Original subtitles

This film was restored by PATHÉ in 2013

It was released in January 1 949

but prohibited to spectators under 16.

This text was required to be shown at the start and end of the film.

The makers of this film

wish to point out that their characters

belong to a psychological tradition

bearing little resemblance to reality.

They do not wish to malign

the reputation of war orphans whom government provides

with an existence similar to that of other children.

War orphans become painters, sculptors, lawyers, doctors, engineers,

officers, and government officials.

They have their place in the nation's elite.

Criminals come from all walks of life.

A CHARMING LITTLE BEACH

The bastard!

George, you'll get us killed!

Did you see that jerk?

Using his high beams then complaining about accidents.

Accidents happen so fast.

And then in the rain...

it gets slippery.

I've time for another nap.

- I'm home? - Just about.

- Got anything? - Just a package.

I'll take it.

- And my crate? - Tomorrow.

Tell her I'll see her Sunday for a brandy.

If she's goin' out, tell me tomorrow.

The newspapers!

I'll tell her.

- Any wars today? - Haven't read 'em. And the missus?

Doc says she'll be on the mend.

Say hello for me.

It takes time. Don't worry.

It's the only hotel open all year.

Nothing fancy but it's okay.

- You're in for bad weather. - Certainly.

But it's a charming region.

- Do you have a room? - For several days?

Here to swim?

We have few guests just now.

I'll be staying a while.

- Meals too? - Naturally.

If you'll just register...

Police regulations, you know.

Of course.

- The date? - The 20th, Thursday.

You from Paris?

You came by train?

- Yes. Why? - I'm a rail worker...

Let him write!

I repair the rails.

Is the pen dry?

No, it's all right.

Here on business?

For a rest.

I was ill. My doctor advised this.

I wouldn't stay here... in the rain!

It rains...

but we have better air than Berck and a charming beach in summer.

You must be tired from your trip.

Marthe, show the gentleman to Room 7.

Lungs?

- What? - Is it for your lungs?

No. Just my nerves.

Thank heavens! With the lungs, it's awful!

And contagious!

You forgot to put your occupation!

Student.

I'll fill it in.

- I'm too tired to eat. - As you wish.

Goodnight!

Watch the broken step!

If you lean out, you can see the sea.

The light switch is by the door.

I'll fetch water.

If you need anything, yell down the stairs.

He said to have a drink. How was I to know?

'Evening!

White wine!

I sent you a customer!

He won't pay my old age! He didn't eat dinner!

- Tomorrow he will! - He's ill.

If he's got TB, Berck is better.

You and your Berck, Berck...!

Don't get mad!

You all go on so about Berck!

Anyway, it's his nerves!

What's wrong with the old man?

Sick?

He ate like a horse tonight. He's only actin' up.

Marthe excites him too much!

We'll put 'im to bed.

What's wrong?

Wanna talk, eh?

Sure, don't tire yourself. Time for bed.

And pleasant dreams.

I wonder what's on his mind.

And only 3 years ago he was so handsome.

Now he's an extra chore.

Marthe, put him to bed.

Same here. See you tomorrow.

Come in.

Our beach is a draw for auto races.

And the stink of gas.

- Fresh air won't pay the bills. - You have to use it right.

With my gas idea, people would pour in.

We'd build palaces, garages with elevators...

- Charming! - Beats your walking dead.

The races last all year?

They're seasonal.

But the sick are sick all year.

TB drags on for a long time.

And their families come to visit.

Affection ignores the seasons.

When you love, time and expense mean nothing.

TB is spreading nowadays.

Lots of people catch it.

Betting on misery disgusts me.

It's a reality. So make the most of it.

Right?

Autos or sanatorium, I don't care.

The more trains that pass, the more I work.

We could build a casino.

They gamble like healthy people.

Madame Mahieu, know what you remind me of?

A hyena...

a dog that lives off carcasses.

- Morning. Slept well? - Very well.

Want the paper?

No, I'm here to rest. No news.

Scrub hard.

She got strong arms.

Who's this?

Where can I find a garage, please?

Work for you.

- A repair? - Just to park.

The only garage is mine. To the right.

I could give your car a wash. It needs one.

I may not stay.

You from Paris?

Many hotels here?

In summer, yes. Only one's open now.

Would they have a room?

