Original subtitles

The Little Murders of Agatha Christie

His face was so peaceful

you'd have sworn he was asleep.

Mother!

I can't believe I'll never see him again.

That bastard pushed you to the limit, dear.

If only I'd been as brave as you...

I should have sent him packing, protected you!

I could have just scared him.

Why did I do it?

I killed him!

But I'm guilty.

Guilty of...

what's my line...? - Guilty of loving him first. Rolling.

Carry on, no clap.

Action!

But I'm guilty.

Guilty of loving him first.

Of bringing this evil being under my roof.

I...

through my own weakness...

That won't do. Cut!

We've cut, thank you.

OK? We'll go again calmly. Do you want cards?

- You are joking! - We're behind schedule, dear.

You'll be great as usual. Calm down.

I am calm!

No, afterwards please.

Are you sure? That's my third today.

Let's go.

THE MIRROR CRACK'D

The same colour as your eyes, my love.

Avril!

The New York-Le Bourget plane crash...

There are 5 local victims! Interview their families.

I can't. I'm expected on the set of The Unbowed!

My report on Blanche Dulac's comeback!

Here's the list.

Euphrasie Maillol.

Oh the poor thing!

It's true, what a name to have!

No, she's the former police forensic pathologist.

Inspector Laurence's girlfriend!

That's awful!

On the contrary, we get a first-hand witness. Off you go!

Be reasonable, Inspector:

freshly shaven, you'll be a new man.

You don't understand, Marlène.

my life is ruined.

She's the only woman I ever loved.

She was coming back for me, you hear me?

Give me that! I can shave on my own.

Uncle Léon was diabetic.

He had the same look when passing a pastry shop.

Suicide by Paris-Brest!

Oh Alice, it's not a good time.

- He killed himself?! - No!

What a tragedy!

Like Edith Piaf and Marcel Cerdan!

You know the inspector was going to propose to her?

Marriage?! Laurence?

No, impossible!

In one sense I should rejoice. She wasn't his type.

He'd have been unhappy. But no, I'm greatly affected.

Hello, Inspector.

Snooping for your rag, Avril?

"Portrait of a desperate man"?

Do go ahead!

I just came to see how you were taking it.

I'm really sorry for you.

You see, Inspector:

in the depths of your turmoil, we are there for you!

Amen.

How patient you are with Blanche, I think it's heroic.

And I was afraid I wasn't up to i!

Blanche is always tense the first few days.

But she's soon back to being the best.

Yeah. She hasn't worked for eight years.

This little improvised drink was a good idea.

Could I have one, dear?

Of course, my love.

Drink, doctor?

No thank you. I'll help myself.

To the film!

To the film!

To the film...

Exactly!

Can I help you?

Simone, hand double for Miss Dulac.

Welcome, Simone.

But you have lovely hands.

Thank you, ma'am!

I take care of them. I'm a hairdresser.

Call me Blanche. We're colleagues, after all.

- Drink? - Yes.

- Marc, a drink for Simone please! - Of course.

This is Dr Mentchikoff.

And my husband and director, Marc Borel.

I didn't know they had doctors on set.

Blanche has her personal doctor. She's a star!

You're my idol!

I can't believe I'm here chatting to you.

Oh miss!

Would you take a photo of me with Miss Dulac?

I'm a stills photographer not paparazzi.

Please, miss, she'd be so pleased.

This is the best day of my life!

Well, second-best, after my Georges' birth.

I have a photo. I'll show you.

It's such a worry, raising a child alone.

My husband died when he was 3. The first years were tough.

But movies make you forget your misfortunes.

Aren't you ashamed of flirting when you know Blanche is fragile.

I don't need your advice, Mentchikoff. - Look at her,

she won't last the shoot if you carry on.

Hello.

Are you an actress in the film?

What did I say?

You have some...

Hello, Laurence residence!

Marlène, there's been a death on the shoot of The Unbowed.

A death on Blanche Dulac's film?

That's wonderful, Alice!

Well, I mean... it'll make a change for the inspector.

What's your boss doing?

I've no idea.

It's best not to tremble when you press the button.

I didn't want to scare you!

No, but...

- Have you got her in your sights? - Yes, too much.

There you go!

- Thanks. - Fred, photographer.

Alice.

Er, Alice.

Avril, Alice...

I'm a reporter for La Voix du Nord.

And I help the police now and then.

Do you... know the victim?

Detective Alice. I like that.

Must work now, but I hope we'll have a chance to chat.

See you soon, Alice.

Yeah, bye.

Yes?

I certified the death an hour ago. Poisoning.

The foamy secretion at the lips is a sure sign.

Marc Borel, director.

It was her first day as a hand double.

My wife doesn't like her hands.

Blanche is resting, she was devastated.

Did you notice anything in particular before she died?

Did she speak to anyone? - Only Miss Dulac.

She swamped her with a torrent of words. A real chatterbox.

But saying what?

Non-stop fan talk, Blanche is used to it.

