All language subtitles for La.fille.du.diable.1946 [eng]

This film was restored by Pathé in 2021

DEVIL'S DAUGHTER

Go home!
You'll get yourselves shot!

Get out of here!

THE NOTORIOUS BANDIT
IS TRAPPED IN HIS HIDEOUT

As I write these words
under a hail of bullets...

Let me...

Chatenay-la-Rivière!
I'm going to Chatenay-la-Rivière.

What's your problem?

You're pretty drunk, I'd say!

Even drunker than me!
No way!

You look like a decent guy.

Here, have a drink.

Drink up.

Drink!

You're not going for a stroll
in that state.

I'm a good fella.

Jump in, old chum.
I'll drive you.

We're both drunk,
we're brothers.

I'm a good fella.

Why don't you get in?

I'm a buddy!

You're swell.
I don't like a fuss.

Whoopee!

Crazy car, huh? Bought it
when I landed. Dollars up front.

That's me.
30 years in the US, get it?

Out West you learn to handle money.

And I sure brought back a packet!

Like they say out there...

I'm loaded.

All thanks to cattle.
Yes sir!

I raised cattle.

Look. A souvenir.
You can touch it.

Solid gold.

Out there, if you know cattle,
you're onto a goldmine.

Say, my name's Ludovic.

Ludovic Mercier.
And you?

You know Chatenay-la-Rivière?

We're going there.
I was born there.

What a dead end.

Feels good to go back
with money though.

Show 'em what I can do.

Blow their tiny minds!

Those Chatenay hicks will freak out.

A millionaire, get it?

And my Aunt Hortense!

She raised me. What a cow.

In France we say what a camel.

The way she spoke:

"Poor Ludovic is an idiot.
He's retarded."

"The village moron!"

They all repeated it:
"Stupid as Ludovic."

Hold it!

They're in for a big surprise!

The village moron is rich now.

He sure was smart.

The early bird catches the worm!

DEEP HOLLOW fishing allowed

Any special instructions, doctor?

Yes.

I'll look after him myself.

You're not going to...

You know me, when I've decided...

But doctor, you'll kill yourself!
At your age...

I mean...

At my age?

I'm 20 years old when I work.

Let me be 20 in my own way,
young lady.

Forgive me, but I don't understand.

The surgery succeeded,
your role is over.

Look at me, Miss Pascaud.

What have I done with my life?

Nothing.

- Nothing? You?
- That's why I've aged.

Being old means we wasted our time.

Goodbye, miss.

Yes?

I asked not to be disturbed.

I'm afraid that's impossible, doctor.

It's Miss Hortense.
You know her!

Say I'll see her tomorrow.
Right now, I'm...

Right now I'm here!

Where is he?
I must see him. How is he?

Doctor...

You're deplorable!
I'm his aunt! I'm in a state...

Sit down, Miss Hortense.

Sit down?

When my nephew is back
after 25 years without news!

You're as heartless as he is!

- I want to see him.
- No!

No?

No...

Doctor, I understand...

He's... he's...

He's alive.

I knew it!
My poor, stupid Ludovic...

I said alive.
There's nothing to cry about.

Alive?

Ludovic is alive?

Forgive me, doctor, I thought...

He's so stupid.

You're an angel.
I must see him.

I repeat, you can't see him.

I understand your emotion
but our patients come first.

Your nephew has survived
major surgery.

But I'm not running any risks
to please you.

I hope you understand?

So when? Tomorrow?

I'll phone you.

Doctor, you're a monster!

Tell me what he's like, at least.

Tall? Short? Fat? Thin?

He's been away for 25 years!

He was just a child when he ran off.
You remember?

Perfectly. Well, he's...

- Average.
- That doesn't surprise me.

Average. And a millionaire.

I beg your pardon?

A millionaire.

That's impossible.

He couldn't read.

But he could count.

Anyway, your nephew is a millionaire.

A multi-millionaire.

- What a pity.
- A pity? Why?

I don't know.

He wasn't very bright.

Knowing how to be rich
is very difficult.

Isn't it?

I wouldn't know.
I'll call you.

Yes, call me soon.

Give him my love
and say I'm expecting him.

I hope he remembers the way.

Don't worry.

Doctor...

Did he talk about me?

A deep shoulder wound,
a hemorrhage, a long operation.

No one ever talks about their family
in those conditions.

You're a heathen.
You'll never go to Heaven.

What would I do in Heaven?
Everyone there is healthy.

Goodbye.

If you'd like to check it?

I think it's all there.

Pointless, doctor. I can estimate it.

Bravo.
You're used to handling money.

I learned fast.

There's this too.

- I advise moderation.
- Thank you.

And this...

With the same advice.

Doctor, how was
my shoulder injured exactly?

Your shoulder?

At one point
I felt something pierce my arm.

Not surprising.
The muscle was ripped,

by glass or the car bodywork.
Slashed to the bone.

Is that all?

All?

In wet weather
you'll find it's more than enough.

Here, take this.

Can you keep it for me?
You have a safe here.

I'll worry about it.

I'll collect it tomorrow.

Make sure you do.
I won't sleep a wink all night.

The trap isn't here yet.
I did say 6 p.m. on the dot.

Don't put yourself out for me, doctor.

I can walk there.

Never!

The whole of Chatenay
is waiting for you, my dear Ludovic!

You're an event, remember!

Celebrity has its price.

Rather moved, eh?

I understand.
Back home after 25 years of adventure.

Adventure?

Ludovic, save me my last illusions.

I've never left,
so America is adventure.

And adventure is terrific...

Yes...

Home must have its points too.

What is it?

It's Miss Hortense, doctor.

