Original subtitles

What did he want? - He asked for the boss.

You're Evariste, Nicolas Malingre?

Why're you asking?

A summons for you.

What have I done? - You, nothing.

You are on the jury for the assizes.

Me?

To judge criminals.

Jurors are chosen by lot and your name has come up.

It's in Versailles, from 21st March to 10th April.

In the middle of planting the potatos?

It's not enough that I was conscripted and pay my taxes? I'm not doing it.

It's a 12,000F fine.

Article 393 of the Criminal Code.

With legal expenses as well.

"With legal expenses"?

I get it.

This really takes the biscuit.

They think that we'll refuse? Well, no!

I'll plant the potatos at night.

Where do I sign? - There.

What did they want with you?

You've finished with the pigs? There's nothing else to be done?

I don't have the time to chat.

I am Mrs. Micoulin. - We've been waiting for you.

Your room is ready.

Angele, Mrs. Micoulin is here.

I'll have the room for 20 days.

Commuting between Versailles and St-Germain is tiring.

And your business, while you're here?

I'll be working.

A distraction for an old-timer.

Dispensing justice is another distraction.

I could do without it myself. The violence, the spilt blood,

I have a horror of such things.

But it's essential criminals are punished, and severely.

For that adventure which you'll be judging...

I know nothing about this business. - You don't know

that that foreigner killed the Vaudremont youngster?

I forget the circumstances. - An honourable family.

If we were to judge...

You should attend the hearing if you want to form an opinion.

I want to leave some jewels with you.

They are quite precious.

We have a safe.

The most recent newspapers have arrived from Paris.

And in Versailles? - I didn't think...

I want all the newspapers. - I'll bring them to you.

This bracelet is worth a lot.

A keepsake. - Here's your receipt, madame.

It's already 11 o'clock?

Would you like to go to the dining room to eat?

We have a table by the window.

I will settle all this at the end of my stay.

In the dining room,

would you get me a table by the window?

Very good, sir.

And with that, two Martinis, two Picon grenadines and one half.

Be aware of the time.

When France needs me, I'll be there at once.

320.

And here's the money.

You wear a black or red robe?

Green pyjamas with an orange cap.

You surely will have the feeling of being in closed session.

The Vaucresson satyr is on the programme.

Tell us about it.

Silence and discretion.

In my soul and conscience: Picon and Martini.

Felix, have you seen the time?

Justice is all very well, but my job,

that counts too.

Okay? - And you? On holiday?

I've taken some time off to come see Felix.

I've bought him a tie. - It can do a turn at your marriage.

It's not for tomorrow. - Your parents?

A waiter, that doesn't please them.

You like this tie? - It's pure silk.

Quick, change your jacket.

If you don't kiss me, I sentence you to 15 years in prison.

Contempt of court, that will be 3.95.

Hurry up.

Watch your money, your wallet.

Here. A gift.

But... isn't it too jolly for the circumstances?

It's not you who are on trial.

No, but...

It seems peculiar to me, to go have a close look,

in the flesh, at killers.

Not ready yet?

He's afraid he might be a juror.

It was the Revolution that wanted that the people

have their say in the justice system.

Representing the people, that means something.

Straighten your tie.

A glass of brandy will help.

I look good? - You please me 100%.

I think that not just the accused might have need of one of these,

but the judge as well.

Your name, sir? - Pichon, Éloi. Farmer.

One more, and we are all here.

We are not supposed to be wearing black clothes?

Jurors can dress as they like.

Women should remove their hats? - As they wish

Jurors are free men and women.

But careful,

when the hearing starts, you will have to stay in that room.

No leaving.

I am here to assist you.

If you want cigarettes, newspapers...

Any questions to ask me?

I wanted to ask about the bills for our food.

I'll show you the office.

Ah, number 20!

Jean-Luc Flavier, printer. - Thank you.

A warning, the hearings are long.

No little precautions to take?

Follow me. The President is waiting.

My office doesn't contain enough seats. My apologies.

I introduce my two assessors,

the public prosecutor,

and Mr. Giron, the defender of the accused.

Ladies and gentlemen, you are the jury for the session.

We draw lots for each case,

7 jurors will form the jury sitting in judgement.

The law requires that this draw takes place in the presence of the accused.

Bring in the accused.

I am going to draw from this urn the names of the 7 jurors.

Those who are selected will stand to the left.

De Montesson, Gilbert.

Over here, please.

Malingre, Evariste.

Sedan, Juliette.

That's me.

Recused.

Excuse me?

The prosecution may recuse 3 jurors, and the defence 4.

Why me? It seems they should say...

No explanation is required. Rejoin the first group.

Flavier, Jean-Luc.

Micoulin, Marceline.

Paladin, Eugene.

Recused.

It's no skin off my nose. - Noblet, Félix.

I am not recused?

They would tell you.

Andrieux, Theodore.

Caudron, Michel.

We must also draw two reserve jurors,

in case a juror cannot take their place because of an serious problem

outside of their control.

Pichon, Eloi.

Clavette, Albert.

I remind you that you have the right to ask questions,

but you are forbidden

from expressing your opinion.

A single shrug of the shoulders

may require the nullification of the entire proceedings.

Maintain an inscrutable and unreadable demeanour.

We shall now proceed into the courtroom.

No entry. Stop pushing.

I just want to ask one thing.

You don't know if Mr. Montesson is among the jurors?

I don't know who the jurors are.

Would you allow me to have a very quick look?

The spy-glass is placed too high.

If I stand on tiptoe, I can see.

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, please rise.

You swear before God and man

to examine scrupulously the charges brought against the accused,

to listen neither in hate nor regard,

that you will decide

following your conscience and deep conviction

with the impartiality and resolution appropriate of a man of probity.

Gilbert de Montesson.

Raise your right hand and say, "I swear it".

I swear it.

Evariste Malingre.

I swear it.

Jean-Luc Flavier.

I swear it.

Marceline Micoulin.

I swear it.

The oath must be taken with the hand bare.

Excuse me.

I swear it.

Felix Noblet.

I swear it.

Theodore Andrieux.

I swear it.

Michel Caudron.

I swear it.

Eloi Pichon. - I swear it.

Albert Clavette. - I swear it.

Sit yourselves.

The accused will stand.

What is your name? - Elsa Lundenstein.

You are French.

My parents were Lithuanian.

After the 1914 war, they sought refuge in France.

You have had an education? - I am a doctor in medicine.

But you have never practiced.

I passed my theoretical,

and I entered the pharmaceutical industry.

At Vaudrement Laboratories. - Yes.

What were your functions?

For the last two years, I have been collaborating with Mr. Vaudremont.

for the last three years the effective directress

since Maurice became ill.

What is your connection to Maurice Vaudremont?

I am his mistress.

For how long? - For 8 years.

Why haven't you married?

His parents regard me as a foreigner.

My name, my character, everything, unnerved them.

They are conventional types, and Catholics,

whereas I was neither.

Which religion were you brought up in?

None, your Honour.

