Original subtitles

Jacques!

Take your time. Don't rush!

5: 15...I've waited half an hour!

Some nerve!

I got lost! This store's a labyrinth.

It's marked in big letters. You just have to look:

"gadget, 1st floor, gimmick, 2nd floor".

I didn't see it!

I don't enjoy dashing around.

Guess who I ran into outside my dancing class?

- Guess. - How should I know?

This will floor you.

He's coming Saturday.

To dinner? On Saturday?

You should've checked with me. Who is it?

Incredible. And...?

He's as nice as ever. We had a drink.

His office is over my dancing school,

and I'd never seen him before.

He's coming Saturday? He remembered us?

Natch! He was tickled, said he'd love to come.

He's still with Charlotte,

so I invited her, too.

You can't imagine how nice he's remained !

That's great news! I'm delighted !

So am I, delighted !

9:45!

Yep, 9:45.

Stop eating nuts,

you'll ruin your appetite.

For you again!

Yes? Marilyn?

Come anyway.

Charlotte!

You alone?

He's parking.

How nice.

- We're late! - Never mind.

I'm sorry.

We got stuck in traffic for half an hour.

Town's jammed tonight.

George?

Come in and meet my brother.

My brother,

Fred. Excuse me...

Sit down. You must be thirsty.

George? You busy?

I'm smoking.

I can see that.

Can you give me a hand?

Thanks, you're a big help.

Eating in the kitchen?

I'm getting some air, I'm outside...getting some air.

Champaign!

You spending the evening here?

What contempt! Two hours late,

and they give a feeble, phony excuse,

too contemptuous even to invent a good alibi!

They apologized. People do get stuck in traffic.

Apology, hell !

They just find out about traffic jams?

After 40 years here, they should know...

Paris has traffic jams.

No, being late shows you're rich,

and when you're famous, like him, it's nearly obligatory.

You make 'em wait, then appear to the multitude.

Sure, it's the great TV host!

Any asshole can appear on TV!

They both flatly apologized.

That should satisfy you.

And they're only an hour and a quarter late, not two hours.

OK, say an hour and 22 minutes. That's still late!

You're overdoing this, George.

Not at all, I don't think I'm overdoing it.

In fact, I'm going easy.

Don't sigh as if I were a child, or a nutcase.

I get on my high horse more than you do.

You always do.

You live on that horse! Come down!

Relax, catch your breath.

I don't want to come down, I like it up there.

Better on a high horse than on my knees.

The two things are worlds apart, George!

I can't argue now, I'm being rude.

Yeah, the action's out there, not here...Go!

You can be a pain when you want to be, George!

Forgive me for saying so.

Anyway, I expected it.

I told Martine, but she knew already.

I was sure you'd sulk,

or find fault.

I was right. You're spoiling everything.

They're two hours late and I'm spoiling things?

The world's topsy-turvy.

But take it easy,

it's no calamity. I was a bit rough, OK.

It's not insuperable.

They'll think seeing them again shook me up...

An emotional shock.

An emotional shock?

Did I arrive late?

You live here, it's easier.

I can't make this thing work.

And we weren't waiting in the rain.

We were in the living room,

talking quietly.

We were talking.

We were dying of hunger and pacing the floor.

I stuffed myself with nuts.

So did Martine, you wrecked your appetites.

Now I'm being rude. I gotta go.

And Charlotte?

What about her?

Aren't you glad to see her again?

She was. She must have thought you were odd.

Odd?

She thought me odd? She'll get over it.

In the old days, I found her odd, and...

I got over it.

I see it still stings. That's a good sign.

Let's eat, huh? We're still hungry, no?

And we'll lighten things up.

Stop making a big thing of it.

I do what I can. As it is,

I've lightened it a lot already.

You may not see it, but I've absorbed a lot.

Orange juice for me.

I'll look as if I'd left to get a drink.

I'll smoke another cigarette, be there in a minute.

I'll look as if I talked myself into it.

Don't be silly, go say hello.

I don't wanna.

All day you've said "Mommy, I want to say hello to him".

What's your name?

Alice.

Go say hello, doll.

I don't wanna.

Why not?

- Do I put them in? - Don't bother.

No problem.

- Where is it? - That way.

To the kitchen?

He's in there.

Let her alone, she's tired.

You hiding?

No...I had...

a hot flash...

I needed some air.

Feel better now?

It's easing off.

We never said "Hi".

What happened?

I didn't expect to see you here.

Jacques didn't tell us.

I blend with the furniture. I live here.

I sleep on the sofa. He's helping me out of a bind.

Nice of him.

Want one?

No, I've already eaten hundreds, I need a breather.

You're still writing, I see.

You see? Where?

I read a short story...

Yes, the story.

In that case, I still write.

- You doing OK? - Fine.

Except for too much work.

Too much work is bad.

That's why I work very little.

You late for all dates, or only those

that don't count?

- Why'd you say that? - Just wondered.

