All language subtitles for Juste avant la nuit

Charles

Charles

Come and play

Come and play or I'll make you pay

If you knew what I've done...

If you only knew

- I deserve the worst
- Please...

Who are you?

You're here to kill me

Kill me

Why is your hand around my neck?

The traces must be removed

Please, sir...

...take off my medallion

I've had it since my first communion

Idiot

Have no fear, Mr Thief

I'll submit to anything you want

JUST BEFORE NIGHTFALL

- Sir?
- Whisky, please

- Perrier with that?
- No, thanks

Another, please

Charles

What's the matter? Are you incognito?

No. My eyes ache since morning

It's funny that you know this bar

No, I happened to be passing by,
I was thirsty

I came to see the lawyer
about my father's estate

I could have given you a lift
this morning if I'd known

We could have lunched together

I tried to get Laura at the shop,
she was out

Your dark glasses make an impression

It's not so pleasant

I'm blind with them,
but they do help my eyes

Be careful

I ended up having lunch alone
in a dump near the lawyer

Very gloomy

I had lunch alone as well

If you're through, I'll take you back

- What have they got in their skulls?
- Sawdust

Funny we should meet in that caf�

Why don't you have a car?

I'm prejudiced.
It would be the end of everything

- Doesn't H�l�ne mind?
- H�l�ne?

She couldn't care less.
She has her motorcycle

The truth is
you're completely eccentric

Maybe

It's true, your eyes are red

You should see an oculist

It's getting better

- Evening, Jeannot
- Evening, M. Tellier, M. Masson

Have you seen my wife?
She was bringing you a poker

Yes. A poker and a pair of bellows.
She hasn't passed by yet

Two small whiskies

Whiskies for the gentlemen

You don't look well, M. Masson

I'm tired. Too much work

Have a drink with us. You too, madam

M. Masson is offering us a drink

Can't say no to that, M. Masson

Answer it. I'll serve

- It's for you, M. Tellier
- For me?

- Yes, it's your maid. It's urgent
- OK, I'm coming

I spoke to my friend about your son

He'll try and see him next week

That's really nice of you.
He'd love to work in Paris

- Here's to you
- Cheers

- What is it?
- Laura had an accident

I'm going back to Paris

Want me to come with you?

H�l�ne will be expecting you. Thanks

- Run over?
- I'm afraid so

- Nothing serious, I hope
- Thanks, Jeannot

- Call as soon as possible
- OK

- Don't you want me to come?
- No, Charles. Don't worry

Everything all right?

We've bought some flour
to make a cake

See you later. Hang on

See you later on

They're making a cake

- Aren't you going to help?
- No

Josephine, is the chocolate melting?

No, not much

There you are.
You certainly took your time

I was strolling along...

We're making a chocolate cake

- What does the recipe say?
- It says, "Take your time"

There wasn't enough flour left

I phoned the office at 4:00.
You were out

I had people to see

Making chocolate cakes
isn't so straightforward

You can't do it just like that

Look at this

What is it?

Laura has had an accident

- Serious?
- I'm afraid so

- Don't bother your mother
- And Fran�ois?

He went back to Paris
after he got the call

- Will you stop pounding?
- What?

Because...

- Is she in hospital?
- I suppose so

He promised he'd call

Is this Mlle. Maillardi's flat?

- I was told to come here
- Come in, sir

I was told on the phone my wife
had an accident

Unfortunately, yes

- Where is Mlle. Maillardi?
- You'll see her

- Is my wife dead?
- Excuse me, sir

M. Fran�ois Tellier?
Cavanna, police officer

What's happened to my wife?
Is she dead?

I am sorry to have to tell you.
Yes, she is dead

Things are more complicated
than Mlle. Maillardi said on the phone

- She's been murdered
- Murdered?

What do you mean? By whom?

We don't know yet, sir

When Mlle. Maillardi came home
an hour ago...

...she found your wife dead. Strangled

I don't understand

Why was my wife here
in the absence of...

Where is Mlle. Maillardi?