Miss Hortense, your aunt.

- Send her in.
- Very well.

I know you dislike her
but she's a good woman.

A bit crazy,
but she has an excuse.

50 years selling fishing rods
and butterfly nets...

No brain could withstand that!

Ludovic!

Yes.

It's Ludovic.

My nephew...

My boy!

I recognized you immediately.
Give me a kiss.

Sorry, did I hurt you?

You haven't changed.

Has he, doctor?

25 years, Ludovic!

25 years without a letter.

Except when your father died.

He loved you, you know.

In his way, of course.

Not always a good way.

You remember, doctor?

It's all over now.

You're back, that's what counts.

Kiss me, Ludovic.

Careful.

I'm clumsy.

What's wrong? You're icy.

Good gracious!
Aren't you glad to see me?

Well? Speak up.

Come now,
you know he's always been shy,

especially with you.

Still shy? At your age?

How stupid you are!
Never mind. Kiss me.

Snap out of it!

Say something.
What a peculiar nephew!

You still like cherry pie?

- Cherry pie?
- Yes, cherry pie.

Yes.

Yes who?

Yes, aunt.

I baked you one for dinner.

Your place is laid too, doctor.

I'll be off now.

Wait, my trap is coming.

I can't! There's the shop,
the pie in the oven...

See you soon. Don't be late.

I'm expecting you.

And be careful, Ludovic.

All the layabouts are at your door.

They know you're rich
and a bit simple.

So keep your wallet in your pocket
and sew it up tight.

Much will be forgiven her
as she's a great cook!

Relax. She won't kiss you
for another 10 years.

My only living relative?

You needn't worry.

No doubt about it.

It's tough, reconnecting.

Learning all over again.

Like a sort of mental mechanotherapy.

It just takes patience.

- I'm not a patient man.
- Neither am I.

I had to learn to be.

You can't fight fate.

I longed to travel,
to embrace life

in all its forms and latitudes.

And look...

Endless years of patience
and immobility.

- What's that?
- My whole life.

A study of prophylaxis
in local infantile TB.

No connection with globe-trotting.

Does it interest you?

I don't know.

Does your heartbeat interest you?

It doesn't stop beating however.

When I saw this had to be done,
I knew I'd focus on it,

and it would take patience.

Here's the trap.

Come on, Ludovic,
meet your home town again.

I fear I've forgotten a lot.

Don't worry,
it's only to be expected.

There's my horse!

It's complicated.

Look.

There's the main street.

On the left, the school,

where you learned to read.
It's a community hall now.

There's the post office.

I didn't have so many friends then.
They said "stupid as Ludovic."

They did indeed!

But believe me,
you're too rich to be stupid!

Gee up there.

- Hello, doctor.
- Hello, ladies.

Here's old Delmas.

He'll be thrilled to see you.

The Holy Mother of God Church.

I recognize the doorway.

Or you think you do.
It was renovated 15 years ago.

Old Jacquenaud's funeral.
Known to the cops as "The Eel".

He'd have recognized you.
His eyesight still was good.

He died without seeing you again.

A customer of yours?

Yes.

Isabelle!

Watching the funeral go by?

Yes. I like funerals.
I'm getting ready.

You don't mean it.
Come and see me.

You promised to, last week.

Who's he?

- Ludovic Mercier.
- The rich man?

This is about you.

You're too old to lie to yourself.
You're sick.

You know I won't charge you.

You annoy me, doctor.

Save your pity and free treatment
for people who want it.

Don't worry about my lungs
and we'll both be fine.

Be sensible, my child.

I'm sure I can cure you fast.

Being alive matters.

Being alive? What for?

Take him to his aunt's fishing rods
and get off my back.

Good evening, doctor.

You have some strange cases!

Poking fun at me!

We're in a hurry,
no point annoying Isabelle.

C'mon! Hup!

- Does that kid scare you?
- Why not?

The locals say
she's the Devil's daughter.

You believe in the Devil?

I believe in evil:
the doctors' Devil.

Isabelle suffers from evil within.
So she makes others suffer.

Is she sick?

Tuberculosis.
It's rampant in her conditions:

no family, no hygiene, no money.

Poor girl.

I never knew
medicine was sentimental.

Hello, Chauvin.

Her father was rich,
the town notary.

Only evil rumors started circulating.
Fraud, embezzlement...

- The notary eased off?
- The notary hung himself.

Railroad tracks didn't exist then?

Each to his own escape route.

Her father's ruin,
then her mother's death.

You see Isabelle's heritage.
She was rejected.

She grew up alone like a little savage,
As no one loved her...

She hated everyone.

- Right.
- I see.

When anything
weird or abnormal happens,

everyone blames Isabelle.

And sometimes they're right.

I'm starting to like the girl.

She's quite something.

And the kid with her?

The son of her father's groom.

Only he and I dare speak to her.

A delightful town!

Here we are.

It's Ludovic!

Ludovic Mercier.

Mr. Mercier.

Excuse me.
First we want to welcome you home,

all the Constabulary.

And it's also...

for this.

Oh yes!

We found it on the riverbank
in the smashed car.

We thought you'd like to get it back.

A souvenir from overseas.

Thank you, gentlemen.

Hello, Mercier!

So you're back from America?

My God, what madness!

What are all these people doing?

Get along, everyone!

Gaping like a herd of cows!

Help me, you dolt!

Go on, get out!
Can't I eat in peace?

Everybody out! Shoo!

Be off!

What energy she has.

She's an entire family.

What a din!

Get a move on!
Draw the curtains.

It's lucky you don't come back
from America every day!

You took your time getting here
for dinner.

Ludovic wanted to see the town

and we met Isabelle.

