Original subtitles

Young women have gone missing...

Police Headquarters, Paris.

Hello.

Inspector Tenier

No fingerprints.

No unusual characteristics.

Modern typing paper.

Watermark "Gallia".

"Elephants..." "Tonight again..."

The Cs are displaced.

The Es have different strikes.

Probably a 1934 Remington Portable.

Elephants surround her fragile arm...

Tonight again, my sweet and lovely child,

With pretty mouth and lashes long and wild,

You're stepping out to take your final dance.

Another letter in the same style.

The boss thinks there's a link with the missing girls.

In my opinion it's a practical joker.

It wouldn't be the first time.

You're stepping out to take your final dance.

What's your name?

Lucie.

Pretty name.

Like Lucette. Or even Lulu, once we get intimate.

You're going too fast, sir.

You're upset?

No, I was talking about the dancing.

Delicious! Ah, Paris!

Are you a nice girl?

What do you mean?

No boyfriend?

I'm a respectable girl!

So how do you make a living?

I live with my grandmother.

You keep treading on my toes!

Charming! So, do you work?

Here. Every night except Sundays.

Our dance is over.

Excuse me. Do you earn much?

20 sous a head. From those who can pay.

55, 56, 57...

57 francs. And it's only 11 o'clock.

Only 11? I'm already worn out.

My feet are killing me.

Oh, I've lost the buckle from my shoe!

What really bugs me

is that I still have to be friendly to them.

"Smiling is required at all times."

Yes, but what business is it of theirs if I'm a virgin?

I don't ask if their wives are cheating on them.

Just as well. They'd have you thrown out.

Then at least they'd stop bothering me.

Yes, I'm finished here.

You've found something?

Listen. You're a good pal, right?

And you know about true feelings.

Read this personal ad.

Looking for young single woman for lasting relationship.

Possibility of marriage.

Have you replied?

I have to take any chance that comes up.

You never know, right?

It came up very quickly.

This time I've found someone amazing.

And he wants to marry me.

Why the long face?

I wasn't thinking of you. I was thinking of this stranger.

What have I got to lose?

Missing.

Police summons for Adrienne Charpentier.

Yes, Lucie had talked about leaving the job several times.

She wanted to get married.

And the last time she replied to a personal ad...

What did this ad say?

"Looking for a young single woman."

She never mentioned a name?

Never.

Do you know if she had any savings?

Any jewellery?

Not a penny.

As for jewellery, only a bracelet with ivory elephants.

Elephants? Are you sure?

A woman notices a detail like that.

Wait there a moment.

Hello. Inspector Lefebure. Quickly.

We would like you to help with our enquiry.

The boss wants to speak to you in person.

You wanted me?

Check out these addresses right away.

I need to know if they replied to a personal ad:

"Looking for a young single woman." Urgent!

3rd Floor. Chief Inspector Tenier.

Mlle Charpentier to see you.

Show her in.

Please sit down.

You were a friend of Lucie Baral?

A colleague.

What's the difference?

We swapped dresses, not secrets.

In any case, you can tell me what state she was in,

at the time she went missing.

Lucie was very dispirited.

Being a taxi-girl is hard work, and sometimes...

Men...

Men, yes.

Lucie wanted to get out of there.

Those personal ads gave her something to dream about.

All women are romantic like that, no?

You're a strange taxi-girl.

Oh, life has taught me a few things.

Already? Why this line of work?

I'm a translator during the day, but it doesn't pay enough.

Which languages?

English and German.

That could be useful.

Would you mind lifting up your skirt.

What?

Special intelligence service. Just a little, please.

Thank you. Well done.

Charming. But I don't see...

Patience.

Do you know how to cook beef in redcurrant?

I prefer chicken in wine with cream, mushrooms and truffles.

And can you type and take shorthand?

Yes.

Good.

Would you know how to dress a wound?

A gunshot wound?

Amongst others.

I'd know how.

Perfect.

Close your eyes.

What is the colour - no cheating -

the colour of the walls?

Dirty beige.

Dirty! We're not made of money.

Stand up.

Turn around.

Now, describe me.

You're not very tall.

Heavyset.

Balding, arthritic.

Brown eyes, a little baggy.

You smoke too much - careful of your heart!

You wear a watch chain on your waistcoat,

and a wedding ring.

You adopt a gruff tone to hide your kind nature,

and you adore your daughter,

who is ten.

Now there you have me!

Special intelligence service.

Tell me, Mlle Charpentier,

would you like to try a new kind of dance?

And you would be the conductor, M Tenier?

You understand me?

From the start.

Good.

The disappearance of your colleague Lucie Baral

was alluded to in an anonymous letter.

I'm looking for the author.

How can I help you?

Not very nice, eh?

Who knows what became of them?

Do you think a taxi-girl could do any better?

I think so.

Sit down.

Here it is...

You, or rather we, will put you in contact

with anyone who places a personal ad of the type:

"Looking for a young woman on her own."

It's not far from the truth, anyway.

Not any more.

We'll write your reply and set up a meeting.

Under our protection. Don't worry.

But I'm not afraid!

At least, not yet.

Think carefully before you agree to do this.

I'm starting to have second thoughts myself.

You're so young, so...

And what I'm proposing could be very dangerous.

In any case, I'll keep an eye on you.

A friendly eye.

The taxi-girl becomes a public servant.

But this won't be a desk job, I'm warning you.

I'll think it over.

Artist seeks broad-minded young woman to pose nude.

Reply c/o this newspaper.

- What would you like? - I don't mind.

A light?

"A broad-minded young woman..."

It was you who...

It was me who...

You're even prettier than your photo.

Thank you for coming.

I thought about it.

May I ask why your client must be alone and broad-minded?

I don't want her walking out at midnight saying:

"I have to catch the last train. Mother's waiting."

Well, that's frank.

It's my nature.

So shall we go?

No. Not tonight. I'm not free.

Mother is waiting?

Tomorrow night at the same time.

Promise?

I promise that I'd love to see you again.

Until tomorrow.

My coat. Quickly.

Looking for young single woman.

Easy work. Complete discretion.

