Original subtitles

This film is loosely based on the life of Doctor Petiot.

The streets ring with the clutter of taxi-bikers

in the championship race.

A new, typically Parisian tradition. A true product of the time.

Madeleine-Concorde. One last spurt takes the Dubois team to victory.

An exhibition at the Berlitz takes a hard look at the Jewish problem.

France has been paying dearly for her kindness to the Jews

and has been "Jewified" since 1936.

A chilling display of Semite traits, morphological and psychological

is a vivid warning against the Jewish peril.

More and more Frenchmen

learn to identify the Jew and guard against his encroachments.

Hangman's Castle

This is too stupid. Ridiculous!

You're ridiculous and clumsy with that big spoon!

DOCTOR PETIOT

Ridiculous and clumsy.

It's really too ludicrous.

Honestly... What are these fools playing at?

What is all this?

These great cauldrons?

Doctor! Doctor!

I've got something for you, doctor.

This will soothe her and do her good.

That'll bring your milk back, Bicodelle.

I was getting anxious. - Urgent business, dear.

Look what I've found for you.

Me, too. Look!

I know. It's quite a crowd today.

It's the new moon. - Here we go.

By the way, Carbet has died. - Just as well, poor man.

I'd wait here all night rather than see another doctor.

I was awake all night. My heart was beating fit to burst.

Don't worry.

Dr Petiot will soon have you right.

He had me up and about in no time.

Just like my poor cousin

when her husband went away.

It's this war. It affects the head so you can't sleep.

Everything burns. Even a bit of bread, a glass of water.

I can't enjoy anything.

I should have come ages ago. - Your name?

Rossignol. Louis Rossignol. - Sit down, Mr Rossignol.

You've a poor digestion, it seems to me.

Is that where it hurts?

Well, Mr Rossingol, it's a simple case of a stomach ulcer.

I've just the thing.

A few drops before meals.

Come back in a week for a chat, especially about...

what's going on up here, right?

That will help everything else.

Pay me next week.

Marcel, shall I have a go with green beans, too?

Who cares, C�lestin? Ask Georgette.

Just as long as we have vegetables for winter.

Any news, doctor? - It's tonight. At Porte Dauphine.

So soon? - Soon? Another day and I'd go mad.

I've got it, doctor.

The second payment.

We sold our Louis XV commode. - I'd sooner have sold all the rest.

Yes, I know. It's expensive. But what can I do?

Smugglers are greedy but the risks are high.

It's the age of villains.

Don't worry about the furniture. I'll fetch it myself.

Mrs Guzik and I have a place to store it.

What would I do without you? I have no words.

I'll never forget what you've done. - No, please, none of that.

We've no time for emotional outbursts.

I suppose you know

that the Boches are deporting foreign Jews?

You're Polish, aren't you?

I don't know what becomes of them or where they're taken.

But apparently, those who have gone have never written or sent word.

I must go. I must see to my patients.

One more thing.

No initials or labels on your clothes.

As for jewellery...

Bring with you any gold you have and... all your valuables.

You can sell them for money over there.

Chin up! Till tonight, then.

JEWISH BUSINESS

Aren't we making a mistake, Nathan?

Argentina is so far.

And we decided without pausing to think.

I'm not waiting behind that filthy sign until the Boches come for me.

You're not Jewish so you're all right. - You could hide out near Paris

with false papers. - What's the use? Look at my face!

What's wrong with it?

Would anyone believe me if I said my name was...

Emile Dubois?

I must warn you.

An old patient of yours forged a prescription. - Who?

Miss Grangier-Kern.

Morphine. 14 ampoules of chlorhydrate of morphine.

A nasty business. She thought I'd ask no questions since I know you.

I had to call the police. I'm sorry.

I hope you'll have no trouble with the Medical Board.

No, I'll see to it. Thanks, Mr Verdier.

Mrs Kern? - Yes.

It's me. - I'm Dr Petiot. Your daughter's my patient.

Can I see you in private? - I've no secrets from my husband.

Has anything happened to Rosa? - She's been arrested. She's in jail.

Arrested by whom? The Gestapo?

No, the drugs squad.

She's really got me into a fine mess.

She forged one of my prescriptions.