That good-for-nothing?
Quarry for the police!

Dinnertime!

- What are you doing?
- Taking my bearings.

The shop hasn't changed much.

Forgotten it?

25 years away is an excuse.

Not when you like people, my boy.

Didn't I recognize you right away?

Let's have dinner.

I nearly forgot. We must hurry,
Mr. Rignaud is coming.

Mr. Rignaud?

Yes. The bank manager.

You must think about investing
your money, Ludovic.

Not in a bank.
I hate banks.

How odd. Why?

Bad memories.

Bankers can be crooks,
crooks can be bankers.

In America maybe.
But not here.

We have a police force, my boy.

Indeed?

Attending mass?
What's the idea?

I need a change of air.

Isn't Ludovic coming?

I've been waiting 20 minutes.

He could have made an effort
his first Sunday.

Will he come?

No.

The girl from the château.
Stuck up snob.

See her dress?

Isn't it pretty...

- Dirty ragamuffins!
- Shut up, slave!

You set this up, little bitch!

Pierre!

Apologize to her. Now!

You wretch!

- Apologize!
- Forget it, Pierre.

It doesn't matter.

You're too kind.

Goddammit!

Why did you do that?

Because I hate you.

- Scum!
- Pierre!

Please forgive me,
would you like...

Let me go.

Come, Pierre, let's go home.

Are you hurt?

I collect bruises.
One from a coachman!

- Did they hurt you?
- Her, not him.

Don't worry, we'll make 'em pay,
both of 'em.

What does he want?

Congratulations on your artillery.

No one asked you, Mister Money!

Calm down, killer.
Blow your nose.

- So you don't like landed gentry?
- I don't like you either.

Suits me.
I don't like being liked.

We have something in common.
See you soon, miss.

Here he is at last.

He's looking for us.

Doctor, this isn't a railway station.

- What's going on?
- Mr. Mercier is here, padre.

Mass is almost over.

I haven't slept in a comfortable bed
for so long.

Bow your head.

Slept well? No fever?
Hows your shoulder?

No pain.
You work miracles.

Don't mention miracles
at a competitor's.

I'm going back to the shop,
don't be too long.

I hope you'll continue
attending mass.

God and I have our clients.

Yes, but God doesn't charge.

Before the aperitif,
I must introduce you

to Father Montel, our priest.
A fine man.

- I don't like priests.
- You will.

I'm sure you'll like him.

- I doubt it.
- Come on.

- It'll make him happy.
- A curious Sunday.

- Hello, doc.
- Hello, padre.

Mr. Mercier, I presume?

Yes, father.
Delighted to meet you.

He didn't dare come.
Truly.

I had to drag him.

Mr. Mercier doesn't seem the shy sort.

Welcome, my son.

And thank you for coming,
I'm very touched.

Please sit down.

We can't stay.

All French citizens
have two duties on Sunday.

I know.

Mass. And the aperitif.

Exactly!

We just came to say
the church bell is settled.

Mr. Mercier insists on donating it.

The church bell?

What do you mean?
Can this be...

There's no question of...

He's furious that I told you!
He wanted to surprise you.

And what a fine surprise it is.

Our church is poor, my son.

For 15 years
I've been dreaming of the impossible:

a new church bell.

God bless you for giving me this joy.

It's the least I can do.

The doctor explained it all.
Thanks.

It will be called "Ludovic",
of course.

A suitable name for a bell.

We must get going.

Time to move on!

He's been blaspheming for 10 years,

but no matter.

Some saints were very cheeky.

Indeed?

Thank you again, my son.

May God protect you.

Between God and the doctor
hope springs eternal.

Thank you, padre.

My good child.

A good deed done.

- Admit I carried it off well.
- Admirably.

I enjoy a good joke,
especially when it rings true.

You see, your first generous
gesture as a rich man

had to benefit the local church.

To be forgiven for your millions.

Now every wagging tongue
will ring like that bell.

An expensive peal.

Come on! A gilt-edged investment.
You'll see with time.

Hat.

- Mr. Mercier, I suppose?
- 'Morning.

I'm the owner of this café.
This is an honor.

Shall we go inside?

As you wish.

Not bad.
Your son is talented.

Georges? He's a dead loss.

Excuse me, sir.

Here's my best table.

I hope to see you here often,
Mr. Mercier.

Good morning, Bertier.

Georges! Serve our customers
instead of deafening us.

He plays music when
his father has a good profession!

Life isn't always easy.

Are you coming?

Take Mr. Mercier
and the doctor's order.

Mr. Durand!

Not bad at all, Georges,
your Paganini.

What will you have?

Two specials, as usual.

Well, how did the reconnecting go?

Not bad. Thanks to you.

You must give me your bill.

You owe me nothing.

A gift? I'm surprised.

I'm not into money.

I'm celebrating your return home
in my own way.

You enjoy being poor?

It's my way of going to mass.

I don't need much.

I only regret not being rich
when I'm with the poor.

Thank you.

Cheers.

What if I tell you

my one dream of luxury

is to equip my little clinic
with a radiotherapy unit.

Inaugurated by young Isabelle?

Her and others.
They're so many.

This area is swampy and unhealthy.

A lot of children here have TB,
it's a breeding ground.

I've tried everything.

The public authorities won't help?

They took it into consideration
and promised to take action...

That was 18 years ago.

So...

All I can do is count on...

the charity of my friends.

You're young,
you haven't lost your illusions.

What's the connection?

I do not feel inclined
to donate church bells

and radiotherapy units
to everyone I meet.

- That's one view.
- It's mine.

You're like those pretty women
who never want money

but cost you a lot more in the end.

