Original subtitles

At first, it is only a small lie and you think you can use it as you want.

But the small lie hurts, the small lie kills.

And you're happy to give your life to have the right to say

that you were lying (Martin Luther)

In a movie directed by PIERRE CHENAL

The Alibi.

The famous Professor Winckler

in his Telepathy Act.

Professor Winckler, we have a nonbeliever in the audience.

Who is it?

Wait, I'm thinking.

I'll tell you as soon as I receive the telepathic waves.

Think hard.

The gentleman is a notary.

In... Montlugon.

- You are a notary? - Yes.

I won't tell you the name to avoid problems.

Who is this?

Professor Winckler. Quite good, isn't he?

Do you want to know your future?

No, no!

Afraid of learning things?

I said no!

Come on, let's go.

"Mister" Gordon will leave on his own, towards an unknown destination.

- Your name is Gordon, isn't it? - Yes, he's really extraordinary.

And I'll add that your watch is a Warrison.

A birthday gift.

You were born

on the 22nd of September 1885.

Is that right?

That's right.

- You told me you were only 40. - All right, all right.

- Let's go. - Don't forget to pay for the drinks.

Ladies and gentleman, please excuse me

but a harmful influence has been going on for a while

and I can't get telepathic waves any more.

Thank you for your attention and goodbye.

You're a bore. For once I had fun in a night-club.

Are we being followed?

- No. You look frightened. - Frightened, 1?

- Do you know that Winckler? - That's none of your business.

Professor...

can you tell me what's inside that young lady's handbag?

I can see...

the pink handkerchief she didn't give back to me

and several 100 bills that weren't there a moment ago

that come straight from... my underpants.

If you did the same, you might be able to pay your rent.

But you dream of being in love with your customers.

You'll be none the wiser when they kick you out.

The professor does not understand what you mean.

If you knew what message I have for the professor...

How rude you are, my dear.

And don't forget to pay for your drinks.

You're losing your mystical ring.

We were only joking.

But you don't need it with such eyes as yours.

Oh, I do.

Here's your five cents.

- May 1? - Please.

whisky.

Helene, good news. Two more guys came to seize your salary.

You'll have 25 cents left at the end of the week.

You can see, right?

No.

I feel that good fortune is coming.

I hope you're really a good sorcerer.

A new chance.

I think you're liked around here.

You're letting me down.

Meet me in London in a week, at the Savoy.

Ask for Mr. Jones, Herbert Jones.

You think

I'll wait forever. Once you're gone.

The Savoy, in a week. And stop arguing, understand?

What's going on?

Excuse me, but I'm in too much a hurry to tell you the story of my life.

Leave me some money at least.

That won't be possible. I need everything I've got.

- But can you imagine... - No, please, stop it!

In London, in a week. You'll complain then. But not now.

What's wrong?

I feel nervous, Gérard.

But... you've danced before...

Everywhere: London, Berlin, New York, but I'm nervous all the same.

Marvelous.

If they're not nice to you, I'm with you.

OK.

- On your own? - Yes. As usual.

Shall I walk you home?

I'd like that. But you'll have to go out of your way.

You'll feel safer that way.

- You're a pal. - And you're a good girl.

I'm not saying that because of the 50 francs I owe you. I couldn't pay you back.

There's no hurry.

- Who is it? - It's me, Winckler.

- What do you want? - I wish to talk to you.

- At this hour? - Yes.

- I think you're very nice. - I know, granddad.

Not the way you think.

Nice comrade. Nice friend.

So they say.

I want to propose a business deal.

It's either too late or too early to talk business.

Don't worry.

You're quite pleasant to look at

but you're not my kind of woman.

Well, that's good.

That's it.

Do you want to earn 20,000 francs?

"20000 francs"?

If that's a joke, it's really a bad one.

- And what do I have to do? - Nothing much.

Go on.

You came back with me here yesterday night.

And we've been together since.

- Is that all? - That's all.

And I won't get into trouble?

I'm not saying that.

But you won't get 20,000 francs worth of trouble.

But why are you asking me?

Because I know you.

Because you've got a spotless reputation

and have never been in trouble with the police.

The police will be involved?

They might. For a little while.

- What do you expect me to do? - Yes or no?

It has something to do with drugs.

Maybe.

No, no. No, I'm sorry.

Twenty thousand francs.

And all you have to say

is: "He stayed with me from 2 until 7 in the morning."

Never mind. I really need that money.

No messing around though.

You do understand that I can

really rely upon you. - Yes.