She didn't look too bright, poor thing.

What are your first impressions, Inspector?

Young girl, weak heart. Case closed.

I'm going back to bed.

No, I'm a doctor and I'm positive she was poisoned!

Hey! Wait!

This is evidence!

- What? - Laurence,

what's happened is horrible. But I'm sure work will help.

Spare me the patter. Still on the Problem Page?

What do you know, anyway?

I don't know. I'm just trying to help.

Leave me alone, I don't need you, OK?

I've felt nauseous for a while.

I thought it was seeing that girl.

But no, in fact it's all this compassion around me.

It's sickening!

It's sickening. Right.

Research shows the formula isn't known in the French pharmacopoeia.

No doubt it's imported or a homemade mixture.

Laurence?

At your age, nights are for sleeping!

Why so gloomy? Did you get dumped or what?!

With such a gorgeous assistant...

Doctor, you mentioned a product in the French farmers' mafia.

Yes. I'll repeat it for the inspector.

Simone Maupin died of an overdose of sedative.

Never seen such a mix:

St-John's-wort, pure opium, marijuana, lavender...

I found the same in the glass the redhead salvaged.

Stealing evidence.

I should have locked her up long ago!

Funny way to treat a colleague.

I prefer a softer approach.

Was the victim a drug-taker?

Maybe she took too much and bang!

A junkie, you mean?

Why not call her a crackhead! She never took anything.

I don't get it.

Who would want to harm a simple hairdresser?

I don't know, Marlène.

A dissatisfied customer, perhaps.

Ask him if his mother had any enemies.

- Does your mother... - OK, I'm not deaf!

Everyone loved her, always cheerful

and ready to lend a hand, even...

Hey, what's your problem?!

I'll report you!

You can't treat a boy who's lost his mother like that!

Even when you're down, you must respect others' sorrow.

The loss of a dear friend is...

I forbid you to speak of her!

And give me a break with your lousy respect!

Who was Simone Maupin? Nobody!

Just another silly goose. Like you, Marlène!

Sorry, I beg your pardon.

No...

I must apologize, Marlène.

I need hardly point out that I'm not myself at the moment.

Become yourself, Inspector.

I beg you!

Poor girl, not so bright but very nice and she had a child!

It's a sign this shoot is a disaster!

No! I'm losing my mind since I started taking that.

It's vital you follow my program, Blanche, or you won't last.

I pay you a fortune. What use are you?

Marc's right, you're a crook.

Take your treatment.

Your acting was awful today.

You want Sylvia Franco to steal the show?

Be quiet. You know nothing.

I'll wake at dawn and rehearse 'til I know my lines backwards!

You should sleep first.

You'll end up killing me.

I just want what's best for you, Blanche.

Glad to see you back in the saddle.

Are you working on a lead?

Running tests on Simone's glass, eh?

No need to say thank you!

It's not as if I haven't done all the work!

OK...

Thank you.

We've enough gas to reach the border.

Drive! The police will catch us!

No, cut, cut!

A woman was killed right here but nobody saw it.

What cheek! What are you doing here?

Yet the killer is probably one of you.

It's insane! None of us knew her. Why kill her?

That's what I intend to find out.

Who made the victim's drink?

Everyone helped themselves.

So anyone could have put poison in the glass.

No, wait, I remember something!

The woman spilt her champagne!

I can still hear her annoying laugh. clucking like a chicken.

What is it, Miss Dulac?

I gave her my glass when she spilt hers!

I was targeted.

Marc! Don't you see?

Leave my wife alone! All you do is drug her!

Someone tried to kill me.

Come, come, come. Move...

The door was open.

But the photos are nowhere near ready.

Yes.

- Did your inspector send you? - No, it was...

The guy at the paper never wants to show me how to develop photos.

Not a woman's work, it seems!

Really?

Yet there are things a woman does far better than a man.

Don't you think?

I love to share my knowledge. Fancy being a trainee on the shoot?

I'm not sure, with the paper and the investigation and everything...

No, you'll be close to the action without anybody wondering!

And I'll have you close.

You look plucky, it's a quality I admire in a woman.

Oh, if you need me, that's different.

I mean, we can give it a try...

To work, then!

First lesson: photography has no morals.

That bitch Blanche Dulac is very photogenic.

Someone must have seen the crime!

But perhaps they don't remember.

Repression and guilt are the most fascinating things about human beings,

don't you think?

It is my calling to free my patients, Inspector.

A calling that pays.

What do you give Blanche Dulac?

You, for instance, have had a recent shock.

Something awful you're trying to bury.

It's pointless.

Accept it in order to release it.

Here. If your lypemania worsens, I can help you.

My what?

Your depression.

I've got Fred's shots!

I developed them. Fred says I'm gifted!

Bravo, I'm proud of you.

Fred even thinks I could...

Get to the point!

And stop repeating that ridiculous name

not even a dog would want. Give them here.

Look at Dulac's face!

