Original subtitles

The characters depicted in this film are entirely fictitious.

Any similarity to actual persons, living or dead,

is purely coincidental.

The phantom of Liberty

“the action begins in Toledo, in 1808,

during the occupation of the city by Napoleon's army.

It is inspired by a story by Gustavo a. Bécquer,

the Spanish romantic poet.”

Prisoners against the wall!

First row, kneel!

Ready, aim -

down with Liberty!

Death to the French!

Firel

First row...

Kneel!

Ready, aim, fire!

I'm hungry.

Come.

Despite his wouna, and bent on revenge against the knight,

the caplain wagered his fellow officers

that hed have dona elvira's mortal remains brought to his bed.

Nothing could deter him from his intent,

and one night he carried out

his macabre plan.

The ineffable hand of death

had spared her face,

which had remained as fresh and delicate as a Rose.

They found her beneath her tombstone

amid her repugnant paraphernalia...

What's that?

“Paraphernalia.” a sweet-smelling herb?

A rosary? - Not that either.

It's a legal term for the personal property of a married woman.

But in english, the word “paraphernalia” has a much broader meaning.

It refers to any accoutrements, belongings, personal items,

even fishing gear or a sewing kit.

- Where were you? - We went biking over the bridge.

Now we're off to the slide.

We're going soon. We'll come get you.

You slid down so nicely.

I think I know you. What's your name?

Veronique.

- And you? - Valérie.

Yes, of course.

Since you're both so nice,

I'm going to give you a charming gift.

Come with me - our bikes are over there.

Let's go.

And now...

I'm going to show you some very pretty pictures.

But you mustn't show them to anyone.

If you want them, you have to promise.

Just look.

They're for you.

Show them to your girlfriends.

But no grown-ups.

You'll remember that?

I'm sick of symmetry.

Henri

back already?

What do you mean? I never went out.

Don't you feel well?

I don't know what's wrong. I'm on edge, tired.

That's true.

I've noticed it myself lately.

Veronique's on vacation this week.

Let's spend it at the sea.

Why the sea? The sea's no longer the sea.

Hello, mommy.

Look what someone gave me.

I passed you in the street yesterday and you didn't even recognize me.

I haven't been sleeping well lately.

I haven't mentioned it, but sometimes I lie awake all night.

You should get a checkup, just to be sure.

Don't say “checkup.”

There's a proper French term for it: “General examination.”

It's too long. “General examination.”

“Checkup” is much quicker.

What's the hurry?

Francoise!

Come here.

Where did you get these? A nice man gave them to me.

So you let her talk to strangers?

I didn't see anything. I didn't know.

The man seemed very nice. He even offered us candy.

I've warned you before.

If you ever accept anything from a stranger again,

there'll be trouble!

Time for her snack. Yes, ma'am.

This is disgraceful!

Let me see.

Can you imagine!

Disgusting, but what can you do?

I'm at my wits' end.

I can't be constantly watching her.

Look at this.

Remember? It was in Milan.

At your parents' home.

We were too young.

But it was magnificent!

And you didn't want to -

Véronique might hear us.

Incredible.

Revolting.

- Sickening! - What can you expect nowadays?

This one could pass.

This one's obscene.

This may be okay for old fogies, but not for me.

No, not this!

- Let me see. - What for?

Why not?

Let me see ii.

You're right.

This is going too far.

Call the maid.

Francoise.

I'm going to skip dinner tonight and turn in early.

You should see a doctor. I insist.

- Here, you can keep them. - Thanks, daddy.

May I trade them for some spider pictures?

If you like.

Madam called?

After today's incident, it's best you leave us.

But I had nothing to do with it. I didn't know -

settle things with my wife, then get out.

I'm sorry, but under the circumstances, there's nothing I can do.

You can stay the night, of course.

Let's work out what we owe you.

This one's a water spider.

Very good, darling.

I drew that one. It's a wolf spider.

No, darling, it's a trapdoor spider.

A species you won't find in France, sad to say.

Hélene.

That's enough.

That's more than enough.

I'm sorry, Mr. foucauld,

but this isn't my specialty.

We're both wasting our time.

But what should I do?

There's nothing wrong with you physically.

If you wish to discuss your dreams, see a psychoanalyst.

He'll listen to you - for months or years, if necessary.

Doctor, it wasn't a dream. I have the postman's letter.

Look.

