All language subtitles for Alain Robbe-Grillet - Le Jeu avec le feu. Playing with Fire - French with German Subs

And now Carolina

already resembles the adolescent

that her mother was,
in her younger days.

Is it merely for memory's sake,

or because of old men -

herodotus, balthazar
or Solomon, son of David

said to yearn for warming their souls
against the flesh of maidens?

Young maidens...

But, no, this is a lie...

Already as a child, beneath
the low beams of the attic,

every quiet, still and
empty summer afternoon,

I would re-read my red book
riddled with images

of beautiful maidens
with Doe-like figures,

slim, slender, golden,

chased by dogs,
forcefully caught by hunters

who handed them over, trembling,
to a wistful old prince...

To the wistful old prince,
regretfully abandoning his golden quill

on an elusive text
that still remains incomplete

and slowly contemplates in his dreams

the feverish, panting
and lost prey

that is finally thrown at his feet, yes.

Gracefully removing
her tattered clothes.

Seeing the captive laid bare,
her eyes enlarged with fear.

She's whipped in front of him
by servants, for his pleasure.

He then bathes her wounded body,

caresses her, and falls asleep,

cuddled up to her.

In this cruel ceremony of marriage
where he condemns her to death,

impaled, crucified, eaten alive
at his wedding feast.

The last image shows her,

presented on a bed of roses,
with her lips slightly parted.

And now Carolina must surely resemble
this image from the past.

This looks like it.

Good, you can pack up.

"Live animal"

Enough! Down, girl!

If you're good, you'll get
a nice bowl of soup when you arrive.

She's a young dog, who is
not yet very well trained.

If you don't stop,
you'll get a good beating.

You see, she's already beginning
to understand some words.

Playing with fire

Message for
georges balthazar de saxe.

Banker. Age 47. Widow
with an only daughter. Carolina.

Carolina. Carolina. Carolina
is in the park, reading a book.

Innocent and peaceful.

Right now, she's in great danger.

Who are you? Hello! —I repeat...

Carolina is in the park,
reading a book.

What do you want?
—Innocent and peaceful.

Right now, she's in great danger.

Message for georges balthazar de saxe...

Ah Maria... go immediately...

Go tell Mathias to meet me
at the bottom of the garden.

And as soon as possible.

My respects, sir.

Your daughter, sir,
has just been kidnapped.

Kidnapped.
Your daughter Carolina.

She is now in a safe place.

In the hands, alas, of an organization
both powerful and cruel.

The ransom was fixed
at one million dollars.

In convertible currency,
or petrodollars.

The method of payment will be
communicated by return post.

The price is fixed,
and no haggling.

Promptness of payment
is an essential condition.

Otherwise, interest will be applied

on a daily basis.

And also...

The organization reserves the right

to utilize the economic
potential of the girl,

giving her to the rich clients
of a special house for perverts,

in which Carolina will be imprisoned
to satisfy their sexual fantasies.

An exhausting work
that could tire her,

of course, bit by bit.

If the police are notified...

Your daughter will be burned alive.

We can guarantee a complete result, no
one will find the slightest trace of her.

Allow me, sir,
to show you the proof of

the seriousness of our business.

Ah, it's you, Mathias.

Sir is unwell? —it will pass.

Those guys squirted...
Some kind of drug, right in my face.

Oh. Unhappy clients

with whom sir had made
an appointment in the garden?

No, you fool! The guys who were here...
I don't know who they are.

At least sir knows
what they wanted to obtain?

Did they ask for something?

No... no, they didn't ask me for anything.

Ah. Well, sir should take a rest
and not worry about anything.

I'll check that
everything is in order.

Quick! Quick!
For the love of me.

I can't say more.
Your little Carolina

lost.

Pardon me sir, but
I see nothing suspicious.

Tell me Mathias, at what time
did my daughter leave this morning?

Does anyone in the house
know where she went?

Miss Carolina left the house
around nine o'clock.

As far as knowing where she went...

The simplest way is
for sir to ask her.

Miss has just returned.

I passed by her as I was leaving
the house.

As she was going up to her room.

With your permission,
I take my leave.

Oh good, you're here.

Well, yes, what's going on?

Has nothing odd
happened to you this morning?

Odd in what sense?

Did you write this on this postcard?

No, why?

It's in your handwriting.

