All language subtitles for La.petite.fem4_[eng]

THE LITTLE FEMALE

- Would you like a drink?
- Maybe later, thank you.

Bernard...

We've known each other for months
and I feel you are more than a friend.

Is that a no?

Let me finish, please.

Yesterday, you asked for my hand.

I'm going to answer.

But first, let me tell you the truth.

About my past.

Then I could accept your proposal
should it still stand.

Andrée, I appreciate this.

Again a show of the rectitude
that I've always seen in you.

But perhaps this can wait.

No, Bernard, it can't...

Andrée, if I proposed, it's because...

I feel I know you well enough.

I trust how I feel.

I'm not a child, am I?

I'm not new to this.

I don't doubt that.

But hear me out.

It may change things.

Contrary to what you think,
I'm not Andrée, but Pauline.

I had to change name for protection.

Have you seen
The Truth with Brigitte Bardot?

- The Truth?
- Released three years ago.

Yes, I saw it, like everyone else.

A little risqué, is it not?

I am not very fond of that actress, personally.

She's owes her fame
to her nudity in that film.

It bothers me...

- I don't see where--
- I come in?

Yet I do.

I was very young.

We were at war.

France was occupied.

DUNKIRK,
SPRING 1943

I don't know if I can.

Of course you can.

They'll laugh
at my limited vocabulary.

Not at all.
They will find it charming.

This will help you improve.
German is important now.

You have to master it.

If I want to work,
it has to be with the Germans.

Especially in Dunkirk
and on the coast.

Britain is across the water.

Hello.

I have an appointment.

They want to build ten
along the coast.

Shall I ask what they will be for?

How do you say "deadlines"?

The deadlines are tight,

but my father will do
everything in his power.

He thanks you for your help.

You must adapt to survive.

Some adapt, others endure.

Right you are.

I've made a soup.
Papa got his hands on some peas.

You must eat.

Where were you?
You didn't come this afternoon.

I was assisting Papa.

He shouldn't involve you
in his business at your age.

If it helps him...

And I practice my German.

There are other means for that.

She's not any better.
She won't eat anything.

Your mother has become plaintive.

Everything you mustn't be.

Life forces us to be strong
despite its tests.

Despite the pain it inflicts.

Thank you.

She did lose two of her sons.

So did I.

Enjoy.

Miss Pauline!

Hello, miss.

Hello, sir.

It's lovely said in a French accent.

I'm glad to see you again.

Thank you.

Are you going home?

Not quite yet.

Going for a stroll?

May I join you?

If you like.

I don't want to bother you
or tarnish your image.

You aren't.

Let people judge.

Do you live here?

Yes.

The housekeeper is here.

Still want to come in?

Hello, Mrs Charrignon.

I don't trust boys.

Come again?

I don't trust boys.

Ich, as in I...

How old are you?

- Sixteen.
- Sixteen?

You are very young.

Not really.

- You?
- Twenty-two.

Is that too old?

No, it isn't.

My brother François was 22
when he was killed.

I'm sorry.

Was he killed at war?

No.

The day I turned nine.

We celebrate my birthday
the day before now.

He died training.

He was a pilot in the army.

I'm sorry. Truly.

Do you really have to go?

Yes.

See you soon, Herr Soldat.

See you soon.

Goodbye, ma'am.

How shameful. And in your home!

That little whore.

While my husband
is prisoner in Germany.

I'll see you tomorrow.

Open up!

We have a casualty!

- What is it, Colonel Doctor?
- Fetch some hot water.

Do what he says.

Now.

Do you like him?

Very much so.

- In high school, are you?
- Yes.

What are your plans after?

I'm going to Lille to study medicine.

That's a long-term program.

I know.

I've heard that a lot.

My mother thinks
it's too long for a woman.

I never said that.

But it's true
that there aren't many girls.

At least when I did my studies
back in my country,

there weren't any.

That was a different time.

I don't want my mother's life,
where my father leads it for her.

Women must lead their own lives now.

You are right.

- Shall we?
- Yes, let's.

Open up!

Two men to the cellar,
the rest upstairs!

On you go, men. On you go!

Turn this house upside down!

Search all the bedrooms.

We've got the Englishman!

Father and the son, out!

Ready. Aim. Fire!

Listen to the bells.
It's a day to celebrate!

There we go. Right in behind the ears.
Everything gone.

You'll be radiant.

Everyone is here to see you.

No need to hide anymore.

Come on, show your face.
There you go. Look.

Enjoy the crowd! Look.

A happy girl. Yes, you are!

What is it? Tears?

Is your Fritz still going to want you?

