them you are alone,
out of choice.

"Like them, you have a virtue which can
be neither acquired nor taught:

"a feeling for theatre.

"Which means the ability
to share with others

"feelings you do not experience.

"You're not one ofthese actors
who gather people round them. No!

"You're not one ofthese actors
who preach.

"What is admirable about you
cannot be learnt

"and certainly not taught."

And life is having a party

And you too, Louiguy,
have a wonderful gift.

The tunes you compose go in one ear
and don't come out.

It's a great pleasure for me,
Madame Lucienne Delille,

to have you performing here.

Thank you.

See the roses in bud,
ready to unveil their treasures

Jean Debucourt and Jacques Varennes,
Jacques Varennes and Jean Debucourt.

You're such a great actor,
Jacques Varennes,

it's as ifyou were
at the Comédie Française.

And you act so well, Debucourt,
it's as ifyou weren't.

- Jeanne Fusier-Gir...
- Sacha!

Despite my best efforts,
I can't imagine a play or a film

which I direct and you don't star in,
that'sjust how it is.

And it gives me pleasure
to introduce your son, Francois Gir,

who is my assistant.

Delighted to meet you.

And you, Madame Reuver, did
Crainquebille withmy father.

And that's also why I've given you
the leading lady's role in my film,

and also why you performed so well.

And here is Pauline in the prison set.

Pauline Carton, we've known
each other for over twenty years.

I still wonder ifwhat I admire most in you
is your talent or your intelligence.

As for the set, it's been done
according to my instructions,

and I assure you it's perfect.

- Goodbye, Pauline.
- Goodbye, sir.

Duvaleix, Henry Laverne, Bever,

Jacques De Féraudy, Léon Walther.

I'll tell you something in all honesty.

Ifyou were less talented,
I'd still be your friend.

Jacques Derives,
Max Harry, Louis De Funès...

- Many congratulations.
- Many thanks.

Luce Fabiole, Yvonne Hébert,
Mlle Ardant, Mlle Quentin,

Poirier, Mercier, Dalibert, Dejean,

Nastorg, Amato, Eymond and Belly.

- Would you all like to be in my next film?
- Oh, yes!

Madame Marianne Romain.

Present and correct,
and such a good actress.

- Thank you.
- Thank you.

Hello, Suzanne Dantès,
Jacques Morel and you, Monsieur Toscane.

As we only hear you in the film,
we won't see you in the credits either.

But at least you'll be there
in your true role. Thank you.

A designer as great as you,
Robert Dumesnil, deserves a medal.

Editing a film is tricky.
Raymond Lamy, you're a master at it.

As for you, Jean Bachelet,
my chief cameraman,

I swear one day you'll be remembered
as the inventor of 3-D photography.

Madame Odette Lemarchand,
let me call you "script lady".

Fernand Janisse, chief sound operator,

as you record everything,
make a record of my gratitude.

Irene Leriche, studio manager.

Robert Christidès, set designer.

René Ribaud and Gustave Rollet,
the cameramen.

And finally, Robert Sussfeld,
production manager.

Believe me, I'm indebted to you.

As for all ofyou, without whom
I could have done nothing.

Anonymous participants,
always good-tempered and helpful.

Let's drink to the health
ofthose you love.

Madame Michon,
it's only because it's you

that I let you look at my order book.

Listen, it doesn't hurt anyone,
and between you and me, I'm interested.

I can see, and I wonder why.

It'sjust an idea I had.

God knows, I know my fellow citizens
and my opinion ofthem goes way back,

but it's fun to have proof
ofwhat I've been thinking.

And there, you have the proof!

And how!
The gossip, the rumours going round.

- You have to decide what to listen to.
- There, we agree.

Whereas this is sincere,
it's true, it's undeniable.

When you see the remedies,
you guess what's wrong.

They're eloquent,
words describing remedies.

Look at this: Madame Clement,
from St Jacques Square.

Aspirin, aspirin, aspirin.

She has migraine. You immediately
understand her sour look.

The postman! A varicose ulcer.

And you wonder why our morning post
arrives in the evening!

I don't want to speak ill
of anthropometry,

it's useful,
but this is instructive and conclusive.

A protruding chin,
a receding hair line.

Mercury cyanide...
Enough said!

It's not his fault, poor man.

No! But father offour children,
that is his fault.

Paul Braconnier: Phenobarbital!

- He can't sleep!
- With his wife, I'm not surprised.

Ah! A bowl of hot water
for Abbot Metibet.

Why, yes, he has a bad liver.

A bad liver for an abbot,
that's not good.

Calomel, calomel, calomel.

They need it.

Lend me your pencil,
I need to work something out.

Good morning, Vicar.

Good morning, my friend.
How are things?

Not good.

- I can't stand my wife any more.
- And what do you reproach her for?

- For being there.
- You shouldn't have put her there.

That's not a good answer, Vicar.

Do you remember the day
we got married?

You can't tell me it's the same woman.

- She's 30 years older.
- It's not a question of age.

You can be 52
and not be built like a barrel.

Haven't you changed too? Be fair.

I'm 30 years older, but I don't drink
three litres ofwine a day.

I don't moan from morning till night,
I don't break the dishes.

And after all, Vicar, I may be 53,
but I do wash my feet.

- What do you mean by that?
- I put them in water and soap them.

Ah, I thought
it was a figure of speech!

And she doesn't do the same?

Her? Every two months!

But she can see that I do it every week,
like everyone.

Isn't that her coming, over there?

Look at that, a real pudding.

Does she come to confession
occasionally?

No, never.

That's a shame,
you could've said something.

Oh! A priest can't tell his followers
to wash their feet!

