Original subtitles

Mrs. Mariani, that's it, all is ready. Shall I start the film?

That old lady is stone deaf, she never hears anything.

Come on Mr. Aristotle, let's roll.

- Is it a real movie we're about to watch? - Yes.

- With real actors? - Of course.

Mrs. Marie Mariani presents:

The story of her life and of her husband Marcel.

THE SWIMMING INSTRUCTOR

Once upon a time, around 1980, in northern France,

lived a young woman, Marie Mariani, an emigrant from the Italian sunshine.

She spent her time dreaming and, strangely, all her dreams came true.

- Hello Marie. - Hello Mr. Vanbrusten. You shouldn't stay here.

I dreamt you were washing your window, and something fell on your head.

I see, thanks. Have a good day.

Everyone loved Marie.

Even the policemen protected her dreams.

- What are you doing tomorrow? - I'm going to the show, to meet the love of my life.

- What does he look like? - Beautiful.

We'll meet again

I know, we'll meet again

It was in my dream. I only know it's going to rain...

... and he'll ask to shelter under my umbrella.

How pretty...what a nice dream.

Thank you Marcel Potier. This concert is brought to you by La Redoute, in Roubaix.

- Can I share your umbrella? - Oh! Yes!

- Do you know where the station is? - Ah, yes.

- Not so fast, OK? - Here it is.

Turn right!

There!

- There you go! - Thanks.

Since I was a kid, I've always dreamt of you.

Without knowing exactly how you looked.

Of me?

- There was some water, we were very rich - Are you sure you're talking about me?

Yes, I'm positive.

Please, carry on, I interrupted.

We went in the sun, there was some water... It was surely the sea.

The sea... I can swim quite well. I was Île- de- France champion.

In 100 m freestyle swimming.

1'04.

9:46 train for Paris is in the station.

My problem is I always sing the same song.

It's true... I've tried to sing others, but I always end up singing the same one.

Same music, same lyrics... It's always the same song.

I love singing this song...

- Have you been singing it for long? - 18 years.

We'll meet again,

I know, we'll meet again...

Pretty, isn't it?

Somewhere, where love doesn't end.

Here or there...

It's sweet.

Hello, it's me again.

I don't know when but we'll meet again.

Well here I put:

Remember

Improvement?

Remember

A lot better isn't it?

That between us, it's never the end, completely.

There, finished.

I don't really understand. I like.

- Well it's quite nice... - I think I'm a bit crazy. Do I scare you?

Tell me?

- Oh no. - No?

I love you.

It's true it was in my dream... but I love you.

I dreamt of the sun... speaking to me...

But I hadn't understood what he told me.

Now I understand.

You are the sun.

You are happiness.

We're both going to the sun.

And Marcel didn't catch his train. He never took the Paris train again.

He never again took the train without Marie.

That very morning, she wanted him to meet her father.

Wait while I speak to my parents, will you?

Who are you, kid?

Me?... Potier.

Are you Maria's boyfriend?

Lucky you, I wish I was in your shoes.

What's happened, Mario?

He's Maria's boyfriend.

So you're the one Maria's always dreamt of? That's you?

This is the kid Maria was always dreaming of, do you remember?

You aren't Italian? He's not Italian, he's a foreigner.

- What does he do? - What's your job?

I'm a pop singer.

He's a singer.

Are you on TV?

Daddy wants to speak to you.

- Good day - Good day

Do you want to marry my daughter?

If you're OK with it...

But you're a gypsy?

I don't think so.

What will you give my daughter to eat?

How will you feed my sister?

I'll work.

Watch out! My daughter is very spoilt.

She wants luxuries, she likes to eat well... everything, just like her mum... she wants a lot.

- Michele give your blessing for Maria. - You have my blessing.

Sing us a song!

We'll meet again, I know, we'll meet again.

Somewhere, where love doesn't end.

Married at last, Marcel and Marie moved to the sunshine.

For love, Marcel decided to work hard. He did any job to prolong his poverty.

