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Ladies and gentlemen,

I made the film we are about to present.

But please come and leaf through this album with me.

This is Madame.

This is Monsieur.

This is Mr & Mme Corniche, friends of Monsieur and Madame.

Here we are, all three of us. This is the chambermaid.

This is the cook.

And this is yours truly.

There's another gentleman who isn't in the film

but whom I must mention. Here he is.

He's a composer. The music you hear is his.

Then there's Mr Bachelet, lighting director,

also called cameraman. He's a remarkable man.

Mr Gernolle recorded the sound and deserves credit.

Let's also name the continuity girl, Jeanne Etiévent,

the editor, Myriam,

and the assistant, Gilles Grangier.

Guy Lacourt was our administrator.

The sets were designed by Mr Jean Perrier.

Have I forgotten anyone?

I wish you a pleasant time in our company.

Coming!

Chartreuse, my love?

Some wine?

No.

No thanks.

I will.

You offer what you want yourself.

What else is there?

What's that?

The story of the emerald theft.

Oh, yes.

Of course, they suspected the chambermaid.

- And it wasn't her? - It was.

Oh, what now?

That'll teach her.

Let's talk about tomorrow's departure.

I can understand why you're so impatient.

But Deauville without a valet

is scary.

Did Madame ring?

Our benedictine?

Oh, sorry, Madame.

Let's have a look at the news.

"Cook, 35, cannot leave Paris.

"Write to B. 11 bis rue Marbeau."

Augustine's leaving her new job again.

She never stays.

Adèle will do the salon and dining room. Madeleine will serve.

And I could take on a cleaner in the mornings.

Anyway, it's decided. We're leaving tomorrow.

Sorry about the benedictine, I completely forgot.

One must never forget, Madeleine. Thank you.

"Valet, 42, 1200 francs a month."

That's overdoing it.

- What did they want? - The benedictine.

They've 7 liqueurs there but they wanted another.

She was next to the cupboard

but she had to bother me. Honestly!

And they want us to like them!

What were they talking about?

About us! What else would they talk about?

Whenever we enter, they're talking about us.

If they stop talking, it was bad.

If they carry on, it's so we'll hear.

They pretend they haven't seen us

and drop little nuggets like:

"Mme So-and-so has found a gem at 600 francs a month!"

Or: "People who steal from me don't last 24 hours."

This is my 9th job.

And all my bosses talked about was money and servants.

- Unless they're rowing. - What about the bachelor

where you stayed a year? - That was different.

He married my successor. Didn't I tell you?

- No. - I heard about it a week ago.

- Do we know her? - No. She's Belgian.

Then why not you?

Maybe he wasn't ready 2 years ago.

- Or she got pregnant. - You left too soon.

I'd had enough. I stayed with him 18 months.

What did I get, apart from wages? 20 francs a time!

It wasn't that often either.

I'm not keen on that with bosses.

They get too many ideas.

We think they like us as women,

but no. They say, "No, keep your apron on."

It's just vice, it never turns into love.

- Sometimes they marry us, though. - So they don't have to pay us!

What were they saying, then?

- Their trip to Deauville, of course. - And?

She said that they were leaving tomorrow come what may.

- With no valet? - Yes.

I'm not going!

Come on, don't get upset.

They said it in front of me to sound us out. They're not stupid.

- They wanted us to talk about it. - Then let's!

Don't get angry. How edgy you are! It must be the stove.

Listen. When she gets undressed,

I'll tell her what I think. - What will you say?

"Has Madame thought that Deauville is 4 times bigger than here?"

That's right.

"And with 2 guest rooms and 6 guests,

"we can't do our work properly."

And you can tell her that a cook

can't work well unless she's in the kitchen.

I'd like to know whether the trip's going ahead or not.

- That's three today. - No, four.

They still have a hope, mind you.

They mentioned a valet who was coming tonight.

Yes, but it's 10 o'clock. He won't come now.

She was wrong to sack Emile. She won't find another like him.

Maybe she doesn't want to. Between us,

he went a bit far.

- You'll burn yourself! - No, it's OK.

Taking a cigar's OK but not every day!

That wasn't smart.

It was like that with everything. The liqueurs!

The thing I didn't like

was that he drank straight from the bottle.

I've never touched her rice powder puff.

If I've no powder, I'll take a little of hers

with the shoe horn.

- But her powder puff is hers, see? - I do.

I'll go and tidy up. If we leave them alone,

they'll get up to something and delay us.

- What about my coffee? - Amazing.

- And theirs? - "Vile," she said.

That's a bit much. But it's true that it's bad.

She wants us to eat first.

The second's not as good, so they get dishwater.

No, no, no!

I'm sorry to stand in your way, but...

I'm absolutely sure.

- Shall I clear away? - If you like.

It's madness to go without a valet.

I intend to receive amply and I want a man to wait table.

Don't take that badly, my dear,

but a woman isn't strong enough to do it.

It'd be best to apply to rue Marbeau as Augustine's leaving.

A lady in your situation shouldn't be without a valet in Deauville.

You see?

Tongues would wag in the other villas.

Butter...

How much was the butter today? 34 francs.

Eggs...

36.

Leg of lamb...

67 francs. And cheap at the price.

Things are bad!

Monsieur says they won't go without a valet.

So it's OK. We're staying!

- I want to ask you two things. - Go on.

- What's 7 and 8? - 15, usually.

And... do you think they really love each other?

Them? You're joking! They've too much to gain by being together.

She just wants him to marry her. In their 3 years together,

that's all she's been after. She gave up acting.

Not a great loss to the theatre.

If all those without talent gave up acting...

But it was a sacrifice to her.

She wants to be Mme Montignac.

Thing is, all her efforts seem to turn him off.

But he is fond of her.

You can feel he's flattered to have a stylish mistress.

But what that's got to do with love?

Maybe they would love each other

if the stakes weren't so high.

Love for more than one reason isn't love.

- You're very smart. - I think so.

- Will he end up marrying her? - When he doesn't love her any more.

Oh? That can't be my man yet.

