Original subtitles

Hello! Alesia 12 12.

Stay on the line, you have a call from Tokyo.

Claire! Finally!

It's Castor.

Hello?

Speak, my dear.

Claire! Did you receive my letter?

Yes.

Did you do as I asked?

No.

But will you?

No.

Claire!

Hello, Paris?

TEN YEARS LATER...

THE PRESIDENT'S SECRET

Elisabeth!

THE STREET OF NO RETURN

I thought you had forgotten.

You're the fourth since midnight to have lost your keys.

Oh no, kitty-cat!

No, no and no!

Listen, this is over.

Don't call me again, or my father will hit the roof.

Vodka. A tall glass.

There's no more tab, young man.

- We're closing. - Give me the bottle.

Hello, Claire? Is that you? This is your mother.

Hello? Hello?

It's that company again.

Are you out, Claire? Call me back, my dear.

I'm worried.

Yes. I'm still here. Nice of you to recognize my voice.

The President? He's in the Council meeting...

It's urgent, I swear.

- Hold on... - Yes, you're right.

I will speak with him personally.

- Mr. President... - Yes?

Go ahead, Mr. Prime Minister. I will join you later.

The President is on his way.

The President of France.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs,

we are listening and are obliged

to be concise, as difficult as it may be.

Mr President, my trip to the Middle East

took place during the American Secretary of State's.

I saw proof that the world's nations were trying to proceed

to a new assessment of the situation in the Middle East...

Hello.

Hello.

Everything here has changed.

How are you?

You seem well.

Yes, very well.

So?

So...

Yes.

No, I will still be in New York on the 20th.

Sorry.

Tell me exactly what happened that was so serious.

My purse was stolen last night in the street.

A letter from you was in it.

A letter I kept in a red wallet.

Here.

That's right, you drink French, now.

Can't you stop that?

It's me.

I thought you were working from home this morning.

Shall we have dinner?

Call me back, darling.

What was in the letter?

It's your letter from Tokyo.

I wanted to warn you quickly, but it's hard to get a hold of you.

- I remembered your secretary... - Did anyone see the letter?

No, no one.

- I kept it... - I would have preferred in a safe.

In Switzerland.

- What should I do? - Nothing.

You will be called.

Where is the Minister?

I'll expect him in 15 minutes.

The President.

The Ambassador was leaving his home. The man fired.

He had three passports on him.

That's at least two too many, isn't it?

Was he identified?

33 years old. The subject is Libyan coming from Italy.

If Mr. Herbert says so...

I even considered writing it down, Sir.

When are you going? Monday?

Don't hurry.

I'll be obliged to push you along.

Your table is the best in government, sir.

Those dogs from the Press are a waste of your time, sir.

They are against us...

Not all of them.

Thank you.

- So? Has the Libyan talked? - It's being handled.

He's no more Libyan than I, but I'm letting it run.

It's convenient for now.

Does this name mean anything to you?

Claire Després.

Claire...

I need to know about her social circle,

how she lives, where her resources come from.

I've often wondered what ever became of Claire.

She calls a lot.

- I want a wire tap. - Motive?

Anything.

Is it necessary?

- It's an order. - Is it?

Is that all?

No.

She claims an old letter from me was stolen.

It would be worrisome...

if it fell in the hands of our opponents.

- "Worrisome"? - Worrisome.

Whom did she tell?

Will you see her again?

As the Minister of the Interior, you are never in the loop.

The Ambassador is dead.

The fool.

Prepare a telegram for his widow.

There isn't one, only his daughter.

- Where was the letter? - In her purse.

For ten years. You see the absurdity.

- Hello, Claire. - Hello.

- Do you recognize me? - Hardly.

Gray hair suits you. It makes you look serious.

- Everything here has changed. - Myself included.

- Yes. You look superb. - Do I?

- Wasn't I before? - No, you weren't superb.

- You were lovely. - That was in another life.

Let me.

What you've done here is impressive.

- That's my job. - That's true.

Tell me about it. Apparently you are showered in gold

for your little drawings on sheets and dishes.

That isn't quite it, but almost.

That's good.

Oh, yes.

That's...

That's very good.

Do you have news?

My bracelet...

It belonged to my grand-mother.

An elderly woman found it and took it to the station.

Only an elderly woman would.

The thief...

must have kept the money and thrown out the rest.

