All language subtitles for Le voyage de monsieur Perrichon (2014) Eng

Come along, now.

Could we speed up a bit?

If you'd taken less luggage...

I like to be able
to dress according to my mood.

Spreading Parisian elegance
is part of tourism.

You look worried, my dear.

I'm fine, Mother.

Is it because of those 2 young men

we met at Lyon station

and who sat in our compartment

and then got off, by chance,
at the same station as us?

I didn't even notice.

They've gone now.

They must have had business.

Good travelling companions.

A banker and a military engineer.
They must keep busy.

- There.
- Hold on!

I need to check
that everything's here.

1, 2, 3, 4, the trunk, 5...

my bag, 6, my wife, 7,
my daughter, 8, myself, 9.

All good. We're 9.

Yes. Goodbye.
Thanks.

You need to pay.

Money, money...
That's all the French think of.

What should I give him?

- 15.
- 20, Daddy.

Split the difference,
say 10.

That's for you.
Keep it.

It's a lot, but I insist.

Don't spend it all on drink!

Skinflint.

Yes, skinflint to you too.

The local dialect is charming.
It's so melodic.

- Goodbye.
- Yes, goodbye.

- You could have made it 20.
- Yes, I could have.

But that wouldn't have helped.

We shouldn't
destabilize the locals with money.

10 sous here is a lot.

He'll eat meat this evening.

Right, let's go.

Lord, it's hot!

It's your fault.

You've been hurrying us along
since Paris.

But it is hot.

We'll come in winter next time.

Mountains? In winter?

What would Parisians
do here in winter?

Or at the seaside in summer?

You do say some funny things.

You're truly your husband's...

Your mother's...
Your daughter's...

I know what I mean.

Excuse me, my man, is the train
to Montenvers direct?

This is Chamonix,
next is Montenvers.

So it's direct?

There are two stations.

So we don't change?

- Are you on business?
- We're tourists.

We're engaging in tourism...
if you know the word.

Eh? No?

I arranged to come
to the Mer de Glace

to celebrate two events:

First, I've sold my business.

A very substantial business.

Second, I've been awarded
the Legion d'honneur.

You don't have it yet!

A matter of minutes!

- Seconds!
- Exactly.

The Legion d'honneur?
Are you a soldier?

I'm a coach-maker.

Perrichon Coaches,
Paris.

That's me.

And this Legion d'honneur?

For services to France.

What have you done for it?

Well, I've, I've...

What have I done for France?

I packed my bags.

That was more for me.

I've done a lot.

You've done a lot of networking.

I've done a lot of networking.

A particular case.

Do you think we could get on now?

If you want to wait
an hour in a hot carriage,

by all means.

Excuse my ignorance,
Station Master,

but how can such a heavy train

get up such a steep slope?

Won't it slide down?

- It's a rack railway.
- Ask a silly question...

It must be powerful.

I can show you how it works.

I'd like that.

Come with me.
Leave the bags unattended.

No! I'll watch them.
But be quick.

Can I come?

It might be dangerous, darling.

Stay with your father.

We're nice and early.

I like being early.

I'm bored.

Shall I go and buy you a book?

Watch the bags.

Shout, if someone comes.

Ah, youth!

I'd like a book for my daughter.

Nothing about politics,
money or chivalry.

What about this.

No. I have it.

The Banks of the Saone.

Maybe something a bit different.
Ah...

The Banks of the Marne.

I haven't read that.

How does this compare?

It's the Marne.

Perfect.
I'll take it.

And I hope it's suitable?

- Do you sell notebooks?
- Yes.

- Good.
- Here.

Good. Now...

This one is faulty.

There's a band on it.

Why?

To hold it closed,

for protection.

What technology!
Where will it end?

I'll take both.

Keep the change.

You're 5 sous short!

The train for Mer de Glace

is leaving from platform 1.

Hurry, Caroline.

You took your time.

Wonderful!

What a wonderful visit.
I learned

so much.

- He wasn't too much?
- No.

He really showed me everything.
Excellent.

- Did you learn much?
- A lot.

I'll show... I'll tell you.

Careful as I close the doors now.

I was waiting for you
to finish your education

before showing you
the wonders of nature, Henriette.

Is this going to last long?

- What?
- All this flowery language.

I'm enlightening her.

Here's a notebook, darling.

Try to open it.

Just try.

Have you seen one before?

They were invented 3 months ago.

I saw one in Paris.

Ah, youth!
A ceaseless wonder!

Keep that with you at all times.

Why?

To note expenditure and impressions.

- Impressions?
- Of our trip.

You write,
I'll dictate.

I thought of something
as we came through Chalons.

Er...

Now what was it?
I should have written it down.

Ah yes.

Travel makes you feel
further from home

and closer to your destination.

"Travel..." Note it.

"makes you feel further from home

"and closer to..."

Are you an author now?

A man is entitled
to collect his thoughts.

Nice.

Here's another.

Left page.

Expenditure.

Carriage:
2 francs,

train:
172 francs, 5 centimes,

porter:
20 sous.

10 sous.

Consider it poetic licence.

Train: 92 francs.
Got it?

Yes.

Right page: impressions.

Adieu, France, Queen of Nations.

Queen of Nations.

Did you get the one from Chalons?

You never know.

A publisher may come across it

and decide to publish.

It's for future generations.

Here we go!

- Armand, what a surprise!
- We missed them.

Don't you ever give up?

I have the unpleasant feeling
you're trying to lose me.

Nothing could be further
from my mind.

We'll take the next.

Don't try to buy all the seats.

- I'll still get on.
- You're mistaken.

Let's have a drink.

To prove my sincerity,
I'll buy you one.

Oh, a rat!

Look, Henriette, a mountain rat!

It's a marmot.

Make a sketch in your notebook.

We mustn't fall out.

I quite agree.

Let's stick together.

