Original subtitles

The film-maker does not intend Gustave Minda’s “ethics” to be a Morality

The characters and situations of this work, inspired by a novel…

…have no basis in reality

No conclusions should therefore be drawn…

…from the methods of investigation employed in the story

At birth, man is granted only one right: the choice of his own death

But if this choice is governed by disgust with life…

…then his existence will have been purely ridiculous

Second Breath

It’s set for December 28th

If it comes off, you get your cut

And if it doesn’t come off?

It’s set for December 28th. Forget your trip

I’ll be right back, as agreed

You might find yourself detained in Paris, and you’re indispensable here

It’s a risky job, and without you…

Without me? I’ll be back this time tomorrow

Blame the bastard Jacques the Notary

We can deal with him later. I need you here, Jeannot

No one’s indispensable

-Did you do anything this evening? -I went to the movies

-Any good? Not bad

It’s a good thing the cashier’s coming back next week

What’s up?

Gu has escaped

Let’s go home

Alban – two cognacs

It’s extraordinary

Ten years ago I tried to help him…

…and he told me just to heave him to die in peace

I was afraid he might kill himself

Now, at forty-six years of age…

Gu has escaped

We must help him lie low

What happened?

Did you see anything? Then keep your mouth shut like the rest of us

Look out below

See you tomorrow

-Is it Madame? No, Jacques. Send everyone home

Watch out, they’re here!

Everyone in the wagon. Don’t touch that, for God’s sake!

Who did the shooting? Her?

It wasn’t here. She owns the place

We’ll get you later

I doubt if he’ll tell you much

Good evening, Manouche

Jacques Ribaldi, “Jacques the Notary” because he once studied law

He never had a chance to use it

Were you in a better position?

You know I don’t use guns any more

And I know all your enemies are dead

That’s a bit much

Try not to faint. Anyway, as long as Manouche is O.K., that’s all you care

Gather around

I won’t enquire about customers: I presume there weren’t any tonight

Gentlemen, the remnants of food on the tables…

…are not signs of a hurried departure

It happens all the time, leaving courses of a meal unfinished

No doubt they heard that the Queen of England was hitch-hiking outside

Furthermore, Alban here did not see a thing

He was crouched behind the bar, swatting flies

When he looked up, the bad guys – and who knows what they wanted – had gone

He’s not an inkling whether it was one man or a tribe of Tuaregs

Right, Alban?

That’s about it

Manouche, now. Gossip says Jacques the Notary had a soft spot for her

But what could that have to do with anything?

Manouche saw nothing: she was concentrating on making up a bill

And here’s the second barman: Marcel from St Etienne, if memory serves

A fierce man bursting in so distressed Marcel, he can’t possibly describe him

He hid behind the bar, and only now he has ventured out

He didn’t see a thing. Right, Marcel?

Take your time

It’s just as if you had been here

Note the honesty and the amenability of the witness, gentlemen

Here we have the commissionaire, an honorable man whose name escapes me

He saw customers come in, but heard nothing because of the traffic

Trains and the trucks are so noisy

He saw customers come out, but of course, saw nothing unusual in that

They told him a man had died and he’s still suffering from shock

Are you able to speak yet?

A real shock it was

I have no wish to torture you further. Do sit down, don’t be so agitated

A village idiot could see that these people saw nothing, gentlemen

As for the disappearing diners, they aren’t paid to reason why

We aren’t all gifted with imagination. That’s it gentlemen

Don’t bother

Am I mistaken in thinking that the kitchen staff have gone home, Alban?

There was nothing for them to do

It’s like a kindergarten

May I repeat the request of two years ago?

It’s up-to-date

The staff records; they won’t provide very rich pickings

Have the corpse picked up

That’s strange; it looks as though they fired towards the street as they left

Unless someone within was shooting at them

I hope you killed at least one of them, Alban. We’ll know in a day or two

Only the corpse is to go; the standard formula will cover the rest

You may be wanted for questioning: don’t leave town without advising us

He had family in Paris?

No. Not as far as I’m aware. They’re in Corsica

His mother and two younger brothers

Alone again, Manouche? It’s a pity the vacancy costs so dear

It’s over

One comes to a dead end, then someone new turns up and everything changes

Good night, Alban. You can read this to her tonight

Former Public Enemy No. 1, Gu Minda, escapes from jail…

…after serving ten years of a fife sentence for robbing “The Gold Train”

Jeannot’s still in a coma

-Haven’t you had a doctor? Sure. Jeannot’s calling for you

I’ll go to Paris with you

Jacques wanted me to go away with him for a while

Perhaps he did love me

Hold it!

Call Manouche

Don’t you find the artillery heavy?

What have you done to Alban?

Come to finish the job, have you?

That depends

After fifteen years, I know the score

Maybe you don’t

This business can stop…

…whenever you say

-How much? We’re not greedy

50,000 francs each

Hands up!

