Original subtitles

- Papa!

Papa...

Papa...

- Your nightmares again?

(- Go back to sleep.)

-Céleste?

(-Yes.)

-What are you watching? -Is that Sarah Bernhardt?

Apparently, she put her money

into a theater to run it.

-Well, I'll be...

Me, I'd start with a new dress.

-Are you going to the Chat Noir afterwards?

The mustachioed guy who made you laugh will be there.

-No, I don't feel like it. -You'd have

a good reason not to sleep.

What? You're not going to stay alone your whole life.

-Céleste, Madeleine.

We're not paying you to chatter. This isn't a hen house.

-Don't be a rooster.

She imitates the sound of a rooster.

Jacques Offenbach, "Can-Can"

-Yes.

-Mr. Larcourt, I apologize.

Your fiancée is here with her family.

-Alright.

Thank you, I'll be right there.

-I'm going to miss you.

-I'm going to miss all of you.

-What's your house like?

-I don't know, but it'll be our home.

-Your luggage, Madame.

-Thank you, Fannette.

-So, you're getting married?

-Yes, not right away, but...

-Alfred wants to save up to have

-a big party.

-A worker who doesn't drink,

that wouldn't happen to me.

-It will happen to you.

-You're sweet.

Here, it's from all of us.

-Ah, girls, thank you.

-My God,

how handsome he is!

-Alfred.

-Here we go. It's the big day. -Yes.

-I hope you like the house. -I can't wait.

-Here.

-Thank you.

They're magnificent. -Ladies?

-Thank you.

-Here you go. -To what do we owe the pleasure?

-I'm taking a rose from you.

I'm offering you one.

-We're going to miss you.

-You too.

-You're the only one who doesn't snore.

-Come on, ladies.

-I'll be back. -Enough with the goodbyes.

-Here.

-Thanks.

-Hey, worker.

If it doesn't work,

you know

where to find me.

-A cabaret opened next door.

-Manager of The Pink Elephant,

where only extraordinary artists will perform.

If you want to write cabaret history with a capital C...

I'm also looking for a young dancer

for a number...

an innovative number, a number, how shall I put it, unclothed.

-Unclothed, stark naked? -That's what it means.

-You've got the wrong customer.

-Did you think I was going to show you my waterlily?

-It's a brothel.

-We're looking for

-a young woman who would pose nude

-for a beautiful number, I assure you

-there will be nothing degrading.

-It will be paid 3 times

-your usual wage.

-We have auditions this afternoon.

-To see our asses.

-If I had a fiancé, he'd punch you.

-Thank God you don't.

-I have to go.

-Aren't you coming to the Chat Noir tonight?

-It's a great opportunity, a life-changing one.

-You dirty pig!

-Are you there?

-I found your knife thrower.

-He's still doing small traveling shows.

-I found him in the Bois de Vincennes.

-He was suspected of theft but was released.

In 8 years, this is the most reliable lead we've had.

If he talks, we might find traces of your brother.

-And my father's killer.

-Céleste.

I know this isn't the best time... -What?

-I'm stopping.

-Stopping what?

-The investigation.

-No, that's not possible.

You can't do this to me.

-I need to be with my wife for the little time

she has left.

But I'm not abandoning you.

My nephew is a policeman in Montmartre.

We adopted him when he lost his parents.

He's a good guy.

He says he'll go and question her.

-I want to go there with him.

-Are you sure?

-Yes.

-That we called the 'Always Ready'

because of its 90 km range,

but the real novelty lies

in its removable bench seat.

-50 million

visitors.

-That's quite something.

-My father's certain she'll stand out.

-Absolutely.

-Arsène says the competition is fierce.

-We're living in an

exciting time.

-Let's go to

the salon.

-There's a competition between 3 engines.

-The steam engines.

-The internal combustion engines and the electric ones.

-My son talks shop even when he's not working.

Don't forget there are other passions in life.

- Arsène is right.

