Original subtitles

THE RED AND THE BLACK (PART ONE)

Paul! Take my place.

Let's

Hello, Your Worship.

Sorel, how are you?

Jean!

He knows the New Testament by heart.

In Latin, of course.

Father Chélan tells everyone he's a little miracle.

Is Valenod offering you more?

Three years of study. For a boy who speaks Latin like an angel!

Three hundred francs a year.

I'll offer three hundred, plus clothes and keep.

What about the seminary?

Stop it!

He's obviously a better scholar than he is a fighter.

- I'll talk to him. - No, I will.

Come with me. This way, please.

He's not a Bonapartist?

He's a theologian, Your Worship!

All right, I'll offer three hundred and fifty francs.

But I want a reply tonight.

If it doesn't work out and he comes back here...

can he keep the clothes?

I'll consider it.

Come in. What do you want?

Is this Mr de Rénal's house?

- He's here. - Who?

The new tutor. I'll go and get him.

Come in.

Julien Sorel?

Thank you, Elisa.

- So you speak Latin very well? - Yes, madam.

I must admit I find it hard to think of someone coming

between my son and me.

I was expecting someone more...

You speak Latin fluently?

As well as Father Chélan.

He's kind enough to say better.

It's surprising.

- Why? - No reason.

I'd imagined some old curate...

No, not old but... They can be so severe.

You won't beat my son?

No, madam, of course not.

Stanislas will soon be twelve. He'll be more of a pal for you.

He's with my family now.

He'll be here tomorrow.

So he's arrived!

Let's start as we mean to go on.

Everyone, apart from us of course, will address you as sir.

Everyone is well treated in this house,

if we are pleased with them, of course.

If we're pleased with you, you'll have no regrets.

I know that your ambition is to enter the seminary.

I might be able to contribute something. We'll see about that.

But you must sever all previous ties.

My son mustn't be exposed to people beneath his station.

- Shall we show him the house? - Elisa will do that.

You'll go straight into town to get fitted out with a suit.

We can't have you dressed like that.

Get your hair cut at the same time.

- Has anyone seen him? - Elisa.

Make sure the suit is delivered tonight, before our son returns,

so that you'll be presentable when we introduce you.

Is Mr Sorel's room ready? So what are you waiting for?

What do you think?

He won't last a month.

No, I'll never be able to put up with them!

But you're used to it.

You childhood wasn't exactly full of love.

If only I could go straight to the seminary.

Your vocation is commendable. But beware!

The church... is a haven

but not an escape. I've told you before.

You still doubt me?

Don't have any illusions.

Being a priest requires certain characteristics:

tolerance, abnegation... a rejection of earthly pleasures.

I've not much to reject.

Did you burn everything?

The books, the documents?

Everything to do with Napoleon?

Beware!

Today's bourgeoisie won't hesitate to snoop in their servants' rooms.

Yes, I know.

Proud boy! You hate the rich and scorn the poor.

You hate where you come from and detest where you're going.

Where are you going?

Do you even know?

Verse 317: Non ficit...

Tuti ominacioni justicia manifestacit.

Verse 419...

Deus Israel...

lpse dabit virtutem et fortitudinem plebisuae.

He shall bestow strength and virtue on His people.

I'll never be as good as you.

If you study hard enough, one day you'll know as much as me.

- What are you doing, Elisa? - Nothing.

Napoleon tried to return us to the ways of the ancien régime.

The kingdom for his sisters, jewels for his mother...

And a coronation! For him! How ridiculous!

But Charles X had a coronation, too. Didn't he?

But he's a legitimate king, a Bourbon.

Don't start again!

Titles you can buy are worthless. Aren't they, Mr Valenod?

That's true.

This is a world of parvenus.

- Can I go and play? - Yes, my dear.

Mr Sorel, you're not of our...

...of our age group. What do you think?

About what, madam?

About all that... Our society.

I think that there are some noble parvenus,

and that there are some people of low birth

who are sometimes a lot more noble than certain aristocrats.

How do you recognize a true aristocrat?

By his education and his courtesy to his inferiors.

Well said!

And Bonaparte?

What about him?

Bonaparte was a murderer. I abhor his memory!

How's it going?

- How did you get in? - Over the wall.

- So how are they treating you? - You look thinner.

Mama, mama!

- Have you seen Julien? - I think he's in the house.

I couldn't stop myself. I wrote you another.

You mustn't!

But you said you liked my poem about the swallows.