- Madame Cléry? - That's here.

I am a valet.

- What? Am I too late? - No. Just in time.

Your shouting scared me.

I'll tell Madame. Who sent you?

The agency in rue Boissière.

What's she up to?

I got a cable at 8 o'clock telling me to come before 11.

- That's fine. - Right, then.

- Sit down, I'll tell Madame. - Right... Psst!

Was that you?

Yes. Listen: what's it like here?

- In what way? - As a place to work.

- Very good, why? - I'd be off if not.

- He's right. - It's a very nice position.

Good, good.

- Psst! - There's more?

Wait a second. You're in quite a rush!

One more thing: how many are we?

- Servants? - Yes.

Me, the chambermaid and you. And the chauffeur.

Very good. And how many of them?

- One of them. - What?

A lady living alone.

- Well? - Maybe.

- Right. I'll go, then. - Psst!

- Haven't you finished? - No.

Wait. Before knowing if I fit the bill,

I'd like to know if I fit yours. I don't like trouble.

Do you want me here?

- Certainly! - Of course!

Really? You must tell me

before being nasty. I won't force the issue.

Why would we ever be nasty?

I don't know. Perhaps you'd rather it were a woman...

- Not at all, in fact! - If you don't mind...

- On the contrary! - No!

Right, let's go, then. Psst!

Thank you.

Take the weight off your feet.

Certainly, Madame.

- No... the little bag. - Thank you.

- Are you free? - Since 9 days ago. Why?

We're leaving tomorrow for the villa in Deauville.

Does that suit?

Very well. I don't know Deauville.

Does the boss ask for references?

- Yes. Don't you have any? - Yes, lots.

Madame awaits.

That's good.

I'll leave you my little hat.

Take care of it, I'm fond of it.

They went: "Ah!"

- They know me? - No!

Ask them for 700 francs a month.

- I was going to ask for 800. - Oh?

Please come in.

- Are you free? - Yes, Madame.

- Can you leave Paris tomorrow? - Yes.

- How much a month? - 800 francs, with wardrobe.

- You have references? - Of course.

Here, please.

- I caught you! - No, whatever next!

Why are you doing your hair? What's wrong with liking him?

And Victor?

It wouldn't be the first time you cheated on him.

I've never cheated on Victor.

What did you do with Marcel?

- Marcel? - The former chauffeur.

I'd forgotten him, it proves he doesn't matter.

He's better than Marcel. He's not bad in his way.

- You think he's ugly? - I didn't say that.

But I'm not keen on valets.

A man without a moustache looks too much like a show-off.

- I quite like big chaps. - Each to her own.

- But... - Hush!

A door's opening.

- He's coming back. - So soon?

- Scared? - Don't be silly.

Is it settled?

I think so. She asked me to wait here for 5 minutes.

No doubt so they can have a chat.

Yes. Or they'll call your last employer.

You reckon?

Maybe. That's what they usually do.

We can't stop them.

Why did you say, "a lady alone"?

She is one.

Then who's the gentleman with her?

Her boyfriend.

How silly I am! Yes.

Excuse me. But they live together?

He dines here but sleeps at his place.

They only live together completely in the country.

So she's not a total tart.

You mustn't say that. And we haven't.

- A little lady like that. - Good for her.

She looks quite proper.

You'd never think she was in the theatre.

- Tonight? - No, as an actress.

- No? Oh. - No more than a year ago.

Then why does she put on airs? So as to marry him.

- He saw right away. - It wasn't that hard.

Bosses are strange. They summon you,

look you up and down, ask lots of questions,

we reply what we like, and it's settled.

We know them but they don't know who we are.

Very true.

Why do you think that is?

I think it's because... How can I put it?

It's that the questions they ask you

are more important than the answers we give.

I don't understand.

Me neither, I'm afraid. It's not easy to say how you feel.

But this is what I say: the one asking the questions

always gives himself away.

The one listening sees him coming, while the other talks.

I think it's mainly that. Don't you think so?

Right.

- Got that? - Very well. Didn't you?

- I'm beginning. - She's nice.

Be good and hang around outside to see if she phones.

- With pleasure. - Sorry to bother you.

You're joking!

What do you think?

She's very cute.

- No, the boss. - I should think so.

She has lovely eyes!

Except I tend to prefer blondes, rather heavier if possible.

No answer.

Good. Forget about that.

He looks well. Excellent reference. That's enough.

She was calling but no one answered.

Thank you. One thing... We were chatting.

There's an astonishing resemblance between him and Montignac.

- You're kidding! - No.

I've only seen photos but he looks like...

Why are you laughing?

It's him, Montignac!

- The minister? - Yes!

Then it's not surprising.

That man's the minister?

He looks very proper, for a minister.

He's very nice.

- Do we call Monsieur Minister? - Now and then.

Half the time. Best not overdo it.

That must be for you.

- Who were you with? - Countess Diepchinska.

- English? - On the contrary.

I mean, she was an Algerian who married a Russian.

Who died. Sorry. A wonderful man, made to live 100 years.

You should have seen him the day he died.

Who'd have thought that 6 hours later...

- How did he die? - Crushed.

So I've told you about his birth and death at once.

- So did you leave? - My place?

Yes and no. We agreed to separate, as they say...

It's settled.

She called back?

- No, she's hiring you! - Really?

She didn't say so!

May I? And I tell you sincerely...

You made a very good impression.

I'm not surprised.

And as you accept the terms,

you can sleep here. - Right.

- To be ready at dawn. - Very well.

- Do you have a nightshirt? - I brought one in my bag.

- Where's my room? - Next to mine.

Like in Deauville, where they overlook the garden.

Here we have 2 rooms on the street.

Two? What about the cook?

She's married.

- My word! - And she doesn't sleep here.

Well, well.

She married a policeman 3 years back.

- He's only 3? - No, 3 years ago!

The idea of a tiny little sergeant!

- Your room... - We do have a laugh.

It's here,

at the top of the stairs.

That's lovely.

You can come and go as you like.

Madame allows us out at night?

You don't mind, do you?