Don’t say anything, Manouche. You two, lie flat on the floor

Frisk them. Who has the key to the handcuffs?

He’s out cold. Tell him not to say my name

Playing games, were we?

So you’re letting punks take you these days, are you?

Get up

Put your hands down. It’s easy hitting from behind, isn’t it?

Now we have a little chat. What’s your name?

Henri… Henri Tourneur

Who sent you?

You shouldn’t make me ask you twice

-Jo… Jo who? Jo Ricci

He knew my buddy

He said to hang on, that he’d put us onto something big

So we went to Jo’s every night, and tonight he told my buddy…

…well, “that chicken’s ripe for plucking” is what he said

Why tonight?

They killed Jacques three days ago

Were you told about her?

Just that she couldn’t go to the cops

Alban, let’s go

Where are we going?

Step on it, we’re there

I told Manouche to pick us up outside Ville d’Avray

My place is no good, Gu

We’ve had Homicide on our tails

Their boss is weird

Yes, Inspector Blot. We heard quite a bit about him inside

How about Montrouge?

-What’s there? -Don’t worry, you’ll be fine there

Your kingdom for a bit

The keys

-Who sent for him? -He’s my wife’s cousin

I have to get back, but we’d better bury him in the garden first

I’d have met you if I’d known. How did you get here, by air or by train?

By car. I’m flying back right away

Why the fast trip?

The cigarette deal with Jacques the Notary…

He and Jeannot are both dead. End of problem

Jeannot’s dead?

You’ll miss your partner, you always need one

Not always

I went to see my brother Jo, but I realized he wouldn’t do

But I’ve had another idea. Orloff’s back in France; he’s in Marseilles

Yes, I know. He has the reputation of being a lone wolf

Big money could change that

I agree. I’ve asked him to call me at home tonight

Or better – and safer – to come and see us there

A man like Orloff would prefer that. I’ve sent my wife to see her people

We’ll be alone

-Thanks for coming When Paul asks, I come

Two friends and I have a proposition. I’d like you to meet them

Pascal Leonetti

Orloff

Antoine Ripa

Do you want to start the year with two million francs?

A year can begin in many ways; maybe even not begin at all

Yes, but in this case I have first-hand information

It’s a month from now. We’ll be given the time, everything

A shipment escorted by two motorcyclists: 500 kilos of platinum

Five shares of two million francs each. My informant insists on a share

Four of us and him makes five

Is it getting so hard to find the right man?

As you see

Your confidence overwhelms me

I presume the details are worked out: I have only to accept or refuse?

I shall therefore ask no questions before deciding

I neither refuse or accept

I need a week in which to make up my mind

We have to be ready in four weeks

If I refuse, you will have three weeks to find a fourth, or settle on three

It’s impossible with three

Three is a good combination. I’ve done jobs on my own, too

But all that platinum warrants handling with care

You’re quite entitled to look around for someone else while I think it over

-Scotch? A very small one

To our coming collaboration

Come in a moment, please

Check where these two hung out

Tourneur and Bartel were at Jo Ricci’s bar in Rue Washington every day

Two punks, stylishly iced by an ace hit man

Madame Simone Peltier is here

I’m glad to find you here, Inspector

I came to ask your permission to leave Paris

My cashier is back and I want to get away. This business is getting me down

It doesn’t show

We’ve know each other for a long time, and you know what I think

For many women, men killing each other over them would be the ultimate tribute

I settle for less

Look…

These represent the death of two men…

…left half hidden, as if it hardly mattered whether they were found or not

The work of a master

Go where you like, Manouche. Sell up if you want…

…and meet new people, find yourself a new life

It wouldn’t be a bad move, Simone

You know, it’s a bit late to change, Inspector

For a woman like you? You must be joking

Well?

Permission granted

Thank you

Good luck

-What do you think? Risky

More than you think

But people like that need a lot of rope

I’ll pay Jo Ricci a visit. His brother Paul got screwed in a cigarette deal

Cigarettes killed Jacques the Notary, and Jo knows about it

The corpses in the car hung out at Jo’s bar

And Manouche is quite calm and easy, as though she’d just found a champion

Look at him: he had a lot of money once

Now he’s broke, and won’t leave the country that way of he can help it

He’s still dangerous

Gu, it’s me

She’s coming to dinner tonight. I thought you’d like to dress up

She has news about your getaway

I’m off. Someone has to see to the bar

You’re safe here, you know: only the three of us know

Manouche said she’ll fix the dinner

It’s me

You shouldn’t have; I wanted to do it all myself

Why? You’re the guest, aren’t you?

