Original subtitles

THE RETURN OF MARTIN GUERRE

On this St. Michael's Sunday in the church of Artigat...

...we receive Bertrande de Rols...

...daughter of the late Laurent de Rols and of...

...Raimonde, his wife

And we receive Martin Guerre...

...son of Mathurin Guerre...

and of his wife, Brigitte,

Martin wishes to take Bertrande for wife...

and keep her all his life

I, Martin, give my body to thee, Bertrande

I accept it and give my body to thee, Martin

I unite you in the bonds of holy matrimony

You will not regret having followed this story...

...for it is not a tale of adventure...

...nor an imaginary fable

It is a true story

It began one August Sunday, in 1542...

...in the village of Artigat, county of Foix...

...in the reign of Francis I

Bertrande, at her parents' decision...

...brings a dowry of 30 acres of wheat...

...and 40 of millet, at the place called Pomarede

Also one pair of oxen and the Roussas woods...

...inherited from her father Laurent, deceased

Three dresses, one bed, one linen-chest with lock and key

That's all

Catherine... something to drink

If you still agree, sign here

Seraphin, you will have to blow harder, boy!

It's a good match... well arranged

May the Lord bless this bed with health...

...and keep the Demon from this house

Kiss her, Father

Martin, tender buds need to be sprinkled at night!

You two... kiss your brother

Make us some pretty grandchildren!

The rest... you can do without me

Whenever you want, come eat and dance.

This is Bertrande de Rols

You say at first your husband couldn't...

...consummate your marriage. Why not?

Because of the spell that had been cast on him

So your mother wanted the marriage dissolved?

Yes... but I didn't

I was married... I felt bound to him

People knew?

Of course... We had no children

They made fun of him?

Yes... the whole village

Tell me what happened that Candlemas Day

If you're tired of sleeping at night, change husbands!

Change husbands if you want to have children!

Stop trembling, boy

It's caused by evil thoughts

They put a spell on you

I'll take it away

Blessed Flesh, I unknot you

Blessed Flesh, I unbind you

Blessed Flesh, I make you grow again

Accursed Demon, leave this servant of the Lord

Merciful God, shed Thy Grace on Martin...

...whose flesh is suffering

Merciful God, shed Thy Grace on Bertrande...

...whose flesh is suffering

And put in all your heart.

Don't be afraid

I am Jean de Coras, of the Toulouse Parliament

I am now in charge of this matter

You must tell me everything, even if the priest said not to

And that worked?

That very day... yes

We had a son... his name is Sanxi

So all was well

For me, yes, but Martin...

Martin kept to himself

He didn't even look at our son

He didn't like farming

He and his father argued

You want us to die of thirst?

Where were you?

You can't do anything right!

Iwas with some soldiers, at the stream

2 sacks of grain are gone... You seen them?

You stole them

You loaded the grain... You stole them!

You stole them! Our family doesn't steal!

I�ll make you hate the taste of bread!

Ididn't take them! - While I'm alive...

...I'm the master here!

Look, Martin, aren't they pretty?

Wear them Sunday

You cut them too big. You wasted your time

You always scold me

It's not my fault

Be nice sometimes

That was the night he left

Why steal the grain?

Did he know he was leaving?

And needed money?

Maybe... I don't know

He didn't talk to me much

What did you think?

That he'd be back soon

Everyone thought so

That his father had scared him

He waited for Martin every day for months

Finally he died... killed by sorrow

Martin's mother died a year later

So Melusine married a prince...

...and all her sons became kings

But one Saturday, her husband couldn't resist

He peeked through the keyhole...

...and saw she was a mermaid...

...with scales on her body, and wings on her back

Some people believe she comes back every day...

...secretly, to feed the children

And I believe it, too

She couldn't desert them

Your mother got married again?

Yes... to Pierre Guerre, my husband's uncle

To keep the farms together?

No doubt

Our lands are now held in common

The wolves are out tonight

Make sure the animals are locked up

Yes, mother... I do it every night

Dirty beast!

Did Martin stay away long?

