Original subtitles

THE TRUTH

Brichet! Court today!

Her and her bloody doors!

Marceau! Court today!

You've a hard day ahead of you

Go to hell!

All yours!

Leave her alone; you know she's up for trial today

She's your pet, but I'm no thief or killer

I know; you're here for being so kind-hearted

- We'll all suffocate here - They're opening up at the back

My apologies, Madame

Would you open it?

I'll have to ask the chief

I'll be responsible

Thank you so much. I couldn't see from back there

Of course, you lawyers must find it all very boring

Not till our facilities fail

What a ham Eparvier is

Mainstay of the grieving mother

She nearly fainted outside

Eparvier probably tipped off a photographer

- Where were you? - With our client

Leaving me to rescue Madame Boutereau

She means five million a year to us. Rather more than this Dominique Marceau

- What did she say? - She still wants to explain

She'll see reason in the dock, they all do

- I doubt if she will - Then we're in for it

It's a great profession, apart from the clients

- Doesn't look too tarty, does she? - No, but she's still a looker

That's bad; see the jurors?

Object to those women

Happy with my paper today?

What faces! Just what I need

Who's for it today? Witnesses? Accused?

I give everybody a hard time, especially with him on the other side

Demand the maximum penalty, you'll get it if you press

What's up your sleeve?

I thought you told me they didn't get on

Wait and see

Name, age and profession

Dominique Marceau, twenty-two years old

Profession?

Clerk, proceed with the selection of the jury

The preliminaries will take an hour

Waiting and more waiting It gets on my nerves

Try to relax, you'll need all your nerve soon enough

I draw lots for the jury

First juror. Monsieur Verdier, number seven

- Madame Tardy - Objection

- Madame Galon - Objection

- The shysters! - You're young

What do you make of her?

A bitch. Premeditated murder, obviously

If Gu�rin wins, she'll get five years and be out in eighteen months

It's a gift

Eparvier doesn't give, he could make it life

Or worse

That's tomorrow's story, first we must write today's

Kindly vacate the benches for observers

The jury will rise

Swear before God to examine most carefully the charges

Prejudice neither the accused's interests nor the state's

Communicate with no one until your verdict is delivered

Entertain no malice, decide according to your conscience...

...with impartiality, as benefits free, honest men...

...and thereafter remain silent as to your deliberations

Let the accused...

...hear the charges

The Clerk will read the commission for trial

On 15th October, 1959, the Indictments Office of Paris...

...in pursuance of the charges against Dominique Morceau...

With a girl like that, truth may be the best defence

What truth?

That this case is about a couple of kids

I'm not going to come a cropper to please that little ninny

My line is that Gilbert was a rat, determined to have her

He turned her head...

...but once she saw through him, she pulled the trigger,

The old story

Invariably

On 15th December, 1958, the police received a call...

...from Andre Mortineou. a friend of Gilbert Tellier

Martineau had already warned Tellier of possible danger

Don't practise too late, the neighbours have complained

Has Monsieur Tellier gone out?

No, a blonde visited him

Have you a key?

What a smell of gas

An accident?

I'll turn off the gas

She's here! Call the police

I'd let her croak

- She's pretty far gone - Are we doing her a favour?

She wouldn't suffer

Very convenient

Dominique Morceau has been committed for trial...

...at the Seine Court of Assizes...

...and ordered to be held in custody...

...to await judgement according to the law

Stand

You are, therefore, accused of murder...

...and may suffer penalty of death

Proceed with the examination

Born 12th October, 1939, in Rennes, where you lived until eighteen

Your father being on active service...

...your mother raised you and your sister, Annie

Character witnesses all offer the some testimony

Selfishness, instability, sullenness, ingratitude at home

Yet you led a pampered, happy life

Yes, but I was...

Mistreated?

No, it was dreary

She was always the good one

From childhood you hated her

I have here an account of a typical incidents

Your sister was given a beautiful doll

You stole this doll and tore out its hair...

...poked out its eyes...

...and dismembered it with alarming ferocity

Murdering a doll! Well, well!

Counsel, please!

I was eight

Already jealous of your sister

No one gave me anything

Because you didn't deserve it, but Annie worked hard

She found learning things easy I didn't

You never took pains, unlike your sister

Gentlemen, Annie worked at her lessons and learnt the violin

You roamed the street with boys, scandalizing the town

That's easy to do in Rennes

By bringing a scandalous book like The Mandarins to school?

We passed it around, but it was pretty boring stuff

Didn't it surprise or shock you?

Your Honour, a page at random page 74

His lips teased my breast, my stomach, moved lower...

I succumbed to pleasure...

Your Honour, three carefully chosen lines out of 600 pages

- Aren't they in the book? - It won the Goncourt Prize!

Would you give it to your daughter?

Is Simone de Beauvoir on trial here?

We are not here to censure you for your reading

I'm glad to hear it

But this episode caused your expulsion from school

More idle then ever, you paid no heed to your father, now retired

You frequented caf�s, went to the cinema three times a week

Soon this life of dissipation had a logical consequence:

you took a lover

I told the magistrate that

You did indeed. Strange that the young man denies it

Poor Henri

It's usually the other way round. However, the man is now married

People started talking, you left to escape the consequences

What consequences? That had nothing to do with it

Annie was going to the Paris Conservatory. I seized my chance

If Annie's going, why shouldn't I?

I might as well drop dead.

Don't talk like that

Your hands are all thumbs As for your brain...

- I'll be a secretary - You can't type

There are shops, beauty parlours...

A manicurist? No daughter of mine!

