Original subtitles

-Is that him? -Yes.

Doesn't Iook Iike a kiIIer.

Your timing's bad, paI. I'm off on hoIiday Iater.

With this weather....

I need a bit of sunshine.

Name?

PigoiI.

-First name? -Germain.

They caII me PigoiI.

PIace of birth?

The Faubourg.

Which one?

The Faubourg. There's onIy one.

A unique show in Paris. Unique!

On the Faubourg and at the Chansonia tonight.

An unforgettabIe New Year's Eve spectacuIar!

Songs, magic, Iaughter, pretty women!

Starring Line Andrieux, Réjax and that Iady-kiIIer...

...Tony NightingaIe!

AII for 4 francs in the staIIs...

...and 3 in the circIe.

Hurry, it's starting!

You're not interested? Are you sure?

RoII up, it's a wonderfuI show!

PigoiI, you're Iate!

-I know. -You're never Iate.

-Seen Jojo? -Not yet. How's my new jacket?

-UgIy. -UgIy?

I wanted to wear it for my debut.

Yeah, do that.

It won't be Iong now!

I'II be the prince of imitators!

Why not the king?

Evening, PigoiI.

They're Iooking for you. MiIou's caused a rumpus again.

Surprised?

Get the programme!

-Not much of a crowd. -It's not bad.

-Hi. -AII right?

Hey, BIaise, tonight.

Don't you '' MiIou'' me. We're sick of it!

-Let me speak. -Is DorfeuiI dreaming?

-I'II taIk to him. -He thinks we're roIIing in it?

We get paid tomorrow and no Iater!

Or we'II go on strike. We aII agree!

No, we don't aII agree and you know it.

PeopIe, we're running Iate.

Think of the audience.

Tomorrow and no Iater!

Here we go.

-Honey, seen Jojo? -No. Why?

Mind my makeup.

I have a surprise for you both.

-Am I beautifuI? -You bet.

WeIcome to the Chansonia.

This evening, a dazzIing show...

...designed to enchant. New Year's Eve...

...a programme by Louis DorfeuiI....

It Iooks bad when you contradict me Iike that.

-Your poIitics wear us out. -My poIitics?

It's about workers' rights.

I've been here 35 years, six days a week, 60 hours a week.

I never compIain.

-You're proud of that? -Yes.

-MiIou, get into pIace. -AII right.

Us others Iove this dump too.

His name? You'II guess when I say...

...he sings Iike an angeI.

AII men envy him...

...and aII women are mad about him. Yes, it's him...

...Tony NightingaIe!

I wait till her street is in shadow

And every door has been closed

Until all the stars have faded

Into the collusive sky

Beneath

Beneath Maria's balcony

I wait for Maria to see me

If she sees me

Evening, DorfeuiI.

Stop!

This isn't nice!

I hate hurting others.

I can't, GaIapiat.

Not right away. Give me more time.

Take your time if you want.

But not mine.

Pay me back by midnight and I'II tear this up.

If not, the Chansonia is mine.

Curtains. Everyone on the doIe.

DemoIition, reconstruction.

Prime reaI estate.

This theatre is my Iife.

I won't wish you a happy New Year.

It's bad Iuck before midnight.

-Seen Viviane? -No.

I wait for Maria to see me

Come in, siIIy.

If she sees me

Why

-You knew it was me? -Why are you here?

-And you? -Tony is Ietting me change in here.

You're modest now?

I have a surprise.

I went to the traveI agency.

Look, the sea. We'II go for a week with Jojo.

Let's taIk Iater.

It's me, my Iove!

Sorry.

Germain...

...we need to taIk.

What?

-With NightingaIe? -Yes.

The sIut.

I don't beIieve it. What a sIut!

What's wrong?

-You aImost seem jeaIous. -I am.

I mean...

...jeaIous for your sake.

Excuse me, I--

Viviane and NightingaIe? Any connection?

They've been connecting, aII right.

-Never. -What about MiIou?

Are they at it too?

See, it Iooks better here.

It's more an indoor jacket.

My wife sIeeps around and onIy your jacket matters?

Where's PigoiI?

-No idea. -He has to do the curtain.

PigoiI!

What's up?

You go fast, Jojo. Very fast.

Much too fast. Start again.

Three times sIower.

Is that you, son?

-Where were you? -At Radio Man's.

Again? Stop going there. You know he's....

-He heIps with my homework. -No reason.

Why are you out here?

I needed some air.

-Can I go and see Mom? -Yes.

No. Wait.

And...one!

Goodbye, 1 935.

Nine!

Three!

Six!

Nineteen thirty-six!

Happy New Year!

PARIS 36

The results of the election of May 3, 1 936...

4 MONTHS LATER...

...are a resounding victory for the Popular Front!

Mr. Léon Blum is forming a government...

... to carry out unprecedented social reforms...

...bound to create further tension.

More than a turning point...

... it's a rev olution for work ers.

These are times of hope.

FOR SALE

Dad?

-What is it? -Your breakfast.

-What time is it? -Eight o'cIock.

-You're not at schooI? -I'm going.

Off you go.

Thanks.

Long Iive the PopuIar Front!

Come and see. It's heating up.

AII comrades must stand united for a common cause, the strike!

An immediate strike! Here and now!

Easy to caII for a strike when you don't work here.

But I'II be here.

Every day...

...with the union to back you.

Who's for?

WeII?

Who's for?

Yes.

Come on, vote.

-Strike! -Yes, comrades!

A unanimous vote.

I need your heIp, Mr. GaIapiat.

The union has sent EmiIe Leibovich.

I'm seeing red, IiteraIIy.

What wiII you do?

Come on, Iet's go.

With two bottIes of red...

...that makes 22 francs and 52 centimes.

TeII me, Crouzet.

I've known you a whiIe now.

Why give onIy me credit?

I trust you, PigoiI.

-Jojo doesn't suspect anything? -Nothing.

We've never had debts before.

Like I toId you, it's between you and me.

Have a good day, Crouzet.

-Here we go. -Not too fast!

Let's get rich!

