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Downloaded from
YTS.MX
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Official YIFY movies site:
YTS.MX
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All characters and events
In thls film are fictitious.
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Any similarity to actual events
or persons, living or dead,
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Is purely coincidental.
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"Lambs...
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"The lambs were safe
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"in a park...
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"In a park."
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Lambs. Lambs.
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Come on, boy, make an effort.
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Were...
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Were... w-e-r-e.
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This means
there was not only one lamb,
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but several lambs.
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Good day, Mr. Topaze.
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Good day, Miss Muche.
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Is my father around?
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The headmaster's not to be seen.
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What time is it?
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Ten to eight, miss.
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- You're early for your class.
- I have work.
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00:02:49,838 --> 00:02:53,383
- Can you lend me your red ink?
- With pleasure, miss.
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I just bought a bottle.
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I'll open it for you.
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You're so very kind.
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- Are you correcting homework?
- Yes.
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00:03:09,065 --> 00:03:10,733
And I don't like doing it.
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00:03:11,234 --> 00:03:16,614
It's curious, I've always had
a fondness for correcting homework.
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I sometimes surprise myself
correcting billboards in the metro,
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or pamphlets that people
hiding around corners
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unexpectedly thrust into your hands.
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There you go.
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Keep the bottle as long as you like.
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Thank you, Mr. Topaze.
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00:03:37,010 --> 00:03:39,804
- At your service, miss.
- At my service?
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00:03:39,971 --> 00:03:43,433
A ready-made phrase,
but you say it nicely.
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I try my best
and it's truly sincere.
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00:03:47,312 --> 00:03:51,566
Two weeks ago, you didn't say it,
but you were much nicer.
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How do you mean, miss?
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00:03:53,735 --> 00:03:57,280
You brought me colored chalk
and perpetual calendars.
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00:03:57,906 --> 00:04:01,409
You came to my classroom
to help me correct homework.
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00:04:02,285 --> 00:04:04,913
But you no longer offer to help me.
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00:04:05,079 --> 00:04:09,959
Help you? Had I sought this favor,
would you have granted it?
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00:04:10,126 --> 00:04:13,755
I don't know.
I only know you haven't sought it.
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Thank you anyhow.
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I have a great deal of work.
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00:04:18,760 --> 00:04:21,596
Miss Muche, my dear colleague,
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do me the honor, let me correct it.
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I can't impose such drudgery.
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You mustn't call drudgery
that which is a joy.
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When I'm alone at night,
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in my little room,
hunched over your dictations,
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the problems you gave them,
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those delicate and feminine
spelling pitfalls,
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I feel as though you're close to me.
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Mr. Topaze, behave yourself.
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Forgive me. But this discussion
has gone so far that
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you cannot refuse me this favor
without inflicting pain
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and misery I do not deserve.
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OK, I'll give in again.
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Thank you!
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00:05:06,933 --> 00:05:09,686
- I need it by tomorrow.
- You'll have it.
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I shake when I think that we're
doing something forbidden together.
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You'll have it tomorrow.
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Tomorrow morning, eight-thirty.
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Goodbye. And not a word.
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Not a word.
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Back to our lambs.
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00:06:17,879 --> 00:06:19,297
Hello, headmaster.
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00:06:19,464 --> 00:06:22,592
Mr. Topaze, I'd like to have
a word with you.
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Of course, sir.
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Go outside and play.
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- I'm surprised.
- About what?
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00:06:34,228 --> 00:06:38,691
I recall Article 27
of the Muche Boarding School rules:
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"Teachers who give private lessons
in their classrooms
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"must pay the administration
10% of their earnings."
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00:06:46,741 --> 00:06:50,203
I was not aware
you gave this student lessons.
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They're not real lessons.
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You're playing on words.
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00:06:54,749 --> 00:06:56,751
No, sir, they're free lessons.
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00:06:57,210 --> 00:06:59,212
If you give free lessons,
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no one will want to pay.
84
00:07:01,130 --> 00:07:05,301
And your colleagues will lose
their precious extra income.
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00:07:06,010 --> 00:07:09,263
- Maybe you're a rich man.
- Not at all, sir.
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00:07:09,430 --> 00:07:10,681
That's your business.
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00:07:10,848 --> 00:07:13,351
But despite your show of generosity,
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you must pay the 10% fee.
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00:07:16,354 --> 00:07:19,732
It's not for a miserable question
of money.
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00:07:19,899 --> 00:07:22,360
But out of respect for the rules,
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which must be as unchanging
as the laws of nature.
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00:07:27,240 --> 00:07:29,659
I understand fully, sir.
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00:07:30,660 --> 00:07:33,663
What is this mammal?
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00:07:33,830 --> 00:07:35,498
A squirrel, sir.
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00:07:35,665 --> 00:07:39,210
It's mine, I brought it in
for one of my lessons.
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00:07:39,377 --> 00:07:41,921
- Very well.
- Sir, I believe I have
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succeeded in recruiting
a new student.
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You will note,
this is the seventh one.
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00:07:49,095 --> 00:07:50,221
Seventh what?
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00:07:50,388 --> 00:07:54,225
The seventh new student
I recruited for us this year.
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00:07:54,392 --> 00:07:57,228
So you've done the family
a big favor?
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00:07:57,395 --> 00:07:59,564
Yes, in fact. It's true.
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- What is the child's name?
- Gaston Courtois.
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00:08:03,734 --> 00:08:05,778
I regret he's not an aristocrat.
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00:08:05,945 --> 00:08:09,490
This would influence
my decision.
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00:08:09,657 --> 00:08:11,659
Is he truly exceptional?
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00:08:11,826 --> 00:08:15,621
Possibly. I tutor him at his aunt's,
his parents are away.
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00:08:15,788 --> 00:08:20,960
I believe he has an agile mind,
the ability to grasp...
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00:08:21,127 --> 00:08:22,670
Good, good.
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00:08:22,837 --> 00:08:26,716
Will they accept our conditions?
3,000 francs a month?
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00:08:26,883 --> 00:08:27,925
Naturally.
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Will the child sign up for
extra classes?
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- Probably.
- Fencing, modeling, choir?
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No doubt.
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- 3,000 francs a month?
- I suppose.
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Dance, painting
and Esperanto for 1,200?
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They'll recognize the importance.
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Do they know we must charge
for other additional expenses?
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What expenses?
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00:08:49,238 --> 00:08:53,576
Pens and blotters, 100 francs,
drinking water, 50 francs,
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00:08:53,743 --> 00:08:56,078
access to library, 200 francs.
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00:08:56,245 --> 00:08:58,664
A 300-franc deposit
for minor damage:
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ink stains, names engraved on desks,
writing on walls. And lastly,
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00:09:03,252 --> 00:09:07,924
300 francs a month
for specific school insurance
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00:09:08,090 --> 00:09:10,927
which covers sprains, fractures,
scarlet fever,
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00:09:11,093 --> 00:09:13,054
mumps and poked eyes.
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00:09:13,221 --> 00:09:15,765
You think they'll accept this?
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00:09:15,932 --> 00:09:18,559
- Certainly.
- Then he's truly exceptional
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and I will make an effort.
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Since you were foolish enough
to commit yourself,
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I must help you out
of this unfortunate bind.
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You mustn't take this for granted,
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00:09:31,739 --> 00:09:34,367
I expect a display of renewed zeal
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00:09:34,533 --> 00:09:37,119
to show your gratitude.
135
00:09:37,286 --> 00:09:39,538
You can count on it, headmaster.
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Very well.
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Here's the file you submitted
for your academic decoration,
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I have the pleasure of announcing
that the Academy Inspector
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00:09:51,842 --> 00:09:54,971
spoke to me about you
in flattering terms.
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00:09:55,137 --> 00:09:58,683
He said: "Mr. Topaze deserves
to be decorated ten times over.
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00:09:59,141 --> 00:10:02,687
"Ten times over,
and I was almost ashamed
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00:10:02,853 --> 00:10:05,147
"to discover he hasn't been."
143
00:10:05,314 --> 00:10:06,440
You embarrass me.
144
00:10:06,607 --> 00:10:10,444
"Especially since this year,
I cannot award him."
145
00:10:10,820 --> 00:10:13,698
- He can't?
- His last words were:
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00:10:13,864 --> 00:10:16,492
"Tell Mr. Topaze that this year,
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00:10:16,659 --> 00:10:19,787
"I'm decorating him morally."
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00:10:20,288 --> 00:10:23,708
Morally.
It's possibly even more moving.
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00:10:27,837 --> 00:10:28,921
Morally...
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00:10:37,596 --> 00:10:38,514
Hello, old boy.
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00:10:39,223 --> 00:10:40,599
Hello, Tamise.
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00:10:40,766 --> 00:10:43,269
What's the matter? Are you ill?
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00:10:43,436 --> 00:10:45,354
To the contrary, I'm very well.
154
00:10:45,646 --> 00:10:48,316
Imagine, the Academy Inspector
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00:10:48,691 --> 00:10:52,194
told Mr. Muche, in person,
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00:10:52,361 --> 00:10:56,782
that he was decorating me morally.
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00:10:56,949 --> 00:10:58,492
Morally? What does that mean?
158
00:10:58,659 --> 00:11:00,786
It means he thinks I'm worthy.
159
00:11:00,953 --> 00:11:03,831
That's nice,
but you still don't have it.
160
00:11:03,998 --> 00:11:08,461
Of course, if you really
examine things, I don't have it.
161
00:11:15,259 --> 00:11:19,096
And your musician?
Have you caught him in the act?
162
00:11:19,263 --> 00:11:21,307
No, not yet.
163
00:11:21,474 --> 00:11:26,312
I'm sure that once again,
in just a while, during my class,
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00:11:26,479 --> 00:11:28,647
I'll hear his four ironic notes.
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00:11:30,816 --> 00:11:34,487
They destroy my authority,
tarnish my reputation.
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00:11:34,987 --> 00:11:40,284
I've given it much thought.
If you like, I have a plan.
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00:11:41,494 --> 00:11:44,205
The first time
you hear the serenade, don't react,
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00:11:44,372 --> 00:11:49,043
continue as if you'd heard nothing.
He'll play louder.
169
00:11:49,210 --> 00:11:53,589
You walk backwards, slowly
approaching the source of the noise.
170
00:11:53,756 --> 00:11:55,966
When you're sure, you spin around,
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00:11:56,133 --> 00:12:00,137
yank the boy off his bench
and slide your hand in his desk!
172
00:12:00,304 --> 00:12:04,266
You'll find the instrument
as sure as my name's Tamise.
173
00:12:04,892 --> 00:12:07,186
Your plan is very clever.
174
00:12:08,396 --> 00:12:12,233
I only have one objection.
This maneuver is a sham,
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00:12:12,400 --> 00:12:17,363
a sort of premeditated plot
that is not completely honest.
176
00:12:17,530 --> 00:12:22,535
The musician who's wearing
on your nerves is hardly honest.
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00:12:22,701 --> 00:12:24,954
Yes, but he's a child.
178
00:12:25,121 --> 00:12:26,705
Hello, gentlemen.
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00:12:27,957 --> 00:12:31,502
Mr. Topaze, would you happen
to have any colored chalk?
180
00:12:31,669 --> 00:12:35,423
Certainly, I'm not very well-off
for colored chalk,
181
00:12:35,589 --> 00:12:39,593
- but I have blue and red.
- That will be fine.
182
00:12:39,760 --> 00:12:43,889
Playschool children require
sizeable amounts of colored chalk.
183
00:12:44,056 --> 00:12:47,435
Yes, this morning we have a lesson
on butterflies.
184
00:12:47,685 --> 00:12:51,856
One needs a riot of color to draw
those lovely Lepidoptera!
185
00:12:52,022 --> 00:12:55,484
Here you are.
I'll give you green and purple too.
186
00:12:55,651 --> 00:12:58,154
Thank you, Mr. Topaze.
187
00:13:00,489 --> 00:13:05,119
Dear man, excuse me, had I not
been here, she might've stayed.
188
00:13:05,286 --> 00:13:08,205
Things seem to be going well
between you.
189
00:13:08,622 --> 00:13:10,291
And you don't know everything.
190
00:13:10,875 --> 00:13:14,753
Earlier on,
she positively came after me.
191
00:13:14,920 --> 00:13:15,963
Well, well.
192
00:13:16,130 --> 00:13:19,425
Yes, she quite simply reproached
my coolness.
193
00:13:20,342 --> 00:13:24,638
Of course she didn't say "coolness",
she's far too modest.
194
00:13:24,805 --> 00:13:30,060
But I convinced her once again
to give me her students' homework.
195
00:13:30,227 --> 00:13:31,812
And she accepted?
196
00:13:35,608 --> 00:13:36,901
Here it is.
197
00:13:38,110 --> 00:13:41,780
And you couldn't help
declaring your undying love.
198
00:13:41,947 --> 00:13:44,366
I was very direct,
199
00:13:44,533 --> 00:13:47,244
but I didn't get as far
as a confession.
200
00:13:48,245 --> 00:13:52,833
I don't know if you realize it,
but you're an innocent.
201
00:13:53,083 --> 00:13:56,795
We're talking about the hand
of Ernestine Muche.
202
00:13:56,962 --> 00:14:00,508
Yes, it's true. That is big.
You're aiming high.
203
00:14:00,674 --> 00:14:05,804
Yes. If I were to succeed,
people might say I aimed too high.
204
00:14:05,971 --> 00:14:09,225
People might think
you made use of your looks
205
00:14:09,391 --> 00:14:12,937
- to take over Muche's school.
- Yes, that's true.
206
00:14:13,187 --> 00:14:17,608
Of course, one must be ambitious.
You'll play your best hand.
207
00:14:17,775 --> 00:14:20,069
Yes. My best hand.
208
00:14:25,032 --> 00:14:28,702
My best hand?
What do you mean by that?
209
00:14:29,537 --> 00:14:32,790
You prepare the ground
with meaningful looks.
210
00:14:32,957 --> 00:14:37,795
You know, eyes half closed,
a dreamy expression, like this.
211
00:14:41,006 --> 00:14:44,552
- Are you sure?
- If you succeed, it's fabulous.
212
00:14:44,718 --> 00:14:48,430
Then you slowly approach her,
lower your voice,
213
00:14:48,597 --> 00:14:49,890
and you pounce.'
214
00:14:50,057 --> 00:14:51,809
Pounce!
215
00:14:52,101 --> 00:14:55,563
- How do you pounce?
- A bit of emotion, poetry,
216
00:14:55,813 --> 00:14:58,315
and a request in due form.
217
00:14:58,482 --> 00:15:01,068
If she hesitates, be daring,
kiss her.
218
00:15:01,819 --> 00:15:05,030
Kiss her? But what will she do?
219
00:15:05,739 --> 00:15:08,117
She might just be in raptures.
220
00:15:08,909 --> 00:15:12,121
That would be marvelous,
but I don't dare hope.
221
00:15:12,288 --> 00:15:13,289
You never know.
222
00:15:13,455 --> 00:15:17,501
Or perhaps her modesty
will cause her to react,
223
00:15:17,751 --> 00:15:22,298
she might push you away and say:
"What are you doing, sir?"
224
00:15:22,464 --> 00:15:23,882
But no matter,
225
00:15:24,133 --> 00:15:27,511
as long as she doesn't cry for help,
it means "yes".
226
00:15:27,678 --> 00:15:30,014
And the kiss? Where?
227
00:15:31,599 --> 00:15:33,309
On her forehead?
228
00:15:33,475 --> 00:15:36,854
Silly man!
A kiss on the mouth.
229
00:15:37,187 --> 00:15:38,856
On the mouth?
230
00:15:40,190 --> 00:15:42,943
- You've done that before?
- Dozens of times.
231
00:15:43,360 --> 00:15:44,945
Well then, I'll try.
232
00:15:45,112 --> 00:15:47,990
What worries me most, is the father.
233
00:15:48,157 --> 00:15:52,453
Yes, the father. He's certainly not
the same kettle of fish.
234
00:15:52,620 --> 00:15:54,538
Oh, the father.
235
00:15:56,290 --> 00:16:00,461
I'm sure he esteems me,
he knows I'm perfectly honest,
236
00:16:00,669 --> 00:16:04,048
but a refusal
would cause me such pain that...
237
00:16:04,256 --> 00:16:06,508
I'd rather sound him out first.
238
00:16:06,675 --> 00:16:10,137
I know what you're getting at!
You want me to do it?
239
00:16:10,304 --> 00:16:14,391
- I didn't dare ask.
- Fine, at the first opportunity.
240
00:16:15,142 --> 00:16:18,145
Be discreet,
don't arouse his suspicions.
241
00:16:18,312 --> 00:16:22,316
You know me, I'll approach
the question with great tact.
242
00:16:23,108 --> 00:16:26,445
The moment seems favorable,
for this very morning
243
00:16:26,612 --> 00:16:29,365
I announced the arrival
of a new student.
244
00:16:29,531 --> 00:16:33,577
- Where did you unearth him?
- I give him private lessons.
245
00:16:33,827 --> 00:16:36,330
I advised his parents
to put him here.
246
00:16:36,664 --> 00:16:41,377
The boss will be happy,
but you'll lose your lessons.
247
00:16:41,543 --> 00:16:43,712
I didn't want them anymore.
248
00:16:43,879 --> 00:16:46,465
- They're not well paid?
- To the contrary.
249
00:16:47,883 --> 00:16:49,551
It's a long story.
250
00:16:49,718 --> 00:16:54,306
Imagine, this child lives
with a young woman, who's his aunt.
251
00:16:54,473 --> 00:16:59,436
She's very young. Neither married,
nor divorced nor a widow.
252
00:16:59,603 --> 00:17:00,938
Then what is she?
253
00:17:01,438 --> 00:17:05,442
I believe she's an orphan.
But very rich.
254
00:17:05,609 --> 00:17:10,114
She received me the first time in
a boudoir from the Arabian nights.
255
00:17:10,280 --> 00:17:13,617
Silk fabrics, antique paintings,
256
00:17:13,784 --> 00:17:15,619
cushions on the floor.
257
00:17:17,204 --> 00:17:18,747
She must be rich.
258
00:17:18,914 --> 00:17:21,083
You can't imagine.
259
00:17:21,458 --> 00:17:25,504
Almost every day after my lesson,
a distinguished gentleman,
260
00:17:25,671 --> 00:17:28,298
he must be a servant,
261
00:17:28,465 --> 00:17:32,010
takes me to the boudoir,
where the young woman questions me
262
00:17:32,177 --> 00:17:34,388
as to the child's progress.
263
00:17:34,680 --> 00:17:38,642
My dear friend,
maybe it's the décor,
264
00:17:39,226 --> 00:17:40,686
or perhaps her perfume,
265
00:17:40,853 --> 00:17:43,105
but every time I talk to her,
266
00:17:43,272 --> 00:17:46,692
I can't remember what I've said.
267
00:17:47,943 --> 00:17:50,529
You're simply not a man of the world.
268
00:17:50,779 --> 00:17:51,905
I'd like to see you!
269
00:17:53,073 --> 00:17:55,492
She was sitting on a cushion,
270
00:17:55,659 --> 00:17:58,871
wearing the finest silk stockings,
271
00:17:59,037 --> 00:18:03,500
with precious heels,
and gloves made of snakeskin,
272
00:18:03,667 --> 00:18:05,377
once even gold-colored.
273
00:18:05,544 --> 00:18:07,588
She's a chorus girl!
274
00:18:07,755 --> 00:18:12,050
Don't judge so harshly
a person you've never seen.
275
00:18:12,801 --> 00:18:15,429
She's a lady of society.
High society.
276
00:18:15,596 --> 00:18:19,475
I've met a grand gentleman
at her home several times,
277
00:18:19,641 --> 00:18:21,393
surely a friend of her father's.
278
00:18:25,898 --> 00:18:29,485
- I'm looking for Mr. Topaze.
- Third door on the left.
279
00:18:31,779 --> 00:18:34,406
So this is what I thought...
280
00:18:36,033 --> 00:18:37,284
- There she is. Go.
- What?
281
00:18:37,451 --> 00:18:39,953
There she is. Go.
282
00:18:40,120 --> 00:18:41,830
Go out that way.
283
00:18:47,628 --> 00:18:50,214
- Hello, Mr. Topaze.
- Madam.
284
00:18:50,380 --> 00:18:53,634
I wanted to visit the school
before meeting the headmaster.
285
00:18:54,259 --> 00:18:57,429
- A good idea it seems.
- Of course, I agree.
286
00:18:57,596 --> 00:19:01,809
Allow me to accompany you
to Mr. Muche's office.
287
00:19:01,975 --> 00:19:04,603
- He'll be delighted to meet you.
- Excuse me.
288
00:19:04,770 --> 00:19:06,647
Where are the other playgrounds?
289
00:19:06,814 --> 00:19:08,106
The others?
290
00:19:08,398 --> 00:19:11,318
I imagine the children play
in a garden?
291
00:19:11,902 --> 00:19:13,320
No, madam.
292
00:19:13,487 --> 00:19:16,448
I understand,
the courtyard may seem small,
293
00:19:16,615 --> 00:19:20,244
but in reality,
it's made bigger by a clever rule.
294
00:19:20,494 --> 00:19:23,163
Mr. Muche noticed that
running children
295
00:19:23,330 --> 00:19:26,834
take up far more space
than immobile ones.
296
00:19:27,000 --> 00:19:31,338
Thus, he's forbidden all games
that require moving around
297
00:19:31,505 --> 00:19:33,674
and the courtyard is far bigger.
298
00:19:33,841 --> 00:19:37,135
That's how you squeeze
a large number
299
00:19:37,302 --> 00:19:39,054
of anchovies into a tiny jar.
300
00:19:40,681 --> 00:19:43,934
These doors lead to the classrooms?
301
00:19:44,101 --> 00:19:46,728
Yes, madam. There are six.
302
00:19:52,276 --> 00:19:56,655
What I've seen so far, takes away
my desire to send a child here.
303
00:19:56,822 --> 00:19:58,907
I'm sorry, madam.
304
00:19:59,283 --> 00:20:01,159
Have I hurt your feelings?
305
00:20:01,326 --> 00:20:04,204
No, it's a little hitch,
nothing more.
306
00:20:04,454 --> 00:20:07,583
I say hitch, because I'd already
spoken to Mr. Muche
307
00:20:07,749 --> 00:20:11,545
about the brilliant student
I was so pleased to send him.
308
00:20:11,712 --> 00:20:14,923
He'll certainly think that
I spoke rashly.
309
00:20:15,883 --> 00:20:17,634
I'll see him myself.
310
00:20:17,801 --> 00:20:21,138
I'll explain
that it's no fault of yours.
311
00:20:21,305 --> 00:20:22,890
You're very kind, madam.
312
00:20:23,140 --> 00:20:26,059
And you can tutor Gaston
two hours a day.
313
00:20:26,226 --> 00:20:30,230
Two hours? Unfortunately,
that's impossible.
314
00:20:30,480 --> 00:20:33,567
My schedule does not allow me
this luxury.
315
00:20:33,817 --> 00:20:36,445
Then you'll continue coming
one hour.
316
00:20:39,072 --> 00:20:43,827
Mr. Topaze, please do me the honor
of introducing me.
317
00:20:44,119 --> 00:20:47,205
Allow me to introduce you
to Mr. Muche.
318
00:20:47,372 --> 00:20:49,458
Madam Courtois, whom I spoke of.
319
00:20:49,708 --> 00:20:52,210
Madam, I am deeply honored.
320
00:20:52,377 --> 00:20:55,047
Mr. Topaze mentioned my project?
321
00:20:55,213 --> 00:20:57,591
- Yes, madam.
- It's still a project.
322
00:20:57,841 --> 00:21:00,344
- I have a nephew.
- Charming child.
323
00:21:00,510 --> 00:21:01,345
You know him?
324
00:21:01,511 --> 00:21:05,182
Not yet. But my excellent colleague
has praised him.
325
00:21:05,349 --> 00:21:08,018
Upon his advice,
I might send him here.
326
00:21:08,393 --> 00:21:10,228
A very good idea, madam.
327
00:21:10,395 --> 00:21:12,648
This child, who sounds exceptional,
328
00:21:12,814 --> 00:21:16,068
would quite naturally blossom
in our care.
329
00:21:16,443 --> 00:21:21,114
We understand youthful intelligence,
which is like a budding flower.
330
00:21:21,365 --> 00:21:26,495
One must unfold it petal by petal
so as not to ruffle or damage it.
331
00:21:26,662 --> 00:21:27,746
Nonetheless,
332
00:21:27,913 --> 00:21:30,999
I must tell you,
my decision is not final.
333
00:21:31,166 --> 00:21:34,753
The child's health is fragile,
I must consult a doctor
334
00:21:34,920 --> 00:21:36,755
before sending him here.
335
00:21:37,297 --> 00:21:42,594
Madam, allow me to inform you,
our specialty is sickly children,
336
00:21:42,844 --> 00:21:47,224
they leave here with rosy cheeks
and invigorated limbs.
337
00:21:47,933 --> 00:21:50,978
Your school sounds like
a sanitarium.
338
00:21:51,144 --> 00:21:52,729
I wouldn't go that far,
339
00:21:52,896 --> 00:21:56,191
but I've no doubt
that your nephew would gain
340
00:21:56,358 --> 00:21:58,110
in both vigor and schooling.