Apart from her feet,
you could have made her understand...

- What?
- Oh, you're right.

To let her know she's not wanted
and that you'd like her to go to hell!

You're imaginative, aren't you, Vicar?

Maybe... yes, a bit.

Okay, you're in bed and you see that,
arriving next to you.

Sorry, I have far less imagination
than you think!

Oh, I understand, but well, you know...

We're both men
and you must understand.

Yes, yes, I understand you.

But I hope you don't speak
ofyour wife like that to just anyone.

Oh, I'm very careful.
There are too many gossips.

- If something happened one day...
- I'd be accused of having done it.

But don't worry, I'm very careful.

The fact I'm talking to you is precisely
because you're notjust anyone.

There are times when you want
to say things out loud,

because... when you talk to yourself,
it soon gets out of hand.

It's highly dangerous
due to the fact

that plans that you make silently,

they're easy to carry out.

I don't know what you're talking about
at the moment.

You seem to be talking to yourself
and going a bit too far.

- Hello, Madame Michon.
- Hello, Monsieur Chevillard.

- All well at home?
- Very well, and you?

Too much!

- Allow me.
- No, no, it's done! Paregoric elixir.

Yes, but how come?

Well, you know! And on that subject,
I wanted to do a little sum, and I have.

Just imagine,
in a little town like Remonville,

I find 30% are...
and 70% constipated.

- That explains it all.
- All what?

The provinces.

Look, there she is again.
Madame's going shopping.

She's going to the chemist's.

- Is she ill?
- As if! There's no danger.

Well! I've just been to your house,
Madame Michon.

I wanted some muslin.

I haven't got any at the moment,
Madame Braconnier.

That's what your daughter said.

- Purgative.
- Pesticide.

Sinner!

What can I do for you,
Madame Braconnier?

I'd like some rat poison, Monsieur Gaillard.

- Do you want a lot?
- I'd like several doses.

I'll give you 500 grams.

So it's what we call
"taking against someone".

It's far worse than that.

- But it's not hatred?
- It is!

Oh, you're making yourself out
to be more wicked than you are.

You don't really want to see her dead?

I was hoping to pray for you
this evening.

You're not going to make me
pray for her?

Is the rat poison good?

What do you think?

As it should be!

So it's good. Very good.

To think some men are cuckolds!

Envy is a sin, my son.

Oh, there's enough
to kill ten people in there.

No, not ten, seven.

- How is Monsieur Braconnier?
- Strong as an oak!

He'll bury us all.

You're very kind.
How much do I owe you?

You okay?

Yes, I'm fine.

- What's up with him?
- I've no idea.

Things not good, Paul, old chap?

No, I'm fine. Really fine.

Time for supper.

Goodbye, everyone.

- See you tomorrow.
- See you tomorrow.

See what time it is, Monsieur Braconnier?

Yes, I see.

Oh, the swine!

The cow!

It's Madame Braconnier
calling her husband.

If he slapped her once in a while,
she might learn how to behave.

And ifyour late husband
had slapped you?

It's because he didn't hold back, Vicar,
that I wish it on others.

Christian charity,
here's one ofyour blows.

Can't you get a move on?

...unveil their treasures

The pigeon says to his mate,
"We'll adore each other forever"

The finch repeats
what the pigeon says

And the wagtail makes it a song

And life is having a party

What is this sweet song

Which lasts all day long?

Hear it in their love

It is the song of love

See the roses in bud

About to unveil their treasures

The pigeon says to his mate,
"We'll adore each other forever"

The finch repeats
what the pigeon says

And the wagtail
makes it a song

And life is having a party

Let's follow their example

And as we're both here

You be the pigeon,
I'll be your mate

Let's adore each other,
be happy

See the roses in bud

About to unveil their treasures

The pigeon says to his mate,
"We'll adore each other forever"

The finch repeats
what the pigeon says

And the wagtail makes it a song

And life is having a party

Ladies and gentlemen, you are
about to hear a one-act, uncut play

by Jean-Michel Vinclair
and Paul-Henry Marchepied,

starring Anne-Marie Metavy
and Jean-Victor Cabanel.

Produced for radio
by Albert-Léon Fromageot.

Sound by Louis-Alphonse Raphael,

script-girl Jeanne-Patricia Nevraco,

directed by Patrick-Antoine Decourt.

An Armand-Justin Ruminel production.

No, no, no, that would be too easy.

Don't imagine that I'd condone
such behaviour.

As for forgiving you,
don't bank on it!

You forgive when you're at an age
to be forgiven.

Don't forget I'm 30, and don't be
surprised at my intransigence.

- Why did I marry you?
- I could say the same to you!

And the idea of starting my life over
doesn't frighten me in the least!

For God's sake! She talks well!

- Idiot!
- Traitor!

Conceited pig!

Your breakfast is served, Vicar.

Thank you, my child.

TUESDAY 9TH OCTOBER
SAINT DENIS

Already!

People from the village
want to see you, Vicar.

Let them in, let them in.

Come in.

Come in, come in, please.

Have a seat.

I'm listening.

Begging your pardon, Vicar,

we come, as you might say,
as a delegation,

these ladies and I,
to request something from you.

Over to you, Madame Poitrine.

All we shopkeepers in Remonville
have been wondering for months

what we could do to give —
how shall I put it? —

a bit of a boost to our village.

A bit of a boost?

We're not well situated.
That's the whole problem.

Ah, that's the problem...

Ifwe were on the main road to Evreux,

business would start booming
immediately, wouldn't it?

Of course, ladies, but I don't have
the power to move our little town.

Of course. But without moving it,
you could do it a great service.

A great service?