And there we go.
You had fun together, didn't you?

Time to atone.

Off it goes!

There's just too much.

It's her. The Dubuisson girl!

- Come here, you.
- What the hell?

- Come here.
- Get off me!

Stop struggling!

I'll teach you!

Move it.

Hurry up.

And here you go.

You're next.

I'll take care of you.

I'll make you beautiful, too.

LILLE,
SEPTEMBER 1948

Hello.

Thank you.

Dubuisson, Pauline.

Born 11 March 1927
in Malo-les-Bains, Nord...

6, rue des...

6, rue des Fusillés.

... Fusillés.

Thank you.

Come in.

Everything OK? Do you like it?

Yes, very much so.

It's a pleasure to rent it to you.

I'm a friend of Solange.

I can tell we're going to get along.

So can I. I'm sure of it.

I'll let you be.

I'll see you later.

So... the image we have here shows
the projection of the openings

of the precordium.

You will notice they are concentrated
in a very narrow space

and that their anatomical focus
does not match the auscultatory.

Still, we must consider
their potential displacements

based on pathological changes
in cardiac volume and shape.

For next week,

you should all read Vol. 9 from Testut

on respiration.

- Is next class document-based?
- Yes.

- Thank you.
- Bye, sir.

Where will practicals be next week?

- In room 218.
- Thank you.

Come on!

You always do that to me!

Come on.

One of them got married.

Now they live together.

The second will be married in August,
and we are the same age,

but I am nowhere near ready for that.

I honestly think it's mad.

- At our age, to commit to that.
- Even just thinking about it!

We have so much to do before then.

Think about our studies.
Now we can study, why not do it?

My mother gave me a book called
Miss Chic: Good Housekeeping.

Are you serious?

I don't believe it!

To women's suffrage!

It's infuriating to think
my mother couldn't vote before 45.

- It's mad.
- We still have a long way to go.

And now's the time!
If not now, then when?

- Who else will?
- France is on its knees.

- We need to take our chance.
- And build it back up.

And lay new foundations.

Tying your laces, really?

Sorry?

Nothing.

Thought you were waiting for me.

I'm being silly. Pauline Dubuisson.

Félix Bailly.

- You were watching me in there.
- Yes, I apologize.

It was unintentional.

- Really?
- At least...

- What I mean is...
- Unintentional, but it lasted a while.

But what I mean is--

And we saw each other at the cafe.

I'll be offended if you don't recall.

I recall it well.

- Are you in third year?
- Yes, that's right.

I intend to specialize.

In what? I don't know yet.
I'm undecided.

My father is a family physician.

I may take over his practice.

- All well with Pauline?
- Yes, a charming girl!

It's funny how things work out.

- Your cousin, is she?
- My sister-in-law.

Gilbert's little sister.

Yes, that's right.

She is such a beauty.

There's...

something about her.

Others have noticed, too.

Why do you say so?

The Germans found the same
during the war.

As she wasn't exactly prudish,
she paid for it during the liberation.

Oh really?

Does that bother you?

I shouldn't have said.

Let's say I might have...

preferred not to know, yes.

Or to know before.

Why didn't you tell me?

I didn't want to prejudice her.

But I thought you should know.

Well, thank you.

But she was just a child at the time.

She only just turned 21.

And her parents just let her?

I think it even helped
her father's business.

My God. Well, I never!

Oh well, what can you do?

You should stay away from her.

Heard the rumors?

So what? They're just rumors.

It's out of jealousy of her looks.

No, it didn't come out of nowhere.

Where then? Who told you that?

Her landlady told a girl in third year
who lived there last year.

- And who told her landlady?
- I don't know.

Just be careful, that's all.

- It's just a matter of time.
- Until what?

With a girl like that?

Until you're sharing her.

Pauline.

- What's wrong?
- Nothing.

- You startled me.
- Sorry.

- Am I very late?
- No, not that late.

Shall we?

Félix...

I must ask you something.

But I'd rather you didn't ask why.

All right. What is it?

Could you call me Paulette?

Paulette?

- OK but--
- No, you agreed.

All right.

Paulette it is.

I have a younger sister. She's 16.

Marguerite.

We're close
despite the 7-year age gap.

We're a tight-knit family.

What about you?

It's a different story.

Shall I drop it?

My family?

No, it's OK.

I have a surviving brother, Gilbert.

But we rarely see each other.
I don't like his wife much.

My other brothers were killed.

One pre-war, the other during.

I'm sorry.

Why anatomy?

Thanks to Rembrandt.

And Michelangelo's sanguine drawings.

Do you frequent the museum?

