Original subtitles

As soon as you're ready, Sir!

Call the cardiologist!

Stay down!

It's Mr. Losseray. Call his wife!

Yes, right now.

Shit, my begonia!

Hello.

No, it's Sonia.

Yes, I'll tell her right now.

It's about Pierre.

There has been an incident.

It's nothing serious, but...

What happened?

An infarct.

A necrosis. It's not that serious.

Administer heparin and an injection of morphine.

Right now, doctor.

An electrocardiogram within three hours.

Then we'll know more.

DOCTOR ROBERT BRÉZÉ CARDIOLOGIST

You're late.

- Hello, Paul. - Hello, Robert.

DOCTOR HENRI CHATIN-BRÉZÉ GENERAL SURGERY

SAINT MARIE HOSPITAL ALPHONSE BREZE FOUNDATION

Very good, Robert. Always right on time.

- Hello, Robert. - Hello.

Hello, Paul.

Hello, Robert. Hello, Sir.

Hello, father.

I've been up all night revising the justifications of expenses.

It's 7.30 AM, not 7.45 AM.

All night I've rechecked the superfluous expenses

for the operating room, the launderette and and the dressing material.

It's such a waste of money they change their lab coats for no reason.

We already talked about this on Wednesday.

I also worked till late.

I unearthed some numbers...

Keep eating, son! Apparently you're not interested in what I'm saying!

Some alarming numbers.

- In which area? - Urology.

In three years... we descended from 232 operations to only 144.

Until reaching 103 last year.

The new treatments, Sir.

No.

People get operated on somewhere else.

And we already know where that is.

They dumped the prices.

No, as a matter of fact their cirugy is better.

The past trimester has been more promising.

There are more prostate patients the country doctor refers to us.

Yes.

There hasn't been a surgery for three months.

Of course, the infarct.

Losseray?

And the long recovery.

As if Losseray could rival us! He's a mediocre!

A mediocre who takes over 25 percent of the clientele.

I would really like to have someone like him in the hospital.

But he rejected your offer.

It wasn't proposed to him in a sensitive enough way.

Without negotiating.

One shouldn't forget that Losseray is a man who cares about social issues.

Medicine at a fixed price

I operate you, you operate me, in return for services. Always the same price!

The same pay scale or no pay scale.

That's the trend.

In the long run that'll be a real threat.

No, not in the long run. Right now.

This morning he started to operate again.

Give me the sugar.

Miss, did you count the compresses?

Yes, Sir, there should be three.

One, two, three. Perfect.

Good, let's close it.

What's up, Simon? How are you?

Wipe away the sweat, please.

Thanks.

- Hello, Mrs. Losseray. - Hello.

- Madam. - Sir.

- Hello, Mrs. Mrs. Losseray. - Hello.

He should be finished right away.

- Don't tell I'm here. - All right.

Please affix the staples.

Hey Simon, did everything work out fine with Pierre?

Professor BRÉZÉ, we already know each other.

- Hello. - Hello, Sir.

- I've come to ask about your health. - Please sit down.

You see...

I'm not upset about it.

About what?

You rejecting our offer.

I've got no reason to change. I'm all right here.

Then let's not talk about it anymore.

A lot of work to do...

A lot.

Which degrees and diplomas did you obtain?

Were you an intern in Paris?

No, in Saint Joseph.

Ah, Saint Joseph.

It's nothing out of the ordinary, but for working here...

it's sufficient.

They have another notion of medicine...

Less formal, but...

Yes, I'm an official. They pay me at the end of the month.

Yes.

And how is your health?

Good, very good.

Who treats you? Is it a cardiologist working here?

Yes, yes. As capable as yours.

Certainly.

And they already allow you to perform surgery?

Yes, they do.

I'm feeling well.

Yes, yes, that's what they say.

The medical association I represent

was very surprised hearing

that a colleague who suffered,

if I may say so, a grave affection of the body

less than three months ago

has been authorized to do exhausting work.

According to you, any surgeon who has an infarct should stop working.

It depends, there are benign infarcts...

Let's say mine has been benign.

It doesn't exclude a relapse.

Attention! Surgery is a tough business.

Losseray...

The practising of medicine shouldn't decrease.

- You should ponder... - Anesthesia, if you want.

As you can see, I already pondered.

To your health!

How are you? How is it going?

You're going to see the new attendance.

- A capacity of 18 beds. - And the budget? How much is it?

- 1.700.000? - 1.800.00, with the allowances.

- Very good, tomorrow we'll revise it. - Fine.

Come on, have a drink.

Here you are.

Sir, it's Mrs. Lambert from the second floor.

- She awaited your reinstatement. - Why?

- Kidney stones, for more than six months. - Why didn't she see Dr. Planet?

Because if I have to get operated on, I prefer it to be you.

- That's why I awaited. - Very kind.

- Come to the consultation tomorrow. - Yes, doctor.

Magnificent, as a psychiatrist I congratulate you.

A very efficient remedy, it will keep up our patient's morale.

This lady awaited you like the coming Messiahs.

- How are you? - Fine.

- Take this. - What is it?

Haydn's quartets, a new English edition.

Splendid.

Fine. Would you like to take a walk? Should I wait?

Yes, in two minutes.