- What's to become of me? - What indeed?

I'd be earning sooner than Annie if I was a beautician

I'd pay you back for the trip after a month

I'll go anyway

And I'll box your ears!

You'll regret it!

Excellent stew

Good night, dear. Go straight to bed

You'd have got your way if you'd played your cards right

You're not asleep

Don't be silly, it's not my fault

Don't be ridiculous

That's enough!

Dominique, answer me! Say something!

You weren't serious, were you?

Wanting to die is serious

But your motives are in doubt

- It was an act - A farce!

You call that a farce?

I call it a tragedy when an eighteen-year-old takes Veronal!

The doctor described the suicide attempt as theatrical

Theatrical, but not faked I quote:

The patient was semi-comatose It was a lethal dose

If you quote, please quote in full

...a lethal dose, but the patient was in no danger

I'm waiting. Aren't you going to read it all?

I will, then

...the patient was in no danger...

...thanks to prompt medical intervention

Implying: "because I arrived in time"

She counted on it

Neither doctor nor parents doubted her sincerity

The proof is that they let her have her way

Your parents made the sacrifice and sent you to Pans

La Chapelle; an hour from town

A remote suburb, but clean and wholesome...

...where you found cheap but comfortable lodgings

Will you be long?

Can't you help me?

Some comfort this is!

Happy scraping!

The easy life tempted you

You were dazzled by the glitter of Parisian life...

...the lure of shop windows

Not for long

No, you soon quit the Champs-Elys�es for the Left Bank

But not in search of learning or more studious companions

You discovered the caf� life of the Latin Quarter...

...the physical and mental abandon, the unsavoury atmosphere...

...and the false camaraderie

This promiscuity seemed to offer fulfilment

The crudest advances didn't offend you

Far from being shocked, you felt at home with such depravity

You flourished, made friends...

...found your milieu

You returned there day after day...

...meeting others like yourself, whom you call "the gang"

Get lost

My own room's freezing

- Who's standing treat? - Be my guest

Such generosity; I'll make a note

You're in his novel

- And there it'll stay - The idea's the thing

What's it about?

My work? It's about life

- A big subject - You've said it!

- Cant you shut up? - I'm looking for a beat

- After studying music all day! - I'm no good at music

You play?

I'd rather drop dead!

What do you do, then? It's for my novel

I don't do anything much

So you broke your promise to your parents

What promise?

Weren't you going to work to pay your way?

What does that mean?

I attended a course for beauticians

For one week

I'm not my best in the mornings

So your lazy and licentious habits led you to crime

To escape your sister's good example. you stayed out

- Do you ever think of suicide? - Of course. Everyone does

Me, too, whenever I take the M�tro

I don't want to go home

What are you going to do, then?

I could stay with you

I warn you. it's very small. The bed. too

- Hello, Daisy - Does she live here?

Got a light, Michel?

Lovely stain, isn't it?

And how do you like my mobile?

- It's something to look at - Barbaste made it for me

- Barbe who? - You don't know him

What's this rope?

It's what we were talking about: a noose

- Will you use it soon? - There's no hurry

I think hanging's an ugly method

- We'll be squashed up I can sleep anywhere

- Don't you work in the evening? - I never work, I think

Funny, we don't say much, but we get on OK

All these rockets will end up in fireworks

You're sweet. Do you want to?

Just as friends

Maybe we get along because we aren't capable of loving

I'm fed up!

Washing in the basin, stockings on my music stand, jam on my Mozart!

Sleep around if you like, but don't mess up this place!

You pinch my cologne, throw the soap around

You don't wash that often

And now the sugar's gone

I finished it

Couldn't you buy some? You've plenty of time to go shopping

Take it easy

It's early closing. Without me, you'd die of hunger

Of joy, you mean

I'm looking for Annie Marceau

She's just gone out

You can wait here, she won't be long

You can come closer. I don't bite

Are you Dominique? I'm Gilbert Tellier

I heard your record, I thought I had the wrong door

It's not Annie's scene. She's a square

- Me, too - No kidding!

I can't stand your sort of music

It sends me

Hasn't Annie mentioned me?

No, the hypocrite. Are you a violinist, too?

No, piano, organ and composition. And now, conducting

Being a soloist is fine, of course...

...but one serves music best by conducting

- I'm boring you - No, it's interesting

Do you see Annie often? Have you screwed yet?

Don't talk like that! Annie's a nice girl

So what are you waiting for? It might make her nicer

She's fine as she is, a wonderful friend

We go to concerts and we work together

It must be a riot

But there's more to life than fooling around

Enough of your high principles. You're made for each other

I've seats for the concert: Markevitch conducting Bartok

See you in the foyer

You've gone too for! I put up with it when we're alone...

...but in front of my friends...

What will he think? I'm ashamed of you

All for that pompous fool

I like that! He's the most gifted student in the school

Here we go again!

No, that was the last straw

You won't find me here when you get back!

Fine!

Casting all respectability aside, you joined your lover, Michel Delaunay

Wasn't Michel Delaunay your lover?

Didn't he live at the Hotel Boileau?

You lived there, therefore you went to him

No, I lived in Daisy's room

We shared the rent. As for Michel...

...that was long over

You became his mistress only a week previously

Something like that

You'd parted already?

What happened?

It was over, that's all

You still saw him

I saw him before, I saw him after What of it?

It's beyond my comprehension

According to you, Gilbert arrived at the hotel one day...

...quite unexpectedly

Annie had sent him

She denies that

Something wrong?

No, but is everything all right now with your sister?

