Original subtitles

THE HOUSE IN THE WOODS

Look, soldiers!

Let's go.

Quick, come and see the guns!

You at the back, push left.

Go left.

There.

Back up, back!

Forward!

OK. Stop then.

Can we eat too?

Maybe later.

If there's enough for all.

Do you have any cartridges?

Yes but I'm in charge of diner right now.

- I'll check later. - Is the soup good?

- What's for diner? - Soup. It could be worse.

He'll be all cleaned up.

- Want some? - In the soup?

That's you as a kid?

They're pretty.

When did you take them?

Got any pictures to show me?

Thanks.

Is this your daughter? She's cute.

And that's my wife.

They're beautiful.

- Can you swim? - No.

Don't go too close, the bank is not strong.

- He won't have any hair left! - Of course he will.

Alright, kid?

- Got any souvenirs? - I haven't but he has bullets.

- He will give me bullets. - For real?

Me, please, I'd like some.

Michel, come quick! He gave me bullets.

I'll show you something, look.

Look at the writing carved on the cane.

Look, postcards from a Kraut we killed.

- Here he's with his Gretchen. - You killed him with your bayonet?

- You know what this is? - You planted it in his belly.

- Yes, through Kraut bellies. - Careful!

Sargent, there are too many civilians in this camp.

You can keep these.

Quick.

You go home.

Your mum will be waiting.

- What's your name? - Herv�.

Herv� what? Just Herv�?

Why are you sad? Why are you crying?

My dad has gone to war, he will die.

I'm fighting in the war and I have a kid too.

All of them have kids.

They won't see them for a long time.

Hey girls, and my chicken roast?

- Stop! - I'm just getting my brother.

- Be quick. - Pascal!

- Send us some eggs. - For an omelette!

Jean-Claude, come here right now.

You should be home, little rascal.

- A bomb! - Quick!

Bomb them!

Help me.

Forward!

BAKERY

How are you, Mrs Lemaire?

I'm fine.

Herv�, can you bring this to Mrs Morel?

- Who's she? - The woman who lives on the square.

She moved in last week. I made her curtains.

Be sweet, off you go.

- Herv�, bring those cakes. - Shut up you!

Come in.

Hello.

- What is it? - It's from Marguerite.

Thank you.

It smells nice.

It's the lamb. It's burning, wait.

- You want to hear a record? - Yes.

- Which one? - This one.

- You like songs? - Yes, Ma'am.

Here.

When I was little, my mum had one.

The same but it did not work.

- An old one? - Yes, it worked with rolls.

These are very old.

It's grand here.

- You like it? - A lot.

It's nicer now.

- Did Marguerite help you? - For everything.

- Pretty? - Very pretty.

- You want something else? - No, thank you.

Do you want to have lunch with me?

I've got to go home, they'll be waiting for me.

- You'll come back? - Promise.

Goodbye then.

See you soon.

Leave it, Mrs Picard, I'll do the apples.

If you want to help, I won't say no.

Put the basket on top of here.

- And the slices here. - Which ones?

When you've sliced them, just put them on the table.

The kids are right devils.

Of course, they are.

When they're not up to no good, I think something is wrong.

Meaning I can never relax.

- How's the dough? - Very well.

My kid is OK, isn't he?

Your Albert is one of the easy ones.

- But he's asking to get bullied. - What do you mean?

He's so sensitive that the others pick on him.

- And mine? - Yours?

He's fine but he's growing up.

- Then he needs sugar. - I hope he gets enough.

Don't you worry, he steals it from the others.

That's why I asked you to bring sugar from Paris.

It's getting hard in Paris too.

I'm sure.

Is the base ready?

- Can I check the oven? - Sure.

I've made a mess

Just to get by,

I'd need one or two pensioners more.

Marcel's bed is free. It could be worked out.

If you hear something at work...

Will do, women works and don't know what to do with their kids.

Here, they are like princes. Roaming the woods.

Not like in Paris.

When it's not the Big Bertha, or the Gothas, it's the Zeppelins.

The other night, I saw a huge Zeppelin at the Eiffel tower

Not even an alarm.

- You're making things up. - I haven't slept in three days.