Yes... oh, yes, silly me.

When returning from campus,

a stupid taxi driver
took me on an unexpected detour.

In an unknown neighborhood,
we got completely stuck in traffic.

Miss, could I have an autograph?

Would you be able to
add something to it

that would commemorate
this all too brief meeting?

Ok, but we must hurry.

It's a bit dry.

Couldn't you... put for example...
I don't know, "your Carolina"?

Why would I do that?

Let's say... for my love.

And there you have it!
She freely signed.

That's it. Capable and recruited.

All done. Carolina de saxe
is already in our hands.

Details.

Abducted without incident,
with extreme discretion,

and transported to the safest
of hiding places.

Further details.
—the request is turned down.

All are equal before the law.
Even the head.

Everyone observes the autonomous
responsibility of their own sector.

Watertight compartments, efficiency.

No risk of blabbering,

and limited damage
in case of accident.

And that's what I say.

Special instructions?

No, I want daily reports.

That is your right. —goodbye.

Call Pierre garin for me.

Follow frantz.

Okay. Why?

No questions.
Report twice a day.

On frantz? Okay...

Carry out the mission. Goodbye.
—goodbye.

Pardon me, sir.

But here's a message
which arrived earlier,

while sir was in the gardens.

And that I forgot
because of the commotion.

I should point out that this was
the cause of my delay

to meet sir.

The instructions
for freeing the female prisoner

will be given at the point marked
with a cross on the photograph.

Pardon me, sir,

but it seems to me that all
of this is becoming really thrilling!

It could perhaps be something serious.

Perhaps there is just one
coordination error in the system,

and tonight... or tomorrow...

So do you think that
I'm really going to be kidnapped?

And what will they
do with me in their lair?

Have you already participated
in sadistic games?

Sometimes. But not too much.
What exactly?

Spanmng?

Rather the whip.

Cigarettes, quartering, nettles,

swabs soaked in alcohol,
and so on.

I think I would prefer not to...

And in any case,
those things are expensive.

Indeed. We'll fix the price
and pocket the money.

And no one will ask
whether you like it or not.

We will get in touch with
jo—la—gagne, your pimp.

Come on! Let's go!

You will write him a nice little note
right away.

He'll have to pay quite a tidy sum,

if he wants you returned to him alive.

Only one coordination error in their system
and the kidnapping will still take place.

Tomorrow, today perhaps.
With a slight delay.

A standstill. We should
take advantage of this respite

to place ourselves under
police protection.

So far, it's an empty threat,
which I've carefully hidden.

But to what end?

Ah Carol... Carolina... Caroline...

Given that it seems
to be an empty threat for now,

thus let's take advantage of this respite
to alert the police,

without wasting a moment.

Four, three, two, one... zero!

What happened?

I wanted to burn some papers
and it exploded!

But why? What papers?

Nothing but old stuff!

And this? What is it?

An old doll that I kept.

A doll made of celluloid
in the fire?

Don't you know that it explodes?

Many children have been burned alive!

But I didn't throw it in on purpose,

I don't know who put it
in the basket,

with all the papers to burn.

I emptied it without looking.

You're not hurt? —no.

Sure?

Just a bit. A little burn.

It looks like a cat's paw.

And if it was something else?
Inflammable stuff put there on purpose.

Calm down.

Don't invent
unnecessary concerns.

I wanted to call the police.

But it is better not to
for the moment.

After all, you weren't kidnapped.

And all of this resembles... a game.

Miss! You'll be safe here.

Go away! Down, boy!

Now, he's gone. You can get out.

In any case, he didn't seem too mean.

You think so?

Yes. But... he bit you?

Oh no, no, only scratches
from the bushes.

No, it doesn't look like that at all.

No, no. He must have
grazed you with his fangs.

Well, in any case,
it's nothing very serious.

Oh yes, it is. Adog that tries
to bite, is always mad.

You must get an injection right away.

But how? Luckily for you
there's a doctor right here.

Don't be surprised...
We came here for a duel.

I must have lost my purse
when I ran just now.

Don't worry.
You won't need it from now on.

Get out of here!
We don't need you anymore.

One: You have been weighed
in the balance, and found wanting.

Two: You have lost the opportunity

to save your happiness
and your power.

Three: Your empire, and the flesh
of your flesh will perish in flames.

