Original subtitles

[instrumental music]

[seagulls squawking]

[instrumental music]

- (male ♪1) - 'You have the intention - Of staying long'

in France, Mr. Barratt?

- I don't know. - That is to say

- I didn't know - There was any restriction

- apart from the question - Of money.

- Now, please, I asked you only - Because I thought you might have

forgotten that your passport

expires next month.

- No, I hadn't forgotten. - Thank you.

- You have nothing to declare? - Nothing.

Nothing whatever.

(John Barratt)

Nothing to declare.

- You can't declare - An emptiness in the heart.

- What would he think of me - I wonder if I'd said

"Only a few personal belongings

and a blank life?"

A madman, at the worst

a self-pitying eccentric,

at the best.

Oh, I dread the holidays

- although I've spent them always - In the France

I love so well.

A teacher

of the French language

who has no idea

what he's looking for.

[instrumental music]

[whistles]

Jacques, back at last.

I'm afraid

there's some mistake.

How was Paris?

Villain.

Alright, as you wish.

Seek and you shall find.

Knock and it will be opened

unto you.

It seems to me I have knocked

and the door has remained shut.

God seems to want me

no more than man.

And yet

I don't quite believe that.

I don't behave differently

nor apparently do I look

so very different

from other men.

- If I did, why should that man - In the market square

mistake me for someone else?

A lonely man

dramatizes life for himself.

I must learn not to do that.

Nothing in the past

to be particularly ashamed of

nothing in the future.

Perhaps a man has to be empty

before he can be used.

Used for what?

God knows.

[instrumental music]

- Uh, a cognac, please.

- One moment, sir.

- Madam.

- Thank you. Wait.

- Give that to the gentleman, - Please.

Yes, madam.

The lady asked me

to give you this, sir.

[dramatic music]

[indistinct chatter]

[knocks]

Oh, one moment, sir.

- There being nobody - To introduce us

one of us

must break the silence.

- There are two of us.

- Undoubtedly.

Look.

Gentlemen.

- In view of this, - Uh, coincidence

may a stranger offer you

a drink?

A comparative stranger,

I suppose we should say.

Oh, charming.

- Don't you think? - 'Most interesting.'

- Well, what will you drink, - Brother?

- 'Cognac.' - Two cognacs.

Twin cognacs.

Do you think we shall grow up

to look like them?

- It seems simpler to let - Ourselves be taken for twins

than try to explain what

we ourselves do not understand.

Do not understand, indeed.

You couldn't, perhaps,

be the devil?

- No. - 'I didn't think you could be.'

- 'I thought - I'd better make sure.'

- Could you, perhaps?

- I'm afraid not.

- No, it's nothing - As simple as that.

With the compliments

of the little ones.

Uh, no. Uh, cognac.

- Don't you think?

- Oh, I-I think so. Yes.

- I never drank much at home, - But, uh

- this is rather an occasion, - Isn't it?

It is, rather.

- Heaven knows what are the odds - Against such an encounter.

- Enormous. - Large.

Astronomical.

Uh, not worth the trouble.

- To astronomy.

- To astronomy.

[laughs]

- You know, I haven't laughed - So much for years.

Not since, uh,

I can't remember when.

In fact looking back,

it almost seems

that I never laughed at home.

- How odd. - 'Oh, not really.'

- There's very little - To laugh about

- in the common room - At a provincial university.

I didn't mean

it was that which was odd.

Well, twice, uh,

talking about things at home

you've spoken in the past tense.

You just said "I never laughed,"

not I never laugh.

And before that, "I never

drank," not I never drink.

Did I?

I wasn't conscious of it.

I suppose it's because I feel

about it in the past tense.

- Aren't you planning - To go back then?

I don't know.

I'm not planning not to.

I'm just not planning.

It would make no difference,

really, if I didn't.

For a term or so

in the common room

in the middle of that

dreary redbrick arguing

someone might say, "I wonder

what's become of Barratt."

And soon it would be, "I wonder

what became of Barratt."

My landlady

would look after my cat.

She's largely alienated

its affections already.

Traitorous animals, cats.

You're not married?

No, the situation never arose.

I thought once it might,

but it didn't.

Relatives?

(John)

in Westmoreland.'

'Some second cousins

I suppose you really are there.

'Oh, yes.'

Prove it.

Oh, steady.

Fair enough.

You're there, alright.

- Too much so.

- 'How?'

Oh, it's not at all interesting.

'Why, sure it is.'

- Come, I've done - All the talking about myself.

You'll make me feel

I've imposed.

Very well.

How shall I put it?

- Just as you have, - As you've been telling me

- too little life, - I have too much.

It's hard for me to believe

how that could be.

If you tried it, you would know.

I have a chateau

dating from the 16th century

badly in need of repair

and modern plumbing.

I have a title

of the same antiquity

equally lacking

in modern conveniences.

- I have an income - Dating from the 19th century

when the franc was 25

to the pound.

- I have a family business - Which runs at a loss

but which cannot be closed

because that would throw

faithful employees out of work.

But those are all things.

Life consists of people.

People.

Very well.

I have..

No, no, I can't bear it.

Let us just say

that there are too many

and more than enough.

Too much or too little.

There seems

nothing in life between.

Still, I don't know

that I wouldn't prefer

your surfeit to my own lack.

I wonder if you would.

[dramatic music]

- You wait here a moment and - I'll see if they have a room.

My key.

No call in the morning.

I may sleep very late.

Hmm.

Uh, will you bring me up

a bottle of champagne?

Yeah.

Open it, please.

They haven't a room free,

but mine has two beds

- so if you wouldn't mind - Sharing.

- I don't like to intrude.

- Ah, it's no intrusion.

- Much simpler - Than trudging elsewhere.

Ah, it's trying to rain.

I thought so. So..

Hm.

[dramatic music]

It's not exactly a palace

but men have fared worse.

I'm rather drunk.

On such a noteworthy occasion.

That should cause

neither surprise nor regret.

- I'm not regretting it - In the least, I assure you.

First time in years.

That sort of thing's

frowned on in our common room.

Unlike, uh, some universities

college port and drunken dons

plain living

and high thinking for us.

[knock on door]

Oh, thank you.

Goodnight.

- I took the liberty - Of ordering us a nightcap.

There's no liberty whatever.

Oh, silly fellow's

only brought one glass.

Oh, well, not worth

disturbing him again.

I'll use a glass

from the bathroom.

Champagne alright..

on top of all that brandy?

The very thing.

It's always as well to finish up

with something lighter.

[dramatic music]

Tell me tomorrow

if I have misled you.

- To tomorrow.

