Original subtitles

1 and 2... And hop!

-I was thinking of some overhead lighting

like this.

I pull and whoa!

The lights there.

To get them working.

Will you be long? -No, no.

Just the pins.

- Excuse me.

- Inspector, good morning. Is there a problem? - Good morning. No.

- Mr. Blanchard is here for me.

- Ah! Very good. - Inspector.

- Can I see you in private?

- That seems complicated, but we can talk.

- I'm listening. - Here, right here?

- Yes.

- As you wish.

- I had a visit this morning

- from Judge Rochefort.

- He asked me to help you with your father's disappearance.

- His murder.

- Everything's fine, Jeanette, carry on.

- Forcing people's hands, is that a habit?

- It's just with you, the man I need.

- Mmh-mmh.

- The right man for the job.

- What makes you so sure?

-Your results. Your modern methods.

-I mean, whether it was an assassination.

-Ah. I was there.

Papa!

He was shot.

There was never an investigation, but I have a file

with information about your uncle.

I can pass it on to you at the police station.

-Very well.

-You told me: "Keep going, Jeanette." -I'll leave you to it. You're busy.

I will study

your file.

-I'm counting on it.

-Have a good day. -Goodbye.

Looking at his face, it's working well!

He's laughing.

We'll pick this up later. Thank you.

-Perfect.

-GOOD MORNING.

-Don't you want to try some? -No, thank you.

I can't wait to see you dance.

-It's a whole different world from my old cabaret.

This place is top class.

I owe your sister one.

-I had to fight for it.

Youri wasn't thrilled to hire a dancer who does

nothing but laugh and eat.

When it's not both at once!

-If he changes his mind, I'll hire you. I'm looking for a waitress.

It would liven things up. -It would be nice to work there.

-You're not going back to work already.

-Why? -After what happened, no.

-I'm not going to sit around doing nothing.

-Maybe, but it's too soon. You're too fragile.

I'm happy that Arsène wants

to see us again.

-A 5-word message...

I've met ice cubes with more warmth.

-It's the thought that counts. Is he sad?

Wouldn't you be,

if your life fell apart all of a sudden?

-That's true.

Mine... -Shhh! Here he is.

Let's cheer him up. - Hello.

- Hello. - I'm sorry I'm late.

- Don't worry about it.

- What a shame. I have to go rehearse. No time for conversation.

- Yes, sit down.

I'm very happy.

Are you hungry? - I'm not staying.

I have a lot to do.

I'm leaving for America tomorrow.

- To America? - Yes.

I bought my ticket this morning.

I had to tell you. - But you can't do that.

- Why?

I've lost everything here, you know.

- What about us?

But we're here.

We've just reunited our family.

- My family are those I grew up with.

And whom I've been separated from because of you.

-I'm sorry.

I never would have imagined...

-I shouldn't have said that.

But the truth is,

we don't know each other.

We're all three strangers. -We share the same blood.

-That's not enough to make a family.

-We could have

tried to get to know each other.

-I need to turn the page.

My electric motor, that's all I have left.

Electric is all the rage in America.

It's my best chance to start over from scratch.

So, goodbye, Céleste.

Goodbye, Rose.

I was happy to meet you. -Good luck, Arsène.

-Monsieur?

I'll go get Madame. -That's not necessary.

I'm just going to finish my trunks.

Gaston?

What was on my desk,

the papers, are they packed in the trunks?

-Your brother had everything cleared out.

-Arsène. I want to talk to you.

I will never forgive myself for lying to you.

Nor the harm I've done you.

But you are my son.

You always will be.

I love you so much.

- What are you doing here?

- I just came to

collect some belongings.

Know this...

I'm taking the moments when you were proud to have me as your son.

So, goodbye.

- Don't let him leave without a word.

Direct your anger at me. Not him.

Arsène has always been perfect.

He has defended the interests of our family.

Your factories... He was

your successor.

- My successor? Yes. Even though he's not my son.

Or even yours. It's ridiculous.

Leave.

As for you, I forbid you to see him again.

-You can't.

-Then leave with him.

Face the consequences. -You have no right.

-Come on! Make up your mind!

You had fewer qualms about abandoning your bastard.

-Yes.

