Original subtitles

I don't want to go back in there.

It's a job, Philippe.

Get on with it.

Sickening.

Worst I've ever seen.

I'm going to throw up.

Well don't do it here.

Don't step in the blood.

- How can I help it?

Dear god.

It's frenzied butchery.

They even cut his heart out, inspector.

- Is there a weapon?

- There's a knife on the floor by the second body.

There had to be something heavier than that knife

to leave them in this condition.

- What kind of lunatic could be responsible for this?

- I've questioned the immediate neighbors

but I haven't found out much.

The couple's originally Italian, but they've been living

here in Paris for years.

- It's all over now.

The bad people have gone.

You're safe, you can come out.

That's it.

Don't be afraid.

No need to be frightened anymore.

You have to be a brave girl.

It's all right.

I'm here now.

Rome, 12 years later.

- Nice, was it?

- Yes.

It always is with you.

You're...

Beautiful.

- Do you think so?

- Yes, or I wouldn't say it.

Haven't you ever thought you could be doing something else?

- No.

What else?

To give pleasure is a vocation for me.

- A vocation, eh?

- Absolutely.

Madame's always telling us working in a brothel's

like living in a convent.

You need faith, and mine is in love.

- Well...

Madame is an extremely clever lady,

making her girls swallow a story like that.

- She bullies us to work hard.

Still, she does make sure we're well looked after.

- What she's actually doing is protecting her investment.

- Meaning?

- What's it matter?

If you're content.

Let's go back down.

- Want to show me?

- No, I won't.

Ow, that hurt!

- Fear can be utterly irrational,

something we can't explain.

It can lie in our subconscious

even though there's no actual reason,

and for certain people it becomes

an uncontrollable obsession.

A sickness that originates in infancy.

- Let's go back upstairs.

- Soon.

Only a weakling could succumb to that.

Or someone who's unbalanced already.

I know I wouldn't.

It just takes strong will-power.

- You'll feel safe here tonight,

but in places which can dig into a man's imagination,

you tell another story.

Take, for instance, the new wax museum.

I've been told that its dark interior

creates spine chilling terror.

- And yet there couldn't really be anything

that would justify feeling that terror.

- That's my point,

although I don't think you'd take such

a cavalier attitude if you were in there

for a night on your own.

- They're lifeless effigies,

so I can't imagine they'd threaten me.

- Well then, I'll bet you that you don't have

the courage to stay there the night alone.

- I don't doubt I'd win that bet.

But why spend a whole night there instead of in a bed,

enjoying you and your vocation?

- I'll bet you 20 lire.

- 20 lire?

- We can spend so many nights together with that.

- 20 lire?

- If you insist.

- Here.

No last minute doubts, Luca?

Remember, there's nothing to be afraid of.

- I'm going to do it to make an ass of Giovanni.

And besides, I can't wait to spend the money.

- I ought to go back now or madame

will be angry with me for sneaking out of the house.

- No, wait,

to make sure I go in. You'll be my witness.

Tomorrow, you tell them you saw it with your own eyes.

- And then I'll take the winnings

and we can drink champagne all night long.

- Yes, till tomorrow.

- Sleep well.

He must have been locked in

when we closed last night.

- At this stage,

I'd say he was literally frightened to death.

If one of the mechanical effigies moved suddenly,

that could have done it.

So your preliminary diagnosis is

that he suffered a heart attack.

- Yes.

He was young and may not have even known

that he had a heart condition.

- And that?

What's the Mark on his neck?

- I don't have an explanation for that so far.

- Thank you, doctor.

You can move him now.

Give me a hand.

- Right.

You take his feet.

- The quality of the hair is below standard.

- Signore volkoff.

Boris volkoff?

This young man, did you know him?

- Not that I'm aware of.

- You have no idea, I assume,

what he was doing in the museum?

- No.

- Last night,

I locked the museum entrance doors as usual

after checking no one was here.

I can't think how he got in.

It's not that easy to break in.

- Apparently he did it somehow.

Tell me, where does that door lead?

- To my laboratory.