- To tomorrow.

- I can't remember - When I last cared

whether or not I saw tomorrow.

Excellent champagne.

I don't suppose

I ever shall now... care.

- Come now, Mr. Barratt, - I'm sure that in the morning..

things will look

quite different.

[dramatic music]

[bells tolling]

- [knocks] - Hello.

[bells tolling]

[knock on door]

- (John) - 'Come in.'

Ah, you're awake, sir.

- 'What is this game?'

- None, sir.

- I was getting rather worried - At your sleeping so late

but they told me downstairs

- you'd given instructions - Not to call you.

- I had given instructions? - Yes, sir.

I didn't quite know what to do

- because of the ladies - Being worried.

- So I took the liberty - Of telephoning Saint-Gilles

- and saying that you were - Detained on urgent business.

- I hope I did right, sir. - You didn't do right at all.

I'm sorry, sir.

I didn't know what to do.

No, and how could you?

Oh, thank you.

It's not mine, but seeing

he's taken my things...

Shall I run your bath, sir?

- Listen, we better begin - At the beginning.

My name is Barratt,

B-A-R-R-A-T-T

and I teach the French language

at an English university.

- I met your employer last night - Purely by chance

- and it so happens that we are - Alike as if we were twins.

- Yes, sir. Quite, sir.

- Look. I'll, I'll show you.

You see?

- Yes, it's a remarkable - Likeness, sir.

You have a headache, sir.

I'll get you your cure.

This is clearly a matter

for the police.

Look, while I'm having my bath

- you telephone the police and - Tell them to send an officer

a responsible officer here

at once, you understand?

Yes, sir. I understand.

- No, doctor, he seems - In perfectly good health

apart from the delusion.

Hmm.

Mm-hmm.

Yes, I'll do my best.

- Very good, doctor. - Until later then.

[knock on door]

Well?

There seems to have been

some mistake, sir.

- Oh, there does, does there?

- Yes, sir.

- Just as I was going - To pick up the telephone

to speak to the police, it rang.

And I had the shock

of my life, sir.

It was my master

speaking from Saint-Gilles

asking to speak to you.

- I explained - You were taking a bath, sir.

- And he said not to trouble you - To come to the telephone

- but to ask you to drive - To Saint-Gilles with me, sir

and he would explain everything.

- Well, that seems - A very cavalier way

of dealing with the situation.

I suppose it's the only way

to get things cleared up.

[instrumental music]

You'd better stand by.

As soon as I have received

a satisfactory explanation

from your employer

I shall want to return

to Le Mans at once.

Very good, sir.

Unless that is to say

he has my car here.

- Perhaps you better look - In the garage.

A Morris Minor, XMY 866.

- Uh, with a GB plate, - Naturally.

Yes, sir. Naturally, sir.

- In which case, - I shan't need your car.

Ah, there you are.

- Thank you, Gaston. - Thank you, doctor.

- Well, where is he? - I want to talk about this...

I don't want to talk

about anything.

- I want to see this man - Who's played

this ridiculous joke on me

- hear his explanation - If he has one

- receive an apology, - Reclaim my luggage, and go.

- Yes, quite, quite. - But may we have a word first?

- In here, I think - We should not be interrupted.

- The ladies - Are in the drawing room.

- There, now. - Let's have a look at you.

Uh, sit down, please, and cross

one leg over the other.

- What is this farce?

- If you'll just sit down...

I have no intention of sitting.

I've come here to see

the owner of all this.

- And see him, I will. - All in good time.

Not all in good time, at once!

- Very well. - If you insist, come with me.

There. There he is.

- This is a madhouse. - Oh, no, no.

It's not as bad as that.

- Shall we sit down - And talk calmly?

- Calmly? - I will listen to an explanation

- but you cannot expect me - To be calm.

Oh, please, do your best.

- These hysterical outbursts - Do nothing

- to alleviate - The schizophrenic delusions.

Oh, do go on.

Well, now, you will understand

- that when she received - The telegram

your wife was very disturbed.

Telegram? What telegram?

The telegram that your wife

received this morning

- from the doctor - You visited in Paris

- explaining that you were subject - To periodic fits of delusion

that you were somebody else.

I am somebody else.

- 'That was before - You were located.'

- 'Fortunately, by the time - Gaston telephoned'

- 'to say that he had found you, - I was on the spot.'

- How very fortunate. - 'Quite.'

'I therefore instructed Gaston'

- 'to humor you in the belief - That you were the person'

- 'you thought you were, - And to bring you here'

- 'to meet the person - You thought you were not'

and by means of this

simple confrontation...

- But you have confronted me - With nobody.

Exactly.

- Thus making it clear - That there is no one

to confront you with

except yourself

and leading to a reintegration

- of the two - Supposed personalities.

It merely needs

your cooperation.

My cooperation? I like that.

- I am to cooperate with you - In pretending

- that I am somebody else - O-or rather

that I am somebody else

who thinks is me, is that it?

- Broadly, - In nonmedical terms, yes.

- Well, broadly, - In nonmedical terms

I tell you

my name is John Barratt.

Papa, you're back.

You're back.

- You look better - Than one might expect

after two weeks' debauchery

in Paris. Did you enjoy it?

I never enjoy Paris

very much really.

Of course not.

You went on business

to try and save the foundry.

Business can be very tiring.

- You've had your hair cut - Differently.

- Have I? - Yes.

- It's nowhere near - So distinguished-looking.

- In fact, a bit common - If anything.

- I'm sorry.

- Oh, I don't mind, really.

- (girl ♪1) - 'It's lovely you're back.'

We were beginning to think

we should never see you again.

Heavens, that reminds me.

Granny wants to see you.

- She's in a beastly temper.

- So am I.

- Where is she?

- In her room, of course.

- Come with me?

- Why, are you frightened?

I do believe you're frightened.

Well, I am rather, yes.

- I'll come to the top - Of the stairs with you. Come on.

I'm not coming any further.

- She says - She's sick of the sight of me.

- I know she doesn't mean it, - Really

but I'll keep out of her way.

[knock on door]

Is that you at last?

It is I.

My wicked boy.

My pussycat.

Am I not even worth a kiss?

Ah.

Never before

have I been so fussed over

unless it was in the cradle.

Never before so welcome..

...welcome in what appears

to be a madhouse.

Let her talk.

- Maybe there will be a clue - In what she says.

living the life you have

doubtless been leading

you might look worse.

Tell me about Paris.

Tell me every detail.

No, don't.

I don't want to hear.

I won't forgive you

for staying away so long.

- There's something - I must explain.

Later. Later.

Lie to me later.

Entertain me now.