You really are nasty!

I don't care how important a date is,

I hate being late!

We got stuck!

We apologized, what else can we say?

It's me, I hold a grudge.

I have a problem about people being late.

I get grouchy, and I need time to get over it.

Some things, like this,

I react too strongly.

You hate...

...lateness. I understand. I'm sorry.

Charlotte! I'm glad to see you.

I'm very glad to see you.

You...

You've become...a real woman.

What else?

What did you think of what you read?

- Meaning? - My story.

I'm just curious.

It was very good.

Sort of gloomy, as I recall it.

Extremely!

Extremely gloomy.

I write what I see.

Talking to you is as easy as ever.

So you finally got together!

You're husband's telling a story, we're all doubled up.

George, you put on some show! Thanks.

Your attitude shocked Jacques.

What a way to greet people!

I was just going to apologize.

I'll bow and recite a poem of welcome.

I'm sure he'll be touched.

He's crazy!

Worse than ever! No improvement at all !

How'd you get my number?

No, I haven't forgotten.

Obviously.

A debt of honor, absolutely, I agree...

I planned to come by tonight.

We both agree...

See you later.

OK, right away.

Want a hand?

As a matter of fact, yes.

As a rule I hate that, but I'm swamped.

We suddenly began to doubt

if you were coming at all.

Naturally, we nibbled to kill time,

I'd bought a pile of pistachio nuts,

I love 'em, could eat pounds of them.

Jacques kept nagging at us:

"Stop, you'll kill your appetite!"

George was not amused.

You know George, not much amuses him.

George is George.

You may not remember, but he's a true Scorpio.

A typical Scorpio!

What's a true Scorpio?

It's the worst of signs.

I just read a big thing on it. A horrible sign!

I don't get along at all with Scorpios.

What's your sign?

Scorpio.

Sure, now I remember...

Hold on! Which ascendant?

Scorpio, I think.

That's better. You scared me. It cancels out!

The same sign in the ascendant cancels it.

For example, Gemini-Gemini isn't 4 personalities.

Anyway, I don't know much about it,

but I believe in it.

Really? I don't.

No, forget it.

I admit, waiting is never fun.

But you know how it is, a last-minute phone call

that goes on and on...

You're on your way out, and the phone rings...

I know, I'm a real phone addict.

I'd be lost without one.

It's such a great way

to communicate.

Sure, I admit it's a necessity,

but it is intrusive.

It must drive your husband nuts.

No, he does most of the phoning.

Of course. Yes, I wasn't thinking.

In his work, it must never stop ringing.

You must be super-busy.

That's it...super.

Funny, our getting together again.

- You've hardly changed. - You have, and how!

George said I'd become a real woman.

Exactly! For once I agree with him.

Slice the tomatoes?

We haven't seen each other for ages.

Ten years.

More than that, you don't realize.

It was in...Wait, I'll tell you...

...exactly...It was in...

1983.

So, ten years.

Yep. That's enormous...

It's a lifetime, a short lifetime.

Time enough to really do something.

A cycle. I believe in cycles.

They say ten years is a cycle.

Really? I heard it was seven years.

Yes. It's seven, but...

seven and three is ten,

and three years is a cycle. Besides, there are lots of cycles.

Looks good.

I used haddock. A switch from salmon.

Everybody uses salmon!

Haddock is delicious,

less fashionable,

but very tasty.

Isn't the toast getting overdone?

No, it takes forever.

Takes hours at breakfast. I hate that toaster.

And you?

I don't know the critter, does seem slow.

Who is?

I was joking.

Yes.

How are you doing?

It's hard to sum up, but...

all in all, I'm fine.

As I told George, I'm overworked,

but it's OK. And you?

With me, things are pretty confused.

Very confused. We make out.

I'm going nuts looking for the can-opener!

That's Jacques!

He can't put anything back in its place.

Do I take it?

Please, and tell them I'll be right there.

It all takes time.

Ask Jacques where he put the can-opener.

I'll try to recall all that.

Thanks, you're super-sweet.

I must change. I look like a cleaning woman.

Long hallway, huh?

They're a pain, they keep after me.

That's twice today, once here, once at home.

It's oppressive.

Who are "they"?

You wouldn't know them if I told you.

Sorry, I can't explain now. The thing is...

- You need money. - You said it!

At least $1,000 in the next few minutes.

With $1,000, I can put them off for the rest.

Sure, I'm in deep shit.

So what else is new? You'll always be in deep shit.

Don't be so categorical!

You're always saying "always" or "never"!

You don't discuss things, you generalize.

It's a drag. Don't condemn people in advance!

We have lots of chances.

A guy's luck can change radically.

Maybe someday

I'll lend you money.

You? Lend to me? When?

It's a figure of speech! Want to set a date?

I can't give you a cent, no way!

A sister to rely on!

You've relied a lot. We've been too good to you.

There are limits to kindness!

I've told you the story of the ice princess. Now go to sleep.