- Antelopes!
- No.

- There.
- They're chamois.

Stop this tomfoolery.

If she likes us both,
this could take a while.

We'll be in open warfare.

I did consider giving way, but...

I think I love her.

I feel the same.

We can't both marry her.

- So?
- It's simple.

Let's go up and meet the family.

We'll compete for her love.

So it'll be a competition?

A joust, fair and gentlemanly.

I accept.

- Let's shake hands.
- And stay friends.

- This is the grandmother's.
- No!

I'll taste it tomorrow,
after 4 o'clock.

You're being demobbed?

Yes.

Let's go, men.

Let's get going.

Look lively.

- Goodbye.
- Goodbye.

- Can I help you, or...
- Or what?

Ah, yes!

We booked 2 rooms, 3 meals

and a guide.
I'm Perrichon.

This way.

I like it.

Very nice.
That's wood, I recognize that.

I'll be right there.

That's appetizing.

It looks good.

Where were you?

We'll be late for lunch.

I've put on weight.

I've got a bit of muscle, no?

I quite agree.

Er...

Is that a grey hair?

No, it's yellow.

It smells of cheese.

That's making me hungry.
Let's eat.

And change your hair soap.

Ah, gentlemen.
What a coincidence!

Coincidence can't always
be held responsible.

We share the same love
of the mountains

and beautiful things.

Are you going to the Mer de Glace?

Yes.

- Use my guide.
- How kind.

It'll be 100 sous a head.

Very well.

- Call it 150.
- 150.

200 will be fine.

Henriette, will you walk with me?

No, I want to stay out of the sun.

Will you join us?

No. I have important business...

in the shade.

Let's go.

Let's drink a toast
to the beautiful landscape.

One should be well hydrated
before exercise.

I never drink alcohol.

How about you?

I can't let you drink alone.

Mr Perrichon, let's toast
to this wonderful panorama.

It's coming.

It's rising...

Are you all right?

I have a thought coming on.

Where's Henriette
with her notebook.

Manager, bring the guest book,
a pen and blotting paper.

And ink.

Never resist the muse.

I have to bring out what I feel.

Bring it out.

There it is.

"Man is small,

"when seen from the heights
of the Mer de Glace."

That's quite something.

It's a little unusual, for sure.

He's written "mere?, which means
"mother?, instead of "mer?.

I'm going to get changed.
I'll be back.

Mr Perrichon,
may I read what you've written?

Please.

Thank you.

"Man is small,

"when seen from the heights
of the Mere de Glace."

Good.

And so true.

It's true.

- The Mer de Glace...
- I wonder...

Are you an author?

- You must be published.
- I assure you, I'm not.

Is Perrichon a pseudonym?

What's your real name?

Flaubert, Balzac, Lamartine?

I promise you, it's Perrichon.
As in Perrichon.

Well, I'm amazed.

I can't believe it.

Thanks.
Manager!

Careful, it's wet.

Mr Perrichon,
this may not be the moment,

but I need to tell you about
an unusual event.

I'm listening.

3 weeks ago,
I was at the Ranelagh ball

and I danced
with your daughter, Henriette.

- Henriette is my daughter.
- Yes.

A chaste, pure dance,

like dragonflies on the pond.

Since then, I've been in love.

That's why I'm here.

If I may ask,

you're a man of literature,

of classical culture,

we speak the same language...

Yes. French.

Yes. Er...

Mr Perrichon,
it's my great honour

to ask for your daughter's hand.

Does she know about this?

I'm a gentleman.

I have too much respect

not to come to you first.

She'll know in due course.

I have to go.

- Are you staying?
- Yes.

Let's talk further,
Mr Savary.

Call me Daniel, please.
Daniel.

"Daniel."

Eugene, hurry up!

I'm only doing this for you.

I hate these pebbles.

- Do you know the plan?
- No.

We'll take the Montenvers pathway.

We'll go around the farm.

Well!

- Then up to the Joris chalet.
- That's good.

We'll keep the village to our left.

We'll rest at the Caillet fountain.

Good.

Shall I tell you why?

No thanks.

Ah, but... Well I...

Tell me, why are we going to rest
at the Thingy fountain.

- The Caillet fountain?
- Yes.

I'll tell you.

That will give us the best view

of the Dreux, 3,754 metres high,

Grepon Needle, 3,482 metres high,

and the Grandes Jorasses,
at 4,205 metres high.

What enormous heights!

Incredible, we must talk about them

at our leisure.

Where's my steed?

You won't need spurs.

Are you giving riding lessons to me,

Perrichon?

That's good.

- So?
- This is Sultan.

Perfect.

Could you help me get on top?

I mean, help me mount.

Take a good hold on me.

Easy now.

- You seem nervous.
- Not at all.

There's a problem with this horse.

Do you have another?

- I don't like white.
- It's grey.

As I said, it's dark white.

I...

I like the chestnut one.

Very nice...
To go with my gloves.

Watch with your spurs.

Incredible.

A riding lesson from a mere peasant.

If he knew the rides I've been on.

Do you know the Bois de Boulogne?

You can't tell people anything.

Ah, the provinces.

Let me show you something.

It's as if you were down there.

- Incredible.
- Fascinating.

It's as if you were down there.

Yes.

See, Caroline?
It's as if you were down there.

That's acoustic resurgence.

The crevices in the limestone

have formed caves and wells

in a stratigraphic manner.

Or: the sound comes up
through the cracks.

I think it's more acoustic.

You hear with your ears.

Mr Perrichon,

I have to tell you,
I'm not here by chance.

You want to marry my daughter.

- Er, yes, that's it.
- It's an epidemic.

Watch your spurs.

She doesn't like it.

Let's go.

Eugene!

Has the young lady woken up yet?

She's still in her room.

Not with your friends?

They're not my friends.

Maybe my family, soon.

What a shame, it's a nice outing.