This house is so boring

when you are away.

Francoise weeping,

Blanche praying

and the child mooning around

like an unwanted mouse.

I am not who you think I am.

[chuckles]

'I know. I know.'

'You've had

a nervous breakdown.'

Oh, I was worried at first

when the telegram arrived.

But then I thought to myself

"I know my boy.

I know my pussycat."

It is a delicious invention

a clever excuse

for neglecting people

and forgetting things.

Though I hope

you did not use it as an excuse

to forget my present.

You didn't forget my present?

I don't know if he did or not.

Don't play cat and mouse with me

- when you know - How much I need it.

How much I need it now.

Don't torment me.

- I've been waiting all day long - For you to come back

'and now I can't wait

any longer.'

Where is it?

Where is it?

- [sobs] - Where is it?

- I heard from outside. - I haven't been listening.

- I was just waiting outside. - Our mistress is ill.

- You'd better go downstairs - And fetch the doctor.

- It's not the doctor - Can give her what she needs.

- You have brought it for her, - Haven't you?

I don't know.

- Gaston's unpacking your things. - I just went along to look.

All in order, sir.

I put the parcels on the desk.

Is this it?

This?

To mother with love.

Morphine.

What an attentive son.

Well, that's one bit

of the jigsaw in place.

- Can I pour your whisky, sir? - No, thank you.

[knocks]

[piano music]

- (female ♪1) - 'Whatever do you knock for?'

Suppose it's all part of this

silly charade you're playing.

Madam, I fully understand

you're going to have difficulty

in accepting what I say is true,

but I beg you to do so.

I am not your husband.

[laughs]

Oh, aren't you?

- Then why are you wearing - His clothes?

- That is a long - And complicated story.

Then don't tell it.

I hate long stories.

Especially lies.

This is not my suit,

not my tie.

These are not my cufflinks.

(female ♪1)

wearing them?'

'Well, then why are you

Why are you speaking

with his voice?

Why are you looking

at me with his eyes?

- Do you think I don't recognize - Those cruel eyes?

Now tell me about Paris.

Tell me a lie about Paris.

How was the Eiffel Tower?

[laughs]

of a lie about the Eiffel Tower.

I bet even you couldn't think

Would you bet?

Would you?

[female ♪1 sobbing]

- (male ♪2) - Francoise, my dear, - You must be calm.

Calm,

when he teases me like this?

Except that it's not teasing.

- Teasing's what children do - In innocence.

I assure you, Francoise,

and I speak professionally

that Jacques is not teasing you.

He quite genuinely believes

that he is somebody else.

- I suggest you keep out of this. - You only make things worse.

- Indeed I do not.

- Indeed you do.

- The truth is quite simple - As the truth normally is.

So let's stick to it.

It's as simple as this.

I am not Jacques..

Whatever the name may be.

I-I merely look like him.

[sighs]

straight out

Why don't you tell us

what game you're up to?

What selfish end you're after?

- We'll agree to give it to you - Right away.

- You-you get it in the end, - Anyhow.

- Then we-we can stop playing - This silly farce.

I'm not up to any game.

- This is the truth.

- Truth?

- It's a word that has no meaning - When you use it.

When you speak, every sane

decent word becomes a monster.

Until I-I feel like a child

in a nightmare.

- I'm the one - Who's in a nightmare.

- [sobs] - Dear God, what did I do - To deserve this?

- Francoise, - You mustn't torture yourself.

Uh, you must go and rest.

Jacques and I

will discuss this problem.

[dramatic music]

(girl ♪1)

'Look.'

Look.

Get back at once.

Will you come up and talk to me

or shall I come down

and talk to you?

- I'll come up in a minute. - 'You'd better hurry.'

I'll count up to 50

and if you're not here by then

I really will come down.

1, 2, 3, 4

5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10..

[intense music]

17, 18, 19, 20..

28, 29..

40, 41, 42..

48, 49, 50.

Oh, you're just in time.

Do sit down.

You're out of breath.

It's very wrong of you

to frighten people like that.

- Oh, I don't frighten people. - Just you.

- Do it again, - I shan't take any notice

- then you'll have to jump, - And serve you right.

And serve you right too.

- It'd make an awful mess - And you'd have to clear it up.

Bloodthirsty little brute.

And talking of bloodthirstiness,

what's that?

Oh, oh, it's the Martyrdom

of Saint Sebastian.

I got bored with the one

Aunt Blanche gave me

- so I thought I'd do something - More modern.

'Well, who are these?'

Oh, they're the secret police.

'What secret police?'

Oh, just secret police.

'And that's for you

when I pray for you.'

What do you pray for for me?

Oh, I pray that

whatever good you have done

whatever evil you have suffered

- gain for you - The remission of your sins

and increase of grace

and the reward of eternal life.

Thank you.

Any particular sins?

No. I didn't think

any particular ones.

- [sighs] - Did you have a good trip?

- So you won't have to go away - Again, I mean.

It's difficult to say.

If you do, I probably really

will jump out of the window.

Uh, do you think

you could go to sleep now?

I should think so.

- I've had insomnia rather badly - While you've been away.

- But I expect it will be better - Now you're back.

- Good. Well, goodnight.

- Goodnight.

'Shall I turn out the light?'

No. I think I'll read for a bit.

Enough's enough.

It's not an adventure anymore.

It's taking the shape

of a nightmare.

His nightmare, not mine.

I call it quits.

Man or devil,

I made no bargain with him.

I'm free to go.

[door opens]

I beg your pardon, sir.

You'll sleep much better if you

undress and get into bed, sir.

I shall sleep as I am.

I'm tired.

Even so, it's worth

making the effort.

[sighs]

Are you married?

Have you a family?

No longer, sir.

Not since the Germans were here.

- I see. - Sir?

Perhaps I'm lucky.

- When people - Have wives and children

they have responsibilities.

Responsibility to whom?

To this unhappy household?

Is it my responsibility

because fate has made me

look identical

with another man?

Am I my brother's keeper?

We met by chance.

Chance.

- And goodnight, sir.

- Goodnight, Gaston.

[instrumental music]

[knock on door]

- (John) - 'Come in.'

- Good morning. - 'Good morning.'

- I wonder how often - Gaston's been told

to keep this cigarette box full.

Um..

Uh, Jacques?

Yes?

- [chuckles] - Well, it's very gratifying

- to find you - So completely yourself again.

- I'm completely myself, - Thank you.

Yes.

Well, then,

uh, during your absence

- I've done my best - To look after the problems here

'but it has been

a responsibility.'

- It's because - It's such a responsibility

that I've decided to assume it.

- [knock on door] - Come in.