The voodoo...

our local voodoo, apostolic and Romantic.

The price of blood,

each year...

the collective expiation.

The great sadomasochistic repentance.

No, Pierre!

Stop! Stop!

My son, my son!

Di the old man already call you?

- Hello? - Dr. Losseray?

Who is speaking?

Professor BRÉZÉ.

Stay tuned, please.

Dear colleague, I thought about the conversation we had yesterday.

You already know my answer. I always monitor my health status.

And another surgeon could always stand in for me.

Yes, I think it's my good right.

What about the colleagues? Yours are very kind.

Mine aren't worried.

No, Sir. I officiated in Morocco.

In a small town called Tarudan.

Who do you think I operated on in Morocco?

Goats?

Well, am I bothering you?

No more of it. Goodbye, Sir.

For Losseray it's not a question of money.

It's a moral problem.

Stretch your arm. Press it firmly against your body.

Firmer.

Firmer.

Do you need to operate on me again, doctor?

No, I don't think so.

We'll make some radiograms and then we'll see.

- Who operated you? - Doctor Berg.

He has operated on everyone.

Yes, he made me a very nice scar.

How was Doctor Berg?

Well, he was...

He won't make it.

He must be crazy.

There's the clown.

Hello!

- What's her blood pressure? - 13:9

13:9? magnificent. That's going fine.

And you're leaving tomorrow, right?

Very well, we'll have one more empty bed.

- Did you see your son? - Yes. Yes.

- Pleased? - Yes, of course.

Good, I see that everything is fine. Let's go.

Tomorrow you won't laugh. We're going to see your charms.

Funny, right?

Extraordinary.

What is that?

One of Mathy's jokes.

He looks a lot like him.

Where did you get that horror painting?

Just casually.

It's him. Incredible.

Especially the glasses.

Without the glasses it wouldn't be him.

He even worked with them.

When did they make this painting?

That's hard to say.

He knew that within one year he would no longer be able to perform surgery.

The eyes.

- It demoralised him? - Psychologically, yes.

I feel sorry for Dr. Berg.

He carried that cross.

But, Madam,...

he wasn't Jesus.

Not at all.

Did you see their faces?

What an obsession! Ten years after Berg has died!

Everyone talks about him.

How was he?

An outstanding surgeon. The greatest.

What else?

He never came to terms with his modest origins.

No one supported him.

He's not the only one..

You didn't know him. You can't understand it.

Why did you ask me if the old man had called me?

Did he have to call me by force?

Was it inevitable?

What did he talk about?

Nothing.

I thought so.

Moral responsibility and other such vaguenesses.

Joseph BRÉZÉ, the oldest.

Traumatologist. The entire city limps.

Robert BRÉZÉ, a real autodidact.

Chantin BRÉZÉ, Mr. son-in-law.

General surgery.

A dead loss.

Paul BRÉZÉ...

the least bad.

Jean Pierre Berg, general surgery.

Disintegrated.

Hello. Your documents, please.

Jean Pierre Berg, surgeon.

- Come on. - Goodbye!

Come inside. Let's give the children a kiss

before they go to bed.

I'm sorry, I got a sick patient.

SAINT MARY HOSPITAL ALPHONSE BREZE FOUNDATION

Are you feeling well?

- Didn't the prostate bleed? - No, everything fine.

Perfect.

Hello, Sir.

It's him!

What the hell is he doing here?

I know him!

Answer me!

- Listen, doctor. The professor... - The old man, no!

He operated him again!

Then why did he tell me he didn't bleed?

The professor considered it better to intervene.

Remember that it's his clinic.

But he's my patient!

Mine!

- Professor. - Yes?

I operated at least 200 prostates.

In New York, in Boston and here as well.

I never made a mistake.

I congratulate you, but this one bleeded.

They always bleed.

It bleeded in an abnormal way.

Certainly not.

You don't have the right to perform surgery behind my back!

Do you understand?

I'm not going to tolerate this!

- But, doctor! Calm down! - You shut up!

He could have at least notified me.

- I was the only one who was responsible. - You were in Paris.

I left you my phone number in the clinic.

You didn't answer. That's why I assumed responsibility.

No, Sir. That's too simple.

You could have also called at my house.

I also left you that number.

As far as I know, I hold 30 to 35 per cent of your clinic.

- Don't exaggerate. 20. - 30. 30.

30.

If you should only

once more

even look at one of my patients,

I'll take my 30 per cent and got to another clinic.

- Come on. - You're talking to Berg.

- Take or leave. - Come on.

It has been a misunderstanding.

- One you repent? - Yes.

Fine.

Because I'm not keeping up with it. I won't keep up with it!

You can get dressed.

It's not funny, doctor. To see it happen again.

I know. I understand.

It's a pity that Dr. Berg disappeared.

With him I would have felt that nothing bad could happen.

What is it, doctor?

If you don't mind, then please let's wait for your wife.

The three of us should talk together.

You know, commissar, there's nothing to hide.

It's horrible! They have to operate on me again!

Dr. Berg said we wouldn't get back to this anymore!

- Calm down! - Take a seat.

I assure you that it's nothing serious.

Nevertheless, it's better to intervene.

And I'm going to explain you why.

