Original subtitles

DIRECTED BY

SCREENPLAY BY

BASED ON THE NOVEL BY

ROMARIN CIRCUS

OFFICE

Here they are.

She looks strange.

Come in, ladies and gentlemen!

The show starts in a few seconds.

Children and military personnel pay half price.

Come onin, ladies and gentlemen.

If you want to see the most unusual artists,

the show starts in five minutes.

You'll see the duo of Miss Zou Zou,

Miss Zou Zou and Mr. Jean,

whom I'll have the honor of introducing immediately.

That means now.

- Where are they? - I don't know, sir.

Find me those brats!

Don't be impatient, ladies and gentlemen.

Freaks sometimes have the right to be delayed.

They're not like us.

Don't try to understand.

Mysteries aren't meant to be understood.

Where would we be without them?

Ah!

Ladies and gentlemen,

here is one of nature's miracles.

Two twins,

Miss Zou Zou, over here, and Mr. Jean.

The world's wisest men have been stumped by them.

These twins, ladies and gentlemen,

were born ten years ago today,

on a Polynesian island.

Their parents, a Chinese woman

and an Indian, didn't want to acknowledge the children

because their skin was a different color from their own.

Ladies and gentlemen -- Take a little bow.

Now, ladies and gentlemen, our very own corps de ballet

whom the most famous Argentine impresarios

tried to tear away from us by offering top prices!

Start the music!

Stork, what will you bring me from your travels?

If you've been very good one more beautiful baby

One baby is not much of a present for me

Little brat! Don't you steal my powder!

Stork, what will you bring me

From your travels?

If you've been very good

One more beautiful --

What's the matter?

Not asleep yet?

Papa Melé, Zou Zou doesn't believe we're twins.

Didn't the same stork bring us?

Yes, it was the same stork.

But that clumsy bird dropped you in the chimney.

Why didn't he take two trips?

Are you our papa?

Of course I am.

Well, Zou Zou's father is my father too.

No, your father, that's a different story.

You see, a father is a papa that one never knew.

Then we have two fathers?

Well, two fathers --

What did mine say when he died?

- I told you 100 times. - What did he say?

He said, "I was only his father. You be his papa."

What did mine tell you?

He said the same thing, but only with his eyes, poor man.

He could no longer speak. What eyes!

When he rolled them, he made the whole circus laugh.

I'll always remember him in his red outfit,

red silk tights, and his ladies' stockings.

He was so famous, that he always closed the show.

He even came after the equestrian number.

What about my father?

Yours too, my boy.

Both of their names on a poster, and we'd be sold out.

I remember one night, in Amsterdam.

Come on.

You won't ever forget me, will you?

After I die, Jean will never leave you.

- He'll take you everywhere. - If I can.

What?

I'll be a sailor. No women on boats!

I won't let him!

You'll have time to talk about it.

Sleep well, children.

...AND SOMETIMES MEN ACHIEVE THEIR CHILDHOOD DREAMS...

Necklaces, bracelets.

You've sure got a lot of gals.

I find them in my travels.

Madame, pretty necklaces, bracelets.

Very pretty.

That's pretty.

Just 50 francs, Madame.

- Fifty is too much. - Thirty-five?

I'll give you 15, okay?

All right.

Fifteen, all right?

Here.

- You want one too? - Sure.

Give her one.

Yeah, buddy.

- Thank you. - You got it.

- What does Zou Zou mean? - That's my sister.

You sure I'm not your cousin?

No, no.

That's great!

They're born dancing, that's for sure.

Zou Zou! Do the clown again!

Come in, ladies and gentlemen.

The show is about to begin.

Children and military personnel pay half price.

Aren't you tired?

How did the clown roll his eyes?

Why aren't you in the circus?

Well, it went broke. It was gone, just like that.

Where's the clown now?

He's dead.

Do clowns also die?

Of course.

Stork, what will you bring me

From your travels?

Stork, my dear, my darling

And now, the acrobat!

There! What a show!

Papa! Zou Zou played the circus for me!

- Zou Zou, you're something. - Hello, Mr. Frocart.

- Here you are. - Thank you, Papa.

- It's from Jean! - What's he write?