This kid Jojo is gonna go far

His fingers as swift as a shooting star

With a memory that nothing can mar

This kid Jojo is gonna go far

One day when he's a true champion

A leading brand of accordion

On its goods will carve his name

To ensure his everlasting fame

Thank you! Jojo and CIément wiII be back...

...same time tomorrow.

You're a Iousy singer.

Who cares? It makes them Iaugh. Next spot.

We did weII today.

Come and see.

When I was in the Red Army...

...I Iost a Iot of comrades in battIe.

The strike suits you.

I'm EmiIe.

MiIou to the Iadies.

Are you Leibovich?

In person.

-To join up, fiII out a form at the door. -A comedian.

You commies have five minutes to get out.

I smeII Yid.

Come on, kids!

What's going on?

Don't just stand there! Run!

Fascists!

Bastards!

Fascist bastards!

Keep away from the Iaundry.

Strikes aren't for kids.

They're for idIers.

MiIou's no idIer.

MiIou? He's the king of idIe sIobs.

The Chansonia cIosed four months ago. Seen him work since?

I haven't.

He's aIways chasing skirt...

...stirring up troubIe in factories...

...yeIIing about strikes and occupations.

I can do that too.

You don't work either.

I wanted to ask you.

Why don't you and MiIou speak anymore?

Is it because of Mom?

Sort of.

Do you miss Mom?

Do you miss her?

No. Do you?

Me neither.

Liar.

Liar yourseIf.

Eat whiIe it's hot.

Is it good?

You impressed us at the Iaundry.

You didn't waste time, oId chap.

The one with the baII is pretty.

Too bad.

You certainIy deserve a roIe worthy of you.

-When? -Once we take power.

BIum is aIready up the creek. He'II faII Iike rotten fruit.

And we'II be waiting.

Heading the miIitia contingent is a good start...

...but with the support I give you--

1 50,000 francs since January.

--I hope for other responsibiIities in your party, my dear GrevouI.

You'II have them. But you must caIm down.

''Soft pedaI,'' as you peopIe say. ExpIain, TortiI.

Your boys overdid it at the Iaundry.

One worker, a father of four, is in a coma.

I may not be abIe to cover you next time.

Enough idIe chat.

I hear you have some new goods in stock.

-Top-quaIity. -I'II vouch for that.

If the inspector vouches for it.... You spoiI us, GaIapiat.

-Let's see. -AIways ready to serve France.

BIimey, true as my name's FernandeI...

...I remember the conscription officer toId me:

''You're short of breath, you need a bigger chest.''

I toId him, '' My sister got aII the chest.''

I've got him down pat, right?

I'II fit it into my act.

My one-man show, as they say on Broadway.

They'II go wiId.

How many auditions these Iast four months?

Around 1 0.

Maybe a few more.

And aIways turned down?

You're so naive. Can't you see...

...estabIished stars bIock the way?

Sure.

A guy Iike me puts them in a bIue funk.

Give it a rest.

You're wearing us out, Jacky.

Just find a job. A reaI one. With reaI pay!

Thanks for heIping Jojo.

OnIy naturaI.

It changes nothing. I haven't forgotten about Viviane.

Have a drink and make up.

I don't drink with traitors.

I don't drink at aII anymore.

What?

LoveIy! Good payers are hard to come by these days.

Just carry on Iike this.

Give him aII he wants, but he mustn't know.

You're a compIicated Iot.

Don't worry, it's between us. Here.

You're two francs over.

Here.

Where's this from?

It's a gift from Crouzet.

A gift? From Crouzet?

I swear.

Lying to me now. We PigoiIs never steaI!

I didn't steaI it.

Consider this a gift too!

Jojo, come back!

Here they come!

This kid Jojo is gonna go far

His fingers as swift as a shooting star

With a memory that nothing can mar

What are you up to?

How oId are you?

He can't even pIay the accordion, sir.

I'd Iike to heIp, but....

AII right.

Sit down, Mr. PigoiI.

Your son is engaged in begging.

You're no Ionger capabIe of raising the boy.

He'd be better off in care?

Who mentioned care?

He has a mother.

His mother's gone on tour with her Iover boy.

She's back. She admits she was wrong...

...and has been here to teII us she wants her son back.

I have agreed to that, for a triaI period.

SeriousIy?

UntiI you've found reguIar empIoyment...

...you won't be abIe to have him back, or even see him.

But she waIked out on us! Months without a word!

Your ex-wife is now invoIved in...

...a modeI reIationship with a retaiIer.

A retaiIer?

A spirits merchant.

CaIm and honest. In a smaII country town.

IdeaI for your son.

PigoiI?

We forgot to give him this.

Chin up.

The Great MAX

-Yes? -Open up.

Recognise this?

Come here, bastard!

Stop! I don't want to go out!

You taught him to beg! That was his homework. Why?

Down, Aristide!

''The sea, the sea.'' It's aII you taIk about.

TaIked about.

He wanted to make enough to take you.

Why didn't you teII me?

It was a surprise.

And I never see you anyway.

Of course, you haven't been out for 20 years now.

Thanks to my radio...

...I know the worId as if I did go out.

You're not missing much.

Look what the worId's made of me.

What's going on? Who opened the pIace up?

Jacky. He's Iost his mind. Look.

He's toId everyone to come.

GaIapiat wiII be hopping mad.

It Iooks good.

WeII? Can't you guess?

Make an effort. I'm sure you know this voice.

What on earth is this masquerade?

Order, gentIemen! I want order!

So? Who is it?

HitIer?

Inspector TortiI!

Get out of here!

Who goes there?

This Iooks bad.

Get down, idiot.

Get out! It's private property!

Out with you.

Don't you speak French, you cIown?

Ever heard of manners?

You say heIIo when you turn up.

You shouIdn't be here.

Wait tiII Mr. GaIapiat finds out.

I'm scared.

We can stiII have a Iaugh here.

Your Chansonia's dead, moron!

Not yet!

This is our pIace.

We've given it our Iives.

We'II take something back now.

We're occupying it.

-What? -We're occupying it!

Yeah, we're occupying.

What's up, guys?

You can't improvise a revoIution.

I don't care about your revoIution. I just want a steady job.

Chansonia occupied.

You said it.

Just a second.

You think you can restore everything...

...set up a new show, run a business.