Sometimes, they are kind enough to return IDs.

What if I placed an ad?

- Thank you. - "Lost red wallet...

"Keepsake... Generous reward."

We can try.

I'll handle it.

No need for you to be recognized.

Tell me, Claire.

Do you know this man?

Yes.

What do you know?

He has pointy ears and an ugly wife.

He is the assistant manager of something.

He's quite funny when he imitates the Prime Minister.

Your relationship with him was...

particular.

No so particular. It was a long time ago.

Do you still see him?

Sometimes at the home of a friend. Why?

He told you on the phone on Thursday, "The matter is over

"I can't thank you enough." What was he talking about?

He was looking for an apartment...

How do you know that he called?

You should go, Pollux,

or I'll be unpleasant with you. I don't like cops.

If there had been more, your purse wouldn't have been stolen.

- If it was stolen... - What do you mean?

- Hypothesis. Pure hypothesis. - What hypothesis?

A former lover knows that you have

a compromising document from the President.

He's a well-known and active opponent...

He can't wait to use that document. You let yourself be swayed.

An old score to settle,

and a theft was simulated as your cover.

But why the warning?

The President doesn't exclude remorse.

He is waiting for a confession.

Hypothesis. Pure hypothesis. You know him.

- When he feels threatened... - He's paranoid.

No, not completely.

Listen, I've forgiven a lot...

But to be suspected, never.

Where he stands, he no longer trusts anyone. Not even me.

He's walked on you for 30 years. I won't be treated that way.

Or I'll play mean.

Yes?

It's for you.

Yes?

When will the session start again?

I'll be there.

Was he good?

As bad as a pig. I was sure of it.

No, don't wait for me.

I'll see you at the meeting.

Good, sir.

Adrien! Come on, we're leaving.

That's nice. Is that the sort of thing you make?

I don't make them, I draw them. Well, I come up with them.

Are you putting in a microphone?

I don't do those things myself. I'm fixing your table.

- It always wobbled. - It did.

Do you live here alone?

Yes, almost.

- What do you want? - The cork-screw.

It's over there.

And you?

The kids are married, Jeanne keeps to herself.

Since then, I've been very happy.

Will you be in America a long time?

About a week. Why?

You went for Christmas, New Year's, Easter.

You spend your life there.

I have business there, and a love. Don't you have that on file?

No, nothing of the sort.

Do you really love an American?

They are very boring.

Do you still like your omelets runny?

Can I have a glass of water and an aspirin, if you have any?

- May I? - Yes.

Boss! A pastis!

Hello, Gallimard? Mr. Herval, please.

He's away. Would you like his secretary?

No.

Something's wrong.

Shall I make you a sandwich?

Yes, with a lot of butter.

Ham or cheese?

You know, Mrs. Berthe,

You are the only human being I've met, with my mother.

Give me your hand.

Ham and cheese.

No, that's over.

Please hold.

The Libyan is propaganda.

Herbert hasn't been forgotten.

Hello, Ma'am.

Yes, very well.

Hello.

- You're on-time. - I'm not entirely flawed.

I'm happy to see you.

So, my dear boy, what are you doing now?

I'm counting on you. I was promised a translation, but...

Did you hear about the ambassador...

assassinated in front of his home?

By a Libyan, I believe...

That wasn't any Libyan...

and he was coming from Munich...

- Can you go to Germany? - No problem.

- What for? - An investigation.

I'll be with you in one second.

The Minister of the Interior.

Your bistro draws a bad crowd.

Will you set aside two slices of pie?

- Certainly, sir. - Thank you.

Pie has been irresistible to me

ever since I had some in a bakery in Constantinople,

one day of dark despair.

You're a funny guy.

I wouldn't say that.

I'm not funny at all. I would have liked to have been.

- Is that yours? - Yes.

Well, no. I found it.

Where?

Near my house.

"Lost red wallet, metal corners...

"Sentimental value."

Tell me, is this your lucky day?

You will be handsomely rewarded

for reading the classifieds.

Tell me, is there something in it?

Did you look?

Nice hand-writing.

Ambition, character.

Cultivated.

Over-confident.

The hand-writing is familiar...

May I keep it a few days?

Keep everything. I don't care about the reward.

Departure for New York, Flight Pan Am 115,

boarding immediately, gate 41.