- Good morning, sir. - 'Good morning, Gaston.'

- (John) - 'Uh, on the table, please.'

- If we may discuss - The various problems in turn...

If we may discuss

the various problems later.

- Uh, forgive me - Being so unsociable

but I can't bear company

at breakfast.

Uh, except, of course,

uh, female company

and that, not always.

Thank you, Gaston.

[instrumental music]

[dog barking]

[barks]

Ah, good dog.

Ah, good boy.

Back. Come on.

- (girl ♪1) - 'Maldoror!'

- Where are you going? - 'I was going for a stroll.'

I'll come with you.

- Funny, Maldoror getting - In such a state.

- He's usually quite good - With you.

When are you going

to let me read that book?

Which one?

- The one - You named Maldoror after.

- When you're a bit older.

- You always say that.

- Why are you dressed like this?

- Can't you guess who I am?

- Joan of Arc.

- Right.

Yes, I thought

I'd be Joan of Arc today.

Saint Teresa's too fatiguing

to be very often.

- Besides, on days - When I'm very conscious

of wishing I was a boy,

Joan of Arc's more suitable.

Why do you wish that today?

I don't know.

Something to do with you

being back, I suppose.

I know you'd rather I was one.

What makes you say that?

- Well, Aunt Blanche - Keeps telling me.

- Then Aunt Blanche - Keeps telling you nonsense.

I wish I could help.

I much prefer you as you are.

- How you expect that child - To grow up into anything

- except a savage - When you don't teach her

even elementary good manners

like being punctual for meals?

- I'm sorry. - Yes, you're always sorry.

- Where is she, anyway?

- Making herself presentable.

- Well, that will be - An agreeable change.

- Good morning, Jacques. - Good morning.

Nice to see you after so long.

- Good morning.

- And how was Paris?

Oh, um,

cold for the time of year.

- I mean, from the point of view - Of the contract.

- Did you see Tissot?

- Uh, no, not Tissot.

- (male ♪3) - 'Naturally, we at the foundry - Are anxious to know.'

- 'The work people - Are anxious to know.'

I make it a rule never to

discuss business at the table.

Thank you.

- (Francoise) - 'We're all anxious to know.'

- Sorry I'm late. - 'Ah.'

Your father was late too.

- I know. - We were out walking together.

- I happened to see these - In your dressing room

- so I thought I'd save you - The trouble and bring them down.

Happened to see?

Well, anyhow, I thought

I'd save you the trouble.

Well, most kind of you.

- Will you hand them around - Or shall I?

Oh, please do.

"M.N." That's me.

- You'd have thought - Seeing I have two initials

- I'd have had two presents, - Really.

Greedy.

- "F." - That must be for you, mother.

Thank you, darling.

And "B." That's for you,

I suppose, Aunt Blanche.

I'm sorry, Cousin Aristide.

- There doesn't seem to be - Anything for you.

- (Aristide) - 'Oh, I wouldn't expect it.'

- 'After all, I always get - A box of cigars'

'at Christmas.'

- May I? - Of course.

I'm as curious as you are.

Oh, thank you. Thank you.

'It's wonderful.'

So long as you're pleased.

- People always say - It's just what I wanted

when it really isn't,

but it really is.

- Come on. - I want to see what yours is.

Whatever is it? What is it?

Well, what does it look like?

It looks like a toy.

Then perhaps that's what it is.

- But you don't give toys - To grownups.

I can't think why not.

May I look?

Yes, if you like.

[music from musical box]

Oh, put it down, please.

You hadn't forgotten.

Oh, how silly of me.

I'm sorry.

(M.N.)

'What tune is that?'

Oh, it's a tune your father

and I used to know long ago.

'Before you were born.'

- Jacques, you're mad. You must - Have had it made specially.

Hardly anyone knows that song

except us.

Must have been

shockingly expensive.

But thank you.

How beastly of me

when all the time..

So long as you like it.

Like it?

[chuckles]

Aunt Blanche, do open yours.

- Don't you think - You'd better sit down?

- Get on with your lunch? - But it's only fair.

You've seen our presents, so

you ought to let us see yours.

(Francoise)

and have your lunch.'

'Yes, do sit down

Shall I open it for you?

If you like.

Mm, smells terribly rich.

There's a card with it too.

"If you don't like it

you can always sprinkle it

on the horse."

What horse?

(Francoise)

'Sit down at once.'

- It's very rude to read things - Written for other people.

Other people is about right.

I wish someone would explain

about the horse.

It's a joke of your father's.

You mustn't ask people

to explain jokes

especially

when they've gone wrong.

- While you were away, - I've been doing some rather

- careful thinking - About our output figures.

I think the best plan will be

- if I come to the foundry - After lunch

- 'and we will discuss - Everything there.'

- To the foundry?

- Why not?

Oh, no reason.

- Uh, with no disrespect - To your administration

I think perhaps I've been

a little, uh, neglectful.

- The men, of course, - Will be delighted.

Good. Then, uh,

I'll come this afternoon.

But you can't. It's Wednesday.

So it is Wednesday.

You know the only thing that

makes my music lesson tolerable

is you driving me

into Villedieu.

- Of course, - How stupid of me to forget.

You seem awfully forgetful

since you came back from Paris.

'Well, come afterwards.'

- 'About a quarter past 4:00, - I should think.'

She was right.

You are getting forgetful.

Thank you.

- Better get it out of the house, - I thought.

Perhaps.

Give the horse a pat from me.

Let's play a game.

I'm a stranger who's never

driven into Villedieu before

and you have to tell me the way.

Sounds a very stupid game to me.

Not as stupid

as you might think.

Which way to turn here,

for instance?

Oh, very well,

if it amuses you.

Right.

Well, if I survive

my music lesson

we'll meet here as usual.

In how long?

Are you still playing that game?

- An hour and ten minutes, - Of course.

♪ Bah bah bah bah

bah bah bah ♪♪

Well, Jacques De Gue,

I'm in your shoes.

I have assumed your clothes

and your responsibilities.

And in a curious way,

I'm grateful to you.

It's everything I've lacked.

People to need me,

a home, a purpose.

But I can't get into your mind.

You escape me.

What am I supposed

to be here for?

To solve your problems for you?

Or is it to let you be

elsewhere?

[horse trotting]

That will teach you.

I apologize if I appear to be

trespassing, but even so..

Trespassing?

On your own property?

- Teach you to treat me like you - Did the other evening, I meant.

Oh, I can explain about that.

Oh, I am sure you can.

You can explain anything.

- You ought to have been - A politician.

Two weeks away

and never a word.

Then a postcard.