Listen, I gave it a thought.

I reckon it would be better
to wait for...

The gentleman you've been
expecting has arrived.

Bring him in. —right away, sir.

He's a young man
you haven't met yet.

He can help us with all this.

Are you working on the house?

No, I don't know what's happening.

Carolina, could you ring please?

Sir rang for me? —yes, Mathias.

What's that racket?

A thousand apologies.

But it was only a minor
incident from the kitchen.

I allowed myself to take steps
to put together a box for delivery

in order to burn it conveniently.

Again!

If sir will permit,
I will go see what this is about.

You'll prepare yourself
to please this client here.

Understood?
—yes, sir, understood.

He's surely one of the key men.

So make yourself beautiful

and open your eyes.

Miss is scared.

Well, miss is not wrong.

Here's all that we know.
A non—existent kidnapping,

a huge ransom to be paid,

a secret appointment
at the most visible place in Paris.

And no specific threat?

No. No threat.

Then it's all a joke,
without a doubt.

But it's best to be careful, however.

You should place
miss Carolina in a safe location.

No, I'd rather stay!

She is safe here.

I'll hire some additional bodyguards.

The house...
—is the least secure of shelters,

it's obvious.

Given that the kidnappers
know you're here.

We must find a place
where nobody would think to look.

An insane asylum... a prison
for a political party...

Or a brothel.

Wait, I have an idea...

I have a friend, completely trustworthy,
who runs a sort of...

Clinic.

A place of rest
for exhausted young women.

It's... calm, discrete,
classy, you know.

Importantly, the bodyguards always
watch over the safety of the clients.

Whom the director of the house
knows personally.

Away from Carolina,
I wouldn't feel calm.

Naturally.

But it's not your
peace of mind that counts.

But the protection of her own body.

It's important that Carolina
leaves this very evening.

My friend Erika is in Paris
and could accompany her.

Is this place far from Paris?
—no, not too far.

As an extra precaution, Carolina will
dress as a boy, in one of your suits.

Or rather, one of mine.

By chance, I have one
in my suitcase.

Because I didn't have time
to go home and change.

Yes. The integrity of her young body.

I hesitated at first.

I made some objections...

But finally, I accepted.

Your empire, and the flesh
of your flesh will perish...

By fire.

Can you give me a shirt, please?

This one here, miss?
—yes, Maria.

Come in.

It's perfect.
As if it were made for you.

I'm afraid the jacket
might not fit so well.

Mathias, would you call a taxi?

Sir doesn't take his car?

No. I prefer a taxi.

We need a mustache.

Nothing could be easier.

Ah, a fake one!

Naturally.
All men's mustaches are fake.

You didn't know? —no.

Kidnappings are romantic.

Unfortunately,
it's no longer what it once was.

In olden days, fair beauties
were abducted by horses.

Raped by swans,
seduced by snakes.

Torn apart by bulls...
Pleasures past, unfortunately.

Times change.

Swans? And how did they do it?
—I'ii show you.

She was full
of attention and kindness,

and I observed that she made love
in a technically correct manner,

but nothing more.

As a memento
I took the gold chain,

that Carolina always wears
around her waist,

and that she had
forgotten to put back on

after removing it
to put on her trousers.

"The guy that I was following

was not actually frantz,

but a younger boy wearing
the same exact suit."

Don't say anything.
You're expected.

Madame will be right down.

Here, my lady,
your new little pupil.

A first—class purchase.

Carolina de saxe,
Erika Von eigher.

Needless to say,

that this is a false name.

Thank you, ma'am,
for the welcome.

Don't thank me.
The pleasure will be all mine.

The young lady should
change out of her disguise.

It is no longer suitable
to her circumstances... now.

Although, maybe...
On second thought...

You will find a dress to fit you
on the couch in the lobby.

Hurry up.

“The pleasure will be all mine.”
bitch.

I will make you lick her pee
off the floor.

She'll put on her boots,
and a belt to fuck you.

It's good.

It's so much larger in here
than it appears from the outside.

Yes, it's rather large.

And it's...

How do you say...?

Who are those girls
dressed in black?

The residents of the house.

All dressed in black?

It's the custom, to better distinguish
them from the servants,

who wear white.

Why are they so still?

They're resting.

Well then, will I also

always have to...