Good night.

I don't remember it.

Sure you do. She thaws and marries the guy.

Nice guy, eh? Very funny.

His story had me roaring.

He says it's true.

It's good to meet a heavyweight like him.

You're not wasting your time.

He has a way with language.

A professional.

Funnier in person than on TV.

Of course he's funny,

very funny!

In private, you see he's different

from his TV persona.

Appearances are deceiving.

You know him better than anybody.

You've no idea. But it's none of your business.

Hold on! You telling me you and him...?

Leave me alone!

Something in the wind?

Since when?

Mind your business!

I certainly wouldn't tell you about it.

Not very kosher, all this.

You're talking nonsense! Don't bug me!

Can you hit your friend for $1,000?

Don't be dumb! Give me a hand,

I'm swamped and I have to dress.

Nobody cares about tonight,

except Jacques, and he just worries!

- Why change? - I stained my dress.

- Where? - I don't know. All over.

Marilyn, where are you? I look like a fool!

Sure they came, only an hour and a half late.

You've told me three times you're coming, so come already!

Got any cash?

Can you get some?

Never mind. Hurry on over.

What's up? Where's Martine?

Changing. She stained her dress.

Jacques, I feel trapped.

She couldn't care less. Everyone's waiting. That's lousy.

He's mentioned chow twice.

He's funny, he's polite,

but he made his point: he's hungry.

So am I, by now.

And George, poisoning the atmosphere. What a pain!

You break your ass being nice to people...

Where's your girlfriend?

She's on her way. But Jacques...

My back's to the wall. Got any cash on you?

You're leaving me alone with them?

What can I say to them?

I've been straining for an hour to make conversation.

And I tried hard,

even remembered 2 or 3 stories that used to kill us.

Otherwise, nothing.

I'm willing to fill the vacuum, that's all life is,

but what do I say? I don't know this guy, he baffles me.

Those long silences are getting everyone down.

George, this is an emergency. Got any cash?

No, not much...nothing.

I'm in a bind. It's like an abscess about to pop.

What's going on?

An I.O.U. on a bet.

An I.O.U.?

I had no money, and I lost.

They got upset, which is normal.

It's bad form. You only bet with what you have.

So?

They said tonight...

and no later.

They have no sense of humor in such cases.

Tonight!

Don't take him too seriously, George.

He's gonna hit me for a loan.

I got swung by pros who don't kid around.

Guys like you, but dangerous.

Lend me some bread, dammit, I got a knife at my throat!

Can't you see, I have to ask you for money?

And you preach to me!

I didn't say a word.

Did I, George?

That's a good one!

For years he's blabbed about poker, which bores me!

And there's always a scam!

Do scams interest you?

Yes? OK.

But his stories are only pretexts to ask for money:

"I have to ask for money..."

Not for "a loan". He knows he won't pay it back!

Fred, you owe me $14,000! 14 grand !

You'll never pay me back, and you feed me these routines

which always end : "I have to ask you..."

You want me to act surprised?

To wait for the punch line?

I already know the punch line.

I'm not preaching, Fred. I don't care if you change.

Just change your bank. I'm not your banker anymore.

Neither is your sister.

It's not preaching. It's a decree!

It's my sister.

Of course.

He's a good guy at heart.

I already asked you, George.

You're broke.

You don't have it, right?

That's right.

Then I'm down the drain.

You telling the truth about these thugs?

Sure it's the truth.

Look me in the eye, Fred.

This is the last time!

Thank you.

It's all you've got, huh?

No, this is real nice of you. It'll keep them quiet for now.

I don't want to butt in, but something's burning.

That so?

No, that's how it smells.

Smell anything?

I can't smell anyway.

Do I turn it off?

I don't know.

I could turn it off, but should I?

- You think so? - Depends.

If it should taste burned, leave it on.

I don't smell anything.

Wait...yes I do.

Where's Martine? Is it meant to smell like that?

- What do we do? - Have a look!

- Look where? - In the oven! Open it!

It's all black.

It's cooked.

What was it?

Fred, ask Martine to come here.

I gotta go, they're waiting.

I'll be back. Wait for me.

No more waiting ! If you're late, too bad!

They hardly touched dessert.

It's all going smoothly.

I could have left it out there. But it melts so fast.

It's going well.

What's going well?

The party. I'd say it's going well.

You never wear that dress.

Isn't it nice?

No, it is.

You should wear it more often. It's wonderful!

Nobody touched dessert...

You ate too many nuts.

I had it made specially.

Ice-cream cake in June was a good idea!

Don't fret, it will keep.

Same old story:

our eyes are bigger than our stomach,

so we keep on buying, "I'll make this, and that..."

In the end, no one's hungry.

Too many appetizers.

And you wolfed down nuts before dinner. I warned you.

I told you, and George...

Don't mention George. I can't stand him anymore!

He's a total loss! Nothing's ever good enough,

no one's honest enough for him.