Mom!

You're late.

- Did you get my telegram? - Yes.

- Did you get my letter? - Yes.

There were less spelling errors.

- Julie helped me a bit. - I thought so.

How long will you stay?

- Until Thursday. I return Saturday. - Alright.

- Well, are they in the yard? - Yes.

Hello, Hoffman family.

Hello, my dear. You're late.

- I had a terrible day in New York. - I imagine...

So, how are things?

- Your contract with Dominguez? - It's been signed.

The new collection will be launched in October.

The Rodkings will let us use the house in Italy in August.

If you let them use this one.

He's a bit nervous, isn't he?

He always is when waiting for you.

Next year, I'll come every month.

I think fixed dates would be better for him.

If you can find me a studio in New York in September...

It won't be easy, but I'll handle it.

- What would I do without you? - Put Mike in school in Switzerland.

He would be stuck-up and depressed.

- You're talking nonsense. - You, too.

Your son is happy. Don't make up problems where there aren't any.

There will be enough the day you tell him who his father is.

- Does he talk about it? - Not to me. Never.

But the other day he told Patti,

"My father is a secret. He's a spy for the Russians."

- Are you coming or not? - I'm coming, my darling!

Mister President, there's been a small catastrophe.

Your cobbler is hopeless in regards to your black shoes.

Finally! Someone capable of initiative.

My shoes.

Hand them to me.

My cobbler raised the left heel instead of the right.

I've been walking that way for 8 days.

- I was sure that it was nothing. - Me too.

My doctor is an ass, my cobbler is an oaf.

I have unbearable pain in my loins,

and a crown to place at the feet of the Revolution's heroes.

What do you suggest?

Cortisone, by injection.

Excellent. You did a good job.

Is all of this true?

- It is. - How much is it?

Expensive.

- Very. - How many do you sell?

I don't. They are sent out to my subscribers.

What languages does she speak?

It depends. Five languages of your choice.

She specializes in economics. Her father was a general.

She came out of a concentration camp.

Refugees are good staff.

In their country, they'd be in your place.

They are paid 50 percent less and aren't unionized.

- What you're saying is horrible. - "Horrible."

In general, my boy, I'm horrible. Come with me.

There's a small fortune in here.

Here. Put on a tie.

The guy is a creep. A real creep.

Is that how you feel?

When he wrote that letter, the election was three years away.

He believed in his chances. It's bold but well though-out.

It's certainly arrogant. Why are those guys like that?

He has a wife who is sterile, but irreproachable.

If they divorce, he's ruined.

"A child is the only insult my wife would never tolerate."

And the other woman?

Isn't it an insult to write, "End your pregnancy,

- "or it's over"? - He says it best.

He writes it down. That's worse.

"My coy mistress..." Shakespeare?

- No, Du Marlowe. - Same thing.

"I care about you like no one else.

"You have freed me of women.

"But there is more important than you and I."

I can't believe it.

Something affects you more than I can explain.

Fatherless?

Yes.

So what?

Will you publish it?

I'll do as you wish,

but the "coy mistress"...

Have you thought of her? And the child?

- If there is one. - Shit, that's true.

If you wish to negotiate this little piece of literature,

you'll get a nice sum. This man here.

Do you see me making money?

Not at all.

Let's forget it and savor this lunch as it should be.

Let's let the powerful sleep at night.

Out of the question.

That face! With his cane!

- Needs a monocle. - His legs are uneven.

Crippled, that's it.

We'll make the guy pay.

Not with money. I want to make him freak out.

- What's your name? - Odile Alaibrunetière.

- You are the wife of... - Daughter, sir.

Of course. We were classmates.

I know.

What a loss for France. The country needs such men.

I'll call you some day.

We'll talk about him.

You are snoring, my dear.

Sorry.

I found it on my doormat.

It's the answer to our ad.

Thank you, Ms. Gazeran.

"By refusing to kiss the young girl,

"who was honoring the country, the President

"shocked a people attached to family values,

"and of whom our special envoy noted the phrase,

"'Sad is a country whose President doesn't like children.'"

What does that mean?

That there was a letter in this wallet,

read by someone who identified its writer.

- I've had enough mystery. - Ask your friend, Castor.

Hello, gentlemen.

Nice to see you again.

A very fruitful trip.

A warm welcome.

France is still popular over there.

