Original subtitles

This movie takes place when talking movies appeared.

It was a transition period

which created a lot of drama in the movie world.

But all characters in this drama are fictitious.

Any resemblance to real persons is purely coincidental.

Did you see a woman wearing a cape come in?

Yes, sir, I remember. She bought a box ticket.

Give me one, too.

It's pointless. The movie is about to finish.

That's fine...that's fine.

Ladies and gentlemen, do not leave, do not leave.

I have an important announcement to make.

The management of the Palace Cinema

showed you a silent film for the last time.

Starting next week, thanks to costly sound equipment,

you will be able to hear and see in this establishment

the biggest stars in the world of the talking and singing cinema.

To start with we'll be offering Al Jolson

in the renowned film 'The Jazz Singer'.

So our little town will be as good as the other cities.

What about me?

See Roger. Even down here it's over for me.

I forbade you to go to the cinema. Why don't you listen to me?

I couldn't help it, but I swear it's the last time.

Ghosts are bad for the heart.

I had to see mine again. To bid them farewell.

Farewell? Why farewell? Just say your goodbyes.

We'll see Stella Dora on the screen again.

You know that's not true.

Silent movies won't come back. Ever again.

My voice is terrible...I can't sing.

Come on Madeleine, enough. Don't you know any other song?

I like it because it's sad.

I've got your whisky...there's no soda.

That's his second bottle since this morning.

This man must have troubles or be trouble for others.

Probably, she can't stop crying.

D'you want to go to the movies tonight?

I can't, the lady's out.

Oh...you're boss is a pain.

Excuse us.

Excuse me too, monsieur. I was wondering what was happening.

It's because of that song again.

Every time I sing it something unexpected happens to me.

-You seem happy, mademoiselle. -Of course.

When you sing your troubles, life is better.

Why did you take me with you?

A crying woman is not a good sight.

It's because of the music in the silent movie.

Do you remember the farewell scenes?

The pianist would play the Chopin nocturnes to help you cry.

-And you could always cry. -Yes it was easy.

How did you manage?

I'd just imagine you leaving me. I'd whisper to myself

"He's going to leave me. He's going to leave me."

That was enough to make me cry right away.

You never told me about that trick.

Of course not. You'd have left me to put it to the test.

I'm not that cruel.

-That's very flattering. -You can put it to the test now.

I don't cry because of my movies, but because you're going to leave me.

-You're insane. -You WILL leave me.

It's fate. You're hiding your decision,

but I can see it in your eyes by the way you throw your cigarette.

Why did you ever love me? Because I was your discovery,

your creation your star, as you would say.

But your star fell into the night, it's over...the fireworks are over.

The gestures are right but the text is a bit long.

Go ahead, laugh. You'll keep making movies...talkies.

You'll keep on working.

-I'll be far away. -Not that far.

I'm giving you my house in Beaugency.

I'll meet you there every week, every night maybe.

You won't meet anyone, I'll disappear. I'd rather beg on the streets,

wash dishes in bars than know you're with another woman.

Don't you understand that I'm losing you, that it's over between us?

You can cry, but don't you dare raise your voice.

-Because of the neighbours? -No...because of the memories.

I don't want you getting ugly in front of my eyes.

Excuse me darling. I don't know what I'm saying any more.

And that song again, it's driving me crazy.

You won't hear it anymore.

How much to you earn a month in this hotel?

Me? How much...

Never mind...I'll double it...per day. And I'll pay up front.

-1000 francs? What for? -Not to sing.

-Not to sing? -As simple as that.

Keep working as usual, but as long as we stay here, stop singing.

-Understood? -But monsieur...

Blast!

Why would you do such a thing? It's stupid!

Veronal!...what got into you?

Who takes Veronal anyway... it tastes awful.

Think how sad I'd be, you silly goose.

Promise me not to do it again, hear me?

Look at me now...better than that.

You have that little face you used to have when you were not Stella yet.

Little Fran�oise from Lanvin...

With a big box under her arm and a tiny hat on her head.

Fran�oise...listen to me...

I made up my mind... I'm turning down my next movie.

We'll take a nice long trip ...just the two of us.

Would you like to?

It's better than going on your own, like you were about to do.

And going by car mightn't be as quick,

But better than Veronal don't you think?

If I'd come in a minute later...

I should've slapped you for it.

Kiss me.

-We going out tonight? -I said I couldn't. You're so stubborn.

Can't you spare me ten minutes?

Ten minutes, yes.

Then we'll go for a ride.

Where to?

-It's a surprise. -What is it?

-If I tell you, it won't be a surprise. -You're right.

See you later. Hurry up. Meet me in front of the garage.

That girl!

I'm sorry, but you're going to hear it every day and for a long time.

-Why? Do you want to stay here? -No I'll explain.

-That's the surprise? -The car of a real star.

Your client asked me to check the brakes.

Would Madame please get in.