Enough morphine to fell an ox.

It couldn't go unnoticed. She got caught, of course.

Rosa is on drugs? Has it been going on long?

Yes, she came to me when she needed a fix.

I couldn't watch her suffer. She had convulsions.

And I remember that some of the prescriptions were in your name.

Two patients looked less suspicious.

In short, the police found out and... There'll be an enquiry

and you'll be questioned too. - What must I do?

Tell them you're trying to break an addiction too.

But I've never touched drugs! - I'll get the lawyer.

I'll pay his fees.

There'll be no case if you do as I say.

Don't fall for that! It's too dangerous. He's grown fat off Rosa.

Whatever you say. Rosa could get ten years.

You're only her stepfather.

You're mad! You'll end up in jail too.

You were being weaned off morphine with decreasing doses.

Remember! Decreasing doses. That was my condition.

I don't supply poison. - What if they don't believe me?

I'll have proof. I'll give you some shots. Hold out your arm.

No, please, not morphine!

Come on! Just the jabs, no drugs.

Just so that you can show them the marks.

He's a charlatan! Don't do it! Don't let him do it!

That's the least I can do for Rosa.

I didn't hurt you, did I, doctor? - How is the little one?

It's the doctor.

What's happening?

Where's Alice? - By the window. She wanted to look out.

You mustn't come. We can't pay you. - Times are hard, you know.

Who mentioned money?

Hello, Alice. Anything on the horizon?

What can you tell me?

Let's have a look. You look much better.

Here, sit up.

The fever's come down.

Turn your back to me...

and breathe deeply.

A big breath, my sweet.

I saw nine cats today.

Where? - Outside.

I want one in here but papa won't let me.

Why not? - I don't know.

Shall I tell you, mummy dear why I feel so sad and drear?

Papa says that now I'm grown I must be wise all on my own.

Me, I say, yes, thinking is fine but give me sweeties any time.

Where did they come from?

From nowhere.

Tell me, do you know who I am?

I'm a sorcerer!

Watch!

Have you a pin, Mrs Gilbert?

It's nearly night time. I love that.

I love the night.

Shall I light a candle, doctor?

Don't you worry. I can see very well.

Yes, my sweet. I'm like a cat.

I can see in the dark.

The Petiot method. No one's the wiser and the meter doesn't move.

Thank you, doctor. You're sure we won't get into trouble?

Not at all and you'll save on electricity bills.

That will ease the pressure on your purse.

Well, I am a great inventor.

I'm a scholar and believe me...

Word will get round, Mr Gilbert. Sit up, my dear.

Look at me.

Put your tongue out. Good!

I've discovered perpetual motion.

That's right. I have just completed...

a superb device perfectly detailed.

Put out your tongue.

Now, lie down so that I can feel your tummy.

It's a pump

to suck out and extract faecal matter.

Ideal for people who suffer from chronic constipation.

It's quite simple. It works on an aneroid system

triggered by changes in atmospheric pressure.

So, it should go on working until the end of time.

Right, poppet?

I'll send a card as soon as I can.

You remember our code, darling?

"Thank you" means "arrived safely".

"Fine weather" means "I've crossed the border".

If you write "godson", I can come and join you.

Good. And how will you know if things go well in Buenos Aires? - "Please".

Yes, "please".

Give me a little kiss, Madam.

Don't be sad, Mrs Guzik. Your husband is in good hands.

He'll be better off there.

When he gets to Buenos Aires,

he'll send you his half to put your mind at rest.

So, stop worrying.

So, who thinks of everything?

Glasses.

A perfect Argentinian. Magnificent.

Reminds you of... transatlantic cruises.

What a trip! What a chance for you!

Casablanca, Dakar...

Buenos Aires.

And once there, no more worries and no more ration cards.

There's steak for everybody! What bliss!

Take care of yourself.

I'll write as soon as I can and in two months we'll be together in the sun.

Come on, old boy. Run!

There's a curfew, after all.

You don't expect me to tow you!

Run!

You see patients here too? - Yes, I bought the whole place

and after the war, I'll convert it. It'll be an ultra-modern clinic.

Come along!

There it is. The clinic of the future.

The future...

This damned war. - Ah, yes, the war. Come along.

Make yourself at home.