- We just need to draw attention to it.
- Attention?

- What draws attention to a town?
- What makes newspapers talk?

- What makes people from Paris visit?
- Visit?

Discovery of a treasure...

- Huh, what did you say?
- Gallo-Roman.

...Gallo-Roman.

A terrible car crash,
with five or six dead.

Five or six dead!

- Something unexpected, you know?
- Unexpected...

One of us could have quintuplets,
for example.

Something extraordinary!

Yes, yes, in fact, a miracle!

You said the word, Vicar, a miracle!

A miracle that would let us
put a sign

on the road to Evreux
with "Remonville" and an arrow.

And that's exactly why we need
something extraordinary.

Extraordinary.

Well, I've had an idea.

- Look at my daughter, Vicar.
- But I know her.

Yes, but look at her properly.

- You see what I mean?
- No, not at all.

Leave us, my darling.

She's very... very backward.

And so?

Like all backward children,
she believes what you tell her to.

And so?

We thought of Lisieux,
which has done so well.

We'll make a miracle out of her,
thanks to you.

It'll be fantastic!

- Are you joking?
- No, Vicar!

Ifyou mean it, it's even more serious!

All I can promise you,
and this I surely promise,

is to pray that the Good Lord
performs a miracle here in Remonville.

Thank you, Vicar.

Come, let's go.

It's scandalous!

They're believers.

Is he from round here, Pasteur?

Pasteur?
He's from all over the place.

Again!

I've come to take refuge with you,
Madame Tiberguen. May I?

Please do!

Vicar, it's seven
and your supper is ready.

- Thank you, my daughter.
- You're welcome, Father.

It's in the evening
that it gets terrifying.

I only go home at the last minute,

and it's the radio that saves us.
It stops us talking.

Without it, Madame Tiberguen, there might
already have been an accident!

It's good to know that
the radio can have its uses.

I thought naively that things were better
the past few days at yours.

On the contrary, I abhor her!

I even wonder if it wouldn't be better
to shoot myself.

What an idea!

Her eyes, her hands, her voice.
Everything she does, says.

Even her silence, her sleep!

Please shut up!

What was he saying to you just now,
when you told him to shut up?

Horrible things about his wife.

He imagines her even worse than she is.

Radio news! Ladies and gentlemen,
we've caught the lawyer Louis Aubanel

just as he was leaving.

Quickly!
It's you they're going to talk about.

And our illustrious criminal lawyer
kindly agreed

to the impromptu interview
we gave him,

because together
with his friends and his clients

we want to celebrate
his hundredth acquittal.

Today was the hundredth, wasn't it,
my dear sir?

The hundredth, yes.

- In twenty years, isn't it?
- Yes.

May I ask how you explain
such success,

extraordinary, almost incredible?

To the sole fact that,
since I was young,

I thought there was
an essential difference

between assassins and murderers.

What a lovely voice you've got, darling!

I'm not really interested in assassins.
I'm passionate about murderers.

- It's the first time you've heard yourself?
- Yes.

I don't quite understand
the essential difference you talk of.

I don't have the time now
to explain better,

but perhaps one word will make it clear.

Among criminals there are
far more murderers than assassins,

and among murderers far more
are law-abiding than we think.

It's shocking, what I just said.

The man who kills his son-in-law,

the woman who kills her husband,
the husband who kills his wife.

Are they assassins? No!

The disappearance
ofthose they've killed

means they are no longer dangerous.

I would add just one word.

Most murders are duels
and the one Justice names "murderer"

I call the victor.

You let them listen to such rubbish?
Honestly!

You should've seen her at 17

- Oh, what's that?
- It's the radio.

Ah, okay.

It was the sweetest of dreams

- Time for bed.
- You go.

Her father brought her up
in the days

When you got a kick
in the backside

- I much prefer that.
- Me too.

How I wish I wasn't such a coward.

Oh, for God's sake!

Hey, fat face,
you coming to bed or what?

No, I'm working.
See you tomorrow.

He's working... Sad bastard!

If only he'd drop dead.

WEDNESDAY 10TH OCTOBER
SAINT BORGIA

- I have to go to Paris.
- When?

- Well, in the next day or so.
- What for?

To look at a new cultivator.

I don't know train times, but if I leave
early, I should be back for dinner.

And as I have your agreement
in principle, my dear sir,

may I ask how much I will owe you
for defending me?

300,000 francs.

Perfect.

But I'd like to ask you
a question myself, sir.

Please do, my dear sir, ask away.

Why did you choose me
to be your lawyer?

Because I consider you
to be exceptional, unique,

almost a phenomenon.

You have achieved
your 100th acquittal.

For nearly 20 years
you've saved from the guillotine

the most vile of criminals.

Without wishing to boast,

as you afford me
this somewhat unusual quality,

the question I put to you
is even more pertinent.

Why choose me? You who are indirectly
the victim ofthe crime committed?

The assassin is known.

She's locked up,
she can't deny her crime.

This crime affects you.
You're better than innocent.

And I choose as lawyer
the acclaimed defender ofthe guilty.

- Why?
- Yes, why?

Because I hate this little beast
who killed my brother-in-law.

And because, as an innocent party,
I had only one fear,

that she would have you
as her lawyer.

But by being the opponent
of her defence,

you reassure me,
I now know she'll be found guilty.

That's precisely why I want to ask
to think it over for 48 hours. Yes.

What you are hoping for,
I am doubtful of.

By acting as opponent to her defence,

my presence at your side could prove,
if not fatal, at least prejudicial.

- I don't want that.
- But she's a criminal.

Yes. But if she has only one chance,
we have to give it to her.

You'll allow me 48 hours to consider?