A pity.

- Have you read Rabelais?
- No.

You must.

Absolutely.

As for exploring the body,

even if you're a first-year,
sneak into Gallois's lecture hall

in Saint Sauveur.

His dissections are incredible.

You would learn a lot.

Thank you.

And why did you choose medicine?

Because of the Dunkirk bombings.

Are you ready?

Saturday won't work.
Your uncle is coming for lunch.

She really wants me to go.

Hello, ma'am.
Forgive my tardiness.

Hello, miss.

I was working and didn't see the time.

I understand.

Have a seat.

Thank you.

What would you like?

A white tea.

Excuse me. A white tea, please.

Thank you.

So you're leading my son astray
on Saturday night?

I'm not leading anyone astray.
Félix is a big boy.

I simply invited him to a concert.

Mother, you're overreacting.

Here, look.

Admit it's a fine program.

You have exams in 3 months.

I know that.

It's just a concert.

Are you all right?

Stairs are a little tough-going.

Easier than your mother.

What's that?

Easier than your mother.

Here you are.

It's not very big, I'll admit.

It's perfectly fine.

It's private and...

- It's your own place.
- Yes.

Are you happy with your landlady?

Yes.

Close the curtains.

Undress me.

Was it your first time?

Paulette...

Just listen.

Go on, then.

I also have to ask you something.

And you can ask why.

What is it?

Will you be my wife?

Aren't you asking why?

But Félix...

what can I say?

Why, I suppose?

Because I love you.

We hardly know each other.
How can you be sure?

Because I know I love you.

You just know some things.

You don't hum and haw for ten years.

It doesn't work like that.

It's a bit soon.

You can't be sure yet,
and neither can I.

It felt special making love to me.

It's your first time.
You're emotional.

But we need to get to know each other
to be sure a marriage will work.

Look...

in three weeks,
you told me you loved me.

In another three, you may not.

I don't think so.

We'll see.

But before talking about marriage,
finishing my studies is important.

You wouldn't have to work.

I'd take care of us.

Oh well then!

I just need a few years.

And my life will be the children?

- Is that so undignified?
- No.

But I don't want that.

Not yet anyway.

First, I want to finish college
and be a doctor.

And not depend on someone.

Give us five minutes, honey.

Have a seat.

- Tea?
- No, thank you.

You wanted to talk, Marguerite said.

Structure your sentences properly.

Marguerite said
that you wanted to talk.

Félix...

we did some research.

Your father knows people in Dunkirk
and they all told him the same thing.

This girl you are courting,

Pauline Dubuisson,
has a reputation that precedes her,

an unflattering one.

Trust us, it isn't at all pretty.

We'll spare you the details.

Know this, during the liberation,
she had her head shaven in public.

And it was not by mistake.

How old is she?

Three, four years your junior?

Back then,
she must have been 17 or 18.

A little early to be having
those kinds of misadventures.

Is that what you wanted
when you imagined your future wife?

Answer us, please.

Is that what you wanted
when you imagined your future wife?

No.

Very well.

You are a man and an adult.

Now you know.

There is only one choice here
and you must make it.

I understand.

All I think about is you.

Really?

Yes. I can't sleep.

You shouldn't.
Your mother will blame me!

I don't care what she says.

- Are you sure?
- Yes.

Paulette, I've thought about it.

I want to live with you.

I want you for my wife.

I want children together.

Félix...

don't you hear me?

I won't marry before I graduate.

So in six or seven years?

That's right.

And when you finish college,

I won't give up to have a family.

Do you understand?

I may not fit in to your world.

You do.

You're the woman for me.

There's only you, no one else.

When you look at me like that,

you see someone else
and whoever it is, it's not me.

Paulette.

Wait up.

Please. Paulette.

I can't do it.

If you don't see that...

- Listen.
- I can't live the life you're offering.

It's not for me, it'd never work.

It's excellent work.
Well documented and summarized.

Thank you.

This part merits further development.

But it was complex
and you ran out of time.

Yes, I did.

- Excuse me.
- Sorry.

Same again, please.

There you are. Fancy a drink?

- What you're having.
- Another for the gentleman.

They chatted a little after class,
then left together.

I see.

She has no shame.

Thank you.

Paulette?

Doctor Blandin? Let me in.

Paulette?

Professor, I know she's in there.

Let me take care of it.

- Who's there?
- It's me. Bailly.

Félix...

What's wrong, boy?

What's got into you?

I know she's there!

Professor, please let me talk to her.

- Have you gone mad, Bailly?
- Let me have her.

She's my everything.
She's just a toy to you.