- He's coming. - In 10 days.

- On leave? - No, he's being discharged.

He's already been gone a year? How time flies!

Good old Jean. He was like a madman before he left.

He loved the sea so much,

he could have swallowed it down to the last drop.

And now he's homesick. Counting the days, poor fellow.

One, two, three, four,

five, six --

Little rascal. You're making us age quickly.

Nine and 10.

Is Jean Marchand here?

- Where is he? - On board.

Is he sick?

He had a blow-up with the quartermaster.

It's not serious. He's serving eight days.

Good-bye.

- Who's there? - It's me.

Jean!

It's you!

I'm so happy!

You're drenched.

Papa Melé. It's Jean!

Hey, pops.

You're salty. Is it raining?

No, it's sea water.

We didn't expect you today.

I know. I jumped ship.

Oh, no! That's a court-martial.

A few more days and it will be over.

Take off your clothes.

- Come on. Are you shivering? - Not at all.

Yes, you are.

Tell me, Jean.

No. Tell me everything later.

- Here you go. - Jean.

- Is Manila beautiful? - Manila is Manila.

Oh, how we've waited for you.

Really?

Just now, when they said you were detained --

She wanted to see the admiral.

- He'd love that. - What's that?

A tattoo. It's a lady.

Does it hurt?

Yes, but it's lovely.

- Who is she? - Any lady.

A crocodile would have cost the same.

I prefer the crocodile.

- Put this on. - It's good to be home.

Enjoy it. We're not staying here long.

Why not?

We're going to Paris.

Really?

Remember my friend in Paris, "The Coward"?

Yes, "The Coward."

My old circus rider. He found me a job in Paris.

The pay isn't bad.

Hold on. I'll show you his letter.

No, leave that.

- You want any? - No, come on.

Wait. Here.

That's it!

Get out of here! I'll call the cops!

Let's buy some socks for Papa Melé.

No. Some other time.

No, you're right. As long as we're here.

You've got some nerve parading around. I'd be hiding out.

I don't really care.

I'll take these.

Here.

I'm gonna have a drink with my pals.

Okay. But hurry up.

Your little Creole is cute.

Where's she from?

- Martinique. - Your bride?

- You're kidding. - She's sweet on you.

- You bet. - You nuts? She's my sister.

A sister who really likes her brother.

So what?

Excuse me, but --

Attention!

- Are you ignoring me? - No.

Show me your pass!

- I left it on board. - Left it on board?

Then follow me.

All right.

- Shall I wait? - If you're patient, have a seat.

Bunch of rats. And I wanted to show off.

- I must be nuts. - You bet.

Is that you, Poireau?

- They got you too? - You bet.

Where are you?

What'll we do in here, buddy?

- Play cards. - You've got cards?

- You bet! - Great!

You had them hidden away?

We shouldn't complain. We had some good times.

What bothers me is that I haven't been able to see Mimi.

- Mimi? - My little gal from Toulon.

A jewel! We're gonna get married.

- You and Mimi? - You bet.

And then it's "Good-bye, navy."

We two are going to Paris

What's your job in Paris?

- I'm a machinist. - Where?

The music hall.

- A music hall? - You bet.

- I pass. - Sodol.

Give me a heart.

We're also going to Paris. Dad's got a job.

And you?

I don't know.

Hey, listen.

A pal of mine's an electrician at the theater.

Sometimes there's an opening.

Would you like that?

Are you thirsty, little doggy?

Wait.

Yes.

Here.

Have a drink.

Watch out for the paint.

I'm drenched!

Thank you.

Oh, little doggy. You followed me?

Hurry up!

I'll take you home with me.

There.

There you are.

Papa Melé!

See what I brought you?

What kind of beast is that?

A little dog. Isn't he beautiful?

He's awful. What's his name?

Who knows? I found him.

Obviously.

He was thirsty, poor thing.

So?

So he was thirsty.

I think he's also hungry.

What are you doing, little one? Take him, Papa.

It's a puppy.

Lie down here.

- Is Zou Zou home? - She's here.

- What's that? - A dog.

Isn't he beautiful?

He's a cross between a footstool and a guinea pig.