341
00:21:58,276 --> 00:21:59,778
I believe you.
342
00:21:59,945 --> 00:22:03,073
I'm willing to try,
if the doctor allows.
343
00:22:03,240 --> 00:22:05,492
Madam, whatever your decision,
344
00:22:05,659 --> 00:22:09,788
I'll be eternally grateful
to Mr. Topaze for introducing you.
345
00:22:10,747 --> 00:22:13,750
- You have a precious colleague.
- I know.
346
00:22:13,917 --> 00:22:16,670
He knows he has my esteem
347
00:22:16,837 --> 00:22:19,548
- and friendship.
- He surely deserves both.
348
00:22:20,298 --> 00:22:22,718
I'll be expecting you at 5:00.
349
00:22:22,884 --> 00:22:23,927
Of course, madam.
350
00:22:24,094 --> 00:22:26,346
Allow me to show you the way.
351
00:22:27,723 --> 00:22:31,059
It might work out...
352
00:22:34,563 --> 00:22:36,440
My dear colleague,
353
00:22:36,606 --> 00:22:38,400
you have beautiful visitors.
354
00:22:38,567 --> 00:22:40,569
She's the parent of a student...
355
00:22:40,736 --> 00:22:44,281
Now I understand
why you've been neglecting me.
356
00:22:44,906 --> 00:22:47,534
You give your calendars to others.
357
00:22:47,909 --> 00:22:51,079
Here's your chalk, take it back.
358
00:22:51,246 --> 00:22:54,499
Though your lady does not seem
to be in need.
359
00:22:54,666 --> 00:22:56,460
Please, don't be angry.
360
00:22:56,626 --> 00:22:58,879
Mr. Topaze, I'm not angry.
361
00:22:59,046 --> 00:23:01,256
I've come to ask you a favor.
362
00:23:01,423 --> 00:23:03,925
You know I'm at your disposal.
363
00:23:04,092 --> 00:23:05,719
We'll see about that.
364
00:23:06,762 --> 00:23:09,765
Imagine, I'm taking singing lessons.
365
00:23:10,015 --> 00:23:13,769
- I'm sure you have a pretty voice.
- Yes, very pretty.
366
00:23:14,352 --> 00:23:17,856
I have lessons every Thursday,
from ten to twelve o'clock.
367
00:23:18,440 --> 00:23:21,985
My father doesn't know,
it's a secret with my mother.
368
00:23:22,152 --> 00:23:25,405
I appreciate your trust,
it'll be our secret too.
369
00:23:25,572 --> 00:23:26,740
Exactly.
370
00:23:27,240 --> 00:23:30,118
But the headmaster has decided
371
00:23:30,285 --> 00:23:33,121
that our walks will resume
next Thursday.
372
00:23:34,831 --> 00:23:38,251
- Does that mean anything to you?
- Yes, sort of.
373
00:23:38,418 --> 00:23:41,797
But I don't see exactly what.
374
00:23:41,963 --> 00:23:44,049
Next Thursday I have to take
375
00:23:44,299 --> 00:23:47,219
my playschool children on a walk.
376
00:23:47,677 --> 00:23:49,971
Do you see what favor I'm asking?
377
00:23:50,138 --> 00:23:52,474
You want me to ask Mr. Muche
378
00:23:52,641 --> 00:23:54,768
to change the time of the walk.
379
00:23:54,935 --> 00:23:58,271
Not at all!
I want you to take them on a walk.
380
00:23:58,438 --> 00:24:03,235
But of course. I've nothing to do
on Thursday mornings!
381
00:24:03,401 --> 00:24:06,988
Perfect, I'll tell my father
you asked to take over
382
00:24:07,155 --> 00:24:10,283
because you wish
to get some fresh air.
383
00:24:10,450 --> 00:24:14,329
Excellent. What feminine cunning.
384
00:24:24,422 --> 00:24:27,342
Miss Muche, it is with profound joy
385
00:24:27,509 --> 00:24:31,304
that I'll take these children
on a walk, because I...
386
00:24:33,223 --> 00:24:35,934
because I... love you.
387
00:24:36,101 --> 00:24:38,103
Please...
388
00:24:38,270 --> 00:24:42,482
Yes, I love you. Not with perverse
and dishonorable passion,
389
00:24:42,649 --> 00:24:46,027
but with deep, honest love,
390
00:24:46,194 --> 00:24:49,030
you could even say, conjugal love.
391
00:24:50,115 --> 00:24:53,201
Miss, I want to tell you...
392
00:24:53,618 --> 00:24:55,078
I want to tell you...
393
00:24:56,955 --> 00:25:00,125
And don't forget the walk
on Thursday.
394
00:25:02,586 --> 00:25:04,754
She had the expected reaction.
395
00:25:07,632 --> 00:25:09,217
Divine modesty.
396
00:25:09,885 --> 00:25:11,928
But she didn't cry for help.
397
00:25:12,596 --> 00:25:14,222
I think it's all right.
398
00:25:16,558 --> 00:25:18,059
Divine modesty.
399
00:25:33,491 --> 00:25:34,659
Come in.
400
00:25:36,453 --> 00:25:38,455
Quiet, settle down.
401
00:25:49,966 --> 00:25:53,053
Mr. Cordier,
where do you think you are?
402
00:26:00,602 --> 00:26:04,522
Wednesday, November 17,
ethics examination.
403
00:26:05,190 --> 00:26:07,609
Please write down, gentlemen,
404
00:26:08,068 --> 00:26:12,906
the date of this examination
in your notebooks.
405
00:26:19,454 --> 00:26:20,789
Will you behave?
406
00:26:33,593 --> 00:26:37,514
Mr. Kerguézec,
I don't need to turn around
407
00:26:37,973 --> 00:26:41,434
to know that it's you
who's upsetting the class.
408
00:26:50,068 --> 00:26:52,195
Kerguézec, to the door! I saw you.
409
00:26:53,321 --> 00:26:55,657
No use hiding, come out at once.
410
00:26:57,242 --> 00:26:58,201
Where's Kerguézec?
411
00:26:58,368 --> 00:27:00,495
He's been absent for three days.
412
00:27:01,162 --> 00:27:04,833
Absent? Then he's absent.
As for you Mr. Cordier,
413
00:27:05,000 --> 00:27:07,335
I order you to stop acting up.
414
00:27:12,173 --> 00:27:13,258
Now write.
415
00:27:13,842 --> 00:27:16,219
To prepare for this examination,
416
00:27:16,386 --> 00:27:18,805
which will take place
the day after tomorrow,
417
00:27:19,306 --> 00:27:21,599
we will have a sort of
418
00:27:21,766 --> 00:27:24,519
general oral revision.
419
00:27:26,187 --> 00:27:28,898
But before starting this revision,
420
00:27:29,065 --> 00:27:31,568
I would like to address one of you.
421
00:27:32,444 --> 00:27:35,822
The one who's been disturbing
our class
422
00:27:35,989 --> 00:27:38,908
with untimely music.
423
00:27:39,617 --> 00:27:41,870
I'm asking him, for the last time,
424
00:27:42,037 --> 00:27:45,248
to stop playing his little prank,
425
00:27:45,415 --> 00:27:48,376
which I will gladly forgive.
426
00:27:49,461 --> 00:27:51,588
I'm sure that he's understood,
427
00:27:51,880 --> 00:27:57,052
that I have not appealed
to his moral sense in vain.
428
00:28:00,221 --> 00:28:05,060
All right.
From now on, my hands are free.
429
00:28:11,107 --> 00:28:12,233
Now to work.
430
00:28:14,444 --> 00:28:18,698
The problem you will treat,
which will determine your ranking,
431
00:28:18,865 --> 00:28:21,910
will not be restricted to
a specific question
432
00:28:22,077 --> 00:28:25,789
as would be a question concerning
homeland, civism,
433
00:28:25,955 --> 00:28:28,375
duty to one's parents or animals.
434
00:28:28,541 --> 00:28:32,170
Instead it will be
a fundamental question
435
00:28:32,337 --> 00:28:36,132
on the notions of good and evil,
vice and virtue.
436
00:28:39,052 --> 00:28:42,222
To prepare you,
we will examine ethics
437
00:28:42,389 --> 00:28:43,640
of civilized peoples.
438
00:28:43,807 --> 00:28:47,685
Together we will determine
the vital necessities
439
00:28:47,852 --> 00:28:50,647
which oblige us to obey moral law
440
00:28:50,814 --> 00:28:55,693
even if our spirits are not
naturally inclined to respect it.
441
00:29:00,448 --> 00:29:04,285
Let's take examples from daily life.
442
00:29:06,454 --> 00:29:08,498
Let's see, Mr. Tronche-Bobine.
443
00:29:09,082 --> 00:29:12,460
To succeed in life,
that is occupy a position
444
00:29:12,627 --> 00:29:15,839
that corresponds to your merits,
what must one do?
445
00:29:16,005 --> 00:29:18,758
- Be careful.
- Yes, if you like.
446
00:29:18,925 --> 00:29:20,218
Careful of what?
447
00:29:20,385 --> 00:29:23,138
- Drafts.
- Mr. Tronche,
448
00:29:23,304 --> 00:29:27,183
your last grade was a zero.
Try to improve it.
449
00:29:28,143 --> 00:29:31,020
You must be ho...
450
00:29:33,898 --> 00:29:35,567
Horrible?
451
00:29:35,733 --> 00:29:39,737
Zero, sit down!
You must be honest.
452
00:29:41,114 --> 00:29:43,491
Here are some concrete examples.
453
00:29:43,658 --> 00:29:48,580
First, all dishonest undertakings
are doomed to sure failure.
454
00:29:51,166 --> 00:29:56,296
Look in the papers: one cannot
defy human laws with impunity.
455
00:29:56,463 --> 00:29:58,840
One day,
you see a horrible madman
456
00:29:59,007 --> 00:30:03,636
who slits someone's throat
for the contents of his wallet.
457
00:30:03,803 --> 00:30:07,682
The next, an alert mind,
armed with prudence and tools,
458
00:30:07,849 --> 00:30:09,767
illegally opens
459
00:30:09,934 --> 00:30:13,396
the lock of a safe
to steal pension titles.
460
00:30:13,563 --> 00:30:16,232
Then a cashier
loses his boss's money
461
00:30:16,399 --> 00:30:21,404
by betting wrongly on future results
at the horse races.
462
00:30:22,197 --> 00:30:27,160
All these unfortunates are arrested,
dragged in front of judges.
463
00:30:27,327 --> 00:30:32,040
They are taken to prisons,
where they're harshly rehabilitated.
464
00:30:34,292 --> 00:30:39,088
These examples prove that
evil is immediately punished,
465
00:30:40,423 --> 00:30:44,802
for departing from the right path
means falling into an abyss.
466
00:30:46,971 --> 00:30:50,934
Let's suppose that, by chance,
a dishonest man
467
00:30:51,100 --> 00:30:53,269
succeeds in becoming rich.
468
00:30:53,436 --> 00:30:58,107
Let us imagine this man,
who enjoys wrongfully earned wealth.
469
00:30:58,274 --> 00:31:01,736
He is admirably dressed,
he has several floors to himself
470
00:31:01,903 --> 00:31:03,655
where lackeys serve him.
471
00:31:03,821 --> 00:31:06,699
He has one servant
who does the cooking.
472
00:31:06,866 --> 00:31:12,956
And a special servant
to drive his car.
473
00:31:13,122 --> 00:31:15,333
Does this man have friends?
474
00:31:16,251 --> 00:31:17,335
Yes, he has friends.
475
00:31:17,502 --> 00:31:18,670
He has friends?
476
00:31:18,836 --> 00:31:19,879
Yes, many friends.
477
00:31:20,046 --> 00:31:21,297
Why would he?
478
00:31:21,464 --> 00:31:23,216
To ride in his car.
479
00:31:23,383 --> 00:31:27,637
If such people existed,
they'd be wicked courtesans.
480
00:31:27,804 --> 00:31:29,973
This man has no friends.
481
00:31:30,139 --> 00:31:33,142
People know his fortune
is illegitimate.
482
00:31:33,309 --> 00:31:35,728
They flee him. So what does he do?
483
00:31:36,187 --> 00:31:38,648
- He moves?
- Maybe.
484
00:31:38,815 --> 00:31:40,567
And in his new home?
485
00:31:40,733 --> 00:31:44,696
- All falls into place.
- No, it cannot fall into place.
486
00:31:45,071 --> 00:31:46,823
Because wherever he goes,
487
00:31:46,990 --> 00:31:50,201
he will be lacking the approval
of his cons...
488
00:31:50,577 --> 00:31:51,786
Of his cons...
489
00:31:52,287 --> 00:31:53,913
Concierge?
490
00:31:54,872 --> 00:31:58,668
I'm sure this ludicrous response
was not premeditated.
491
00:31:58,835 --> 00:32:01,421
But you might think before speaking.
492
00:32:01,588 --> 00:32:03,923
That way you would avoid zeros,
493
00:32:04,090 --> 00:32:08,136
which are a harsh blow
to your grade average.
494
00:32:10,013 --> 00:32:12,557
This man will never have
the approval
495
00:32:12,724 --> 00:32:13,933
of his conscience!
496
00:32:14,475 --> 00:32:18,396
Alas! Tormented day and night,
497
00:32:18,563 --> 00:32:22,650
pale, thin, worn out,
498
00:32:22,817 --> 00:32:27,363
to finally find peace of mind,
he gives his fortune
499
00:32:27,530 --> 00:32:30,700
to the poor, because he'll have
understood that...
500
00:32:31,326 --> 00:32:35,997
"Ill-gotten gains never prosper."
501
00:32:36,748 --> 00:32:38,124
And that...
502
00:32:38,291 --> 00:32:42,420
"Money does not bring happiness."
503
00:32:42,754 --> 00:32:43,838
Perfect.
504
00:32:45,131 --> 00:32:49,177
Let us now look
at the fate of the honest man.
505
00:32:49,886 --> 00:32:51,387
Mr. Trampouse,
506
00:32:52,347 --> 00:32:55,767
what is the honest man's
state of mind
507
00:32:55,933 --> 00:32:58,019
- after a day's work?
- He's tired?
508
00:32:58,186 --> 00:33:01,522
Come now! We've said it 20 times.
Is work tiring?
509
00:33:02,190 --> 00:33:04,025
Work is never tiring.
510
00:33:04,192 --> 00:33:07,445
Idleness tires:
the devil finds work for idle hands.
511
00:33:07,904 --> 00:33:09,864
Perfect, Mr. Bertin. You get a 10.
512
00:33:10,490 --> 00:33:14,952
If this honest man is a cashier,
even in a big bank,
513
00:33:15,328 --> 00:33:19,415
he will keep accounts
with scrupulous detail.
514
00:33:19,707 --> 00:33:25,129
And his enchanted boss
will give him pay raises each month.
515
00:33:25,755 --> 00:33:31,219
If he's a businessman, he'll refuse
inflated or illicit profits.
516
00:33:33,262 --> 00:33:37,183
He'll be compensated by the esteem
of all those who know him,
517
00:33:37,892 --> 00:33:39,811
and their trust
518
00:33:41,437 --> 00:33:43,314
will make
519
00:33:45,775 --> 00:33:47,318
his business prosper.
520
00:33:48,277 --> 00:33:49,904
Should war break out,
521
00:33:50,279 --> 00:33:53,741
he will enlist in his country's army.
522
00:33:55,827 --> 00:33:59,706
If he's lucky enough
to be seriously wounded,
523
00:34:00,998 --> 00:34:04,711
his government will decorate him
with medals,
524
00:34:04,877 --> 00:34:07,463
which his fellow citizens
will admire.
525
00:34:07,922 --> 00:34:10,550
Children will greet him
in the street,
526
00:34:10,842 --> 00:34:13,553
old men will whisper
as he passes by...
527
00:34:13,720 --> 00:34:16,681
- To the door at once!
- It wasn't me!
528
00:34:16,848 --> 00:34:18,766
It's not you? Stand up.
529
00:34:24,939 --> 00:34:29,235
Here is the instrument,
the affair is closed.
530
00:34:29,402 --> 00:34:31,612
You take my goodness for weakness?
531
00:34:31,779 --> 00:34:35,158
My patience for blindness?
532
00:34:37,243 --> 00:34:38,953
Mr. Séguédille,
533
00:34:40,455 --> 00:34:45,084
beneath this velvet glove
is a hand of iron.
534
00:34:49,589 --> 00:34:52,592
And if your mind is wicked,
I'll break you!
535
00:34:53,509 --> 00:34:55,219
- Where are you going?
- To the door.
536
00:34:55,386 --> 00:34:57,513
No! Stay here!
537
00:35:00,683 --> 00:35:04,020
In front of your comrades,
who judge you severely.
538
00:35:08,524 --> 00:35:11,444
When class is over,
I'll decide your fate.
539
00:35:11,736 --> 00:35:15,698
Until then,
I condemn you to uncertainty.
540
00:35:20,703 --> 00:35:23,498
After this unfortunate incident...
541
00:35:23,664 --> 00:35:28,586
The Baroness Pitart-Vergniolles
wishes to speak to you.
542
00:35:28,753 --> 00:35:31,047
- Headmaster...
- It's very urgent.
543
00:35:31,214 --> 00:35:33,299
Children, you can go play.
544
00:35:33,466 --> 00:35:36,928
I've told Mr. Le Ribouchon,
he'll watch them.
545
00:35:38,012 --> 00:35:39,388
In silence, gentlemen.
546
00:35:55,488 --> 00:35:59,909
He likes you so much, he insisted
I ask you for more lessons.
547
00:36:00,076 --> 00:36:02,995
- He sings your praises.
- I'm very flattered.
548
00:36:03,162 --> 00:36:05,748
Each week you can give him
549
00:36:05,915 --> 00:36:09,043
all the lessons you like,
at the price you wish.
550
00:36:10,253 --> 00:36:11,504
Very noteworthy!
551
00:36:11,671 --> 00:36:14,215
When you meet a master
of great value,
552
00:36:14,382 --> 00:36:16,968
it's best to leave things up to him.
553
00:36:17,343 --> 00:36:19,720
- Madam, I'm embarrassed.
- Nonetheless...
554
00:36:19,887 --> 00:36:22,849
I must discuss
an important issue with you.
555
00:36:23,015 --> 00:36:24,809
An easily sorted trifle.
556
00:36:25,560 --> 00:36:28,479
I just received
my son's end-of-term report
557
00:36:28,646 --> 00:36:30,731
and I don't dare show my husband.
558
00:36:30,898 --> 00:36:34,652
I explained to Madam
that it was surely a mistake
559
00:36:34,819 --> 00:36:37,196
made by the secretary.
560
00:36:37,530 --> 00:36:41,450
I don't believe so.
First of all, I have no secretary,
561
00:36:41,617 --> 00:36:43,494
I wrote it with my own hand.
562
00:36:43,661 --> 00:36:46,831
The Baroness,
who requested you as a tutor,
563
00:36:46,998 --> 00:36:49,166
has three children in our school.
564
00:36:49,333 --> 00:36:51,669
I have obligations towards her.
565
00:36:51,836 --> 00:36:54,672
This is why,
I'm sure there is a mistake.
566
00:36:55,089 --> 00:36:57,091
So look closely, Mr. Topaze,
567
00:36:57,258 --> 00:37:00,720
examine it
with your full perspicacity.
568
00:37:00,887 --> 00:37:04,932
There's nothing to examine,
there were only zeros.
569
00:37:05,808 --> 00:37:09,228
It's human to make a mistake.
Errare humanum est,
570
00:37:09,395 --> 00:37:11,647
perseverare diabolicum.
571
00:37:11,814 --> 00:37:16,027
Be good enough
to recalculate the child's average.
572
00:37:16,611 --> 00:37:18,404
Gladly, it won't take long.
573
00:37:18,571 --> 00:37:20,740
Will you have the opportunity
574
00:37:20,907 --> 00:37:23,618
to see the Academy Inspector soon?
575
00:37:23,784 --> 00:37:27,121
He's coming to my home
on Wednesday evening.
576
00:37:28,164 --> 00:37:31,000
He has great esteem for Mr. Topaze
577
00:37:31,167 --> 00:37:33,169
but he didn't decorate him.
578
00:37:33,336 --> 00:37:36,088
He decorated him morally.
579
00:37:36,255 --> 00:37:41,010
Mr. Topaze will be decorated
at once, I promise you.
580
00:37:41,177 --> 00:37:44,347
My dear friend, Madam promises
581
00:37:44,513 --> 00:37:47,892
that you will be really decorated
next year.
582
00:37:48,059 --> 00:37:52,188
It would be a great joy.
You've no idea what it means to me.
583
00:37:52,355 --> 00:37:54,899
- You found the error?
- There aren't any.
584
00:37:55,066 --> 00:37:57,068
Come on, be logical!
585
00:37:57,234 --> 00:38:00,196
You believe Madam
about your decoration,
586
00:38:00,363 --> 00:38:03,199
but not when she affirms
there's a mistake.
587
00:38:03,366 --> 00:38:05,952
Madam, there is no mistake possible.
588
00:38:06,118 --> 00:38:07,954
His best grade was two.
589
00:38:08,120 --> 00:38:11,749
He had another zero yesterday
in mathematics.
590
00:38:11,916 --> 00:38:15,544
Eleventh and last: Pitart-Vergniolles.
591
00:38:15,711 --> 00:38:17,880
- Why is my son last?
- Yes, why?
592
00:38:18,047 --> 00:38:19,715
- Because he had a zero.
- A zero.
593
00:38:19,882 --> 00:38:22,593
- Why?
- He didn't understand the problem.
594
00:38:22,760 --> 00:38:25,680
- He didn't understand.
- And why didn't he?
595
00:38:25,846 --> 00:38:29,266
I'll tell you, since you force me
to change my tone.
596
00:38:29,433 --> 00:38:32,019
My son was last,
for the test was rigged.
597
00:38:32,353 --> 00:38:35,856
Rigged? This is very serious indeed.
598
00:38:36,023 --> 00:38:39,443
It was a sort of labyrinth,
with two road workers
599
00:38:39,610 --> 00:38:42,405
digging a rectangular basin.
I say no more.
600
00:38:42,571 --> 00:38:44,198
She says no more.
601
00:38:44,365 --> 00:38:47,910
After such a libelous accusation,
you must explain.
602
00:38:48,077 --> 00:38:48,995
Calm down.
603
00:38:49,161 --> 00:38:51,872
Do you deny
having a student named Gigond?
604
00:38:52,039 --> 00:38:53,207
A student named Gigond?
605
00:38:53,374 --> 00:38:55,126
I've a student named Gigond.
606
00:38:55,459 --> 00:38:57,503
- Gigond?
- His father's profession?
607
00:38:57,670 --> 00:38:58,421
I don't know.
608
00:38:58,587 --> 00:39:01,424
Gigond's father
has an excavation company.
609
00:39:01,590 --> 00:39:05,553
In Gigond's garden,
there is a rectangular basin.
610
00:39:05,720 --> 00:39:08,597
And no one's surprised
that Gigond is first.
611
00:39:08,764 --> 00:39:10,057
That Gigond is first.
612
00:39:10,391 --> 00:39:13,936
- I hardly see the relation.
- The problem was designed
613
00:39:14,103 --> 00:39:17,106
to favor Gigond.
My son realized it at once.
614
00:39:17,273 --> 00:39:21,610
Nothing discourages children more
than injustice and fraud.
615
00:39:21,777 --> 00:39:26,240
My integrity has never been
questioned before.
616
00:39:26,407 --> 00:39:27,575
Calm down, please!
617
00:39:27,742 --> 00:39:31,245
It is regrettable
that the best math student,
618
00:39:31,412 --> 00:39:35,624
due to his father's profession,
and his basin,
619
00:39:35,791 --> 00:39:39,378
benefits from a certain familiarity
with the problem.
620
00:39:39,545 --> 00:39:42,048
It will not reoccur, I'll see to it.
621
00:39:42,965 --> 00:39:47,636
Furthermore, I can guarantee
the perfect good faith
622
00:39:48,137 --> 00:39:49,847
of my colleague.
623
00:39:50,014 --> 00:39:54,018
Perhaps, but I cannot accept
that my son is last.
624
00:39:54,185 --> 00:39:55,728
That her son is last!
625
00:39:55,895 --> 00:39:57,772
He's last, it's a fact.
626
00:39:57,938 --> 00:39:59,356
An inexplicable fact!
627
00:39:59,523 --> 00:40:02,026
Madam, I'm happy to explain.
628
00:40:02,193 --> 00:40:03,611
Speak, I'm listening.
629
00:40:03,944 --> 00:40:07,198
Madam, your son is a growing child.
630
00:40:07,364 --> 00:40:08,240
Correct.
631
00:40:08,407 --> 00:40:13,037
Physically speaking, he vacillates
between two distinct states.
632
00:40:13,204 --> 00:40:16,207
Now he chatters,
jiggles coins in his pocket,
633
00:40:16,373 --> 00:40:19,835
sniggers for no reason,
634
00:40:20,002 --> 00:40:22,046
or throws stink bombs.
635
00:40:22,338 --> 00:40:24,965
That's what I call the active phase.