What are you on about?

Do you often barge
into people's homes?

Isn't she here?

Who?

Bailly...

Don't get in such a state over a girl.

Even one you love.

She won't stay if you do.

If you care about her,
be a man and not a boy.

- It's pathetic.
- You're right, Professor.

Thank you.

Sorry.

Why did you do that?

I don't know.

To get over Félix.

But why in such a way?

I don't understand.

Neither do I.

Do you like Blandin?

Not really.

But I need a man who helps me
get ahead, not who holds me back.

Why do you say that?
Félix is very considerate.

You're right, he is.

Just too attached to his parents.

It's surprising. He's 23 years old.

He's a little sentimental
and overprotected by his family

but he is a very genuine boy.

You may not be used to it.

Maybe you don't like romance.

Meaning?

Nothing.

Just that those men are rare, Pauline.

It was as if
they were acting for their lives.

It was really...

It was so impressive.

Hello, Félix.

I'm truly sorry.

I apologize for my behavior.
I feel terrible.

How can I fix things?

I'm not proud of myself.

Félix?

I want to go back to normal.

I don't believe it!

Don't you see
how humiliating this is for you?

- But for you--
- This is about you!

People won't laugh at us.

They will certainly pity us.

But you will be
the object of ridicule!

Promise me,

tomorrow, once and for all,

you will end this relationship.

I promise.

Well, I wish I could believe you.

You can. I was blind but not anymore.

Here you go.

A fortnight.

Thank you, Father.

Come here.

With the hemoglobin,

you have the heme structure,

the globin, the myoglobin
and the oxygen binding site.

I agree.

There he is.

- You remember Mrs Mercier.
- Yes, of course. Hello.

- Hello and congratulations.
- Thank you.

I can tell your parents are elated.

Do you know Monique?

I do. Hello, Monique.

- Hello, Félix. Congratulations.
- Thank you.

Have a seat and a chat.
I'll fetch the tea.

After you.

Fourth year!

You're almost half-way.

Not exactly.

Still an achievement.

Monique will study literature
next year.

I'm not sure
she will have the strength

to spend all week in Lille.

Monique studies piano.

She's learning Debussy.

The Petite Suite.

One of my favorites.

You must hear her play.

That would be a pleasure.

What about you, Marguerite?

Marguerite is struggling
with math this year.

Your teacher can exclude you
from the honor roll, you know.

Your mother is right.

- No need to roll your eyes.
- Thank you.

This is math.

It isn't like art or music.

She needs to be reminded.

Paulette?

Paulette.

You have class soon.

Time to wake up.

Paulette, before you leave, tell me...

What?

Will you be my wife?

We know each other now.

That's true.

I have more faith in us.

But I still need more time.

More time?

How much?

We can talk properly after my exams.

That's a lot of time.

Can't you wait until then?

I don't know.

Isn't it over between you yet?

You've lost your mind.

She's going to ruin your life, Félix.

Do we need to remind you all she did?

You can't have forgotten
about Blandin.

- You don't understand.
- We do, perfectly.

- No, you don't.
- Enlighten us then.

I feel for her.
She didn't have the start we did.

- Pull the other one!
- It's true.

She didn't have a calm, close family.
It explains a lot.

I always had loving parents

who protected and guided me.
She didn't.

Are you a preacher now?

You don't know her hardship.

With the Fritz?

She's taking you for a ride.

You mean she's riding him.
He's uxorious!

It's time to wake up.

Thank you.

No, don't apologize...

- Sorry, it was an accident.
- Sure it was.

I look over
and the girl has the answer!

- Spot on.
- You always get lucky.

I was thrilled.

Look who it is...

- Schön! My Fuhr lady.
- Gut! Ein gut screw! Jawohl.

- You pathetic assholes.
- You sound like a floozy!

- Showing your true colors!
- Like all floozies.

You can say whores.

Leave the whores alone,
they're just fine.

- And she speaks her mind!
- Because she votes now.

That's not all she does...

Are you proud? Ganging up on me?

We thought you liked that.

Sorry, he's a little boorish.
But it's true, isn't it?

You change man like the weather.

Have we got a shot?

Listen, you little whore.

You leave Félix alone.

He's too good for you.

I agree.

Home is a house
filled with children's laughter.

You'll need to be firm
when I'm not there.

I'm not sure I'll be able to get mad.

I'm afraid I'll overlove them.

Shall we continue next week?

Come on then.

Tell me about it.

A rough patch with Félix?

Yes.

We're growing apart.

His parents hate me.

His friends hate me.
They want to break us up.

- Maybe they're right.
- Nonsense.