And all these doors?
—well, these are rooms.

What do they mean, these photos?
—as you can see, they are portraits.

And here is your room.

Is she a good pupil?

If she's not docile, don't hesitate
to punish her. Cruelly.

It's already been done.
See the effects. Curtsey...

I am yours, ma'am.

Your dress.

Get up.

Is she a real whore?

Guaranteed, sir.

Where's her neighborhood?

Palais royale.

Her price?

Third category.

Undress.

Immediately, sir.

Yes, it's good.

You'll serve it to me
with a red sauce.

And flambé au cognac.

Very good, sir. As a side dish,
a bed of tagliatelle?

If you would like.
Is she nice and docile?

Naturally, sir.

Nonetheless, give her another injection,
so that she is as soft as can be.

I'll do as sir wishes.

I have everything needed right here.

The doors and the corridors,
photographs, keys.

The names on the doors.

My own photo, and my own name.

I wanted to close the bolt,

but it had been unscrewed
during my short absence.

My legs were weak
and my mouth dry.

I saw a bottle on a tray,

which seemed to be
water for the night.

I drank a full glass.

But I soon realized
I'd made a big mistake.

I beg you, young man, to hold back
from performing an irreparable act.

That would put in danger her

that god was placing
under your protection.

No acts of violence
in this sacred place.

Come on, let's hurry!

She's gonna get
quite a wedding night!

Come in.

Hello baby.

Isn't it locked?

It was removed.

Removed the lock?
What do you mean?

It works perfectly.

Oh yes, so it does.

How was your night?

Listen, things are going on
in this house.

Don't you find it bizarre?

Bizarre?

No. Why? It seems
quiet and comfortable to me.

But the people?

I found it a bit...
Deserted, perhaps?

Why do they lock me in?

As a precaution, no doubt.

And who gave you
the key to my door?

A guard, of course.

But you saw the room with the portraits?

Yes, I briefly saw it as I went by.
It's a fun idea, don't you think?

Why are you so nervous?

I had a bad dream last night.

There was a very strong, tall man
who was washing my body.

You should take a tranquilizer.

I have one with me, if you want.

The cane! It was not a dream.
His cane is still here!

Don't be silly.
It's my umbrella.

I put it there when I arrived.

Here.

Swallow, now.

Now, don't be naughty!

Even as a child, you already had
morbid nightmares.

There's no reason to worry yourself.

I contacted, despite everything,
your potential kidnappers.

As if you really were
taken from the house.

I was taken.

But no, you're here.

So I went to the meeting place
marked on the postcard.

It was the first time in my life that
I climbed the arc de triomphe,

and will also certainly be the last.

I should, however,
take you there someday... later on...

I no longer know when,
nor for what reason.

Now, when you were a little girl...

Whom I held by the hand.

Sir, you also take your child
for a walk?

So how am I supposed to reply
to this question?

This idiotic phrase must be
some kind of password.

That those idiots didn't even
communicate to me.

Fine weather, indeed to visit
the capital with your family.

It's true, the sun, the wind,
the rain, the smell of the air,

the day dawns,
the night falls, and so on...

It so happens that I've brought
a little something with me.

Memento of Paris.

Like the obelisk erected
facing the arc de triomphe.

And the flesh of girls offered
in the secrecy of brothels.

Does this bring anything to mind?

Ah, thank you.
I wondered where it had got to.

The chain, of course.

As for Carolina, alas,
you know her cruel fate,

and you know the price,
to save her from it. Ah!

You'll take a cheque?

Why not a loan payment for six months,
while we're at it?

Cash then.
Ah, that lack of trust.

And in small denominations.
Let's say, 10 francs.

And more convenient
with the current cash crisis.

500,000 bills,
ten per millimeter, about...

Yes, more or less

that's a column fifty meters high.

That much?

Of course, and very cumbersome.

Not to mention the hard work involved,

to obtain them discreetly.

That's none of my business.

I carry out orders, pefiod.

Get thinner bills,
or renegotiate the deal.

The orders on this point
are precise.

Small used bills enclosed
in a bag of new cement.

Deposited on a construction site,

which is at kilometer k,
on street x.

Here is the scale map.

Here, right here in niche c.

Just to the right after passing door p.
Got it?

You know very well
there's a credit crunch.

I'd rather pay you
in several installments.

