Original subtitles

"Remembering Lalla"

THE LEGEND OF THE HOLY DRINKER a story by Joseph Roth

Where are you going, brother?

Where am I going?

Who knows?

Oh, you're a foreigner?

I could show you the way if you like.

It's God who has set you in my path. I'm certain of it.

And I have a great favor to ask you, something very close to my heart.

Are you asking me a favor?

Me?

Yes, and I know that you are worthy of it.

Ah.

It will be my pleasure.

Don't take it badly, will you, if I speak to you very frankly?

I can't help seeing

that, just for the moment, you're in... you're in some difficulty,

in need of money.

Don't be offended. Please, no offence. It can happen to anybody.

Now, I have more money than I need.

Please.

Please, hm?

Won't you tell me how much you want, just t0 be going on with.

Hm? Just tell me.

20 francs wouldn't be bad.

You'll need more than that.

You'll need at least 200.

200?

200 francs, of course, would be a lot better.

- I can't accept it. - Why not?

Because I wouldn't know how to pay back that kind of money.

And you couldn't come after me to ask for it.

I haven't got a house.

I sleep under the bridges.

Every night under the bridge.

So...

But I'm a man of honor.

I know how to behave.

I just don't have an address, that's all.

I have no address either.

I can't even tell you the name of a bank.

No, do take this money.

There. Right. You see? There.

Ridiculous amount of money in any case for a man like you.

- But I... - I know.

I know you're a man of honor.

So, when you're in a position to repay the money,

will you do me the favor that I was speaking of?

You see...

I must confide to you something extraordinary.

I read the story

of little Th�r�se,

the saint of Lisieux, hm?

And ever since...

I've been living a miracle.

A real miracle.

The miracle of conversion.

And that's why I've decided to come and live the life of the poor.

To live like those who come to spend the night under the bridges.

Now, I'm particularly devoted to the small statue of little Th�r�se.

It's in the church of Sainte-Marie des Batignolles.

You can't miss it. It's in the righthand nave.

Along the wall.

- Me? - Yes, but don't...

Don't worry.

But as soon as you can.

Yes, when you are in a position to repay the money.

That is, if your conscience won't allow you to remain in debt.

Then... take the money

and put it in the hands of the priest at the end of Mass.

Because if there is anyone to whom you'll be in debt

from this moment on,

it is to little Th�r�se.

So... don't forget.

Don't forget the address of the saint.

Thank you.

I give you my word.

I will keep my word.

I think it's best to go on a Sunday, don't you?

Sunday would be perfect.

Well... it's been a great pleasure.

Sainte... Th�r�se.

Sainte-Marie...

des Bati... gnolles.

I'm going to eat.

I'll be right back.

- 10,11,12. - Merci.

How would you like a job?

Tomorrow I have to move.

You could make a little money.

I already called a couple of movers,

but my wife is in a state.

She is worried she won't get through with it.

I've got the shop to mind.

What about giving us a hand?

- Sure. - It would be for a couple of days.

- A couple of days. - Tomorrow and Saturday.

Yes, OK.

Are 200 francs OK?

- That's very nice. - Is that all right with you?

- It's perfect. - Then let's drink to it.

I'll offer.

Because today is really a fine day.

It's Thursday.

Oui.

It's my birthday, more or less.

Oh, yes?

More or less.

The next one's on me. It's a question of honor.

One look at my hands will tell you.

- But I am also a gentleman. - I believe it.

Here's my calling card. It's from the shop.

I'll write the house address here.

- What are you doing? - It's my turn.

We agreed.

Take this on account so you'll come tomorrow for sure.

And when the job's done I'll give you the rest.

And we'll lift glasses again.

But now, dear friend, I have to be off.

At eight.

- Eight o'clock. - Goodbye, my friend.

I would like a wallet.

A wallet? Yes.

Maybe we have something for you.

These are like new.

Customers trade them in for caprice,

just to have the most recent model.

They work as well and cost much less.

- Oh, I see. - Do you like this one?

Huh. It's very beautiful.

Good bye.

- See you later. - Yes.