With pleasure.

I'll see you out.

Have you thought about your answer?

To be honest, not yet.

But only having defended the guilty,

please understand
I hesitate suddenly to say

the opposite to what I have said
for 20 years.

I fully understand.

In any case, it means that
if, in 48 hours, I say no,

it's to not accept to defend her.

Thank you for that.

They're very beautiful, your candelabras.

Yes, they came from a fire.

- Goodbye, sir.
- Goodbye.

Who rang five minutes ago?

A man who refuses to say his name.

Very nervous, agitated,
and who begs you to receive him.

In other words, someone who doesn't
want to meet the gendarmes.

It seems so.

I'll see him in a minute.

"Sir, I won't leave it 48 hours

"to inform you that,
with great regret,

"I will not be able to assist you
in this instance.

"Don't hold it against me,

"and remember that I will be pleased
to keep the promise I made.

"Please accept..."

I'll sign it as soon as it's ready
and you'll take it this evening.

Show in the man
who won't say his name.

Come in, please. Have a seat.

- I'm listening.
- I killed my wife.

- When?
- Yesterday evening.

How did you kill her?

Well... with a knife?

Yes.

Okay.

- Should I have poisoned her?
- I didn't say that.

- I thought that a knife...
- Yes, it's best.

Poison is premeditated.

That's what I thought.

- So it was premeditated?
- What?

Her death.

I'm not the judge.

Yes, of course.
You can't say it was premeditated.

- That's how it was.
- That's right.

But a second ago, you said
you thought the knife was best.

You said that!

What's that you're saying?

You asked me
if I killed her with a knife.

- And you answered yes.
- Yes, of course.

- But the knife was your idea.
- That's ridiculous!

No, it'sjust that
I express myself badly.

Would I have done better
to kill her differently?

Absolutely not!
What's done is done.

Good. So I did the right thing.

I already said yes.

No, I wanted to know
if I'd understood.

You must excuse me
if I'm a bit particular.

For you, your life is crimes,
you only meet assassins,

so obviously you're used to it.

For me,
it's the first time I've killed.

So naturally, I'm in a bit of a panic.

I just wanted to know
if I'd done anything stupid.

Perhaps I should've taken
certain precautions.

I'm not questioning you
about anything else.

So you're not annoyed
by what I said?

Of course not, carry on.

When you said "premeditated",
it made me prick up my ears.

I take it back.

So, with no premeditation,
this idea was running round your head.

For months,
I couldn't stand it any more.

That's all I wanted to know.

- You were older than her?
- A year older.

Did she drink?

- A lot?
- Far too much!

Did she cheat on you?

I'm not sure.

But you suspected her
without having proof.

Exactly!

- So deep down, you felt betrayed.
- That's right.

It's hard to say,
but when you've committed a crime,

you have to find all possible
attenuating circumstances.

- Obviously.
- So she cheated on you?

I'd stake my life on it!

- Don't use that phrase.
- Yes.

- Let's get back to the knife.
- With pleasure.

But first, why did you choose me
as your lawyer?

Did you know my name?

Vaguely, three days ago,

but the other evening
I got to know you on the radio.

What you said and the way you said it
made a great impression on me.

And when I heard you'd done
your 100th acquittal,

I thought, that's my man!

Would you have killed her
ifyou hadn't heard the interview first?

Oh, perhaps not.

So, the knife...

I'm listening.

No, I listen to you.

Oh yes, of course. Sorry.

Did you stab her several times?

Just the once. Was that right?

Better for you, and for her.

- It looks more like an accident.
- We can't expect that much.

- Where did you stab her?
- Well...

- In the stomach?
- In the stomach... yes.

I didn't look, but...

- But she's dead?
- Yes, definitely, don't worry!

So how come you're still free?

Because no one knows!

Perhaps they know now, but this morning
when I left, no one knew.

Where do you live?

Remonville,
1 Jean Jaurès Square.

Your name, first name, profession.

Paul, Louis, Victor, Braconnier.

- You put that as your profession?
- No, Braconnier's my surname.

Myjob, I'm a horticulturist.

Your financial situation?

700,000.

- Eh?
- 700,000.

- Did she know?
- More or less.

And naturally she was interested.

On this subject, you must charge a lot
for a case like mine.

- We'll talk about that later.
- That's right.

- How old are you?
- 53 years old.

- Married for...?
- 30 years.

No previous convictions?

- No... no theft...
- No, no, on the contrary.

Back to the knife. Where was it?

In her stomach.

No, before.

Well... it was there, like that...

- On the table?
- On the table.

It wasn't you who took it
from the drawer?

Did she lay the table?

She always lays the table,
or laid it.

Good.

She never attempted
to murder you herself?

No, not to my knowledge.

But perhaps she'd bought
a gun recently, for example.

Well... no.

- Would that have been good?
- Of course.

Unfortunately not!

Too bad.

- So, yesterday evening, she was drunk?
- Yes.

Have you got a witness
to her being drunk?

Definitely.

Without resorting to self-defence,
did you ever feel threatened by her?

Oh, yes! She often said,
"Aren't you ever going to die?"

- Oh, well...
- It's still not what you say?

Of course not,
but it's more of a wish than a threat.

Action would be more eloquent.

- A tureen, would that do?
- A tureen?

A tureen as big as that,
that she threw at my head.

- But did she?
- Yes!

- A long time ago?
- Yesterday evening!

That's good, very good!

Just one second before she got stabbed!

Reflex action,
or better still, self-defence!

You grabbed the knife when
she threatened to throw the tureen at you.

As the table was between us...

Leaning forward to throw the tureen,
she sort of impaled herself!