I never wanted Maurice to marry me, quite the contrary.

Neither in work nor in life did I want a contract with him.

I prefer it that way.

His sister works with you?

From the beginning.

Little by little, she came to share my view of her parents.

Didn't she quit the Laboratory when you took over as directoress?

When Maurice became ill, she thought she should replace him.

She took the decision of my brother badly.

We say that, systematically,

you pushed aside all the Vaudremonts from control of the family business

so that you could continue as you please.

The interesting question...

I will enlighten the jurors on all points.

Especially as

we will be coming back to this.

When did Maurice Vaudremont start to become ill?

Four years ago.

At first, we thought it was tuberculosis.

No, it was lung cancer.

We fought against it for 2 years, in vain.

Maurice, who knew that the disease was going to take his ability to speak,

wanted to die.

He demanded from his doctor, Professor Dutoit,

an injection that would secure his deliverance.

The Professor refused.

Maurice then addressed the same entreaty to me.

He said it in a letter that you possess.

Why didn't he administer the injection himself?

Maurice, at this time, wished for death and feared it.

In his letter,

he asked me that if I loved him enough,

I would kill him without warning.

When I estimated that his suffering

would give him no more peace.

He abandoned to me the responsibility for the act,

and the selection of the moment.

I waited two years,

during which between his crises he had moments of calm,

but fewer and fewer.

So I went to find Professor Limousin,

who had been my boss.

I wanted him to take some more recent X-rays than those of Professor Dutoit.

I asked him what he would recommend.

He replied to me: "courage and morphine...

he is lost".

Maurice was lucid.

At every injection I gave him,

I could sense his anxiety.

The last evening

I had to be pleasant.

It was necessary that my hand didn't tremble.

I had increased the dose.

And your hand didn't tremble?

No, Your Honour.

Maurice fell asleep without suspecting anything.

Do you know that the man who you killed

left you a fortune. - He had told me.

When the state doctor came,

you didn't reveal anything to him?

I let him go about his business.

Without the complaint of his parents, nobody would have known...

That's false. The burial certificate was already delivered

when I wrote to my sister to tell the truth about the death.

I didn't denounce myself to the authorities, but to my sister.

You use the word "denounce". You know that are guilty.

Before the law, perhaps,

but not before those who loved Maurice.

You felt the necessity of delivering yourself from blame by admitting it.

Your conscience is more shaken than your hand.

My behaviour perhaps seems illogical,

but it seems to me that I was faithful to Maurice,

and faithful to his wishes.

They should have...

Thanked you? That's what you want to hear?

But you do not dare.

I dare, Your Honour.

They should thank me.

The jurors may make their assessment. The sixth juror has a question.

How much did he leave in his will to his concubine?

Did you hear?

35 million.

You cannot loiter here.

Excuse me.

I want to see a juror, Mr. Montesson.

You won't be able to see him.

Give him a message, then. - It's forbidden.

No, it's not allowed.

Which way will the jurors be exiting after the hearing?

Door F, at the bottom of the stairs. And don't loiter here.

We deal with this cautiously?

Why two days for such a clear case?

Perhaps there will be some surprises.

The accused is willful, has no religion, no family sense.

For a start, she's a foreigner which is enough for some.

She is born in Paris. - So what?

When we're born in Paris, we can't kill our lover?

Trust my experience:

seven years with Marshal Lyautey.

I know men.

But this one's a woman.

Tomorrow, you can serve me too.

I've ended up in a foul hotel,

where at 11pm they won't even serve an omlette.

I was more lucky.

I have a room with a window on a courtyard.

From my window, I can look at hundred year old trees.

Justice is not the same for you.

Nice words, but dangerous.

We have the right to unwind, after that horrible story.

That poor woman, don't you think?

The poor boy, even more.

How are you going to plant your potatos?

I have two children, and my grand-mother.

I'm an industrial worker, a serious person.

I thought I would get something big.

You've nothing to do. - Yes.

Why are you dossing about? - The boss isn't here.

He'll be mad. - Yes, he'll moan a lot.

He moans when the work's done too.

And then I like a nice rest. Don't you?

I never get to find out? - And why not?

It's good, to sit down

and to say "that needs doing" and do nothing.

In my country, after dinner, we lie on the grass.

In broad daylight? Lying on the grass?

Because we want to.

Your Honour,

you have the last X-rays of Maurice Vaudremont.

Pass them along.

I see the signs that we suffer with cancer.

If we cannot cure them, we can, today,

prolong their life.

Thus, Maurice Vaudremont could have lived

for some time?

Without doubt.

I would add that a miracle could always have intervened,

that a new discovery by some human genius is possible.

In any event,

the law-maker and the moral Christian

have always been in accord with the doctor in condemning euthanasia.

Giving a gentle death,

is giving death.

Our honour requires that we never surrender before it.

You're holding it upside-down.

Thank you. Show the next witness in.

Professor Limousin! - Professor Limousin!

Your name, first name and occupation.

Limousin, Georges, 57 years old. Professor at the Faculty of Medicine.

You swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, nothing but the truth?

I swear it.

Professor, Elsa Lundenstein was your student?

A particularly brilliant student, as I understand intelligence

and character.

She came

to explain the case of Maurice.

She showed me the last X-rays, which were clear.

Vaudremont was doomed.

Professor Dutoit maintains the opposite.

When the disease has reached the proportions revealed by the X-ray,

the patient is doomed.

Treatment could perhaps elongate the life?

No, all it could do was ameliorate the suffering.

Ameliorating the patient's suffering and killing, they are different things.

All doctors condemn euthanasia

but they all come, in desperate cases,

to prescribe a strong dose of morphine.

Who will tell us how far we can go?

I'm asking you.

The high spiritual authorities are in disagreement about this.

It is not for me to settle this question,

but the jury. - Thank you, Professor.

Your Honour?

Professor,

the fifth juror has a question to put to you.

At your disposal.

The first Professor

refused the deliverance Maurice Vaudremont sought.

I wanted to ask the second Professor

if he would have done so in the same instance.

It's a delicate question.

I would have refused.

But when medicine is powerless,

I can understand how a friend might not be so resigned,

and a lover even less so.

Ah! Here they are.

Felix, you were amazing. - Don't talk so silly.

I'm speaking the truth, nothing but the truth.

False testimony, that could be costly.

Wait.

Mr. Montesson hasn't left.

He left by the grand staircase with the President.

You warned him that a woman was asking for him?

I thought I would do him a favour. Excuse me.

As soon as someone gives their word, I find that he is right.

She seemed to speak the truth, but she didn't please me.

She's pretty. - She's not my type.

She's too intellectual, and wouldn't be any fun.

She should have killed with a pistol, I'd understand that,

but with a syringe...

She says "Maurice" differently to the others.

Some probably say it like that in the Balkans.

Every time she says it, it tugs at my heart-strings.

He was writing in a notebook.

He has an ugly mug.

It's you who is most relaxed.

If my parents saw you,

they'd appreciate that nothing fazes you.