You'll see her. She'll explain
why your wife was here

- You didn't know?
- No

- What?
- Sit down, please

You didn't know that your wife
was coming here?

When did you see her last?

This morning, before going to work

What is your work?

I'm an architect

I build houses

You knew she was coming to Paris?

She is a partner...

...in a small antique shop...

...in the Swiss Village

Before we continue
you'll have to identify the body

I know it's painful,
but we have no choice

Fran�ois, please, forgive me

I never imagined
it would end like this

- Forgive you for what, Gina?
- M. Tellier, please

Can you identify your wife?

Your cake is delicious

- I made it
- No, I did

Make up your minds

- Who whisked the eggs?
- I melted the chocolate

We'll fight a duel at dawn.
Who will choose the weapon?

Taste it

I may be a monster, but what
depresses me is when you look worried

- He's the monster
- It's true, you know

Forgive me. It's a blow though

Anyway, you're not a monster

Will you stop it, you two?

You phoned her twice at the shop?

Yes

From the lawyer's, then from a caf�

Did you get on well with your wife?

Yes... in our own way

Was your visit to the lawyer's
connected with your wife?

Not at all.
It concerned my father's will

Did you ever suspect your wife
of infidelity?

No

She had many friends

But I never spied on her

Now that you know she had a lover...

...can you think of a name?

No

What about you, Mlle. Maillardi?

You don't know who he is?
You never saw him?

No

I see. You were only the landlady

Would you accept valuing?

I accept everything,
the dictionary doesn't

- Well, but you...
- No

Well, then, I'll put...

...Lingual

I've had enough

As you like

It's 11:30. He won't come now

That's what worries me

Do you think he's home?

- Shall I call him?
- He said he'd call. Let's go to bed

- Come on, to bed
- It won't be easy to sleep

It will be for me. Very easy

Your games are too complicated

It's no reason to make fun of me

Sorry, I'm not up to it

What are you doing?

I won't be able to sleep,
I'm taking some laudanum

Antique Dealer Murdered
in Rented Studio

At first there was some scratching.
Then...

...and it stopped.
So I lay waiting

- You were not asleep?
- I couldn't

It started again all over the ceiling

- I'd have been scared
- I wasn't. I knew it was a rat

- A mouse, perhaps
- No, it was a big cross-eyed rat

- Did you hear it?
- Yes. But I slept

We'll get a trap to catch it

We put a bit of cheese in it...

- Is it like that true, Dad
- Yes

- With rat poison
- Come on, it's time to go

H�l�ne. The news about Laura
is in the paper

She's dead. She was strangled

I shouldn't say it
in front of the children

It's unbelievable. How did it happen?

Read the paper. I can't tell you

Have you seen Fran�ois?

Did you phone him?

Let's go, children

Josephine...

...l'll drop you off and then fetch you
this evening to buy the trap

See you tonight

I'm dropping by to see Fran�ois

Bye, Dad

I didn't call you last night

The news wasn't very pleasant

I know. It was in the paper.
You don't have to say anything

Apparently she was killed
by her lover. It's absurd

H�l�ne thought you might like
to stay with us for a few days

No. I want to stay here

Poor H�l�ne must have been shocked

She's so far from such things

- Can you spare a few minutes?
- Yes

We'll try to have the funeral here
the day after tomorrow

- Where is she now?
- In Paris

They're doing the autopsy

Sit down

What is it?

It's about Laura

I don't want you and H�l�ne to think
I'm upset because she had a lover...

...or perhaps several

Our marriage wasn't like yours
and H�l�ne's, you understand?

We got on very well, but...

...I led a life of my own, you see

It's only natural she should, too

I wouldn't want H�l�ne and you
to think badly of her

I don't want to pass judgment
on anyone

I have no right to behave like a victim

Listen. Count on me
if you need anything

That's kind of you. You'll miss your train

I didn't tell the police
we met in that bar

But I don't mind at all.
If it's any help...

How could it be? Here they come...

The inspector I saw yesterday.
He doesn't waste any time

Should I talk to him?

See you soon

- I'm very fond of you both
- We're fond of you, too

Here's my magic wand...