I've had it with his superior airs!

I'm sick of having him around!

He can't live with us forever.

We're just tiding him over?

It's time he left.

Do I toss him out?

He shouldn't need to be told !

Jacques, once and for all, the can-opener goes here!

You never put things away!

OK, fine.

You're all worked up.

It was temporary!

That means what it says. He ought to know.

He knows it's temporary.

Things are rough for him now.

He doesn't like this situation either.

Don't be petty.

You're all worked up. What's wrong?

What's wrong?

His harshness, his inability to be happy!

He sits there mute, then attacks him like a lunatic!

Always the same performance.

This time he picked the wrong guy.

George is lucky the guy's a gentleman.

You noticed how he handled it?

Such class, such control !

It's another world.

He's a success,

a huge success...

but he doesn't brag about it!

George is in a ticklish situation.

Aren't we all!

You in a ticklish situation?

Everyone is. Life is a ticklish situation.

My brother ask you for money?

- I didn't lend him a penny! - Me neither.

Any herb tea here?

Do we have any herb tea?

- Herb tea? - Yes.

Marilyn wants some.

Marilyn? Herb tea?

Yes. Marilyn, herb tea... What's the big deal?

Herb tea, no! A pail of cold water, yes!

Herb tea! She thinks she's hot stuff!

She squirmed all through dinner.

My brother's taste for sluts floors me!

He's nearly 40 and still collecting them.

He never changes.

I'm so dry, I can't stop drinking.

Even so, the evening's going well.

I'll take this in.

You think Marilyn's a knockout?

Like everyone else.

I'd be a hypocrite if I said no. It's true!

OK, I get it!

- Do you mind? - Sorry. I have to get by!

Got any brandy?

People are getting bored stiff.

If I don't get smashed, it'll seem endless.

They're on real estate.

Why buy property, 5-year earnings, tax credits...

Do I care? I have no apartment!

Just a bed, that I can't even open!

No, George...

Up there.

Martine's getting fonder of me all the time.

She's learning who I am.

She's furious at you.

I don't blame her.

She was glaring at me at dinner.

She sure was.

I guess she was annoyed for him.

Put yourself in her place.

Sure, she invited him, she wants him to be...happy.

I invited him.

She still wants him to be happy.

She's the hostess.

You've hit the nail on the head.

You bet.

Besides, she's ready to blow up.

She had a hard day!

Looking after the kids,

organizing the dinner,

doing what a woman does in the home.

She has a right to a nice evening.

True enough.

I'll drink with you.

She's very nervous.

Even I don't understand her tonight.

She's got it in for everyone: you,

her brother and his girl.

Incidentally, that Marilyn's a knockout!

She's really built, huh? Terrific!

A lot of assets!

She knows it, too. She invests everything in it.

I would, too, in her place.

What an ass!

An ass!

How long does it last? Not long.

Then she has to redo it, and that costs money.

Then she'll have 40 years to think about it.

It's an idiotic investment.

Look who's here!

Come on, he's promoted an orgy!

An orgy?

No, I'm kidding.

But he's in top form, a real high-wire act.

The ladies are completely under his spell.

The gents, too.

Except Charlotte, who's used to it.

Daily contact is terribly wearing.

She keeps nodding, as if to say,

"Yeah, I know that one, too",

but considerate, real sweet.

I hit it off with her.

After all, she's a hotshot on a big magazine.

This is all amazing.

He's bewitched the women, huh?

Especially yours and mine.

If you don't mind my saying so, your girl...

A knockout!

She seems nice. What's she do?

She's a hooker...

Just what I thought.

You mean...a pro?

No, the usual kind...gives it away.

I met her in a disco.

Love at first sight. We haven't been apart for 4 days.

Except when I gamble, and since I've gambled a lot...

So nothing final yet.

No, we're starting off easy, observing each other.

What's that?

Brandy. For George. I'm sharing it with him.

I'll share it with you, while you share it with him.

I...wanted to make a phone call.

Never mind.

Frankly, the food was too salty.

The cook must be in love, as the saying goes.

You're gloomy.

You know George, he's always gloomy.

Sure, but tonight he's extinct.

What do you want?

A tap-dance number? No law says I have to.

You're happy?

OK, do what you want, but leave me alone!

I didn't win at bingo, I've nothing to sell...

why should I be joyful?

I'm human, and I'm no TV host.

Only on TV do you see people laughing like morons.

Who's asking you to laugh like a moron?

Just quit poisoning the atmosphere. That's not too much to ask.

You cast a chill over the dinner table.

I couldn't see why.

To me his response was imperial.

Very cool, lots of humor.

He knows his stuff, he could've sunk you.

Damn right.

He didn't, though. He's special...

He obeys the old-fashioned custom of not sabotaging a party.

He could've sunk you.

And 75% of the world sides with him.

So?

That's a majority!

So it's a majority, great!

Which majority?