I've 5 lovely furs in my lining.

I hear they've no sable in Argentina.

That'll give me a new start.

I'm still 35. It's not too late, I hope.

Sit down.

The smuggler won't be long. Shall we sort out the final details?

Here.

First, a quick word to your wife. I'll deliver it

after you've gone.

That must be him.

Go on in there and wait for me.

It's you, Collard. What is it?

An emergency at my uncle's.

Now? - I've just been told. - I'd rather not, tonight.

Can't be helped.

Give me a second.

It's one of my patients but don't worry. Just don't move!

Acquisitions department. We work for you. I'm going to The Villas.

French Gestapo, yes. I know you.

Gentlemen, I'm on an urgent call.

Isn't it worth a good ham?

Louise, what are you doing here?

The doctor is a friend. A true friend.

Won't you take me with you?

Not tonight.

I'm too busy.

All this? They've surpassed themselves.

There's my uncle. Wait here a minute.

Excellent! A masterpiece. Take it away, boy, double-quick!

More? It's full up!

It's one of his whims. He must see the goods for himself.

Are you there? Come on, Guzik! We've lost enough time already.

The smuggler's on his way and you're still not vaccinated.

The Americans are very strict on that. No vaccination certificate...

and back you go.

Back to the port of departure.

Roll up your sleeve.

What's the music for?

We doctors are mad about music.

It's well known that music calms the nerves.

Do you like it?

There you are! Now you're all ready to go.

No, not quite.

I'll make a new man of you.

You can't be too careful. - True.

Since that exhibition on how to spot Jewish traits

I feel everyone stares at me.

To walk in the sun, undisguised.

Unashamed...

Free of the fear of impending doom.

I wonder what it's like, Buenos Aires.

You forget what it's like to live in a city with no uniforms.

No shopping queues...

You're ready for a better life.

This'll be the smuggler.

Into the store-room again? - No, it's nothing to worry about.

Come along!

Just hide in there while I get the door.

But don't move and not a sound. You never know.

Me, I say, yes, thinking is fine

but give me sweeties any time.

"My dearest..."

Silly woman!

You're better off now.

You'll never see him in paradise. Take my word for it.

We can't have that, old girl.

Papa, I got 9 for science.

It's rhubarb jam.

Why not 10?

And you? You still haven't finished the embroidery for mama.

I'm trying a Valenciennes stitch. Valenciennes, where is it? - The north.

Good. What else? - The lace capital.

Famous names. People born in Valenciennes?

Come now!

Watteau, for one. - Who?

The painter, Watteau. Never heard of him?

What do they teach you at school?

The Voyage to Cythera...

They don't teach him that. - What, then?

Napoleon. - The Napoleonic Wars.

That brute killed thousands of poor souls. And for what?

For glory.

Hitler. Does that ring a bell?

Do you enjoy passing those German slugs on the way to school?

That's different. Jena, for example.

Jena, what? - 14th October, 1806. - What about it?

A Germany occupied by France. Wasn't that better?

A chess problem for you. I found it in the paper.

Here. Something for your mother. Now off you go.

Don't I get a kiss?

He gets more and more like you. - You think so?

C�lestin's here this morning. I told him to make them wait a bit.

Well done.

I'm so glad spring is coming. I feel the cold.

I hope there'll be some coal next winter.

I burn whatever I can lay hands on.

I've hardly any furniture left.

I freeze even under the eiderdown.

No question of wearing a woolly. - No time to get under the covers.

Cooling our heels won't make us warm.

You should use newspaper.

Tear it up and soak it in water.

When it's dry, it gets as hard as rock and burns very slowly.

Mrs Kern.

I shouldn't have let you give me those shots.

I can't keep up the act. Drugs are too serious a matter.

I talked it over with my husband and I had second thoughts about it.

He's furious.

He wants me to tell the police the truth but I had to warn you first.

I know you tried to help my daughter. I can't be disloyal to you.

Never mind me.

It's your daughter you're disloyal to.

You realise what she's in for?

You mentioned a good lawyer. - Yes, I know of a good lawyer.

He'll do what he can. He'll plead extenuating circumstances.

But tolerance is not exactly in vogue these days.

I don't suppose it's news to you.

