Original subtitles

No, the world is not a mushroom that sprang up by itself overnight.

There is something admirable in man

that cannot be explained by our scholars.

Take yourself, for example. Here you are.

Didn't it take your father to sire you with your mother?

A vast question.

Hold, my good fellow.

A word with you, please.

Which is the way to town?

Follow this road.

Then turn right at the end of it.

Be on your guard.

I see, your advice comes from self-interest.

I'm poor, sir.

I will pray God

gives you his blessing.

Ask him to clothe you, and don't worry about others.

Damnation!

My God, my God, my God...

Master, man in this world is like a bird on a branch.

What penetrating eyes.

What do you believe in, then?

What do you do here?

I pray to God all day.

Then you must be comfortable.

A man who prays to God all day

must be fortunate in his dealings.

I haven't a crust of bread.

How strange.

You are ill-rewarded for your pains.

I'm going to give you a gold coin.

Provided you utter a blasphemy.

Do you want it or not?

It's yours for a curse.

Go on.

Now swear.

That, or nothing.

Go on, take it!

Here.

Take it, I say.

Swear!

I'd sooner starve.

Swear a bit. There's no harm in it.

I'll let you have it for the love of mankind.

Look, he's coming.

A messenger said he followed this coast.

We tracked him for days, but lost his trail.

Would it be indiscreet to ask your business?

To avenge an offense...

Our sister, seduced and abandoned!

Is the offender Don Juan Tenorio?

He must die.

Mercy, brother.

When pride is mortally wounded,

nothing must stand in the way.

I have imagined 100 reasons for his hasty departure.

We imperil our vengeance if we delay it.

I was good enough, I confess,

or foolish enough,

to lie to myself.

All this talk is superfluous.

It's an unequal match.

We must proceed by ruse.

Let's separate.

Sganarelle?

Speak.

Why his sudden departure?

I have no answer.

Tell the lady.

It matters little who tells me.

What can I say?

Her conquered heart had to come seek him here!

I'm afraid her devotion will be ill-rewarded.

Has your master confided in you?

I can see how the land lies.

- Can a man of his rank stoop so low? - You don't know Don Juan!

My master is the greatest scoundrel who ever walked the earth.

A man of his rank!

A wicked nobleman is a terrible thing.

I must be faithful to him in spite of myself.

A man of his rank...

An Epicurean pig, a debaucher!

A bestial brute...

He believes in neither God, nor saint,

nor werewolf!

Who was that?

Not Dona Elvira's man?

Sort of...

What brings him here?

Our departure left him mortified. He asked the reason.

- And you said...? - That you gave none.

But what do you think?

That you have some new love in mind.

- You think so? - I do.

Right you are.

My God.

I confess that another has replaced Elvira in my thoughts.

I know Don Juan inside out, the greatest of rakes.

Am I not right to be?

Oh, well...

What could be more pleasant?

If that's what you want.

But if not, that's another matter.

You have my permission to speak your mind.

Then I'll be blunt. I don't approve of your methods.

If you believe in nothing...

Speak.

You have your reasons.

You know what you're doing.

But there are certain upstarts on this earth

who are libertines and don't know why.

They play at being clever because they think it suits them.

If I had a master like that, I would tell him, looking him in the eye,

"You dare mock heaven?

"Don't you tremble to deride that which is most sacred?

It's just like you, you little worm, you little louse...!"

I'm speaking to this other master.

Peace.

I didn't mean you.

Peace!

- You didn't say she was here. - You didn't ask.

Will you acknowledge me? Will you deign to turn your face toward me?

Madam, I admit I am surprised.

I didn't expect you here.

I can see that.

Indeed you are surprised, but not in the way I had hoped.

In my love, I sought excuses for your dying affections.

I paid no heed to my suspicions or the inner voice that denounced you.

I indulged in a hundred fantasies

in which you appeared innocent.

This meeting leaves no more doubt.

But I would gladly hear the reason for your departure.

Speak, Don Juan. Please.

Let us see how you justify your behavior.

Sganarelle.

Sganarelle can tell you why.

Me? I wouldn't know.

Answer, I say.

- Madam... - What?