I'd rather pay my bill.

I never take back
a present I've given.

The subject is closed.

It doesn't end our friendship.

On the contrary.

Hurry, Aunt Hortense
doesn't like a late lunch.

Georges!

Come and be paid.

No, it's on me.

Eighteen francs.

Wait...

What's that?

A bullet, I suppose.

From a 7.65 mm caliber,

according to the sergeant.

- The sergeant?
- Yes.

I treat his sciatica,
he spotted it on my desk.

Believe it or not,

I didn't say where it came from.

Curious, isn't it?

I have an appalling memory, Ludovic,

like a sieve.

Mind you, I might recall it.

The sergeant claims
that the 7.65 caliber

is what the police generally use.

I wouldn't know.

Get going or you'll be scolded.

How much does a radiology unit cost?

What? So you agree?

You're so intelligent, doctor.

The most intelligent doctor I know.

And you're a treasure.

Yes, I think I am.

Looking on the bright side.

I'll be off.

- You'll have the money tonight.
- No hurry.

I'll be over at 5.30.

Georges!

Another special.

Coming UP-

Don't be stingy.

- You calling me?
- No, the cat.

What do you want?

Isabelle wants to see you.

Me? Really?

Surprised? Me too.

For her dummy collection.

Knock on the stable door
at 9 tonight.

I'll be there. Thanks, Hobo.

Hey, I have a fine penknife.

Like it?
You want it?

No way.
I don't work for tips. Stooge!

You haven't eaten a thing.

- Not hungry.
- You're never hungry.

Drink up your medicine.

No.

Careful, Belle.
You're taking after your mother.

Go away!

- Did you see them?
- Yep.

Are they coming?

Empty. I must remember
to go by the grocers.

The same one?
He'll get suspicious.

Back off.
He's as blind as a bat.

What's up?

What's up with me?
Nothing, as usual.

Do you still love me?

Never ask me that. Ever.

Why not?

'Cos it bugs me.

It bugs you?

I can't say no more.

Because of the others?

You know why I told them to come.

Think they'll go for it?

Never. They're cowards.

Still clinging to their mama's skirts.

Yes, they have mothers.

But you're my friend.
Aren't you, Jacques?

Jacques...

No one else remembers
my name is Jacques.

- I bet it's Georges.
- Why?

You know why.

- Am I late?
- No fear of that!

- Hello, Isabelle.
- Hello, Georges.

It's fortified wine.
My father's recipe.

I thought it would do you good.

- What a laugh!
- Shut up.

Thank you, Georges.

- You want to talk to me?
- When the others arrive.

The others?

- But I thought...
- You'd be on your own?

You still believe in Santa!

Second delivery.

- Hello, Saint-Jean.
- Hello, Isabelle.

- Hello, Dimier.
- Hello, Isabelle.

Hello, Clément.

The Newt!
What do we do?

I told him to come.

Hiya, Isabelle.

Hi. Did your uncle let you go out?

Didn't ask him.
It's Sunday, he's drunk.

Here, for you.

Thank you, Isabelle.

It's nice of you to come.

It must have been difficult.

I must talk to you,
it's difficult too.

I was slapped today.

By the château coachman
in front of his boss.

I want revenge!

Alone I can't.
With you I can.

I know you've all been forbidden
to talk to me,

even to look at me.

But I know you're all unhappy.

That's why you're here.

Georges, your father doesn't love you
or anything you love.

Saint-Jean, you're a foundling.
They despise you, same as me.

Dimier, you're an orphan.
And your boss mistreats you.

Clément,
you slave your guts out on a farm

and sleep with the livestock.

Now listen to me.

In the château tonight

there's a party
for Miss de Perthus's fiancé.

We'll enter the park,

slash the guests' tires,
smash the windows,

cut the horses' reins...

Save your breath!

Isabelle,

I promise I won't tell anyone.

And you, Saint-Jean?

I can't, Isabelle.

When I was in the orphanage,
a girl brought me candy every Sunday.

Later I learned she
was Miss de Perth us.

It's not possible. I can't.
Do you understand?

Go away.

I'm not a kid, Isabelle,

I'm not into candy or apples.

You know my conditions.

You know what I mean?

Yes.

Well?

Get out.

You're all I have left, Georges.

You were right,
my father doesn't love me.

He never has. But I love him.

He's running for city council soon.

- I can't do it to him.
- You're scared.

No.

Ask me anything you want,

to fight a man even, I'll do it.

But not that.

Do you believe me, Isabelle?

Do you?

Tell me.

You forgot your poison!

Great recruitment!

- They've all gone.
- Not me.

I'm here.
I'll do whatever you want.

Why's she crying?
I'm staying.

Drop it, midget.
This concerns men.

Don't cry.

Those losers would get us spotted.

We'll go, we can handle it alone.

Look, Belle.

I'll surprise them.

EVRY HAPPINESS

This is for the drawing room windows.

The Newt will cover us.
Whistle if you see anyone.

You bet.

Good.

Let's go, you'll feel better.

You're right.

Newt, you keep watch.

If you're spotted, act dumb.

Poor kids have the right
to watch the rich having fun.

Yes, Isabelle.

They'll pay for that slap.
Cut the lamp.

C'mon.

Come on!

Stay by the tree.
If you see anyone, whistle.

Yes, Isabelle.

Done!

- It's me. Seen anyone?
- No. And you?

I've slashed three.

Well?

- Hello, sir.
- What are you up to?

I'm watching.

Poor kids have the right
to watch the rich having fun.

You're trespassing on private property.

Go on, beat it.

Or your ma will box your ears.

No chance, I'm an orphan.

Shut up. Beat it.

The watchman!