Your parents!

They wouldn't think that behind a bar.

If we had the details, I could invite them to come and see.

Should I bring them tomorrow? Oh, my bus!

You'll make the invitations?

Don't worry! The President hasn't refused me anything.

I have the proof right in front of me.

At line 14.

Justify your lines.

So then, the catalogue? - It'll be ready tomorrow.

The new corrections?

A whole article, composed quickly on the affair on which you judge.

A difficult business.

The bishop has found it necessary to restate the principles

we stay attached to. A blank here.

Sign it.

A disconcerting woman,

with a moral code very different to our own.

But in certain details...

The details don't interest me, nor the circumstances.

It's about a principle. - Of course.

But if you had to judge her? - You think I'd hesitate?

My title over two columns:

Non possumus.

In any case, we cannot.

God alone gives life and death at the time of his choosing.

I made an oath before God, and before men too.

Isn't it my duty to try to understand?

Read my article, and you'll judge as you must.

But there are mistakes.

May I? - Please.

We put the address on the left, but if your client desires otherwise...

Beatrice is in Mathieu's room?

I don't know. - Why was she given the key?

I'm talking on the phone.

You don't even know how they met! Bravo! Thank you.

Excuse me, Mr. Verdon.

Beatrice, I asked you not to.

Mathieu received that merry-go-round as a gift.

Why have you come here? Are you doing this on purpose?

Listen... - What?

Not in front of the maid.

I have to see to the bedding.

They hadn't been cleaned in a long time.

Now, I have to say to Madame:

I thought Mathieu was dead.

What age is he?

Eight years old.

I've never seen a photo of him.

Who does he look like?

Leave us. - And who'll make the bed?

I'll help madame. Go.

Mathieu is returning?

They rang insisting I go to pick him up.

Why?

The Father Superior explained it to me himself.

Jean-Luc,

I have never taken the toys that he most likes.

He's for throwing them away.

But I don't have the courage. If you, you would do it.

You well know it must be.

You were waiting for me? - She didn't say you were on the way.

She knows where to reach me. She has the advantage.

You met her at the palace? - I managed to avoid her.

She learnt about your engagement.

This once, I'm going to make no bones about things.

Gilbert, don't be cruel. She is upset.

Her tears won't change anything. - She'll never accept it.

What else can she do? A scene? I know her.

If she contacts you, it is not to talk.

You mean to say?... - She frightens me.

Be very careful.

Curious to know what happened?

My colleagues are fatheads, the President an artist,

and the accused a Bolshevik.

You've found her guilty? - Not yet.

They make their justice through cafe waiters,

between two rounds of aperitifs.

It's for this that you've come? - To walk home with you.

Thank you, but you surprise me.

You want to see if the children want to join us for dinner?

A boy Monique met playing basketball.

In my youth, we were thinking of Alsace-Lorraine.

They aren't soldiers like you,

it's no reason why they shouldn't be married.

With the men she brings home?

Monique is very keen on him.

I want to ask you to close your eyes

if the boy's manners irritate you.

Drinking dives and negro music.

If his ideas are not the same as yours,

promise me you'll say nothing.

Marshal Lyautey was someone,

and he was my superior.

One day, nevertheless, I said no to him.

That cost me my career,

but I don't regret it.

You were right with the Marshal,

but Monique's happiness is something else.

For this once, Theodore,

is it so impossible?

Even just this once?

Why won't you go to the cinema?

So I'm not obliged to invite my sister.

Another example of the commandment: family.

No cigarettes? - On the chimney.

But daddy counts them.

At his age, they're bad for the heart.

It is the commandment in his infancy?

Daddy would be furious if he heard you say that.

And if I kissed you? - Let me lay the table.

I've missed out the sauce.

I have a recipe. It's amazing.

You know cooking?

Yes... That's the port?

Daddy doesn't allow anyone to touch it. - We'll tell him it was the maid.

He'll be mad. - Yes, but the rabbit will be in good shape.

And nobody may come in.

He is mad. - I find him incredible.

Where is this man?

He's preparing the rabbit in the kitchen. - In my kitchen?

If it amuses him. - When we visit people...

You still think we are under President Fallieres. [Armand Fallieres, President 1906-13]

Where is my port? - Roland is using it for the rabbit.

Perfect. - We eat that with mustard.

No, not today.

Amazing...

Oh, begging your pardon.

Delighted to meet you.

I've burnt a serviette. - It doesn't matter.

May I enter my kitchen? - Yes.

Because I'm honest, I return to you what's left.

So, it went well in Versialles? - It'll be settled quickly.

An amazing woman.

France's unhappiness lies in her traditions.

Foreigners bring in new ideas.

I'm shocking you?

You're listening? - Father will have apoplexy.

A little port?

Your health. - And yours.

This is what intrigues me, what will be admitted in a jury of servicemen.

All your ribbons weren't won playing cup-and-ball.

What are you saying? - By grenade

on the innocents.

And they call up you to judge that woman.

It's something to laugh about. - If you like.

Can I make a confession? From what Monique

has told me

I was afraid that we wouldn't get along so well.

But no, essentially, you are a joker.

Here, Puce. Eat this. Go on, eat.

He doesn't want to. - A chop cooked with butter.

Stringed beans. - Puce...

Perhaps he's thirsty. - What's with you?

You're not well? - Madame...

He is intimidated by all those feet,

they're confusing him.

The bright eye and the icy paw.

Take him for a walk, and he'll eat.

I think you're right.

Thank you a thousand times. - Come on.

Good walk, little doggie.

My respects, madame.

I've left my hotel to come here, if you'll allow.

It doesn't bother me.

I'd like to discover Versailles and I'm in love.

A juror capable of love?

I dreamed in my youth of great passions.

Life calmed down after that,

but here is the chance to put some passionate drama back in the heart

in this admirable countryside.

Add to that, it's springtime.

It's pathetic, the poetry that rises in the head.

I'm rejuvenated.

Puce, don't be in such a rush.

Excuse me for detaining you.

I'm going to take some air. If this heart of which you speak...

Gladly. Allow me to take the lead.

My little companion, the only one.

But will he accept to walk with you?

Look. We are friends.

It's amazing... - Mr Caudron?

Ferte-Alais.

Mrs. Caudron is on the line.

It's true, I asked for my wife. - Give me the leash.

I am truly sorry.

Hello, is that you, Germaine?

How good to hear your voice!

What?

Mr. Racopo is not happy with his bathtub?

He's the one who chose it after 3 hours of discussion.

I don't care.

Certainly, tell him on my behalf.

What? What am I?

But I am nothing.

I am like usual.

Who was that man who left with Mrs. Micoulin?

A man who came from Paris. - What does he do?

He reads newspapers.

You know his profession? - I can make inquiries.

No, after all, it really doesn't matter. Good evening.

His class notes...

are disconcerting in every way .

He gives nothing to his studies.

Alas! It's not the worst thing.

The underhand character,

vicious,

Mathieu suddenly emerged from his natural lethargy

to produce this violent crisis

that is caused by this hysteria.