- Notre-Dame by floodlight - At that.

Saying "Meet me at our bar

in Le Mans."

Our bar, indeed. Here.

'And when I get there,

what happens?'

The other evening..

I wasn't feeling

quite myself.

Very much yourself

if you ask me.

It's when you behave well

that I start worrying

that there must be

something wrong with you.

Well, don't stand there

- looking as if you've never - Seen a saddle before.

Hang it up.

Why I should worry,

I don't know.

Or why I should be lonely.

There are plenty of men

who would treat me better

than you do.

Oh, one of these

Wednesday afternoons

you are going to come here

and find out I've gone.

Gone off with a millionaire.

- Or with a lion tamer - From a traveling circus.

I don't care which,

so long as he takes me away.

Traveling circus, perhaps.

That will be restful

after life with you.

Well, seeing you're here

you might as well come in,

I suppose.

[instrumental music]

Why I stay on here

I just don't know.

Stay on here, hidden away

for your occasional pleasure

in a corner

of a small country town

when there is Paris and all

the world waiting unexplored.

[sighs]

But I do know why.

Don't I?

And you know.

Don't you?

Because I love you.

And you pretend to love me.

Pretend not very well..

- [sighs] - ...but with a great charm.

Though not somehow today.

Let me hear you pretend.

Say you love me.

I shan't believe it,

but I like to hear it.

What do you want me to say?

That I love you as much

as I have ever done?

That I love you

the same as always?

Always?

There is not such a word.

Shouldn't be, anyhow.

Don't say you love me always.

Say you love me now.

What's this?

"If you don't like it

- you can always sprinkle it - On the horse."

Oh, yes, of course.

- It's a present for you. - Ah.

Uh, I wasn't sure

if you'd like it, so, um..

But what are you talking about?

- You know perfectly well - It's the only scent

I ever consider using.

Just a joke.

Odd.

That's like a joke

when it's in your handwriting.

But not when you say it somehow.

But thank you.

- And for the proof - That you did think of me

at least once in Paris.

- At least once.

- How often, truly?

At least once a day,

I should think.

Liar.

- [chuckles] - Never mind, it's a pretty lie.

Pretty like the flowers,

like the scent.

And how did you find

the mausoleum?

- The house?

- What else?

You seem to have only

half your wits with you today.

- Well, the other half's - Preoccupied.

Uh, with the mausoleum.

Is it worse than usual?

Well, frankly, I don't know.

About the same, probably.

- It's just that - I feel less fitted

to deal with the problems.

You've got to.

It's expected of me, I know.

[sighs]

the child.

It's time I went to meet

Thank you for reminding me.

- I wish I hadn't.

- So do I.

- Meanwhile..

- Meanwhile..

Meanwhile I'm here.

- Then?

- Then until then.

Next Wednesday.

Before if possible.

For who knows when

that circus will come to town.

- What are you thinking about?

- Nothing in particular. Why?

It looked as if it were

something in particular.

That's all.

Just circuses, I suppose.

Oh, that was last week, anyhow.

Huh.

Ah, here we are.

Punctual to the minute.

Sir, you are welcome.

- Monsieur Lacoste, - Our works manager.

Oh, how foolish of me.

Here I am making introductions

as if you were a stranger.

Not that you aren't almost.

I feel like one almost.

- It's been a long time, - Mr. Jacques.

- How long in fact?

- Oh, 14 years.

As long as that?

- I think you better assume - That I know nothing.

Explain everything to me

as if to a stranger.

Everything is as it was.

Our kind of work doesn't change.

Well, even so.

Everything, that is to say

except the profits.

You-you will take

a glass to celebrate?

- 'To celebrate what?'

- The new contract.

- Who said anything - About a new contract?

- (Aristide) - 'You didn't exactly - Say anything'

but your visit after so long.

In fact, I took the liberty

of intimating to the men...

The men were very pleased.

It's been a worrying time.

- Well, it still is - A worrying time.

(Aristide)

pull our weight..'

'Doubtless, but if we all

[giggles]

(John)

'Well, what is it?'

- I was just thinking - Of Cousin Aristide's weight.

- That's not very polite.

- It's of no consequence.

Fair comment, even.

All this sedentary work.

- You really won't? - Uh, no, thank you.

- Lacoste? - Thank you, no.

I think I will. I feel in need

of a little digestive.

- Blanche's luncheon was excellent - But lavish.

- Most days, I content myself - With a sandwich here at my desk.

How many men do we employ here?

- Uh, how many is it exactly, - Lacoste?

- (Lacoste) - 'Forty two.'

- Plus the 12 pensioners, - Of course.

- Old Matterin died last week, - But his widow remains.

- I must acquaint myself, - Uh, reacquaint myself, that is

with all the problems involved.

- If you're gonna talk - About problems

- I'll go and watch - The glassblowers

if Mr. Lacoste doesn't mind.

- Does Mr. Lacoste mind?

- Not in the least.

- (Aristide) - I'll come with you.

- I must see how the Dijon order's - Getting on.

- I won't disguise from you - The fact

that I am faced with a problem.

I'm in no doubt about that.

All I can say is

150 years is a long time.

And we, the men, will do

anything we can to help.

I'm sure, but outside

where the customers are..

Well, things change

in 150 years.

- We have mass production, - For instance.

- One would think - There would still be a market

for work of quality.

One would think so. Hope so.

[machines whirring]

Madam, your mother's

been asking for you, sir.

- Every ten minutes - For the last hour.

Every ten minutes

for the last..

hour.

[knock on door]

Good evening.

I almost thought

you might be late.

- Don't know - What you're smiling about

when I've been imprisoned here

reading this trash.

Trash.

Sit down.

[sighs]

I open with pawn

to king's fourth.

Where have you been?

I took the child to Villedieu

for her music lesson.

'And your own,

was that interesting?'

Mine?

Your lesson in conversational

Italian, you idiot.

- 'Well, there's nothing - I don't know about.'

'People try to hide

everything from me'

but they're wasting their time.

Well, are you going

to move or not?

What else?

Or did you stay

learning Italian until now?

I went to the foundry.

- What is that blather Aristide - Going to do for a living

once we've shut?

I hardly talked to him.

I talked to, um, Lacoste.

- Decent little man - If I remember.

Hard on him, on all of them

but there's no other way.

There will have to be.

- I've decided - We must renew the contract

even on unfavorable terms.

You've decided?

I've decided.

- It would be too great a hardship - For them if we closed.

What about the hardship on us

if we don't close?

- We must manage.

- Manage?

How can we manage?

'Oh!'

'I must concentrate

on this game'

'or I shall faint.'

