Original subtitles

Anne, you've been followed.

- Red, Carlo, Henry, get the cars. - Yes, Major.

Go !

- What are we doing, Superintendent ? - Drop it. Let's go back !

- Do you think you're Tarzan, you schmuck ? - Be polite, Colonel.

I did tell you that Capra has keen hearing !

Your clowns should have deployed from much farther away; I know Capra well.

I know... since he was your friend.

I'll get your Major Capra... I'll deal with him personally.

No, Superintendent. You're ambitious, but you won't get promoted by making mistakes.

Furthermore, you work too hard; you need to take a holiday... a very long holiday.

'Without Warning'

Did you get the car fixed ?

What ?

Did you get the car fixed ? It's almost impossible to start it.

It would cost 500 Francs to fix it. I don't have that much.

Say, darling... how much would a bottle of cognac cost ?

About 30 Francs. That means it would take a couple of weeks to save the money...

if I stop drinking, that is.

Good morning anyway, Isabelle.

Good morning. You look very handsome.

Do I ? Did you have nice dreams ?

I dreamt that I didn't love you any longer.

- Good morning, Superintendent. - Good morning.

The screening's ready, sir.

- Good morning, sir. - Good morning, Superintendent.

I rely on you to make it happen fast. Be assured that the men they gave you,

whether civilians or military, are hand-picked. You can get straight to the point with them.

Very well, sir.

This is former Major Capra. We've been unsuccessfully looking for him for a very long time.

Here's his 'service record': hijacking of military equipment, armed rebellion,

inciting riots, an attempted coup, and so on... Afterwards, he returned to France,

and attacked a prison to free some friends of his.

As you will have already understood, we're dealing with a fine peaceful citizen here !

This picture is the only one we got; each of you will get a copy of it...

Carry on, please.

This is Donetti, Capra's long-time friend. We're sure that he knows his hideout.

He left the army four years ago, as a sergeant.

We don't have sufficient evidence to arrest him,

so we're hoping to see him make a mistake.

Up to now, we're still waiting, and it could take forever.

Don't forget: Capra is considered dangerous, because if he was brought to court,

he might unveil some secrets that would annoy...

some very high-ranking civilian and military persons.

So, if any one of you should happen to use his weapon against Capra in self-defence,

I don't think that the government would bear a grudge against that person.

I think, gentlemen, that I have made myself clear.

We look just fine ! He knows we're following him, so what's the point ?

To annoy him. Anyway, there's nothing much else we can do.

- You're almost drunk. - No, no.

- Don't you want to buy me a drink ? - If you like.

- Don't you like women ? - I have one; that's quite enough.

Why only one ? Are you badly off ?

Christine, are you going to leave the clients alone ?

All right.

Perfect timing ! It's my round.

Thank you. Is it neat ?

No... Oh, we're closing tomorrow, for the holidays.

Damn, it's Donetti. The great Donetti.

Your guardian angels aren't with you today ?

- Leave me alone, Christine ! - I can't. I have a crush on you.

- Come on. I need it physically, and financially. - OK, I get it.

Turn your trick on your own.

Lieutenant Kieffer ?

- Lieutenant Kieffer ? - Pardon ?

You don't know me, Lieutenant, but I saw you in Kenya.

My name's Donetti... Sergeant Donetti.

Glad to know you, pal, but I'm not the one you're looking for.

What about Major Capra ? Do you know him ?

- No. - Hey listen; it would be a shame...

You're really starting to bother me, pal !

Wait for me. Why are you running off like this ? Are you in a hurry ?

Let's go have a drink. I know a place...

Hey, coppers ! Aren't you tired of following me ?

No problemo - we get a monthly salary !

Of course. The taxpayers have to get their money's worth, right ?

Save your funny comments for another day; you'll need them.

Sure, but in the meantime, I have to find a phone that isn't bugged...

And one more phone call to Capra. Don't tell me we're not doing a stupid job.

Damn it, some days I would prefer to be a factory worker.

Maybe there's still time !

Are you sure it's him ?