I abandoned a son.

23 years ago. I was afraid of losing our family.

I will not make

the same mistake twice.

Whatever you may think.

Arsène is my son.

And he will remain so.

I'm leaving.

-Very well.

-Mother, don't do this.

It's a pointless sacrifice, I'm not even staying.

I'm leaving for America.

-Wherever you go, I will never disown you.

Never.

I'll go prepare my trunks.

Go to the hotel.

-I'll come and get you

this afternoon.

- What are you going to do in there?

- Come into my arms, my pretty!

- Did you see the cabaret?

- Excuse me? Are you still looking for a waitress?

- Have you done this before? You have to keep up.

- Uh... Yes. I'm used to it.

- Can you start today?

- Yes.

- There she is. She's there.

- What's going on?

- The conservative deputies

have targeted us, the press is going wild.

All this is...

outrageous.

- So the news just broke.

- There you go. Under pressure from public opinion.

The Minister of Fine Arts is closing the Elephant Rose.

- WHAT?

-Because of me?

-Please!

Excuse me.

There's no point in getting upset.

It won't help things.

-With the World's Fair coming up,

the minister doesn't want to take any risks.

-It's unfair... -No, it's disgusting!

Makes you want to throw up!

-They can say what they want, I won't be ashamed.

-We can't stop like this, there must be a way.

-If only.

I'd like to tell you that I'll find one.

-No. The Pink Elephant will not close.

-But Céleste! The minister has decided.

-I'll go see him. -What are you hoping for?

You artists, with your grand phrases and your grand ideas.

To change his mind

over coffee and dessert?

-And why not?

I know who can help me.

A jumble of conversations ...

-Where's my engine? -Sorry.

-Sir!

Sir!

-Georges.

What are you doing with my engine?

-Leave us. -It's my prototype.

The plans for my engine.

-Your engine, your engine.

You want to talk

about my electric engine?

-You wouldn't dare.

-Oh, yes, I would.

It's incredible.

And you know what? Dad's thrilled.

-He saw it?

-His reaction when he understood

how hard I'd worked for 2 years with an engineer.

To surprise him. He was so proud of me.

He wants to present it at the Motor Show.

-I won't let you do that! -Too late.

-You have no right! -Get real.

You're out of the picture.

-That's ridiculous. Calm down. -I'm fine!

-Thank you again, Sarah.

-You should thank Her Ladyship.

-Madame Sarah Bernhardt, my respects.

-According to her, this dear minister is a fast one.

He should be arriving soon.

I can't wait to catch the beast after his little fling.

-And they talk about good morals!

-Here they are. I'm counting on you to make short work of them.

Oh, Monsieur le Ministre!

-What a joy to see you! -The pleasure is mine, dear Sarah.

-Allow me to introduce Céleste. -No need.

I know you and I can well imagine the reason for your visit.

I'll stop you right there, the matter is settled.

-You cannot

close the cabaret. -That's perfectly reasonable.

To prevent all cabarets

from being corrupted. -You saw nothing!

-I heard.

It is my mission to protect our fellow citizens.

To stand against indecency.

Like you.

-Because I show my body in a number?

-Indeed.

It's unacceptable to exhibit in public one's...

well... one's...

-One's what?

-You know very well! -Oh! Well, say it!

One's pussy.

One's pubis.

One's little mound. -Because a woman

is naked on stage,

Is she indecent?

-Twenty years ago, it was indecent to imagine a woman having

degrees, fortunately

morals are evolving, huh?

Imagine that one day perhaps we will vote.

-It's a show with music.

With fantastic dancers. Stunning sets and costumes.

We speak of beauty, Mr. Minister.

Of art. - Art makes a good excuse.

-I am naked, but I make no movement.

Immobile like the muses in sculpture.

Or on the canvases of a museum.

The works that all of Paris admires.

-Ah!

-Come see us.

You will judge whether it's art or debauchery.

-You could take Miss Dutheil.

It will change her hotel rooms.

-I'll come tomorrow.

But at the end of the performance,

I will make my decision to close or not the cabaret.

And it will be irrevocable.

-Thank you, Mr. Minister. -Thank you.

-Now,

it's up to you to give him a real show.