Despite all his efforts, they lived in the shadow of the sewer.

Hello Sir. I dipped my headlights, so I didn't blind you.

- How are you? - Fine. I saw you yesterday with your lady.

I didn't like to trouble you.

- Really? You never trouble me. - Your home's very nice.

- Odours don't bother you? - No.

My wife bought me this.

- Can I have a look, please? - If you like.

- Oh God, it's stunning! - Keep it, I've got another.

I'm not sure it's in accordance with the regulations. I should ask my wife.

- It's lavender & lily of the valley. - You're a musician? I see a guitar.

- I strum a little... - The sewer men want me in their choral society.

I'm not so sure...

They've got their own strange folklore.

Where did mummy go? She's at grand- ma's.

Where did daddy go? He's at grand- pa's.

Yes, it's..

- Goodbye Sir. - Goodbye.

Marie was fascinated by wealth. However, she couldn't find in her dreams

The most important thing for her: how to become rich.

So she asked Rolls owners how they became... billionaires.

The answers were varied... join the mafia...

...marry an insane heiress... learn to play the electric guitar...

...become a transvestite... or finally, make movies.

- The wealthy are awful. - Marcel, I'm not wasting my time.

I'm learning a lot of things.

- Can I ask a question? - Is that a recorder?

- Yes, I'm not part of the funerals... - Is it for a TV show?

- No. I just want to ask you a question. - Oh sure... Where's the camera?

- Is there a movie camera? - What is it?

- I don't know, it seems we're being filmed. - Where's the camera?

What's going on?

It's a TV show.

May I have some daisies please?

- I'll take my flowers. - Yes sir.

Some great news Marcel. Firstly, I've bought some fishes...

... the male is small and is called Marcel, his wife is bigger and is called Marie.

But, most importantly, I found out why we came here.

See this small ad? "Wanted: Swimming Instructor".

- I'm not a swimming instructor. - Nor an undertaker, are you?

You must go Marcel, I dreamt it... you were in the water, swimming,

And suddenly, I yelled to you: "we're rich, Marcel!"

The tycoon Achille Zopoulos is back on the Cote d'Azur.

Mr. Zopoulos' fortune comes from his intermediary role between Arab oil producers and Western countries.

Art lover and part- time painter Mr. Zopoulos, better known as "Mr. Zillion"...

...has become the owner of Picasso's famous 'Child with Dove'.

It is said that this masterwork was sold by an English collector for 2.5 million dollars.

That is 1 billion 200 million of our centimes!

When questioned, Mr. Zopoulos' private secretary would neither deny nor confirm the amount.

He just said: "Nothing is too beautiful or too expensive for Mr. Zopoulos."

Good morning gentlemen, I am Mr. Zopoulos' private secretary.

Sorry to make you wait, I thought you were more.

I shall ask some test questions, and make my decision thereafter. Sit down please.

Permit me to apologise to the two candidates who won't be successful.

Please give a spontaneous reply to my first question.

Can you swim?

Could you save someone from drowning?

How would you do so?

I'd knock him out.

I grab his chin.

Well, it depends upon the circumstances.

Very good.

Mr. Zopoulos is one of the richest men of the world.

How rich do you think he is?

To the nearest billion.

Thirty billions.

Fifty seven.

No idea.

Very good.

Very, very good.

Two men are drowning at the same time.

A rich old man and a poor young man.

Who do you save?

- The rich man. - Yes, the rich man.

The young man.

The poor man?

Now I'm going to ask a deciding question.

Mr. Zopoulos, who is older than me...

..and myself are drowning.

Which one of us will you save?

You understand that I cannot hire two men who would coldly let me drown.

So get out, both of you.

Go!

- I was delighted to speak with you, Mr.? - Potier.

- With one or two Ts? - Just the one.

- Your first name? - Marcel.

I'm sure Mr. Marcel that you're well worth getting to know.

Am I mistaken?

Come and sign your contract.

There, sign each page, at the bottom, and finally put your name and "approved".