Excuse me.

Are you waiting for someone?

Yes, I have a rendez-vous.

Are you Mlle Blanche?

Yes.

It was you who wrote to me?

Yes.

I need to take every precaution,

to protect myself.

What were the first words of your letter?

"I hope I am the first to reply to your ad..."

And how does it end?

"...how eager I am to meet you."

But anyway, you recognised me.

Here it is...

I need your services.

Only one hour a day.

But the work is easy.

And, in a manner of speaking,

it's an art.

- Do you accept? - Yes.

Why do you accept so fast?

Aren't you afraid of what I will ask you to do?

I've no money.

So I've decided to do whatever it takes.

Lack of money is the root of all evil.

And all crime.

One vital condition:

Absolute discretion about everything you see and hear.

I understand perfectly.

Until 4 o'clock tomorrow.

4 o'clock.

17, impasse des Marronniers.

You certainly are broad-minded.

And you're indiscreet.

Totally. Get in.

- But I told you... - That you're not free?

Well now you are.

How do you know?

I know lots of things. Come on, get in.

Well, why not?

You followed me.

Looks that way.

Where are we going?

You'll see.

Don't touch the door. You'll kill yourself if you jump.

By the way, you did say that you'd posed nude, right?

Yes.

And you said your name was Gabrielle Denis?

Yes.

Why did you lie to me?

Lied?

Don't play the innocent.

You were a taxi-dancer.

And after that...

You're no more a model than I'm a painter.

Keep going.

Your name is Adrienne Charpentier, isn't it?

When replying to sleazy ads,

there are good reasons for hiding your name.

Particularly when you're working for the police.

Are you by any chance looking for a certain Lucie Baral?

Or in her murderer?

Don't bother screaming. The house is empty.

And don't try to find your gun. I've got it here.

Let me go!

I promised to bring her. There she is.

The competition.

Just look at her.

So young and fragile.

No kidding. And packing a deadly weapon.

I started by giving her a scare.

- It worked, eh? - She's turned white.

I had to spend all night watching over her.

A guardian angel. Me! Inspector Batol.

Me, who caught that dangerous gang.

And this is what she hoped to defend herself with.

Why not a pop gun?

Now don't cry, little girl. Here's your toy.

And here's yours, Inspector.

I'll wait for you here.

If you need me, you know where I am.

Your Highness,

ladies and gentlemen,

my dear friends...

Pears welcomes you.

I am delighted to see you here again in my studio.

I invited you here today

to entertain your eyes and excite your taste

with my new fashion collection.

You are about to have the privilege of being the first

to view this absolutely unique collection.

Is he rehearsing? Where is everyone?

As far as he is concerned, the room is full.

It makes him happy, and it harms no-one.

Here then are the latest creations of my art,

and of my sleepless nights,

during which I felt,

beating against my brain,

the wing of genius.

Dream of Youth.

Would your highness please note the softness of the line,

and the curvature of the ensemble.

Freshness above all.

The voluptuousness of an awakening virgin,

evoked by the combination of green and white.

I didn't know that he was the famous Pears.

Oh, if you'd known him in his prime.

He was a king - London, Paris, New York.

The parties he threw, the millions he spent.

But his rivals set out to ruin him.

Evidently.

He trusts no-one except his old wardrobe mistress.

But he's had other models before me?

They didn't fit the bill, I suppose.

What became of them?

Quickly, he's getting impatient.

Marie, go out and buy me some cigarettes.

- You're leaving? - Yes.

You're forgetting something, my child.

I have the bad habit of paying all my debts...

scrupulously.

I pay after each session.

Odd. Very odd.

It's completely absurd.

I'm sorry, but I have no money at hand.

Would you accept a small token, 10 francs?

Don't worry. You can pay me next time.

Please don't leave yet.

You think I'm mad, don't you?

Yes, Marie must have told you.

And you think so too.

You think so because I made you model dresses

in front of an audience of ghosts.

And because I speak to chairs like living beings.

Would you like me to prove

that I am completely normal,

and perfectly lucid?

Listen.

You are not the single girl,

trying to earn a crust, like you told me.

You are a spy!

Yes or no?

What became of the girls who worked here before me?

Not very clever.

Very well.

Come with me.

I'll show you what you're looking for.

There!

The models that you're looking for.

It was Carrelli who sent you!

My worst enemy.

He robbed me. He ruined me.

He destroyed my whole life.

This time...

he'll get nothing.

Nothing, nothing, nothing.

Everything will burn.

Except this.

My genius is immortal!

Batol! Batol! Help!

I'd be very happy to meet you at the concert tonight.

I'll be in the seat next to you.

Yours, a music-lover.

Not many pretty girls at your concert.

I didn't force you to come.

You find it fun to stare at a conductor's back for an hour?

Listen to the music.

Oh, music without words, it's not for me.

I'm off. Goodbye.

I'm staying.

Hello. Have you processed our order?

Yes, I handled it personally. 5000 at 297.

OK. My office tomorrow.

My respects, Minister.

Good evening to the ringmaster of Paris pleasures.

May I put that title on my card?

A minister's power does not extend that far.

The man who arranged to meet me didn't show.

I'll stay for the end of the concert.

Well, I'm off. My shoes are killing me.

Besides, I feel like an undertaker in this outfit.

Your dinner jacket suits you very well.

Then it's me who doesn't suit the jacket.

Oh, this collar!

- I'm going. - See you later.

Goodbye.

Give me some champagne, like the lady.

So it didn't work out, your friend in seat 66?

Beware of men with beards.

They're either saints or satyrs.

You should have given him a sweet smile.

Give me something not too strong.

- Nice concert, isn't it? - Yes.

Good evening. Your wife is not unwell, I hope.

Never unwell. Just busy.

And how is the stock market?

A bit unwell.

Excuse me. Are you seat 68?

Yes.

Someone is waiting for you in the foyer.

Leaving already? What a shame.

Excuse me for bothering you.

The person who arranged to meet you is unable to come.

I'm to take you to him. He is waiting.

Very well.

- Table 7. - This way.

Oh, you.

You're not short of ideas.