Eight winters... or nine

You never heard from him?

No... nothing

But I'm sure you had no lack of admirers

No... but I kept my virtue

Speak up, we can't hear you

I kept my virtue

Ask anyone... I remained chaste

You never forgot Martin?

Iprayed to St. Catherine to send him back

So many seasons passed...

Then she heard me.

Who are you?

Do you have some water for a thirsty man?

Who are you?

Don't you recognize me? Look closely!

Do I know you? - I think you do

Aren't you Mathurin Guerre's son?

Is it you, Martin?

You're back!

And you're Jacques, Etienne's son

No, Jacques is my brother

Right... you're "Smallpox Andre"

Remember the bear hunt, when Nicolas "castrated" me?

Made me miserable, didn't you?

Martin Guerre is back!

You're bigger, Martin

War does that

Martin Guerre is back!

You've seen him?

Yes! He's down the road

Guillemette... your brother!

Are you sure? - I saw him!

Bertrande, your husband's back!

Come... it's your husband!

You still here?

Where've you been, Martin? We thought you were dead!

Hello Jeanne... sister

Martin... at last!

You've changed!

Where's your husband?

Are you Guillemette?

You were so small when I left!

Come kiss your brother

Sanxi?

You're so big

Don't be afraid

Come nearer

I'm your father

Hello, Uncle

You were gone a long time

That's true

Forgive me for what I did

Your father and mother are dead

I heard, and I prayed for them

I also heard you married Raimonde...

...my wife's mother

It's good news

My daughter has suffered

Have you changed for the better?

You're here... it's all true!

Is it really you?

Is that you, Catherine?

You haven't changed

I wondered if you'd ever come back

And here you are, safe and sound

Where's Bertrande? - At the wash-house

She's waiting for you

It's me, hello

It's me... Martin

Hello, Martin

My God, my wife is beautiful!

It is a gift of God that you have returned

He was in the Army in Picardy

Don't you recognize me?

Who are you?

It's me... Nicolas

It's confusing, seeing you all

I forgot about the bear long ago

I've seen worse

Here's cloth from Flanders

The nicest for Bertrande, with lace

Catherine, take the last one

You've learned to read?

And to write, too

To write?

What did you do all this time?

Ifought in the war

I even went to Spain

Then I wanted to see you

All of you

What's Spain like?

It's dry

And Paris? Did you see Paris?

It's big... There are people everywhere

I even got lost there

There are thieves at night

You're so strong now, Martin!

Iknew my brother would come back

This calls for a celebration!

When you left here, Martin...

...you didn't have a beard yet

And you didn't drink as much

Now I drink like a monk!

After war... peace!

To you, my wife

A little rough... but not bad

Just enough to kill the worms!

I�ll prepare your bed

It's good to be on your own land

What are you looking for?

The candles

In there

You moved them?

No, they've always been there

Then I forgot

She cried a lot because of you

Remember, Bertrande?

Go get my white breeches...

...the ones lined with silk...

...from the linen-chest

If they're still there

I'll go

You've found your smile

"The bird's back in the nest, Tonight they will not rest"

They're still there

Waiting for you... like me

I'll wear them tomorrow

How often I've wanted you

I'm here only because of you

So everyone recognized him?

Yes... everyone

His sisters, his uncle...

...Catherine, the servant?

His friends... the whole village

You too?

Me too

Without hesitation?

Then what?

He took up his work, his place at home

We had two children. The first died...

...the second is alive: A girl, 18 months old

And everything went well?

Very well

Better than before?

Yes... and he worked hard

Our harvests have never been better

And between you two?

It's been good

When did the doubts first begin?

One day some vagabonds slept in the barn

A game for 15 points?

Idon't gamble

Then buy a saint's image or a holy relic?

Go to the devil, we have a priest!

I�m going back

I'll play

Dominique, play with me

No, I think not... like Martin

Come on Father... only 15 points

Who is he?

Martin Guerre, who went away and came back

Like the prodigal son

He's not Martin Guerre!