- Paris Airports. - Sir.

- Hello, gentlemen. - Mr. President!

May I have a word, sir?

Following the affair, give your instructions to my successor.

Your successor will be designated when I decide to do so.

For now, your duty is to protect the head of State.

Must I remind you, the Minister of the Interior?

I should know what it is about.

Speak, my God! Speak!

Claire had a child.

- Whose? - "Whose"?

Mine.

- Where is it? - I don't know.

I've never seen the child. I never wished to.

For reasons you can imagine.

Claire refused to understand.

I broke it off. She disappeared.

You mean she dumped you.

The selfishness of women in such instances.

In sum, you acted poorly.

If I hadn't had the courage,

and I say, courage...

I wouldn't be where I am.

Now you must stay there.

- Was your wife aware? - No.

But she...

If Claire agrees to face it,

we can get the situation under control.

If she refuses, we will force her.

Is it a boy, or a girl?

No comment.

I will be forced to hurt your feelings.

Don't cry.

I beg you.

You and I are old now.

Whatever happens, we will face it together.

Won't we?

Is it a boy, or a girl?

Here.

Miss Claire is unreachable, sir.

People who are unreachable don't exist.

- The Prime Minister has arrived. - Let him in.

- What's that? - It's a gift, sir.

Please, come in.

Sit down. What are you waiting for? Come in.

I've been expecting you.

I returned the scooter.

Would you like to own one?

- You don't know how much they are. - I do.

Next week, I'll send him candy.

It isn't a crime to give the President gifts,

but twice would be too much.

- What are you doing? - Taking a picture of you.

Does it bother you?

- I'm borrowing this dictionary. - I hate lending books.

But, I would be happy to give it to you.

Tall and dark with blue eyes, does that sound familiar?

It's me again, Miss Claire. The President is losing patience.

The Interior Minister asks that you call him back. It's urgent.

What are you doing? Are you feeling intimidated?

I'll take it.

Claire, I need to see you. I'll be at your place in one hour.

What do you mean, until Sunday?

Alright. Sunday, 6 o'clock, at your place.

Hello, dark with blue eyes? Good evening.

No, I haven't abandoned you. I had two awful days.

No... work.

I want to go sleep in the countryside, don't you?

- Good evening. - Good evening.

I'm sorry about Friday night.

With the jet-lag, I needed some sleep.

Do you sleep alone in the countryside?

It depends. You don't, if the rumors are true.

You read the wrong newspapers.

Would you like a drink?

Some water and aspirin. My leg is still bothering me.

Poor, old man. That's a nuisance in your line of work.

Why are you wearing pants? You know that I hate that.

If I were a dictator, I would ban women from wearing pants.

You're incredible! And if there's a man in my life who likes it?

Then he's a young fool.

Do you have feelings for someone?

No, not really.

No, sit down. Here, close to me.

Tell me about him.

- About whom? - Your child.

What's his name?

The same as mine.

What is he like?

Handsome, charming, intelligent.

- He must have your looks. - And his intelligence?

Does he live here?

No.

- Do you have a picture? - No.

- Does he know who his father is? - He'll know on his 14th birthday.

Very good.

By then, I will no longer be a prisoner to my career.

I can give him my name.

If you agree, naturally.

I've never thought about it. He will decide.

Yes, that's it. He will be the one to decide.

- Have you heard the latest? - I'm up to my ears in it.

Two theories,

the optimistic one is that some anarchists are playing with fire.

One day or another, they will make a mistake and we'll get the letter.

- And the pessimistic one? - The letter is published.

- What will you do? - Nothing, what should I do?

You will be identified, of course.

Our affair will be uncovered. What if a reporter finds you?

I'll throw him out.

No. I'll tell you what you'll do.

You agree to see him. You say we had split a long time ago,

and that the child is the son of...

We will find someone.

You maintain that you've never seen that letter.

I can counter-attack.

I'll cry conspiracy of my opponents.

I'll demand an expert opinion.

It will show that my writing was forged. Do you see the plan?

Not very good, but doable.

May it never reach that point, but if that's the case...

It's in the country's interest. Do you understand?

I do.

It's my responsibility. He's my son.

Don't I matter?

You only think of yourself.

You let 10 years go by without a sign, without giving a damn.

- That's what you wanted! - That's true.

I wanted that child. It hasn't always been easy.