Stop, please!

No more letters!

Good Lord!

Don't just stand there, go and get help!

Julien! I don't believe it.

Oh, God! You're opening your eyes!

What happened?

He's sleeping. I gave him a few drops of arnica.

He needs a cold compress.

He refused it, and just as well.

My Benoit is so jealous. if I gave him a compress...

What a fuss!

The other day he said that since the new tutor arrived

I don't talk to him any more.

He's right, isn't he?

Well, as I said to Father Chélan, he's only a carpenter's son.

You spoke to Father Chélan?

I have an inheritance coming to me.

My aunt is leaving me her haberdashery in Besancon.

We could marry.

- He wants to be a priest. - That would be a shame.

Have you spoken to him?

- Louise, can I come in? - Not now, I'm with Elisa.

- See you tomorrow. - OK, tomorrow.

Have you spoken to him?

Almost... lots of times. He comes to the washroom often.

He only has two shirts. He comes to hurry me up with the ironing.

Only two shirts?

I like it when he scolds me. I feel like we're already married.

Do you think he'll have me? I loved him at first sight.

- How old are you? - Eighteen.

When I was your age everything was already arranged.

- It's funny when you're rich... - It's easier, anyway.

Yes, it's easier.

Does "myrtle" have a y?

Myrtle. M-Y...

Right...

Next, copy out the list of dangerous insects.

Excuse me.

Copy out that list, I'll be right back.

He had a temperature this morning. How is he?

- A cold, that's all. - I mollycoddle him.

- You're sure he's fine? - Would you like to check?

I'm very grateful for what you've done with him.

Really, you've done wonders.

I'm the only heir to my uncle, who spoils me with presents.

Too many presents.

I'd be so happy if you'd accept some money to buy clothes with.

But I'd rather you didn't tell my husband.

I'm poor, madam, but I'm not a valet.

I would never conceal anything

concerning our financial arrangements

from Mr de Rénal.

I've offended you.

You must think me very low, madam.

I humiliated him.

This young man I respect and admire,

I belittled him.

If you'd seen how he looked at me,

when I told him not to mention it to my husband!

Why did you say that?

It's not my habit to interfere in money matters.

The shame! I don't know what to do.

- Would you like some water? - With sugar, please.

It's awful! I really offended him.

You touched an open wound, that's all.

A painful one.

You're not to blame.

He's a proud young fellow.

He needs teaching a lesson or two.

There's something else.

Elisa spoke to you about it. To me, too.

I got married at sixteen.

My husband is a good man, we get on very well.

But, listening to that young girl...

She's charming, isn't she?

So fresh, so full of life...

Her eyes shone as she talked about her plans for the future.

And I felt within myself a sense of injustice.

Jealousy?

No, God forbid! Not jealousy.

But envy... bitterness...

regret.

The idea of that young couple... But he wants to be a priest.

God doesn't like to leave things too comfortable for too long.

You'll find the strength to fight these feelings in prayer.

Such feelings are part of life.

They appear as youth disappears.

You've spoken to God, now it's time to speak to your husband.

You should sort out this little financial matter with him.

A true marriage is based on honesty and trust.

You let a servant refuse your offer!

He's not a servant.

Anyone who lives here and receives a salary is a servant.

I'll talk to this peasant!

I'll give him 100 francs in front of the other servants.

But you're mad!

Yes, it's a large sum.

In front of the others? They'll all hate him.

If you humiliate him, he'll go. And you know where.

But we can't let such a slight go unpunished.

His sort has to know his place.

Well, give him the hundred francs, but in private.

It was all my fault.

It's not my place to deal with money matters.

Women! Inefficient machines always in need of repair!

Elisa, come with us.

Stroll with us.

Sir says you should eat or you'll be too weak to travel.

I'm not hungry. I've still got a temperature.

Pass me the orgeat syrup, please.

Have you been crying?

He said no. That's that!

He said no?

Someone's been bad-mouthing me, or he thinks I'm ugly,

that's all.

Absolutely not.

There's some other reason. He wants to be a priest.

I'd rather die than see him say mass.

He actually said no?

This morning. But perhaps if... you spoke to him.

I've got nothing to lose.

I shall speak to him.

Thank you, madam, thank you! Oh, would you?

Are you sure

- you won't eat? - A bit of roast, maybe.

With some rice.

The walnut trees? You're not going to cut them down?

Twelve walnut trees. They cost me!