Iknew Martin Guerre

At the battle of St. Quentin

In fact, he lost a leg there

Of course it's Martin

I ought to know... I'm the one who married him

But it's not! He's...

What's his name again?

Iknew him in the Army, too.

It is Martin... we're even related!

Itell you he's not Martin

He's Pansette!

That's it... Pansette

He's from the village of Tihl

I knew him in Picardy, too

What's he doing here?

Isaw two of those people in Arras

From a land called Brazil

Their bodies were all painted

They had feathers on their heads... It's true, Sanxi

Feathers are for them what silk is to us

They were in chains, and made to dance

In their own country, they go naked

Even the women?

Sounds like a nice country

Then you should go there

They eat their prisoner's hearts

And the prisoners consider it a worthy death

Are they human? Do they have a soul?

The monks say they do

In some tribes, they share their land and their women

In others, the women go to war and make all the decisions

The day women rule here, it'll be the end of the world

Tomorrow we'll have a north wind

No... Let's go home, I'm afraid

Why?

See? A circle of smoke...

Spirits will be out... We mustn't look at them

Pansette! What are you doing?

Leaving us already?

Trying to find your way?

When are you going?

Did you come to the wrong village?

Imight've known it was you, you snake!

He's strong! Not like Martin... right, Bertrande?

Pansette, you look true but you play false

Beware!

Where was this soldier from?

A garrison in Picardy

Don't believe tales told by strangers...

...and by drunks

Or by rogues!

He's right

"Lies come easy from afar"

We know Martin well

If anyone knows Martin...

...it's us

We must do our accounts one day

How much my land earned in my absence

What do you mean?

You worked my land and I'm grateful... but it made a profit

Now I need the money

I figure it's about 6000 livres

You dare ask me for an accounting?

I, who raised your son while you roamed the world?

I, who protected your wife?

I, who welcomed you back and forgave you?

It was your duty! Iwent to war... I've a right to it!

You have no rights... you left!

Yes, I have! Ihave the law on my side

I'll seek justice, if I must

You'll be condemned

You threaten your uncle?

Ineed that money!

I�ll sell Gold Cross Field and buy Pusol's...

...to plant barley

You want to sell your father's field?

It's too steep for planting

You're starting to squander our property!

But I expected it

I'm not surprised

I warn you...

...Martin or not Martin

...you won't get away with it!

What did you say?

Repeat that!

So Bertrande, you have doubts too?

Know what they're saying?

You know that if this man isn't your husband...

...you've been living in mortal sin for three years

You know that you're damning your soul

You'll follow him into the depths of Hell

Your flesh will burn

Your eyes will fall into the flames

You will scream but no one will hear

An eternity of suffering awaits you, Bertrande

Aren't you afraid to lie to God?

If you have doubts, why haven't you told me, in confession?

You aren't hiding anything from me?

Beware, Bertrande...

...of the day when the dead come for the living...

...the Day of Judgment!

But when he came back, you recognized him, too

The whole village did

You all welcomed him

Look at Bertrande

She's not complaining

She's never looked better

He'd been gone a long time

What if we were all mistaken?

He's changed a lot, hasn't he?

Reading and writing lead to all kinds of mischief

You're right to stand up to him

I ask you again...

...what if it's not him?

You be careful, too.

After me, it'll be your turn

He'll wipe your ass and take your shirt!

He'll pluck you clean and go away again

Leaving you your eyes to cry with

Then you'll see what kind of man he is!

The work isn't finished!

I�m ashamed for you, Uncle

My father wants you

I'm coming

What do you want?

I�ve thought it over

You're right... I have the money

I owe it to you and I'll give it to you

I don't want any trouble

Know where your father hid money?

No, he never told me

In the hay-loft above the stable

I'll wait for you there at cock's crow

I'll give you your due

But let's keep it to ourselves

Their heads are empty so they tell tales

They're all jealous

Seeing us happy makes them piss vinegar

All they talk about is us

Calm down, my uncle has understood... He'll shut them up

Give me your hand

Let me guide you

Is that her name?

Yes, that's my name

It's in the grain chest

You wanted it, right?