He won't be just anyone's son!

I can't be the one who wrote the letter.

I don't want that. And I won't be.

You shouldn't have written it.

Still the same.

Stubborn.

Unyielding.

I won't go to Tokyo this time. I won't be 10,000 km away from here.

Think hard about what I said.

- Will you be here on the 28th? - Maybe. Why?

Watch me on television.

Tell me what you think.

The others are lying to me. All of them.

Very good.

By then, I will no longer be a prisoner to my career.

I can give him my name.

We are now playing for a superb floral porcelain set.

44 pieces. Number one?

- 1,895 francs. - Lower than 1,895.

Number 2?

1,750.

- Higher than 1,750. - Number 3?

"The President of France

"is a sad figure who doesn't like children."

I repeat, the President of France

is a sad figure who...

You've called the wrong show.

Number four?

- What was his name? - Dujapon, sir

Call the number of that Dujapon until he answers.

11 o'clock. The top stories of the afternoon news.

Your major worry...

Sir, the Minister of the Interior...

- Pass it to me. - He's waiting at Place Beauvau.

The President is a sad figure who doesn't like children.

The President is a sad figure who doesn't like children.

Do you know these gentlemen?

Yes, I know them.

They're all regulars.

Which one is Mr. Dujapon?

None of them, in any case.

- Are you sure? - Sure.

I'm Sure.

Remind cabinet members that they may not speak

to the station until the Director has resigned.

What?

I'll do it, but we'll lose a devoted element

over a ridiculous incident,

to which you have granted excessive importance.

Your judgment never ceases to impress me.

Go ahead, you're late.

No, you'll stay.

Mister President.

"A devoted element"... A cobra!

A sly cobra.

He, too, for that matter.

He, too, will betray me. If it hasn't already been done.

If he were the one to lay his hands on the letter.

My apparent heir.

So?

What are you waiting for to defend your friend?

I have only one friend, the same one for 30 years.

I know.

That letter will get out.

I feel it. There have been two warnings.

I don't see it the same way.

What does the Party say?

They wonder and babble.

They are all fools,

or schemers.

In three days, we will be clear of Parliament. That's something.

Where is my son?

We are looking for him.

Hurry up, Mister Minister of the Interior.

Use whatever means necessary, but hurry up.

As long as I don't have that child...

If you have news, let me know.

- Count on me, Mr. Herbert. - Thank you, my friend.

They aren't sure of anything. But they have their eye on you.

Now, no more craziness.

I'll go to Nice to work at my mother's.

- "Work"? - Didn't I tell you?

The translation. A book on German cinema.

I even got an advance.

You didn't tell me.

You know...

Herbert is jealous of his collaborators.

Don't be upset.

- I'll need you for my work. - You know where to find me.

- Are you going home? - Yes.

I'll take you.

Don't go too fast.

There's no risk. I'm just starting off.

- See you. - Goodbye.

I want to ask you some questions on children's education.

No, I don't have time.

Only four questions.

- Go ahead, I'm waiting for a cab. - Thank you.

Should children be forced to eat fish?

No.

- To brush their teeth? - Yes.

To sleep in the dark?

Not if they're afraid.

As punishment, should they be locked up?

How awful! What silly questions.

My step-father would lock me in a closet.

Really?

Roissy Airport.

- Are you leaving? - Yes.

- When will you return? - Never.

- Isn't the President here? - No.

She is ill.

So...

- I was told that you were ill. - No.

You aren't ill.

- What's wrong? - Nothing. I've had enough.

- Enough of what? - Enough of everything.

Me, too. I've had enough.

But I don't show it.

I've had enough of not showing it.

So, show it. Show it to me, not to the others.

I'm surprised I have to tell you.

I think I'll break something.

State property.

Fair enough.

I'm happy to see that you still have your reason.

- Did you have doubts? - Frankly, I did.

This behavior isn't like you.

So?

The idea of shaking 2,000 sweaty hands makes me sick.

Among the women in attendance,

at least four of them have been your mistresses.

Not forgetting the one from the Press who thinks she's special

and who takes interest in taunting me.

Ever since you married me because I was the Prefect's daughter,

you have humiliated me,

denied me,

blamed me for my sterility,

used me because I was useful.