However,
take this in the meantime.

Three, four, five, six, seven,
eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve.

That country bumpkin.

Hoping to impress me
with the efficiency

of his organization,

forced me to accompany him
to this lousy night club.

In twenty seconds,
the girl that you're looking at

will be called to the phone.

She won't return.

Is the ransom considerable?

Professional secret,
Mr. De saxe.

Miss Diana Van Der berg
wanted on the phone.

Beautiful victim, don't you think?
Touching and tender.

For the pleasure
of our sadistic customers.

It's done. Capable and recruited.

Come on, get up.

You must be ready at seven
for a difficult customer.

There's still time.

Do you want
to be punished some more?

By you? —no, by Erika.

She always invents those little
things that really hurt.

Remember?

Yes.

Only you lose, not us.

There are always customers
that appreciate the show.

And even the ladies.

Yes, I know.

Don't you want to make love
a little more?

No, little demon,
I no longer want you.

Really?

Then how about you rape me?

Like this.

My goodness, lady,
what is happening to you?

I wonder where this fell from.

Don't scream!
We will take care of this!

It's done. Capable and recruited.

Pretty enough, don't you think?

For you sir, special offer:
50,000. If you would like.

Let go of me immediately.

Or else the embassy of my country...

If you like, we could put her
in a more practical position.

You know, it was inevitable...
Two or three of our men raped her.

They are entitled, by contract.

Unless it's a special case.

I beg you, sir.
Tell them not to touch me anymore.

My father will pay
whatever you wish!

Of course he will pay,

but this doesn't stop us.

Even if! Admit
that the show is enjoyable,

I don't think it was
very prudent of you to show it to me.

I could recognize the places,
give directions.

No sir, you can't.

Think of your dear little Carolina,

and all the fun things
that could happen to her.

Burned alive, for example.
But we can do better.

As for this,
it's a temporary haven.

Perhaps tomorrow,
it will no longer exist.

No! Let go of me! Let go of me!

If you're not a good girl
we'll burn the tips of your breasts.

Don't harm her too much.

She must arrive
at her destination

in usable condition.

No!

There...

Shoot.

Now, watch the birdie.

Shoot!

The client is waiting.

He wants her right away,
just as she is now.

Ok, we're coming.

Hello, hello.
How are you feeling today?

This hotel doesn't offer
many distractions

for a fashionable young lady.
—no, I've no time to get bored.

The place is nice, isn't it?
—yes, very nice.

So, all is well.

Your father
has made several visits.

Yes, I mean no.
One that I know of.

Do you need anything?
—no, thank you.

Well, all right then,
I'll be leaving.

I am going to have the dog rape you.

Come, tell me that you love me,
little girl.

Ma'am, I love you.
And I am your slave.

Or else I'll send you out
into the gardens.

I'll set the dogs on you.

They'll savage you to death
and devour you.

Have you pray'd to—night,
desdemona?

Sweet soul, take heed of perjury!

It's death that is arriving now,

like a thief.

Talk you of death, my lord?
—ay, I do!

Me. Therefore,
confess thee freely of thy sin.

Have pity! I did not do that
which they accuse me.

By heaven, you did it!

I saw your little panty

that he displayed like a handkerchief.
I saw it! With my own eyes!

Fie! Whore who cries in front of me!

Drive me away my lord.
But don't kill me.

Shut up now, little bitch!

So kill me tomorrow.

Let me live tonight.

No, desdemona

I feel like it now,

and it can no longer wait.

Enough time remains
to say one more prayer.

It's too late.

Not yet quite dead.

And still... warm...

And soft...

And sweet.

I don't want to prolong
your torment too much.

Age?

Eighteen years old.

Her death was recent.

Oh, and still fresh.

How did she die?

It was a sexual crime.
—particulars.

Raped then disemboweled.

By whom?

By her confessor.

The funeral service?

Oh magnificent,
it finished a few minutes ago.

The burial?

As soon as you are done with her.

It's ready, sir.

Set fire to her.

Hey, you went for a walk?

Behave!

Down boy.

Ah yes, I'd forgotten the key earlier.

Good night.

Is our little prisoner getting
used to her new condition?

Oh, no, sir. —all the better.

A lot of our clients prefer that.

It's horrible. —naturally.

Your distress is very enticing.
—we like her very much.