- Doctor? - What?

May I see you a moment?

- Can't it wait? - It's rather urgent.

Excuse me.

My father is very sick.

What's wrong with him?

He's already had two attacks. He's old.

I'd like to go see him.

We're very busy right now.

Will you be away long?

A day or two. I'll be back as soon as possible.

Very well.

Thank you, doctor.

Excuse me. Did you see any foxes on the road?

Foxes? No.

- No foxes crossing the road? - I didn't see a thing.

What did I tell you!

No foxes around here. Never were!

I had firsthand information, sir. Maybe it's the storm.

And we still have 30 miles to go.

Enough time wasted! Let's go.

Excuse me. Are you going toward argenton?

Be careful. There was a landslide. The road may be out.

Good-bye, ma'am.

Let's go!

- Good evening. - May I use your phone?

- The line's down due to the floods. - What will I do now?

Do you have a room? Of course. Front or back?

It doesn't matter. I'm leaving early.

Would you like supper?

No, just some milk and fruit.

I'll just be a minute. Go and dry off.

Good evening.

What hellish weather!

It seems the argenton road is out.

Have a seat, ma'am.

We're stranded here too.

- Are you from the area? - My family is. And you?

St. Joseph's monastery. You must know it.

I've been there with my father.

I'm going to see him. He's sick. Who knows if I'll find him alive.

What's wrong with him?

I'm afraid for him.

The heart. The disease of our times.

The bustle, the anxiety,

the traveling.

My father runs a small farm. He never travels.

He doesn't read the papers. He doesn't have a phone.

If everyone prayed to St. Joseph

and spent 30 minutes a day in meditation,

we'd all be perfectly relaxed. Surely.

Whenever you're ready, ma'am.

Good night.

This way.

Pardon me.

Would you like an extra blanket?

No, I sleep with the windows shut.

Is there hot water? - Of course.

Shall I wake you? - No need.

Then good night.

Who is it?

I's father Gabriel. I'd like a word with you.

Just a moment.

Good evening, ma'am. May I?

Do you know what this is? Yes, a religious figure.

A miraculous figure of St. Joseph.

It can have surprising effects on the sick.

- Really? - I'm thinking of your father.

Faith can sometimes triumph where science has failed.

We just saw the marquise de la pomaréde.

Yesterday she was near death.

We brought her the image.

We prayed.

This morning when we left the chateau -

- she was cured? - She felt a bit better.

Ah, you play cards?

Sometimes, when I'm alone.

I play solitaire.

So do I. It's very relaxing.

That must be the other fathers.

Good evening.

Now, with your permission,

we shall pray for your father.

I don't know how to thank you. I'm deeply touched.

- Would you like a rosary? - Yes, thank you.

Let us meditate tonight on the sorrowful mystery

of Christ's agony on the mount of olives.

Our father, who art in heaven...

Hail Mary, full of grace...

Holy Mary, mother of god, pray for us sinners

now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

- I'm in. - Raise you 10.

- Pass. - I'll see you and raise you a scapular.

I open.

- How many cards? - Two.

Virgins are 10 and sacred hearts are 25, right?

Yes, and scapulars are 50.

I'll open with a virgin.

I'll see you.

Full house, Jacks over eights.

Didn't you say your father once lived in the colonies?

No, he's never left these parts. Why?

No reason.

Place your bets.

She was so mischievous.

Who?

A pious lady who used to visit us. Her husband was a military man.

- What about her? - Nothing, nothing.

Father Gabriel.

I didn't say anything unusual.

Those must be the late guests I was expecting.

If you'll excuse me.

Which is higher, a flush or a straight?

A flush.

Then I raise you 10.

- Is our room ready? - Yes. It's very nice.

It looks out on the mountains. Very quiet.

It's late, but if you want dinner, a snack or a sandwich -

no, the lady is tired. We'll go right to bed.

Take their luggage up.

What time would you like breakfast?

We'll come down.

Would madam like anything? A bottle of mineral water?

Nothing, thank you.

Good night.

The die is cast.

What do you mean?

That this is wonderful.

Come sit next to me. Come on.

- The things you make me do. - Don't be nervous.

You heard the man. It's very quiet here.

- Too quiet. - Sit down.

Take off your glasses.

What's wrong? You seemed so happy about coming.

- I shouldn't have listened to you. - How I've waited for this.

Please, francois, take me home.