It's my fault, too.
I can't make up my mind.

What's holding you back?
Do you care about him?

- Yes.
- Well then!

I asked him to wait until I graduate.

What do you want?

To keep studying or keep Félix?

I want both.

That won't be easy, my dear girl.

I can't give up now.

You can't expect him to either.

But I'm not asking him to.

Why should I have to?

That's just how it is in his world.

Women support their husbands' careers

and raise the family.

"I wanted to believe my freedom
mattered more than my love for you.

"Now I want to believe
that we can be something.

"I want to be the woman you desire.

"If I must,
I will terminate my studies.

"Now all I dream of is peace
and finding a way

"for us to be happy together.

"Forgive me a thousand times
for the pain and suffering

"that my pride has caused you."

Quite the schemer.

- Have you replied?
- Not yet.

- Do you intend to?
- Yes.

I know I must end it
but I don't know how to.

She's attached.

Have a cognac with me.

Gladly.

Do you have any idea
why she is so attached?

No, I don't.

But I can't get rid of her.

I hope nothing happened between you.

Thank you.

- Something you're not telling us.
- Meaning?

- Did you sleep with her?
- No.

- Are you sure?
- Of course.

You can tell me the truth.

It's the truth.

But it wouldn't have mattered.

I wouldn't have been
the first or last.

Glad to hear it.

There won't be any surprises
in a few months.

Your mother and I made a decision.

You'll go to Paris next year.

A prestigious qualification
and independence will do you good.

We won't see you as much
but you'll be out of her clutches.

- What do you think?
- About Paris?

Where else? Cayenne?

You'll have your cousins
and my brother there.

- A good deal for you.
- Yes.

Thank you.

It's wonderful.

That's settled. You'll write
to that girl to end things.

Choose your words wisely
to make sure she stays away.

Your mother can help.

Here's your mail.

Is it from him?

PARIS,
7 MARCH 1951

Why are you here?

Evening, Félix.

How did you find me?

Someone told me where to.

- Do you mind?
- No.

I'm just surprised.

You look well.

That's sweet but it's not true.

Aren't you well?

No.

Your letter hurt me.

So did your sudden departure.

I felt it was necessary.

I felt bad after.

- I didn't know that.
- No.

I decided not to call you.

Are you here long?

Until Sunday.

Make yourself comfortable.

I'll be right back.

I have one can of food.

Probably not that good
but there's enough for two.

I'd like that. I'm hungry.

- Where are you staying?
- With some cousins.

It's late, I'll miss the last metro.

Stay.

Are you sure?

Yes.

I don't have any clothes.

I have pajamas.

Wait.

Slow down.

Slow down...

Morning.

Hurry up.
I have class at 9 and won't be late.

I say, you've flipped a switch.

Are you engaged?

Yes, I am.

To Monique, a respectable girl.

Unlike you.

We'll marry after graduating.

You still haven't eaten
and you haven't left this room.

I'm worried about you.

Don't be.

You've missed three days of class.

I'll catch up.

Are you sure you don't want a doctor?

I'm positive.

I'm sorry about the rent again.

Hello, Félix.

- Do you have time to talk?
- No, I don't.

I'm going to England
for a hockey game tomorrow.

I'll be picked up in an hour.

The train is this afternoon.

I have to pack.

I understand.

It won't take long.

Come on then.

I'm listening.
As I said, I have to pack.

You've changed.

- Give me some respect.
- Sorry.

I was blind to you and naive.

I admit that you warned me.

Not marriage material.

You take whoever you want, whenever.

And brazenly, too.

You don't want a family.

I'm not blaming you,
but, for my family, you lack dignity.

And you? Taking me without love.

Whenever you like.

Then you run back
to the pure, perfect woman.

Your family's choice.
As if nothing happened!

After that...

how can you still talk about dignity?

Look...

think what you like.

We're worlds apart.

I regret how blind I was.

It was inexperience.

I don't understand
how I could be so blind either.

Agreeing to give up college.

My whole world.

Please don't threaten suicide
to manipulate me.

It's not a threat.

It's simply fatigue
and disappointment.

If you knew how tired I was...

- What was that?
- I don't know.

- Where was that?
- No idea!

What the hell is going on?

What's going on up there?

Come on.

Félix!

Félix?

It's Bernard.

Félix!

Open up, Félix!

It's me, let me in!

I was standing up
and I took out the gun.

And you shot him?

Yes, you did.

I don't remember the first shot.

I was standing in front of him.

I think I turned the gun on myself.

You think or you're sure?

I'm not sure.

Yet you should remember.

It all happened so fast.