- A proof? - No, "approved". A- P- P- R- O- V- E- D.

- Are you sure? - Of course.

- You're not in a Union? - No.

- "No" you are, or "no" you aren't? - "No" I'm not.

Well Mr. Marcel.

Well?

- I got the job - How much does it pay?

200 francs a day

200 a day, that's... over 50,000 a year... fabulous!

Oh, hey, I might not work here all year long.

- Sure this doesn't need to be cooked? - No, not necessarily.

Hello.

Are you the gardener?

I'm the new swimming instructor.

Ouch!

Why "ouch"? Because of Mr. Zopoulos?

No, we don't have to deal with him. The real boss is Logan.

- A bit of a character. - Him?

He's a rat.

Ahh, I see you've met our charming gardener?

Follow me.

He's a remarkable man. I really like him.

What's that?

Take off your shoes.

Quickly.

Cross the little pool.

I told Mr. Zopoulos your exploits, yesterday.

- What could you have told him? - It did make him laugh.

It's a point in your favour. Follow me.

I'll show you your 'home from home'.

Here's where you can change. Get undressed.

Undress?

Fine, Mr. Logan?

Call me Logan.

There's no need for "Mr." between us.

- You can call me Marcel. - No, I prefer "Mr. Marcel", for the time being.

Whichever way you like it, Logan.

M. Marcel, you seem very nice to me.

538, +5, Western Holding 114.30; change, Schlum Berger

419.80, - 280; Anxirox Corporation, 250, - 0.70;

Schneider S.A., 118, - 2;

Redoute, in Roubaix, 543, +16;

What does my work involve? Any children?

None, thank God.

Except the driver's idiot son, who's playing.

Well, who do I teach how to swim?

Oh, no- one, nothing has been planned so far.

No- one.

Well, that simplifies work, doesn't it?

I'm not pro a large clientele.

There's not time to treat them individually.

- Enough, it's sufficient. - Sorry?

Enough is sufficient, sufficient is enough. That's a tautology. Follow me please.

No, there.

It's fine.

It's... it's very fine.

Look up there, discreetly, Mr. Zopoulos is watching you.

Come on, swim, swim Mr. Marcel!

Mr. Zopoulos is challenging you to two lengths.

10 francs if you lose, 10,000 if you win.

Neslé, 8970, 3.40; Royal Dutch, 271, +1.80

Brandt, 502.50, +0.80; Chef Transport, 47.50, +0.10;

Zambia Cooper, 0.83, - 0.1;

Chain Manhattan, 136, +1; I.B.M. Corporation, 1309, +20;

Mr. Marcel, you shouldn't bet with Mr. Zopoulos, you're not up to it!

Mr Zopoulos really liked your idea of a race. He's just sorry that you're a bit of a weed.

I hope you had a good day.

See you tomorrow, Mr. Marcel.

I nearly forgot... I put your wages in your trouser pocket.

For shame, Mr. Marcel! Don't you trust me?

I took of 10 francs, for the bet.

- Tell me! - It's just like you said.

Does he live there? Everything's white and beautiful.

They're really nice.

See, you never believe me when I dream.

You can't refuse Marcel. I've never seen you swimming.

- Marcel, I'm scared. - But, you're not scared of my pay packet.

- But you don't earn enough money. - And you don't cook me nice meals.

But you know, everything'll change when we have money, you'll see.

Marcel, I dreamt.

I dreamt...

...I saw gold at the bottom of the pool.

- Are you sure? - Certain.

I have to take a close look at it tomorrow.

You're teasing.

Did you ask Zopoulos if he has any family?

You might have seen gold, but I've seen diamonds.

I think I'm pregnant.

- You think or you're sure? - I'm sure.

Nothing to say?

I'll take a look.

The rat is going to drown the tomcat.

- We have to do something. - Just wait and see.

- Oh, Mr. Marcel, you're early - You know that Mr. Zopoulos is in the pool?

- So what? M. Zopoulos can swim in his own pool. - Fully dressed?