Maybe the champagne wasn't good?

Bad champagne can be awful.

I doubt it was the champagne, Marlène.

This photographer is talented. Apart from that...

I don't have much time, I'm expected on set. Wait.

Look carefully at this photo.

This expression on your face... You saw something that shocked you.

Do you remember?

Nothing to do with the investigation.

I'll be the judge of that, Miss Dulac.

I saw my husband with Sylvia Franco.

They don't even hide!

- Maybe I should expect it at my age. - No, that's so unfair!

You're such a beautiful woman and such a good actress.

The show business world is so cruel to us women!

Yes, thank you, Marlène.

I feel you're not telling me everything, Miss Dulac.

I found this in my dressing room on the first day.

"Slut! The world will be better without you.

You're not powerful, you're worthless! Beware, death lurks."

Five days before Simone Maupin died.

Anonymous, as expected.

Why didn't you show this before?

So as not to worry my husband. He's under such pressure.

I'm to blame. If I'd told the police, she might still be alive!

Do you have any enemies?

The world of movies is hard, full of jealousy,

but someone wanting to murder me is absurd!

Isn't it?

As you say the line, sit on the car... As you say it.

OK.

Your police courtesy call wasted an hour.

Get ready, we'll rehearse.

Those who aren't required on set please leave.

Nobody move!

Miss Dulac received a threatening letter

days before her double was murdered.

Dictation for those who were present. Others may leave.

Let's go.

It's an abuse of power.

You're sabotaging my film!

Odd how those supposed to love us are unable to protect us.

But do they really want to?

Trainee! Hand out paper and pencils, please.

No can do! I just had my nails done.

That's a bit much, Inspector!

You realize by refusing to write, you're attracting attention?

I'm not complaining.

As you wish.

I can't stop you.

Anyone else wish to be prime suspect ahead of Miss Franco?

Perfect!

"Slut..." Start writing.

"Slut!

When I've killed you,

comma,

the world will be a better place."

Do you agree with this diagnosis, Miss Franco?

Not being in Blanche Dulac's fan club isn't a crime!

No, but some letter writers actually do get around to killing.

"You think you are beautiful and powerful...

beautiful and powerful...

when you are worthless."

I'll collect the papers.

You're in worse shape than I thought.

Don't refuse my help,

I have nothing to gain.

What's eating you, Swan Laurence?

Are you lovesick?

- For someone you lost? - Be quiet.

Here, drink.

Very well.

This cocktail of plants from my Swiss home will do you good.

It'll make you forget your woes.

Suffering isn't fatal, Mr Laurence.

But be reasonable. No more than 30 drops per day.

Laurence!

You look like you're out to lunch.

Laurence!

Don't leave me.

I have to plan shots

with the lighting cameraman. I won't be long.

Why don't you fire that madwoman? You want her to kill me?

Sylvia?

She's a bigmouth not a murderer.

You're doing her, so you defend her!

It's your fault she wants to kill me.

Like I said, it's an unimportant flirt to keep her feeling wanted.

It's not easy for her acting with the great Dulac.

Why would I be with such a girl

when I live with the most wonderful woman?

You swear?

Yes, I swear.

This film is our chance to start from scratch.

Do you what I dreamt of last night?

- No. - We were in Cannes

and you were winning the Best Actor prize.

That'd be wonderful!

Sorry, darling.

You're doing all you can for us and I make it so hard.

It's starting again.

Will it never end?

The attacks.

The clinic.

- I'm going mad! - No, that won't happen.

You're stronger than me.

I know it'll all work out.

When it comes to staging, you're pretty good.

But I'm sick of the odd shag. You said you'd leave her!

I think of nothing else, my love.

But there's the film. This isn't the time.

It's sad for that poor girl, Simone.

Imagine if the killer hadn't missed. There'd be no obstacle to our love.

Be quiet.

Hello, how can I help you?

Good morning, miss.

Hey! Alice!

You have the results?

You were right! The same composition killed Simone Maupin.

"Calmo".

"Eternal Rest" might be nearer the mark.

You're a really good sleuth.

I do what I can to help Laurence.

He's a little out to lunch.

Totally lobotomized!

He lost the woman he loved.

Laurence, in love?!

It can happen to anyone.

But he's like French rock

or English wine. You just know it's not a good mix!

Thanks, anyway. If ever I can help, say the word.

You could big me up to your friend Marlène.

Marlène and you?

Yes, why not?

No, I don't know,

it's a funny mix.

Rather like a sausage sorbet!

No, that doesn't match.

None of it does!

"When I've killed you"...

What cruelty, what violence.

It sends a shiver down your spine!

In poisoning, the guilty party is always from the first circle.

So in the first circle, we have:

Jacques Mentchikoff. - Don't trust his serial killer eyes!

The eyes have it.

Thank you for your excellent analysis, but I think not.

No more than phrenology.

Mentchikoff has no reason to kill Blanche Dulac.