You mock your servant.

Madam, to be honest...

For a courtier you defend yourself poorly.

Your confusion is pitiable.

Why not put on a brazen air?

Swear that your feelings are unchanged, that nothing can separate us...

except death.

Tell me

that urgent business obliged you to leave

without warning.

That you long to be with me again.

That our separation torments you like a body without its soul.

Plead thus. Don't stand there dumbfounded.

I confess I have no talent for dissembling.

My heart is sincere.

I realize that to wed you, I stole you from the cloister.

I was stricken with remorse.

I feared the wrath of heaven.

I must now forget you,

and allow you to return to your first devotion.

Can you deny such a pious thought?

Now I see you as you are.

Your crime shall be punished.

The very God you mock shall avenge your treachery.

God again, Sganarelle!

Oh, yes! But it's no concern of ours.

The lovely young creature I mentioned is betrothed.

I saw these two lovers by chance.

Never have I seen a more radiant couple.

I was moved by their mutual ardor.

I was struck to the heart.

My jealousy led to love.

Spite kindled by desire.

Today the "spouse" is treating his mistress to an outing at sea.

I will resort to extremes.

What is that?

I will abduct the beauty in this skiff.

God will punish you for your offense.

If God inspires no fear in you,

then tremble at a woman's wrath!

God, God, God...

What?

Do I still have your permission...

to say I don't like how you spread your love around?

Must we be bound to the first object we fancy?

Give up the world for it? Shut our eyes to all else?

Constancy is for fools.

I delight in beauty everywhere,

wherever I find it.

I easily surrender

to its sweet violence.

I cannot refuse my heart to all that is adorable.

After all, new affections have a charm

that is indescribable,

and all pleasure of love comes with change.

How exquisite it is to besiege

a young beauty with tributes

and note the progress we make day by day.

To moan, weep and sigh as we overcome

the innocent modesty of a besieged soul.

But once we have conquered, what more is there to wish for?

The best of passion is spent.

Nothing can stop

the rush of my desires!

My heart is so great I could love the whole world!

Pierrot! Was it the gale that capsized them this morning?

It was me and Lucas

that took a boat out

and pulled 'em out of the drink.

Two, alone, went to save them.

They're making eyes at Mathurine.

Didn't you say one's a good lookin' feller?

Yeah...

The master.

A gent, judging from his gold-trimmed coat.

Gent or not, he'd have been a goner without us.

I got something to say.

Their shirts got sleeves we could climb into,

both of us!

What'd you want to say?

You know I love you.

Give me a little.

Darn, Pierrot, always the same thing.

I always tell you the same thing 'cause it always is the same thing.

Isn't her face charming?

It makes up for the failure of our enterprise.

Makin' eyes at Mathurine!

I want you to love me.

I don't love you?

No, you don't.

I love you like I can. If you aren't happy, love somebody else.

Can't you be friendly-like?

Take it as it comes.

Where is this other farm girl from?

Another collectors item.

Are you from this village?

- You live here? - Yes, sir.

A bit of respect, sir.

What is your name?

What piercing eyes!

Charlotte!

What do you think?

Isn't this one a match for the other?

Folks are full of fussin' when they really love.

You can always tell.

Look how fat Thomasina's yearnin' for young Robin.

- Always playing tricks. - Or thumping him on the head.

Turn a bit, please.

I never saw such an enchanting creature.

You're making fun of me, sir.

I love you too much for that.

I said that from the heart.

Then I'm much obliged if it's true.

Ignore the tales you hear and stay in your village.

Open your eyes wide.

How lovely!

- I'm gonna tell him. - Don't Pierrot! Wait!

Look at these hands.

They're so black.

They are the prettiest in the world. Allow me to kiss them.

Hey, now!

You being a gentleman

don't give you no right to go kissing our women.

Who brought this boor here?

Quiet, I tell you and don't touch our girls!

Let him, Pierrot!

Let him? No, I won't!

- What a lot of wind! - Don't go crowding folks!

It's not what you think!

Tell me, lovely Charlotte,

- you're not married, are you? - No, sir.

But I will be soon with...

Listen, lovely Charlotte,

I love you with all my heart.