It’s not very nice here

Compared to where I’ve been and what’s ahead…

My picture must be in every cop’s pocket

So what? A picture isn’t the same thing as the man

Cops aren’t all that bright

Which reminds me, I saw Blot this morning

He sort of flirted with me

Told me I could go wherever I liked, and so forth

Complete freedom, you know the sort of thing

Yes, I know the sort of thing

We have to play it Blot’s way

You and I, we grew up together on the wrong side of the law

It would be the end of the world if we couldn’t get you clear away

Whatever happens, I’m not going back inside

And me?

What about you?

Where do I fit into all of this?

You haven’t understood at all, have you, Manouche?

You know it happened: I gambled and I lost

It’s nobody’s fault. Now they’re looking for me, and they’ll never stop

Good evening, Jo. Discerning as ever

-Will you join us? -That might be very pleasant

Mesdemoiselles Colette and Marcelline. What will you have, Inspector? Cognac?

I never touch alcohol; but if I may off these young ladies something?

I’ll have a tomato juice

Colette and I do everything together

The two of us are inseparable

I’m not a man I used to be, but I cound try to get out of my appointment

May I make a call

Pity about the girls, but I’m too busy

Don’t over do it, Inspector

Tell them my friend has left

I have two corpses on my hands, so I thought of you

You’re too kind

-Heard from your brother Paul? -He’s going straight now

He’ll be taking holy orders next

When Jacques the Notary bought it, Paul came to mind

Everyone knew Jacques… Manouche, too

And you know me. Am I fool enough to think Jacques died because of Manouche?

Opinions differ

I’m not here to play games or get at you

You’re right about opinions differing, and here’s what I think

You had nothing to do with it

Your brother Paul is liquidating opposition

Jacques was the big fish in cigarettes. Now Paul is taking things easy

More or less easy, I’d say, because I know something you don’t know

Three days after Jacques…

…a couple of third-class punks, hardly rating even that high…

…get taken for a ride at Ville d’Avray – you’ve seen the papers?

I knew them… just as customers, I mean

Still the same old Jo

-What will you have, Inspector? -A cognac

So this Tourneur and this Bartel used to come here, did they?

Two cheap crooks, yet they get themselves killed like big shots

You realize what a scene those two upstarts wormed themselves into?

Unless someone fixed it

There’s a house close to the spot where we found the car…

…yet no one heard a thing

They were shot in the car while it was still on the road

I spent the night combing a pile of records. Guess what I found?

The death of Francis the Gimp, fifteen years ago. A straight road, three shots

But at the time everyone thought that Gu did it. I find that extraordinary

Don’t you?

It is funny

Gu has escaped. Gu means Manouche and Alban

You mean Paul… by extension Jacques. And Jacqes means Manouche and Alban

Get it? Our two punks were here, Probably heard about Manouche

I hadn’t thought of that

Never mind. I’m paid to think, and sometimes do it without thinking

So our two punks learn that Manouche’s boyfriend is dead…

…and decide a visit to the widow might bring easy pickings

Off they go, and run straight into Gu

We can fill in the details later. Maybe

If he goes on like that, he won’t stay out long

So much better for you

For me?

That Wop’s got nothing to do with me

Maybe he thinks he has

Gu would have wanted to know who sent them

And if you ask me, they’re the kind who talk

So your name was mentioned. Gu will love someone making trouble for Manouche

I don’t give a damn what he thinks

I’m not responsible for my customers

Suppose he disagrees? He knows where you are, but you don’t know where he is

Do you know?

Not yet, but I will

This Gu is crazy

How’s your son doing at school?

I’m sending him to England, then Germany, to help with his exams

I hope you live to see him receive his diploma

I’m not afraid

That won’t make the danger go away. Think of your family

I must talk to you again. I can’t think tonight

You know where to find me. I’ll leave the back way

It’s me

I was fast asleep

I’ll take these, or she’ll go crazy looking for them

She’s leaving

She says she can’t stand the rain in this country and that you need sun

She’ll make sure she isn’t followed, then find you a hideout in Marseilles

Her cousin Theo Cassini has a boat. You know him?

Sort of

He’ll tell you about papers, depending on where you’re going

I’m broke, Alban. I can’t leave the country empty handed

I know a place in Italy, but I need at least a small stake

I have an account to settle, too

I’d hate to leave Jo Ricci to grow old and fat

Some things you can’t swallow

I know you’d insist on helping, so maybe I’ll let it go

I’ll just do the driving

Here is Jo Ricci’s bar in Rue Washington, with a back entry through the yard

This is where he lives, in the Place des Etats-Unis

Have both telephones monitored…

…his home and the bar

I’ve got Jo nervous enough to make a move. He may be getting a call

-What sort of call? An invitation to a funeral

You won’t get advance notice. Don’t act until afterwards, and make it good

You won’t have time before, anyway

So, if I get you right, Chapter One: Jo breakfasts on hot lead

Chapter Two: if we can’t act, we wait. Who appears in Chapter Three?