I can't remember if I had time
to turn the gun on myself.

All I see is Félix lunging at me.

And the gun just went off on him?

I didn't want to kill him.
I wanted to shoot myself.

LIFE OF A DEBAUCHEE

PAULINE DUBUISSON
KILLS LOVER IN COLD BLOOD

PAULINE DUBUISSON
THE ANGEL OF EVIL

FEMME FATALE
PAULINE DUBUISSON

THE MEDICAL VAMP

YOUR USUAL CASE OR CRIME OF PASSION?

AMORAL AND DIABOLICAL

WHY DID SHE KILL FELIX BAILLY?

I'm sorry, I have some awful news.

My sincere condolences.

FATHER KILLS HIMSELF

I feel for you but you must be strong.

The coming days will be testing.

The trial will be full.

Photographers and reporters.

They want to see you.

Mr. President,
I am writing to you in the dark.

I do not want
to turn on my night-light.

I do not refuse to stand trial,

but I refuse to make
a spectacle of myself for the crowd.

That's enough. Be quiet, now!

- Mr Baudet, a statement, please!
- Excuse me!

Miss Pauline Dubuisson
tried to take her own life last night.

She is currently in hospital.

Her trial will be held
at a later date.

- Thank you.
- Have you spoken to her?

18 NOVEMBER 1953

During the occupation,

you were seen horse-riding
with the Germans.

I don't deny it.

You rode sidesaddle on German horses.

Sidesaddle, did I?

This is a picture of my mother
from before 1914.

So you do not dispute
that you went horse-riding

with a German army doctor,

with whom, it would seem,
you also had an affair?

You were employed as his assistant
at Rosendael hospital

until the end of the war,
where you lived on site.

You don't deny this?

Let me just specify
that this was a German-run hospital.

There were causalities.

I thought I could do some good.

It seems you did some good
to the German doctor.

You were 17.

He was 55.

You must admit that this age gap
would shock anyone.

Did he coerce you?

Force you?

Did he seduce you?

- No.
- What then?

It simply happened.

What do you mean? Explain yourself!

I admired his medical knowledge.

Despite the war and chaos,
he kept calm and did his job.

I respected him.

Excuse me, ma'am?
A seat for the Dubuisson trial?

They're all gone.

- How much?
- Fifteen cents.

Thank you.

I will now read the statement
from Inspector Barrière

who led the investigation.

About the night of 7th to 8th March

you claim to have spent
with Mr Bailly,

"The defendant's version of events
does not seem admissible."

I told him the truth.

You are claiming
to have spent the night with Mr Bailly

when you got to Paris

even though he left you months prior?

Yes.

How did this come about?

I went to Félix's place.

He was on his landing.

He was surprised to see me.

He let me in.

We talked.

About?

About us.

Did he tell you he was engaged?

No.

But I saw pictures of a young woman.

I didn't ask.

I thought it was
a marriage of convenience

and that his feelings for me
couldn't just go away so soon.

I tried to find out.

And what did you find out?

He was evasive.

Yet he didn't try
to end the conversation.

He didn't ask me to leave.

When he asked how long I was there,
I knew he wanted to see me again.

I told him.

What did he say to that?

He invited me to eat with him.

Then what?

He kissed me like he used to.

We went to bed.

We engaged in sexual relations.

This is preposterous.

Counsel,
you will have your turn to speak.

Please continue.

I woke up the next day.

He was already up.

He told me to hurry as he had class.

I got dressed,
took my stuff and we left.

He said nothing more. He ignored me.

I asked him if he was engaged.

He said he was.

He said to Monique

and they would marry after graduating.

Then he left.

Without another word.

This is scandalous!

I am outraged at this slander uttered
by the defendant about the victim!

Accusing him of taking advantage
when he loved his fiancée!

Then kicking her out the next day,
like a common whore!

Counsel, I understand your outrage

but you must wait your turn!

That woman didn't exist to Félix.

As soon as Félix and I met,

I am positive,

absolutely positive,
that he stopped seeing her.

I met up with Félix
in our first class at 9 am.

He said,

"Guess what happened last night.

"That girl from Lille I told you about,
who gave me such a hard time,

"she turned up at my door."

He told me he let her know
that it was over between them.

He also said she stayed a few hours.

In his opinion,
she had come to win him over.

Félix was too in love and honest
to agree to see Pauline again.

I could never imagine

he would besmirch the deep love
that he felt for Monique.

It was a joy to see them start a life,
so perfect for each other.

This applied to their love
for each other,

how their worlds aligned,

their upbringing

and religious beliefs.