The one that says the earth is flat? The one for the death penalty?

The one that sticks a feather up its ass if it's fashionable?

Why do you dislike him? He's a riot,

he's rich and famous, yet modest.

You seem to like him.

Why be ashamed of it?

No reason. Call it a matter of taste.

- What bugs you? - Everything !

Oh, come on!

We're in different worlds.

He's a paleface.

You three used to be good friends.

Not at all!

Sure we were good friends.

Ten years ago we were buddies.

It's hard to picture with you two.

He's embroidering the facts.

We weren't such buddies. No one wept when we split up.

It was natural.

I'll refresh your memory: I broke off with him for your sake.

You'll remember if you try.

You were jealous!

Because Charlotte picked him, not you.

You were hurt.

When you avoided him, I stood by you.

I've no regrets, but let's be truthful.

So that's all it was!

So this is the story...

When you're young, you have a clan spirit,

you take sides.

Looking back,

I see a lot of romanticism,

and a lot of pride, for little reason.

They're an odd pair.

You'd expect him to be with Miss World,

but he marries a brainy girl.

With your new perspective, you'll be seeing him often,

putting your fine friendship on a sound basis.

Why not?

It's possible now.

Some fun evenings shaping up!

You won't have to come.

I'll abstain. But it's hard if I'm sleeping on your sofa.

It's temporary.

You'll find your own place.

I really must start looking.

Jolly atmosphere in here, too. I'll try the living room.

I don't get you, George.

Twice he's suggested a poker game.

No reason to deprive him, huh?

You hear me, it's his idea!

I warn you : a friendly little game,

for matches. Right?

A party game...not an ambush.

Naturally. We're not savages.

What a mess, huh?

Who, me?

No, me.

It's me.

I couldn't call before, I'm at a party.

Old friends.

Haven't seen them in years.

Food was too salty, we're all gasping for water.

We're at coffee, it's going on and on.

I dunno, at least an hour.

No, don't expect me earlier.

Stop!

You're too much!

I have to hang up now.

See you later.

You scared me.

Where were you?

There...

On the balcony.

Getting some fresh air.

Everyone in there is looking for water.

Dinner was salty.

You can tell the fish came from the sea.

You heard me phoning?

Phoning?

I used the telephone just now. That's phoning. You heard me?

I heard...clearly.

Sorry, I couldn't help but hear.

Rely on me to be discreet, as we say in such cases.

In this case,

you can do as you please.

It's no secret.

I want that clear.

Alright.

I'm not hiding.

Alright.

I want no misunderstandings.

So your husband knows.

That's right.

An emancipated couple.

If you wish.

You cohabit, for convenience.

Precisely.

Any other questions?

You get around, do you know of a cheap, quiet 2-room apartment?

Here we're close to saturation...

It's embarrassing...

What do you live on... if it's not too personal?

I work part-time in a travel agency.

Is it interesting?

A gold mine!

Anyway, you get reduced air fares.

Planes scare me.

Too bad.

That's lousy luck.

You like to play cards?

Depends. Why?

They're starting a poker game. Your husband's idea.

He loves it, plays every chance he gets.

Then Fred's his man.

What do you think of Martine after all this time?

My friend Martine?

She's more assertive.

She used to be...

shy, more self-conscious.

She's blossomed in marriage.

Her home, her kids.

The standard development.

It's better than none.

So she must have thought.

You don't...want kids?

Sure I do.

But when?

I'm at a career stage I can't interrupt.

Your darling magazine.

Why "darling"?

Fred was praising you, your magazine, the whole bit.

It's not my magazine. It's my husband's.

Really?

I see, it's his magazine!

Now I get it.

I couldn't see why you were hanging on.

Well?

Why am I hanging on?

You have interests in common.

As couples often do.

And I can do without your innuendoes.

I told you, things are clear between him and me.

As for work, I do a good job, my employer is satisfied.

Simple, OK?

It's a choice like any other, a matter of taste.

Lacks a little touch of love, I'd say.

Really?

A little touch of love... You think so?

Can you explain that in more detail?

I'd like the advice of someone perfect.

You're never wrong, are you?

Isn't it tiring, always being the best?

You were like that in the old days: all alone

on your rock, with the truth under your arm,

always judging people.

Ten years later you're in the same spot.

You haven't moved an inch.

The world is as cowardly and corrupt as ever, eh?

It's an old tune, don't you think?

It's the only one I know.

If you'd said yes ten years ago, you might be with me on my rock.

I took some juice.

Sure, take some, I love people with manners.

I already did.

That's fine.

Sorry, I'm furious.

You look it.

It's my brother's girlfriend. She's so inconsiderate!

Sorry, I'll get over it.

Is it the poker?

They're playing poker! I hate it!

But they didn't ask me.

Besides, I can't stand lies.

I'll help you stack.

No, leave it for the maid.

She comes tomorrow, that's her job.

Don't move!

Quick, a dishcloth and hot water!