I don't want to be any trouble.

Men do go out. You're not a ladykiller?

A man is always a man.

Sometimes, yes.

We sleep alone in the house, Madame, you and me.

My God, yes. I'll prepare your room.

I'll do it myself.

Afterwards. But I'll do the first night.

- You're leaving? - Yes.

It's after 11, Victor will be waiting.

Here he is. Do you want me to stay

while you make the bed? - No, go ahead.

- Goodbye, dear. - Goodbye.

See you tomorrow.

Believe me, don't telephone that lady.

Don't look for problems.

I promise.

See you tomorrow.

Monsieur is going. I'll go and see Madame.

Goodnight, Mr...?

- Désiré. - Goodnight, Mr Désiré.

- Goodnight, Madame... - Adèle.

That's very nice. Goodnight, Mme Adèle.

I think we'll make a nice household.

- I forgot to offer you a drink. - Never between meals.

Would you have some paper and an envelope?

That's easy.

- It didn't hurt. - Really?

- I'd tell you. - The paper. And here...

- Thank you. - Here's the ink.

- Settle in. - Thank you.

Goodbye and goodnight.

Goodbye, Adèle. Thank you.

I'm here!

The police is impatient!

Well, my Adèle!

Madame, this is why I'm calling.

I read the certificate...

"Dear Mother,

"luckily...

"it didn't take me long...

"to find... a new place..."

I've time to make your bed. She's phoning.

- My old employer? - I think so.

It's very tricky for me. I can't really spell it out.

- Just one pillow? - Eh?

- Just one pillow? - I've only one head.

"It didn't take long to find a new place which..."

I'll wait, then.

A gesture? Oh!

You understand. I can't say any more.

I beg you to keep that to yourself.

I promise.

It was so serious...

Indeed.

Goodbye, Madame.

Goodbye. Thank you.

My dear!

Where's the bell board? This isn't easy.

Madeleine!

That's Madame's voice.

Madeleine!

I'd go, but if she isn't dressed...

Madeleine!

I can't let her shout. She needs help.

Madeleine, where are you?

She's not here, Madame,

she's preparing my room. - Your room...

- It's just that... - Yes?

I just received a call

from a friend I asked to find me a valet,

and who chose one for me tonight. So I'm embarrassed

on your behalf. - But why's that, Madame?

If Madame doesn't want to keep me, she should say so.

But there's no substitute

for telling the truth. - What?

Madame phoned my former employer who dissuaded her.

Not at all.

If I dared, I'd say Madame doesn't lie very well.

Telling me would do me a favour.

If the lady wants to wrong me, I won't use her certificate.

It's excellent, but she slanders me at the same time. That's not good!

That's twice this week she's done that!

Employers stick together, but let a man earn his keep.

May I ask if the lady told Madame why I left?

She intimated.

Oh...

And... was Madame scared?

Well, yes.

Naturally, Madame, I cannot press my point.

All that remains is for me to bid you good day.

I was writing to my mother saying it didn't take me long

to find a place.

I'm sorry.

Not as much as me, Madame.

Madame...

Come in.

Sorry, Madame.

Would Madame tell me what the lady said about me?

I'd find it embarrassing.

I swear on my mother's life I wouldn't tell a soul.

It's best I know what people are saying

about me. - She wasn't precise.

- She just said that... - That?

I promised her

not to repeat it. - I swore on my mother's life,

Madame can believe me. - She said

you made a gesture. - Gesture?

So serious that she had to dismiss you

there and then.

- That's all? - Yes.

She didn't tell Madame

what the gesture was? - No.

- What gesture does Madame imagine? - My God...

Does Madame think I stole?

I can't let you think that! It's too much!

If that lady's behaving like that with me...

I can see her saying that, alone,

Madame is in danger in her home.

Madame immediately thought of her jewels.

But I cannot let her think that of me.

If this lady behaves thus with me, there's nothing for it,

I'll explain exactly what happened.

We were alone one night, this lady and I...

There. I said it.

- But... I don't understand. - Madame doesn't understand?

I said we were alone in the apartment that night.

So what?

What do a man and a woman do alone?

Madame has put her finger on it.

That which Madame thinks, we did.

She'll say it wasn't her fault.

But it can only happen by mutual consent.

A lady says: "Leave me," but thinks the opposite.

She asks: "What are you doing?" but knows full well.

I recognise my faults, but I'm sorry, Madame.

Does one call one's valet to one's boudoir at one,

in a negligee, because the curtain sash is sticking?

"A valet is not a man." She saw that.

Whether she regrets it or not, it'll be a lesson to me.

I'll avoid putting myself in strange situations.

With me, Madame is less at risk than with an innocent.

Without experience, one isn't sure of oneself,

but having been silly, one avoids advertising the fact.

But if Madame doesn't trust me, I won't stay any longer.

Did she say I was a loyal servant?

- Yes, indeed. - On that score,

I have no fear. Honesty, cleanliness, impeccable service.

I'm of the old school.

Fourth generation. Not a blemish in the family.

My grandfather served the archbishop, my father the Duchess of Uzès.

I started as a page.

In terms of manners and customs,

with me, Madame can't go wrong. If I might be so bold,

Madame would be wrong to be influenced by such silliness.

Oh, silliness?

Yes, silliness. Madame is not my former employer.

And Madame would be hurting herself by not hiring me.

What happened to a woman of 42 can't happen to Madame.

Madame can see I'm far from being a satyr.

But I am a man. To be left in his place.

I know my heart well,

and Madame must trust in me.

Madame doesn't want to try me?

I mean, give me a trial?

Well... I...

Madame isn't scared of me?

No, of course not.

If I may, I could say something that would decide Madame.

- Oh? - Yes.

- What thing? - I'll tell Madame straight.

Madame has nothing to fear from me in that way.

Why not?

Well, Madame... how can I put it without being impolite?

In life, one has the right to one's ideas,

one's tastes... - I get it. I am not

your type. - Madame does nothing for me.

Between us,

no offence, but I prefer that.

So Madame is keeping me!