You wanted what we owe you?

You're going to get it! Your money's worth...

...in hard cash!

You won't ask for it again!

At your service, Pansette!

Hit hard, he has a tough hide!

Go on, Antoine, or I'll disinherit you!

You were ready to die for him?

Yes, to protect him

Explain something to me

You defended your husband, risking your own life

But when his uncle attacked him legally...

...you didn't say anything

You should've protested

Talked to the judge

Told everyone: I know he's my husband

But you said nothing

Why?

Did you have doubts, too?

How could you, of all people, have had doubts?

At one moment, I was troubled

I wavered

I thought...

Speak up

I thought: Maybe he's fooling me, too

Charming me, as he did others

Then my daughter is a bastard

And I'm living in sin and will go to Hell

Yes... I had doubts

And still have?

No, not any more

Then he is your husband

Yes or no?

I say yes

And what does he say?

The same thing, obviously

He says they're man and wife

It got so confusing, I took it to the Parliament

They're all here

Come with us

Go join your family

You are Martin Guerre?

Yes, I am

You're quite sure?

I don't know of any other

You're going to pay!

You're an impostor! You tricked us!

The law will punish you, you cheat!

You tricked us, to steal our property

Slander! To avoid paying what you owe me!

I owe you nothing! You're not my nephew!

I am and you know it! Everyone knows it!

Eat your words!

The family apart... over here

Now listen to me, all of you

Those who honestly think...

...this man is not Martin Guerre, to my left

Those who honestly think...

...he truly is Martin Guerre, to my right

And you?

I am their priest

But surely you have an opinion

The others have no opinion?

In settlement of this dispute...

...I, Jean de Coras, Counselor of the Toulouse Parliament...

...declare that there is no reason...

...to believe this man is not Martin Guerre

The charge is dismissed due to lack of proof

This man shall be released

Pierre Guerre is condemned to pay...

...500 livres to the King and to his nephew, for calumny

Free him

You are a knave! God knows it and will punish you!

You hold water in one hand, fire in the other

That was an excellent judgment

What happened to my brother?

You should be in bed

On your feet! This time we've got you

Get dressed

Get up, you're under arrest!

I was released yesterday!

Things changed during the night

This time your wife signed, too

Get dressed, you're going to Toulouse

When did she sign?

Last night, before going to bed

Is it true?

They made you sign?

This time you're done for

The accusation is the same

But it will be more difficult to answer

Your wife signed

It's a forgery

If so, why did she let them arrest you?

Her uncle and cousins scare her

They might cut her throat

They've threatened her?

Often

Especially lately

She now says you betrayed her

That you're not her husband... That's serious

I know her... They forced her to sign.

Assure her safety and ask me what you want

You'll see I'm Martin Guerre

We've heard many witnesses...

...and we shall hear more

Shall a counselor defend you?

I don't need help to prove who I am

Who married you?

Father Dominique Caylar... he's still there

He doesn't like me... I swear a lot

We married on St. Michael's day, 18 years ago

Who was the notary?

Jehan Pegala, from Fosset

He was late, my father was upset

Bertrande's dowry was the Roussas woods...

...her lands at Pomarede and two oxen...

...a bed with feather pillows...

...and three dresses

And sacks of grain, have you forgotten?

No... no sacks of grain

Since returning, you've been a loving husband

That wasn't so before

Had I known my wife better, I wouldn't have left

And she's changed

So have I

You're not stupid

You know you risk death?

It's all Pierre Guerre's doing!

I was his nephew until I wanted my money

Everyone knew me: My sisters, my wife's mother...

...even my wife

Others also say you're not Martin

My uncle's rich

They're afraid of him! He acts out of self-interest!

He'd rob me of my name and my property!

It's outrageous!

Follow me

You are Jean the Spaniard and Valentin Rougier?

You asked to see this man

Do you know him?

Yes... it's him

Who is he?

What's his name?

It's Arnaud

They call him Pansette

Where's he from?

Our village

He's from Tihl

You're sure?

