Original subtitles

1783. Six years before the French Revolution, Loius XVI still ruled - but wit was king.

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"In this country, vices are without consequence, but ridicile can kill". -Duke of Guines

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Sir, do you remember me?Think hard.

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Have I changed so much?

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Remember... the "Marquis of Stumblebum"?

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You dubbed me that when I fell at a ball.

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Stumblebum. So very wounding!

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I never lived it down.

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Where is your fine wit now?

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What a loss for society.

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Since my exile...

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I've seen many lands...

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with far ruder manners,...

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yet I've never forgotten yours.

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Sir, am I tiring you?

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I will wait on Madame and let him rest.

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She is expecting you.

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I fear that in his joy, Monsieur forgot himself.

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Name of movie: Ridicule

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- Go home. - But, Monsieur...

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Your teeth are chattering. You're sick.

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Don't move

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We are short of workers.

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His father has a fever.

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They say the king can cure the sick.

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All men can work miracles.

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Don't you believe me. I promise.

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We'll rid this swamp of evil.

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By having masses sung?

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No masses...

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we'll build dikes and canals,...

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plant trees, grow crops.

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This region will become beautiful.

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You're home

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When you meet with the king, ask him to bless my medallion?

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I will, Leonard.

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Let me bless you.

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Your mother worries about you going to Versailles.

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You must have hope

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I preach hope on Sundays - in God.

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At Versailles, one man's will turned swamps into gardens.

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The will of a king!

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I'll knock on every door...

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right up to the king.

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Kneel down.

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Take off your hat

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God bless you...Amen

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Farewell

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He is the finest wit of our age.

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How funny !

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Milletail!

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Back from America

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I missed the stench of Versailles.

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I'm surprised you're here.

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I would rather bury him alive...

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but God is our master.

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We are praying, gentlemen.

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Have dinner with me...

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A roasted chicken would be better company!

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Madame de Blayac will grieve for days!

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Is this Blayac house?

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Yes. Are you the related?

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I have an introduction to Monsieur.

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You come at the right moment. he is receiving guests

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You can recognize him by his widow.

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His wit was a shining light.

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My husband valued your opinion.

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The Academy grieves for him.

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He cared for it deeply.

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What a loss.

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Lord, what a loss.

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Your husband was a friend of my father.

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And of mine.

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I come from the Dombes.

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Do you know Versailles?

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I was born here, as it happens.

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A courtier by birth.

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Not everyone born in a stable thinks he's a horse.

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God is our judge.

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What, friend?

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God will forgive the burglar...

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if his children are hungry

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We meet again.

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What a pleasure!

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Whom do I have the honour to bleed?

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Gregoire Ponceludon de Malavoy.

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Marquis of Bellegarde.

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Charlotte, my housekeeper, and her son Paul.

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Paul is both death and mute but he is an idiot, not evil.

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Travellers should be better warned...

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about the robbers round Versailles.

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A good doctor must judge blood...

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the way a gourmet judges wine.

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A nice hearty red. Fluid but with plenty of body!

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You live in fresh air...

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and eat lean meat.

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I live foul swamp air, and eat mostly fish!

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My God, my plans.

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- Are you a water engineer? - I am.

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I come to Versailles to seek aid for a drainage project.

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It's easier to be seen than heard.

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I will appeal to reason and compassion.

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Are you so ignorant of the ways of Versailles?

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Come

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I have bled you white.

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You need rest

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You must stay in the bed for two days, eat light food, and a glass of wine each night.

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Night is for sleeping. You are exhausting yourself.

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Thank you

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"Study Addressed to the Regent...

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Concerning Epidemics in the Dombes and Suggested Remedies"

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Written by the Marquis de Gora.

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It was not even opened.

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Will your study fare any better?

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Thank you for sparing me disappointment.

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I have seen so many gentlemen from the country.

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I shall plead my case orally.

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And here I'll build a sluice to create a storage pool.

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His majesty would be interested in this project perhaps.

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The king is interested in technical things.

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Tell him that the high fever makes many Dombes residents die. I know he is compassionate.

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This is his weakness

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This is the reason that I can't tell his majesty of your plan.

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I will keep it from him, along with schemes...

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to dig a tunnel to England, to drain the Landes and to make a map of India.

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Your plan is all fine, no doubt...

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but expensive.

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Drain the marshes at least.

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You mean drain France's treasury!

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I administer the accounts.

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Do you understand the problem?

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How much is a life worth?

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Less than the destiny of France...

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except to philosophers.

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Goodbye, Sir. I have work to do.

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I will open the king's eyes!

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Please do!

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Those right wing men are leading the kingdom to bankruptcy

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I am busy on the work of the military defence.

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Mr Maurepas is old and careful.

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You are young and courageous

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My duties are too great to permit me to listen to flattery.

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In the Left Wing

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we do not deal in favours. Goodbye, Sir!