That's not why I'm here.

Ah, Mademoiselle!

At last, you're here.

May I tell you
what an incredible joy it is...

- Oh, my Lord.
- Quick! Water!

Salt, vinegar...

- What happened?
- Daddy!

He fell.

My wife... My daughter...

Ah, my hotelier.

What a fall!

That's better.

- More drink.
- Wine.

That's good.

How strange.

It was your fault.

A family father on a horse,
with spurs!

The horse doesn't like spurs.

It was the horse, not the spurs.

You made her rear up.

- What happened?
- My daughter,

Armand saved your father's life.

He almost fell down the precipice.

I was screaming.

Armand courageously
and calmly rushed forwards...

A life saver.

Without you,
my husband would have...

The danger's past.

That makes me feel better.

You and your spurs!

The horse doesn't like spurs.

You don't love your family.

May I add my thanks to my mother's.

I'll remember this day forever.

Mademoiselle.

Thank you, Armand.
May I call you Armand.

- Yes.
- Give me your hand.

You showed such bravitude.

I'll remember this all my days.

Very nice,
but I still need to be paid.

Take him away.
Pay him and take him away.

I'll meet you in the stables.
It'll be easier.

Yes, but be quick.

"Yes, but be quick."
That accent's horrible!

This will help.

"This will help."
What an accent!

- It's horrible.
- Maybe we have an accent.

Don't be so silly.

May our presence at least
help them learn.

Of course.

Go up to your room.

Henriette's here.

I'll pay the guide.

I'm suffering terribly.

But you can't keep a Perrichon down.

I'll take the Mer de Glace tomorrow.

Please find a guide
without an accent.

See you soon.

Goodbye, Mr Armand.

Goodbye, Miss Henriette.

Can you serve us in my room?

I'll send up a fondue.

Perfect.
I need something light.

Bravo, Armand.

Daniel, I don't intend
to take advantage

of fate's work.

Don't be so modest.
You're ahead.

You've saved her father.

That'll count for a lot.

It was just chance.

Chance...

The father calls you Armand,
the mother cries in your arms,

the daughter speaks to you in poetry.

I'm beaten.
That much is clear.

- I must withdraw.
- You're joking.

Not at all.
I'm leaving tomorrow for Paris.

You're leaving?

Thank you.

From the heart!

I take it back.

But your sacrifice...

It's no sacrifice at all.

I have no chance of winning.

If I thought I had, I'd stay.

Yes.

Is this strange?

I feel I love Henriette more,
now I've lost here.

I love her more.

And you know...
I've never done it in snow.

In hay, silk and mud, yes...

And you?

In a woman once.

You'll make a nice couple.

I'm jealous.

I'll leave the favour
I was going to ask of you.

What was it?

Nothing.

Tell me, please.

As you're leaving,
I was going to ask you

to speak to Mr Perrichon

and ask him a little
about my position and hopes.

Good Lord!

Should I ask about the dowry?

I hardly had a chance
to speak to him earlier.

If I asked him
it would be like asking

for payment for my help.

So you want me to ask for you?

It's an unusual request.

So you won't?

I will.

My friend.

I'm a good rival,

who'll ask for you.

I'll speak to him tomorrow morning.

I'll set his strings of gratitude
quivering.

I don't know how to thank you.

You get out of breath fast
up here.

Good night, gentlemen.

I need to get to bed too.

Thank you, sir, sincerely.

We can be a bit less formal now.

I'd be glad to, si...
I'd be glad to!

- Coffee?
- Never in the morning.

It spoils my siesta.

I'll have kirsch,

tartlets and bread and butter.

And something on the side.

Will you get my bill?

I'm leaving.

3.

5.

Morning exercise!

You're in good shape.

If I told you my age,
you wouldn't believe me.

Tell.

- No?
- Yes.

38?

- I don't look it.
- No.

- So they say.
- Not at all.

- Are you feeling better?
- Yes.

I'm going to the Mer de Glace.

- With your saviour?
- Saviour?

Armand. He saved you.

Ah yes, of course, he saved me.
Certainly, he did.

And I won't forget about it.
I told him.

The ladies seem to like him.

When they get to know him...
A heart of gold.

Helpful, loyal and so modest...

That's rare.

And he was the best in his year.

So I heard.

What an honour, being saved
by a future general.

- Without him...
- Of course.

- It was a nice act.
- More than nice.

I'll always be grateful.

For as long as I live.
Pass the blueberry jam.

Thanks.

I can tell you,

what he did
wasn't as much

as my wife and daughter think.

Really?

You know what women are like.

Especially at these heights.
- Yes.

Of course, but...

Armand did stop you

as you were rolling.

Rolling?

Yes and no.

I retained remarkable
presence of mind.

I was focused.

I've always liked to roll.
I could roll for you now.

Don't trouble yourself.

And I was planning to stop myself
on a fir tree.

I see.

I was already holding onto it
when your friend arrived.

So you could have saved yourself.

But I recognize his good intentions.

I intend to thank him personally.

I'm going to invite him
for tea and cake.

- Cake?
- Yes, cake.

How generous.

Before,
I'd have given him a discount.

Better still,

I'd have serviced his carriage.

I'd have thrown in
a 5th wheel for free.

- Too kind!
- Yes, please.

Thanks.
You see...

Accidents have happened there before.

It's a black spot.

The manager told me that last year

an excellent Russian rider,
rolled down the same way.

- Really?
- Yes.

His guide saved him.
The Russian paid him 100 francs.

- That's good.
- Yes.

A fair price.

- Not a sou more.
- By the way,

I've ordered a new guide,
we'll be walking.

Will you come?
300 sous each.

Of course.

Will your family come?

- Let's make it just men.
- Armand?

If Mr Desroches wants to come,
he may.

Here it is.

Will you join me?

No, I'll get ready for the walk.