Their shade stops the wheat growing.

You can't think like that.

Yes, I can! Each tree has to pay its way.

Pay its way!

That's all you think about. Julien...

Elisa asked me to talk to you.

I have nothing to say.

Really?

You and Elisa...

She's a charming girl.

And she's going to inherit, too.

And she's from Bordeaux. if I were you...

- That's not the point, dear. - Then what is the point?

I'm not ready yet to make such a decision.

Think about it.

My wife is right.

Your father's only a carpenter,

and if she's going to have money...

Stop it. You're embarrassing him.

Julien, come with us!

I just wanted to say that I'd contribute to the dowry,

if the two of you would stay with us for a while.

Thank you very much, but I have other plans.

What about the seminary?

But you were talking about Elisa!

Well, if he has a vocation, I won't say another word.

Good. Not a word!

Hurry up! I'm hungry.

Stanislas!

Look.

Take these flowers to your mother.

Thank you, darling.

Happy, Elisa?

Are you leaving?

The council at Verriéres. I shall be back Saturday.

- See you Saturday. - Saturday!

Another one!

- Three... no, four! - Four.

Stanislas, look who's here.

Stanislas, put this on.

You'll catch cold.

I'll catch you!

Where are the shoes from?

Paris... My cousin thinks I dress too simply.

First one back wins a bag of marbles!

He'll wear me out!

Stanislas worships him. He took to him straight away.

But he's a secretive boy...

- Stanislas? - No. Julien.

Is your husband happy?

You're letting your son grow up.

Yourself, too.

It was about time.

That's true. Besides God, your husband and your son,

you never had any other subjects of conversation.

- Shall I clear the table? - Yes.

Come on, Stanislas.

It's time you were in bed. Goodnight.

When we were young girls...

- Orange blossom tea? - Thanks.

She always treated me like a baby. Still does.

You make me sound like your grandmother!

We're practically the same age.

- Do you have any siblings? - Two brothers.

Monsters!

And your parents? I bet you take after your mother.

I never knew my mother.

My father...

My father is a coarse, uncultured man.

All he can talk about is money.

He's not the only one!

Our century is corrupted by money.

Who are worse, those who have it or those who want it?

- But let's talk about you. - I'd rather not.

I'm sorry, I must seem rather touchy.

I'm not really like that. It's because of my childhood.

We had fun today, though.

Thanks mostly to you.

For the first time in my life I'm not surrounded by enemies.

Oh, we had a few enemies at school!

- Remember? - You had more than me.

Do you remember Camille?

She's been married twice!

What a delightful evening!

It's so quiet here.

It's like one of Mozart's silences.

No, gentlemen, round the back.

Someone take my horse!

- Very good straw this year. - Yes.

What's going on? Are you alone?

Where's Julien? Your mother? Mrs Derville?

Still asleep.

I heard them chatting until after two in the morning.

Mr Sorel, do you know what time it is?

I hope you slept well!

It's not the end of the world. We expected you later.

I told you the straw would be delivered this morning!

This house is going to the dogs!

- Hello to you, too! - Mr Sorel, come with me!

Under my mattress, a portrait! if it's found, I'm done for!

If Benoit finds it, I'm done for.

Sir, I want to leave. I would like my wages, please.

Well, this is out of the blue! May I ask why?

Never mind. Have you told my wife?

She will understand.

We'll talk about it at Verriéres.

- Julien, where are you? - Here, sir.

- What's got into you, Julien? - I'm very tired.

I don't pay you to sleep late. That's what Sundays are for.

I've never neglected your son.

He shouldn't have to wait for you.

If you think he'd be better off with another tutor, I'll go.

What's got into you all? Can't I even reprimand you?

There are other places I could go, sir.

Go, then!

What a mule-headed creature! Julien!

I didn't mean it.

Aren't you happy here?

I'm really very tired.

Well, take a day or two off and have a lie-in, then.

When you come back perhaps you'll get up earlier.

Louise!

They kicked me out of bed to change my mattress!

Mama, no classes today! Julien's going.

Are you leaving?

I've been given two days' leave.

At ten o'clock,

I grabbed hold of her hand!

She pulled away, I grabbed it again and held on.

And she left it there!

I'd been thinking about it all day.

I'd told myself that if I didn't hold her hand for ten seconds

I'd have to shoot myself!

What is this? A game? Your revenge on the husband?

He's an odious creature!

If you heard him and his friends talking about Napoleon...