We're all set in the basement, playing bridge.

Well, I shake so much that I can't get into basement.

I can't even put my stockings on.

Have faith, war will not last forever.

Some would like it to last.

In Paris, some are making a lot of dough.

Some are here too.

Even black dough.

Mourning is a good business, isn't it, Ma'am?

Pop by the shop, I'll do you a discount.

We're being silly, Mrs Picard, sorry.

Have you heard from Marcel?

That's it.

I thought he'd never go to the frontline.

That war would be over before.

Then he went.

And news are scarce.

How sad.

He's just a kid.

I can't picture him in the trenches.

I can see him just yesterday,

as young as your ones.

Here they are.

The kids?

- Can I take the skittles? - Go on.

No fighting.

- Are we eating soon? - In a minute.

Careful with your outfit.

That's not very big pie.

- He's got cheek! - Mass was very busy.

Look, I've torn my dress.

Don't worry, we'll mend it.

- You've lost weight, Marguerite. - I'm worried.

Two months without news from my fianc�.

I would have paid to go instead of Marcel.

- And the kids? - Marguerite can take care of them.

And yours, they've got you.

There's only Herv�...

- No news from his parents? - His father wrote.

Can you get me water?

I got his letter the day yours did not arrive.

I won't forget that day.

He wants to get married as soon as he's divorced.

- Fair if she's alive. - What if she's dead?

Don't judge, we don't know the whole story.

Pass me the flour, please.

But... does she pay you?

Well, believe what you want,

- but I didn't get paid since 1915. - Imagine if we'd do the same.

- What about the father? - With the little he gets?

Poor Herv�, it's me or the welfare services.

Let us help you.

- I have 13 points. - No, 12. And with 9, I'll catch up.

You think that's clever?

- I win! - That's what you think.

We have to set it up again now.

We can't play skittles when he's around.

And they don't stand.

Like this, look.

It's ready now.

Careful, this one will fall.

Come on, let's play.

You'll see, I'll catch up.

Albert, sit straight, or you'll get hunchbacked.

How is your appetite, sweetie?

Herv�, come and have diner with us. Every Sunday the same thing.

- Eat before it gets cold. - Is it a leg?

A rabbit would need 6 legs with you lot.

- Are you coming for a walk after this? - I don't know.

- You're not hungry? - What's it to you?

- Something went the wrong way? - Herv�!

You're jealous when mommy comes every sunday.

This kid is a monster! Have you burnt yourself, darling?

Don't'cry, it's nothing.

You're something!

Poor thing.

Clean up.

Go in your room, now!

Clean up there.

Don't cry, it will pass.

- We have company. - Yes, it's Sunday.

- Hello, Mr Picard. - Hello, Ladies.

- What would you like? - I'll have a leg,

There aren't any left.

Shame rabbits don't have a thousand legs.

- Enjoy your meal. - Thank you.

So you came to see the countryside?

Fresh air and visiting the children.

Any news from the husband?

I'd rather not talk about it.

What are you doing here?

Here we go, it's pulling.

He's angry.

My god, 4 o'clock! We'll miss our train

Marguerite, hitch the cart up.

Thank you, Marguerite

Can I go with you to the station?

- Are we taking the cart? - If Albert allows it.

The further they are, the happier I am.

- Here, American ones. - Thanks but I only smoke baccie.

I'll send them to my son.

- Bye bye. And your Jacket? - It's in the garden.

Goodbye, have a safe journey.

Goodbye Mother Jeanne, and thank you.

A kiss for Father Albert.

And a feather in his eye.

Another Sunday gone.

They're nice but not made for a house in the woods.

Come here, you.

- Where have you been? - On an empty stomach too.

You fill his belly, I'll spank his backside.

So every Sunday, you vanish?

- Where were you? - Over there.

Well now, go over there.

He's been sent twice in his bedroom today.

He'll be rested then.

Herv�, Herv�, come here!

Thank you.

Not here, in the corner.

And don't laugh or you'll get one.

In Row.

And fast!

Quick!

And let me not hear a word.

Come on.

In class and in silence.

Go!

I'm watching you, you scoundrels.

Can't you even do this properly?

MATE, YOU'RE LATE

That is real pretty.