Why did you come then?

Because I can't refuse you anything.

For once we're alone,

without my mother, my brothers, my sisters.

It was unbearable, having you near me, always having to lie.

For me as well, francois.

But how can we avoid lying?

Sit down here.

All my life I've felt you close to me.

Your perfume, your presence.

The times I held you in my lap when you were a child.

When I think of a woman, it's always you I see.

Of all my nephews,

I've always loved you best.

Remember that holy Thursday,

sitting side by side in the church's dim light?

Your hand rested on the pew.

I gently put my hand on yours and squeezed it.

I felt your fingers close around mine.

I didn't dare believe it.

I waited for a moment.

Then I looked at you.

You looked at me and leaned toward me...

And we kissed for the first time.

We couldn't help ourselves.

I won't touch you.

But there's one thing I want more than anything.

What?

- To see you naked. - Impossible!

- I won't leave here until I do. - I couldn't.

I've never been naked in front of a man.

No man has ever touched me.

Take off your clothes.

If you refuse, you know [I'll stop at nothing.

Damn it!

Take off your clothes.

You promise you won't touch me?

Lock the door.

Turn around.

It's no use. I can't do it.

- But you said - - I said nothing!

What's gotten into you? Stop it!

You swear you won't touch me?

I swear.

Turn around.

What must they be thinking at home?

They'll be waiting for us.

You know your mother. She's so easily worried.

They may think we had an accident.

What with the phone lines down...

Well, too bad. We'll see.

Are you ready?

You can turn around if you want.

For pity"s sake, francois.

Don't be frightened.

Let me.

You swore.

One second.

It's better like this, isn't it?

Let go of me or I'll scream!

Help!

Excuse me.

I'll light the way for you.

Just light a candle and the power comes back.

Going downstairs? - To the bar.

The bar's closed.

Come to my room. We were about to open some port.

No, really - - please do.

Just for a minute.

Go on in.

My dear, allow me to introduce Mr. -

francois de richemont.

- Miss rosenblum. - It's a pleasure.

- The pleasure's mine. - My name is Jean bermans.

Do sit down.

Are you from Paris?

Yes. You too?

No, I'm a hatter from nimes. Miss rosenblum is my associate.

Are you in business t00?

- No, I'm a student. - What are you studying?

I'm graduating high school.

Lucky young fellow.

I have fond memories of my student days.

If only I could have gone to college. But in ostend, you know -

are you here alone?

No, I'm with...

My mother.

Perhaps she'd care to join us.

I don't think so. She's not feeling well.

One moment.

I'm sorry, but I heard voices. I'm looking for matches.

Come in. Sit down for a minute.

It's just... "M with four gentlemen.

Four gentlemen?

We might invite them in too.

That would be lovely.

Will you show me to your room?

Yes, but - - come.

Which door? - That one.

She didn't tell me the gentlemen were -

but it's no problem. On the contrary.

Jean bermans.

Gentlemen, I'd be honored

if you'd join us for some port in my room.

In your room?

- That's very kind of you, but - - I'd be so pleased.

It's late. We were going to bed.

We must celebrate the chance that brought us together.

- Celebrate what? - Chance. Come along.

Come along, please.

This way.

After you, miss.

Please go in.

You must be Dominicans.

- No, carmelites. - That's a relief.

My dear Edith, isn't this a stroke of luck?

This is miss rosenblum. Pleased to meet you.

Edith, pour us some port, will you?

Mr. de richemont, will you give me a hand?

It's a bit cramped in here, but no matter.

We love these impromptu gatherings.

We'll have a charming time, if you have no objections.

Excuse me.

Mr. bermans, haven't we met before?

I don't think so.

You never lived in the Congo?

The Belgian Congo.

- I've never been to Africa. Why? - No reason.

- The weather's improving. - It's about time.

Personally, I love Africa.

St. Christopher has never been any help to me.

- Naturally. - What do you mean?

He's no longer a Saint. Nor are St. George and some others.

The church has become very strict about sainthood.

Isn't that damaging to the faith?

On the contrary. It reinforces it.

Sainthood isn't like some badge.

You've no doubt heard of savonarola?

- Wasn't he a Dominican? - Indeed, and an illustrious one.

Savonarola was tried and condemned as a heretic,

soon he may even be sanctified.

While other saints will disappear?

Yes, it appears that St. théréese of lisieux -

St. thérese?