- I confess, I'm surprised.

I didn't expect the studio of an artist such as you

to look like this.

It's more like a scientist's laboratory,

which in fact is what you called it.

I think of myself as a researcher.

- And what exactly are you researching?

- Perfection,

which is what all artists strive to achieve.

I'm using techniques new to the artistic world.

- Successfully?

- You must judge that.

Look at the exhibits in the gallery.

- I can't deny I'm very impressed.

- I would call them masterpieces, inspector.

That is not arrogance.

- Thanks for your cooperation.

I know where to find you should I need you again.

- Delighted to be of service to you.

- Didn't I tell you they'd employ me?

- You always have all the luck.

- There's another candidate out here.

Have you any experience as a costume designer?

- No, but...

I've worked for my aunt for many years.

She owns a dress shop here in the city.

- Did you create these fashions?

- Yes.

- I'm sorry, but the position we advertised

has now been filled.

Though, if you wish to leave your address

for the future, just in case she's not satisfactory.

- Oh.

- What's your name?

- Sonia,

signore.

- Sonia.

You can begin work tomorrow.

Nine o'clock.

- Oh, I'm sorry.

Did it blind you?

You'll be all right in a second, forgive me.

I should just say, I work for the "messagero."

You know, somebody apparently died of fright in the museum.

I'm writing an article about it, I can't get an interview.

No one will talk to me.

Do you work here?

- Yes.

From tomorrow.

- Well, in that case, will you help me?

Would you persuade the curator to let me take some photos?

- But I hardly know him yet.

I'm not really in a position to ask...

- Of course, I understand.

I shouldn't have asked, I'm sorry.

My car is just outside, may I drive you home?

- Thank you, but I think I can find my own way there.

- But I can't unless you give me your address.

- And why should I give it to you?

- Because I took your photo.

You might like a copy of it.

Do you have any change to spare, signore?

- Go away.

Just a minute.

Come back.

Like to tell me what your name is?

- Anna.

- Anna.

You're very pretty.

Judy hasn't given me any money,

and so I'm going to give her a good beating.

- See what happens now.

Watch carefully.

Don't you think that's cruel?

She doesn't deserve to be beaten.

So watch out, children.

- I don't think it's fair, do you?

Well, it's not too serious, I suppose.

Well done.

Very good performance.

- Thank you, children, thank you.

Something for the showman.

Thank you, my dear.

You're very kind.

Thank you, madam.

Oh, aren't you a generous little girl, thank you.

Ah!

As Judy said, if you play with a sword, boy,

in the end you'll get hurt.

- Thank you.

All right?

Does it taste good?

Let's go.

- Here we are.

My little nest.

Come on.

Will you undress or shall I do it for you?

- That's not why I'm here.

- Don't tell me this is your first time in a brothel?

- No, that's not the point.

- Well then, what do you want?

- Actually, I'd like to have a chat.

- I'm used to hearing confidences.

And when I have listened to all your worst troubles,

you'll let me make them go away.

Oh yes, that's better.

Right, let's talk.

And when you're relaxed,

- you leave the rest to me. - I write news stories.

I only want to ask some questions.

- Well, you'd better go and talk to madame.

- No, no.

The questions aren't about the business she's running.

You knew the young man who died

of heart failure in the wax museum?

- Luca?

- Luca.

- He was very generous.

- And what else was there about him?

- That depends on what it's worth.

- Well,

I'd say about that much,

if you've got anything interesting.

He was here that night, wasn't he?

Don't be afraid, it's only me.

- You startled me.

I imagined for a second a waxwork had touched me.

- Do they affect you so strongly?

- They're very life-like.

- Are you Italian?

- No, signore.

Though I've been in Italy for many years.

But really I'm parisian.

- Parisian?

I'm a native of Prague.

A magical city.

Have you ever been to Prague?

- Not since I was grown up.

We traveled a lot when I was small.

- No doubt even then

your hair was as soft as it is now.

I'm sure you were a pretty child.

Can't you be more careful?!

You've damaged it, you idiot!

