Original subtitles

Are you sure?

Don't hesitate, Patricia: that's the key.

The Black Minidress is born!

I predict a more glorious future than the original!

I love it!

I didn't ask you, Françoise.

Get dressed, we no longer need you.

I don't know how you do it

but you push me to my best level.

What are you on about? You taught me everything!

Remember when you arrived here?

Claws bared. A real wildcat!

Now look at you:

a woman who's accomplished, elegant,

talented! And very beautiful...

Patty...

Don't spoil our fine collaboration by doing something we'd regret.

Of course.

I'm sorry, I don't know what came over me.

It's late, you'd better go home.

Yes,

you're right.

I'm very tired.

CRIMES OF FASHION

Shall I see you home?

Hey, don't pretend we don't know each other.

Clear off or I'll kill you!

Listen, Bubulle:

"Pisces: your love will be returned.

Great happiness awaits."

What? You're right. Let's check the inspector's.

"Virgo: open your eyes, you are in love!

It is time to declare your ardour!"

Oh, hello, Inspector, how are you today?

Very well!

There's something in the air, don't you think?

It must be spring!

Thank you, Marlène. You look radiant.

New dress?

It's delightful!

Oh delicious.

You're a fairy godmother.

Really... MY fairy godmother!

You are a Virgoan, aren't you?

What's the connection?

You're sure you're OK?

Let me in! I must see the inspector!

I must speak to him, it's very urgent.

What's going on? Who are you?

I killed a man.

What's going on here?

- Don't stand here. - Yes, Officer.

Move back...

Well?

Male, thirtyish.

Two mortal wounds, one in the heart, one in the liver.

Paco Gomez, born November 12 1937, Madrid.

Have you met him before tonight?

I think so... His face...

Perhaps at my fashion house. A delivery man.

How did you run into him?

I don't know.

I was going home,

and I woke up in the street with him next to me... dead!

You walk around with a knife?

No.

So Gomez had one and you disarmed him?

What did you do with the weapon? It can't be found.

I don't know.

- I don't remember, Inspector! - Enough.

A spell in the cells might refresh your memory.

Laurence! Hello.

Well?

Avril!

As predictable as ever!

She's the culprit? A pretty upscale dresser.

Thank you.

Hello, gentlemen. May I?

Hello, darling!

Hi, Tim. Anything tasty for my readers?

Better: glamorous.

Glamorous is the word.

That girl in a daze who just got into the van...

she's Paget's assistant.

Paget?

You know Paget, the great designer?

So she killed the guy. Why did she do it?

Self-defence, she says.

But it looks like a frenzied attack. She didn't pull any punches.

Paco Gomez breathed his last around midnight.

The time of the crime!

The weapon was a 33cm blade.

That's big... the size of a ham knife.

Hard to hide.

Was he beaten?

Yep. Post mortem.

I can't see Patricia Nollet doing that.

Me neither. She has such delicate hands.

Fine, slender.

That is the work of a lumberjack.

The depth of the gashes,

the force of the blows,

it must be a man's work.

Anger or fear can increase some women's strength tenfold.

And the blood on the suspect's clothing?

From Gomez.

A fabulous coat, ruined.

What a waste.

Yes.

Oh my God!

Hello.

What are you doing here?

Hello... er...

It it about the ad?

You should use the staff entrance.

Yes.

I don't think you're suitable.

Which houses have you worked in?

Oh, lots.

Mainly in Paris.

Oh, Paris.

We'll see about that.

Come with me.

- Did you find Patricia? - No.

What's she up to?

A week before the show!

Ladies...

Can any single one of you

- I'm not asking for the moon -

execute a triple crown properly?

I can.

It was my speciality.

IS my speciality.

Perfectly executed.

You have an interesting style. Where's that jacket from?

A thrift shop, why?

I like you. Welcome to the House of Paget!

Have this all redone.

Hi. Gigi, head seamstress.

Alice, delighted.

I really must warn Edouard. Mr Paget.

He'll be wondering where I am.

You're a murder suspect. Your boss can wait.

How did you become Edouard Paget's assistant?

I started as an apprentice 10 years ago.

I was a good seamstress but designing is what I love.

One day, Mr Paget caught me sketching.

He liked it and encouraged me. I owe him everything.

And to ease your career you omitted to mention who he was dealing with.

Attempted murder with a knife.

Not the best reference!

June 1949, aged 15, you stabbed your uncle

in your parents' kitchen.

The blade just missed the heart and the poor man survived.

You were placed in a reformatory until you were 18.

According to your family you appeared to be demented.

Are you seeing a psychiatrist, taking any drugs?

I don't need any.

Really?

Look at this photo,

look at his face.

Fighting is the only way to survive in a reformatory.

I thought I'd got beyond this.

But that hate is still there.

He was like my uncle, he wanted...

What, Miss Nollet?

What did Paco Gomez want?

To rape me.

That'll be all for today, thank you.

That's appalling.

How that woman must have suffered!

I'll be at the House of Paget.

The House of Paget!

How lucky you are.

I'm investigating a murder, Marlène, not shopping.

When I was a child,

I made dresses for all my dolls.