Let me tear you from this wretched place

and give you a lifestyle worthy of you.

No doubt, this love may seem sudden.

Your great beauty is to blame.

I love you as much in a quarter hour as would another in six months.

Are you talking love to her, too?

The gentleman saw me first.

Maybe so, but he saw me second.

They say you court folks are crafty, just out to trick a girl.

I am not one of those.

My sole purpose is to marry you.

How can I be sure you speak the truth?

I take this man as witness to my pledge.

He'll marry you

to your heart's content.

Won't you consent to be my wife?

Yes, if my aunt agrees.

Then embrace me.

Wait until we're married.

Then I'll embrace you all you wish.

Stop, sir!

He wants to marry me. You shouldn't be angry.

Goddamn!

God have mercy!

So that's my reward for saving you from drowning!

You're promised to me.

That means nothing!

If you love me, shouldn't you be glad I'm becoming a lady?

Oh, Lord!

If I'd have known, I'd never have saved them.

I'd have clubbed him with my oar.

What did you say?

I'm not afraid of anyone.

I've seen worse.

It's not nice to beat people.

Poor fellow, go away, and don't say another word.

I know the obligations of honor.

There are gentler ways to satisfy it.

Strange weakness.

What are you doing with Charlotte?

She wants to be my wife. I said I was engaged to you.

What's Mathurine want?

She's jealous and would have me marry her.

- I told her it is you I want. - What, Charlotte?

It's useless speaking to her.

- She's obsessed by it. - What, Mathurine?

You'll speak to her in vain. You won't dispel her fantasy.

- She simply won't see reason. - I'd like to...

She's stubborn...

as the devil.

Really...

Say nothing. She's mad.

- I think... - Let her be. She's raving.

What?

I'll wager she says I promised to marry her.

No doubt she'll claim to have my pledge.

What do you want me to say?

Both of you claim that I gave my word

to take you as my wife.

Why make me repeat myself?

All this talk gets us nowhere.

We must act, not talk.

I have business to attend to. I'll be with you presently.

Hey, Charlotte.

It's not fair to tramp on other folks' things.

Or being jealous if he talks to me.

He saw me second and he promised me.

It's me he promised, not you!

When I marry, we'll see which one of you has my heart.

Is it true that you said you'd marry her?

He can tell you if I'm not right.

He'd marry all humanity!

Yes, a man of honor. I'll vouch for it.

He'll say if I'm telling the truth or not.

- Tell us! - Speak!

Let her believe what she will.

No, no! The truth!

Let her flatter herself.

I insist, it's me.

I adore you.

You see that?

I am all yours.

All faces are ugly beside yours.

Others are unbearable when one has seen you.

My master is a scoundrel!

My master is no scoundrel!

Set us straight. End this quarrel.

Let's have the truth.

I must leave on urgent business. But remember my promise.

Believe me, you'll hear from me presently.

My heart belongs to all beauties.

If I had 10,000 hearts, I'd give them all away.

I feel intelligent in this outfit.

True, you look good.

I feel up to arguing with you.

Well?

I want to get inside your thoughts.

You really don't believe in heaven?

And the boogeyman?

Nincompoop!

I can't accept that!

Nothing's more real than the boogeyman!

You believe in hell?

At least.

And the devil, please?

Sure, sure.

Watch out!

You saved my life.

You would have done the same for me.

You run when I'm attacked?

This suit is purgative, wearing it is like taking medicine.

Many thanks for your generous deed.

You don't believe in cathartics?

Why should I?

Bad humor caused by excess repletion.

I conclude, administer an emetic.

I'd put out your right eye if I were you.

There's no hurry.

It would be amusing if the sick recovered and thanked me.

A doctor's skill is pure posturing.

How did you fall into these brigands' hands?

My brother and I seek vengeance for our sister's seduction by a Don Juan.

Don Juan Tenorio.

Emetic wine has quite a reputation of late.

I saw its marvelous power not three weeks ago.

We have sought him in vain.

The man had been at death's door for six days.

No remedy had any effect.

Finally, they gave him emetic wine.

He recovered, did he?

He died.

Marvelous, indeed.