Never a clean cloth in this house!

- Where? - There!

Can't she fetch her own cloth?

There we go.

You noticed that girl's act?

She goes right to it, doesn't miss a trick!

A real floozy... The way she dresses!

In your day, you were audacious...

Hold it...I was audacious?

In what way?

You were gutsy,

you came out and said it.

Like all 18-year old girls. But not like her!

That mini-mini skirt!

Whenever she bends down, there's an awkward silence!

She can't leave her hair alone five seconds.

And that baby voice.

She laughs hysterically at jokes. When she gets them!

Her act is nauseating !

I wouldn't mind her clowning,

or her clothes, if all the men weren't

hypnotized, spellbound...

Like rabbits in a car's headlights!

And her play for your husband... I'd have slapped her!

If you knew how many Marilyn's I meet...

Sometimes a dozen in an evening.

If I slapped them all...

He's a celebrity...

So they show up like flies...

do their ritual dance...

step on my toes in the process...

But to tell you the truth...

He can handle them...

Really?

What do you mean by that?

He can handle them...?

Just an expression... it's unimportant...

You scared me!

Don't worry.

Anyway, I'll quit seeing my brother.

He always brings over misfits.

I don't mind misfits...

But he gets very pally with people,

gets so involved ! Typical Pisces!

Pisces love everyone!

You and Fred aren't at all alike.

Not in the least! I love him dearly,

he's my brother, but we're opposites.

I hardly know him, but I find him...

...endearing.

He's a problem...Listen,

I have two kids, one's 3, the eldest is 6...

Two kids, know what I mean?

Very well.

I worry more about Fred than both of them!

Yes,

he is a problem.

You have to watch him every minute.

And that's an understatement!

Want some water or ice-cream cake?

Sure...Some water, please.

No ice-cream cake?

No thanks.

Has George...

Has he lived with you long?

2 months. It was supposed to be a week...

He lived 6 years with a very nice woman,

smart, just what he needed,

she kept him on an even keel,

everything was fine...

As far as I know... Overnight, he walked out on her.

I mean overnight!

He had a vision, packed a bag and left!

Go figure it out... We still can't!

That's odd. He didn't explain?

Nothing ! He showed up here, left us no option...

Jacques can't say no...

So he said yes... You know the rest.

He needed a roof!

You're his friends, so he came here.

Sure, he was right.

Can I ask you a question?

Tell me the truth...

Go ahead.

Promise?

I promise...

Was the dinner too salty?

- I need matches. - Who cares!

It's me again.

No, I've thought it over...

I can't leave for a while.

Don't wait for me.

Because...It's not convenient...

So call it a day if you want...

I changed my mind because I'm tired.

I hadn't realized it.

No, I'm not at home. There are people around...

It's embarrassing...

We'll see...

Good night.

Did you hear yourself?

You're signaling me behind his back...

I got your signals...

But what could I do?

Don't talk that way in front of people!

You tell me!

Should I have tipped him out of his chair to stop him?

Shit, you do it, he's your brother!

Don't talk to me like that!

Show some respect!

In front of company!

Sorry, I got carried away!

Please forgive my language, it can happen.

It shouldn't happen.

But you ride me, so I get carried away!

We're alone now: I ask you calmly, what could I do?

I took him aside, I spoke to him each time he got up...

When the game got rough,

he said not to worry, you know him,

he never worries, so no one else can!

Each time I told him to quit, he just laughed !

To him our anxiety is hilarious! He's beaming !

They've both gone crazy.

You saw it:

when they decided to play for money, I read them the riot act!

And left.

I saw it coming.

I didn't want it to get nasty.

I had even warned him.

"Play for matches, Fred ! Friendly poker!"

A match is worth $20 now!

They're like spellbound!

And that Marilyn is riveted to the table,

egging them on,

thriving on the dogfight! It's revolting!

I'm so disappointed.

Very disappointed.

Can I go wee-wee?

You know how to do that alone!

Don't go overboard !

We'll find a way... They'll stop soon, it's 3am !

It's not worth crying over...

Yes it is! It'll relax me, I'll feel better.

I'm fed up...

I'm really fed up...

With what?

Everything....

Leave me alone.

I'll get over it...

I'm on edge, that's all...

What are you doing here, sweetheart?

Wanna go wee-wee.

You lost?

I'll take you.

I'll keep this short and sweet.

Thanks for doing me a big favor.

I was in a spot, you put me up, real nice of you...

We're grown-ups, this thing can't go on forever...

I've been a strain on your household...

So I'm leaving.

May I use the phone to call a few hotels?

Right now?

The sooner the better.

I'm getting sleepy.

Can't you sleep here?

No, they're playing poker on my bed.

- If I go tomorrow, why not now? - At this hour?

The game's not over, and I'm sleepy!

So use the phone!

Thanks.

I'll park my bag in a corner.

I forgot the phone book!

What's going on in there?

Fred's still winning,

but even more!

