Original subtitles

That's Sadiel.

I recognize him.

This was shot three days ago by our agents.

Sadiel was coming back from a conference in Cairo.

Sadiel came back to Geneva for an important meeting.

You see the second car?

It is the Swiss police, good protection.

It's his second meeting this month with an envoy from his country.

Stop.

Look at that man.

He's the cousin of the Head of State.

I got a report yesterday.

My agents think the meeting was decisive.

You know, Lestienne,

we have at most a few weeks before we need to act.

A few weeks?

The report is clear:

Sadiel's exile is coming to an end.

Sadiel reached an agreement with the Head of State,

via that cousin.

Cognac?

Please.

Why would the Head of State allow a dangerous man like Sadiel to return?

Especially after sentencing him to death in absentia.

Sadiel is very popular.

By allowing him to return,

they probably hope to calm people down.

And don't forget, before he fell out of favor,

Sadiel was the most influential counsel to the Head of State.

And Sadiel didn't impose any conditions for his return?

Of course, he did.

Two of those are unacceptable to the United States.

First, Colonel Kassar has to step down as Minister of the Interior,

and even from government altogether.

And once Sadiel is back,

it's felt that he'll take his country out of the American sphere of influence.

We can't allow that under any circumstances.

That's why there's an urgent need

for someone to arrange a meeting between Sadiel and Colonel Kassar.

Us?

Of course, we'll remain in the background.

Do you have a solution?

We can't do it in Switzerland. Sadiel is too well protected.

It's my turn to show you something.

Sadiel and Kassar. When was this?

Shortly after the independence.

They worked together with the Head of State at the time.

You want me to make Sadiel go to Paris. I think I have the right man for that.

Darien. Francois Darien.

What does this Darien do?

All kinds of things, a born loser.

Always has big schemes, dreams that never work out.

How did he meet Sadiel?

During the Algerian war, Darien was in trouble,

he took refuge in Milan, and that's where they met.

Sadiel really liked Darien.

When he was President of his country's Consultative Assembly,

he brought Darien over to work with him.

Do we have a file on this Darien?

Can we put pressure on him?

We can put pressure on anyone.

THE FRENCH CONSPIRACY

Freedom for Saigon! Freedom for Saigon!

Look, I think it's almost over. I'm off.

I'll stay a bit longer.

Be careful. This is where it gets dangerous.

I'll be careful, "Mom."

You fool.

I just want to see what happens, then I'll come home.

See you tonight.

Come with us.

Shut up!

Leave him alone, this one's for us.

I'm just doing my work.

Sure, we'll see about that.

Come on!

Let him go. The one is ours.

Let me go.

We'll work it all out.

Come on now and stop arguing.

- Let me go! - Get In!

I told you, I didn't do anything.

Start the car.

I was provoked by two strangers.

That's what you all say.

Who, me?

Yes, nosy guys like you who want to play soldier.

Even the protesters, once they're here.

You got caught in a fight.

You resisted law enforcement agents.

Malicious mayhem, assault and battery, and you were caught in the act.

Impossible. It's a misunderstanding.

You're not unknown to us.

Darien. Francois Darien.

Were you in the Algerian resistance during the war?

I was amnestied.

In 1960 you left France in secrecy. Why?

I was fed up with everything. I wanted to start over.

Start over.

On May 18, 1960 you arrived in Milan, with a fake passport

under the name of Raoul Chapard.

Two weeks before, a house had been searched,

on Vignes Street in the 16th arrondissement.

A young woman was arrested, but a man escaped.

He shot his way out of there.

That's a lie. Neither of us was armed.

A police officer was shot during the operation.

Badly injured.

He is partly paralyzed, permanently disabled.

Yes, I was there. You know that.

Files gather dust or they just get lost.

But one day they resurface in a routine inquiry.

We had an agreement on this matter.

I mean...

Please understand.

You would forget about Vignes Street, and I would...

You would be our informant.

Yes, that's the word.

But that's all history now.

If my information is correct

you have much less to offer now.

Didn't you have a lawyer?

Yes.

Let's go, Francois.

They have agreed to deal with the matter calmly.

They won't rush into anything.

But keep quiet. Don't do anything stupid.

I'm sure they'll hush up the matter again,

but you have to offer them something.

What can we give them?

You are aware of certain things in leftist circles.

- I won't do that again. - Look, Francois.

If you wanted to be brave, you should have done that in the '60s.

Now you're tainted.

However, there's no hurry. Think about it.

They promised not to put pressure on us.

You left your husband, your son, and your house

to practice social medicine in a slum

and live with that loser.

He's not a loser.

Well, I think it's pathetic.

- He needs me. - Yeah, right.

Why are you so mean, Henri?

I'm not mean. I'm jealous.

They arrested me.

What did I tell you?

- Hi. - Good evening.

I was about to leave

when I saw some undercover cops beating up on a girl.

Somebody had to do something. Right?

That's when they took me in.

They didn't keep you overnight?

I'm sorry, but no, they didn't keep me overnight.

Next time I'll have them send me to the hospital if that pleases you.

Funny.

I heard your tapes. They're really good.

Nothing will remain of it in that bourgeois paper of yours.

- Okay, see you later. - Bye.

- I'll call you tomorrow at the hospital. - Okay.

Are you the one reading this shit?

I read all kinds of shit.

Well done.

Bye.

Will you file a complaint?

Complaints, protests, petitions... It's all whiny bullshit.