- Enjoy it.
- There aren't many cheeses.

Take my bags back up.

- So you're staying?
- Certainly.

I've found treasure.

This man is a diamond of ingratitude.

And treasure belongs to the finder.

Art. 716 of the Civil Code.

Find me some walking shoes.

Did you see him?

Could we address each other
a little more formally?

- But did you see him?
- Yes, I did.

- Did you speak to him?
- I did.

- Did you explain my position?
- No.

We promised to be open.

Armand, I'm not leaving.
I'm fighting on.

May I ask
what's changed your decision?

You may.

What's changed your decision?

The reasons are simple.

I think I can win.

I'll take a tortuous route,

but I'll get there faster.

That's your right.

It certainly is.

But the competition
will remain friendly, of course.

How could you suspect otherwise?

Tipped sticks.

Things can be slippery up there.

I don't want to indebt myself.

Fill up your flasks.

His accent's weaker.
Good.

- Oh my word.
- Did they lend you some shoes?

Worn by a goat.

I doubt that.

But...

Have you recovered from your fall?

Fall? What fall?

You mean yesterday's little incident?

Live in the present.

The present belongs
to those that live in it.

- Are you going to the Mer de Glace?
- Yes.

You already know it.
It hasn't changed.

If you want to join us...

I'm tired, I think I'll stay.

Of course. You must.

There.

We must be going, right, Daniel?

"I draw to Mr Perrichon's attention

"that the Mer de Glace,

"has no children.

"His misspelling

"constitutes an impropriety."

Signed, Commander Brochart.

Breathe in the air.

That's not like Paris.

How gorgeous!

And how altitudinous!

A poetic rhyme.

How pulchritudinous.
And how...

And how...

I've forgotten already.

Help. Help! Help!

Help! Help me!
Help!

The guide's filling his flask.

Help!

- Help me!
- Don't fall.

That wasn't the plan.

- Daniel.
- Mr Perrichon.

- Come up.
- Help!

Come up!

Give me your stick.

This way.

I...

I'm sorry.

You first.

Please.

I wanted to say that I haven't
stopped thinking about you

since we waltzed together.

Water, salt, mustard,
vinegar, bread...

What's happening?

It was terrible.

Rub his temples,
help him breathe.

I feel better.

- What happened?
- Mr Perrichon is so brave...

Please, be quiet.

How horrible.

We were on the Mer de Glace,

Mont Blanc was above us...

Hurry up.

Just a moment!

We were winding our pensive way

between 2 crevasses.
I was leading the way.

How imprudent.

I heard something like a landslide.

I turned round.

Daniel had fallen
into a fearsome abyss.

Good Lord!

I, carriage-maker and soon to be

Legion d'honneur,
listening to courage alone,

I rushed forth.

- No!
- Yes, I did!

I held out my stick to him

and pulled strongly,
while he held on weakly.

We both pulled

and I managed to carry him out,

head high and muscles taught,

to rest under the sun,
father to us all.

That's so beautiful.

- Mr Perrichon.
- Yes?

- You've saved a son for his mother.
- Yes.

A brother for a sister.

- An uncle for a nephew.
- A man for society.

Words can't do justice to the act.

The heart alone can.

So true.

He speaks truly.

Daniel, my child,
I owe you these tender emotions.

Without me, you'd be
a formless, cold mass.

A heap of repugnant flesh,
fought over by polar bears.

You owe me everything.

I'll never forget that.

Nor shall I.

What joy, to save one's brethren.

Armand would know,
as yesterday...

True.
Mademoiselle, the visitors' book.

What for?

I need to record
the memory of this event.

Who wrote this?

"Mr Perrichon,

"the Mer de Glace

"has no children, your misspelling
is an impropriety.

"Commander Brochart."

You added an extra "e?.

I'd have spelled it like you.

A postman is giving lessons to me,

Mr Perrichon?

- Disgusting.
- Shocking.

I made no mistakes,

even before I could write.

I'll give him an answer.

"The Commander is a...

"a prig."

He shouldn't have annoyed you!

The Perrichon spirit.

What a fighter!

There's a warrior under
that exterior.

I have a farrier among my ancestors.

Really. So?

It means I'm related to a farrier.

Good. But we must leave our friend.

Daniel needs to rest.

I'll take him to his room.

Yes?

It's Mrs Perrichon.

I came to check on you.
Don't move.

I've prepared a poultice for you.

I'll rub you down.

- Sorry?
- Rub you down.

Your skin is so...

I was wondering
why I liked you so much.

- Eh?
- Nothing.

Ah yes.

Superb deltoid and pectoral.

Do you exercise?

No, I...

Then you canoe.

- Mrs Perrichon.
- Call me Caroline.

Caroline, this is difficult.

- I can't...
- Don't you like me?

Of course.

You're experienced,
but in full bloom.

You charmer.

Take advantage.

I can't.

- Your husband!
- He won't know.

I've asked for you daughter's hand.

What sort of situation
would we be in

if I succumbed to your charms?

We'll soon be family.

So you're saying no
because of my daughter?

Yes, sort of.

That's understandable.

But if she turns you down...

Then...

- Then...
- Maybe.

- We'll talk then.
- Yes, we will.

Daniel was lucky to be
with a man like me.

Caroline, this is all yours.

Darling...

How about we lie down and...

And?

- What?
- For fun.

For fun, you know...

Certainly not before dinner.

- Then after?
- After? Out of the question.

I've got a terrible migraine.

The altitude, perhaps.

That's right, the altitude.

But I still love you.

And, dear Perrichon,

we have answers to consider.

Answers?

2 suitors is too many.

My mind's made up.
I prefer Daniel.

Why?

I don't know,
I just find him more...

I don't know, I just like him.

But Armand saved you.

Saved me, saved me...

That's all I hear.

What's not to like?

He's got a good job,
an honourable family...