"Culpa", the washing powder
that removes evil stains

It's exactly what I wanted

It's perfect

- What do you think?
- It's perfect

- And you, Prince?
- I'm thrilled

The spot's good
but I wonder about the slogan

The slogan is perfect, believe me

Besides, I wrote it

I know my customers

Good day gentlemen. I know the way

You hurt his feelings

Not even Culpa
could remove all his stupidity

- Whisky?
- Drinking in the morning now?

- Did all go well, yesterday?
- So-so

You know that not just me,
but Lucie and Protov too...

...we all think you're a chicken

We're all sure you go to the movies

You look
as if you could use a drink too

- Since last night, I've felt tired
- Have a drink then

The wife of my best friend,
Fran�ois Tellier...

...who built my house...

She's dead

She was murdered yesterday...
strangled

- It's in the papers
- The antique dealer was his wife?

I see why you're shocked

You never believe it can happen
to people you know

I wanted to tell you
that there's trouble right here too

The cash and the books don't match

- What is it?
- Gaps. Receipts are missing

Incredible

What does Bardin say?

He says people forgot
to give him receipts

- It's possible
- Of course it is

- What do you think?
- He's swindling

Did you forgot to hand in receipts?

I don't know.
I couldn't swear I didn't

See him...

- He's been here ten years
- I'll call him

Ask M. Bardin to come in

- It takes them suddenly, you know
- It's embarrassing

Why? If anyone can scare him,
you can

But I don't want to

We have to clear this up

Let's keep an eye on him.
It could be accidental

Good morning, M. Masson, M. Prince

Come in, M. Bardin. M. Masson
wants to discuss yesterday's audit

The accountants
accuse me of cash errors

Yes, I know.
M. Prince told me about it

The truth is, some receipts
for expenses are missing

Since they are all careless here
I have to take their word

- But if later I'm accused of...
- I am not accusing you

It's very humiliating

You mustn't feel humiliated

You mustn't feel persecuted

Mine is a job of trust, sir

If you can't trust me, dismiss me

There's no question of it

These are routine checks not aimed
at anyone. Least of all, you

Let's calmly verify...

...these receipts

I've quite likely been lax too

- May I go back to my work?
- Yes, of course

This whole thing annoys me

I didn't know you were so timid

White woman in Apache territory

She must be mad

Here's Grandma.
Don't start asking her for things

- Hello, children
- Hello, Grandma

- Hello, H�l�ne. You look marvellous
- You seem to be in great shape

I'm not well and doctors are worse

It's all in the mind
says the new fashion

My illnesses are everywhere
except in my mind

I'm afraid to catch cold

You can play by yourselves

You could have brought us something

I was told you have too many toys

- Who told you that?
- Your father

Now, what did I just tell you?

I'll get you some champagne

I adore you, you encourage my vices

- Will you take your coat off?
- Not yet

- Want some, Jacqueline?
- It makes me sneeze

Oh, that's true

I'll see to it, dear

You're dressed very formally today

It's for Laura Tellier's funeral

- She's dead?
- Yes

Three days ago. Didn't you
read about it in the papers?

What do you mean, the papers?

She was murdered. Strangled

My God. I didn't associate it.
The women murdered by her lover

- What a sordid end
- Yes

She was your and Charles's friend,
but I never liked her

- Why? She was very nice
- No

Her upper lip curled up,
and that's a sign

She was all over Charles.
But you're so na�ve, you never noticed

Charles didn't notice either

You had nothing to fear.
Charles adores you

Does he adore me
as you adore him?

We're a happy family
and that's priceless

- What time is the funeral?
- 3:00

- I'll stay with the children
- Charles will be back for lunch

- Hello, Mother
- Hello, darling. You don't look well

I should be asking how you are.
Seen your doctors?

They're so discouraging

We're having champagne

- Would you like some?
- Yes, gladly

It's true, you don't look well

I do feel upset. Has H�l�ne told you
about the funeral?