Hurry, Zou Zou. I have a rehearsal tonight.

Right away.

- You have the paper? - Zou Zou, the newspaper.

Right away!

There.

I'll bring it in.

That's the evening paper?

What do you know.

The papers today, it's five cents wasted --

a train accident, a historic session in the Chamber,

nothing at all.

- Hey, Zou Zou? - Hey!

- Are you a young girl? - Yes.

With modest ambitions?

Yes.

Can you iron clothes?

Yes.

- Is this a riddle? - Not at all.

- You want to be a laundress? - Oh, yes!

Look at this.

- Here. - That's good.

What do you think?

SEEKING YOUNG GIRLS WITH MODEST AMBITIONS

WHO KNOWS HOW TO IRON

COME TO THE LAUNDRY OF THE WIDOW VALLEE

LAUNDRY HEAVY OR DELICATE

- There! - You beast!

Girls, girls.

Don't forget. That's delicate.

Already 3:00! And they're expecting their laundry.

What a job. Zou Zou, are you hurrying?

- What? - Hurry!

Look! This belongs to fat Joseph, poor old guy.

He's still going strong.

She must have a good figure.

Sure. That's Barbara's.

Is she beautiful?

Ask Zou Zou. She knows all about the music hall.

Let me through.

Zou Zou, you know the star?

When's the opening?

- Any free passes? - Leave her alone.

Talk about other things.

Zou Zou is so mysterious.

When will we have such linens?

Nothing to it. Be like Barbara.

- She has a gigolo? - You call this a gigolo?

It's Saint-Lévy!

Don't act so shocked.

He's loaded. He runs the music hall.

You know everything.

In this business, one learns the "undie" side of things.

You think they love each other?

Love?

Such a little girl?

They say she's a real viper.

The baskets are ready. Who will deliver them?

I can't go.

Me neither.

They're such a nuisance.

Will you go, Zou Zou?

Do your Barbara imitation.

- You haven't seen it? - No.

- It's really something. - Do it.

I don't know.

You'll be sorry.

- I'll be the orchestra. - And I'll get in costume.

Twenty times a day By the dozens

Some very passionate gentlemen

Offer me the life of a queen

If I give myself to them

There's only one who's pleased me

He's naughty

And he doesn't have a cent

His stories --

between us --

Are not very clear

I know it well But I don't care

There's only one man in Paris for me

I can't help it My heart belongs to him

I must have lost my mind

He's such a fool

He doesn't get it yet

I'd crawl through a mouse hole for him

Don't make such a racket.

It's not the time with this pressure.

Each day I adore him

More than before

There's for me --

There's only one man in Paris for me

And it's him

There's only one man in Paris for me

Hey, Saint-Lévy is out there.

Adorable!

For me there's only one man in Paris

And it's him

For me there's only one man in Paris

I'm begging you. I'm pleading with you. More punch!

It's not a hymn. It's a love song.

You understand? A love song!

Guts, miss! Give it your guts!

Think of your lover. Think of your embraces.

Once more. The end of the chorus.

Each day I adore him

More than before

For me there's only one man in Paris

And it's him

For me there's only one man in Paris

Bravo, Zou Zou!

Encore!

You're amazing!

Marvelous!

Mother, wasn't that good?

Hilarious. It's almost 4:00. Deliver the laundry.

You can't carry it alone.

Come along. You'll see how handsome he is.

Come on, little doggy.

Claire, wait.

Jean, do you have a cigarette?

You're all mouth. Here.

Thanks.

Jean, can you mail this for me?

- Is that a chicken? - A rabbit.

- I'm starving to death. - Doesn't your mother feed you?

Can you lend me cab fare? My sister's ill.

Your sister's called Victor and has a large mustache. Sure.

- Thanks. - Go on, smile.

Listen to me, my friend.

Barbara is a star, headed straight for --

Headed straight for a disaster!

- What? - I just told you.

Exactly!

How much has she cost you so far?

500,000 to 600,000 francs.

- 500,000 to 600,000 francs? - At least.

For that amount, you could own

a country estate with poplar trees,

century-old oaks, a trout stream and private hunting grounds.

And on top of that, a country estate doesn't sing!