I've got nothing against him.

- It could only be that.
- He's a bit stiff.

- Stiff?
- Yes.

With that overbearing manner...

He seems so proud
of what he did for me...

- I haven't heard him mention it.
- That's exactly it.

It's his attitude.

He keeps saying:
"Without me, you'd be..."

It's annoying.

Daniel keeps saying:
"Without you..."

You prefer him because you're vain.

I, Perrichon? Vain?

With my 40,000 pounds a year

and my Legion d'honneur?

That's rich!

And am I not entitled
to a little pride?

A man who risked his life
can be proud.

I prefer to maintain
a modest silence.

It's a mark of true courage.

But Armand...

- Henriette doesn't love him.
- How do you know?

I don't think so.

We could ask her and find out.

We'll let her choose.

Right. But don't try to sway her.

- You called for me?
- Henriette, my child.

Sit down.

You father and I need to talk to you.

You'll soon be ready to marry.

Two young men would like your hand.

We like them both,
but we want you to choose.

We've decided to let you choose.

It's up to you.
You choose...

Yes, yes.

One is Mr Armand Desroches.

Don't try to sway her.

The second is Mr Daniel Savary.

Charming, distinguished,
spiritual...

I like him a lot.

Don't sway her.

It's just a fact.
You're swaying her:

"One is Mr Armand Desroches."

I'm stating a clear fact.

Daniel is charming,
distinguished, spiritual...

Daniel's the right choice.

That's it.

Now you know.
So choose.

Good Lord, I'm overwhelmed...

I'll accept your choice.

There! It's Daniel!

- She said nothing!
- What?

- Choose darling.
- She did.

Speak, my darling.

If I absolutely have to choose,
then I choose...

Armand.

There!

Why not Daniel?

Armand saved you, Daddy.

How long do I have to hear that?

You sound just like your mother.

My dear Perrichon, be fair.

She's chosen.

A father needs to retain control.
I need to think.

It's time to eat.

Daniel, are you feeling better?

Thanks to Mrs Perrichon.

She's a saint.

She can't help looking after
other people.

It's her hobby.

Some people canoe,
play croquet or knit...

She helps people, she always has.

She's so sympathetic.

We even put up a Zouave at home.

A soldier?

The barracks were too damp.
We gave him a room.

It was practical.
I was often away, you see.

It was about a year
before Henriette was born.

9 months, maybe.

You know,

I hate to leave my wife alone.

I used to call the Zouave
"carrot top?!

He was as ginger as...
a person with ginger hair!

And he was an imbecile.

A pretentious, self-obsessed dunce.

Unbearable.
- I know the type.

I hate them.

But he's Henriette's godfather.

I'm thirsty.
Are you coming?

- Let's go.
- Mulled wine!

Manager! Drinks!

There.

Can I join you, gentlemen?

Please do.

Ah, Jean, there you are.

I must introduce a friend.

My best friend:
Mr Daniel Savary.

- Hello.
- Hello.

- And?
- An acquaintance: Mr Desroches.

Jean helps me in my business.

You took a while.

I had to come by coach from Paris.

For your own good.

Like all uneducated people,

Jean is scared of science.

Did you know
that by train from Paris,

it took us 8 hours to Lyon?

Coach is slower,
but cheaper.

They say
it'll be under 6 hours soon.

No! There are physical limits.

The science is clear.

An object travelling above 60 km/h
would disintegrate.

I should know,
I'm a coach-maker.

You read too many novels.
Jean, I need to tell you,

without me, this young man
wouldn't be with us.

- Really?
- I just said.

I saved his life, no less.

Really?

We were on the Mer de Glace,
Mont Blanc above us...

He slipped.

By courage alone,
I fulfilled God's design...

Your letters.

Jean, how are you?

Did you water my flowers?

Yes. For you, Madame.

You must eat
And ask them to bring 2 teas.

Very good.

Duthilleul is dead.

No!

Did you like him so much?

- An old state adviser.
- No!

It's my Legion d'honneur.
What rotten luck.

He nominated me to the Minister.

Which Minister?

Of the Interior.

- Jean Deboissieux?
- Yes.

He's an old friend of my father.

- Really?
- My godfather.

- We dine with him every week.
- Very good.

- Tea.
- Not for me.

Excuse me.

Is there somewhere
where I could send a telegram?

In Chamonix.

If I may,

I'm going to take the funicular.

You don't need our permission!

- Madame.
- Please do.

What a fine young man.

Look, darling.

Oh dear!

You're in the paper.

Sorry?

Have a look yourself.

"News from...

"News from Chamonix.

"A catastrophe was forestalled

"on the Mer de Glace.

"Mr Daniel S. slipped

"into a fearsome crevasse.

"A bystander, one Mr Perrichon,
whom we make so bold as to name..."

Well!

"Mr Perrichon,
a Parisian businessman,

"soon to receive
the Legion d'honneur..."

They're well informed,
these journalists.

"acting on courage
and imperilling his own life..."

That's true.

"Braved the abyss..."
True enough.

"And managed to rescue

"his companion."

- That's quite true.
- Anything about Armand?

Nothing.

"Managed to rescue his companion."

Daniel, my boy.

I'm no revolutionary, but I say

loud and clear:
the press is good.

I'll buy 10 copies.

- Mr Perrichon.
- Yes?

Why don't we send the story
of Armand's rescue?

- That would work well.
- No.

The papers can't just talk
about me.

I'll go to my room.

- Goodnight.
- Goodnight, darling.

- Shall I serve you?
- Yes, leave the bottle.

Look here.

Perrichon. That's me.

Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen.

Am I addressing Mr Perrichon?

Yes, you are.

Did you write in this book:

"The Commander is a prig"?

Are you the pr...?
The Commander.

Yes.

Commander Brochart,

First Alpine Infantry Battalion.

How do you do?