In Madame's thoughts, I am already in her service.

I can see it in her eyes.

- My God, I... - Do say yes, Madame,

that I might write to Mummy. Madame is laughing, a good sign.

See you tomorrow.

Désiré. That's my name, Madame.

See you tomorrow, Désiré.

Madame's scarf.

70 and 10:80, and 4:84, plus my 2 tierces and my belote...

And I forgot my last trick. That makes...

- 144. What about that? - I'm so happy to be here

that I don't even mind losing.

Your turn.

Your impressions of Deauville?

Excellent.

- You like the villa? - I should say so!

It's charming.

Three... and three.

There.

- Time for bed? - It's early.

We get up early.

I fancy getting my head down.

- So soon? - You know what I've got?

I have 4 clubs.

No, I have 100 windows to wash tomorrow.

You must be exhausted.

Me? I can't wait for my pillow. 9.

- They're going out? - They didn't mention it.

Not the first night.

This one's for me.

You're awaited.

Madeleine, undress me.

Very good, Madame.

- Désiré, it's for you. - Thank you.

- What a lovely dress, Madame. - Yes, very.

- We're going to bed. - Very good, Monsieur.

Can I help Monsieur?

No, thank you. Goodnight.

See you tomorrow, Monsieur.

Might I ask if you are happy with me?

- Extremely. - Thank you, Monsieur.

- Goodnight, Madame. - Goodnight, Madeleine.

- Oh... - What?

- I was silly. - When?

Earlier. I should have kept my ace of diamonds.

To think one day you may be president.

Why do you say that?

When I see you in underwear, I can't help thinking that.

What an idea!

See you soon, maybe.

Goodnight, my darling.

Goodnight, my sweet.

Madeleine!

Come and undress me.

Oh, how beautiful Madame is!

- Oh, how pretty Madame is! - What?

Oh, what lovely eyes!

Now that's funny!

No! Désiré, I don't want to!

Leave me alone!

No! No!

No! No!

No, Désiré, I don't want to!

Leave me alone!

No!

- My word! - No...

Well! What are you doing here?

- Come to say hello. - Very nice.

- Are we disturbing you? - Not at all.

- You're waiting for them? - Not waiting.

But waiting all the same!

You get attached to your employers.

- Very quickly. - And he always defends them.

To me, my employers aren't people like us.

We must be very indulgent with them.

When I'm with someone, they belong to me.

- What's so funny? - Nothing.

Oh, so you came here to make fun of me?

Go back to your places.

- Can't we have a laugh? - Enough!

Oh, is Monsieur angry?

- You first, Baroness. - After you, Duchess.

- Adieu, Marquis. - Goodbye, females.

What have they got to laugh about?

- You rang? - Here they are!

Julien, go and dine and by back by 10.15.

Very good, Monsieur.

- No visits? - No, Madame.

- Did Madame win at the races? - I lost again.

Madame always has to bet on all the starters.

Did Monsieur win?

Yes.

I'll make it up at baccara with Corniche.

- Why not? - So that's 4 for dinner.

- Good. - Tell Adèle.

Yes, Minister.

Have we finished our dance?

It was so elegant this afternoon.

And charming. I had an enchanting day.

- I'm glad, my dear. Oh! - What is it?

Alone at last. I've wanted a word since this morning.

- But we weren't alone. - That's true.

- I'll make the most of it. - What is it?

- Sit down. - And then?

Listen. Don't let my questions surprise you. So...

What do you think of Désiré?

- I think he's perfect. Don't you? - Yes, terrific.

But apart from his work,

what do you think?

I don't understand your question.

As a man.

I've never considered him as a man.

- Why are you blushing? - Me?

You're embarrassing me.

It's not embarrassing.

Ask me about Madeleine, and I'd just say "pretty".

Am I supposed to say he's not bad?

Tell me what you think without worrying.

- I'm not worried! - Or getting angry.

- I'm not angry! - You're shouting.

Oh, you're being a pain!

I'm a pain? You've never said that before.

It's odd that, because of a valet,

you speak to me so.

My question wasn't offensive.

It was!

Right! So I'll ask it differently.

Have you noticed in Désiré's eyes

or attitude the slightest sign

of any feeling you might have inspired in him?

You can stop right there. The answer's no.

He has never been anything but proper and respectful.

Right.

- Have you noticed anything? - Not at all.

- Then has someone said... - Nothing.

- A letter? - I swear there's nothing.

You found something out about him?

- No, nothing. - Then what is this based on...?

Let me tell you.

Now you've answered and I've seen your sincerity,

I'll make you laugh.

Do you remember your dreams?

Never. I doubt that I ever dream.

Do you remember the dream you had last night?

Last night? No.

- You dreamed that Désiré... - What?!

You dreamed aloud. It woke me up.

"No, I don't want to. Désiré, leave me alone!"

How awful! How could that happen?

We don't choose our dreams, but put yourself in my shoes.

I should think not, how awful!

What an impression you must have had!

Unpleasant, despite the comic side of such an adventure.

- Comic? - Yes, I'm right.

- After a while, it was comic. - A while?

Yes. Because I'll tell you the whole truth.

- It's been going on a week. - What?

Every night since we arrived here.

You wake me regularly around 2am.

That's terrible. What's the matter with me?

- Nothing. - It must be something.

- You're mad. - Perhaps.

No, you're just obsessed by the idea...

Poor dear, how awful!

- Is it always the same? - Exactly.

- First you resist. - I should think so!

And then... you consent.

- Finally, you're happy. - Oh, do be quiet!

- My God! - What?

His room is above ours. Do you think he heard me?

- We must find out. - How?

- We'll check. - I won't listen to

your bedrooms cries. - Yes.

- Oh, no. - I'm not sleeping there tonight.

- Nor elsewhere. - You're not going to bed?

- I couldn't get to sleep. - Come now.

- Ahhh! - What's wrong?

- I've got it! - Got what?

I remember. My dream!

- Oh? - Yes!

- Because we talked. - Perhaps.

- You're sure? - Yes.

- Then it's erased. - You believe that?