And you had an excellent idea in following me.

Not for much longer.

Wait. Look at me.

I am the author of the anonymous letter.

You?

I don't look like an anonymous writer?

- I don't think so. - Me, neither.

Now you're smiling. Stay.

I don't understand. How did you know?

I interrogated your friend with the beard.

- You're completely mad. - Totally.

You're starting to amuse me.

An excellent beginning. Shall we see how it develops?

If I left, you might think I was afraid.

And if you stay, I'll know it's because you want to.

Take off your wrap in any case. No commitment.

None. It's hot.

Waiter... Heidsieck Monopole, well chilled.

No. Moet et Chandon Brut Imperial.

How about that!

- Another late night? - I think we'll be here till dawn.

So this is your place.

I have a partner who does the paperwork.

- You prefer the night work. - It's my speciality.

I have half a dozen cabarets like this in Paris,

with sensational acts. All very successful.

You've been lucky.

Luck is a wild beast. I knew how to subdue her.

Or civilise her?

Force and gentleness. That's my method. What's yours?

Distrust.

Just watch. It'll be the slow tango next.

He'll ask her to dance. Then he'll start romancing her.

- These liars... rats... - The charmer!

We haven't been introduced. What's your name?

Adrienne Dupont. 22 years old. Single.

Height: 1m64. 42kg.

Distinguishing trait:

dislikes men who are too sure of themselves.

You'll grow out of that.

How strange your eyes look.

Like two mountain lakes.

With fir trees around the banks.

And two little golden islands in the middle.

I have to speak to M Fleury tonight.

I've been trying to see him for weeks.

I have a terrific act for him. The contract is all drawn up.

I'm sorry, M Carioni, M Fleury has company.

I can't bother him.

Caviare, chicken, salad, strawberries...

That's everything except the flowers.

It would make my job easier if they all had the same tastes.

I prefer tea roses.

- A tea rose. - Yes, madame.

- Tea rose. - Thank you.

Tea rose.

Page!

Tea rose.

Tea rose!

This tune... they often play it here.

But tonight it seems new to me.

Because you're hearing it for the first time.

Wherever I want to speak of love,

all I need are two words.

In New York, Sweden, Rome, Toledo,

those two words are "mon amour".

Mon amour.

It's soft and intoxicating and short.

Mon amour.

In Venice and Tahiti it's the infallible "Open Sesame"

for seducing the women. I guarantee.

Mon amour. It's worth more than a speech.

Mon amour. That refrain says it all.

It is full of promise

of tender caresses and hard kisses.

It's my way of saying,

be nice, I'm waiting.

I have everything you could desire.

But don't make me wait too long.

Mon amour. I dream of you night and day.

Mon amour. Don't fight the joy that's calling to us.

Because forever you will be mon amour.

I'll tell you my secret, it will be a great help

if you want to win someone's heart.

Say to your neighbour in a tender voice...

"Mon amour."

So, gentlemen, you know what to do.

Lean across gently towards your neighbour,

and say to her softly, "Mon amour!"

You'll see, the effect will be extraordinary.

- Ready? One, two, three... - Mon amour.

- Mon amour. - Bravo!

All you have to do is murmur that refrain in an ear.

There's nothing like it for winning adoration.

Go ahead, it works every time.

Ah you! I'll see you later in my office.

It's the perfume that cannot be resisted.

Now I want the ladies to play a game with the men.

When the men say "Mon amour"

the ladies must reply sweetly, "Mon amour".

One at a time, you understand?

- Mon amour. - It's the prettiest hello.

- Mon amour. - Ladies and girls,

we promise to be faithful,

because forever you will be "nos amours".

Lovely evening. Thank you. Adrienne Dupont.

Rossignol Agency? Get me M Rossignol.

Ah, it's you? What, no news?

Are you twiddling your thumbs?

No, I'm serious. It's your job.

If I had her address I wouldn't need you to find her.

As a detective, you seem to be rather in the dark.

Yes, in the dark. And I'm being polite.

What are you waiting for? Closing time or a raise?

Go back to your office immediately!

And you... Stop looking at me like a beaten dog.

Am I supposed to sort out everyone's problems?

Get out of here, Vladimir Vasilyevich!

I'm really on edge.

I'm not the voice of your conscience, thank God,

but let me remind you

that you have been borrowing from the business for 18 months.

And to go chasing after a sparrow

when there are other matters to attend to...

More than 1.7 million francs.

Is that any of your concern? And then?

You'll continue, no doubt, but I'll have done my duty as a friend.

Fill your purse with money. It amuses me to empty mine.

So I see. Your enquiries have failed.

Too bad for her. She doesn't know what she's losing.

What? M Carioni?

What is it?

What? 7 what? Are you mad?

Certainly! There must be a mistake.

Yes. Come round at once.

Who was the idiot who hired

7 Siberian dwarfs and all their followers?

A whole village! For 5 years!

And for the Monaco, which is closed all summer.

And I'm being accused of not being serious.

I leave the office for a day and the whole place goes to pot!

Wait...

There you all are.

Who was the birdbrain - and I'm being polite -

who hired 7 Siberian dwarfs for 5 years?

No-one, of course.

Ah, now I see.

Siberia is Russian.

Vladimir Vasilyevich Sergeyev.

Don't deny it.

In short, you've been very generous with my money.

Now here I am with a troop of dwarfs on my hands for 5 years.

No!

I won't stand for it.

Get out!

Cossack!

I'm going to have to deal with everything here.

Nothing's going the way I want it.

It'll go the way you want it, just not here.

OK, OK. A couple of hours lost.

Yes, but this girl...

What about her?

Oh, leave me alone!

Carioni is here.

Show him in.

This'll be a laugh.

Carioni in person.

Good news, gentlemen.

Your dwarfs are on their way.

Two full carriages.

I've done the impossible.

They'll be ready to open at the Monaco next Friday.

Who signed the contract?

You!

Me? When?

Last night, at the bar of the Scaramouche.

Let me see the contract. Quickly.

I tell you, M Fleury, they are unique, incomparable.