Fully dressed, yes.

Dear Mr. Marcel, you'll never understand the rich. You must get used to it.

M. Zopoulos wishes you to swim.

It's not good.

Mr. Marcel, Mr. Zopoulos wishes you to swim sidestroke.

One, two, three! One, two, three!

No, that's not on! He threw his cigar at me! Does he want to humiliate me or what?

What do you mean by "humiliate"? I don't feel humiliated.

I admire Mr. Zopoulos.

I love him... You're saying that because you see him now but...

...if you'd met him 20 years ago... ...he was like you and me.

Attentive, helpful, charming, witty.

Thin, mischievous, a bit of a gourmet perhaps.

- Well, it's not a reason to... - He's successful, it's normal. He enjoys his money.

He can have everything. I'll tell you something Mr. Marcel

You know that Mr. Zopoulos isn't paralysed?

But as he can afford it, he doesn't have to walk, do you understand?

If you could afford not to, would you swim? I certainly wouldn't.

Now, swim, you're getting on my nerves. One, two, three!

Sidestroke!

Swim... I can see you.

Coffey Make, 123.50, +1.5;

Philips, 299.80, - 3; Chargeur réuni, 233.30, +2.5;

- Mr. Marcel, Mr. Zopoulos insists you attend mass. - I'm not a believer.

So what? Neither am I. Nor is the priest, he's mad.

But he's a real, authentic priest. He cost us a lot of money.

He's here to suffer... He's seeking the way to heaven, the road to redemption.

He's here to humble himself. It's very curious, very interesting to watch.

Look at him up there.

You're in a swimming suit. Get dressed for mass.

You're very hairy.

You must please the women.

But you also please Mr. Zopoulos.

I know it, but beware of Mr. Zopoulos.

Everything is ours.

The bed of the oceans.

The fishes.

The pool, the park, the garden and the house.

This is a truly great hymn. I always sing it with great emotion.

After there's a light meal.

- I'm not really hungry. - Yes, but it's a tradition after mass.

I'll see you there.

Hat off.

Go on, tuck in.

A drop of alcohol...

It revives... a drop of Royale... ...and a drop of blood.

It comes straight from America.

Mr. Zopoulos owns a chain of abattoirs in Chicago.

Doesn't he?

He never listens to any word I'm saying.

Everything is ours, everything is mine.

Chicago abattoirs...

Big Marie's awful. She doesn't leave anything for tiny Marcel.

Morning bells are ringing! Morning bells are ringing!

Ding, dang, dong. Ding, dang, dong.

- What's going on? - This time, I think the rat will shoot the tomcat.

Just wait and see.

Don't move!

If you don't want to be the second instructor... accidentally murdered.

M. Marcel, go swimming, quickly... Mr. Zopoulos is really angry this morning, quick!

It's a really lovely day Marguerite. You must be really nice to please Mr. Zopoulos.

- Mr. Marcel, swim quietly, don't make any noise. - What's going on?

- What's up? - Just keep still!

He's name was Antoine, Mr. Antoine.

- Who's that? - The other murdered instructor.

- Murdered? - Accidentally.

Hello Mr. Marcel. Lovely day, eh?

- Is it true there was a previous instructor? - Who told you that?

The gardener.

- Anything else? - He said he died, accidentally.

- Did you believe him? - Well...

- Well, go on swimming, Mr. Zopoulos is watching us.

I've got some good news. You have a new colleague.

- Who's that? - A Fish.

A fish? And what kind of fish?

- A big, charming, mischievous, fish... - Not a shark, I trust?

I don't know. I love birds, but I don't know anything about fishes.

- Is he well behaved? - She is well behaved, it's a female.

Is the water OK?

- Where is it? - She's behind you, watching you.

Here it comes!

Don't be frightened Mr. Marcel

She's very loving.

You love girls, don't you?

- Mr. Zopoulos wants you to play with her. - But I'm a swimming instructor.

Of course, see how cute she is!