Run, I'll join you.

Hoodlums!

I'll get you!

I'll get you! Vandals!

You shouldn't smoke.

What do you want?

- To talk to you.
- Who let you in?

Your servant.
She said you'd be back.

Don't worry. I'm a friend.

Go away.

- I'm here as a friend.
- I have no friends!

A social evening?

Open up!

Open up!

I said I'd get you, scum.

That goes for the lot of you!

- What is it?
- Sorry, Mr. Mercier.

- I'm interrupting?
- Looking for something?

Yes, this gallows bird
who got away from me.

Caught red handed. She'll pay.

I recognized your cough.

Pity you coughed.

- What's this about?
- It's simple, Mr. Mercier.

Only 10 minutes ago,
this little slut was slashing the tires

of the baron's guests.

Impossible.

I've been with her for an hour.

Be sensible, Mr. Mercier.
I tell you I recognized her.

She coughed.

She hasn't left me for a second.
I'm not mad.

Very well.

I won't claim you're insane.

As you say so.

I'll be seeing you.

Good evening.

Why did you do that?

Tell me why.

Why do you slash tires?

- I hate happy people.
- I hate watchmen.

I suppose you didn't help me for free?

Maybe.

Other men sneaked here at night
behind their wives' backs to help me.

I know what it's worth.
Beat it.

Let's say it was out of curiosity.

Sure! Curiosity.

This is an ordinary village,
no memorials or old streets.

So they tell strangers
about Isabelle who has TB,

whose father hung himself.

- I know.
- Sure. Everyone knows.

The boys leer at me in the street.

The priest's maid crosses herself.

Not scared of the Devil?

No, we get on well.

As I'm the Devil.
Didn't they tell you?

It's forbidden to like me
or smile at me.

I'm jinxed.

They tie my father's noose
round my neck and pull it.

I hate them!

All of them?

All!

I don't like them much either.

Why not? They never hurt you.

Not yet, but...

I can feel it coming.
The château girl didn't hurt you?

She's always been happy.
It's not fair.

- So you make her pay?
- It cheers me up.

I understand.

No, you can't.
You're too rich.

It's as bad as too poor.

People own you.

Take me.
The doctor owns me.

He enjoys making you pay.
You don't.

Not exactly, no.

I don't like the doctor.

His many virtues hide something.

- What?
- What?

I'm asking you.
What?

The Devil knows everything.
I need to know.

- Is that why you came here?
- Sure.

After 25 years away,
I don't know a soul. It all seems...

bizarre.
Rather worrying.

So I said, the best thing to do
is go and see Isabelle.

What's the connection?

The doctor is the local center.
Worth investigating.

He's the key to a lot.

Not talking?

He hasn't been mixed up
in some shady affair?

- These things happen.
- Want me to tell you?

Yes, as you don't like anyone,
you don't like the doctor.

I don't like the saintly doctor.

But upstarts like you disgust me!

I have nothing to say about the doctor.
Out!

You're the Devil!
Poor Devil.

He saved your life.

He wants to save me.
He treated my mother.

He's better than you.

Agreed. But you and your family
leave him cold.

What does the fine,
upstanding doctor want?

Membership
of the Academy of Medicine.

A statue and a street name.

Acclaim from fools like you
who he didn't cure.

What does it take?
A 50-page paper on TB.

Your mother supplied part 1,
you'll be part 2.

What? He used my mother?

In the interest of science.
It merits the Legion of Honor.

He wants to cure me!

You're just a case in his eyes.
Nothing more.

Don't deprive him of his last chapter.

Have you seen it?

I've read every word.

I know all about your family line.
Fascinating.

Anyone can read it.

It's lying on his desk.
In a green folder.

Naturally. The color of hope.

The good doctor's hopes.

See you soon, my little Devil.

Don't smoke too much.

DONATED BY LUDOVIC MERCIER

HEALTH CENTER
LUDOVIC MERCIER FOUNDATION

a radiotherapy unit

and the purchase of a site
for a new Chatenay stadium.

Gentleman, our eternal gratitude

binds us from now on
to our friend Ludovic Mercier.

And that's not all.

Great generosity knows no bounds.

I can announce to you all
that our friend Mercier

is sponsoring the construction
of the Châtenois Omnisport Stadium.

We all know what a welcome distraction

and - let's admit it-
an efficient remedy

regular sport offers
our sadly idle young generation.

Doctor, I already owe you a lot.

You taught me the joy of ruining myself
to do good to others.

Don't worry, I won't forget it.

You're not dealing with
an ungrateful man.

Excellent.

Gentlemen, after those fine words,
the meeting is adjourned.

Come, Ludovic.

The whole town wants to acclaim you

as the best of her sons.

Chauvin!

How much is a stadium?

A million. A trifle.

Just as I thought.

Something tiresome happened recently.
I was burgled.

- You, doctor?
- Curious, isn't it?

I found my office pillaged.
They were after my folder,

those medical notes
I told you about.

I can't remember. So?

As I'm not stupid,
they didn't find anything.

Unfortunately they took it out
on my poor radiotherapy unit.

Don't worry, I checked:
partial damage.

It will cost you

50,000 francs at the most.

- Doctor...
- Yes?

- You understand French?
- I think so.

Drop dead.

Come. They're waiting for you.

My dear friend,

in the name of the city council

and the population
of Chatenay-la-Rivière,

I solemnly declare that this square,

previously Church Square,

is named from now on
Ludovic Mercier Square.

Crayfish?
There are masses of them.

How come?
There never used to be.

The Deep Hollow is teeming with 'em!

Hurry up, slowcoach!

Mr. Berthaud, do you want some too?