- Really? - Yes indeed.

But what are you doing?

I'm going to sleep.

You're going to sleep right now?

I think I can. Do you mind?

Please.

You're not using the bed?

No, mind you.

- So, can I? - Please do.

It's very nice of you.

Miss Helene,

you gave me one of the most lovely nights of my life.

You're very kind.

Yet, my dear, you mustn't forget

that I was here at 2 o'clock, right? - Yes.

- That I didn't go out. - Yes.

And don't forget.

Because...

I have very loyal servants.

And if you caused me trouble,

they would not spare you.

Thank you.

- Hello, son. - Hello, sir.

How are you doing?

- How much for all that? - For all that?

Is 50 francs all right?

Thank you, sir.

Go give them to Miss Héléne.

Number 10, second floor.

Right you are.

I understood at once that there was an accident.

Indeed. You often have accidents

when you drive with two bullets in your head.

He had two bullets in his head?

- What time did you see him? - Five past eight. Ten past, by the sun.

We found this on him, sergeant.

A bill from the Imperial Hotel. That's good. Come on, let's go.

So”? You don't know anything?

You've been living with that man for three months.

He gets killed and you've got nothing to say?

I told it all. That man, Winckler, killed him.

- That doesn't make sense. - I'm positive.

As soon as he saw him, Jean got white as a sheet.

When we drove away, he asked if we were being followed.

Not bad, that Winckler idea.

What about that quarrel yesterday night?

You shot him down, didn't you?

He wouldn't take you with him. You got angry and you shot him.

Why don't you confess?

I won't confess anything. Be polite with me.

He wouldn't take you with him. You don't deny that, do you?

Of course. But it was because of Winckler.

When there's two people, hiding away is more difficult.

- We might question that Winckler. - Indeed, you should.

Shall we go?

In any case, you remain at our disposal.

We're not finished with you yet.

Got it?

Come in.

Hello, Mrs. Bretonay.

Hello, my dear Héléne.

- You're paying your rent today. - Right. Plus three months in advance.

I've always told you that living alone is no life for a woman.

A very nice gentleman. I saw him go out. He's very distinguished.

- It's all right. - I don't know why but I didn't hear you come in last night.

- Oh, she's so secretive. - Shall we go, Dany?

Ah, I forgot.

A gentleman asked for you. A friend of your brother's, he said.

- He's all right but uptight. - One of Fernand's friends.

- I told him to go up to your room. - Good. See you tonight.

See you tonight.

Miss Hélene?

- You're a friend pf Fernand's? - Yes. My name's Emile Bouquart.

- He didn't mention me? - No.

Is he doing all right?

- He's doing very well. Only... - Only what?

- You know, when one is a soldier. - No, not really. Sit down.

He said: "If my sister wasn't so nice, I'd have invented something,

that I had lost the key to the shooting range or that I was ill.

With her, it's no use, just tell her

that I'd be grateful if she could send me some money."

- I sent him some money two hours ago. - That's very funny.

The voice of blood must have spoken.

- Been in Paris long? - I got here yesterday.

I went to your palace but it was so posh...

Though I was in uniform, I dared not go inside.

Silly of you.

I asked for you all the same.

I thought we might go and drink at Fernand's but

I was told you were already gone.

It's really a pity. I happened to be free.

There were no customers

and I went back home early on my own. Like an idiot.

Pity!

- Oh, how unlucky! - We'll make it up some other day.

- Tomorrow? - That would be nice.

- 5 o'clock? - 5 o'clock.

I'm very happy. Goodbye, Miss Héléne.

Goodbye, Mr. Emile.

It's... It's a letter from...

- The police headquarters? - Yes.

- It's... - A summons?

Yes. Today. 5 p.m.

That's very unpleasant.

I've been summoned by Superintendant Calas.

Follow me.

Sit down.

You confirm that you are Miss Héléne Ardouin?

That good old Emile.

Yes indeed.

I thought we were supposed to meet tomorrow.

I was in a hurry to see you again.

- What do you want? - Oh, nothing much.

I'd like you to sign that statement you made a moment ago.

I made a statement?

Yes. And it was a very honorable one.

You stated that you went back home alone the day before yesterday.

That you went to bed on your own, like an idiot.

I'm quoting what you said.

You mean that!

Just that.

And I just have to sign?

Nothing more.

The only trouble, my dear Emile, is that I can't sign it.

And why not?

Because I didn't tell you the truth before.

I didn't go back on my own day before yesterday.