She wants to play, she's sweet. That's Mr. Marcel the new swimming instructor.

No, the ball's for her, not you.

- Want to fight for it? - No.

- I'm not here to teach fishes to swim. - But she can already swim.

M. Zopoulos wants you to pat her, go on.

You'll have a little reward Mr. Marcel.

- A little bonus. - How much?

It's a surprise, swim closer!

There!

She's funny with her ball.

Yes, fine, fine, that's it!

I hope that you've got over your excitement. As usual, you'll find an envelope in your pocket.

It seems fair to offer you a little bonus.

- Fine, so I'm fired? - What a curious person you are.

What a lack of confidence in me, and in you.

The big fish really entertains Mr. Zopoulos.

He has no legs.

- What should I do? - Just wait and see.

I'll go to the villa. What a bad weather!

- Identity, please. - No, that's fine. Wipe your feet.

Gentlemen, place your bets. No more bets.

28, black, even, passe.

Excuse me.

Mr. Zopoulos requests your company. - But I don't know how to play.

No, it's really easy. Sit here.

Here.

Gentlemen, place your bets.

Black!

Everything on black!

- 16, red, even, manque. - Bollocks!

Please sign here.

- Pottier, Marcel, double T. - One T.

No, no way! I can't afford to lose 20,000 francs!

- You made me play. - Don't get worked up Mr. Marcel.

It's Mr. Zopoulos' money.

I gave you 20,000 francs in 500 franc notes 2 minutes ago.

- But, I... - It's Mr. Zopoulos' money.

- Sign before witnesses - No, no.

It's OK, you'll pay it back when you can.

- No, no, no, it's... - Gentlemen, please continue your conversation outside.

Of course.

Excuse us.

For the house.

Thank you sir, have a nice day.

- Mr. Marcel, if you don't sign, you'll be sued. Don't be silly.

I simply cannot. I don't have this much, and I may never have.

I'm going to confide in you, maybe I shouldn't, but I will anyway.

2 million? So you went to the casino?

- No, I gave Zopoulos an I.O.U. - Zopoulos lent you 2 million?

- Er yes, sort of... - Oh, it's wonderful!

Logan said I could win 5 million in one go.

- 5 million a day! That's 5 million times... - Noooo! Not EVERY day!

- Zopoulos is organizing a 5 million franc marathon. - Cool...

Going to Mr. Zopoulos place?

- Yes. - Me too!

- I suppose we're going for the same reason? - I don't think so.

- I'm Alfredo. - Marcel.

Take off your shoes.

Here is allowed, here is forbidden.

No! Not there! Here is allowed, there is forbidden.

No dogs!

No cigars!

Hello, ladies and gentlemen.

I'm Mr. Dalloz, and here's my assessor, Mr. Doucet.

The rules are very simple.

The winner will be the swimmer who stays the longest in the pool.

He'll win a $20,000 prize, that's 10 million in old francs.

Before the actual marathon, there's a selection based on one width of the pool.

- And what am I doing? - You're not involved, you qualify automatically.

Only the best 12, plus one automatic qualifier, will participate in the mara...

...will participate in the marathon proper.

You'll be the thirteenth marathonian. Thirteen brings good luck.

And Mr. Zopoulos will be pleased if you win, he'll be a part of the winner.

- I don't give a shit. - Language, ingrate! what a short memory!

- I didn't say anything. - You did! What a bad word, you'll be punished.

The first 12 only will qualify, the others will be asked to leave quietly.

I present you Mr. Zopoulos, the generous organizer of this marathon.

Right, I shall start you with this pistol.

- Is it loaded? - It is.

- Otherwise, I'll look like a wanker. - OK, fine.

OK gentlemen... ready... get set...

- Are you sure it's loaded, Fernand? - Oh yes.

No violence gentlemen please.

Please, no violence. Remember, it's only a game. We live in a democracy, heavens!

I disagree, they pushed me in the water.

According to the principle, that the boss is always right...

... Mr. Zopoulos reserves the right to change the rules as often as he wants.