I only saw him once, a long time ago.

Did you speak to him ?

Yes, but he pretended not to understand.

Try to learn more about him.

Does he have any hobbies or nervous tics ?

Something that could prove to us that it's really him.

Alcohol. Nobody has ever seen him completely sober.

That's no help. We live in a country with a gold medal for alcoholism !

Ask him about Indochina: he spent his youth there.

You don't understand, Bastien. The guy's cautious. And he's right to be.

He denies being Lieutenant Kieffer.

I can only identify him by discovering something he doesn't want to show,

or by finding someone who knows him very well.

Nobody knows him in our group, Major...

and anyway... it surprises me that he came back. I heard he was in Venezuela.

That doesn't prove anything. You know people like us always come back.

Christ ! If he remains on his own, he's going to get caught.

It would be nice to have him with us, don't you think ?

We could certainly use him.

Listen, Major: what's the harm, if it's not him ?

Once more.

Yes... Once again.

Are you coming... or would you rather keep drinking ?

I'm coming.

I'll open the gate.

When are you going to pull yourself together ?

Do you think I don't care ? You're wrong.

If there's anything I can do for you, I'll do it...

with all my strength.

You'd be wasting your time.

Isabelle...

One day, I tried to do my duty...

I did my duty...

You know the reward I got for it... I was fired.

And was disdained by everybody, on top of that...

It was hard to get used to it...

but now, I don't give a damn... not a damn.

So much so... that I let my piece of luck slip away.

Is it that whore you're calling your 'piece of luck' ?

Of course not... I mean Major Capra.

He didn't tell me his name, nor anything else.

Anyway, I wouldn't remember it.

Why are they always following you ? Are you a communist ?

You men are so stupid with your politics.

You all claim to hold the truth in your tiny brains.

Be reasonable, Raoul. Isabelle will grow tired of it.

At least try to make an effort.

Do you love her, or not ? Jesus !

Major Capra ! You had an opportunity to nail him.

It was your chance to redeem yourself.

I've made some coffee.

Thanks, Isabelle. We're coming.

How are you going to find Donetti, now ?

The bar where you met him is closed for a month.

Raoul - am I your friend or not ?

Are you listening ? For God's sake, try to react !

Or would you prefer to finish yourself off with this ?

Gas, please.

Your engine doesn't sound so good...

- It comes to 12 francs. - How much ?

- 12 francs. - Quick !

Open it.

Why don't I come live at your place ? It would be more convenient.

Contrary to what you're thinking, Donetti, I have of lot of respect for you.

You're loyal to your friends, and that's a rare virtue nowadays.

I wonder where I'd be today if you'd had no respect for me ?

- Did you read the newspapers ? - No.

- I assume you know former Lieutenant Kieffer ?

No.

But you know who he is ?

Superintendent, just suppose I ask if you know of the existence of parallel polices...

what would you say ?

I had heard Kieffer was in Venezuela. It seems that he came back,

since everybody's talking about him around here.

Pathetic jobs, besides. He's going to end up killing for a purse.

So, if you know where to find him, help me to catch him and I'll leave you alone.

I'll tell my men to stop following you.

I admit former Major Capra is a brave man.

But this Kieffer is a coward. Do this fine gesture for us, Donetti.

My gestures are rarely fine, Superintendent....

especially when I'm asked to become an informer.

As for not being followed, your men don't bother me at all.

On the contrary, I feel safer with them around !

By the way, I don't think Lieutenant Kieffer is a coward.

He busted a vault on his own...

He killed a security guard that night...

One who wanted to act the hero.

Heroes die young... I ought to know that.

And if you want to be a guard dog, you have to accept the risks...

that come with your salary. Isn't that right ?

Yes, but is a pump attendant the same as a guard dog ?

I didn't read that Lieutenant Kieffer had killed a pump attendant.

He still robbed them.

What did he steal ? Gas money ?

With the government already taxing 80% of it, your pump attendants were already robbed !

Superintendent ?

I'm listening.

Lieutenant Kieffer has just been arrested.