Two, if you want. There's no crowd.

Not very cheery in winter. Or in summer.

So... shall I?

The hotel's empty?

Afraid of being bored?

If so, go somewhere else.

I drove all night. I need sleep.

I'd prefer a quiet hotel.

It's quiet, all right.

One Parisian came yesterday.

Not noisy. Sort of gloomy.

His nerves are shot.

I guess I'll try your hotel.

So... do I wash it?

Go ahead, wash it.

The hotel's back where you stopped.

Thanks.

Watch out for the broken step.

Thank you, but you could've said so sooner.

Here's the room.

Delightful.

Is the view as cheerful?

Charming vista.

A work of art.

A woman's smile brightens a room.

- Need anything? - How could I?

Lunch is at 12:30.

I'd like my meals in my room.

I'll ask.

You don't have many guests? Just a young man?

- Yes. Why? - I like it quiet.

The young man eats downstairs?

Of course.

If you don't mind, I'll eat here.

It seems he's ill?

I think so.

- All these sick young people... - I'll send the water up.

You too?

Come back!

Forgive her, sir.

Move along!

A hoodlum! That's what you are.

Look at the sneak!

Answer when I talk to you!

Where were you? Answer me!

Don't look at me that way.

Lower your eyes!

What nerve.

Take that!

- Can I have lunch? - Right away, sir.

That boy would try a saint's patience.

Marthe, serve the gentleman.

Run along, you!

Wine?

- A pitcher? - Please.

Red.

Were you down at the sea?

To the beach.

Such a lovely beach, especially in summer!

Yes, with the sun.

Of course.

- If you want more, just ask. - This is fine.

A big boy like you needs to eat.

- You're too kind. - Not at all.

- Who's he? - No one respectable. A war orphan.

- How long have you had him? - 2 years.

We've always had orphans here. You finished?

They do work a maid won't do.

Practical.

And cheaper.

But you must be careful, not knowing what they are...

born God knows how.

I'm too good to them. They're lazy and thieving.

Not point in being nice.

It does no good.

They're bad from birth. Bad seed, as they say.

He'll probably end up on the scaffold.

Move over.

It stings, I know.

Thank you.

Not at all.

Need anything, sir?

Marvelous hotel... Even afternoon concerts.

What're you waiting for?

Beautiful song, isn't it?

Very beautiful.

Your place is set, sir.

Marthe, serve the gentleman.

You didn't go out earlier?

I was tired. I slept.

Sleep is good but you need fresh air.

- You like soup? - Very much.

Yes, it's very healthy.

Marthe, two places for the Curliers!

As if I didn't know!

An industrialist and his wife.

They spend weekends here. Even in winter.

Can't you be careful?

I always have to watch you!

Don't expect me to wipe up.

And take the tray up to 3.

Your dinner, sir.

Just a second.

Come in.

I never saw you before. Are you the owner's son?

Not likely.

Where are you from? You work here?

I'm an orphan.

Don't run off.

You smoke?

Sometimes.

Never too early to do wrong.

How old are you?

15.

And you're a war orphan?

What do you have to do here?

Most anything.

The dirty jobs.

Of course.

Are they hard on you?

Very hard?

Sometimes she beats me.

Then you should get out.

Some boys run away but always get caught.

Not always. I'm saying it for your own good.

If not, you'll rot away here.

That would be a pity.

Of course.

You're 15

and a good-looking boy.

- No one ever told you? - Never.

With that, you'll make it.

Life's full of things to do...

Pleasant things that pay.

You have nice eyes. Use them.

Am I right?

I don't know, sir.

You can go now.

Come see me when you can. We'll have a chat.

I always give good advice.

By the way... are you pals with the guy across the hall?

I wish he'd take off.

What's he done to you?

Nothing.

Perfect.

When he goes out, let me know.

Okay.

Marthe, we're starved!

I didn't expect you so soon. What brings you here?

Business, as always.

And my boy's birthday is tomorrow.

Marthe, some bread!

I never saw you around here...

I was never here before.

Charming place, isn't it?

Very charming.

Anyone there?

Bobby, be quiet!

What a voice she had.

She gives me the blues.

You're soaked.

Have a drink.

Yes, a brandy.

- I'm sleepy. - Go to bed!

- Coming? - Not yet.

I haven't finished it.