Fashion runs in my family. Mummy made this outfit, God rest her soul.

She was such a talented dressmaker.

This may be the only chance I'll ever have to visit...

The House of Paget. I know.

Come along, then.

You can take notes.

But keep a low profile.

Oh, you won't know I'm there.

You're good. What house did you learn in?

St Thérèse of the Child Jesus.

That's right. If we didn't mend cassocks properly we'd get the ruler.

Right.

I always wanted to do mechanics

but at the orphanage girls had to do dressmaking.

But...

is the atmosphere always like this?

Dream on. It's because Nollet isn't here.

Nollet?

Patricia Nollet, Paget's assistant. Well, his poodle.

She's crazy, always flying off the handle.

But she's not the worst. Stop this noise immediately!

Talk of the devil!

You seem to have developed bad habits with Miss Nollet.

I'll be running the workshop in her absence!

You, new girl. Learn good habits or we'll be doing without you.

Same goes for everyone.

Louise, the bottles aren't here. 9am, they said. Call the supplier!

- Oh really... - It's all going wrong today!

Countess Du Maurier hasn't been invited to the launch.

She's furious.

Who cares, she's like an outhouse. Hardly good advertising!

Maybe, but she's our best customer.

Call in and sign her card.

Who are you?

Inspector Laurence.

I'm investigating Patricia Nollet, your assistant.

I knew it. Sooner or later...

And you are, Madame?

Louise Charpentier, administrator.

Has something happened to Patricia?

A former employee of yours, Paco Gomez, was stabbed last night.

Paco who?

A delivery man.

I sacked him after a few weeks. He stole everything he could.

And Patty?

She confessed to his murder.

That's absurd!

Why would she do that?

I'm not surprised. Patricia Nollet is a former delinquent.

Look no further, Inspector.

How easily you send people to the scaffold!

Perhaps you two didn't get on?

How late did you and your assistant work last night?

Midnight. No, one o'clock.

Are you sure?

The murder was committed at midnight.

If she was here until 1, she can't have killed Paco Gomez.

Inspector,

we have a show in a week,

Patty and I are working round the clock. So yes,

I'm positive we worked until 1.

Very good.

Did you note that, Marlène?

No, Marlène...

No, Marlène. Please...

Dash it! I left my bag in Mr Paget's office.

Sorry. I'll be right back.

Hurry up, Marlène.

What is it now?

I'm...

I didn't want to disturb.

It's so magical to see a genius busy creating!

Genius? I'm a craftsman, first and foremost.

Wait, can you do that again?

Walk towards me.

Oh my God.

You have something that is unreal

yet so accessible,

common, almost.

It's amazing, like you are all women in one!

All? Oh dear, that's quite a few!

Would you do me the honour of coming to the launch of my perfume tomorrow?

With pleasure!

I have nothing to wear.

You're telling me?

Come tomorrow morning, I have just what you need.

Impossible.

The inspector needs me at work.

That's such a shame.

You'd have been sublime in my bejewelled dress.

Want to see?

Ow! Careful! That's three times you've pricked me.

Will this take long?

It's almost over.

Oh, sorry!

You know men aren't allowed in here.

Apart from Mr Paget and Papa.

Papa?

My father owns the house. Françoise Vermeer, supermodel.

Inspector Laurence.

So you know Patricia Nollet.

Of course. She's Paget's assistant, I'm his muse!

In fact, last night

they were fitting the star piece on me.

But I can't say any more.

Oh, official secrets!

Perhaps you can tell me what time Miss Nollet left last night?

I've no idea. Mr Paget let me go at 10.

I don't know what they did afterwards.

Not much, I reckon.

Patricia is too uptight to do anything but drool before him.

You look just like that actor my mother loves.

But much more handsome. Barry... Gary...

Cary something...

Inspector, may I introduce my dear father!

I was about to go, Mr Vermeer.

But before leaving such charming company...

what do you know about Patricia Nollet?

Patricia who?

A boss who doesn't know his business?

She's Edouard Paget's assistant.

I have lots of businesses, you know.

The frills are to amuse my little darling.

You're free to go, Miss Nollet.

Your boss confirms you were with him at the time.

And forensic evidence also seems to clear you.

I don't understand.

It was so real.

Do you often drink or consume drugs?

No.

If you remember anything, even the smallest detail, call me.

You saw me this morning.

You saw me hide your present in the drawer?

A present for me?

To celebrate 5 years.

Five years?

Yes, Marlène. We've been working together for 5 years.

Yes.

I was going to give it to you tonight, but now it's no surprise...

Marlène?

Marlène!

Yes.

You're looking at a technological marvel

that will make your work easier:

the Elektra from IBM!

Well, just the ball.

We get the machine in a few days.

Thank you.

I'm very touched.

Right, well, I'd better get back to work.

I must admit I expected a rather more enthusiastic reaction.

Not all bosses give secretaries such a gem!

A gem!

It is indeed a magnificent gem.

And I appreciate your thoughtfulness.

Then I'm delighted.

Positively delighted.

Patty, at last! How are you, child?

Better.

I've been through a kind of nightmare.

