Original subtitles

DONKEY SKIN

Based on the Fairy Tale by Charles Perrault

Once upon a time there was a king so great,

so loved by his people and so respected by neighboring kingdoms

that he was the happiest of monarchs.

And his happiness was even greater

for having chosen a beautiful and virtuous wife.

The couple lived in perfect harmony.

They had a daughter of such grace and charm

that they never regretted having but one child.

Their palace was a marvel of taste and abundance.

The buildings were magnificent,

and the vast stables were filled with the most handsome steeds.

But what most surprised visitors

was a donkey displayed in the most prominent place.

This iniquity may surprise you,

but when you learn of the creature's rare ability,

you will agree that this honor was its due.

However, the vicissitudes of life fall on kings as well,

and the greatest good is always mixed with misfortune.

The queen was suddenly stricken with a cruel malady,

and neither the physicians well-versed in Greek

nor the quacks in vogue could do aught for her.

Allow me, before I die, to make one request.

If you should wish to remarry —

No, my dearest queen. I would never think of it.

Ask instead that I follow you.

Our love says I can believe you,

but the state demands heirs.

I gave you only a daughter.

Your advisors will demand a son in your image.

Hush.

Listen to me.

Swear by the love you bear me

to marry again only when you've found

a woman more beautiful than myself.

Impossible!

Swear it so that I may die content.

I swear it.

The queen is dead!

Come, Father.

Leave me, child.

I never wish to see you again.

The royal cabinet!

Speak.

We think it is bad for you to remain alone —

and bad for the state.

Solitude is unhealthy for kings. It is time you remarried.

Why do you always ask the impossible?

The state needs a male heir for its peace and tranquility.

The kingdom is at peace and does not desire war.

Your advisors can but approve of your policy,

but we are supposed to advise you as well.

I understand your reasons. I can remarry,

but I swore to the queen to wed only a princess

more beautiful than she.

- That was a vain promise. - How so?

A queen's beauty matters little provided she's virtuous and fertile.

I do not agree,

and I will not break my promise.

Seek in neighboring kingdoms

a princess who might suit me.

I wish but to please.

The prime minister!

Now the trouble begins.

You're burning me!

I beg your pardon, Your Majesty.

Well?

Two of our messengers have brought us

some charming portraits.

If they're like the others, no, thank you.

Those were so badly done that you couldn't tell

whether the girl was pretty or stupid.

Let me see.

This one's father has the largest kingdom you could —

Come now! Let me see!

She's hideous!

Her father would give you half his land —

Let him keep it all.

Would you have an ugly woman on my arm?

This one is no youth,

but her fortune exceeds by far —

The number of her years!

Sadness.

Boredom.

Pride.

Hypocrisy.

They're all one-eyed or hunchbacks

or perhaps deaf.

Have fairy-tale princesses

all disappeared?

There is this one.

Let me see.

Good God, she's lovely!

You kept her a secret, you traitor.

How sweet! How pure!

How graceful!

Look at the line of that shoulder.

Who is she?

Your daughter, sire.

Love is worn around the neck

The heart is mad

Four arms entwined

The soul is glad

Like a scarf woven of white wool

Love forms a knot

Love, love

Has made me mad

Love often makes a clamor

In youth

It cries, it stings

It swears false oaths

It makes those lovers suffer

Who refuse to turn the page

Love, love

Is never wise

How lovely she is!

Lovelier than the queen, sire,

and much more charming and intelligent.

When it has lived too long

With contented heart

Love, at the slightest snag

Frays

Caught on the nail of memory

Love dies in time

Love, love

I love you so!

Love, love

I love you so!

Your father, the king, has sent for you.

Love, love, I love you so!

You sent for me, Father?

Does that surprise you?

You've refused to see me since my mother's death.

Did that hurt you?

- Yes, Father. - I am sorry.

Solitude has been my sole companion.

I have decided that that must end.

Arise, dear daughter.

I was listening to you.

Your singing enchanted me.

If your soul is sensitive to music,

perhaps you do not dislike poetry either.

I know little poetry, but I enjoy it.

I have some poems from the future.

The ancients wrote well,

but the poets of tomorrow

may delight you more.

"Listening to your fairy lute,

trees and stones follow you, Orpheus,

letting you shape them as you choose.