Yes, she's living with her gang at the Hotel Boileau

- Do you care? - No, but it was my fault

If she does anything foolish, I'll feel sort of responsible

Forget about it

It's wonder-boy

More like this

- What brings you here? - I'd like a word with you

I think he wants a word in private

Very discreet, your friends

A virtue I practise on occasion. Exeunt

Are you smoking pot?

I'm burning incense. I hate draughts, so I keep the window closed

Don't put yourself out, do you?

No. Is that what you came to tell me?

Your sister sent me, she's worried about you

Couldn't she come?

Afraid of meeting your lover, perhaps

Michel? Not any more

He seems to be in close attendance

We don't do much now, we play footsy. I like that

And he likes my breasts, but that's all

If you think you shock me...

What do I do, then?

You interest me, you're a rather amusing case

You think I'm an easy lay? I must get dressed

Already? It's only half past three

I'm starving. With bores, all you can do is eat

Does every guy you meet want to sleep with you right away?

Right away?

It would be simplest, wouldn't it?

You're not the type

You detest me, don't you?

Less so now, can I have the one with cheese?

Two, even

He's loaded, he gives piano lessons to rich kids

Three of them

And your cold cuts?

He means I play the organ at funerals

He feeds off human misery

Good luck! I do baby-sitting

Mother goes to the pictures and I change their nappies

Where did you get that fantastic shirt?

From a grateful girl

No, talented. A free sample

He is gifted

You're impossible

- Why are you here, then? - He's in love, obviously

It doesn't suit him

You love being handled

He's jealous, poor thing

Are you free tonight?

No, not tonight

No, there's no one with me

I'm going to see a film with a guy All right, then!

Who are you going to see a film with?

With a nutcase

You're a stuffed-shirt, but you're sweet

Can I come in?

Daisy will be there

Don't you like the idea?

It's just that you're so serious, it's different

I love you, in spite of all your faults, is that bad?

No, I like everything. I like being loved, too

Prove it

Come in. Just in the nick of time

I get the idea

How long will you make him dance?

I don't know, I'm playing it by ear

You refused him for two weeks To make yourself more desirable?

A ruling. Your Honour

After what period of time may a girl give herself?

Three days is too short, too easy

Two weeks is too long, too provocative

Is there any precedent in law?

Allow your client to reply

Mademoiselle, you are not exactly virginal

Why did you put off the only man you claim to have loved?

I felt it should be different with him

So that's why

A self-imposed celibacy for your great love...

...a sort of engagement

That's right

No, you know very well what I'm driving at

Can't you look where you're going?

- Business is good, eh? - Better than studying

How about a ride round the block?

He's crazy

- You fancy his bike - He's not bad, either

You make me sick

Jealous

Forget it. They all fall for such things

Can't you stop that row?

Can't we have some fun?

I have to get up early in the morning

Go to bed earlier, it'll sweeten your temper

In three seconds you'll hear them

Twenty eight, twenty nine...

What are they up to?

- Let's go, it's pointless - Fancy going off with such a drip!

- We've been jilted - An accident?

Not the fatal sort

And you didn't die

Was it right to betray Gilbert?

But I wasn't his mistress

So there was no question of engagement

Why not say: "I enjoyed teasing a timid lover"?

It's not true. I just felt like going for a ride with Louviers

You became lovers on the bike?

It's easy to poke fun

Despicable, too. You're here to defend the deceased's memory...

...not to conduct the prosecution don't forget you're a lawyer

I merely wish to establish the truth

This is my examination

To get back to Louviers...

It meant nothing

Perhaps it did to Gilbert

There you are!

I wondered where you were

If you want to sleep with a girl, running after her is no good

If I were you I'd get drunk

You're probably right

Where have you been?

Only that I've waited all night

- That's your affair - We'll see. Get in

- Are you mad? - I've a wedding at eleven

In bed?

Was it good?

Are you going to work through the whole list of them?

Slut!

I'm not sorry I came along, it's nice

- We said no. It's nicer this way - What do you take me for?

You want to be added to the list? Come on!

Come on, then it'll be over and done with

Get up, Daisy, we need the bed

Good morning, anyway

Warmed and ready

It's me! Do you think I might be allowed in my room?

Not now. Later

You know... I'd never have believed it

Me, neither

It's almost ready. What's the matter with you?

I think I'm in love

- Can one go in? - If you keep quiet

Annie, can't you count?

The horns are weak

Not bad at all, but still a little tense

I haven't finished yet

Keep a stronger rein on the orchestra, or it will run away

See your sister? Gilbert's a fast worker

I didn't know you were so fond of music

Forgive me. Annie...

Bitch! You're worse than I thought

Try to understand

I do! You're quite disgusting! Good luck!

You were wonderful

Annie looks furious

She's upset, of course

How silly of her. Poor Annie

Women are so complicated

Have you got a handkerchief? I'm drenched

Nothing smaller?

We haven't seen much of you lately

I've been rather busy

So I see. Well, we've been discussing your project

I think it'll work. You can count on thirty of the best lads

I've been trying to convince them for weeks

Well, now you've done it

Hear that? They have faith in me to form an orchestra

I'll have my own orchestra

It's a funny feeling

Before, I wasn't sure, I was nervous

Now I'm quite confident

Marvellous, isn't it?

I feel at home here. I can breathe

Some days everything goes right

You are so beautiful

I can't live without you any longer. We'll get married

So soon? At twenty?

We'll have all the longer to be happy

I thought of you all night, I didn't sleep a wink

I'll never let you go again You're mine, no matter what

I'm trying to understand your feelings

Didn't you go to the Conservatory to taunt your sister?