Whereas he... 45, married for 15 years,

cheats on his wife with Sylvia Franco,

greedy starlet, who refused the dictation test.

A serious customer, too.

Are you all right?

- Inspector... - Oh, give me air!

Return to your desk, don't stay in my perimeter!

I don't understand, you were so cheerful!

Where's the... that medicine, where is it?!

This desk is a total mess!

You will not touch my things!

Isn't running my life enough?

Where is it?

It must have fallen out of my pocket!

Alice, come over here!

The inspector has lost his syrup. Any ideas?

It's best he doesn't find it. It really is muck!

How do you know, Avril?

Glissant says the same product killed Simone.

I knew Mentchikoff wasn't straight. He's drugging Blanche Dulac!

Give it back, you hear me!

Are you thick? Lock him up before he kills her!

Not only do you steal from an inspector,

you order tests at the taxpayer's expense!

- Who do you think you are? - I'm trying to help.

- Just look at you! - How arrogant!

I don't want to see you prowling on set!

You forget Fred hired me as her assistant.

You can't throw me off the set!

So you'll change jobs?

Talking of firing, Avril... Beware of that Parisienne.

That kind of person can confuse you into batting for both teams!

You're the one who's bats!

In the belfry! Look at yourself. You're all red.

- I can hear you. - Yes. The truth hurts.

...You lie down, you gaze at the ceiling.

You know you're doing something stupid but you still do it.

You take the phone and dial nervously. Lines OK?

I know them backwards!

Sure? No photos, thank you.

Your glasses...

On your right, darling, please.

- Like this? - No, stage right.

I'm dazzled.

That's good for your face.

OK, we're about to shoot, I want silence!

You lied about the composition of Calmo.

You French are so narrow-minded when it comes to alternative remedies.

Cut the crap.

Your "alternative remedy" killed Simone Maupin.

Anybody could have poured it. Blanche leaves it everywhere.

As supplier, you're the prime suspect.

Then arrest me.

Isn't that the purpose of our interview?

Forensics say the catch on the spotlight was tampered with.

Another attempted murder.

You still have no other suspicions?

You think I'd keep them to myself?

Anyone could have done this. Anyone could wander onto the set.

That's true. That's why, from now on,

you'll be placed under police guard! Martin.

A constant reminder of a killer? I'd sooner cancel.

It's non-negotiable.

If we do nothing it'll be third time unlucky!

Then I place myself in your hands, on one condition:

it must be discreet, so none of this!

No, someone you wouldn't suspect.

Why not your secretary? I lost my hand double.

It'd be an ideal cover for this charming young woman.

Me?

Impossible! I couldn't leave the inspector on his own.

I'm sure he can feed your goldfish

for a few days, no, Inspector?

- I'll never manage! - You will.

Have you tried running in high heels?

It isn't easy, really.

I can see why there are no women in the police.

What if the madman wants to slit Miss Dulac's throat?

Or run her over? Or throw a hairdryer in her bath?

Yes, I understand, Marlène!

You mustn't worry, just open your eyes and ears and tell me everything.

I won't be far.

Come with me, Inspector.

You're a hand double, Marlène: we've never met!

Are you forgetting something?

Don't worry, it's not loaded. It's just to scare an adversary.

Be brave, Marlène.

Left hand on the phone...

And dial with your right hand.

Will that be OK? Really?

Yes.

Yes... Oh, I'm trembling!

Fine. I've just broken up with my lover.

You're already in character, Marlène!

I don't know how you're so calm, with all that's happened.

The madman could be watching us right now.

It sends a shiver down my spine.

If he really wanted to kill me, he wouldn't have missed twice.

Something is stopping him.

Maybe somebody's making him do this.

You speak like you know him!

Do you suspect anyone?

Hands on the phone. Go in tight on this shot,

it's very important.

Thank you, Miss Dulac.

Blanche.

Taste this.

He could go with poison again.

Blanche is using Marlène as her poodle!

She doesn't care about others. She's disgusting.

You eat like a little pig!

But it's cute, too.

Will you see to the kit?

I'll develop yesterday's photos.

Yes... What?

I can help you for your tribadism.

My what?

Your unnatural inclination for that woman.

Go and get yourself seen to, sicko!

I thought I'd seen a light.

It's late, aren't you going home?

I'm elaborating a new method of case resolution.

You should try it, it's very amusing.

Dr Maillol was a great professional

and a woman who...

Don't you fancy a drink? We never take time out.

Sorry, I've still a lot to do.

As you wish.

See you tomorrow, Laurence.

How Marc and I laughed!

Those were the good old days!

It's good to have you here, Marlène.

It's a change from that heavy atmosphere.

- Do you have children? - No, that joy has eluded me.

You haven't found Mr Right.

I have. But he doesn't know it.

Don't wait too long or it'll be too late.

Don't disappoint the inspector, Marlène.

Don't be afraid, small boy.

Marlène is a nice lady. She won't harm you.