Clio, the barmaid,

Calliope phoning in a scoop …

Urania turning on the gaslights

that paint the trees from below."

Do you like it?

It's troubling.

Your godmother, the lilac fairy, gave it to me.

Her knowledge of the future amazes me.

Listen to this one. It suits the moment so well.

"The ring is slipped on the finger

after a kiss seals our vows.

What our lips murmured

is in the ring on the finger.

Weave roses through your hair."

I love you, my daughter, and wish to marry you.

Poetry deranges you, Father.

I beg you to stop.

- Do you love me? - Very much.

Very much is not enough.

Allow me to go, Father. I feel weary and troubled.

Be that as it may, I have decided to marry you,

and marry you I will.

Ask not such a crime of me. Let me think on it.

I give you until tomorrow.

You are wise and learned.

Your counsel has never led me astray.

I love the princess and wish to marry her.

Is mine a sinful love?

Is the princess fond of Your Majesty?

She says she loves me very much,

yet she's confused.

Do you see what I mean?

The princess is too young to understand

the stirrings of her heart.

It's written here

that all little girls who are asked,

"Whom do you wish to marry when you grow up?"

reply without fail, "I want to marry Daddy."

Do you have a daughter?

Alas, no.

But if I did,

I would certainly marry her.

You are the wisest of the wise.

I shall marry the princess.

You at this hour!

You know I hate to be taken unawares.

Forgive me, godmother, but it's terribly urgent.

Come now.

Don't cry, child.

It will leave furrows on your face.

But it's too dreadful!

Calm down and have a seat.

No, not a word. I know all about it.

Let me finish dressing. And dry your tears.

You, go outside and play.

Yellow is definitely not my color.

That's better.

Dear child, it would be a great mistake to marry your father.

You must gently discourage him.

But I love him.

I know …

but you're confusing different kinds of love.

I must give him an answer tomorrow.

The situation calls for great attention

Children do not marry their parents, my child

You love your father, and I understand

But whatever your reasons or feelings may be

Boys do not marry their mothers, my child

And it is the tradition

In every condition

For lawmakers to decree

That girls do not marry their daddies

A prince with a shepherdess may find joy

But a girl with her father

Can expect nothing but tainted offspring

My child, you must forget without regret

These depraved phantasms

And you will encounter a charming ragamuffin

Or perhaps a beggar prince

But kindly abjure

This union impure

Life will offer you gifts, my child

But first you must

Conform to the plan

I have concocted for you

Have no fear of getting lost

I shall enlighten you at all cost

I shall protect you and show you the way

That I have traced without delay

Be of good cheer

I've arranged it all, my dear

Don't worry. Nothing bad will happen to you

if you follow my advice.

Are you sure?

Fairies are always right.

We must set your father an impossible challenge.

You must tell him you have a whim for —

oh, I don't know —

a dress the color of … the weather.

The weather?

It's terribly complicated and costly.

Even with all his powers, he'll never manage it.

A dress the color of the weather — is that a condition?

More like a whim.

And then you'll marry me?

Yes, Father.

The devil take me!

Good weather? Bad weather?

Good weather, Father.

What kind of weather?

Good weather, of course!

And I need it by tomorrow.

We'll never make it in time.

The color of the weather! Horse feathers!

He succeeded! How dreadful!

Let me look at you.

It's gorgeous.

I've never had anything like it.

I honestly didn't think it was possible.

He must love you very much indeed.

What do we do now?

We must be completely unreasonable.

Ask for a dress

that's more sparkling, less common.

A dress the color of the moon.

Go at once.

The color of the moon?

Yes, Father.

More sparkling and less common.

But that one suits you perfectly.

I find it … quite ordinary.

I would not displease you.

The color of the moon?

Yes, Father.

The color of the moon?

Even more lustrous than the nightly orb.

Now he's asking for the moon!

What a beautiful dress! My father's so sweet.

I'm full of love and ready to marry him.

- You can't. - But he's so nice.

Impossible.

I tore my dress again.

- How sad. - Perhaps, but that's life.

But something's amiss.

My magic spell doesn't work. Could it be worn out?

Can a spell wear out like a dress?

No, but it can grow weak like a battery.

A battery? What's that?

Nothing. I'm getting old.