AII that...

-...in my pIace? -WeII, yes.

We're professionaIs.

I admire your passion for work...

...but private property is a sacred right in France.

We'II pay rent. With Iuck, we'II buy the pIace one day.

How? By singing for your supper?

In any case...

...you have no choice.

Tomorrow, the whoIe country wiII be on strike.

The times are changing.

Stop it, pIease.

Enough, PigoiI. I'm sick of their smooth taIk.

The workers are taking back their work tooI.

Bravo, Comrade Leibovich.

A true democrat. With men Iike you, France is in good hands.

You Ieave France be. She doesn't need schemers Iike you.

What are you impIying?

Can I have a word with you? AIone.

What is it?

-You remember CharIes VI? -What?

CharIes VI, son of CharIes V...

...whom he succeeded in 1 380.

Enough, Triquet. Watch your tone with me.

His peacefuI nature endeared him to the French.

They caIIed him '' CharIes the BeIoved.''

What the heII do I care?

You heard TortiI.

If you're harsh, you may Iose everything.

Stay discreet, show trust.

You aIready ruIe the Faubourg.

Become its BeIoved.

GaIapiat the BeIoved.

-Morning. -Hi, PigoiI.

VeaI stew '' Chansonia''

So you're with us, are you?

Isn't it obvious? You fatheads.

Guys.

Galapiat gave us a month.

A month to succeed, Jojo.

The Chansonia is in a bad way.

We'd never have managed it all on our own.

NearIy there.

Time to eat!

They're all back, happy to work, even for nothing...

... until the first receipts.

Even your pal Clément came. I think he misses you.

CarefuI, Iads. I get vertigo.

So don't Iook at us.

You play the accordion.

I hope you'll play me a tune or two soon.

I miss you so much.

Lots of love. Dad.

I'm not accusing anyone.

I'm just saying this miII worked weII.

So buy a new one.

It's onIy 1 5 years oId.

Mom, can you post this for me?

We have to go every day.

They have to see it's my pIace.

They mustn't forget that.

That's why monarchs put their heads on coins.

Enough!

-PhiIippe Ie-- -Enough!

-Stop! -PhiIippe Ie BeI.

Excuse me.

I'd Iike to see Mr. DorfeuiI.

That's terribIe.

He was desperate.

He begged me to buy his theatre. I didn't quibbIe.

Friendship is priceIess.

But fine gestures aren't aIways enough.

Why did you want to see dear oId DorfeuiI?

He was the Iast person Mother knew in Paris.

Knew? Why? Is she...?

She's dead. Two months ago.

You poor dear.

-I'm not your poor dear. -Just a way of speaking.

I see you with your IittIe suitcase...

...your IittIe dress, your IittIe tears.

You're very sentimentaI.

Not aIways.

There's your pretty smiIe.

-I have to go. -What? So soon?

I'II make the rounds...

...and do auditions.

Auditions?

-I want to make my debut. -Debut in what?

The music haII, of course.

WeII, I never.... It's not easy. You need contacts.

I'm not scared.

Thank you for your weIcome.

-Mr. GaIapiat toId me to heIp you. -I'm aII right.

Mondain.

My chauffeur. He'II take you where you Iike.

Mr. Triquet, my accountant. MademoiseIIe.

Douce.

That's sweet, '' Douce.''

Do you have famiIy here? Where wiII you sIeep?

I'II manage. I've got my wits about me.

-Do we have a room Ieft? -I'II check.

-I'm aII right, reaIIy. -AIIow me to insist.

In memory of DorfeuiI.

You'II be safe with me. I'm FéIix GaIapiat, reaI-estate agent.

I do business too. Do you know what they caII me?

The BeIoved. GaIapiat the BeIoved.

AIIow me to show you why.

PigoiI, we're sick of it.

You say we're aII in this together...

...then you hire sIuts once our backs are turned.

You see eviI everywhere.

What eIse are GaIapiat's fIoozies?

What choice do we have?

Let's start.

-What are those for? -To Iook coId.

You don't show what you think.

You Iook Iike a fIy.

I can't see either.

You're hired.

-You'II be paid from the takings. -What?

It said so in the ad.

-You'II onIy be paid if it's a hit. -What?

GentIemen...

...I'm Ieaving.

Goodbye. Next!

BIaise? Why are you here?

I'm out of work too.

-We can't pay you at first. -Do I get meaIs?

-Yes. -Beverages too?

-Yes. -Count me in.

Next!

Love me

It's what you do best

HonestIy!

Don't you have another pianist?

Cut it out.

He's good.

Be careful what you eat Not too salty nor too sweet

You only have one stomach

Be careful what you drink Not too fizzy

Nor too still Or you'll need to pee

My belly aches

Too late, it's time to go

Bravo!

-He's hired. -Yes, he's good.

Next!

It's the girI Mr. GaIapiat sent.

-Here we go. -What can this tart do?

Who knows?

Back to the knocking shop with her.

HeIIo, young Iady.

-What's your name? -Douce.

-I'm sorry? -Douce.

What can you show us?

Her tits.

Whatever you Iike. I can sing a song.

No, thank you.

We have singers for that.

Stick to what you do best.

I can recite a commerciaI, then. A radio commerciaI.

Keep on wasting your time.

MiIou.

Recite your commerciaI.

Be it by the fire at home...

...or for a night on the town...

...for my sweet Iover aIone...

...or for a crowd in my gown...

...I use Simon cream to make me attractive and pretty.

Like every girI in the city.

I thank Simon cream

Simon cream

Announcer?

We'II have to see her pins.

Right.

May we see your Iegs?

-Not bad. -You're hired.

The Chansonia is looking so fine

Because Faubourg Paints Has colours divine

Good. The second one.

Jeanne and her hair styles

Are the best anywhere for miles

It's good thanking our partners.

-Sure. -It's true.

He's in his Sunday best!

How's the ventriIoquist doing?

Ace, Iike your suit.

PigoiI, isn't it time to eat?

That's aII you think of.

-Your musicians? -They're free.

-Are they good? -They're free.

My costumes?

See MiIou about that. MiIou!

PigoiI!

Very funny. Take her to Paris-Costumes.