All I wanted was to see Gilbert

Yet you refused his offer of marriage

I didn't. All I was thinking about was being happy

Isn't happiness compatible with respectability?

Is marriage so respectable?

Perhaps not to you, but when Gilbert asked for your hand...

...he seemed to think so

He never asked formally

He dazzled her with the idea...

...when he was penniless and knew she couldn't accept

Was Gilbert sincere that day, or wasn't he?

- I'm asking your client - I forbid her to answer

- Very prudent - I'm an old hand

Naturally she believed Gilbert, or she wouldn't be here

That proves her credulity, not that Gilbert was sincere

A question for your client...

...although I know she won't answer

Did Gilbert tell her of his intention? Introduce Dominique?

But he did tell his landlady he was engaged

But that was just so we could be together at his place

- Hear that? - I'm not deaf

Listen, the first entrance

See what he conjures out of nothing?

Got a film magazine?

But this is Bach, my darling

I like reading while I listen

You're just being difficult What really gets you?

Marlon Brando

Three rotten shows in two weeks is enough

What shall we do, then?

Go home

Don't you love me any more?

That's all you think of! I'm a person, too, you know

Of course you are

Yes, in bed. There's more to life than that

I want to go out, have fun. see my friends, dance

I've seen no one since you fell in love with me

I've no time to waste with your friends. I've too much work to do

I've fallen behind over the weeks

Love is two people

Between your music and your mattress. I'm stifling

Get some air, then

You don't have to say it twice. I'm off right now

See you tomorrow

Who do you think you are?

I didn't chase you. I'm leaving for good

I don't know where she is

She left in a huff three days ago

It was silly, I know, but that was no reason...

...especially on an anniversary two months, I'd bought a present

So had I

She's here now, Daisy

Who were you with for the last three days?

The gang, as usual

Stop pretending. Look in the mirror

What about that shirt?

Where did you get that shirt? I recognize it

Everyone knows it's J�r�me's. So what?

So what?

You're mad! Stop it! You're hurting me!

I'm sick of this!

So am I. I never want to see you again, you slut!

A dreadful scene, her screams would have woken the dead

I told poor Gilbert this couldn't go on...

...and she wasn't to come again

He understood, he didn't argue

- Anything more? - I don't think so

Prosecution, any questions?

Do you know the reason for such violent scenes?

Her constant infidelity

A good-for-nothing. Why?

How should I know?

Infidelity with all comers is a way of life

But when a faithful woman lapses once, there must be a reason

A moment of weakness? Did you lose your head?

Over J�r�me?

It was silly. We were in my room

I tried on his shirt and wouldn't give it back. We fought and...

- You kept the shirt? - He could hardly refuse

Did other shirts follow?

What do you think I am?

A liar. You never loved Gilbert

That explains your constant infidelity

Constant? Only this one miserable instance has emerged...

...and she volunteered it, she led a free and easy life

But is she being tried for that or for murder?

Stop pleading crime passionel and I'll renounce my brief

She flouted Gilbert's love too often to play the injured party

Gilbert's love...

Let's talk about Gilbert's love

You said you gave Gilbert a choice: Dominique or the flat?

That's right

- He chose the flat - But didn't stop seeing her

He saw her only on the sly

- For what he wanted - There we agree! Thank you!

Next witness

Ludovic Toussaint. thirty, restaurant owner

You are not related to the accused, your employee

You swear to tell the whole truth. Raise your right hand

Give your testimony

How did you meet the accused?

She wanted work. Her father had cut her off

Parents ditch you when they've had enough of you

I must do something

It's not her fault and I love her for it

It won't feed her

The man should keep her

I hope to later on, but meantime...

- Confectioner seeks salesgirl - References required

Under-presser

- What's that? - They'll explain

Salesgirl, lingerie, Champs-Elys�es, good appearance

Qualified... specialized... experienced...

Attractive girl wanted as cloakroom attendant

I'm serious, my girl's ill

- What place is it? - The Sputnik

We'll let you know

- What's wrong? - I forbid you to accept

Gorgeous shoes! Fantastic diamonds!

Some diamonds, for 8.500 francs!

What a way to live

Earning money without getting up early? It's terrific

I work by day, we never see each other

If you like it that way

It's freezing outside

If I get a chill, will you nurse me?

I think I'm feverish already

- You find that funny? - I like getting lips

- Charming! - What's wrong?

You stringing the customers along

Two hundred francs buys a smile. It's disgusting

What will five hundred buy me?

Whatever you like

What I'd really like is to clout you

Your friend's getting on my nerves

A packet of Camels

- Where do you live? - Rue Antoine Dubois

She'll go far, that girl

- Is that necessary? - Don't you like it?

It's not that I don't like it, but I love Gilbert

For real?

Anyhow, I'm more than a little tied up myself

Stop spoiling our one free evening together

Our life together is spoiled anyway

- Because of where I work? - Not only that, it's you, too

What about yesterday?

I'm twenty and I love dancing

- Not with me - You can't

You really want me to?

We'll go to a great place tonight

Not tonight; I'm rehearsing

You do it on purpose

First your grant, then your mother, now you're rehearsing

The hall is free

So am I. Choose

I can't

Forty people depend on me. You must understand

Just one evening

I haven't the right

I don't care if we stay here till four in the morning!