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But, I give you a suggestion

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Write a report, and I will circulate it.

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The Left Wing is for ministers who serve the kingdom's needs.

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The right wing is for courtiers...

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who serve their own needs.

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I only want to see the king.

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"Only"? You jest.

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We call you people 'suitors'.

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There are thousands of you.

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Some succeed!

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Help me

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Introduce me at the palace

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You would be more useful at home.

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Versailles Palace is my last hope

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You suitors are all the same.

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Your head is full of dreams of titles and grants.

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The court! The court!

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The phrase intoxicates you!

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But I doubt you have what it takes to be heard.

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Go back home...

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and thank me.

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I'm sorry I troubled you.

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Double three... or I'll tell the secret of the church.

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Ah, secret. Do tell.

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Well, there is no purgatory basically

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Isn't that your patient?

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Fresh from the country, you must find our courtly ways ridiculous.

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"Judge not, that ye be not judged."

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Were the Gospels of any use at Versailles, I would have heard.

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Join us if you wish

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we play 10 sols a point.

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All I left is my shoe buckles.

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You can even admire them by bending lower from the waist.

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What do you want here?

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A grant to drain the Dombes swamps and get rid of the mosquitos.

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Our peasants die young - around 35.

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Poor people!

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They are not only dying - they are boring.

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Remember - besides those mosquitos...

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the peasnts also feed the aristocrats.

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He's smarter than he looks.

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That is where we differ, Monsieur!

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Her Majesty the Queen!

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Ah Blayac! Can I borrow the Abbot?

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At your service, Ma'am.

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I am playing piquet with such dull people.

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I need some witty company.

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Thank you. I will return him to you soon.

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But were you busy?

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Nothing important.

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Your patient has recovered quickly from the "attack"

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Is it thanks to you?

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Please allow me to believe so.

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His tongue is certainly agile.

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You never come to my suppers.

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I await the pleasure.

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Do I have to invite you

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Bring your protege.

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Double six!

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Your first skirmishes went well.

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That should bring you hope.

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The abbot is close to the Queen, and he dislikes me

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Wit opens every door...

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and you have plenty of it.

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Who cares about the Dombes?

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You, of course, but it needs patience

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If the palace is interested in you

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your Dombes will be taken care of.

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I have spent a year's money in just days.

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If you do not mind discomfort...

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you can stay with me.

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I tried to dissuade you, but now I will help.

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Why?

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Honesty and intellect rarely live together.

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Too much powder makes the teeth look yellow.

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Just keep your original complexion.

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With a little rouge to add colour.

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Does the countess know the king?

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Serious topic

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Best avoided!

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I will restrain myself.

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You should be more witty, sharp

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and malicious...

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and your region will be developed

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No puns. People say puns are "the death of wit".

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Voltaire! My bible.

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One last thing:

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Never laugh at your own jokes.

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Redcurrants!

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I adore redcurrants!

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I could eat as many as Samson killed Philistines!

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We all adore redcurrents.

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If Samson had...

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If Samson hadn't...

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- Where are your estates? - The Dombes.

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A land of swamps and disease.

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This is why I came here

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What an unpleasant topic!

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Give some champagne to

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Mr. Ponceludon

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What do you think of the English?

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Droll. They have a way of speaking they call "hew-mah."

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This makes them laugh enormously.

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Is it like wit?

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A kind of mental state?

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No really, no.

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What is it in French?

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It's untranslatable.

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Oh come on. Tell us!

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Any talk that causes laughter is a form of wit.

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No, it's not exactly wit.

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There is no French word for it.

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Give us an example.

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I asked Twickenham how many mistresses he had.

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he answered me without any expression

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"How many constitute several?"

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This is the only example that comes to mind.

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That comes to mouth!

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How did Samson kill the Philistines?

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Samson! The Philistines!

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With the jawbone of an ass.

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With the jawbone of an ass!

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"With the same jawbone, Abbot?"

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The jawbone of an ass.

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I'd have been the talk of the court.

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Two hours too late

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Age is the enemy, Ponceludon. A few years ago, I'd have had him.

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Wit eludes us all sometimes.

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Not everyone.

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No, Ponceludon.

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Anyway, Bravo!

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You scored a point with "Comes to mouth."

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what a pity you laughed,

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A tortoise

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a bottle of ink

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An amethyst

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a chinaware trolley

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a starfish

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a book.

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Let me see...

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A snuffbox!

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Wrong

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Oh, an apple

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How could I forget it

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You have odd pastimes.

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Children's brains are moist and fluid.

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When we become old,

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our brain will becomes dry

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and the memory declines.

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I store every witty remark in here

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Double entendres, repartees, quips...

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wordplays, retorts, paradoxes.

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Your "Comes to mouth" is a repartee.

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I had a strange dream. My head was on the guillotine and the executioner said

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"One quip, and you can be released."

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Everyone at court has that dream.