Yes, that's it! It's funny, eh?

- What's funny?
- Your reconstruction ofthe scene.

That's down to experience.

I hope I haven't forgotten anything.

- Now, don't wait to get arrested.
- Yes.

- Go and hand yourself in at once.
- Yes, at once!

- As soon as you get back.
- Yes!

Six hours later,
name me as your lawyer.

But whatever you do, don't talk.
Say you'll only do it in my presence.

I'll see you out.

And then tell me which prison you're in.

- Yes. It'll probably be Evreux.
- Well, that's not so bad.

- You've been there?
- I've been there as a lawyer!

But, to be clear, our conversation...

Might never have taken place.

All right. Yes.

Should I copy out your notes?

No, I'd rather finish them myself.

- An interesting case?
- Yes, easy.

I'd say banal ifthe man himself
wasn't so interesting.

He looks like a monster
but has a strange kind of charm.

He has something
of both the chimera and the clown.

- Have I got more meetings?
- Not as far as I know, sir.

The Chief Prosecutor.

- Did you show him into the drawing room?
- Yes, sir.

Thank you.

Please show him in.

My dear colleague and friend.

My dear sir, I cannot hide
what real pleasure your visit brings.

I hope you will regard it
as a measure of my esteem for you.

And I specifically don't want it
to be seen in any official capacity.

Receiving me in your office will doubtless
attract attention. Thank you.

Actually at five, I have to meet
Madame de Mongeron, who lives opposite.

So I took advantage ofthe opportunity,

and I'm here, quite at ease...

...to tell you in the nicest
and most considered way possible

the least agreeable thing in the world.

The interview you gave on the radio
the evening before last

made a very bad impression,
I have to say.

Those who heard it repeat your words
and the rest twist them.

Don't answer. What's done is done.
But be careful.

On one hand, the 100 acquittals
you're so rightly proud of

have made you many enemies at Court.

You may well make light of it,
but on the other hand,

your unorthodox
and sometimes paradoxical arguments

could lead to unpleasant consequences,

which... I'll explain to you.

President Bercholde and I
met this morning,

and we believe the distinction you make
between murderer and criminal

is disturbing to some people.

A word, if I may, sir.
I'm not the one who acquits them.

I don't hold your acquittals against you.

May I say that's good news at least.

I hold nothing against you,

apart from perhaps the slightly
acid tone in which you reply.

We are not in court, Monsieur Aubanel,
I'm at yours.

Please excuse me.

Willingly, out of respect for your talent.

However...

...perhaps I failed
to make myself understood.

When I say that your arguments
can be disturbing,

I'm not referring
to judges or to juries,

but to the numerous potential murderers
who follow the debates,

who read the papers,

who hold you dear.

I'm not speaking to you as a lawyer,
but as a man.

As a friend who wonders
ifyour exceptional eloquence,

sometimes unusual,
is likely to incite crime.

Yes!

Who can be sure that one day
some miserable people won't say,

"I'll kill my father or my mother
or my daughter.

"All I need is Aubanel as my defence!"

I heard as much, yesterday evening.
A woman joking at the Opera.

Oh, well!

I agree.
But even so, the idea came to her!

Would she have thought of it
without the interview? I've no idea.

There were five of us in my box,
talking about it.

She said that?

She summed it up like this:
"With a man like Aubanel,

"there's no need to hold back.
Tomorrow I'm buying a gun."

I'm checking the time, excuse me.
I have two more minutes.

I don't want you
to take what I've said badly.

I have no ulterior motives,
please believe me.

Coming up the stairs,
I met a man leaving your office.

Who was that man?

An assassin? A murderer you'd say.

- Did he speak about your interview?
- Yes.

So, am I wrong, in your opinion?

No...

What would you like me to do, sir?

Help the Court to sentence
one out oftwo?

No, no, no!

I won't give any more interviews,
I promise.

But I was in a good mood,
we were celebrating that day...

Your 100th success.

Yes, your 100th, like a playwright.

Butjurisprudence isn't theatre, no.

And no more precious formulas
which have carved your reputation

but which are potentially so dangerous.

Take this one, for example,
for some murderers you call amateurs.

You say, "An assassin is often
just a thiefwho is disturbed."

No! Don't make light oftheft.

Shall I wear a false beard and
sometimes plead under a false name?

This new lawyer would be famous
after one month.

We'd have two instead of one.

Better not!

- Aubanel...
- Goodbye, sir.

If a man or woman,
an injured party in a criminal case,

came to see you tomorrow
and asked for your help,

what would you do?

- I'd accept.
- Thank you!

I'll be there to hear you on the day.

Aubanel getting a criminal convicted.

Unless, at the last moment,

forgetting or making a mistake,
I start to defend him.

You really like assassins and thieves
that much?

Less than the public.

Ifthe papers didn't report crimes
committed the previous day,

they'd lose at least halftheir readers.

But it is wrong to kill.

Yes.
But it makes so many people live.

You sleep on the floor now?

You must've been drunk.

Mind your own business.

You'll want to eat, I suppose.

No, but I'm thirsty.

Give me some more.

More.

Go and get some yourself
ifyou want more.

I'm keeping this for me.

Aren't you drunk enough?

Never enough to forget your ugly mug.

You had time to forget it
while I was away, eh?

- You made the most of it.
- Made the most of it?

Who would I have made
the most of it with?

With your sweetheart!

With my sweetheart?

- What sweetheart?
- That's enough. I know what I know.

You mean Jules Martinet?

Yes, by God!

You're full of shit!
I'm not even going to answer.

Good idea, close everything.

It's better they don't hear such rubbish.
Jealous now!