Yes

You look feverish

Fran�ois has asked us to go
to the cemetery. He's coming to get us

Of course. Poor Fran�ois

You know Charles, a few days ago
I was invited at my dentist's

I met your friend, Robert Lamour.
Do you remember him?

Yes. A big strong guy

He kept praising you

He's in publishing. He read your novel
and says you must go on

He said wonderful things about you

It makes a mother feel so happy

Fran�ois, I killed Laura

I'll park over there

I'm glad you came.
I hope you feel better

Mlle. Maillardi is a very old friend
of Laura's

M. And Mme. Masson

Oh Lord,
who wept over Your friend Lazarus...

...dry our tears, we beseech Thee

Lord, who had our sister
born unto the life of God

Welcome her today into Thy peace,
we beseech Thee

Thou who experienced death
for the love of us...

...so that we might
know eternal life...

That life of bliss
that knows no ending

Lord, hear our prayer

Grant this mercy
to Thy departed servant

And may she not be punished
for her misdeeds

As true faith unites her
with the faithful on earth

Let Thy mercy allow her into heaven

Through Christ our Lord

She had no relatives

Can I take you home?

She's nice, Laura's friend

- Had you met her before?
- No, it's the first time

She was looking at you
as if she knew you

I didn't notice

I don't like funerals

The policeman who questioned Jeannot

I'm so tired, H�l�ne

Come, a drink will do you good

That's kind of you, H�l�ne, but you've
got your mother, Charles and the kids

I'm fine, don't worry

I'll take you back

- I'm Charles Masson
- Yes, of course

M. Tellier asked me
to look over some of Laura's things

It's a bit... gloomy

- It must have been horrible
- Yes

Here's my train

- Am I disturbing you?
- No, not at all

It's early. What's the matter?

Forgive me

What is it? Did you come
to tell me something?

- Yes
- Come in

Would you have a cigarette?
I forgot to buy some this morning

I lied to you the other evening

Partly because I felt guilty.
The police were there...

I knew Laura was meeting a man
in my apartment

I can't forgive myself
for lying to you

Sit down

I saw him once

Coming back from my work,
I saw Laura come out with a man

They didn't notice me

I had never seen him

Now I know who he is

I saw him at the funeral.
He's one of your friends

The man you introduced to me,
M. Masson

You can't believe Charles killed Laura

I don't know, but I did see him
with Laura two months ago

I realise what it implies

Should I mention it to the police?

Thank God you came
to speak to me about it

I can reassure you immediately

It's completely absurd

Good morning.
I'll start with the dishes

- Some coffee?
- Gladly

- How about you?
- Yes, please

Gina, you can't be sure
you didn't make a mistake

You had a glimpse of someone at night

How can you be sure
you're not wrong?

I could be, but I'm sure it was him

Even if it is him...

Even if it is him you saw,
there must be a natural explanation

There could be a dozen

You don't know Charles

I've known him 25 years

We've been friends for 25 years,
we're like brothers

He's married to a marvellous woman.
He's very happy with her

All he thinks of is his family

He has the most honest,
open mind I know

- You see why it's idiotic?
- Yes

- But you suspect him all the same?
- I'm sure it is he I saw, that's all

- It's not ready. I'll do the bedroom
- Very good. Thank you

I shouldn't tell the police?

No, frankly

Certainly not

There's absolutely no reason

I ask you not to

It would cause unpleasantness,
without helping the police

One can never tell

It might cause a terrible tragedy

I remember a news item
because an architect was the victim

He was innocent

But he was wrongly identified

He spent most of his life in prison

The witness swore he was the man

The truth came out 15 years later

One can't take such a chance

Yes, I understand. You're right

I never really wanted
to go to the police

I was hoping you'd tell me not to go

Forget all this

Don't talk about it

It's too dangerous. It can hurt us all

Don't worry. I won't say anything

M. Tellier's gone to work

He'll be back late.
He has a lot to catch up on

- How is he?
- He is a courageous man

Yes, a very courageous man

Cold as the North Pole

Freezing

- The other side
- And here?