Who made this little masterpiece?

Michel.

You're a snitch?

Michel could have said it himself.

You stand in the corner. Michel, clean the board.

Herv�, I did not know this quality of yours.

And the salute?

"Marc did not go to school this morning

"because he helped bringing

"the potatoes in the basement."

Go and sit.

Put your hat where it belongs.

Herv�, sit down.

Matthieu, come here.

After the Battle by Victor Hugo.

"My father, a hero with such a sweet smile,

"Followed by a single soldier whom he liked amongst all,

"For his great bravery and his tall stature,

"Was wandering on his horse, on the evening of a battle,

"Across the field covered with bodies upon which night was falling.

"He thought he heard a soft noise in the shadows.

"It was a Spaniard from the routed army,

"Who was crawling in his blood on the side of the road,"

Silence!

"Groaning, broken, livid and more than half dead,

"And who was saying:

"Something to drink! Take pity, a drink!

"My father, moved, gave to his faithful soldier

"A flask of rum which hung from his saddle,

"All of a sudden, as the lowered soldier

"Was bending towards him, the man, some kind of Moorish,

"Steadies a pistol that he was still holding

"And aims at my father's forehead while shouting: Caramba!

"The bullet went so close that the hat fell off"

Wait. Albert, come here.

Go and sit, Matthieu.

What is it?

What's all this?

Who gave you these pictures?

- Michel. - What?

Michel, come here.

Have you got others?

Bring them here.

Come here now.

Who brought these in here?

Sir, I know, it was Bourdin.

And you're a tattletale too?

Sit down.

Do you think it's right to look at these?

What is your mother going to think?

You're going to Sunday school, aren't you?

Don't they teach you purity?

You think you'll have your confirmation looking at these?

Come here, Bourdin.

To your seat.

Who gave you these pictures?

Where did you find them?

On the floor? Are you sure?

Why are you showing them to your classmates?

Well, sit down.

We'll talk about this at the end of the lesson.

- Albert, continue. - My turn.

- "Often, to amuse themselves..." - What is the poem?

- The Albatros. - So say it.

- The Albratos... - By?

If you don't know who wrote the poem...

- Sir! - No, he will tell the class.

- By? - Victor Hugo?

Someone whispered.

- You're gonna get a dunce cap. - He can't hear.

- Charles? - De Godet.

- Sorry? - Charles Godet.

Charles de Godet.

So, Mister...

Silence, please! Be quiet.

Mr Albert Pouy will recite The Albatros by Charles de Godet.

"Often, to amuse themselves, the men of a crew

"Catch albatrosses, those vast sea birds

"That follow a ship..."

Your alexandrines are clumsy.

"That indolently follow..."

"That indolently follow a ship"

"As it glides..."

"As it glides over the..."

- "Over the deep..." - "Over the deep, briny sea."

You don't know it at all.

I do, Sir.

You've heard of a dunce cap, haven't you?

But one never sees it. Only in pictures.

I've made one, you see.

Not bad, right?

You will wear it as you're so bad at recitation.

Stand in the corner with a dunce cap.

I could have written "dunce" on it

Stand in the corner with your cap for not learning your poem.

Go on.

Dunce! Dunce!

- Sir, I want to wear it. - Give the copybooks back.

I'll take it off.

The hat of shame.

You'll make us a nice smile.

Look, as soon as the hat comes off, he smiles.

Show us.

Off, he smiles.

And back on, he cries.

No?

He's only smiling now. Give the copybooks back.

No more of this and I mean it.

Stop! Name yourselves!

Is it an attack?

What are you attacking now? The plane field?

Come on, children, go and play quietly.

Are you on the draft?

I am a guard doing his round. Look.

One, two, three, four...

Turn right, right! One, two, three.

Don't stand in my way!

At ease.

One, two, three.

Present arms!

One, two, three.

Look, here's Herv�.

I bet he's going to ask you for a plane ride.

- Can I come in the plane? - If you want.

- You think it works like that? - Come on, please.

- You have warm clothes at least? - Yes.

- Are you OK? - Yeah.

- You won't get scared? - No.

Sure?

We'll see.

- What will your friends say? - They'll be jealous.