How could they?

That's the rumor going around Rome.

We now know that thérese's parents had a hereditary disease

when she and her many brothers and sisters were conceived.

What will become of the basilica?

A church like all the others.

And the virgin of lourdes? Same thing?

No. There never was a real miracle at lisieux, whereas in lourdes -

go on! Beat me, you old slut!

Harder! Again! That's it!

Harder!

I'm a swine!

I'm filth!

Beat me, you filthy trollop!

I'm rotten! A leper!

Again!

No, wait! Don't go!

Let the monks stay, at least!

- Allow me, ma'am. - Yes, take him.

Thank you for your hospitality.

If he wants a beating, I'll give him one!

Calm down, father!

You must rest.

This way.

Come.

Do what you want with me!

You're the first one up.

- Is the phone working? - Not yet, but the argenton road is open.

- Is my bill ready? - Of course.

Excuse me. Are you going to argenton?

Could you give me a ride? There's no bus for two hours.

- I'd be glad to. - Thank you.

Here you are.

Thank you. Do you need the bill?

Allow me.

Good-bye.

- I'll tell you where to drop me. - Of course.

Thanks so much.

Here he comes!

Look out, he's coming! Take your seats.

Be seated.

The colonel is a cuckold the captain is a pansy

Who wrote that?

Who wrote that?

You won't answer?

Then I'll have to report it.

It's incredible. Honestly.

At your age, you still act like children.

Duval, erase that. And close the door.

In our last class we were discussing

the notion of laws

and misdemeanors.

We saw how the aim of laws

is t0 maintain social order.

Naturally, they're subject to change

from one country to another, from one age to another.

In fact...

They are merely conventions.

The same goes for customs and morals.

Take polygamy, for example -

target practice!

Group 3!

As I was saying...

Morals are subject to change...

As are laws.

So polygamy...

Which is the norm in some societies,

is taboo in ours.

On that subject,

I refer you to the works of Margaret mead -

I repeat: Mead, m-e-a-d...

On sexual practices in melanesia.

Her books -

I'm not starting over for latecomers!

I was speaking of the works of Margaret mead

on sexual practices in melanesia.

I was saying that these works -

accident on highway 767!

With all these comings and goings, I've lost where I was.

Ah, I was saying that these works,

found in the barracks library,

will help you better understand the relativity of customs

and, consequently, of laws.

When you compare one culture to another,

it's all a question of viewpoint.

Everyone is always someone else's barbarian.

What's more...

As far as the relativity

of customs and laws is concerned -

the gasworks just blew up!

General alarm!

Aren't you going with the others?

- We're on arctal ructive duty. - On what?

Arctal ructive duty.

I see. And you?

Me too.

Very well.

With all these interruptions...

I've lost my place.

Ah, that's right.

I think that everything I just explained to you

will help you better understand the relativity

of customs and laws.

You're well aware that it's often a question of changing the laws.

We also hear a lot about an evolution

said to be leading to changes in customs and morals.

Come look at this.

Red daily workers sound the alarm!

Attention!

- Colonel. - Go ahead.

I've been told the class was a bit restless today.

We'll see about that. Sit down.

Carry on.

There's a good deal of talk about changing our morals.

Some people are even calling for a general upheaval.

But the consequences of such a disturbance

could prove intolerable, even horrifying.

I'll pick an example at random.

My wife and I are invited to visit some friends...

- We thought you'd never make it. - You can't imagine the traffic.

We nearly began without you.

- You should have. - You're not serious!

Why, here's Sophie!

Sweetheart, how are you?

How you've grown! Is school going well?

You know Mrs. calmette.

If you'll just follow me...

Let's see.

Mrs. calmette, you sit there.

Elisabeth, here.

Professor, you'll be to my right.

Charles, between Elisabeth and Mrs. calmette.

Sophie darling...

Come sit on my left.

Do sit down.

We went to see Tristan and isolde the other day.

- Was it good? - Splendid.

Carlotta igellicci was heartrending.

What a voice! What presence!

It's a shame she's put on weight.

Cigarette? No?

I'd love one, thanks.

- How was your trip to Spain? - Interesting.

But - - but?

We had to come home early.

Madrid was filled with the stench of -

pardon my language - food.

It was indecent.

What will our planet be like in 20 years

with the current population explosion?

It makes you wonder.

What are you referring to?