You see...

There,

There's absolutely nothing to fear.

What's that?

What are you doing here?

Get out of this room, he's having an attack.

He needs special care. Leave us alone.

Nurse, control him.

Bare his shoulder.

Thank you for your patience.

No, I've learnt loads in such a short time.

That's because you're gifted.

Thank you.

See you tomorrow, then.

Do come, I can't do without you now.

Bye.

Yeah...

Fred!

Yes?

No, I was just thinking...

with all the cakes I ate at the craft service table,

I wouldn't mind a tea...

And I have herb teas at home...

Tea is an excellent idea!

What the hell are you doing to him?

You'd know if you dared to step inside.

But we both know you won't do that.

I want you gone before Blanche wakes!

Without fuss, or I'll...

You'll what? I'll only go if Blanche asks me to.

But don't count on it: she needs me to finish the shoot.

You shit!

And who'd look after François if I weren't here?

You've always been incapable of being a father.

Try the Calmo, it's more effective.

Sorry about earlier, when François is having a fit, we must act fast.

What does the child suffer from?

François was born multi-disabled.

A tragedy that cost Blanche years of depression and two suicide attempts.

That's why she hasn't worked in so long.

But he's locked up like an animal. It's horrible!

Better for him and others: he can be very violent.

He's better since I've been treating him.

But I'm sure that with love and patience...

I advise you to stay out of this.

Officially François is in a Swiss boarding school.

In 13 years, nothing has appeared in the press.

I don't know if I can pretend to have seen nothing.

Believe me, Marlène, don't mention François in front of Blanche.

It was hard to sleep last night, wasn't it?

Doctor,

would you put on reel one of "The Secret of Madam B" please.

Have you seen it, Marlène?

You can watch films here like at the cinema?

I had a projector installed so that Marc can watch his dailies here.

And I can watch my best films.

Is it ready, Doctor?

Soon.

The Secret of Madam B

A Film by Marc Borel

How's the investigation coming along, Inspector?

You've not come to give yourself up, have you, Borel?

French cinema would lose one of its pillars.

You don't know about Jacques Mentchikoff.

But I bet you're going to remedy that.

- Hello. - Hello.

You know, I...

I'm not used to...

In fact, this is the first time that...

I've never felt as with someone, Alice.

If I tell you something will you keep a secret?

Blanche Dulac is... my mother.

- Well, my adoptive mother. - What?!

What are you saying?

She adopted me when I was 2. She thought she was sterile then.

And then one day she met Marc

and fell pregnant.

So I didn't measure up to their real child,

their love child!

So when I was 10, she got rid of me.

But that's awful!

She did lots of things.

She sent me to an upscale boarding school in England.

I lacked for nothing.

But...

she never came to see me.

So one day I get tired of waiting,

grabbed my things and headed for London.

I discovered photography and... I became Fred!

That's wild!

How did you get onto the film?

Believe it or not, by chance!

At first I thought

it may be a chance to...

to... to what, in fact?

She doesn't recognize me!

Do you realize?! Not in the least!

- You should talk to her. - No.

- You could tell her everything. - No, never!

It's up to her to apologize for the wrong she's done!

She ruined my childhood.

But she won't get away with it.

She won't get away.

Where is Marlène?

Nurse, take François to his room!

I helped François gather this bouquet for his mummy.

He's a nice little boy.

Who allowed you to approach my son?

You're a shit-stirrer like all the rest!

Get out of here!

And let them kill me, I'd stop being at the mercy of these vultures!

I did warn you.

You're on the road to recovery. I am pleased. Goodbye, Inspector.

No wait! I have something to say. Get in.

I know you poured Calmo into Blanche's glass the day of the murder.

I gave her Calmo on set, after a take. Your informer lacks precision.

His name is Marc Borel.

How can she love such a coward?

He asked me to double the dose when Blanche gets too nervous.

- He's never understood his wife. - But you have.

That's why you render her mindless.

- My method is proven. - Yes.

The time has come to do a reconstruction, Inspector

Someone must have seen the killer at work

but is too shocked to recall.

By replaying the scene to witnesses, I can unlock their unconscious.

That's quite ridiculous!

Do you have a better idea? The beginnings of a lead?

Take the bottle, Borel!

You poured Simone Maupin's lethal drink.

The one meant for your wife.

He's responsible! Tell him, Blanche!

I could never do such a thing!

Stop influencing the victim and pour it!

No, not while on duty. Are you crazy or what?

Carry on and I'll report you. Same for your dealer, the Alpine guru!

Just look at his sadist's eyes. He did it, obviously!

Play possum, Avril, and let me do my job.

Doctor...

Concentrate.

Now go back to your mental state when all of this happened.

Simone!

Drink your drink. Go on!

Blanche, give her your glass.

Wait!

I know who killed her!

How could I have suppressed that moment?!

It was...

Say it, Doctor!

It wasn't his asthma that killed him but a lethal inhalation of methanol.