It will be an event in the art of music hall

when the public see, in flaming letters outside the Monaco,

"Robert Fleury Presents the 7 Siberian Dwarfs."

17 bottles a day...

For dwarfs, half bottles would have been enough.

Five years.

My dear Vladimir, here's something for your countrymen.

From Snow White.

Police Criminal Division.

Manicurist wanted. Preferably young and pretty. Well paid.

I'm sorry, the position was filled this morning.

Never mind.

Young single girl required for romantic walks.

You're the one who arranged the meeting?

No, miss, it was my older brother.

But he was called away on military service.

So I thought that perhaps

I could replace him.

That's very kind. Thank you.

Employment Agency.

Young chambermaid required, well presented, no family ties.

Here's the young lady I've chosen for you, M Maxime.

I think she's exactly what you're looking for.

Attractive, natural elegance, nicely rounded...

Age 24. 42kg. Right?

- Your name is Raymonde Brochard. - Exactly.

I've checked your qualifications.

- Excellent references. - A pearl!

I agree.

Here it is...

It's a large house.

Silverware, furs, jewellery,

wine cellars, international documents from floor to ceiling.

- Nice people. - Yes.

The master's a nobody, his wife is nuts,

and the son's a hell-raiser.

You'll be under my orders.

If you're pleasant and smart,

and if you're smart you'll be pleasant,

I can guarantee you a situation that is both

enjoyable and advantageous.

All the young ladies who go to work for M Maxime

seem to disappear,

because not one has ever come back here.

- Your price? - 500 francs.

We'll say it's 1000. 500 for you, 500 for me.

And I take half of your tips.

Agreed?

I accept.

Paul, you were playing the radio too late last night.

If you do it again, I'll confiscate it.

As for you, Nicolas,

the lilacs you picked this morning were still green.

Tell that to the lilacs. They haven't bloomed yet.

That's not my concern.

I asked you for flowers, not grass.

Was it you who fixed the Cupid's wings

in the morning room?

One of them was upside down.

It doesn't bother Cupid but it's unpleasant.

If you really think they'll notice...

It's not whether they notice, but whether I do.

M Maurice wants the car for 10:30.

11 will be sufficient.

- But M Maurice... - You heard me.

Who's in charge here?

That's all.

Emilie! Take Coucou for a walk.

Take him out yourself.

- What? - As for your orders,

I'm Madame's maid, not yours. Understood?

If you like, M Maxime, I'll take Coucou for a walk.

Thank you.

Good evening.

No smoking in my room.

In case you haven't noticed,

I'm the one who decides what is and is not allowed here.

What's this?

Well, it's not a coat of mail.

I'm old-fashioned in love. I can't bear a woman in pyjamas.

My first gift.

There'll be more if you grant me... favours.

And you'll do me the favour of not lighting a third cigarette.

It'll go the same way as the others.

How dare you speak to me like that?

I'm amazed.

And I'm amazed that you'd dare to give me a nightdress.

I come here with gifts and good intentions and you...

You'll wake Madame and have to tell her about the nightdress.

Your impudence dumbfounds me.

Listen, Maxime...

Gorgeous lingerie, direct assaults,

may have worked with the previous occupant of this bed.

With me, there have to be a few preliminaries,

little kindnesses,

flowers...

Why not verses, too?

Why not? I'm a romantic.

Gentleness is the only sure method

of romantic conquest.

Good night.

Certainly, you are not like the others.

I understand.

You don't want me to leave now I start to understand you?

Stay if you like. It makes no difference to me.

You bother me no more than the table or the wardrobe.

You're just less useful.

No doubt the girls before me were more submissive

to your desires.

Don't mention the others.

You're the one we're talking about.

I also wanted to talk to you about splitting the tips 50-50.

Don't count on it.

What are you talking about?

Don't change the topic.

- Maxime! - Madame?

Pass me the mirror.

Do you have a cigarette?

- Madame's brand. - A light?

Not bad. Sit down.

Listen, Maxime. Do you know why I took this job?

It's because right away I felt a strong feeling for you.

And I've said too much for one day. Good night.

You're not going to lock the door, I hope?

Why should I? Who's likely to bother me?

And now... Good night - really.

Tell me, wouldn't you like to keep it? Really?

OK. Put it in the wardrobe.

And if you are nice, very very nice,

maybe I'll wear it some day.

One last thing.

Don't be familiar with me in front of the staff.

Count on me, M Maxime.

Thank you, Mlle Raymonde.

The girls who preceded me were called Louise Simon,

and Fran�oise "X".

No-one knows her surname.

But she came from the same agency as me.

Tenier should find out where they went when they left here.

I'll tell him.

Are you employers nice?

Rich in pocket, poor in spirit.

And your colleagues?

The head butler is a skirt chaser.

- Hey, be careful! - I can defend myself.

The governess, who has this ferocious look,

has suddenly become over-friendly.

She wants me to meet a friend who's visiting Paris.

Some guy from Athens.

There's something fishy about it.

Anyway... We'll see.

See you later. I have to take the dog back.

Call that a dog? Looks more like a chicken or an owl.

Some scheme this is!

We're bringing social respectability.

It's you who are profiting.

We'll profit... perhaps.

Certainly. With me, your money is safe.

Details like that are no problem,

so long as they take their clothes off.

And you haven't seen his women yet.

Maxime! We're thirsty.

You send me a telegram.

You interrupt me in a game of boules.

Me, the king of boules.

I arrive, and you don't have everything ready.

Enough. I'll refund your expenses if the girl doesn't...

The boss of the Palace in Athens.

My sincerest respects, mademoiselle,

I'm delighted to meet you.

I have just invited Valerie to the Cordon Bleu Ball on Sunday.

I hope that you'll come too.

I'd be so happy.

Cordon Bleu? And me, who can't even cook an egg!

- What does that matter! - I accept with pleasure.

Raymonde!

Go upstairs immediately. Prepare the table.

Whiskey and port wine. Everything's up there.

Go on, I'll join you.

What is he here for?

What did he say to Raymonde?

You want to save that little slut?

You never made this fuss about the others.

I don't give a damn about the others.