Ten years ago Dr. Berg operated on you in order to cure a fibrom...

Excuse me, but I don't think he said you wouldn't get back to it anymore.

Of course. Just remember, Dr. Berg told you to come back every two years.

If there is a fibrom, everyone knows...

that sooner or later it will grow back.

Didn't Dr. Berg do everything there was to do?

Yes, yes. Of course..

But he did a minimal surgery, because at that time you were 35 years old.

At that age a multilateral, or total surgery...

isn't reasonable.

But today, given the discomfort you told me about,

he would say exactly the same as I do.

I would go to him with my eyes closed!

Excuse me, I had you wait.

Hello, Sir.

Everything is fine, doctor. I'm feeling well..

You don't need to say. I already told you:

We won't get back to it again.

In any case, if we want to avoid future complication, hemorrhages, etc.,

we need to excise it entirely.

That way you'll be rid of your sorrow once and for all.

That's my advice. You may consult other doctors.

There's no inconvenience.

I trust you, doctor. You should operate on her.

And the sooner the better.

Good. Let's see. I could operate on her on the 16th. Admit her on the 14th.

All right.

All right?

See my secretary.

For the inscription formalities.

Thanks.

Let's go, my dear.

- Goodbye, Madam. - Goodbye, doctor.

Please excuse me.

How is it?

I said in in front of your wife and repeat it. It's not serious.

Not her. You.

Excuse me, it was her who wanted me to ask you.

They talked a lot about your accident. Your heart. She wants to be sure.

A surgeon who operates without absolute certainty...

to be in the best conditions would be a killer.

Not according to the statutes.

Which statutes?

Let's take the case of Dr. Berg.

He stopped operating when he realized that his vision diminished.

- It's not a matter of statutes! - The retinitis?

It wasn't a retinitis.

- It wasn't because of his health. - What then?

The poker game, the debts, the ruin... The pride.

I know about it. I was in charge of that case.

Believe me, it was horrible.

Here are the keys.

- Hello? - Dr. Losseray?

Yes, it's me.

Professor BRÉZÉ speaking. Hello.

- Have you thought about our offer? - It's 7:30 AM.

Won't you stop calling me?

I don't have to justify my proceeding. All right.

Bye, Sir.

No, no... This morning I have a difficult operation.

And what about it? Approach it calmly.

Tell me one thing.

What did that old man want from you the other day?

He sat in your office.

He calls you all the time, he follows you around. Can't you get rid of him?

Tell me.

Won't you answer?

No.

- Sincere condolences, Madam. - His wife and children.

It's horrible.

I'm sorry for your loss, Madam.

The entire city had come.

Not for him, but for her.

For her and her children.

Her parents came to take her. They're Americans.

They didn't understand anything.

And who was she? How was she?

An American girl he brought over from Boston,

where he had been practicing.

Very likeable, simple... She seemed to be well-adjusted.

At least as far as the appearance went.

- Bye. - Thank you.

Hey, Mister!

You won't get a fracture from helping us!

Did you see that guy? What an imbecile!

That's some luck we're having!

Shit!

And did she love him?

Like crazy.

From the streets one could hear them insult each other.

A true passion.

The more spiteful he was, the more he loved him.

It was always a show with those two...

Shit! You're such a bitch!

- Fuck off! - Shut up!

Everyone should here!

Go to hell!

- Come here! - I don't want to!

I told you to come here!

I can't stand you!

You're too heavy. Wait, wait...

Now your brother will come out. Look.

Wait! Don't be an idiot!

What a brute!

Take him. I give him back.

Listen.

Don't be too late with your lover.

Bye!

Put this on!

Come here.

- You don't know to walk! - I'm sick of you!

I don't want to make the circus monkey for these clowns.

Come here.

Wh do you put the shoulders like that? Suck in your belly!

- Protrude your tailbone. - Where is the tailbone?

There is the tailbone.

You got lots of defects, but you're mending well.

Though there are things that I still don't like.

- No! I don't want to! - Good, I'll soon fix it for you.

Take this.

Thank you. It's beautiful.

It's not beautiful, it's expensive.

I only borrow it to you.

What a bastard.

A bastard... I wouldn't say so.

Mad, yes.

And it depends on how one defines madness.

But there were certainly traits of madness.

Besides, he was still quite young. In a certain sense he was like a kid.

A little rascal.

But he got along with everyone. He won them all over.

Hello everyone.

- What are all these people doing here? - They await the consultation at 3 PM.

They came on the dot. And what did you do tonight?

Very good. Give me that separator.

A bit weak this morning.

Right, my friend?

Very well!

Next time we should give a restorative.

Good, the peritoneal operation is finished.

Let's once more check the hemostasis and drain.

That's it! Caoutchouc.

- What's his job again? - Race driver.

Ah, yes. It's true. The race driver..

The rally fanatic! The rally fanatic.

A rally, Mr. Hugon, is like surgery.

- Remember what I say, colleague. - Of course.

One has to combine the gestures like turning in the curves.

The serrefine, please.

To anticipate the next curve while still being in the previous one.

It's the only way to reach the goal.

You know, surgery is like the Formula 1.

One is always alone.

And if one doesn't have the class... You're getting what I want to tell you.

Good. That's proper.