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Do not laugh with your mouth open, it is vulgar

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Is Mr. De Montalieri dissatisfied?

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Your letter made me anxious.

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It's a good post, Mathilde.

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Being a governess will aid your ambitions.

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Monsieur is pleased with my work.

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but...

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it'd be indecent to remain in his wife's home.

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"Monsieur de Montalieri...

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shall have access to his wife's bed twice a month.

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Her refusal will invalidate this contract.

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Any breach of the contract

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will terminate the income...

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that Mr DeMontalieri bestows on his future wife.

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- Are you sure? - There's no mention of the workshop I need for my research

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It is stiplulated in the appendix.

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My future bride defends her interests.

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I approve of that...

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but I have one more condition:

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My bride shall not

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before our wedding or after...

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for any reason...

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appear in Court.

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If she does, I shall be freed of my commitments.

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Mademoisell Bellegarde, do you accept this term?

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My daughter dislikes the corruption of the palace

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Don't you, Mathilde?

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I won't fix a wedding date...

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as Madame de Montalieri is still... with us.

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How is she how?

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Yesterday, she could not recognize me.

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Help me

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It is not sealed completely

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You know

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How much water pressure at 100ft?

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Exactly 3 ounces per sq. inch. I've studied Pascal.

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Nature puts crabs under water and girls at home.

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Nature gives your peasants fever.

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- What oil is that? - Otter oil. Why?

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Seal the joints with tar.

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And then observe..

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how well it reacts to movement.

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Please turn around

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Do you love Montalieri?

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Love? I don't believe in love.

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Why do you choose to get married with him?

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It's either that, stay poor, or be a nun.

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My father cannot pay for my research.

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One day, you will have a lover - like all noblewomen.

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You can look.

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Do not look at your feet

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Now, spin.

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Spin.

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If only the tyranny of wit had done away with genealogists!

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For a few months, I've been trying to see the king

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to plead that my family be restored its historic title.

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The Bishop of Caen is helping me.

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I think my summons will come soon

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very good

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It's very important

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I'm in line for a post at the Academy.

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It's a very high paid job

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But for now, I am a little short of funds.

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I'm sorry.

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But I could give you an I.O.U.

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I need money too. Sorry.

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May I ask what you seek at Versailles?

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A grant to drain the marsh

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Do you have a sponsor?

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None

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What about wit?

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I know how to speak my mind.

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Your best hope is to see the king...

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But for this, you must prove your pedigree since 1399.

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We belong to the House of Savoy

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I see. But I need proof of your family title.

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We've always had it.

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Perhaps. But I am a geneologist. I need proof of your family title.

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I need to see a birth certificate of the Marquis,

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deceased in 1507.

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Our castle was destroyed by fire in 1680. Papers...

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Castles have a habit of burning down.

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Write to his parish of birth.

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They may have baptismal records.

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Watch this. Galvani was right.

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The electricity affects to the wits of the animal.

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You know, I have a theory.

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Electricity and wit are one and the same.

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The skin is so smooth.

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Like the legs of...

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You admire...

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my masterpiece.

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That diving suit is madness.

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Mathilde was born in the age of Rousseau.

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I let her choose freely.

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But, did she choose this marriage?

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Her will is her own, no one forces her.

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Thank you.

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Excuse me.

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Excellent news!

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The Duke de Guines invites us to dine.

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I told you wit opens doors.

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Thank you Paul.

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Excuse me, Sir. That boy is both death and mute?

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Yes, and a half-wit.

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I can help him.

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I run a home for such children.

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They have a kind of language

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He is just fine at our house.

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Charles Michel de I'Epee.

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I am delighted.

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Excuse me!

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Age and rank first.

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My heritage is clear. We are cousins.

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My father's sister is a Ballencourt.

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Ballencourt de Merignac?

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Ballencourt du Tilleul.

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The same family

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Look at our grandfather

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See the resemblance?

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Our grandfather?

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His is the one with four legs!

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Sir, answer...

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with the wit that befits Academy membership.

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It never befat one worthier than I.

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"Befat"?

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Funny language for...

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a would-be Academician.

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Don't be surprised.

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Every harem has its eunuch

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That guard is watching us.

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No wonder

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This is a lovers' walk.

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We look out of place.

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Play the lover, then.

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Why waste your best years...

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With a lecherous old man.

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He is a learned person.

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Discussing the facts of life may bring children!

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I have more important things to do. Don't you?

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I am trying to save lives.

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You are misguided.

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Versailles doesn't save lives.

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A rotten tree cannot produce good fruit

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Is your harvest in?

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Almost.

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You think me cold.

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You are young

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You think you do not need anyone.

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I have enough. Let's go.

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Hurry

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The bee will spread pollen

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Pollinate these.

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Do you oppose my getting married?

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What is this variety called?

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You did not answer.

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You judge me.

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The flame of your vital instincts draws you to me.

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Nothing else.

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The portrait session!

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Enough for today. Tomorrow we go on.