-Nothing runs

smoother than this here.

-I'm going to miss you, Manon. It'll be alright.

-I'm going to put you up at the Hôtel Duclair.

-There's a very important thing I have to do.

-Yes? Tell me.

-I'm going to go see Octave.

-Octave?

-The child I abandoned.

-Do you know where he lives?

-I always have.

He lives in the slums

of La Villette.

-I'm not so sure...

-I've thought about him every day for 23 years, I have to go.

And now that my secret is no longer one...

-La Villette is a dangerous place. It's a rough neighborhood.

And you don't know him.

How might he react? You have no idea.

-He'll react however he wants.

I have to tell him who he is.

Where he comes from.

-Then I'll go with you.

-Are you sure? -Absolutely.

-Don't you have things to do?

-It's alright. I'm coming with you.

-Finish your beer.

-It's expensive!

10 francs.

-Waiter! -Rose!

-Coming! -Come on!

Come on!

Don't forget the drinks. They won't make themselves.

For table 4.

(-Table 4, table 4...)

(Table 4...) -Mademoiselle!

-I'll be back. -I'm not letting you go.

-Very kind.

-Okay?

-Mademoiselle!

(-There you go.)

-Some bread

for dipping!

-Are you out of your mind?

-Rose!

What's going on now? -He...

He groped me. -So what?

Are you made of gold?

-Mademoiselle, it was inadvertent.

I didn't see you.

-Anyway, you're useless.

You're fired.

Go on. Go on, get out.

-Mademoiselle!

Mademoiselle, wait.

Mademoiselle, please. Wait.

Listen to me. Mademoiselle, I...

I'm sorry. Forgive me.

I... -No, no, it's my fault.

-I'll speak with your boss. -No need.

That's very kind, really. I'll find something else.

(Thank you.)

-What if I offered you a job?

Would you agree to pose for me?

I pay rather well.

15 francs a session.

-That's a lot.

-Come to my studio tomorrow at noon. 127 rue Lepic.

It's opposite the Moulin de la Galette.

I'm counting on you.

-Do you know Octave Garceau?

Do you know him?

-Wait.

-Yes, I know him, Madame.

This way, Madame.

It's him.

-Who is "him"?

-The giant.

-That's what I was saying. It's too dangerous.

Don't stay here.

-No, no.

-Being here is

insane.

-Go! -Go on!

- Who are you?

- Octave.

- And he's coming tomorrow. - Very good.

- What's she talking about? - The minister.

This isn't possible...

No, really, this is...

I'm telling you... You have no limits.

Forcing the minister's hand.

- The important thing: he's coming.

-It's the only way to avoid closing down.

-With an exceptional act, he'll change his mind.

-Exceptional? By tomorrow?

That's insane. -But yes! Let's be crazy.

We have nothing to lose.

-We have to wow him.

Like at the Louvre.

-Like... The Louvre.

The Louvre!

Of course!

"Liberty Leading the People." That's our act.

We'll do better than the Louvre, we'll bring the painting to life,

Delacroix's painting, Céleste, you'll be

our Liberty, but nude.

-That's amazing.

-Excuse me...

The symbolism is appropriate, but... -That's insane.

We know. Thank you.

We're going to need a grandiose set.

We need Bébert.

He's the best stage manager.

Go get Lautrec at the bar.

The poster artist, short, with a beard.

Go get me Lautrec.

- Jeanette? - Oui?

- Come here.

I'm going to ask a lot of you.

Could you create some revolutionary costumes for us

for everyone by tomorrow?

- So, ochre...

Yes.

I'll get right on it.

- THANK YOU.

- Alright, everyone with me. We have a new project.

- What if I came in

from the air?

- Oh no, no, no, no.

- Oh, but yes! - No way.

- That's amazing.

- No! You're not thinking this through! - I know the circus.

I can do it. - She's never done it before.

No, that's enough.

The minister is coming to judge us.

Like in the circus games. There.

-It's a risk worth taking.

-Ernest.

Take your pill. -Ernest will take the pill.

I'll take it.

-Thank you. Tell me. How do you see it?

-Uh... Maybe, I could arrive by air.

-There. -Thank you.

That stings.

She laughs.