Perfect. Bring him to my office. I'm waiting for you.

The respect you have for me has just collapsed.

I hope you'll get over it.

See you soon, Superintendent.

I never understood how this thing worked.

Give it a tap !

So... What next ?

My dear Maury, we just have to wait.

That could take forever.

- Hey, biker ! - What ?

10 bucks for you if you get me out of this shit.

- Glad to see you, Donetti. - Hello, Ma�tre.

- How is Major Capra doing ? - Fine...

- Cautiously. - He's right to be. I read the newspapers.

I'm here because of Lieutenant Kieffer.

- Capra wants to help him. - Clan's law.

Minorities law.

So, how can I help you ?

Kieffer has been caught red-handed. The trial's going to be quick.

Probably, yes.

Well... If Kieffer were to take the blame for something,

like a hold-up... that took place in a small provincial town...

What would happen ?

He'd be taken to this small town's prison, to be interrogated by the magistrate.

Sure... So find me a small town... with a "fragile" prison.

Do you understand me ?

It's easy to understand, when you know Major Capra.

It's an honor for me, and will give me the chance to tell you where things are heading.

No, not on the phone. We live in a merciless era, where the police can't even trust the police...

Yes, yes. Goodbye, my dear deputy.

I leave you in the hands of detective Louvel.

He's your friend, and will explain everything to you better than I could... Goodbye.

We expect that Capra will try to help you to escape whilst you're in this prison.

He's going to succeed. He's an ace at this kind of thing,

and we're going to make it easy anyway.

Luckily, I did everything necessary to fix your blunder.

- You'll thank me, you'll see. - It's already done !

Oh, don't be in a huff with me over a small scratch like this !

Without the pump attendant jobs, we would never have got you onto Donetti again.

Such good luck for you that he mistook you for Kieffer.

Who could have imagined that ?

If it's successful, it'll be me who has to politely knock on your office door.

And don't forget Isabelle. Women don't like losers.

- And where is the true Lieutenant Kieffer ? - Probably in Venezuela. Or dead.

- It's a risk... - A risk ? ! For whom ?

Come on, Raoul. I'd like to be in your shoes.

Here, let's drink to it.

We'll explain everything about Kieffer's past to you, before your transfer.

You really must walk in his shoes.

And don't forget:

as soon as you can get hold of a weapon, you shoot Capra. You shoot on sight !

If you can't, you call us.

See, it's quite simple: the first weapon, or the first phone.

Capra knows too much and the political boat doesn't like to be rocked.

You'll be in that prison in three days. Then, you just have to wait.

- Lucky devil ! Don't you drink ? - No.

No mayonnaise, Fran�ois, you know I have a capricious liver !

And tell Roger not to forget my bottle of Morland ! Thanks !

What was the name of your guy ? I have no memory for names.

Maury... Raoul Maury. An unlucky fellow.

Two years ago, he stuck his nose in a narcotics case,

but the dealer turned out to be the nephew of a minister.

So they tried to hush up the case,

but Maury persisted, and they had to hush him up.

He lost his police officer status. He's now just an archivist.

If he succeeds, he won't get any complaints from the politicians.

What one minister undoes, another minister can redo. We don't have one-way justice !

As long as it serves the interests of the country.

And it's difficult to serve the interests of the country,

without starting to serve the interests of those who govern.

Come on. Don't be rebellious, Superintendent !

This side of justice is as old as the hills.

Drug trafficking is of course a plague,

but you can't discount the whole political structure of a country because of 25 grams of heroin !

You see, your Maury should have remembered what Napoleon said:

"The art of police work is not to see what it is pointless to see".

- I'll remember that, my dear deputy. - Do so. Remember it and use it,

before all that ends up in Sainte-H�l�ne - you never know !

Shit ! A motorcyclist's down !

Get out !

Don't move.

Leave it... Go, now. Go, I said !

You cost me a lot, Lieutenant Kieffer.

Those four men were my friends.

I'm not an expert at funeral orations; we can just say they were bound to end up like this.