You went to gunsmith Paul Kerkhove
on the main square in Dunkirk

and asked to see the pistols.

Mrs Kerkhove showed you a model
in line with the budget you had.

However, she told you that you needed
police authorization to purchase it.

You went to Malo police station

where you were seen
by Sergeant Fardel.

He asked you why you needed a gun.

You told him
you were a student in Lille

and lived alone in a dangerous area.

You said a friend had been attacked.

This, of course, was false.

Answer me this:

did you fabricate this story?

Yes.

Of course you did.

Sergeant Fardel tells you
that he can only issue you with

a possession license,
not a license to carry a gun.

This prohibits you from removing
the gun from your property.

Still, you went to see Bailly
with this gun.

One of the shells retrieved
had expanded slightly and cracked.

So it shattered
when the gunpowder exploded.

We also found a bullet wedged
in the chamber of the gun.

It expanded upon impact.

It could not eject causing
the next round to fail to feed.

The gun was jammed.

You didn't love Félix Bailly.

That's not true.

Yes, it's the truth.

Yet you couldn't accept
he had found someone else.

You chose to kill him.

No, that's a lie.

It was an accident.

No one here can believe that.

I swear it's the truth.

I find it hard to open up.

But I was devastated that day.

Emotionally drained.

I didn't know how to talk to Félix.

He was so distant.

Different. Detached.

So you shot him!

No.

He came towards me.

Then it all happened so fast.
I was stunned.

I was beside myself.

- I don't know what happened.
- Let me tell you.

Three bullets hit Félix Bailly.

All three were fatal.

One in the forehead.

One in the back.
One in the back of the head.

The so-called coup de grâce.

How was he shot three times,
including in his back?

I don't know!

Félix tried to grab the gun
and it went off.

He fell before my eyes.

I was terrified.

I kept shooting without meaning to.

I didn't want to kill him.

- I wanted to die.
- Did you?

- I did.
- Let's discuss that.

So after firing three rounds,
with each hitting this boy,

and attempting suicide
with the same gun,

but which, when directed at you,
became accidentally jammed,

you went to the kitchen
and turned on the gas.

But you knew

that someone was coming.

Are you sure
you didn't take your time?

No, I didn't.

But if you really wanted to die,

why do so using gas
when you were on the seventh floor?

That's two failed
suicide attempts in a row.

You don't have much luck,
Pauline Dubuisson.

Your tale of tragedy is exactly that:
a tale! Pauline Dubuisson.

It is as convincing
as your suicide attempts.

You're much better at murder.

That'll be all.

I stand alone in this melodrama.

My colleagues' pleas and the press
have turned this into a melodrama.

My father's client, Mr Dubuisson,
encouraged her as a teenager

to engage in affairs
with German soldiers.

She was a minor at the time

yet is accused today
of luring them into debauchery.

Let me clarify things.

Pauline Dubuisson's countless lovers
have been brought up time and again.

I decided to count them.

Well, including Félix Bailly,
you can count them on one hand!

Don't you agree

that this does not merit
her absurd portrayal as a debauchee?

Is Pauline Dubuisson the only woman
in France to take lovers?

Forgive me,
but I'm afraid there are others.

Most likely
but they didn't kill their husbands.

Why is Pauline Dubuisson on trial?

She has a dreadful past.

We are not judging her for her past,
she was very young,

but for the death she caused.

She says is was an accident
and she wanted to kill herself.

I cannot believe for a second
that it was an accident.

Can we be sure?
No one was there.

Come on...

we can be sure
that she killed that poor lad.

No one was there

but the facts speak for themselves.

You aren't accidentally shot
three times

while trying to disarm someone

pointing a gun at herself.

We cannot be positive.

It's obvious, come on.

She wanted to kill him.

The detectives found
that the gun jammed,

just like she said,

when she turned it on herself.

Yes, but if the gun jammed,

nothing proves
she turned it one herself.

As you said, no one was there.

I think we can believe her.

She said she wasn't in her right mind

and it wasn't intentional.

She seemed sincere.

She came off as a liar to me.

A liar and a fraud.

I agree, I found her cold.

Haughty.

Those are impressions we don't share.

You are too emotional.

That woman is not worthy
of your clemency.

None of us can be sure of the claims.

Our vote cannot result
in the death penalty.

If we deny
her extenuating circumstances,

it's the death penalty.

I don't know what happened

but I find it mad, barbaric even,
that the seven of us

can unanimously vote
to behead this young woman!

We are simply enforcing the law.

Please rise.

Will the defendant please rise.