- Still colder
- The other side

Getting warmer

- And here?
- Almost lukewarm

We're playing hunt-the-thimble

You play with Josephine
and no cheating

He'll cheat

- I was thinking this morning...
- Yes?

Christmas is in three weeks

There will be nothing left
in the shops

So what?

We have to buy Christmas presents

- You're strange
- No, I'm tired

You are strange

It's not what you think

When shall we buy the presents?

I don't know... When you like...

I'm sorry, forgive me

You should forgive me

I must have hurt you

I wonder what Fran�ois
is doing for Christmas

Would he like to come here?

I don't know. Ask him

- Maybe we don't see enough of him
- Yes

Are you still thinking
about what I said?

No, of course not

I do love you

- You're a wonderful husband
- Please don't say that

Take your arms away.
I'm not what you think?

I've had an affair with another woman

I see. When?

Several months ago.
But it's been over a long time

I was very unhappy

I hated lying to you

Don't be too upset

It hurts a bit

But I'm glad you told me

You know these things happen...

It could've happened to you

It didn't occur to me

I'll tell you who she was

Do I know her?

You can't guess?

Laura

Forgive me

- Now you're upset
- Was it still going on...?

No, it was over

- But you'd quarrelled?
- No, we were through

She fascinated me a while
but I didn't love her

- I don't think I loved her
- No, you didn't love her

Your mother guessed
she was after you

That's why she hated her

Let's go back.
The children will start wondering

- Does it show I've been crying?
- No

- You went to that apartment with her?
- Yes

It must have been horrible for you

You know, it doesn't really hurt

Are you coming?

Can you pass the large bauble?

- What's the matter?
- It's no good

It's bad. You're joking.
It's not possible

- Is yours bad too?
- Disgusting

It's too bad

- What can we eat?
- Bread and butter

Watch the steps

The red one is Josephine's,
yours is the one behind

You've got the gold one as well

- He's got two!
- She's jealous

What's so funny?

- Go over there
- She's a wimp

Be nice to your sister

I'm taking the last one

- Merry Christmas
- Good evening, Fran�ois

Why didn't you spend the day with us?

I asked him but he wouldn't

I just dropped in
to bring the children their presents

- Something for me?
- Yes, and for Josephine too

- Dine with us
- I can't

I'm flying to London. I'm late already

- Bye, H�l�ne
- Big hug

Me too

I'm going to bed

I'm tired. Come along, children

Charles, do you hear anything?

Who's crying like that?

- Charles?
- Yes

- My God, what's the matter?
- I think it's a nervous breakdown

But you were better lately

It was Christmas, but I felt awful

What is it?

I can't go on.
I won't go to the office any more

That's not important

I can't stop crying, it's horrible

- Do you want a doctor?
- No

You're still upset
about what you told me?

No

It would be silly, you know

It's not important.
I'm not upset about it

I'm glad I told you

How about going to the sea?

We could ask your mother for the keys
to the house and go on our own

What about the children?

Jacqueline can look after them
for a few days

Your mother will come here too,
she'll enjoy it

Don't you think it's a good idea?

Yes

Feel better now?

Yes

Do you want to tell me something?

No. Nothing

No, I feel better

H�l�ne, about Laura...

- I didn't tell you everything
- What did you say?

About Laura.
I didn't tell you everything

- What do you mean?
- It was me

Come and see

Please forgive me

I didn't have the courage

I couldn't bear being the only one
to know any longer

Was it an accident?

- Don't talk if you don't want to
- Yes, I want to

I want to tell you
exactly how it happened

That's what's awful.
I can explain exactly how it happened

My darling, I'd like you to understand

With you, love is simple and clear

With her it was a sort of...

...insane drama

She forced me...

She made me participate

It wasn't love,
it was violent and humiliating

She wanted me to rape her

She forced me to be brutal to her

That's what was so horrifying

It was she who tortured me

She took pleasure in seeing me suffer
when she made me beat her

And me...
I couldn't help going back to her

One day she told me to put my hands...

...around her neck...