- And the crossword? - Do it tomorrow.

See? It was a theft. The jewels are gone.

I figured as much.

Bottom of the page.

You look glum.

At least she didn't suffer.

Your singer?

Yes, our singer.

Here's my son's picture.

With my wife.

He'll be 8 tomorrow. I won't be there.

I'll miss his birthday.

How awful.

I'd prefer a crime of passion.

I understand.

I love family life

but I'm a travelling salesman.

My picture.

He's in poor health, like his mother.

Tall?

Everyone thinks he's 10.

I hear you're from Paris.

You must have heard her often.

Perhaps you saw her?

I've seen her.

Often?

A few times.

Why are you so sad?

I'm not sad.

We see nothing here.

At least we have her records.

They're documents now.

They'll take on value.

I'm going to call my wife.

If it's an ex-lover's voice, it feels odd.

Excuse me.

- He's strange. - It's his nerves.

I'm not criticizing.

- Going out? - Be right back.

Give me 544.12 in Roubaix.

You must never have worked hard.

I used to.

Long ago?

It tired you so badly you've been resting since.

Something like that.

Is school hard?

I'm not a student.

Don't you work?

Funny. I've never stopped working.

At times I wonder why.

Aren't you fed up?

At times, but it passes.

In any case, you have to keep going.

Before, I worked in a mine in Belgium.

So, now I don't complain.

As a wife and mother, I'd have as much work.

I wouldn't have Sunday off.

I saw my Ma, the poor woman.

It's better to work for others.

Make the best of it.

You can't change anything.

True, you can't change anything.

What awful weather.

Rain lasts for days here.

Weeks.

Been here before?

In summers, years ago, as a kid.

- It rained? - All the time.

It's always like that.

It's lousy for a vacation.

For a vacation, yes.

Once wasn't enough. You came back.

You must have been a cute kid.

I don't know.

You're good-looking.

Heard that before?

Yes. A lot of good it did.

Where did...

No, I won't start questioning you.

Once in a while, being here... like this...

you know you're not alone. That's all.

Listen to it come down.

It's a nice feeling being here.

Oh, you're all alike.

Don't be ashamed.

I've known others, stronger than you.

It's like fatigue. You can't fight it.

Maybe it is fatigue.

Life is hard.

Cry. It'll do you good too.

Men also cry.

They often have reasons for it.

Are you cold? Be careful. You can catch your death in this damp.

It's over. Thanks.

No need to thank me.

Comforting you is my way of being less lonely.

Yet with you it's not quite the same thing.

You're like a kid.

Being with a woman gives some men ideas.

You have to do as they say.

In Belgium it was like that.

Belgians, French or Polish...

maybe it's the only way to forget.

Maybe.

You too?

Good.

With you, it would've bothered me.

If you feel better telling me about it,

go ahead. Talk.

Is it so hard?

No, it's nothing...

except I'm done for. No sense in talking.

Neither of us can do a thing.

Be quiet.

We should get back.

The rain's stopped.

The ground's muddy.

I left some canvas here.

- Found it? - Here.

- Come on. - They'll hear us.

Come on.

It upset you to see them?

Yes, it did.

You're complicated.

A moss stitch, then a running-stitch.

- I'll try it. It's pretty. - And it keeps its shape.

Have you seen today's paper?

What you're looking for will be in the evening edition.

Here's this morning's!

I'll get you all evening papers. They have more details.

- Maybe they found the murderer. - Maybe.

Digging for cockles? You have quite a lot.

They're good. Even raw.

At your age I dug for cockles on a beach like this.

Such a charming little beach.

I'd open them over a fire.

They're good that way.

I'd cook potatoes.

Don't you?

Well, answer me!

I'd swipe them for days when I'd had no dinner.

You must do that too.

I'd make a fire in my hut.

A hut like yours.

I worked hard too.

As hard as you do, maybe harder. My boss was a man.

He didn't like me.

I pumped water like you do.

It's tough in winter at 5 a.m.

You won't talk?

When I could, I'd go to my hut.

It's good to be there alone.

He never found me there but I got hell later.

Like you.

You don't want to talk?

I was unsociable too.

It's understandable.

Here's one.

The best spot is down by the hut.

During high tides I'd even find...

Come in.

You know this place?

- Me? - Yes, you!