He was seen on the coast.

Do you know this Don Juan?

I heard him described by my brother.

Honor is infinitely more...

The brain must be soothed.

- His reputation is not the best. - Stop, please. He is a friend.

But he can't offend a gentleman with impunity.

My brother! You're here with our enem...

You must lie still.

My opinion: Keep him in bed for a few days

on a diet of bread and wine.

And prunes to loosen the bowels!

You could easily settle things.

But my passion for Dona Elvira is spent.

There's no fighting that.

- The lungs! - You disbelieve in medicine!

- One of man's great follies. - You must believe in something.

Look at Molire's comedies.

There's a lout for you!

If he were sick, I'd let him die.

I'd say, "Die! Die!"

So what are your beliefs?

My beliefs?

That two and two are four, Sganarelle.

And that four and four are eight.

I'd like to know why day and night exist.

With schooling, I'd study things never before studied.

With my modest sense and judgment, I see things better than any book.

Isn't it marvelous

to be standing here,

with a thing in my head that thinks different thoughts

and makes my body do what it orders?

I want to clap my hands...

raise my arms...

lift my eyes heavenward,

lower my head,

shake my feet...

move to the right,

to the left...

forward,

backward...

turn...

Your reasoning fell flat on its face.

What is it?

Don't you know?

No.

The statue of the commander you slew six months ago.

Doesn't he look fine with his emperor's head!

What do you think?

It's the highest ambition a dead man can have.

It almost seems alive

and about to speak.

His looks would frighten me if I were alone.

I doubt he's pleased to see us.

I'd like to see it up close.

- Don't go, master! - Why not?

It's impolite to visit a man you've killed.

On the contrary, I'll pay my respects.

After all, he's a man of breeding.

Let's go.

Ask him if he'll come sup with me.

- He can do without it. - Ask him!

- It's madness talking to a statue. - Do as I say!

What nonsense!

My Lord Commander...

I can't help laughing at my foolishness.

My Lord Commander,

my master, Don Juan, requests the honor of your presence at supper.

The statue...

What's wrong?

- Say something. - The statue...

What do you mean, wretch?

- The statue... - What about it? Speak or I'll beat you.

- The statue nodded. - You idiot!

It nodded, I say!

As true as I stand here.

Speak to it yourself.

Will my Lord Commander

come to supper with me?

Master, don't try to deny what we plainly saw.

It's trifling.

If God is telling me something, he'll have to speak more clearly.

I tell you, master,

nothing was more real than that nod.

We were deceived. It was some haze that distorted our view.

- I'm sure that heaven... - Listen!

Keep up your stupid moralizing, say another word about it...

and I'll send you for a horsewhip and thrash you.

Isn't that your father?

That visit was all I needed.

I see my visit discomfits you

and that you would gladly dispense with it.

Indeed, we are thorns in each others' sides.

Yet, here you are to see me.

I too am weary of your conduct.

What baseness is yours!

How must I view this horde of vile misdeeds,

whose vile features can hardly be prettified?

This endless chain of evil actions

which have worn out the king's patience with us,

canceling out my merit in his service

and my credit with my friends.

Have you no shame to be so unworthy of your birth?

Have you the right to be proud of it?

Have you earned your title of nobleman?

Is it enough to bear a name and escutcheon,

to be born with noble blood,

when one lives in infamy?

No, a birthright is nothing where virtue is absent.

You could talk more comfortably if you were seated.

I would sooner respect a thief's honest son

than a king's son who lives as you do.

The sooner you die, the better.

It enrages me that fathers should outlive their sons.

Am I wrong?

Am I wrong?

Master, there's a lady to see you.

Don't be surprised to see how I'm dressed at this hour.

I come on an urgent matter.

What I have to say cannot wait.

I come without the rage I showed earlier.

You see here a different woman.

God has cleansed my soul

of its unseemly passion for you,

the excesses of a sinful bond...

the shameful exhibitions of a crude, earthly love.

All that remains is a flame purged

of all traces of sensuality,

a pious tenderness,

an unselfish love that seeks only what is best for you.

This pure, untainted love brings me here

to tell you of a warning from God,

and to hold you back from the brink of doom.