I'm afraid. Drive very slowly. I'm so tired and nervous.

Tell me Madeleine, how long is this going to last?

What? Why don't we get married?

Next year. Why?

You're still too little, you need to grow up.

Come on, hop in.

I was waiting for you.

I see...it's about the 1000 francs.

Of course...I sang on the stairs, I can't keep it.

It's not my fault. To be happy I need to sing sad songs.

Oh, well...here's your money.

-No, keep it. -But...

It's not that, bring me some champagne. Do you have very dry champagne?

-Of course, I'll bring it to your room. -No, I'd rather drink it here.

-In this mess? -I love mess.

-All alone? -Bring two glasses.

Do you know who you remind me of? A novel I read.

Yes Milord L'Arsoiuille He's a man of your type.

Who'd give away banknotes in the street with no reason.

Who's the second glass for?

For someone who's about to hear some important news.

Please sit down.

Hear me out. You're going with us to Paris tomorrow.

Look at that hat! Isn't it pretty?

I bought it across the street earlier.

In my new position I couldn't be bare-headed.

So you decided to leave?

Of course, Pierrot, it's an offer I couldn't refuse.

Have a nice trip then and write to me.

Sure. As soon as I find a place, come to Paris.

Sure. All set, let's go.

-Hello, Stella. -Hello...happy?

-Who are all these people? -The studio has four productions going.

The Arabs are for 'Algiers Nights'.

And the castle over there? 'Nostradamus.'

We're building a pool for the next Ren� Clair film.

-You want to see more? -I want to see everything.

It's Stella Dora! She's making talkies? I thought she was through.

Apparently not. She's lucky.

-She's going to sing in her next movie -I'll believe it when I hear it.

Hello, I'm so happy to see you. do you remember me?

Hello darling... Hello.

Dear Stella, I'm so happy to see you.

You're fit as a fiddle. The south of France suits you.

Roger.

Billy.

I hear you're starting talkies and you're going to sing.

So it seems. A lot of people will be jealous.

I bet you worked together with Roger. What kind of movie are you making?

You'll see when it's over. Sorry I'm expected on the soundstage.

-Of course. -'Bye Billy.

He's the devil himself. He scares me.

Don't be scared, I'm as devilish as him.

I hope it works. Is Madeleine here?

Yes, your guardian angel is waiting for you.

Hello Stella Dora. Do you recognise me?

Of course. Hello Didier. We shot the last silent movie together.

You were wonderful. What do you do now?

Background acting. My voice isn't great, and I can't sing.

If you could get me any roles I'd appreciate it.

-I'll do what I can, right Roger? -Yes, of course.

Well, well... Yes, that was a close call.

There, take it.

Quiet!

Go listen.

Five, four, three, two, one, zero.

It's working...go ahead and talk.

Honey, don't make any noise when we're shooting,

or it's spoiled...understood?

Is this your first time in the recording studio?

Yes. My name is Gaston.

-You�re related to Stella Dora? -Yes, monsieur.

-Stay here...I don't want to hear you. -No... thank you monsieur.

-Gaston. -Yes Monsieur Gaston.

Too long. Your eyelashes are too long, Mademoiselle Dora.

Leave me alone. It just came off, are you happy?

Give me the glue, Melanie. I'll be late.

Calm down, you've got time.

-Leave her alone, you're so irritating. -I'm not irritating, I'm an artist.

A woman's face is a symphony.

These eyelashes are a wrong note.

A wrong note in my symphony.

Perfect...a makeup artist who thinks he's a conductor.

Oh well, I'm happy to see you here, you know.

There are so many new faces with the talkies.

I hear we won't see Laski or little Grandier any more.

It must be hard for people like them who were used to success.

Yes, of course.

And little Bader, the comedian... Bader?

He killed himself... he couldn't stand it.

It went to his head and he shot himself.

It's sad, don't you think?

That'll do. You were lucky, Mademoiselle Stella.

-You're on! -I'm coming. Take this off me. Would you calm down?

-Is this good? -Except for the lashes. A wrong note.

Enough!

-You're on! -I know, I know.

There, it's perfect. The hair, yes, but the lashes...

Take my powder and my bag, and don't forget my sweets.

-Ready? -Yes.

Let's make a talkie!

They're all the same, they want to do their own makeup.

No symphony, no harmony, they don't understand music.

-Everything's ready? -Ready

Do one or two close-ups to check the makeup.

And you take a voice test. No script, just talking, that's enough.

I thought we were recording a song. We'll do it later at the auditorium.

Alright, it's up to you.

So, Madeleine, do you like cinema?

Yes, but it's complicated. I don't understand anything.

Let's leave them to it. Come on, we need to talk.

We'll take you to the auditorium to sing one of the three songs we taught you.

-Which one? -It doesn't matter, it's just a test.

-You think I'll know what to do? -It's very easy...you'll see.

Fine, so where's this 'torium' thing?