Police have to beat people up. It's their job.

You abolish them or you let them beat you,

but crying won't help.

Do you know I find you funny?

I thought you wanted to work.

I have four hours of footage.

I interviewed all the North Africans and Portuguese

who come to the dispensary.

It bores me to death.

I'm sick of poverty and sick of do-gooders.

It's true, the Portuguese are brutalized by their...

That's enough. You're pissing me off.

You also piss me off.

Saving the poor turns you on.

If that's what you want...

Attention!

Present rifle!

All we need to do is gather

our intel about the organization and their equipment sale.

Excuse me.

Where are we on this?

I found the man who will be our contact.

He wants to help.

In any case, he has no choice.

But we'd like to know one thing, Minister.

Is it only to ask Sadiel to be part of your government

that you've asked me to arrange this meeting?

Only for that.

(Sadie) refuses to negotiate with you, personally. Everyone knows that.

I've done certain favors for you.

Make this meeting happen.

Sadiel will have to listen to me.

Please understand. The meeting is on French territory.

Nothing will happen to Sadiel on French territory.

Do I have your word?

My name is Francois Darien, I've been invited by Mr. Lempereur.

You can park your car here.

I came on foot.

On foot?

Yes, from the bus stop.

I'll show you the way.

Would you like coffee, cognac or a cigar?

A coffee, for starters.

Where were you seated?

I wasn't at lunch. I've just arrived.

I thought so.

I wouldn't have missed an interesting man like you.

I know you from somewhere.

Weren't you in Agadir last June?

No.

But you know Morocco?

Yes, very well.

That must be where we met.

Stop chatting and take care of my African king, please.

This is not a request. That's what I'm paying you for.

Don't get the wrong idea. They're not all whores.

There must be a few honest women here.

Plus a few bankers, and young government officials.

An African king.

You're making sure Africa stays French.

You look just as bored as I am.

I also write dark novels, which are borderline porn, for fun.

But you won a few awards for your dark porn novels, right?

You are Francois Darien.

In 1961 you wrote a most beautiful and lucid report on the Algerian war.

- How do you know? - I've read it.

What do you do now?

I get by.

Are you still writing?

Yes, a novel.

It's... part fiction, part essay.

It's the story of a man who fights against France

during the war in Algeria.

He's arrested by the police during a mission

and forced to cooperate with the French intelligence service.

All the while sticking to his ideals.

It's a meditation on political activism, its ambiguity.

That's interesting. Do you have a publisher?

Two peas in a pod.

I shouldn't have invited you both on the same day.

What are you two plotting?

Come on, Lempereur.

Maybe we just prefer each other's company

to that of your guests.

What's wrong with my guests?

They're boring and reactionary.

Even the women have right-wing pussies.

I'm a business lawyer, my friend.

Have you ever seen solid leftist capital?

Barring that of the Communist party, of course.

I'm stealing Darien for a minute, something important.

How long has it been since you saw Sadiel?

About a year.

Do you know Garcin?

- The TV producer? - Yes.

He's doing a series about developing countries

and wants to talk to Sadiel.

Euro TV, one of my clients, is involved.

I thought of you.

It's a job that will last months, and the pay is good.

What do I have to do?

You'd be in charge of the political direction of the show.

Above all, you will organize the interview with Sadiel.

Go see Garcin tomorrow.

He'll brief you.

Yes?

Ah, excuse me.

- Good morning, Sir. - Hello.

So, did you think about it?

Yes, I think the show should focus on certain key areas,

and some movements that are very representative.

For example, the Middle East with the Palestinian Fedayin,

then the United States.

- The United States? - Yes.

In a series about the Third World?

Yes, it seems paradoxical, but racial issues

make it a Third World region.

Right.

Then, of course, there's Latin America.

I don't think we can highlight all those issues.

Besides, our goal is information, not propaganda.

Let's start with the most pressing.

We have to convince Sadiel.

Without him, there's no series.

I know Sadiel very well.

We worked together for a long time.

I could convince him, but I'd have to go to Geneva.

Okay, then, go. As soon as you can.

- Mr. Garcin, we're ready. - Yes, coming.

- Bye. - Bye.

- Did Lempereur mention money? - No.

We pay your travel expenses, but your salary will be paid by Euro TV.

It's better for you. They're not as stingy as public TV.

See you.

GENEVA PALACE OF NATIONS.

Hey, there's Sadiel!

Why did you attend this meeting?

I think the Palestinian issue is the greatest scandal of our time.

The UN wanted my opinion, I came to tell them what I think.

Did the Palestinian resistance ask you to mediate with Jordan?

I'm at the service of the Palestinian people.

No more questions, please.

Do you want to unite revolutionary forces in the Middle East?

Ask the CIA about this, they are following the matter closely.

So you're optimistic?

François, good to see you!

It's an honor, Mr. President.

Thank you, gentlemen. No more questions, please.

I haven't seen you for a year. Why didn't you come more often?

I'm not always in charge.

Politics is knowing how to play all sides.

But don't worry. Like you, I haven't lost my moral compass.

And you?

How are you doing?

Ups and downs. Mostly downs.

Come on, let's talk about all that.

A car has been following us since the Palace of Nations.

I'd hope so. That's the Swiss police.

I avoided two accidents already.

Kassar managed to place some of his men in the apartment just above mine.

Since then, I'm officially under police protection.

The Swiss guarantee banking privacy and the safety of their guests.

Their reputation depends on it.