And you love her.

How can you keep from loving a woman who ruins you?

Come on. That door leads to the stage.

Hi, Zou Zou!

- Hurry up! - Is Jean here?

Yes. Deliver the laundry. You'll see him later.

Okay. Come on.

He's such a savage! So wonderful!

When he takes me, he's a jaguar.

A jaguar! Mr. Saint-Lévy? I'd never have suspected it.

Not Saint-Lévy! He's a flea, a penguin!

Then who's the jaguar?

My lover.

What about Saint-Lévy?

I'm his mistress.

That's so complicated.

Aren't you worried about your artistic career?

Mr. Saint-Lévy could cut off your income.

And the jaguar may be penniless.

The hell with my artistic career.

I'm not an artist. I'm a woman.

A woman who vibrates like a cello.

Ah!

The cello-playing jaguar.

- What's his name? - His first name? Chachagura.

- What? - He's Brazilian.

Brazilian?

- He wants to marry me. - To whom?

To himself! Then I'll go to the other side of the world.

Under the moon, we'll make love while the birds sing.

Bird of paradise, whimsical gazelle,

my dragonfly.

The whole zoo.

Get out or I'll bite!

You're nervous. You've been drinking coffee again.

Long live Brazil!

Come in!

Your laundry, miss.

Is this your first time backstage?

Yes.

Zou Zou mentions you often.

I feel I already know you a little.

At the shop, she always talks about you.

You're a laundress too.

- A nice profession. - Yes.

I'd have liked it myself, but a male laundress!

Obviously!

That's it. All done.

Isn't she nice?

We might finish early, Zou Zou. Shall we go dancing?

Oh, great!

Jean, we must take Claire with us.

Sure, if it suits Miss Claire.

I won't bother you?

As if she would bother us. Silly.

I feel like dancing.

I've got to work now. See you later.

What do you think?

DANCE

From the rue des Halles

To the rue de la Huchette

Everyone knows Fifine Queen of the Sunday dance

Evenings as she passes With a glance to each side

All the boys call out Without being asked

Come, Fifine

Come, Fifine

Come to Sébasto's dance hall

Come, Fifine

Come, Fifine

Come dance with Mézigot

Your clear voice Your fair complexion

Sweep me away

Your little face Your soft skin

Your sassy look

Come, Fifine

Come, Fifine

You'll drive me crazy

Let's make a collection!

- Doesn't she dance well? - She's superb.

- He's nice, Zou Zou. - Claire.

- Is that all you drank? - Of course.

Look at fat Julot!

Hey, Julot.

Julot, get lost.

- Shall we dance? - It's Zou Zou's turn.

No. Go ahead, dance.

All right, miss.

Don't call her "miss." Call her Claire.

- You call me Jean. - Okay.

Bravo.

- Get up. We're dancing. - Excuse me, sir?

- Come on. - What's wrong with you?

A beautiful dame like you shouldn't sit alone.

You savage!

Scram!

Jean!

We're leaving.

Everybody, dance. Never mind all this.

Nothing to see.

What's with you?

No big deal.

You're always causing trouble.

- Thanks for nothing. - It's not my fault.

This is crazy. Zou Zou is exhausted.

Go upstairs. I'll walk Claire home.

Don't bother. I live nearby.

Of course he'll see you home.

- Good night. - Good night, Claire.

See you tomorrow.

Zou Zou, your life seems so chaotic.

You should have seen Jean fighting.

- Again? - Again.

Some brute tried to grab me. So Jean went bing, bang!

The brute went under the table, with an eye.

And a nose.

It was beautiful.

Disgusting.

- I'm so happy. - Go on to bed.

- Good night, Papa. - Good night, Zou Zou.

Bye!

- When can I see you again? - I don't know.

- Tomorrow? - I don't know.

- You don't know? - No.

I must get home now.

Go!

All right, girls!

Mary, sweetie!

Come on, get on your places.

Get on your places. You, miss.

Quick!

Arms up, watch your arm, watch your arm, watch your arm.

That's it.

Keep smiling.

Turn.

Come on, get some pep in it. You, come on.

That's it.

Turn!

Turn, turn.

All right, there!