Just next door. Gaston'll take you there.

-I'll send him over. Wait here. -Alright.

But don't say anything.

People will be jealous since you're not in the business.

Got it.

Turn your head to the right. To the left.

Smile.

Perfect. Cut. Cut!

Very well, marvellous.

-Footage? -Seventy-two.

I think it'll be perfect.

-Did it work? -I hope so...we'll see the test.

But singing's a different story. Hello.

Hello, darling. I'll see you in my dressing room.

The girl's here. But everyone's got to be discreet.

I'll talk to Gaston. Gaston? Turn on the lights.

Bring on the 35.

Monsieur?

This is Gaston, our sound engineer. An inventor.

He's developing a new microphone that'll revolutionise the industry.

Right, Gaston? Yes I hope so.

Tell me Gaston, we were just looking at a problem that could interest you.

A problem? Yes.

The Americans 've already invented playback,

where voices and images are recorded separately, we know that.

-That's common practice. -Yes, but we want to go further.

We'll have someone record Stella's songs,

but it must look like Dora's singing. Are you interested?

Sure, can you imagine if I succeed?

The publicity 'd launch my microphone. It'll be the talk of the town.

The problem is... we can't talk about it.

It must be our little secret.

Very well.

Go to work Gaston. We're counting on you.

The girl who's going to lend her voice to Stella is in the hallway...do a test.

The girl who was waiting here earlier?

Warn your assistant. If this leaks, he loses his job.

Got it...Paul!

We've got work to do. Let's go.

-You're doing the test -The test?

-In the auditorium? -'Torium'...that's me.

-Don't tell anyone. -I know.

-You never sang in a studio? -No.

That's going to be something! Come on.

-Is this the 'torium'? -Yes...stand here.

When the red light is on, sing in there, got it?

-In there? What for? -Dunno...to waste film probably.

I'll go listen in the booth.

Don't forget the red light, and stand in front of the microphone.

What a dummy! They must have had a hard time finding her.

-Is it loaded? -Yes.

-Record, I'll listen in the headphones. -OK.

Turn on the light.

-How's it going? -Listen to this.

We start shooting next week, M�lanie.

They're bringing the dresses in a couple of days...you'll take care of them.

Yes, don't worry, everything �ll be ready.

-May I come in? -It's you again.

It's still me.

-You're waiting for Roger? -We can't keep a secret from you.

Can I stay a minute? Long enough to smoke a cigarette.

Only one.

See you tomorrow, Mademoiselle Stella... hello Monsieur.

'bye M�lanie...see you tomorrow.

Will you stop examining me like a horse dealer?

Not examining...admiring. You look great.

-That's nice of you. -No...I mean it.

Too bad you have a bad temper.

We could've done extraordinary things together.

Come on...don't start now.

-You know what I think of you? -Yes...lots of bad things.

And you're right.

You've been trying to catch me for three years.

Partly for business and partly for your personal enjoyment.

-Half and half. -You can give up.

You're not ripe yet, I'll wait.

What d'you expect from me? To become your mistress?

Yes, that's a start.

Come on...don't be ridiculous... look in the mirror.

Not bad...just as good as Roger.

Please don't bring Roger into this. Your tricks don't fool me.

You mainly want my contracts. You can forget it.

The day I need a manager, I'll get anyone but you.

Too bad...now that you made the jump to talkies.

I had wonderful offers for you that would have taken you a long way.

On a boat. No...on a plane to Hollywood.

That's a bit far for me... if I wanted to go I'd go alone.

Right...I understand. I'll come back for another smoke.

I'm not in a hurry.

Billy's not in a hurry. I've all the time in the world.

YOU'RE here! I was just leaving.

See you soon, Stella.

Farewell, Billy.

'bye for now.

What's wrong? You look odd...is it my test?

Not at all...everything's fine. The girl's voice is wonderful.

A revelation. Accept a standing ovation.

-It's me...am I disturbing? -Not at all...come in.

She had a great time singing into the microphone.

Not for real...I couldn't hear a thing but it was fun anyway.

Tell her to cover up. She could catch cold and get hoarse.

You're right.

I never had bosses like you. You're very kind.

-I hope it lasts. -Are you worried?

A little bit...of course.

First you pay me to stop singing... then you pay me to sing.

Promise me not to change your mind this time.

-Promise. -Let's go, Roger.

One minute.

Out of the way, dear.

Madeleine, tomorrow 'll be a little more serious.

-Remember the pirate song? -Very well.

It'll be the same but with an orchestra.

-Are you coming? -What's wrong?

-She's tired and cranky. -Of course...she's got such a hard job.

Pirates...come and get your weapons!

Not the galley slaves...just the pirates!

3.30 PM...we won't start shooting before 5.

It was a bad idea to start with this huge set...we're losing time.

Don't get worked up on the first day... you've got six months left.

And the wind? Where's the wind? Here it is.