I couldn't tell Emile Bouquart.

Emile Bouquart is a friend of my brother's.

And my brother loves me, my brother respects me.

He doesn't know what a sorry job I'm doing.

I understand.

I can confide in Inspector Calas.

A policeman is almost like a priest, don't you think?

I couldn't put it better.

May 1?

Thank you.

So...

Well... The day before yesterday, Wednesday the 12th.

That's the right night?

Precisely.

So, on Wednesday the 12th,

I spent the night with Professor Winckler.

He has an act at the club.

I heard about him.

Nothing to brag about though. He is not very pretty but

I'm in trouble with my landlady.

- Areal pain! - You don't say.

All night long or only part of the night.

All night long.

You have my deepest sympathy. From what time till what time?

As soon as he'd finished his number at about 2, till 8.

He came out of the club with you?

Yes, he came out with me.

He was scared you'd change your mind.

Probably.

- He didn't leave you the whole night? - Come on...

I was about to be impudent. Who would think of leaving you?

- Indeed? - Well, that's good.

This way.

And tell Fernand I apologize for this useless disguise.

I will.

Never mind. You look much better in a uniform.

Goodbye.

Miss!

You saved us from making a terrible mistake.

Without you, we would have arrested Winckler

for the murder of man called Gordon.

Goodbye, Miss, and thank you.

Mr. Winckler!

That person confirmed what you said. Your alibi stands.

- I'm very... - Happy?

No, not happy. I'm very...

Relieved?

Why "relieved"? I am not relieved.

- I'm very... - Clever.

You're not helping.

But I have my dictionary. May 1?

Please.

"Sorry." That's the word I was trying to find. I'm very sorry.

I will never believe it.

Oh, Inspector, believe me. I'm very, very sorry.

To have had to say that girl's name,

because it is not "gentlemanly”.

No, but it's clever.

"Clever"... You keep saying "clever".

I am not clever.

Only, usually, with ladies, I'm...

How do you say it in French "discreet"?

Discret.

Oh, that's easy. "Discret", discreet.

I am discret.

This time you couldn't be. Your life was on the line.

You want to talk to me?

Miss Hélene?

You have nothing to fear. You can speak.

The police know how to protect witnesses.

I've got nothing to say to you. I mean, nothing more.

Why did you come back then?

Why?

I'll tell you.

You lied. You were paid a lot to do so.

And you didn't think lying to a cop was wrong.

Only you weren't told the truth.

You weren't told it was a murder.

And you want no part in that.

I? Not at all.

I only wanted to ask if our names would be in the papers.

Because of my brother and my parents.

I was just saying to the Inspector

that I'm very sorry I had to involve you

in this ugly case.

But unfortunately, I couldn't do otherwise

because the police thought I was guilty

of killing "Mister" Gordon.

And he may still believe it.

How touching!

The American gentleman and the society girl. It is like a fable.

Goodbye, Miss Ardouin.

Goodbye, Inspector.

- You must stay in Paris. - Of course.

No sudden trip on a plane or a ship. You must stay here.

Of course.

Besides, Paris is beautiful this time of the year.

So, this is John Gordon.

Imprisoned 5 years in Sing Sing, released in 1923.

Ex-con, ex-gangster in Chicago northern district.

And now, ex-Gordon.

Come on, gentlemen, it isn't that funny!

John!

My John!

- It's him all right. - I feared so.

Inspector, I'm the lady's lawyer.

It's horrible.

Horrible.

You didn't find any message for me on him.

He was not really given time to write his will.

My poor John!

He loved me so much.

Strange grief.

What's wrong?

His ring. His ring was stolen.

It's strange. He had a lot of money on him.

You're telling me!

What sort of ring was it?

A platinum ring.

With such a beautiful emerald.

Tell the professor that I want to see him immediately.

I can't. Other people are waiting.

Tell him it's Miss Héléne.

Follow me.

Follow me.

How are you?

Don't count on me any more.

I do.

Here. Take your dirty money back. I don't want it any more.

The missing 2000 I'll return tonight,

tomorrow. I don't know how but you'll get it back, I swear.

Too late.

You should have told me it was a murder.

You didn't believe it was about drugs?

You know I did.

Too bad for you.

You are my partner in crime, my dear.

I'll tell them. You hear him? I'll tell them.

- I don't think so. - I'll prove it.

Someone walked me back home that night.

Gérard, the bellboy.

"Gérard"?

He knows I wasn't with you.

Why didn't you tell me?