Did Madame call?

- No! - I heard her.

Madame was singing.

Singing? That's strange. Sorry.

- Dismiss him immediately. - Why?

After what he's done!

Don't take it too seriously. Wait a night or two.

If it carries on, we'll have no choice.

It'd be a shame. He's a model valet.

The one time we're lucky... how unlucky.

Is the kiosk where you buy your papers far?

- It's close by. - Right.

- What do you want? - A little...

- Madame rang? - For Madeleine.

- Indeed, but Madeleine has gone. - What?

- Gone out. - She's gone out.

She's gone to the... the man who removes stains. The cleaner.

Send Désiré. You know the kiosk?

- Of course. - Wait.

Of course.

- What paper do you want? - It's not a paper.

- Tell us what. - Say the word, Madame.

It's a red book, in the corner.

And it's entitled... "The Key to Dreams".

Unfortunately, the vendor no longer has it.

- What? - I bought the last copy.

- But I can lend it to Madame. - Thank you.

- Pardon? - OK.

I'm OK, thanks.

I'm not asking that, I'm telling you to go.

- He can hear everything! - No.

He can! He wanted to understand my dreams!

Will you calm down?

Amuse yourself by looking up what interests you.

We'll let the book fall open to see what he was reading.

Oh... "Erotic dreams".

"They happen for a reason.

"They bear witness to an involuntary love

"that is still subconscious." That's stupid! Foul!

The stupid thing is believing it! Give it here.

- I want to force another page. - No!

You've half torn the page! I'll tear it out.

- That'll be worse! - He'll see what I've been reading!

Never mind, then!

Oh?

Who's doing that? Don't open the door now.

- Why not? - I'm balanced here.

- Go away! - Sorry.

Sorry.

It was nothing.

It's OK.

- What's the matter? - Nothing.

8.10. Let's get dressed.

- Why? - What do you mean?

The Corniches are coming to dinner.

Yes, I wasn't thinking.

Come now, kiss me.

Oh, yes, yes.

- You don't think I'm silly? - Go and get dressed.

- May I serve, Monsieur? - Yes!

And you're late. You must be punctual!

God, how easy it is to be unfair!

Why did he say that?

He told me himself never to serve before 8.15.

He must be in a bad mood.

Désiré!

- What? - Listen to me.

Yes.

- Are you already asleep? - Come along!

- Madame wants this tablecloth. - Right.

- I'll give you a hand. - That's very nice of you.

Oh...

- What? - What?

It's not in the middle.

- It is almost. - Oh yes? A little bit more.

That's just like you. Almost good, almost straight...

Almost is enough. But not for me.

- You're fussy. - No,

I work well. If you did your job better,

you'd like it better.

- That's all the thanks I get. - I asked for nothing.

How unpleasant you are!

No, but I don't like your behaviour.

- My behaviour? - Yes.

Yours and Adèle's.

I don't like people making fun of their employers.

To be honest, I hate it.

We can't all share your feelings for Madame.

What does that mean?

- You don't understand? - No.

- And I don't want to. - Well, well.

- My word. - That's how it is. And you know...

- Stop smiling. - Or else?

You'll have me to deal with. For 2 or 3 days...

maybe 4, I see you both laughing when you look at me.

And I'm beginning to have my fill of it.

Ask me why I laugh.

- I'm not interested. - You should be.

- It won't kill me. - It'd help you.

Then it's my bad luck.

If you're not curious, allow me to be.

Who could stop you?

- Just one question. - Ask away.

It's a simple detail: during the afternoon,

do you ever remember your dreams?

Do I remember my dreams? Sometimes.

You must be having a time!

But...

Sorry?

Nothing... Yes. Why did you ask me that?

For four days you've woken me by moaning

and saying things

that are very explicit about the person in your dreams.

You don't have to blush. I wasn't being nasty.

I'm telling you so as to help you keep it to yourself.

Hush! Don't shout.

Architects who build villas don't think about that.

Why did you wait 4 days before telling me?

The second day, I wanted to see if it happened again.

The third, it was the same, becoming monotonous.

And the fourth, I told you.

Don't look so upset, Désiré.

Don't be so nervous. Look at your fork.

First of all, it's not your fault.

Oh, no.

Maybe it's just for a few days.

Don't think it's important.

Dreams are just dreams. "Truths and Lies".

But I wondered what that kind of dream could mean.

I went to the kiosk

to buy "The Key to Dreams", but you bought the last one.

- Have you got it? Lend it to me. - No!

- Why not? - Don't leave it around.

- I was nice. Lend it to me. - Hide it.

- My God! - Did I annoy you?

What annoys me is being overheard.

You're afraid Madame will find out?

You wouldn't be that crooked.

But if you heard me, maybe they did too.

Or maybe they'll hear me tonight.

It'll happen again, as we've talked about it.

If they hear me shouting "Odette"!

You shout "Madame".

I keep it in the third person?

It's almost as bad. I won't dare go to sleep.

Don't be nervous, Désiré.

There's something else.

- What now? - No.

Maybe I'm the only one who hears you.

A floor is thicker

than a wall. - Indeed.

Shall we do something while they take coffee?

Willingly, it'll do me good.

No. You go to your room.

- I go to Madame's. - We won't be able to do anything.

You speak aloud and I'll see if I can hear.

Oh, I was thinking... Yes, that's a good idea.

- See, I'm not nasty. - That's true.

- Are we friends? - Friends.

Now set the table.

It's true, I still have to dress.

There. Now... my salt cellars.

- Your toothpicks. - Yes. One per mouth, isn't it?

- The bread rolls. - Tell me...

- Are you sweet on her? - Don't be silly!

- Then why do you dream about her? - Oh...

You can't choose your dreams.

But they come from things we think about during the day.

Never in your life.

- What does the book say? - Rubbish.

Now...

my little flowers...

and that's it.

There. Like that. Just look at that!

- Don't breathe a word. - I swear. But listen.

What?

Admit that you're in love with her.

- You're jealous. - Oh!

- What? - I don't go for valets.