There!

Miss Barbara! Miss Barbara!

Miss Barbara!

She's not in her dressing room.

Always the same story!

All right, girls, five minutes' rest.

Where is she?

Mr. Saint-Lévy, where's Miss Barbara?

Where is Miss Barbara?

I don't know, my dear friend.

Now that really does it!

Listen, you're looking at a man who may commit a crime.

- A crime? - Yes, a crime!

A rather unusual one!

A theater manager strangles his silent partner!

Not a common sight.

Albert.

Find Miss Barbara. Bring her here, dead or alive...

or you're through here.

Now you're a locomotive?

Listen, I'm sure Miss Barbara --

Quiet!

Right now, you're addressing a corpse.

A corpse with a fever of 110 degrees!

Where's Barbara?

Listen, Marc. There's just one more thing.

Be good, my love.

Can't you read?

NO PRIVATE PHONE CALLS

Hello?

I am terribly ill.

Yes, I think it's cholera.

All right. I'll get on my feet, and I'll be there.

You're not leaving without me.

If you do leave,

it'll be in a box with a knife through your heart.

If you have a heart.

You wouldn't go to Rio without me?

I've told you. I must leave.

But you also said you'd marry me.

I gave up everything for you. Even the penguin's money.

He's still got some.

What do they call a man who lives off women?

A pimp.

You're a pimp.

I suppose so.

Hello?

I've left!

Yes, it'll all be delivered.

They expect miracles.

Yes! Yes!

You'll have it in 15 minutes.

Let's hurry with the music hall delivery.

They're getting nervous!

- What a bore. - I can't wait for Sunday!

You counted the costumes?

- Here. - Thank you.

Claire, are you coming?

I can't today. There's too much work.

- Why? - Take my brother.

Pierre.

Go along with Zou Zou.

- Okay, as you wish. - Oh, great!

You'll take a taxi. No tip, and get a receipt.

Did you deliver the diapers to the children's hospital?

The Moulin Rouge's manager complained again.

His shirt wasn't starched enough.

- Have you gone mute? - No, mother.

Claire, you're hiding something from me.

No, mother.

Claire!

Tell me! Can't you see I'm worried?

A mother has to carry the world's burdens!

It's about Zou Zou.

Zou Zou can't be getting you upset?

She can.

You see, Zou Zou and Jean were like brother and sister.

Who's Jean? Do I know him?

Let me finish, Mother.

Zou Zou is in love with Jean. And how she loves him!

So what? All girls have a right to be in love.

But I'm also in love.

What?

With Jean. He loves me too.

Now, look, Claire. What's this all about?

Oh, my little girl.

Is Jean the machinist?

- He's an electrician. - An electrician!

If your poor father knew.

Zou Zou loves him so much, and so do I.

And I love Zou Zou.

Does Zou Zou know?

I don't dare tell her.

Couldn't Jean tell her?

He doesn't understand.

He can't believe that --

Your electrician has made a fine mess.

- Josette! - Leave me alone!

Men are all monsters!

George and I go dancing on Sundays.

Mine cheats on me.

With his fancy car! Women like that.

And your Egyptian student went home. Will he come back?

Egyptian students never come back!

How do you know?

I knew one, and I'm still waiting.

It's a shame!

Quiet, you. He hasn't yelled in ages. He's hungry.

Look at that!

It's the worst disaster since the Titanic.

You call that a musical?

You're kidding! I know there are miracles.

A last minute trick, and all is well.

The porter who suddenly becomes a great comedian.

The usherette who becomes a star within 24 hours.

I don't believe in it!

If I have to produce this piece of garbage --

- No, allow me -- - You know nothing.

Leave me alone!

Fine.

Don't worry about it. Get dressed.

My heart is swollen, like a balloon.

He's leaving. He's already booked a cabin on the boat.

Your jaguar?

He's off to Brazil, and I can't live without him.

Josette. If you only knew.

- When he grabs me -- - Who?

- Her jaguar. - What jaguar?

Go on, leave!

Why you!

She'll knock me down!

What's this all about?

Josette!

Zou Zou is beautiful. It fits her so well.

Looks like it was made for her.

Make me beautiful, girls.