It doesn't bleed anymore.

- Fine. You suture it, colleagues. - Yes, Sir.

An hour and twenty minutes to operate on a stomach.

No, one hour and 17 minutes.

Yes, I like to win. Formula 1.

Many thanks, dear colleague. Congratulations.

It doesn't matter. What? You enjoyed yourselves, right?

It was one of Dr. Hugon's patients.

Doctor, how is he?

Very good. They're soon going to bandage him.

Everything went perfectly. His recovery will go smoothly.

Come and see me in the noon and I will explain everything in detail.

Goodbye.

And what did Mauvagne do?

Oh, he didn't interfere at all!

You know, the anesthetists of that time complied to

the real, important surgeons.

And besides, there were other things to take care of.

Like having to relocate.

When he returned that same night, he said the old man couldn't stand him.

He couldn't stand Berg's manner of speaking. His gestures, his lifestyle.

- You work too much, Madam. - It's just that my husband...

Cheers, Ladies! Gentlemen!

- Good evening, Mathy. - Good evening, Jean-Pierre.

Good evening, professor.

Good evening.

- I value you a lot, professor. - Really?

Even if we don't always agree.

Listen, I didn't know you were the mayor of this city during the occupation.

Those were really difficult circumstances that demanded lots of courage.

You were a collaborator, it seems to me.

I only did my duty.

That's what I said. Someone had to be the mayor.

You're going too far.

Don't worry, BRÉZÉ. Take a breath, calm down. The war is over.

There were obviously deaths. But the deaths don't disturb your sleep.

- Dr. Berg... - Tell me, professor.

Enough already. That's humiliating.

Of course it's enough. I've had enough of it.

I've had enough of you.

Of your authoritarian behavior, your jealousy, your clan,

your organisation, your mafia.

I said that it's enough.

Let's go.

Yours respectfully, lady. I'm sorry.

Everything will be fine.

Let's go.

Relax.

Relax.

Please come, doctor. Mr. Mauvagne calls for you.

She won't endure it. The pulse accelerated.

She remains without a pulse.

It will cause a cardiac arrest. Let's give her a cardiac massage.

Quick.

And the pupil?

A bit dilated.

- Have they started? - Not yet.

As soon as possible. But the anesthesia...

What happened?

Her heart.

It doesn't respond that well.

- Is there a risk? - No, I don't think so.

It could goo smoother, that's all.

- Leave it to me, Pierre. - No, it doesn't matter. I continue.

- What will you give her? - Digitalis.

- Give her Neo-Synephrine. - I already did that.

The cyanosis has increased a bit.

Yes.

Wipe away the sweat!

Begin with the fibrillation!

Let's continue.

Move away!

Let's go!

Nothing happens.

I'm going to open the thorax. Bring me the tools!

The heart has failed.

You killed her?

You killed her!

You killed her, bastard!

Mr. Giret!

Please, Mr. Giret. Let's go.

- It's me who killed her. - It happened during the anesthesia.

- She didn't endure the anesthesia. - Nobody could have anticipated that.

The analysis results were positive.

It happened before the operation.

Dr. Losseray didn't get to operate on her.

- Thus, he didn't touch her? - No, Mr. Giret, he didn't touch her.

Are you taking me for a fool!

And that blood? Do you think I didn't see it?

Enough!

Come on, be reasonable.

Mr. Giret, for one hour we gave her a cardiac massage.

I had to open her thorax. I had to give it a try.

We didn't everything we could, Mr. Giret. Everything within human power.

And what does it matter to me?

That commode is hideous. He has to give it to us for 3.000.

He won't sell it for that price.

Then he should keep it. All the wood work needs to gets restored.

- Call him anyway. - All right, I will call him.

Listen, Pierre.

The electrocardiograms were regular. Completely regular.

Pulse and blood pressure were perfect.

And we started with only 40 centigrams of Pentotal.

One case in 5000,

and it had to happen to us of all people.

I don't take comfort from that.

Don't brood over it. That woman died out of fear

because they frightened her about me operating on her.

- Can I make a phone call? - No, no, no!

Professor BRÉZÉ?

Ah, it's you, Mathy.

Yes.

You're attracted by the misfortunes of others.

Yes.

On whose side are you?

Stop with telling me that gossip!

Yes, that's what I said. Good night.

I don't need his advices.

Tomorrow I'll go to the burial.

O God, all life is in your hands from conception until death.

Take out of this world the soul of this woman named Isabelle Giret.

Make that evil forces won't wield power over her.

Professor BRÉZÉ, I've got two or three things to tell you.

Why to me?

As a member of the superior counsel of the medical association...

you can state in the board meeting that Mrs. Giret died...

due to a cardiac arrest during the anesthesia,

without my intervention.

Well, that doesn't speak for your anesthetist.

I assume all the responsibility, but I don't want anyone to say

it were an accident during surgery.

An accident during surgery or a mistake by the anesthetist,

people won't tell the difference. Not them, but you, I suppose.

I, dear colleague, only consider the public opinion.

The trust people of this city have in their surgeons.

You say it was a cardiac arrest. Why shouldn't I believe you?

But I stick to the result.

What happened has been foreseen. And don't tell me I didn't warn you.

And you also warned others.

You set them against me.