I'm taking six.

Six? That's crazy.
We've never had crayfish here.

Not until now.
Go to the Deep Hollow, you'll see...

They're there for the taking.

By the little bridge.
Where your nephew crashed his car.

Goodbye, ma'am.

Goodbye, Mr. Berthaud.

Good fishing!

At last!

'Evening, Mercier.
Fine crayfish!

Good evening, doctor.

100 francs. Thank you.

So you've got your Square!

Ludovic Mercier Square, doctor.

He was always
the bottom of the class.

Happy?

I'm delighted, aunt.

Good. The way
you throw your money around,

they'll end up naming
the county after you!

It won't cost them a cent.

Here's the sergeant.

Hello, ma'am.
Hello, folks.

You want a crayfish net too,
I reckon?

I'll turn into a crayfish.

No, I want trolls for casting.

That's proper fishing.

Catching crayfish at the Deep Hollow
isn't sport.

I could scoop them up
in my helmet!

How do you explain it?

Carrion fell in the river.

Nothing like rotting flesh
to attract crayfish.

When they've eaten it all,
they'll go.

I have an idea, Ludovic.

How about a fishing party
at the Deep Hollow?

It would be fun,
teeming with all those crayfish.

We'll bring the sergeant.

For the ride then.

Crayfish ain't for me.

Just this once.

Tomorrow morning?

It's settled?

Impossible, doctor.

I'd planned to see you
about having your unit repaired.

And give you the money.

We can discuss
the sports stadium too.

For that,

I'll back down.

- Excuse us, sergeant.
- Naturally.

You have my trolls?

Thank you. Put it on my bill.

- Goodbye, doctor.
- Goodbye, sergeant.

Take my word for it, Mercier,
crayfish isn't real fishing.

Goodbye, Miss Hortense.

By golly, it's late. Goodbye.

Till tomorrow, my friend.

Next time, if you like,
we'll just doff our hats.

No, don't put yourself out.

I'm not selling crayfish nets all night.

Goodnight.

What is it, Ludovic?

- Something wrong?
- Leave me alone.

- What is it?
- Nothing. Leave me in peace.

In peace! You hear?

In peace!

Exactly like his father.

I give up. There's no point
having a square named after you

if it puts you in such a state.

Sit down. Dinner.

We're waiting, Nathalie.

Your father lost his temper like you.

But not at meal times.
He wasn't so stupid.

Ma'am!

The doctor sent this over.

What is it?

Crayfish!

How nice of him.

You like crayfish, Ludovic?

Take it away. Now.

What?

I said take it away!

Are you mad? Just because
you don't like crayfish...

That's enough! Shut up!

It's not your fault.

You're not to blame.

I'm sorry.
Pick up your creatures.

It's not their fault either.

You deserve a different nephew.

No need to introduce myself.

No need at all.

Good evening, Saget.

Sit down.

Hands flat on the desk.

Don't make a move.
You're sick, doctor.

I know.

Scared?

Yes.

God knows I was expecting this visit.

I rehearsed... an attitude
that wouldn't be too ridiculous.

Well, it's a flop.

Odd how men are alike
when they're afraid.

You're not the first
to tremble at gunpoint.

They were all like you.

And you're like them.

I'm getting my own back now.

Seeing a little rat like you shaking,

it's a cinch.

Bringing you here was a cinch too.

I saw you weren't Mercier.
12 hours later

I knew who you were.

You're a louse, doctor.
You're worse than me.

I risk my life when I rob.
You play safe.

I don't rob. I repay.

What was my option?
To treat you as a doctor?

Then denounce you as a citizen?

I thought it over.

You thought wrong.

Possibly. On one hand:
Morality, Society, Justice.

In a word: the law of men.

On the other hand:
my own law.

- I made my choice.
- I refuse your law.

You prefer the police?

They'd have arrested you.

The law would have executed you.

And returned the money to the banks.

While kids here are dying
of poverty and disease.

So I chose
to let you save your skin,

and make you pay
for the right to live.

You're a villain.

That's what you are!

You'll get the death penalty.

For the fourth time!

- They won't catch me!
- They will!

They won't and here's why!
I'm Ludovic Mercier.

I'll shoot you in a second
and I'll be him!

I foresaw this. I've kept letters
and documents as proof.

You'll never be Ludovic Mercier!

- Too bad!
- You're incapable of it.

You think so?

You don't have enough drive!
Or reflex or muscles.

I'm speaking as a doctor.

You're through, Saget.

You could have shot me
without hesitating.

Just you wait, bastard.

But you did hesitate.

It's not me you want to destroy,

it's Ludovic.

Your last chance to stay alive.

So if you think it's worth it...

You shit.

You're right, again.

You find it funny?

I do.

I have a sense of humor.

My dear Ludovic.

Your jokes can be rather...

rather heavy.

But delightful
when one's used to them.

Believe me,

there's nothing finer than life.

Right?

No, you can't take off after all this,
let's have a brandy.

The mayor and the town councilors
are here, come on.

Mr. Mercier!

What a nice surprise!

My friend was bored
so he dropped in. Good timing!

As Mr. Mercier is here,
we can tell him about our affair.

You've mentioned it to him?

No, we were discussing
entirely different matters.

Let's not waste time.
How much do you want?

It's not about money, for once.

It's about Isabelle
and that wretch Hobo.

These gentlemen think
they've gone too far

and it's time to step in.

What do you expect from me exactly?

Find the girl and make her see reason.

Do it yourself.

I would but it's impossible.

Really? Why?

You see, Mr. Mercier,

when her father's scandal broke...

I had to side against him.

I obeyed my conscience

but it left me heart-broken,

as we were childhood friends.