That's fine.. hold it at that...is it ready.

Five more minutes.

The boots don't fit the admiral... they're too small.

The French king's boots are bigger.

Make sure he doesn't steal them. I know the admiral...he's shifty.

Did you like it?

Oh, yes.

Not so much the song, I know it, but the voice.

It's so beautiful.

-Who is it?

-It's you. -Me?

Yes, of course. First time, people don't recognise their own voice.

-Oh, gosh! -Come on...I'll show you.

That's enough.

Here.

Here's your voice.

The black dots right here, that's it. It's the song you just heard.

You're surprised?

That's a strange feeling... like something's being taken from me.

-A piece of my love gone. -Yes, you're right. Your voice is...

Yes...it's a piece of your heart.

-With or without the hat? -With.

Congratulations...you're on time. I'm so nervous...what do we start with?

-The song. -In front of all these people?

Don't worry, it's already recorded. Just move your lips.

Everyone on the set! Get ready for rehearsal.

All set! All set on the stage!

All set!

What will you do with my voice now?

Gaston...give me the song for playback.

-They need it for rehearsals. -Here you go.

-How's it going over there? -It's fine.

I�m on my way. Why�s he taking my voice?

Because...come on, you�ll see.

-You understand now? -Not very well yet.

But it�s beautiful.

-Roger...will you answer? -I�m not ready.

Certainly.

Hello?...oh, it�s you, dear.

Your tickets �ll be at the booth. Come early...there�ll be a crowd.

Everyone�s fighting to get an invitation.

Certainly...we�ll see you at the exit. �bye.

Madeleine, would you please open the door.

Are you coming to the gala?

Where will these go? There�s no room left.

In the bathroom...kitchen ...anywhere you can.

It won�t be easy.

-Stella, hurry up...we need to leave. -Yes, I�m coming.

What�s the director think? The director�s satisfied.

What�s my lover think? I think your lover�s lucky.

Tell him for me.

-It�s done...I put them in the fridge. -Well done.

Hurry up or you�ll miss the beginning of the movie.

-You have your invitation? -Stella gave it to me.

Take the metro to Marbeuf... it�s right opposite.

-See you there. -See you.

We, as Her Gracious Majesty ordered,

Order Tom Barkis and his accomplices

To be hung for crimes of piracy.

We condemn to life imprisonment...Mary Brown,

His mistress and accomplice, by order of the king.

With respect.

�Farewell my love

�You�re being thrown to misfortune

�You will not have my eyes

�To die

�Farewell my love

�Happiness echoing

�Makes a sad song

�As much as remorse

�You used to breathe the golden sun

�You would walk on treasures

�We were vagabonds

�We liked songs

�I end up in prison

�Farewell my love

�You�re being thrown to misfortune

�You will not have my eyes

�To die

�Farewell my love

�Happiness echoing

�Makes a sad song

�As much as remorse

The big surprise of the night... the stunning revelation

That will make �The Bride of the Pirate� a major international success,

Is the voice of Stella Dora.

The warm, gripping unforgettable voice that has won Paris over forever.

My darling, I congratulate you. What a success...wonderful!

What a voice!

It brought tears to my eyes. It was breathtaking.

Really, I can�t tell you how happy this makes me.

Darling, I mean it.

Here is the star of the night, Stella Dora, who will say a few words.

Stella Dora, all too modest, is hesitant to speak.

So I�m going to be indiscreet. When did you start singing?

Since ever.

The talkies have allowed me to sing for the audience, I hope they�ll enjoy it.

Madame...what a triumph.

It was wonderful. Don�t wait for us, we�re dining at the Ritz.

A dinner organised for the stars, you understand?

Right...I understand.

So...you understand now?

�The talkies have allowed me to sing for the audience, I hope they�ll enjoy it.�

It�s all a lie.

-Yes, it�s not right. -We�re the victims in this story.

She gets credit for all the work we did. She�s horrible.

What do we do now? We go home?

Come over and have something to eat at my place.

-It�s late. -So what?

Stella Dora�s dining... we can do the same.

The three of us as buddies... we�ll drink to our success.

Tell me... What?

I don�t mind setting the plates but there�s no table.

No table...no table... it�s here, can�t you see?

You�ll never understand inventors. hurry up...the omelette�s burning.

I need to get the glasses... you know where they are?

-Where are the glasses? -In the wall of course.

This must be it.

No, that�s not it.

It won�t close. let me see.

�At the 4th ring it will be 0.33am�

We�d better not touch anything else.

Paul!

Open up...it�s Suzanne.

Thanks for getting up and helping us out.

-We had nothing to drink. -I live next door...I�m used to it.

Since you know the place, can you tell me where the glasses are?

It�s easy... you just have to push here.

Gaston�s always improving his installations.

-I guess he changed it again. -You must be right.

Let�s eat!

Cutlery set?