To the question of
Pauline Dubuisson's guilt in the murder

of Félix Bailly,

the jury answered
that Pauline Dubuisson was guilty.

To the question of premeditation,

the jury answered "yes".

To the question of...

whether Pauline Dubuisson may benefit
from extenuating circumstances,

the jury answered "yes".

As a result,
the court sentences Pauline Dubuisson

to life imprisonment.

The guilty party
may appeal the decision

within 10 calendar days
from this date.

Bailiff, escort the guilty party out.

7 YEARS LATER,

21 MARCH 1960

All the best to you.

Do you think you've paid?

All airs and graces. Whore!

Easier not to answer, eh?

I did my time, sir.

My term was reduced.
Let me be, now.

And the boy's mother?

Did she get her son back?

I'm going back to school.

I'll go to Paris.
No one knows me there.

I can use my middle name
and go by Andrée Dubuisson.

I can make a request
to the public prosecutor.

- Is that all right?
- Of course.

Mama, if I go to Paris,

will you join me?

I only have you now.

I hardly see Gilbert.

Thank you.

Your father left some money for you.

Hello, sir.

Hello, miss.

I can't find anything!
And it's smaller here.

How can that be?

What are you looking for?

The food mill.

Under the sink.

- For a soup?
- Yes, leek and potato.

Isn't it a little hot out?

What would you like then?

- Mama.
- Yes?

Come here.

I don't believe it!

Those are old pictures.
You've changed since.

No one will recognize you.

And now you're Andrée.

Dubuisson is a common name.

There are so many,
no one will make the connection.

THE TRUTH

I wanted to kill myself.

Thinking of yourself again.

The gun was empty!

Clever of you not to save a bullet.

She wasn't counting!

You didn't jump
out the window, of course.

Too dangerous. You preferred gas.

You knew you'd be saved.

I wanted to die!

Die!

Die!

He got her!

It was your third or fourth
failed suicide attempt.

I must say,
you're much better at murder!

Enough!

That'll be all.

You're all intellect and no heart!

To judge love
you must first be capable of love.

How dare you question
her suicide attempt!

You portray this woman
as a man-slayer, a Circe.

Can she help her looks?

Men pursued her like wild game.

Excuse me, miss.

- Pauline Dubuisson, isn't it?
- I'm Andrée.

I recognize you, Pauline.
Pierre Joffroy, Paris Match.

I would like to talk to you,
if you will.

Derb Laâlouj Hospital seeks
doctors, interns and nurses.

All help welcome.
Accommodation provided.

Address applications to Doctor Joseph.

Mind made up, then?

Yes.

It'll always catch up with me.

First the film...

the reporter,
the pictures in the street.

I'll all come out someday.

But why use your real name
and tell them what you did?

I want to tell the truth.

If my past is an issue,
I'd rather know now.

But who knows?

I might get lucky for once.

Mama...

if they accept me,

will you come?

I don't think so.

I'm tired, I'm sure you know.
But go, don't worry about me.

Let nothing stop you living.

You deserve a life.

MOROCCO, 1961

We are glad to have you here.

Thank you, Doctor.

As I said in my letter,

I let my wife in on our secret
about your past.

But no one here knows.

And they won't.

I promise.

Thank you, sincerely.

The keys to your apartment.

You must register with the consulate
as a French national abroad.

SEPTEMBER, 1963

Heard of Barbara?

Yes, I mean, not really, but...

You haven't heard of her?

Not exactly.

What do you listen to?

Charles Trenet.

Oh yes, Trenet!

That's from before the war.

There are new people now.

I'm out of the loop. I never go out.

Sometimes I attend concerts.
I love classical music.

You'll find some records here.

In fact, I bought a turntable.

It has an automatic arm, you know?

It goes back to the start at the end.

You know the kind?

Yes, I do.

Well, I'd better go.

Will you walk with me?

Andrée,
I'll be leaving Essaouira soon,

for three months
to work outside Rabat.

Will you join me,

when you can?

Now you know everything.

Sorry...

I don't know what to say.

I just don't know.

Hello, Doctor.

- Hello, Zahra.
- How are you?

Good... I've just lost my red pen.

You must rest, Doctor. You are tired.

Don't worry, Zahra.

Bye for now.

Andrée?

- Andrée.
- Yes?

Are you all right?

- Yes.
- Are you sure?

Yes, I'm just a bit tired.

I just need some rest.

We are your friends, Andrée.
If you are struggling, tell us.

- We're here to help.
- Thank you.

It's very kind to have come over.

But I'm absolutely fine.
I'd tell you if I wasn't.

OK. Bye, Andrée.

THE LITTLE FEMALE