Gu and Alban

-Isn’t in the bag -No, it isn’t

Alban can hit a crow’s foot at I forget how many paces

He’s why Manouche stays healthy

I told you about Gu the other night

If they come, Jo won’t eat Christmas Turkey. Only those two can get to him

So this is an order: if you don’t have a clear shot, do nothing

It’s now or never. I doubt if Jo’s going to hang around for long

Leterrier’s in position at the bar. Alban’s strolling along the street

And Jo Ricci’s booked on the two o’clock flight to Corsica

At Jo Ricci’s house I saw luggage being loaded into his Ford

If we’re quick, we can catch him at the bar

Drive past without stopping

It’s a one-way

Go round the Etoile and come back

We’re at each end of the street. Get Leterrier out of there

Alban checked the back entry

With luck there won’t be crowds about

We’re almost there

I’m not going in

Did you spot something?

No, it didn’t feel right

I think I’d better leave you here until Manouche sends word what to do

My dear Alban… at a loose end?

Out walking

So am I. Shall we go this way?

-How’s your charming employer? -She’s gone

She’d had enough

For how long a rest?

Oh, she just went… you know how it is

Everyone seems to be leaving. I know someone who’s flown off to Corsica

Some have all the luck

But you’re staying?

I have to run the business for Manouche

Not a word as the whereabouts of Gustave Minda

He’s really covered his tracks

Old boars are always the hardest to flush out

And when you do, they always manage to kill two or three hounds

I don’t enjoy hunting a man like that

That’s understandable. I cross over here

Watch how you go

Long live the underworld!

Tell the boys that’s it for today

You’ve got to help me, Theo

I need a furnished house locally. Price doesn’t matter, but no names

An out-of-the-way place where I can hide someone

Who’ll be needing the boat?

It’s Gustave Minda

I thought so

Can you fix it?

There’s my father’s old house. No one goes there in winter

I’ll go and get it ready

You’ll be saving his life

What about the boat?

It isn’t small fry. It won’t be easy, getting him through

-I’ll try it. Does he have papers? -Not yet

We’ll see to it

What’s this she’s dreamed up? A crate marked “This side up”

I might do the trip upside-down, like a fakir

Cops are everywhere

Naturally. What do you suppose it was like after I went over the wall?

I live my own plan

Try to work it out right

I’m carrying

This is different. I’ve never been parted from it

My dear Alban…

-Is your boat in good shape, Theo? -Still afloat, as you see

It could be on its way to Sicily before very long

I’m going to be on a big deal… or at least, maybe I am

I’ve got an Italian trip on, the south, I think. Maybe we could combine them

I’m not too keen. Which is the riskiest bit, leaving or arriving?

Arriving, but mostly during the trip itself

It’s something important?

You’ll be able to retire soon

-This one I’m only charging expenses -You’ve changed

The thing is, he needs papers. You can tell… it’s Gu

I’ll see to the papers. When does he want to leave?

They’re waiting on me

His woman’s going, too

Tell him the papers will take a week, and he should grow a moustache

Also I need to get two photographs, or a film I’ll develop

Don’t mention my name

Money?

It’s strange, but I feel like making a donation, too

One other thing: ask Gu if he wants to pick up two million before leaving

Miami’s fine for millionaires

Two million francs?

It’s the job I mentioned. But I’ve got time, Gu hasn’t

It comes off in three weeks from now. Tell Gu I need a quick decision

Meanwhile, no matter what, I’ll see about those papers

We have to wait, though

Theo will see about the papers and tell us when he can take us

I’m in no hurry to get to Italy broke

We’re not broke

Not us. Me

I thought I was going along

Exactly

It’s Theo

I’ve got news

We need two photographs for papers. I have a camera. Also…

What would you say to two million?

Some guy needs a hand. Equal shares: two million francs each

Two million and you’re not interested yourself?

I’m too old to risk it

You have some nerve! Don’t you think it’s risky for Gu, too?

Ask him if that gold train job he did was easy

It didn’t kill me

What about your friend Roger?

-No one made him take part -No one’s making you act stupid

I have no choice

I won’t let him do it

-Can you name names? Paul… Paul Ricci

Count me in, then

If I’d known, I’d never have got in touch with you

Listen, Manouche…

I know you’re straight, and I like your care in choosing your team

I didn’t refuse on the spot because it’s too big a deal

But I’ve considered carefully

If the hold-up is on the highway, I can only take a few seconds

How can you deal with the motorcycle escort in so short a time?

Kill them

In that case, two million doesn’t seem enough to me

Don’t worry, a hundred million wouldn’t be. I’m opting out

Now, if I may, I’ll tell you about someone who wants to opt in

No one asked you to do that

It’s a risky job

-Some foreigner? -No

It’s someone you know well. His name is Gustave Minda

Gu? The cops are after him; I thought he was far away by now

Gu here? In this hole?