In 30 years of marriage, I helped you in your career

through 3,589 luncheons, dinners or banquets,

30 Bastille Day Ceremonies and November 11 Commemorations,

to which local holidays should be added,

awards ceremonies, technical school inaugurations,

nurseries, weddings, funerals, not to forget the Christmas trees.

I've kissed so many children,

how could France ever claim to be lacking?

For five years, together we have taken

27 official trips,

only to see orphanages and folkloric dances.

With an opera every time.

I hate the opera.

I hate folkloric music. Violins kill me.

Flowers give me allergies, speeches put me to sleep.

This house would make a child neurasthenic.

I've had enough.

I thought that you loved this life.

You have always been perfect.

My poor dear.

If I may use your words, just this once won't hurt,

"You poor fool."

I loved you.

But not anymore.

No.

Even the sound of your voice,

your famous voice, is intolerable.

So?

Don't say that, or I'll slap you.

I see.

- What will you do? - I will do my duty

until the end of your term for your electorate.

I count on you to do your own in regards to the child.

But afterward...

- State property. - I will break whatever I please.

- Am I disturbing you? - Yes.

But it doesn't matter.

What's going on?

A difficult decision must be made.

- Personal? - No, no.

Castor is forcing me to do something I don't want to do.

I know how that is.

I'm stalling, but he won't be fooled for long.

If he still is fooled.

Refuse.

He would replace me. My replacement would obey.

Well... I could also betray him.

Betray Castor? You?

If you've come for my blessing...

- Castor is obnoxious, but... - Yes...

He's obnoxious, but...

That "but" has gotten me in trouble.

I'm the first cop of France.

- I didn't like painting. - I hardly know what you do.

Is it dull?

No, not at all. Sometimes it can be very exhilarating.

It's power.

Do you like that?

It can also be used.

Your son will be taken.

Don't panic. For the time being, it's fine.

He is in Connecticut with your friends, the Hoffmans.

The President doesn't yet know.

No, don't call from here.

Which phone do I use?

The white one.

Here's a passport.

Delarue, Colette, is that alright?

For your son's, I'll need a photo.

He has an American passport.

I wasn't aware. That's good. That's very good.

Take him where you wish and stay put

until I am able to talk the President out of it.

I'll be able to.

The abduction of an American subject...

- He'll think twice. - Julie? It's Claire.

Is Mike there?

- Do you know what this means? - No.

- What does this mean? - Unaccompanied minor.

We're unaccompanied minors.

When will we go to your house in Paris?

- Soon. - Do you promise?

Mike, your feet. Yes, I promise.

Do you promise that we will go to the beach with Julie?

Yes, I promise.

- Yes? - Mr. Groset is at reception.

Send him up.

- Claire! - Yes, come in.

Hello. It's nice of you to have come.

I come running when you call, you know.

Did you change your perfume?

No.

Have a seat.

What are you doing here under a fake name?

A secret love?

That's part of it.

And what is the problem?

- How much time do you have? - My flight leaves at 6 o'clock.

I need to keep something safe in a vault.

Can you take care of that?

What kinds of things? Goods? Jewelry?

- Family valuables? - Let's say, "family valuables".

- What does it look like? - Like this.

If my colleague is there,

it will be taken care of. Is there a directory?

I would like you to take the tape if something happens to me.

You will have to sign a proxy statement.

Who is the child?

- He's my son. - Your son?

You have a son? Why did you hide him?

Family valuables. Do you recognize this voice?

By then, I will no longer be a prisoner to my career.

I can give him my name.

Breakfast is served, sir.

- Some coffee? - Yes.

The operation is underway,

but it means abducting an American citizen.

- Are you sure he's American? - I'm sure.

Something else should be found.

Did you consider a painful confession?

A grand act, full of talent of which I know you are capable.

Honoring two divine women...

Yes, as a last resort. Where is Claire?

- I don't know. - Yes, you do know.

You warned her about me.

Do you know what that's called?

It's called serving the State. Scandal is always a disservice.

I see.

I will announce that I do not wish to renew my term.

So?

Premature.

Don't you find any objections?

I would not have suggested you make such a decision,

but I admire that you know how.

You admire it?

The key issue is your successor.

My successor is in place.

- The apparent heir. - Are you serious?

He's the least foolish, isn't he?

In the best position.

To destroy what I've done? Certainly.

- Will you help him? - We aren't there yet.