The killer didn't make your life easy, Inspector.

I've some Californian super light that smooths the edges.

Keep your beatnik advice, Glissant, or I'll lock you up.

I won't be alone in the cell. Someone else here is consuming illicit drugs.

Typical of junkies to think others are too.

What's the problem with methanol?

It's everywhere!

Antifreeze, fuel, lubricants, solvents, cleansers...

Thank you.

So, what have I done now?

What, since birth? Oh,

the list of your crimes would be too long to enumerate. I need you.

You found a place on the shoot.

So open wide your ears and eyes.

Why should I?

Why? Because colleagues help each other.

Think of the madman prowling the set who could attack...

Fred, for example! Now you're turning green.

Or is that red? Your emotions are so confusing!

Rubbish!

Mentchikoff was poisoned too.

No, Calmo wasn't the cause.

Listen to me carefully:

it is essential that everybody think Mentchikoff died from natural causes.

Especially the killer.

So not a word to anyone.

- As the grave. - Perfect.

Go back to the studio and list all products that might contain methanol.

Methanol?

Yes, methanol.

Talking of which, your dealer dropping dead must have been a blow.

Is life hard without dope?

I need none of these substances.

I'm getting along fine. Am I not, Marlène?

It's true Alice. I've never seen the inspector on such form!

Try not to disappoint me, Avril.

Oh, no!

Just... my glass...

Could you stand a little further away, please.

Stop sticking to me!

Can you clean the 35?

Yes. What with?

Pink. Don't use much, methanol is very abrasive.

- Methanol... - Yes, why?

It's best for cleaning lenses.

But whose is it?

Mine, the grips', the cameramen's, everyone's... Do hurry up.

Yes, sure.

Very lovely sequence of the mother and daughter reunited.

Yes, it's very lovely.

"You were my only joy, my dear child..."

People only talk like that in films!

But it could be anyone, the bottle's permanently on set

for anyone to use.

Yes.

Hey! Watch your language...

Yes, yes...! Nutcase!

No but it's not my fault... Hello!

- What is it now? - Sir!

Why are you here?

Martin!

It's embarrassing, especially in front of the inspector.

It's from Blanche Dulac.

She dismissed me. Couldn't concentrate with me there.

Dismissed? Who does she think she is?

She's getting on my nerves!

My favourite chocolates!

Oh, Inspector!

That's incredible!

What is it?

It was in the chocolates!

"My dear Marlène, I so regret being abrupt with you.

"Would you give me another chance?

"You are my favourite bodyguard.

"Your true friend, Blanche Dulac".

Yes. What women wouldn't do for some candy and a diamond!

Of course, you're like all the rest,

poor, easily impressed scatterbrains.

Inspector, I'm fed up of your mood swings.

First you insult Alice by phone, now it's me.

Carry on and I'll go back to Blanche.

Go back to your "true friend"!

Give me a break!

Goodbye, Inspector!

Oh God...

It was made for you!

Marlène, my dear, I'm so glad you're here.

Me too.

Marc is with his whore.

After Mentchikoff's death he sent François to an institution.

He snatched my son from me!

If only Mentchikoff were here.

He only wanted to help me.

He was the only one who understood.

He was rather strange, though.

Are you sure, Blanche?

You are my Blonde Angel.

Protect me, I'm so afraid.

You will stay with me, won't you?

You won't abandon me?

Of course.

Of course.

Did you hear that?

He's come back to kill me!

Who has?

You mean "the madman"?

Go and see, please!

Hide behind the sofa and stay there.

- Oh... Good God... - Oh, sorry!

What are you doing here, Inspector? Did I hurt you?

A slap the other day, a jab today...

Do you fill your spare time with bare-knuckle fights?

Help!

Stop her!

Don't come near!

Calm down!

Let me go! I've done nothing wrong!

Marlène, empty her bag!

You're hurting me.

Yes. A tripod that could knock someone out or worse.

And...

a little bottle of methanol!

I arrest you for the murders of Simone Maupin,

Jacques Mentchikoff, and the attempted murder of Blanche Dulac

and breaking and entering with a view to a kill!

You're out of danger now.

I'll be able to get my secretary back.

Why didn't you say you were Frédérique Dulac,

adopted daughter of Blanche? - I've nothing to do with the murders!

I was hired on her film by chance.

You're not a stills photographer but a photojournalist.

You took leave from your magazine and begged the producer to hire you.

Premeditated murder should get you...

It's not a crime to want to see your mother!

No, but when I visit mine

I ring her bell.

I wanted to see the child she had before she abandoned me.

Oh! You wanted to kill the disabled child!

I didn't know he was disabled.

Is that what you'll tell the judge...?

No, Avril, I'm dreaming!

It's a police station, not a saloon!

I swear I'm innocent!

But at home,

the morning after,

you swore you'd only got the job by chance.

The morning after? The morning after what?

Hang on...

don't tell me you're hiding information to protect your...

the suspect?