Why?

Gérard is not afraid.

Even if I dare not,

he will say,

he will say that I wasn't with you.

I don't think that he will talk.

Music, music, quickly!

It was you.

- What? - Gérard.

You killed him.

What are you talking about? You're crazy.

He's dead.

Gérard is dead?

- How did he die? - He fell.

Oh, that's terrible.

Horrible.

Remind me to have

a wreath of...

white roses sent

for his funeral.

- How sad you look!

Leave her alone. Gérard was her friend.

Come on, ladies, behave yourselves.

Héléne, I remember you laughed at my guy from Montlucon.

He was a lot better than Winckler.

Some times, I wonder if you're not a bit nuts.

I go and buy lots of things with you

you choose them carefully, and the next day you give them to your friends.

It's not normal.

Your gloomy face is not normal either.

Waiter, scotch.

Oh! She is a friend of yours?

- She's my best friend. - Well, introduce me.

Héléne, come and meet someone. May 1?

My friend Héléne. A man in a tailcoat.

Laurent. André Laurent.

- If I get it, I must leave. - You don't have to.

Come on! Scotch for everyone!

Shall we dance this one?

I'm being nice to you but you're going too far.

You're supposed to take care of the customers.

Oh, come on! Go away!

Hey, you're not going to leave me, are you?

- Will you allow me? - No.

I'm not here as a policeman but as a man of the world.

A man of the world? No, that's one disguise that you can't use.

Hanging out with people like that, you won't learn the difference.

Come on.

You see? She went away.

Come back, don't cry. Your Héléne will come back.

- Come on, scotch! - But that's your sixth, sir.

You're seeing double too. Another scotch, come on.

The management has the privilege of introducing

the most famous psychic, sorcerer, clairvoyant and astrologer of our time.

Now on stage, Professor Winckler.

Professor Winckler will start.

I'll throw a deck of cards in the room

and he'll guess which card you picked up.

Which card did the gentleman pick up, Professor?

That guy is a real genius.

He is impossible. Let him down.

To let me down, you need to help me get up first.

Watch out! You're losing your money.

Thank you, my Héléne. Thank you, dear Héléne.

Here... That's for you.

If he starts giving away rings, he's getting interesting.

What about that gentleman?

The professor guessed that the gentleman has the queen of spades.

He was born in Vienna, Austria. He makes sausages.

He is married but didn't say it to the woman sitting near him.

I tell you: Take this.

- You'll be sorry about it tomorrow. - I wouldn't.

It's made of platinum with a great emerald.

Take it or I'll lie down on the ground again

Take it!

Give me your finger. I'll put it on.

Professor Winckler...

Oh, your barrel is no good.

Can you tell who the person whose hand I touch is?

The gentleman is a police inspector.

- Is that right? - Yes, I'm a police inspector.

No need to be a psychic to work that out.

- May I, sir? - Please.

Congratulations, Professor.

I hope one day I'll be as good at my work as you are at yours.

It is more difficult to guess a guilty party than a policeman.

No, it's the same.

Always look for the one who doesn't look the part.

- Cheers. - Are you being sarcastic?

- I'm not. - Good!

To Gordon's murderer being arrested.

Gladly.

- You're not superstitious. - Never.

In my job...

One more word.

No.

No, I didn't do it.

I know.

- You met Gordon in America. - Often.

He was my worst enemy.

- He was one of your worst enemies. - The worst.

What did he do to you?

Oh, it's a long story.

Actually, you had many reasons to Kill him.

Every reason.

But I'm very glad someone had the same idea.

- I would have had to do it. - Of course.

- Thank you. - You're welcome.

- See you soon. - With pleasure.

You won't wish me good night?

- Always a man of the world? - More than ever.

What's that ring?

- It's none of your business. - It is indeed.

- I hope that ring was given to you. - It was.

- Who did? - A customer.

Someone you probably don't know and who's vanished?

I don't get it. He was there two minutes ago.

Follow me.

He said he was called Laurent, André Laurent.

Such a name is almost anonymous.

There he is.

Here... That's for you.

You gave that young lady that ring?

Oh, I see, she's your girlfriend.

I meant no harm. So don't get mad.

- Police. Will you come with me? - Why? What's going on?

Come, I'll explain everything.

As for you, I'll wait for you at police HQ at 2.

- You confirm the statement you made yesterday? - Yes.

Very well.

- Go get the prisoner. - The prisoner?

At last!

You'll talk when you're questioned.

You can't detain me all night without letting me speak.