-Stay with us, Suzanne. -All this time to make an omelette.

I invented a new electric stove.

-Where are the glasses? -We still haven�t found them.

-I�ve never been in a place like this. -It�s not that complicated.

Here come the glasses.

Wonderful, it comes out of the tunnel.

Let�s get out of the tunnel too. Here comes the sun on the meadow.

Here...it�s my own personal cure when I feel down.

That�s something new.

-Did you draw this? -Yes...not bad? Let�s eat.

-Did you do this painting too? -No, I�m not that gifted.

-What is it? -The best voices in the world.

The frame was too small to include yours.

-How did the gala go? -Well.

-Too well. -How come?

We�ll explain.

So tell me...

...you�re not related to Stella Dora, are you?

Very well, I see.

They found you in a dump, told you stories,

And they brought you here... is that it?

What�d you do?

I worked in a hotel.

They�re still nasty.

Don�t worry, I won�t let this happen to you again.

-I�ll take care of you. -Really?

Of course...I�m telling you.

Pierre...what are you doing here?

I was waiting for you. Anything bad happen?

-No...it�s because of Uncle Gasper. -He died?

Not at all. He bought a garage in Paris and asked me to take care of it.

-So I took the train and came. -Let�s go over there and talk.

I wouldn�t mind.

-Look at all the furniture. -Sit down.

Yes, it�s not bad. This is our liv... the lounge.

We have eight more rooms.

Bathroom, linen room, kitchen... it�s quite comfortable.

-So, are you OK? -Yes, as you can see.

I sang in the movie. Tonight was the premi�re.

What a success! Gaston says I have a broadcasting voice.

-Gaston? -Yes, the sound engineer.

A remarkable man. He�s going to take care of my contracts.

You�ll meet him, he�s a man...

I just had dinner at Gaston�s with some friends.

-You had dinner at Gaston�s? -Yes, why not?

-I wasn�t implying anything. -Yes, you said that as if...

I said �At Gaston�s� like you said, since you had dinner there.

-Please don�t start. -I�m not starting anything.

I�m happy to see you, that�s all.

-So you�re staying in Paris for good? -Yes, and I�ll earn even more.

-I found a wonderful little place. -Really?

Two rooms, on the courtyard, with a small kitchen.

You can leave your boss, it�ll be our own place.

Over here, it�s like my house.

What's this?

I came to see Madeleine. I was just leaving.

This is Pierre, I�ll explain.

No need. It�s too late to have visitors.

I recognise you. I�ll show you to the door.

Goodbye Mademoiselle, excuse me.

Goodbye Madeleine, See you tomorrow.

If you ever have visitors this late, do it outside my house.

-Fire me why don�t you? -You have a lot to learn.

Maybe...but not to sing.

We liked your microphone. We talked about it with the board.

We�ll buy it...are you happy?

Sure.

Twenty thousand francs.

Excuse me?

Are you serious or is this some kind of joke?

It�s up to you, but think twice. For you it�s a golden opportunity.

Golden? My invention will make millions, revolutionise the industry.

-You�re dreaming. -You said it yourself.

I said your invention was interesting.

You�re young, pleasant, you work well, I was encouraging you.

But let�s not get carried away. After all, there�s nothing new.

Really? Nothing at all.

You simply improved an existing device for which this company owns the rights.

Really? My adjuster and sound orientator aren�t inventions?

Mere details.

-I�ll talk to your competitors. -No.

Tell me why they wouldn�t be interested.

It�s very simple. Because our competitors...are us.

Our company owns shares in all the sound equipment companies.

You�re a child Gaston. You know nothing about business.

Everywhere you go you�ll be faced with us.

I�ll sell my microphone abroad.

We have agreements with the biggest foreign companies, just in case.

-There�s nowhere I can sell it. -Nowhere.

-These are dirty tactics. -Business is business.

Business is stealing someone�s work, Gaston�s ideas, Madeleine�s voice.

-Madeleine? -Stella Dora�s voice.

Oh, right, Don�t worry about other people.

Trust me, mind your own business.

Do we have a deal? Shall I draw up a contract?

I came here for Madeleine, too. I see.

I�m her impresario now.

So what does Madeleine want?

She knows she got fooled, and won�t go for it anymore.

Goodbye Madeleine. You won�t hear her anymore.

-What do you mean? -She can�t, she signed a contract.

Mere detail, right? She doesn�t give a damn for the contract.

-What do you mean? -She couldn�t care less.

Impossible. Stella Dora can�t change her voice with every movie.

-We need to keep this girl. -I�ll try, but it won�t be easy.

So this girl likes to sing and blackmail people.

I�d say it�s business. We�ll pay what she wants.

It�s not about money, It�s about self esteem.

You need to sort this out for me. Reason with her.

Bring her in. I�ll talk to Roger Marney, we�ll figure something out.

I don�t mind, but...

As for your microphone, I�ll talk to the board again.