"The usurper", "the dwarf".

I'd like to see the old fossils down on their knees!

Flabby, rich old fools!

I'd shout at them:

"On your knees before the little lieutenant,

"who conquered the world with nothing but his sword!

"On your knees, you old fools!"

His sword and his women!

So what are you going to do next?

Hold her hand for twenty seconds?

A hand is very nice, but...

But what?

Bonaparte, at your age,

had got a lot further with Josephine.

He was 23!

All right, then. When he was 23.

You're letting it show!

I knew right away. Do you know why?

You seem less carefree... but much happier.

It's a shame it's your first time. That's why it shows.

You never had your fun as a girl.

You got married, that was that.

And now it's happened.

Not a second passes that you don't think of him,

your heart leaps at the sound of his voice,

and all the time you're terrified that it might stop.

I'm terrified that it will go on.

But watch out, he's impetuous.

He's suffered.

You've always been so naive. Adultery is a war!

Not that word, please!

What word? "War"?

Nothing has happened, nothing will.

I've never been alone with him.

What was in that box? A portrait?

A woman, I suppose.

He's probably with her now.

It's all I can think of. Do you think he's with her?

He'd have said where he was going otherwise.

He hates his father and Father Chélan is away.

Some woman he must have met...

but where?

You think women are still the key?

You can lose everything because of a woman.

How are things?

How's the business?

I supply wood to all the top people in the area.

It's starting to annoy your father.

Have you seen him?

He hates me since I left his sawmill.

I need an accountant, Julien. We could be partners.

No initial outlay and you'll earn 4,000 francs a year.

No more odious Mr de Rénal!

In eight years you'll have 200 gold Louis!

You know I don't care about money.

I want to make my name.

I'm sure you'll win, my dear.

So how was your trip?

Interesting. A business proposition was made to me.

Louise, come and help your son!

You go.

Were you far away?

Whose portrait was it? I would like to know.

I should leave.

With her? The woman whose portrait it was?

I'll never make it as a priest if I stay here.

Has something happened?

You seem... nervous. Am I right?

Nervous? Not at all. I feel quite at ease with you.

Really? And why is that?

Perhaps because you alone never saw my peasant clothes.

That was a bad move!

In life be more careful, otherwise anything can happen.

Do you understand, my son?

I'll have a cup of verbena tea.

What were you reading earlier?

"The Princess of Cleves". Have you read it?

Oh, you don't read novels, do you?

Actually, I've just started "Dangerous Liaisons".

Laclos? He's licentious and depraved!

You didn't find that in your husband's library!

How little we know those close to us!

- And ourselves. - Mama!

Papa won, but we'll play again.

No, it's time you were in bed.

Leave your door open tonight.

- You're mad! - ls there any tea left?

Stanislas, kiss your mother then go to bed.

You have something to say?

I love you.

I love you. I love you passionately!

I don't know what to do any more. You have to help me.

He") me!

Please, you mustn't!

You're so young.

If my husband heard, I'm done for.

But I don't care!

And you'd let him kill you without a care?

No, not this morning.

For the first time I really want to live.

I feel invincible!

Do you still love me?

Oh, yes. I love you.

But what about the priesthood?

You can be the Pope, a cardinal, whatever!

Like Richelieu.

Are you going to tell me now whose portrait it was?

No, I can't tell you.

Then I'll wake up the...

No! It was Bonaparte, Napoleon Bonaparte.

Bonaparte?

I was so unhappy because of Bonaparte?

But he's dead.

My little Bonapartist, my love,

my rebel!

What a wonderful rival, Bonaparte!

I'm so bad at this!

Where's Valenod?

At the town hall. He won't be long.

I'm sorry.

- Do you love me? - I want you!

Oh, bother!

You're not subtle enough.

- Neither are you. - Oh, please!

You're making a fool of yourself. I'm your friend and I won't...

My friend? You're sick with jealousy!

For fifteen years I've heard all about your affairs.

A different man every week! Keep your advice!

The King is coming! He'll be here Sunday!

Valenod, at last!

His Majesty is coming, it's just been announced.

- He'll need a guard of honour. - No expense spared!

How many horsemen, six, eight?

- The boy seems very fond of you. - He's very affectionate.

And you?

We'll prepare a room...

- For whom? - The King.

Oh, no. What a chore!

Going back to Verriéres when it's so nice here!

I can hear your confession if you like.

Not now, it's going to rain.