So we have nothing to worry about.

Funny, how easy it is.

What's easy?

My father sent me to French school as soon as I could read.

A school for children of notable people.

But I wasn't the son of anyone notable, so the principal didn't accept me.

I sat in front of the door every day for three months, and they gave in.

They let me sit in the back of the classroom.

A closed school door may have determined my life.

The first obstacle I had to overcome.

Damn. All that to go to school?

When you're poor, knowledge is a weapon.

Even the knowledge of the oppressor.

That's how the movement built its leadership little by little,

over 30 years, with the best students coming out of French schools.

Before taking up arms, we had to know how to speak.

We had to appropriate the masters' language,

their science, in order to beat them.

But you rich people will never truly understand us.

The Palestinian crisis of 1947 to 1949

is to the Arab world...

Sadiel! The report is in.

I think the strike will be successful this time.

Kassar's days are numbered, don't you think so?

It's not so easy.

Sadiel, can you look over your letter to the unions?

I'll be right back.

Your proposal is interesting.

But I want guarantees.

I want to know who else is invited from the Third World,

and I want a say over the final cut.

If I couldn't guarantee that, I wouldn't have come.

I don't trust French television.

I'd rather have another producer.

There is another producer. It's Euro TV, a private channel.

A French company?

If it's a French company, they can manipulate the show,

one way or another.

No.

It should be an American channel.

I have the perfect man. Howard, an American writer.

He's a TV correspondent in Europe.

He's a leftist. I think he will say yes.

Yes, I know him. I met him about a year ago in Cairo.

If I can get those guarantees, on paper, in a contract,

I'm in, I'll do the show.

So?

I think it's final. He will only do it under those conditions.

Well, then, we don't have a choice.

But I really don't like the way he questions our objectivity.

Especially from someone like Sadiel.

Where would he be without French culture?

Mr. Garcin, nobody doubts the objectivity of your channel.

Because everybody knows it takes its orders from the government.

In the United States, we have a free market.

You can show and say whatever you want.

The Black Panthers can have their complete say on TV.

Afterwards, the police can shoot them once they're in jail.

Okay, fine. Let's do it that way.

Here, before I forget.

Your first check.

10,500 francs...

We have to talk about Vignes Street again.

I have an idea.

We'll talk about it one of these days.

If we give Sadiel those guarantees, as we should,

we can probably go and shoot it in Geneva.

No.

What do you mean, no?

No, he has to come to Paris.

It's just as easy for the crew to go to Geneva.

Just think of any technical excuse. I trust your imagination.

But Sadiel has to come to Paris.

There are two reasons for this.

First, the TV show, then the ongoing negotiations

for Sadiel's return to his country.

He's going back? He didn't tell me.

You don't publicize something like that.

An agreement with the opposition is on the fast track.

Sadiel will be pardoned and will take part in the government.

And this can't be done in Geneva?

In Geneva, all secret services are keeping an eye on him.

The CIA, most of all.

Because of his influence on Palestinian extremists...

Sadiel is their bète noire now.

But in Paris, a meeting between Sadiel and an envoy

can be organized discreetly.

Garcin's TV show is the best cover-up.

It's not Garcin's TV show.

Try to be a bit modest, Francois.

If Garcin didn't know what this is about,

he never would have agreed to our conditions.

So Garcin is also...

Who is Garcin, exactly?

An intelligence operative? A cop? An honest correspondent? A spy?

A man who works for his country.

Just like you and I.

Just like many others.

That's all I can say about it.

I've told you too much already.

Confessions of an English Opium-Eater by Thomas de Quincey.

I thought long and hard about the advantages and disadvantages,

and I've decided to confess before I die.

Because, for several reasons, all has to come out.

You're crazy, Francois.

Because of the champagne?

"Multimedia." What does that mean? It's not even Latin.

They'll think we're Americans, and you know what it means.

Sit down.

Admit that you're jealous.

Jealous, me?

Be honest, Edith.

If Mao Tse Tung or Fidel Castro produced the show,

you'd react the same way.

You love me because you have power over me.

I'll see you at home.

Don't bother. I'm not coming home.

What's going on?

I've had enough of you supporting me.

Since I started living with you, I stopped getting anything done.

I'm going to live alone and write.

I'm tired of being seen as a loser.

That's because you behave like a loser.

You wrote something good once, and you're still living on that.

You're done, in politics and literature.

You've shriveled up inside.

Fuck off!

For how long do you need my villa?

Captain Lardy.

Colonel Kassar will arrive the same evening.

I can't predict how long it will last.

It could last a few hours, perhaps longer.

How will he get to me? How do we get a hold of him?

That has to happen officially.

It's been arranged. Two detectives are in charge of that.

I've worked with them for years.

It's routine for them.

You will act as my assistant.

Okay. It'll be an honor for me.

Gentlemen, everything is in place.

Now all we need is a date. Then I'll inform Colonel Kassar.

Darien?

Sadiel will choose the date of his arrival,

depending on the date of the show.

Is Acconetti the owner of that villa?

Yes, Antoine Acconetti.

That guy is a scumbag.

He's a gangster. He owns brothels in North Africa.

During the war he worked for the Gestapo.

As a former member of the resistance, you should be ashamed.

You're not exactly in a position to take the moral high ground.

I'm out.

Oh, you're very much in.

First of all, you have no choice.

Furthermore, it's all perfectly legal.

We're completely covered.

Acconetti is a crook, so what?