We aren't, and we never will be.

Leave France to that fool.

You would admire that.

- What would you admire? - That you know when to leave.

It's harder to leave than to come in.

But I have no intention of leaving.

What were you promised if I backed down?

The Prime Minister's position? Is that it?

That's the reward. Talk.

You saw one another yesterday to conspire together.

I know where you were. I have my informants.

I will break you, do you hear me? I will break the both of you.

Stop the nonsense.

- Repeat what you just said. - I repeat, stop the nonsense.

You want to hear me.

You will hear me.

You've lost sense of the nation's interests.

You've always been unbearable, suspicious, paranoid.

But you were forgiven.

Because there was something that went over your head.

A vision.

A kind of greatness.

Where is that "greatness"?

You are incapable of accepting the idea of having a successor.

You could be the first to know how to prepare for it.

But you have only one idea, ruin the next in line.

You want to break him.

You'll be broken, if he steps down. He'll end up doing it

if you continue.

Why do you think I've pampered him for the past month?

I don't give a damn about being Prime Minister.

You should have told me sooner.

You can't be told what you don't wish to hear.

That, too. You could have said that sooner.

Claire Després is on the phone.

I can't take it. Have her call me in one hour. Sorry.

Thank you.

At what time are they being called in?

Sorry. Hello, yes?

You're bothering me. I'm in a meeting.

Sorry, but you've bothered me, too.

I'm calling because I'll be in Paris with my son.

Tell your buddy to keep back his dogs.

If he lets them loose, I'll let mine loose. Goodbye.

- Where were we? - About the strike, sir.

That's where you mistranslated.

- Oh, right. I got it. - The rest is very good.

How odd! When one hears you speak...

- Can your secretary type it up? - She's going on vacation.

"The Letter H" isn't sent out in August.

You forgot. Otherwise, you wouldn't have come.

I didn't. You're like a father to me.

Everything is filed, sir.

I'll take back my letter. Bye, see you soon.

Don't look for your watch. You forgot it at my place.

If you need it, call me. If not, have a nice vacation, darling.

Don't forget me.

Hello, I want to speak with you.

Enough of those polls.

- Who was it? - Nobody.

You were playing nicely, I saw you. It's very clean.

- You didn't take a bath, did you? - No.

- When will we go to the sea? - Tomorrow.

- You wanted to come to Paris. - I've had enough now.

Go on. Try not to get water everywhere.

Nice little kitty-cat...

- Is he here? - Not yet.

If I knew that it would come to this...

He wants to negotiate the letter.

Hello!

Hey, there you are. Hello, my old boy.

- My name's Mike. What's yours? - Your mother calls me Pollux.

- You're really good. - You don't know everything.

You're wrong about the cops.

I didn't think you were like that.

That was him. He isn't coming.

- He said... - I know, he spotted my car.

What's wrong with it?

Yes, sir. On a scooter. Young, tall, dark hair.

I'm such a fool.

You won't have your surprise.

- What surprise? - He had a surprise for you.

He came by earlier.

- What did he say? - We talked soccer.

But he doesn't like American football.

As for that, my boy, we'll talk about it later.

If he's one of our suspects, he'll be locked up tomorrow.

If not, he'll try to get in touch with you again.

- Perhaps it will be tomorrow. - I will be gone.

- You can't leave. - We can.

He's fed up. He needs a normal life.

You can't leave. We have to catch that individual.

I'm hungry.

Not to mention that he stole 5,000 francs from you.

- Aren't you hungry? - I am.

- I've made a mistake. - You don't say!

A big mistake.

Come on, come inside.

I saw the kid. I liked him.

Police!

Police! Open up!

It looks fake.

Trust me.

What will I do in Geneva? Switzerland costs a fortune.

You'll wait for me. Leave me your key.

I'll pick up your manuscript.

The President is waiting for you, sir.

Excuse me, Ma'am. The President wishes to see you.

This can't be!

I have to send the police in order to see you.

- Hello. - My name's Mike. What's yours?

- They call me, "Mr. President". - Do you live here?

Yes.

- Do you know where the kitchen is? - No.

- What do you want with the kitchen? - I'm hungry.

Kitty-cat!

Lunch is served, sir. Would you care to wash your hands?

I couldn't do it any other way. You refused to cooperate.

Are you mad?

There's our young man.

What's wrong?