He's very serious, I'll be able to retire

with peace of mind.

- So, it's decided.

The old lion is leaving the jungle.

- Yes, alas.

My heart isn't doing so well.

After the auto show,

Arsène will run the company.

My son is taking up the torch.

-Your sons.

-Georges

will continue

to watch over our affairs in Cochinchina.

-I'd like to go there.

Saigon would be...

-Humid.

-Let's move on to the good news.

Henriette, Arsène, as you know,

your mothers insisted you get married

at Sacré-Coeur.

It wasn't available,

but I pulled a few strings,

and you can this year.

-Wonderful. -Thank you.

-Which brings us to the second piece of good news.

Your wedding has been moved up to 6 weeks from now.

-6 weeks? Are you crazy?

-We'll never be able

to prepare it in time. -You're capable of it.

-Augustine, you'll just have

to ask our daughter

to help you.

-Maurice, Léopoldine lives in Dijon.

She's pregnant. -You always find

a way to complain.

-I'm very happy.

And you?

-Me too.

It's wonderful news.

-Good morning, Inspector.

-What are you doing?

-NOTHING. -Yeah, yeah.

What are these sticks?

I hope it's only

for playing tipcat.

Don't stay here.

Go on, scram!

Jeannot, your shoelace, you'll fall otherwise.

Good morning.

Good morning.

-I believe we have an appointment.

-I'm a little bit late.

-Yes, almost an hour.

Céleste Tessandier.

-I know, yes.

Léon Blanchard.

You didn't have to come.

-So, here it is...

My mother died in childbirth.

My father was murdered, I was separated from my brother

and sister.

This is the first lead to finding my family.

I've been looking for them for 23 years.

So, let's go.

-Very well.

-Watch it, kid. Don't want you damaging my merchandise.

-Our apologies.

-It's not much to look at from here but...

-No, no, it's magnificent. Truly.

-After you, my princess.

-Oh...

Welcome.

-Heartbreaker.

-Heartbreaker.

-So...

A laundress, eh?

That's perfect timing.

We have plenty of dirty laundry here.

-Alfred. Alfred!

-Welcome home.

-You alright?

-I'll be alright.

-Marcel Tranchard.

-Are you cops?

-You bought a girl 23 years ago.

She was 5 years old.

She was with the circus for a few years.

Do you remember?

- No. Don't remember. - You almost killed me more than once.

Remember?

- You're the one who ran away

with your little sweetheart? You've grown up.

- What we're looking for is...

the one who sold her to you.

Who surely sold her brother and sister.

- Don't remember anymore.

It's all so long ago.

-Two months ago, you were this close to ending up in penal servitude.

The police lacked evidence,

lacked time, but me, I have all the time in the world.

I'm not going to let you go.

-There's nothing against me.

I didn't do anything.

-Still smuggling tobacco?

We'll find out.

-Hey, where are you going?

There's nothing over there.

-Well, well, well. Now I've got something.

Move, and the next one

is for you.

So...

Is your memory coming back to you?

Is your memory coming back to you?

I hope so, because otherwise, you'll be

in the hole for a while.

-Serval.

Fernand Serval, he used to supply

labor for the circus.

He arrived with 3 kids and a mutt.

My monkey pecked his arm.

I took

the eldest at a good price.

-Where is he?

- Tough luck.

His wife just kicked the bucket.

- Oh, really?

- He's heading for Marseille.

He's shipping out to Africa soon.

- Does he have a scar on his cheek?

- No.

Just a rough mug.

Like you.

- Mmh...

- Who is the scarred man? - My father's murderer.

You must go to Marseille.

-Wait, wait.

I agreed to do you a favor, but...

I'm not going to Marseille. -You have to.

We have a chance to find them.

I thought you were a nutcase.

-First, you'd need 100 francs.

-100 francs? -Yes.

-Why?

-For the trip,

to hand out flyers, to find him before he leaves.

Do you have it? -Of course not.