Let me go, I'm begging you.
—give her one dose. — just one?

One is enough.
A small quantity of revolt is nicer.

Tell me what's up,
don't be such a pig!

Listen Pierre garin,
are you whining or playing?

Ok, ok, |'|| play.

I don't see anything tonight.

Good. 50.

Tell me where you've hidden the
little de saxe girl, or I'm folding.

I'm not going to do your job, 0k?

What do you have?

I am tired.
And the work is too difficult.

And I always end up
by getting yelled at.

All you have to do is tell bonnaud
that you've found it and all's well.

He'll want to go see!

Well, it's easy.

You tell him that it's
at the top of the arc de triomphe,

and when he's on the edge... presto!
You push him a little.

Just below,
that's where he'll find the solution.

You mean the girl
is already dead?

No, this is a metalepsis,
not a hypotyposis.

And those who should understand
will understand. Matthew 10:18.

He didn't understand for sure.

I understand only that
I've run out of money.

Ok. We'll play something else.

The girl that's being sent back
to her family...

We only have two hours left
until the delivery.

What? She's being returned?
Have they already paid?

No. There's an error
in the quality of the goods.

We have contractors
devoid of merit.

Luxurious standard of living, but in debt.
The bank refused the payment.

Oh, shit. You see, they'll blame me.
I'm so sick of this.

The economic climate is most unfavorable.

The banks are stopping their credit.

And then people are
more and more depraved.

In my opinion, it will end badly.

I don't know what the clients
have done to the girl, up at the villa.

But it's nothing too orthodox.

In fact, she's still a virgin.
Do you want to see?

Hey, lads! Bring the basket.

Virgin?

Very rare, today.

Anyway, what a pity.

Ah, on this point,
I quite agree.

I'm a guy of normal appetites.

Ok then, let's play poker.

No.

War. Eh?
It's more up your alley.

War.

Unwrap.

You're dogs! Nothing but sick.

You bastards!

Those fools must have forgotten
the injection this morning.

I'll get revenge.
I don't need the police.

I'll find that dump...
And with my friends we'll blow it up.

Don't be a pain. My friend
has enough problems as it is.

I know my folks are broke.

The mansion, the rolls—royce...
It's all a bluff.

But you could have
haggled a price

instead of sending me back
for free.

What am I gonna look like
back at school?

You're studying what? —drama.

So you'll be able to act.

Do you think it will be fun dealing
with those stupid journalists?

Don't be a nuisance!
We're working here!

War.

That's it.

My friend has won.

He'll be the one
to proceed with your deflowering.

So you'll at least have something
to tell your girlfriends.

Pierre garin... um?

You are despicable! I hate you!

Missionary position,
but tie her well.

All beautiful women,
young, rich.

This is the twelfth
for all we know,

and no one has yet
filed a complaint.

This suggests
that there are others.

Hundreds maybe.

Your informers? —above reproach!

Perhaps, chief, we should
summarize the facts for the public.

Naturally.
I've even prepared a little note.

"The script always
seems the same.

Acquaintances of the beautiful
young lady x or young lady y

cease abruptly
to see them in their surroundings.

When friends ask for news..."

Am I reading loudly enough?
—perfectly.

"When friends ask for news
from the families,

amazed at such
an unexpected disappearance..."

Huh... unexpected...
“Of missed appointments,

of continued absence
on the phone,

the father, or the husband, bring out
apologies both nebulous and vague.

Forced rest, unannounced trips..."

The last case
of which we are aware?

"The last known case
is that of Diana Van den berg.

Called to the phone, Tuesday evening
at club what's—its—name,

never returned to her table,

not only was it that... she..."

What a way to write!

Such a precious style,

as if it wasn't already
difficult enough to understand.

"Not, only, was it that... she..."

In short, "she didn't return
to collect her personal belongings.

Didn't even pass the cloakroom.

To collect her fur coat...
Animal not specified."

Her friends called...

"Her friends called her house,

her father informs them that
the girl felt unwell,

and had to return home in a hurry.

But this time, there are witnesses.

Suspects, indeed.

Yes, two. Two men,
standing by the bar,

who were seen watching the girl intently.
Aha!

They were noticed by those present.
One was identified.

Amazingly, it was the banker,
georges de saxe,

who would even pronounce
the fateful word: Ransom."