As you're in Paris, you'll have to testify

and if you do, you'll only harm her.

That may be a solution. The only solution.

You could cross over and wait in the Free Zone till times improve.

And the lawyer will be free to do what he can to save her.

No one will be able to check with you.

Your husband is Jewish, isn't he?

Isn't he? - Yes.

Well, it might be in his interests to get out while he can.

Do you know a way out? - What?

Do you know a way out?

Meet me tonight, 8 pm at Porte Dauphine.

I'll bring the information and you'll also meet the lawyer.

Come alone. Don't tell a soul, not yet.

The bastards!

The interference gets worse every day. - Mathurin loves spinach.

Repeat: Mathurin loves spinach.

The crocodile's thirsty.

You'll see, we'll defeat them yet.

Terpsichore uses violet scent.

Good day, sir.

Can I have a shave? - Of course.

Take a seat.

Are you Mr Forestier? - I am.

I've come to ask a favour.

Follow me.

Through here. Everyone needs to change his looks these days.

I must meet Dr Eug�ne.

Who told you about him?

Plumel. I met him last night at the Jaubert bar.

He said you were friends. - He never mentioned you.

Who are you? - Ivan Drezner.

Are you Jewish? - Yes. I must get out of France fast.

Why the hurry? Were you spotted? - I was arrested

and sent to the camp at Compi�gne. I escaped two days ago.

Who told you about Plumel?

A friend's wife. He did her make-up in a film, apparently.

True, he's a good make-up man. He did many films.

Excuse me a moment.

You have your papers? - No.

Have you ever seen a fugitive with papers?

A passport costs a lot of money.

Drezner. Any relation to the Drezner family in Alsace?

I have money, if that's what you want to know.

The passage costs a lot, too. Was your family detained?

No. I was selling radio receivers in Lyon.

They were used by the Resistance and word got out.

Right. I'll talk to Dr Eug�ne. I think it can be done.

Could you leave tonight? - Yes.

25,000 now. 25,000 to Dr Eug�ne tonight.

Bring a passport photo and one suitcase.

That's as much as I know. He takes it from there.

You can trust him. He's an old hand at it.

Where will I go?

Dr Eug�ne. Mrs Silberman has had no word from her husband.

Well, I know he made it.

I can't help it if the post doesn't deliver

or if the people don't write.

Honestly, Bella

I begin to wonder whether some of them want to escape

just to get away from their wives.

Doctor! - I mean it. - That's not fair.

If you knew how my friends put their faith in you.

They know what risks you take. - If they only knew the half of it.

Payments for the next group. The Fliderbaum family...

Zolty, Pressman...

Smugglers aren't all as altruistic as true patriots.

Bella, this is not the full sum.

Forestier mentioned others.

The Greenbergs decided not to go.

Why not?

They don't trust you. - What did they say?

I know it's stupid but they say your hands are dirty.

They think it's odd for a doctor. - Dirty hands?

I have dirty hands?

Dirty hands!

And I go sacrificing myself for graceless, unappreciative morons!

I have better things to do than listen to such rubbish.

I'll tell you something: my hands may be dirty, but I do the job.

Now, if you'll excuse me.

Dirty hands, indeed! - Doctor!

Ivan!

It worked.

You were so long. I thought they'd arrested you again.

Did they get you a passport? - Not till tonight.

Plumel's tip-off was right. The network does exist.

I'll be meeting Dr Eug�ne tonight, 8 pm, at Monceau metro station.

I trust them. They seem well organised.

Can they get you out tonight? - I think so.

Unless they hide me for a day or two.

Anyway, I was told to bring my suitcase.

It's best.

We've been lucky, but we mustn't tempt fate. Without papers, nothing.

I won't know peace until you've gone.

Excuse us, Gourlin.

I don't have long. I'd like to be alone with my wife.

Now just a moment, my friend.

I thought we'd made a deal, the two of us.

I kept my word. I got you out of Compi�gne. You're free.

Now you do your bit.

You said it was just a formality for the Germans.

You said you'd never use it.

That's your signature, isn't it?

What is this? We agreed to pay money, not sign papers.

Read it, Ma'am.

I undertake to report on refugee-smugglers.

You agreed to do this?