-We can't do anything. I can't just leave like that.

-You promised your uncle.

I'll get your 100 francs. By tonight.

-Oh yeah? -Yeah.

You know what it's like to lose your family.

-That's none of your business.

-We've lost values that we'll never recover.

-For her wedding

with Chopard.

They looked so glum, you'd think it was a funeral.

Eléonore was splendid, wasn't she, Arsène?

-Henriette will be even more so.

Please excuse me. I'll be right back.

-Do you have any ideas for the couturier?

-Yes.

-What are you doing?

-Are you working on an electric motor?

I can already hear Papa: "No autonomy.

"A dead end." -He's wrong.

-What's so special about your engine?

-What's special about it?

A lot of things are going to propel it far.

Don't tell him about it, I need to do some testing.

-You have a prototype? -Yes.

I even have a new version at the factory.

If everything goes as planned...

We'll soon flood the market. -And we'll finally have

a real success.

-It's about time.

-That'll never happen with the ever-ready steam engine

and its removable bench seat.

-The famous one.

-Tell me.

Are you seriously planning to marry Henriette?

-I beg your pardon?

-It's time to stop playing the good student.

-I'm getting married in 6 weeks.

I've committed myself... -Words, just words.

It's just a word.

She's madly in love with you, but she thinks you love her.

Allow me to doubt that.

-I can't stop it.

If I call it off, it will break her heart.

-No. No.

It's lying to her that will break her heart.

Unless you believe you'll love her someday.

That's what I thought.

If you marry her,

you'll ruin her life.

And yours.

- Gentlemen.

- She's not going to cause any trouble?

- What trouble?

- No.

-We need to meet again tomorrow

to draw up a list of urgent matters.

-Absolutely. Henriette...

You're not going to fit back into your dress.

-I'll take the next size up. -To hell with such considerations.

-Excuse me.

May I have a word?

-Of course, pardon me.

-This way.

-Lovers' secret.

-What is it?

-I've given it a lot of thought.

Please be certain that this isn't about you.

Not in any way.

But...

-But what is it?

I'll soon be your wife, you can tell me anything.

-Here it is.

I'd rather call off this wedding.

-What wedding?

-The...

Ours. Our wedding.

-What did I do? -Nothing.

You are perfect.

Please,

you make no complaints.

-Ladies and gentlemen, come closer!

Come closer! Tonight...

An incredible spectacle.

-I spoke quickly. Everything's set up, thank you.

Hello. Bravo to everyone.

It's very beautiful, thank you.

-Ah, ah, Youri.

-Yes, hello.

-Tell me everything for our special issue.

-No, I haven't found the girl yet.

-No? -Thank you.

-There were about ten candidates.

The redhead was stunning.

-She had one breast bigger than the other.

I'm looking for more than just a body.

-A naked woman, is a naked woman.

Aside from a body, what are you looking for?

-Something else.

I don't know, I'm searching...

A spark, a particular look, I'm searching...

A beauty that would represent the audacity of Paris.

A beauty that would represent the soul of Montmartre.

-Result, you have no one

with your impossible demands.

We open the cabaret in 3 days.

-Art is demanding.

That's my part, yours, is the money.

We're going to find the rare pearl and you're going to get back

your investment, don't worry.

-I'm not worried, you know.

-Gentlemen. Let's clear the stage.

-I won't let you do this.

You're going to make the mistake of your life.

-The mistake would be not doing everything to find them.

-If you do this act, they'll find out

and you'll be fired.

(With my sweetheart, we did

(everything in the dark. Showing yourself naked

(in front of strangers,) it's inhuman.

You won't find a husband, you'll be

a freak show, like... -I have no choice.

I need money now.

- There are other ways. - Like what?

Do you know anyone who'll lend me 100 francs

by tonight?

Exactly. No one.

I have a chance here, leave me alone, go home.

-There's still room!

Every night!

-Ladies, it's your turn

once these gentlemen have left the stage.