Bollocks to you!

A doctor, the good Dr. Lambert...

...will watch over you, and will be sole arbiter of which competitors may continue the marathon.

His decision is final, without appeal.

They'll scratch my tiles.

There is no time limit for this nautical marathon.

And I'd like to say that the marathon is just a game.

Mr. Zopoulos doesn't want to harm those who kindly...

... yes, kindly... participate.

There

- No clinging to the edge, you'll be out after 10 sec. - Just like in boxing.

You always cut me short Fernand! Pay attention, I'm going to start you off.

You're not obliged to swim. Oh dear, they didn't understand anything!

- Alright? - Yeah. This competition is senseless.

I've seen a lot in my life, but never anything quite so absurd.

- Tell me, whose brain did this idea come from? - It's an idea of Mr. Zopoulos.

- His paralysis seems to have turned him crazy. - Oh, he isn't paralysed.

You mean it's just a fancy?

- Of course - Oh no!

Why isn't this my pool?

Perhaps because we're not intelligent enough.

But I'm intelligent, and I have no pool.

- Where are you from? - From the oceanographic museum.

With this money, I'll get married. I can't live alone, I get down in the dumps.

I always need someone... a woman, preferably.

Did you see those guys? They seem to have made- to- measure bodies!

Napoleon, Napoleon...

I'll get my mother to come, and maybe my brothers too.

Hey, look at no. 12. He's off again.

No. 12, I'm counting: 1, 2, 3... OK, that's fine.

Saturday 11.00 am.

- 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7... - No, it's really bad, really bad...

One! Two!

Hey, you're cheating...

Three! Four! One, two, three, four!

Fernand, shut up!

Seven

- Go on! - It's not sporting, not at all!

It's a game.

- It's really mean. - Do something instead of staying like this!

- No. 5, is this a tactic? Look, it's not fair. There's a wonderful sun, a warm pool...

... and you're cheating! It's not on!

Listen, I'm adding this to rule 14: any swimmer...

...counted more than three times... will be eliminated.

Thank you gentlemen for your understanding. I'm really moved.

You're in the family, you know everyone... who's the top man?

Stroll on,

Nice here, isn't it? If it was mine, I'd invite some young birds over.

I'd organise midnight bathes, every evening, stark naked.

You don't understand rich people.

You're pretty sharp. If the fishes don't eat you, you'll be 2nd behind me.

- I think I ate some dodgy pot- au- feu. - Who?

- Me. Lucette and I are bloated as we... - Hey, no. 12, I'm counting you.

Saturday, 1:00 pm.

He looks injured.

Let's isolate the little man.

Let's isolate the little man.

No 2 is eliminated.

Well done, son!

- What were you saying about Lucette? - Last week...

- ...it was her legs, then her teeth, now she's bloated. - Oh shit.

- Her legs, how embarrassing. - Women are pain in the neck.

- Do you have a car? - Yes, but my wife drives.

Nino. What are you doing there?

Can't you see? I'm working.

No, I don't Nino. I see you swimming in some stranger's pool.

Can I swim too?

What an example for your son!

I look tired, but I could have lasted for hours.

I found a position, like this, torn apart, like Ravaillac. You float, you stay put...

- Get dressed! - Thanks sweetheart.

Insulting me in front of everybody. It's really not very nice.

Honestly, I got worn out... There was money to win...

- Money to win? - Napoleon, paf!

It was cool guys. Those guys were really cool.

Off we go!

It's exactly the way I dreamt your paradise. You didn't tell me you worked with some pals.

It's only for the marathon. I've explained, the winner gets $20,000.

Cool... Where's Mr. Zopoulos, I'm going to congratulate him.

He's up there, watching you.

You're going to win Marcel, this competition's made for you.

It's a way of giving you some money without offending you.

- Think about it, you're used to swimming here. - You're kidding!

- Remember my dream: gold is at the bottom of the water.

Mrs. Marcel I presume?

- Logan. My husband often speaks of you. - Yes, we've become good friends. Excuse us.