It's not the first time he has helped the government.

This time, he's indirectly helping with Sadiel's return.

Sometimes the price of admission is a bit steep.

Francois.

Garcin's secretary booked a ticket to Geneva for you.

You leave tomorrow morning.

I'm preparing my official return.

Are you really going home?

The government is in shambles. They need the opposition.

They're done with extravagant public trials.

You can't end corruption or raise living standards

playing on the sidelines.

They sent a delegation.

Did you meet with them?

We're still negotiating.

Which guarantees are you asking for?

Amnesty for all exiles and political prisoners.

A detailed political platform submitted to the people's vote.

And a new government to implement the platform.

That's why I'm interested in your TV show.

It's a unique opportunity for me to explain our intentions to the world.

You need to come to Paris to prepare the show.

Yes, I absolutely want to talk to Howard and Garcin.

Next week I'm on a trip.

When I'm back, I'll call you to schedule a date.

In any case, it will be around New Year's Eve.

I'll wait for your call.

If all works out, will you work with me again?

Come have lunch with me.

I'm meeting with Michel Vignaud, my Parisian lawyer.

He's a remarkable man, full of contradictions.

An orthodox communist, but very open-minded.

You're absolutely right on this.

If the party had reacted differently on the colonial issue,

first in Indochina, then in your country and in Algeria,

history would have been different.

In 1943, after the Americans landed in North Africa,

the French Communist party sent us a guy.

We were young, nationalist and leftist,

and were eager to join.

Do you know what he told us?

That we had to abandon the idea of independence.

After the war, a united France

would give us a better path towards socialism.

For us the spell was broken.

And we didn't become communists.

But since then, a lot has happened.

Problems are different now.

What's the main problem?

The army.

Above all the high-level officers,

educated and promoted during the French colonial wars.

If you say that on Garcin's show, he's not going to like it.

It's not his show, it's ours.

Darien has all my guarantees on paper.

Including Howard's participation.

Now the show looks acceptable to me.

It gives me the opportunity to hold the government accountable.

This is really important to me, do you understand?

Especially as I'm negotiating with them.

Isn't it a compromise to negotiate with these people?

You know very well it's a compromise.

But we demand a specific political platform.

A political contract.

And the ability to inform and mobilize the people.

Kassar won't be happy about it.

If I come back, Kassar will have to go.

Do you think he will agree to that?

Part of the army supports him. So does the business sector.

And the Americans.

And our secret service.

I know. It will be a showdown.

But it's always a showdown. Right?

Aren't you entering the lion's den?

For me, exile is the lion's den.

There's nothing worse for an activist.

It's nice here, isn't it?

Everything is clean. The trains arrive on time.

Nobody's dying of hunger.

But I'm not home, and it's killing me.

I can't stand it.

I don't feel at home anywhere else.

But I know when I'm home.

By the sun, the taste of the water, the street noises.

I'd make a deal with the devil to feel that again.

Not bad for a lawyer.

Even a shady lawyer.

You know I appreciate this social promotion.

First, you invited me for coffee, and now for lunch.

Next time, it'll be a whole weekend, right?

A whole weekend needs to be earned.

Sadiel called me.

He'll arrive on Saturday.

He wants to have lunch with Howard, Garcin and I.

It will be New Year's Eve.

Hello, Vignaud? No, I am not free for lunch.

Exactly, the TV show.

Before that, I am meeting Ajam on the Champs Elysées.

At 8:00 p.m.?

Yes, I'll see you then.

- Gentlemen. - Good morning.

My assistant, Mr. Le Gall. This is Officer Fleury.

- Will you go alone, Fleury? - No, I'll take Melun.

Ah, very well.

Of course, I will stay out of it, but Mr. Le Gall will be there.

He'll bring you to the house.

Where will you leave the car?

In the alley, just after Dragon Street.

You're not allowed to park there.

I'll have an official car.

They wouldn't dare give us a ticket!

Be there at noon. It's a dark blue 404 Peugeot.

Al right.

We're covered, aren't we, Mr. Garcin?

Comfortably.

Coffee, please.

Hello, Sadiel.

- My wife. - Nice to meet you.

Thank you.

He's there.

- Alone? - With a couple.

I'd prefer if he didn't meet anyone before lunch.

A cute blonde. She looks harmless.

The guy, as well.

Have them followed all the same. Find out who they are.

Bye.

You really won't do this TV show?

The police follow me constantly.

If I do this show with you,

I'd sign my own extradition order.

I have to stay in France until I finish my PhD.

Kassar will never forgive you for leading the student movement.

He'll never forgive me for being your friend.

Is it true what they say?

What are they saying?

That you're going home.

Yes, it's true.

Soon?

It's not settled yet.

I'm waiting for an interview.

- Here in Paris? - I don't know yet.

It could be.

Are you returning for strategic reasons?

Or because of the color of the sky,

the cool breeze in the shade, the women's voices at the market?

For the taste of a ripe fig, the scent of orange trees,

the faces of workers learning how to read

in the evening, after work.

For the weddings and the funerals.

For all of that, I'm going back home.

Come have lunch with me.

You can tell me what you think of this show.

And the people I will work with.

Do you know Francois Darien?

I met him when he worked for you.

Later, I met him here a few times.

Feels like you're holding back.

Holding back? No.

I'm just confused.

Something in him isn't clear.

In Darien?

No. I know him.

He's strange, but he's loyal.

Loyal to me, in any case.