Stop these melodramas.

The next time you have an accident, you're going to say it has been my fault.

You know very well what happened!

That's all.

That's all.

Dear colleague, I wouldn't want to be in your situation.

Thanks, prefect.

A terrible loss. Sincere condolences.

Sincere condolences.

A mineral water, please.

And the phone.

Here you are.

Thanks.

Listen, could you please give me Mr. Mauvagne?

Simon? This afternoon I won't perform surgery.

The gall bladder, yes.

Yes, I know. Tell the patient I'm sorry and have him return tomorrow morning.

Nothing happened, everything is fine.

I get some fresh air, take a walk.

Well, don't make a drama.

Yes, I know.

Thanks.

Pierre!

- Is there a problem? - No, no.

- Are you sure? - Yes.

- I feel sorry for him. - Yes, because you're a good person.

I think I'm going to give you a kiss.

What are we going to do?

Where have you been? We were waiting.

I’m going to explain it.

- Good evening, Muriel. - Does Pierre come?

I don't know. I think so.

Fine. Let's go!

- Where is Pierre? We're going to be late. - I thought he were already here.

We're going to the concert, right? Do Yu want us to miss the first part?

Muriel, let me tell you something. This afternoon he didn't come to the clinic.

He called me at 4 PM.

- From where? From home? - No, he told me he was talking a walk.

He seemed very calm. There's no need to worry.

No need to worry? We need to look for him.

Yes, but where?

I told the clinic to let me know if he should call.

- Is it a problem for the clinic? - No, it doesn't matter.

All right, you may go to the concert, I stay here and wait for him to return.

Sir, your wife called. She awaits your call.

Thanks.

Hello. I'd like to talk to Professor BRÉZÉ, please.

Dr. Losseray.

No, no, it's not urgent.

Goodbye, thanks.

- Good evening, doctor. - Good evening.

Mrs. Lambert, you should stop working 15 days prior to the operation.

Starting tomorrow.

What's it about?

A gall bladder which Dr. Planet operated on in the afternoon.

- He operated on it? - Yes.

- Is he also going to operate on you? - I prefer it to be you.

Good, excuse me.

- Hello. - Hello.

Do you want to help me?

Are you going to your mother's place?

- Can you tell me what's the matter? - We're leaving. You accompany me.

Do whatever you want, but I'm going to stay here.

I go to Tarudan.

And what the hell will you do in Tarudan? Are you waiting for a miracle?

Weren't we happy there for 15 years?

I want to be happy here. Here is where I'm fighting!

You can fight when you got the appropriate strength.

I don't need a vacation, I had to rest for three months.

- And what about me? Don't you need me? - I need you here.

That's too bad, because tomorrow I will be in Tarudan.

Go to Tarudan, tomorrow I need to perform surgery.

And again in 15 days.

15 days? Perfect. We'll leave in 15 days.

You're not going to be one of these imbeciles, right?

We're going to check you out on the same day.

In three days. You can leave in three days.

Are you happy? - Yes.

- What now, Mrs. Lambert, did you decide? - I trust you, doctor.

The cardiologist examined her this morning. No complications, the heart is normal.

- How examined her? Semprié? - Yes.

Perfect.

- Will it take a long while, doctor? - No.

Only as long as necessary.

- It takes too long, right? - No, no.

We gained half an hour thanks to the anesthetist.

One loses time waiting for the results of the preoperative radiographies.

We need a darkroom on that floor.

How is Professor BRÉZÉ?

The important thing is there is no more calculation

after the operation you were responsible for.

Simon, do you know Professor BRÉZÉ?

Of course.

He won't stop before he has demolished me.

- What are you trying to say? - I'm letting you know.

Once the time comes, you'll be my witness.

May I?

Listen...

Listen to the music.

How is the furious husband?

Very well.

I adore him.

His anger the other day enthused me.

Tell him that I love him.

He isn't the same since Mrs. Girét died.

I don't know what he's thinking.

- He runs away. - No, not anymore.

He ran away all his life, but this time he's trapped.

Aren't you going too far, Mathy?

Look.

It all started here.

His failure when he was an intern in Paris. Stupid but decisive.

Neither titles nor diplomas. A second-rate surgeon.

From there on, he ran away.

First to you, Muriel. Excuse me.

He fled to you, the wife, the only one. He would never betray you.

Magnificent but uneasy. Uneasy for the man.

Segundly, Morocco. He flees to Tarudan.

The oasis, the palms, the birds. My little wife, my beloved profession.

Happy.

And then the crack. Phase A: the independence.

The colonial empire is done with. He returns to the motherland.

Terrible. Truth or lie?

If you asked him...

And he again runs away.

Encircling the hunted client. And what does he choose?

I don't judge. I just describe.

What does he become? A functionary.

Another crack. Phase B: the infarct.

First stage of the trap. And how to solve it? By running away.

To give up surgery. The poor guy wanted to give it all up.

You're a bastard, Mathy.

No, I'm a psychiatrist.

He would have given it all up, but in the eyes of his refined wife...

giving up surgery would have meant a castration.

That's why he sticks to it.

And the third crack befalls him: The cop's wife suddenly dies.

Second stage of the trap.

Then he becomes immobilized.