But this one...

- This one you've reserved. - It's none of your business.

To hear you say that...

I've given you everything.

My money, my heart, my conscience,

for men even worse than me.

- This isn't about the past... - The past?

Maxime, I've overlooked your dirty little affairs.

I don't care about Madame. She took, you gave.

The scullery maids are of no importance.

You're only a man, after all.

But this Raymonde... No, no, no!

- I guarantee she'll run off like... - Shut up!

And I guarantee that if you take Raymonde,

that I am capable of...

We could simply ask.

- What sort of interest? - 3%.

The French bank is a family affair, whereas a music hall...

They can change their tune, to help their associates.

So four-and-a-half percent of our first takings?

I'd prefer a flexible scale. For example...

Carry on without me. I've left some papers in my coat.

- You're not leaving? - Carry on. I'll be right back.

Not that way. It's the service staircase.

I know. It's quicker. Thank you.

That rascal Fleury! Chasing a pretty skirt.

At last!

Got you! And it's taken enough time!

I'm not letting you go again.

I always get what I want.

- I told you that, Adrienne. - Raymonde, sir.

Raymonde. Ah, The Mystery of the Lady in Black, Part Two.

Very pretty, your new outfit. Have you changed your designer?

Same face, luckily, and the same...

Oh, the concerts I've been to, to try and find you -

Chopin, Ravel, Debussy... I know them all now.

It's only Adrienne - sorry, Raymonde - that I don't know.

- She slipped through my fingers. - And you found a maid,

who asked M Fleury to leave her alone.

Does sir require anything?

Yes, Mlle has offered to sew a button back onto my jacket.

Thank you, thank you.

- Sir has a button? - Never mind.

Why did you walk out on me? We had a charming evening.

- It wasn't very nice. - I didn't want to presume.

Sir should understand. A gentleman and a maid...

If only all women were as distinguished as this maid.

As for servants... that remains to be seen.

And I will. At the moment, I don't have time. Come on...

Change out of that uniform. I'm freeing you from servitude.

And you think I can quit - just like that?

Absolutely! Off with the apron, and all the rest too.

Until there's nothing left, except you.

No, M Fleury.

Not right away? Fine. What's your day off?

I'll sort it out. This Sunday, how about a long drive?

I've just promised to go to the Cordon Bleu Ball on Sunday.

Ah, the food contest.

Ladies and gentlemen,

after careful deliberation, the Cordon Bleu jury

has awarded first prize to Madame Sidonie Lagalisse,

for her casserole of stuffed woodcock and foie gras.

Madame Sidonie Lagalisse and her woodcock.

Speak into the microphone, please.

- Give me the flowers. - No!

I'm glad to have won.

And I hope to do better next time.

And now, the second prize goes to

Mlle Rose Pousiatte.

Mlle, please say a few words into the microphone.

I'm won to have glad.

I hope to next better time do.

Of course it's tempting, very tempting.

The crossing, the sea, the waves...

But to travel with a man who is not my husband...

But I have thought of that.

I'll be in one cabin, and you'll be in another.

- Alone? - No.

With two other women, very nice. Their husbands are in Athens.

Married? Oh, well that's all right.

Then you've decided?

- When does the boat leave? - Day after tomorrow, at 7pm.

- What's the boat called? - Admiral Doriatis.

How do you make your Sauce Colbert?

A glass of wine, some butter, lemon...

Don't cry. That's a good sauce.

Here, I'm giving you first prize.

- Who is that man? - Him? The chauffeur.

- What's up with her? - She messed up the sauce.

Reminds me of the cook's son. He's always crying, too.

I'll tell you. Sit down.

He was born in a rainstorm,

while his mother was peeling onions.

That's why, when he grew up,

at every great event,

he would cry his eyes out.

He cried and cried and cried.

He would cry like a fountain,

every tear in his body would flood out.

Oh, it's so sad.

To applaud the greatest comedian

the whole of Paris went to the movies.

He went to see this unique phenomenon,

but when everyone else was laughing,

he cried his eyes out.

He cried and cried and cried.

He cried like a fountain,

every tear in his body came out.

Oh, it's so sad.

When a pretty girl one day in the street,

crazy with love, offered him everything... everything!

He gazed at her, held her, without saying a word,

and when she cried,

"Oh, no, this is madness,"

he cried his eyes out.

He cried and cried and cried.

He cried like a fountain,

every tear in his body came out.

Oh, it's so sad.

Desperate of his sad condition,

he went to see a famous doctor.

When this great specialist

finally cured him,

he cried his eyes out.

He cried and cried and cried...

Hello, Raymonde.

I'm so pleased to see you! It's been years.

You haven't changed. Still ravishing.

- This is M Oglou. - Hello.

I'm Constant, an old friend. We've worked together,

a whole season, in Normandy, Deauville...

Do you remember, Raymonde,

swimming in the sea, the tips...?

I'll buy you champagne. I'm so happy. Waiter!

Moet et Chandon Brut Imperial.

You like that?

- You like the luxury. - The what?

- The luxury. - I've picked it up from my boss.

- You're foreign, sir? - I run the Palace in Athens.

Athens? Oh, I've been there.

I mean, we've been there, my boss and I, in the car.

We went - let me think - to the Hotel...

The big road leading off the main street.

You must know it well. The long street by the port.

Port Street!

No. It was near the Cafe de la Revolution.

Oh, after the revolution, they changed all the names.

We went to Delphi, too.

The steps there are worse than the Casino de Paris.

You know it, of course?

As you say.

I even learnt to say hello in Greek.

How do you say it?

Oh, there are many ways to say hello in Greek.

Me, I simply do this with my hand.

Like that.

How about that? I can speak Greek!

Charming evening, isn't it, Raymonde?

- We must be going. - Excellent idea.

Excuse me for a moment.

You're going to take her? After I've told you not to?

This time, things will go my way.

Clear off!

So there was no need to have me come by express train.

Go back where you came from.

Clear off. I'll count to three.

- One, two... - Three!

If the gentlemen would like to follow me...

Let me get my hat.

I hate to see him hanging around you.