636
00:40:25,674 --> 00:40:28,177
The second state is just as clear,
637
00:40:28,344 --> 00:40:32,598
it's a sort of depression.
In these moments, he looks at me,
638
00:40:33,849 --> 00:40:34,892
he stares.
639
00:40:35,059 --> 00:40:37,978
He seems to be listening
attentively,
640
00:40:38,354 --> 00:40:42,024
but in reality, his eyes wide open,
641
00:40:43,025 --> 00:40:44,276
he's fast asleep.
642
00:40:44,443 --> 00:40:46,946
- Asleep?
- How odd. Asleep you say?
643
00:40:47,113 --> 00:40:49,782
If I ask him a question,
he falls over.
644
00:40:50,157 --> 00:40:52,618
- Falls over!
- You must be dreaming!
645
00:40:52,785 --> 00:40:55,788
I speak to you in his interest,
646
00:40:55,955 --> 00:40:58,999
I'm sure my frankness
will serve him,
647
00:40:59,333 --> 00:41:01,377
for a mother's eyes do not see all.
648
00:41:01,544 --> 00:41:03,671
And what do they not see?
649
00:41:03,838 --> 00:41:06,298
Look at your son, madam,
650
00:41:06,674 --> 00:41:10,761
he has a sallow complexion,
protruding ears,
651
00:41:10,928 --> 00:41:13,514
pales lips
652
00:41:13,681 --> 00:41:16,225
and a blurry expression.
653
00:41:18,018 --> 00:41:22,314
I'm not saying his life
is threatened by a severe disease,
654
00:41:22,481 --> 00:41:27,444
but I do believe he probably
has adenoids, or a tapeworm,
655
00:41:27,611 --> 00:41:30,865
or bad heredity, or maybe all three.
656
00:41:31,031 --> 00:41:34,243
He requires medical surveillance.
657
00:41:34,410 --> 00:41:36,787
What is this foul-mouthed rubbish?
658
00:41:36,996 --> 00:41:38,706
Madam...
659
00:41:38,873 --> 00:41:42,168
A seedy supervisor
criticizing the Pitart-Vergniolles.'
660
00:41:42,334 --> 00:41:44,628
Criticizing the Pitart-Vergniolles!
661
00:41:44,795 --> 00:41:47,882
A down-and-out
trying to land private lessons?
662
00:41:48,048 --> 00:41:52,428
- Madam, I was talking...
- Chasing after decorations!
663
00:41:52,595 --> 00:41:56,098
- I already have them morally!
- Excuse yourself
664
00:41:56,265 --> 00:41:58,893
instead of talking nonsense.
665
00:41:59,059 --> 00:42:02,938
Mr. Muche, if this slanderer
remains in your school,
666
00:42:03,105 --> 00:42:05,649
I withdraw my three sons
on the spot.
667
00:42:05,816 --> 00:42:10,321
As for his hypocritical report,
this is what I say!
668
00:42:25,711 --> 00:42:30,257
You addressed this woman
with stupefying audacity.
669
00:42:30,424 --> 00:42:34,720
Catch with her before she leaves
and excuse yourself.
670
00:42:34,887 --> 00:42:37,806
I had no intention of offending her.
671
00:42:37,973 --> 00:42:39,975
If she does not forgive you,
672
00:42:40,142 --> 00:42:42,937
your career
is seriously compromised.
673
00:42:43,103 --> 00:42:45,522
I'm running, headmaster.
674
00:42:58,160 --> 00:43:01,872
Good day, headmaster.
I have some advice to ask you.
675
00:43:02,039 --> 00:43:03,249
Come back at noon.
676
00:43:03,415 --> 00:43:06,460
Excuse me,
I should rather speak to you now.
677
00:43:06,627 --> 00:43:09,171
- I believe the timing's right.
- Go ahead.
678
00:43:09,338 --> 00:43:13,092
You're not only master and director
of this school,
679
00:43:13,259 --> 00:43:16,553
you're the highest moral authority.
680
00:43:16,720 --> 00:43:17,596
If you like.
681
00:43:17,763 --> 00:43:22,726
Which is why I seek your advice
on a personal affair.
682
00:43:22,893 --> 00:43:25,521
I have a friend who is young,
handsome,
683
00:43:25,688 --> 00:43:28,732
- and who has a promising future.
- And?
684
00:43:28,899 --> 00:43:30,859
He's in love with a young girl
685
00:43:31,026 --> 00:43:34,280
who is not indifferent
to his charm,
686
00:43:34,446 --> 00:43:36,573
for she encourages his advances.
687
00:43:36,740 --> 00:43:37,825
And?
688
00:43:37,992 --> 00:43:41,578
Normally, it should end in marriage,
689
00:43:41,745 --> 00:43:45,916
but there is a difference
in fortune and position.
690
00:43:46,083 --> 00:43:49,128
My friend is a lieutenant,
691
00:43:49,295 --> 00:43:52,131
and the young girl's father
is a general.
692
00:43:52,298 --> 00:43:54,675
Here is my question for you:
693
00:43:54,842 --> 00:43:59,513
if my friend approaches the father,
how will he react?
694
00:43:59,680 --> 00:44:03,892
A question that deserves study.
Is your friend an honest man?
695
00:44:04,059 --> 00:44:05,811
Yes, I guarantee it.
696
00:44:05,978 --> 00:44:08,397
Is the general kindhearted?
697
00:44:08,564 --> 00:44:10,357
He has a general's soul.
698
00:44:10,524 --> 00:44:15,696
Your friend should present himself.
He will be received with open arms.
699
00:44:15,863 --> 00:44:18,073
Well then, the general is you.
700
00:44:18,240 --> 00:44:19,325
I'm the general?
701
00:44:19,491 --> 00:44:23,871
The lieutenant is Topaze,
the girl the gracious Miss Muche.
702
00:44:24,038 --> 00:44:27,333
- Topaze wants to marry my daughter?
- Yes.
703
00:44:27,750 --> 00:44:31,086
And you say she's encouraged him?
704
00:44:31,253 --> 00:44:34,465
Very discreetly,
like a well-bred girl.
705
00:44:34,631 --> 00:44:36,175
For example?
706
00:44:36,342 --> 00:44:38,635
She entrusts him with her homework,
707
00:44:38,802 --> 00:44:41,096
they meet here during playtime.
708
00:44:41,722 --> 00:44:44,850
- It's idyllic.
- I'll study the question.
709
00:44:45,017 --> 00:44:46,477
- What do I tell Topaze?
- Nothing.
710
00:44:46,643 --> 00:44:50,147
I'll talk to him myself...
I have a question for you.
711
00:44:50,647 --> 00:44:54,276
- Do you think electricity is free?
- In what sense?
712
00:44:54,443 --> 00:44:58,489
You forgot to switch off the lights
in your classroom.
713
00:44:58,655 --> 00:45:01,283
They were still on this morning.
714
00:45:01,450 --> 00:45:05,162
I will withhold 300 francs
plus a 100-franc fine.
715
00:45:05,329 --> 00:45:06,372
Furthermore,
716
00:45:06,538 --> 00:45:09,416
if you were more attentive
in your classroom,
717
00:45:09,583 --> 00:45:14,630
I would not have the displeasure
of reading, engraved in a desk,
718
00:45:14,797 --> 00:45:18,092
in large capital letters:
"Muche is a swine."
719
00:45:18,258 --> 00:45:20,427
- Which desk?
- Go look, Mr. Tamise.
720
00:45:20,594 --> 00:45:24,723
Find the guilty party
or you'll replace the desk.
721
00:45:24,890 --> 00:45:28,519
And since you asked my advice,
listen to this:
722
00:45:28,685 --> 00:45:32,439
stick to your job rather than
playing matchmaker
723
00:45:32,606 --> 00:45:35,526
and manservant. Good day!
724
00:45:35,692 --> 00:45:37,403
I'm not retaining you!
725
00:45:42,783 --> 00:45:45,619
Is it true,
Topaze corrects your homework?
726
00:45:45,786 --> 00:45:47,287
- Yes, it's true.
- Why?
727
00:45:47,454 --> 00:45:49,415
Because I hate doing it.
728
00:45:49,581 --> 00:45:54,086
And if I find some imbecile
who's willing to, I see no harm.
729
00:45:54,253 --> 00:45:56,922
I don't reproach you for that,
730
00:45:57,089 --> 00:45:59,174
the principle is not condemnable.
731
00:45:59,341 --> 00:46:01,718
But why does the idiot do it?
732
00:46:01,885 --> 00:46:04,471
Because I lead him on.
733
00:46:04,638 --> 00:46:07,224
- You give nothing in exchange?
- Nothing!
734
00:46:07,391 --> 00:46:09,893
Then why does he think you love him?
735
00:46:10,060 --> 00:46:13,230
- He wants to ask for your hand.
- Let him ask.
736
00:46:13,397 --> 00:46:16,608
How would he dare
if things hadn't gone further?
737
00:46:16,775 --> 00:46:18,986
Tell me, what's between you?
738
00:46:19,153 --> 00:46:23,157
- Nothing, he makes eyes at me.
- That's all?
739
00:46:23,323 --> 00:46:25,117
- He tried to kiss me.
- Where?
740
00:46:25,284 --> 00:46:26,201
In his classroom.
741
00:46:26,368 --> 00:46:30,706
In a classroom! If the children saw
and told their parents!
742
00:46:30,873 --> 00:46:33,750
Do you want to chase away
our last students?
743
00:46:33,917 --> 00:46:35,586
The cook will do that.
744
00:46:35,752 --> 00:46:39,006
Answer me!
Rather than dishonoring your father.
745
00:46:39,173 --> 00:46:41,925
- There's nothing between you?
- Of course not.
746
00:46:42,092 --> 00:46:44,845
- Who do you think I am?
- Then come with me!
747
00:46:45,637 --> 00:46:50,100
The lady will not listen to me
before I find my mistake.
748
00:46:50,851 --> 00:46:52,644
But there is no mistake.
749
00:46:52,811 --> 00:46:55,647
I can't invent one.
750
00:46:55,814 --> 00:46:57,858
You're the disgrace of my school!
751
00:46:58,025 --> 00:47:01,403
You give private lessons
in secret for free,
752
00:47:01,945 --> 00:47:05,240
you announce new students
who refuse to enroll,
753
00:47:05,407 --> 00:47:09,077
you refuse to find errors
when parents demand it,
754
00:47:09,244 --> 00:47:12,289
- you rig your examinations...
- Headmaster...
755
00:47:12,456 --> 00:47:17,044
In addition to stupidity and deceit,
you add scandalous lechery!
756
00:47:17,461 --> 00:47:19,463
Me? Miss Muche!
757
00:47:19,630 --> 00:47:23,467
In this very classroom,
before your horrified students,
758
00:47:23,634 --> 00:47:26,428
didn't you dishonor my daughter?
759
00:47:26,595 --> 00:47:28,597
Me? Ernestine?
760
00:47:28,764 --> 00:47:31,975
To spare the school,
I won't call the police,
761
00:47:32,142 --> 00:47:34,937
but you can collect your pay
at once.
762
00:47:35,103 --> 00:47:37,022
As of 10:30 this morning
763
00:47:37,189 --> 00:47:39,233
you are no longer employed.
764
00:47:39,399 --> 00:47:41,818
Come on, Ernestine.
765
00:47:41,985 --> 00:47:45,072
Headmaster? Mr. Muche!
766
00:47:47,824 --> 00:47:49,284
Me, dismissed?
767
00:47:50,827 --> 00:47:51,912
It's dreadful.
768
00:48:38,208 --> 00:48:40,377
A day of misunderstandings.
769
00:48:45,257 --> 00:48:49,886
The examination is postponed
770
00:49:32,220 --> 00:49:33,972
Régis, you're joking.
771
00:49:34,139 --> 00:49:36,808
No, darling,
I have a million for you.
772
00:49:36,975 --> 00:49:41,021
I want one and a half
or you'll never set foot here again.
773
00:49:41,688 --> 00:49:44,107
One and a half,
that's a big present.
774
00:49:44,483 --> 00:49:47,694
It's not a present, it's my share!
775
00:49:48,278 --> 00:49:50,113
I do nothing for it, maybe?
776
00:49:50,280 --> 00:49:52,616
No, you give me precious advice.
777
00:49:52,783 --> 00:49:55,952
But if the mayor voted
my street sweeper machines,
778
00:49:56,119 --> 00:49:59,790
it's because I voted
his underground urinals.
779
00:49:59,956 --> 00:50:03,126
- A bit of respect, please.
- What do you mean?
780
00:50:03,794 --> 00:50:06,463
I don't like you
talking about urinals.
781
00:50:06,838 --> 00:50:10,467
Tell me clearly you want
to swindle me out of my share.
782
00:50:11,802 --> 00:50:13,178
I need it very soon.
783
00:50:13,804 --> 00:50:16,515
I promise you,
I have no liquid assets.
784
00:50:16,682 --> 00:50:19,726
The street sweepers
will bring in 10 million.
785
00:50:19,893 --> 00:50:22,938
10 million gross! I have expenses.
786
00:50:23,105 --> 00:50:27,150
On top of the usual bribes,
I have to pay the union 800,000.
787
00:50:27,317 --> 00:50:29,653
Why? The sweepers should be happy.
788
00:50:29,820 --> 00:50:33,490
Those who use the machines, yes,
not those who're laid off.
789
00:50:33,907 --> 00:50:35,992
- Why laid off?
- These machines
790
00:50:36,159 --> 00:50:38,078
will cause 220 layoffs.
791
00:50:38,245 --> 00:50:41,373
That's what allowed me
to get the vote.
792
00:50:41,665 --> 00:50:45,001
I must compensate the personal
or there will be trouble.
793
00:50:45,293 --> 00:50:49,256
Then there's the press,
and... my wife.
794
00:50:49,423 --> 00:50:50,382
Your wife what?
795
00:50:50,674 --> 00:50:52,801
I'll have to buy her a car
or a mink.
796
00:50:52,968 --> 00:50:56,972
I didn't realize you told your wife
about your frauds.
797
00:50:57,139 --> 00:51:00,767
I don't tell her a thing,
she reads the council minutes.
798
00:51:00,934 --> 00:51:03,645
Then she demands her share.
799
00:51:03,812 --> 00:51:07,566
If you spoil your wife,
you can't refuse your mistress.
800
00:51:08,066 --> 00:51:11,194
- Look at the balance sheet.
- I don't care.
801
00:51:11,361 --> 00:51:15,115
- I'll have to pay you myself.
- That's what you're here for.
802
00:51:15,574 --> 00:51:18,994
- That was a mean thing to say.
- Is it yes or no?
803
00:51:20,495 --> 00:51:21,872
It's yes!
804
00:51:23,039 --> 00:51:24,583
Mr. Roger Gaétan de Bersac.
805
00:51:24,750 --> 00:51:26,084
Bring him to my office.
806
00:51:26,251 --> 00:51:27,252
Very well, sir.
807
00:51:27,419 --> 00:51:29,796
- New business?
- No, the sweepers.
808
00:51:29,963 --> 00:51:32,841
The bid closes tomorrow,
it's not settled?
809
00:51:33,008 --> 00:51:36,344
- Yes, but he hasn't signed.
- He refused?
810
00:51:36,511 --> 00:51:40,974
He couldn't, his arm's been
in a sling. Dislocated ligament.
811
00:51:41,141 --> 00:51:43,560
What's this nonsense?
812
00:51:43,727 --> 00:51:46,229
An accident.
His starter was stuck,
813
00:51:46,396 --> 00:51:49,649
he tried to crank start it
and that was it.
814
00:51:49,816 --> 00:51:53,737
- Honey, you were taken for a ride.
- A ride?
815
00:51:53,904 --> 00:51:57,073
This gentleman playacted
to postpone signing.
816
00:51:57,657 --> 00:51:58,867
He's here now.
817
00:51:59,034 --> 00:52:01,912
- On what conditions?
- Five percent, as usual.
818
00:52:02,162 --> 00:52:05,207
- Don't count on it!
- Is he up to something?
819
00:52:05,373 --> 00:52:07,709
We have to finalize it tonight.
820
00:52:07,876 --> 00:52:12,172
If I were in his shoes,
I'd ask for 35%, he'll want 30%.
821
00:52:12,339 --> 00:52:15,967
If the bastard tries that,
he won't get away with it!
822
00:52:16,134 --> 00:52:19,638
Calm down, darling.
It's not the moment to shout.
823
00:52:19,805 --> 00:52:22,724
Let's see what can be saved.
824
00:52:22,891 --> 00:52:27,562
Avoid any outbursts of insults
which will only ruin things.
825
00:52:27,729 --> 00:52:29,981
Be calm and distinguished.
826
00:52:31,858 --> 00:52:33,276
If you can.
827
00:52:35,946 --> 00:52:39,407
- Mr. Gaston's in his room?
- Yes sir, waiting for you.
828
00:52:39,574 --> 00:52:40,742
Thank you.
829
00:52:44,037 --> 00:52:46,665
- Hello, Mr. Topaze.
- Hello, madam.
830
00:52:48,124 --> 00:52:49,501
You need something?
831
00:52:49,668 --> 00:52:53,129
This morning,
you asked if I could give Mr. Gaston
832
00:52:53,296 --> 00:52:54,923
lessons two hours a day.
833
00:52:55,090 --> 00:52:58,301
I wanted to say,
if your proposal still holds,
834
00:52:58,468 --> 00:53:00,136
I'm ready to accept.
835
00:53:00,303 --> 00:53:04,808
It's impossible now, his father's
coming to take him home.
836
00:53:04,975 --> 00:53:07,060
Very well, madam.
837
00:53:07,269 --> 00:53:08,687
Are you disappointed?
838
00:53:08,854 --> 00:53:12,524
This morning you told me
you didn't have time.
839
00:53:13,441 --> 00:53:14,734
True, madam,
840
00:53:14,901 --> 00:53:18,613
but since 10:30,
I have much more free time.
841
00:53:19,406 --> 00:53:21,491
Mr. Muche reduced your hours?
842
00:53:21,783 --> 00:53:23,577
Yes, he reduced them.
843
00:53:23,743 --> 00:53:25,996
In fact, he reduced them to nothing.
844
00:53:26,454 --> 00:53:28,540
He pays you to do nothing?
845
00:53:29,040 --> 00:53:33,378
That is to say,
he reduced my wages proportionately.
846
00:53:33,962 --> 00:53:37,507
- That was a mean thing to say.
- Is it yes or no?
847
00:53:38,049 --> 00:53:39,384
He threw me out.
848
00:53:39,551 --> 00:53:42,178
How unfortunate. It wasn't my visit?
849
00:53:42,345 --> 00:53:43,722
No, madam.
850
00:53:43,889 --> 00:53:47,559
Merely a series
of incredible misunderstandings.
851
00:53:48,143 --> 00:53:51,438
May I give one last lesson
to Mr. Gaston?
852
00:53:51,605 --> 00:53:54,024
Of course, he's waiting for you.
853
00:53:56,943 --> 00:53:59,279
I'll give him a farewell dictation.
854
00:53:59,779 --> 00:54:01,197
Perfect.
855
00:54:10,415 --> 00:54:11,917
OK, drop it.
856
00:54:12,083 --> 00:54:16,254
Considering our differences,
I think this discussion is over.
857
00:54:16,713 --> 00:54:18,423
What? You're leaving?
858
00:54:18,590 --> 00:54:20,383
- One million.
- A million?
859
00:54:20,550 --> 00:54:23,887
- He demands one million.
- And he offers me 300,000.
860
00:54:24,054 --> 00:54:27,182
300,000 isn't much,
but a million is enormous!
861
00:54:27,349 --> 00:54:28,558
Enormous!
862
00:54:28,725 --> 00:54:31,561
If that's not a madman's claim,
what is?
863
00:54:31,728 --> 00:54:33,188
The madman will depart.
864
00:54:33,355 --> 00:54:34,648
Madam, allow me.
865
00:54:34,814 --> 00:54:39,069
Come on, you can't lose this deal
because you're in bad moods!
866
00:54:39,235 --> 00:54:40,570
Let's have a drink.
867
00:54:40,737 --> 00:54:43,823
"And one of his officers...
868
00:54:44,783 --> 00:54:46,868
"of his officers
869
00:54:49,079 --> 00:54:51,373
"known...
870
00:54:52,082 --> 00:54:54,501
"known for his bravery
871
00:54:56,169 --> 00:54:58,880
"and its severity", comma...
872
00:54:59,047 --> 00:55:01,549
Régis, shake the cocktails.
873
00:55:01,716 --> 00:55:04,386
- May I ask a question?
- Of course, madam.
874
00:55:04,552 --> 00:55:08,264
Why this sum? Until now
your demands were more modest.
875
00:55:08,431 --> 00:55:11,351
You took 5%
for the school heating units.
876
00:55:11,518 --> 00:55:15,730
Yes I took 5%, but I was,
pardon the expression, a sucker.
877
00:55:15,897 --> 00:55:17,899
A sucker who got 450,000 francs.
878
00:55:18,066 --> 00:55:19,901
And you, 7 million. Compare.
879
00:55:20,068 --> 00:55:23,655
For God's sake,
who's the town councilor? You or me?
880
00:55:23,822 --> 00:55:25,031
You avoid the point.
881
00:55:25,198 --> 00:55:26,658
Not at all!
882
00:55:26,825 --> 00:55:30,328
Would the council have voted
the installation without me?
883
00:55:30,662 --> 00:55:34,457
Not on your life.
We'd just bought brand new stoves.
884
00:55:35,000 --> 00:55:37,711
We had to smash them
with sledgehammers!
885
00:55:37,877 --> 00:55:40,755
Even if we needed steam radiators,
886
00:55:40,922 --> 00:55:42,966
- would we have come to you?
- Why not?
887
00:55:43,133 --> 00:55:45,844
You didn't even know what they were!
888
00:55:46,011 --> 00:55:50,015
You wrote "gladiator" five times
in your report.
889
00:55:50,181 --> 00:55:52,892
- I've all the more merit.
- That's true.
890
00:55:53,059 --> 00:55:55,353
But all you do is lend your name.
891
00:55:55,520 --> 00:55:56,730
That's right.
892
00:55:56,896 --> 00:55:58,440
That's right!
893
00:55:58,606 --> 00:56:01,943
- Don't be unfair, it counts.
- Especially my name.
894
00:56:02,110 --> 00:56:04,279
Roger Gaétan de Bersac.
895
00:56:04,446 --> 00:56:07,991
Since yesterday, I'm treasurer
of the Gay-Lussac circle.
896
00:56:08,158 --> 00:56:11,244
Which proves
my reputation has integrity.
897
00:56:11,411 --> 00:56:15,582
And integrity costs money
because it's hard to find.
898
00:56:15,749 --> 00:56:18,710
I've known people with integrity
who took 4%.
899
00:56:18,877 --> 00:56:20,962
Yes, people with no standing.
900
00:56:21,129 --> 00:56:25,008
I must demand sums
that correspond to my standing.
901
00:56:25,175 --> 00:56:29,679
When I met you, you had debts.
I got you back on your feet.
902
00:56:29,846 --> 00:56:32,015
- That's what you say.
- And how!
903
00:56:32,182 --> 00:56:34,601
Your car? The wood cobblestones.
904
00:56:34,768 --> 00:56:37,520
Your studio?
The slaughterhouse lighting.
905
00:56:37,687 --> 00:56:40,565
Your mistress's mink?
The morgue refrigerating.
906
00:56:40,732 --> 00:56:42,776
You're avoiding the point.
907
00:56:42,942 --> 00:56:46,738
No, I'm not. This is the point.
The truth is,
908
00:56:46,905 --> 00:56:48,198
you're ungrateful.
909
00:56:48,364 --> 00:56:51,826
So that's it,
your sling was a mere maneuver.
910
00:56:51,993 --> 00:56:52,869
Sir.
911
00:56:53,036 --> 00:56:55,830
A wicked maneuver
to cover blackmail.
912
00:56:55,997 --> 00:56:58,291
Well, it's disgusting.
913
00:56:58,458 --> 00:56:59,584
Régis!
914
00:56:59,751 --> 00:57:01,920
You dare suggest that...
915
00:57:02,087 --> 00:57:06,132
I wasn't born yesterday.
I did it before you.
916
00:57:06,299 --> 00:57:09,219
Then you know the strength
of my position.
917
00:57:09,385 --> 00:57:12,555
I've got you over barrel, it's true.
But tell me:
918
00:57:12,722 --> 00:57:15,266
what would you think of me
otherwise?
919
00:57:15,850 --> 00:57:19,312
I'd think you were my friend.
Roger, you are a friend.
920
00:57:19,479 --> 00:57:20,814
Yes, I'm a friend.
921
00:57:20,980 --> 00:57:23,483
But I want your esteem:
a million or nothing.
922
00:57:23,858 --> 00:57:26,736
Listen to me!
I don't like being played with.
923
00:57:26,903 --> 00:57:30,824
No million, no 500,000, no 100,000.
It'll be nothing.
924
00:57:30,990 --> 00:57:33,701
I'd rather renounce
than deal with a madman.
925
00:57:33,868 --> 00:57:35,703
Cancel the loans.
926
00:57:36,287 --> 00:57:39,541
We'll do without sweepers
because you're a bad citizen.