Answer, Avril!

You knew the link between Blanche Dulac and this person?

Perfect!

Concealment of evidence.

You won't get away with this.

Frédérique Dulac, you will be charged.

Martin, take the accused to her cell!

But Laurence! It can't be her.

Think, fool! This unnatural relationship

with this... is making you her accomplice!

You really disappoint me, Avril.

Inspector! Understand Alice.

She and Fred are great friends.

You're nowhere near it, Marlène!

Laurence?

Tim! I don't know what to do.

Laurence has fainted! He swallowed a little Calmo...

You think I'm schoolboy? I spotted it ages ago.

Mood swings, glazed look, pallid complexion...

Nobody can see him like this or he'll be fired.

He'd never get over it. How can we get him out?

Help me move my customer.

OK, Marlène?

- You keep watch, Marlène! - Yes.

I can't carry him on my own.

That's OK.

Avril, I forbid you...

Doctor, we are indeed in your debt.

- Then how about dinner for two? - OK.

Marlène, Blanche is in danger. Go back to her, now.

Act like nothing's happened.

Alice, please take care of the inspector.

You know what's needed? It'll hurt, but don't let up.

Yes.

I'll have to lock you in, Laurence.

You hear me?

I've no other solution to get you off this crap.

But in 24 hours' time, you should feel much better.

I swear.

You have to get over this bit.

Come here and kiss me.

What's wrong?

We have to stop, Sylvia.

It's getting too complicated.

Blanche is jealous and unmanageable. We must keep it strictly professional.

You don't really believe what you're saying.

Because I love you!

You promised you'd leave her! You promised, Marc!

You'll find someone else.

Someone younger.

Bastard!

Let me out! Avril!

When you threaten him with the revolver...

I want the audience to be scared but also deeply moved.

Sure. I'll give you what you want.

You will?

Go on.

Roll camera.

Rolling.

The Unbowed, 62/1, take one!

And action!

He manipulated us, humiliated us.

He's a monster. He got what he deserved!

Lucie, what are you doing?

You'll see, you old cow.

That's not your line!

Today I'm rewriting the scene.

In this scene, you die!

Nobody move!

It's a real gun and it's loaded.

Marc, do something!

Put the gun down!

I'm not your thing anymore, you pig!

Poor trigger tension. She'll never hit the target.

Blanche!

I'd comb my hair if I were you.

Getting style tips from someone with a mop like yours is the last straw.

It's nice to see you back to your old self.

You were scary the last few days. No more Calmo, promise?

As long as you remain at a distance, I'll have no need of Calmo.

"You think you are beautiful and powerful but you are worthless."

"Beautiful and powerful..."

Hurry up, miss, I have other things to do.

Wait a minute: you can't spell beautiful?

There's no "our" in powerful. Hang on, are you taking the rise?

It's not my fault I had no education.

That's why you refused to write in front of everyone.

Fear of ridicule.

If you weren't a murderess, I'd be quite touched.

I haven't poisoned anyone!

You know what, Miss Franco? I believe you.

Yes, you must!

If you knew what she did to him!

He dreams of her disappearing forever.

He promised to marry me after the shoot, the bastard.

Would you swear he said he dreams his wife disappears?

False testimony would cost you dearly, miss,

you're aware of that? - I swear, Inspector!

He's fed up of the old bag and his lousy life!

I just wanted to help him.

I'd do anything for him.

I'm hooked on him, see?

Not really, Miss Franco.

Slut!

The world will be a better place when I've killed you.

You think you're beautiful but you're worthless.

Beware, death lurks!

Who wrote this script, Blanche?

Marc, of course.

He wrote all our scripts.

I know what you're thinking, but it's a coincidence.

He can't have done that!

No, of course you're right.

Where is he at the moment?

Sleeping.

He was quite affected by Sylvia's arrest.

Just off to wash my hands. Back in a sec.

I assure you, it was the same text as in the anonymous letter.

Word for word! It's him, I'm sure of it!

Blanche is in danger, come quickly I beg you!

What's going on? Has something happened to my wife?

No, not yet. To make sure it doesn't I've come to arrest you.

Are you joking?

Marc Borel, you are suspected of the attempted murder of Blanche Dulac

and those of Simone Maupin and Jacques Mentchikoff.

That's silly! I love my wife...

Spare me the fairytale bit, OK?

The once-famous director

chained to an ageing star!

Your "muse", as you say, is ruining your career

so you eliminate her.

You're raving! I know Mentchikoff supplied you with Calmo.

- I could break you, Laurence. - Sure, Borel.

"Slut!

The world will be a better place when I've killed you" etc, etc.

Ring any bells?

The letter my wife received.

It's from the dialogue of your film "Death in Spring". Quite a title.

It's pretty blatant.

A madman quotes my dialogue to accuse me?

I did your dictation, didn't I?

Handwriting can be masked. Take him away.

OK, OK, that's enough!

Damn!

Oh no!

That's useless.