Queen's knight

to bishop's third.

What's happened to you

while you've been away?

- 'It's almost as if - You were a different person.'

I am, as I tried very hard

to explain.

- You haven't gone - And got mixed up in politics?

You can't condemn

people to starve.

'We can starve.'

You can condemn us to starve.

So long as all those socialists

at the foundry

have enough to eat.

Bishop to rook's fourth.

If you wish to indulge

this sentimental fad of yours..

the solution

is in your own hands.

Namely?

'Have a son, of course,

you fool.'

'Pawn to queen's

knight's fourth.'

- [exhales] - Clever.

Well, then there's only

one other way

the settlement

can become untied.

- Common little ironmonger - Of a father of hers

had it all tied up so tight.

- What other way?

- Clause 14, paragraph 2.

[dramatic music]

- [knock on door] - Yes?

- May I come in?

- Yes, come in.

[chuckles]

- I had thought you might come - And see me when you got back.

I got caught playing chess.

- Oh, how is she today?

- Sulfurous.

- Anything in particular?

- Everything in general.

We got into an argument about

keeping the foundry open or not.

Oh, that. Tell me.

Do you like these earrings?

- Very pretty.

- Mm?

- I did love my musical box.

- I'm glad.

You knew I would, didn't you?

- Sorry, - I was beastly last night.

- Oh, it's alright.

- No, it's not alright.

- I shall feel beastly - Till you show you forgive me.

Show you forgive me.

- What's that you're hiding? - I'm not hiding anything.

- Oh, why are you reading this? - I wanted..

There's something

I wanted to verify.

Verify?

As if you didn't know.

I'll read it to you

though I don't need to.

I know it by heart.

- You didn't know - I had a copy of this, did you?

- Well, I have. - Papa said I ought to have one.

- Oh, Francoise.

- Yes, here it is.

"Clause 14, paragraph 2.

"In the event of the said

Francoise Amelie Elaire

"dying without male issue

- "the endowment shall pass - In equal shares

"to her surviving female issue

and such issue's

legal guardian."

Legal guardian, that's you.

- 'Papa always said - That clause was like'

'inviting you to murder me.'

- 'He said it as a joke - At that time'

- 'but it stopped being - A joke now, hasn't it?'

- I don't think - It's a joke at all.

'But I thought

of a better joke anyhow.'

- 'I'm going to write - To the stonemasons'

- now while I'm still alive - And have the chance.

And I'm going to have them carve

clause 14 paragraph 2

on my tombstone.

- That will give people - Something to talk about.

- Francoise, my dear, - Please listen to me...

- Except that I shan't have - A tombstone, shall I?

- I shall be buried - In your family vault

- among all your proud - Horrid family.

- Will you listen to me? - Yes, I'll listen.

Good.

- We'll send for the lawyers - And have them draw up

- a new agreement - So that in no circumstances

- can any of that money - Come to me

- appointing whom you like - As the child's guardian.

- But you can't alter it. - It is like a will.

- We'll see. - Whatever can be done, we'll do.

You don't wish me dead?

I wish you to be happy.

We'll send for the lawyers.

Oh, it's not that that matters.

It's just trying to believe

that what you're saying is true.

None of that matters.

Nothing would matter

if only you loved me.

Oh, if only you loved me.

Oh.

- I'll never learn - To play the piano

if I try for a hundred years.

Just think, a hundred years

of Wednesday afternoons.

Sometimes I think that's what

hell must be really like.

Not flames and things.

Just going on being bored

forever and ever.

You're probably right.

But I forgot, you don't

believe in hell, do you?

In that kind of hell, yes.

The worm that dieth not.

Oh, well, see you later.

[instrumental music]

Come and help.

Look at those.

Aren't they wonderful?

[chuckles]

- Good?

- Good.

Best, you should have said.

There's something

I must say to you.

- In the midst of all the other - Problems at the mausoleum

it's been going to and fro

in my mind all the past week.

And in mine.

You don't know

what I'm going to say.

I do.

Not all of it,

but the essential part I know.

I don't know who you are

but I know who you are not.

I don't feel

I know much more myself.

- I won't listen - Unless you promise beforehand

it won't make any difference.

Promise.

Nod your head if you promise.

Otherwise go away

without saying anything.

- It's so impossible - That after the first shock

I-I found it easier to accept

- than if it were - Merely improbable.

I mean, it's so far away from

any ordinary human experience

that I can accept it

like one accepts a dream.

A dream?

- Well, in a dream, - All the ordinary behavior

- of space and time - Ceases to operate

but nothing surprises you.

- Ten days ago, I didn't know - That this room existed.

I didn't know

that you existed.

Now, it seems perfectly natural

to be here.

It seems perfectly natural.

- It's madness to question - The rightness of a dream.

But, um..

you must forgive me

for saying this.

A week ago when you put

your arms around me..

it was him you were loving.

'Now you say it's me.'

Forget for a moment that

you and he look exactly alike.

You look alike,

but you are different.

- It is perfectly possible - To love two people

at the same time

for different reasons.

It's only in storybooks

that it is otherwise.

So..

How are we different,

he and I?

No.

I shouldn't ask you that.

It does no harm provided

that I break no confidence.

He's fierce

where you are gentle.

Cruel where you are kind.

Selfish where you are not.

That's how I first knew.

When I saw that you worried

about other people..

I didn't immediately know.

It just seemed odd at the time.

But something started

in my mind

which during the week

became the knowledge

that this impossible thing

had nonetheless happened.

I wish I could accept it

as easily.

Precisely. I accept.

I accept whatever happens

like I accept sun or rain.

I accept your being here

like I accept food

from the soil.

So far, so good.

But my mind staggers

when I think ahead.

Don't think ahead.

- Think as far ahead - As it takes that bird

to fly out of sight

beyond the trees.

- No more.

- No more?

[instrumental music]

[gunshots]

Afternoon, sir.

We're just seeing

- that everything is alright - For tomorrow.

- Uh-huh. - Care for a shot, sir?

- Uh, no thank you. We're - On our way to the foundry.

- Well, let's watch - For a moment, anyway.

Do go on, Mr. Fournier.

- Ready? - 'Ready.'

Pull.

[gunshot]

Well done.

- Your father's still the only man - I've ever seen

have three pheasant dead

in the air at the same time.

'You remember, sir?'

- 'Ready?' - 'Ready'

- (Fournier) - 'Pull.'

[gunshot]

Three pheasant dead in the air

at the same time

and I've never handled a gun

in my life.

If I shoot tomorrow,

the whole charade, campaign

call it what you will,

is exposed and ruined.

But if I injured my hand

I couldn't shoot, could I?