927
00:57:39,707 --> 00:57:41,251
You're being hard.
928
00:57:41,417 --> 00:57:43,086
And a bad Frenchman.
929
00:57:43,253 --> 00:57:44,712
You attack my honor!
930
00:57:45,547 --> 00:57:48,967
It's not your honor I aim,
but your heart.
931
00:57:49,134 --> 00:57:51,636
Mr. Roger de Bersac,
932
00:57:51,803 --> 00:57:55,223
won't you make a small sacrifice
for our street sweepers?
933
00:57:55,640 --> 00:57:59,769
Think of these unfortunates,
every day at dawn,
934
00:57:59,936 --> 00:58:03,940
sweeping debris into the gutter
with coarse broomsticks.
935
00:58:04,107 --> 00:58:05,567
In the 20th century,
936
00:58:05,733 --> 00:58:08,444
can we stand seeing
these men, electors,
937
00:58:08,611 --> 00:58:11,239
wasting their strength
on demeaning tasks?
938
00:58:11,406 --> 00:58:15,034
When machinery allows us
to replace them with a truck,
939
00:58:15,201 --> 00:58:19,581
clean, efficient, smart-looking.
Can we stand for this?
940
00:58:19,747 --> 00:58:23,251
Can we stand hearing
his town councilor's speech?
941
00:58:23,585 --> 00:58:26,713
If you make fun of such things,
then farewell!
942
00:58:26,880 --> 00:58:28,798
Don't get upset over nothing.
943
00:58:28,965 --> 00:58:32,051
I'm an elected member,
I won't be insulted.
944
00:58:32,218 --> 00:58:33,386
Who's insulting you?
945
00:58:33,553 --> 00:58:37,056
This shark could show some respect
for my function!
946
00:58:37,223 --> 00:58:39,809
Madam, I cannot stand this.
My respects.
947
00:58:39,976 --> 00:58:41,895
You haven't tasted your drink.
948
00:58:42,061 --> 00:58:45,607
No! No more drinks,
no more sweepers, no more agency.
949
00:58:45,773 --> 00:58:48,651
He can starve on a street corner
for all I care.
950
00:58:48,818 --> 00:58:51,112
Tell him to get lost!
951
00:58:51,279 --> 00:58:53,448
In your family, you get lost.
952
00:58:53,615 --> 00:58:56,367
In my family, we take leave.
953
00:58:56,701 --> 00:58:57,744
Madam.
954
00:59:03,917 --> 00:59:06,377
That's how you bungle
a fabulous deal.
955
00:59:07,170 --> 00:59:09,214
Shouldn't you have been more wary?
956
00:59:09,380 --> 00:59:12,592
What can I say? I'm too honest!
957
00:59:13,426 --> 00:59:16,179
Crookedness always astounds me.
958
00:59:16,846 --> 00:59:18,848
Times are getting tough.
959
00:59:19,182 --> 00:59:23,436
My dad never trusted friends,
but I thought accomplices were safe.
960
00:59:23,603 --> 00:59:25,980
That's changed too. What a world!
961
00:59:26,147 --> 00:59:27,482
I hope you won't cry?
962
00:59:27,649 --> 00:59:30,318
A missed opportunity, that's all.
963
00:59:30,485 --> 00:59:31,903
That's all you have to say?
964
00:59:32,070 --> 00:59:33,321
What else can I do?
965
00:59:33,488 --> 00:59:35,657
You must know other frontmen?
966
00:59:38,618 --> 00:59:40,370
Try to reach Ménétrier.
967
00:59:40,536 --> 00:59:44,958
He's gone. Someone gave him
a nice mountain range in Tananarive.
968
00:59:45,124 --> 00:59:48,336
- He went to sell it to the locals.
- Then who else?
969
00:59:49,212 --> 00:59:50,630
I'm thinking.
970
00:59:51,297 --> 00:59:53,258
What about Malaval?
971
00:59:53,424 --> 00:59:54,592
His cover's blown.
972
00:59:54,759 --> 00:59:56,469
And Faubert?
973
00:59:56,636 --> 00:59:58,888
Faubert, that would be a dream.
974
00:59:59,472 --> 01:00:01,140
Such a nice kid.
975
01:00:01,307 --> 01:00:04,686
A clever, devoted collaborator.
So reputable.
976
01:00:05,353 --> 01:00:06,938
Wagram 8602.
977
01:00:07,105 --> 01:00:08,481
Not now, he's in jail.
978
01:00:08,648 --> 01:00:09,399
And Picard?
979
01:00:11,025 --> 01:00:13,111
Why not? He'd be perfect.
980
01:00:13,278 --> 01:00:16,322
He's serious, he has connections.
Why not him?
981
01:00:16,489 --> 01:00:18,908
He's my wife's lover.
982
01:00:19,075 --> 01:00:20,493
Sorry, I didn't know.
983
01:00:20,660 --> 01:00:24,330
The whole town knows.
You're the only one who doesn't.
984
01:00:24,747 --> 01:00:27,166
Shows how little I interest you.
985
01:00:27,333 --> 01:00:30,461
I knew she had a lover,
I just didn't know who.
986
01:00:30,628 --> 01:00:32,046
I'll reread.
987
01:00:32,547 --> 01:00:35,758
"When Boabdil", comma,
988
01:00:36,259 --> 01:00:40,972
"King of Granada left
the kingdom of his people", comma,
989
01:00:41,139 --> 01:00:44,392
"he stopped on a hill
overlooking the valley
990
01:00:44,559 --> 01:00:47,020
"and tears welled up in his eyes."
991
01:00:47,186 --> 01:00:48,604
Period. New paragraph.
992
01:00:48,771 --> 01:00:51,774
It can't be that hard
to find someone.
993
01:00:51,941 --> 01:00:54,819
I see you haven't examined
the problem.
994
01:00:55,236 --> 01:00:57,155
Nothing is more delicate.
995
01:00:57,322 --> 01:01:01,117
If you take a morbidly honest man,
he'll refuse most deals.
996
01:01:01,284 --> 01:01:02,869
And a modern-minded man
997
01:01:03,036 --> 01:01:05,955
can push modernism so far
as to rob us.
998
01:01:06,122 --> 01:01:08,958
The deals are all in his name.
999
01:01:09,125 --> 01:01:11,419
And we can't take him to court.
1000
01:01:11,586 --> 01:01:15,256
In short, we need someone honest
to do dirty deals.
1001
01:01:15,423 --> 01:01:19,052
Let's use innocent words
to cleanse our mouths.
1002
01:01:19,260 --> 01:01:23,306
We need someone to do business
today in yesterday's manner.
1003
01:01:23,473 --> 01:01:26,893
Or a relation.
Someone we hold something over.
1004
01:01:27,060 --> 01:01:31,397
An honorable name,
or a sense of family obligation.
1005
01:01:32,023 --> 01:01:34,901
Like your sister's lover,
if she only had one.
1006
01:01:35,318 --> 01:01:37,904
Your brother,
if he didn't have a record.
1007
01:01:38,071 --> 01:01:40,865
Or your father,
if you knew who he was.
1008
01:01:41,032 --> 01:01:42,867
How much would you pay?
1009
01:01:43,743 --> 01:01:47,038
I'd pay up to 500,000
for the street sweepers.
1010
01:01:47,372 --> 01:01:50,041
- And for the agency?
- 10%.
1011
01:01:51,209 --> 01:01:53,127
Could I keep the difference?
1012
01:01:54,003 --> 01:01:56,756
- Yeah, what's your idea?
- Topaze.
1013
01:01:57,215 --> 01:01:58,257
Who's Topaze?
1014
01:01:58,424 --> 01:01:59,634
Gaston's teacher.
1015
01:01:59,801 --> 01:02:01,344
The bearded fellow?
1016
01:02:01,511 --> 01:02:04,597
This isn't a new idea,
I've been thinking of it.
1017
01:02:04,764 --> 01:02:07,183
With him there's no danger.
1018
01:02:07,350 --> 01:02:08,017
Why not?
1019
01:02:08,184 --> 01:02:10,228
We hold something over him.
1020
01:02:10,395 --> 01:02:11,396
- Which is?
- Me.
1021
01:02:11,562 --> 01:02:13,523
Sure. You think that and...
1022
01:02:13,689 --> 01:02:16,442
If I ask him,
he'll sign eyes closed.
1023
01:02:16,609 --> 01:02:19,487
He's badly dressed
so he's honest?
1024
01:02:19,654 --> 01:02:22,865
I've known blackmailers
who looked poor.
1025
01:02:23,032 --> 01:02:25,618
But if he agrees, he'll keep silent.
1026
01:02:26,494 --> 01:02:30,289
When he's done a few deals,
he'll be inoffensive.
1027
01:02:31,582 --> 01:02:32,959
We can always try.
1028
01:02:33,126 --> 01:02:35,128
Open quotation marks.
1029
01:02:35,294 --> 01:02:40,007
"Cry like a woman over that
which you did not keep as a man."
1030
01:02:40,174 --> 01:02:42,593
End of quotation. Come in.
1031
01:02:44,137 --> 01:02:46,305
Madam wishes to see you.
1032
01:02:46,472 --> 01:02:48,808
- Right away?
- Yes, right away.
1033
01:02:48,975 --> 01:02:50,893
Very well, I'm coming.
1034
01:02:58,234 --> 01:03:01,946
My dear friend,
let me introduce you to Mr. Topaze.
1035
01:03:02,113 --> 01:03:05,241
Mr. Castel-Vernac
is an important businessman.
1036
01:03:05,408 --> 01:03:07,410
I'm very honored.
1037
01:03:07,577 --> 01:03:09,412
The honor is all mine.
1038
01:03:09,871 --> 01:03:11,164
You're very kind.
1039
01:03:11,330 --> 01:03:13,666
Not at all, not at all.
1040
01:03:14,167 --> 01:03:17,378
Sit down and have a drink with us.
1041
01:03:17,670 --> 01:03:19,839
It's a great honor, madam.
1042
01:03:23,885 --> 01:03:26,387
I spoke of you to Mr. Castel-Vernac.
1043
01:03:26,554 --> 01:03:28,306
Madam, you're too kind.
1044
01:03:28,473 --> 01:03:31,058
And he wants to help you.
1045
01:03:31,559 --> 01:03:33,227
Sir, I'm very grateful.
1046
01:03:33,394 --> 01:03:37,648
Not at all, it's only natural.
Madam has spoken of your value.
1047
01:03:38,065 --> 01:03:40,610
- Oh, you know...
- Yes, yes!
1048
01:03:40,776 --> 01:03:44,071
Value that is currently unemployed?
1049
01:03:44,405 --> 01:03:46,407
Yes, that's it.
1050
01:03:46,574 --> 01:03:49,160
Mr. Castel-Vernac
wishes to exploit this value.
1051
01:03:50,119 --> 01:03:52,955
He wishes to exploit this value.
1052
01:03:54,957 --> 01:03:57,251
Are you keen to stay in teaching?
1053
01:03:57,418 --> 01:04:00,505
Keen to stay in teaching?
Yes, madam.
1054
01:04:00,880 --> 01:04:02,006
Why?
1055
01:04:02,173 --> 01:04:05,718
Because it's
a highly respected profession
1056
01:04:06,636 --> 01:04:08,804
which is not tiring
1057
01:04:08,971 --> 01:04:11,891
- and rather lucrative.
- Rather lucrative?
1058
01:04:17,313 --> 01:04:19,023
This wine is strong.
1059
01:04:19,815 --> 01:04:21,359
Yes, rather strong.
1060
01:04:22,818 --> 01:04:24,987
What can you earn teaching?
1061
01:04:26,864 --> 01:04:30,576
Certain private tutors like myself
earn up to 18,000.
1062
01:04:30,743 --> 01:04:31,827
Per month?
1063
01:04:31,994 --> 01:04:34,956
Yes. But teachers must invest
in clothing.
1064
01:04:35,122 --> 01:04:39,794
They are sometimes called upon
to mingle in high society.
1065
01:04:39,961 --> 01:04:43,381
- But when you earn 18,000 francs...
- It's fine.
1066
01:04:43,548 --> 01:04:47,218
The question of earnings
is a bit vulgar, but important.
1067
01:04:47,385 --> 01:04:51,806
Money doesn't bring happiness,
but we're happy to have it.
1068
01:04:53,933 --> 01:04:57,520
The situation that Sir
might propose you
1069
01:04:57,687 --> 01:04:59,480
would enable you to earn more.
1070
01:04:59,647 --> 01:05:02,984
Not a lot more,
but a little bit more.
1071
01:05:03,568 --> 01:05:07,572
I could offer you a fixed salary,
plus a percentage.
1072
01:05:08,197 --> 01:05:10,783
You'd earn 40,000 francs on average.
1073
01:05:11,117 --> 01:05:12,702
- A month?
- Yes.
1074
01:05:13,911 --> 01:05:15,788
- For me?
- Yes.
1075
01:05:17,164 --> 01:05:18,583
For what kind of lessons?
1076
01:05:18,749 --> 01:05:19,959
It's not lessons.
1077
01:05:20,126 --> 01:05:24,463
I need someone to carry out
certain functions that are...
1078
01:05:24,630 --> 01:05:27,174
I wouldn't say difficult,
1079
01:05:27,341 --> 01:05:29,802
but delicate.
1080
01:05:29,969 --> 01:05:34,432
Would I be capable of carrying out
these delicate functions?
1081
01:05:34,599 --> 01:05:35,766
We shall see.
1082
01:05:41,772 --> 01:05:43,733
May I look at you?
1083
01:05:43,899 --> 01:05:45,610
Naturally, sir.
1084
01:05:55,828 --> 01:05:56,996
A few questions?
1085
01:05:57,413 --> 01:05:59,832
- With pleasure, sir.
- Do you have family?
1086
01:05:59,999 --> 01:06:03,753
No, I'm alone in the world.
All alone.
1087
01:06:03,919 --> 01:06:05,338
That's perfect.
1088
01:06:05,504 --> 01:06:08,341
I mean, how sad, but that's destiny.
1089
01:06:08,841 --> 01:06:11,677
- Who are your relations?
- My colleagues.
1090
01:06:11,844 --> 01:06:15,097
I mean my former colleagues
from the Muche school.
1091
01:06:15,264 --> 01:06:19,560
And an old army comrade
who's a waiter.
1092
01:06:19,727 --> 01:06:22,855
Please see these good people
as little as possible.
1093
01:06:23,022 --> 01:06:26,275
- And never in our offices.
- Naturally.
1094
01:06:26,734 --> 01:06:29,904
But what would my functions be?
1095
01:06:30,071 --> 01:06:32,823
My dear Topaze,
may I call you "my dear Topaze"?
1096
01:06:32,990 --> 01:06:35,242
- It's a great honor for me.
- Sit down.
1097
01:06:35,409 --> 01:06:38,954
My dear Topaze,
I'm creating a new business agency.
1098
01:06:39,121 --> 01:06:43,501
But since I'm overwhelmed with work,
I need a right-hand man.
1099
01:06:43,668 --> 01:06:45,628
The agency will be in his name,
1100
01:06:45,795 --> 01:06:48,756
in a certain sense,
he'll be the director.
1101
01:06:49,090 --> 01:06:51,050
This would be your post.
1102
01:06:51,217 --> 01:06:53,219
Your trust honors me,
1103
01:06:53,386 --> 01:06:56,138
but I fear you don't know
my capacities.
1104
01:06:56,305 --> 01:06:59,558
You're a teacher, Mr. Topaze!
1105
01:06:59,725 --> 01:07:02,228
Precisely, madam, I am a teacher.
1106
01:07:02,395 --> 01:07:06,399
Outside of the classroom,
I'm good for nothing.
1107
01:07:06,565 --> 01:07:09,193
- You can dictate?
- Oh, that yes!
1108
01:07:09,360 --> 01:07:12,863
You'll dictate letters
and check spelling.
1109
01:07:13,030 --> 01:07:15,074
Spelling I can take care of.
1110
01:07:15,241 --> 01:07:18,244
- And you can sign your name?
- Of course.
1111
01:07:18,411 --> 01:07:22,331
My signature is not pretty,
but it's hard to imitate.
1112
01:07:22,498 --> 01:07:24,834
No student has ever succeeded.
1113
01:07:25,000 --> 01:07:27,294
Then you'll sign for me.
1114
01:07:27,461 --> 01:07:30,005
What do you think of this proposal?
1115
01:07:30,423 --> 01:07:35,136
I think it's the chance of my life
and it's all thanks to you.
1116
01:07:35,302 --> 01:07:35,970
Oh no...
1117
01:07:36,137 --> 01:07:37,555
- I forgot.
- What?
1118
01:07:37,722 --> 01:07:39,557
- Where were you born?
- In Arles.
1119
01:07:39,724 --> 01:07:41,142
The sweepers are off.
1120
01:07:42,309 --> 01:07:44,228
Why? Because I'm from Arles?
1121
01:07:44,395 --> 01:07:47,398
- We've no time to get his papers.
- That's true.
1122
01:07:48,107 --> 01:07:50,860
- Here they are.
- You carry them with you?
1123
01:07:51,026 --> 01:07:53,946
Only by chance,
Mr. Muche gave them back to me.
1124
01:07:54,113 --> 01:07:56,907
- That's amazing!
- You see, God sent him!
1125
01:07:57,074 --> 01:07:59,952
No madam, it was only Mr. Muche.
1126
01:08:00,119 --> 01:08:01,120
What do you say?
1127
01:08:01,287 --> 01:08:03,539
We have everything we need.
1128
01:08:03,706 --> 01:08:05,750
He can sign for the sweepers?
1129
01:08:06,709 --> 01:08:08,961
I find myself in an unknown world.
1130
01:08:09,128 --> 01:08:10,546
This isn't too fast?
1131
01:08:10,713 --> 01:08:13,716
I want to go fast, don't hesitate.
1132
01:08:13,883 --> 01:08:15,468
- What do we risk?
- Nothing.
1133
01:08:15,634 --> 01:08:18,345
I'm not sure to succeed,
but we can try.
1134
01:08:18,512 --> 01:08:21,223
- You take full responsibility?
- Absolutely.
1135
01:08:21,390 --> 01:08:24,143
So be it.
I'll give you my signature first.
1136
01:08:24,310 --> 01:08:26,854
Oh, thank you.
1137
01:08:29,690 --> 01:08:34,779
"Pay to the order of Albert Topaze
the sum of 60,000 francs." Why?
1138
01:08:34,945 --> 01:08:37,531
Your commission
plus a one-month advance.
1139
01:08:38,073 --> 01:08:41,076
60,000 francs?
It's too good to be true.
1140
01:08:41,243 --> 01:08:45,790
Sit down.
Now you sign these papers for me.
1141
01:08:49,251 --> 01:08:51,337
Madam, sir,
1142
01:08:52,338 --> 01:08:56,342
it is with great emotion
and everlasting gratitude
1143
01:08:56,509 --> 01:08:58,469
that I sign these papers.
1144
01:09:01,055 --> 01:09:03,140
Under your name write:
"Business Agent".
1145
01:09:05,601 --> 01:09:08,354
Thank you, dear director.
1146
01:09:08,687 --> 01:09:11,106
I have to run, I'll be right back.
1147
01:09:11,273 --> 01:09:14,652
If you care to wait,
we'll have time to chat.
1148
01:09:14,819 --> 01:09:16,362
I hope you're happy.
1149
01:09:16,529 --> 01:09:19,615
Madam, how can I express
my devotion?
1150
01:09:19,782 --> 01:09:21,617
By fulfilling your function.
1151
01:09:21,784 --> 01:09:24,662
For the moment,
you sign and keep quiet.
1152
01:09:24,829 --> 01:09:26,080
Keep quiet?
1153
01:09:26,413 --> 01:09:28,833
In business,
discretion is everything.
1154
01:09:28,999 --> 01:09:31,293
Very important!
Professional secrecy.
1155
01:09:31,460 --> 01:09:32,795
Like doctors.
1156
01:09:32,962 --> 01:09:35,256
I'll need other signatures later.
1157
01:09:35,422 --> 01:09:37,132
May I borrow Madam?
1158
01:09:37,299 --> 01:09:39,176
With pleasure, sir.
1159
01:09:39,343 --> 01:09:42,471
- What do you mean with pleasure?
- I mean...
1160
01:09:44,306 --> 01:09:45,850
He's incredible.
1161
01:09:54,108 --> 01:09:55,776
Director...
1162
01:09:56,777 --> 01:09:58,404
Dear director...
1163
01:09:59,905 --> 01:10:01,615
60,000 francs.
1164
01:10:02,658 --> 01:10:06,912
429 lessons at 1.40 francs.
1165
01:10:08,956 --> 01:10:10,791
Business is amazing.
1166
01:10:12,251 --> 01:10:16,463
If Tamise saw me,
he who called me a social climber.
1167
01:10:17,131 --> 01:10:19,174
Maybe he was right.
1168
01:10:35,316 --> 01:10:38,777
- You like painting?
- I'm rather curious.
1169
01:10:39,486 --> 01:10:42,615
- Do you paint?
- No, sir.
1170
01:10:42,865 --> 01:10:45,451
- Are you an art merchant?
- No.
1171
01:10:46,201 --> 01:10:47,953
I'm in business.
1172
01:10:49,788 --> 01:10:51,081
Me too.
1173
01:10:52,374 --> 01:10:53,834
A friend of Castel-Vernac?
1174
01:10:54,001 --> 01:10:57,504
I can't say a friend,
though he's very friendly.
1175
01:10:57,671 --> 01:10:59,840
I'm a mere collaborator.
1176
01:11:00,007 --> 01:11:01,008
For a long time?
1177
01:11:01,175 --> 01:11:05,471
Only several minutes.
But I hope for a long time.
1178
01:11:05,638 --> 01:11:06,972
The sweepers, it's you?
1179
01:11:07,389 --> 01:11:08,641
The sweepers?
1180
01:11:08,807 --> 01:11:13,145
Sir, in business,
discretion is everything.
1181
01:11:13,312 --> 01:11:15,731
- Especially for such deals.
- Perhaps.
1182
01:11:15,898 --> 01:11:19,485
Not perhaps, surely!
I know about the sweepers.
1183
01:11:19,818 --> 01:11:24,114
I know someone else who could've
done it for cheap. Like you.
1184
01:11:24,281 --> 01:11:27,368
For cheap? Like me?
1185
01:11:28,410 --> 01:11:31,246
Between us,
how much is he paying you?
1186
01:11:31,413 --> 01:11:35,292
This I can answer
because it concerns myself.
1187
01:11:36,335 --> 01:11:37,503
Take a look.
1188
01:11:39,046 --> 01:11:40,965
60,000? That's your commission?
1189
01:11:41,131 --> 01:11:43,425
My salary and commission!
1190
01:11:43,884 --> 01:11:46,762
- You think it's funny?
- A little, yes.
1191
01:11:47,304 --> 01:11:49,974
I had no difficulty obtaining
this sum,
1192
01:11:50,140 --> 01:11:52,267
he offered it to me.
1193
01:11:53,143 --> 01:11:56,105
In business,
it's often useful to act dumb,
1194
01:11:56,271 --> 01:11:58,232
but you push it rather far.
1195
01:11:58,732 --> 01:12:03,904
I find it painful to be called dumb
by someone I hardly know.
1196
01:12:04,071 --> 01:12:08,993
Out of respect for our hostess,
perhaps we should stop here.
1197
01:12:09,159 --> 01:12:13,414
Such respect for a man
who'll send you to criminal court?
1198
01:12:13,580 --> 01:12:17,209
- Criminal court?
- Maybe sooner than you think.
1199
01:12:17,376 --> 01:12:19,628
It's not me who'll denounce you.
1200
01:12:19,795 --> 01:12:23,590
But there are other people
who could spill the beans.
1201
01:12:23,757 --> 01:12:27,928
If you agreed to be a man of straw
for this sum, it's regrettable.
1202
01:12:28,095 --> 01:12:30,764
You talk about this affair
1203
01:12:30,931 --> 01:12:33,100
as if it were dishonest.
1204
01:12:33,600 --> 01:12:35,769
I demand an explanation.
1205
01:12:35,936 --> 01:12:38,897
Of all the rascal's dirty deals,
1206
01:12:39,064 --> 01:12:42,401
the street sweepers
is by far the most dangerous.
1207
01:12:42,568 --> 01:12:46,739
To whom, in your mind,
does the term "rascal" apply?
1208
01:12:46,905 --> 01:12:49,324
Our brilliant town councilor.
1209
01:12:49,491 --> 01:12:51,160
What town councilor?
1210
01:12:51,326 --> 01:12:54,621
You didn't know Castel-Vernac
was town councilor?
1211
01:12:54,788 --> 01:12:55,664
No.
1212
01:12:55,831 --> 01:12:58,333
Then you don't realize
what he expects?
1213
01:12:58,500 --> 01:13:02,004
I must assist him and sign papers,
no more.
1214
01:13:02,171 --> 01:13:03,338
No more?
1215
01:13:03,505 --> 01:13:06,341
That's a good one.
What is your background?
1216
01:13:06,508 --> 01:13:10,054
- I'm a schoolteacher.
- I should have guessed.
1217
01:13:10,220 --> 01:13:14,933
If I were you, I'd grab my hat
and run. You've no business here.