It looks like she's showing her a photo. A clue.

Maybe.

I told you it wasn't Fred!

Despite have a pea for a brain,

you chanced on the missing piece of the jigsaw.

Martin! Bring me Simone Maupin's handbag from the evidence drawer.

Thank you.

Is that you in the photo?

It was in your mother's effects.

Yes, that's me.

Why am I here? If it's to be mocked, I warn you...

What links existed between your mother and Blanche Dulac?

None! Mum admired her a lot, but it wasn't excessive.

- Here. - Thank you.

There we are. Georges, make a mental effort.

Did your mother talk to you about Blanche Dulac more intimately,

as if they really knew each other?

Yeah, she'd often mention one thing.

I got German measles when I was 5 and Mum left me to see Blanche Dulac.

I gave it to her and she went with a fever!

After, she waited and got a kiss from Dulac.

German measles? How old are you?

Nineteen.

Nineteen minus five.

Fourteen.

Good God...

Blanche Dulac was pregnant 14 years ago.

Catching German measles when pregnant isn't bad, it's catastrophic!

For the mother or the child?

For the mother it's not serious

but it permanently affects the child.

Heart defects, brain damage, growth retardation, deafness...

Of course, what a fool!

She alone didn't do the dictation.

We're talking measles, not dictation.

Bingo!

Why didn't you release Fred?

I'm letting you come as a favour so change the record.

- Can anyone tell me what's going on? - That'd be nice.

You'll soon find out. I doubt "nice" will be the appropriate adjective.

Avril, no more disastrous initiatives. Behave yourself!

I just saved your bacon, Laurence!

- Took advantage of my weakness! - Pardon!

Do you want this scoop or not?

Your birth, darling, was the best day of my life.

You were all my happiness,

all my joy,

everything to me.

Was that good?

Excellent, even! Don't you think, dear?

Blanche Dulac is back!

You'll see!

Blanche Dulac, I arrest you for the murders

of Simone Maupin and Jacques Mentchikoff.

What?

What an imagination, Inspector.

You'd make a great scriptwriter. Wouldn't he, Marc?

On the contrary, I have no imagination

more's the pity.

A little respect, please.

It's dreadful!

I became very attached to Blanche.

I understand, it's hard.

The relationship was totally above board.

Professional, first and foremost.

Of course.

Sometimes feelings come into our work.

- We can't help it. - No.

Sit down, Ms Dulac.

I told you, my name is Fred.

I beg your pardon, Frédérique.

If only I could make up for lost time!

When this business is cleared up, come and live with us.

We can get to know each other again.

Be quiet, Blanche.

Why? It's a good idea! She can meet our little François.

Stop it!

We're not acting in some soap opera.

We're here to go over the murders you committed.

Where's my Calmo?

My bag, Marc, I forgot my bag!

- Marlène! - Yes!

Come with me, Blanche, we'll go and rest.

Martin... Sit down, miss.

Why are these photos here? I threw them out.

You should be kinder to your photos.

They've saved you from the guillotine.

Let's return to the murder of Simone Maupin.

Simone, an unashamed chatterbox.

When I heard you were playing in Lille,

I booked my ticket right away!

She told Blanche Dulac about their first meeting 14 years earlier,

their kiss, her son waiting at home with German measles.

I even kissed you!

You kindly acquiesced. I'll never forget it.

Then I went home to my little lad. How happy I was!

That expression of amazement you see on Blanche Dulac's face

was not because she'd seen you kissing Sylvia, as she told me,

but because she'd understood.

I paid for it afterwards though. I was in bed for a week!

Simone Maupin passed on German measles when she was pregnant.

That's why Blanche gave birth to a disabled boy.

She put a whole flask of Calmo in her glass.

Nobody noticed such a familiar action.

A good actress, she made Simone spill her drink.

And proffered hers.

Have mine.

Oh, thank you so much.

So as not to attract suspicion, and show she was the prey,

she wrote herself a threatening letter

from one of your films, so as to point to you.

The price of your infidelity!

Later, to make me think someone wanted to kill her,

she sabotaged an overhead spotlight.

But she heard Mentchikoff wanted to reconstruct the murder.

Convinced he knew, she decided to kill him.

She poured methanol

into his inhaler. What could be simpler?

A total nutcase.

The show's highlight? Mentchikoff dies as the reconstruction is enacted.

Worthy of a criminal genius.

In broad daylight! Avril has lost all common sense.

Luckily, healthy values will always resist the crazy march of the world.

The company of a real woman, for example.

I'm starving. I'll take you to dinner.

Oh, I can't, Inspector. I am taken.

In that case, never mind.

I'll go home and prepare a cup-a-soup,

have a drink or two, listen to a little requiem.

Enjoy yourself.

I swear I won't, Inspector! But I can't avoid it.

It's a debt to someone.

Ready, goddess? I am going to treat you like a queen!

A debt...

Let's have dinner!

Subtitles - IMAGINE