That's all I needed!

Better go and get some wine, you idiot.

- We'll talk later.
- As much as you like, arsehole!

The door!

We prefer to work on the land
than wear fancy boots

We prefer to work in the fields
than wear white gloves

Come on, be strong!

- Three bottles, okay?
- You'll remember?

- Sure.
- I'll pay tomorrow.

There! There! There!

Come on, clink glasses with me.

After all, you're just stupid, not evil.

What? Don't you want to make up?

Ok, we'll both stand up
as you want to clink glasses.

Oh! A gun shot!

I don't think so,
but it's still not good.

- I can't hear anything.
- That's not a good sign.

- No?
- Why not?

If one ofthem's dead,
the other one won't shout out.

Shouldn't we tell the gendarmes?

They don't like being disturbed
for nothing.

- Why for nothing?
- It's time for their hour off.

It'd be better to wait.

You're all standing around.
What's happened?

Good evening, Vicar.

We heard a noise at the Braconniers'
a moment ago, then nothing.

So we wondered
if something had happened.

And as they often argue...

- It was better the last few days.
- That's true, I noticed.

I don't believe in interfering.

That's why I suggested
calling the gendarmes.

- Here they are, the gendarmes!
- We can tell them.

You're wrong! You're wrong!

No. Better not to smell the wine.

There he is.

I've just killed her.
I've come to hand myself in.

Come with us!

Don't touch anything!

- Where's the body?
- There.

Oh, yes.

So, what happened exactly?

I'll only speak
when my lawyer's present.

You're within your rights.

- Something's broken down there?
- It's the tureen she threw at my head.

I was there, she was here.

What's going on?

Trouble at the Braconniers'!

But what kind oftrouble?

Assassination!

Assassination? I'm not surprised!
I'm coming down!

Why did he say he's not surprised?

- Here, drink!
- Thanks.

- You'll feel better.
- No, no, I'm fine.

- Are the gendarmes there?
- Yes!

I'm going over.
She's killed him, the cow!

- No! No!
- I'm telling you she has!

You could at least believe me.
Leave me alone!

- He might know more?
- He thinks Paul is dead.

Because he's deaf.

He killed her out ofjealousy!

- Jealousy?
- Absolutely!

- Apparently she was Jules' mistress!
- Which Jules?

- Martinet! I heard him accusing her!
- Oh, well!

See who's there.

- What is it?
- Get him to take this right away.

It's an antidote.
And let me in, I can explain everything.

He's gone mad.
Antidote for a stabbing?

- What did you say?
- Nothing.

Leave me alone!

Come in! No, not you!

Give me my little flask.
I'll make him drink it immediately.

It seems she was Jules' mistress.

Jules? Ah!

Sorry.

She bought rat poison four days ago.

Drink, my poor friend, drink.

- But she's the one who's dead!
- What's that?

She's the one who's dead!

- But she died of a stab wound?
- Yes.

Here, quick!

He found them together,
her and Jules!

That's why he killed her!

The chemist'sjust died of an embolism!

- A visitor for you, Braconnier.
- A visitor?

- No more than five minutes!
- Ah, Jules!

Paul, old chap.
Let me give you a hug.

I've brought your old suit
and a few provisions.

We all clubbed together to surprise you.

Hard boiled eggs from Madame Michon,

the ham from Gustave,

chocolate from Ernestine,
and the Gruyère from me.

How did you get in?

Germaine's brother-in-law used
to be the lover ofthe chiefguard.

I see. Tell me, how are things
in the village?

Really good.

No, in relation to me?

Really good.

Everyone sympathises with you there,
let me tell you...

- It's helped everyone.
- Helped? How?

Business!

- You've had great reports in the papers.
- What do you call "great"?

Front page.
And very long with huge headlines.

Remonville here, Remonville there,
you understand.

Photographs,
cars passing through the village,

thanks to the sign
they put on the road to Evreux.

For the village, it's unheard of.
To give you an idea...

- You know our little café?
- Yes.

They've added eight tables
on the terrace.

As for the House of Crime,

that's what they call your house now
— enough said.

- What's happening?
- Visits from morning till night.

Sometimes they have to have
an order of service.

The pieces ofthe tureen
are in a cabinet.

As for the knife you used, it's stuck
in some bread on the kitchen table.

With "DON'T TOUCH" written on it.

It's considered a relic, you understand?

You're popular, Paul, old chap,
and whatever happens to you,

remember Remonville and
its inhabitants are not ungrateful.

And you can count on their gratitude.

Better than nothing.

She'll put no more water in my glass

For now "la poison" is dead

All together!

She'll put no more water in my glass

For now "la poison" is dead!

We're getting the hang of it now.

- Braconnier, your lawyer's here.
- At last.

One could say you're lucky
to have a lawyer like him.

With a man like Aubanel,
you're saved.

That's why I chose him.

- You have your black coffee?
- Yes, thank you.

Hello, sir. I couldn't wait to see you.
I was desperate.

Especially as you're in for some news...

She wanted to poison me.

Don't worry, it's true,

she had bought rat poison
four days before the crime,

and we've never had rats in the house.

The chemist told me before he died,

and that's what killed him
because he drank from my glass.

At the time, obviously,
I didn't say anything,

because you told me
only to speak in your presence.

But make them do an autopsy
on the chemist, and hey presto!

I got you the attempted murder
you wanted so much.

You must be pleased with me.

On this point, yes,
but on another, far less.

Let's sit down.
I need to speak with you very seriously.

- Is something wrong?
- Yes.

Yesterday evening I got the report
from the gendarmerie in Evreux,

from the night ofthe crime.

- And I need an immediate explanation.
- What about?