And little Isabelle remembers.

Well, another of these gentlemen?

They're in my situation.

They acted for the best.

Yes. Nevertheless
they're not proud of it.

And you, doctor, wisdom
and goodness personified,

did you act for the best too?

No.

Of course I should have forgiven him...

I was incapable of it.

He was holding funds
that I'd scraped together

to build my health center.

Ten years of striving demolished.

I'm not a saint, Ludovic,
I'm only a man.

A villain.

I refuse.

What is it now?

Good God!
I bet it's her again! C'mon!

Near the High Street...

Outrageous!
It's still going on!

Well, doctor!

I think I've raised a ghost.

What ghost?

Isabelle's father dangling
on the end of a rope.

The victim of those
who acted for the best.

And it makes you laugh?

It does indeed.

Yes?

What?

Yes...

Yes. Thank you.

Excellent news for you, my friend.

All your aunt's shop windows
are smashed.

What did you say?

Isabelle and Hobo
sent you their regards.

That noise we just heard...
Yes.

Bitch.

Wait for me,

my dear Ludovic

Mercier.

It's time to step in.

My Shop!
My POOP shop!

What have I done to them?
What have I done?

Calm down.
They won't get away with it.

- Ludovic!
- Mr. Mercier.

Look what they did to me!

Don't cry, aunt.
We'll have it all repaired.

Let's go inside.

I've made up my mind.
I'm calling the county authorities.

The police will intervene,
an official scandal.

All the better.
If we don't act now,

I resign from the council!

Take it easy.
The crime squad are very tiresome.

Nosing into everything.

What do you think, Ludovic?

You're right, doctor.
I'll deal with it.

Ludovic, where are you going?

Where's the Newt?

Must have got nabbed.

I told him to make a run for it.

He's so little.
They'll beat him.

- Want me to look for him?
- I'll come.

You can hardly breathe.

Don't leave me. I'm scared.

- You? You're kidding.
- I'm scared.

- Maybe it's the Newt.
- No.

It's me, Clément!

That hick.

- I don't like him much.
- Open the door.

I came to warn you.
He's on his way over.

- I ran here.
- Who?

Mercier.

The mayor wanted to call the police.

Mercier said he'd handle it
and he left.

I saw it all...

The Hobo smashing
Hortense's shop windows...

- So I came over.
- Chasing me again?

I said don't follow me.

The streets are for everyone!

Snitch!

- Whoa! If I get angry...
- Go ahead.

Help!

I found this on the way.

Help me! Isabelle!

Yours, isn't it?

- Did he beat you?
- No, just a spank.

- Is that all?
- Just a word.

You trashed a woman's shop
who never harmed you.

I'll let it go this time.
But never again.

No more games like that.
Get it?

Good night.

Punk!

Any objection?

The matter is closed.

You little bastard!

No!

Coward!

I'll teach you a lesson!

Help me, Clément!

Kill him!

Go for it!

Hit him!

Harder!

I'll get you.

Newt!

Murderer!

It's not over.

- Us now, fella!
- You're hurting me!

Just a second.

Gotcha.

A ride on a swing for you.

Another round, young man?

The door is straight ahead.

No hard feelings.

Ouch! It hurts!

The holy terror.

Scram. We've seen enough of you.

Gangster!

I'll find you.

There we are!

I was sure we'd end up getting on.

It's easy with kids.

No, on the contrary.
I don't fight kids, I fight men.

You've made men of them.

Men... Hoodlums.

They all fit the bill.
So I pulled no punches.

Say, do something else.
Anything.

Go see the doctor!

The doc and his instruments.

It's better than nothing.

No!

Private papers? Archives?

Go away.

I order you to leave!

- Sorry, I'm interested.
- It's mine!

But it interests me.

"Saget the loner...
Saget the elusive...

"Did he steal Madame Z's jewels?"

That's funny.

"Saget keeps going..."

An odd collection.
Interested in that guy?

- A young girl's dream.
- Yes, why not?

You can't understand.

He's not a man for the priest
or the doctor or you.

But he is for me.

He doesn't sell fishing tackle.

Police have chased him
over Europe for 10 years.

Nothing touches him,
he's elusive.

He's Saget.

How old are you?
18? 20?

You love him?

You love Saget, huh?

- Idiot!
- Why?

Because he's better than you?
He scares you?

You don't know him.
Nobody does.

I do. Not his face,
but that doesn't matter.

I know him inside out.
He's strong and brave.

Brave? You think so?

Yes, brave.

Christmas Eve, 5 years ago,
he robs the best guarded bank in Paris.

No one knows how he broke in.

Through the sewers. Like a rat.

Go on.

He's alone, as always,
he planned it all.

He heads for the safes.

The alarm rings.
He doesn't run, not him.

He tried to, believe me.

But the electric locks kicked in.

All he could do was keep going.

Carry on.

He runs into three armed guards.

Two. The third was in on it.

- He attacks them.
- In the back.

He wasn't afraid.

Yes he was, child.
He was afraid.

That's why he killed them.

He escapes. They chase him.

He jumps in a car and gets away.
They block the roads.

They charge. They shoot.

Next day they find the car, abandoned.

With blood on the upholstery.

He was wounded.

On his left wrist.

Saget...

Saget is dead, Isabelle.

A sad end for a hero of adventures.

You're Saget!

My name is Ludovic Mercier.
I sell fishing rods, butterfly nets

and maggots.

I'm rich and kind-hearted,

I donate church bells.

But I knew Saget very well.

He was no hero, believe me.

He had the stupid audacity
of those who risk everything

as they have nothing to lose.

Hardly a worthy souvenir
for a girl of 18.