Earned myself some money.

Bonsoir.

Shall we go?

Ah. Goodbye, my friend.

See you later.

Good luck.

- Today is Saturday, right? - Yes.

Right.

Saturday.

So tomorrow is Sunday.

Now...

200 francs...

...minus 100...

...is...

100 francs.

Thank you. I'm sorry.

Huh.

Yes!

Th�r�se...

Ah.

12 o'clock.

I'm gonna spend some time here.

I'm waiting for Mass to start.

Huh?

Oh.

It's true.

I had an appointment.

It's very important.

Andreas!

'Andreas.'

Andreas.

Are you alone?

Yes.

Come with me. Or were you going somewhere?

I had an appointment.

With a woman?

Th�r�se.

Is she more important than me?

Come with me. We have to talk.

Merci.

Do you like this place?

It's special for me.

Can I order for you too?

If you still trust me.

Pardon, monsieur.

I'm dying to know everything.

Where you've been, what you've been doing.

What do you do now?

- I've started working again. - Oh.

Two days.

I drink. I sleep under the bridge.

What about you? You must have had a pretty good time.

What about Th�r�se?

If I didn't come just the right time you'd be with her now.

Yes.

Yes.

No, it was my invitation.

Then you're rich?

Yes.

In the last few clays I'm really starting to believe in miracles.

Do you believe in miracles?

I wasn't born for this.

Haven't you tried since then?

Oh, I always love to dance.

Come in.

Monsieur?

Monsieur?

Why didn't you come to see me last Sunday?

That's not a way to talk to me.

Don't you remember? I'm your father.

Forgive me, Father, but do me a favor.

On Sunday morning,

come to me in the church of Sainte-Marie des Batignolles.

Th�r�se?

Forgive me.

I thought I was dreaming.

I thought I had a little girl like you.

I, er, need some change. It's possible?

Who's that guy?

Kanjak.

Daniel Kanjak.

He's from Silesia. He's my friend.

Ha!

In the picture he looks like another person.

We went to the same school together when we were kids.

I'm serious.

You wouldn't know where I can find him, would you?

I mean, just to say hello.

- How do I get there? - Taxi.

Er, I'm a friend of Kanjak's.

We went to school together in Ostrowiec.

- Ostrowiec? - Yeah.

Oh.

No, no, no. I'll take care of it.

Good bye.

Andreas.

Daniel.

Andreas, my friend.

My best friend.

I would like you to take a suit of mine.

The last couple of days have been so wonderful.

But, you know, I've got 1,000 francs in my pocket.

You know what? I bet I've got 1,000 suits in my closet.

It would be a pleasure to see you in one.

Remember when we were in school?

You always let me copy.

Well? What do you say?

Where do you live? I'll send it over.

Er... you can't send it.

- Why not? - I don't have an address.

I sleep under newspapers.

I'll get you a hotel room.

If you have need of anything, just ring the bell and order.

But now I want to take you out for a drink to celebrate this room.

I'll take you to a very special place.

The girls are coming down now. You like dancing?

Yes, but for me it's already late.

Thanks a bunch.

Good night.

Andreas?

Tomorrow I'm sending you two suits.

- Why? " Why not?

- Because one is more than enough. - You need some money?

I still have 900 francs in my pocket.

Ciao.

See you.

You are very beautiful.

So are you.

Can I see you again?

Tomorrow maybe.

Right, tomorrow.

Oh!

Do you want to ask me something?

Yes.

I can't wait until tomorrow.

You like books, huh?

If I've nothing better to do.

I never read.

I don't have books.

I have lots of time.

I'm only here for a few days.

Till Sunday at the most.

On Monday I have to be on stage.

In Cannes.

- You're an artist. - A dancer.

At the casino.

Haven't you ever heard my name?

Gaby.

Gaby?

Ah, yes.

You know my name?

Of course.

From the newspapers.

And now?

Where are you taking me so beautifully dressed?

I have a whole day to spend with you before I go back to Cannes.

Er... I'll take you to...

Fontainebleau.

Yes, and a whole night.