A last fling before leaving France. He doesn’t know who’s in on it, though

Tell him about me, that he’s in, and if he wants anything, just to ask

He won’t

The years inside must have aged him

I’ve met some of his cell mates

He’s finished. He might crack at any time

Yet he escaped

They got him out. That guy who escaped with him, Bernard…

…he jumped off a cliff when caught

The moral is don’t get caught. Three of them escaped

Gu’s fine, the other two are dead. I’ll answer for him

You don’t have to work with him

Gu will be in the car with Pascal and me. He’ll do fine, better than Jeannot

I’m sure of that

What about afterwards?

During and after. But so what? I’ll do my job and take my cut

If things go wrong in the car, you’ll have to do his job

Afterwards, you said?

Yes. Gu hasn’t moved with the times

His ideas could lead to problems

I’ll answer for afterwards, too

In that case, I agree

-Can we talk details with Gu? -If you meet me here two hours before hand

-How soon will we know when? -We’ll know the time the day before

Let me know; Gu will be there

By the way, don’t mention my name. Gu doesn’t know I’m involved

He’d want to see me, and I’d rather not know where he’s hiding out

Some you trust, some you don’t

Gentlemen, you know you have my good wishes

He’s beginning to get up my nose

I wouldn’t let it show

What could he do, for all his airs?

If you want to grow old to enjoy your cut, forget Orloff

Tell Alban to stop worrying. My luck’s come back

Suppose things go wrong, what could I do?

When you get back, everything will be fine

Here’s Theo

The same night, 23.58

The van and two motorcycles escorts leave Toulon tomorrow at two p.m.

They’ll head for Cap d’Agde along secondary roads

There’ll be a man sitting beside the driver…

…and another with the crates in the back

I’m glad you’re here, Gu

Gypsy?

Come and sit down

Get him a drink, Antoine

-How do you feel? Don’t worry, it’ll be fine

It’s a load off our minds to have you with us

Tell me about it, Paul

It’s a big one, Gu, but it means split-second timing

We’ve picked a pretty wild spot

Antoine will stash an estate car, and hide on top of the hill with a rifle

There’s a hut right there to lock away the three guys from the van

We’ve a hideout near at hand

The van will be escorted by two motorcyclists

We drive up in the Mercedes

Not far from Antoine…

…an unmade road joins the main road at the bend

We wait there till the convoy passes

If we followed it too long, they’d get suspicious

We jump them as soon as Antoine kills the first motorcyclist. The second…

I kill from the car. That terrifies the men in the van

We lock them up and go home, right?

Aren’t you afraid they might reinforce the escort at the last moment?

No. No chance

My informant is the man who gives the orders

He asked for two motor-cyclists, not four

The platinum will be in twenty cases, each twenty-five kilos

About this big, with hand grips, easy to handle

I think that’s all

About the motorcyclists… if we could have avoided killing them…

But if one of them gets away, we blow it

Besides, the men inside will be armed, if they’re scared, they’ll keep quiet

Groundsheets?

To cover the bodies with; saves moving them elsewhere

Good idea

Right, you never know. I’ve a big one we can cut in two

What’s the time?

12:05

You can get started, I think, but don’t drive too fast

Remember to change the plates en route

Let me hear your gun drop

What happened?

I don’t know. I thought I heard shots

Get in, or I’ll kill you

It’s me!

I found him looking at one of the bodies

The place belongs to my in-laws

Forty-five minutes since it started

When the van doesn’t arrive, they’ll phone Toulon to see what’s up

Well, I’m off. Who’s coming with me?

Me

Do you want to come with Pascal when he picks up the cases?

There’s no need, I trust you

Let me know when, and I’ll come for my cut

You should stay with us

Maybe you won’t be around when I go to Paul’s place to collect

Maybe

I just wanted to say it was good working with you

I was against you being in on it

But I don’t know… those motorcyclists…

It was just you and me

Your informant… only he would have known all the details

He’ll be questioned, and he’s not like us

-But we can’t… -We must

-Only Paul knows him -Then let Paul do it

Drop me at the station

Good Luck!

Marseilles, please

That’s it for today. Everyone back to the station

-Give us a break, Inspector Bet your life I wll!

You’ve made an arrest already, haven’t you?

Playing coy won’t help your promotion

You here? I’m too busy to bother with you

Nice Christmas present you’ve got

Killing police escorts, hit and run style. Someone will pay for this!

If you can present the bill

Ten years I’ve been on the job and I know them all

No one gets smart with me. Wait till I’ve worked some of them over

I’m sure you’ll be delighted to co-operate

It’s an order to hand over the bullets removed from the bodies

Because we’re no experts, unlike you, I suppose?