Consider the quantity of toxic products we dump in our rivers.

Insecticides, detergents,

all the industrial residue.

- Not to mention bodily wastes. - Of course.

There are almost four billion people on earth.

In 20 years it'll be seven billion.

Seven billion!

And how much bodily waste do you think a person discharges daily?

I don't know. Half a pound, maybe?

Much more!

Urine is heavier than water.

All told, I'd say at least three pounds.

Multiplied by four billion,

that's more than 12 billion pounds a day.

In 20 years, more than 22 billion pounds!

- Ten million tons of excrement a day? - Exactly.

My word!

That's really alarming!

How many tons was that?

More than 10 million tons a day.

And such waste is extremely toxic.

Its damaging effect is increased by the presence of chemicals.

Just try peeing into your fish tank every day

and you'll understand.

Mommy, I'm really hungry.

Sophie, it's bad manners to talk like that at the table!

Excuse me a moment.

Where's the dining room, please?

Last door on the right.

It's occupied!

Sorry.

What is it?

Colonel, we go on duty at 11:00 A.M.

Go ahead, then.

Driver's license and registration.

Don't you know the speed limit? I was doing under 40.

Is that so?

And the seat belt is compulsory.

I know. I wasn't thinking.

- Have you seen your tires? - No.

You're endangering not just your own life

but those of other drivers.

I have a doctor's appointment in Paris.

Are you putting me on?

Consider yourself lucky I don't impound your car.

Richard, how are you feeling, my friend?

No better, no worse.

- And your wife and little girl? - Fine, thank you.

You must come over for dinner some evening.

- We'd like that. - Step inside.

Have a seat.

Did you bring the test results?

Let's have a look.

Glucose: 130. Good.

Cholesterol, fine.

Uric acid... urea... good.

Very good.

Your results are better than mine. Now for the electrocardiogram.

Normal.

You smoke a lot? - A pack a day.

That's too much.

And you lead a hectic life.

Keep it up, and in three or four years

you'll be in a wheelchair.

Let's look at the x-rays.

This area here is clear, see?

There's a small spot there.

We could take another X-ray to be sure.

And those white spots?

Oh, nothing.

Catherine ran into your wife the other day.

So you're not going south this summer?

If I'm not feeling well, we'll stay in Paris.

Well, then?

One thing.

I'd like to make a small incision.

Simple medical curiosity.

- Big? - No. This long.

- So you mean an operation. - Just to see.

When?

Whenever you want. When you have time.

Would tomorrow work?

Tomorrow? Is it that urgent?

Always best to do these things as soon as possible.

What's wrong?

It's up to you,

but personally, I'd like to have a look.

Listen, Pierre...

I'm not a child anymore.

If it's something serious, you can tell me.

I like patients like you.

You have a neoplasm.

I see.

What's that?

A growth of new tissue.

Or if you prefer, cancer.

What?

You have cancer of the liver.

Cancer, me?

At a fairly advanced stage.

But nowadays, you know,

these things -

cigarette?

What did Dr. pasolini say?

It's nothing.

Oh, good. That's a relief.

I was a bit worried, you know.

Did he start you on treatment? No, nothing.

Isn't aliette here?

She's at school at this hour.

Yes, speaking.

What's that?

When? How?

That's impossible!

We'll be right there.

- What is it? - Aliette has disappeared.

- What? - She's disappeared from school.

There must be an explanation. Did the nanny take her?

Yes. She just got back. She didn't say a thing.

Brigitte!

Exactly what happened?

I don't know. We don't understand it.

- You're sure she's disappeared? - I don't know.

What makes it so odd

is that she and the others were under constant supervision.

And she was always there.

Come with me. I'll show you.

“Will we see him...

Come back?”

This is Mr. and Mrs. legendre, aliette's parents.

Pleased to meet you.

When the children came into class, the teacher counted them.

There were 22 girls, as usual.

Five minutes later, she noticed aliette wasn't there.

She called me right away.

- Could she have run away? - Impossible.

The concierge was categorical: No pupil left the grounds.

This is incredible. Is no one in charge here?

Sit down.

I counted them too.

I took the enrollment list and called the roll.

I've lost faith in this school.

- Mommy. - Be quiet. What do you want?

I'm right here.

Be quiet when the principal is talking. Understand?

Now go back to your seat.

I'll call the roll for you. You'll see.