You'll be denouncing other Jews! - You're shit, Gourlin.

You were a Gestapo stooge all along!

I'll have no part in this filth.

You have no choice. Nor do I.

You can't trifle with Herr Yodkum, Head of Jewish Affairs

to whom you owe your freedom and a night of passion with your wife.

The surveillance service doesn't fool around.

The afternoon is all yours.

Tonight you'll go to your meeting with your suitcase, as arranged.

We'll do the rest.

Yodkum has had enough of this Dr Eug�ne messing up his work.

He wants every member of the net. Or else...

I predict you'll be soon back...

in Compi�gne.

They may send you back to the camp anyway. It's a trap, Ivan!

Do you love me? Tell me, C�cile. - I do.

Then, trust me. Come on!

Well, you've got the French Gestapo men in your pocket.

It's not easy with those big shots. They don't trust anyone.

My uncle isn't unhappy that you sent them to the Other World.

They double-crossed him? - The crooks wouldn't share the loot.

Your uncle will be even happier now.

He hasn't lost everything. Look at this.

I didn't leave the foot in it but I think I did rather well.

I kept the left foot for myself.

You see, share and share alike, as agreed.

I know. I'll tell him.

It's only natural.

I could do with a pigeon, too. That's all they leave us,

those German bastards!

It's a bad sign. A few months ago, they wouldn't have dared.

Are you scared? - Everyone's got the wind up.

No need. History is so capricious.

I still say the Germans have a good chance of winning. And if they do...

believe me, we didn't back the wrong side.

We won't be short of other opportunities.

You might laugh.

My poor fellow, you're right as rain. What do you want me to say?

But I don't feel well, doctor. - Nobody does. I don't feel well either.

It hurts to see a young lad like you trying to wind me up.

You don't want to work in Germany?

I see dozens of young men like you every day.

Who wants to sweat for the Boches? I can sympathise with you.

But they'll have my hide if I help you.

No, please, none of that!

You could never pay me enough for the risks I run

with these false certificates.

Unfit

History is so inexorable. I'd say Hitler

has no chance of winning the war. If he loses...

you can say you have met some brave and selfless men.

I will.

Thank you, doctor. Thanks a lot.

I will never forget this. - I hope not.

Georgette! An emergency. Tell them to come back tomorrow.

But we're full tomorrow. - I'll sort it out!

Good news: that flat, the one in Blvd Raspail, is practically mine.

You're buying it? - Sorry? - You're buying it? - Of course

and I've my eye on another. I'll tell you about it.

G�rard?

G�rard?

What's wrong? - I got a zero for science

and the teacher hit me.

I'll smash his face! How dare he?

I fooled you! Look. I'm even better at it than you.

You wretch! Right. Tomorrow, geography essay. Up at 5 am.

You'll read it to me. Then we'll see who laughs last.

The Maladeta Peak? - Garonne.

Gerbier de Jonc? - The Loire. Doctor Petiot?

The greatest! - Zero! Never home at night.

Good day, Ma'am. I'm Dr Petiot.

I'm the District Medical Officer. I've just been told...

My deepest sympathies.

I thought he was just sleeping late.

At least he didn't suffer.

Not much consolation, I know

but times are hard, aren't they?

So many people...

suffer terribly when they die slowly.

I know what I'm talking about, in my profession.

He, at least, was loved.

So many disappear

and no one... notices.

Excuse me, but my patients are waiting.

My deepest condolences.

Papa says that now I'm grown I must start thinking on my own.

Papa says that now... - I'm grown.

I must start thinking... - On my own.

Me, I say, yes, thinking is fine but give me sweeties any time.

Me, I say, yes, thinking is fine but give me sweeties any time.

I thought it was a cat you wanted.

I've never seen one with such big ears.

He's called Bubblegum.

And the other... is Liquorice.

We bought them to fatten up for the pot but she's got attached to them.

Good. She needs some amusement.

Believe it or not, rabbits are very intelligent.

Again! These power cuts never stop.

What I like about this war

is being plunged into black night.

Breathe in.

A deep, deep breath.

If it's a male and female, they'll have babies.

Babies... Lots of babies.

Little males and females who will make many more babies.

And if my calculations are correct, by next year, you'll have

387 rabbits.