- Quiet! - That's all you can say.

Your type always does. But you don't know who you're dealing with.

I do.

- What does that mean? - Quiet! Sit down.

Do you know that man?

You can. I did nothing wrong.

Yes, I know him.

You don't deny having given the lady that ring?

Yes, I did.

That ring belonged to one John Gordon,

who was murdered.

- Did you know that? - Of course, no. I didn't.

How did you happen to get that ring?

Ah, that's it!

I advise you not to be so casual.

I'm not casual, Inspector, I'm stupid.

Maybe but it's too early to plead madness.

I'll tell you: I'm stupid because I don't remember.

Someone whom you don't know gave you that ring.

Excuse me: sold me.

And you gave it to that lady whom you didn't know either.

That's it.

So it happened between people who didn't know each other.

- Exactly! - Are you making fun of me?

I am not.

I was so drunk that they took advantage of me.

- Yes, it happened in a bar. - Which bar?

I went to so many that night.

I advise you to try and remember what you did on the night of the 12th.

- Unfortunately I can't arrest you. - What?

I haven't got enough evidence but I'll be happy to

as soon as I can.

You'll get caught. It's only a matter of hours.

- You don't think... - I think nothing

My job is knowing and I'll know.

I want to see you here every two days. Got it?

I won't keep you any more. Not you either.

For 95 francs, it is impossible to get a bigger stone.

Impossible. Oh, how heavy it is!

If you get slapped with that hand, you'll be knocked out.

- It's very pretty. - I'm sorry I can't do any better.

I like it better than the other one and it's not as dangerous.

That Inspector Calas is stupid.

Why would I kill Gordon whom I don't know and never saw.

In the Marty forest... in which I've never been.

Your situation is worse than you think.

You must prove you didn't do it.

What did you do on the 12th?

- The 12th? Well, I drank. - Where?

Let's try hard.

A ring? No, I didn't sell you a ring last Wednesday.

- One of your customers maybe. - Not that I know.

- You do recognize me? - Not at all.

Try and remember. I was drunk.

I believe you, sir.

You don't remember him?

I don't.

He was drunk.

- A total disaster. -It is.

It must have been one of my sad days if no one remembers me.

You really went to all these bars?

I did. Why?

You're not trying to spare someone?

I don't know whom. A married woman?

- You're very nice. - Because you must say.

To be sure, I'd have bragged about it.

- What can we do? What? - I really don't know.

But you promise you'll see me again.

Because I feel that if things turn out badly having you with me

will help me bear everything. You promise?

- I promise. - You'll never believe that I'm guilty.

Whatever happens.

- See you tonight then, Héléne. - See you tonight.

André.

You want to talk to me. Why?

- Why did you go to the police? - You know that.

To prevent an innocent man being convicted in your place.

Lovely idea. I hope you didn't succeed.

I didn't.

Good,

because that guy Laurent really looks like a murderer.

You planned it all.

You sold the ring to that poor guy.

No. But I say it again: I should have had that idea.

- Want some? - No.

Listen...

I know that you like

that boy very much.

If that liking made you forget your oath...

Poor Laurent!

Well, Héléne? Still thinking it over? It'll make you ill.

Not everyone can have an empty head like yours.

Thanks. Here, Héléne, look!

- Who's that guy? - A friend.

I can only tell you he won't be mine.

- The Inspector is questioning you today? - Yes.

No need to make a fuss. No doubt the police is not as bad

as at the time of the Lyons courier case.

He seems so sure.

- He was being very familiar with you. - Who was?

Guy? He's like a brother.

I have no sense of family.

You're jealous?

Come on, let's go and have a drink.

Say, Héléne.

Don't you feel we see him too often?

I didn't notice.

I have the feeling we meet him everywhere these days.

- I may be imagining things. - No doubt.

That's Winckler's servant, right?

His servant? His confidence man.

Only Winckler can trust someone with such a mug.

- It's 4 o'clock. Time to go. - Yes... Waiter!

- Now that I think of it, Winckler. - What?

In the Gordon case, before picking me up,

didn't he think he was somewhat guilty?

He did.

So why did they choose me instead?

- He had an alibi. - Of course.

It's the tool of his trade. Winckler with no alibi is a body with no soul.

Why do you say that?

I'd like to know what his alibi was.

Let's go.

- See you tonight at the club. - If they don't get too fond of me.

- Laurent is here, Inspector. - Let him in.

So?

Still nothing, chief.

I don't ask for miracles but things are moving along?