It's overwork.

We work 20 hours a day, we hardly sleep,

it's a rhythm that would drive anyone mad.

Forget this absurd story, we still have lots to do.

Thank you.

Your support means so much to me.

How could I have found myself next to...

What is it, Edouard?

I lied to the police to give you an alibi. I said we worked till 1.

- That means I might... - If you did, it was self-defence.

Whatever you've done, I'll support you.

I couldn't bear to lose you.

Wait, I forgot my helmet.

I won't wait.

- OK, see you tomorrow. - Right.

It's awful!

To him, I'm just a secretary!

The Inspector will never love me.

It's rotten. But it's nothing new.

I'm just a mug, that's what I am!

Forget Laurence. From now on, no more pearls before swine!

- And I'm the pearl? - Yes.

You're a terrific girl.

You deserve to be treated like a goddess.

You should be selfish, Marlène!

But it's awful, being selfish.

No.

No.

Being selfish just means thinking of what is right for you.

From now on, stop behaving like a victim.

And no more sobbing, Laurence isn't worth it.

Pretentious bastard.

Heartless monster! Slave driver!

I think you're ready for the final stage.

Repeat after me:

I am not a victim. I am a goddess!

I am not a victim.

I am a goddess.

Believe what you say!

I am not a victim,

I am a goddess!

I am not a victim. I am a goddess!

She's got it!

Hello, new Marlène!

I am not a victim. I am a goddess!

Yes, that's good.

- Shall we celebrate? - Yes.

Let's go.

Marlène!

I'll join you in the workshop.

You managed to get away?

I said I was ill!

No point in being perfect if no one notices.

My boss will get along without me if your offer still stands.

Of course. And you know what?

I'll turn you into a fashion goddess.

A goddess?

- Coming? - Yes.

You are sublime!

Don't you think, Countess Du Maurier?

My mother passed on the bug for fashion.

Alas, she's no longer with us.

I cut out patterns in Modes & Travaux...

But I draw inspiration from those in Vogue!

Did I say the wrong thing?

No, pay no attention to that jealous hippo.

I have an idea, Marlène.

What if you were to model at my show next week!

You can't think that.

I'm not a model, just an ordinary woman,

one secretary among many.

Please, don't say no right away.

Your attention, please.

Good evening, I'm very glad

to receive you in this fine house

that I founded 15 years ago with my faithful Louise.

I... I would be nothing without my wonderful assistant, Patty!

Six months ago, I had a crazy idea.

It is now my pleasure

to present to you

the first perfume of the House of Paget!

"Never!"

Never!

was what my father said

when I told him I was leaving law for fashion.

Enough talking. Tonight,

my gift is a bottle and intoxication!

So drink, make merry,

and long life to the House of Paget!

Bravo!

Excuse me, miss,

I can feel something on my back, could you look?

Come this way...

- What are you doing here? - Investigating... You?

I'll tell you later.

What do you think of Patricia Nollet?

Laurence can't see it but she's weird.

I think so too.

Like she's hiding something.

- Thank you, miss. - You're welcome, ma'am.

Thank you. Here's to us, then.

To us!

Yes, with his pedigree, he looks like quite a customer.

Thanks, Chambart, I owe you one.

Yes?

Any news about the Paco Gomez murder?

Yes, a colleague in Roubaix says he was involved

in fixing boxing matches. I'll look into it.

Yes, a settling of underworld scores sounds likely.

So the young woman, I forget her name, has been cleared now?

Patricia Nollet. Yes, it's unlikely she was involved.

She has an alibi, anyway.

Good. I'm glad!

Why, do you know her?

No, I was just saying...

She didn't have a murderer's profile.

There!

Sorry.

That dress is yours!

No, I'm not that lucky.

Mr Paget lent it me for tonight.

No, I meant you wear it magnificently.

Oh, thank you!

It's crystal, so it's a lucky omen!

Sorry... I... I'll pick it up.

It doesn't matter. Don't, you'll hurt yourself.

Go home, it's all right.

Anyway, it smells lovely.

Madam...

Inspector...

Female, fortyish, chic.

Very well put together!

She was hit in the face.

Two knife wounds,

one in the heart, one in the stomach.

- No weapon? - No.

- No bag? - No.

So no ID papers.

A mugging that went wrong?

Or the killer doesn't want her ID known.

Deep gashes,

bruising to the face,

no weapon...

I'm getting a feeling of déjà vu.

OK.

Yes, it was her.

I was at home and heard a woman scream.

Straightaway I leapt up to the window

and saw a tall brunette running away.

It was dark, she could have been blonde.

No, oh no...

she went under a street lamp I saw she had brown hair

and was wearing a light mac.

So I went down and found that woman lying there, lifeless.

Ten-thirty, Marlène! Are you taking the mickey?

Were you worried?

If I worried each time you were late...

Then you should!

For 5 years I've arrived at 8.30 sharp!

It's the least you could do.

The only time I'm 2 hours late, I'm ticked off like a schoolgirl!

I might have been ill or injured in an accident.

You appear to be in fine fettle.

But I'm not.

I was at the works doctor. He said I'm exhausted.