We know it is a little bizarre.

We thought

that your influence...

He is obsessed with the temptation to break windows,

glass panes, mirrors...

His image, even his reflection shocks him in the mirror,

putting him in a trance.

He threw a stone through the window of the chapel.

With a piece of the holy image,

he gouged the eyes of a cat.

Then...

No.

I spare you that horror.

It is impossible for us to supervise Mathieu.

Father, if...

if you abandon this unhappy child,

who can we turn to?

To specialists in mental health.

You are saying that Mathieu...

At ours, Mathieu is all alone,

while here, with children who play, who are happy...

You know the parable of the lost sheep?

I am shepherd of the flock.

Be brave. Here he comes. Conceal from him your concerns.

Everything good with you, sir? - And you, miss?

My parents wish to attend the trial.

Not at all. It is you who insists.

You [familiar] have the... You [formal] have the tickets?

I've seen the President refuse two seats to deputies,

but he gave me these.

Crime stories make the world go round.

That's philosophical.

Are you for or against euthanasia?

Eu... what?

We're going to be late. - They can't start without me.

You're certain that Mrs. Micoulin has left?

She requested a car to go visit the Petit Trianon.

The Petit Trianon? Has she gone alone?

Have you time for a drink? - No, I'm late.

I'm not here for the sight-seeing.

For judging.

I'm sorry for you.

Do you have the newspapers?

My greetings. Have you forgotten that we have an appointment with justice?

Alas!

No starter. It's not important what you bring, just hurry.

May I? - Please.

Good excursion? - Very nice.

You enjoyed the Trianon?

How do you know where I went?

The young Popelier girls know all that happens in Versailles.

The grounds were splendid. Not a leaf out of place,

and it's spring when the branches are full of them.

You were alone? - I was with that sir.

It appears he knows some interesting things.

It's nice to want to inform ourselves on all matters.

Very nice.

You'll excuse me for drawing your attention

to the dangers that may accompany meetings in hotels

with people

we do not know.

Not everyone is a juror.

I'm poking my nose into something that doesn't concern me,

but if you'll allow me... - Go on.

A seductive woman like you

should be wary of the interest that he has been showing...

a 25 year old stranger.

Since we are not a couple

who are well-matched?

I just wanted you to be on guard.

In a friendly way.

Thank you.

In a friendly way.

Bring the dry

to my table.

It's too gloomy in the bar. The view is so attractive.

I wanted to have a quick glance at the newspapers.

What do you find so interesting in those sheets?

I am curious about all that goes on in the world.

You think that every day and night something must have happened?

Apart from the news' items? - They interest me too.

Like everything they've been writing on this case that you're judging.

The responses of famous men.

They judge without knowing anything about the case of Elsa Lundenstein,

who is fascinating.

You believe in her innocence? - In her sincerity.

And what follows? Sincere or not,

she killed. - Someone who was close to dead.

We are all close to death.

I am not going to confuse pity and egoism.

Exactly, egoism.

Those that witness suffering can also become tired

of he who suffers.

Maurice Vaudremont wanted death, certainly,

but Elsa had had enough of him not dying.

I think you are wrong.

I'll take your advice in mind.

Dear madame, I'm afraid I may make myself late.

I'm sorry to have been a source of irritation.

It is a fine man who is lenient.

He is angry with you about something other than your opinion.

What do you mean?

Being 20 years younger than he is.

I swear it. - Lower your hand.

You were in the service of Maurice Vaudremont?

For five years.

Tell us about the character of the accused.

Madame has her qualities,

but she is not one of us.

Moreover, in cooking,

it was Russian.

Never an hour to rest,

tea and jam at any hour of the night.

Sometimes, she took three baths

on the same day.

As for the matter in hand, when it comes to the heart...

she doesn't have one.

What are you trying to say?

One day, I had in the kitchen a sick dog.

I called him Pitou. Madame chased him out.

When I didn't want to, she made me.

When he refused to go,

she threw stones at him.

I swear to you again.

No questions to ask?

The accused may wish to tell us

her side of the story with the dog?

I don't like animals.

It seemed to me that the dog was not suitable

for the house of a sick man.

No more questions? You may stand down.

Call the next witness.

Miss Nicole Vaudremont.

Name, first name and status.

Nicole Vaudremont, 33 years old.

Doctor of pharmacy.

You know the accused. - Yes, Your Honour.

Miss Lundenstein and I were very close.

She has a daring intellect and an audacious character.

These were the reasons that I liked her at first,

and feared her later.

"Fear"? Why?

She gained a very great influence over my brother.

And little by little, she distanced him from the rest of the family.

Was that by a concerted effort?

I wouldn't dare say. She despised conventions.

And her pride often led her to defy them.

You brother was in agreement with that?

He adored Ms. Lundenstein.

He took on her opinions easily.

But he remained a Catholic.

The idea of suicide, which is against our upbringing,

is one that it's impossible he reached by himself.

He wrote a letter that nobody has disputed.

It was 2 years ago.

Maurice had a moment of understandable weakness.

But since then, he regained himself.

Since two years ago, Maurice changed his intentions.

He wanted to die a Catholic. - Where is your proof?

Gentlemen, please. Answer the question.

I have no proof, but it is my conviction.

When you are consider his death,

do you think it was natural?

I don't want to answer that question.

Why?

I am on bad terms with Ms. Lundenstein.

I don't want to assert something of which I am not certain.

In receiving that letter where she told you the truth,

what was your reaction?

I thought at first that it was proof of a marvelous loyalty

and I sobbed.

And then, little by little,

I started to doubt.

It was perhaps an act of defiance.

I took the letter to my parents.

You know what followed.

Any questions?

I have an observation to make. - Proceed.

If I may remind the jury

that Ms. Vaudremont coveted the directorship

of the laboratory. Disappointed in her ambitions,

she harbours a grudge against the accused which explains her testimony.

Sir, that is abominable!

If that were the case, I would say more.

Say it!

We are listening to you.

Well?

Nothing?

So you have more slanders...

Ms. Lundenstein has another lover.

The day of Maurice's death, returning to Versailles,

I saw Ms. Lundenstein next to a car

and when she moved to leave, she kissed the man.

I saw Elsa and she saw me.

Did she think I would alert Maurice?

Did she think Maurice would change his will?

The same night, she killed him.

These are the facts.

And I affirm them.

Accused, how do you respond?

What Ms. Vaudremont says is true.

The name of that man?

Serge Kremer.

His profession?

Painter-decorator.

When did you meet?

At the inauguration of a nightclub that he had decorated.

You went out while your loved one was ill.

Friends tried sometimes to distract me.

I see. Continue.

Serge and I danced.

He asked to see me home.

We had known each other for a year.

And you became his lover immediately?

I spent six months caught between two men,

attracted to one each day a little more strongly

and held to the other by memories.

Six months, then I gave in.

With the sick man, you weren't shameless enough to keep playing the comedy?

No.