-Céleste, wait.

I've known you for 7 years,

and you've been having nightmares.

The little money you earn, you give it to your investigator.

You have to stop. You're going too far. You're going to ruin your life.

(-What life?) I think about them all the time.

Where they are, what they're doing.

Are they sick, in danger?

I should have protected them.

-We're stopping this. -I don't need a lover.

Neither money, nor dresses, I need them.

-Clear the room completely.

(-Here.) -We'll get back to it later.

-Go ahead, I'll keep an eye on the big pig.

(Break a leg.)

-Places, please.

-Please, all the same.

-That's how it's done. So...

Right. So.

Hello everyone, thank you for coming.

Let's get down to business.

Could you please remove your tops and pull up

your skirts above your knees? Let's get to it.

Thank you.

So...

-Why isn't number 4 doing anything?

-Mmh? Excuse me.

You can go back, everything's fine.

-Mmh-mmh. Good.

-Mademoiselle.

In yellow, please.

You can leave.

-No, I'm staying.

-Undress, please.

-No.

-I recognize you.

You recognize me?

Yes. You tore up my card.

You came

and you refuse to undress.

I'm having trouble following you.

-I'll get undressed once I have the job.

-What if you have pimples?

Bedsores...

Cellulite?

-I have baby skin.

-And the behavior to match.

If you don't get undressed in front of us,

you'll never do it in front of 200 people.

-I worked for 10 years in a circus.

I was the target of a drunk knife thrower.

I did trapeze, I never chickened out.

What you're asking me to do is child's play.

You'd get undressed here, would you?

Light laughter

-Me?

-And the gentleman watching can get naked?

-Ernest? Oh, no!

-Well, I never!

-Ernest. -Yeah, but still.

-You don't want me?

I'm leaving, too bad.

-Wait, wait. Please.

What's your name?

-Céleste Tessandier. I want an advance.

-I didn't say I was hiring you.

-100 francs. Take it or leave it.

-Agreed.

At that price, you're committed to 10 performances.

Ladies,

thank you.

Céleste, is it?

-Yes. -It's take it or leave it.

-I'll take it.

-Rehearsals start tomorrow at 2:30 PM.

-I'll be there.

-You're insane! What makes you think she won't run off with the money?

-Absolutely nothing. -You're mad.

-She's the one I want.

- Hey.

Don't get your hopes up.

It makes things harder.

You the new girl?

I'm Lucette.

Everyone calls me Lulu.

I've been here for 8 years.

Before that, I was in a brothel even worse than this.

- There's something worse than this?

-Mmh...

You'll get used to it.

(Anyway, you don't have a choice.)

If you stay quiet, they won't beat you anymore.

-And what if I don't get used to it?

-Once, a girl tried

to run away.

They found her.

They poured acid in her eyes.

That cured us of the urge to leave.

-See you Saturday.

-How could you...

-Once again, I'm sorry.

Henriette deserves a husband who loves her.

I don't love her, after all.

-Love...

You think we got married for love?

We're forcing ourselves,

damn it!

-Arsène.

Henriette loved you so much.

You broke

her heart.

-I know.

-The wedding was announced.

She's going to be the laughingstock

of all Paris.

They'll say it's her fault.

-Spare us.

You've put us

in an inextricable situation.

With the Desmarais.

-I will do everything in my power to improve the situation.

-Sir! -I assure you...

-You have dishonored

my sister.

You don't wield a sword, it will be a pistol duel.

-Please. -Saturday, 8 AM.

-He can't shoot.

-I prefer apologies.

-My second will settle the details with yours.

-In the name of the Larcourts,

-be reasonable. -Please.

-2, 3.

-I've put my affairs in order.

Everything is yours, Georges.

And this too.

Swear to me that you'll look after Maman.

Swear it to me.

-I swear it to you.

- Gentlemen.

Monsieur Norbert Desmarais.