We'd get on fine: I don't like maids.

"Erotic dreams..."

- What are you reading? - Nothing, Monsieur.

- Is that your book? - No, Monsieur.

Then leave it there.

Odette! What time does the clock say?

- 8.30. - Well, if Corniche is at the club,

what time will dinner be? - Sorry?

- It doesn't matter!! - What?!

Nothing!

If you hear from 2nd to 1st as well as from here to the 1st, all's well.

I'm ready.

- Oh! What a pretty dress! - You like it, really?

It's ravishing.

And... the neckline isn't too low?

Too low? Not low enough.

Oh, darling! Don't you think I look like a married woman?

- Yes, too much. - Why too much?

- I don't see the point. - Come now!

Don't you like having a friend so chic that no man

will disrespect her?

What was the name of that actress this afternoon in the green dress?

- Jeanne Valreine. - Ah, yes.

- She has a certain style. - Like a circus horse.

- I'm better than her. - Of course.

- And better than Madeleine too. - Who?

- My chambermaid. - Why do you say that?

- You fancy her. - Me?

- Yes. - Don't tell me I dreamed...

You found her pretty.

Not exactly, but I'll say it,

as it matters little: she is physically pleasing.

Would you marry a woman who looked like that?

I've never had any intention of marrying Madeleine.

Nor anyone. No more me than anyone.

- You less than anyone. - Why?

I love you too much for that.

Explain.

It's simply this.

Here they are. 8.40 is reasonable.

Oh, damn, she's alone.

- No! - Yes, she's alone.

How boring of him to do this!

One doesn't send one's sick wife ahead of one.

They're invited because of him.

He may be a great man, but he's a cad.

- And she's a bore. - Unbearable.

Oh, here she is!

- Hello, dear friend. - Hello.

Let's sit a moment.

Hello? Hello, Adèle?

Adèle!

- Désiré! You may serve! - Right!

You may serve.

I heard.

- Thank you. - Don't mention it.

- Shall I open the door? - Please.

I didn't dare ask you.

Madame is served.

After you, my dear.

Your husband playing baccara is no reason

for us to eat burnt saddle of lamb.

- What did she say? - Nothing at all.

Sit down.

- Didn't she hear? - No.

- But I said it loud. - Not loud enough, my dear.

Shall I sit here?

Yes! And that is your husband's place!

Oh, that's my husband's place.

Oh, she heard.

May it continue.

There's no soup!

Oh yes, I'd love a scoop.

- Yes. It didn't last. - It's exhausting.

She can see there's no soup.

- I love lobster. - It's langoustine!

Oh yes, surely. Never mind!

What did she think?

I don't care. Corniche will pay for this.

You don't send a deaf woman to dinner alone.

Don't you think it's getting worse?

- It's the sea air. - Possibly.

It's frightening to talk in front of her without including her.

She's used to it. Look at her, she doesn't care.

She just stuffs herself.

Very good!!

She scared me!

- Why is she shouting? - Because she's deaf.

So tender!

Who?

The langoustine, of course.

Good for him. The langoustine?

He won't have any!!

And she's stupid too! Her poor husband!

Fished this morning.

Your husband went fishing?

- This lobster was fished today. - I hope so.

- It smells of the sea. - It can hardly

smell of eucalyptus.

Better than Paris.

It is nice with sherry.

A lost cause.

Give up.

Madame.

May I offer advice?

Madame shouldn't shout, it's pointlessly tiring.

I had a relative who was deaf like this lady.

You have to try something else:

speak quite softly, but articulate well.

The lady will read on Madame's lips

what's being said,

and, naturally, on Monsieur's lips too.

Or if Madame insists on shouting, do so in the ear.

Like this, for instance.

- Veuve Clicquot? - Please.

Madame sees?

Excuse me.

- Désiré... - Monsieur?

Serve us quickly, to cut this short.

Like a station buffet. I see, Monsieur.

Pardon?!

Why is she speaking so quietly now?

For the same reason. She can't hear.

I didn't hear what you were saying.

Are you a little deaf too?

Perhaps. How charming.

But it's true that if we articulate, she understands.

But with me there's no need.

That's true, sorry.

What were you saying?

Your new valet is very good.

Now he knows.

9:15.

What time is it?

I can't see.

She's short-sighted too.

9.15! He must be losing a lot!

Doesn't his company think that in his situation,

an industrialist is wrong to play

such high stakes?

No, on the contrary.

He plays with his company's blessing. He keeps his winnings

and 2/3 of his losses come from the advertising budget.

These silences are pleasant.

They're restful.

Do you play baccara?

No, Madame, never. Oh, sorry!

He's a minister...

- I play the horses. - Horses are better.

Man's noblest conquest.

Oh, that's what my doctor said.

While your valet is out of the room...

He's here.

- Does Madame wish me to retire? - Stay.

Désiré, don't pass the lamb around.

Fine. Shall I lose the Russian salad?

- You'll have to remove the menu. - It's in front of her.

Would Madame look outside deliberately...

Oh! how pretty!

- I thought it was my husband. - No, the moon.

That's not the same thing!

I don't care about her. But aren't you cold?

No, but I'd like my scarf.

Right away.

- Hush, no! - It's me.

I'll do it.

Here it is.

- I almost messed up. - Yes.

I would have been sorry.

You've found a gem there.

Considerate

and good looking.

He kindly put on your scarf.

He loves you!

Listen to this amusing story.

Your valet reminded me.

Do you know a kind of mad Russian woman,

Countess Diepchinska?

I've heard that name.

The sister

of my cook is her chambermaid. She told me

a hilarious story about two weeks old.

What are you looking for?

- The bell. - Why?

For Désiré.

- So he hears? - So we leave the table.

- Aren't you listening? - Yes.

The countess had a valet like yours.

This is what I was told.

One evening...

Hush! Serve us.

Very well.

- Is she banned from cheese? - Yes.

Sorry, I'm late. It's shameful.

Sorry, you know what gamblers are.

- Did you win? - Yes, 1 million.

I should call the Casino...

- He's here. - Where?