-May I hug you?

-Of course.

We can use "tu" as well.

-I'd like to show you something.

My father often drew you when I was little.

And this one,

is my favorite.

He always told me

that my mother was wonderful.

And that she was dead.

I'm really glad that's not true.

-How can I give you back what I would have liked to give you sooner?

-You're using his first name?

-Arsène!

-No, but really,

I don't need anything.

I'm a blacksmith, I fix up chassis

of carts, it pays

well, and I fight.

I have a roof over my head.

-You're a builder. Like Arsène.

-Carts, too? -Not so much carts.

But automobiles, yes. I'm an engineer.

-Arsène is leaving for America tomorrow.

And me, today, I've lost everything.

-You can come here, if you want.

It's not exactly luxurious, but

there's my father's bed.

-Forgive me, but

you can't be serious.

It's dangerous here.

-Got a solution?

Flee to America?

-Shhh.

You are my sons, and I love you.

Always have.

And always will.

Thank you for your offer, Octave. I'll think about it.

-Good.

All these emotions, are making me hungry.

I'm going to get us something to eat.

Arsène, are you coming

or is it too dangerous?

-Shall I leave you alone for a moment? -Yes, yes.

Barking

-What's your problem with me?

-I don't have a problem. -Spit it out. Let's get this over with.

-Aren't you moving a little fast?

You've known my mother for 2 hours.

And you're already offering her a place to live.

-He's jealous. -I'm not jealous.

-You don't know what 23 years without a mother is like.

-Nor you, 23 years of lies.

-My father made me believe she was dead.

Now I know my mother has a problem.

So I have a problem.

-She's my mother too. My problem too.

-Funny way of dealing with it. By running away.

I'm staying here. With her.

Don't try to cut me out.

-You don't have any real solution for her.

A woman of her standing. Of her age, with her situation.

-What do you suggest?

I'm listening. -I'll tell you.

I built an engine worth its weight in gold.

I'll go sell it in America.

I'll be able to keep her safe for good.

-Well, do that, then. -I'd like to, but I can't.

I've had some complications.

But you could help me.

-Me? -You, yes.

-What do I have to do?

-Something along the lines of a robbery.

Ideally.

-What a coincidence.

Are you saying that because I'm Black?

-It so happens that you are, but that has nothing to do with it.

Do you see anyone else who can help me here?

-Are you worried about tonight?

-Yes, a little.

We can't afford to make any mistakes.

I need to stop dawdling. We have a big rehearsal.

Shall we meet at the bar?

-No, I don't want to go there anymore.

-Why? -They hired me, but then fired me.

-As a waitress? -Mmh-mmh.

-It's too soon for you to go back to work. We talked about this.

-I don't want to sit around doing nothing.

I've already found something else.

A client asked me to pose for him.

It pays 15 francs.

-Pose? -Mmh-mmh.

-And... wearing what? -I don't know. He didn't say.

Anyway, you're not going to lecture me.

-And who is he?

-He has a studio

on Rue Lepic, opposite the Moulin.

-What's his name? -Mmh, I don't know.

-And you're going there? Just like that.

But Rose, come on... Haven't you learned anything?

It could be a trap, how...

-What?

What happened to me,

I want to forget it.

To do that, I need to move on.

They've done enough damage as it is.

-I understand.

That's no reason to do just anything.

It's dangerous.

You're naive.

-Sorry I'm not what you wanted.

-No, precisely. I want to keep you alive.

I forbid you to go. -You forbid me?

You're not my mother.

But I'm your big sister, don't be

a scatterbrain.

-Arsène was right.

Having the same blood isn't enough.

-But where are you going?

-I'll find somewhere to sleep. Good luck.

-Ladies and gentlemen, The Little Journal.

-Hello.

-Hello.

-Hello. I thought I heard someone.

Come in, please.

I was wondering if you were going to come.

Tea? -Mmh-mmh. I'd love some.

Your paintings are...

They are very beautiful.

You must be successful. -No.

My last client was over a month ago.

-Thank you. -But well...

I'm trying to continue to live from my passion

even if it may seem stupid.

Have a seat.

-On the contrary, I find it courageous.

-It's the only meaning I've found in my life.