I'm not confrontational,

but I can't allow
these comments to stand.

You were the first
to make disobliging comments.

No I merely pointed out
that "Mer? only has one "e?.

You're not commissioned to correct
my supposed spelling mistakes.

Who does he think he is?
- Sorry,

but French is a cherished compatriot,

a lady of good standing,
though sometimes cruel.

As you know.
- So?

As a gentleman,

I won't have her besmirched.

You'd like to teach me a lesson?

I'm politely requesting

an explanation.

Either maintain or withdraw it.

I don't have to put up with this.

You're speaking to a man
who tweaks the nose of death.

I braved Mont Blanc,
so you don't impress me.

- He saved me.
- Yes, I did.

My courage is beyond doubt.
Read this newspaper.

Will you withdraw your comment
or not?

Not at all.

Beware!

Mr Perrichon, it'd be better...

I withdraw nothing.

Then I expect to see you tomorrow,

let's say at 4 o'clock,

by Lake Ouillette.

I'll be at Lake Couillette.

Ouillette, Mr Perrichon.

There's always some little comment,
with you.

Change the tune.
This isn't Offenbash.

I don't follow.

Do I have to explain everything?

Offenbash, the opera.

You should come
to the capital some time.

You mean Offenbach.

- What?
- Offenbach.

Offenbach?

It's pronounced Offenbash!

Do you know now nothing
of French pronunciation.

It's like in my name, Perrichon.

Have it your way.

I'll see you tomorrow,
ladies and gentlemen.

He went out with his tail
between his legs!

Are you mad? He's a soldier!

Mr Perrichon,

I'm proud to have been saved
by a man like you.

What an upstart!

You can't fight him!

Sometimes a man's honour requires it.

The Perrichons aren't cowards.

- Duels are forbidden.
- No matter.

I need to drink...

He'll see what the Perrichons
are made of.

He'll...
I'll show him.

Chief Inspector,

may I inform you that tomorrow,
at 4 o'clock...

two angered men will cross arms

by Lake Ouillette.

One is an ex-businessman,

of good standing

and reputation
in his neighbourhood.

I remain, Chief Inspector
yours faithful and obedient

etc, etc.

If he thinks he scares me...

Yes?

No, I'm tired.
I don't have my ginger wig.

No.

Tomorrow, at daybreak,

take this letter to the police.

- Tell no one.
- Of course.

Thanks.

Yes?

Could I ask a favour.

Would you be kind enough
to take this letter

to Chamonix police station?

This is for you.
Keep it quiet.

Of course.

Take this letter, without fail...

- To Chamonix police station.
- Yes.

That's good.

Don't tell anyone.

Goodnight.

You're eating a lot,
for a man who's going to duel.

Why wouldn't I eat?

A businessman against a soldier...

This tartlet is the Captain.

What a man you are!

If I had to duel,
the fear would kill me.

Not everyone can look death
in the eye.

Napoleon, Caesar...
Not many of us.

Sorry, I had to sleep at Chamonix.

I contacted my godfather
and he wrote back.

- Mr Perrichon.
- Yes?

You now have the Legion d'honneur.

It'll be announced today.

- Oh, Daniel.
- Armand.

Give me a hug.

I need to freshen up.

Yes, you do that.

What news!

We must celebrate.
Invite everyone.

A life of toil and self-denial
has finally been recognized.

Perrichon has been decorated.

Ah, Henriette!
Take a note in your book.

Sandwiches, a kilo of crudites
and 2 bottles of champagne.

Make it 3. Note that down.

You're fighting in a few hours

and you're organizing a feast.

I'd forgotten I was fighting.

If you're used to danger,
you don't think about it.

I'll be killing a man soon.

Is the Legion d'honneur
on the left or right?

On the right,
above the heart, right?

Dear Armand.

So you like Armand
a little more now?

He's an angel.

- Well now.
- No.

I'm simply considering...

all my options.

What are you doing?

It may be my last day on earth.

Exactly, save your energy
for your duel.

I'll give Daniel the bad news.

No, I'll go.

No, I will.

No, I'd be delighted to.

We'll I don't mind,
it's next door.

No, this is men's talk.
I like him so much.

He'll be heartbroken.

I have to go.

I have some difficult news.

Go on.

My saviour.

Don't make this harder.

Your request was a true honour.

I was truly committed to the idea...

But events and circumstances...

Your friend really helped me.

Yes, you owe Armand so much.

I understand.

And, what's more, he saved my life.

What about the fir tree
you were holding onto.

Yes. It was a very small fir tree.

It could have broken.
And I wasn't holding it.

Fir trees are prickly.

If I understand,

you owe Mr Desroches the award
of your Legion d'honneur

and your life too.

Mr Perrichon, no one
is better placed than I am

to understand what gratitude means.

Your sentiment

is too noble for me to fight it.

You're not angry?

I remember your bravery
in helping me.

Daniel...

I won't forget you.

Well...

I have a plan.

I'm going to commission a painting
of that heroic scene

on the Mer de Glace.

A painting?

I'm going to commission
one of our greatest painters,

for posterity.

For posterity?

I want realism.

So do I.

You'll need to sit 5 or 6 times.

15, 20, 30...
That's fine.

- We'll pose together.
- Not me.

- Why not?
- Because...

Here's my idea.

All you'll see...

is Mont Blanc.

That's all? What about me?

- Mont Blanc and you.
- Me and Mont Blanc.

Peaceful, majestic.

What about you?

In a hole, in the background.
Just my two hands...

tense, supplicant.

- What an image!
- It'll hang in a museum.

- Versailles?
- The Louvre.

The Louvre?

We'll give the date, 12 August 1860.
And your name.

- Or the newspaper article.
- Superb.

Daniel, my boy.

What is it?

- Daniel?
- I'm sorry...

Sorry, I can't.

Forget what I just said.