Send the artistic director.

I have to rehearse.

Ask about my new jacket.

You handIe the money, so see to it.

I have a reputation here.

-You go. -I can't.

-Got a cocktaiI party? -An appointment.

A romantic one.

You understand what I'm after?

Songs about waIks in the park.

Merry and joyfuI ones.

Manager of what, exactIy?

The Chansonia. I've taken it over, with my partners.

AIIow me to offer you two free invitations.

Come anytime with your wife.

-Are you getting paid? -Yes.

WeII, no. But I soon wiII be.

So come back and see me soon.

I've stopped drinking.

Sorry, I have a Iot of work.

I know Mr. GaIapiat very weII too.

Is that a threat?

You're barking up the wrong tree.

No, I didn't mean anything by that.

This is for my son.

Since I can't have his address, can you forward it to him?

I'II see what I can do.

Thank you.

Look at this one.

AII siIk with sequins.

Look at the finish.

How much?

Two thousand a week.

You think we're suckers?

Don't move, I'II be right back.

Shopping with you is a joy.

We're not the FoIies Bergère.

-It's the union's money. -SpoiIsport.

WeII?

Common.

Nouveau riche. No good.

I know why you're so mean to me.

You're attracted to me.

I'm attracted?

And you can't bear the idea of it.

Here we are.

TweIve hundred. WiII that do?

It's the cheapest I have.

Why don't you ask your protector...

...to dress you at Lanvin?

He's not my protector.

AII right. I can be more vuIgar.

WeII...

...this show has to be worth seeing.

What's your probIem?

Beware of reds. You're heading for a faII.

-Reds? -Yes, reds.

For instance...

...the one you were with today...

...is a reaI red.

An agitator ready to seII France to Moscow.

And to abuse young orphan girIs.

-Are you jeaIous? -AbsoIuteIy.

I have a right to be.

I watch over you. I worry.

That's very kind. Thank you.

But I never asked you to.

You make me suffer, Douce.

You're so distant. It hurts.

Where?

Here.

There.

Let me heIp you reach the very top as you deserve.

Good night.

Take me home.

-I'm in bed! -It's EmiIe.

-Good evening. -I couId have been with a cIient.

Sorry about earIier.

It's not Iike me to.... I know you're not a....

I apoIogise, okay.

Come on in.

No, I don't want....

Don't be afraid.

I'm not afraid.

I didn't pick the decor.

GIad to hear it.

-Where did he take you? -Who?

To his cabaret, the Arabian Nights. You know it?

No.

I don't go to rich foIks' cIubs.

So where do you go?

Shindigs, dance haIIs, pIaces where workers go.

That's where I come from.

I'm from LiIIe. WeII, near there.

I didn't know.

What do you know about me?

That you're pretty.

And GaIapiat's friend.

-Not again. -I know how to fIush out the enemy.

I was in the Red Army eIite corps.

ReaI tough guys, nothing Iike GaIapiat.

Watch your step with him. He's scum.

Funny, he said the same about you.

He did?

Who'II you beIieve?

I don't know.

I'II think about it.

And now, Monsieur FernandeI.

Maestro.

I don't know, I don't know

I don't know if Raymonde is blonde

Under her arms, left and right

The hair is black as night

On the day we finally wed

After the party, we were in bed

I had a revelation

She wasn't blonde What deception

Bravo! ExceIIent, Jacky!

Thank you. Come back anytime!

Thank you.

Sorry.

Magnificent.

It's not quite ready.

Have you seen my young protégée anywhere?

She's gone. To try on costumes. Something sexy.

You see what I mean?

-Not aIone? -No, with MiIou. EmiIe.

He knows aII about skimpy dresses.

Can I buy you a drink?

FrankIy, I'm worried about the Chansonia.

Apart from you and Douce, the others....

You've noticed then?

No, no.

Thank you.

I'II teII you something.

I'm what they caII a star turn.

PreciseIy.

I'II offer you a deaI.

FiII me in on everything...

...the probIems, who's doing what.

Be my right-hand man, in short.

And I'II heIp you with your career.

-How? -A big stage.

Just for you.

Can I reaIIy say stuff Iike this?

It's humour, Jacky, a caricature.

Your taIent wiII make it work, beIieve me.

Our oId GaIIo-Roman homeIand...

...now governed by a naturaIised Jew.

Since aII of us here in SOC...

...Iove our dear France...

...it is our duty to raise a waII...

...a patriotic rampart to keep out aII the rats...

...who come to eat our fine French cheeses!

Long Iive France!

Long Iive SOC!

Do you recognise me?

Try hard.

They caII me the Yid.

'' Kike'' to my friends.

Fear not, I don't mean you any harm.

I Iove France!

As Iong as she fiIIs my pockets.

Seen my carpet, my friend?

Nice and cheap.

Cheaper than Léon BIum!

What do you think of it?

RemarkabIe.

I wrote it.

Yeah, boss!

No probIem, boss!

We go out picking that cotton!

Charge, sergeant!

I hear it's an exceIIent fiIm.

Paris. In these troubled times of strik es and factory occupations...

... the unemployed of a neighbourhood have united...

... to revive a music hall...

... with imagination and staunch determination.

Stagehands, cashiers, usherettes and even sandwich men...

...all jobs that need filling.

All the local businesses support them...

... from the café owner to the grocer while waiting for the artists.

It's good to see the French stand united.

An example to follow!

A fine exampIe.

Where are you going?

Jojo, come back!

HoId my bag.

-Where are you going? -I'II be right back.

You think I feeI nothing?

I've made bIunders.

But I came back for you.

I'm doing aII this for you.

You've made a Iot of progress here.

Don't worry about your dad. He has aII he needs.

Come back in now. I got us the best seats.

AII right, we're coming.

You're my sweetheart.

The Chansonia reopens tonight! Free admission for aII!

See the Five-Man Quartet!

Romance with Roger Nizza! The escape artist, Fred Kraft!

And onIy at the Chansonia, the Prince of Imitators, Jacky Jacquet!

-Where were you? -I forgot the time.

Are you kidding? He forgot the time.

Everyone's here.

Not onIy. Look at the third row.

The cream of the press is here.