I have a habit, Lieutenant. I never let a man down if he's worthy.

Thanks for the compliment.

It's not a compliment, it's a conviction.

Nowadays, a man ends up in the cemetery or in prison,

but never on an electoral board.

I'll leave you alone for a moment; I have to talk to Donetti.

Useless to ask you to ignore the phone.

I have nobody to call.

If it was only a resemblance, it would be huge...

Yet, there was no roadblock.

- There's something fishy... - Don't worry.

- Hello, Lieutenant Kieffer. - Hello.

My name's Cora. I'm Pierre's friend... Major Capra.

Sit down.

- Are you thirsty ? - Yes, thanks.

- Cognac, whisky ? - Cognac.

Thanks.

- Has Pierre asked you not to use the phone ? - Yes. I have no reason to use it anyway.

Perfect, then.

Lieutenant, do you know what Donetti was just saying to me ?

That he was no longer so sure of your identity.

- You must admit that it would be a bitter mistake. - So ?

So, when Donetti met you in this bar, you could be either Kieffer, or just some random fellow.

After the pump attendant jobs, there are only two possibilities left:

either you're Kieffer, or you're a cop.

I told you worthy men were rare. You thanked me for the compliment.

I'd like to have your word, as a man, that you are Kieffer.

Even if that man is a cop ?

You have my word.

Welcome to our place.

Who are you ? Who are you ?

- Who did you try to call ? - But I told you that...

Who did you try to call ? Who ?

Bastard ! Who ?

- My wife ! - Your wife ! That's a new one !

- What's her address ? - That's not your concern.

Oh yes, it is !

Give us the address, or it's the last time you'll see yourself in a mirror.

- Yes or no ? - No !

I'll find it out, anyway.

Pick up the lemons.

He told you to pick up the lemons.

Cora. I'll need you for a car, tomorrow.

- OK ? - Of course.

How dare you ask me if it's OK ?

You're chasing pipe dreams, you know ? I was in Latin America.

Guerillas are possible there. But here, minorities are self-condemned.

Only the masses can triumph.

Right now, I get them... I know too much about some of our little kings.

If I wanted to, some crowns could fall.

But they have thousands of cops to shoot you. All their special forces.

- Until now... - Until now, you had an army around you.

Today, you have nobody left.

You like to feel the touch of death, right ?

- You too. - Oh, no.

Especially not now.

You know, I'd like it if we could leave. Go as far away as possible.

Quickly.

I still have some unfinished business. After, I promise I'll think about it.

- You promise ? - Yes.

You really promise ?

The tank is full and the papers are in the glove compartment.

- Donetti... - Yes ?

Since we've been together, this is the first time I've been afraid.

We've been through worse situations than this.

With the faces you're pulling, you could make an undertaker cry.

Your troops are down, Major !

Everything's going to be OK.

I decided to trust you... well, moderately.

A sort of cease-fire... Anyway, the situation calls for it.

Sorry for yesterday... We have to leave this place.

I have something urgent to do... Urgent and dangerous.

If you want, you can be part of it.

- OK. - Thank you.

Too bad we have to leave... We were safe here.

This place belongs to an extravagant friend, one who never talks.

He has a passion for those animals that look like him: the silent ones. You recognise them ?

- Indochina. - Exactly.

And this one - do you recognize it ?

All the Indochina vets know his name.

It's a river snake, as common back there as eel are here.

The erpeton ! Don't you remember the erpeton ?

- Sure, I'd forgotten it. - That happens...

- But now, you remember, right ? - Yes, yes.

- Deadly ? - No.

- Take it. - Is that your cease-fire ?

Take it.

Congratulations. You have guts.

And does Major Capra... have guts too ?

Sometimes, I wonder if you really are Major Capra.

Wait... Give me your raincoat.

- Wait. - What's wrong now ?

Don't get mad. You're always nervous... you never smile.

What's wrong with you ? Are you trying to hide something ?

OK. Get in.

Where are we going ?

I'm hungry.

I'm hungry ! Hungry ! Eat !

Can you understand that ? I'm hungry !