Don't be angry.

Don't be angry, I beg you.

- I'm sorry, signore.

- You can always repair it, surely?

It's only a statue in wax.

- Perhaps to others.

They may be wax models to others but not to me!

- Ciao!

- That was childish.

It wasn't just a mistake like last time.

- I'm sorry.

- What is that poster?

- It's to advertise a film.

"The man with the face of wax."

I wondered if you'd see it with me.

I'm sure you'd enjoy it.

- I might have, but after this trick you played on me

I've lost all interest.

- Let me walk you home then.

Wait!

- Soon, very soon now we'll open our doors to the public.

And my art will finally be revealed to the world.

The death of that young man

has given us publicity that's very welcome.

It must be exploited.

I will create a new scene,

"mortal fear."

Alex.

There are candidates other than Sonia.

You pig, get out of the house!

I'll go when I want to, not when you say so!

I won't let you use our daughter to beg

so you can pay for your disgusting habits!

The only thing I ever hear you say is,

"I want another drink!"

And is that so surprising with a nag like you

waiting to welcome me home at night?

Not much longer, I'm leaving you!

I'm taking Anna with me!

And if I have my way, you'll never see her again.

I mean it! I mean it!

We'll see what the police have to say about that.

They know you hit her.

They know you hit me!

You don't deserve a beautiful daughter like her.

You've never done a decent day's work in your life!

Shut up!

- What's the matter, can't you take the truth?

You're a weak, pathetic excuse for a man, I hate you!

Get out!

Get out!

Anna?

Anna!

How old was she?

- Her mother says she's 13, her father says a year younger,

but they're so distressed

it isn't surprising they can't agree.

Let me have a scalpel.

- Have you any idea what killed her?

- That's what I'm about to find out.

She's alive, for heaven's sake!

- Our pathologist found a puncture Mark on her neck.

Her attacker injected her with a drug

which none of our chemists have succeeded in identifying.

In effect, it slows the heart almost to zero.

We have, I would say, an incident containing

the elements for a great news story.

- Have you any idea who might have done it?

- No, none whatever.

And my superiors aren't letting me

have all the resources which I need.

- And you hope that good press coverage

will increase general awareness

and that they can't resist public opinion?

- Ouite so.

I count on you to make that point.

- And there aren't any problems in getting to the girl?

- No.

Money to her parents will open their door.

But I'd just as soon not know that you'd talked to them.

I haven't done anything!

I don't see why you've arrested me!

- His huge hand round my throat was hard.

He was hurting me.

- And was there anything else?

- Yes, the hand was cold.

- It was cold.

Cold like metal?

- Come, Anna, tell us.

He's a reporter.

Your story will be in the paper.

- Anna.

Do you have anything else to tell me?

- I was trying to call out.

There was along needle and I felt it go in.

Then there was nothing.

- Thank you.

I'd like to take your photograph now.

Do you mind?

Keep very still.

- Are you all right, Sonia?

- I had the nightmare again, auntie.

- I'm not sure that it was a good idea

to work in the museum.

- You protected me against my own terror for too long.

I have to face the world again one day or else go insane.

I must have courage.

- My darling.

- "Please send all information on Sonia lafont."

Paris, right?

- I didn't think you would succeed.

- In what area?

- In keeping this job.

For months, Boris refused to employ

anyone as costume assistant.

No doubt you've noticed he's very nervous

when there are strangers around?

- I'm no longer a stranger.

Have you known him long?

- For more than 10 years.

He took me up when I was alone.

My father...

Beat me until I bled.

My skin carries the scars

and my heart carries the hate,

which I shall always bear him.

Boris has been good to me, never beaten me.

Without him, I would scarcely exist.

My life has purpose since I became his student.

And I'm his only true assistant, don't forget that.

- I was so terrified I couldn't breathe.

Blood drenching everything.

Oh, god, it was horrible.

And that metallic hand...

Those long terrible talons on it...

I have nightmares still in which I see them.

And so...

When I...

When I read your article...

- It made you feel you could tell me.