Not really.

For once, I fear that you're wrong.

I'll tell you something.

That girl is lying. Winckler paid her.

She wasn't with him the night of the 12th.

- I think she was. - You're naive.

Did you try to make her talk?

Yes, but it's very difficult. She's very good.

Use your charm.

The trouble is, chief, that she's a very likeable girl.

Very well.

I'm not proud of myself.

Old chap,

the truth does not spring from a well as they say

but from a swamp.

We've to go get it where it is, even if it means getting our hands dirty.

- Yes, chief, but... - You told her that you love her?

- Not yet. - What are you waiting for?

One or two days, so that it rings true.

You have two days.

It's not enough.

Did she tell you she is Winckler's alibi?

- No. - Good. She likes you.

It's a pity.

Make a terrible scene this very night. Jealousy.

- That's not stylish, chief. - What she does is stylish?

You'll tell her: a woman like you with such a man,

it's really horrible.

Don't make yourself cry, but make a big show of pain.

I'll do my best.

And you're too free right now.

I might have to arrest you for a while and torture you.

I haven't made up that ring story for nothing.

I'm ready to be tortured.

When she sees the innocent she loves near the gallows,

she'll have to talk.

- But chief. - No comment.

Do your duty; I'll do mine. I must get Winckler.

And no love. This is police business.

Then, he turns around,

and faces the whale.

- It's a good one, right? - Very funny.

- Sorry. I've got to go. - In the middle of a dance?

Excuse me.

- Have you seen André? - No.

But what is he doing? Where is he? I hope nothing happened to him.

I see what it is: it's love.

Stop it! Go see the boss, tell me I'm not feeling well.

I must know.

Well... So?

Well, well, Héléne.

Really happy to see you.

You've got a minute? Yes, to have a drink.

You must drink, believe me...

- There's nothing better to forget. - Come with me.

All right, but I'll take my friend with me.

- Waiter, how much? - No, don't do that.

Keep the change. Come on. Up, up!

- You promised you'd stop drinking. - I don't care.

Why do you say that? Because of the police?

No hiding anything from you.

- What happened? - Nothing.

It's not milk

that you put in your feeding bottle, it's red wine.

Come on now. Come.

- What did they tell you? - Nothing.

- I saw Inspector Calas. - So what?

So I learned where Winckler spent the night of the 12th.

A woman like you with such a man,

it's horrible.

I didn't know you.

Helene...

Do you really believe I'm innocent?

I know.

How can you know?

Well, I feel it, I'm sure.

You're nice, Héléne, very nice.

Come on, it's time to go to bed.

I'll take you back to your hotel.

- Who is it? - It's me. Open up!

- Hello, you. - Hello.

You don't seem to realize I went to bed at dawn.

So did I. So what? We're going to the country.

- To the country? Who's going? - You, me, us.

The country with girlfriends...

The men are coming too, of course.

Joe is at the door. And we'll get your Dédé.

-"Dédé"? - Laurent's name is André, isn't it?

All right for Dédé.

Don't dress like a duchess.

A skirt, a blouse.

Trousers, if you want. And no stockings.

- I haven't had my bath. - We'll dive in the river.

My nails! I must do my nails!

You're right. It's important.

Bring along what you need.

You'll do them in the car.

- Jojo, Héléne. - Nice to meet you.

Well. You think you're at a ball?

Look at that! You have a car. You've had it long?

Since yesterday night.

But I didn't spend that much. It's a model from last year.

Well, then... - Where are we going?

- We'll go get Dédé. - And who's Dédé?

- He is a friend of mine. - Ah, right.

Come.

- I'd told you never to come here. - I know.

With your moustache and your name, everybody knows who you are.

Yes but...

Yes but if I'm uncovered, it will be your fault.

The Gordon case is very interesting. But what about my car thieves?

I don't care about your car thieves.

- Who's there? - It's me, Héléne.

I've come for you. We're going to the country.

Hello.

Nice of you to come and see me.

- You've been living here long? - Not very long.

It's obvious. There's no life in here.

It's a room like any other room.

I had hoped it would tell me about you, souvenirs, photographs...

I'm not sentimental. Anyway, I didn't use to be.

They must have forgotten us. They could have waited until we were there.

- There's nothing between them. - What? I'll take care of that.

If you can.

Men are strange.

We have a guy who did something great.

He shot down Gordon. Like that!

And he gets impressed by a small woman.

- You're never impressed. - Not much.

They're still pestering Dédé with the Gordon case?