Very well. Make a necklace of them if you like

I shall not let your attitude go unremarked, Fardiano

See if these bullets are from the gun used in the Ville d’Avray killings

Two marksmen, one with a Colt, the other with a rifle

Witnesses in Marseilles are of no help

They say the car was navy, pale green, maroon, black

As to the make, it wasn’t French

This is the laboratory

It’s the same Colt

Gentlemen, our Marseilles killer also did the Ville d’Avray job

Now listen carefully

Jo Ricci sent two hoods after Manouche, probably to blackmail her

They were nabbed and killed in a car heading for the Ville d’Avray. By Whom?

I’d say by Gu, he used the same method on Francis the Gimp fifteen years ago

Afterwards, he didn’t get rid of the Colt he used

He’s no longer your average killer; he knows he’s done for

On the Marseilles job…

…he killed the motorcycle escort with the same gun…

…because he was used to it he wouldn’t try a new one on an important job

Now let’s consider the others

Manouche returned to Paris before the job. Alban never left Paris

So Gu was in on it with other associates. Now he’s flush

It’ll be a month or two before he can cash in and leave the country

That’s all we know

Manouche and Alban will try to see him

Yes, but they have no problem shaking a tail

I’d rather give them a bit of rope

Fardiano?

He won’t come up with anything. He’ll pull in a few suspicious characters

The guys who did the job are something else. After all, they knew Gu

Policemen aren’t magicians, you know

If we don’t get a break, Gu will be off and that’ll be it

We can lay our hands on the others

But someone in hiding is easier to find

He’s behaving abnormally

We could run pictures in the papers

No pictures. Gu wouldn’t venture out, and we want him to do that

So have to trust to luck. Or fate

Call it what you will

We need something, then we can go to work on it

Police four hours late at scene of bloody hold-up

Luckily his name isn’t mentioned anywhere

Just as well Blot isn’t in on this

The Parisian police don’t stick their noses into regional affairs

No, of course

I’ve a crazy hankering to go to Marseilles

But I’m scared I might start something if I do

I’ll be right back

I’m off, then

I have two things to say, if I may

Pascal will tell you what I feel about your informant

Your brother Jo…

Yes, I know, but he’s my brother

Tell him nothing

You’re pushing it

His dealings are sometimes a bit off

He never knew, but I nearly knocked him off

He ran away, anyway, guilty conscience

You want to know about it?

His brother is O.K.

As a favor for you, Paul, I’ll let him live to a ripe old age

Even if I wasn’t on the run, I think I wouldn’t stay here

-Now what? I fade into the background

Take care

Keep your hands where they are

You can get out

This is where the guy who escaped with you got surrounded

He jumped from up there

We thought you’d like to die here. I know you’re the sentimental type

Not too chatty, are you?

We didn’t bring you here to talk about your life or your platinum

We don’t give a damn about that

You’ve sunk low, Gu. Very low

You don’t care who you work with

Sorry, but Angel won’t stand for that

Angel?

Nevada?

That was our job, and Angel doesn’t like being double crossed

You know that, Gu. We’ve got you…

…and we’ll find the others

You’re all going to get it, one after another

Angel knows me. Ten years inside and I didn’t say a word. I haven’t changed

Yet you stabbed him in the back for a few bars of platinum

Is Nevada crazy, or what? He knows I’ve been out of circulation

I was offered a job. If there was any funny business, I wasn’t in on it

Well, you see, Angel thinks different

Does the work of a man like me mean nothing?

Look at you, with your hoods and your guns…

…talking nothing but crap. What do you know about me?

You know nothing! Did Angel dream I’d double cross him?

Is he crazy, or what?

Ricci, now, do you think he’s on the level?

-Which one? -Both

Yes, both of them, Jo and Paul

-Paul is my friend -So what?

-Then you weren’t in on it? -On my word. Angel could be wrong

No, he couldn’t

He had five million coming, and he hasn’t received a single franc

It’s impossible. Or else Paul’s gone mad

Nevada turned the job over for a 50% cut: day, time, everything

Instead, Paul kept the lot, and you’re splitting it four ways

Four ways? No, five

Our informant had to have his cut

That’s the best joke yet!

The informant was Nevada

So Paul grabbed himself a double share

Listen carefully, now. I’ve changed my mind a bit

Paul’s for it, no question about that

But we want to see the others. Maybe they were taken, like you

Why don’t you take us to them?

You don’t want much

You won’t?

Sorry. Blot of Homicide. We’ve taped the conversation

Everything’s legal

I won’t sign a statement, you…

Tell that to Fardiano… and Paul Ricci. My job is done

Gu Minda did the job with Paul Ricci. You may find this recording useful

It’s phony, I didn’t talk!