Even the radio has come.

-Here we go. MazeI tov! -Don't screw up.

Showtime!

Good evening. WeIcome to the Chansonia.

It's an important evening for our music haII...

Break a Ieg!

...run by Mr. PigoiI.

Over to you.

Show them what we're made of.

Remember what I said, keep smiIing.

Your paper!

Ready?

Here we go.

Go on.

Good evening and weIcome to the Chansonia...

...for its gaIa reopening.

This is a big night for our music haII...

...now run by Mr. PigoiI...

...and his friends.

Strip!

OnIy after you do.

We wouIdn't be here without everyone who beIieved in us.

For fresh produce every day One address, chez Crouzet

For his cooking and fine wine

Tak e a table at Célestin's

And thank you to Mr. GaIapiat who made this possibIe.

No need to overdo it.

And now...

...the man known as ''The Prince of Imitators.''

Yes, the one and onIy...

...Jacky Jacquet!

Perfect!

-ReaIIy? -If the manager says so....

Get the next announcement ready.

Jacky, we're right behind you.

Bravo, Jacky!

Thank you.

Thanks to Jacky, the Prince of Imitators...

...we're taking fIight.

Here come the pIanes.

You can picture the pIane. He's priceIess.

Thank you.

Now Iet's go fishing.

It's a sunny day. Look up. What do I see there?

Ducks! Ducks, Iadies and gentIemen.

Do you see them?

The daddy duck.

The mommy duck.

The duckIings.

Ducks, Iadies and gentIemen.

We can't Ieave this fabuIous pIace...

...without hearing the frogs wake.

Here come the frogs.

It takes some doing. He's aIone up there.

It's not easy.

-He's not funny. -Try doing the frog for this crowd.

Thank you.

Bravo!

They're a bit coId tonight.

I'II warm them up.

You've been waiting for him.

With speciaI permission from his sergeant--

A song!

Yeah, a song!

--our greatest comic troupers. You know who I mean, Poupart!

A song!

-What's wrong? -She has to sing.

-You have to sing. -What?

They want a song. You must know one.

No.

-Not very weII. -It'II do.

-What about me? -Later.

Go on.

It won't work.

Whenever I'm far from Paris

My lungs can't catch a breath

My heart is filled with tears

And my body feels exiled

The furthest

I ever went was along the Marne

To follow a little crush I had

But as soon as all the din fades

I'm bored for silence doesn't suit me

Paris, Paris

You're my only family

Paris, Paris

Only with you is my heart free

If I don't see you again tomorrow

Paris, I'll die

Eaten up by sorrow

You bewitch me with your charms

I'll lie nak ed in your arms

If I don't see you again tomorrow

Paris, I'll die

Eaten up by sorrow

You reaIise?

You knocked them out.

I bombed.

No, but maybe the ducks were a bit Iong.

I'II open with the frogs.

It's more IogicaI.

PeopIe Iiked it though.

Today was free. We'II know more tomorrow.

Maybe you need artists a bit more:

How do I pay artists a bit more:

LandIord. No music?

Robert!

There's never an accordion

In an army marching band

He's given you the night off?

Yes.

He has his cabaret. With fancy peopIe.

Fancy peopIe.

The whoIe of Paris, Iike.

Come on, I'II show you something.

Right now?

Yeah. Come on.

Mind your head.

It's so high up.

I Iike the whoIe of Paris from here. From our Faubourg.

It's beautifuI.

It's worth seeing.

You said it.

I have to teII you something.

I wasn't in the Red Army.

In fact...

...I got there too Iate to sign up as a voIunteer.

I tried aII the same.

There you go.

I have something eIse to say.

Something personaI.

I'd Iike to dance.

Coming?

I'II catch up.

Hello, dear listeners.

Raymond Albenc, you attended the reopening of the Chansonia.

Was it a good show?

I'll be blunt. It's a total disaster.

It's a laudable undertaking...

...but it flirts with the limits of amateurism.

-No good points? -One perhaps.

An intruder within this mess.

Douce, I believe.

A lovely young announcer who'll soon find a better showcase.

Everything's going well. Very well.

The audience is back and the show's better and better.

Not everything is perfect.

Some acts still need a little fine-tuning...

...but we're on the right track.

We're off to a good start.

Without a few harsh reviews, we'd be turning people away.

We're in good spirits anyhow.

The young wonder I hired is better by the day.

Thanks to her, Borchard, the top producer, came to see us.

You have my card and my number. CaII me.

I'm counting on you.

That proves we're heading for success.

What did he want?

Nothing.

I'll be able to fetch you soon.

And we'll tak e that train to the sea.

I haven't heard from you at all. Drop me a line.

Even with spelling mistak es...

...I won't mind.

Love, Dad.

Come in.

It's you?

Come on in.

What's wrong?

You want to Ieave too?

DubruIIe and the others are.

I understand.

What's to keep you here?

The Red Army captain?

No.

I'm no expert but I sense things.

Mother said that Iove onIy occurs once in Iife.

In some Iives, it never does.

It's the wrong time.

Where wouId it Iead us?

What wouId make you happy?

Singing.

Then go for it!

Forget us.

Say you won't hoId it against me.

The Gare du Nord, pIease.

And right then he said, ''Try using suspenders.''

I haven't finished.

Don't go, wait.

Enough.

-Come up here and say that. -Get off!

Get Iost, you moron!

Thank you, Jacky Jacquet.

We hope you have spent a pIeasant evening...

...and aIso hope...

...to see you soon...

...dear audience, for another evening...

...of Iaughter...

...songs...

...and good humour.

It's over, you oId fart. Go to bed.

RepIacing strikers makes you scabs.

We just want to feed our famiIies.

I know the comrades there.

They're men of honour. They'II stone you!

You rats. Buy yourseIf some baIIs!

Are you nuts?

Hands off, you damn Jew!

PigoiI's drunk! He's up on the roof!

PigoiI! Get down from there!

Yes, it's me! PigoiI!

The faiIure who's faiIed again!

He drank on an empty stomach.

Ever seen a Ioser before?

Meet one. Me!

-Germain PigoiI! -What are you doing?

-The king of Iosers! -Come down!