About the date ofthe murder.

The report states:
"We arrived at the scene ofthe crime

"Thursday 11th October at 8.00pm."

- So what?
- Wait.

"The Doctor Fromanger
called in haste,

"and stated that the victim
had been stabbed in the stomach

"and that her death had occurred
about 20 minutes earlier."

- So what?
- What do you mean, "so what"?

You killed her
on the evening ofthe 11th?

What's so strange about that?

But it was the 11th
you came to see me during the day.

So?

Declaring that you had killed your wife
the day before,

when in fact you killed her
four hours later.

That changes nothing for her
or for me either.

But for me, it changes everything!

I can't see what difference it makes

if I killed her on Thursday
instead ofWednesday.

But why did you come to see me
before you killed her?

For two reasons.

First, to know if I could have you
as my lawyer.

And also so you could tell me
what I should do.

No one could have advised me
better than you.

The proof is that
I followed all your instructions.

My instructions?

The knife on the table,

the tureen thrown at my head,
the jealous scene beforehand.

All that was done,
may I say, scrupulously.

Scrupulously?

I didn't think
you would reproach me afterwards.

If I hadn't lied to you and said,

"I'll kill her this evening,
how should I go about it?",

you'd have chucked me out, but by
telling you I'd killed her the day before,

I put you at ease.

And as you're an expert on crime,

the questions you asked
showed me what to do.

So you're accusing me of having...

I'm not accusing you,
that would be stupid.

No, I'm grateful that you gave me
such good guidance.

- Guidance?
- It wasn't me who thought ofthe knife.

I wanted to poison her.

It's the idea that we have,
those of us not in the trade.

You preferred the knife,
I used the knife.

What I don't understand
is why you look so bored.

But don't you understand,
ifthis was known...

But it mustn't be known!

In a situation like this,
we must work hand-in-hand.

- We're accomplices, you know.
- That's precisely what I don't want.

I can't see a better way out.

What if I refused now to act for you?

- That wouldn't be very clever ofyou.
- Why not?

Because I'd get my revenge

by saying that it was you
who made me kill her.

Not out of malice,
but to save my skin.

And it would be the truth.

Because between you and me,
I can tell you now,

I might never have killed without you.

The proof is that I hesitated
between her and me for a few days.

One of us was redundant.

I told the florist, Madame Tiberguen,
we had to separate somehow.

Either by me getting rid of her,
or she of me.

If not, wait for her to get rid of me.

And I killed her
because you gave me the courage

by accepting to act as my defence.

It's tops at the moment
to have you as a lawyer.

I can tell you, we're instantly
treated better in the prisons

when they know it's you we have.

For those people
being represented by Aubanel

it practically means you're innocent
because you're bound to get off.

That's why it would be terrible for you
ifyou gave up on me.

Making me kill my wife
is violent enough,

but sending me to the guillotine
is going too far.

So, no joking. I'm counting on you.

And, forgive me,

ifyou do something for me,
I'll do something for you too.

And as I followed your instructions,

I'm giving you another acquittal,
ready made.

One more. And a good one.

Got any cigarettes?

- No, thank you.
- Any matches?

Jailer.

Jailer!

A light.

Can't you do anything?

Here.

So we agree, yes?

- Tell me about this rat poison.
- With pleasure.

And remember,
if I'd killed her my way,

you'd be saying, "Come to me next time
before acting so stupidly."

Julie Poitrinot, Jules Martinet.

André and Germaine Chevillard.

Abbot Metivet and Amelie Bertelon.

Pierrette Signore, Victor Boidevin,
Ernestine Abajou.

- Are we all witnesses?
- Come on, we're already late.

Louis Coltepal, Augustin Patendier.

Come on, let's go.

Thank you.

Hey!
You know what your parents said.

They trusted me with you in
their absence and you must obey me.

So have fun,
but don't do anything bad.

Braconnier, you have heard
the case against you.

Yes, yes. All very pretty.

But the main point is missing.

I was acting in self-defence,
that's beyond doubt.

So that changes everything.

You're trying to make out
I'm a murderer, but it won't work,

because if I hadn't killed my wife,
she would've killed me.

And reproaching me for killing her
is reproaching me for not being dead.

And if I were the one dead,

she'd be standing here today
in my place.

And far more guilty than us.

He said "we".
He admits we were in it together.

Yes, more guilty because having
bought rat poison three days earlier,

she had premeditated her crime.

But wait, wait!

When you killed her, you didn't know
she already had criminal intentions.

Intentions? You make me laugh.

She put rat poison in my glass
and you call that "intentions".

It strikes me as more of a fact.

Maybe! But you were unaware of it!

Well, I merit even more then,
if I guessed.

I could see in her eyes
that she wanted me dead.

And I also saw the knife,

and I took it at once
so she wouldn't take it.

- And you killed her.
- I defended myself.

So that for once, Your Honour,
the punishment would precede the crime.

And you would be wrong
to reproach me for it,

when it should serve
as a lesson to you.

- That's going too far.
- Not at all. And I intend to explain.

My wife was a murderer,
we all agree on that.

By getting rid of her, I merely did
what you yourselves would have done.

- Be quiet, I beg you.
- No, I won't!

Because that's what you do,
only you'd do it too late!

With your habit ofwaiting
for someone to get killed,

you carry outjustice,
I don't deny.

But that makes one more dead person.
With my system, it makes one less.

If I'd come to you the day
before my wife was going to kill me,

could you have done anything for me?

Nothing at all.

If I'd asked your permission to kill her
before she killed me,

you wouldn't have given it,

and you'd have let me get poisoned
without lifting a finger.