Though I have to admit,

I hope you'd have told me anyway.

- I don't know why...

Why I'm telling you all this.

Nobody else has heard it.

- Maybe it's just my honest face.

- Yes, I trust you.

But...

I know nothing about you.

- Well, we could...

We could remedy that.

- Would you like me to send Arabella to you, signore?

- Maria.

- Fine.

- I really must say, these models are very convincing.

I wouldn't have thought it possible

to produce such realistic wax figures.

- I'm very flattered.

I'm glad you like them so much.

- This is a reporter on the "messagero."

He's come to interview you.

- Many thanks, Sonia.

- Your effigies are very beautiful.

The paper would love some photographs.

- No, I don't think so.

I'm not at all confident photographs

would do justice to my work.

- Didn't you see the notices

requesting you not to touch the statues?

- Look, Sonia.

Many years ago, this was worn

by the most beautiful of women.

No one has worn it since.

- It's very lovely.

That's why it's for you.

- For me?

A tribute deserved.

- It's finished, Boris.

An effigy to rival all the rest.

- He's very good.

- Marvelous, Alex.

You've done well.

And now, all we need is a victim worthy of Jack the ripper.

- I have an idea...

Who that might be.

Perfect, I think.

- "Come to this address, I want you now."

- Thank you.

- Generous as always.

- See you in a month.

- You will.

- Elene?

- Yes?

- I need your help.

I want to meet a lover, just for an hour.

- Who is he?

- Read this note.

- Your admirer is anonymous, giorgina.

- Mm-hmm.

I'm sure I know who sent it, though.

Would you take my regular Wednesday client?

- You know madame makes it a rule

never to disappoint a personal client.

- Just this once.

- Once too often.

- You can pretend I've gone to the doctor, I feel ill.

- Then go.

- "Be clever and quick."

That's our motto after all.

Thanks, ciao!

I've come.

It's giorgina.

Where are you?

Naughty boy, are you hiding?

- You're pathetic!

Your wax statues and inventions, who cares about them?!

Who's interested?!

No one!

You couldn't even see that your wife has a real man now!

No!

- No!

- Did you hear?

- What, Sonia?

- I heard a noise.

- It'd be your aunt.

- She wouldn't come here on a Sunday.

Anyone there?

The photo you took of me is gone.

Who'd want it?

- Please.

Go on, Elena.

- It's four days since anybody saw her.

I'm certain that something awful has happened.

- It's possible she decided she wanted a rest.

- No, she'd have told me.

Surely she wouldn't just have gone.

Besides, she left all her clothes in her wardrobe.

- I'm not the person to speak to.

There's somebody you could see up on the next floor.

He'll need a photo.

- Well, I have one.

I know it's not appropriate exactly,

but look, it's the only one I have.

The photo is artistic.

It was taken by a client, a count.

- Count or not, I don't think we'll feature this.

Perhaps if it's cropped.

It's the face we'd need.

As for the rest...

Listen,

speak to Rudolfo.

Tell him I sent you.

- Thank you.

- Then I want you to come back.

There's something bizarre about this, don't you think?

- Well, you aren't going to take photos of them all?

- Why, are we in a hurry?

- Yes, I'm scared.

- Of what?

Go and stand by count Ugolino, he won't eat you, go on.

- We haven't got time to play around, come on.

- Spoil-sport. - Hurry up, Andrea.

I was stupid to let myself be talked into this.

I mean, I'll lose my job if they find out.

I'll be thrown out, thanks to you.

- Look on the bright side,

it's generally acknowledged

no girl can resist my attraction.

If you do lose your job, I'll take you on

as a wife and mother.

- I'm being serious, Andrea.

Please take your photos and get them out of here.

And you promise not to publish anything?

- Yes, I know, don't worry.

I've told you these pictures are only for my scrapbook.

No one else will see them.

- Hurry!

What?

- I'm sure I recognize her.

Different hair coloring, but...

It's her.

- Who is she?

She was a prosti...

Well, the same as this statue, I suppose.

- You said "was," as if the girl was dead.