You think it legitimate to inherit his fortune?

How would it be illegitimate?

By deceiving him,

then killing him.

I had but one responsibility in regard to Maurice:

to spare him his horrible agony.

I held to it.

At the moment you were afraid that he may learn of your infidelity.

At the moment when agony started. - What a coincidence!

You are surprised by Ms. Vaudremont

in the company of this Mr. Kremer.

And suddenly, Mr. Vaudremont could no longer endure

his suffering.

It was because Maurice's condition had worsened,

that was why I couldn't go to Paris where Serge waited for me.

He was able to come to Versailles where I was able to see him for 2 minutes.

So, you had left a sick man to meet another lover

nearby to the house.

You're putting things in such a way...

I'm putting nothing, I swear.

The jurors will appreciate that coincidence

and your conduct.

No questions?

A couple of words.

Gentlemen of the jury,

here, ultimately, is the question on which you must decide.

While the defence puts to you a philosophical question,

they are setting a trap for you.

It is indeed an criminal act

carried out by a woman who cannot love.

Gentlemen of the jury, madame...

The advocate arguments will be later. No more questions?

The fifth juror. - To be clear,

it would perhaps be useful if we heard Serge Kremer.

An excellent idea, sir.

We are in agreement.

We thank the fifth juror.

The public prosecutor makes this suggestion.

By virtue of my discretion,

I ask the public prosecutor...

1.40.

Felix isn't taking his shift? - Sh! He is here incognito.

The President's wife came to congratulate me.

Without Felix, the main witness would have got away.

She wants that the money of Vaudremont goes to the painter.

A woman who doesn't like dogs is a clean and tidy woman.

She didn't kill for the money.

It's possible that she wanted the money

and that she loved both men.

You're chopping off her head, your acquitting her

and Lulu wants to keep you both happy.

And you? - Me?

A single word, a shrug of the shoulders,

and they have to start over.

I have to be like the table, made of marble.

My compliments, fifth juror. - Thank you.

Why haven't you looked for another job?

I asked the bailiff how much a judge earns, an advocate.

Peanuts.

The prosecutor would be happy to change places with me.

In a world where we have to work,

we need a job that gets us through everything.

Whatever happens, people will always be thirsty.

It's nice to be with the family.

"With the family"?

I don't have the advantage of knowing you, but remember this:

in five years, Felix will be the Sun King.

You would't find better if they were married,

than hiding in the grass?

You'd allow that?

It's nice, it's democratic, but it's damp.

For the time that it lasts...

Come on, Gaston. It's a trap.

Gaston, what are you thinking?

I am an idiot.

He said yes. - It's true, daddy?

I haven't said yes,

but I offer you a bottle of sparkling wine.

The green card.

You told me 100 times that you wouldn't give in.

Hortense, it isn't me that's changed,

it's them.

What do you want?

Mummy's sobbing, daddy's got a tear in his eye,

and I love you.

You're going to make me cry.

We won't have to hide anymore.

We weren't hiding much, but it'll be better.

You will be my wife, my true little wife.

Because of the court of assizes! - Euthanasia, it's wonderful!

You don't pity Elsa?

What she did doesn't concern us.

It concerns me because I am on the jury.

You are my little bunny, my love, but you are not a judge.

Don't do wrong by her. - Gently, Lulu.

Women don't understand, but justice is justice.

But after all she's done for us.

But if she is guilty?

But you, nobody, can be absolutely certain.

Felix... at least, let us spread happiness.

It's a shame. - It's an accident?

He did it on purpose.

He looked out of the window and broke the pain with his fist.

He showered the glass over the children.

It couldn't have been on purpose.

Ask them.

It's over.

Your daddy has gone up to thrash the little swine.

What are we waiting for, to have a few words with the parents?

It's done. Nothing to cry about. It's nothing.

Ah! You there. A little more, and the artery would have been severed.

It's serious?

We needed two to hold him.

A crisis?

Jesus and Mary, protect us.

Don't go in.

He's fallen asleep.

What happened?

He was looking calmly at the children in the courtyard

and then suddenly he made the blow.

Don't touch me. - You know I'm not to blame.

I am exhausted.

What are we going to do?

It's impossible to leave him in his room.

We must give him ours, because of the metal shutters.

What is happening to us?

My farm is the first. Thanks for going out of the way.

We need to help each other when justice causes these annoyances.

One minute while I remove my bike.

Okay.

Bastard!

A big mess.

It's good this, them forgetting.

Leave it. I've come to take care of the cow.

There's not time, the dinner isn't ready.

I've been helping Mother Pelu. Her child is sick.

You left the house to toddle off where?

Evariste, I haven't been walking around.

And that flower, where did you get that?

It's not enough that they're making a mug of me in Versailles?

Do you have to crazy as well?

It's not reasonable to judge on appearances.

I've been hearing that in Versailles.

All the same.

Wait, listen.

It's Amato.

He's happy, eh? Life is good!

Marie,

if we've been planting potatos all day,

we don't play music, we sleep.

Evariste, these ideas you have...

Finish the cow and get dinner ready. I'll take care of the rest.

Amato, where did you get that flower?

I don't like idlers, hypocrites and bastards.

Where do you mean?

Tomorrow morning, you can clear off elsewhere. I don't want to see you.

Or I'll smash your face! - Don't get excited, I'll go.

Little shit.

You're back and you didn't say anything?

I've given my word that I wouldn't talk about it.

Not even good evening.

I'll admit that on the marriage of my daughters, I have to remain silent.

I'll be silent before their marriage.

You're not hungry?

I'll eat when it's time to sit at table.

I'll wait until it's ready. - The soup is ready.

As you say.

Roland isn't joining us?

He's taken Monique to the cinema.

Don't frown.

Henceforth, I'll be mute and inscrutable.

I would have liked Daniele

joined us, but she has a migraine.

I'm dying of hunger. - Your migraine is better?

I lied so as not to cause annoyance. - What does that mean?

It's no fun to go to the cinema with a couple.

If it's 2 or 3, the film is the same.

The film, but not the enjoyment.

You remember Raymond who courted me?

He couldn't understand why you wouldn't let me go out.

He asked Germaine, and now they are married.

For one to whom it happens...

Monique has a chance. I will help her.

What a thing to say.

And before your father, what's more.

Am I complaining? No, but I understand.

One sacrifice to your prejudices, that's enough.

Good conduct and dignity are prejudices?

Ask daddy want it means, the feeling of doing one's duty.

You have nothing to say?

Everything changes, even our ideas about honour.

Girls of today

want to live their lives. - Daniele!

But there are still parents who think that marriage is a

reward for virtue.

When we are poor, we must manage.

Enough! If your father isn't rich, he has character.

He said no to Lyautey.

Well, Monique and I would prefer that he said yes

and that he had become a colonel, and we have seaside holidays

like everyone else.

You have nothing to say?

I find...

I find the soup excellent.

Ah! All the same.

My greetings, madame.

The dance has started.

With the assizes, I haven't much time.