A typical relation of cause and effect.

Leave, Mathy.

Come back on Sunday.

Talk to him.

I will come, but don't think that I'm a bastard.

- Hello. - Hello, Mr. Giret.

He goes to the exit. Come on.

All fine. See you.

Mr. Giret, I said to my brother that you're an example of courage.

- And dignity. - All right!

- A nice rally. - Yes, entertaining.

Mr. Giret, my father thinks that you should file a lawsuit.

- We talked about it yesterday. - Against the clinic.

Does that bring back my wife?

From a legal point of view, a lawsuit would be perfectly viable.

From a legal point of view. That would suit you,

but don't count on me.

Because I swear that you and your family are truly repulsive.

- Are you sure? - I'm not an ophthalmologist.

They called it retinitis and I call it retinitis, but I know for sure that...

something was seriously wrong with his sight...

- Nothing else? - What?

- You know it. Tell me. - I don't know what you mean.

Tell me.

- The gambling debts? - You know that he gambled.

- What and where? - Poker, in the Circle.

- Do they play roughly? - They no longer play.

And in Berg's times, how important were the bets?

Minimal. They just had to be high enough to keep it interesting.

But don't exhaust yourself. Berg won. He always won

The journalists invented the debts.

Or the cops.

Come on, Mathy, get to the conclusions. That's what gives you pleasure.

Well?

Well, you see...

Mr. Giret, I would like to talk to you.

The accident due to which your wife died, could have happened with any other surgeon.

- I know. - Even with Berg.

- Perhaps. - I don't doubt it.

No, with Berg she wouldn't have been afraid.

But who frightened her?

Did you wife see another doctor?

Who?

Did they try to convince her not to let a cardiac surgeon operate on her?

Yes, but don't be offended.

You neither have diplomas nor titles.

Why did you choose me as a surgeon?

I know what I do when I trust someone.

- Not anymore. - Did I request an autopsy?

Well then.

- Losseray. - Yes?

Don't let this city destroy you.

- But you told me that Berg... - Let Berg rest in peace.

The gambling bets, that doesn't coincide. Berg earned well enough to pay them off.

There are other things which they are not willing to talk about in this city.

For the old man and for the BRÉZÉ clan it was fundamental to get rid of him.

That's why they looked for a way to win against him.

They opted for the casino.

They told everyone: Berg wins.

Berg wins all the time.

That's not normal.

They brought a guy from Paris. Very correct.

A professional gambler.

And they paid him to unmask Berg.

To disgrace him in front of his colleagues.

In front of the city.

I'd be surprised if his cards reveal him.

He must have some tic, right?

We don't know. We only play Bridge.

- And your friends didn't notice anything? - Nothing in particular.

Only that they lose.

Take this.

We'll give you the rest later.

You can't be fooled, right?

- May I sit down? - If you like...

50 more.

I'm in.

2 jacks.

Full.

- May I? - No, I'm sorry.

Give me another set.

Minimum 50.000, small blind 1.000. Last game at midnight.

He cheated.

Not to win, but to put others down.

To crush them in what mattered most to them:

Money.

I'm in.

Me too.

I'm in.

Two cards.

One.

Another 5.000.

No.

I'm out.

No

- I'm out. - No.

No.

- 2000. - I'm in.

I'm in.

- I want to see. - Full.

Kings and an ace.

- I'm out. - I'm out.

I'm out.

The queens commence!

Dr. Berg, that's a disgrace!

But that's Berg! Incredible!

A disgrace, doctor. Such a scandal in our circle!

Put it in your ass where it belongs!

Close it.

One minute, Mr. Berg.

Mr. Berg,

You're about to got to Saint Mary, right?

We're not sure that it's a good moment.

Fuck off!

Who will be there when we arrive?

The tall man will be at the garden door.

- Granny? - As well.

And the dog? The one who got one blue and one brown eye.

He'll be happy to see you come.

- Listen... - What's it?

The champignon isn't such a tasty mushroom, right?

That's what the experts say.

But it's not true, you shouldn't believe them.

And the common knotweed, why is it called "common"?

I don't know that.

Ask your mother.

Take her. Come on.

Let's go.

Sleep! See you tomorrow.

Bye.

Listen,

professor BRÉZÉ is speaking.

Listen, Mrs. Berg... No, please don't hang up, Madam.

But...

Excuse me if I insist,...

but it's absolutely necessary that I speak with your husband.

I'm sorry, Sir, but...

Please! He has to perform surgery tomorrow morning.

Yes.

No, in Santa María no, in the hospital.

Fine. Has he already thought about it?

I don't know anything.

I don't want to be insistent, but tomorrow we need an answer.

Tomorrow evening I will call again.

Profe...

Professor?

I'll kill him.

I swear that I'll kill him!

I'll kill him! I'll kill that bastard!

Hello?

Is this the house of Dr. Losseray?

Yes, but he hasn't yet arrived.

Who is speaking?

Professor Alphonse BRÉZÉ.

Do you want him to call you back?

No, no, I’ll call again this evening. Goodbye, Madam.

Fine.

And on the second evening? San Gimignano or Florence?

Thursday evening in Florence.

Hello, Madam.

Come in.

Excuse my early visit. It's your husband's fault.