The painting,
the Louvre...

Why?

You chose Armand
and I...

I love your daughter.

I'm sorry, but...

When I see you,
I think of her.

Imagine me, back in Paris,

my heart raw from its wound.

I walk the streets,
to distract my mind,

I'm on Rue Cambon,
then Rue Rivoli,

there's a museum.
Oh, the Louvre.

I go in and there...

by the Mona Lisa.
- The Mona Lisa?

...to the right, your painting.

Seeing you would make me think
of Henriette.

Forget the painting.
It's too painful.

I can't forget it.

No, no... This marriage!

It could be you.
I can see you as a son-in-law.

You're attitude, your look,
it all works...

- I'll speak to my wife.
- I'm speechless.

I'm going.

Henriette, I've never seen you
so radiant.

- Really?
- Love?

Mother, you're embarrassing me.

It's good, to be in love.

Your father made a decision
that affects you.

Mummy!

Go on!

Armand. Your father chose Armand.

Let Daddy tell you.
After the duel.

- Will Daddy really fight?
- No.

The police won't let him.

But his honour will be protected.

On your guard!
On your guard!

Botte de Nevers.

St Andrew's cross,
Pont-a-Mousson...

Lunge, lunge...

By Jove!
A hit! A palpable hit.

There'll be mulled wine
in the village this evening,

with peasants,
shepherds and so on...

- It'll be fun.
- I'll be fighting.

Yes, of course...

They're be a charity collection.

- Don't you realize.
- It's just a duel.

But a duel is so dangerous.

You can lose a limb
or even be injured!

We'll miss the funicular
and the shops will be shut.

- Yes.
- Hello, Daddy?

My daughter, I'm going to fight.

I have to.

To save the Perrichon honour.

Goodbye.

Goodbye, Daddy.

- Mummy!
- Yes.

Goodbye.

See you later.
Wrap up warm.

Mummy!

Be on time for the duel.

What's all this equipment for?

This equipment is
to defend my honour.

A duel? With whom?
And why?

A businessman named Perrichon.

Commander, I require you
to curtail this plan.

By what right to you require me?

I'm Armand Desroches,
Saint-Cyr, 1859.

- Desroches? Like the general?
- He's my father.

In that case...
At your service.

Pack up gentlemen.

For the time being.

- How are you?
- Cool, calm and collected.

You're a true lion.

I wouldn't go that far.
No more than an untameable beast.

- What time is it?
- 3.50 pm.

Perfect, I don't want
to arrive early.

Or late, I can't miss it.

Better be on time.

Early is showing off.
Late is hesitancy.

Let's go then.

- Mr Perrichon.
- I'm duelling.

I've dissuaded your adversary.

I'm glad to see an end
to this affair.

Why did you do that?

Are you unaware
that your opponent...

Is an infantry commander?

I respect the army,
but I'm not scared.

I'm so sorry.

I was going to teach him a lesson.

- I thought...
- Well, don't think!

Let me manage my affairs.

This gentleman was expressing
his regrets about your cancellation.

You're a willing opponent.

I hope so.

Then I'm at your disposition
to fight.

So am I.

Commander...

Young man.

It's 4.06.

My service ended 6 minutes ago.

I'm now retired.

You're young, to retire.

- We have special conditions.
- And the princess pays.

It's fair recompense

for the danger, the hours,
the hostile relations....

- Civil servants!
- This is irrelevant.

- It's time to fight.
- Yes.

Come on. Two minutes.

Isn't that nice, over there.

- It's a bird.
- Not the sparrow.

- Sorry?
- Don't look at me.

Go and tell those policemen

the 4 o'clock duel
is half an hour late.

That's so nice.
Beautiful.

Go!
It's so... I'm...

It's time.

Did you see the policemen?

Is it about the duel?
I've already told them to come back.

Excuse me.

Have you already duelled?

12 times.

4 cripples,
4 amputations, 4 dead.

I was hit once; a simple scratch.

- And you?
- I don't keep count.

The last was a road traffic incident.

He fought well.
I survived wounds to the heart

and heel.

Can you see a little mark there?

Another time was at home.

I skewered a bailiff.
We couldn't save the carpet.

Since then, I fight outside.

After you.

Here we are.

Yes, here we are.

I think the duel will start soon!

I'll let you choose the weapons.

I've brought swords and pistols.

We're fighting a duel!

Yes.

Duels are forbidden.

We may be reprimanded.

Oh no! The police.
They'll stop us fighting.

Do what you like.

No, no, duels are prohibited.

In France.
You're on Helvetic territory.

Hel-what-ic?
Who's she?

Switzerland, if you prefer.

Lake Ouillette is at the border.

This is Switzerland.

We can't intervene.

Good evening. Enjoy the duel.

About turn. Left.

Come on Marcel?

I don't really like Switzerland.

I prefer France.
The ground's too soft...

- It's dry.
- No, it's muddy.

We might slip, for sure.

Lunging,
you could twist your ankle.

I prefer France.
It's dry and grassy...

France is nice.

- Mr Perrichon.
- Yes?

You want to withdraw.

Not at all.

It's chilly.

No.

- Mr Perrichon.
- Yes?

Let's fight.

When you soldiers have
something stuck in your mind,

you can't let go.

- Let's see now.
- You choose.

In what way are swords
better than pistols?

Do remind me.

A sword painfully pierces the flesh

and causes internal bleeding.

Suffocation and death ensue.

Ouch!

Very good.

And the pistol?

A bullet results in infection.

Death usually follows
a long period of suffering.

Well, I'm spoiled for choice.

Or we could go back
and sort this out with cards.

Rummy, dominos
or rock-paper-scissors.

Do you know that?

I'm scissors,
you're paper:

I win a point.

You could win points too.

You'd win a lot of points.

- Stop this.
- What?

- Choose a weapon.
- But why?