In the name of the offense done

to Miss Henriette Desmarais, his sister and the offended party,

the duel will take place in the Bois de Boulogne

this Saturday, January 19th, 1899, at 8 a.m.,

in the company

of M. Dequerre, a surgeon by profession,

of Messieurs Auguste Pollin

and Georges Larcourt, witnesses.

Weapons loaded.

Gentlemen.

In position.

-There's still time to stop. -Are you afraid?

You should have thought of that before humiliating my family.

-I'll let you count 15 paces.

Each will have the right to 1 shot.

Ready?

-Ready.

-Ready.

-Fire!

*-Arsène!

Arsène!

Arsène!

Are you alright?

The bullet grazed your ear.

*-Allow me, Mr. Larcourt.

The wound is superficial.

-Didn't take me long to tame her.

-We know how to handle things. -Yes.

-I'm going to make some vinegar lotion.

Want me to show you?

(-1, 2.)

(3, 4.)

(5.)

(6.)

(9.)

(10.)

-From the Duchess.

Who was doing that for the Duchess.

Eh.

You alright, my dear?

Tonight, at 7:30, ladies and gentlemen.

-Where is he? -I don't know.

-I tore my dress again.

-You're going to be late for your can-can.

-No, I'm doing your hair.

Besides, we're always late. Stop moving.

-He's been gone for 3 days. Why haven't I heard anything?

What if I did this for nothing? -No.

The investigator has to be better than the old man.

He'll find them. You look beautiful.

Look at me.

I'll be right back. -Okay.

- I'm good, and you?

-The Queen of Babylon.

Everything alright?

-Hurry up.

(-I can't.)

-Huh?

-Oh no, I can't.

We have to cancel, Youri.

Youri's searching for his words.

-No, it's good,

what you're going to do is be yourself.

That's why I chose you.

Stage fright is normal. -It's not stage fright.

I'm going to be seen naked, I can't.

-It's in 5 minutes, we have to go.

-We're leaving the dressing room, let's go.

We'll put the finishing touches. We're arriving.

-We'll put the finishing touches...

-Thank you, thank you all.

-I'm sorry.

-No, everything is going very, very well.

Everything is... Everything is going to be alright.

We're going to find a solution, we're going to...

Here's what we're going to do.

On the stage, stage left,

there's a walkway up above.

-Yes. -Well then...

I'm going to stand there.

You're going to forget the noise,

the audience, the lights.

You focus on me.

Eye to eye, I'll be there for you.

We're going to do this together.

-I don't understand.

-Don't you worry.

I'll be there. Do you trust me?

(-Yes.) -A little more than that, right?

-Yes. -Yes.

(Céleste.)

You're going to be stunning.

-To miracles.

It was so brave of you to miss.

- It wasn't courage.

I had nothing against him.

I've done enough damage to the Desmarais family,

don't you think?

- Papa's right to think you're amazing.

You're a remarkable guy.

I wish I could be like you.

A brilliant inventor, funny,

intelligent, but fate made me Georges.

The failed son they send to Cochinchina.

-You're completely drunk.

-No.

Sober as a judge.

He despises me so much because he compares us.

If you died today, my life would improve.

-You've had too much to drink.

Lay off the cognac a bit.

-I'm not going to Cochinchina.

You will go.

I'll take your place as director.

-I'm going. You're becoming ridiculous.

- Like your secret love?

With Etienne Chopard.

It's worthy of a boulevard play.

Etienne resolves to marry Eléonore while you, faithful

to your love, you call off your wedding.

I helped a little, but still.

Wait, it's not over.

Imagine the rest of the story.

Papa discovers

that you rejected the Desmarais girl because you are...

-The photo. Where is it?

-And just like that, the beloved son becomes the family disgrace.

and he rediscovers me as his only son worthy of the name.

It's safe.

And it will stay that way if you take this boat.

I'll let you think about it.

(-8, 9.)

(10.)

(11.)

(12.)

(13.)

(14.)