You've caught cold

The hall was freezing. They rehearsed till three

- You should have left - Gilbert would have yelled

I couldn't, anyway, he's so happy when he's conducting

All he cares about is himself, he's ambitious

No, he's nice. Sometimes I forgot everything, just listening

- You were asleep - You think I'm stupid

I like serious music sometimes. you know

If he's busy next Tuesday, I'll take you out - strictly platonic

Saint-Eustache. The Mass in D

It can't have flown away

You lost it here?

It's not in the hotel

I've looked everywhere It can only be here

How do you know?

Because I do! Don't get in my way

Look everywhere. We must find it

Lost something?

I look as though I'm blind in one foot

- Looked in the sawdust? - I've swept everywhere

Is Dominique here?

Come and look

Guess where I found it

On the pavement outside

She's so lucky

What are you doing here?

Adding the boss to your collection?

You're

Don't be a fool

You've both made a fool of me, haven't you?

- A lift one night... - Every night!

- So what? - Who cares?

I ought to punch you, but I don't care any more

I swear I've done nothing wrong. I love you

You're lying, as always

Don't look at me like that

I shall. And I see you as you are

You're wrong. Let me explain

I'm finished with you

I certainly can. I'm free!

Free and glad of it. So good night and thanks!

You've got it all wrong, Gilbert

You really mean it?

Yes, I'm tired of your stories

I'm fed up, too. If you want to leave me, leave me!

The bastard!

- Where shall we go? - Anywhere. I'll show him!

- Saint-Eustache? - Yes, let's go there

But you didn't go, did you?

No, I look Dominique to Montmartre for a nightcap

You ended up at the Hotel Radio

Was she reconciled to the break?

No, she wanted revenge. I shouldn't have... but I obliged

You jumped at the opportunity

However, your employees say you were lovers before

That's untrue

I'll get him

This sudden affair ended there? You didn't try to see her again?

I phoned, but was always told she was ill

Later on she returned to The Sputnik

- And after that? - I saw her around

Prosecution, any questions?

When she was in your employ, would you say she was truly in love?

I'm sure she worshipped Gilbert

- There were quarrels - Gilbert was to blame

- For no reason? - He always found one

An over-generous tip, a joke, a smile

He even reproached her for working at night

- He could have changed that - Perhaps he lacked means

Still, he could have helped her

If she needed shoes, she starved for a week to buy them

For the first time...

...we hear of a mean, unjust Gilbert Tellier...

...and a faithful, loving Dominique Marceau

Your relations with the accused explain but do not excuse your attitude

On a point of detail

Did you tell the police of your visit to the Hotel Radio?

No, I didn't think it mattered

What I'm getting at is that you saw it mattered...

...when you were confronted with the hotel register

You say: "She wasn't my mistress until Gilbert broke with her"

I wonder if that is true, or whether "it didn't matter"?

You're beneath contempt

Still, I'm looking down on you

Let's consider this "friendship"

You offer a lovely, penniless girl a job. You don't expect any reward?

I don't exploit people

Yet later you asked her, in a "friendly" way, to be your mistress

She refused; I wasn't angry

On the contrary, you became even friendlier

Gilbert makes more scenes at The Sputnik

You ignore them, friendly like...

...and drive off with the accused in the early hours, as friends

She was tired. I drove her home

Do you drive all your staff home?

It was on my way

And, anyway, you were friends. Why keep it from Gilbert?

He might have misunderstood

No doubt. So he had no reason to suspect you...

...yet one morning he's lurking outside The Sputnik; in jest, no doubt

Then he breaks with her

- For no reason, it seems - I've answered on oath

Where you're concerned, an oath...

Ludovic Toussaint, age thirty. That is you?

Previous oath: I solemnly declare I never had sexual relations...

...with Dominique Marceau, before or after her break with Tellier

That is the honest truth

The honest truth, on oath. It was a lie

You understand...

We all understand you, sir

The defence

Shall we forget the rhetoric and reason this out?

My colleague says your affair with Dominique began earlier

In that case, would she have broken with you and Gilbert simultaneously?

Of course not

She broke with you, regretting having gone with you in pique

Remorseful, the next day she locks herself in her room

She says nothing to Gilbert?

She wants to see him, but doesn't dare call him

She has a guilty conscience, she doesn't know what to do

Still in bed?

I think it's flu

But nervous breakdowns are expensive

- Where are your coats? - I sold everything

It's holiday time...

...but Dominique stays put

Daisy is in America, a foreigner has replaced her

For two months I've paid the rent I'd like you to stay, but...

Keep my trunk, I shan't need it

Have a roll and coffee a small one

- How are you? - Not too good

You look all in

It looks as though I'll have to sleep at the station again tonight

Nothing doing at my place

- What about your place? - You're a nuisance

You can stay tonight, but find another sucker tomorrow

Go to hell!

You're going about it all wrong

Do you like sleeping rough?

Look, see that man with glasses?

He's a Yank

He's come to Paris for a good time; room with bath, probably

You're dressed up. How was your Yank?

I've just seen him off

- It didn't last long - Four days were enough

- Where were you? - At the Mondova

We looked everywhere for you; your father's had an accident

The undertaker should have removed everything

It looks as if there's been a hurricane

Go and rest; I'll tidy up

It's so unjust, but I'll bear up

My poor Marcel, what shall I do without him?

You managed well enough without him for years

When I married an officer...

...I didn't think of wars

You're not to blame

That's all I need

Don't be sad; I'm here

You're my one comfort

And now you're getting married

Not right away

Anyway, you'll visit us often

Annie's engaged?

You're engaged?

To Gilbert Tellier

Congratulations

They'll make music together and be happy ever after

Art unites wonder-boy and super-girl

It's gold medal stuff

But he doesn't love her, he can't possibly

What's it to you?