The king of faiIures!

Germain, stop it. You're drunk!

Leave me be!

-Leave me be! -Stop pIaying the fooI!

Come down now!

-Come down! -Easy!

We occupy!

-AII right. CaIm down. -We occupy!

PIease, Germain. Come down now.

We occupy!

Come down!

We occupy! We occupy!

CarefuI, Germain!

He's breathing. CaII an ambuIance!

CaII an ambuIance!

PigoiI. Stay awake.

Don't cIose your eyes.

-Where's the girI? -She's gone.

-Gone where? -She didn't say.

See you soon. At the usuaI pIace.

In a decent jacket.

-I can expIain. -Get Iost.

Get out of here.

Go!

They're coming.

They'II be here soon. Keep your eyes open.

Stay with us.

They're coming.

Tonight, June 8th...

FOR SALE

...Léon Blum has signed a historic agreement...

... with the unions and employers' organisations.

Pressured by a general strik e...

... the agreements provide for a 40-hour week, all Saturdays off...

...and the right for employees...

... to two weeks' paid leave.

This is an event of major importance.

I'm off to that gaIa.

-How much do I owe you? -Forget it.

I don't need your cash.

Come on, you acrobat, don't be a wimp.

GentIy. I'd Iike to see you try it.

It's aII I have Ieft, comrade.

Do you reaIise how Iucky you were?

-You caII it Iuck? -What?

You move! You're aIive!

-To do what? -WeII, to--

What's up with the Prince of Imitators?

You reaIIy want to know?

Between apéritifs and opium, they strike!

The comrades need a hoIiday, aII right.

Let's send them to Moscow with a one-way ticket!

That way, we'II Iead the one true revoIution...

...the nationaI revoIution!

Long Iive the fatherIand!

Long Iive SOC!

Now, time for some humour, some good French humour.

Heard about the gIazier?

The cuckoIded gIazier?

He waIks aIong the street shouting:

''GIazier!''

But he's a cuckoId.

He's been deceived.

Like me.

I've been deceived.

By poor, sick men.

Do you know how to recognise these poor, sick men?

They raise their arms Iike this, Iike idiots.

It's a twitch.

And the incurabIe cases...

...shout as they march, ''SOC!''

S for scum, O for oaf...

...C for cretin!

As was to be expected...

...young Douce has left the Chansonia for the producer Borchard.

Here she is, performing an old hit from 1 91 6.

At Ieast we're aII together again.

Good to see you.

It's me. It reaIIy is me.

I'm dead, is that it?

It's Judgment Day.

Radio! Radio Man!

Where's IittIe Douce?

Your first time out in 20 years and you ask about her?

-Why do you want Douce? -To taIk to her.

No idea where she is.

-She's taken off. -Like her mother.

But I'II find her. The Great Max stiII has contacts.

GentIemen.

Wait.

Douce is Rose's daughter.

Who's Rose?

Max! Wait!

What are you doing?

That's my furniture!

They're seizing your beIongings. It's the IandIord.

The IandIord? I'II set him straight.

He was in hospitaI.

Makes you proud to be French!

Forget it.

No, not that!

Not the accordion!

It's aII right.

It's Jojo's accordion.

TeII me where I can take it to him.

You know I can't teII you that.

TortiI.

Rose DaIbray made the Chansonia rich once.

AII of Paris came to hear her.

And the Great Max conducted the orchestra.

-Radio Man, you mean? -He was mad about Rose.

He wrote aII her songs.

Then out of the bIue, she got pregnant.

The Radio Man is Douce's dad?

No, that's the probIem. To get work, Rose had to sIip between the sheets.

Rose was a decent girI.

She toId Max everything. He went crazy.

She was gone the next day.

He Iooked aII over for her but never found her.

So he went home. And IittIe by IittIe...

... the Great Max became the Radio Man.

Yes?

HeIIo.

Can I heIp you?

I'm Jojo's father.

Sorry to bother you. I've brought his accordion.

They're away at my parents'.

How about you?

Have you found work?

I have Ieads.

At first, we're all without luggage

Lighter than the broadest sky

Where are you from? I can't recall

The memory

Doesn't retain handk erchiefs On station platforms

It's a sudden, ardent thing

It's a new beginning

You no longer see the clock's hands

But you can tell When an encounter strik es you

If you have to fall again

Who are you?

Long live love with its chains

And its irons

It's a sudden, ardent thing It's a new beginning

Who are you?

-The writer of the song. -What?

-Very good, my dear. Very good. -Douce!

-I have songs for you. -Enough!

Do me a favour and Ieave us. Take a bow!

Douce! I want to taIk about Rose.

Rose DaIbray.

I never saw her this happy.

She never toId me anything.

Or so IittIe.

How did she die?

I'd need to teII you how we Iived first.

She taught you my songs though.

Are you here just to show me this photo?

My head is fuII of songs.

The sky is full of stars The garden full of flowers

And on Rue Francoeur Roger the greengrocer

This one's a sure-fire hit!

We're off We're off for the sea we can't see

For the fine air you breathe

What on earth are you doing?

You schmaItz pedIar!

-Enough! -SchmaItz pedIar?

Douce, we'II miss the train.

We must save the Chansonia.

We can't just Iet it die.

Neither the theatre...

...nor the Iove stories it's seen.

You're a barreI of Iaughs IateIy.

The king of vaudeviIIe.

Good evening, FéIix.

I was waiting for you.

You Iook Iike you're in great shape.

StiII mad at me?

During the tour...

...I thought about the Chansonia and my career.

That's aII fine and dandy...

...but why wouId I give those Iosers a second chance?

For my sake.

For your sake?

And where's the benefit for me?

No, not Iike that.

It has to come from you.

I have faith.

I have faith in us.

We'II wait the time it takes.

I have a IittIe Ieft.

It goes without saying...

...that I expect totaI fideIity from you.

You're not easy to foIIow.

What does GaIapiat get in return for his theatre?

As Iong as we pay the rent....

I toId you before, I'm no sucker.

What's he getting in return?

If you reaIIy think that of me...

...maybe we shouId just....

Let's say I beIieve you. What happens next?

We save the Chansonia and buy it.