Second floor.

- Mr. Darien's table. - Over here.

Thanks.

Hey, where's Garcin?

Late. Must have learned that while working for French TV.

And Sadiel?

Always on time, he's obsessive.

We're early. Let's go for a walk.

We're not late.

Police. Will you follow me?

Not you. Please leave us.

Move on, will you?

Can I see your passport, Sir?

When did you arrive?

This morning, at Orly.

What's the purpose of your visit?

A TV show.

Are you sure you don't have a political purpose here?

I'm asking because I was tasked to arrange a meeting

between you and a senior official.

In that case...

First, I have to apologize to the people I'm having lunch with.

We're late already. If you please...

Are you really French police?

Show him your badge.

Very well.

This show is going to make waves.

(Sadie), the Black Panthers and the Fedayin.

Garcin's risking his job.

He doesn't know what he's getting into.

Yes, he knows very well.

- Sadiel is not here? - No.

- Hello. - Hello.

Did you order already?

Melun, the steering still pulls to the right.

I thought you had the car checked.

It didn't change anything.

Okay, I'm done.

I'm all for peace in Vietnam, the Black Panthers and everything,

but I don't like to be taken for a fool.

He may have been delayed in Geneva.

Well, if he's here before New Year, call me at the office.

Are you armed? You're crazy!

Don't talk to me like that!

That's rich. Coming from a habitual traitor.

Masculinity's between your legs, not in your armpit.

You are here for your own personal safety.

Please, follow me.

The only hiccup is the witness.

The police officers had no instructions, so they didn't take him out.

We have to know who he is.

We know.

We followed his wife. His name is Ajam.

He's working on a PhD in History.

Sadiel was his professor, once.

So what are we to do?

Nothing. Neither you nor I.

Lardy can handle it.

With Acconetti's help, if need be.

That's what they call the social division of labor.

And Darien?

I scared him, so he wouldn't do anything.

Did you know he was armed?

Armed?

We needed him to get Sadiel, but he's starting to worry me.

I know him well. He's very unstable.

He's a coward.

He's weak, no doubt.

But capable of anything when he gets angry.

He was very close to Sadiel.

A complex relationship.

Don't worry. We'll keep an eye on him.

Everything okay, gentlemen?

- Very good. - Yes, thank you, Madam.

Some more bread, please.

- Are you celebrating New Year's Eve? - Yes, at home.

Not for long, I'm on duty tomorrow.

- In the office? - No, I'm on call.

Say, don't you find all this a bit strange?

What are you talking about?

I don't know.

We take this guy to a meeting with an envoy from his government,

and where do we go? To a gangster.

I mean, Acconetti is no small fish.

Never ask yourself questions like that.

I did after the war, when we found the Gestapo files.

It almost broke my career.

Now I only have one principle: Cover your ass.

And are we covered?

Isn't Garcin sufficient?

We've worked with him for years.

Nothing ever went wrong.

He was officially introduced to us by Mr. Lestienne.

In the boss's office, even.

But still, Acconetti...

Can we have some bread, please?

What are you doing here?

Just checking to see how things are going.

Am I not allowed?

- How did you get this address? - In the phone book.

Antoine Acconetti, entrepreneur.

Then I took a taxi.

Did people see you come in?

Of course.

The taxi driver and the waitress at the cafe where I asked directions.

Like Hansel and Gretel, I leave a trail of bread crumbs.

Where are you going?

I'd like to know what's happening up there.

Nobody needs you there.

Pallois!

Keep an eye on him.

Thank you for what you've done, Mr. Darien.

- Where is he? - Upstairs.

It was hard to keep him quiet.

Hey!

To calm him down. Very effective in the cardiac region.

Did you try to undermine our government

by means of underground resistance?

Who leads and finances those resistance groups?

What help do you get from the Eastern bloc,

and from certain Arab countries?

Are there officers who support you

and could plot a coup d'étât on your orders?

Colonel Kassar is an expert in plotting.

Are you in contact with members of the police force?

The police will be the first to be purged,

if we are in power.

What game are you playing?

Where did you learn knife tricks?

In Indochina, with our French friends.

We don't have any friends in common.

Leave us.

You, too.

You expected to meet someone else.

Why do you refuse to talk to me, Sadiel?

I remember that we were friends once.

Look.

You looked over my shoulder for a better view.

As if you were leaning on me.

Would you really come home,

and take a ministerial position?

No, only for a new start in politics.

And would you work with me?

I never said that.

I know you never said that.

If I agreed to work with you,

I'd lose the people's trust.

The people!

Ever since I met you, that's all you talk about.

I also love the people. I also want their happiness.

But you also know that they're not enlightened enough for some reforms.

You see, you're saying the exact same thing as our former colonizers.

That's why I could never work with you.

You made the wrong choice.

You should have remained in the shadow of power.

Power is fickle.

Sometimes you get all you want.

Other times it slips right through your fingers.

You betrayed the power we conquered together,

and you chose exile.

And to plot against me.

Do you realize that you are nothing now?

Do you understand that I have you in my power?

Lardy thinks that in my safe, in Geneva,

he would find important documents, addresses.

But there is nothing in there.

Everything is in my memory, and nobody can break that.

Are you sure?

Everybody talks. Why not you?

Everybody confesses, if you take the time.

If I want to start a trial,

I look for a culprit and a crime first.

Then I make him confess.

Fine, put me on trial. Are you ready to take that risk?