You came here with someone.

Don't deny it. I saw you.

Don't be afraid.

The sight of love charms me.

She makes it worth your while?

What?

She gives you a little banknote, no?

You can't trust the middle class.

Ask her.

- You should. - Why?

Certain things come at a price.

I knew you'd catch on.

Why tell me all this?

Because I like coincidences.

Never mind... So you'll ask her?

- Maybe. - You have to.

I'll tell you something. It'll help you some day.

Love doesn't exist.

Never believe in it, but make the most of it.

As much as you can. You'll remember that?

You're a good pupil. A very good pupil.

He saw you last night.

Him!

If he talks, ask him about him and the waitress.

He was there with Marthe?

Just before you.

- You don't like him? - No, I don't.

You still won't say why?

I don't know. No reason.

Always spying on me. He was in my hut yesterday.

What hut?

Go on, tell me. I'm your friend.

My hut, in the blockhouse.

He was alone?

Yes. He was looking around.

Buy me some cigarettes.

A pack for you and keep the change.

- What kind? - Blues.

Grandma came too, sciatica and all?

A mailman's outfit? No!

I can't hear you.

- Going out? - It's my night off.

All right.

Not too tired?

Seen the evening paper?

Not yet.

New developments.

Louise, can you hear me?

Good! I can hear you.

Detective work must be exciting.

Edward's there too.

What did Yvonne bring him?

You don't seem to like this song.

Sure, I do.

Don't fib. I can tell.

It brings back memories?

Music's terrible for memories.

For me, it's "Valse Triste." Know it?

Sibelius.

A memory from before my marriage.

Life doesn't always work out right.

No, not always.

He blew out all the candles at one go.

Hearing her is like knowing her.

- You're not going out? - I need to walk.

Don't keep to yourself at your age.

- Stay with us. - Do we bore you?

Two brandies. For my boy's 8th birthday.

Poor woman.

Just think. She came here.

She was here once.

My uncle there ran the hotel, not me. It was before his attack.

Wish I'd seen her.

She wasn't so pretty... or young.

Life's odd.

She had a car accident or something.

To his 8th birthday!

It's important for a hotel.

Cheers!

When she left, our orphan helper disappeared too.

Both at once.

Maybe she kidnapped him.

She was too old for him.

That's no reason.

Such an age difference!

But it's shameful... to think of the life she must have led.

Maybe it's my wife.

The papers spoke of her young men.

For you.

It's Louise.

- She had two professions. - Even three!

They found her naked in her peignoir at 3 in the afternoon.

She only thought of her looks.

Maybe the killer...

Don't say it!

That would have been horrible.

Maybe he was a sadist.

Dying like that, defenseless...

Plus the details we don't know.

I'm sure he must be a sadist.

Maybe she loved him. Who knows?

The poor woman.

I'll play the song again in her memory.

In those cases, a woman's to be forgiven.

Men are monsters.

The men are the monsters.

A woman is in love.

They want love, nothing more.

Love pardons all.

If they catch him, they should cut off his head!

Shut up! Shut up!

Come on. Don't be a fool.

Ever see a place with so much rain?

I forgot. You lived here before.

There must be a café open somewhere.

How'd you know I was here?

I'm intelligent.

Meaning what?

I recalled what you said about your childhood...

about where she found you when you were 16.

- As you're sentimental... - Why'd you come?

To see the behavior of a man who's killed a woman,

and to thank you for it.

I didn't have the courage.

You did me a favor.

You loved her?

Spare me the psychology.

- Stop it! - It annoys you?

- It was my first song for her. - I know.

Where are the jewels?

What?

Where are the jewels?

- No idea. - Don't act dumb.

I didn't take a thing.

They disappeared into thin air?

- Don't try to kid me. - I didn't...

I need money.

Give me some of the jewels and I'll go.

I can't.

You didn't kill for the jewels, but you took them.

- Shut up! - You want them all.

You little thug.

Shut up.

It's a lie. I didn't take them.

That's why you came.

A man has to live.

So now what'll you do?

Forget.

- You'll never forget. - I will.

No, you're finished, like me.

Why'd you kill her?

- I couldn't take any more. - That's a reason.

Think you're rid of her now?

I thought so too.

You'll see, she's worse dead than when she was alive.

It's not true.

You already know it is.