But fairies don't get old.

You're right. I'd forgotten.

Still, my power over men is growing weak.

My spell doesn't work on your father anymore.

I must admit I feel great tenderness for him.

Please!

We shall conquer this unwholesome passion.

Calm down, now.

We'll be simply odious.

Tell him you want a dress the color of the sun.

- He'll give it to me. - Then we'll see.

Anyway, I have another idea too.

I think he'll be surprised

by the request I advise you to make.

What now?

Listen.

No, not that!

That's horrible! I'd never dare!

I'd rather marry him! - You have no choice.

Are you satisfied?

Frankly, I should like a more dazzling dress …

the color of the sun.

Is this one not dazzling enough?

It could be made of gold and diamonds.

Are you vain, my dear?

Not really.

Why are you toying with me?

You shall have your dress if you assure me

it's a pledge of love and not merely a whim.

It's no whim, Father.

Go on. Ask him what I told you.

I can't!

Go on. I command you.

How dazzling!

I've never seen anything so radiant!

You are beautiful, daughter!

Are you happy?

I am, Father.

I'm filled with joy. Is this your last request?

Or, before our marriage,

have you some other desire I can satisfy?

Yes, but I hesitate.

Tell me.

I'd like the skin of that old donkey in your stables.

My banker?

Yes, Father.

You surprise me with this strange request.

Someone's put this monstrous idea into your head,

probably your fairy godmother, who's despised me ever since —

- Since when? - That's not important.

Besides, I don't care what the fairies think,

especially that one.

Well, if this is your last request before our marriage,

it will be granted.

You will have that donkey's skin this very night.

- Stop this childishness! - I can't elude him.

It's cruel to make him suffer.

He's already planning the wedding.

That's just too bad.

Why must I refuse his love? What have you got against my father?

I owe you no explanations.

Your father behaved badly

in a matter that concerns him and me alone.

Fairies, like women, hold grudges.

Come now, don't cry!

If my father loves me, why not do as he wishes?

Why flee from him?

It's only pride. I owe him my life, after all.

That shows how sadly lacking your education has been.

What do you advise?

You must leave at once.

He'll find me wherever I go.

You'll be in disguise.

You have the oddest ideas.

Hurry now.

Wrap this skin around you. - Horrors!

Do as I say. I have everything planned.

Where's my wand?

Here's a trunk for your dresses, your mirror,

your diamonds and rubies.

Take my wand too.

- But what about you? - I have another at home.

Strike the ground with this wand,

and your trunk will appear whenever you need it.

Come. - What for?

Come here.

No one must recognize you.

You enjoy making me look hideous!

Don't be silly. I'm helping you. This is going to be an ordeal.

Life is not as easy as you think,

even for the daughter of a king.

Now, a carriage awaits at the gate

to take you to safety beyond the seas.

Good luck, my child.

Lend me my wand to get home.

Come in, Donkey Skin. I've been expecting you.

I need a scullery maid to wash the rags.

Yes, ma'am.

Call me "old woman" — or don't address me at all.

You'll start tomorrow.

Everyone's asleep today.

You're even filthier than I expected.

Scullery maids are always filthy.

You think too much.

Go clean the pig trough. - Yes, old woman.

I'm tired from my long journey. Where may I rest?

There's a hut in the forest. Off with you.

How wretched! Where do I start?

The bed.

A chair.

The table.

A looking glass.

Candles.

And my trunk.

Love, love, I love you so

I love you so

The princess cannot be found.

Search the stables, the sheepfold, the cellars.

We've searched everywhere.

She was asleep in her bedroom last night.

Some Romeo passing through may have carried her off.

You speak nonsense!

I'm going mad!

Send out 100 messengers and 1,000 musketeers.

Search every hamlet, every vineyard,

and every meadow — but bring her back!

- Dead or alive? - Alive, you fool!

This is too much to bear!

What about the wedding?

Postpone it.

No wedding, no banquet, no decorations, no cake, no bells!

Leave me in peace,

and do not disturb me again until you've found her.

I will not be consoled …

except by her presence.

Be gone!

Oh, she's disgusting!

Oh, she's dirty!

Oh, she's filthy!