Legendre, aliette.

Here.

You see? She's there.

And all the others are there?

All of them. I checked.

You looked everywhere?

We searched the entire school. Nothing.

Good lord! What could have happened to her?

If you think we'll settle for these feeble excuses, you're wrong.

We must notify the police at once.

- Where's your coat? - In the hall.

Come on.

Show them in.

Please come in.

Please sit down.

You are Mr. legendre?

Yes. Thank you for seeing us so quickly.

Not at all. What can I do for you?

- Our daughter has disappeared. - When?

About an hour ago, when she got to school.

The nanny took her as usual.

When the teacher called the roll, she was there.

They searched the entire school, but they didn't find her, of course.

Do you have any enemies? Anyone who would wish you harm?

I don't think so.

You're a man who's fairly -

that is, if it's a kidnapping,

do you have the means to pay a ransom?

Yes, of course.

I see. Is there a withess?

The nanny.

You took this child to school?

Yes, sir.

But it's not my fault. It wasn't me.

I left her at the gate, like always. Didn't I, aliette?

That's right. It was like every day.

She left me at the gate.

You'll speak when you're questioned.

First we'll fill out a missing persons form.

You did well to bring her along. Makes it much easier.

Come here, child.

Now then...

Legendre. Your first name?

Race... white.

Age? - Eight and a half.

Marital status... single.

Brown eyes.

Brown hair.

Height?

36”.

Weight?

Fifty-five pounds.

Wearing a blue coat, black shoes, white socks.

Touchard, ask the sergeant to step in here.

Sergeant, please.

Issue an all-points bulletin for Paris. We must find this child.

Yes, sir.

Is this her? - Yes, why?

- Can't we take her along? - No need.

Just take a good look, then get to work.

Yes, sir.

Sergeant, your shoes are far from spotless!

It's true. I didn't have time to -

fine, fine. Go.

So there's no need to worry. We're pulling out all the stops.

Contact us if you hear anything, even if you're warned against it.

- We'll do that. - Thank you, inspector.

Don't mention it.

Thank you. Good-bye.

Fine-looking dog.

You keep him tied up all day? I let him out now and then.

- It's not risky in all this traffic? - He's used to it.

- What's his name? - Chico.

Good boy.

The bastards who mistreat animals should be drowned.

That's what the gospel says... More or less.

What's the matter?

I see him.

The highest open window. I'll call in.

Court is in session.

The defendant will rise.

All right, all right.

Here are the judgments on the charges

and the verdict.

On the charge of first-degree murder,

the jury has found you guilty

by a majority of at least eight votes.

As to extenuating circumstances, the jury found none,

by a majority of at least eight votes.

Under articles 295, 296, 297, 302, and 304,

and article 12 of the penal code,

the court, having deliberated in accordance with the law,

sentences Bernard levasseur to death.

Court is adjourned.

May I have your autograph?

Me too.

The trial of the killer poet

had lasted 14 months.

Meanwhile, the search for the little girl continued.

Then, one aay...

Commissioner, Mr. legendre is here.

Show him in.

- Commissioner. - Sit down.

After all this time, you may have begun losing hope.

I have good news at last.

You did it? I don't believe it.

Bring her in.

Sit down, ma'am.

- I waited two hours for you. - I couldn't help it.

- Why didn't you phone? - I couldnt.

Commissioner, I don't know how to thank you.

Was she treated well?

She had everything she needed, didn't she?

Of course. As usual.

How did you find her?

I'll read you the written statement.

It's a rather unusual story.

“On the night of February 7th, the population of lisieux

was awakened by a deafening explosion.

When rescue workers arrived, they were amazed to find -'

1:30 already?

I'm sorry. I have an urgent appointment.

Go ahead.

My secretary will read it to you. Do you mind, Jacqueline?

Good-bye, and forgive me.

“Written statement:

On the night of February 7th, the population of lisieux

was awakened by a deafening explosion.

When rescue workers arrived, they were amazed to find...”

Shall I wait, sir?

No, you're dismissed. Thank you.

Good afternoon, sir.

They're not here yet?

No, sir.

But our appointment was for 1:30.

Turn off that music, will you?

You can't go into a bar or restaurant without hearing canned music.

Turn it off, will you? Yes, sir.

The usual?

Of course.

Good afternoon, ma'am. Will you sit at the bar?

No, I'll sit over there.