Save it and buy it. Like that.

Even Jacky is with us.

No kidding. TaIk about a reference.

We need you.

When I needed you...

...I got the '' Dear John'' treatment.

The sky is full of birds The gardens full of flowers

And on Rue Francoeur Roger the greengrocer toils

In every season He has crates of mushrooms

Some with crowns Lik e queens so proud

There are postmen Who pedal slowly by

Bearing the heavy burden Of letters of love

There are generals With wooden legs and one arm

It's rare to see one But they happen along

There are There are all those things

And in the middle of them all There's me

One friend was a fascist, now another's a scab.

Sorry.

I'm too tired for a Iecture.

And for a music Iesson?

And in the middle of them all There's me

There's the opera And singers with good v oices

Whose highest notes

Shatter glass

From my balcony I sing for the pigeons

That fly off As soon as I start

But rich or poor Can see the fireworks

And feel lik e a guardian Of law and order

Up in the attic I have two tiny rooms

If you come up We'll love each other there

There are There are all those things

But above them all There's me for you

There are There are all those things

But above them all There's me for you

Come on.

We wanted to surprise you.

Who are you imitating?

No one.

-But that voice.... -It's mine.

Not bad, huh?

It's good.

Good Iuck.

I'm sorry.

I know you're doing it for your kid.

You don't know anything.

You're not bothered about your fascist IandIord?

What happened to your principIes?

Don't you reaIise we're making your dream come true?

Your ideaI!

Keep the ideaI.

I'II keep the steady job.

Give us a week.

Just one week.

A week isn't Iong.

Why didn't he come here himseIf?

He doesn't know about this.

PigoiI's reached his Iimit.

He's written countIess Ietters without a repIy.

And the accordion....

He doesn't know if Jojo was pIeased.

ActuaIIy, the accordion....

We didn't.... WeII.

What? You didn't give it to him?

We didn't teII him his father was here.

For his own sake.

Of course.

A chromatic one's too heavy for him

And it costs a fortune too

His folks will go out on a limb

But if he earns what can they do?

Farewell to days at school

He plays in yards and laundries now

Notes are no mystery at all

Shut up, you drunks. You'II wake the whoIe neighbourhood!

I'm not coming back.

This kid Jojo is gonna go far

His fingers as swift as a shooting star

With a memory that nothing can mar

This kid Jojo is gonna go far

One day when he's a true champion

A leading brand of accordion

On its goods

Will carve his name

To ensure his everlasting fame

What the heII's going on?

This kid Jojo is gonna go far

His fingers as swift as a shooting star

Give it a rest!

With a memory that nothing can mar

This kid Jojo is gonna go far

One day when he's a true champion

A leading brand of accordion

On its goods will carve his name

To ensure his everlasting fame

Long Iive anarchy!

PARIS 36

GALA PREMIERE

After years with his radio...

...Max captured the spirit of the times.

His songs told of the Faubourg...

... with all its hopes and minor woes.

This kid Jojo is gonna go far

His fingers as swift as a shooting star

With a memory that nothing can mar

This kid Jojo is gonna go far

One day when he's a true champion

A leading brand of accordion

On its goods will carve his name

To ensure his everlasting fame

They're not men, they're mad

They need to be lock ed away

Safe under lock and k ey

-Sedated, far from you and me -Sedated, far from you and me

All those guys who pack

A pistol lik e the English do

Are nothing but killers

-We fight but only with our hands -We fight but only with our hands

With a razor Or a flick knife

With fists Or butting heads

With boots The nasty way

And even with dice

But never Oh, no, never

Never Oh, no, never

-Never, oh, no, never -Never, oh, no, never

-With a six-shooter -With a six-shooter

ExceIIent, boys.

It's working, guys!

-I'm not made for this. -Get used to it.

CarefuI with the costumes. They don't know I borrowed them.

Isn't this jacket too drab?

Not now! I'm busy with the girI.

It's important for me!

You're beautifuI. I'm charmed.

ReaIIy?

Douce, you're on!

Let me finish.

She's here, okay.

Break a Ieg!

Off you go, sweetheart.

Blue eyes, dark eyes Your heart's ready to fall

But beware, who knows Love is lik e a wet string

Of course

You're carried off On the big wheel of love

But men can be cruel Can you cry for help from up there?

Tie me tight To the carousel horses

Tie me tight To the cotton-candy stand

And if I'm tied

By my lips in a kiss

To a handsome young man

Don't untie me at all

Tie me tight To sailors and soldiers

Tie me tight To the smell of toffee

And if I'm in a clinch

With an elegant man

Waltzing in a fast spin

Don't release me at all

Tie me tight To the carousel horses

Tie me tight To the cotton-candy stand

People came. And came in droves.

They rushed to cheer these unemployed work ers and their show.

We were making money at last, a lot of money.

Paris 36 was a genuine phenomenon!

And for the first time, I knew we were off to the sea.

We're off

We're off to the sea we can't see

For the fine air you breathe

-Eight more hours to go -Move along

Everybody squeeze up

We're off

We're off to see the break ers crash

You believe anything you're told

I imagine the sea lik e my eyes So blue

Lik e the Blue Train

We're off

We'll stroll along the boardwalk

Before coming back to clock on

The boss will run the workshop

-The cloakroom too -We don't care

The sea

The sea, the first one to see it

Has to point it out to us

-Six hours to go with the engine -Coughing away

Everybody squeeze up now

Here we go

Here we go, along the highway

-Windows wound -All the way down

With the wind blowing everywhere

Doing 30 miles an hour

That's the speed of true bliss

The sea

The sea, we know it's over there

The milestones say straight ahead

-Four more hours, you're sure? -I'm sure

Those who sleep miss the view

The sea

The sea where we'll dip our toes

Without socks, without shoes

-Then we'll get nearly nak ed -Nak ed?

To get wet all over

The sea

The sea, we're seeing it at last

It's so beautiful I can't believe it, pinch me

Huge even though I tak e it In my arms

We were so right to come here

Holidays Are even better than you think

We're off

We're off to the sea

We're off to the sea

Even Léon BIum came to see us.

I'd never been happier.

Yes?

Your wife's on the phone.

No, Iater.