Good, let him in.
—here he is, boss.

You were by chance at time x
on day z, at club what's—its—name?

Yes... that is no...
Sorry, I don't remember.

Don't prevaricate sir.
Yes or no?

Maybe in a certain respect,
commissioner... if I remember correctly.

You go there often? —no, never.

Incorrect!

That night you were there.

So what?

I mean to say that I don't frequent
that kind of place willingly...

Ah—ha! Then you had a special reason
for going that night.

Not at all,
it was purely by chance.

And who were you with?
—I was alone.

Incorrect!
You were talking with someone.

The guy sitting next to me at the bar.
—and who was it?

I don't know.

Do you know this young girl?

No. —you've never seen her?

No, never.

Another thing.

You possess a cobra revolver,
very rare.

A bullet was discharged on the 18th
in the bois de boulogne.

From a weapon of this type.

Can you bring us this item?

It's been stolen. —when?

I don't know.

Thank you, sir.

And if you have
other news on this case,

call commissioner loran.

All right.

Financial status? —precarious.

Moral reputation?
—very doubtful.

He's trying to get a large sum
for an unknown reason.

The father of Van den berg
would pay anything.

If his daughter has been kidnapped.

Ten percent.

Twelve percent.

Excluding taxes.

All right.

All right.

I've come to suggest a walk.
Are you ready?

We must always be ready here,
you know.

Very good, very good.
Then, let's go.

Shall we walk in the house?
—oh, no, outside.

In the garden?
—no, no, in the countryside.

Oh, really?

And the dogs?

What dogs? There are no dogs.

The gate isn't locked?

Of course not, why would it be?

As a precaution, I've been told.

To only one who's a caution
occurs a precaution.

Ah ha, untranslatable wordplay.

We can go out like this, freely?

To hear you speak like that,
one would take you for a prisoner.

So you've found my trail.
—happy?

Yeah, sure.

And little Carolina,
you know where she is now?

Hitchhiking down at the crossroads.

She went to the inn
to use the telephone.

However, I don't think
that she will wait long.

Well then, good luck.

Hello, this is caro.

Yes, we are on course.

There were some accidents along the way,

but overall, everything's running smoothly.

Well, it wasn't possible
to contact anyone this whole time.

I'll have the bag of cement in an hour.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Please tell my friends
that all will be well.

Oh, no!

Oh, shit!

Hello, commissioner Laurent?

Speaking. Georges de saxe?

I'm ringing you as you suggested.

Have you made a decision?

In 17 minutes exactly,

I will deposit a bag containing
500 million in used bills,

at such and such a place, at
that precise point in time.

It's the ransom for my
daughter Carolina.

The young lady was kidnapped?

Not exactly, but the
kidnappers believe as such,

and they are persecuting me.

I thought I'd give you
the opportunity to arrest them.

Very kind of you.

Don't talk of it
even to the commissioner,

just be on time because
it's a lot of money.

And money is expensive nowadays.

Police! —you're under arrest.

This isn't a surprise.

Nice work.

Do you have your ID card?

They seem in order.

I'm afraid the banker's
making fun of you.

You've been arrested for nothing.

The bills aren't
small denomination?

Neither small nor big.
The hiding place was empty.

Skinflint!

Georges de saxe? —in person.

This is commissioner Laurent.

Good morning. Well?

The man who was with you at club
what's—its—name has been arrested.

So much the better.

I was a bit offended by the fact,

that you didn't put the money
in the hiding place.

What?

We would have recovered it.
We're honest police.

But you haven't...?

Help! Rescue! Rescue!

Help me!

Help!

Rescue! Rescue!

Help!

Rescue! Help me!

Died in a car accident.

Which, the police claim,
too closely resembles murder.

The car caught fire all of a sudden,

before she could get out,
her hands and feet undoubtedly bound.

It was my fault, in other words.

What a horrible thing.

Carolina.

Flesh of my flesh.

Destroyed in the flames.

And this is therefore
why my revolver,

named after a serpent,

was returned to me this morning,
in a parcel delivered by the post.

How are you? —not too bad.

No bruises?
—no, everything went ok.

Well, we got them, as expected.

I didn't understand the script at all.
But I think that's what it was.

You have the money?

The ransom?
Of course. It's in the trunk.

Alright then, let's go.