Your eyes are puffy

I cried all night

For Gilbert?

No, because I've aged

All of a sudden?

Yes, from girl to hag

You've started thinking? Since when?

- In the train from Rennes - Trains do that to you

I'm more part of your youth than that creep

You never did understand him

It took me longer. You classified him at once as a pompous fool

- I said that? - You slated him

Where? When? I suppose you know better than me?

I'm a liar, but I've an excellent memory

- Didn't I love Gilbert? - And Louviers?

I'd forgotten him, which proves that only Gilbert mattered

Are you kidding?

Dominique was sincere

...not one of those housewives juggling husband and lover...

...who moralizes about others

Don't digress

Another flop

Dominique is here because she rejected hypocritical conventions

You're older; you wouldn't understand

We're different

Young people should judge her

Little oaf

Please, I'm asking the questions

The witness has a literary conception

We may not understand young people, but we do speak French

You claim that Dominique was sincere...

...and in despair over Gilbert after her father's funeral?

Yes I realized she had never stopped loving him

- Prosecution? - No questions

Perhaps I fail to appreciate the literary mind...

...but I don't understand, so I require clarification

Am I right in thinking you're intelligent?

Good, perhaps you will explain

You've just said you realized she had never stopped loving him

But to never stop loving, one must have loved, right?

Did it seem like love at first sight between them?

Not immediately. Later

When? Let me help you

When she withheld herself? When she went off with Louviers?

When she made a fool of him with Ludovic? When she broke with him?

When she forgot her despair and turned to prostitution?

But she came back

When she discovered he was marrying the sister she hated

Hated? They didn't get on, that's all

If Dominique loved Gilbert, it doesn't make sense

After meeting him, she calls him a pompous fool

Then three lovers in succession; odd for a woman in love

Then the break-up

A woman in love would do her utmost to see Gilbert again

Strange she didn't

She frittered away six months; six months of idleness...

...of debauchery...

...of silence

Suddenly she can't live without him; she obtains a gun and rushes there

It makes no sense

But if Dominique hated her sister, if she was determined...

...to take Gilbert from her that I understand

When they first met...

...she was lounging in bed, flaunting her nudity

All she wanted was to lake him from Annie

It's obvious

She plays him on a string, and only yields...

...when he looks like turning back to Annie

Hurriedly dressing, she scurries to the Conservatory. And why?

To present Annie with an accomplished fact

This seems to have put paid to Annie

But why keep on with Gilbert? He bores her

She deceives him, she leaves him, she forgets him

It's quite clear

Suddenly, a revelation: Gilbert is reconciled with Annie

He is forgiven: they're engaged. Dominique looks on...

...powerless against their happiness

But there is still a way

She takes it

I'm probably very stupid and haven't your flair for drama

"But I don't understand... " et cetera

You want the witness's opinion of this bundle of hypotheses?

As he says, it's idiotic. Now to serious matters

Was it Dominique who made the first advances?

No, Gilbert ran after her

- Why was he so ardent? - He wanted to sleep with her

Once he got what he wanted, was he attentive to her?

He kept her in purdah

So this flighty Dominique we've heard so much about...

...gave up everything for this self-centred careerist

She stuck to him, despite the boredom and the sermons

Even the violence, as we've heard. To what end?

He gave her nothing

She loved him, obviously

After they parted, who broke down? Him?

He was too busy...

...but you saw how miserable she was

She moped about all day...

...stunned

I was waiting for him; he couldn't have forgotten

I didn't dare tell anyone. Say you understand, Michel!

Well prompted

Why do you never believe me?

I should know; I spent nights crying my eyes out

So you say, but it is hard to believe

Why should you cherish such a wild hope?

His notebook

There has been no mention of a notebook before

Gilbert Tellier Ensemble seeks oboist and bass-player for tour

He's moved. He thinks he's made it

He thinks he's Toscanini, the big-head

And your big head? Lend me a pencil

Who's calling?

Speak, for heaven's sake!

Do you know what time it is?

Three o'clock

A social call in the middle of the night? For nothing?

Let me come in, just for a moment

Well, what's wrong?

I said: nothing. I just wanted to see you. Hear you

So you have. Well?

Don't you understand? I love you

I feel wonderful with you. I've been so unhappy

Forgive me for disturbing you, for being what I am

Forgive me for everything, for the past...

- It's not true! - Lying, amoral...

Shameless, indecent...

Thank you for being what you are. Thank you for coming here

Please hurry up. I'm late

Sorry, I didn't know

I keep telling you

I'll be ready in three minutes

Shall we meet here tonight?

Not here. Not anywhere

It's not because of her, is it?

Nothing so simple

I've put up with a lot because of you

That night with Ludovic...

I thought I'd die

I flung myself into my work

I forgot you, slowly; but something still remained

As though I were hoping for what happened last night

Now I see clearly

You don't love me

I think I never did

I can't help it. I'm sorry

It's not as bad as all that

It's not the end of the world

I'd hate to have hurt a pretty girl like you

I need your name and address for my report

Listen carefully, Madame

The accused maintains she visited your tenant on 9th December...

...and stayed from 3 a. m. to about 10 a. m.

Untrue

This is important

If, as the accused says, she was welcomed by the victim...

...who proved his affection before sending her away...

...an element of passion might be admissible

If not, the case will appear in a different light

Consider carefully: could you be mistaken?

I'm positive

The door is automatic?

Yes. People say who they are, otherwise I come out

You are sure you weren't asleep, or distracted momentarily?