1218
01:13:15,100 --> 01:13:18,729
You cannot slander people
without elucidation.
1219
01:13:18,896 --> 01:13:20,814
What has my benefactor done?
1220
01:13:20,981 --> 01:13:25,027
Your benefactor
uses his political mandate to vote
1221
01:13:25,194 --> 01:13:27,321
the purchase of anything at all.
1222
01:13:27,488 --> 01:13:30,991
Which he then supplies
via a frontman.
1223
01:13:31,158 --> 01:13:34,244
- That would be corrupt practice!
- Maybe.
1224
01:13:34,411 --> 01:13:36,371
The most shameful form of theft.'
1225
01:13:36,538 --> 01:13:41,001
He didn't invent it, it's the basis
of all democratic systems.
1226
01:13:41,460 --> 01:13:45,172
- And others too.
- Proof! Give me proof!
1227
01:13:45,339 --> 01:13:48,926
I'm happy to enlighten you,
but never say who told you.
1228
01:13:49,093 --> 01:13:50,803
If it's true, I promise silence!
1229
01:13:50,969 --> 01:13:53,347
This being the enemy's lair,
1230
01:13:53,639 --> 01:13:58,310
I'd rather invite you
to a charming little bar nearby.
1231
01:13:58,936 --> 01:14:01,313
If teaching hasn't ruined you,
1232
01:14:01,480 --> 01:14:04,691
one glance at these papers
and you'll understand.
1233
01:14:04,858 --> 01:14:07,236
If you've lied, I'll denounce you.
1234
01:14:07,402 --> 01:14:10,656
And rightly so. But follow me first.
1235
01:14:15,744 --> 01:14:17,037
The coast is clear.
1236
01:14:20,374 --> 01:14:21,500
That's it.
1237
01:14:22,793 --> 01:14:24,962
The tender's been submitted.
1238
01:14:25,671 --> 01:14:26,964
Where's your protégée?
1239
01:14:27,131 --> 01:14:30,259
I think he's giving a lesson
to Gaston.
1240
01:14:32,010 --> 01:14:34,763
This boy's perfect. I like him.
1241
01:14:35,097 --> 01:14:36,974
The stereotype of an idiot.
1242
01:14:38,433 --> 01:14:40,727
Madam,
do you know who Castel-Vernac is?
1243
01:14:40,894 --> 01:14:43,313
- Who I am?
- What a strange question.
1244
01:14:43,480 --> 01:14:45,816
Do you know what I just learned?
1245
01:14:46,108 --> 01:14:47,943
What is this bad joke?
1246
01:14:48,318 --> 01:14:51,697
This man, whom you trust
and honor with your friendship,
1247
01:14:51,864 --> 01:14:54,199
this man is dishonest.
1248
01:14:54,366 --> 01:14:56,326
- What?
- Think before you speak.
1249
01:14:56,493 --> 01:14:58,745
Listen carefully to my words.
1250
01:14:58,912 --> 01:15:02,082
Mr. Castel-Vernac is a corrupt man.
1251
01:15:02,249 --> 01:15:06,003
Therefore, it is necessary
to put him in prison.
1252
01:15:06,170 --> 01:15:07,963
- Farewell.
- Where are you going?
1253
01:15:08,130 --> 01:15:11,675
- To see the state prosecutor.
- Wait a moment.
1254
01:15:15,762 --> 01:15:19,141
Don't worry, he's in my room.
I'll take care of it.
1255
01:15:24,313 --> 01:15:26,440
Mr. Topaze, do you wish my loss?
1256
01:15:26,815 --> 01:15:28,233
- You?
- Me.
1257
01:15:28,775 --> 01:15:31,028
- Your fate's entwined with his?
- Yes.
1258
01:15:31,195 --> 01:15:34,281
You're the accomplice of that shark?
1259
01:15:34,448 --> 01:15:36,742
Good Lord!
1260
01:15:36,909 --> 01:15:38,577
You understood too soon.
1261
01:15:38,744 --> 01:15:41,121
You know now
what I wanted to say later.
1262
01:15:41,288 --> 01:15:42,789
Which was?
1263
01:15:44,208 --> 01:15:46,418
My story, my stupid story.
1264
01:15:46,835 --> 01:15:49,254
- We have little time, listen.
- I'm listening.
1265
01:15:49,421 --> 01:15:51,882
When I met Castel-Vernac,
I was a child.
1266
01:15:52,507 --> 01:15:56,678
He knew my father,
he was our financial advisor.
1267
01:15:57,095 --> 01:15:59,348
He was a lawyer and politician.
1268
01:15:59,514 --> 01:16:01,725
- Naturally.
- Yes, naturally.
1269
01:16:02,434 --> 01:16:05,729
When I found myself alone,
I turned to him,
1270
01:16:05,896 --> 01:16:07,856
for he was the executor
1271
01:16:08,023 --> 01:16:09,775
- of my father's will.
- I see.
1272
01:16:09,942 --> 01:16:13,737
He advised me to sell everything:
factory, land and castle.
1273
01:16:13,904 --> 01:16:17,407
I entrusted him with my fortune,
which he invested for me.
1274
01:16:17,574 --> 01:16:20,744
What a story, good Lord.
1275
01:16:20,911 --> 01:16:22,454
But I didn't know.
1276
01:16:22,829 --> 01:16:26,792
Periodically, he had me sign papers
I didn't understand.
1277
01:16:26,959 --> 01:16:29,294
Only that they were city contracts.
1278
01:16:29,461 --> 01:16:31,880
- And you signed?
- Yes.
1279
01:16:32,631 --> 01:16:35,592
You should have cut off
your right hand.
1280
01:16:35,759 --> 01:16:39,263
Yes! But I signed without realizing.
1281
01:16:39,429 --> 01:16:41,223
Like you, earlier.
1282
01:16:41,390 --> 01:16:43,267
Yes, like me earlier.
1283
01:16:43,600 --> 01:16:47,229
- When did you understand?
- Too late.
1284
01:16:47,396 --> 01:16:49,523
Too late? It's never too late.
1285
01:16:49,690 --> 01:16:53,902
It was too late to save myself.
Who would've believed me?
1286
01:16:54,403 --> 01:16:59,116
You needed only relate
the painful tale you just told me.
1287
01:16:59,283 --> 01:17:01,285
One cannot mistake sincerity.
1288
01:17:01,785 --> 01:17:04,997
Maybe I should have denounced him
at once.
1289
01:17:05,163 --> 01:17:07,916
But now it's too late, I'm lost.
1290
01:17:08,083 --> 01:17:10,752
This year, I assisted all his deals.
1291
01:17:10,919 --> 01:17:13,297
He forced me to participate.
1292
01:17:13,922 --> 01:17:17,676
You took me for an accomplice.
I'm not an accomplice,
1293
01:17:18,010 --> 01:17:20,679
but a victim. Don't be harsh.
1294
01:17:20,846 --> 01:17:23,640
There you go,
the secret dramas of high society.
1295
01:17:25,058 --> 01:17:27,144
He's the perfect monster.
1296
01:17:27,561 --> 01:17:31,189
Yet it's you who threw me
into his clutches.
1297
01:17:31,356 --> 01:17:33,150
- Why?
- You didn't understand?
1298
01:17:33,317 --> 01:17:34,860
- No.
- What can a woman do
1299
01:17:35,027 --> 01:17:37,529
in a dangerous man's power?
1300
01:17:37,696 --> 01:17:39,990
Cry, and look for support.
1301
01:17:40,157 --> 01:17:44,161
And you chose me?
Why, madam? Tell me.
1302
01:17:45,120 --> 01:17:45,787
I don't know.
1303
01:17:45,954 --> 01:17:47,831
Yes, you do know.
1304
01:17:47,998 --> 01:17:49,291
Tell me!
1305
01:17:49,916 --> 01:17:52,294
The first time I saw you,
1306
01:17:52,461 --> 01:17:55,380
I was struck by your energetic face.
1307
01:17:55,922 --> 01:18:00,677
I thought I read a certain interest,
almost devotion, in your eyes.
1308
01:18:00,844 --> 01:18:05,766
I said to myself: "This man is
different, he's simple, intelligent,
1309
01:18:05,932 --> 01:18:07,976
"energetic, disinterested.
1310
01:18:08,143 --> 01:18:13,106
"If I had a man like him near me,
I'd feel protected, supported,
1311
01:18:13,398 --> 01:18:16,401
"maybe even saved."
Was I wrong?
1312
01:18:16,568 --> 01:18:19,613
No! I wish to be worthy
of this immense honor.
1313
01:18:19,780 --> 01:18:22,532
Madam, what do you expect of me?
1314
01:18:23,075 --> 01:18:26,411
Silence. If you talk,
I'm ruined and dishonored.
1315
01:18:26,578 --> 01:18:28,246
Fine, I'll be quiet.
1316
01:18:28,413 --> 01:18:32,334
And I want you to stay with me,
I need you so much.
1317
01:18:33,293 --> 01:18:36,588
- I'll stay with you.
- Thank you.
1318
01:18:37,756 --> 01:18:40,133
- You know the conditions?
- No.
1319
01:18:40,300 --> 01:18:42,219
You must accept the post
1320
01:18:42,552 --> 01:18:44,971
and re-win Castel-Vernac's trust.
1321
01:18:45,138 --> 01:18:48,892
Study him, search for
his weak point. You'll find it.
1322
01:18:49,059 --> 01:18:52,437
And when you can strike
without harming me, do it.
1323
01:18:52,604 --> 01:18:56,650
I discover a criminal
and I must become his accomplice?
1324
01:18:56,817 --> 01:18:58,902
Yes, if you wish to save me!
1325
01:19:03,573 --> 01:19:06,785
This debate is Cornelian.
What crossroads!
1326
01:19:06,952 --> 01:19:08,703
What conflict of duty!
1327
01:19:08,870 --> 01:19:12,040
If only I had time
to weigh the pros and cons.
1328
01:19:12,207 --> 01:19:15,752
No, you must act at once,
he's in the next room.
1329
01:19:15,919 --> 01:19:19,673
He thinks I'm explaining
the advantages of your complicity,
1330
01:19:19,840 --> 01:19:23,635
and possibly offering you a raise
to calm your scruples.
1331
01:19:23,802 --> 01:19:25,429
What baseness!
1332
01:19:25,887 --> 01:19:29,433
Let him believe
that's what we were discussing.
1333
01:19:30,016 --> 01:19:34,813
But to calm his suspicions,
we must show proof of complicity.
1334
01:19:34,980 --> 01:19:37,357
Yes, of course. But what?
1335
01:19:37,524 --> 01:19:38,900
Yes, what?
1336
01:19:40,026 --> 01:19:43,238
What if I shake his hand
when I see him?
1337
01:19:43,405 --> 01:19:45,740
Yes, do that. But it's not enough.
1338
01:19:46,199 --> 01:19:48,243
What if I gave his papers back?
1339
01:19:48,410 --> 01:19:50,996
- Yes, but they must be signed.
- Why?
1340
01:19:51,163 --> 01:19:55,375
Your signature means
you're on his side, it'll calm him.
1341
01:19:55,542 --> 01:19:56,918
Sit down.
1342
01:19:59,212 --> 01:20:01,631
What do we have here?
1343
01:20:02,382 --> 01:20:05,343
"The purchase of eight houses,
Rue Judeau,
1344
01:20:05,510 --> 01:20:07,304
"for resale to the city,
1345
01:20:07,471 --> 01:20:09,806
"which will expropriate them."
1346
01:20:09,973 --> 01:20:12,726
Take this pen and sign here.
1347
01:20:15,687 --> 01:20:17,105
This is difficult.
1348
01:20:17,481 --> 01:20:18,690
For me.
1349
01:20:30,619 --> 01:20:32,078
Criminal court...
1350
01:20:35,957 --> 01:20:37,584
Criminal court...
1351
01:20:54,935 --> 01:20:57,395
Call the police!
1352
01:20:58,939 --> 01:21:00,232
Scandal!
1353
01:21:00,607 --> 01:21:04,194
Money does not bring happiness.
1354
01:21:08,615 --> 01:21:13,203
Ill-gotten gains never prosper.
1355
01:21:27,634 --> 01:21:28,677
What is it?
1356
01:21:29,219 --> 01:21:31,846
A gentleman is asking
for the director.
1357
01:21:34,307 --> 01:21:37,310
Oscar Muche? Tell him I'm out.
1358
01:21:37,477 --> 01:21:39,271
Tell everyone I'm out.
1359
01:21:39,437 --> 01:21:41,606
I want to see no one.
No one!
1360
01:21:42,190 --> 01:21:43,441
Very well.
1361
01:21:43,608 --> 01:21:46,278
While you're here,
Mr. Castel-Vernac
1362
01:21:46,444 --> 01:21:49,489
does not look kindly
upon the games I tolerate.
1363
01:21:50,031 --> 01:21:54,828
He said I should forbid cards,
dominos and backgammon.
1364
01:21:55,120 --> 01:22:00,375
Moreover, he does not appreciate
the presence of your young visitors.
1365
01:22:00,542 --> 01:22:03,962
He believes them to be suitors.
1366
01:22:04,129 --> 01:22:06,339
You can tell him he's wrong.
1367
01:22:06,506 --> 01:22:08,883
I have no suitors, Germaine either.
1368
01:22:09,050 --> 01:22:13,305
They're kids we meet in the street,
they come here to kiss.
1369
01:22:13,638 --> 01:22:17,642
Germaine has a broken heart,
she needs distraction.
1370
01:22:17,809 --> 01:22:20,562
That's why she drinks Pernod.
1371
01:22:21,187 --> 01:22:23,690
If you try to stop her,
she'll go mad.
1372
01:22:24,274 --> 01:22:28,820
I'll talk to Mr. Castel-Vernac,
1373
01:22:29,404 --> 01:22:33,325
but until further notice,
don't bring anyone else up.
1374
01:22:33,491 --> 01:22:35,118
And no more games.
1375
01:22:40,624 --> 01:22:42,917
"The eye was in the tomb
1376
01:22:43,084 --> 01:22:45,962
"and looking at Cain..."
1377
01:22:52,260 --> 01:22:53,970
Hello, my dear Topaze.
1378
01:22:57,515 --> 01:22:58,933
How are you?
1379
01:22:59,100 --> 01:23:02,896
As good as can be expected,
I appreciate your concern.
1380
01:23:04,356 --> 01:23:07,776
- Where are you dining tonight?
- In my room.
1381
01:23:07,942 --> 01:23:11,279
- With a lady friend?
- No, madam.
1382
01:23:12,238 --> 01:23:15,075
Solitude and reflection.
1383
01:23:16,326 --> 01:23:19,037
- Then you'll dine with me.
- With you?
1384
01:23:19,204 --> 01:23:21,915
With Castel-Vernac and some friends.
1385
01:23:22,082 --> 01:23:23,583
You'll enjoy yourself.
1386
01:23:24,250 --> 01:23:28,713
I would like permission to refuse,
I'd rather see no one.
1387
01:23:29,381 --> 01:23:30,715
You refuse?
1388
01:23:31,883 --> 01:23:33,343
If you allow me.
1389
01:23:33,968 --> 01:23:37,180
Even if I say
I'd like to chat with you?
1390
01:23:37,347 --> 01:23:41,601
I've forgotten how to chat,
it'll be no pleasure for you.
1391
01:23:44,604 --> 01:23:46,940
What's the matter with you?
1392
01:23:47,107 --> 01:23:49,067
Madam, I know everything.
1393
01:23:50,193 --> 01:23:53,405
I started working here
almost five months ago,
1394
01:23:53,571 --> 01:23:56,950
and 27 days ago,
I learned that you tricked me!
1395
01:23:58,201 --> 01:23:59,953
You take me by surprise.
1396
01:24:00,120 --> 01:24:02,205
On April 13, at 7:00 at night,
1397
01:24:02,372 --> 01:24:05,333
I went to your home,
for you'd invited me.
1398
01:24:06,042 --> 01:24:08,002
I waited in the salon
1399
01:24:09,045 --> 01:24:11,005
and through the glass door,
1400
01:24:11,172 --> 01:24:13,550
I heard a horrifying conversation,
1401
01:24:13,717 --> 01:24:14,884
hideous,
1402
01:24:15,635 --> 01:24:17,721
but which made perfect sense.
1403
01:24:18,346 --> 01:24:21,015
Mr. Castel-Vernac said:
1404
01:24:21,558 --> 01:24:25,895
"Darling, why did you invite
the likeable idiot?"
1405
01:24:26,730 --> 01:24:28,356
And you answered:
1406
01:24:29,149 --> 01:24:31,484
"The likeable idiot is very useful,
1407
01:24:31,818 --> 01:24:34,028
"we must cajole him a little."
1408
01:24:34,654 --> 01:24:36,489
The likeable idiot,
1409
01:24:37,323 --> 01:24:38,658
was me!
1410
01:24:42,203 --> 01:24:44,080
As for the word "darling",
1411
01:24:44,873 --> 01:24:49,419
it clearly explained the nature
of your relation with this man.
1412
01:24:49,586 --> 01:24:52,714
If you didn't see,
you deserved that we hid it.
1413
01:24:53,381 --> 01:24:55,717
- Hide!
- Hide what?
1414
01:24:55,884 --> 01:24:57,093
"That we hide it."
1415
01:24:57,260 --> 01:24:59,596
- So you admit it?
- And so what?
1416
01:24:59,763 --> 01:25:03,057
And so what? Good Lord!
1417
01:25:03,516 --> 01:25:06,936
It only proves one shouldn't listen
behind doors.
1418
01:25:07,729 --> 01:25:09,481
I thought you had more tact.
1419
01:25:09,647 --> 01:25:13,443
That was a nasty way to learn
what everyone knows.
1420
01:25:13,610 --> 01:25:17,405
You dare suggest I'd have accepted
this situation had I known?
1421
01:25:17,572 --> 01:25:18,782
You lured me into an ambush.
1422
01:25:18,948 --> 01:25:22,243
It was chance that brought you here
when we needed you.
1423
01:25:22,410 --> 01:25:26,080
It's because I like you
that I offered and you accepted.
1424
01:25:26,247 --> 01:25:29,375
I accepted for a smile,
for your words,
1425
01:25:29,542 --> 01:25:31,795
intoxicated by your absurd story
1426
01:25:31,961 --> 01:25:34,714
that your beauty made me believe.
1427
01:25:34,881 --> 01:25:37,091
But on April 13, I saw reality.
1428
01:25:37,258 --> 01:25:40,512
A reality made of mire and mud.
1429
01:25:40,845 --> 01:25:42,305
The weight of my acts crushes me.
1430
01:25:42,639 --> 01:25:46,017
Hidden in this office,
I feel besieged by the universe.
1431
01:25:46,184 --> 01:25:49,229
You lock yourself inside
like a prisoner.
1432
01:25:49,395 --> 01:25:52,941
Take advantage of your situation,
see people, go out!
1433
01:25:53,107 --> 01:25:57,570
Go out? You think I could look into
the eyes of an honest man?
1434
01:25:57,737 --> 01:26:00,824
Even if the eyes of an honest man
were different,
1435
01:26:00,990 --> 01:26:02,909
one meets so few of them.
1436
01:26:03,785 --> 01:26:08,081
It's true, you look like a madman.
Listen, you're not well.
1437
01:26:08,248 --> 01:26:11,709
You need to rest,
I'll tell Mr. Castel-Vernac.
1438
01:26:11,876 --> 01:26:15,296
- No, I'll stay here and wait.
- Wait for what?
1439
01:26:15,463 --> 01:26:17,465
For that which must come to pass.
1440
01:26:18,758 --> 01:26:19,926
Have you denounced us?
1441
01:26:20,093 --> 01:26:23,596
No, I don't even have the courage
to do that.
1442
01:26:24,180 --> 01:26:26,766
Revealing your indignity
1443
01:26:26,933 --> 01:26:29,143
would be to proclaim my infamy.
1444
01:26:29,310 --> 01:26:33,273
And how could I denounce you?
1445
01:26:34,649 --> 01:26:37,235
You're mad but you say sweet things.
1446
01:26:37,402 --> 01:26:39,362
Yes, sweet.
1447
01:26:40,238 --> 01:26:42,532
I've been expecting this scene.
1448
01:26:42,699 --> 01:26:45,577
I knew you'd learn the truth
one day.
1449
01:26:46,327 --> 01:26:49,873
I wondered, with a certain anxiety,
what you would do.
1450
01:26:50,039 --> 01:26:54,419
Madam, I lost weight.
That's all I could do.
1451
01:26:54,627 --> 01:26:57,380
My friend, at times I truly regret.
1452
01:26:57,547 --> 01:27:02,176
You regret nothing,
you obtained what you desired.
1453
01:27:02,468 --> 01:27:06,389
A man of straw,
submissive and timorous.
1454
01:27:07,557 --> 01:27:09,601
That way you make money
1455
01:27:09,767 --> 01:27:12,312
and live in false security
1456
01:27:12,478 --> 01:27:14,355
with the one you love.
1457
01:27:14,522 --> 01:27:16,357
Come, Topaze, be realistic.
1458
01:27:16,733 --> 01:27:19,277
Then why are you with him?
1459
01:27:19,736 --> 01:27:23,156
- He gives me an honorable life.
- Honorable?
1460
01:27:23,823 --> 01:27:25,950
You're a kept woman.
1461
01:27:26,743 --> 01:27:28,161
Like all women.
1462
01:27:28,536 --> 01:27:32,040
Husband or lover,
is the difference that great?
1463
01:27:33,041 --> 01:27:35,585
- Hello, Mr. Topaze.
- Hello, boss.
1464
01:27:36,002 --> 01:27:37,170
Hello, Suzy.
1465
01:27:38,212 --> 01:27:39,380
Anything new?
1466
01:27:41,716 --> 01:27:43,468
By chance,
1467
01:27:43,635 --> 01:27:46,054
- did Mr. Rebizoulet stop by?
- No one's come.
1468
01:27:46,471 --> 01:27:48,348
Well, someone will.
1469
01:27:48,598 --> 01:27:53,144
You'll treat this affair alone.
I chose an easy one to start with.
1470
01:27:53,603 --> 01:27:56,856
And since you're always glum,
it's funny.
1471
01:27:57,023 --> 01:27:58,608
- Very well, councilor.
- Rebizoulet
1472
01:27:58,775 --> 01:28:00,360
will surely come today.
1473
01:28:01,402 --> 01:28:05,573
Rebizoulet is the owner
of the Swiss café.
1474
01:28:06,032 --> 01:28:10,203
In front of his brasserie last year,
our health services built
1475
01:28:10,536 --> 01:28:13,665
one of those sheet metal monuments,
1476
01:28:13,831 --> 01:28:15,750
known as an outdoor urinal.
1477
01:28:16,167 --> 01:28:17,168
A fine idea.
1478
01:28:17,335 --> 01:28:21,255
However as the summer advances
and the sun warms,
1479
01:28:21,422 --> 01:28:25,468
this structure makes
the outdoor café unbearable.
1480
01:28:25,843 --> 01:28:29,681
Clients pick up and leave.
So Rebizoulet asked me
1481
01:28:29,847 --> 01:28:31,975
- to remove it.
- Understandable.
1482
01:28:32,141 --> 01:28:35,937
I said I had no time,
that he should address Mr. Topaze,
1483
01:28:36,270 --> 01:28:39,857
and it would surely disappear.
Thus, he will come.
1484
01:28:40,024 --> 01:28:41,359
And you will receive him.
1485
01:28:41,526 --> 01:28:44,654
You'll tell him
that you will take care of it,
1486
01:28:44,821 --> 01:28:46,656
but you have expenses,
1487
01:28:46,823 --> 01:28:50,952
and that before taking a step,
you need 100,000 francs.
1488
01:28:51,119 --> 01:28:55,206
With what pretext
should I color this request?
1489
01:28:55,373 --> 01:28:56,958
You don't need to color it.
1490
01:28:57,125 --> 01:29:01,421
You ask for 100,000 francs
and he'll give it to you.
1491
01:29:01,587 --> 01:29:05,883
I'll have the urinal taken down
and moved across the street
1492
01:29:06,050 --> 01:29:08,928
- in front of the Bertillon café.
- And Mr. Bertillon?
1493
01:29:09,095 --> 01:29:10,722
He'll do the same.
1494
01:29:10,888 --> 01:29:14,934
He'll give you 100,000 francs
and we'll move on.
1495
01:29:15,101 --> 01:29:18,980
Before this urinal is finished,
we'll have made 3 million.
1496
01:29:19,147 --> 01:29:22,025
It's a surefire,
practical and amusing deal.
1497
01:29:22,859 --> 01:29:26,404
We could do 5-6 cafés a year,
on a regular basis.
1498
01:29:26,946 --> 01:29:30,450
Doesn't it sound like fun?
Then laugh, old boy.'
1499
01:29:33,286 --> 01:29:36,414
Is it necessary
that I receive Mr. Rebizoulet?
1500
01:29:36,581 --> 01:29:38,166
Necessary?
1501
01:29:38,624 --> 01:29:42,086
You've been here five months,
it's time to get active.
1502
01:29:42,462 --> 01:29:46,257
Your signature suffices,
but I don't want you to be idle.