He left a long time ago but that's him

Not Martin Guerre, from Artigat?

No... Arnaud, from Tihl

Called Pansette

Look at them!

They're sent by my uncle!

Bought and paid for!

Look at them... shame written on their faces!

They're from Tihl, that's been verified

So what? My uncle has influence

Why should I pretend?

To have a house and a wife

But it's my house and my wife!

I�m wronged... and I'm accused!

Never was a husband so maligned!

But I'll appeal... to the Parliament here!

I want my uncle to be punished

So it'll all be clear!

I want them all here

First Pierre, guilty of bearing false witness

Also my sisters and cousins

And my wife who was forced to sign, and all the villagers

Artigat has been my parish for 23 years

I knew Martin Guerre well, I married him

When he left, he was thinner, darker and a bit stooped

He had a cleft chin and slightly drooping lips

And a hairy mole on his neck

Show us

Here, in the neck

There's no trace of it

And a scar above his right eyebrow...

...also not there

No, sir... that's wrong!

I knew Martin when he was little, too

I diapered him... and saw him naked, more often than you!

He had no hairy mole

He had a scar on his forehead... and still has!

It was closer to his eyebrow

It was here... I ought to know

He fell in the barn, I picked him up

Also... open your mouth...

...he broke two teeth

There they are, in back

And a pushed-in thumbnail!

So you maintain that he is Martin Guerre?

I�m sure, sir... as sure as night follows day

May I speak?

I�ve seen death

I've heard the roar of cannon and the screams of the wounded

You wish me ill, Uncle, but I've lived through worse

But must that be a man's fate...

...for wanting to live a little...

...before returning to his family...

...to work the land God gave us?

Don't let him talk any more!

He's clever with words

We know who he is now

All he wanted was my nephew's property

I don't want to take it, I'm defending it!

He's not my nephew!

Ask the cobbler, he'll prove it

Cobbler... step forward

Is it sure they'll let me go?

If I say what I have to say, can I leave?

I guarantee you'll return to your village

Before he left, Martin had a very large foot

His size was 12 points

After he came back...

...his size was only 9 points!

You're quite sure?

Yes, and in my trade I've seen feet grow bigger...

...but I've never known feet to shrink

You're getting old! Your sight's going...

You forget things

I see better than you, you old mule!

You see where your interest lies!

Jacmette, your fingers remember

Tell them who I am... Tell the truth

You're Martin Guerre

Bertrande, my wife, you know me better than anyone

Swear I'm not your husband and I will yield

Swear it on the Holy Gospel

You won't swear it?

Therefore I am your husband?

You are my husband

Come forward, Bertrande

And this cross?

I didn't draw it

Then why didn't you protest?

They threatened me

To throw me out. - She's lying...

that cross is her mark! - It's the truth!

They'll do anything... They tried to kill me!

It's her mark... I saw her sign it!

I didn't sign!

I would've signed my name!

How? You can't write!

I�d like a quill and some paper

All this fuss over money!

Pierre knows it's his nephew

Mass at six in the morning, for everyone

Pierre, how long are we staying here?

I don't know... As long as it takes

Who pays for it?

I�ll pay you

Enough to live on... that's the law

Who is Bertrande de Rols?

Why do you want her?

She's to be lodged separately

It's me, Bertrande de Rols

Follow me with your children, by order of the Parliament

Blessed Virgin Mary, see my distress and my sorrow

Please, help me

Protect me. I feel so lonely...

I brought some chestnut bread

It's from our village

It's cold here

My only child...

Do you want to ruin us?

But for you, that impostor would have been executed by now

He seems to have bewitched you

You're under a spell... You only see him

All he's after is our property

Your husband has bewitched you.

My own mother attacks us

If he isn't my husband, why did you wait three years?

I wasn't clear before

Now we know he's not Martin

I was always suspicious of him

He uses you and you say "Amen!"

He's my husband... I know he is

Didn't Pierre offer money to Dominge at your inn?

Accused, sit down and stay seated!

Continue

Didn't he?

Money to pay for killing me!