I have low blood pressure and all the signs of overwork.

I shall take note.

If you don't mind, I've waited 2 hours for coffee.

- That's awful! - You can say that again!

What happened to that poor woman?

She seemed so nice, not like that fat countess.

You know the victim?

I met her last night at Mr Paget's party.

You were at Paget's party?

Oh, time is flying this morning!

I'm sorry, I must go, I have an appointment. A medical!

You only just arrived!

See you later.

Miss!

Yes.

Cut exactly where I indicated, no more nor less. OK?

- Yes. - This is my muse. No blunders!

Of course not, Mr Paget.

See you later, Marlène. You, come with me.

Did Laurence set you to work?

The high-class clothes horse!

I've found a new job, Alice,

that recognizes my qualities. I'm embracing my destiny,

I'm a modern woman!

Yes. Being pretty is a job with a future!

I'm a muse!

Oh, muse!

The name for girls they want to bed.

A famous dressmaker can't be interested in my qualities?

I'm obviously too silly to offer anything but my...

Hey, I didn't say that.

But don't you find it strange?

So what you said to me was hypocrisy?

In what connection?

No, I'm just warning you.

It's no life for girls like you.

"Girls like me"? What is a life for girls like me?

Typing horrible reports all day?

Having a goldfish as my only friend?

You paint a bleak picture!

Come on... your life isn't that bad.

And you're being unfair.

Bubulle isn't your only friend.

He is. He listens without judging.

He's a fish.

More criticism!

It' OK preaching to me,

but you'd do anything to write an article.

It's bad, stealing jobs from poor workers.

Right. Paget bigs you up and your head swells!

At least he's helping me advance!

Sure. Is this advancing?

Do you think I'm stupid? I asked for barathea!

It's overpriced.

Of course! I don't make clothes for concierges! Deal with it!

You never knock?

Waste of time.

Does this ring any bells?

How awful!

Yes, I remember her.

She tried to charm an invitation out of me but I didn't give in.

I don't know how she got in to the party. Louise!

Is she a customer?

No, I've never seen her.

How about you?

Me neither.

Same here. Shame...

New Marlène has finally broken out

and it's ugly!

We have nothing more to say!

Sorry, I don't intend to get fired.

I have to cut this rag, so I shall.

Damn, where are my scissors?

I'll ask for another seamstress.

I don't trust your talents.

What are you both doing here?

What's this disguise, Avril?

Did your checkup go well, Marlène? No heart attacks on the horizon?

Large blades...

Where did you find them?

That's my scarf and my scissors.

That lunatic will sink the business.

All we've built, Edouard!

Maybe not, but she is hot-blooded.

Miss!

- Me? - You. I've a few questions.

Excuse me.

- Work in silence. - Excellent initiative.

It should be mandatory wherever women work!

Why are you here?

One false move and I'll lock you up.

Run an ad in your paper. I need to know who she is.

You need my help or not? Make up your mind.

You're useful to me where you are.

Oh, excuse me...

Papa had photos taken of me by a pro,

I'll dedicate one. What's your name?

Thank you, Miss Vermeer, but I'm too old for pinning up photos.

I prefer autopsy photos.

You're original, I love it!

Sorry.

Now we know you're fit for work please take up your job again!

I will tolerate no lies or lateness, is that clear?

I no longer tolerate being spoken to like that!

Here, I'm respected, valued and well treated.

Here, I have an appointment with fate!

Your fate, as you put it, is to be a secretary, Marlène.

My secretary! Not a fashion etching.

Has this lovely lady found her identity?

No suspicious disappearances have been reported in the region.

I put out an APB.

Meanwhile, we'll call her Madame X.

The Blood of Madame X.

Same for the scissors.

I'm sure there's a similarity with Gomez's murder:

it could be the same weapon and the same killer.

The two victims have nothing in common apart from the House of Paget.

I just had an idea.

Yes?

Disturbed as she is, Patricia Nollet may have

imitated Gomez's murder

so as to be arrested and atone for the murder of her uncle.

Make your mind up.

You told me a woman couldn't have killed in this way.

No ordinary woman.

But a borderline personality like Patricia Nollet could.

Maybe so...

I can't believe you have no details of your conversation with the victim!

"You wear it magnificently."

She meant my dress.

A daring model by Mr Paget, which wouldn't suit all woman.

You noticed nothing else about her?

She spoke with a foreign accent.

But where from?

German?

Italian, perhaps, or Russian.

You're hard work, Marlène!

No wonder you became a model. It's within your reach.

Auntie Lucette was right:

handsome men have no heart!

But beauty doesn't last and you're getting no younger.

Needing reassurance from a young girl is an old man's thing!

What are you on about?

I saw what happened with Françoise.

Little pest. No class!

Oh, I find her charming.

Will I be getting my coffee today?

I invite you to read the ministerial job description:

I am a secretary, not a waitress!

Nor laundry worker or nurse!

I commanded a Resistance network,

I can surely use a stupid coffee machine!

Miss Nollet...

Why hide the murder weapon in an obvious place?

So it'd be traced to you?

A witness saw a brunette in a light mac

fleeing the crime scene. You were seen, you hear?