1503
01:29:46,424 --> 01:29:50,053
I want to train you,
make you an active collaborator,
1504
01:29:50,219 --> 01:29:52,472
shrewd and knowledgeable.
1505
01:29:53,181 --> 01:29:56,726
I might be deputy one day,
there's money to be made.
1506
01:29:57,143 --> 01:29:59,187
We could do big things together.
1507
01:29:59,479 --> 01:30:01,230
Yes, why not.
1508
01:30:01,606 --> 01:30:05,610
Speaking of which,
did a certain Dumas-Montessian call?
1509
01:30:06,152 --> 01:30:07,695
Dumas-Montessian?
1510
01:30:08,029 --> 01:30:10,823
Yes... is he insane?
1511
01:30:10,990 --> 01:30:12,617
Oh, not at all.
1512
01:30:13,159 --> 01:30:14,827
He's our middleman.
1513
01:30:14,994 --> 01:30:16,579
He likes to joke.
1514
01:30:16,746 --> 01:30:19,499
Here is what he said to me:
1515
01:30:20,083 --> 01:30:24,921
"Your two twins are in the drawer,
ready to pass under the table.
1516
01:30:25,088 --> 01:30:27,882
"Though they're perfectly black,
1517
01:30:28,049 --> 01:30:31,219
"I'd rather you came
to pick them up."
1518
01:30:31,385 --> 01:30:32,762
And you didn't go?
1519
01:30:33,930 --> 01:30:35,264
Pick up what?
1520
01:30:35,681 --> 01:30:37,892
Two stacks of a million in cash
1521
01:30:38,059 --> 01:30:40,770
which will never be accounted for.
1522
01:30:40,937 --> 01:30:43,606
Grab your hat and hurry over there.
1523
01:30:43,773 --> 01:30:45,024
Ground floor on the left.
1524
01:30:45,191 --> 01:30:47,735
- Shouldn't you go?
- No.
1525
01:30:47,902 --> 01:30:50,988
I've dealt with Montessian,
but never seen him.
1526
01:30:51,155 --> 01:30:53,241
I want to keep it that way.
1527
01:30:53,407 --> 01:30:57,870
Whereas me, I've sunk so low,
I should be glad to meet him.
1528
01:31:00,873 --> 01:31:04,544
Does he have stamped paper
or should I bring some?
1529
01:31:04,710 --> 01:31:06,087
What for?
1530
01:31:06,254 --> 01:31:08,256
For the receipt he'll need.
1531
01:31:08,422 --> 01:31:10,299
Does he do it on purpose?
1532
01:31:10,675 --> 01:31:13,928
You'll have nothing to sign.
Or say.
1533
01:31:14,095 --> 01:31:15,346
I'll phone him.
1534
01:31:15,513 --> 01:31:18,933
If I never return, don't worry.
1535
01:31:19,100 --> 01:31:22,770
Even under torture, I'll never talk.
1536
01:31:27,400 --> 01:31:28,734
Farewell.
1537
01:31:42,665 --> 01:31:45,751
Even if you're expecting it,
it comes as a shock.
1538
01:31:45,918 --> 01:31:48,421
- You had time to go to Auteuil?
- Auteuil, no.
1539
01:31:48,754 --> 01:31:52,216
To a penal colony, perhaps.
I was tailed, tracked!
1540
01:31:52,383 --> 01:31:54,343
There were two of them.
With mustaches.
1541
01:31:54,510 --> 01:31:56,012
Luckily I caught on.
1542
01:31:56,179 --> 01:31:59,182
I went around the block
and came in the back.
1543
01:31:59,348 --> 01:32:01,475
A shrewd reaction for an honest man.
1544
01:32:01,642 --> 01:32:05,730
If not, Montessian, the twins and I
would've been in handcuffs.
1545
01:32:05,897 --> 01:32:07,356
Why would they tail you?
1546
01:32:07,523 --> 01:32:10,693
Because the police
have been watching us.
1547
01:32:10,860 --> 01:32:13,571
Madam, you don't know all.
1548
01:32:13,738 --> 01:32:17,033
I've hidden from you
the glaring symptoms
1549
01:32:17,200 --> 01:32:19,035
of imminent catastrophe.
1550
01:32:19,202 --> 01:32:22,872
Why did you hide such symptoms?
1551
01:32:23,039 --> 01:32:26,626
I felt it wasn't my place
to warn you or Castel-Vernac.
1552
01:32:27,126 --> 01:32:30,338
Here, madam,
is a letter I received last week.
1553
01:32:33,007 --> 01:32:35,092
"Topaze, there's trouble in the air.
1554
01:32:35,635 --> 01:32:37,637
"The eyes of the police see all.
1555
01:32:38,304 --> 01:32:41,182
"Drop the bone or you're done for.
1556
01:32:41,349 --> 01:32:42,516
"A friend."
1557
01:32:44,352 --> 01:32:46,979
It's absurd.' An anonymous letter.
1558
01:32:47,146 --> 01:32:49,857
I forbid you to frighten me
with such silliness.
1559
01:32:50,775 --> 01:32:52,276
And this?
1560
01:32:53,903 --> 01:32:57,657
"The Information Service
of the Public Conscience
1561
01:32:57,823 --> 01:33:00,284
"has discovered a serious affair.
1562
01:33:00,451 --> 01:33:03,537
"Corroborating information
shows that
1563
01:33:03,704 --> 01:33:07,875
"a town councilor voted
a sizeable loan to buy vehicles,
1564
01:33:08,042 --> 01:33:10,795
"which he supplied
at an exorbitant price.
1565
01:33:10,962 --> 01:33:14,674
"The frontman in this affair
is an unfortunate supervisor
1566
01:33:15,591 --> 01:33:17,385
"dismissed for a sex case.
1567
01:33:17,551 --> 01:33:21,013
"Soon we will have the figures
and guilty parties."
1568
01:33:21,973 --> 01:33:24,517
- Have you spoken to Régis?
- No.
1569
01:33:26,185 --> 01:33:29,981
May his destiny unfold,
I shall not flee mine.
1570
01:33:31,941 --> 01:33:33,776
Another thing, madam.
1571
01:33:34,235 --> 01:33:38,531
Yesterday morning,
in front of the copper plaque,
1572
01:33:38,698 --> 01:33:40,700
people stopped.
1573
01:33:41,117 --> 01:33:45,037
A group gathered,
it was soon a crowd.
1574
01:33:45,871 --> 01:33:48,582
They shouted and waved their fists.
1575
01:33:48,749 --> 01:33:51,168
- Did you see them?
- Yes, madam.
1576
01:33:51,460 --> 01:33:54,588
When I approached the window,
the boos increased.
1577
01:33:54,755 --> 01:33:58,009
It was not a hallucination,
I saw and heard them.
1578
01:33:58,175 --> 01:34:01,262
They were shouting:
"Topaze, shame on you!
1579
01:34:01,429 --> 01:34:02,972
"Get the police!"
1580
01:34:04,265 --> 01:34:05,766
Get the police!
1581
01:34:12,940 --> 01:34:15,192
- Give me a few minutes.
- Yes, sir.
1582
01:34:15,359 --> 01:34:17,320
Though it is rather urgent.
1583
01:34:21,282 --> 01:34:22,700
He's very kind.
1584
01:34:23,367 --> 01:34:25,536
This outcome was inevitable.
1585
01:34:25,870 --> 01:34:27,955
Because society is well designed.
1586
01:34:28,122 --> 01:34:32,626
Crime inexorably
leads to punishment.
1587
01:34:32,793 --> 01:34:33,878
Flee!
1588
01:34:34,045 --> 01:34:36,672
If you have the chance
to start anew,
1589
01:34:36,839 --> 01:34:41,302
remember there's only one path,
the right path!
1590
01:34:53,314 --> 01:34:54,190
What is it?
1591
01:34:54,357 --> 01:34:57,943
It's your employee,
she stands at the window and shouts.
1592
01:34:58,110 --> 01:34:59,820
It started yesterday morning,
1593
01:35:00,154 --> 01:35:03,324
I was passing by as usual,
when I saw at the window
1594
01:35:03,491 --> 01:35:05,659
a woman showing her bosom.
1595
01:35:05,826 --> 01:35:08,162
Not all, just one breast.
1596
01:35:08,621 --> 01:35:11,040
One tit, you could say.
1597
01:35:11,207 --> 01:35:13,000
With all due respect.
1598
01:35:13,667 --> 01:35:16,796
Naturally, several people stopped,
1599
01:35:16,962 --> 01:35:20,257
some even applauded. Mainly men.
1600
01:35:20,591 --> 01:35:22,009
I told the captain
1601
01:35:22,176 --> 01:35:25,054
and he said:
"Don't mess up, you hear?
1602
01:35:25,471 --> 01:35:29,975
"Mr. Topaze, he's an engineer,
he designed the street sweepers.
1603
01:35:30,142 --> 01:35:34,522
"The woman at the window,
maybe it's American advertising."
1604
01:35:34,688 --> 01:35:37,525
This morning, I see her again.
1605
01:35:37,691 --> 01:35:42,696
But this time she had a bottle
in her hand. So I understood,
1606
01:35:42,863 --> 01:35:45,366
she's a woman who drinks,
1607
01:35:45,533 --> 01:35:47,201
so I came to tell you.
1608
01:35:47,368 --> 01:35:49,412
I'm very grateful, sir.
1609
01:35:49,578 --> 01:35:53,165
Considering the state she's in now,
1610
01:35:53,332 --> 01:35:55,167
may I accompany her home?
1611
01:35:55,334 --> 01:35:56,585
Yes, of course.
1612
01:35:57,711 --> 01:35:59,463
Come on, little girl.
1613
01:36:01,424 --> 01:36:04,510
Come on, let's go, little girl.
1614
01:36:05,010 --> 01:36:06,804
There. Easy does it.
1615
01:36:08,764 --> 01:36:10,349
There'll be no follow-up?
1616
01:36:11,267 --> 01:36:15,187
Follow-up? Don't say such things,
I'm a married man.
1617
01:36:50,931 --> 01:36:53,476
I came in without being announced,
1618
01:36:53,851 --> 01:36:57,188
thanks to this disorder,
which is an ominous sign.
1619
01:36:58,439 --> 01:37:01,859
Do I have the pleasure
of addressing Mr. Topaze?
1620
01:37:02,318 --> 01:37:04,987
Yes, that's me.
1621
01:37:10,451 --> 01:37:12,786
- How can I help you?
- You can't.
1622
01:37:12,953 --> 01:37:14,622
It's not for your help
1623
01:37:14,788 --> 01:37:18,125
that I came here today,
but to offer mine.
1624
01:37:18,292 --> 01:37:20,085
Thank you very much.
1625
01:37:20,252 --> 01:37:24,006
But I'd like to know, who are you?
1626
01:37:24,173 --> 01:37:25,382
Who am I?
1627
01:37:25,925 --> 01:37:29,595
An old philosopher
with a weakness for others.
1628
01:37:30,012 --> 01:37:33,474
You must have read an article
the day before yesterday
1629
01:37:33,641 --> 01:37:37,061
which clearly alluded
1630
01:37:37,228 --> 01:37:39,522
to certain affairs of yours?
1631
01:37:39,688 --> 01:37:44,151
In effect, it might seem
that the suspect supervisor
1632
01:37:44,318 --> 01:37:46,195
could be myself.
1633
01:37:46,570 --> 01:37:48,781
But I was never dismissed
for a sex case.
1634
01:37:48,948 --> 01:37:53,327
I know, you must allow journalists
a bit of fantasy.
1635
01:37:53,786 --> 01:37:57,456
It is nonetheless true
that you supplied the City
1636
01:37:57,623 --> 01:38:00,960
street sweeping machines
called "Topazes".
1637
01:38:01,126 --> 01:38:04,672
The newspaper director
led a serious investigation
1638
01:38:04,838 --> 01:38:10,219
and tomorrow's issue will reveal
the entire scheme to its readers.
1639
01:38:10,386 --> 01:38:13,264
It's this issue I brought you.
1640
01:38:16,684 --> 01:38:17,685
Thank you.
1641
01:38:21,063 --> 01:38:23,274
"Scandal at City Hall."
1642
01:38:24,400 --> 01:38:26,860
Four columns of irrefutable proof,
1643
01:38:27,319 --> 01:38:29,113
500,000 prints in the street.
1644
01:38:29,655 --> 01:38:31,490
With my photograph.
1645
01:38:33,534 --> 01:38:36,829
But why do these people
want my ruin?
1646
01:38:36,996 --> 01:38:39,373
The first duty of the press
1647
01:38:39,540 --> 01:38:42,710
is to survey morality
and denounce abuses.
1648
01:38:43,085 --> 01:38:45,504
It's their sole reason to be.
1649
01:38:45,671 --> 01:38:48,716
In any case, you've been forewarned.
1650
01:38:49,425 --> 01:38:50,259
Thank you
1651
01:38:50,426 --> 01:38:52,928
for your spontaneous visit,
1652
01:38:53,095 --> 01:38:54,972
but I don't see how it helps.
1653
01:38:55,139 --> 01:38:57,266
You've nothing else to say?
1654
01:38:57,433 --> 01:38:58,892
No.
1655
01:39:01,312 --> 01:39:02,062
Like what?
1656
01:39:02,229 --> 01:39:05,566
I know the director, Vernickel,
very well.
1657
01:39:06,442 --> 01:39:08,819
You don't have a message for him?
1658
01:39:10,863 --> 01:39:14,116
Tell him that he's right
to do his duty.
1659
01:39:14,700 --> 01:39:18,162
You're going to just wait
for a scandal to break?
1660
01:39:18,579 --> 01:39:20,998
Think about it, honor
1661
01:39:21,415 --> 01:39:24,460
is what's most precious,
it's worth any sacrifice.
1662
01:39:24,960 --> 01:39:26,795
Vernickel isn't a monster.
1663
01:39:27,546 --> 01:39:30,424
Certain gestures touch him.
1664
01:39:30,591 --> 01:39:33,802
Come now,
you know what you must do.
1665
01:39:34,428 --> 01:39:37,431
I don't dare understand your words.
1666
01:39:37,598 --> 01:39:39,683
Dare, sir, dare.
1667
01:39:40,100 --> 01:39:42,645
If I do it, the issue won't appear.
1668
01:39:42,811 --> 01:39:46,023
I give you my word,
it'll be a first-rate burial.
1669
01:39:47,358 --> 01:39:48,192
First-rate.
1670
01:39:48,359 --> 01:39:50,527
Show a bit of good will, come on.
1671
01:39:51,362 --> 01:39:52,404
Right away?
1672
01:39:52,571 --> 01:39:53,947
The earlier the better.
1673
01:39:54,114 --> 01:39:57,409
- Here, in front of you?
- Yes, by Jove.
1674
01:39:58,160 --> 01:40:00,621
You wish to see
a fellow human moaning?
1675
01:40:00,788 --> 01:40:02,748
Who says you have to moan?
1676
01:40:02,915 --> 01:40:04,500
I always tell them:
1677
01:40:04,875 --> 01:40:08,128
"Why moan,
you're going to pay up anyhow."
1678
01:40:08,754 --> 01:40:12,549
But no, they always moan.
You'd think it relieves them.
1679
01:40:12,716 --> 01:40:15,302
You're too cold blooded.
1680
01:40:15,469 --> 01:40:18,055
Yes, I committed a serious fault.
1681
01:40:18,222 --> 01:40:21,850
Yes, I deserve to be punished,
however...
1682
01:40:27,564 --> 01:40:30,609
- Who's this...
- This man knows our secrets.
1683
01:40:31,068 --> 01:40:33,946
- He demands I kill myself.
- No joke?
1684
01:40:34,113 --> 01:40:35,322
No, I only wanted...
1685
01:40:35,489 --> 01:40:36,740
- How much?
- 200,000.
1686
01:40:36,907 --> 01:40:40,327
- What?
- Forget it, sit down.
1687
01:40:41,036 --> 01:40:42,663
- Is this it?
- Yes.
1688
01:40:52,339 --> 01:40:54,717
- Does Vernickel know I'm in on it?
- Yes,
1689
01:40:54,883 --> 01:40:57,136
but he told me
to see Mr. Topaze.
1690
01:40:57,636 --> 01:40:59,221
He's no dummy.
1691
01:41:01,974 --> 01:41:03,142
There we are.
1692
01:41:04,727 --> 01:41:06,019
Excuse me.
1693
01:41:10,899 --> 01:41:14,236
Give me Mr. Vernickel
at the Public Conscience.
1694
01:41:18,282 --> 01:41:21,952
Venerable old man,
this isn't your first blackmail job?
1695
01:41:22,119 --> 01:41:25,581
Do I look like a beginner?
1696
01:41:26,081 --> 01:41:28,083
I started with (censored).
1697
01:41:28,542 --> 01:41:30,627
- That was nice work.
- Oh yes.
1698
01:41:30,794 --> 01:41:35,299
You better believe it,
deputies, ministers, fine people.
1699
01:41:35,799 --> 01:41:37,926
I've done around forty jobs.
1700
01:41:38,427 --> 01:41:40,888
Without ever hearing a crude word.
1701
01:41:41,054 --> 01:41:44,099
And in those days,
I didn't have my physique.
1702
01:41:44,266 --> 01:41:46,477
Physique is nothing, it takes nerve.
1703
01:41:46,643 --> 01:41:49,688
Don't believe that, your physique...
1704
01:41:51,064 --> 01:41:54,067
Hello? Yes, hello, dear friend.
1705
01:41:54,777 --> 01:41:56,111
Very well, thank you.
1706
01:41:58,030 --> 01:42:02,159
I'm with a venerable old man,
a friend of yours.
1707
01:42:02,326 --> 01:42:04,244
I find him expensive.
1708
01:42:04,953 --> 01:42:07,498
Ah, yes! A little reduction.
1709
01:42:07,664 --> 01:42:08,791
How much?
1710
01:42:08,957 --> 01:42:11,585
No, that's still too much, old boy.
1711
01:42:12,878 --> 01:42:15,422
I'd be willing to pay 100.
1712
01:42:16,048 --> 01:42:19,176
No, 100 sous... 5 francs.
1713
01:42:19,510 --> 01:42:20,677
Vernickel...
1714
01:42:20,844 --> 01:42:22,805
It's not nice to menace friends.
1715
01:42:24,765 --> 01:42:27,518
OK, wait a second.
1716
01:42:29,102 --> 01:42:30,771
Have you heard this one?
1717
01:42:32,105 --> 01:42:35,234
"Apprentice printer flees Melun
in November 1911
1718
01:42:35,400 --> 01:42:36,652
"with the boss's till.
1719
01:42:37,069 --> 01:42:41,156
"He is sentenced on January 2, 1912
by a criminal court
1720
01:42:41,323 --> 01:42:43,367
"to 13 month's prison."
1721
01:42:43,534 --> 01:42:44,743
Strange, no?
1722
01:42:45,285 --> 01:42:49,164
Of course,
a simple misunderstanding.
1723
01:42:51,124 --> 01:42:53,377
Yes, an old friendship like ours.
1724
01:42:54,670 --> 01:42:57,673
And your little Victor, how is he?
1725
01:42:59,800 --> 01:43:02,427
Yes, that's the best age.
1726
01:43:02,970 --> 01:43:05,806
Of course, goodbye. See you soon.
1727
01:43:08,267 --> 01:43:09,351
It's settled.
1728
01:43:09,893 --> 01:43:12,771
And settled well. My compliments.
1729
01:43:15,232 --> 01:43:17,568
- I've no choice but to retire.
- True.
1730
01:43:17,985 --> 01:43:20,153
Good day.
1731
01:43:22,281 --> 01:43:24,700
Excuse me, one last thing.
1732
01:43:25,826 --> 01:43:28,036
Please walk out facing backwards.
1733
01:43:28,203 --> 01:43:29,037
Why?
1734
01:43:29,204 --> 01:43:32,958
If you don't, I won't be able
to resist kicking you.
1735
01:43:33,375 --> 01:43:35,919
Very well, very well.
1736
01:43:41,466 --> 01:43:42,217
That's that!
1737
01:43:42,843 --> 01:43:43,927
That's that.
1738
01:43:44,094 --> 01:43:46,972
Tell characters like that
to come see me.
1739
01:43:47,556 --> 01:43:48,807
See you later.
1740
01:43:48,974 --> 01:43:50,142
See you later.
1741
01:43:58,984 --> 01:44:00,652
Hello, dear friend.
1742
01:44:00,819 --> 01:44:04,156
I'm pleased to see you. Delighted.
1743
01:44:04,781 --> 01:44:06,074
Headmaster.
1744
01:44:07,409 --> 01:44:10,829
I've come by so many times,
but you're always out.
1745
01:44:10,996 --> 01:44:12,831
I understand, of course.
1746
01:44:12,998 --> 01:44:16,168
You're a businessman now.
And what business!
1747
01:44:16,335 --> 01:44:18,545
What business!
1748
01:44:18,712 --> 01:44:20,297
- You've heard?
- Of course.
1749
01:44:20,464 --> 01:44:22,257
I know you're modest,
1750
01:44:22,424 --> 01:44:25,177
but you can't stop friends
from being proud.
1751
01:44:25,344 --> 01:44:29,598
We all remember you. Only yesterday
at the disciplinary counsel,
1752
01:44:29,765 --> 01:44:32,351
I said I was going to offer you
1753
01:44:32,517 --> 01:44:35,270
the presidency
of the honor awards committee.
1754
01:44:35,437 --> 01:44:37,689
They welcomed this news
1755
01:44:37,856 --> 01:44:40,567
with such joy,
you would've been touched.
1756
01:44:40,901 --> 01:44:44,571
They begged me
to obtain your consent.
1757
01:44:44,738 --> 01:44:46,531
- Me? President?
- Yes.
1758
01:44:47,115 --> 01:44:49,242
You'll give a charming speech,
1759
01:44:49,409 --> 01:44:51,620
with a touch of emotion.
1760
01:44:51,787 --> 01:44:53,413
At least I hope.
1761
01:44:53,580 --> 01:44:55,332
No, it's impossible.
1762
01:44:55,791 --> 01:44:58,085
Between now and then...
1763
01:45:00,963 --> 01:45:02,381
Headmaster,
1764
01:45:03,215 --> 01:45:06,426
there was a serious misunderstanding
between us.
1765
01:45:07,010 --> 01:45:11,098
But I know you're an upright man
and I owe you the truth.
1766
01:45:11,556 --> 01:45:15,477
Swear you'll never repeat
what I'm going to tell you.
1767
01:45:15,811 --> 01:45:19,690
If you esteem me enough
to share a secret,
1768
01:45:19,856 --> 01:45:24,569
it'll remain buried inside me,
I swear to you.
1769
01:45:25,112 --> 01:45:28,031
Headmaster,
I'm no longer an honest man.
1770
01:45:28,198 --> 01:45:29,616
Oh, come now!
1771
01:45:29,950 --> 01:45:31,702
I'm a mere frontman.
1772
01:45:31,868 --> 01:45:35,122
- Come now.
- I'm telling you.
1773
01:45:35,288 --> 01:45:38,166
People say so many things.
1774
01:45:39,543 --> 01:45:40,460
My dear friend,
1775
01:45:40,627 --> 01:45:44,089
you adore paradoxes,
that is your charm.
1776
01:45:44,798 --> 01:45:47,801
It's obvious
I didn't invent the street sweepers.
1777
01:45:47,968 --> 01:45:50,554
People must recognize it and say it.
1778
01:45:50,721 --> 01:45:52,222
Let them come see me.
1779
01:45:52,389 --> 01:45:56,935
I'll tell them I saw your plans
and sketches on the blackboard.
1780
01:45:57,686 --> 01:45:58,645
Did you see them?
1781
01:45:58,812 --> 01:46:01,940
Sort of.
Anyhow I'm ready to testify.
1782
01:46:02,691 --> 01:46:03,859
Do you earn a lot?
1783
01:46:04,026 --> 01:46:06,903
- Too much.
- The right answer.
1784
01:46:07,446 --> 01:46:09,823
You're truly extraordinary.
1785
01:46:09,990 --> 01:46:12,117
I've known it for a long time.
1786
01:46:12,284 --> 01:46:14,703
How many times did I say at dinner:
1787
01:46:14,870 --> 01:46:19,207
"This boy has too much ambition,
he won't stay with us."
1788
01:46:19,374 --> 01:46:21,334
And I told my wife:
1789
01:46:21,501 --> 01:46:24,588
"When he wants to leave,
I'll let him go."
1790
01:46:25,005 --> 01:46:27,215
It was out of pure friendship,
1791
01:46:27,382 --> 01:46:30,260
that the day you asked me to leave,
1792
01:46:30,844 --> 01:46:33,513
I didn't try to hold you back.
1793
01:46:34,931 --> 01:46:38,727
Now, my dear friend,
I wish to discuss a subject
1794
01:46:39,728 --> 01:46:41,521
that is close to my heart.
1795
01:46:42,105 --> 01:46:44,066
I'm a father, Topaze.
1796
01:46:44,733 --> 01:46:48,153
An unhappy father,
you can't imagine.
1797
01:46:48,320 --> 01:46:51,239
- Miss Muche is ill?
- Alas!
1798
01:46:51,406 --> 01:46:53,950
Does her fate still interest you?
1799
01:46:54,367 --> 01:46:57,621
She's been struck
by an incurable ill.