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It's dark

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I will supply the key words, you write a rhyming epigram.

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A dull epigram will count against you.

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Quips depend on luck, epigrams need work.

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work strangles inspiration

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Be bold, but circumspect.

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Don't trust the Abbot. He's a snake.

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If he is silent, he is keeping watch on you

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If he talks, it is too late

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"Eyes, wise."

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"Missed, Eucharist."

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Verse form?

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Iambic couplets.

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The one joy here that I have missed...

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has been to see our king so wise.

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Like Jesus at the Eucharist

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Our mouths he feeds but not our eyes.

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Ah. Very clever.

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It's your turn baron

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"Skill, will."

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"Newcomer, summer"

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Permit me, Countess?

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Is it Flemish?

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Beautiful workmanship.

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Verse form?

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Octosyllables.

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The abbot's quick wit has such skill

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It inspires every newcomer

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He can be so entertaining at will

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Two ideas follow one another

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One in winter

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The other in the summer

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The Count of Artois invited me to chocolate.

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You are leaving us?

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On with the game!

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Madame.

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- I see the abbot trusts his memory more than his wit.

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- What is the price of your silence?

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Fear not. I will not fan the winds of gossip.

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You should use sealskin.

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I will order some.

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They come from Canada - they cost a lot

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I will soon be wealthy.

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- I used to to swim here. - You can swim?

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I'll teach you.

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Have you seen a person who drowned? It's terrible

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- Water harms only the fearful. - Nonsense.

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- There are boats and bridges. Why swim? - For fun!

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There must be carp here.

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What are the court ladies like?

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I hear they bathe in powder.

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Many catch rich old goats, but few can swim.

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Perhaps they had no choice.

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Is it also true that suitors fish for favours?

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You changed

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You enjoy it. You're becoming like them.

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What are you doing?

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According to Archimedes' law, I will float...

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but how do I move forward?

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Push ayour arms back, and move your legs like a frog.

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I stand by what I said. This isn't natural!

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I waited more than an hour yet others see him before me!

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Your patience is a sign of aristocracy.

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The problem in your case has been solved.

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All settled.

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But...

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how about the birth certificate?

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Were proof always required, most nobles would be commoners.

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This is your title.

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Signed and sealed.

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Good luck

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I am deeply grateful.

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This is Countess Blayac's doing.

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You should reserve your gratitude for her.

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A child's godliness is the kingdom's strength.

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Your parish will be cared for.

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Now please excuse me, Father.

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Christ be with you.

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How can I thank you?

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Please don't. I'm sorry you caught me dispensing charity.

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Your heart is good.

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So many give for show.

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My wit is greater renown than my heart...

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but you decide.

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Are you interested in engineering?

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Since I met you, Mr. Engineer.

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Tell me about your project.

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Beneath my homeland is a layer of clay that traps rain. The drainage -

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A muddy subject. It is hard to think of silt in my living room.

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I want to hear about new inventions.

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The king can tell you more than I.

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He does often talk of them.

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You know tales of woe.

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I must go. I am imposing.

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Thanks are no imposition.

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Sit down.

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Let's chat.

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There is a word that Miss Bellegarde is very attractive...

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but nobody sees her.

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Does our intimacy embarrass you?

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You think me clumsy for...

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I am torn between respect for you...

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and desire.

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How convoluted...

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for a man of wit!

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Must you dine to shine?

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Countess, do not be cruel

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I would be flattered were it not for the fact...

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that my bedroom is known to lead to the king.

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You misjudge me.

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Swallow your pride. Let people help you.

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Learn to hide your insincerity...

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so that I can yield without dishonor.

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Remember only that...

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and you've profited here.

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Hurry,Paul.

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The record is 14 minutes. We can beat it.

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Not me. You almost drowned!

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I forbade you to do it!

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"Forbade?"

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Who give you this right?

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Not even my father dares.

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If I died, is it important to you?

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It would finish off your fiance.

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His wife finally died.

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You will marry soon.

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Of course, but after the funeral.

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He is kind and patient and his children love me very much.

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I'm keeping this. Ask me for it next time.

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I dread this marriage!

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I doubt it, You are cold-blooded.

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You belong with the fish.

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Give me back the helmet.

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I shall miss her.

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Don't you have a sweetheart yourself?

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I have no property

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What can I give her but swamps and fever?

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Fine life for a lady.

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To be happy, we need women.

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To them, a man's fears are never ridiculous.

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Watch the hat on the grey horse's rider.

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The king is choosing.

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Do we have any chance?

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Not so loud.

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Some have waited months,...

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for example Baron de Gueret.

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I prefer the swamps to this.

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The king heard about your horse quip.

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Will it work?

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Alas...

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the 'eunuch' joke is also on everyone's lips.

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...

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Mr Ponceludon

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Do not a mistake

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What an angel!

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Baron De Gueret!

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Lend me your shoes!