She does look good like that.

- Are you in love? - Is he handsome?

All lovers are handsome.

- What's his name? - Jean.

There are many Jeans.

No, there's only one.

Has he kissed you?

Yes, often. Here.

If he saw you now, he'd kiss you here.

Mr. Trompe.

I write theater reviews. Could you give me --

Some clues about my revue?

Well, sir. In one word, it's a failure, a total flop!

Turn to the right.

To the right, you big grasshopper.

Hurry. It's grilling my sandwich.

Better than eating it cold.

Jean, look.

Are you crazy?

Doesn't it look good?

- Yes, it's very nice. - You bet.

Go over there. I want to adjust my spotlight.

- I don't know. - Don't be afraid.

Look.

Don't worry. The curtain is down.

Now, turn to the left.

Now this way.

Nice and gently.

Stay right there.

Ah!

Have you finished eating?

- That's good lighting. - You bet.

Hey, Jean. You want to?

Who's that woman? Who is she?

Where did she go?

How did she get on stage?

Find her!

So.

Anyone can get on the stage! Incredible!

Go and find her!

- She didn't just evaporate. - Well, no.

You're wanted in the dressing room.

On my way.

Come in.

You called for me?

What's wrong, miss?

The lamp is broken.

I loved him so much.

Don't worry. We'll fix it.

He loved me, now he doesn't. Explain that!

Short circuit. And then?

Then he left me. He's going to Rio.

De Janeiro?

I'll die!

You won't die. When does he leave?

Today.

Today? Couldn't you stop him?

Can't you do without him?

Well, kill him.

How about suicide?

I understand that.

Do you get seasick?

No.

- Go with him. - He doesn't want that.

What does that matter? He book a cabin, or the whole boat?

- A cabin. - Then there's room for you.

If you love him, don't let him go.

Love is like electricity. For it to work, you need contact.

You've saved my life!

...madly in love.

The boss wants to speak with you. Come on!

Come on!

Caviar morning and night, a bank account --

Cannibal!

- Where's Miss Barbara? - I was just looking for her.

Get out of here!

Where's Miss Barbara?

Don't scold her. She's a child.

You! Get out of here!

Talk, talk, talk!

On stage, Barbara!

Hurry up! Quickly!

I'm done for. The train leaves in half an hour.

- On stage, Barbara! - Coming. Right away.

I'm in my bath, completely naked.

- Keep talking. - Here's my robe.

I'm stepping out of the tub.

She's taking a bath!

I'll give you some lather!

The train's leaving in 23 minutes.

Get me a locksmith!

- Go on. - Not that way! I'll die!

Love is stronger than death! How soon does the train leave?

- Seventeen minutes. - No time to lose.

One time when I was a sailor --

I'll tell you some other time.

Don't be afraid. Hold on to me. No problem.

- How much do you weigh? - 120 pounds.

You're healthy. Come on.

Careful. There you go.

Hold on!

Come, Fifine

Come, Fifine

Come, Fifine

Come, Fifine

What's wrong, Zou Zou? You look upset.

Did you lose your money? Is your lover unfaithful?

Yes!

Jean?

He's unfaithful.

- With that woman. - What woman?

This woman!

- They were kissing. - Jean wouldn't do that.

It's not true!

It is true, Claire.

Zou Zou...

- Coming to diner? - No, got to catch the metro.

Good-bye, Claire.

Good-bye, Zou Zou.

Claire.

You're going home?

What are you doing tonight?

You sure have fleas, my little doggy.

Dear God! What happened?

He fell off the scaffolding. They found him below.

Papa.

We'll get the doctor.

Papa Melé, Papa Melé!

Answer me. Does it hurt?

Zou Zou...

My little Zou Zou.

Jean, you're so quiet.

Ladies and gentlemen.

Tonight, for the first time in this city...

Well done, children!

Papa Melé.

Papa Melé!

Papa Melé, hear me!

Answer me!

Jean!

Jean!

Jean!

Claire!

Is that you, Zou Zou?

Claire went dancing.

Where's Claire?

She went dancing.

Remember that dance?

Be quiet.

- Aren't we going to dance? - I don't want to.