M. Zopoulos is eager to meet you. He loves women.

Saturday, 3:00 pm.

What did Mr. Zopoulos tell you?

- He asked me questions. - What kind of questions?

It's a secret.

How about going home, eh?

Let me enjoy this heaven a little longer.

You didn't tell me the dolphin story.

Logan really made me laugh.

Latest news: according to our correspondent, Mr. Zopoulos, also known as...

...Mr. Z or "Mr. Zillion", has lost his profitable monopoly.

An OPEC & Western companies coalition has evicted Mr. Zopoulos from the oil business.

Some of his detractors now refer to him as "Mr. Zilch."

Here's an account from his entourage.

(Logan:) He still has large resources thanks to his oil tankers,

but he might have to deprive himself of some of his extravagances.

Saturday, 6:00 pm.

- What's up Fernand? Where's the Greek gone? - They say he's ill.

- It's not a simple competition anymore. - No

- Besides, I think this Mr. Zopoulos is quite weird. - Yes.

- This Mr. Zopoulos, he's a big hippopotamus. - "Big" is redundant. All hippopotamus are big.

- There are fat and thin ones, but he's a fat one. - Fair enough.

Hey guys, they say it's not a competition.

The water is radioactive, and we're guinea pigs.

- I'm off. - Me too.

Nos. 8 and 10 are eliminated.

You know, even if you win this competition, you won't benefit from your money.

- Why? - That's the way it is.

I have friends waiting for the last berk to get out of this pool to beat him up.

- Do you know for how much money? - No, but you'll tell me.

$20,000.

- Then what are you doing here? - Guess...

- I don't know. - I'm pissing.

It's too... really terrible.

Saturday, 7:00 pm.

Mr. Zopoulos felt faint. Now that I'm his friend, I really have to see him.

- You won't fire me? - Why do you say that?

I'm nothing here, I'm nothing here.

Just wait and see.

Marie. The doctors told me I'm going to die soon.

It might be true.

But they're wrong to say that I'm dying from illness.

I'm dying from love.

I'm dying because... I didn't love as much as I would have liked.

I salute you, Marie.

You're my favourite.

Yes, Mr. Zopoulos isn't here. He's quite exhausted, he felt slightly faint, it's not serious

Mind the step, it's slippery. So you came to see the competition? It's the 16th hour.

Good evening.

There are only 8 competitors left. Only poor people, but of all races.

Good evening.

So, you're one of the eight survivors?

If there were only one left, it would be me.

This marathon's a good idea. Some friends of mine did something like that in a pool.

But it was just between them, there was no prize. It was less exciting.

You know, Zopoulos is an ostentatious man.

One of the last great nabobs.

- Last what? - I mean he's a very generous man.

- Do you know him well? - Not really, just to say "hello."

Well, then I'll leave you. Good luck.

Thank you.

To the competitors: a prize of 1000 dollars for the contestant who stays under the water longest.

I'd like to point out that this little diversion, proposed by His Serene Highness,

is completely compatible with the rules.

His Highness is too kind. Thanks to His Highness.

Right, amateurs raise your hands.

One, two, three, four, five, six.

His Highness is very successful.

Great, are you ready?

Ten, nine, eight...

Good luck all, may the best man win.

two, one, drown!

- Wunderbar, it's fantastic! - All this boys are wonderful.

Marcel must win the marathon. I want the winner to inherit my whole fortune.

And it'll cause a big panic in business circles.

Great news!

- It's a surprise, you'll see. - What sort of surprise?

- I can't say, it's confidential. - Tell me.

Attention please, this is a very important announcement...

M. Zopoulos will bequeath his entire fortune to the winner of the marathon.

What are you talking about? You're badly informed, mate.

Yes, it's true, I saw Mr. Zopoulos, I came from his home.

The fat man's crazy!

I'm swimming, you see?

Have you eaten? I left you something in the fridge, did you see?

I feel you're judging me.

You look like your mother, you know...