If he had called me back yesterday...

- But what do you want? - Ah, hello.

Dear colleague, this morning you have two operations in the Saint Mary.

We want to ask you not to go.

Very well. I will perform surgery somewhere else.

- I don't think so. - Oh, yes.

I perform surgery wherever I want. Accept it, professor, I'm much asked for.

Don't make me regret having been patient with you.

When I leave your clinic, you will starve to death.

We'll see.

What do you mean by "We'll see."? We're already seeing it.

Within one year I'm going to open my own clinic. That'll be the end of our project.

Yes, yes, I know.

The only thing you obtained has been the urban license.

But as far as I know, the bank credit has been denied you.

They give it to me whenever I want.

No. Actually not.

Madam, it would better if you let me and your husband talk in private.

- No. Stay, Jane. Stay. - As you wish..

I don't know if you already heard that your husband

provoked an incident at yesterday's circle...

- Have you gone mad? - Completely.

That won't be easily forgotten, Berg.

By me neither.

As for the circle,

there won't be any further juridical proceedings,

but it's a question of honor. A question of professional ethics.

- That's nice. - I will inform the medical association.

So what?

They may prohibit you to perform surgery.

What?

- Don't start again. - In three years,

Joseph, Paul, Chantin...

how many sick people did you kill?

You, with those shaky hands, how many did you kill, eh?

That's what I was trying to tell you.

Nobody is interested in a scandal. You understand?

Nobody!

But you have to leave!

There are many other cities in France!

Open the door, I don't want to see him anymore.

Yes, I'm going. I'm going. But think about it.

You're in our hands! Well wrapped!

Go away or I will...!

And then the phone calls.

Two or three times a night he called BRÉZÉ,

until it tired him out.

- Hello. - Hello.

I feel very good, doctor. I feel very good.

Of course you do.

As I told you, it won't bother you anymore.

It worried her a bit that you wanted to see her again.

There's no reason for it.

It's pleasant to see someone after having done a good job.

Please enter.

- Please. - Thanks.

The old man knew how to treat a man badly.

Because Berg was in a deplorable state of mind...

The final ultimatum arrived on a Saturday. Around noon,

the juridical action couldn't do anything.

There was no survivor.

- Mathy? - How are you?

I got some great news for you.

You're going to have an exciting weekend.

I just killed Jane and the kids because of a question of honor.

Stop talking nonsense.

I'm completely serious. Come and see.

I left the keys on the car seat.

So that you can be here first.

Just wait twenty seconds. You heard me? Twenty.

- All the best, Mathy. And now listen... - That's not funny.

Come on, leave it be.

Jean-Pierre? Jean-Pierre! Listen...

Listen, Jean-Pierre.

Jean-Pierre, it's me!

And no one asked the old man for an explanation?

- Not even you? - Me? Why?

And Mathy?

Not even a colleague? Nobody did anything?

I already told you. This city isn't reliable.

A bunch of cowards

It's repellent.

Do you allow me to make use of what you told me?

Have you come to say goodbye? Are you leaving this afternoon?

No. Tomorrow I need to operate on a kid, a delicate matter.

Didn't you want to leave it to Dr. Planet?

Take off the waistcoat, man, it's hot.

The last time you told me about the gambling debts. The false gambling debts.

- You get on my nerves with it. - I know.

The BRÉZÉ family payed a professional gambler to catch Berg in the act.

I didn't tell you that.

Then the blackmail started.

Let's continue.

Between the day Berg got caught in the circle,

and the carnage on Saturday he saw some people, right?

All knew about it. All feared it, right?

And nobody dared to prevent it. Nobody prevented the carnage.

- Not even you. - Why me?

As a psychiatrist, as a friend of the family.

You think one could convince Berg of something?

Believe me, he couldn't be saved.

But his wife and kids could have been saved, right?

Now it's easy to say this.

Berg called you in the last moment.

No, please, it's far too painful.

You're saying it still hurts?

If you had to testify in front of a judge, would you do it?

Are you free tomorrow morning?

Yes, I should be. Why?

We lack personnel. Wouldn't you like to help me with that kid?

Are you crazy? I know nothing about surgery.

No one is asking you to do anything. Just be there.

Watch.

Hello. Am I speaking with Professor BRÉZÉ?

Hello, Sir. Mrs. Losseray is speaking.

Where are you going? Madam, you should immediately return to your room.

- Leave me! - But, Madam...

Let her leave. They told her she would get killed.

- Yes, they told me. - Who?

- Everybody! - All right!

At the door you will find a taxi.

Yes, of course I'm leaving!

How do you dare to tell me that?

- Did you speak to the cardiologist? - Not personally.

His doctor told me he's doing well.

Do you believe him?

Did you talk to him?

Yes, two or three times I talked to your husband about this matter.

Leave him in peace, you hear? Leave us in peace.

But Madam, there's just one thing I want. And it's quite simple.

He should stop performing surgery and just offer consultation.

Convince him!

Don't you remember Morocco? It's a nice country.

Who is it? Who called?

Answer me!

Was it BRÉZÉ? What did he tell you?

Did he tell you "convince your husband, Madam."

"Help me to convince your husband, he should no longer perform surgery."

Is that it?