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I'd be ridiculed!

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I beg you! I was called!

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Get up, people are staring.

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Remember, the nobles made you king -

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those whom you now humiliate.

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You abase us...

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yet give a savage the cross of St. Louis!

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Come, this isn't our place

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The Sioux are our friends.

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Half naked, with a necklace of bones, and the name 'Stinking Bear'.

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Yet he almost makes us look riduculous.

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Ah, Madame Blayac.

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We so seldom see you recently

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Sire, the Abbot of Vilecourt.

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"Every harem has its eunuch!"

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Baron Ponceludon.

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I have heard of you.

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It's nothing. Only de Bellegarde's idiot.

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She's here, Madame.

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Let her come in

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Miss Bellegarde

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Your father speaks well of you in front of us...

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But, he hides you.

undefined

Will we see you at court one day?

undefined

undefined

You ordered my father to send Paul away.

undefined

Please forgive him.

undefined

Alas, the harm is done.

undefined

He is just a poor deaf and dumb boy.

undefined

He would be better with his own kind.

undefined

He has always been with us.

undefined

You are not here about the boy.

undefined

undefined

I am well disposed to you.

undefined

I like your father very much...

undefined

and I help my friends.

undefined

One day you will see.

undefined

Madame, Paul!

undefined

You are still a child.

undefined

Forget that half wit.

undefined

How is our Mr. Ponceludon de Malavoy?

undefined

Such a pretty wit!

undefined

He is very well.

undefined

Goodbye, madam

undefined

I had heard of your learning...

undefined

but not of your beauty. Perhaps you also have much wit.

undefined

No, madam

undefined

Paul

undefined

He'll be fine.

undefined

You once said that that place is a jail

undefined

The Abbot of I'Epee runs a very good home.

undefined

More straw? Less whip?

undefined

Mathilda. I had no choice. Courtesy demanded it.

undefined

Courtesy!

undefined

What makes you so gloomy?

undefined

Ponceludon de Malavoy!

undefined

He saw us cheat at epigrams.

undefined

He needs only say a word and he could shame me in front of the king

undefined

Don't worry.

undefined

He'll never sit at the king's table. Leave it to me.

undefined

Do you think I've lost my claws?

undefined

I'll have a dinner...

undefined

and serve Ponceludon de Malavoy a dish of ridicule.

undefined

Good

undefined

Is this yours?

undefined

The countess won't make your rendezvous.

undefined

She's playing piquet with Madame de Lamballe.

undefined

Love's course is never a straight line...

undefined

Mr. Engineer

undefined

I will remember your geometry.

undefined

There will have a dinner in her house tomorrow for wits.

undefined

You're invited.

undefined

Alone.

undefined

undefined

I don't pretend to inspire passion...

undefined

But when she is 30 years old...

undefined

Mathilde will be a wealthy widow.

undefined

Very wealthy.

undefined

With her whole life before her.

undefined

A drummer boy at the battle of Fontenoy...

undefined

who had half his head shot off by a cannonball...

undefined

managed to shout out...

undefined

"I fear I'm losing my mind!"

undefined

undefined

Now that took wit!

undefined

A carriage at this hour?

undefined

It's for me.

undefined

A lover's tryst?

undefined

I'll leave a lantern out for you. Good night.

undefined

How unlucky! There is 13 of us!

undefined

We must ask a footman to sit with us.

undefined

A killing cure! Sit with a footman?

undefined

We would look ridiculous.

undefined

Then one of us must leave.

undefined

The one with the lowest title should go.

undefined

I suggest a contest.

undefined

He who has shown the least wit when the soup arrives must go.

undefined

A tournament of wit!

undefined

So be it.

undefined

Let the contest begin.

undefined

How is your wife, Monsieur?

undefined

Asking a man about his wife...

undefined

is like asking about last year's fashions.

undefined

I pray to the Virgin once a month...

undefined

to avoid talk if my wife gets pregnant.

undefined

A wife who sleeps with her husband...

undefined

is in labor.

undefined

undefined

Why not go to a brothel?

undefined

The good company there isn't bad...

undefined

and the bad company is excellent.

undefined

Personally...

undefined

I no longer consort with whores.

undefined

They're as depraved as gentlewomen.

undefined

It's easier to die for a woman than to find one worth dying for.

undefined

I marry only virgins.I pay dearly for what any man can steal.

undefined

Why do women's confessors always end up archbishops?

undefined

Women are wittier.

undefined

If the sinner lacks wit, the confessor atones for it.

undefined

What good is wit?

undefined

Without it, one is never bored.

undefined

undefined

A man of wit who says less...

undefined

isn't thought less of.

undefined

undefined

A silent fool is none the wiser.

undefined

Ah, don't denounce the dull.

undefined

Without plains, there would be no peaks.

undefined

Wait! Ponceludon must speak.

undefined

Wit is like money. The less we have, the better.

undefined

"Wit is the opposite of money".