I swear I didn't kill that woman!

Other witnesses saw the victim flirting openly with Edouard Paget

at his perfume launch.

So you followed her in the street and hit her

and stabbed her out of jealousy.

Your feelings for your boss are well-known.

But that means you can kill without knowing it.

In that case, I must be completely mad!

Laurence.

What's going on with that woman?

Why are you locking her up?

She's suspected of stabbing a stranger.

- When? - Last night.

What time?

10.30pm. What are you getting at?

It's a mistake. It can't be her!

Why not?

Because at that time she was...

she was with me.

With you?

Is Marlène at her desk?

I'd rather speak away from wagging tongues. In the morgue.

OK. Patricia Nollet and I were at an AA meeting.

AA? What's that?

Alcoholics Anonymous.

Support groups where you share your experiences to try and beat it.

I'm a former alcoholic.

It began when my wife died.

It can happen so quickly.

You fear going home at night,

confronting your solitude, the empty home...

You get used to having "one for the road",

then two, three, four, five...

It's a living hell.

Tricard. I'm sorry but...

But I made it. It wasn't easy, but I made it.

And I'm sure Patricia will too.

She's a regular in our group.

She was there from 10pm to midnight. Five witnesses will say so.

But why hasn't she said?

For the same reason I'm hiding now. Shame.

Even worse in a woman who's fallen.

So much so she wouldn't admit her alibi in a murder case?

You won't believe me, but alcohol alters your memories, your thinking:

she may have forgotten she was at AA.

If you say so.

How sad to see a young woman lose her footing. I find it...

Yes, yes...

Yes? No...!

I get up at dawn to slave at the workshop.

The case is solved. Time for shut-eye!

No, no. Holidays are over.

Patricia has been cleared of murdering the mysterious stranger.

I need to know what's going on in the House of Paget.

Oh yeah, sure.

It's staggering. That they chose someone like you, I mean.

How did you fool them?

Don't tell me you know how to sew!

It just so happens I do.

If I'm to join the seamstresses at dawn I must sleep. Good night.

And did Marlène tell you about her retraining?

She... no.

Nor about anything. We're not talking.

What's got into her?

She's so rude to me, you can't imagine.

Oh, I can!

She's got a head the size of a beach ball.

A dressmaker notices her pleasant features

and she brags as if she's won a Nobel Prize!

I created a monster.

It's partly my fault.

I was I who...

told her not to let herself be taken advantage of.

Oh, bravo! Thank you and congratulations.

You've been winding her up like a feminist cuckoo clock.

I knew she was being influenced. She's incapable of betrayal.

No way! This is all down to you!

Pardon?

Treating her as worthless!

No, I refuse to listen to your slander anymore. Goodbye.

But...

Good. I can get back to bed!

Goodnight.

Goodnight!

- Indeed. - Yes, indeed...!

This is a mess.

Next time embroider 6mm from the neck as I said!

I did it at 7 millimetres, it's the same.

If you can't see that, then you don't belong here.

Are you mad?

You can be heard in the fitting rooms!

Miss Nollet destroyed the embroidery I spent 3 days on!

What got into you?

Two days before the show!

You want to ruin the collection?

Perhaps that'll teach you!

Miss,

go and alter the black dress on the new model.

And get a move on!

- Hello, miss. - Oh yes. Hello, ma'am.

Arms.

Mr Paget says I'll look divine in this dress.

I rather think he's right.

Your ankles OK? Not too swollen?

You told me to be selfish.

You take everything literally.

You're even dumber than I thought you were!

Oh, what a shrew!

It's only natural, life dealt you a bad hand

and now you're bitter.

You don't think it's stupid to think after 5 years

that a guy like Laurence will end up falling for you?

Anyway, the wheel has turned.

I met Mr Paget and I'll be going around the world.

As a trophy wife? Nice one.

That'll do a lot for the cause of women!

You're always on about feminism

but you stagnate in your mediocre life.

You can't even make a name for yourself in journalism!

Bitch!

Loser!

Take up your bloody dress yourself. Goodbye!

Cow!

A gifted but schizo ex-delinquent,

a mysterious stranger and a small-time crook,

all linked to the House of Paget.

It's a fine muddle, isn't it, Marlène?

Yes,

I'd forgotten Madam had better things to do than serve France!

Is that so, Bubulle?

What do you think of this case, Bubulle?

Yes, that doesn't help me much.

No, I can't, I can't, I can't!

I can't think in these conditions!

Bubulle?

Bubulle! What the...?

Bubulle, no...

Oh no!

Miss Vermeer! What are you doing in my car?

I know a few tricks.

This is 1962, Swan. You like me, it's time to get it on!

How do you know my first name?

Sorry, I'm not interested in little girls.

I'm not a little girl, I'm 21 soon and a woman. Shall I show you?

Since you force my hand...

Out.

Go on!

My father will hear of this.

That's fine with me.

I've a few tips for dealing with spoilt children!

Laurence,

Vermeer is using Paget to launder money.

And as Gomez was no choirboy, I thought that maybe...

What are you up to?

You killed Bubulle!