Come on, answer me, Muriel. Come on. Courage!

Did he also blackmail you?

What does it matter to us? Tomorrow we go on vacation.

No, no, your husband isn't in the right condition, absolutely not...

Yes! Yes! I told him to leave us in peace.

No, no, it's fine. It's fine.

Did he really tell you that I'm not well? That my condition worsened?

But it's untrue, it's untrue. I know that it's untrue.

Of course it's untrue.

But I want to finish with this.

If not, once we return from Italy in three weeks...

everything will be the same. Always the same!

- Please! - Let me be!

- Listen, BRÉZÉ? - I beg you...

Yes, do you have anything to tell me?

It would be better if we met. Not in your house, in mine.

Tomorrow at 9 o'clock? Fine.

- Hello. Excuse me, Madam. - Come in, please.

- Hello, Sir. - Hello.

- Please sit down. - Thanks.

I'm listening.

But, dear colleague, it's still about the same problem. We await your decision.

- Who is we? - Some colleagues.

The council of the association?

The council? Who's talking about the council?

Didn't I?

As far as I understand, my heart is bad.

I don't know, but it might be possible.

Yesterday you called my wife, right. To warn her, but...

No. I didn't call her, she called me.

Yes, ask her. Your own family is worried about you.

I only know what everyone else knows.

That you're sick and should no longer perform surgery.

That's all.

Our offer is that you can give consultations as a doctor at our clinic.

I think this is a very acceptable solution.

- But you're a very difficult person. - Is that an ultimatum?

- No, who's talking about an ultimatum? - The cops, among others.

Dear colleague, you know that you can't count on the cops.

Above all... if you just killed the wife of a commissar.

Don't touch me! Don't touch me! Have you gone mad?

No, you're mistaken. It was him who was mad.

- The other one. The one you killed. - Me?

Tomorrow I'm going to visit a cardiologist and you're going to accept the result.

I'm going to show you the examination result...

- and after that you can use it as... - You're making a mistake.

- If you won't do it, then I'll do it. - You shouldn't speak to me like that...

Get out!

Don't get worked up about it.

Considering the rain, it wouldn't be wise to forget the umbrella.

Finally. We're finally leaving.

- To the beach? - Florence.

The sand. Not doing anything. Sleeping.

How long has BRÉZÉ been playing around with you?

- Six months? - More or less.

And you just kept up with it without telling me anything?

Not really keeping up with it. It's like the whole thing isn't actually about me.

As if it were about someone else.

Do you make him lose so much money?

I don't think it's that much, but they earn less. That's the reason.

With Berg it was a matter of life and death,

but with me, a provincial surgeon...

You're a very good surgeon and you know it.

You shouldn't just give consultations.

Why?

You have to resist, Pierre. Resist.

And one day you'll be able to continue...

Yes? Say it...

I want to leave with you.

I don't understand. I don't understand.

But why? Why me?

You're a cardiologist. Your word can't be doubted.

Of course.

Show it to me!

Show it to me.

Show it to me!

I had another infarct...

Exactly.

Without me noticing it.

Were you suffering from anything during the past months?

Fatigue, nervousness, annoyance.

Like everyone else.

Well then, according to you the diagnosis is negative.

- Oh, there's no need to dramatize it. - Of course.

- With the necessary precautions... - Yes.

DOCTOR ROBERT BRÉZÉ CARDIOLOGIST

- Are you well? - Very well.

You didn't make me come to show me how to operate on an appendicitis.

Everyone thinks it's just that,

but nobody realized that the intestine is bleeding.

Well then?

Did you hear about Meckel's diverticulum?

If one doesn't always consider it, one sometimes tends to overlook it.

Today I was sure that it had to be it.

And I was right.

And I know what to do.

It's very hard to be good at what one does each day as a matter of routine.

And with a kid it's more delicate?

Yes, it usually happens to kids.

And today I'm glad. I'm glad that it's a kid.

Because I'm sure that he'll be fine.

At least, that's what I hope.

Well, congrats. - Are you sick? Do you want to leave?

Not at all.

I watch you.

That has been my final operation.

No.

Yes.

Why, Pierre?

The heart. It gave me another scare, you know? A real scare.

- Really? - Yes.

- What are you going to do? - General medicine.

- Definitely? - Irrevocably.

- Did you think it through? - Yes. It's the most reasonable decision.

They advised it and it's definitely the most reasonable thing to do.

Thanks for coming.

It would have been a bit saddening to be alone.

I understand.

- Do you want to have lunch with me? - No.

- Why not? - I've got a commitment.

- Make an effort. - No, I really can't.

It's an idiotic commitment, but it's indispensable.

I'll call you tonight.

Ah, Mathy, Mathy...

- What's it?

Nothing.

"Keep him under vigilance for three or four days."

"Until the intestine healed."

"Only use oxygen if it is necessary."

"Transfusion. One and a half litre of glucose serum,"

"with two grams a litre of sodic chlorine."

"Make a diuresis curve."

Forthy for both sides.

THIS FILM WAS INSPIRED BY REAL EVENTS.

Advantage.

THE NARRATED INCIDENTS BOTH TOOK PLACE

IN THE SAME FRENCH CITY, WITH A COUPLE OF YEARS IN BETWEEN.