If he continues, he'll have to deal with me.

Are my relationships any of your business?

Yes. Because I've chosen you.

One more for your collection? I'm honoured!

No. One only.

Does that seem impossible to you?

Surprising.

Are you in retirement?

Retirement for two, that's not bad.

If one's in love.

- You're daydreaming. - No. I can prove it.

The proof is that even with my eyes closed,

I can clearly see an expensive little apartment,

tranquil, with a delicious wife waiting inside.

- Nice to visit now and then. - Night or day.

Delivered to your door.

He has his own key, of course, and his pyjamas.

His ties are hanging alongside her bras.

The shaving brush beside the powder puff.

She is the most elegant woman in all Paris.

Car, furs, jewels, everything provided for.

Wonderful!

What does a man like you want more than

to have a pleasant mistress entirely at his disposal.

- Is there a problem? - That's what you want, isn't it?

For you, a nice car is a substitute for attention.

A diamond ring buys a girl's modesty.

A fur coat in place of affection.

Not at all! You're all mixed up.

- I want your heart! - So do I! I love you.

- You know nothing about it! - Don't tell me what I know!

I forbid you to be familiar with me!

And we got engaged last night.

Congratulations, my dear.

- Best wishes. - Thank you.

- I hope you'll be happy. - I am.

- And that you stay that way. - We're in love.

How could he not love you?

- A great girl like her! - We'd throw him in jail!

May I?

If at any time, you need a friend to lean on...

you never know...

- Think of me. - Of course.

You've been in danger a few times, you know.

- In case you weren't aware. - I know.

But the little goose had her guardian angel.

Thanks again, my good angel.

Ah, without you, my wings are clipped.

Now let's talk business one last time.

Has everyone been arrested?

Including some of the gang aboard the Admiral Doriatis.

Thanks to you!

I'm going to miss you too.

When's the wedding? I'm invited, I hope.

Tuesday. The engagement is from the 5th to the 9th.

Only... without wanting to upset you, M Tenier...

You'd rather he didn't know you worked for the police?

In France, the best citizens have a horror of the police.

It's just that, I'd like to put things in the past.

And what a past!

- Goodbye, lost woman! - Not for ever.

Inspector...

You will tell me why I've been arrested,

chained up, imprisoned.

I am a foreign citizen.

And I protest with the greatest indignation.

M Oglou is welcome to protest. His papers have been stolen.

But Rene "The Rat" Martial here present

can save his breath for the explanations

he'll shortly be required to provide.

The rat is in the trap.

Take him away.

Hey, manners please!

And you? Are you going to maintain your innocence?

Honesty and faithfulness need no defence.

My profession is maitre d'hotel.

More than that: major-domo.

I work in distinguished houses.

Not in whorehouses.

No doubt.

And you claim to know nothing

of your associate's traffic in kidnapped girls.

- Nothing. - Liar!

He's lying, inspector.

- I know. - He arranged it all.

I've been his mistress for 9 years. I got his place for him.

I gave him my money. I know what a beast he is.

He cheated on me with every girl who worked there.

And when he'd had his way, he made me pass them to Martial.

And Martial sent them abroad.

Jealousy has distorted this woman's imagination.

Why didn't you confess earlier?

I loved him.

I hoped to win his love. I wanted to marry him.

So I said nothing.

Now I don't care any more. I've suffered too much.

It crushed me to see the truth.

Poor wretch.

Now then, Maxim, you've been served up.

The phrase is... "Monsieur is served."

Helena Rubenstein Cosmetics.

- May I take this, dear? - Of course.

Is it true you're getting married? Congratulations.

Thank you.

- I'm going to try it on. - Of course.

Rat!

Yes, it's pretty, but a little too big.

- Do you like the ring? - Yes, darling.

- Sold. - This way, sir.

There.

I've had enough of the big city.

- How about you? - Yes.

Do you think we could cancel the honeymoon?

It's fine for those who are afraid of being alone together.

They can amuse themselves with the scenery.

Let's go to my little house in Ireland.

- You. Me. - That's all we need.

We'll live like hermits. Just the sea and the forest.

- No neighbours, no men. - Any women?

I swear that since I met you,

I haven't been touched by a single woman.

Suzanne Fouquet, Henriette Melville,

Francoise Retson, Louise Simon,

Florence Salvador, Regine Metivier,

Nadine Fleur... all alive.

- If not in best condition. - They are to be repatriated.

- Case closed. - Not entirely.

There's still Anne-Marie Laurette,

Arlette Roi and Lucie Baral.

The author of the ads is still at large.

- So? - The case is still open.

Get back to it.

- What's that? - The harem.

- Let me see. - No. It's not for little girls.

- Your victory is tremendous. - Delirious.

For every pretty girl, I'm public enemy number 1.

A few of them must have loved him.

He has a strange way of loving, Adrienne.

I love you, too, in my own way.

Your youth is so moving...

You have a lot to look forward to.

A lot.

So shall we start by burying the past?

No. Robert will take care of that.

- Oh la la! - What is it?

Nothing. Robert will take care of it.

- Where is he? - Upstairs.

I'll go up and see him. See you later.

The flowers for Mlle Adrienne. Fresh from the market.

When I told the seller it was for you, there was no charge.

- She said it was her pleasure. - There are some good people!

I've got some news, boss.

It's from the Criminal Records Office.

Who told you the secret? The pretty little blackbird.

What will she wear? A grey pearl dress.

A floral dress gleaming with a double twisted coil...

How long will she live?

No more than three nights.

- Who's that? - My uncle Henri.

- May I? - You can at least introduce me.

- My uncle. - Delighted to meet you.

- The minister has arrived. - Excuse me.

- I have to speak to you. - Come this way.

M Tenier, what is it?

I hate to spoil the party.

I've never had such an unpleasant task as this.

This time it's about you. Are you ready?

Read.

He knew all this?

But... I don't understand!

It's so awful!

Open the drawer.

Lucie Baral.

Her bracelet.

You.

Me.

- I have to... - No, M Tenier, let me.

I know I can trust you.

I'll call him.

What's so urgent that I have to leave our guests?