I assure you! That's a mathematical calculation.

There will be 387 rabbits

who will have more and more and more babies...

and even more and more babies.

And in ten years' time, there will be...

1,287,340 little rabbits!

They'll be all over the place. You won't know where to put your feet!

They'll be everywhere! You'll never be bored.

But, I think of everything. Look!

I will help you to grow carrots.

Without carrots, the rabbits can't live.

So, we'll plant a...

a forest.

A forest of carrots.

I'm Dr Eug�ne. Hurry!

The suitcase.

I'm being followed by the Gestapo.

They intend to break your network. I'll explain later. It's complicated.

Follow me.

Run, for God's sake! Run! The bastards won't get us!

I know this area like the back of my hand. Run!

You've got me into a bloody mess. What do I do with you?

You're my last chance. - And you're a bloody nuisance!

Why should I trust you? - I warned you in time, didn't I?

Keep quiet!

Come on, then. Hurry!

Give me a push.

Go on, push!

We're safe here.

The shutters are closed.

We're all right now. No one can see us.

Oh, well...

We shook them off, didn't we?

All that excitement has made me hungry.

Aren't you hungry? - Not really.

I feel sick, in fact.

Breathe in. Breathe in deeply. It will pass.

Are you really a doctor? - Yes.

Are you really a partisan? - I swear I am...

Spare your speeches.

I just want to know who was following us. - The Gestapo.

But which one? The German one or the French Gestapo at The Villas?

The German. Yodkum of Jewish Affairs.

Good. That gives me time to breathe because if it were the French...

You can never trust them. - Look, I told Forestier the truth.

I was sent to Compi�gne because I'm a partisan and a Jew, but...

I didn't escape by myself.

I had help.

Who? - Gourlin.

A collaborator who knew my wife before the war.

Forgive me. I know.

I thought I'd be deported.

I had to save my skin. - I understand.

You were there and they needed a bait. Is that it?

But what exactly do they know about me?

Only how to contact you, through the barber.

That's why they needed a plausible customer

who'd lead them to Dr Eug�ne.

Eug�ne? Is that what they call me?

And Petiot? Did you ever hear of Dr Petiot?

Has no one ever mentioned that name?

No, never. - Never?

Forgive me.

My only plan was to stick to the plan and try to warn you.

Calm down. No one will find you here.

You're a worthy opponent.

Pity we didn't meet sooner. Life is badly designed.

It's all down to luck.

There's no such thing as luck.

Only probability.

And you can always turn it to your advantage, once you've grasped

the mechanism.

Everything is subject to laws and rules. We just don't know them yet.

One day...

for my own amusement, I'll write a serious book on gambling systems.

I'll call it "Defeating Fortune".

I've already begun a study

of other games.

The game of war... The checkmate of war.

Do you find time to sleep now and then?

Not a lot. We must know all, try all, unless you're happy being a pawn.

Checkmate!

Not my day, obviously.

To each his turn. Earlier on, it was you who almost beat me.

Well, I'll pack you off tonight.

And by tomorrow you should be over the border.

Barcelona...

Casablanca, Dakar...

Then, across the Atlantic.

Seriously? You'll do it?

The smuggler will turn up anyway. Why not take advantage?

Though I'll be sorry to give up our chess game.

So will I.

Let's get a move on.

You must get vaccinated

to get into Argentina. - There's no point.

I will stay in Spain, then try to get to London.

That's up to you.

But, the smuggler can't take you without a vaccination certificate.

Once you're on the other side...

Listen, you can do what you like! It's all the same to me.

I can't!

Why not?

I'm scared... I'm terrified of injections.

What nonsense! - I'd rather be punched on the nose.

How childish!

You know what you're risking?

I wish I could let my wife know.

But you can.

Here. Write to her.

I'll see she gets it.

Now, let's work on your looks so you're not recognised.

If anyone ever told me I'd wear make-up...

That's what comes of being a Jew and Alsatian.

And rich. I could've told you your future.

Who's that?

The Nazis wouldn't ring, right? - No.

It must be the smuggler.

Go on in, in there.

Go on!

Wait for me in here and don't make a sound.

Doctor!

It was me who called you. - No one lives here?