The poor thing

She must be sick

They say her skin hides some disease

Maybe the mange

Just look at her

You can't tell her hands from her face

With that hair all over How disgusting

She won't have a chance to see the prince

Before kissing her, he'd have to wash her

She must smell foul from head to toe

The old woman said you must clean

The stables and the barn

- Do you know why? - How would I know?

Our prince is coming Sunday

He's a stickler for cleanliness

- Not like her - She's disgusting

Let's get away from here

She infests the air

They say she's evil

You'd better hide

If the prince sees you, he might have you driven off

You won't be allowed at the feast

The king's soldiers might take you for a beast

And kill you

I won't take up much room nor make any noise

But I want to see the prince go by

Then I'll leave

She wants to see the prince!

They'll all take flight at such a sight

What is your name, noble lady?

They call me Donkey Skin

- Is it your skin that stinks? - I think it's her body

I've never seen anything so hideous

Am I really guilty? What crime have I committed?

I don't deserve such a miserable life

Unless a Prince Charming comes for me

I vow here and now to go out and find him

Are we almost there?

Almost, sire.

You've eaten nothing, sire.

I'm not hungry.

Is something bothering you?

I was thinking how odd the world is.

They say it may stop turning.

The fairies will start it up again.

- I don't believe in them. - I do.

Fairies are an unseen force

that drive us to act for good … or evil.

Excuse me.

I need peace and quiet.

- I'll go with you. - I didn't say I needed company.

Love hides within the heart

Like a thief

And secretly plans

The heart's downfall

Like a worm inside a cherry

Recalling happy days

Are you bored, Prince?

Never, Rose.

There's so much to do,

to discover, to understand.

You sang of love. Is it love you seek?

Of course … like everyone else.

Then follow the path. You need only trust.

Thank you, Rose.

Love, love, I love you so

Love, love, I love you so

Why do you knock at a time like this?

I've waited so long

For you to bring me happiness

Love, love, I love you so

Tell me, woman, who's that princess in the forest?

- Princess? That's a scullery maid, sire. - She has the loveliest face.

Little Red Riding Hood, perhaps!

She's a lowly servant.

They call her Donkey Skin due to that carcass on her back.

- Donkey Sin? - Donkey Skin!

Donkey Skin. What a lovely name!

Kind sir …

the wine and sun here have muddled your senses.

I haven't tasted your wine,

and the sun shone only to lead me to her.

You have a mysterious expression, sire.

- I just saw an angel. - Goodness me!

Let them hang me

If I didn't dream it

I wonder

If I haven't found

Love in my path

Love that makes the wisest men go mad

I seemed to recognize

Love's features

Such youth

Such grace, such beauty

Such tenderness

Such serenity

My life depends upon her

I shall live for her alone

Her love

Must belong to me

I'd given up hope

I was driven to despair

I went on living joylessly

Then she appeared

Lovelier than an angel

Come down among us men

I'd give my life for her

Even if I were hanged

I must see her again

I do not wish to die

Of love

- You're trembling, sire. - There's a spell upon him.

Yes … and what joy!

Prepare the horses. We're leaving.

Were you asleep?

I thought I heard sounds from your room.

We weren't expecting you until tomorrow.

That's not a rebuke,

but you know how I worry when you're on the road.

Did you have a good trip?

What's that mean?

It means Father should do something about his kingdom.

There are still scullery maids living in huts.

Take that up with your father.

You look troubled. Are you ill?

I rode 50 leagues. I'm tired.

- You're burning up. - I'm exhausted.

You gallop like mad. You have a fever.

Are you ill?

Just my luck.

For your return, I've arranged the Ball of the Cats and the Birds.

The Marquis of Carabas will attend.

Every princess will be rushing here to see you.

You hear me? Shall I call a doctor?

No! Thank you.

Leave me now. I need to rest.

Where's that son of yours? Must we beg him to appear?

I've sent for him three times.

Does he know this ball is in his honor?

Yes. He says he doesn't feel well.

- Where is he? - He refuses to leave his room.

That isn't like him.

Does he have some secret?

Not that I know of.

- Has he eaten? - He didn't touch his food.

- I'll go get him. - No, I'll go.

Mademoiselle de Ségur has inquired about you.

Mademoiselle de Clèves traveled four days.

They're all clamoring to see you.

I don't care about those silly wenches. I wish only to see that girl.