Who'll command the guard?

I'm afraid it'll have to be you, my poor Moirod...

Oh, no! Since I fell off my horse...

You're right. I'm not cut out to be a chaperon.

I'm sorry, I was hateful.

Honesty is part of friendship. I accept yours, so accept mine.

You're losing your head.

An emergency, my house is flooded.

- The river! - At this time of year?

I don't believe it. You have a lover!

Benoit can take me. You can send my bags.

See you soon. I can see myself out.

Open your eyes. He's young and you're rich.

You'll end up being ridiculed like so many others.

I'll see you wear something else for a change.

A sky-blue tunic with silver epaulettes.

You'll be the most handsome by far.

You're forgetting I'm not noble enough...

You annoy me with those old-fashioned ideas!

Moirod does as he's told

and I can twist Valenod around my little finger.

You smell so good.

You know, Julien...

I'll ask Vernod to let you ride one of his Norman horses...

I'm not sure I want to parade... for the King.

You won't be parading for him. You'll do it for me.

I'll be watching. You'll put them all to shame.

Long live the King!

- Get off that horse this instant! - I can't.

Go and get changed and meet me in the vestry!

This has to stop!

- I don't understand. - You're a laughing stock.

You and your schemes!

What schemes?

A carpenter's son has no place among the town's noblemen.

Are you scorning a carpenter's son, father?

Julien's more noble than any of them!

I'm just trying to protect him.

If you don't stop this affair, God will!

- Hurry up! - Aren't you saying mass?

No, it's the bishop today. I, for one, know my place!

Mama, I don't feel well...

Three days he's had this fever! What's going to happen, doctor?

The fever doesn't worry me.

But he's not really conscious. It'll be a slow recovery.

- And if he doesn't recover? - It'll be quick.

Don't mention that to my wife.

- Can I help? - No, thank you.

God is punishing me, God is just.

He's abandoning me, punishing me for my crimes.

Talking nonsense doesn't help, Louise!

Listen, you have to know the truth.

I'm killing him!

I who gave him life.

I'm a murderess!

I must abase myself,

prostrate myself and ask for heaven's forgiveness.

You'll wake him up. Come on, you need to rest.

- You must listen to me! - Come on, leave him.

Julien, could you watch Stanislas, please?

Come for me if anything happens.

Louise, come now.

One more minute, please.

I'll see that your room's ready.

Go!

Leave this house, please!

I'll do whatever you ask...

but on one condition: be careful!

Above all, you mustn't tell your husband about us.

You'd never recover from the scandal.

Good, I'd be despised and dragged in the gutter!

But my son would live!

Go!

Let me stay.

I shan't touch you or speak to you.

I'll love you like a brother.

I can't love you like my brother.

I just can't!

I don't know what to do any more.

If something happened to him you'd hate me for ever.

Why couldn't you be Stanislas' father?

It would be no sin to love you like I do.

Don't go, don't leave me.

I can't stop loving you.

- Are we disturbing you? - Not at all.

We thought that as it's Sunday... How is Stanislas?

He's out of danger. Come on in.

Please, dear friend.

Excuse my dress, I was napping.

We've spent many a sleepless night just recently.

Louise! Now where has she got to?

Mama went out.

The doctor told you to stay in bed!

Come with me.

"My life began the day I met you."

Say it in Latin.

"I'd give eternity for a day with you."

Kiss me!

How long was she here?

Elisa? Two years, I think. A bit longer, perhaps.

The servants aren't my domain.

She's not the sort of girl to make up silly stories.

- Not at all. - Why did she leave?

A broken heart, I think. Because of Julien.

Or so I heard.

And if we employed her?

I'd have no objection. She's an excellent maid.

My wife can tell you more. We'll be back at Verriéres soon.

You can ask her then.

Your wife must be tired.

Give her my regards.

Yes, she is quite exhausted. Bon voyage!

No longer afraid?

"Fear", "repentance"... What do those words mean?

Falcoz, did you write this, you bounder!

- Let go! - Did you or didn't you?

It was you who wrote to the ministry:

"Ruin all the little printers and create a monopoly."

You tried to ruin me after 20 years of friendship!

And now you accuse me of God knows what!

Here, read this.

I'm sorry, I lost my head.

Leave us. Go on!

Any truth in it?

If I catch him with my wife I'll kill them both!

"This peasant of a tutor is your wife's lover."

Who is he? And why accuse me?

- The carpenter's son. - Julien Sorel?