That's why I'm here today telling you

that you're quite wrong to reproach me
for having done your work for you.

It's madness.

I realise something incredible,

how the act of committing a crime
can make you really intelligent.

Under normal circumstances,
I'd never have been as brilliant as that.

- Please, Madame, where did they go?
- Who?

- Our parents.
- To Pont-l'Évêque.

And why did they go?

For Monsieur Braconnier's hearing.

Ah, the one who killed his wife.

- That's him.
- They're lucky.

Don't touch that.

You swear to tell the truth,
the whole truth and nothing but the truth?

- Well, you don't ask that.
- But that is what's asked!

Well, let's say you can't refuse,

and I'll swear along with all the liars
who've stood here.

Please refrain from all reflection.

They have a charming way
ofgreeting you.

They certainly do.

You're a seamstress in Remonville.

- I don't hide the fact. I'll swear to it.
- Once is enough.

I'm in sewing to give service.

- A question.
- Feel free.

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

- You do.
- I don't.

- I've cheated on my husband.
- That's not what I'm asking!

- Well, that's what I understood.
- Well, you were wrong.

Let's talk about something else.

I'd like to know if Paul Braconnier,
in your opinion,

was a man
who wanted his wife dead?

- Oh, well, of course.
- What do you mean, "of course"?

I say of course
because it's obvious.

- Did you hear him say so?
- I wouldn't have been surprised.

- You wouldn't have been surprised?
- Come on...

Which of us has not wished
for her husband's death?

But that's all part of married life.
We're none the worse for it.

Take my fellow citizens, for example.

M. le Président, I find this woman's
reasoning despicable.

Hey, they're such hypocrites.

Ask the Curate ifyou want to know.

Vicar, you take confessions, help me.

You're not going to ask me
to betray confidences?

Without giving names, of course.
Don't be afraid, ladies.

But tell these numerous gentlemen

about your parishioners who confess
to wishing the death of a loved one.

- Several.
- So there are some.

There are some...

- The scrupulous ones.
- That's the word.

We agree.

What did that woman do wrong
for him to kill her?

That's what they're asking.

Well, ifthey're asking,
here's what I think.

- What do you think?
- That she was making him a cuckold.

- Definitely!
- Where did you learn that word?

But you were jealous of her.

Oh, that.

You said so in your statement.

Because you and I thought
it would sound good.

But I'm not so sure.

- I even think it weakens my position.
- But why?

Because given her physique,
it's impossible.

You must let me do what I want to.

- Well, tell the President.
- I wouldn't dare.

You must, it's important.

She cheated on him
with Jules Martinet, M. le Président!

- Everyone in the village knew!
- That's quite untrue!

I'm not saying it's true,
but I heard Paul accuse her.

I tell you, it's untrue!

Why are you denying it like that?

Because, old chap, I'd like to help,
but as for that... no.

It didn't seem... possible?

No, to be honest.

We agree. We all agree on that one.

André, Henry, Gustave,
Victor, Fernand...

I ask you, could you have done
what I'm thinking ofwith my wife?

So, you see.

What's more, I've brought a photo.

A photo of my wife
taken two years ago.

Please pass it to these gentlemen.

It'll convince them
more than anything I say.

I needn't ask you, gentlemen,
if any one ofyou has ever thought of...

I implore you, that's enough.

Tell me, Braconnier, do you think
you are good looking yourself?

So you admit she was ugly.

Answer my question.
Do you believe you're handsome?

- No more than you, sir.
- What do you mean?

No, I don't think I'm any more
handsome than you think I am.

And it wasn't a question ofthat.

It's not my looks
that are on trial today, but hers,

because it's never a question
ofwhether a woman can or can't,

if she wants to or not,
which is neither here nor there.

Whereas the man has to be able to...

He can't get out of it
by closing his eyes.

I don't know ifyou get my meaning.

And I'd prefer to be accused
of having killed her for that,

rather than hear you say I wasjealous,
because I value your opinion.

Are they going to guillotine
Monsieur Braconnier?

- I hope not.
- Why?

Because you must never hope
for a man's death.

- For a woman you can?
- No!

In your world, when you can't stand
your wife any more,

you start by cheating on her
and you end by asking for a divorce.

In the country it's different.
Peasants don't get divorced.

They wait until the other one's dead
to try to rebuild their lives.

Sometimes it's long.

It's intolerable.

A son who kills his father,
it's parricide?

Yes, my child.

- And a mother who kills her child?
- It's infanticide.

- And a husband who kills his wife?
- Is a murderer.

Papa, yesterday, said
he was a widower.

Do you regret committing your crime?

That depends on you.

Ifyou find me guilty,
I'll regret it infinitely.

Ifyou acquit me,
then definitely not.

If I'd only wounded her
and she was better now,

I'd rather be sentenced
than return to living with her.

It would really be unfortunate
if having got rid of her,

you didn't let me enjoy myself a bit.

No word of regret. No word of pity.

No, sir. Not one word.
Not one word, no, sir.

So you know that she deserved
her punishment.

Do you have regrets, you others,
when you sentence someone?

Surely not. Well, neither do I.

What would I look like if I had regrets?

A Mr Punch.

What are you doing over there?

We're playing husbands and wives
and my stick is a knife.

Come on now,
that's no way to play!

And I would say more
if I thought his acquittal was in doubt.

Go on, then.

Aren't you ashamed
of killing this woman?

Will the accused please stand?

From the depths of my soul,
before God and man...

You are accused of killing your wife.
We condemn you to be beheaded.

For these reasons, Paul Braconnier...

What are they doing? It's crazy!
You mustn't play games like that.

Acquitted! Acquitted! Acquitted!