You're crying. Did he hurt you?

Isabelle...

I love you.

I know he's stronger than me.

But if you want it...

there'll be nobody stronger than me.

You understand?

The safety catch, idiot.

You forgot the safety catch.

May I?

You can try again
but it's badly rusty.

Either you'll kill me
or it'll blow up in your face.

What are you waiting for?

Amateur!

Sit down.

She sent you here, right?

You're not up to this.
You look rough but it's not enough.

You like a fight?

Even if it's not over a pretty girl?

Maybe we'll get along.

Look at me!

So you're good at football?

Right.

You're strong.

I could use a guy like you
as goalkeeper against Chatillon.

Think about it.

Now skedaddle.

Not there, the shop is closed.

You know the way out.

Inauguration of the
LUDOVIC MERCIER STADIUM

FOOTBALL MATCH

Another blessing from Ludovic!

It was the doctor's idea, you know.

Everyone can have ideas,
they're free. Money isn't.

See you in the VIP stand.

Alright.

- You want to buy something?
- Yes.

It's Sunday, we're closed.
Tomorrow.

No, today. Now.

Come in.

How can I help you?

You can live here? You?

Yes. It's very easy, really.

- It's not true.
- What?

It's ugly and crass!
It's not true.

It is true.

- And it's permanent.
- You can't.

Sell fishing rods?

Not you!

Say it's a front.
A hideout, a stopover in your life.

Say you've gone to earth
like animals do,

anywhere, anyhow.

But don't say it's forever.

It's forever.

Unless you find another Clément
and another gun...

For a moment
I did want him to kill you.

Then I'd have killed him to save you,

but I was too weak to lift a finger...

and I knew you'd be the best.

You're always the best.

Look at me.
Why won't you look at me?

We're the same race.
I want it all.

Yes, I know. I'm sick.

I don't care about ordinary life,
it stifles me.

But I'd be healed if I lived your life,
with you.

I'm 20 years old.

With everything to learn.

I'm 40, with everything to forget.

Adventure excites you?
It sickens me.

Even with me?

You ask me 20 years too late.

I beg you, don't push me away.

Don't let me go like this.

Look at me.
You can see I can't go on.

I'm capable of anything if I lose you.

Isabelle, I'm not Saget.

Not any more. Understand?

The elusive loner you love

was drowned in Aunt Hortense's soups.

He was smothered with gratitude,

crushed by civilities.

He's in the stadium cement!

Under the church bell,
in the doctor's pocket!

He's dead.

No, he isn't!

I'll force you to be who you really are.

For years I've dreamed of this,
of finding you.

I've found you...

And you offer me...

This!

This...

This. Yes.

All this.

Nothing but this.

African bamboo. Top quality.
Cheap. 97 francs.

Solid and light.
Our customers love it.

Japanese bamboo.

The latest trend. Indestructible.
For the elegant angler.

342 francs excluding tax.

The luxury model.
American walnut, or hickory.

A blend of style and solidity.

723 francs...

with a waterproof shoulder strap.

LUDOVIC MERCIER STADIUM

Hurry up!
The match has begun.

It's good you came, Isabelle.
We'll see some sport.

Yes, I'd say we will for sure.

Hello, doctor.

A great day, huh?

What are you doing here?

I forbade you to come.
Beat it!

- Georges said you're here.
- Go away!

Are you angry?

See you tonight in the stable.

- That's a pretty dress.
- Drop it!

OK...

See you tonight, Isabelle.

Here at last, doctor.
You're late.

You don't look well.
You should see a good doctor.

What's wrong?

The police.

They know.
You were denounced.

They've encircled the stadium.

A lot of them?

About thirty.

A lot.

Terrific!

What will you do?

I'm thinking.

An entire brigade of cops
in action today.

And the girl's here, look.

- Waiting for the show.
- It was her...

Who else?
A foregone conclusion.

All the better.
A touch of class.

We're winning, Ludovic!

We're winning!

You know the details of the ceremony?

Yes, the chief inspector informed me.
No scandal.

At half-time we leave,
then you follow the inspectors.

A car is waiting for you.

Seen Clement? What a save!
He blocks everything!

Him too?

The glory of Chatenay!

How long till half-time?

- Two minutes.
- Time to smile at Isabelle.

Look at her, waiting for a miracle.

Well, it won't happen.

The elusive Saget will go
like a lamb.

End of the legend.

Here.

Take this, doctor.

Why? You may have a chance.

- One can always try.
- Then try!

Oh no, I'm not mad.

The cops will win this round,
it won't be the last.

Go on.

Take it, doctor.

A souvenir for your mantelpiece.

Let's go, discreetly.

Not leaving, Mercier?

No, some friends are waving to me.

We must congratulate the team.

Start the congratulations.
I'll complete them.

It's a push-over!

Don't bust a gut!

- They're marvelous.
- Marvelous!

No scandal. Tact.
The doctor filled me in.

Walk ahead to the exit.

Get in the black Citroen.
One move and we shoot.

Got it.

Coming, doc?

Isabelle!

- He's arrested?
- Whose fault?

Why did he let them?

To teach you a lesson.
You denounced him.

I did it to save him,
so he'd be himself again.

Hands off! Don't touch me.

- You're a monster.
- You're a murderer!

You killed the elusive Saget!

Killed him with your charity
and fishing rods, your hypocrisy!

I hate you!

Ah, doctor!

Cheer up. First time
you've seen a guy arrested?

A guy. no.

A friend, yes.

Thank you, doc.

Subtitles: Charlotte Trench

Subtitling: HIVENTY

4K restoration by: HIVENTY for the
image L.E. Diapason for the sound