If I kill him everyone will condone it.

The law, my friends, a jury...

A knife in his gut... I could stab him in the gut!

What a scandal! It would even make the Paris newspapers.

Someone of my birth, too... and with my success!

My factories, my chateau...

I've got plenty of enemies, though.

I'd have to go abroad, change my name.

Or I give him a good hiding and kick her out like a whore!

It's Elisa.

Mr Julien, I have something to tell you.

Ask Mr Ducros to order Montaigne's essays for us.

I've done something terrible.

- I talked to Mr Valenod. - About what?

I told him everything about what I know, what I saw.

That she's your mistress.

Who? Who's my mistress?

That was an abominable thing to do!

He sent an anonymous letter to Mr de Renal.

He cut the words out of a newspaper. I'm sorry.

What if it's all lies? It must happen to lots of women.

People are getting to me through her.

And I fall for it!

She's a wonderful woman, she's always been a perfect wife.

Always!

What can I do?

What should I do?

We saw Elisa this afternoon.

How is she?

- She's working for Mr Valenod. - That's right.

They came here the other day, asking about her.

I forgot to mention it. Sorry.

I'm sure she's still very fond of you, Julien.

And that it's not too late.

She's pretty, too... quite delicate.

- Yes, she's very pretty! - What do you mean by that?

Nothing. She's a young girl... who's very ambitious.

And so are you. It's not necessarily a failing.

Ambition, shared by two people,

is better than selfishness.

Don't you think?

Oh, yes.

Are you sure he's asleep?

Sit down.

Go on, write. We'll confuse things.

"Madam,

"I know your secret.

"It is with the best of intentions

"that I advise you to end your affair

"with that little schemer..."

Write it: "that little schemer...

"on whom you bestow such indecent favours."

That part's true!

Carry on.

"Your husband knows.

"We've seen to that."

Cut the words out and stick them on this sheet of paper.

Why are you looking at me?

I don't know.

One moment you're full of remorse,

the next you're hatching plans...

This way. Come on.

Please, wait.

I want you.

No, not now.

I'll read the letter to him

and insist on your leaving. But not for too long...

I'll change my mind, and you can come back.

I want you, more than yesterday, more than ever.

Madam! Mrs de Rénal!

You'll have to find yourself a new confessor.

- Why? - I'm going to retire.

Already? What a shame!

I'm sorry but we're expecting guests...

As I shan't see you any more

I wanted to ask you a favour before I go.

Julien must go to the seminary as soon as possible.

Julien is free to do whatever he wishes.

Julien mustn't end up as just another tutor.

He's too talented for that. A wonderful career awaits him...

if his reputation as a lady's man doesn't spread any further.

Your destiny is your own affair, but you're hurting him, madam.

You must dismiss him.

By keeping him close to you you are ruining his life.

Louise, I was looking for you.

No, don't go, father...

- Dinner on Tuesday? - Tuesday, fine.

Bring your protégé.

He's so charming, like a faithful little dog!

When you're done with him

we'll take him.

Tuesday, then.

Yes, you like other people's cast-offs!

Excuse me, I must speak to my husband.

Excuse me, gentlemen.

Read this.

Someone handed it to me in town and then ran away.

It's terrible. We have to dismiss that boy.

Give him some money so he can go. Anywhere!

He'll find a job.

The Valenods and Mongirons are both after him. Let him go!

Be quiet!

Think about it for a moment.

It's true you've been buying lots of new dresses recently.

I've been calumnied and that's all you can say!

Look, making a fuss about this would look very bad.

Everyone would love that.

We must act together.

Together? Did you also receive an anonymous letter?

Did you tell me? You don't trust me!

It didn't seem important.

But we have a dangerous individual under our own roof!

For all his fine ways he has no tact.

It's his fault.

Refusing to marry Elisa because of her secret liaisons with...

- With whom? - Valenod. Everyone knows.

What?

He wanted me, but the maid would do.

Why didn't you tell me?

Because he's your best friend.

But I've never liked him, as you know.

His letters are trite. And his poems...

He's written to you!

Dozens of letters, each one more inept than the last.

- Calm down. - Give me the key, then.

No. It's a matter of principle.

The bastard! I'll kill him.

Calm down and listen.

You'll be an MP soon.

The King even hinted there may be higher honours for you.

If you confront Valenod, the whole area will know,

and Paris, too,

that you rub shoulders with a parvenu like him.