Just a doctor who comes now and then. I phoned him. He said he knows about it.

Has he got the keys? - He said not to touch anything.

It must be the chimney.

In the cellar, chopped-up corpses... That is what's burning.

No one can go in. - I'm the owner's brother.

Do the police know? - They've just been called.

There's no time to lose.

The commissioner's coming.

Are you a good Frenchman? - I am French.

You've stumbled on a Maquis operation. All those bodies down there

are Nazi collaborators.

They were executed for betraying France.

By the Resistance? - That's right.

If the authorities stick their nose in, dozens

of patriots will be at risk. Do you get my drift?

So let me get rid of the files first.

I didn't see a thing.

My partner's blind like me. Good luck.

Paris at play:

The Op�ra welcomes the dazzling artists of the Berlin Opera.

Paris shudders:

it's two months since the gruesome discovery

but Marcel Petiot is still at large.

He has been spotted in Auxerre, Paris, Spain and Villeneuve

where he was elected Mayor before the war.

It was here, in this secret lair

that the demonic doctor murdered at least 30 innocent victims

men, women and perhaps children.

Nightmare visions:

medical experts attempt to reassemble the pitiful remains

buried in this pit

which, for the most part, are unidentifiable.

What agonies and horrors, what pitiful cries

did these walls witness? Was it greed?

Or sadism? The crime remains a puzzling mystery.

But there's no question that Marcel Petiot earns the monstrous title

of the biggest murderer of the century.

Related arrests:

the barber, the go-between, who knew the killer as Dr Eug�ne

and sincerely believed he was working with partisan smugglers.

Another friend to be indicted: Cel�stin Nivelon

an old friend of the vampire who revealed that Petiot

had been discharged for mental instability.

And Georgette Petiot, his wife. She claims complete ignorance.

What fearful secrets cloud her memories?

And his son, G�rard.

What can young G�rard be thinking in his new school in Auxerre

where he is to finish his education?

Does he know that at his age, in this very town

his father was already killing cats and dogs?

What future awaits this boy when he learns he is the son of a murderer?

"Murderer" is also the word that springs immediately to mind

to describe the onslaught of the British air force

as it savagely dropped its bombs on proud, hard-working Parisians.

France mourns the dead: working-class citizens

calm and dignified in the ruins of the local cemetery.

Government officials with members of the occupying forces

in the solemn grandeur of Notre Dame.

August 1944

They're coming!

The Americans are coming!

Bastards! The French militia bastards!

I've been after them for ages.

The slimy filth!

Scum!

Swine!

The pig! You filthy pig!

Bastard!

They're cornered, old man.

They've got it coming!

Ren�, don't stand there! If you can't take it, get out!

Clear off! Just cover me at the gate. I'll get them.

I swear I'll get them!

Cleansing!

Above all, cleansing. That's our top priority.

Paris is liberated! they sing, but they sing out of tune and that irritates me.

Mrs Val�ry, we're trying to exchange French doctors held in Germany

for German doctors imprisoned here.

So, I need your son's army papers.

They all claim to be Resistance even those who arrested my boy.

Bring me my drawer.

The second on the left.

The second!

Just give me his medical diplomas. I'll see to the rest.

Such a good boy.

Look... That's him at 7.

He's 17 there.

On Monday

the Emperor, his wife and the little prince

called in

to shake me by the hand.

Dear God! It's good to have a laugh.

Leave it all to me, Mrs Val�ry! - So, it's true?

You will bring him back? - It's a promise! You'll soon have news.

Captain Val�ry!

I've a note for you. - Thank you.

Good day, Royer. We interrogate the suspects next week.

There've been denunciations. - Very well.

Your trick worked. They all fell for it. - They talked? - Not last night.

But today they seemed quite worked up.

The chemist was accused of being in the Gestapo. Fists are about to fly.

It won't take much to finish them off. They're ripe.

First, Lascour.

Petiot, a Reich soldier? He helped the Germans fight partisans.

Friends, you know who I am. - He listened to them all night.

I abandoned everything in 1940

rather than lick Nazi boots.

I gave up my medical practice, my furniture...

I abandoned my family.

Everything!

I've nothing left.

But...

I accept any hardship...

when shared with men!