I try to find beauty where people don't see it.

Beauty is a matter of perspective.

That's what I'd like to capture.

Not just through a painting

that we'll appreciate and find beautiful.

What I'd like to capture...

is your gaze through a painting that looks back at us.

That makes us better.

Thanks to you. There's a knock at the door.

Come in.

- Hello. - Hi, Louis.

I don't have any bread for you today, but look.

Baby crying in the distance

Here.

I'll bring some coal to your parents tomorrow.

What's wrong?

Ah.

Go on. Here.

(Take some more. Go ahead.)

There you go.

- Thank you, sir. - Off you go.

They have 5 children, the father lost his job.

They need it more than I do.

Shall we continue?

-Yes.

-Look at me.

Turn your head to the right. Perfect. Don't move.

-Is it doable or not? I want to know.

-It's complicated.

Especially by tonight, you know.

-Alex, I'm begging you...

Yes or no?

-We have pulleys, we have cables...

I think we can put up a structure.

-There, so you're telling me: yes, we can.

-Yes, one second.

-Hello. -Hello.

-Am I disturbing you? -Not at all, come in.

-I want to go over everything again.

We're making progress, that's good.

-Your father in July '70 was deemed unfit for service due to a malformation

of the shoulder that prevented him from holding a rifle.

He avoided the war against Prussia.

A few months later, he married Marguerite.

-Are you sure you're alright? -I'm listening.

-What's interesting is that in '72,

he inherited from his father.

The family farm and 30 bearer bonds.

The local bank confirmed it to me, he never used

these bonds, never.

Apparently, 29 of them

were cashed in after his death.

-You think the scarred man killed him to steal his money?

-Maybe. -His bearer bonds.

-Money could be a motive.

I sent a telegram to the gendarmerie

in Saint-Loup, there must have been a report

when a family disappears like that...

I'm waiting to hear back from them.

But I have the impression that they're not...

Anyway, never mind.

I'll go there myself if I have to.

It's 30 km from Paris.

-Thank you, Inspector.

Thank you very much.

(-Are you alright?)

-Yes. Yes, yes.

It has nothing to do with it.

-Tell me anyway.

I'm listening.

-It took me 23 years to find my family again.

And 3 days to lose them again.

I looked for them

for so long.

I thought they wanted to be a part of my life.

As if they owed me something.

But in fact, no. We're just strangers.

By finding my brother again...

I destroyed his life.

He left for America.

My little sister doesn't want to see me anymore.

And she has good reason.

I made her understand that I knew better than her.

-Listen...

Your brother's gone, okay, but...

Your sister is still here.

Go talk to her, do something.

(-I can't.)

I barely know where she is.

Soon, I'll have lost track of her.

And I have to put on a show that will decide

the fate of the cabaret.

-I can help you.

- Push with me.

- Wait, wait.

- You know what they do to bourgeois like you in prison?

- For you.

Are we sure?

Bravo!

Ringing

Léo, Léo. Reflexes.

-If she falls, I'll kill you.

-But it's holding.

-Céleste. -Yeah.

-Here. -Thanks.

-Is that alright for you?

-I'd like to be able to rehearse with it.

-I think you will be able to.

-Don't hesitate.

-Good luck. -Thanks.

-Well...

The light's gone down,

we'll stop here.

-Okay.

-Something emanates from you.

Would you agree to pose regularly?

You could be my Mona Lisa.

We agreed on 15 francs?

-Yes, but I...

I don't know about Mona Lisa, but 12 francs is enough for me.

Give the rest to the little boy.

-Thank you for him.

Shall I walk you home?

-Yes.

-"Rose, if you find this letter, know

"that your departure has destroyed me..."

-Continue, continue.

Please.

-"I have no right to forbid you anything, especially not to live

"as you see fit. You owe me nothing."

"I would give anything to forget the horrors I said."

-"I did it because I will always be afraid of losing you."

"Like that terrible night when you were snatched away from me.

"When I couldn't protect you.

"Forgive me, please, and come back.

"Céleste, your sister who will always love you."

- It's okay.

It's right here.

- They usually never close.

Well, there you go.

- Did you do that? - Yes.

- You're a little genius. - A guy with cold sweats.