The other guy's pride is wounded,

so he won't let go...Great fun!

You idiot!

He's enjoying it!

Yeah, I'm ecstatic!

Martine, come clean with me.

I don't know what's got into you tonight.

First you were all worked up,

now you're acting...

as if you'd been wounded, somehow...

You're fed up with everything. What's going on?

Has someone hurt you?

No it's me, my life.

Your life?

Meaning?

I'm sick of this dull life.

We never go out,

I have no job, I vegetate.

Sure, I'm a good mother...Big deal!

Who cares about good mothers?

I wanted to go places...

To create things, be useful...

I don't know...

participate in a humanitarian cause, save lives.

Charlotte works, she meets people,

she's in touch, that's so important.

She's at the heart of things.

So get a job...

Easy to say...What can I do?

It's too late now...

I don't get it.

Let's forget it. Things are never right.

That's a fact.

It'll pass.

Did it suddenly hit you tonight,

wanting to be at the heart of things?

It's just a bout of depression.

Happens to all of us.

All of a sudden, nothing makes sense,

one has no purpose...

It happens...

without warning...

It descends on you...

One has no purpose...

I think it is a passing thing...

Anything else?

Like what?

You should know.

Not a thing.

What could there be?

I'd tell you that.

I won $2,100 on one hand ! With two kings!

I'm murdering him!

You quit that shit!

Forgive the interruption...

Hello, I mean good evening...

I need a cab at 13...

The phone number? It's...

Wait...

Wait... Hello?

Bitch!

I'm leaving, I didn't hear a thing...

Stay, I'm just calling a cab.

After an earful of elevator music, they hang up!

Real communication!

What's the number here?

41 29 04 93.

41 29 04 93?

93?

93.

93. Thanks.

You need to phone?

I still have numbers to look up...

I won't be long.

Hello, I need a...

41 29 04 93

Yes, 93!

What do you need?

A hotel.

No cabs right now.

Got a car?

Yes.

You need a hotel?

A little hotel. So I can go to bed.

Really?

You leaving here tonight?

A sudden urge.

I'll try this one...

Hotel Europa.

Hotel Europa? I woke you up?

Do you have a room?

No, for tonight.

Yes, I'll hold...

A few days.

Dunno. A week or two.

No, a shower.

What's the price?

Very good.

And the price?

I'll think it over.

As you say...

I aimed a bit high.

I'm way off on Paris hotel prices!

Go ahead.

I can wait a bit.

No, I butted in...

No you didn't, that's absurd.

I was just being polite.

Yeah, that's what surprised me!

We can't communicate.

Yep...For sure...

We never could.

10 years ago it was worse.

I wasn't interested in much then...

Except myself...

It's all my fault...

Always was. I have no...

I never communicated with you, and I haven't improved.

My fault...

Martine said you were with someone a long time.

Why did you leave her?

It lacked a little touch of love.

I'll try another number.

That poor guy you phoned, where does he stand?

He...

It's exhausting. One can never finish a sentence...

Where does he stand? He must wonder...

Maybe he's waiting up, sleepy...

No, he went to bed... I let him off the hook.

Very honest of you.

That's me.

Yes?

Yes...41 ...

29 04 93.

93...that's it.

I'll hold on.

You going home?

I was falling asleep.

Those poker games can go on for hours.

I'm sorry for Jacques and Martine.

It's late, they're not having fun.

They're thrilled!

They'd do anything to please you.

To please him, you mean.

To please him.

I'm only the sultan's wife. I'm incidental.

Doesn't bother me.

Even when people neglect me for a whole evening.

I'm used to it now.

But tonight was with old friends, I expected more...

Jacques hardly spoke to me...

all evening...

Jacques...

But that's how I am...

I expect more...

Yes...thanks...

- You got one? - No.

"No cabs right now."

I'll wait a bit longer.

I'm cold...I'm freezing.

Yet it's warm.

But I'm cold.

I'm always cold. Don't you remember?

Want my jacket?

That'd be nice.

Thank you.

I've got a list of crummy little hotels.

They should fit the bill.

So here goes...The Travelers' Hotel.

I'm tired...Aren't you?

I'm almost in a coma.

Travelers' Hotel?

Sorry, I woke you up...

No?

Good, I'm glad...

Would you have...

That's very professional... I appreciate...

Not at all...I'm...

I'm sure you do...

Anyway...

I wouldn't mind if you were asleep...

No, that doesn't...

Good work...

Congratulations...

I can imagine...

You're the night porter.

If everyone did his job, I get it...

Do you have a room?

One room...

That's why I called...

I said, why not try a hotel...?

So...you were saying...

One room...

Not one room left...Very well...

Of course I'll try elsewhere... What can I do?

If you'd told me a bit...

Alright...

Not at all...

Good night.

Good night now...

I'm sorry, Charlotte. I'm very embarrassed...

So is Martine.

We had no idea...

This evening got way out of hand.