I have to marry her.

I assure you she's a scullery maid.

And I assure you she's a great beauty.

Your absence is already the cause of many rumors.

If you tell them you wish to marry a scullery maid,

they'll lock you up.

You're right.

But I must find a way to see her.

And I won't leave this room until I do.

I'll lie sick in bed.

I have spoken.

What did you say?

Your Majesty.

Leave us, Godefroy.

The king is concerned about you. - He needn't be.

- You haven't eaten a bite. - I have no appetite.

You left the hunt early, you wouldn't attend the play,

and now you refuse to come to the ball.

Everything seems to bore and annoy you.

Is there nothing I can do to lift your spirits?

Now that you mention it, there's just one thing

that could lift my spirits.

Just name it. You know I couldn't refuse.

A cake made by Donkey Skin.

Who?

Donkey Skin. You don't know her.

But you aren't even hungry!

Don't argue. It's the only thing I really want.

My wish may seem banal, but it's as good as anything else.

A cake?

Donkey Skin, you say? - Yes.

Donkey Skin.

Get some rest, my child.

Thibaud, I wish to ask you a question.

- A riddle? - I said a question.

Do you know Donkey Skin?

Your Majesty, there's no uglier creature in the world.

And she stinks to high heaven!

Who is she?

A filthy thing that lives on one of your farms

and keeps the pigs.

Filthy or not, go at once.

The prince demands she make him a cake.

I won't get there before daybreak.

All the more reason to hurry.

Hurry … yes … right.

This girl must be quite a cook!

Here we are.

- Are you Donkey Skin? - Yes, sir.

I am the queen's overseer.

The prince, who must be ill,

requests a quake — I mean, a cake made by you.

Do you have all you need? - Yes, sir.

Then hurry, wench.

We'll be waiting.

I hope she washes her hands.

A cake for the prince.

My cookbook!

Apple savarin, rum pastry,

walnut delight, royal cream puffs — no.

Apricot cobbler, plum soufflé …

strawberry shortcake, pineapple charlotte.

Ah … a love cake!

My dress the color of the sun!

Prepare …

Prepare your dough

In a shallow …

In a shallow bowl

And without further ado

Light your oven

Then take …

Then take some flour

And pour it …

And pour it in the bowl

Four generous handfuls

And make a little …

A little well in the center

Then choose four …

Choose four fresh eggs

Laid this very …

Laid this very morning

Because 20 days later

A chick is bound …

A chick is bound to appear

A whole bowl …

A whole bowl of milk

Nice and creamy …

Nice and creamy, if you please

Sprinkle with sugar

And then mix …

And then mix it well

A handful of sweet butter

A pinch of …

A pinch of leavening

A drop of honey

And a dash of …

And a dash of salt

And now it's time

While kneading the dough

To slip in a present

For your be …

For your betrothed

Make a lover's wish

While the dough is resting

Butter the dish

And let it bake …

And let it bake one hour

The donkey skin!

Get up, lazybones.

Wake up. You mustn't keep the prince waiting.

Hurry up.

- How is he? - Impossible to say.

He's delirious, yet he has no fever.

Are there no fairies around?

They're all busy. It's the full moon.

But you're men of science!

We never saw a case like this at school.

The cake, Your Majesty.

- What do you think? - You know I don't like cake.

What do you think?

It smells like good butter.

Excellent.

Here, my child.

Taste it when you're good and ready.

I'm not very hungry.

He shouldn't gobble it like that.

He'll get air in his blood.

He's choking!

Do something! He's been poisoned!

He hasn't eaten in three days.

Get him some water.

Thank you all.

The cake was delicious. I feel much better.

I'd like to sleep now. You may go.

We mustn't upset him.

His mysterious illness seems marked by constant fluctuations.

His cough will subside shortly.

I knew not that you loved me

Are you certain of it now?

A golden ring told me so

There must be a spell on us

But what will we do with so much happiness?

Show it to the world or conceal it?

We will build a life together

Like no others have ever built

Our love will be a legend

And we will live long in memory

But what will we do with so much love?

Show it to the world or conceal it?

We'll do all that is forbidden

We'll go together to the snack bar

We'll smoke a pipe in secret

We'll stuff ourselves on cake

But what will we do with so much joy?