...and to squeeze

I put one hand around her neck.
She said, "Not like that, both hands

"And come on top of me so I can see
your eyes while you squeeze"

She forced me to put both hands
around her neck

I shivered when my fingers
touched her soft neck

Squeeze until I close my eyes

I squeeze softly for a few seconds

She was half-lying down,
completely still...

...and looking at me

She hadn't closed her eyes

My fingers... I couldn't control them

- Please, don't
- No, let me go on

I am sorry, go on

It was like vertigo. I panicked

I was afraid that when she would
close her eyes I'd go on squeezing

So... I let go of her neck

I was all in. I'd been so terrified

I tried not looking at her, but...

...I didn't manage

It was like plunging into an abyss

Do you understand?

- I think so
- No, I don't think you do

I don't really think you can

I must have crossed the line
between fantasy and reality

Suddenly, Laura was dead

- But you didn't want her to die
- Yes, that's right

Have the police bothered you?

No

What about Laura's friend
at the funeral?

Nothing

She would have told the police

Then you're not in danger

The children...

Shall we call them. We'll be home soon

Are you feeling better?

Much better.
I don't feel alone any more

You know... there's one thing
I was not honest about

- It doesn't matter
- It does

When you asked if I wanted
to kill Laura, I answered no

I'm not sure that was true

Stop torturing yourself.
It was an accident

I wanted you to know everything

Forgive me
for spoiling your holiday...

...but something annoying cropped up

Annoying is an understatement

Anyway, if I'd gone away too
we'd be in a mess

Take my word for it

In short, you are needed urgently

Decisions have to be made and
my frail shoulders won't carry them

I am a bit vague,
but I can't say more in a letter

See you soon. Regards to your wife,
Dominique Prince

- We're leaving
- What is it?

A problem at the office

- The cops are here
- The cops?

Bardin's left
with two month's pay roll

I called the police. What could I do?

Commissaire Cavanna
is handling the case

I have no right to the rank

All policemen are commissaries
and all civilians are bosses

- You don't seem very upset
- Don't rely on appearances

M. Masson, I believe?

I'm sorry you had to come back
for this sorry business

Do you have an idea
where Bardin could be hiding?

No, I don't. I'm flabbergasted

You nevertheless suspected
something last month

I found it hard to believe

You nearly apologised to him

He's been ten years with us

Ever since we started

It's almost classic

From what I gathered,
he fell for a girl two months ago

They took off together

- But his wife...
- His wife and daughter...

...have been left penniless

He cashed the family bank account

Such things happen without warning

I hope they catch the bastard

It depends upon his behaviour

If he's left France, there's no hope.
But they often hesitate

They're cowards,
frightened by their own actions

If he's in France we have a chance.
Maybe quite soon

I'm optimistic then.
The bastard has no guts

Don't be too hard on him

- What's your opinion, M. Masson?
- Me? I don't know

I'm trying to understand
why he did it. I liked the man

- 120,000 francs is a costly liking
- He is a crook

- You must sign the complaint
- Complaint?

It's the law

You can sign it for me

They prefer the boss to sign.
It's more legal

Aren't you also assigned
to investigate Laura Tellier's murder?

I knew I'd seen you somewhere

You left M. Tellier's
as I was entering

You have a good memory

You too

It's not the same thing.
The police are always an event

True.
The police have a certain prestige

I was assigned to the state police
before Christmas

- Do you know M. Tellier?
- Yes, of course

He designed my house

I knew his wife too

I should have questioned you

It would be a miracle
to find whoever did it

Don't tell your friend,
but the investigation is negative so far

All we have are useless fingerprints

Now you have mine

- How are you?
- All right

H�l�ne invited me to dinner

- Good idea. How are things?
- Lots of work, it helps

- Is it serious at your office?
- Just stupid and sad

It's not always the strongest
who can stand the most

Perhaps...
We won't lay the table formally

She's not interested in music
and yet she plays all the time

They never found who did it?