[dramatic music]

You hurt yourself!

I saw you burn yourself.

Is it bad?

- There. How does that feel?

- Much less pain, thank you.

- Any chance of it being well - Enough for me to shoot tomorrow?

(male ♪2)

not a chance in the world.'

'Good heavens, no,

Well, that's that then.

- 'Bad luck it should happen - The day before the match.'

'Bad luck any day, of course.'

- Yes, well, I'm very grateful - To you.

- Uh, may I offer you a drink? - 'Oh, thank you.'

Would you mind

helping yourself?

- I'll have one too.

- A-a very small one.

The injection I've given you

doesn't mix with alcohol.

Well, a small one then.

Oh, hello,

what are you doing here?

- Oh, I thought in case - You forgot to come

- and say goodnight to me, - I'd come and say it to you.

That was a very kind thought.

- How's your hand feeling? - Oh, better, thank you.

Dr. Aloin gave me an injection.

- I did this for you.

- Oh, thank you.

'Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego'

in the burning, fiery furnace.

Very comforting.

- I think you were very brave. - No, I wasn't.

It was automatic.

- You drop something - And then you snatch

to pick it up

without thinking.

- But you didn't do it - Without thinking.

- I saw the whole thing - And I admire you

very much for doing it.

I don't know

what you're talking about.

- Oh, if you'd rather not - Talk about it.

- It's a very private thing, - Atonement

- and I oughtn't - To have been inquisitive.

I'll get you a drawing pin.

Thank you.

Hmm.

- Goodnight. - Goodnight.

I just wanted to say

I admired you very much.

That's all.

- [gunshot] - 'Ready?'

- Ready. - Pull.

[gunshot]

[instrumental music]

- Ready? - Ready.

Pull.

[gunshot]

[crowd applauding]

[instrumental music]

[Francoise laughs]

Oh, no, no.

- Oh, it has been - A nice afternoon.

- Hasn't it?

- Thank you.

Excuse me, sir.

- Can I have a word with you? - Yes, Gaston.

- I wonder if you'd have a look - At the car, sir.

I think there's some trouble

with the gearbox.

Excuse us.

- There was a telephone call, sir, - From Villedieu.

The lady said

she must see you urgently.

- You'll have to drive me in. - Yes, sir.

I'll get back as soon as I can.

- Woohoo! - Ah.

- What's the matter?

- What's the matter?

- You sent for me.

- I did not.

I'm delighted to see you, but...

Gaston said that he spoke

to you on the telephone.

He must have gone mad

or psychic.

I was thinking of you a lot.

I was thinking how much

I would love to see you.

And lo and behold, here you are.

I don't understand it.

Let's not waste time

trying to understand it.

Fate or the telephone operator

has made a beautiful mistake

and we are together..

- ...when we might have been - Apart.

[John humming]

[John chuckles]

- [Francoise sobs] - 'I always knew you were cruel.'

'But somehow there were shreds

of kindness mixed up in you'

'like the peel in marmalade'

- 'which I could pick out - And nibble'

- 'and pretend they were - Food enough to keep alive on.'

- 'Now the only possible use - I can be to you is to be dead.'

- 'There's no point - In keeping me alive, is there... '

(John)

don't upset yourself.'

'Oh, please, please

[Francoise sobs]

'Oh, get out. Get out!'

'Get out and leave me to die.'

When that telephone call came

- who was it - You actually spoke to?

- The lady, sir. - You're absolutely certain?

- Well, I took it - To be the lady, sir.

I see.

Or rather, I don't see.

- Do you know - Whose car that is?

Not Dr. Aloin's, but that one.

I think it's the police

inspector's from Villedieu.

[dramatic music]

Oh.

- What is it? - I-is something wrong?

I'm afraid so.

Jacques, you must

prepare yourself for a shock.

A great shock.

- Marie-Noel?

- No, it's not Marie-Noel.

It's Francoise.

I'm sorry to have to tell you,

she, she fell from her window.

She was dead when we found her.

- When? How?

- 'About an hour ago.'

- (Dr. Aloin) - 'We had no idea - Where to find you.'

- 'Not that you could - Have done anything.'

- 'I happened to be - Visiting your mother'

'and I was with her

with, with Francoise'

- 'that is, - In a matter of a minute'

'and nothing could be done.'

Francoise.

(Dr. Aloin)

I had to telephone the police.'

'In the circumstances,

Inspector Rigot from Villedieu

came at once.

- Permit me - To offer my condolences, sir.

Thank you.

Where is she?

She's in there.

Uh, uh, does the child know?

- I'm afraid it was the child - Who found her.

'Though, happily,

she didn't see her fall.'

'Nobody saw her fall.'

- Where is the child?

- 'She's in her room.'

(Dr. Aloin)

is with her.'

'Your sister Blanche

[mellow music]

[music continues]

[Marie-Noel sobbing]

[knocks]

- 'Who's that?'

- It's me. Father.

[mellow music]

[music continues]

(Rigot)

uh, please, not to regard'

'I would ask you,

'the proceedings as an inquest'

'but rather

as an informal meeting'

'to establish certain facts'

so that I need not

trouble you again.

Uh, for the purpose

of recording her testimony

I shall attend in the bedroom

of the dowager countess

who is, alas, bedridden.

(Countess)

'I am not bedridden.'

Furthermore..

even if I were

I would not consent

to a troop of petty officials

making a playground

of my apartments.

Steady!

Oh, I can manage, I can manage

if this, this cripple here

would just stand on her feet.

Well, young man,

what do you wish to know?

May I, on behalf

of my colleague and myself

- observe that the melancholy - Of this occasion

is mitigated by the sight

of you in better health.

- On behalf of the French Republic - If you wish

but I am in no way

in better health.

So get on with your questions.

Uh, first, I would like

to hear the testimony

of the last person

to see the deceased alive.

'Uh, from my preliminary

information'

'uh, this was the little girl,

her daughter.'

(Countess)

is incorrect.

Your preliminary information

I saw the deceased

after the child did.

- As I was walking - Along the corridor

- towards my daughter-in-law's - Bedroom

the child came out,

called goodnight

and went on upstairs

toward her own room.

So you need not trouble

the child with your questions.

(Rigot)

about what time?'

'Uh, that would have been

I've no idea.

I'm not in the habit

of walking about my own house

making notes of what time

I do things

as if I were boiling myself

an egg.

Uh, what was the subject matter

of your talk with the deceased?

Family matters.

In what spirits

did you judge her to be?

In excellent spirits.

- Better than I had seen her - For some time.

Oh, she had been in low spirits

recently then?