No, Sadiel, I won't take that risk.

But I will.

I'll accuse you in public.

I'll bring peasants from everywhere and show them your palaces,

the roses in your gardens, the cells of your prisons.

After that, I'll let them judge you.

The people.

The people?

They kiss the winner's ass and spit on the dead.

You can plot whatever you want.

I'm sure you will reach the height of power.

But you'll also be murdered.

By another schemer who's more clever than you.

Your best friend, maybe.

And you're right, Kassar.

On that day, the people will understand, and they'll spit on your corpse.

You've made your choice.

- Do you have a cellar? - Yes.

But I don't want this to happen here.

Of course not, but it's more convenient to interrogate him.

Connect me to Mr. Lempereur.

Tell him Darien is on the line.

Hello, Lempereur?

No, let me finish.

I know what's going on. They're out to get Sadiel.

So listen to me.

If he doesn't get out of there alive, I'll blow the lid off all of this.

Let Kassar know, I'll be in touch.

He's not on the train.

Perhaps, he stole a car.

Colonel, remember our agreement.

Nothing on French territory.

Right.

You have to stop everything until Darien is neutralized.

Yes, I'm working on it.

Understood.

I'll call you.

We have to find Darien and make sure he doesn't talk.

By any means necessary.

I thought you didn't want to look like a loser anymore.

Leave me alone. I have work to do.

You have to let me hide here, Edith.

Just for one night.

You don't need me. I'm an obstacle in your life.

Get out of here.

They tried to shoot me.

Who?

They want to kill me, Edith.

Francois... Have you been reading pulp fiction?

It's not fiction at all.

Sadiel was kidnapped.

I can't find anything.

"At Tony's." What does it mean?

"Tell Vignaud: At Tony's in Ballancourt-sur-Essonne."

I thought you'd know.

Where is Darien?

Why didn't he come himself?

He's in danger and needs to stay in hiding.

The villa where Sadiel is being held captive...

How does Francois know about that?

I don't know. He didn't have time to tell me.

He just said that it was a matter of hours.

And that you'd know what to do.

One thing is certain, Sadiel called me this morning from Orly.

Ajam.

He said he was meeting with Ajam before lunch.

That's him.

Are you crazy? Can't you watch where you're going?

A brand new car! I just had it painted!

It's your fault!

No, it's not! You appeared out of the blue!

He comes out of nowhere, and he blames me!

That's enough!

You could be more careful!

If you need a witness, I saw everything.

What's with him?

You all saw! I didn't do anything!

I didn't touch him!

Call the police!

Wait here.

I didn't touch him.

He's wounded.

It's not me! I didn't touch him!

You saw that, people!

I swear, I don't have anything to do with it.

Did you see what happened?

There was a fender-bender, and while they were arguing,

a man appeared with a knife, stabbed him and left.

It's insane. We could have stopped him.

Ajam has just been stabbed to death.

Do you believe now that Darien's telling the truth?

Let's go to the police.

No, he said, "No police."

We need to inform the public.

The public? The masses?

You want to inform the public on New Year's Eve?

You're my only witness.

Come with me to the police, or I'll file a complaint against you.

Hold on. The hospital for you, Chief.

I'll take it in my office.

I'll connect you with Chief Rouannet. Yes.

It's the hospital.

Yes?

No, thank you.

Mr. Ajam is in a coma.

- It was murder. - Of course.

These New Year's Eve quarrels...

It was premeditated

- from people whose interests... - Please.

Come on, you're telling me a crazy story.

Kidnapping, sequestration, assassination.

Do you have any proof?

- Darien's statement. - Come on.

And where is he? Why isn't he here?

We've already told you. A jam's murderer...

Precisely. Here he'd be safest.

Unless he's hiding something from us.

Listen, it's a matter of hours.

Let's go to Ballancourt and try to find this Tony.

A man's life is at stake.

A Third World politician, to boot.

I'm only on night shift.

Tomorrow, whatever happens, this is not my business anymore.

You won't do anything?

I'm warning you, this is called

"failure to render aid to a person in danger."

Please.

Don't tell me how to do my job.

What do you think?

That you'll come with me to Ballancourt-sur-Essonne

to search for this Tony? With the lady, perhaps?

No, stay in your lane, attorney.

Lespinasse!

Take the lady's statement, in as much detail as possible.

I'll keep you posted.

This way, Madam.

Hello, Lacombe? Rouannet here.

Do you have a pen and paper?

Ask Orly if Sadiel arrived today.

Yes, himself. No, from Geneva.

And there's more. Antoine Acconetti...

Yes, Big Tony.

Does he have a villa in Ballancourt-sur-Essonne?

Find out and come see me.

Yes, I'm waiting. Thanks.

Hello. I need your help. I want to track somebody.

Darien.

I have it, Boss.

Villa Mon Repos in Ballancourt, you were right.

We're going there. We're taking Dunoyer with us.

I will get a warrant for a house search.

Police.

Sorry to bother you at this hour, but...

A witness told us

that somebody was being held captive here.

Are you crazy? I'm sitting quietly at home.

Please open the gate.

- Do you have a warrant? - Of course. Come on, it's cold.

Can I see it?

Do you want to look upstairs?

- What's in there? - The kitchen.

Lacombe.

- And there? - The cellar.

What asshole pulled this trick on me?

None of your business.

- Where is Mr. Acconetti? - In Paris, dining with friends.

Nothing. Just bottles.