Fred doesn't realize, he causes us terrible problems...

He has no perception,

he's so irresponsible...

Doesn't matter.

I'm so embarrassed for your husband.

He's lost a lot.

Don't worry, it's not his first game...

He loves it.

I don't know what to say... It's quite annoying...

I'm...

I'm ashamed...I'm ashamed for Fred.

We want to hide...

- She said not to worry! - Do you mind?

I'm talking to Charlotte!

It doesn't matter, Jacques.

I'm sorry, I think it does.

You tactfully want to reassure me...

But I know it does matter.

I invited your husband.

I invited you both.

It wasn't to ambush you!

My husband loves to gamble...

He gambles a lot, he wins and he loses...

Don't let it upset you.

Anyway, how could you know...

I should have.

I know Fred, he has no qualms...

I never should've invited him... It's despicable...

He's in my house, he knows I hate his scams,

and he goes right to it!

He's always out to screw someone.

Do you care,

if people fall for it?

No one asked you. I know what you think!

You think it's great.

Elsewhere he does what he wants.

But not in my house.

How does it make me look?

What do I look like?

Well, a word comes to mind...

So go ahead and say it.

- An applicant... - An applicant?

An applicant for something... You don't get it?

No, and I'm in no mood for subtlety.

Only for plain talk.

Maybe I'm in the way...

No, feel at home...

I watched you all evening.

Are you applying for a job? Are you?

No, I've got a job. I still don't get it.

Charlotte told you three times it didn't matter!

She knows her husband ! Why are you so cautious?

Why the kid gloves? What are you scared of losing?

His esteem? Did that...

suddenly become indispensable tonight?

What'll you do to keep it?

Don't glare at me!

You're like an autograph-hunter who waits hours in the rain

for the next celebrity, whoever it is!

You got all the answers!

You bumped into him! You don't know him!

You hadn't seen him in ten years! Now you defend him,

like he's your best friend.

Does it really matter if he loses at poker?

Is he poor? He's a writer, journalist, TV host,

he has income!

That's not it.

He's in my home.

No one gets hustled in my home.

Only you think he got hustled!

Only you tell Charlotte her husband got swindled!

I won't let you say that!

I watched them play for over 2 hours.

Fred doesn't cheat.

Believe me, Charlotte, he doesn't.

He plays straight, he hustled no one.

No one's a patsy. Fred needs money, and he's winning.

That's not immoral.

If you weren't so "blinded", or "dazzled",

you'd see it.

That's how you see it.

But don't tell me how I'm supposed to act.

I think I'm civilized.

I'm hospitable.

You should know: you've abused that for two months!

Is it over?

Nice game.

Very nice game.

I couldn't do any wrong...

Unfortunately for him, and he played very well,

I got all the cards tonight.

- How much did you win, Fred? - $16,000.

- What? - $16,000.

Think you're smart?

Jacques, you can't let him do it!

I'm dealing with this, Martine.

What are you going to do?

Dunno, buy a car maybe.

You can't accept that money!

He did, he was given a check!

He gave you a check for $16,000?

Yeah, he lost it, so he paid up. Big deal!

I won't let you swindle people in my home!

Here come the big words again!

Yes, swindle people!

Don't scream, no scandals!

Yeah, I won, don't make a thing of it.

That's not what I meant!

- It's what I meant! - You got that check?

Sure he has. It's on him! He put it there!

So what? Calm down!

Go take a shower!

I've got it and I'm keeping it.

It's the last time you set foot in this house!

OK, it's the last time.

You plan to keep that money?

Hasn't the joke lasted long enough?

The check's yours, Fred. I watched you play.

You played well, you were down and came back,

you were daring and cool, it's your check.

Thanks, George.

May I call a cab?

I said yes, use the phone!

Thanks...You're very kind.

Fred...How much do you owe me?

I read you...

Do you read me, Fred?

No, I'm so happy, I hardly heard you.

I said : how much do you owe me?

$14,000.

Now I read you.

I'll write you a check for $2,000.

And you give me yours.

You've got my $14,000 on you. You're giving it to me.

What if I just leave?

You won't leave until you've paid me back.

You let him pay you.

Now you pay me.

You'd stop me from leaving?

Yes.

Physically.

So let's try it.

Worth a try.

He's stopping me.

You can't win 'em all!

So give me your lousy two grand !

He won't take it back.

Proud of yourself?

Good evening...

I'll tell you, but please be polite.

I waited ten minutes, you don't answer...

Now you want to hang up?

I'm lucky?

Never!

No one talks nicely.

We're not animals, goddamnit!

Yes, I'll hold on. Thanks.

It's settled.

I gave him back his money.

The incident's closed.

Very good. You did the right thing.

He was tired.

He asked me to wish you goodnight.

Oh, Fred...

He's seeing Marilyn home.

He's gone?

Yes.

He's gone.

Thanks!

Subtitles: A.Whitelaw & W.Byron

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