undefined

The less we have, the better." Voltaire.

undefined

Robbers should know whom they rob.

undefined

The contest is over.

undefined

I'm starved.

undefined

Serve me with the footmen.

undefined

We're judged by the company we keep.

undefined

A misjudgment.Judas kept excellent company.

undefined

I'm sorry to miss your wedding.

undefined

You're rushing to leave me?

undefined

Yes.

undefined

A woman who throws herself at a man always loses him.

undefined

Give up your water-flowers and you'll be ordinary.

undefined

Why give them up? We can share them.

undefined

Being married to an estate in debt...

undefined

will wilt your dreams.

undefined

If only I'd never met you!

undefined

I could still pretend I'm not selling myself.

undefined

The painter is waiting for you

undefined

When he's done, can we take a last walk?

undefined

I must reach an inn before dark.

undefined

Is admitting love so hard?

undefined

You and I are alike.

undefined

Our plans come first.

undefined

Is admitting love so hard?

undefined

How convoluted, for a man of wit!

undefined

You've changed. You're becoming like them.

undefined

You'll be more useful at home.

undefined

Poor people! They're not only dying, they're boring.

undefined

Drain France's treasury!

undefined

I dread this marriage!

undefined

I've seen so many country gentlemen.

undefined

Wit debonair

undefined

in the age of Voltaire

undefined

Was seen as a heaven-sent treasure

undefined

Wit opened doors to the company of Lords

undefined

And the tasting of noble pleasure

undefined

In the past it was able to put food on the table

undefined

undefined

But those days are gone forever

undefined

A witty rebuff or a verse off the cuff

undefined

Are no more the coin of the clever

undefined

undefined

What are you doing?

undefined

You're giving up 2,000! Are you mad?

undefined

I want to terminate the contract

undefined

On a whim?

undefined

Beg Montalieri's pardon.

undefined

No, Father. I've decided.

undefined

I can't bear to marry him.

undefined

Is it Ponceludon?

undefined

- No income from our woods? - I sold the five acres...

undefined

undefined

to buy a horse and repair the bridge.

undefined

Poor Gregoire.

undefined

You'll inherit only ruins.

undefined

How was Versailles?

undefined

- You saw the king? - He's very busy, but...

undefined

he listens to everyone.

undefined

Leonard is sick.

undefined

Since when?

undefined

Two weeks ago. He drank swamp water.

undefined

From the pond?

undefined

Here, Leonard.

undefined

The king blessed it for you.

undefined

He wants me to tell you

undefined

He loves all children in France

undefined

Now, the priest will pray

undefined

God will hear him.

undefined

Why has God sent us this curse?

undefined

It's those damned swamps!

undefined

Don't blame yourself.

undefined

Versailles took everything you had.

undefined

Is our cause progressing?

undefined

Yes...

undefined

but don't stop praying.

undefined

"I am everything that is, was, and ever shall be."

undefined

The Egyptians who carved those words in stone...

undefined

believed in only one effect...

undefined

and only one cause.

undefined

They viewed the universe...

undefined

as one giant cause...

undefined

- Show-off!

undefined

- Who says we have no great preachers?

undefined

The prime cause of everything is absolute and perfect!

undefined

There can never be two perfect beings...

undefined

or they'd be One.

undefined

The perfect Being...

undefined

is indivisible.

undefined

What is in itself...

undefined

does not change.

undefined

Time measures change.

undefined

Perfection cannot change!

undefined

One, unchanging and eternal...

undefined

It is He! God!

undefined

Causa sui. He's His own cause!

undefined

Bravo, Vilecourt! Dazzling!

undefined

Well done

undefined

It's nothing. This evening I proved the existence of God.

undefined

undefined

But...

undefined

I can prove the reverse if it pleases Your Majesty!

undefined

I'll see you jailed, Philosopher!

undefined

Your Majesty! It was only a jest!

undefined

A blaspheming fool!

undefined

Sophistic braggart!

undefined

So near yet so far.

undefined

Ah, madam

undefined

The king seems ill-humored.

undefined

Will you plead for me?

undefined

- I can't help you. - It was a jest!

undefined

Where did I go wrong?

undefined

The soul of wit is to know one's place.

undefined

Baron...

undefined

Many women would blush at the endearments I gave you...

undefined

yet you left with no word of farewell.

undefined

For you have I forsaken the Abbot of Vilecourt...

undefined

my confessor...

undefined

I will forgive you for jeopardizing my soul...

undefined

in exchange for some news of you.

undefined

A woman's advantage...

undefined

lies in the influence

undefined

undefined

she is able to wield at court.

undefined

I have wielded mine...

undefined

to make you the most-favoredabsentee of Versailles. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

undefined

Who rings at this hour?

undefined

Mr Ponceludon wishes to see you.

undefined

Let him in, quick!

undefined

I have, Madame.

undefined

The boy died in my arms.