What's wrong, my little one? You look sad.

Robert, I want you to explain

how these items got here. - What items?

Ah, you've started sorting through my drawers.

Jealous? I'll have to lock all this away.

That's you. How did that get there?

That's what I want to know. That photo...

I sent it to no more than a dozen men.

As the police can confirm.

What are you talking about?

A man is responsible for abducting several women.

He traps them with personal ads. The police are hunting him.

Why are you telling me this? What's it have to do with me?

This is one of my colleagues. Missing.

This is her bracelet.

I just found all this in your desk.

You're helping the police.

Robert, I know you're not mixed up in this.

- With the police. - Please understand. My duty...

Your duty!

If you loved me, your duty would be to burn all of this.

No. I have to understand first.

How can we be happy with this between us?

Oh, there's much worse than that between us!

For my wife to accuse me - it's monstrous!

To have some sneak informing on me in my own home! Get out!

Calm down, M Fleury. Excuse me, Adrienne.

It's not in your home that you'll be answering questions.

Chief Inspector Tenier.

My compliments.

Well played.

He still hasn't confessed?

- Will you confess? - What do you want me to confess?

A few "suspicious" photos in my desk?

OK. But there were dozens of others.

Women are my life. Not everyone can be a eunuch.

I may have upset a few people,

but this is absurd. And as for this bracelet,

don't you think I could do better than that?

There must be hundreds like this.

Look around. See for yourself.

But you had a photo of a girl who owned a bracelet like this.

- A strange coincidence. - That's for you to explain.

That's your job. I don't recall the bracelet or the girl.

OK. Let's continue.

These ladies men! It always starts well and ends badly.

If I was the jury...

They've all got it in for him.

And before, they were licking his boots.

It's disgusting!

That's no reason to send him to Siberia.

- Shut up. - What?

I said, you talk like a fool.

Lucie Baral was hired as a dancer at the Monaco in 1935.

One of your clubs. Take a look.

You say you didn't know her, but here you are together.

Yes. I was still smiling then.

That proves nothing. I hired 100s of girls I never spoke to.

Girls are like swallows on a telegraph line.

They all look the same. You never noticed that? Look.

The owner of the stationer's near to your office

says that he sold you writing paper.

Pens, too, and ink. Suspicious, eh?

It means nothing on its own.

But the paper was the same used for the anonymous letters.

No doubt a special paper for anonymous letters.

And it has the same watermark as yours: Gallia.

Then you'd better arrest everyone who buys Gallia.

- These are just coincidences. - Perhaps.

Unfortunately, there are too many coincidences here.

This bracelet just happens to turn up in your desk.

You just happen to use the same paper as the culprit.

And Lucie Baral just happened to be employed at your club.

She was one of thousands of girls.

Three of the missing girls replied to the same ad.

And photos of those three girls turn up in your desk.

You claim that you never placed any ads like that?

And that you never corresponded with those girls?

- As a matter of form. - You never know...

You have a Remington typewriter in your office.

This was the machine used for the anonymous letters.

Why did you replace the letters on the machine 8 days ago?

I don't know. Ask my secretary.

What do you want? When is this going to end?

What do you hope to achieve with all this brain-washing?

A glass of wine will help.

Let's recap.

You have no idea how the bracelet got into your desk?

You never knew these girls? Apart from our informer?

You never wrote to the police or to the girls?

- Never. - Never?

Except that...

We found replies from these girls among your letters.

Among my... ?

"Monsieur, in reply to your ad..." etc.

Signed Lucie Baral.

Another signed Arlette Roi.

Another signed Anne-Marie Laurette.

"I'm all ready. Let's meet."

So, is your memory returning now?

I never received those letters.

I never read them.

Unless... unless I've lost my...

somehow... - This is a bit rich!

The last letter bore the fingerprints of the sender.

Yours!

Mine?

It's not possible.

Is the case really that strong?

I haven't reached a conclusion yet.

Is this the full list of Fleury's business premises?

As well as his private homes, yes.

On the first list, one of the premises wasn't mentioned.

Here it's been added by hand.

By me. The offices are only worth 500 dollars.

You asked if I thought he was guilty.

There's a lot of evidence against him.

- You're aware of that? - I've spoken to the lawyers.

But to say Fleury murdered those girls

just because he had their photos. No, no, no!

Couldn't someone else have put them in the desk,

to throw suspicion onto Fleury?

Yes. But the meeting at the concert with Adrienne?

Surely that wasn't just chance?

Unless someone else set up the meeting.

So why didn't this other man keep his date with Adrienne?

Because Fleury had already taken his place.

It's a theory.

It's plausible.

But then there are his fingerprints on the letter.

- That's more serious. - Serious, but not decisive.

Suppose the real culprit was someone who worked with Fleury?

Here, take this paper.

It now has your fingerprints on it.

Yours too.

The murderer would have taken precautions.

No. Someone has set up Fleury,

by sending the police a letter with his fingerprints.

And yet... No, no, it's a set-up.

It's a pity you're not his defence lawyer.

I'm inspired by my feelings.

Let's hope the magistrate has the same feelings as you.

Yes, this is Tenier.

Yes, I'll make the arrangements.

The magistrate feels there's enough evidence

to put your friend on trial.

It's now in the hands of the public prosecutor.

There's nothing more I can do for him. Good night.

Do you think the magistrate will keep him much longer?

No. You'll be able to talk to him soon.

I'll wait as long as necessary.

Fleury has confirmed all the facts in the case against him.

I must add that he denies his own involvement.

We insist upon this correction.

And let us remember that he has consistently acted with surprise,

and professed lassitude and loss of memory.

A poor system of defence.

He's not acting! He's totally exhausted by the interrogation.

- I agree he's not his usual self. - Granted.

On the other hand, the doorman at the taxi dancing club says

that he remembers your car parked outside on many occasions.

He even believes that he saw Lucie Baral getting in one night.

Fleury's business owns several vehicles,

and the boss isn't the only one who uses them.

Or it might be an identical car.

- Save your arguments for the jury. - You can count on it.

Enough! Silence!

Let me... I can't...