It's funny. There are days when you're not in the mood

and don't know why.

Do you have any cigarettes?

I'll buy some outside.

- With filters. - Yes.

Julot, you're not gonna drop me!

Scram.

- I was in on the jewelry job. - Yeah, so?

- You owe me 5,000. - I don't owe you a thing.

- Give it to me or I'll kill you. - I don't have it.

- You get it? - I owe you nothing.

- I want my share, get it? - Get lost.

They had a score to settle.

They fought in my bar the other night.

He didn't do it. He went out to buy cigarettes.

Tell them where you went. Go on.

Come on, don't push.

He didn't do it.

Jean!

- I said it wasn't me! - Sure.

It wasn't him.

It wasn't him!

I swear it wasn't him.

Jean, Jean!

- Jean, Papa Melé is dead! - What?

Don't leave me, Jean!

It'll get straightened out.

Jean.

They arrested him on the spot. And he's innocent.

Even if he's innocent, he'll need proof.

And the one who can prove it hasn't been born yet.

Why did that idiot have to buy cigarettes?

I asked him to.

I've forbidden you to smoke.

Did I or did I not forbid it?

A mother foresees everything.

Tobacco is bad. See the harm it can do?

Why did the imbecile pick up the gun?

He didn't know what he was doing.

Mother, we must help him.

How will you pay the lawyers and the court clerks?

Getting into jail is easy. But getting out costs plenty.

Many innocent people are poor.

If they're innocent and poor, they're guilty.

Have you heard from Zou Zou?

Nobody knows where she is.

- Have you been to the police? - Yes.

The chief wasn't in.

He's never in.

Poor Jean. I don't know what to do for him.

Two beers and a sandwich.

- I spoke with Jean's lawyer. - Who is he?

He was assigned to him.

He wouldn't even listen to me.

No big surprise.

Look, Zou Zou. If we had money, things would be different.

Money, money.

You bet.

I'll call that guy and give him a piece of my mind.

I'm not on afternoon shift anymore.

George is so jealous! Pass the mustard.

I took singing lessons and I have a bit part.

How much will you earn?

Counting matinees, 2,000 per month.

That's good for these days.

Your name on a poster, a villa with a fountain, a concierge.

In this business, talent can get you everything.

You're something, Gabby. I bet you've got a savings account.

- I even have a checkbook. - With real checks?

Sure thing.

He's gone for the weekend.

- You'll be there tomorrow? - You bet.

I must see Mr. Trompe.

- You think he'll see me? - Of course he will!

How are you?

Incredible!

When we wanted you, you were gone.

And now you suddenly turn up.

What's the matter with you?

Well, sir,

I need a lot of money.

You're all the same! You think I'm Croesus.

What do you expect?

Thank you!

We have an agreement. I'm ready to give you that.

If you want a raise, then be a success.

Prove yourself to the public. It's a golden opportunity.

But I won't treat you like Miss Barbara. No!

Once was enough.

But I've had my laughs.

Yes, I've had my laughs.

Gentlemen, she's a real somebody.

I can tell you it wasn't easy to get permission --

and at what price --

to introduce her exclusively to Paris.

All South American cities wanted her.

Her African tour was a triumph.

London was a huge success.

Wherever she traveled, mile after mile,

her path was strewn with camellias, her favorite flower.

But she was drawn to Paris, the city of lights.

And that's why Zou Zou --

Rehearsing for a part?

No, I'm practicing my speech for the journalists.

They love hearing such stories.

Dear God, the curtain!

My good-luck charms!

- What are you doing? - There's one missing.

- Which one? - The cuckold!

Go on! Hurry up!

Stop kidding around! Get dressed!

Come on! On the double! Be quick!

Look here.

Dear God, let it be a hit.

Count on him.

Don't get worked up. You still have time.

Laforét just went on.

In your place, I'd have stage fright. I shouldn't say that.

But you're not scared?

No.

You're still upset. Is it because of him?

- Who's there? - May we come in?

No, we're completely naked.

They're completely naked.

They can't keep him in jail forever.

You're spending enough on him.

What did the lawyer say?

No one called?

No.

- Didn't you speak with Poireau? - I haven't seen him.