- He's here! - Oh! Well?

- I lost. - How much?

100,000.

Hello.

Hello.

Hello, dear minister.

- Have you dined? - I have.

- That can't be true. - Almost.

I ate a dozen sandwiches.

But I didn't have dessert, so I would love

a piece of that ice

with coffee. - How did it go?

As it always does.

- Do you have toothache? - It's so she can't lipread.

Yes.

At 8, I was losing 2 million.

At 8.45, I was level.

20 minutes later, I was winning 1 million on 3 bancos.

3, 6, 12.

You won more than a million?

No, as I got up I played a banco

for 120,000 on the next table, and I lost.

So you won 880,000.

No, as I left, I bought a hand at 60,000

which went round twice.

She has a gorgeous dress...

Hello?

Telephone, Monsieur.

- Minister. - Who is it?

- Private secretary. - What now?

Be right there.

- I know what it is. - What?

No more cabinet.

- No! - An hour ago.

- And Félix? - No longer a minister.

Sorry.

I heard it at the casino. It wasn't for me to say.

Gorgeous...

- What's wrong? - To work.

- Do I tell her the truth? - Come now...

Right, let's go.

You know that, temporarily, France is a republic.

Yes.

The present government has just fallen.

In other words, the Cabinet is resigning.

- Oh! - Yes.

- And Mr Montignac? - Out on his ear.

My dear, what is the reason

you are so pretty tonight?

What a lucky chap, Montignac! Such lovely eyes...

- Do compliments bother you? - It depends from whom.

- Will Madame take coffee here? - Yes.

As long as we take it together.

- Oh! - What?

Did you see your valet's face?

Than man is watching over you.

I don't know if he is watching you

but beware, he seems possessive.

What a notion!

It won't stop me telling you that I've never seen you looking

as gorgeous as tonight.

- As if it was meant. - Pardon?

Well, let's say... It's like a coincidence.

And she?

Can do without me.

I must announce some upsetting news.

The ministers are resigning.

Yes!

- Did you know? - I found out at the club.

- We talked about it. - It's inconceivable.

Delplanque resigning without comment was rather violent.

I've summoned him to tell him what I think.

3 or 4 of us were in his way.

He's replacing us with nonentities devoted to him.

- It's a shame! - Hello?

I'm going...

The Lisieux office refused the communication.

Tell them it's the communications minister asking.

If I don't get it, I'll sack them.

I said nothing as a minister,

now I shall. - Hello?

Allow me, dear chap.

Here's what I'd do if I were you.

- What would you do? - Here's what I'd do.

Hello?

I'd take the 10.50 train.

I'd storm in to see Delplanque

who wouldn't expect me. - Hello, Lisieux?

Don't use the telephone.

That's right. Désiré?

Désiré?

Hello?

- Sorry. - Hang up.

I'd like to slap her!

I'll put on a jacket and come.

Poor boy, he's annoyed.

Between us, he's the cause of this resignation.

Félix?!

For 6 months, he's made mistakes

that have embarrassed Delplanque. That's what they said at the club.

Look at the news!

He won't be a minister now.

We're talking politics!

Can I give you my honest opinion?

- Go ahead. - He needs a rest.

- You know Egypt? - Who?

- Egypt! - No.

- It's lovely. - So I hear.

The million I won tonight...

would you come and spend it with me? It'll take 2 months.

What do you say?

I knew you were mad and ill-mannered.

I didn't think you'd have the nerve to ask me that.

I can do anything for love.

Don't brag about it.

So it's no?

Right...

I have no mistress, but at the moment I'm lucky.

And as I like you, I wanted you to benefit too.

I beg your pardon! Do I look like a whore?

You? Oh, no!

Do you imagine

I'd offer a whore 1 million to go to Egypt?

Never, I hate whores. And that's just why,

you look like a woman of the world to whom I could give it.

Women will never understand us.

And you think men

understand us?

I look like a woman of the world and you treat me like a whore.

10.25, I'll be off.

We will. I'll take you.

Your train leaves at 11.10pm but it's a slow one.

You wouldn't be in Paris before 6. But in my car,

which does 70, we'll be there by 1 in the morning.

We have to leave instantly.

Let's go.

- We're going? - Yes.

- Where? - It's a surprise.

I'll be back for lunch tomorrow.

- You're not taking me? - What for? Kiss me, quick.

But...

don't leave me, darling.

Be reasonable and think of me. Kiss me until tomorrow.

Here!

- Say something nice. - Nice?

- Montignac? - Coming.

- Are you there? - One second.

Go on!

If I'm no longer a minister, I'll marry you.

Madame.

Goodbye!

Now that's a story.

- Goodbye. - No, she loves the foldaway seat.

- Goodbye. - Goodbye.

What's going on, Madame?

Monsieur was called to Paris.

He'll be back for lunch tomorrow.

The ministry's resigning?

Yes.

Poor country!

Monsieur won't be a minister?

I hope not.

You never know.

- Is Madame going out? - No, I'm going to bed.

- Come and undress me. - Very well, Madame.

My God, who'd think a man could be that much of a cad...

I wanted to go out for the night,

now I can't do that.

I can't leave her alone.

If anything happened, I'd feel remorse.

- Want a hand? - Yes, that's very kind of you.

Want a hand?

Yes, that's very kind of you.

That one, please.

- Tell me. - Yes.

Did you hear what he said to her?

No, did you?

No. Don't count on us.

Hey!

- I heard. - Oh?

"If I'm no longer a minister, I'll marry you."

Well...

Here's one who eats cleanly.

He didn't eat, that's why.

Her little crumbs...

Are you going out?

I'll go out 15 minutes for a smoke.

Take the key.

No, you can lock up. I won't go out by that door.

- Something else. - Yes?

If you wake me...

Bang on the wall to wake me.

Got it. Goodnight.

- Goodnight. - My tips?

- Yes. - Thanks.

Don't mention it.

No, Désiré, I don't want to...

Désiré, leave me. I beg you...

Désiré!

Désiré...

Is Madame here?

You?!