Mr. Acconetti is well connected. He'll be furious when he hears this.

That makes us even. I'm furious, as well.

They're here.

Let's do as I said.

You go out. They'll certainly follow you.

That's the only way they can find me.

I will wait a while and go the other way.

Shouldn't we call Rouannet? He is a cop, but he seems honest.

No, if I call Rouannet, I am cornered.

It has to hit like a bomb.

For that, I need a few hours of freedom.

Only you know where my office is.

Don't betray me.

Come on.

I'll see you at 3:00 p.m. at St. Michel metro station.

Are you sure? Isn't it too busy there?

Do as I say.

I'm used to it.

OFFICES

You're not allowed in here, Sir! You have to leave!

I'm sorry.

Darien!

I thought long and hard about the advantages and disadvantages,

and I've decided to confess before I die.

For several reasons...

Today, the 1st of January, I, Francois Darien,

of sound body and mind, am recording my confession.

I was present during the planning of Sadiel's kidnapping.

I know the perpetrators and their accomplices.

Unintentionally, I played a role in it.

But it's a long story. Let's start at the beginning.

No trace of Sadiel's arrival in Orly.

No telex from the intelligence services. Nothing.

However, you were right about Kassar.

He arrived yesterday afternoon in Orly at 6:30 p.m.

- Type this up in triplicate. - Okay.

And Ajam?

Al the witnesses say it was an accident.

A collision, a commotion, a quarrel.

Nobody could describe the man.

And Mrs. Ajam?

She denies everything Vignaud said.

She insists her husband never met with Sadiel yesterday.

And Darien?

Still no trace.

Say, Chief. Are we stepping on some bigwig toes with this case?

My questions weren't taken well.

Is that anything new?

You will always step on toes. Remember that, or find another job.

At 7:00 p.m. I saw Sadiel in the entrance hall

of Acconetti's villa, handcuffed, surrounded by guards.

I was in a corner. He didn't see me.

His guards led him to a cellar door.

What happened then, I don't know.

But they weren't paying attention to me, so I escaped.

Listen, there's no trace of Sadiel's arrival in Paris.

Or at Orly.

He called me.

It doesn't prove that he called from Orly.

And Ajam?

He died before he could make a statement.

And his wife claims that she doesn't know anything.

She's terrified. She won't help us.

But who will?

Can you reach Sadiel or his staff?

I called Geneva all night. Nobody answered.

So what do we have?

A secondhand statement

from someone who is known to be a compulsive liar.

What about the guys who were chasing Darien?

That's not a lie. I saw them.

Wait. What are you telling me?

You said that last night, Darien called you.

He came to the hospital and said he was being chased.

I put him up for the night.

This morning there was a car with armed men.

But he managed to escape.

He has to put himself under my protection.

Not likely.

He is convinced that you can't protect him.

He is sure that you will be forced to give in and cover up the case.

Nobody has ever forced me to give up on a case.

Where is Darien now? What is he doing?

He's recording the whole story of Sadiel's kidnapping,

to have it documented, in case something happens to him.

But I don't know where he is.

He certainly didn't want to tell me.

- I thought I'd find you here. - Francois.

I'm happy to see you.

About time you resurfaced.

Organized crime isn't what it used to be, you know.

Youngsters don't even know how to tail someone these days.

Better to do it yourself.

What do you have to offer, Francois"?

A tape.

I recorded it myself this morning. It's in a safe place.

It includes all the names and all the details.

I only enhanced my own role a bit, that's normal.

How much do you want?

50,000 francs? 100,0007?

I want the maximum! I want Sadiel's life.

Go find Kassar and Acconetti. Tell them to stop everything.

Or else my story goes public.

I'll try. Where can I reach you?

You're joking. I'll call you at 8:00 p.m. at the club.

No need for mistrust, Francois.

I give you my word of honor.

Stay seated, Captain.

Tell me, Rouannet.

I'd like all the information you have on the Darien case.

I'm dealing with it personally.

Darien, a scoundrel.

He has worked for us since 1961, but now he's trying to cheat us.

He worked for you?

As an informant. Pathetic and fawning.

A traitor of convenience.

The kind of guy we need, but the lowest of the low.

Sadiel arrived in Cairo yesterday afternoon.

We just received a telegram that confirms it.

Mr. Darien now tries to blackmail some of our friends.

He's cunning. A genius at make-believe.

It seems he's in danger. He's been shot at.

Who told you this extravagant story?

His girlfriend, Edith.

The pretty Edith!

The epitome of radical chic.

Professor Lemoine found her in the U.S.

He married her when she was still a student.

She gave interviews on television during May 1968.

But she has changed a lot since those days.

She practices social medicine in the slums.

She will end up working in a factory.

She's a mystic.

I like people in alignment with their principles.

Darien seems to have recorded a tape this morning

recounting the story of Sadiel's kidnapping.

A recording?

I'd be curious to hear it.

Listen, Captain. I promise you...

If I find this tape, I will give it to you.

If you don't mind,

I hope to get that tape before anyone else.

I already told you. This case is important to us.

Don't get in our way again.

I started this investigation, Sir, and I will finish it.

Were you followed?

I don't think so. I did as you told me.

Tonight Sadiel will be free, or the bomb will go off.

It'll make waves.

Francois, what's your role in this case?

What is the truth?

- Vignaud told me that you... - What did Vignaud say?

Rouannet, too. They insinuated that...

That I helped with the kidnapping? They're right.