Denise has damned the accused. An engagement ball without the fiance.

Go make your excuses.

Madame, I wanted to have a word.

Are you aware that Gilbert telephoned that...

that person?

What? You're telling me?

She wrote to tell me,

as if I would go against the love of your children.

She called that afternoon.

She calls me evey day.

She seemed weird to me, with a voice that frightened me.

Me as well.

You know what she said to Denise?

No, to Gilbert.

Perhaps to both of them. She doesn't pose a threat.

She asks

that he calls.

For him to say what? It's all over.

Listen.

I think that with a gesture, a nice gesture...

I can help Gilbert to end it with some elegance.

It's in everyone's interests. - Thank you.

I wanted that dance to last all my life.

But it'll recommence. I love you.

Here are those friends you love.

I must be in a dream. - What a garden they've sent you!

It's not for me.

Mr. Gilbert de Montesson care of Ms. Jouvillon.

This is a surprise.

Call me or pay the price.

Who is it?

An old friend sending best wishes for our love.

I didn't think that we had evenings so mild in March.

What are you thinking?

About a confession I have to make to you.

Why do you think it's necessary?

Already?

You'll start annoying us, Puce.

Show him the pair of gloves and throw them very far.

That way he'll give us a moment of peace.

It's something very difficult I have to say to you.

We can understand each other implicitly, without actual words,

I'll understand.

The rest doesn't matter. - You don't know who I am.

We have to try to awaken my mistrust concerning you.

Who you are, what you have done...

It is unimportant to me.

We have met, and I find that it is very good.

Don't you?

I must tell you who I am.

You ran away from Paris, I know that.

You rush to the newspapers anxiously.

Don't tell me why.

And if you want me to help you,

tell me what I have to do.

It's peculiar, such things being said by a woman

who has come to Versailles to render justice.

Justice, my love, we want that for other people.

For ourselves, we prefer chance and coincidence.

I must tell you who I am.

It's really so serious?

I am Serge Kremer, Elsa's lover.

I read about the trial of the woman I love.

I came here in the hope I might be able to do something to help her.

I met you.

It was a vote I hoped to win.

To win a vote,

I would have cheated, lied, I would have done all that.

Even courting Mrs. Micoulin.

I don't know if they will call me as a witness.

Tomorrow, you may see me at the bar.

I had to warn you.

I ask your forgiveness.

It's strange, once again.

I was ready to accept anything that you had done to someone else,

even the worst.

What you've done to me,

how could you hope that I'd forgive it?

I've done you wrong.

Tell me that it's not Elsa who you will punish.

If you can understand that I love her,

that we form an absolutely unbreakable couple,

in the spirit and in the flesh.

Explain it to the jury,

to the others,

but not to me.

You can blame me,

but the fault is all mine, not Elsa's.

Be just.

Elsa has done nothing, she knows nothing.

I beg you,

don't talk to me about Elsa.

You ought to lie down, sleep.

Don't touch me.

You're scared of me? Why?

Come on, give me your hand.

Your hand is tense, unfriendly.

You hold me responsible?

I am patient, but don't push me beyond the limit.

I'm trying to understand. The death of your father troubles me.

What are you saying? - He died at the peak of his powers.

And your uncle Andre, he died an old man.

But he spent his last 20 years in a wheelchair.

Mathieu isn't normal because

of a misfortune in your family.

You lie! - Prove the opposite.

Me too, I'm searching for a reason.

What I'm paying, it's because of your youth.

It's absurd... and nice.

You and me, here we are.

Yet, Beatrice, you were very happy.

Remember how you were when Mathieu was born.

I prayed too much that he would be beautiful.

I asked too much that we would be proud of him.

Your resignation exasperates me.

I refuse to accept that everything is ruined between us.

Beatrice, I chose you, love you.

We should enjoy the rest of our years together.

I don't want that we end up hating each other.

Listen, we must do something.

It is necessary to send Mathieu far away, to forget him.

It is necessary...

Why don't you dare to say what you dare to think?

Beatrice, I hope we can save ourselves as a couple,

that we can survive together.

If that child isn't capable of living a normal life,

if he splits up his parents instead of bringing them closer together,

it should be... it would be...

To kill him?

You decide who has the right to live?

The woman in court also had the right to decide.

Acquit her, then you start to think like her,

and entrust Mathieu to her.

She is a doctor. It wouldn't be long to wait.

She isn't resigned, she revolts!

I'm a Catholic.

When it's all broken, he'll calm down.

And if he's hurt?

What time is it?

Stop asking me the time. It's gone 2am.

This isn't the time to be returning from th cinema.

They must have gone on somewhere.

Where? Friendship, this is where it leads.

I have forbidden Monique, but that isn't the point here.

Do you think Monique would... take her chance?

That would lose her Roland.

What's more, that would be bad. He was a cheerful sort.

And your father is sleeping. What time is it?

2.20pm.

We must contact the police.

They'll laugh in our faces.

Daniele, do you take responsibility for this situation?

Not on your life.

Then I must wake your father.

Not easy to wake him up. He could sleep through a bombardment.

Theodore, something's happened - We've been mobilised?

Monique hasn't returned yet.

So? - It's 2.30am.

Your daughter's not back and it's the middle of the night.

Monique has decided to live her life.

She's dancing the boogie-woogie, perhaps having a bit of a grope.

Strict parents are the cause of their children's unhappiness.

We must make

a decision.

You marked the words that I gave you?

Yes, Theodore.

You are asking me to resume command,

and you will obey me? - Yes, daddy.

I'm going on the attack: the Foch method.

Daniele, my dressing gown.

Don't be too violent. - That one called Roland's going to discover this

No, the one with the Legion of Honour.

That's more fitting, when an officer is the jury.

Like in the colonial army. Where is my slipper?

The ideas of today: pacifism and fun.

And our daughters as well.

Giving up on France, refusing all discipline...

What starts in the cinema ends up in the court of assizes.

Wait for me here. Monique needs me.

You'll give yourself a chill. - I fought in the snow.

He'll kill them. - He's not armed.

Yesterday, he contained himself.

At Versailles, it's the same. He's under pressure.

Some fresh air may do him good.

You'd be better off in your bed. - Undoubtedly.

So what are you doing here? - My duty.

Bravo. - I'll explain to you.

Not you.

Him.

He's not there. - Wait. Okay, take it.

Your mother and your sister have capitulated.

Where have you been? - At the Gare de Lyon.

It makes no sense. Why were you there?

He was leaving for Dakar.

So suddenly? - He received a message.

I accompanied him to the train for Marseilles.

I hoped that he'd... - Ask you to marry him.

It's very strange.

Daddy... - A happy recruit

for the colonies.

Please, don't talk.

A pretentious weakling who lisps.

Daddy, I'm upset.

My little girl.

If you'd listened to me... - No, not this evening.

Cry, you silly girl, cry.

And don't be scared of me.

I have said that I'll say no more.

I'll take care of that other bitch.

Don't pedal too fast.

Nothing's changed from what I told you. You must go.