undefined

How dreadful.

undefined

To your canals!

undefined

To your locks.

undefined

undefined

What are you doing?

undefined

You sent for me?

undefined

I had a fit of palpitations.

undefined

I'm sorry to call you so early. I was so afraid.

undefined

It is important is to set your heart at rest

undefined

Do you often get them?

undefined

undefined

Old friends meet again.

undefined

I'll take my leave.

undefined

Monitor Madame's heart. Her palpitations worry me.

undefined

What are you staring at? Have you seen a ghost?

undefined

Madame Montalieri is here.

undefined

Miss Bellegarde?

undefined

When you were not here

undefined

She broke her engagement.

undefined

Your guile has no equal.

undefined

Be patient, and you'll be thankful.

undefined

Why are deaf-mutes isolated...

undefined

Do they not perceive objects as we do?

undefined

undefined

Why do they remain stupid?

undefined

Why do they become intelligent?

undefined

In the beginning was the Word!

undefined

Socrates said...

undefined

"If we could not speak and wanted to communicate...

undefined

would we not copy the dumb...

undefined

and talk with our hands, heads...

undefined

and bodies?"

undefined

This is Simon...

undefined

the son of a businessman,25 years old,

undefined

born deaf and dumb.

undefined

He came here when 15 years old

undefined

Thanks to sign language, he can read...

undefined

By hand language, he can read, write and count.

undefined

He has an artist's talent

undefined

This is Antony Pierre...

undefined

and |Therese, 19 years old

undefined

After 3 years, she can do 4-figure sums in her head.

undefined

She is very devout

undefined

undefined

This is Paul, 17 years old

undefined

and very gifted

undefined

He learned my language...

undefined

In two months! He can already converse.

undefined

Next spring...

undefined

I will marry Therese and Paul, before God

undefined

You mock the holy state of matrimony!

undefined

I once saw Romeo and Juliet...

undefined

played by an ape and a poodle!

undefined

Can the groom even read that clock?

undefined

It's 3 minutes fast.

undefined

Good, Paul

undefined

Louder, Miss. He didn't hear you!

undefined

Ask him what use a violin serves.

undefined

Watteau preferred seeing one to hearing it.

undefined

One question, Father.

undefined

Are their lives endurable?

undefined

What does he say?

undefined

It's untranslatable. It's a "play on signs."

undefined

How do you say, "Bravo"?

undefined

Like this.

undefined

Out of bed!

undefined

This is Signor Panella.

undefined

You need a court suit.

undefined

But I need nothing!

undefined

At 11:00 tomorrow morning, you will be at the Diana steps.

undefined

You will see the king and his courtiers

undefined

The rest is up to you.

undefined

I'll leave him to you, Signor.

undefined

Good.

undefined

Is this the man you spoke of?

undefined

Mr Ponceludon.

undefined

They say you have great wit.

undefined

- Sire? - Indeed, yes!

undefined

The countess sings its praises

undefined

Come. Show us.

undefined

Be witty this minute!

undefined

For example, describe me.

undefined

Sire, the king is not a subject.

undefined

" the king is not a subject

undefined

Admirable.

undefined

Not a pun, I hope?

undefined

No, Sire. A play on words.

undefined

Most memorable.

undefined

De Malavoy may join us.

undefined

Come here, de Malavoy.

undefined

You are an engineer.

undefined

Handsome design, Sire.

undefined

However, if I may be so bold...

undefined

a sprocket here...

undefined

would maintain the elevation.

undefined

What a good idea!

undefined

Didn't you think of it?

undefined

I hear you have a hydrographic project.

undefined

To drain the Dombes swamps, Sire.

undefined

Come to talk with me

undefined

Talk to my secretary

undefined

Gentlemen.

undefined

The "Ponceludon" gun: The butt is wider than the mouth.

undefined

What?

undefined

Your butt is wider than your mouth.

undefined

I demand satisfaction.

undefined

Forgive me. I had to see you again.

undefined

I am listening

undefined

undefined

No matter what happens...

undefined

we will stay friends.

undefined

Is my friendship important to you?

undefined

You made the suit watertight?

undefined

Promise to be careful.

undefined

I was unaware of your decision about Montalieri.

undefined

Did you come running when you heard?

undefined

To tell you I bedded the countess to get to the king?

undefined

For your peasants' sake, I'd have approved.

undefined

Your logic is impregnable.

undefined

From now on, I'll be true.

undefined

Why these instruments?

undefined

I'm attending a duel.

undefined

Ponceludon...

undefined

and Colonel de Chevernoy..

undefined

undefined

If you come to any harm, I will die.

undefined

Escape

undefined

Go to my house at St. Bauzile.

undefined

I will meet you there

undefined

Not for me but for your peasants.

undefined

You must live for them.

undefined

Have my bags packed.

undefined

Victor will drive you.

undefined

Come back only for the king.

undefined

Madame...