We're going to stop somewhere.

Say, where were you before Venezuela ?

Before Venezuela, I was doing a show at the 'Folies Berg�res', with a feather stuck in my ass.

Do that again and I give you my word we're going to have a great time together.

Next time you mess up, you're dead meat. So, where were you before Venezuela ?

- Marseilles. - I know. The bank job.

- Before ? - Biafra.

- What corps ? - Expeditionary 203.

- From where ? - Cameroon.

- And before ? - Fuck !

And before Cameroon ?

Before Cameroon, I had never met an asshole like you. You're really starting to piss me off !

- Stop fighting ! - Scum...

I'll go take a leak.

Aren't you coming with me ?

Forget it.

Did you notice that guy ?

A snack... On secondary road 118, after Melun.

A white Mercedes, 250 SE, registration number 99 05 XN 75... probably fake.

He's taking his time over that leak...

OK. Goodbye, Superintendent... Wait...

I'd like people at my place, to protect Isabelle.

Pay the bill.

- Well, I'm going to have a cognac. - No.

- Why ? - Because I need a man, not a sponge. Come on.

Nice car...

What make is it ?

- A Mercedes ? - A 2CV Citro�n !

It drives nicely...

- Is it fast ? - That depends.

I got one. But not like this. An older one...

What year is it ?

If we set up a roadblock, Capra's going to ram it.

It would be bad with Maury inside the car.

Capra is a threat for many people, Superintendent, if you understand what I mean.

I understand very well, but Maury is with them.

And he has a lot of credit for doing it.

You are his friend, Louvel. What do you think ?

I think that unfortunately, Superintendent, my friendship with Maury is secondary in this case.

- Sir ? - Give me the 27 18 04.

Fuck !

Bastards ! Bunch of bastards !

Good shot ! Now I know I'm really dealing with Lieutenant Kieffer.

Who told them ? Who told them ?

I'm Kieffer, Lieutenant Kieffer !

You're forgetting about Donetti, you fool !

Donetti ! Donetti !

- What's wrong ? Are you hurt ? - It's nothing. Come on.

- We have to run, before they come back. - No, stop !

Don't shoot. It could have been the guy from the snack bar who fingered us.

Come on.

Do you want to stop for a while ? - Yes.

Donetti !

- If you gave us up, I'll find out. - Leave me alone.

Let's go back. Together, by foot.

Now: you and me, we stick together.

Let's go.

Did you call me ?

This lady owns a restaurant and says a customer forgot this raincoat.

There are passport photos in the pocket. Did this customer get a home delivery ?

Yes, I took it to him myself. He lives nearby.

Give me the address and I'll take it to him.

- If you want, we can... - No, no problem.

It looks like your corps in Biafra wasn't used to forced marches.

- By the way, doesn't it seem funny to you ? - What ?

We were fighting for one thing in Biafra, and for something totally the opposite in Chad.

Chance...

One day on one side, the next day on the other...

Hunter, prey... No one will ever know why, besides.

- Chance... and certain interests... - Interests ?

Do you really think we act just for money ? It's more about the lifestyle.

Come on. It's too cold to stay here.

- Come on. - I can't walk in these fucking shoes !

Cop or military, whichever, they must have taught you the difference between a dictatorship and a democracy ?

If we were in a dictatorship, I would tell you: "Walk or I'll kill you !"

But, since we are in a democracy, I'll let you choose: You'd prefer to walk ? Or would you prefer that I shoot you ?

What I'd prefer, would be not to hear your bullshit anymore ! Let's go.

- I can't walk... - Get going !

- I don't even know... - Come on, get going.

Drive.

- You'll stop when I'll tell you. - But...

After the bend, there's a guy waiting by the road.

Go faster.

Faster !

Here.

- Is this car good enough for you ? - Come on, stop it...

My feet are killing me...

Pierre !

I found him. But I think they're watching his house.

Where is Donetti ?

Somebody gave us up.

It's not possible !

You're going to leave. Go back to where we met. - But why ?