You can stay a few more days, time

to finish the potatos.

It's up to you.

Afterwards, you can go doss about somewhere else.

Modern or Louis XVI: 50,000.

The bed, wardrobe and two chairs.

And the house offers a night-table or a rug, your choice.

We don't need a night-table.

Later, you'll appreciate that it's a good idea.

We'll see.

The main bed needs careful thinking.

Two beds,

we sleep better.

But we sleep alone.

When we're married, there are arguments.

With two beds, the arguments last longer.

I advise twin beds.

It's much more hygienic.

Felix, you seen the time?

Two minutes to twelve. - No kidding.

Well, you'll return.

Hey, if you'll allow,

Lulu and I will decide what's in our best interests.

Where's my tie? - Here.

You'll be late. - I'll dress as I'm going.

The fifth juror's going to get a mouthful from the President.

Impossible, dear friend.

As usual, my wife has sent out all the invitations.

I'm very sorry, believe me.

Come in.

They are all there? - Sir, one is missing.

I hate starting late.

Find that rogue and hurry up.

How much? - 65 Francs.

I've forgotten my money. - You must pay for the journey.

It's daft.

Say, go back to the bar.

They can pay you for the journey and the return.

I'll return, but with you.

I am wanted in the Palace.

They could lock you up ten years for this.

I am on a jury.

I am pissed off. My cash!

You want to keep this civil, lard head!

I'm going to punch your face in.

They are late.

We must find out how this ends.

They won't have Felix's witness. - They will take her away.

Don't worry, Felix is there.

I must find the commissionaire.

He goes home at 1pm.

But the trial starts at noon, the last day of the trial.

I can't wait here.

Refusing to pay your taxi, trading blows,

injuries, that's not enough?

If I didn't pay, it was because of my jacket.

You can explain before the commissionaire.

You're hindering the functioning of justice

in a serious question. The life of a woman is at stake.

There are replacement jurors.

But you'll change everything!

Jurors are not supposed to reveal their opinions.

There are three jurors for the accused and three against. One vote decides:

mine or that of my replacement.

Pichon has the opposite view.

That's not my concern. - Exactly.

How can you decide the fate of Elsa

without knowing a single word of the case?

You don't even read the transcripts.

This rudeness towards me will cost you very dearly.

I don't want to be rude. I want to explain to you.

Whether 7 selected by lot should decide the fate of another,

that's up for discussion, but at least

let's make the best of it.

But this, it's like deciding by flipping a coin

her guilt or innocence.

That gives me goosebumps.

Are you going to carry on being a pain in the neck for much longer?

I am not justice, I'm the police.

Every day ugly things happen in the world.

We vaguely know about them and they piss us off.

But this once, I'm not accepting it.

It's impossible that justice can be rendered so blindly.

What you're doing is monstrous.

If you don't wait your turn... - No!

It's too disgusting.

Stop him!

We can't wait any longer.

Bailiff. - President?

The first replacement.

Pichon, Eloi. - Sir.

You are replacing your colleague.

Me? But it's impossible, sir.

I understand that I am a replacement,

but I was there without being there,

and have been worrying about my pigs escaping.

During trials, you can't not think about what is bothering you?

Sometimes, sir.

Come on, you must have formed an opinion during the trial.

If you absolutely insist.

But I haven't understood it all.

At least you had your eyes open, unlike Mr. Clavette

who was asleep most of the time. - The central heating.

The law requires that there are seven of you. Therefore, to the hearing.

Ah, there you are. - What a palaver!

I've run...

I don't have the time for this.

Mr. Pichon, you may resume your meditations.

Come on, quickly. Follow me.

If you lose another...

Show the witness in. - Mr. Serge Kremer.

You have been called by virtue of my discretionary powers

and for extra information. Your name?

Your occupation?

Painter-decorator.

Most of all, you decorate nightclubs.

I'm unable to chose my clients.

What establishments have you decorated?

Perfect.

An incident in yesterday's hearing revealed to us

the role you have in the life of the accused.

She is your mistress?

You knew that she with Vaudremont?

The situation didn't shock you?

Elsa and I have suffered, terribly.

In the 6 months before the drama,

I begged Elsa every day to leave Vaudremont.

She agreed, changed back, agreed again,

recovered anew...

For us, it was atrocious.

Did you know that she was

Vaudremont's heir?

Yes, but I have never seen her preoccupied with that fortune.

35 million are worth pause for thought.

She had a trade, so did I.

We're talking about calculations and interests,

but it was senseless to stop her act.

She had promised Vaudremont to administer that injection.

President, I know everything about Elsa.

I saw her struggling, hesitating.

I saw her sobbing.

I ask your forgiveness, but I must say everything.

She knew the possible consequences of her act.

What frightens her isn't prison.

It's our separation.

I begged her to flee to Italy

when we learnt Vaudremont was dead.

I was ready to commit any cowardice to save Elsa.

She should be free. She had done nothing to be reproached for.

She refused.

Because, for Elsa, it's a matter of honour...

of courage.

She will not defend herself.

She wants to face her responsibilities,

without expecting any pity for herself.

Between Elsa who is silent,

and the jurors who are silent,

there is only me to build a bridge.

And me, I tremble.

We loved each other.

We were free to go anywhere, to live together.

Free to have the children she wants.

There was only one hindrance, just one:

a promise.

It would have been so easy to forget.

It would have been so easy to leave Vaudremont floundering.

The law, the family, the Church, they all agree.

And without Vaudremont, Elsa and I could be happy.

What sort of woman keeps that promise?

Elsa, who lives by her word.

And when she had done that unheard-of thing,

endangered her liberty to end the suffering of a man,

they accuse her of the most abominable calculations.

She didn't kill not to lose her inheritance,

Elsa's motives were pure.

And you ask if she is a perverse monster?

Gentlemen of the jury,

if you find Elsa guilty,

you are declaring a sentence of death.

We will not endure being separated.

Justice ignores threats and emotional blackmail.

Only recount what you've seen and heard.

I have nothing else to say.

Behind the chain.

I want information. - It is not the place.

I have a message for a juror.

They are in their deliberations.

You have some cigarettes?

You want something to drink?

Careful,

when the door is closed,

you will be isolated from everyone,

and you can re-enter the world when you have a verdict.

Nobody needs anything?

Bailiff...

the law requires that the three magistrates participate

in the deliberation and the vote.

Our experience should bring some order to the discussion,

but we are all equal here,

and we come to you

to discuss with you.

May I make a point?

The public prosecutor is demanding an exemplary punishment,

the defence is asking for an acquittal,

and the civil party is asking for compensation for the victim's mother,

1F for damages and interests.

Everyone is doing their job.

Forget their tidal waves of eloquence,

and let's see, using common sense,

what it brings.

First question:

is the accused guilty

of having voluntarily administered death

to Maurice Vaudremont?

"Administered death"? She murdered him.

She delivered him.

She delivered him by killing him.

By murdering him.

Gentlemen...