-Fifty thousand...enough? -Fifty is not that much.

I�ll try to get more. Talk to the girl right away.

Alright.

-You�re better than I thought. -Not really, but I learn fast.

-What�d he say? -Complete victory.

You�ll have your name on the big posters.

-I can�t believe it. Tell me. -Later...I�m taking you out to dinner.

-Happy? -I feel a bit lost.

Madeleine!

Would you close the door? Don�t you understand?

You need to learn your place. What was it about?

-What? -You complained to the producer.

-Me? -You or someone else.

Right, Gaston. Gaston?

The sound engineer.

I see. Perfect. Your lover, I presume?

No, but that�s none of your business.

-What did you say? -You have a lover.

Why shouldn�t I have one, too?

That�s not the problem.

-What did that boy say? -The truth.

-You want to leave? -It seems so.

You know you can�t. You have a five year contract.

-So sue me. -You can be sure of that!

Everyone�ll know you can�t sing...

and that famous voice of Stella Dora is mine.

Madeleine...do you realise what you�re doing?

What about you? Do you know what you did to me?

Call us crooks?

I do.

I won�t let you!

I don�t care what you do!

Who do you think you are? What would you be without me?

A pretty girl...so what? There are plenty more.

The luxury, the applause, your name, people looking at you,

You owe it all to me. I want my share!

-Your share? -Exactly.

Always the same people taking advantage of the hard work of others.

I want my name to be recognised. I want to be admired.

-I want a box seat. -You?!...Look at you!

You�ll never get anywhere...never!

I might not get anywhere, but starting tomorrow, you�re finished.

-Because I�m leaving. -Madeleine!

All right now...good evening everybody.

Why are you yelling? We can hear you downstairs.

What an arrogant girl! She�s leaving.

Yes she�s leaving. Find another girl like me to save your fake star.

She�s insulting me now!

Calm down, why are you raising your voice? It�s useless.

Of course not. Shouting won�t solve anything.

See, she�s very reasonable, very nice.

If she wants to leave, no one can force her to stay.

Without us, she�d still be sweeping stairs.

We�re even, she doesn�t owe us anything.

-I do, monsieur... -No, you don�t owe anything.

If you wish to leave no one can make you stay.

-So you want to... -Tear up her contract...exactly.

I open the cage, you�re free to fly.

But let�s leave as friends. Please sit down.

-What�ll you drink. -Whatever�s sweeter.

Since we�re parting ways, I�ll tell you something I never told anyone.

-I admire you a lot. -Monsieur...

Yes, yes...I admire you a lot.

I understand you, since we all have the same story.

When I was an assistant, I�d do something in the film for the director.

Stella, when she started, replaced the star during a car accident.

She almost got killed.

The accident was the climax of the movie and no one knew.

We can never kill the audience�s illusions.

This time, it�s not the same thing. But it is.

You�ll understand if you ever become an artist.

It�s all too natural.

You see the others succeed and want a try at it.

But are you really in a hurry?

Since you decided to leave, let�s forget about it.

I haven�t really made up my mind.

-Shall we go on then? -Let�s go on.

But on one condition. What?

Would you accept a raise? Please, please, I insist.

You�re a very nice man.

Thanks, then. see you tonight, Madeleine.

See you tonight.

It wasn�t easy.

We�re depending on that girl, that�s a shame.

-I wanted to slap her. -No beauty without sacrifice.

I can�t breathe. I�ll get dressed and take the car. See you later.

You�re always there, in my dressing room, in my car.

-This time you�ll hear me out. -I�ve heard it all before.

-It�s different this time. -What do you mean?

Me? Nothing. I�m not as clever as I look.

Let me drive. Not so fast.

You know you�re wasting your time with me.

No, no...I gave up on you.

Finally. Oh, well...

Regretfully because you�re successful and I�m losing sleep over it.

Is that so? When I don�t get my ten per cent.

I take it personally.

I�m looking for a voice that sounds like yours,

from afar, very far of course.

I heard you brought a cousin from the south of France with you.

-Can we hear her sing? -Who told you about her?

I heard on the grapevine. Rumours are running around.

Billy knows everything and nothing. Now my darling, I�ll let you take your seat.

-You�re an awful man. -Really? I always told you so.

Come on Billy, let�s be straight ...you want money to keep quiet, don�t you?

Money!...that�s horrible. Is that all you have to offer?

No, stop it!

It�s curious...the more you hate me, the more I like you.

You don�t need to answer... I know you�ll call me.

Have a nice trip. Watch out for the curves.

The art of living well is to know how to negotiate the curves.

-You have a piano now? -Looks like it.

-How�s it going? -Bad.

You didn�t see the director? He�s never there.

And the new movie?

They start shooting this afternoon in the Bourget.

-Are you working on it? -No, I�ve got another one.

It�s nice what you�re playing.

-I didn�t know you were a musician. -Now you do.