I am no longer bound to you by any worldly ties.

God has freed me of all wild desires.

I return to the convent.

I ask only of life the time to expiate my sins.

But in my seclusion

one fear will remain:

That he whom I cherished may become a fearful example

of God's justice.

You are crying.

Poor woman.

It would give me great joy if I could

prevail on you to turn aside a terrible fate.

I beseech you, Don Juan.

Look to your salvation. I ask you tearfully.

No, Don Juan!

Save yourself...

if not for your sake, then for mine.

Madam, the hour is late. Stay.

It would give me great pleasure if you stayed.

I assure you.

Let me go, quickly.

I loved you with great tenderness.

You were what I held most dear.

I had some bizarre feelings about this bizarre change.

I still felt something for her.

Quickly, to supper.

Quickly!

Her careless dress, her mournful look, her tears

stirred some embers of my dead passion.

In other words, her words had no effect.

We must think of self-reform.

Yes, indeed.

What do you think?

Nothing. Here's supper.

Sit with me.

I'll need you after supper.

Eat.

- I can see you're hungry. - I haven't eaten all day.

20 or 30 years more of this life and we can reconsider.

Who's knocking like that?

Let me sup in peace!

I'll see who it is.

La Violette!

I'm thirsty!

Yes.

We must think of self-reform.

It's the...

He's here!

Wine!

- Sing for the commander. - I have a cold.

No matter.

Isn't this a pretty bottle How nicely it goes glug-glug...

You others sing along!

Ahl Lovely bottle of mine Don't lose any drops of wine

Isn't this a pretty bottle How nicely it goes glug-glug

I guess people would envy me If you were always full

Ahl Lovely bottle of mine Don't lose any drops of wine

Isn't this a pretty bottle How nicely it goes glug-glug

To the commander's health!

I drink to you, Sganarelle!

Let's give him wine.

He's mad!

I'd rather serve the devil than him.

Don Juan! Enough!

I invite you to sup with me.

Do you have the courage?

I will come with Sganarelle.

Thanks, but I'm fasting tomorrow.

I'm convinced this miracle is heaven's work.

Aren't you awed by the miracle of a moving, talking statue?

There is something there I fail to grasp.

Be that as it may,

it cannot sway my thinking

or shake my soul.

I shall find a way to put a stop to your excesses.

I have repented for my errors.

God has suddenly changed me in a way that will astonish the world.

He has touched my soul and opened my eyes.

I shall look back in horror at my long blindness

and the criminal debauchery of my life.

Can this be true, my son?

I am greatly indebted to his kindness for not punishing me for my crimes.

I will profit by it...

and show the world a sudden change in my life.

I shall corrupt the scandal of my past deeds...

and strive to entreat God for full pardon.

Can I be sure of this sudden change of heart?

I shall work toward that end. I ask you to further my purpose

and to help me yourself.

How quickly a father's love is revived!

Embrace me, my son.

Continue on this admirable path.

I will withdraw with your mother. We will share in our delight.

Oh, sir,

I've waited for this so long!

All my wishes are granted.

Thank heaven!

Mr. Dimanche is here. Just what we need, a creditor.

We must pay him with something.

My son...

I have already forgotten all your offenses.

Mr. Dimanche!

- What a pleasure to see you! - Much obliged, sir.

- I came... - You do look well!

Yes, sir, thank you.

- I came... - You look hale and hearty...

Red-lipped,

ruddy-cheeked, bright-eyed.

- I wanted... - And how is Mrs. Dimanche?

Quite well, thank God.

- A fine woman. - She is your humble servant.

- I came... - And your little girl, Claudine...

- How is she? - Quite well.

Such a pretty thing!

I'm so fond of her.

You're too kind, sir.

And your little dog, Brunt? Does he still growl...

and bite your guests on the leg?

More than ever. We can't stop him...

Don't be surprised if I ask about your family.

I take great interest in them.

We are deeply grateful, sir.

Your hand, Mr. Dimanche.

Can I call you friend?

I am you humble servant.

I am yours.

- You're too kind. - There's nothing I wouldn't do for you.

- You're too good to me. - And not out of self-interest.