I'm sorry to disturb you, but -

don't be afraid.

I'm the police commissioner.

Pleased to meet you.

May I sit down a minute?

Be my guest.

Your port, ma'am.

Your drink is at your table, sir. Leave it there.

You come here often? It's my first time.

I was quite troubled when I saw you walk in.

May I tell you why? If you wish.

Today is the fourth anniversary of my sister's death.

I loved her deeply.

She looked exactly like you. I thought you were her!

Same face, same voice, same walk. Her name was Marguerite.

My name is estelle.

One summer afternoon...

It was unbearably hot.

You still here?

Didn't you have an appointment? It's too hot to go.

Too hot! You'll never amount to anything!

I don't think I'll go to Toulouse.

I'm going to tell mother.

She'll be furious, but you're right.

These family dinners, the aunts and cousins -

what a bore!

I know.

What would I do in Toulouse at 3:00 P.M.?

Take a nap.

Do me a favor. Play the brahms rhapsody.

If you like.

She never did go to Toulouse.

She died a few days later.

Do you play piano too?

A little.

- You don't sound French. - I was born in Italy.

- Cigarette? - No, thank you.

May 1?

What did your sister die of?

The miserere colic.

What is that?

It's horrible, especially in the final stages.

You end up vomiting excre-

forgive me. - How awful.

Horrible.

I must be going,

but it was extraordinary meeting you like this.

I'd like to see you again, invite you to the policemen's ball.

I'd love to go.

A call for you, sir.

- Is it Marcel saying he's late? - I don't think so.

No one else knows I'm here.

Shall I say I haven't seen you?

No. Ask who's calling.

Never a moment's peace.

Would you mind giving me your name and address?

Sir, it's your sister, Marguerite.

- What? - She insists on speaking to you.

Tell her to go screw herself!

Excuse me, ma'am.

This must be a sick joke. My sister's been dead for four years.

But sir, she insists.

She wants to see you tonight in the family vault.

She says the key is in your right-hand desk drawer.

Why, that's true!

Ask her what I requested she play one hot summer day

when I went in her room.

The commissioner wants to know

what he asked you to play one hot summer day

when he went in your room.

The brahms rhapsoay, sir.

Give me that.

Speaking. Who are you?

Learn the true mystery of death tonight?

- What do you want? - I want to come in.

It's closed.

I'm Mr. richepin. My family vault is here. Let me in.

You need special authorization.

I'm the police commissioner.

Go in, then. Shall I come along?

No need. Stay here.

That's him!

- What are you doing? Let go! - Take him away!

Don't you know who I am?

Hands off! I'm the police commissioner!

- Explain it at the station. - Let go, I said!

Stand at attention and give me your badge numbers!

- The commissioner. - Send him in.

Sit down.

I've been treated in a most shameful manner.

I couldn't even call my home.

You were found last night at the cemetery,

desecrating a crypt.

When arrested, you claimed to be the police commissioner.

You know perfectly well I am.

I order you to return my belongings at once.

And take me to my office. You'll hear about this!

Of course.

As I was saying, desecration of a crypt.

- It was my sister's casket. - Your sister?

I went to see my sister. She phoned me!

Back to his cell.

Get me the police commissioner. It's urgent.

Hello, commissioner?

Sorry to disturb you. This is inspector dupuis.

We've arrested a fellow who claims to be the police commissioner.

Claims to be the police commissioner? How odd.

Does he look like me? Is he a pleasant fellow?

Not at all.

I see.

Bring him here right away.

The commissioner will see you now.

There you are.

Come in. How are you?

- Fine, and you? - Fine, thanks.

That will be all, inspector. Thank you.

Won't you sit there?

I'm fine here.

Very well.

You there, and me here.

Two glasses of scotch.

You've put on weight. So have you.

- All those official dinners. - Always eating and drinking.

We ought to refuse. - Not easy.

What are you doing this morning?

- This morning, you know - - Ah, yes, the zoo. At noon.

I fear trouble, but I've taken precautions.

I've stationed 12 vehicles of riot police nearby.

But not grouped together.

Spread them out: Some here, some there.

We mustn't alarm people.

The main thing is to keep them from reaching the cages.

The locks have been carefully checked.

And anyway, if some animals are killed, tough luck.

Our men are more valuable than a zebra.

To your health.

Down with Liberty!

- Charge! - And let 'em have it!