Don't talk to Valenod, and dismiss Julien.

If you don't, I will!

But it has to be done right, so no one suspects anything.

You said so yourself.

So, to thank Julien for his hard work,

you've decided to pay his fees at the seminary.

All his fees?

Do you want to shut them up?

Lots of people envy you. And why is that?

Because of your talents. You're a good mayor.

You have several houses, tastefully furnished.

My dowry was considerable and I'll inherit even more.

You're the most important man in the area.

What do you expect?

People are jealous.

You are so clever.

You noticed my new dresses? So you do look at me!

Of course.

Your friends are waiting.

Thank you.

I didn't sleep a wink.

Why didn't you let me in?

He'll pay all your fees for two years, Julien.

It's wonderful!

You must go to the seminary. It will open doors for you.

Why didn't you let me in?

Maybe I should learn to know my place!

It had to happen one day.

You have no right to say that, Julien, no right!

I love you.

I believe in you, I want you to go far.

Is that the only reason?

I don't want to lose you.

You don't understand.

I'm doing this for you. I can't live without you.

You'll forget me.

I thought that you... had already forgotten me.

I'll leave immediately.

- What's your name? - Julien Sorel.

You took your time.

It's very late.

Anyway, he's waited for you.

Come!

He's here.

Come on in.

I have a letter... of recommendation.

Sit down.

"This is to introduce Julien Sorel,

"whom I baptised myself.

"The son of a carpenter,

"I think he will nevertheless work hard

"as a servant of God.

"He has a good memory, is not lacking in intelligence,

"and is a fine Latin scholar...

"Will his vocation be a sincere and lasting one?

"Only God knows.

"His fees will be paid by his former employer,

"Mr de Rénal, the mayor of Verriéres.

"I have done the Lord's work now for 40 years

"and am looking forward to a quiet retirement."

Good old Chélan!

God grant us his serenity! A sincere vocation?

"Only God knows."

if you hadn't been recommended by such a man,

I'd warn you about this deceitful world,

its vain conceits, and all of that...

But I suppose he's already done that.

Yes, and I give you my word of honour that...

That means nothing here,

that so-called honour that people in the world use

to justify all their faults and crimes.

The "ad sacram" bull?

In the year 1656,

Pope Alexander VII issued the "ad sacram" bull,

condemning the Jansenists,

despite the intervention of Pascal who...

Very good.

What about faith? Do you have faith?

That of the heart. Not that of reason.

Pascal again.

It's late. We'll talk again.

You have cell number 103, Mr Sorel.

Improve yourselves, of course. Study hard.

That's why you're here.

But above all, learn to submit

to the Pope's beneficence.

It is on him, and him alone, after God,

that your future depends.

The fact is

that you will need the security of...

Yes, Mr Sorel?

Studying the sacred texts and the great theologians,

striving to the best of our abilities

to elevate our souls...

You're telling us that all that is secondary?

It's important, very important.

But secondary.

It's more important to study flattery

and servility

than St Augustine?

All I'm saying, Mr Sorel,

is that on a cold winter day

when you trudge home to an empty larder,

you may rue the time you chose to spend with St Augustine

rather than in flattering the old curate you're replacing.

End of lesson.

Think about it.

Pope? Why not?

Sixtus the Fifth was a swineherd as a boy.

Keep dreaming! Only Italians get to be pope.

Bishop, then! The Bishop of Chélon's father was a cooper.

Mine was a butcher. Just as good!

I'd like a nice mountain parish. Chickens, eggs, cheese...

Better than being in a city.

What's wrong, Martin Luther? Don't you like sausages?

Ah, he looks all unhappy!

Did the lentils give you the wind?

No, you haven't touched them!

You're too different.

You'll always be apart from them.

I keep myself informed.

I know you're top in theology, history and algebra.

You live in your dreams or in your books.

You despise your classmates and scorn your teachers.

Pride... pride...

I hoped I'd find someone here who could be my guide.

But I've found no one at all.

I would have done you more harm than good.

I myself am in a rather difficult position.

I'm suspected of Jansenism.

I'm also the lawyer of a rich man in Paris: the Marquis de la Mole.

That's held against me, too.

After fifteen years in this post I might be forced to leave.

Who will replace you?

Father Frilair, a Jesuit.

He hates me.

If you'd been my protégé, he'd make you suffer.

I can do something for you before I go.

I can give you the position of reader in the refectory.

Would you do that?