Most women tend to be

in low spirits

after a recent miscarriage.

- [clears throat] - Quite.

Uh, you saw no sign

of depression?

None whatever,

quite the reverse.

(Rigot)

you saw nothing'

'Um, uh, to sum up,

- to make you suppose that - She might take her own life?

An unthinkable supposition.

I thank you.

That was admirably clear.

Just simple facts.

It would need an idiot

to make them anything but clear.

Uh, now you, sir,

were not in the house

- 'at the time - Of your wife's death?'

Uh, no, I was not.

- (Rigot) - 'May I ask where you were?'

I was in Villedieu.

- (Blanche) - 'He was not in Villedieu.

He was in her room.

I heard him talking there.

Uh, this is nonsense.

I was in Villedieu.

Did you see anybody there?

Uh, uh, talk to anybody

who can confirm that?

- Oh, please, it's not that - I doubt your word.

Simply, we have a direct

conflict of evidence.

Somebody must be

making a mistake.

Uh, uh, corroborative evidence

would settle the matter.

My business in Villedieu

was of a confidential nature.

Uh, in that case,

perhaps I may ask you

further about it in private.

In public or in private,

he will lie to you.

He was in her room.

He murdered her.

Ask him about the terms

of the marriage settlement.

- (Rigot) - 'If you will wait until I ask - For your testimony.'

(Blanche)

'I will not wait.'

- If you please, sir, - May I speak?

- I think I can help. - 'Have you any objection?'

None. Uh, on the contrary.

- (Rigot) - 'Very well then.'

I drove my master

into Villedieu.

He couldn't drive himself

because he'd injured his hand.

I drove him into Villedieu,

waited for him

and drove him back.

And when we got back here,

madam was already dead.

- Your car was already here, sir, - As we drove in.

(Rigot)

'That is so. Yes.'

They drove away,

they drove back.

What does that prove?

What did he do in the interim?

They're in league,

he and his lackey.

How much has he promised

to pay you for your lies?

I am a simple man, Miss Blanche.

I have no education.

I know how to drive a car

and clean shoes.

I do not know how to tell lies

or take bribes.

[dramatic music]

It was simple, Jacques De Gue.

A likeness,

a chance in ten million.

An astronomical figure

gave you an alibi

or a scapegoat.

[music on musical box]

How can you? How can you?

- I wondered - If it could tell me anything.

- It can tell you nothing - That you don't already know.

- It's horrible.

- It's melancholy.

They wouldn't listen to me.

- They believed you - And not me when you lied

- and told them - That you weren't here.

- I'm not going - Into all that again.

Well, I am.

- I'm going to go on - Until someone listens to me.

- I shall go to the police - In Paris.

I shall write to the newspapers

- or you can put me in an asylum - If you like.

But I'm going to go on writing

and telling people.

I shall tell them how I heard

you talking in there.

How I heard you

singing that song

as you did when you came back

from your honeymoon.

- I heard her laugh - And then I heard her scream.

- You say you heard someone - Singing that song?

I heard you singing it.

[telephone ringing]

- Hello? - 'Hello.'

- (Jacques on phone) - 'How nice to hear your voice.'

- Who is there?

- 'A stranger.'

'A comparative stranger,

I suppose we should say.'

'I thought you'd be surprised.'

Not entirely.

- 'Now let's stop exchanging - Polite nothings.'

- 'I would like to have - A talk with you'

'and not on the telephone.'

- When? Where?

- 'Where is the problem.'

'Why not at the foundry?

About 11 o'clock, say?'

Very well. At 11 o'clock.

- (Jacques) - 'Come in.'

'There's nothing

to be afraid of.'

Sit down.

Well, this is nice.

Let me have a look at you.

- You've put on a little weight, - I think.

All that good country food.

And, of course, you've changed

the way you comb your hair.

I thought we'd talk in here.

- So much cleaner - Than Aristide's office.

- Pompous old idiot, - Don't you think?

But a heart of gold.

The trouble is, the gold

comes out of my bank account.

- You haven't lost your voice - By any chance?

No, I have plenty to say.

Oh, splendid.

Now let's have a drink first.

I happen to know where

Aristide keeps his brandy.

'Not for me, thank you.'

Truly? I seem to remember

- that you rather welcomed - A glass of brandy.

However, as you wish.

You won't mind if I do?

- Well, now, - Tell me about your stewardship.

- Have you enjoyed it?

- I wouldn't say enjoy.

It's been interesting.

It's been most kind of you

to assist.

But now here I am

to relieve you of the burden.

I'm not anxious to be relieved.

- I wouldn't have thought - My family possessed

that much charm.

In fact,

to put it quite clearly

I refuse to be relieved.

Of course, the situation

has radically changed

in the last few days.

A large sum of money released

- as a result - Of my poor wife's death

does possess a certain charm.

I quite see that.

The money

is of no interest to me.

You can't mean that you love

my somewhat bizarre relations

for themselves alone.

- I've come to know them, - To like them

to varying extents

in their differing ways.

I've seen their problems

and have made..

attempts to help them

deal with them.

- I would never have thought - They could inspire

missionary zeal.

I assure you, warn you,

I mean every word I say.

- Come now, Mr. Barratt, - This is getting beyond a joke

and becoming an imposition.

- You've had three weeks - Of masquerade

as a French nobleman.

And now it is time

for you to change back

and return

to your provincial university.

And if I refuse?

I shall have to compel you.

Please don't be surprised.

I'm not in the least surprised

at a murderer being so equipped.

Uh, do tell me whose murder?

Clause 14, paragraph 2.

'I don't think

I need elaborate.'

But, um..

just supposing

I had murdered my wife..

I would have a perfect alibi

because you were in Villedieu.

- (Jacques) - Poor Mr. Barratt

you really thought..

that you could live

an elaborate lie in luxury

for the rest of your life?

- The luxury I would dispose of - Elsewhere.

- It would only be the lie - That worried me.

- Sooner or later, - They would have to be told.

- 'How?'

- I don't know. Somehow.

Otherwise I couldn't bear it.

Mm, a noble sentiment.

I've no time to admire it now.

It's time we changed

into our own clothes..

and our own selves.

Good for you.

That was a surprise,

I must admit.

But I have no doubt

that I'm the better shot

even if you had the use

of your right hand.

At this range, even left-handed,

even I could hardly miss.

Oh, yes, you could.

It's surprisingly easy.

I think you better give me

that dangerous thing.

[gunshots]

[dramatic music]

Villedieu.

[instrumental music]

What are you doing here?

Fate has made

a beautiful mistake..

- ...and we are together - When we might have been apart.

[instrumental music]