A sword for you,
a gun for me.

This isn't the time for jokes.

No, but...
I'll take the pistol.

It's heavy.

5 paces, gentlemen.

Back to back.

You're shaking.

- No.
- You are.

- You're shaking.
- I'm cold.

It's rather mild.

Sir, I...

There's a nobility
in recognizing your mistakes.

Why are you all here?
Go for a walk.

That way looks nice.

I'll go.

I'd like witnesses.

Please stay.

I'm listening.

Sir, you're a brave soldier.

I'm very fond of soldiers.

As a child,
I had little lead soldiers.

Why do people say "lead"?
They were usually in tin.

Get to the point.

I'm ..orry.

- I can't hear.
- Speak up a bit.

Hurry?

What do you mean.

Speak up!
And speak clearly.

I accept that I offended you.

It was neither my sentiment
nor my intention

to offend a man that I respect.

Regret? Or an apology?

Half and half.

You clearly wrote:
"The Commander is a prig."

I take it back.
I completely take it back.

You withdraw it here.

But it stands

for all to see in that book.

I'd need to go back to the hotel
to remove it.

As you're offering...

You'll delete the unpleasant line
that you wrote.

By this evening, sir.

Good.

I note your conciliatory sentiment.

I don't like to spill blood.
I'm a pacific chap.

I'd like to offer you
some local specialities.

The chocolate is excellent.

Goodbye, gentlemen.

You got off lightly.

I'll deal with you later.
Get ready to go.

- If you'd like....
- This is your fault.

Stop helping me.

You're always interfering.
Leave me alone.

- I was trying to help.
- I've had enough help.

If I fall in a hole, just leave me.

A guide only costs 100 francs.

And don't be so proud.

I'd ask you to let me shoot people
in the future, if I want to.

Thanks for the Legion d'honneur.

I'll buy you some chocolate.

Lord knows why.
- Sir...

Give me space!

You're crowding me!

- Please.
- No!

No one stifles me.
You don't know Mr Perrichon.

Enough help.
Enough!

It's all in the wrist, Armand.

The wrist.

Watch.

The wrist.

Ah, Armand.

You've made so many mistakes.

Mistakes?

I like you.

I'll give you some advice
that'll help in the future.

You've got a shortcoming:
you're too helpful.

That's unfortunate.

Make sure the people you help
aren't stupid.

Stupid?

Stupid people cannot bear

the weight of gratitude for long.

You overburdened Perrichon,
who is anything but superior being.

You crushed him...

He owes you his award and his life.
That's much too much.

- I wanted to help.
- You shouldn't. It's too much.

It's charming but stifling.

I hide myself behind a mask...

I creep into people's misery

in total darkness.

- What ingratitude!
- It's a type of pride.

"Have those you helped
forgiven you?"

asked the philosopher.

Perrichon is the least forgiving
carriage-maker in France.

I could smell it, so I took
the opposite road to yours.

Which was?

I deliberately slipped...

in that crevasse.

- Deliberately?
- You just don't understand.

Giving that fool
the chance to save me

quite safely, was a masterstroke.

Since then, I've been his triumph
and his joy.

As soon as he sees me,
he puffs up with pleasure,

peacock feathers
sprout out of his back.

I've got a hold on his vanity.

When he cools off,
I heat him back up...

I print it, 3 francs a line.

That was you?

I'm having him painted
in oil tomorrow.

It'll be a small Mont Blanc
and a vast Perrichon.

You're Machiavellian.

No, no.

I just want
Henriette Perrichon in bed.

Remember that.

Men don't value us
for the help we give,

but for the help they give us.

Men, maybe.
But women?

Well, women...

They feel the memory of goodness
a little more deeply.

How poetic.

Mrs Perrichon disagrees
with her husband.

Mummy's yours.
Daddy's mine.

And my crevasse is protecting me.

Where were you, darling?

I was walking up an appetite
and clearing my mind.

And the duel.

Don't, it was total carnage.

A new thought?

No, a revision.
I'm crossing something out.

That's done.

- Daddy?
- Yes?

- Did you think about...
- Yes, yes.

Ah, gentlemen,
how good to see you together.

Let's talk of the future.

You have both asked
for my daughter's hand.

I'm going to decide.

Daniel, my friend...

I've done a lot for you,
but I want to do more.

- I want to give you...
- Sir, I...

some advice.

Talk more quietly.

What? I...

Voices carry, by the lake.

Ask the guide to explain why.

But you helped me make my mind up.
So thanks for that.

Armand, you're less experienced
and less calculating

than your friend,

but I like you more.

Take my daughter.

Consider this in no way repayment.

I remain indebted.

Only the stupid

are unable to bear
the weight of gratitude.

Let me explain.

Don't trouble yourself.
I'm not angry.

You opened my eyes.

Get my friend a drink.

You've opened my eyes
to certain things.

Madame.

- I want to speak of deceit.
- Deceit?

Yes, deceit.

Self-deceit.

You warned me of my vanity
a thousand times.

You were right, I was wrong.

I'll listen to your advice.
Not always, but more often.

I'm... I'm hot.

You beat me.

Let's shake hands.

Gladly.

But I'll need a witness.

Are you duelling?

No.

Marrying.

Let's celebrate. A high-altitude
marriage, how original!

And it'll be cheaper.

Ah, poor Daniel.
I'll never be your mother-in-law.

- You're a real puma.
- Puma?

It's a sort of cougar.

Will this take long?

- He's taking a photograph.
- A photo-what?

Why could have had a painting done.

Daniel knows a painter.

By the way...

Maybe we should keep
the idea of the painting.

Daniel, I need to ask you something.

- Did you jump?
- Where?

- In the ravine.
- Yes.

I won't tell anyone.

I'm forever in your debt.
And Mr Perrichon never forgets.

Never.

Ready.

Don't move.

Subtitles: Eclair Media