Call Dominge Pailhas

Don't be afraid

Did Pierre offer you money?

Be honest... yes or no?

Yes, he offered me money

I said I wouldn't kill a relative...

...even for money

I'm sort of related to Martin

It's true, that's what he said

Thank you. You may go now

Come, Jeanne.

Speak up now.

Didn't Uncle urge my wife to accuse me?

It's true

Didn't he threaten to throw her out?

It's true.

Didn't he raise his hand to her?

It's a lie!

Let me talk to her husband

Accused, remain seated!

Come, Augustin

You lived under our roof

After the soldier had been there...

...you said: Be careful

My uncle was sending people after me to beat me up

Remember?

To teach me a lesson

You must remember. We'd beaten the Vals team...

...4- 2. A Sunday in August!

I remember

It's true

So, Uncle, you thought I'd never find out?

He's the impostor... the criminal!

He should be sitting here

If Arnaud of Tihl was a sinner...

...who profaned God...

...what do I care?

I�m not Arnaud of Tihl!

I�m not this man!

I�m not!

The man's memory is prodigious...

...and he's very clever

What if he were a demon?

It has happened before

Demons like to enter human beings...

...and poison their minds

What do you say?

Lies have a thousand faces...

...even the Demon's

Truth has only one

And justice exists...

...to discover the truth

Jacmette Cayrol has gone to God

Beat the devil out of him!

Stop fighting

Stop it! Jacmette is dead!

Jacmette is dead

He knew everything better than anyone in the village

When he came back...

...he knew my sons' names

He'd look at me... I couldn't move

I felt that I was...

...on fire!

I�m sure he uses magic

Even here, with all of us!

Since the world began...

...Satan has had a store of magic

How can he know so much?

And have all the answers?

He is the Devil's emissary

Perhaps he is a devil himself!

I�m not a devil...

Be seated

If a devil is in you, speak

Tell us his name

A devil? Then I'd be with my wife!

I wouldn't have been arrested!

I wouldn't be here!

He answered well

There's no proof of any magic

What should we do?

Any suggestions?

The most humane solution...

Presume innocence if guilt is not proven

But first...

...I'd like another chance to question...

...Martin Guerre's wife

The Court turns to you

Now...

...and for the last time...

...I ask you...

...if that man is your husband

Yes... I'm sure

How can you be absolutely certain?

Speak... We are here to learn all

On his return, he knew all about me

Did he know intimate details...

...only a husband could know?

What details?

He knew when I wanted him...

...and the words to say

Before...

...during...

...and after

The Court...

...will now retire to deliberate

I think that does it

This peasant seems to have won his case

He's Martin Guerre

It would be inhuman not to free him

We'll clear his name

Could anyone else have defended him better?

In the name of the King and of his justice...

...this Parliament...

...hereby declares...

...that the accused is indeed...

...is indeed Martin...

A new witness insists on being heard

Have him come forward

You claim to be Martin Guerre?

Yes... that's my name

Where were you?

In Picardy... the Army

I lost my leg at St. Quentin

When I arrived in Artigat, I heard my family was here.

Here I am

Do you know that man?

We soldiered together

His name?

He's Arnaud of Tihl... Pansette

Don't listen! Look at them...

Having lost, they try a ruse!

A beggar, hired by my uncle!

Do you know that woman?

Bertrande, my wife

It's one last low trick!

You wrong me... and you insult me?

Wrong you?

I�ve never laid eyes on you!

Why don't you arrest him?

A hired liar!

Pierre Guerre, come forward. Where is your wife?

Do you know this man?

Yes, I recognize him

Martin, my nephew

Let me hug you. At last you're back

You're quite sure?

Yes, I'm sure

He's my brother's son

He's my son-in-law, returned to us by God

Arrest him! - Sit down!

Proof he was paid! He arrives now...

...just in time, like a miracle!

It's God's doing

The hand of God, manifesting itself

It's divine justice

God has sent him...

...to prevent injustice!

Don't forsake me!

It's a plot against me

In my own family!

Please listen to me once more...