Do you think they will let him on plane?

- It's forbidden by the rules. - Maybe he'll manage it.

If a Kraut turns up, he'll get shot.

Our planes have machine guns. I grab it and tchak!

The German won't last long.

- Do you like this one? - Yes, it's so beautiful.

- Want to climb in it? - Yes.

- Do you think he can? - No, I'll show you mine.

- Where is it? - Over there, come on, get out.

You'll see, mine is much nicer.

- Will you wait, Mich�le? - Of course.

Look how big it is.

Those big balls here are called cylinders.

This one has ten.

It's called a star-shaped ten cylinders.

You'll be able to impress your friends.

Look closer how nice they are.

- Sweet, huh? - There's some oil.

Of course, there's always oil in an engine.

You know how fast it is?

100 kph.

You're not gonna get scared?

Mine will go up to 140.

Not scared?

Why can't I get into one, Albet?

You need to court an officer's wife, like Herv�.

I'll never get in one.

- Why? - My mum would be sick.

Even on the ground, as I know her...

Did you like it?

It was great. You made lots of turns.

- I feel a bit sick. - Here's Mich�le.

- How are you? - Good

- Were you afraid? Very? - A little. It was great.

- Let's make a pilot out of him. - I've seen a man on a bike.

Don't tease your friends.

- How was it, kid? - Great. Did you see those turns?

It was great when you went into a dive.

Will you take me one day? I'd love to go up there.

- And Mother Jeanne? - She'd be scared, you won't tell her.

Kids, let's go home.

Goodbye.

- Thanks again. - My pleasure.

- Bye, Herv�. - See you soon.

Did you get scared?

I got dizzy. Did you see what we did?

- You did crazy turns. - Yes, proper loops.

It made me a bit sick

You'd like to go up one day?

One, two, three, four...

Here I am.

You're still here, Herv�?

Here's my belt.

You see, I came back.

I'm a pilot now.

You need the cap.

- You're a real one now. - I need the uniform.

If I give you all, I'll be in my underwear.

What a kid!

You're a real beast!

You want a drop of schnapps?

Only one.

Like it?

That's it?

You're a serious kid.

Don't put stones in there. It's for needles.

No education!

- Do you fight in planes? - Of course.

- Could we change the subject? - Let him if he likes it.

You want me to tell you about a fight.

One day we were in reconnaissance... You know what that is?

It's when we take pictures above enemy lines.

We were back from reconnaissance and there were huge clouds.

Big clouds are always close to the ground.

Lieutenant, sorry to disturb. You're called on a urgent mission.

- No rush. - It is urgent.

My orders are to drive you back. Engines are running!

- A Schnapps before we go. - I won't say no.

- Ah, that's nice. - I was telling him about a fight.

You're too young for this. This is the last one.

Thank you, that's very kind of you.

I need to go, Herv�.

- Delicious! - It's good, huh?

- Sorry, my bowels. - Goodbye, Mich�le.

- Things are getting heated. - Wait, my cap.

Bye, Herv�.

- You want to see what I'm doing? - What are you playing at?

Solitary, but I seem to be stuck here.

See?

I need three of the same cards?

No, let's do, one, two, three...

Another jack.

Look at the planes, up there!

That's a Kraut plane!

- A Kraut chasing the French. - No, the other way round.

No, no, that's a French.

He's gonna get him.

- He missed him. - You think?

You're right, he's coming back.

Men slaughtering each other.

Birds in the sky, spitting fire.

Where will this lead us?

He got him!

- He fell down. - He got him!

That's for me.

- It's a Kraut. - No, it's a French.

Good riddance, this one won't be bothering us.

- What's happening? - A plane fight, one is down.

Where?

Mich�le, the plane fell over there.

Straight on, I'll show you the way.

- It's a French plane - Are you sure?

- Faster. - Hurry up!

- This way? - Yes, hurry up!

It's a Kraut, look at the black cross.

- Why did you tell me it was French? - I thought so.

He's dead.

Don't stay here.

Translation: Colonel Gatito Timing: Corvusalbus, Besmel

Apr�s la Bataille trans. by Cyrano L'Albatros trans. by Roy Campbell