I'll go mad. Is that what you want?

Yes. I think madness may be the only defence now.

Gentlemen, the police have just discovered,

in the garden of a house belonging to the accused,

the bodies of three of the missing women.

Say something, Fleury.

Here are the papers for M Fleury.

Robert, please, look at me.

Robert, I think of you constantly.

- I know you're innocent. - Carry on.

We sort this out, my love.

- I'll wait for you. - You can't go there.

Come along, Adrienne.

I'm innocent. I swear it.

- I believe you, Robert. - Yes, but the others...

Only you and I believe me.

Everything is against me.

This series of chance facts,

these coincidence, these awful distortions of the truth...

I'm trapped. There's no way out.

- Oh, you never know. - No, my lawyers told me.

Everything is proven.

It'll be forced labour.

You see, I...

If I confess...

To spend years and years,

dying slowly each day, without hope. No...

Better to get it over with.

What about Adrienne?

She no longer exists for me.

Goodbye for now, Robert.

- Goodbye, old chap. - Can I do anything for you?

Yes. If she ever...

needs anything... Huh?

That's a job well done. You can be proud, boss.

Well I'm not.

I don't believe Fleury is guilty.

- Well I never! - What proof have you?

That's just it. There's too much proof.

It's too well put together, too well orchestrated.

It lacks...

I don't know, something spontaneous...

Yes, something human.

I've looked into his eyes.

For me, he's innocent.

Innocent.

A man like that, not short of a penny...

Not unattractive.

Violent, yes. Able to defeat anyone who opposes him.

But to do those horrible things?

- No. - You have an idea, boss?

Maybe.

Oh, it's you, M Bremontiere.

You scared me. I didn't see you come in.

I've been putting the last parcels away.

It's sad in this empty office.

- There's no else here? - Yes.

Why are you still here? I don't need you.

- Get out. Go. - Yes, sir.

Get out. Quickly!

- Quickly! - I'm going, sir.

Don't you recognise me?

Inspector Tenier.

Ah, yes.

Please come in.

I came up for a chat.

Use this chair. They've taken all the others.

To deal with all this, we really need Fleury.

- I hope to save him. - There's still a chance?

I thought about our last talk. I agree with you.

Fleury is innocent.

Thank you.

I feel it.

But you know it.

What does that mean?

That you are the murderer.

Thank you.

You have proof?

Not enough to convince a magistrate.

But for me it's as clear as day.

I'd love to hear the methods

of a policeman who thinks he's on to something.

It's all very simple.

I imagine myself in the assassin's mental state.

- Are you in a hurry? - Not at all.

And I adore psychology.

In my opinion, the murderer must be

a kind of maniac,

driven by a compulsion which forces him

to behave in a certain way in moments of crisis.

Very interesting.

He's aware of this. He's afraid to be alone with a woman.

Like you just now with the young secretary.

Like me just now?

This man has a secret life, masked, unlike Fleury.

He's solitary, chaste, unlike Fleury.

- No doubt. - But silence stifles him.

He needs redemption, and through fear,

through pleasure too,

eases himself by bragging in anonymous letters.

Catholicism understands this need.

Yes. The Church is a great manager of souls.

But one day our man finds

that the police are on to him,

and are closing in. He gets scared.

And since he kept, from a perverse fancy,

some souvenirs of his crimes,

he arranges for them to be passed to someone else.

You've read Freud?

And he uses our informer

to throw the suspicion onto Fleury.

- All very precise. - I'll continue.

This man, in a handwritten letter - how clumsy! -

draws the police's attention to a carefully chosen spot

where he himself has disposed of his victims.

Let me finish your train of thought.

I could easily have put the bracelet and photos

in Fleury's desk.

And I knew about your informer.

You could also have set up the rendez-vous,

which you then abandoned when Fleury turned up.

- But the proof? - Proof?

There isn't enough.

My head...

is still on my shoulders.

For the moment.

You were very passionate, pleading Fleury's case.

Dangerous bravado!

Your own arguments are now turned against you.

Your instinct got the better of you,

because you love Adrienne.

You tried to have your rival executed for your crimes.

Excellent port wine.

Excellent deduction.

Everything worked out.

I'd give myself up here and now...

Unfortunately...

Did you receive an important call this afternoon?

I wasn't at the office.

You haven't read the evening papers?

Robert Fleury has confessed.

I've been wasting your time with my theories.

It was very gripping.

But as they say...

If you're accused of taking the steeples of Notre-Dame

the best plan is to take flight.

Robert Fleury has confessed.

First day of the Fleury trial.

The public prosecutor speaks.

Emotional plea by the defence.

Fleury condemned to death.

Fleury refuses to petition for reprieve.

Fleury to be executed tomorrow at 6am.

Nothing can save him?

Adrienne.

Excuse me for disturbing you so late.

I needed somewhere to go. I don't want to be alone tonight.

- You understand? - Yes, I understand.

It's to be this morning at 6.

It's just that I'm alone... all alone.

All alone.

I'm worn out.

I have no more tears.

I'll fetch you a blanket.

Days and nights without sleep,

almost without thought.

Why didn't he ask for a reprieve?

When you reach a dead-end you can lose your reason.

Or maybe he just wanted to get it over with, rather than rotting...

in prison...

slowly.

Get out! Get out!

Get out!

Tenier! Tenier!

Tenier!

It was him.

You have your proof at last.

She's done her work well.

Your theory was correct.

I'd planned for everything,

except myself.

I'm at your disposal.

Here's your wallet, your lighter,

336 francs in cash, and your cheque book.

Please sign here.

What a pity, M Fleury.

We almost made a huge mistake.

I'm as delighted as your friends must be.

My friends! I lost them with my bank account.

- The exit is this way? - Yes.

I much prefer going through the door in this direction.

- Good luck, sir. - Thanks anyway.

It's all my fault.

I shouldn't have come.

But I've been longing so much for this moment.

You know, my dear, the days are long in prison.

And the nights. I thought about a lot of things.

I've changed.

It's another man that you see before you.

But he loves you as much as the first.

English subtitles by Kinsayder at KG