Marlène will never forgive you.

But Marlène won't know a thing.

Last year,

Bubulle I died a natural death.

So as not to upset Marlène, I replaced him.

Didn't suspect a thing.

I just killed Bubulle II by accident. Long live Bubulle III!

You have proof it was an accident?

You don't think I can commit the perfect crime, Avril?

Narcisse le Flamand,

15 victories, 56 defeats

45 of them knock-outs.

In retirement, you became the owner of casinos, gambling circles,

racehorses and... the famous House of Paget.

Spot the mistake!

When your daughter finds out you're using Paget to launder money,

"Papa" will get a telling off.

Keep Françoise out of your ravings!

You've no proof.

A matter of time.

Your name's come up in a Fraud Squad case.

Fixing boxing matches.

For which Paco Gomez was a bookmaker.

Yes. And...?

And?

And he blackmailed you so you rubbed him out.

A miner's son who gets on annoys people like you!

I won't teach you your job,

but fraud and murder aren't the same category.

Except if the victim knows something.

I wouldn't be surprised to learn that this woman was your mistress.

I'd have liked that, but no.

I don't know her from Adam.

Gomez did do me one or two favours, but nothing naughty.

Louise Charpentier introduced him.

She knows everyone in this case.

Even that poor girl.

You must know a lot to collaborate with the police.

Collaborate?

Nasty word!

Let's say I don't like watching you wade around aimlessly.

This fish isn't Bubulle!

What are you on about, Marlène?

Of course it's Bubulle!

Don't take me for a fool.

Bubulle is fatter. He has a slight squint

and one fin longer than the other.

Murderer!

Can't you take care, you bloody idiot!

This lace is extremely fragile!

I don't need lessons. You don't belong in the workshop!

I can get rid of you when I want.

So I advise you to put your heart into it!

This isn't the 19th century

with slavery and corporal punishment. There are laws!

Leave your post now and don't come back.

Sorry, you can't sack me for defending a co-worker.

Nor hit a worker!

See why Paget doesn't want a union?

Quiet!

But we won't be pushed around.

Aren't you sick of people walking all over you?

Get down from there!

Luxury toilets reserved for management

while ours are outside in the yard.

Unpaid overtime, slaps,

for a lousy wage, you think that's normal?

Our mothers fought for the right to work and what did they get?

Crumbs!

France is pleased to have us in wartime!

Who runs the factories?

- We do! - Go back to work!

Who runs our homes?

Who runs the country? We do.

Who runs the world? We do, the women!

Without is, Paget would sink. Wake up!

Go back to work now!

If we stick together we can change things!

General strike!

General strike!

Unpaid overtime is a crime!

Miss!

What is this? Are you investigating or playing at Rosa Luxemburg?

You're incredible! Louise Charpentier hits her staff. I couldn't watch that.

Clearly an accomplished woman.

- Yes! - Make the most of the chaos

to search Charpentier and Paget's office.

For what?

Oh, accounts books, double entries, large amounts... If in doubt, take it.

OK.

You may go.

Over the last 15 years, Arlette Lecat, Julie Lemon, Pauline Montaldo

and ten others have reported you for assault and battery.

None resulted in charges.

Most workers don't like work.

But perfection comes at a price.

And what price would you put on it, Mrs Charpentier?

That of a human life?

Before she was killed,

a witness saw the victim talking to a brunette in a light mac.

A perfect description of Patricia Nollet.

Must I remind you the court cleared her?

Why are you still trying to accuse her?

To divert attention from the real culprit?

You seem very attached to Mr Paget.

I'm not in love with my boss. I leave that to secretaries.

I wasn't thinking of that.

More of a maternal link.

Some mothers would kill to protect their young.

You knew the victim. Don't lie, Narcisse Vermeer told me.

Vermeer is a manipulator.

He wanted me to hire that thug Gomez

and I'm sure that woman was his mistress.

Stand up, prisoners of starvation

Reason thunders in its volcano

This is the eruption of the end

Hello, Miss Nollet.

Superintendent Tricard said you might be here.

Yes,

he's often come here for me.

- Have you come to arrest me? - No.

No, I just wanted to take a walk with you.

Come.

I don't understand you.

It's reciprocal. That's why I'm here.

You're wasting your time.

Edouard tried to protect me by giving me an alibi.

I left the fashion house before 11 o'clock.

I killed Paco Gomez. It's obvious!

The evidence is too glaring for me.

I'm sure someone's trying to frame you

for Gomez and the woman at the party.

Who? And why?

I still don't know but I might have a lead.

Go back to work, Patricia,

and don't let yourself be intimidated by anyone.

Thank you.

Unpaid overtime is a crime!

Striking the before a show? What got into them?

It wouldn't have happened if you could run your workshop!

You drop us in it then reappear? Where do you think you are?

Shit!

Cancel, we'll never be ready.

I've a simple idea to sort things out.

Just give them what they want.

You said we'd go under if we had to raise their wages!

They get what they want, go back to work,

and after the show, we sack them!

That's disgusting!

Edouard,

you can't let her do such a thing!

Do what you want, Louise,

that's your side of things.

Free the workshops!