1800
01:46:58,246 --> 01:46:58,914
Her lungs?
1801
01:46:59,081 --> 01:47:01,166
No, her heart.
1802
01:47:01,333 --> 01:47:02,250
See a specialist.
1803
01:47:02,417 --> 01:47:05,420
He stands before me. Alas, yes.
1804
01:47:05,587 --> 01:47:09,091
When you held the place of honor
at my school,
1805
01:47:09,257 --> 01:47:11,635
you walked down the hallways,
1806
01:47:11,802 --> 01:47:14,387
lost in scientific speculations
1807
01:47:14,554 --> 01:47:16,807
that kept you from looking down
1808
01:47:16,973 --> 01:47:19,684
and seeing the heart
of this poor child.
1809
01:47:19,851 --> 01:47:21,770
Your daughter's heart?
1810
01:47:21,937 --> 01:47:23,814
She was touched by love's wings.
1811
01:47:23,980 --> 01:47:27,275
And me, blind father,
I didn't understand.
1812
01:47:27,442 --> 01:47:31,863
But since your departure,
her behavior breaks my heart.
1813
01:47:32,030 --> 01:47:33,740
She lies by the fire.
1814
01:47:34,241 --> 01:47:35,450
By the fire...
1815
01:47:35,617 --> 01:47:37,744
She's lost weight.
1816
01:47:38,161 --> 01:47:41,039
Then yesterday,
she told me everything.
1817
01:47:41,790 --> 01:47:44,251
This is a father's confession.
1818
01:47:46,878 --> 01:47:50,465
- Please stop.
- Say no irreparable words.
1819
01:47:50,632 --> 01:47:54,010
She's in the antechamber,
waiting anxiously.
1820
01:47:54,177 --> 01:47:58,056
I asked you for your
daughter's hand and you fired me.
1821
01:47:58,223 --> 01:48:00,350
- You asked me for her hand?
- Yes.
1822
01:48:01,518 --> 01:48:04,146
- You can have it!
- Mr. Muche.
1823
01:48:04,312 --> 01:48:05,188
Come here.
1824
01:48:07,399 --> 01:48:11,403
Miss Muche, I must tell you
that I refuse this hand
1825
01:48:11,570 --> 01:48:14,906
which your father threw in my face,
as you did too.
1826
01:48:15,073 --> 01:48:17,659
I had no hope whatsoever
1827
01:48:17,826 --> 01:48:20,704
that my father's simplistic plan
would work.
1828
01:48:21,079 --> 01:48:24,416
It is far too late for us
to speak of marriage.
1829
01:48:25,083 --> 01:48:29,337
But since by chance,
you've risen out of poverty,
1830
01:48:30,005 --> 01:48:33,758
I thought,
in memory of colored chalk sticks,
1831
01:48:33,925 --> 01:48:37,387
that you might be willing,
not to take my hand,
1832
01:48:38,388 --> 01:48:39,890
but to hold out yours.
1833
01:48:40,056 --> 01:48:43,476
- Fear not, I won't hang on.
- I don't understand.
1834
01:48:44,144 --> 01:48:48,023
What could I do for you?
Speak to the Academy Inspector?
1835
01:48:49,024 --> 01:48:51,943
Open doors to another world.
1836
01:48:52,319 --> 01:48:56,239
Only once a week, on Thursdays.
1837
01:48:56,406 --> 01:48:58,116
You'd buy me a real dress,
1838
01:48:58,283 --> 01:49:03,371
take me to the races,
to the theatre, fancy restaurants.
1839
01:49:03,538 --> 01:49:06,333
I'm not as stupid
as I pretended to be.
1840
01:49:06,499 --> 01:49:08,293
I might do you honor.
1841
01:49:08,460 --> 01:49:11,546
Once I've been introduced,
1842
01:49:12,756 --> 01:49:15,800
I won't bother you long.
Give me a chance.
1843
01:49:15,967 --> 01:49:20,597
And in exchange for this
shameful favor, you'd be ready to...
1844
01:49:20,764 --> 01:49:23,516
A beautiful girl can only give
what's hers.
1845
01:49:24,226 --> 01:49:25,560
Tell me, dear friend...
1846
01:49:26,519 --> 01:49:27,604
Miss...
1847
01:49:30,273 --> 01:49:31,691
Very charming.
1848
01:49:32,108 --> 01:49:35,654
Miss Ernestine Muche, schoolteacher.
1849
01:49:36,404 --> 01:49:37,864
Pity if she stays it.
1850
01:49:38,031 --> 01:49:39,532
"Stayed it"!
1851
01:49:39,699 --> 01:49:43,370
Muche. Don't know why,
makes me think of a squirrel.
1852
01:49:43,536 --> 01:49:44,871
Mr. Topaze had one
1853
01:49:45,413 --> 01:49:47,749
- at school.
- But mine was real!
1854
01:49:48,541 --> 01:49:52,295
An innocent little creature
that was happy
1855
01:49:52,462 --> 01:49:55,006
- where it was.
- It was stuffed!
1856
01:49:55,173 --> 01:49:58,260
- She's charming. My compliments.
- To me?
1857
01:49:58,426 --> 01:49:59,552
Why?
1858
01:50:00,136 --> 01:50:03,598
I'm absolutely not interested
in Miss Muche.
1859
01:50:04,432 --> 01:50:05,725
Especially not now.
1860
01:50:05,892 --> 01:50:07,185
Perfect!
1861
01:50:07,727 --> 01:50:09,437
You live at home?
1862
01:50:09,896 --> 01:50:11,064
Yes.
1863
01:50:11,731 --> 01:50:15,026
But my father has a great deal
of common sense.
1864
01:50:15,860 --> 01:50:18,071
Charming and reasonable.
1865
01:50:18,738 --> 01:50:21,783
Go have a look
at the Picasso exhibition,
1866
01:50:21,950 --> 01:50:25,662
58 Rue de la Boétie.
I'll drop by around 5:00.
1867
01:50:26,538 --> 01:50:29,499
We can talk painting.
1868
01:50:30,041 --> 01:50:32,335
Oh, I love Picasso!
1869
01:50:32,919 --> 01:50:34,754
My father's in the waiting room.
1870
01:50:35,297 --> 01:50:37,841
I'll get rid of him and hurry over.
1871
01:50:41,052 --> 01:50:44,347
- This is appalling!
- Come now.
1872
01:50:44,514 --> 01:50:47,851
Let's just call it
"professional orientation".
1873
01:50:48,184 --> 01:50:51,771
Moreover, it's not for me,
it's for the senator.
1874
01:50:52,105 --> 01:50:54,691
His Lison married
a rich silk merchant
1875
01:50:54,858 --> 01:50:57,610
and the good man's lonely.
1876
01:50:58,320 --> 01:51:00,155
Here's the Rebizoulet dossier.
1877
01:51:01,072 --> 01:51:04,868
Madam Courtois said she'd send
the car for you at 7:30.
1878
01:51:05,035 --> 01:51:08,496
You're dining with us tonight.
We'll talk business
1879
01:51:08,663 --> 01:51:11,166
and I have a surprise for you.
1880
01:51:12,584 --> 01:51:15,253
First, here's a check
for 500,000 francs.
1881
01:51:15,420 --> 01:51:19,674
Mr. Castel-Vernac owed you 435,000,
but he rounded it up.
1882
01:51:21,009 --> 01:51:23,219
This was very generous of him.
1883
01:51:23,386 --> 01:51:27,182
Now you will give me back the key
to the bank safe.
1884
01:51:27,349 --> 01:51:30,810
I cancelled your power of attorney.
1885
01:51:33,146 --> 01:51:35,565
You relieve me
of a great responsibility.
1886
01:51:35,732 --> 01:51:39,069
It's not out of distrust,
1887
01:51:39,235 --> 01:51:41,529
but to relieve you of a worry.
1888
01:51:41,696 --> 01:51:45,116
I want to put you, Mr. Topaze,
fully at ease.
1889
01:51:45,283 --> 01:51:49,412
I'll relieve not only of one worry,
but all your worries.
1890
01:51:50,121 --> 01:51:53,041
You weren't born for business,
you've no gift.
1891
01:51:54,042 --> 01:51:56,920
- We can't have them all!
- But you do have one.
1892
01:51:57,087 --> 01:52:00,673
That's for teaching.
I just ran into Miss Muche...
1893
01:52:00,840 --> 01:52:02,217
- Where?
- At the office.
1894
01:52:02,384 --> 01:52:05,136
She was with her father,
she's a teacher.
1895
01:52:05,303 --> 01:52:07,597
They praised your talent.
1896
01:52:07,764 --> 01:52:11,684
I felt remorse for having deprived
education this long
1897
01:52:11,851 --> 01:52:14,187
of such a fine teacher.
1898
01:52:14,687 --> 01:52:17,857
I have a friend,
the principal of a free school.
1899
01:52:18,400 --> 01:52:22,612
He offered you a post for
a monthly salary of 40,000 francs.
1900
01:52:22,779 --> 01:52:24,697
And three months paid vacation.
1901
01:52:25,115 --> 01:52:28,535
Now for the surprise.
1902
01:52:29,244 --> 01:52:30,495
What's this?
1903
01:52:33,331 --> 01:52:36,084
This is for me? It's official?
1904
01:52:36,251 --> 01:52:37,877
Your diploma is inside.
1905
01:52:39,629 --> 01:52:42,382
I propose a toast
in honor of our friend,
1906
01:52:42,549 --> 01:52:46,553
high school professor
and officer of the Academy.
1907
01:52:48,847 --> 01:52:52,308
You look thoughtful.
Is it the emotion?
1908
01:52:53,059 --> 01:52:54,102
No.
1909
01:52:55,019 --> 01:52:56,771
You want to get rid of me?
1910
01:52:57,522 --> 01:53:01,651
In our common interest,
it seemed to me the only solution.
1911
01:53:01,818 --> 01:53:02,902
You're not happy here.
1912
01:53:03,069 --> 01:53:04,904
No, I wasn't happy.
1913
01:53:05,071 --> 01:53:08,324
Until now, I only did
stupid, childish things.
1914
01:53:08,491 --> 01:53:11,786
But I don't want to teach,
I want to stay with you.
1915
01:53:13,288 --> 01:53:15,415
Are you seeking a small indemnity?
1916
01:53:15,582 --> 01:53:18,168
No, boss. Not a small indemnity.
1917
01:53:18,334 --> 01:53:20,420
A big one then?
1918
01:53:21,463 --> 01:53:23,882
Maybe he's not as stupid
as he seems.
1919
01:53:24,257 --> 01:53:28,720
Your position
is not as strong as you think.
1920
01:53:29,304 --> 01:53:30,722
Blackmail won't work.
1921
01:53:30,889 --> 01:53:33,975
Blackmail!
I wasn't thinking of that.
1922
01:53:34,142 --> 01:53:36,144
Tell me what you want.
1923
01:53:36,311 --> 01:53:38,021
I want to stay here!
1924
01:53:38,188 --> 01:53:40,356
- What for?
- To prove myself.
1925
01:53:40,523 --> 01:53:43,359
Prove yourself?
I thought you already had.
1926
01:53:43,776 --> 01:53:46,112
You have visions, you hear talking
1927
01:53:46,279 --> 01:53:48,907
street sweepers,
you attract the police...
1928
01:53:49,073 --> 01:53:53,036
I was unaware of many things
I'm only starting to grasp.
1929
01:53:53,203 --> 01:53:55,413
Today brought revelations.
1930
01:53:55,788 --> 01:53:56,623
Which ones?
1931
01:53:56,789 --> 01:54:00,001
Life isn't what I thought,
you were right.
1932
01:54:00,168 --> 01:54:02,337
Everything proves it.
1933
01:54:02,504 --> 01:54:05,548
This food, this wine,
these furnishings,
1934
01:54:05,715 --> 01:54:07,800
this atmosphere, this charm.
1935
01:54:09,677 --> 01:54:11,513
I'd easily get used to it.
1936
01:54:12,639 --> 01:54:15,016
Shall I receive Mr. Rebizoulet?
1937
01:54:15,183 --> 01:54:20,063
I hope this decision
isn't due to a glass of champagne.
1938
01:54:20,563 --> 01:54:23,775
If I must drink others,
I'll resign myself.
1939
01:54:23,942 --> 01:54:25,401
Give him another chance.
1940
01:54:26,027 --> 01:54:28,363
Sober, he's dangerous.
1941
01:54:28,530 --> 01:54:29,989
I'm asking you.
1942
01:54:30,156 --> 01:54:33,159
You'll wear your ribbon
for confidence.
1943
01:54:33,535 --> 01:54:37,455
My ribbon?
This is truly the ultimate honor.
1944
01:54:37,830 --> 01:54:39,249
It's not a prank?
1945
01:54:40,416 --> 01:54:42,293
The diploma is in its casing.
1946
01:54:43,253 --> 01:54:44,504
Read it!
1947
01:55:03,022 --> 01:55:06,025
"From the Minister
of National Education
1948
01:55:06,192 --> 01:55:09,320
"to Mr. Albert Topaze, engineer,
1949
01:55:09,487 --> 01:55:11,656
"for exceptional services."
1950
01:55:28,673 --> 01:55:32,010
Show Mr. Rebizoulet in.
1951
01:55:40,685 --> 01:55:43,438
He has nerve,
I said I'd be here at 2:00.
1952
01:55:44,439 --> 01:55:47,150
If he's held up,
he could at least phone.
1953
01:55:47,317 --> 01:55:50,403
As far as you're concerned,
he has an excuse.
1954
01:55:50,987 --> 01:55:53,573
He didn't know you'd be
at our meeting.
1955
01:55:53,740 --> 01:55:54,824
What?
1956
01:55:54,991 --> 01:55:57,910
I've been at every meeting
for eight months!
1957
01:55:58,077 --> 01:56:02,206
Of course, but you were there
as a spectator, or by chance.
1958
01:56:02,915 --> 01:56:05,126
He knows your presence
isn't necessary.
1959
01:56:07,045 --> 01:56:10,048
I guess you're right, I'd best go.
1960
01:56:10,214 --> 01:56:13,092
I didn't dare ask, but I'd rather.
1961
01:56:13,426 --> 01:56:16,054
I wouldn't like to think
you're waiting for him.
1962
01:56:16,387 --> 01:56:17,680
You're right.
1963
01:56:20,600 --> 01:56:22,894
You'd be happy if I left.
1964
01:56:24,270 --> 01:56:26,689
I'm not that stupid, darling!
1965
01:56:28,024 --> 01:56:29,400
What do you mean?
1966
01:56:30,276 --> 01:56:32,904
You wanted to hide the Morocco deal?
1967
01:56:33,071 --> 01:56:33,988
What Morocco deal?
1968
01:56:34,489 --> 01:56:36,532
You look guilty. You deny it?
1969
01:56:36,699 --> 01:56:39,369
I don't know what you mean.
1970
01:56:39,535 --> 01:56:43,414
Your dishonesty proves
you intended to keep my share.
1971
01:56:43,956 --> 01:56:45,792
But I don't understand.
1972
01:56:45,958 --> 01:56:48,628
You're unaware
of the Morocco concession?
1973
01:56:48,795 --> 01:56:53,257
Land with marble quarries,
lead deposits and oak forests?
1974
01:56:53,424 --> 01:56:55,510
It's news to me. Who told you?
1975
01:56:55,677 --> 01:56:59,097
It'd be hard to ignore,
the deputy's here every day.
1976
01:56:59,472 --> 01:57:02,392
You think I didn't see the map
marked in blue?
1977
01:57:03,101 --> 01:57:06,062
- You must think I'm an idiot.
- The map?
1978
01:57:07,105 --> 01:57:08,856
I didn't even notice!
1979
01:57:09,023 --> 01:57:10,775
Nothing's worse than hypocrisy.
1980
01:57:10,942 --> 01:57:14,612
Nothing's worse than this story
I know nothing of.
1981
01:57:14,904 --> 01:57:17,240
Then why shouldn't I stay?
1982
01:57:17,407 --> 01:57:19,283
Listen, it's simple.
1983
01:57:19,867 --> 01:57:22,954
Topaze has become very proud lately.
1984
01:57:23,579 --> 01:57:25,623
He's taking himself too seriously.
1985
01:57:25,957 --> 01:57:29,752
When I'm alone with him,
I let him ramble on,
1986
01:57:29,919 --> 01:57:33,381
but I fear your presence
will excite his vanity.
1987
01:57:34,048 --> 01:57:35,883
If he exceeds my patience
1988
01:57:36,050 --> 01:57:38,803
I'd be obliged to dismiss him.
1989
01:57:38,970 --> 01:57:41,597
- It might be best for him.
- You pity him?
1990
01:57:41,764 --> 01:57:42,682
Maybe.
1991
01:57:42,849 --> 01:57:44,183
You're afraid of him!
1992
01:57:44,350 --> 01:57:47,186
Me? Afraid of an employee?
1993
01:57:47,353 --> 01:57:50,773
In any case, your employee
isn't afraid of you.
1994
01:57:50,940 --> 01:57:53,443
No, he's no longer afraid of me.
1995
01:57:54,819 --> 01:57:55,903
And it's your fault.
1996
01:57:56,070 --> 01:57:58,114
- My fault?
- Under the pretext
1997
01:57:58,281 --> 01:58:00,950
of reassuring him,
you came here too often.
1998
01:58:01,576 --> 01:58:04,871
You even went so far
as to advise him on clothing.
1999
01:58:05,037 --> 01:58:08,875
A badly-dressed agency director
arouses suspicion!
2000
01:58:09,041 --> 01:58:12,920
Yes, but now when I need him,
he's always at his tailor's!
2001
01:58:13,087 --> 01:58:15,298
Or at the pool!
2002
01:58:15,715 --> 01:58:17,300
And you did worse.
2003
01:58:17,925 --> 01:58:18,676
What's that?
2004
01:58:19,343 --> 01:58:21,554
You taught him about food!
2005
01:58:22,054 --> 01:58:25,433
- I only invited him a few times.
- Twice a week.
2006
01:58:25,600 --> 01:58:27,310
You taught him fine cooking.
2007
01:58:27,477 --> 01:58:31,481
Now he has the intelligence
and energy of a well-fed man.
2008
01:58:34,025 --> 01:58:37,028
It was the same
with my mother's chimpanzee.
2009
01:58:37,195 --> 01:58:40,448
When she bought him, he was skinny,
stunk of poverty.
2010
01:58:40,615 --> 01:58:42,950
I never saw a monkey
so affectionate.
2011
01:58:43,117 --> 01:58:46,871
We fed him coconuts,
stuffed him with bananas.
2012
01:58:47,038 --> 01:58:50,374
He grew as strong as an ox
and beat up the maid.
2013
01:58:50,875 --> 01:58:52,668
We had to call the firemen.
2014
01:58:53,294 --> 01:58:55,254
I'm going to tighten the reins.
2015
01:58:55,630 --> 01:58:58,174
How dare this shabby character!
2016
01:58:59,091 --> 01:59:02,428
This unfortunate supervisor...
2017
01:59:16,526 --> 01:59:19,111
I inform you
that it's quarter-to-five.
2018
01:59:23,157 --> 01:59:25,076
We've been waiting for two hours.
2019
01:59:28,955 --> 01:59:32,250
- This is incredible...
- One moment, please.
2020
01:59:41,926 --> 01:59:44,804
Done! I'm delighted to see you.
2021
01:59:44,971 --> 01:59:47,139
- What brings you?
- July's payment.
2022
01:59:47,932 --> 01:59:49,517
It's September 4.
2023
01:59:49,684 --> 01:59:51,477
Madam, you incarnate grace,
2024
01:59:51,644 --> 01:59:54,981
whereas payments
are hard and dry things.
2025
01:59:55,147 --> 01:59:58,734
I beg you,
do not let me hear a voice so pure,
2026
01:59:58,901 --> 02:00:03,364
for it will make our poor figures
sound ridiculous.
2027
02:00:04,949 --> 02:00:07,243
What can I do for you? Figures?
2028
02:00:07,410 --> 02:00:09,453
Yes, let's talk figures.
2029
02:00:09,996 --> 02:00:12,039
I'll give you my viewpoint after.
2030
02:00:12,206 --> 02:00:13,875
I'd be delighted to hear it.
2031
02:00:15,418 --> 02:00:18,296
For the month of July, I owe you
2032
02:00:18,462 --> 02:00:20,798
- 970,000 francs.
- That matches my figure.
2033
02:00:22,049 --> 02:00:24,343
Does that include the Morocco deal?
2034
02:00:24,510 --> 02:00:25,636
What is this?
2035
02:00:25,803 --> 02:00:28,639
- It's personal.
- What do you mean?
2036
02:00:28,806 --> 02:00:32,184
- I mean none of your business.
- Mr. Topaze...
2037
02:00:32,351 --> 02:00:35,104
- What's going on?
- It seems clear to me.
2038
02:00:35,271 --> 02:00:36,480
What?
2039
02:00:36,647 --> 02:00:38,482
Let me explain, please.
2040
02:00:40,693 --> 02:00:42,695
- A cigarette?
- No, thank you.
2041
02:00:44,071 --> 02:00:48,993
Dear friend,
I have a little calculation for you.
2042
02:00:49,785 --> 02:00:54,832
This agency has made profits
of 7,684,000 francs in six months.
2043
02:00:54,999 --> 02:00:57,501
This office cost
700,000 for the lease
2044
02:00:57,668 --> 02:01:00,880
and 900,000 for furnishings:
1,600,000 altogether.
2045
02:01:01,255 --> 02:01:05,176
Compare these two figures: 7,684,000
2046
02:01:05,343 --> 02:01:07,553
and 1,600,000.
2047
02:01:07,887 --> 02:01:11,098
- I don't see the point.
- It's very important.
2048
02:01:12,016 --> 02:01:15,937
This comparison proves
that you made a very good deal,
2049
02:01:16,103 --> 02:01:17,605
even if it were to end.
2050
02:01:17,772 --> 02:01:19,440
Why would it end?
2051
02:01:19,607 --> 02:01:23,152
Because I intend to use this office
for my business.
2052
02:01:23,527 --> 02:01:27,782
From now on the agency is mine.
Any profits belong to me.
2053
02:01:28,240 --> 02:01:30,451
If I have any dealings with you,
2054
02:01:30,618 --> 02:01:34,413
I agree to pay a 6% commission.
No more.
2055
02:01:34,914 --> 02:01:37,917
I always told you
Topaze was a comedian.
2056
02:01:38,084 --> 02:01:41,462
If you find it funny, wonderful!
I didn't dare hope.
2057
02:01:41,629 --> 02:01:42,964
You think you're owner?
2058
02:01:43,130 --> 02:01:46,217
I am owner.
The agency is in my name.
2059
02:01:46,384 --> 02:01:50,680
The lease is in my name.
The place is legally mine!
2060
02:01:51,097 --> 02:01:53,516
- That would be theft.
- Take it to court.
2061
02:01:53,683 --> 02:01:56,435
I've seen crooks,
but rarely such cynicism.
2062
02:01:57,019 --> 02:01:58,396
Flattery won't help.
2063
02:01:58,854 --> 02:02:00,356
You can't just take this!
2064
02:02:00,523 --> 02:02:03,567
- Say something!
- My God!
2065
02:02:03,734 --> 02:02:06,112
Madam, that's all he can say.
2066
02:02:06,445 --> 02:02:08,489
It's surely a misunderstanding.
2067
02:02:08,990 --> 02:02:12,076
- You're incapable of this.
- You wanted proof.
2068
02:02:12,493 --> 02:02:17,540
Come on, think about it.'
Without me you'd be with Muche!
2069
02:02:17,707 --> 02:02:18,916
I taught you everything.
2070
02:02:19,458 --> 02:02:22,503
You made 7,684,000 francs.
2071
02:02:22,670 --> 02:02:24,755
No student ever gave me that.
2072
02:02:24,922 --> 02:02:27,717
I simply can't believe it.
2073
02:02:27,883 --> 02:02:29,885
You're an honest man.'
2074
02:02:30,469 --> 02:02:33,347
I had esteem and affection for you.
2075
02:02:33,681 --> 02:02:35,641
Yes, affection!
2076
02:02:35,891 --> 02:02:39,520
I can't believe you'd do this
to me for money,
2077
02:02:39,687 --> 02:02:42,857
it's too painful.
You're hurting yourself.
2078
02:02:43,441 --> 02:02:46,485
Suzy, tell him he's hurting himself.
2079
02:02:46,652 --> 02:02:48,446
Come on, I'll give you 10%.
2080
02:02:49,321 --> 02:02:51,824
You see, Régis, I saw you at work
2081
02:02:51,991 --> 02:02:54,160
and I judged you.
2082
02:02:54,869 --> 02:02:56,454
You're uninteresting.
2083
02:02:56,620 --> 02:03:00,624
You're a crook, yes that you are.
But a little one.
2084
02:03:01,083 --> 02:03:03,502
Your deals have no ambition.
2085
02:03:04,128 --> 02:03:07,173
Fifteen sweepers,
thirty manhole covers,
2086
02:03:07,339 --> 02:03:09,967
ten dozen enameled spittoons.
2087
02:03:10,342 --> 02:03:12,386
The game isn't worth the candle.