What�s wrong?

-You need me? -Gaston, I think you�re right.

-I�m dotty. -Are you sure?

At the time, I believe everything I�m told.

But then I realise I was used, but it�s too late.

Poor Madeleine. You�re not stupid, you�re good.

It�s bad if you want to succeed.

-They tricked you again. -Of course.

It�s so sickening. I get so fed up!

Come on, cut it out.

Don�t do anything rash.

You�re the only good person in my blasted life.

What about your loser mechanic?

I haven�t seen him, I don�t know what�s wrong.

Don�t go! Please don�t leave me. That�d be the end of me.

Silly-billy.

Well...

Let�s not get emotional.

Put your hat on.

Where are we going?

You�ll see.

How long�s this going to last... all these empty promises?

Your director is making fun of us and Stella Dora.

Gaston! Are you crazy? Didn�t you read the paper?

What paper?

Stella Dora just got killed.

Oh my God.

Accident or suicide? Stella Dora killed in car crash.

Sorry, we didn�t know.

If we�d known... yes, yes, I understand.

Gaston, take her... Drive her back to see Marney.

Sure...you can count on me.

Thank you dear Madeleine, You were nice right to the end.

It�s easy to be nice to YOU, you know.

Particularly nice, seeing I wasn�t very honest with YOU.

Please understand, Stella, for me, was...

Yes I know.

Her happiness mattered most... I would�ve killed for her.

So I didn�t consider the happiness of others.

It�s understandable.

But you know Madeleine, I have one last thing to ask you.

What you did for her, I want to keep it a secret.

I want the whole world to think that Stella Dora�s voice

Is the wonderful voice of her last movie.

A voice that is gone forever.

Would you mind doing that for her?

Or for me?

For the both of you.

Thank you, Madeleine.

Even though she�s dead, you two will never be apart.

You gave her your voice.

Her shadow will follow you. What�ll you do now?

Travelling first... to forget.

And also to remember.

I�ll probably stop by the little hotel where we met.

-Say hello for me. -Will do.

By the way Madeleine, we signed a contract.

-Here�s the full amount. -There�s no need.

Yes, there is. Don�t say no, you�ll get me upset.

-That�s too much. -Of course not.

Farewell Madeleine and good luck.

Excuse me, I knocked and came in like I used to.

-My poor man. -Thanks Billy.

You must be very sad, my dear. I understand you were cousins.

Sir someone is coming for the luggage.

I�m coming.

So you lent your voice to Stella for the songs?

-No, you�re wrong. -No need to lie.

-Gaston told me everything. -Gaston?

Take my card. Come to see me at my office one day. We�ll talk.

Go on now.

You like that?

Hurry up instead of messing around... you�ll be late.

-Like you in the morning. -Very clever.

-Where does your broad work? -My broad?

Her boss just croaked. She had illusions of grandeur.

Now that she lost her job. she sees things more clearly.

-So, getting married soon? -Married soon.

Tomorrow, when the set is built, put the microphone up there.

-Go set it up, and hurry up. -No need to panic.

How are you?

-Where are you staying? -At a hotel near Les Ternes.

But I�d like to settle down for good. Is there anything near you?

Near my place, nothing. What are you going to do?

What do you mean? I�ll keep doing the same.

If I can.

Anything in sight?

I saw directors, agencies, but nothing. No one knows me.

-Billy Daniel asked me to see him. -Careful, he�s a crook.

I don�t know any more. I need you, Gaston.

Don�t cry here, people will talk. Come on.

-Pierre! -You asked me to come to see this?

Are you crazy? It�s Gaston.

So you�re Gaston. How perfect, actually.

I�ve been meaning to kick your arse for a while.

Hold your horses, young man.

What are you doing here anyway? We�re working.

-That�s work for you? -Yes, and I�m fed up.

Who do you think you are? get the hell out of here.

You�re coming?

You�re acting silly these days. I pity you, it�s like...

-Coming or staying, it�s up to you. -Leave me alone, I�m free after all.

-I see how it is. Goodbye. -Well then...

-Got you! I�m in a hurry.

Never mind, let me kiss you.

Now I want to congratulate you. Why don�t you thank me?

-For what? -You�re starting in two weeks.

-Me? Two weeks. I forgot to tell you.

-Me? I a movie? -No, no.

-I talked to Golden. You�re singing at the music hall.

-Music hall? I could never!

You�re kidding? With your voice, you�ll be sensational.

I need to catch up with someone.

When you�re a star, you don�t run after anyone.

Look at my poster. Look at the ad.

In big letters. What do you think?

�Mady Brunelle, Stella Dora�s real voice.�

Are you crazy? I won�t accept such a thing.

-For once I tell the truth. Maybe, but I promised!

Let�s forget about it, we won�t say you lent you voice to Stella.

We�ll pay for the ad. It�ll cost 50,000 francs...you have it?

Come on, let�s sign your contract.