He will here, they all do

A silly thing: a warder from the jail you were in was on leave

He was playing boule and he recognized you in the crowd

Much it does me, knowing that

Handcuff him to the pipes

The worst thing about it is that your reputation’s going to suffer

Paul isn’t going to like it. You used to keep your mouth shut

Time was when anyone hobnobbing with regional police would be cut dead…

…and police didn’t fraternize with crooks

Now you’re all pals together and pass each other tips

It makes the job easy, but it makes me want to be sick

Try not to be sick here. Fardiano’s no nurse

I’m going back to Paris. Any messages for Manouche and Alban?

Friends of yours?

No, yours. Old friends

Inspector… you make me laugh

Go ahead, while you still have a head on your shoulders

Well, big shot? We’re picking up your friend, then we can all work this out

You’ve already shopped him. Why not tell us a bit more?

I don’t like being looked at like that

You won’t be so proud when I’m done with you

I’ll have my lawyers on you for this!

One of your friends says he did that platinum job we know so little about

He also says you were in on it, so we picked you up

You’ll make us lose our tempers, shouting like that

Keep it for the peasants

Listen to this

On my word. Angel could be wrong

No, he couldn’t

He had five million coming, and he hasn’t received a single franc

It’s impossible. Or else Paul’s gone mad

Nevada turned the job over for a 50% cut: day, time, everything

Instead, Paul kept the lot, and you’re splitting it four ways

Four ways? No, five

Our informant had to be cut in

That’s the best joke yet!

Our informant was Nevada

So Paul grabbed himself a double share…

Well, was I bluffing?

It’s not true!

Remorse is to be expected

Is this a madhouse?

That depends on who we get here

I’m innocent. I know nothing, met no one!

I want a lawyer!

Bring up a chair

You’ll find it easier to talk. Where were you on the afternoon of the 28th?

At home. I went down with flu on Christmas Eve

-We’ll check that. Anyone see you? -My wife

-Anyone else? -Isn’t she enough?

Sure. Naturally no one else saw you because you were out killing policemen

If you have the flu, people don’t pay social calls

You? At home with your wife?

We love each other. Is that against the law?

He must be thirsty. Give him a drink

I don’t think it was you who shot the two motorcyclists

You were driving, weren’t you?

You won’t be able to claim we roughed you up: no bruises

Be reasonable. You’ll make us get cross

Wouldn’t it be more sensible to talk, especially if you were driving?

I know nothing about a car, and I haven’t done anything

I want to see my lawyer

Here we go again

Do you know him?

No, I’ve never seen him before

But there are limits! He is a human being

Weren’t the two motorcyclists? Didn’t they have families?

Did you give them a chance? No, you condemned them without a hearing

I’m sure you’ll adopt their kids

Confess, that’s all I ask

Out already! “The bloody hold-up affair”

“To save his life, Gu Minda talked”

“One of his associates, Paul Ricci, is in custody. Other arrests imminent”

Ambulance!

He hates being thought a squealer. Make sure the word gets around

He didn’t talk, I know that

It’s a lie, to make people desert him

No one will believe that, Gu was arrested first

Do you?

I don’t give a damn. For me, Gu is Gu

Mine alone

He won’t want to live with people believing that

So we help?

We’ll wait a few days. It’s no use with the cops on the alert

I warned him, but your brother swore by Gu

It’s no surprise. Even in prison, Gu didn’t toe the line

It’s a pity Paul didn’t check with me. It’s obvious Gu squealed

Let’s wait till Paul’s hearing. There’s only Gu’s word against him

Let’s hope that’s all Gu says

He and Orloff are two of a kind

Yes, Paul bawled me out because I didn’t care for Orloff’s airs

Orloff was in on this?

We went to see him because he put Gu in touch with Paul

He’s still in Marseilles

Let’s ask what he thinks about Gu

We should do just that

Tell him I’m waiting

He won’t be overjoyed

A friend… Gu’s woman

Orloff, a friend of Gu’s. I’ve been in touch

-You’ve seen him? -No, I haven’t seen him

Could you find a way for me to see him?

I’ll try. I’ll come back tomorrow around three, to let you know

How will this turn out for Gu?

With a woman like that on his side, his troubles will fade away

Meanwhile, I have to see Jo Ricci

I’ve set up a meeting in a place I own

Watch yourself. Jo Ricci has a lousy reputation

I’m more worried about that kid Antoine

This is serious about Paul

He’s always used good men

Them, too

Paul’s inside, not them

You wished that louse on Paul, who was sorry for him

You’ve been fed lies

Let’s stick to you and Gu

Alright. If Gu denounced Paul, why not you two as well?

Seeing Paul, maybe

He’ll shop us if he gets scared again

I think a trap was laid for him. Inspector Blot has been around

Traps don’t work if you keep your mouth shut and mind your airs

You got Paul into this

I’m ready to help

Paul has a brother and friends

You take care of Gu

I see

Gu had help all around since his escape, and it’ll probably continue

If he escapes again, kill him and we’ll say no more

It’s only right

And we’ll all rest easy

You have it all worked out

I like to know where I stand

If it can be proved that Gu squealed, he dies

Haven’t you read the papers?