Good evening, darling.
Good evening, M. Tellier

I like a low table. A very good idea

It is Charles' idea.
He wanted everything modern

He made me go further
than I would've dared

You had an interesting theory

I've forgotten

I remember. It had to do with your
obsession of becoming bourgeois

You said, progressive environment
kept sclerosis away

I'm not sure it's enough

- Do you feel bourgeois?
- Almost

- Liqueur?
- Yes

I love this white liqueur of yours

Your doctor doesn't forbid it?

He doesn't forbid anything.
He's crazy, he wants me dead

Your children behave like adults
at the table

And when it's bedtime
they obey without a complaint

They're marvellous

I'm in love with Josephine.
I'm not impartial

Fran�ois...

...when you're ready to go
I'll walk back with you a bit

You're not throwing Fran�ois out?

Good God, no.
I was just thinking about something

I didn't know what I was saying

Taste this

I had no intention of leaving yet

I'll say goodbye to you as well, darling

Goodbye

What did you want to tell me?

Did you hear my mother's question
when we arrived?

Yes, I heard

The detective investigating the theft
at the office...

...told me there was little chance
of finding Laura's murderer

- You don't know who it is?
- No

I want you to know I killed Laura

I've told H�l�ne everything

She refuses to pass judgment.
She accepts it, you understand?

She only wants to save me

I can't bear not being judged

I want you to tell me what to do

- What you consider right
- I don't know

Should I give myself up?

- Give yourself up?
- Yes

No, I don't think that's a good idea

It would be the correct thing to do

No, think of H�l�ne and the kids.
It would not change anything

But I must pay one way or another

I don't know

I have no desire for revenge

It's so difficult to realise all that

I believe it's best to try to forget

I committed a crime, Fran�ois.
I'm a murderer, do you understand?

- I'm a murderer, aren't I?
- How do I know? I'm not sure

It was accidental
or you wouldn't have done it

But I think
I really wanted to kill her

Keep walking

- Did you know about Laura and me?
- No

- You never suspected anything?
- No

At times I wished you had.
It would have ended it

Why didn't you tell the police
you saw me the day she died?

I didn't want them to bother you

Why don't you tell them now?

Stop talking about giving yourself up

Get this idea out of your head

I don't consider you guilty

No one is guilty of what happens
in a nightmare

- You think so?
- I'm sure of it

This story must be buried

You must bury it, no matter how

But it mustn't be between us any more

Do you forgive me?

It's not a question of forgiveness.
Nothing ever happened

The matter is closed

I confessed, I unburdened
my conscience. And you absolve me

You never would have slept
with H�l�ne behind my back

Perhaps I would have
if H�l�ne had been Laura

- I'm going home
- Yes, do. Goodnight

Don't preserve our friendship...

...if you feel it's impossible.
It would be a way to punish me

See you tomorrow

Why didn't you go to bed?

Prince called? He told me about Bardin

He'll be at the office early,
you can go to the police together

Bardin was arrested
at 8:00 this evening

- Already?
- Prince was jubilant

The fool

- Coming to bed? Wasn't it cold out?
- Not very

At what time
do we have to be at the police?

- 9:30
- Is Mother in bed?

Yes, I was afraid
the phone would wake her

I told Fran�ois everything

- What did he say?
- The same as you more or less

I thought he would

I knew he would. I knew he had no guts

He must have felt guilty
about leaving his family penniless

He sent them a money order

They had fled to Orleans

Just like a novelette!
Adventure just around the corner!

Please. You're not funny

Can't you be pleased
at recovering your money?

Here we are

Commissaire Delfeil

- Do take a seat
- Good morning, M. Masson

I'm very glad this matter
was settled rapidly

- So are we
- You know how it happened?

- Bar... Bar...
- Bardin

That's right,
Bardin was stupid enough...

...to send his wife money from Orleans
where he was hiding

We had the whole afternoon to find him

It wasn't difficult, was it, Cavanna?

Let's have him here

The young woman
I saw sitting outside...

She's the 'motive'
if I may put it that way

She's sweet, but in my opinion,
hardly worth it

- Is it him?
- Oh, yes

Bardin

Why did you do it?

Go to hell

You're not going to kiss me?

- What about me?
- All right

Are you all right?

- Do you like it?
- What?