Still. Of course, they've got no one else.

Here's a clue at last.

You wear a bowler hat? I'd never have thought so.

- It's funny, isn't it? - Put it on.

- You will laugh at me. - Oh, please, humor me.

- It's not yours. - You think so?

It's too large, it's obvious.

Ah, I see. It belongs to the policeman who questioned me this morning.

- He must have taken mine. - You're funny that way.

- No, keep it on. - Not to go to the country.

It will be nice to be alone.

No, not alone. There's Dany and Jojo.

- Who's that Jojo? - He must be a good guy.

He's got a Hispano, and Dany likes him all the same.

I didn't know there was a radio.

- It's not your car? - No, I borrowed it for the weekend.

But I'll give it back on Monday. It guzzles too much petrol.

I liked last week's Packard better.

- The lady dances? - No, I never work on Sundays.

Come on, children, let's eat.

- And you, André, what job do you do? - Oh...

That Marty thing, that was great.

Hup, hup, hup. Great!

But it's not money.

- The Marty thing? - The Gordon case.

I didn't do it. I swear.

Yes, I got it. No use saying it twice. You didn't do it.

Not something to shout from the rooftops,

but I can say it to you: I like you.

Do you want to be part of my car thing?

You wouldn't have to borrow them. That's my job, I like doing it.

But you, you've got an artistic sense.

There's a lot of painting and redecoration to do.

We didn't come to the country to talk business.

You're right.

But think about it, Mr. André. Will you?

Do you want to go boating?

That's a good idea.

When I think he held you in his arms, that horrible man!

- You'll never forgive me? - I don't think so.

I swear that he's nothing to me and never was.

Of course, of course.

I swear on my life, my poor, worthless life.

So he's lying when he said he was at your place from 2 to 87

And you let him lie, dishonor you. And for what?

No, he isn't lying.

- He stayed in your room from 2 till 8? - He did.

I see... You played cards.

I apologize.

Why? What am I? What can I hope for?

You shouldn't see me. I'm not worthy of you.

I only deserve someone like Jojo.

He may be better than I.

Please forgive me, I'm a brute and a fool.

You're not the kind to take me boating.

Poetry and you...

I'm willing to if you row, darling.

Put your head on my shoulder.

There never was anything. There's nothing any more.

Let's start again.

A nice little Héléne who's well-behaved

and a Laurent who's somewhat silly but who likes her.

I've had enough, chief, enough. I give up.

You're wrong. That girl is sincere.

And I feel ugly.

What I do makes me sick.

You're a romantic, Laurent, it's good for your job

but you must not go too far.

She loves me, boss, you get it? She loves me.

That's what I wanted.

If that Winckler thing was not true, she would have denied it.

It fills her with despair. She's ashamed of it.

But she was with him that night.

I don't know that girl. She may be delightful, she may be dangerous.

Only one thing is sure. If Winckler prevents you from marrying her,

go ahead.

She's nothing to him. He's nothing to her.

- You think so? - I'll prove it.

But I need the last act to be played well.

The last act?

- So we shall rehearse. - What do you mean, "rehearse"?

Yes, like on stage.

What you must do now needs accuracy and care.

You make one mistake and we fail.

And I don't want that.

Laurent, meet your old mum.

Pardon me? What?

I know, you're still a maiden but listen!

I'll sum up the situation.

I've just arrested Laurent in front of young Héléne.

You're his mother. You're in despair.

I want the two of you to give me a heart-rending scene,

so that Héléne can't stand it and confesses the truth at once.

- You understand? - Yes boss.

Can you introduce him, please?

Mr. Laurent, Professor Winckler.

Delighted.

- May 1? - Please.

May 1?

Have you got a light?

Thank you.

My friend Héléne is delightful, isn't she?

Delightful.

You've got good taste.

For that matter, we have the same.

I've always been sorry for that.

Anxious?

The police are so annoying.

Always asking questions to which we can't always answer.

But you do know how to answer.

Thank you.

It's because you know that they keep pestering me.

I have an alibi. Fortunately for me.

Unfortunately for you.

That's right.

But all I know is that I didn't kill Gordon.

And I'll do everything that is needed to find the guilty party.

It's dangerous.

He may be less stupid than I.

But he'll surely make a mistake one of these days.

- It's possible. - I want to dance.

- You don't mind? - Of course not.

- Let's go away together. - Where?

Anywhere. To a place where I can forget your past, my future...

If you want to.

And you'll leave everything to follow me?