What have I done to deserve you lot?

Bring me Lascour!

He even boasts that he sold them women

who were homeless after prison. - Thank you, Lascour.

And Piquavet? - He's the worst. He was in Indochina.

He amused the Gestapo, describing bizarre tortures practised there.

And you? - No, I've never rubbed shoulders with the Germans.

Then why are you here? Who denounced you?

I don't know. Everyone's denouncing everyone.

Shall I ask Piquavet to tell us...

what you told him this morning?

I told him nothing.

How you smuggled people into the Free Zone?

Yes. I lived by the River Sa�ne. I was in an ideal position.

For money? - Like all smugglers.

We took risks.

Shut up!

You're lying and to the wrong man.

You took money from patriots and Jews to smuggle them out

then lost them on the way preferably near German patrols

who then gave you a handsome tip.

You lined your own pockets.

You stuffed your pockets!

Sign that.

I'll tell you what I think. There's nothing as loathsome

as feeding your greed on the hopes of others.

The judge will rule on your case. I'd hate to be in your shoes.

All right, next! Royer, do me a favour.

I'll take the watch tonight. I've files to catch up on.

Right, who's next?

I, Marcel Petiot,

the author of these lines have done

all I can in the cause

of Liberation despite the persecution I've been subjected to.

Far from behaving dishonourably, I resumed my place in the Resistance

under a pseudonym...

...having requested a role... A role...

...having requested...

A role...

...having requested...

a more active role to avenge

the countless Frenchmen killed and tortured by the Nazis.

...but life itself... I hasten to sacrifice that, too

under a false name.

Go on, hurry! Get a move on!

You search upstairs. I'll take the ground floor.

You sent for me, Colonel?

Another exercise tonight?

Evening, Val�ry. No, nothing in particular.

It's about your last report.

A fine account of the interrogation

but I need some details of the arrest.

It's urgent so don't bother to retype it.

Just add it by hand at the foot of the page.

Sign the amendments.

"An open letter from Petiot.

The criminal doctor is not far away."

What on earth!

He was in the Resistance? - Before the Liberation? I doubt it.

Anyway, the rotten apple is among us.

He's taking refuge in uniform. I've just had word.

All security forces are to start searching for him.

And it has found its way down to me, this dossier?

Yes, you and others.

Your orders are...

to report whatever information you can find on him.

That shouldn't take long. - I hope not.

We want him identified first. - You're right.

The air here won't be fit to breathe if we all start suspecting each other.

Don't you agree, Colonel Petiot? Oh dear, sorry!

A slip of the tongue.

Leave me here. I'm meeting someone later on.

He has...

five identification cards.

Val�ry, Wald...

Terron... De Fratis...

So you're Marcel Petiot?

I am Dr Petiot.

That handwritten letter was a mistake.

Your handwriting gave you away. - I couldn't miss such an opportunity.

Nor could we. A Communist Party membership card, name of Val�ry.

It's new. Only 14 days old.

A French Militia card...

and a Franco-Russian Association card.

You don't bother to count them.

Inventory of items recovered from the 53 suitcases hidden by Dr Petiot.

5 fur coats.

21 wool coats.

14 men's overcoats.

2 raincoats.

79 frocks.

13 ladies' suits.

4 ladies' outfits.

6 dress coats.

10 pairs of trousers.

29 three-piece suits.

10 jackets.

26 skirts.

43 evening tops.

115 shirts.

2 blouses.

13 ties.

10 waistcoats.

20 blouses.

18 sweaters.

2 lace collars.

35 belts.

3 fur collars.

48 scarves.

26 hats.

12 shifts.

14 dressing-gowns.

25 handbags.

75 gloves.

32 pairs of socks.

2 men's garters.

13 pairs of pyjamas.

60 underpants.

96 collars.

Only 15 Jews,

four procurers with their mistresses

and two drug addicts were finally identified.

The Court of Assizes jury found him guilty of 27 counts of murder

with no extenuating circumstances.

Petiot was condemned to death and guillotined on 24th May, 1946.

When asked if he had any last words before mounting the scaffold

Petiot replied: "I am a traveller who takes his baggage with him."

English subtitles by: marooned2 & Fledrmaus, KG, 2014