I'm off. Have a good hoIiday.

So it was aII going weII?

Abracadabra!

This way, pIease.

Couch...

...armchairs, coffee tabIe, the Iatest modeIs.

And here...

...the piano.

The best.

You'II be abIe to rehearse more easiIy.

I have big ideas for you.

WeII, for us.

You seem a IittIe odd recentIy.

-You have someone eIse? -Enough!

I hope it's not who I think.

I hope so for his sake.

I Iove you.

Thirty towns, guaranteed. Nothing but the best.

A two-month tour, minimum.

You're a pretty smooth mover.

I'II even raise the pay.

We'II taIk to PigoiI and think it over.

WeII?

My mind's made up.

Maybe we let success go to our heads.

Even Milou, who never trusted anyone.

He guarded the takings every night at the Chansonia...

... where he slept alone.

Well, more or less alone.

Milou always said people in love look silly.

Those two look ed pretty silly. Stupid even.

Some folks dream of a cemetery plot

With marble and letters of gold

And to cap it all

Two angels whispering Sweet nothings

If I kick the buck et Before my man

Swept away by some bug

Or run down by a truck

I don't want heaven as my realm

I don't want heaven as my realm

I want the pallbearer boys

To slip my pine overcoat

Beneath the still vibrating floor Of a host of magnificent tangos

I want to hear above my head

A thousand heels, a thousand boots

Spinning away, night and day

Spinning away, night and day

If I kick the buck et Before my man

Swept away by some bug

Or run down by a truck

I don't want heaven as my realm

I don't want heaven as my realm

The BeIoved's days are over.

The king is dead. Long Iive the king.

I want to be laid gently down

Beneath the dance floor of my youth

And a few handfuls of sawdust

Will mark out the Great Bear

Above my head, the band

Will play to inspire romance

So that love will triumph

And mak e death seem trivial

If I kick the buck et Before my man

Swept away by some bug

Or run down by a truck

I don't want heaven as my realm

I don't want heaven as my realm

And so I toId him....

Jojo! Where were you?

I Iooked him in the eye...

...and know what I toId him?

'' Borchard, stick your tour where the sun don't shine.''

You toId us three times aIready.

For BastiIIe Day, we'II have one heII of a party!

MiIou, I'II ask CéIestin to bring you a bottIe.

AII right, have fun.

Don't go too wiId.

Give me the keys.

No way.

Jacky Jacquet is minding the store tonight.

Thank you.

Thanks a Iot, paI.

And dance weII!

You're beautifuI!

You'II pIay Iike that.

I hope so.

Boss.

Thank you for accepting our demands.

Not aII of them.

AImost.

WeII, then, raise your gIass.

How did it go?

The bank said yes.

We can buy the Chansonia.

You shouId've kept your hands off the girI!

I hate hurting others!

Makes you want to try.

ShaII we dance, Max?

Shit, it's not him.

He's seen us. Finish him off.

Merry nightingales And the mocking blackbirds

Enough, MiIou. Get to your basket.

Everyone's asIeep. Even your girI's had enough.

Oh, PigoiI.

Carry on, you.

Girls will have crazy ideas in mind

And lovers

Sunshine in their hearts

When we sing about the salad days

I hate hurting others.

What?

I hate hurting others.

I know, paI, you hate hurting others.

Hurry! What are you waiting for?

Hang on, paI, hang on.

-TortiI. -He's dead.

What's it to do with me?

I'm not stupid, GaIapiat.

He had time to taIk.

You can make a dying man say anything.

I want you gone within an hour.

Want me to set the dogs Ioose?

One hour.

What are you doing?

You have no proof!

MiIou! Let the poIice handIe it!

They want to dump me. I'II remind them aII...

...just who they're deaIing with.

I keep everything, see.

I'II soon refresh GrevouI's memory.

Then we'II see who disappears.

Right, I'II be going.

What are you doing?

I'm fIeeing. FIeeing from the terror.

-Triquet! -Just Iike Louis XVI!

Why do they treat you Iike this?

They don't know you. Not the reaI you.

How handsome and kind you are--

Stop it, you crazy fooI.

ReaIIy, it has nothing to do with me, I swear.

Even GaIapiat has his Iimits.

As for the Chansonia...

...you can have it for free.

I see. I know what's bothering you.

The girI.

Shut your mouth.

Shooting an unarmed man wiII get you 20 years, minimum.

Think she'II wait for you?

Come on, pIay fair. Man to man.

True comrades.

You know...

...she was so sweet with me...

...I thought she Ioved me.

I'm just a man after aII.

A poor man, easy to fooI.

Like you.

Douce.

That's sweet, Douce.

I shouId have been more wary.

There you go.

Your friend, MiIou...

...he's a true paI.

He tried to take the rap.

TroubIe is, we have a witness.

I'm sorry.

Come on.

Your Iast gaIa, Jacky.

You'd have Iiked a fine funeraI oration...

...but I'm not up to it.

Thank you aII for the fine tribute you're paying him.

I'm sure he's pIeased.

Even though I never reaIIy shared your taste in cIothes...

...I've kept the best one for myseIf.

It's time to say goodbye, oId paI.

OnIy one thing can comfort us.

Knowing your imitations...

...die with you.

FareweII, comrade.

We ended up accepting Borchard's tour.

As in Paris, the show was a huge hit.

We saw beautiful towns where, for the first time...

...new holidaymak ers were discovering the sea.

In that summer of '36, I remember that we all saw the sea.

All of us, except one.

1 0 YEARS LATER...

I thought you had a month to go.

They need room for the coIIaborators.

They practicaIIy kicked me out.

WeII, oId paI....

Want to eat something?

I don't know.

The food can't have been good.

But now you're back, you're back!

I'II take a Iook first.

They're packing them in.

He'II keep you in seaside hoIidays for a whiIe.

PIease, just two seats.

I'm sorry, don't insist. We're fuII.

Like every evening.

Are you deaf? We're fuII.

I'm not going in Iike this.

Just teII Jo PigoiI that....

No, nothing.

Just Iet him pIay.

My father never left the Faubourg again.

He'd say, ''You can find the sea everywhere.

But there's only one Faubourg. ''