Every what? I've got nothing.

But I told you that I'm poor.

- We'll work. - Doing what?

I was making evening dresses before wearing them.

- Let's go away. - Shall we?

- But at once. - At once!

I'll telephone my mother. Wait for me at the bar.

I'm leaving.

- For good? - Yes.

You're right.

You're not made for night-clubs.

- Goodbye then. - Goodbye, you!

Wait!

Here. Take those 100 francs. That's all I've got.

That's my wedding present.

You're really nice. Kiss the girls for me.

No point. They're horrible.

Come on, come on.

I liked you, you know.

Goodbye.

Goodbye.

Hello, hello?

Is that you, boss?

In twenty minutes, Gare du Nord.

All right.

What did your mother say?

Nothing. As long as I'm happy.

Hey, taxi!

Pass the suitcases.

- Mr. André Laurent? - Yes, why?

- You are under arrest. - It's impossible!

Come on! Come on! And don't make a fuss.

Let him go! Will you let him go?

Sorry, lady. We have orders.

Your orders are stupid. That man is innocent.

Innocent, I'm telling you.

André, don't let them arrest you and say nothing.

This woman should keep quiet or she'll be arrested too.

Please, Héléne, don't say anything. Things will be sorted out.

You forgot your suitcase.

You must go back home now. Don't be upset.

Come on, go home.

Quai des Orfévres.

Taxi!

Follow that car.

Don't give me that look.

In five minutes, you'll know the truth and you'll like it.

- You think she'll come. - I'm sure of it.

I trust your sex-appeal.

Lower your veil.

She's here!

My son!

- My child. - Mummy, my dear mummy.

You here? You? Oh, poor child.

If you're convicted, I won't survive.

But I'm innocent, mum. You hear me? Innocent.

I must talk to you.

- It's not the right moment. - On the contrary.

It's about Winckler. I lied to you.

What?

Excuse us, madam.

Take the prisoner.

Ask your mother to forgive me.

Come on, move.

I'm listening, miss.

Hello? Hello? Kretz speaking.

Get Professor Winckler, it's an emergency.

What? He is on stage?

Get him. He must come to the phone at once.

It's Kretz. Kretz!

- Come on, remove those. - They suit you.

I'm sorry, pal, but I've lost the key.

Do it quickly. It's not funny.

When you wear them, you really look like a crook.

Anyway, crook or not,

among all the leading men here, you're surely the best.

You must have had lots of fun during that secret mission.

She's a nice girl, isn't she? Anyway, you really fooled her.

Get away from here!

I hope everything is all right,

that you have all you need.

I don't think Winckler will let me make another testimony.

I told you that the police protects witnesses.

I know you're in danger.

Stay here until we've locked him in. Him and Kretz.

Here, you will be protected. And don't worry

There's no perjury as long as you're not in court.

You're holding grudges. You're sulking.

All right, all right.

The girl talked. We'll get Winckler.

Take six men and go to the club.

- And try to catch him alive. - O.K. boss.

Sorry, miss. Could I have a glass of water?

You are André's mum?

Listen, miss, I'll explain...

It's no use. I understand.

They've done the conductor routine.

What? You're not mad?

Be mad? But why?

It was a good one. A great one!

You really fooled me.

And more than you think.

My congratulations to Emile, it was great work.

Where is she?

She's just ran away, crying.

Héléne!

Héléne!

What I did is vile. I'm a pitiful being.

But it was my duty. It cost me to do it. I swear.

You will forgive me. You must.

Yes, I lied, I did horrible things.

But I've never stopped loving you.

Go get that bonus you earned.

Thank you.

Hello?

Come on, follow us.

Can you hear me?

WELL DONE, CONGRATULATIONS

I told you not to worry. It's a very pretty scar.

That's not what I worry about.

Only my life ended there, you see.

- I still love that guy. - I can't believe it.

Ladies, please excuse me. A pressing errand.

What's wrong with him?

- Hello, Héléne. - Ah, it's you.

I understand now why Jojo was in such a hurry.

And you dare come and see me.

- I came every day, Héléne. - Can you believe that?

A guy who uses a woman's love to do his work.

You were in love with me.

Yes, I was much in love but now it's over. It's over.

I'm free. You make me sick.

You're not so nice yourself.

He still stayed in your room from 5 till 8.

He slept the whole time. I swear.

- He slept? - Yes.

Forget him. He won't apologize. He is a dirty cop.

Cow!

No, I won't. No I won't. Let go of me.