I'm afraid someday the borders won't be safe for you.

When you get there, put an ad in the newspaper, to let me know everything's OK.

- And you ? - I'll meet you there soon.

- You're a fine animal, G�rard. - I'll take that as a compliment, thanks.

Usually, women aren't very forthcoming with compliments.

You're over-proud. I meant you're a strange animal.

Isn't it a problem for you, having sex with your best friend's wife ?

Coming from you, the question is quite tasty ! Is that humour ?

You wouldn't find me so attractive if I wasn't Raoul's wife.

You think I'm a bit of a sadistic sort, right ?

I don't think that you like anybody.

You only want to dominate.

You're wrong, Isabelle: I care for you.

Even if that were true, it wouldn't lead anywhere.

I can't leave Raoul.

It doesn't matter; just rely on Major Capra.

Sooner or later, he's going to find out who this so-called Lieutenant Kieffer is...

Who he really is.

What you're saying is horrible.

I'm just saying what you're thinking. You always told me you wanted to change your life.

Right ? You'll cash the bonus and buy a new car...

Actually, you don't care about Capra... or about me.

What you want is to see Raoul fail in his mission.

Thanks for the military saint.

I know who you are.

Come on. Call your bosses.

Isn't that what you want to do ?

They ordered you to kill me to avoid a trial, right ?

Do it.

Show me what you got.

- Is this one safe to drink ? - No.

It doesn't matter anymore that you're a cop. You're free to choose.

Perhaps it would be boring if everybody was on the same side.

But I don't want to end up with a bullet in my back.

I don't trust you - you drink first.

What do you plan to do ?

What can one man do ?

And if you weren't alone anymore, silly major, what would you do then ?

- Is your book interesting ? - Yes, it's not bad...

- What is it about ? - It's a story...

- A cop story ? - No.

What then ?

A guy and a girl...

- A love story, then ? - No, not really.

And it's interesting anyway ?

- Do you want to read it ? - Oh, no...

Can you pass me the sugar, please ?

Can't you watch out ?

Oh, shit !

You're vile !

My congratulations.

I don't deserve them - if you spend a lot of time with thugs, you eventually become one.

He was our colonel. Three years ago, he fingered us.

We were hiding in a farm. What a scumbag !

A nice present for his new bosses.

I never criticize anyone's political philosophies, whether it be Mao's or the Pope's,

or that of any of the other Santa Clauses we cling to, from the day we're born.

What I can't stand is the betrayal of friendship.

I never had a friend to betray... until now.

- But now... - Now ?

Are you sure your colonel's going to be here ?

He's the owner's brother-in-law. He never misses a reception.

The problem is the muscle men. To disarm them, we'll have to aim at the crowd.

- We'll put the masks on at the last minute. - Why wear masks ?

For you.

Did you find Cora's ad ?

What does she say ?

Not to forget Rio.

You really want to go back there ?

Drive.

- Where are the toilets ? - In the corner.

Your masks are funny !

Nobody move !

You're not bad as a thug.

How did you know I was a cop ?

I was at your place.

I can describe your house. A green gate, a dog, one tree in the garden,

wallpaper with purple flowers on your bedroom walls.

- You went so far ? - Of course.

I also saw your wife...

totally naked... She has a beauty spot on her left tit.

What you don't know is what she had on top of her belly.

A guy... A friend of yours.

His name's G�rard.

He had a dream: he was hoping I'd kill you.

See ? Friendship is only an illusion, like all other ideologies.

Happy man !

No, thanks.

- You look worried. - Not at all, Superintendent...

By the way, I told those in high places that they shouldn't ask you...

about your last moments with Capra.

Cheers.

Cheers, sir.

Sir...

Our hero ! So, Raoul...

Wasn't I right to bawl you out ?

- Yes. - Your future looks quite promising.

Admit it's better than this, eh ?

- Raoul, where are you going ? - Leave him alone.

Come on, ugly one !

They say Kieffer was living in Venezuela. What about going there ?

Translated by: Aquasantajoe Revisions and Timing: Lord Retsudo