It's never happened in ten years

And you didn't see the accused leave in the morning?

Definitely not. A neighbour does my shopping for me

I never leave my post...

...for a moment

You needn't look like that I'm a honest woman

So much so, it makes me wonder

Explain yourself

I'll leave that for later

The bus driver, you mean?

We're coming to that

The morning you didn't see Dominique leave your building...

...a witness nearly ran her down in rue Docteur Barbier

His official report was as follows:

On 9th December at 10.47 a. m. outside 3 rue Docteur Barbier...

...a young woman was almost... et cetera

You know what it means?

It is incontestable...

...that the accused was outside number three at 10.47

Her claim to have left number nine shortly before seems plausible

No one escapes your watchful eye?

Nothing can tear you away. You sleep with one eye open.

It's my job

I was curious enough to have this fortress visited...

...by an officer of the court, accompanied by my colleague

Here is his rather surprising report...

...on this open-plan fortress

On 28th November...

...we arrive at 10 a. m. the concierge is not in

Her office is closed

7th January, at 9.30 a. m. we find a note on her door:

"Back in a minute"

No tenant was able to inform us...

...when the concierge returned

6th March...

...3 a. m.

The door opens automatically; we do not identify ourselves

It takes us some time to find the light switch

We walk up to the sixth floor, then walk down

We leave without being challenged

What cheek!

I regret we were not informed

I'm surprised you didn't think of doing it yourself

The crime squad is at your disposal

I must stress the discretionary nature of these proceedings

We cannot draw hasty conclusions from this evidence

It merely proves that Dominique entered the street

Anything else is simply hypothesis

Anything which upset the Prosecution is "hypothesis"

The Prosecutor has been forbearing in his choice of phrase

Your client's shameless lying is hardly a hypothesis

On 9th December, the day after this supposed night of love...

...Gilbert had a date with Annie; we know where they went

We went to publish the banns

I'll clear the court if there's any disturbance

We'd meant to do it before, but Gilbert was so busy

He was rehearsing for television; he was tired and worried

Then, that morning, he come rushing in

He clasped me in his arms

He said: "My darling, we've waited too long

"You were made for me; we'll grow old together"

Now it's all over. Why did you do it?

I didn't mean to. I loved him

What do you know about love?

I'd give my life...

Your conduct is intolerable

You must control your grief and be quite candid

Did Gilbert give any hint that he had seen the accused again?

No. He hid nothing from me

He wouldn't tell you that

I swear he took me in his arms like he used to

It's not true! Gilbert said it was all over between them

"I'm happy it's over", he said

Liar! He couldn't have

I may be pretty worthless, but you frighten me, Annie

You're lying because your pride is hurt, you're heartless

No, I'd like to believe you. I feel sorry for you

Gilbert was too upright and pure to have done that

My sister is lying

Because you're jealous

Of whom? Of what? Have you ever looked at yourself?

It was him and me; you didn't count

- He was marrying me - To darn his socks

I'm warning you for the last time

We were happy like she'll never be

That's why she killed him, so I'd never be happy

She had lots of men; all I had was him

You never had him! He never made love to you once!

Remove the accused

With me, a thousand times!

Shut up! You killed him!

I meant to kill myself. Me, not him!

It smells good

The last tin of sauerkraut

- I've no cigarettes - Look in my bag

You've lashed out a bit; that's a fancy pistol

A present for myself. My noose

Interesting. You've got the impulse, all right

But suicide isn't easy; I know what I'm talking about

You need a method, imagination and talent

- To pull the trigger? - That's for amateurs

You're clueless; I've rehearsed every detail of my suicide

Yet you aren't dead

Very nearly

The noose was around my neck; then I looked in the mirror

You got scared?

On second thoughts. I knew it would be a flop

When the audience arrives, the play is over

Suicide's for oneself, not others

Suicide is always a protest against someone or something

The pleasure is gone if you can't see their faces

Yes, it should be done before a witness

I won't be a spectator

I didn't mean you

Come on, let's eat

Suicide is meaningful only if committed in good health

You warned Gilbert his ex-mistress was armed and out to kill him?

Yet you didn't know her

J�r�me Lamy told me to worn Gilbert

J�r�me Lamy

But he only repeated a remark by Michel Delaunay

Michel Delaunay, too

We must clarify the question

Was there premeditation?

You knew her criminal intention?

Certainly not. I knew she'd bought a gun to kill herself

Yet you, her friend, leave her with the gun

We used to talk about suicide

For four years I had a noose; Dominique liked the idea

Murder didn't cross your mind?

Didn't Delaunay tell you?

Not exactly; he was just talking to some friends

He said Dominique was armed and would do something foolish

I thought she'd use it on herself; that's what I told Martineau

Adding that Gilbert should be wary; but you expected suicide

I don't like this suicide stuff

You never know what will happen when a girl totes a gun

You're cheerful

Has she still a grudge?

She can't be very happy that I'm marrying her sister

You'd better be careful. Don't go out, we'll eat here

Eat what?

I'll buy something

It's going to rain

- Where do I buy wine? - Ask the concierge

Not expecting me?

How long are you going on with this?

Make up your mind

All right, just walk out of here without any fuss

I've endured enough tantrums. It's all over

Over and done with

Don't worry. I won't bother you again. I've suffered enough, I'm exhausted

I'll leave you in peace for ever

All your suicide talk doesn't fool me

How could I have thought you so wonderful?