They don’t mention Blot. Only Gu, Blot and Fardiano know the truth

My brother has talked to his lawyer. Gu shopped him all right

Your brother trusted Gu completely. He was all for it when I suggested him

That’s no reason. I have all the proof I need

Gu has got to die

Listen, Fardiano isn’t particulary bright

I can make enquiries. If they confirm what you say, I’ll kill Gu

If not?

It’s not my concern

We needn’t follow suit

You can do as you like

And if we can’t get to Gu, we can always settle with you

When?

Whenever you like

People get worked up in situations like this. You talk too much

You’re looking out for Paul, and that’s fine. But I’m not on your payroll

A brother is a brother; I quite understand

But keep your friend under control. I won’t say that again.

If Gu squealed, he dies. That’s all I have to say

I know you’ve done nothing to blame yourself for

I came out with his name. Me, Gu Minda! Do you realize…

I have to get him out

His lawyers will tell him you didn’t sign a statement

A taped voice won’t be enough to convict him

The bastard Fardiano’s getting his own back, saying I talked

I can’t bear that. It isn’t possible

No… you deserved better than this

I should have never come back

Yes, you should

Drive on till I tell you to stop. We’re going to have a chat

Pull up on the left

Switch off

Take this

You’re going to write an open letter to the press…

…saying you lied about me because you couldn’t make me talk

How Blot tricked me, and there’s no proof Paul and I admit nothing

Got the idea? Go ahead, then, and make it convincing

Right. Now sign it

Since you’re the in the mood, write another to the Minister of Justice

Tell him the same thing

Tell him how you get your confessions

Say you’re sorry and you’ll never do it again

-Handcuffs in which pocket? -The left

Lean forward against the wheel

Put your hands behind you… both of them

Smile!

One wonders where the papers get their stories…

Not from you, of course

They misinterpreted me

You know, I wasn’t very proud of killing that motorcyclist

-Why are you telling me this? -Isn’t it your job to know?

There were four of us. Antoine Ripa, Pascal Leonetti, Paul and me

Stop it!

Antoine was waiting with a rifle

I’m not listening!

That’s a shame, I know lots of people who’d like to

You’ve changed, but not all that much

Don’t play the lone wolf. You’ll get nowhere

I was so worried

Some things have to be done

Hundreds of cops are looking for you; you can’t go out

Jo Ricci, Pascal and Antoine are after you, too

Let me finish. I’m meeting them today

I’ll ask for a few hours to prove you didn’t shop Paul

Meanwhile, you vanish with Manouche

What about Paul?

Forget Paul. His wife and his lawyers will take good care of him

But I’ll see Fardiano and try to…

Suppose Fardiano won’t play?

Then I’ll have it out with the others. No problem

Meanwhile, I sit here while Manouche makes me a cup of tea?

You won’t have time for that. Blot and his men arrived last night

Blot is here?

He’ll have his work cut out

He works fast. You’d better leave

Not till I clear my name

That’s my job

No, it’s mine

This is Fardiano’s confession. He wrote it before he died

Why have you…

Because I don’t need it anymore

This is for Alban

Fardiano’s confession. Don’t leave it with them; the newspapers will want it

I’ll be back

Tell me where you’re going, so I’ll know just in case

There’s no need, I’ll be fine

I trust you, but my whole life is in this book

I put myself on the line to get it. Anything could happen; I’d rather know

1, Rue Vinci. Third floor

All clear outside?

Hold it, Antoine!

A bit of a shock, I expect?

Are you in the chair, Jo?

Nothing to say?

So you’re here to avenge Paul? That’s nice

I’ve Fardiano’s confession in my pocket. Do you take my word?

I believe you, Gu

That’s nice. What about you two?

Sitting like stuffed dummies… did you hear?

He believes me. So what was all this fuss about?

Where’s Orloff?

Shut up! I’m doing all the talking

And you, Pascal, have you nothing to say?

I’m all for believing you

That’s nice. So you just came along to pass the time

So you two will leave here telling everyone it was all a misunderstanding?

Anyone can make a mistake

I wasn’t talking to you, Jo

Put your hands up high

Back up

Turn around

You see before you the world’s biggest rat

He lives as a scavenger

Right now he’s after his brother’s loot, and probably his wife, too

If he could send his brother to the guillotine, he wouldn’t hesitate

Third floor

Go to the second floor

Throw down your weapons, Gu

Manouche

A real massacre. Jo Ricci, Antoine Rip and Pascal Leonetti

Please let me through

Let her through

It’s all over, Manouche

Did he say anything?

Not a thing

Go home, Manouche; go back to Paris

What happened?

Gu Minda killed three men and died himself

You dropped something

I did?

I’m sure of it

English subtitles by noirish

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