2088
02:03:12,553 --> 02:03:15,931
As for speculations
such as urinals on wheels,
2089
02:03:16,098 --> 02:03:18,684
that's not business, it's poetry.
2090
02:03:18,851 --> 02:03:22,980
No, you're just a small fry,
stay in politics.
2091
02:03:23,439 --> 02:03:25,691
That's it, same as the chimpanzee.
2092
02:03:26,025 --> 02:03:28,277
That's all you can think to say.
2093
02:03:28,444 --> 02:03:30,529
What can you say to a bandit?
2094
02:03:31,030 --> 02:03:32,823
You're a bandit!
2095
02:03:32,990 --> 02:03:34,533
You're not a man.
2096
02:03:34,700 --> 02:03:37,536
And you, madam, please be quiet.
2097
02:03:37,703 --> 02:03:40,623
- Are you his accomplice?
- You know I'm not.
2098
02:03:40,790 --> 02:03:43,918
He'd never have had the audacity
without you.
2099
02:03:44,085 --> 02:03:47,546
Go on, admit you're behind it.
I've been wise for a while.
2100
02:03:47,713 --> 02:03:51,634
You won't get away with this.
I haven't paid you enough?
2101
02:03:51,801 --> 02:03:56,263
- That's the height of vulgarity!
- Oh, vulgarity!
2102
02:03:56,430 --> 02:04:00,059
If you want to shout,
please do it elsewhere.
2103
02:04:00,226 --> 02:04:02,770
- You wore rabbit when I met you.
- How crude.
2104
02:04:02,937 --> 02:04:04,939
She wore second-hand hats.
2105
02:04:05,106 --> 02:04:08,400
I forbid you to speak like that
to a lady. Leave!
2106
02:04:08,567 --> 02:04:12,029
We'll see who has the last laugh.
I'll be back.
2107
02:04:12,571 --> 02:04:14,949
- I'll go to the public prosecutor.
- I doubt it.
2108
02:04:15,491 --> 02:04:17,451
- You've ridiculed me.
- That's true.
2109
02:04:17,618 --> 02:04:21,330
I expect your attitude to change.
We'll talk later.
2110
02:04:21,497 --> 02:04:25,167
You talk crudely to a woman
because you fear a man.
2111
02:04:26,293 --> 02:04:28,337
I find you despicable.
2112
02:04:28,504 --> 02:04:30,256
- Madam...
- Leave, sir!
2113
02:04:30,422 --> 02:04:32,591
- What do you think?
- Go on.
2114
02:04:32,758 --> 02:04:34,635
- I could use physical strength.
- Go ahead.
2115
02:04:34,802 --> 02:04:36,554
- But I'm not a brute.
- You said it.
2116
02:04:36,720 --> 02:04:39,390
I'll make you pay for your boasting.
2117
02:04:39,557 --> 02:04:41,892
- Meanwhile, I'll laugh.
- That's it.
2118
02:04:45,938 --> 02:04:47,565
He's shown his true face.
2119
02:04:48,065 --> 02:04:50,609
He'll soon make poor excuses to you,
2120
02:04:50,776 --> 02:04:54,196
which you'll accept with a smile,
to keep your honor.
2121
02:04:54,822 --> 02:04:58,325
I find you impertinent.
Perhaps too much.
2122
02:04:59,994 --> 02:05:02,538
I get the feeling
you've lost your head.
2123
02:05:03,247 --> 02:05:05,875
You think this displays intelligence?
2124
02:05:06,041 --> 02:05:08,085
No, authority.
2125
02:05:08,252 --> 02:05:11,589
- A display that will cost you.
- Why?
2126
02:05:11,755 --> 02:05:13,841
The agency in itself is worthless.
2127
02:05:14,008 --> 02:05:17,803
It made money
because Régis was behind the façade.
2128
02:05:17,970 --> 02:05:19,930
From now on, there's me.
2129
02:05:20,097 --> 02:05:21,932
You!
2130
02:05:22,266 --> 02:05:23,976
What will you do alone?
2131
02:05:24,518 --> 02:05:26,270
Ask what I've already done.
2132
02:05:26,437 --> 02:05:29,398
For three months now,
I've worked for myself.
2133
02:05:29,565 --> 02:05:32,860
I've made interesting acquaintances.
And I've made money.
2134
02:05:33,027 --> 02:05:34,904
When the Morocco deal...
2135
02:05:35,070 --> 02:05:38,073
- Is that serious?
- There's nothing more serious.
2136
02:05:38,407 --> 02:05:41,202
5,000 hectares, limited companies,
2137
02:05:41,368 --> 02:05:45,039
4,000 incorporating shares for me,
sold on the market.
2138
02:05:45,456 --> 02:05:46,790
You've changed.
2139
02:05:47,291 --> 02:05:48,250
For the better?
2140
02:05:48,417 --> 02:05:50,169
Maybe, but not for me.
2141
02:05:50,336 --> 02:05:52,713
- How's that?
- I had shares here.
2142
02:05:52,880 --> 02:05:56,258
By stripping Régis,
you're stripping me.
2143
02:05:57,176 --> 02:05:58,510
I had an 8% cut.
2144
02:05:58,677 --> 02:06:00,638
It's up to you to keep it.
2145
02:06:00,804 --> 02:06:02,139
On what grounds?
2146
02:06:02,306 --> 02:06:05,392
I owe you much.
And I still need you.
2147
02:06:05,559 --> 02:06:07,770
I thought you were a big man.
2148
02:06:07,937 --> 02:06:10,481
No, not yet. I'm missing something.
2149
02:06:10,648 --> 02:06:13,317
- What?
- The dazzling sign of success.
2150
02:06:13,484 --> 02:06:16,487
An elegant well-known mistress
to escort me
2151
02:06:16,654 --> 02:06:20,199
and receive my guests
in tasteful surroundings.
2152
02:06:20,366 --> 02:06:23,869
- I think you're moving a bit fast.
- How's that?
2153
02:06:24,036 --> 02:06:27,122
I know how Topaze works,
I helped make him.
2154
02:06:27,289 --> 02:06:30,751
Which is why I allow myself
to give you some advice.
2155
02:06:30,918 --> 02:06:33,337
It's your advice I'm asking for.
2156
02:06:33,504 --> 02:06:35,798
I'd like your opinion on my choice.
2157
02:06:35,965 --> 02:06:39,093
If your choice is made,
it's too late to ask me.
2158
02:06:40,386 --> 02:06:41,637
Who is it?
2159
02:06:42,721 --> 02:06:45,349
- Guess.
- Do I know her?
2160
02:06:45,766 --> 02:06:48,185
- Very well.
- Brunette or blond?
2161
02:06:49,728 --> 02:06:51,814
- Blond.
- Small?
2162
02:06:54,149 --> 02:06:55,442
Average height.
2163
02:06:56,026 --> 02:06:58,237
- Pretty?
- Very pretty.
2164
02:06:58,779 --> 02:07:02,241
But moreover,
distinguished and refined.
2165
02:07:02,783 --> 02:07:05,369
In her blue eyes
2166
02:07:05,786 --> 02:07:08,289
burns formidable intelligence.
2167
02:07:08,580 --> 02:07:11,458
It's for this reason
that I chose her.
2168
02:07:12,084 --> 02:07:14,378
- Did I do well?
- Surely.
2169
02:07:15,337 --> 02:07:17,423
But maybe she's mocking you?
2170
02:07:18,257 --> 02:07:19,300
Who knows?
2171
02:07:19,466 --> 02:07:21,468
Maybe she doubts your future?
2172
02:07:22,428 --> 02:07:23,512
She'd be wrong.
2173
02:07:23,679 --> 02:07:28,392
Prove yourself further before
making proposals that could shock.
2174
02:07:28,851 --> 02:07:30,269
You think so?
2175
02:07:30,436 --> 02:07:32,187
She'd put you in your place.
2176
02:07:32,354 --> 02:07:35,858
On this point I think you're wrong.
2177
02:07:36,025 --> 02:07:39,737
I think I should speak to her
as soon as possible.
2178
02:07:40,321 --> 02:07:41,613
Too bad for you.
2179
02:07:41,780 --> 02:07:45,659
Her lover left,
she's only waiting for the word.
2180
02:07:46,285 --> 02:07:48,579
I find you vain and pretentious.
2181
02:07:49,121 --> 02:07:51,707
Go ahead, try your word.
2182
02:07:51,874 --> 02:07:55,085
- Try now, it'll amuse me.
- Very well.
2183
02:07:55,753 --> 02:07:58,505
- Passy 4352.
- What?
2184
02:07:59,256 --> 02:08:00,507
Odette?
2185
02:08:01,008 --> 02:08:03,010
The baron left her yesterday.
2186
02:08:03,177 --> 02:08:05,971
I ran into her, we had tea together
2187
02:08:06,138 --> 02:08:08,849
- and it seemed to me...
- Oh, how stupid.
2188
02:08:09,016 --> 02:08:13,437
Why play this little comedy?
What did you hope for?
2189
02:08:14,271 --> 02:08:16,815
Nothing. What can I hope for?
2190
02:08:17,399 --> 02:08:19,777
You knew me too poor and too dumb.
2191
02:08:20,152 --> 02:08:21,904
I'll never win your heart.
2192
02:08:22,071 --> 02:08:25,282
I'll always be "the likeable idiot".
2193
02:08:26,283 --> 02:08:28,702
- Likeable...
- But idiot.
2194
02:08:30,120 --> 02:08:31,288
Know what we could do?
2195
02:08:31,663 --> 02:08:34,458
- Yes, I do know.
- Don't be silly.
2196
02:08:34,625 --> 02:08:37,211
I'll hurry home, Régis is waiting.
2197
02:08:37,378 --> 02:08:38,504
You miss him already?
2198
02:08:38,670 --> 02:08:41,382
We have accounts to settle!
2199
02:08:41,548 --> 02:08:45,886
I'll come back for you
and we'll continue our conversation,
2200
02:08:46,053 --> 02:08:49,431
which is not uninteresting,
at the Armenonville.
2201
02:08:49,598 --> 02:08:54,144
I'd prefer the Moulin de Micherelle,
the nights are more beautiful.
2202
02:08:54,311 --> 02:08:58,482
As you wish. But there's one point
I will not compromise on.
2203
02:08:58,649 --> 02:09:01,026
- What's that?
- My 8%.
2204
02:09:29,304 --> 02:09:33,308
Topaze! You shaved it?
2205
02:09:33,809 --> 02:09:37,354
Yes, you know business.
Am I very different?
2206
02:09:37,521 --> 02:09:41,525
You look like an actor
from the Comédie Française.
2207
02:09:42,484 --> 02:09:43,902
I'm so happy to see you.
2208
02:09:44,069 --> 02:09:48,449
A pleasure you might've had sooner
but for so many closed doors.
2209
02:09:48,615 --> 02:09:53,370
Did your typists tell you?
They'd always say: "Sir is out."
2210
02:09:53,537 --> 02:09:57,916
After a while,
I thought you didn't want to see me.
2211
02:09:58,250 --> 02:10:00,502
I admit,
I found that hard to take.
2212
02:10:00,669 --> 02:10:02,671
Come on, old friends like us!
2213
02:10:02,838 --> 02:10:07,676
Especially since I have
something important to tell you.
2214
02:10:08,218 --> 02:10:10,804
- Tell me.
- You know I'm your friend.
2215
02:10:11,430 --> 02:10:12,973
A sincere friend,
2216
02:10:13,140 --> 02:10:15,976
who's never been indiscreet.
2217
02:10:16,143 --> 02:10:18,896
But what I have to tell you
is very serious
2218
02:10:19,062 --> 02:10:21,398
for it concerns your reputation.
2219
02:10:21,565 --> 02:10:23,233
My reputation?
2220
02:10:23,901 --> 02:10:26,778
It pains me to tell you this,
but I heard
2221
02:10:26,945 --> 02:10:30,532
people say that your associate
is a mad politician.
2222
02:10:30,699 --> 02:10:33,660
One honest man even insinuated
2223
02:10:33,994 --> 02:10:39,249
that you knew it, and that you were
involved in doubtful affairs.
2224
02:10:39,708 --> 02:10:41,627
- Doubtful?
- Doubtful.
2225
02:10:41,793 --> 02:10:45,506
And these rumors were validated
by the press.
2226
02:10:45,672 --> 02:10:48,842
A perfectly honest man gave me this,
2227
02:10:49,009 --> 02:10:53,472
it appeared in
a serious paper some time ago.
2228
02:10:54,014 --> 02:10:56,558
What are your conclusions?
2229
02:10:56,725 --> 02:10:58,977
My dear man, I came to warn you.
2230
02:10:59,144 --> 02:11:03,398
Carefully survey the affairs
you treat with this gentleman.
2231
02:11:03,565 --> 02:11:06,568
And write to the papers
to set them straight.
2232
02:11:07,903 --> 02:11:09,863
Thank you, Tamise.
2233
02:11:11,657 --> 02:11:15,619
I'm perfectly aware
of the affairs I've treated.
2234
02:11:16,203 --> 02:11:18,455
They aren't doubtful.
2235
02:11:19,414 --> 02:11:23,126
Not in the slightest.
These affairs are simple riggings
2236
02:11:23,293 --> 02:11:27,214
founded on influence peddling,
bribery of officials,
2237
02:11:27,381 --> 02:11:29,049
and corrupt practices.
2238
02:11:30,342 --> 02:11:32,928
- You old devil!
- I'm not joking.
2239
02:11:33,095 --> 02:11:37,432
You want to teach me a lesson.
I admit, I deserve it.
2240
02:11:37,599 --> 02:11:41,019
But they sounded so certain,
and this paper...
2241
02:11:41,186 --> 02:11:44,731
I don't know if it's because
you look like an actor,
2242
02:11:44,898 --> 02:11:48,485
- but I almost believed you.
- You must believe me.
2243
02:11:48,652 --> 02:11:51,530
Everything I've done
is against the law.
2244
02:11:51,697 --> 02:11:54,700
If society were well designed,
I'd be in jail.
2245
02:11:54,866 --> 02:11:57,035
- What did you say?
- The truth.
2246
02:11:57,202 --> 02:11:59,413
- Are you mad?
- Not at all.
2247
02:11:59,913 --> 02:12:03,000
Then it's true,
you've become dishonest?
2248
02:12:04,876 --> 02:12:07,879
Tamise, don't look at me
in such horror.
2249
02:12:08,547 --> 02:12:12,384
Let me defend myself
before condemning me.
2250
02:12:13,385 --> 02:12:15,596
You who were pure conscience,
2251
02:12:15,762 --> 02:12:19,016
who pushed scruples to obsession.
2252
02:12:19,391 --> 02:12:24,062
I can say that for ten years,
with strength, courage and faith,
2253
02:12:24,229 --> 02:12:26,940
I worked hard, I tried to be useful.
2254
02:12:27,107 --> 02:12:30,694
For ten years,
I was paid 17,500 francs a month.
2255
02:12:30,861 --> 02:12:34,239
Then one day,
because he requested an injustice,
2256
02:12:34,406 --> 02:12:36,617
the honest Mr. Muche threw me out.
2257
02:12:36,783 --> 02:12:39,536
I'll explain later
how fate led me here
2258
02:12:39,703 --> 02:12:42,456
and how I did illegal dealings
despite myself.
2259
02:12:42,623 --> 02:12:45,208
As I fearfully awaited punishment,
2260
02:12:45,375 --> 02:12:49,588
I was given the reward
my humble services could not obtain.
2261
02:12:50,631 --> 02:12:51,590
You were decorated?
2262
02:12:51,923 --> 02:12:53,467
Yes, and you?
2263
02:12:56,386 --> 02:12:57,679
Not yet.
2264
02:12:57,846 --> 02:13:01,350
You see, Tamise,
I may have left the right path,
2265
02:13:01,516 --> 02:13:03,477
but I'm rich and respected.
2266
02:13:03,644 --> 02:13:07,481
Sophism! You're respected,
for your baseness is unknown.
2267
02:13:07,648 --> 02:13:08,940
That's not true.
2268
02:13:09,107 --> 02:13:13,070
You said a perfectly honest man
informed you. Was it Muche?
2269
02:13:13,236 --> 02:13:17,491
Yes. You'd blush if you heard
what he said about you.
2270
02:13:17,658 --> 02:13:20,410
This perfectly honest man
came to see me.
2271
02:13:20,577 --> 02:13:22,371
I told him the truth.
2272
02:13:22,829 --> 02:13:26,041
He offered to give me
false evidence,
2273
02:13:26,708 --> 02:13:28,919
his daughter's hand,
2274
02:13:29,419 --> 02:13:31,797
and the presidency
of the awards committee.
2275
02:13:32,422 --> 02:13:35,759
The presidency? Why?
2276
02:13:35,926 --> 02:13:37,719
Because I have money.
2277
02:13:37,886 --> 02:13:40,514
You imagine that for money...
2278
02:13:41,765 --> 02:13:45,310
Yes, innocent child that you are.
2279
02:13:45,977 --> 02:13:51,233
That day, the champion of morals
only wanted 500,000 francs.
2280
02:13:52,317 --> 02:13:55,862
Money. You don't know the value.
2281
02:13:56,446 --> 02:13:59,783
Open your eyes, look around you.
2282
02:13:59,950 --> 02:14:02,119
Look at your contemporaries.
2283
02:14:02,536 --> 02:14:07,416
Money buys everything.
You can have anything.
2284
02:14:07,582 --> 02:14:11,962
If I want a modern house,
an invisible fake tooth,
2285
02:14:12,129 --> 02:14:15,924
permission to eat meat on Fridays,
praise in the papers,
2286
02:14:16,091 --> 02:14:17,968
or a woman in my bed,
2287
02:14:18,468 --> 02:14:22,139
will I get it with prayers,
devotion and virtue?
2288
02:14:22,305 --> 02:14:24,975
You need only open this safe
2289
02:14:25,142 --> 02:14:28,520
and say: "How much?"
2290
02:14:28,687 --> 02:14:30,856
Power rules the world.
2291
02:14:31,022 --> 02:14:35,777
And these little paper rectangles
are the modern form
2292
02:14:37,487 --> 02:14:39,114
of power.
2293
02:14:40,907 --> 02:14:43,577
Thank goodness
you stopped teaching,
2294
02:14:43,744 --> 02:14:46,788
for if you were to teach
ethics again...
2295
02:14:48,999 --> 02:14:52,210
You know what I'd tell my students?
2296
02:14:54,379 --> 02:14:57,632
Children, the proverbs you see
on this wall
2297
02:14:57,799 --> 02:15:01,553
might have corresponded
in days gone by to a lost reality.
2298
02:15:01,720 --> 02:15:06,600
Today it seems their only purpose
is to put you on the wrong track
2299
02:15:06,767 --> 02:15:09,519
while smarter ones divide the prey.
2300
02:15:10,061 --> 02:15:13,398
In our era, scorning these proverbs
2301
02:15:13,565 --> 02:15:15,859
means the start of a fortune.
2302
02:15:16,860 --> 02:15:20,197
If teachers had the slightest notion
of reality,
2303
02:15:20,530 --> 02:15:22,532
that is what they'd teach.
2304
02:15:22,699 --> 02:15:25,702
And you wouldn't be a poor bugger.
2305
02:15:25,869 --> 02:15:29,748
I might be a bugger,
but I'm not poor.
2306
02:15:29,915 --> 02:15:30,624
You?
2307
02:15:30,791 --> 02:15:33,043
You're so poor you don't know it.
2308
02:15:33,210 --> 02:15:37,547
I may not have the means
for many material pleasures,
2309
02:15:37,714 --> 02:15:40,091
but they're the lowest ones.
2310
02:15:40,258 --> 02:15:41,968
You know I'm very happy.
2311
02:15:42,135 --> 02:15:46,139
You'd be much happier
if you could enjoy progress.
2312
02:15:46,306 --> 02:15:48,934
Yet progress was created
2313
02:15:49,100 --> 02:15:51,561
by people with brains, like you.
2314
02:15:51,728 --> 02:15:52,604
Come now.
2315
02:15:52,979 --> 02:15:55,982
- You know I invented nothing.
- I know.
2316
02:15:56,149 --> 02:16:00,862
You didn't feed the flame,
but you protect it with your hands.
2317
02:16:01,279 --> 02:16:04,658
It infuriates me to see
2318
02:16:04,825 --> 02:16:07,828
holes in this silk thread,
2319
02:16:08,411 --> 02:16:11,581
because you can't afford
the leather gloves
2320
02:16:11,748 --> 02:16:16,002
lined with rabbit, that you've been
eyeing for three years.
2321
02:16:16,169 --> 02:16:17,420
Yes, it's true,
2322
02:16:17,587 --> 02:16:20,382
but they're 800 francs.
I can't steal them.
2323
02:16:20,549 --> 02:16:24,302
You're the one who's been robbed.
You deserve them.
2324
02:16:24,886 --> 02:16:26,930
Come on, make money!
2325
02:16:27,097 --> 02:16:29,558
Like you? No thanks.
2326
02:16:30,308 --> 02:16:33,270
I don't have the same motivation.
2327
02:16:33,436 --> 02:16:35,313
- What's that?
- Your theory,
2328
02:16:35,480 --> 02:16:39,693
I know where it comes from.
You love a woman who wants money.
2329
02:16:39,860 --> 02:16:41,027
She's right.
2330
02:16:41,945 --> 02:16:45,532
You see, I told you.
She's a chorus girl.
2331
02:16:45,699 --> 02:16:49,244
A chorus girl
who doesn't even dance.
2332
02:16:49,828 --> 02:16:51,079
That costs a lot.
2333
02:16:51,246 --> 02:16:53,582
Do you know women
who love poor men?
2334
02:16:54,332 --> 02:16:57,377
You can't say
they're all calculating.
2335
02:16:57,544 --> 02:17:01,256
I say that, in general,
they prefer men who have money.
2336
02:17:01,423 --> 02:17:03,633
It's natural, in prehistoric days,
2337
02:17:03,800 --> 02:17:06,928
while men carved up animals
and fought over the pieces,
2338
02:17:07,095 --> 02:17:08,722
women watched from afar.
2339
02:17:08,889 --> 02:17:12,017
And when the males broke up,
each with his share,
2340
02:17:12,183 --> 02:17:13,935
what did the women do?
2341
02:17:14,269 --> 02:17:17,731
They lovingly followed the one
with the biggest chunk.
2342
02:17:18,148 --> 02:17:20,191
Topaze, that's blasphemy.
2343
02:17:20,358 --> 02:17:23,194
Even if you're right,
I don't want to believe it.
2344
02:17:23,528 --> 02:17:28,074
If you're not completely corrupt,
make an effort, save yourself.
2345
02:17:28,241 --> 02:17:31,870
Leave this woman who's caused
your fall, come with me.
2346
02:17:32,787 --> 02:17:36,333
You're a good man.
But I don't need saving, you do.
2347
02:17:36,499 --> 02:17:37,918
You want to leave Muche?
2348
02:17:38,084 --> 02:17:40,086
You want to work with me?
2349
02:17:40,253 --> 02:17:42,464
When you do honest business.
2350
02:17:42,631 --> 02:17:45,800
My new business will be honest,
but not to you.
2351
02:17:46,384 --> 02:17:49,512
To make money,
you have to take it from someone.
2352
02:17:50,805 --> 02:17:54,351
In that case, there won't be
any honest people left.
2353
02:17:54,517 --> 02:17:57,228
Yes, there will be you.
2354
02:17:57,854 --> 02:18:02,317
Come see me tomorrow,
we'll see if we can't change that.
2355
02:18:02,484 --> 02:18:05,445
Oh no, especially not
if I'm the last one.
2356
02:18:05,612 --> 02:18:07,989
Maybe they'll give me a pension.
2357
02:18:09,741 --> 02:18:11,034
Oh, you're busy?
2358
02:18:11,409 --> 02:18:14,079
Everything's settled,
I'll wait for you.
2359
02:18:16,247 --> 02:18:20,502
So she's the Delilah who shaved you.
She's beautiful.
2360
02:18:20,919 --> 02:18:24,172
- Can you come back tomorrow?
- Yes, it's Thursday.
2361
02:18:24,339 --> 02:18:27,884
- Then goodbye, please excuse me.
- Go ahead.
2362
02:19:41,207 --> 02:19:42,125
Hello?
2363
02:19:43,376 --> 02:19:44,753
Yes, Minister.
2364
02:19:46,046 --> 02:19:48,339
No, Minister, the director is out.
2365
02:19:50,008 --> 02:19:52,218
Yes, tomorrow morning, Minister.
2366
02:19:53,678 --> 02:19:55,055
Very well, Minister.
2367
02:19:56,806 --> 02:19:58,099
Excuse me, miss,
2368
02:19:58,725 --> 02:20:01,311
you're quite numerous here.
2369
02:20:01,478 --> 02:20:02,812
Five typists.
2370
02:20:04,731 --> 02:20:07,984
And who's the director's secretary?
2371
02:20:08,151 --> 02:20:09,527
He doesn't have one.
2372
02:20:11,571 --> 02:20:13,656
He doesn't have a secretary.
2373
02:20:22,373 --> 02:20:24,793
He doesn't have a secretary.
2374
02:21:18,930 --> 02:21:21,349
Subtitles: Julie Meyer