Been here before?

What do you want?

I already know what you want.

- You do'? - Mm-hm.

- What are you doing? - I have a debt to pay.

- On Sunday? - Yes.

I'm a little late already so I have to leave.

And whom do you owe the money to? A man or a woman?

A girl named Th�r�se.

Get out, you bastard. Out!

- Hey... - Get out!

Hey, don't.

Andreas!

Woitech.

Andreas.

Ah!

Yes, Woitech.

Can you wait for me?

Can you wait for me here until Mass is over?

What? Mass?

You haven't got buddy-buddy with the priest, have you?

No, I have to go see little Th�r�se.

- What for? - I owe her some money.

It's a debt I have to pay to the little saint.

- How much do you owe her? - 200 francs.

- Then I'll come with you. - Oh?

- Yeah? - Oh, yes. Yes.

Woitech, what are you doing? What's the matter?

I'm in trouble.

There's a guy waiting for me outside.

I have to give him back 200 francs.

If I don't, he might have me thrown in jail.

You should have told me.

I didn't have the guts.

I understand.

I've been in your shoes.

Hey, come on.

Take it.

I don't need it.

- See you at the bar. - Shh.

Oh, Andreas!

Come in, come in!

Have a seat.

You're a real friend.

We wouldn't be friends after everything we went through together?

Friends,

for everything and in everything.

# Paris, c'est une blonde... #

I used to know this dancer from the casino.

- Oh, yeah? - Yeah.

I was in love for two days.

I could fall in love for ten minutes.

Do you remember what day it is?

Er, I know how to find out.

I lost my count.

See you Sunday, same time, same place. Ciao.

Yeah, see you.

Do you need some money?

I know, I'm still in debt to you.

Hm? To me?

I was supposed to deliver the money to little Th�r�se.

I can assure you, I went there every Sunday.

But every time I went, something went wrong

so I couldn't do it.

Evidently you're mistaking me for someone else.

But I can't help seeing that you are in some difficulty.

And, as for little Therese of whom you were just speaking,

I have such an obligation to her

that I would gladly advance you any money that you need.

How much is it?

200 francs.

Excuse me.

There.

I must assure you, I am still an honorable man.

Unfortunately I don't have an address yet.

Just like me, huh? No, really, don't worry.

Because the kindness that you do me in accepting this little money

is something that I could never repay.

Because I too, I owe a great deal to little Therese.

So...

Thank you. yes?

Thank you, thank you.

I'm sorry.

Monsieur...

Hey.

It's me.

Andreas Kartak.

Miner.

In the same mine.

In the same tunnel.

Have a seat, my friend.

Here.

Have the place of honor.

I'm fine.

Friends always sit at the place of honor.

You're my friend, too.

Friends for everything

and in everything.

Listen.

Just now something...

When I was crossing the square something extraordinary happened.

A policeman stops me.

I think that he's gonna ask me for my papers.

I'm in a terrible mess.

Instead...

he says I've lost my wallet

and he gives me a wallet that isn't mine.

It's a sign of God.

I had to accept it.

Look.

Now...

I am going to pay my debt.

Don't go now. The priests are still saying Mass.

What's Mass to you?

As soon as it's over you can go to the sacristy.

What are you doing here?

I'm waiting for my parents.

In a little while they will get out of Mass and come and get me.

We always do it this way.

Every fourth Sunday.

Will you tell me your name?

Th�r�se.

Th�r�se.

That's perfect.

I... I never thought that a saint,

so great yet so little,

a creditor so little yet so great,

could do me the honor

to come to me after I failed for such a long time

to come to her.

I know

it's your delicacy and your preciousness.

I failed.

I owed you 200 francs and I couldn't pay them back

for so long.

Ah.

Mademoiselle saint.

But you owe me nothing.

Yes.

I...

I tried so many times.

If you need it I have a little money in my bag.

Take it.

Now I have to go

because Mass is almost over

and my parents will be coming.

Woitech.

Woitech.

Help me.

My friend.

You need a drink.

"May God grant all of us drinkers such a good and easy death."