undefined

If I die, send my hat and spurs to my mother.

undefined

Give the rest to the poor...

undefined

except my new suit, an insult to their plight.

undefined

undefined

I'm to drive you to St. Bauzile

undefined

I know, I know!

undefined

Don't worry. Go home.

undefined

Go

undefined

Will the barb-tongued lover die, a bullet in the head?

undefined

It will be over with the sound of the gun

undefined

Where's the moral in that?

undefined

Maybe I was wrong to seek fruit from a rotten tree.

undefined

The lover has no regrets.

undefined

I am thankful to have met you.

undefined

You expended some credit on my behalf...

undefined

and my memory has no bitterness.

undefined

No apology has been tendered.

undefined

We shall now draw lots.

undefined

Mr. De Chevernoy shoots first.

undefined

We embraced without love and will part...

undefined

without regret.

undefined

But I venture to believe...

undefined

our passion leaves room for friendship.

undefined

undefined

Ponceludon has killed de Chevernoy.

undefined

Is he with you?

undefined

He left with Miss de Bellegarde.

undefined

He will pay for it!

undefined

Who comes?

undefined

Baroness Boisjoli, Baron Malenval and de Milletail.

undefined

undefined

Already?

undefined

They come to see me suffer.

undefined

Tell them I don't feel well.

undefined

Not well?

undefined

- Could it be Smallpox? - No Madame.

undefined

The honor of a lady jilted by an oaf.

undefined

An oaf dear to the king.

undefined

Soon we'll pay court to him.

undefined

The countess will be avenged.

undefined

At home, when a mad dog is loose, we sound the alarm.

undefined

You've done it! You broke the record!

undefined

It will start leaking. Come up!

undefined

I love you, Gregoire!

undefined

undefined

The king cannot meet in private with a man...

undefined

who killed one of his officers.

undefined

Not immediately, anyway.

undefined

A gentleman defends his honor.

undefined

You did your duty.

undefined

You're too good.

undefined

Versailles won't help you. Your land needs you... us.

undefined

Give up? After stooping so low?

undefined

We'll work the land and make it healthy.

undefined

I'll see the king.

undefined

It's only a matter of time.

undefined

You're not one of them.

undefined

I'm still welcome at court. You think not?

undefined

"Lovers of the fall, come to the mystery ball.

undefined

Welcome to the clever-witted.

undefined

Dullards will not be admitted."

undefined

We're invited.

undefined

And if a countess invites you to bed?

undefined

Mathilde.

undefined

You will be my dancing partner tomorrow.

undefined

It's the red beak.

undefined

The red beak

undefined

May I borrow him?

undefined

Do you wear my colors in memory of my pleasure?

undefined

undefined

Trip him now.

undefined

undefined

undefined

Who is this nimble dancer?

undefined

Accept...

undefined

the title of...

undefined

"Marquis des Antipodes."

undefined

An honour justly earned!

undefined

Like the Antipodeans...

undefined

He dances with the head downward

undefined

Marquis des Antipodes. How clever!

undefined

Worthy of Voltaire!

undefined

- We'll find out who you are. - The costume renter knows.

undefined

undefined

undefined

Don't bother.

undefined

Children will die tomorrow because you ridicule me today.

undefined

You envy Voltaire's wit.

undefined

He would have wept.

undefined

He was ridiculously compassionate.

undefined

Whose turn is next?

undefined

Who gets lashed with wit so sharp...

undefined

his whole family reels?

undefined

You?

undefined

Perhaps you?

undefined

Unless you get the chance to lash your neighbor first.

undefined

Monsieur

undefined

Take off your mask

undefined

We all want to know who coined "Marquis des Antipodes."

undefined

I'm going back to my swamps where I belong.

undefined

I can repair bridges, make canals.

undefined

my bare hands

undefined

undefined

1794. The nobility of France flee to England to escape the revolution.

undefined

Wit was the very air we breathed!

undefined

Now the bloated rhetoric of Danton...

undefined

rules in place of wit.

undefined

undefined

You'll like it here.

undefined

On a clear day you can see France

undefined

Mathilde and Gregoire stayed behind.

undefined

She's helping him drain the Landes. Or is it the Dombes?

undefined

I can't remember.

undefined

undefined

May the turmoil spare them.

undefined

What talent do you have?

undefined

I can teach children French...

undefined

science, physics, physiology.

undefined

My hat! I've lost my hat!

undefined

Better your hat than your head.

undefined

Ah, humor!

undefined

Ah, it is a humor

undefined

It's wonderful

undefined

I used to keep a list of witty remarks.

undefined

I divided them into: "humor and wit", " attack by insinuation" ...

undefined

I filed them by category: Repartees, Quips, Paradoxes...

undefined

The first attempts to drain the Dombes began, ordered by the government.

undefined

At the initiative of Citizen Gregory Ponceludon.

undefined

Hydrographer and Civil Engineer.

undefined

undefined