- What do I remove?

- Nothing, but help me unplug it.

We'll carry him.

-I was wondering...

if you'd dare.

Who is it?

Mom's

bastard?

Mmh.

You're sinking lower and lower.

Should I call the police?

-What more do you need?

You stole my engine.

It'll make you a fortune, isn't that enough?

Do I have to end up in prison?

-No.

I'm not going to inflict another shame on Dad.

He already has enough to deal with with Mom and you.

Next time...

I won't hesitate.

Get them out.

-Come on.

Come on!

-Come on.

-It's okay, it's alright.

-Come here. -It's okay.

-We screwed up big time.

-Not as much as you think.

-What's that?

-The piece of my engine that took me a long time to design.

I would have told you, but I was afraid we were being followed.

Doesn't look like much.

It's what makes the difference and makes it performant.

-You know how to fight too. -Another thing we have in common.

It's not in the stolen plans. That's to our advantage.

-What do you mean "we"?

-I'm going to need some help with my car

before the Salon.

You'll do nicely.

You're skilled with chassis?

That could be useful to me.

It would please my mother if we worked

together.

-What about America?

-I'm staying after what they did.

I will become the nightmare of their companies.

-Settle in at my place.

-At your place?

-It's a change from the fancy districts.

You'll have space for your engine.

-With pleasure, yeah. That's very kind.

Do you want to celebrate?

-Roh...

-Excuse me?

Do you want to go celebrate? -Yes, that's better.

Jacques Offenbach, "Can Can"

-He didn't even bat an eye when I lay down.

-The Can-Can means nothing to him.

-Céleste.

You can

save us. -We'll show him.

-Céleste.

This might be the last time so...

Have fun.

Come on, go ahead. -I'm going.

Alright, let's get off stage.

Thank you.

Thank you, thank you!

Ladies and gentlemen,

Mr. Minister, my respects.

Ladies and gentlemen, I have

the immense privilege of offering you a historic performance.

She is more beautiful than your finest masterpieces.

More free than freedom itself.

She represents the entire soul

of Montmartre.

For our marvelous Céleste.

Thank you.

-Shall we go?

-Yes.

-EH, EH, LIBERTE

-It's going to give way. -I saw it.

-Lower it.

Come on, come on.

-Bravo!

-Bravo!

-Bravo!

- Are you really staying? - I told you I am.

- So, we'll be seeing each other? - You bet we will.

We're not strangers. We share the same blood.

I must introduce you to Octave.

- Bravo. - Pleased to meet you.

- We don't share the same blood

but the same mother.

- Céleste.

Bravo.

(Thank you for your letter.)

- Your attention, please.

The Minister has decided

to cancel the closure.

- We did it!

- Yes, bravo.

And the press

has changed its mind, you've gone from Devil

to Goddess, thank you.

Thank you all. Champagne!

Lots of champagne.

-I have an appointment, I have to go.

See you tomorrow at the studio? -Yes.

-I had a wonderful day.

And a very beautiful evening.

See you tomorrow. -See you tomorrow.

-Hello. -Good evening.

-Who's he?

-An incredible painter.

As broke as we are.

He's so kind. -All this for just one man.

Too good to be true.

-Are you Céleste's brother?

-Arsène Larcourt.

-Very well. -And you are?

-Youri.

I'm the manager

of the cabaret, delighted.

-Thank you. -Goodbye.

Inspector.

A little glass of champagne?

-No, thank you, that's kind. -No champagne.

-Good evening. -Good evening.

Did things work out with your sister? -With both of them.

How can we thank you?

-No, no, I'm delighted for you.

I've got some initial information, we have a lead.

-Oh, really?

-It might interest them

as well, actually.

-Of course.

Rose, Arsène. This is Léon Blanchard.

He's investigating Papa's

death.

-Good evening. -Good evening.

-Good evening. -Good evening.

-We found traces of a violent altercation

between your father

and a man from the village, Lucien Morvan,

shortly before his death.

-Do we know why? -No.

I'm still waiting, but we already know

that he matches your description

of your father's killer exactly.

Tall, red-haired, scarred.

-Did the Count have a pleasant evening?

-Excellent, thank you.

-The Countess will be delighted.