What a creep

What a thing to die for

In the six months we lived together, you cheated all the time

One day we both said: Enough. Now you decide I'm your hero

And you want to kill yourself over me

You must be kidding

I can't help it if I love you

You're just trying to ruin my life again

But I say you're getting out, fast!

I'll throw you out

Go to the devil! Get out!

You're crazy. You're sick

I won't bother you again

There you go again. You're mad!

I've had enough

I never want to see you again

You make me sick!

die if you like, but make a good job of it

The wounds are numbered as I examined them, not as inflicted

The first was fatal and hit the thorax...

...puncturing the right lung, causing severe haemorrhage

Continue, doctor

I was saying that the bullet struck the thorax...

...puncturing the right lung

It went in here and I found it there

The second was also fatal...

- There were six altogether - You'll lose the initiative

...hairline at a slight angle...

...entering the right temple, lodging in the base of the skull...

...damaging some brain tissue

My client admits she fired the bullets

This is the post mortem report

But we agree there were six bullets, three fatal

The veracity of human feelings is more important than technical detail

Gu�rin's trying it on

Prosecution?

The accused has never denied causing the wounds

She denies intent to kill Tellier

You don't insist on the report

Do you wish to continue?

As you please

We thank you

Despite our respect for the Prosecution, we beg to differ

The accused should clarify...

...certain points

She admits she fired

Beyond discussion, eh?

She has no recollection of the scene

Out of mind, conveniently out of sight, is that it?

Might the accused come down before the jury...

...to mime the event, so we may see if details, trajectories...

...correspond with "veracity"?

Bring the accused

This is hardly compatible with the dignity of these proceedings

I am responsible for decorum here

This reconstruction...

...is simply to help the jury to arrive at the truth

She claims she intended to kill herself in front of Gilbert...

...but lost her head

Let us verify that

You were more resolute at the time

How did you hold the gun?

To kill yourself?

Like this first

And Gilbert got the bullet

She doesn't really understand

Let's begin at the beginning

Was Gilbert far from you?

Facing you?

I don't remember

Through the temple, doctor?

She must have shot from above

Gilbert was collapsing?

Then it wasn't the first shot

The only one fired horizontally, when he was still standing...

...is this one

She doesn't remember; she fired in sudden anger

The facts are there and prove you have lied twice

You never mentioned suicide, he would have disarmed you

There was no discussion, you faced him threateningly

He said horrible things

You fired, rapidly and fanatically

On his knees he begs you. You shoot again

You fire four more shots

No?

Those four shots you were prevented from describing...

Their angle indicates that the victim had fallen

Doctor, we thank you

I defy anyone to claim there was time for reflection

A hysterical woman empties the magazine. What more do you expect?

That she be honest and stop this nonsense about suicide

But she was found at death's door

Just in time, as usual

You knew Martineau would return: there was no great risk

I just rushed into the bathroom

The man you adore might still be alive, yet you leave him

To kill myself

Self again

The gun was empty

Clever of you not to save a bullet

She didn't count the shots

You didn't jump out of the window; gas was less dangerous

You knew you'd be saved

I wanted to die!

He's got her

Three or four failed suicides; you seemed better at murder

You have no heart; one must be capable of love to judge love

How dare you joke of suicide?

You depict her as a Circe Can she help her looks?

Men pursued her like game; Gilbert did, especially

Did she encourage him?

For three weeks he harasses her

Nothing stops him, not even her affairs

He wants her, he takes her...

...still warm from another's embrace you call that love?

For seven months, all he offered her was his bed

And that only for fleeting moments, not to upset his routine

But he did propose marriage

He risked nothing, they were too poor then

He forgot marriage when his situation improved

In fact, they broke up. Why?

Malicious gossip, a misunderstanding left to fester

As Gilbert's prospects improved, Dominique became expendable

You call that love

This isn't the moment for your plea

Is there a right moment for justice?

For months she goes hungry, begging, even prostituting herself

Did he reach out a helping hand?

No, and you call that love?

One night she comes to beg forgiveness

He allows her to hope, so as to take advantage of her

He sends her packing

She returns, saying she means to kill herself

He dares her to do it

I cannot believe in this love

But Gilbert did love me, you just don't want to admit it!

That's the only truth

I was stupid and I did wrong. but he did love me

Now I don't care what happens

Do what you like; I'm afraid of nothing

You sit there...

...dressed up, ridiculous!

You want to judge, but you've never loved!

You hate me, because you are all dead!

This is intolerable

So is your treatment of this poor creature

I protest!

Your cruelty disgraces our profession

It is seven-thirty. The court is adjourned until one tomorrow

Gu�rin really went for you; you didn't deserve that...

...but why were you so harsh on the girl?

Because I represent the victim's mother; I speak for her

If it were your son who was shot, you'd understand

Last night Dominique Marceau tried to kill herself

She is unable to appear I shall read out her letter

Your Honour, I must write in the dark

If I turn on the light, I might be seen

You may not read this...

...but I realize it's hopeless, I've always been in the wrong

Everyone else is right: my sister, my mother, my teachers...

...and you, too

Please forgive me

Gilbert's mother above all. I loved only Gilbert

I shall never love anyone again

An easy promise, since I'm going to die

I swear it's true, I meant to die after killing him

I failed because I'm so clumsy

But this time I won't fail

And if Gilbert can still see me, he'll forgive me

He loved me, but we didn't love each other at the same time

That's why he's dead and I'm going to join him

I've tried to explain...

I have just been advised...

...that Dominique Marceau is dead

This trial is terminated

I'm glad I'm not in his shoes

We will be next week: the Moreau case

Rotten luck

An occupational hazard