-Are you coming to have lunch? -Not yet, I�m working here.

You know your ex is starting at the music hall.

-My ex-what? -The so-called Madeleine.

I heard you had fun together when I was in Touraine

What are you talking about? Madeleine is just a friend.

I�m not jealous, but they make a big deal of her.

�Mady Brunelle... premi�res on stage tomorrow.

Her strange voice is reminiscent of Stella Dora�s voice.�

Well, your girlfriend�s got some nerve!

I heard her sing... she sings very well.

Maybe, but between her and Stella Dora...

there�s a gap.

No, not really.

-Do you love me a bit? -I adore you.

-More than Madeleine. -By a long shot.

So take me to see her.

-Do you think it�s funny? �Yes.

�Six o�clock. Place de la Trinit�

�When there was a gunshot

�Right across the little caf�

�The lady who shot

�Looked at the man, stunned

� The man in grey who�d fallen

�A number was added

�On the register in the office

�Of the police station

�The lady doesn�t want to talk

�And when the judge is tired

�She talks about her past

�It all started

�On a sunny summer day

� That seemed to last

�And the sun set

�On a young man wearing dark grey

�Who seemed to know how to dance

�So of course she waltzed

�Then kissed him afterwards

�That�s all you need, to love

�A number was added

�On the register in the office

�Of the town hall in the 14th district

�Then everything was wonderful

�You can�t dream anything better

�The lady closes her eyes

�She lives again and again

�The only day of her life, I think

�When she signed with a cross

�Because it was a real miracle

�The church was singing for them

�Even the poor man was happy

�Love was in the air

�And up there, with full force

�The bells pealed

�Here comes the bride

�Ding dong ding dong

�He swore to be faithful

�But he lied her beloved

�Ding dong ding dong

�He swore to be faithful

��But he lied her beloved

�Ding

So?

Congratulations, it�s very good.

Very good, very, very good, but it�s not mainstream.

It won�t work for the music hall.

This dress, it�s too much. I feel lost wearing it.

Don�t get upset. It�s a dress for a star. It�s dazzling.

But it doesn�t fit me, I swear.

-You don�t trust me? �Yes, but...

Don�t worry, you�re perfect.

I�m going to the control booth to check. Don�t worry.

-On stage. -Monsieur Roger.

So it IS you.

-I refused to believe it. -But I don�t understand.

What don�t you understand?

You�re about to smear Stella�s memory and you don�t understand.

Remember she got you out of poverty, you owe her everything.

Are you really just as horrible as the others?

I didn�t say anything. No one knows the truth.

I can take my chance, too.

Your chance, by using a dead person. Your chance!

You�re a mere shadow of what she used to be.

If it wasn�t ugly, it�d be comical.

Please, I beg you.

You�ll regret what you�re doing.

It won�t bring you any luck, I tell you.

As far as Billy goes, he�s going to cop it.

Come in.

-Hello there! -Gaston!

It�s nice of you to come. if only you knew...

You�re the last one.

It makes me so happy to see you here, I love you Gaston, I do.

Calm down. Paul is here with a dozen guys from the studio.

-They�ll set the house on fire. -That�s nice of you.

We�ll have dinner tonight after the show.

Listen, I can�t.

-Lulu is back. -Lulu?

Lulu my girlfriend.

She went to Touraine to get her papers...

We�re getting married at the end of the month.

She�s right here... she wants to meet you.

Lulu, here�s Madeleine.

Nice to meet you.

And you too.

It�s a triumph, sold out, everything going smoothly.

What�s wrong?

I can�t stand it anymore! Get out, all of you!

She has stage fright, like all great actors.

Leave her alone. get some rest. Don�t worry.

She�s unknown but renowned.

You don�t know her, but you do.

She�s the living reincarnation of the wonderful Stella Dora,

The dazzling Mady Brunelle! Mady Brunelle!

That�s Stella Dora�s reincarnation?!

-Will you start singing or what? -Belt it out!

What are you waiting for?

What a dimwit!

Start!

Go on start!

�Never...you�ll never get anywhere.

�It�s wonderful

�When we�re together

�Happiness is watching over us

�It�s wonderful

�When we�re in love

�In sunny days awake

�It�s wonderful

-How is she? -The poor girl�s in her dressing room.

Come on.

She left her dress.

Well played Billy. You must be proud of yourself.

It�s your fault, you should have left her where she was.

We can all make mistakes. I�m launching a new girl next week.

A new one. No voice, but amazing legs.

I expect a complete success.

With this girl, it was meant to happen, I should have been more careful.

She wasn�t unlucky in life. Hopefully she won�t do anything rash.

It�s our fault, the three of us.

We have to do something, find her, talk to her.

No, no, we won�t find her.

She�s going to blend in the crowd with everyone.

Subtitles for KG by FatPlank from fixed subtitles on a TCM tv-rip posted on CG by playswmatches.