Going back to Paris?

I suppose so.

What'll you do?

I don't know.

I'll be right down.

Good luck.

Believe me, we're both done for.

Sorry but I have to leave at once.

My car's ready?

Is there a phone around here?

You can phone from here.

Bring my car out. It'll save me time.

Get me the police.

Hello, police?

- We have to warn him. - I'll go.

Never let 'em pick you up.

You'll manage once you're in Belgium.

- Or elsewhere. - You'll start a new life.

Tell us you'll run for it.

My pal comes by at 6 a.m.

He'll drop you at the border and tell you how to get across.

He's a good pal. Okay?

All right, I'll go.

It will all work out.

Stay with George tonight. I'll be back to see you off.

Might as well spend the night doing some work.

Can I help?

You'll get dirty.

Hand me the wrench.

What a job on this heap!

Waiting this long before getting it overhauled.

You did all right.

But my back aches.

You're not used to it.

Life is a mess.

Yes. It is.

You shouldn't have come here. You knew they'd look here first.

I couldn't help it. I had to see it all again.

Lucky the old man's paralyzed.

I thought of that, but I wanted to see him too.

He could've talked, but I had to come back...

It was all there.

The hotel, the pump, the rain...

the hut...

even the record.

I'll be glad the day they break it.

There's a kid too...

like I was, doing the same work.

The same habits and just as unhappy.

Forget it. Tomorrow you'll be in Belgium.

You're not the first I've seen like this.

I've smuggled others over.

- Ever see them again? - A few.

Are they happier?

Sure, they're happy.

They've got new lives.

See?

They've got memories.

Sure, memories.

Look, it's prison or Belgium. Even Belgium's better than that.

You should eat.

You may not eat all day tomorrow.

Waiting can be long.

Another 3 hours.

More or less.

Sometimes he's late, sometimes early.

I'm gonna stretch out.

Rest a bit. You should too.

I'm not tired. Later, maybe.

Well, it's a big bed.

You're a swell guy.

So long, pal.

What do you want?

Come here.

I slept here too.

It was really cold.

What do you want from me?

Look, I don't have much time left.

Later they're going to talk about me.

Don't believe what you hear.

I'd rather tell you now.

I killed that woman.

That's true...

but I'm not a bastard.

I want you to know that.

I worked here at your age.

What you do, I did.

It's hardest in winter.

Then she arrived...

and I left with her.

I'd have left with anyone.

But I couldn't see what she was.

She was...

You know, the voice on the record...

A woman's voice can make you imagine things.

It lasted 5 years. Five miserable years.

You can't imagine the life she made me lead.

All her friends, her gang...

I couldn't bear it anymore.

There was no way out for me.

So I killed her.

I'm not sorry.

But now it's even worse.

I've made a mess of everything.

I don't want that to happen to you.

Don't run away or fight them.

If you do, you don't know what may happen.

You'll need courage, I know...

courage for the years to come.

But one day it'll be over.

Take this...

but keep it out of sight.

Think of me when you can't go on.

Remember what I did.

I have to go now.

Show you have guts and don't do anything stupid.

That's all I can tell you.

I made the hut when I was here.

So, don't be mad at me.

You really let the old girl have it.

What's wrong?

Nothing.

Bring in the water.

What's wrong?

He was here.

A while ago?

Will he come back?

How should I know?

- See him? - Is he here?

He left while I was asleep.

I can't wait.

5 minutes!

He won't come. You can go.

You sure?

He's made other arrangements.

Well, so much the better for him.

I knew he wouldn't go.

What's he going to do?

He's found a different way out.

Maybe it's better.

Maybe.

- I have to go to work. - Look!

There they are.

I hope they're too late.

Let's go down to the shore.

Good idea. It's a great tonic.

My son collects postcards of war monuments.

Charming child.

He's a very serious boy for his age.

It's such a charming little beach.

Subtitles: Lenny Borger

Subtitling : C.M.C. - Paris

The makers of this film

wish to point out that their characters

belong to a psychological tradition

bearing little resemblance to reality.

They do not wish to malign

the reputation of war orphans whom government provides

with an existence similar to that of other children.

War orphans become painters, sculptors, lawyers, doctors, engineers,

officers, and government officials.

They have their place in the nation's elite.

Criminals come from all walks of life.