Second question:

that voluntary homicide,

did she commit it with premeditation?

It is what the evidence shows.

She premeditated it for 2 years.

Careful, if you have answered yes to these two questions,

it will lead to the death sentence.

Last question: are there extenuating circumstances

in favour of the accused?

None. - Wait your turn.

I am a good Frenchman, the head of a family.

Sit down.

Madame?

It seems to me, in all objectivity,

that there is in this affair a story of euthanasia,

a story of inheritance.

But these are only details.

The truth of it is a story of love.

Elsa Lundenstein

and Serge Kremer have in their voices the intonations

that don't fool a woman.

I believe that the acccused is totally sincere,

and that her intentions were pure.

She killed the same day she had been surprised with her other lover.

She explained herself.

And this doesn't shock you?

And the way she treated the dog?

She doesn't love animals. And after?

The affection that we have for a dog is just

a poor love.

Sir?

I should say my opinion? - I'm inviting you to.

Well, I hold the opposite view to madame.

Vaudremont, he couldn't monitor Elsa.

She ran somewhere else,

like others have.

This is discovered,

and she kills him.

Not even openly. She had the whiff of his millions.

For me, it's not so hard to understand.

Mr. Montesson?

I'm of the same opinion, although I'd put it differently, naturally.

Women love to play the heroine.

Vaudremont wanted to die. I can well see the scene:

Darling, I love you enough to kill you.

A touching dialogue,

but a prudent lady would require a single word.

They are not crazy.

Even with the letter in the pocket,

they wouldn't kill.

Prison, it's less fun than a night-club.

They find a lover,

and they sleep with him.

Torn up by remorse,

still the heroine,

in the painter's arms, making future plans, of journeys,

but they were imprudent, they were surprised.

They killed the same evening,

they could accommodate the snuffing out of Vaudremont.

She wrote to denounce herself.

To who?

Not to the police, to her sister,

expecting a touching scene.

Always the heroine.

Unsuccessful, caught out,

and then the lover appears declaring they'll commit suicide.

Weep, good jurors, free them,

and with their 35 million, they'll open a night-club:

"To joyful burials".

May I interject?

We have talked a great deal about this 35 millions,

but we should watch out: it's reducing to a banal question of self-interest

a tragedy of conscience.

Sir touches the truth.

Some jurors are hypnotized by the inheritance

and forget that this act may have had another reason.

They think that, for 35 millions, we are capable of anything.

That's aimed at me? - Obviously.

Your telling of the affair was

disgusting. - Sir!

If I was a customer of "The Sun King", you would be more polite.

I'm remaining calm.

I've lived, I'm not a sucker,

and I've judged honestly.

Mrs. Micoulin is an honest woman

who has tried to judge objectively.

It depends on your temperament.

It's not for you to put me on trial.

Wait for me to kill.

The incident is closed.

Mr. Flavier?

I don't count? - We know your opinion.

I have my right.

She is a foreigner, with ideas not from Catholicism,

and with two men for herself:

one who she has killed, the other who talks about suicide.

It's not just two broken lives, it's four.

Two girls of mine are not married.

She kills, she deceives her lover,

she doesn't know more about medicine than our professors.

She separated a boy from his family, from his religion,

amen!

She wanted to grab the inheritance by any means,

she was right.

Who can believe that this woman is not guilty?

Two jurors for, three jurors against.

Mr. Flavier?

I think, Your Honour,

that it's a pathetic case,

and questions of self-interest don't play in this tragedy.

The accused was looking for a way to show she is outside social conventions,

and she has failed, it is fatal.

But she must accept the responsibility.

This brings compassion,

because she loves these two men.

She has suffered from keeping her word.

She has sacrificed her liberty, her love.

And don't forget this confession: "the children that she wants".

I also think that the accused, if we condemn her,

may kill herself.

I believe her sincere, absolutely sincere...

but I must answer that she is guilty.

You reproached Mr. Montesson

for judging according to the conception he has of things.

How else can we judge?

Called to pronounce on the behaviour of others,

an honest man can only reply:

in the case that you've put before me I would have acted like the accused

or differently.

Well, I am a Catholic,

and I would never have killed Vaudremont.

I admit pity, hesitation,

the revolt before suffering that seems useless,

but all the evidence leads to one conclusion.

It is God who imposes them on us.

It's God alone who may finish a life.

We can not, under any circumstances.

Non possumus.

We cannot kill, in any circumstances,

agreed,

but if you declare that Elsa is guilty,

then it is a sentence of death.

You are killing her.

Be logical.

In any circumstances... You say:

"Even if Vaudremont wanted Elsa to kill him, she didn't have the right.

Because the doctors may be wrong

when they believe you are lost.

Agreed.

But jurors may also be wrong.

How?

Great wise men are not infallible

and yet us, we will have to be

because our name was drawn out of a hat.

In condemning Elsa, are you certain you are not mistaken?

No, nobody can read the mind of Elsa, nor into her heart.

So for the one time I am a juror

don't count on me to separate people who love each other.

Madame, it's forbidden to the public.

I have to get a message to one of the jurors.

They are deliberating. - It's very serious.

It's impossible.

We are going to find out.

Elsa Lundenstein, is she guilty

of administering death to Maurice Vaudremont?

Yes, by a majority.

That voluntary homicide,

was it committed with premeditation? No.

With the mitigating circumstances in favour of the accused,

the court and the jury condemns

Elsa Lundenstein to 5 years in prison.

You are mad!

What an ignominy, don't you find?

The jurors, that's not right!

My Lulu, I was not all alone.

Those 5 years, it's the jurors who should serve them.

You can chew me out outside.

Elisabeth has been shot dead by a revolver.

She had warned me.

And you did nothing to prevent it.

I thought it was just threats, blackmail.

If the family say it was because of you, will that bring you trouble?

No, it's not a matter for the justice system.

My child, she was over-excitable.

No, she was calm.

Very calm.

If I had known before... - They wouldn't let me through.

One vote more,

and she would have been freed.

What are you saying?

Five years. The story is played out.

Now, no more performance, no more ceremony.

Five years.

If Elsa killed the man for his fortune, it's not so much.

If she killed to keep her word,

it's very much.

In both cases, it's a judicial error.

An error committed by the jurors.

Who can explain their actions, justify their reactions?

Who knows deeply enough their wife, their parents, their friends,

never to be surprised by their behaviour?

So who can understand a stranger,

know what motives they follow, in what measure they deserve

to be punished?

Five years.

1,825 days.

1,825 nights,

to pass far from the one she loves.

Five years.

Unless Serge had not told the truth

and she could not bear that separation.

As they swore before God and man,

the jurors looked carefully

at the charges brought against Elsa Lundenstein.

They did not betray the interests of the accused, nor those of society.

They didn't listen with hate nor wickedness,

with fear nor favour.

They decided following their conscience,

with impartiality and firmness

fitting of free men of probity.

Five years.

Elsa,

are you guilty or innocent?

Nobody will ever know.

Nevertheless, justice is done.