Ladies! I have an announcement to make.

Some of you have worked here since you started.

They know how proud we are of our employees.

On behalf of management, I give in to your demands.

Paid overtime,

two days off

and toilets in the building...

Despite the accumulated shortfall,

I'm counting on you

for this show to be as spectacular as your talent!

Thank you.

Alice! Alice! Alice!

You must be glad the strike's over.

You'll be able to play the muse.

While we workers are back on the chain gang.

You really are silly, Alice.

Well, I don't think I'm someone I'm not.

The return to work is a trap!

I was there when that cow said she'd sack you after the show!

Worst thing is, Mr Paget agreed.

What a horrible milieu!

The bastards!

I knew there was something shady about the about-face.

That two-faced bitch, sucking up to us.

Thanks Marlène, it's good of you.

You see, I'm not as bad as you think.

I never thought you were. Ever!

It's just that, right now, I don't recognize you.

It was amusing to be a goddess. No one had treated me like that.

Yeah, but goddess isn't an easy job.

Alone, up on your pedestal.

Everyone venerates you, sure, but you don't have any real friends.

Arm.

And you eat nothing except caviar.

Imagine life without fish and chips?

No scooter rides, no investigations,

no me, no Laurence, no Bubu...

It's not very cheerful.

It's boring and depressing!

Did you think of us?

Alice,

I'm sick of being a goddess!

I want to go back to my real life:

making coffee, typing reports I don't really understand...

I even miss Tricard!

- You miss being told off by Laurence? - Oh yes!

Deep down he's a very fragile man.

Yes, deep down.

Would you mind dropping me off? My bike has a puncture.

I'd love to, but I have a date.

He's picking me up.

I hope he's handsome!

Yeah, looks like an angel, blue eyes, he's a metalworker.

Sounds like you're hooked!

And I'm on the bus.

Bye!

Be good! Ready for tomorrow.

Silly! See you...

Bye.

Don't wait for me!

Come on, we'll miss the bus.

But the woman who was killed was that English cow, Julie!

Julie? That's rubbish. I talked to her. I'd have known!

Why would Julie come back here?

To stir shit, like she always did.

Swear you didn't commit the murder!

Of course not.

But I'm not displeased that she's been eliminated.

She might have caused problems.

Stop it. It wasn't Julie!

Here they are.

Now, if I may, I have lots of work to do.

Another problem. That new seamstress

works for the police.

Your muse is the inspector's secretary!

A cop with angel fingers? That's really paranoid!

Beware of her, believe me.

Why do you say that? Have you done something wrong?

After the show you are taking a vacation.

Just a second, coming...

There are such things as phones, Avril!

What happened to you?

I think Louise Charpentier tried to kill me.

Come, Avril.

I couldn't find any accounts.

I did better. I heard Louise Charpentier and Paget.

Our victim, the mysterious stranger,

was called Julie.

They apparently knew her long ago.

Charpentier was sure it was her, Paget wasn't.

He's convinced she killed her!

Your account doesn't suffer from clarity, Avril!

Sorry! I almost died.

I've a headache, a half-crushed knee

and I'm doing my best.

So this Julie, the second victim...

I know. We can see you didn't go to war.

She was English.

Wait.

An English girl called Julie. Rings a bell.

Yes! Julie Lemon!

Not Julie Lemon !

- Now you're not clear. - Julie Lemon

worked as an apprentice for Paget.

She and others accused Louise Charpentier of assault and battery.

She returns 15 years later and Charpentier isn't pleased.

So she killed her. What a cretin!

This harpy is cleaning house around Paget.

Patricia Nollet could be her next victim.

You'd use Nollet as bait?

I'll be there too.

And Louise Charpentier won't do anything until after the show.

Good. That gives us time for some shut-eye.

Thank you. Because I...

am knackered.

Can you wake me at 6?

- No, 6.15. - Make yourself at home.

Yeah.

Bin!

Put on the moka dress.

You, come here.

We'll never do it.

You always say that.

Yes but this time, it has to be a triumph!

And for that, everyone must work faster! Got it?

Are you going to start crying?

We couldn't keep the dress just to please you!

But you said you liked it.

Well now I don't!

Shall I go back to the workshop?

Hello! Welcome to this new collection.

My daughter is the main model, it's fabulous.

- Here, sir. Welcome. - Thank you.

Thank you.

Sir...

Come and help, please.

That's fine. Go ahead.

You, hurry.

- Where are we now? - We've finished.

We've finished? That's lovely.

It falls right. Go over there.

Hurry up, please, girls!

This season, Mr Paget has chosen to revisit

his legendary autumn 1948 collection.

We start with a series of cocktail dresses,

a variation on the theme of the elements.

"Hazy Cloud",

"October Light",

"Pink Idea",

"Lakeside",

"Before the Shower"...

"Night Butterfly"...

That's good. Turn around again.

Good. Go that way.

"Desire to Please",

"Cabaret Dinner"...

I hope you fall over. Being a model is a tough job!

Shut it, you scrawny grasshopper!

Go anywhere near Inspector Laurence

and you'll answer to me!!

The real new Marlène!