- It's not true, Francois. - Yes.

In 1960, I worked for the Algerian resistance and got arrested.

I can't tell you the details, but I had to agree

to work for the police.

Or rather, for the secret service.

I thought they'd forgotten about me, but a few weeks ago

they forced me to see Sadiel again.

Please tell me you didn't do such a thing, Francois.

It's not about me. It's about the truth.

But which truth?

How do I know you're not still working for the police?

If you don't believe me, nobody will.

Listen, if I haven't called you before 11:00 p.m.,

go to office at Multimedia.

The tape is in the recorder.

You must believe me, Edith. I need you.

I love you, Francois!

Howard, Darien here. I'm calling about Sadiel.

Yes, he's been kidnapped.

Are you interested?

All right, listen. If I haven't called by 8:30 p.m.,

meet me at 9:00 p.m. at 5, Saint-Sénoch Street.

Listen, I have an idea.

I'd like to bring Peter Schenk along.

The German.

What do you mean, why?

With him we get Der Spiegel and German TV.

You want to make a lot of noise, right?

Of course, I won't tell anyone.

Okay. My office is called Multimedia.

See you at 9:00 p.m.

See you tonight, Darien.

We found Darien, Sir.

Good. Multimedia, tonight at 9:00 p.m.

Very good, thank you.

You see, all is well.

Do you know where he is?

We know where he will be at 9:00 p.m.

He just called Howard to tell him everything.

You haven't told us where he will be.

You already took too many risks.

If I may...

There have been too many mistakes already.

He needs to be handled by professionals.

Sorry to interrupt, our friend has been found.

He will be taken into custody at 9:00 p.m.

Splendid, thank you.

There are rumors that Sadiel disappeared yesterday

after an interrogation by French police.

But we checked, and none of our services

had anything to do with President Sadiel.

An investigation is underway.

It will lead to nothing, of course.

I'm sure you won't surprise us, either.

No surprises. You have my word as French officer.

I am told that you will leave Paris this very evening?

Yes, tonight. If there's a seat on the plane.

You'll find one.

Let me know if you don't. My people will handle it.

Thanks. Excuse me.

Good evening.

Our French friends are pretty nervous.

Yes. They insist I leave Paris tonight.

What are they afraid of?

I don't know. An unexpected witness, perhaps.

Or the miraculous return of Sadiel.

You have to admit that it was all very amateurish.

The interrogation didn't yield anything.

Neither did the search in Geneva.

Perhaps, we should have stuck to our plan.

That's too bad.

Once at home, with time, Sadiel would have talked.

You underestimate his kind, sir.

They're indestructible.

Sadiel was indestructible.

He got the heroic death he deserved.

Perhaps, you're right.

In any case, I prefer his kind dead.

They are less of a nuisance,

even though they take their secrets to the grave.

Sadiel was one of the last dangerous popular leaders

in the Third World.

The others are in power.

We can make deals with them.

Bribe them or topple them.

It was high time we got rid of Sadiel.

And if there is a scandal, the French will take all the blame.

A nice bonus, isn't it, Mr. Minister?

Today, the 1st of January, I, Francois Darien,

of sound body and mind, am recording my confession.

I was present during the planning of Sadiel's kidnapping.

I know the perpetrators and their accomplices.

Unintentionally, I played a role in it.

But it's a long story. Let's start at the beginning.

Are you alone? I couldn't find Peter Schenk.

Police! Open up!

Police! Open up!

Today, the 1st of January, I, Francois Darien,

of sound body and mind, am recording my confession.

Why wasn't I informed earlier?

You didn't want to work with me.

Do you know Darien?

Death occurred at 9:55 p.m.

He shot himself in the head when we knocked.

He had the weapon since the Algerian war.

In his office we only found his fingerprints

and those of his girlfriend, Edith Lemoine.

The perfect suicide, right?

I found it, but it's yours. I keep my promises.

I thought long and hard about the advantages and disadvantages,

and I've decided to make my confession.

I know this text.

For several reasons, all has to come out.

That's why I broke the rules of well-mannered reserve,

because an Englishman has no greater disgust

than for that of a human being who forces his moral scars on you.

They doctored it. The tape is useless.

Yes, they doctored it.

Cops! You're all the same.

I could've told you we didn't find anything at Multimedia,

that Darien had lied.

But I wanted to warn you that they will cover up the case.

That won't happen!

It's too late. He died for nothing.

We have the media with us.

We need to create an information committee.

Yes, the media. It's a good idea.

Alert the media.

And keep me informed.

Ladies and gentlemen. Silence, please.

Mr. Lestienne will answer your questions.

Mr. Garcin?

Can I start with an indiscreet question?

Questions aren't indiscreet, only answers are.

We are here to inform the public,

and tell the truth, whatever it may be.

Lately, the public has been rattled by rumors

circulating about the suicide of Francois Darien.

The truth, whatever it may be, should not be slander,

gossip or political scheming.

There are rumors, indeed, and it is truly a shame.

But what are the facts?

A mediocre individual with a troubled past

is found dead in his office.

The investigation determines it was a suicide.

The man was desperate, professionally and morally.

From this incident, which didn't even make the front page,

some have imagined a crime novel.

A police officer was sanctioned, condemned for gross negligence

and revealing information to outside parties

that shouldn't have been informed.

A foreign correspondent was asked to use his talent

and his thirst for justice in his own country.

The truth is very simple, gentlemen.

There won't be a Sadiel scandal.