But, Madame...

Madame, here?

How long have you been here?

Let's see...

It's 3.10, since 11.30.

Since 11.30?

Yes, I came 15 minutes after Madame retired.

What, here?

No. Did Madame go up after Monsieur left?

Yes.

Then I cleared the table, went out for 15 minutes

for a smoke, and when I got back, I lay down and went to sleep.

- In the dark? - Yes, Madame.

Without seeing me?

Indeed, Madame.

I would never sleep in the same room as Madame.

Madame was here before?

I'm sure I was. I saw you from my room

in the garden. - Then I came down afterwards.

Sorry, Madame.

Why didn't you go to bed?

I don't know, no reason.

Does that happen often?

It's the first time.

What awoke you?

I felt like someone was calling me.

- Calling you? - Yes.

- By your name? - Yes, Madame.

When you awoke, you realised

you were mistaken. - Yes, Madame.

When I awoke,

I heard nothing.

Well, you should go to bed.

To bed? Is Madame staying in the lounge?

Yes, perhaps.

Don't do that, the nights are cold.

It'll be cold in here in an hour.

It's unwise. I'd better stay here.

I get up in 2 or 3 hours.

And tongues would wag if they heard Madame slept in the lounge.

Let's go to our rooms.

We don't have to sleep in the lounge.

Indeed.

Goodnight, Désiré.

- See you tomorrow. - No, Madame.

- No? - No, Madame.

Allow me to say adieu.

- Now? - Yes.

Tomorrow, I shall be gone.

Why are you going?

For what reason?

Please don't ask, Madame...

Just say adieu, and ask nothing.

Why spoil your fine gesture?

- Which? - Don't you realise?

No, I don't see what I said.

Madame does me the honour of confiding such a secret.

A secret? I haven't confided anything.

What you're doing is funny. Do you think I'm stupid?

You talk to me like a man and then like a servant.

When I awoke, hearing my name,

you didn't ask me

if I was mistaken. - Yes, I did.

No, Madame told me.

"When you awoke, you realised you were mistaken."

You gave me the answer.

And you trusted me because you were still dreaming,

well, still sleeping. That touched me so.

Let me leave with that impression.

Don't suddenly become suspicious.

How, after all that, can Madame ask me why I'm leaving?

Madame knows. As well she knows we may not talk about this.

There is now something between us

that nothing can erase.

Don't believe that servants don't understand.

The distance between us does not make us that different.

Two hands like this or like that are still the same hands.

You want to know why?

I'm leaving so as to keep my word to you.

I told you that night you'd have nothing to fear from me.

I even told you I wasn't affected by your kind of beauty.

But now I am not so sure of keeping my word.

Earlier, I wasn't very sure.

And now I'm not at all sure.

Things have been going on in the last few days.

I've been silly twice. The night I saw you,

I should have seen your eyes and known not to insist.

The second time was telling you

that I didn't fancy you. You must never say that.

The mere fact of saying it, proves it isn't totally true.

So it preys on your mind. You wonder if it's really true.

So you do experiments.

No, I didn't watch you through the keyhole!

But I watched you in the garden.

While serving you, I watched your shoulders, your hands.

When you got into a car, your ankles...

And it was good.

So good that I felt cured and was happy about it.

I must confess, I was very scared of myself.

I wondered about the job.

There's something I didn't tell you.

But I'll tell you now:

what I did with the countess, I'd done twice before.

Yes, the countess was the third!

But for the week before coming to you,

I wasn't attracted to any woman I saw.

I thought if I only fancied my employers, then I was lost.

Imagine, a servant who is still fairly young,

attracted only by his mistresses, whom he cannot love.

You must have this job in your blood to understand.

For I love my job, Madame.

Monsieur was talking about the pleasure in commanding?

But the pleasure in obeying...

To serve, Madame, is something wonderful.

Do this, do that...

All other people's ideas.

And when it's a woman's voice commanding you,

it's a delicious feeling.

How I envied the slaves!

That was the situation I was in after 3 days.

Madame said nothing: it was marvellous.

And in the night, bang!

I start to dream about Madame. Yes, me too.

A dream where everything is possible.

Where everything happens as if it were meant to happen.

Next day, same thing. It's been going on four days.

I came to sleep here so no one would hear me,

as one speaks in one's dreams.

I fall asleep, wake up and what do I see?

Madame, lying in the same room,

spending the night with me, as it were, and calling for me.

We were dreaming the same thing.

And you ask me why I must leave?

I won't ask any more.

I should have held my tongue.

I spoke up because of you. Don't you understand?

Does an employer ever understand a servant?

After a week with someone, we know all their faults.

After a month, all their thoughts.

Even after 5 years' service, an employer knows nothing of us.

Only when we leave do they ask us our names.

Many would be amazed to know what we know about them.

So, Madame, before leaving,

may I give you my opinion and some advice?

Madame should not seek to marry Monsieur.

With a man like that, Madame would be lost.

Monsieur is a minister, never forget that.

He feels obliged by his colleagues to have a girlfriend.

If he'd married Madame, there'd be another in your place.

You don't know that world as well as I do.

Politicians are all from the provinces.

They try to look more Parisian by taking mistresses.

And go back to acting.

Find yourself a role even at the Odéon, it doesn't matter.

An actress flatters. Don't you listen to Monsieur?

It's as if we only hear properly through doors.

4 o'clock...

And the sky's already lighter.

Madame will be tired.

And it's my fault. Sorry, Madame.

Let's both agree on this.

When Madeleine awakes,

I tell her my mother is ill and I'm going to Lyon.

In 2 days, I'll write and you can send me a certificate

written in your hand. I'll show it to nobody.

I shall keep it carefully as a memory of Madame.

Adieu, Madame.

Adieu.

Madame, say my name.

It's not so pretty, but you say it so well.

Say it one last time.

Adieu, Madame...

Adieu, Madame...

Adieu, Désiré.

Oh, God must have endowed me with another's heart!

Valet, 38, good refs. seeks place with bachelor. Write: Désiré

Subtitles - ECLAIR