I'm Martin Guerre, from Artigat

He's a paid liar

He was taught what to say, but I will confound him

Let me put him to the test!

You claim to be me! Tell me...

...on my wedding night...

...who gave us the nuptial bowl?

She did. Catherine Bore...

She tucked us in

Just after the wedding I was bewitched

How many masses were said for me?

It's so long ago... and I'm tired

Answer!

Six... - He's wrong! He doesn't know!

Not six... four!

Dominique Caylar, answer. Tell the truth

I said four masses, it's true

You should have been better informed

Where was the spell broken?

At the priest's

Was it hot or cold?

Cold... I was naked

We warmed up quickly!

Who bought the sacks of grain I stole?

Smallpox Andre

You learned that lesson well

When I went away, what did I leave...

...in the linen-chest upstairs?

What did I leave?

I left it! What was it?

White breeches!

Sewn by Bertrande... and you didn't know!

But I told you. - No, I told you!

Don't twist it around! Arrest him!

I�ve proven I'm Martin Guerre

You say you told him?

And he's trying to use it!

But before you said...

...you didn't know him

Accused, sit down

The sisters, come here

Which one is your brother?

Make up your minds

This is my brother

No, you're making a mistake!

And you, Guillemette? What do you say?

I can't remember

I was too little

Maybe it's him

He's my father!

You treated me like a brother... I am your brother!

Silence!

What do you say?

Of no importance...

I'm not family

Catherine... tell them

Forgive me, Martin

Don't cry... Women cry easily

You should have known your own husband

Our house is dishonored

It's all your fault

You're to blame, Martin

You betrayed my friendship

You deserve no pity

What harm in caring for a woman her husband deserted?

We await your confession, Arnaud of Tihl

It's true

We soldiered together

He talked about his wife...

...his son, his house

One day on the road, two men took me for him

They called me Martin

It gave me an idea

I thought...

...why not take his place?

So I learned all I could

Martin said he wasn't going back

I went to Artigat

I was taken for him

I almost told them...

"I fooled you! Martin's up north!"

I almost said it

Then I saw you

I took you in my arms

Next day, it was too late

After that, I learned whatever I didn't know...

...from my uncle, sisters, wife

And I remember it

There's no magic in it...

...I swear it

You don't deserve her

I know her better than you do

I ask you all to forgive me

And you...

...who were my wife

Your men can stay in the barn

Are you thirsty?

Where's Bertrande?

At home

Pierre Guerre, you brought discord to this village

Now keep the peace

Leave us, please

I'm thirsty

You have dared much and feared God very little

We hesitated before declaring you innocent

It was unwise to take that stranger into your bed

Women are often the victims...

...of men's wickedness

That's why we acquitted you...

...and legitimized...

...your daughter's birth

We hope that now...

...you will be a good wife

But tell me...

...so I'll understand

Before Arnaud appeared...

...you needed a man?

And this one pleased you?

Did he satisfy your needs?

You loved each other?

You knew from the start?

You can tell me

It will go no farther

Arnaud and I...

...were good together

Martin had neglected me

Arnaud respected me...

...like a true husband

I trusted him

We thought of asking to be judged

We could have won

If Martin hadn't turned up, we'd be man and wife

No one could've denied it

At the last minute...

...why did you change?

Why choose Martin?

In Arnaud's eyes...

...I saw it was hopeless

I saw what he wanted

He wanted me to live...

for me and my children

So I did it

God forgive me, I defiled marriage!

The King, the law, all those I offended...

...forgive me!

Get up, Arnaud

Open the door

Forgive me God, I defiled marriage!

The King, the law...

...all those I offended!

Forgive me God, I defiled marriage!

The King, the law...

...all those I offended!

Commend your soul to God

The story of false Martin Guerre...

...ended that morning

The Counselor, Jean de Coras impressed by this...

...daring imposture, made a record of it

12 years later came...

...the St. Bartholomew Massacre

For his Protestant beliefs...

...Jean de Coras was hung before the Toulouse Parliament...

...with a hundred of his friends

But we live only by the spirit