You'll see, it's gonna change. I'll win this competition, and we'll move back to Paris.

You're cold, aren't you?

I'll carry on.

- Hey, you're done...- Go fuck yourself... - You're eliminated.

Go!

Did you see, Trokorsky is attacking the Arab.

One, two, three...

...ten. Mr. Arab, no. 12, you're eliminated.

After 23 hours of the marathon, there are only seven contestants left.

The bailiffs are here. Mr. Zopoulos should write his will. I told you to wait and see.

Sir! This man's drowning!

- It's horrible! - It happens, it's the game...

Don't you want a drink?

- Thanks, I don't smoke... I mean "drink". - Stanislas, you're not going in? Are you mad?

- It's cloudy, even dirty... - So what?

- Are you going to wear a swim suit? - Of course.

- Do you have one? - No.

- Underpants? - Yes, underpants.

Oh God, how awful. Come on Stanislas, are you crazy?

- I tell you the water is dirty, you're so stubborn. - I have to go.

- The water is sea- green, like all the men... - It's awful.

I never undress on time.

This upright, loyal man will stay a model of courage and of virtue.

- Gentlemen please, don't profit from... - Fernand, I'm speaking.

I have a communication: Gentlemen, don't profit from the incident.

In ten seconds, those who are still on the edge of the pool...

No way!

M. Marcel in! Please set an example.

In the water!

Faster! I see you dark- skinned man, in the water!

Sunday, 10:30 am.

What's the Arab doing? He's cheating!

Hey, Mr. Bailiff, no. 12 is eliminated.

- It's not good to tell tales. - Ah, that's right Mr. Arab, you have to get out.

- I'm just having a bath, that's all - Oh no.

- Let him, or we'll be accused of racism. - OK, you can have a bath.

spanish?

- Are you OK? - I'm fine.

- How much would you pay me to give up? - I don't take bribes, or offer them.

- 100,000 old francs. - Sorry.

4, 5 and 6 are eliminated. After 25 hours, only three contestants remain.

Sunday, 11:00 am.

One, two, three, four, five.

No. 9 is eliminated.

After 28 hours, only two contestants remain. Numbers 13 and 1.

Dear mum, it's very hot. They're still in the water, swimming. I'm very tired. XXX, Logan.

I said you'd come second.

Sunday, 8:00 pm.

Life was simple. My father told me:

"Go out and grab anything that isn't nailed down".

That's the way I lived. One can't do good and keep one's money.

And now I want to do good. I don't want my money anymore.

It all belongs to you now, Marie.

I always dreamt of the sun, but I didn't understand what it meant.

Now I know.

You are the sun.

I like Marcel.

He believes I wanted to humiliate him... ...but it's not true.

I like men.

Don't I Logan? You old scoundrel.

Go to the pool.

Go and see whether I'm still struggling.

I like men. I love mankind.

I love you Marie.

Put your hand here.

Yes, that's nice.

Oh sorry.

It's good.

God is good.

Come in.

I'm good. God is love, I'm love. I love Nirvana, Brahma, Vishnu.

I don't even want this water to water my flowers.

Mr. Marcel.

The sea!

I don't want death imposed on me. I will command it.

Now, Marie, you must leave me alone.

I have to hurry up.

I declare no. 13 the winner of this marathon.

He will receive not only the 20,000 dollars,

but will also become sole heir to Mr. Achille Zopoulos, who died today...

- ...at 6:05, in his Prima Vera property. - Look, he isn't moving, he's drowning.

We've got to do something. I can't swim, you go on in!

- I can't swim either. - You can't swim too? So you...

...go!

I've already opened the vaults, just wait and see.

That's it my dear Aristotle, that's how your grand- father became a billionaire.

Now, take me to my room.

Do you need anything Mrs. Marie, it's getting cold.

She's really stone deaf.

I'm going to prepare Mr. Aristotle's room.

Thank you Logan.

You old scoundrel.

Marcel darling... Marcel darling...

Hello!

It's me again!