-I'll go with you.

-No, no.

What I'm suggesting...

-I want to buy some soap.

Lilac essence, too.

-The laundry's yellow.

The stains won't come out.

The customers are complaining.

-We have everything we need. -No.

We're out of washing soda crystals, and the soap isn't lathering.

I need the bare minimum for the laundry.

Can I go buy some at the drugstore across the street?

It's right across the street. I'm not going to vanish.

(26, 27.)

(28.)

(29, 30.)

-You got 2 minutes.

Hold on.

We've got a customer.

-I have to do the laundry tonight.

I need the detergent. It'll be closed after that.

-Give me the money.

-No need to be so stingy.

-I'll be right back.

-Alright.

(-40.)

(41.)

(42, 43.)

(44.)

(45.)

(46. 47.)

(48.)

(49.)

(50.)

(51.)

(52. 53.)

(54. 55.)

(56. 57.)

(58. 59. 60.)

-Apache.

(-63. 64.)

-We have...

-Apache.

The girl.

(-76.)

(77.)

(78.)

(79.)

(80.)

Heartbeats ...

(Come on, come on.)

-Red's rigging fights.

-Go check.

-She bolted!

I'll find her, I'll gut her. -The cart!

The cart!

Move, move!

- Cheers!

- LET'S RAISE OUR GLASSES

CHEERS!

LET'S RAISE OUR GLASSES

TO THE HEALTH OF THE EIFFEL TOWER

- We've rehearsed it 100 times.

Let's go, okay?

It's going to be your turn.

- And to the Pink Elephant!

- Let's concentrate.

(Bravo, bravo, bravo.)

-Good luck.

-Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for her.

I'd like to raise my glass

to the delightful evening spent with you all.

And raise my glass to the next act.

(-You could hear a pin drop.)

-The next act

will dazzle you,

with its grace, with its audacity.

With its modernity, but above all, with its magic.

-Are you going to be alright? -Yes.

-But before that, I have another fairy to introduce to you.

A fairy so rare that you won't find her

in any other cabaret in Montmartre.

Ladies and gentlemen...

Please.

Electricity.

Bravo! Bravo!

Now, open your eyes wide.

Because never, ever will you see such a thing

on any Parisian, European

or global stage.

Ladies and gentlemen, a thunderous round of applause

for the scandalous, the one and only,

the unique, the electrifying

Queen of Babylon!

-Bravo!

(-Come on, come on. Screw you all. I'm here.)

(Come on.)

-Good heavens, what a scandal!

-Bravo!

-Bravo!

-Yes, bravo!

-Céleste, that was...

It was breathtaking.

I don't know what... I'm speechless.

You're breathtaking.

-It was incredible, I felt strong.

It was magical. -May I?

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Thank you for existing, truly.

-Thank you for your support.

-Alright, stop it. Champagne!

-Good evening. -Good evening.

-I found Serval.

-Céleste,

we want to congratulate you, are you coming?

-Yes, I'm coming, one moment. Come on in.

-Let's raise our glasses, if you please.

-He remembered nothing.

Neither you, nor the scarred man.

With a few banknotes,

he remembered.

He sold you out, all three of you.

You first,

to Tranchard.

Then your brother to a wealthy family.

You'll find him easily.

He lives at 15 Pontier Street. Arsène Larcourt.

Your sister was sold to scrap dealers.

I haven't located her yet,

but it won't be

long.

- She's there!

Get back here!

I'll get you!

Rose Joubert, that's her name.

I've written everything down for you.

-Thank you.

The one responsible for all this,

the scarred man, I want

you to find him.

-Listen, I understand.

I truly understand, but...

You will find your brother.

-Bon voyage.

-And your sister.

-Yes.

Thank you, Inspector.

No. You're welcome, it's...

Goodbye.

-Forget it, Apache. We won't find her.

(This way.)

You're going to pay.

-Well done.

-Come on. We'll find another one.

-Champagne?