Who will give me back my Haiti?

You're my only country, Haiti

When I remember your beautiful forests

The wide horizons

Far from your shores

The most beautiful cage

Is nothing but a jail

My desire, my love song, Haiti

Is to return to you one day

Beautiful blue distant country

Under far off skies

I lived happy days

But now it's over

And alone in my exile

I sing with a bruised heart

My desire, my love song, Haiti

Is to return to you one day

Haiti

Josette, Josette!

- Did I startle you? - Are you happy? Did it go well?

Oh, yes. It went very well.

I was so well received.

Doesn't surprise me.

Josette.

What is it?

He's saved. Jean is saved.

- She's lost her mind. - Look at this!

BANK ROBBER CAUGHT There!

That's the man who killed Julot. That's him.

That's impossible.

What are you doing?

- Leaving. - What do you mean, leaving?

- Quick, my coat. - Are you crazy?

What about your show?

You'll go another time, another day, when you're free.

Your scene's about to start.

My shoes, Josette.

I can't give them to you.

Look, Zou Zou. All of Paris is in the auditorium.

There are statesmen, ambassadors --

Who cares!

You're leaving over my dead body.

What will we do?

It's time for her scene.

On stage!

- She left. - Who?

Zou Zou, of course!

- Tell the boss. - He'll drop dead when he hears.

- Where did she go? - Who knows!

She saw a man's picture in the paper just now.

She said he's the killer. I don't get it.

What a mess.

- Are you sure it's him? - Absolutely, Mr. Commissioner.

Take a good look at him. A mistake would be serious.

There's no mistake.

You're sure?

He jumped in front of me on the street.

I saw his hand on the --

- On what? - The railing.

It wasn't me!

What's unusual about his hand?

He's missing a finger, this one.

And he has a scar there.

I'm telling you, it wasn't me!

- Then show us your hand. - It wasn't me.

Let's see it.

Take him away.

Have a seat, miss.

Thank you.

Now tell me how it all happened.

It was the day Papa Melé died. It was raining.

Jean and Claire had gone dancing.

Come on, girls. Hurry up. Come on.

Come on.

- Keep going. - What?

Keep going.

Do an encore.

Go on, give them an encore!

30 years in the theater, and I've never seen the likes.

I've been here for 30 days, and I've already seen it.

I'm ruined. What will I do?

My dear friend, only you can save me.

But I'm a rotten dancer.

Where's Barbara?

She sent me a postcard.

Bring her here!

- You need her now? - Immediately.

She's in Rio de Janeiro.

- She's back! - Have her come here.

- She's in her room. - Go get her.

- She's going upstairs. - Have her come downstairs.

Josette!

Where were you? What a shame!

- Hurry up, Josette! - But she's naked.

Quick, let her through!

I knew she'd come back.

Where are the days when I'd do anything for a man?

That's what I'm wondering.

There's only one man in Paris for me

I can't help it My heart belongs to him

I must have lost my mind

He's such a fool

He doesn't get it yet

There's only one man in Paris for me

I'd crawl through a mouse hole for him

Each day I adore him

More than before

There's only one man in Paris for me, and it's him

There's only one man in Paris for me

Twenty times a day By the dozens

Some very passionate gentlemen

Offer me the life of a queen

If I give myself to them

There's only one who has pleased me

He's naughty and doesn't have a cent

His stories are not very clear

I know it well But I don't care

He's such a fool

He doesn't get it yet

Each day I adore him

More than before

There's only one man in Paris for me, and it's him

There's only one man in Paris for me

He runs after all the girls

They're all at his mercy

He undresses them with his eyes

And with his hands as well

I do nothing to make him love me

He brings happiness to others

But he's still mine

Because he's in my heart

He's such a fool

He doesn't get it yet

Each day I adore him

More than before

There's only one man in Paris for me, and it's him

There's only one man in Paris for me

It's a huge success! It's marvelous.

Go on, the audience wants you!

Curtains!

It's crazy.

I'm crying my eyes out.

I haven't cried like that since Cyrano de Bergerac.

100th PERFORMANCE

My desire, my love song, Haiti

Is to return to you one day

Haiti