I feel silly in front of these slim young things. I don't want to do it!

How dare you get into that state today?

It's appalling! It's repulsive!

What have I done? You want to ruin my show?

I don't deserve to work here.

I won't bother you further.

Get out of here. Nobody should see you like that.

And now the final piece of the new Paget collection.

Quick!

Dress!

"La Black Dress" 1962 edition.

Bravo. Bravo!

Marlène, Laurence is just over there...

Were are you going?

Help!

I blame myself.

I should have seen Patty's madness.

You weren't the only one to lack lucidity.

Come, Marlène, I'll take your statement.

She's sublime.

But Laurence doesn't go with her dress!

Yes.

There. I've taken down your statement.

You can type it when you've time. If you don't mind, that is.

Of course, Inspector.

It'll give me a chance to try out your present.

Right. I shall return to my desk.

Patricia Nollet guilty, finally.

It's awful. And so sad, at the same time.

I just found this week's mail.

I'm sorry, Inspector!

It doesn't matter a bit.

"In case something bad happens to me."

Spring-Summer Collection 1947.

and it's signed... Julie Lemon!

What does it mean?

It's the famous Black Dress, Paget's emblem!

Marlène, you are a grey matter accelerator!

I'll be going, girls.

It was nice working with you, you're real artists!

You gave us a real hand, Alice.

Has Gigi gone?

She's in the main room.

Thanks.

Josiane! I said embroidery at 7mm,

not 6, numskull! Do it again immediately!

Edouard, I have lots of ideas for the new collection!

Patricia and that bitch Julie Lemon can't hold a candle!

What are you doing, Gigi?

Nothing, just having fun.

Oh.

Can't we have a joke?

Sure.

I'd call that black humour, but...

But it's odd. Did you know the English girl?

- You killed her! - What rubbish!

Louise Charpentier too.

Shut up!

Don't be jealous. Your turn has come.

You were behind this?

I had no choice.

When you get to the top, you stay.

I don't know what you mean.

Oh, it's simple. Julie Lemon was mad about me,

poor girl. And pretty gifted, I'll admit.

But she didn't know her place:

she'd sketch dresses, imagining she was going to be a stylist.

So I fired her, back to Manchester...

And I vaguely based

my 1948 autumn-winter collection on her sketches.

- You stole from her! - Such accusations!

But 15 years later she returns to blackmail me.

You've played me along for a week.

If I don't get the money tomorrow, I'll do what I said:

I'll tell the press how you stole my dresses.

I couldn't let her destroy all I'd built.

My perfume marked my apotheosis!

Get rid of that worm! Properly, this time!

Please, Gigi. Don't do it.

He promised you Patricia's job,

but he'll get rid of you like the rest!

Don't worry, Paget, you come out a winner.

You'll be known as a serial killer instead of a dressmaker.

Take this away!

Avril?

Avril?

I'm here!

Where?

Down here!

Oh no...

How did you know?

My indispensable secretary gave me a hand.

Well, I wouldn't turn one down. A hand, that is.

I'm letting go!

You are free, Miss Nollet.

Since Julie Lemon returned,

Paget had but one obsession: to kill her.

But he couldn't risk being involved.

The solution was right there.

You, Miss Nollet.

- He knew your past, your fragility. - No, you're wrong.

Edouard would never do such a thing!

He gave me an alibi for the Gomez murder, he lied to protect me.

See. Your theory doesn't stand up.

That's where his thinking is perverse!

You weren't meant to go to prison for murdering Julie Lemon.

Gomez was to make you lose your mind.

You convince you you could kill.

It's awful. Lovely dresses but his soul is so dark!

Paget paid Paco Gomez to harass you.

Then Gigi went into action.

She stabbed Gomez.

Paget created the ideal culprit:

he could finally get rid of Julie Lemon.

And your boss knew your addiction to alcohol.

He had access to your flask. Tests revealed it contained drugs.

But the mechanism jammed.

You had an alibi for Julie Lemon's murder.

To accuse you once and for all, he sacrificed his faithful partner.

Why do that to me?

Fear of losing everything.

Paget always used women to succeed.

Women have trouble believing in their genius!

In your case, Avril, I'd call that lucidity.

Men like Paget could turn me feminist!

Once and for all, you're free, Miss Nollet.

What for?

To use your talent!

I didn't have chance to tell you, as you were my boss,

but I think you're really gifted.

The world needs a Patricia Nollet as much as a Marie Curie!

Yes.

You know I never thought you guilty.

Thank you.

I'm so ashamed at drinking again.

One day you'll be rid of that, you'll see.

I won't give up on you.

Together...

We're stronger!

See you tonight, Ernest.

OK, Patricia.

How fast it goes! Look, Alice.

Don't pretend to be interested in the machine.

I know you're bored here. That life with me isn't thrilling.

But I'm not worried. You're a talented model.

And I'm sure you'll find another dressmaker to recognize your value.

But I don't think being a muse is my destiny.

Oh no, is the new Marlène over already?

But you did see you could be something other

than Laurence's slave!

Make the most of it.

- Go! - She says she doesn't want to!

Subtitles - IMAGINE