I don't deserve this honor. But, sir...

A son's offense is washed away by the first sign of repentance.

I must be getting back...

- Shall I accompany you? - No need. I can find my own way.

I insist that you be escorted.

I am your humble servant and debtor.

I hide the fact from no one.

- If only... - Embrace me.

Please.

Quick!

- But... - Please believe in my devotion

and that I would do anything for you.

I'm delighted to see you converted!

A pox on the fool!

What's that? Fool?

You think my lips speak for my heart?

You're not...?

It's not...?

No, I haven't changed.

My feelings remain the same.

What a man!

What a man!

What a man!

This is the last straw!

I must speak out.

Do what you will with me.

Thrash me, kill me if you want,

but I must unburden myself.

A pitcher that goes to the well too often will be broken in the end.

And, as an author I've never read once said,

"Man in this world is like a bird on a bough. A bough on a tree.

"A tree inspires good deeds, which surpass fine words.

"Fine words abound at court.

"A court has courtiers. Courtiers follow fads.

"Fads spring from fancy. Fancy comes from the soul.

"The soul gives us life. Life ends in death.

"Death reminds us of heaven.

"Heaven is above the earth. The earth is not the sea.

"The sea is full of storms. Storms torment ships.

"Ships need a good pilot.

"A pilot is prudent. Prudence is not in youth.

"Youth must obey the old.

"The old love wealth. Wealth creates the rich.

"The rich aren't poor. The poor are in need.

"Need has no law. The lawless live like beasts.

Thus, you'll be damned like the devil!"

Fine reasoning.

I am glad to have a witness to my soul

and the true motives that make me

do what I do.

If I said that

I would mend my ways

and lead a model life, it was designed purely as a practical ruse.

A necessary posture.

So you pose as an upright man.

And why not?

There is no longer any shame in it.

Hypocrisy is a fashionable vice. Fashionable vices pass for virtue.

The upright man is the finest role one can play.

The profession of hypocrite enjoys great advantages.

It is an art that commands respect.

Imposture may be discovered, but never denounced.

Other vices are liable to censure. One may attack them openly.

But hypocrisy is a privileged vice.

It has the power to seal lips

and can blithely enjoy sovereign impunity.

How many have I seen adopt this ruse

to cleverly disguise the disorder of youth?

They use religion's mantle as a shield.

In this respected guise,

they freely go their wicked way.

We may know their schemes,

see them for what they are.

They still enjoy esteem in the world.

They need only hang their head,

sigh, roll their eyes,

and their slightest act...

I do not renounce my pleasures.

I merely hide to savor them in private.

Hypocrisy was all you needed.

The height of abomination.

No one touch him!

I will settle the question of our honor.

You promised me satisfaction from Don Juan.

See to it.

Alas, God himself will not allow it.

My only thought is to abandon all vanities.

Do you expect to delude us with such excuses?

Do as you see fit.

I know how to use my sword when necessary.

But it is God, not I, who forbids me to fight.

If you attack me, we'll see.

A voice told me to renounce your sister.

Am I to believe that?

It is God's wish.

God?

What the devil is this new talk?

This is worse than the rest.

I prefer you as you were before.

I hoped for your salvation, but now I despair of it.

I think that heaven, which has tolerated you this far,

will not abide this last abomination.

God is not as exacting as you think.

The hardened sinner meets a gruesome death.

I always heard it said that mocking heaven was wicked.

This is a matter between God and me.

I'd like to know who made these trees

and the world around us.

Master, it's heaven speaking.

It's giving you a warning.

Libertines never meet a good end.

May a vulture pick at their entrails

to teach the impious not to mock God!

Fool!

What was that?

I don't like people who give sermons.

After years of service, my only reward is...

Master, repent quickly.

You gave your word yesterday to come to supper.

Yes.

Where must I go?

An invisible flame devours me.

It overwhelms me.

My entire body is like a pyre.

Where must one go?

My wages, my wages.

His death has satisfied everyone.

An offended heaven, violated laws,

seduced girls,

dishonored families...

Ruined wives,

desperate husbands...

Everybody is satisfied.

I'm the only wretch.

My wages...