- Seems that she disappeared.

I talked to her friend who was seriously concerned.

She thought that something dreadful had happened to her.

What a strange coincidence.

- There is an explanation.

Boris's models are based on people he's observed.

And Alex draws their portrait.

He may have known her, so he used her.

- Open it.

- Excuse me. - Sonia.

- Marie antoinette's dress.

- Let me see.

- Do you like it?

-Abit...

Too pale.

I thought that it'd go well with the other...

-Soma!

It's all right, don't be afraid.

What happened?

What on earth upset you?

Open your eyes.

Feeling better?

Talk to me.

Sonia.

You feel better?

Let me help you.

Up you get.

You fainted.

It's fine.

- It's all right.

How stupid, I'm sorry.

It's all over now.

How did you copy the details so exactly?

What do you mean?

- I still can't quite catch my breath.

If it's all right, I'd prefer to go home.

- Do.

Something odd's going on there.

But what?

- Could you give a man a coin or two?

I'm out of luck.

- No.

No!

No!

- Don't try to use it too much.

In a month you'll be fine.

- Did you recognize the lunatic who did it?

No.

- Inspector, think of a way to protect my niece.

Madame,

I've thought of little else for 13 years.

- And since then, Sonia's lived with me.

- I think better with a little more light.

- I beg your pardon, inspector.

I'm used to living in darkness,

I sometimes forget it's not the same for everybody else.

Afall from an over-frisky stallion blinded me.

The despair I suffered at first has receded with the years.

Now the only pain which doesn't go is the feeling

that I haven't been able to carry out my promise.

- What promise?

- I swore on the grave of my sister

I'd look after Sonia and protect her with my life.

I was all she had.

Now she's all I have.

- May we discuss your sister?

- Marta had got married when she was 17.

A man called volk, a mangy type.

Dabbled in alchemy.

Did experiments into heaven knows what.

In a few months, she saw all too clearly

that the marriage was a mistake.

She was saved when volk died in an accident.

She'd already met Victor.

- When did she start living in Paris?

- She went after the death of volk.

- And is Sonia...

Volk's daughter...

Or Victor's?

- Do you approve, inspector lanvin?

- How do you know me?

- You worked on the murders in Paris.

I know your name from then.

All the papers printed your photo, you haven't changed.

- You have a good memory.

We seem to share that characteristic, at least.

- And there many be other interests we have in common.

- This slaughter in Paris, for example?

- Is my representation accurate?

- Yes, very.

Too exact almost.

- All artists try to aim for perfection.

- Yes, but it's so detailed.

I don't think any paper gave some particular facts,

such as the iron hand which is featured here

and about which only the killer could know.

- That was dramatic license, I admit.

My motive to include the iron hand

came out of a different case.

A girl was attacked, and talked about an "iron hand."

- And supposing she imagined it or lied?

- What's the connection to Paris?

- There was such a hand.

It was seen by a child

who personally witnessed the killings.

Her survival is among the facts never reported in the press.

But it's why I am still investigating the case

after so many years.

- Ah, Sonia.

I'm glad to see you're looking better.

This is inspector lanvin.

You haven't already met, have you?

- No.

He's never given up and finally thinks

he's found the lunatic who killed my family 12 years ago.

- But can't you identify him?

- All I saw of him was that terrifying hand.

I didn't see his face at all.

- Well, suppose he's right,

suppose his suspicion that the killer

was your mother's first husband is correct.

Judging by all I've heard,

he must be much older than your employer

at the museum is now.

- Even so, the inspector is absolutely convinced

he has the right man.

- It's only suspicion.

Suspicion's not enough, what you need is proof.

- Of course we do, he knows that.

Which is why he wants us to work together.

I can do certain things to unsettle Boris.

- Can you?

What, precisely?

What have you done?

I told you not to touch her!

- I had to.

She came between us.

- You're a maniac!

You're a maniac!

A bastard lunatic!

There's lots of work to be done here.

You will have to stay late in the evenings.

After what's happened,

you must not walk alone at night.

It's dangerous.