- The music. Do you like it?
- Yes

It sounds like Stravinsky

Do you want a whisky? You look tired

I am tired. I'd like a whisky

- Your hand is cold
- It is cold

Couldn't sleep?

It's 3:00 in the morning

- Haven't you slept?
- No, I haven't slept

Go back to bed. I'll join you soon

I want to stay near you

I don't need comforting

You can't give me the peace I need

All you can do is torture me.
Can you understand?

You think I can't understand,
is that it?

No, it's not that

I've decided to give myself up

I think you're wrong.
I don't see any necessity

Yet it's the only solution

If I didn't do it,
it would only be out of cowardice

I couldn't bear
being that much of a coward

How does cowardice come into it?

You're imagining things and can't sleep
because you're overwrought

It's ridiculous

It's something between me and myself

I'll only find peace
when I'm cuffed

I know it now

I want to do what is right,
nothing else matters

I agree about doing what's right

Would giving yourself up be right
for me and the children?

I've thought about that

The children's lives
can't be ruined...

...because their father
does what is right...

- Whatever the cost
- What about your mother?

Justice doesn't spare a guilty man
because his family will suffer

You're completely obsessed

I can see it in your eyes

I know why. It has nothing to do
with what's right or wrong

It's a morbid desire to hurt yourself

You take pleasure
in torturing yourself

Giving yourself up has no moral value

It will be perversion, nothing else

What about my crime?
That's perversion?

Do you think I murdered Laura
out of perversion?

You think I strangled her
to torture myself?

- You're not a criminal
- I am, I killed her

I'll tell them it was premeditated,
that I wanted her dead

- That's exactly it
- You know it's not true

You know that's not true

It is. I know it now

Now, I know

You're trying to destroy yourself.
You're behaving like a madman

You may be right. I may be going mad

Get hold of yourself.
That's real courage

It's not in giving up
and sentencing yourself

I believe in you.
I know you're fundamentally innocent

You have to believe it too

You have to be happy again.
We can be

- You think so?
- Yes

All these ghosts must vanish

- Fran�ois said that too
- It's true

Fight for our happiness

Come now

Let's go back to bed and try to sleep

- Talk to me about Laura's death
- Stop thinking about it

Talk to me about it if you want me
to stop thinking about it

I think you got rid of something
you couldn't bear any longer

I'm not sure you killed her

Since you told me everything,
I can't believe you really did it

My darling...

It's terrible
but I won't be able to live with it

I know I won't.
It's pointless to fight

Cowardice or madness, I can't go on

I'm through. I'll give myself up
in the morning. Listen to me...

I put my papers in order
and I wrote a letter to my mother

I'll mail it before giving myself up

No, you can't do that

I don't want to influence you, but...

...wait a little longer

Not tomorrow. It's all I ask

I am not being impulsive.
I thought it over

I could have done it
at the police this morning

I just didn't want to do it
without telling you

Spending another day with you
and the children is unbearable

Please don't ask me to

It's the only way you can help me

I want to have your consent

I'd like to do it
in full understanding with you...

...the children...

...and my mother

Yes, you're right

I won't say any more

- Really?
- Yes

I could have committed suicide.
It would have been better for all

But I would've been a coward.
A coward...

I can't despise myself that much.
Forgive me

I understand

I admire you...

More than anyone else in my life

I feel close to you. You're wonderful

Give me something to sleep

Make night fall

My dear H�l�ne,
I'm writing to you now...

...because I believe it will help you

I know you'll read between the lines
the things we'll never talk about

The terrible pain I felt
when Charles took his life...

...gave me but a small idea
of your sorrow

But the pain is being replaced now...

...by the image
of the wonderful man he was

As you know...

...all his life, he fought
for the happiness of those he loved

He couldn't live without dignity

His weaknesses
made him more lovable...

...so close to you, so very close

May God have pity on us. Fran�ois

- What is it?
- A letter from Fran�ois

- About Charles?
- Yes, about Charles

The children are beginning to forget

The garden and house
of Charles and H�l�ne...

...was designed and created
by architect, Jack Hamoniau