This world is overflowing with it

We'll do all that is forbidden

We'll go together to the snack bar

We'll smoke a pipe in secret

We'll stuff ourselves on cake

But what will we do with so much joy?

This world is overflowing with it

We'll have a great many children

And our life together will be

An enchanted fairy tale

The royal physicians!

Did you consult your books?

Yes, Your Majesty,

and we all agree on the diagnosis.

Tell us.

The prince is dying of love.

- Love? - I knew it.

What do you advise?

Marriage, Your Majesty.

Is it urgent?

The sooner the better.

Thank you for your wise counsel.

We will reflect on the matter.

I refuse to handle this matter. You must do it.

As you wish.

Wait. I'll go with you.

My dear son!

My dear child!

- We know everything. - You're lucky.

You shall have her, no matter how hideous or stupid.

- Let's not get carried away. - You promised.

Tell us her name.

I don't wish to distress you,

but I can't even tell you her name.

Look.

I shall marry the girl who can wear this ring.

What's that ring?

Who gave it to you? - No, no questions.

- But we could — - No, I know you!

If I tell you this much, you'll want her whole genealogy.

Then I shall command all the ladies to come —

To try the ring on.

Thank you.

"By order of the king!

All maidens are to come to the palace

to try on a ring.

But remark well: maidens only!

The one whom the ring fits perfectly

will marry the prince, heir to the throne.

Know ye further

that said ring is very small,

and the finger in question must be slender."

Come hither, ladies

This elixir of gazelle milk will make your finger so slender

That you will wed the prince

This way, my beauties

I'll make your finger slender and smoother than a plum

And the prince will fall head over heels

I have a miracle salve

To make our fingers slender

Quick, let's open it

And rub it in well

Push harder, lazybones!

I'm afraid of hurting you

Are you stupid or just pretending?

Tighten until I tell you to stop!

Mother, hurry

The prince awaits

My finger's growing thinner

Mine will fit the golden ring

My skin's peeling off!

Mine is down to the bone!

Serves you right

You featherbrains!

The fake! The quack!

Just look at my finger!

It looks terrible

Look at mine It's twice as fat as it was

- They're so silly! - He's jealous

All that just to marry a prince!

You're just a cruel scamp

Ouch! You're pinching me!

- Help! - What is it, Esther?

- I cut myself - Serves her right

Make him go away!

Beauty has its price

Princesses first …

then duchesses fallow — I mean, follow —

then marchionesses.

What a crowd!

What if it fits several of them?

No chance of that.

But what if it does?

It's true. I hadn't thought of that.

Calm down! There's no hussy — I mean, no hurry.

And please don't push!

I said countesses, and then behinds —

I mean, baronesses — behind them.

Sorry.

It's well-known I have the slenderest finger in the county.

Next.

Come back in a few years.

With pleasure, Your Highness.

Almost, but not quite.

Maids and chambermaids first, then cooks.

Kitchen hands and turkey keepers last.

Stop your crackling — I mean, your cackling!

Miss Gauthier, servant in the castle.

Miss Nicolette, cook.

Miss Salt-and-Pepper, turkey keeper.

Miss Glumcakes, no occupation.

I doubt it's even worth trying, sire.

Give me your hand.

No, the other one.

I told you so.

Is there no one else?

No, Your Highness.

There's no one else, Your Majesty.

My dear child …

every lady of the realm answered your summons.

None could wear the ring.

I am very sorry.

I'm quite surprised,

because this ring must belong to someone.

Come to think of it, I don't think I saw Donkey Skin,

the girl who made me the cake.

Did no one inform the girl?

I don't know, Your Majesty.

Send for her immediately.

Here she is, Your Majesty.

Donkey Skin!

Do you live at the third farm down the road?

Yes, Your Highness.

Show me your hand.

It's all arranged. I'm marrying your father.

Try to look pleased.

My daughter.

My dear daughter, here you are.

We'll never be parted again.

The festivities

lasted almost three months.

Kings came from every land:

the king of India with his elephant, the king of Africa with his camel,

the king of Siam with his cats, coaches, and sedan chairs.

They say the couple's love would endure even now

if they hadn't died a hundred years later.

Our tale is perhaps difficult to believe …

but as long as there are children and mothers and grandmothers,

it will live on in memory.