This house is big enough.

I'm suggesting you sleep here when it's necessary

to work later into the evening.

I'm sorry, the last thing I want is to frighten you.

I propose a toast.

To your health.

- Forgive me.

How stupid of me, I'm so clumsy.

Give me your other glove.

I'll take them home to wash them

and bring them back tomorrow.

Don't worry.

Lanvin will make sure that I'm not put in danger.

- I don't have your key here,

you must have left it up in your room.

Here.

- Who are you?

Don't I recognize you?

- Let me through, I'm here to speak to one of the guests.

- You noticed nothing strange?

- No, nothing.

He left his key in his room when he went out,

which could happen.

I hold a duplicate to all the rooms and I gave him one.

- I suppose no one called on him later?

- I'm grateful, thanks.

I'm here to see inspector lanvin.

Oh my god, it's true.

- Why did you want to see inspector lanvin?

- Can't I persuade you to have some coffee?

Thank you.

- I feel terrified by lanvin's death.

Your friend, inspector palazzi questioned me

for over an hour but I don't think

he believed a single thing I said.

- Why should he believe it?

They didn't find anything

which connects Boris with lanvin's murder.

- Nevertheless, I know lanvin was killed by Boris!

Don't ask how, but I know it.

- It's irrational, Sonia.

But I'm worried even so.

Say there's truth in what you suspect.

You're in terrible danger if there is.

In any case, you mustn't go back to the museum.

Go away, just for a while.

- Andrea, what difference would that make?

He must surely have guessed who I am,

so I'm not safe anywhere.

- Just promise me that at least

you won't set foot in the museum again.

- Those are veins!

How can they be real veins?

My god, they're corpses!

Palazzi has to see them urgently.

Hand them to him as soon as he gets here.

He can reach me at my office.

- All right.

Something's happened to her.

You must find her.

What time does she usually get home?

- She leaves the museum at eight,

so she gets home at the latest by 8:30.

- Signora, we've met, I'm Andrea.

Why are you here? What's happened?

- Sonia didn't come home last night.

- What do you want here at this hour?

- I want Sonia!

Sonia's disappeared!

- Why come here to me?

I haven't seen her for days.

- Hurt her and I swear I'll kill you!

I'm not listening to this!

Get out, or otherwise...

- Or what, huh?

You'll bring the police here?

And maybe you'll explain why

your wax models are actually human corpses,

and this is a morgue?!

- What nonsense!

What laughable nonsense.

- That's a voice I'll never forget.

I'd recognize it among a thousand!

Boris volk.

Boris volk.

- You aren't mistaken?

You're quite certain?

- I remember that voice and the pain it caused.

Boris volk.

- Don't touch me!

- Are you all right?

- Sonia.

- Rescue Sonia. - I'll come back.

- Andrea?

- How beautiful you are.

You're as beautiful as your mother.

- No.

- Perhaps even lovelier.

Once it was so different.

Even then my art was touched by genius.

But now it has a new dimension.

The world refused to recognize me then,

now it will be forced to do so.

My gentle sensitivity was mocked,

despised as ineffectual weakness.

People wanted only violence and terror.

All right, I could give them that.

No one has expressed pain and sorrow as I have done

because I carried a vast store inside me.

That sorrow I bestow on the wax figures.

And so in their moment of death I Grant immortality.

I honor those who, like me,

were cast out by society, reviled by it.

Go to her.

See what she has been brought to.

- And now you are mine.

Only mine, marta, forever.

- No.

- I'll never let you hurt me again,

like my father.

You thought of me as your creature,

but I am not!

Burn!

In hell!

You'll have to try to get out through the exit at the far end of the room!

Don't stop for anything!

- Have to go that way! - But there's no choice, let's go now!

- Wait 'til they get the door open!

- Come on, quickly!

Now or never!

- Come on, Sonia.

Now, let's go.

- For god's sake, hurry!

The ceiling's alight!

Come on!

Come on!

Shield your eyes and keep going! Just keep going!

It's all right. Don't be frightened, we'll get out.

- Andrea!