You'll be able to eat alone, an hour before the others.

Here's the key to the garden. You can go for walks.

- Thank you, father. - Oh, come now.

I've been watching you for a few months.

I'm not supposed to have special feelings for individuals.

But I've grown very fond of you, my child...

in spite of myself.

There's something in you which won't tolerate mediocrity.

You'll have a difficult career. You'll be hated.

You'll be slandered and envied.

But stay true to your principles whatever happens.

I saved some money when I was working as a tutor.

If you need it, it's yours.

That won't be necessary. Thank you.

Now leave me.

Father, I haven't been sent any letters here, have I?

Not one.

Not one.

It's so good to see you.

I've been coming every month for nine months.

They never let me in.

Today I slipped some money to him at the gate.

I should have thought of it earlier.

Look at you! Aren't you eating?

Yes, I eat. And I go for walks in the garden.

I'm allowed to eat alone.

Those oafs hate me. And it's mutual.

So I see.

Verriéres had nothing on this place!

This is the home of hypocrisy.

The religion here is the worship of money.

It's their only religion!

- Do you want some news? - You have some?

She's become very pious.

She only goes out to go to confession.

And the new priest is very strict.

- Have you seen her? - The other day,

coming from mass.

Tell me, how was she?

She must have changed.

I haven't had one letter!

It was for your own good.

Yes, I know.

Look, I don't think I'll stay here much longer.

My door is always open, you know that.

The Father Superior...

Father Pirard told me that...

perhaps I could go to him in Paris.

There, next to the chest.

No, don't put it down. Stand it up, that's it.

Good.

A bit to the right.

Above the chair. Yes, come in.

Above the chair.

That's it! Hang it there.

Mr Sorel, I'll be brief.

I know you've had special treatment,

but I'm going to run things differently.

Put them away.

I won't tolerate privilege in this establishment.

You will henceforth eat with your classmates.

Yes, father.

Take this box, there are a few things...

The key to the garden.

There are a few things in this box

that Father Pirard left in the bottom of a cupboard.

Make sure they get to him.

You know where he is, I suppose?

With his friend the Marquis.

Yes, father, I know.

Very well. You may go.

Julien, my love,

I've found peace at last.

Heaven has chosen not to hate

my partner in sin,

who will always be most dear to me,

but the sin itself.

I have made my sacrifice

and shed many a tear.

A vengeful but just God

will never punish my son for my unforgivable sins.

Farewell, Julien. Please do not reply.

Or, if you must,

use words

that a woman returned to virtue can read without blushing.

Be quiet!

It's me, remember!

Be quiet, there's a good boy!

Louise, it's me. Let me in.

Let me in, please.

It's me.

Fourteen months!

Let go of me! Go away!

I'll call my husband.

Go on, then. Call him.

Call him.

If you've forgotten me I've got nothing to lose.

I pity you. Now go!

You can't do this.

You haven't seen me for a year.

Can we at least talk?

I no longer have the feelings I once had for you.

Look me in the eyes and tell me you no longer love me.

Say it!

I told you in my letters. You never replied.

I never got your letters until yesterday.

I've come to say goodbye. I'm going to Paris.

You're leaving?

Isn't that what you want?

You'll never see me again.

Let us talk, then, if you insist.

No, leave your hand there.

How is Stanislas?

He talks of you often.

He knew nothing. He was the only one!

Tell me about the seminary.

I've never stopped thinking about you, not for a minute.

I've learnt how to be mediocre, how to be a hypocrite...

I'm ready for Paris.

You'll do great things, you'll know real love...

Don't talk nonsense!

I know real love already.

It's you, it's you...

It's you.

It's the spare room. Tomorrow morning I'll...

Don't mention tomorrow.

Please!

I'll come back when I can.

Don't make any noise.

Get Stanislas to come under the window so I can see him.

I won't be long.

I said I had toothache and had my dinner brought up.

Another night together!

Tell me about the seminary and Father... Pirard, was it?

I told you yesterday.

I wasn't listening then. I was trying to get rid of you.

Well, he thinks I'm gifted.

You're intelligent, not gifted!

Louise, open up! We might have burglars!

He'll kill you! I can die in your arms.

Benoit found a horse. Someone must be in the house.

I'll go out the window.

- You'll be hurt. - No.

- Don't go. - Louise, open up!

- Never admit. Think of Stanislas. I love you. - Louise!

Louise!

- What is it? - Burglars.

I'll check your windows.