We came with his cat.

- The cat ran away. - A man doesn't cry.

It's your fault my kitty-cat is gone.

I'll find it. Call the Captain in.

- I don't like fish. - At your age, you should eat.

- Do you have milk? - I'll ask the kitchen.

He's informal with the help.

He doesn't know what that is.

I hope he'll stay that way.

Your napkin.

Come in, come in.

Take the necessary men and find me that cat.

He's hiding in the garden.

Right away, Mr. President.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

An astronaut, or I'll own a ranch.

A ranch? That's a noble ambition.

- Here's a story. - Then may I go?

- Yes. - Go ahead.

Once upon a time, there was a boy whose father was a baker.

He worked hard and his mother would say,

"He'll attend Polytechnic."

- What's "Polytechnic"? - A very hard military school.

At 13, he had poliomyelitis. His leg was permanently damaged.

He couldn't go to military school.

He studied at an even more difficult and prestigious school.

This is a long story.

I'll tell you how it ends. As he always came in first,

he became president.

Cue the French national anthem.

- President of what? - France.

- France is small. - It's very big.

- Let me explain. - Some other time.

May I please leave the table? Thank you.

He isn't poorly-behaved, but his manners are uncouth.

A chip off the old block.

- That little boy is courageous. - Like his mother.

Aren't I courageous?

I hate lakes.

This is a good place for you to work.

Anyway, I'm screwed now.

Let some time pass.

Your friend Herbert will take care of it.

The Good Samaritan.

If only I knew who you were.

Too long to explain. Complicated, useless.

- I'm a friend who wants your good. - Why? Say it.

Say it once and for all.

Because you helped him regain an ability

which is priceless and which he had lost.

It's called passion, my dear boy.

As for the rest... Where are you going?

See you tonight, you old crook.

Find a nice place for dinner.

- Oh, sorry. - No, stay. I'm done.

Have that taken to Paris immediately.

Sit down.

So? Where is he?

I fed him dinner and put him to bed.

Alright.

- Do you want some champagne? - Gladly.

That dress looks very nice on you.

Thank you.

- Who gave you this? - A man who loved me.

My gifts were modest.

- I wasn't demanding. - No.

You were lovely.

A dreamer.

Quiet.

Dumb with admiration.

Did I make you unhappy?

No.

I even owe you the few perfect moments of my life.

So, no remorse, no regrets?

No regrets, no remorse.

To you, Ma'am.

To you, Mr. President.

Why did you take him to America?

- I didn't. He was born there. - Was he?

He could be President of the United States.

Admit that it would be funny.

- Funny for whom? - There are some good universities.

Where will he go? Have you thought about it?

We should discuss it.

I would like Harvard, or Princeton.

Madame...

Police.

For the Minister, in person.

"Madame, one evening in June, someone stole your purse. It was I.

"A girl that I loved had finer tastes.

"I no longer love her.

"In the purse was a letter whose writer was despicable."

Sounds like moralizing.

"He was a bit bothered. It was I.

"One day in July, someone asked you some questions for a poll. It was I.

"I liked your answers. I liked your face..."

Such literature.

"One day in August, someone brought you the letter. It was I.

"I only wanted one promise: immunity for the stolen purse.

"I have a mother who doesn't deserve to see me in jail.

"You called your friend, the cop..."

When they say "cop", they think they've said it all.

"Now I am out of France. I would like to return.

"Do you accept the letter for my freedom?

"If you say, 'yes', I'll be assured. I will phone at 6 o'clock.

"If you aren't there, I will call again every day.

"I will return your 5,000 francs one day or another. Some day."

Do you see why you should have stayed?

Do you promise that nothing will happen to the boy?

- On Mike's life? - That's the Minister's business.

I'm the Chief of Defense, not Chief of Police.

Excuse me, Mr. President.

Has he taken you prisoner, too?

He's a bandit. He's terrible.

- Don't say such things. - I only tell the truth.

I'm going back to Paris. Shall I take you?

What will you do with Mike in Paris in this heat?

Leave him with me. We'll bring him tomorrow.

Stay a bit longer with him.

If you wish.

Very well. I'll leave you among family.

I'll see you later, Claire. Don't forget, 6 o'clock.

My regards, Mr. President.

- Mike, we'll be free. - Did my father pay the ransom?

- Yes, it was your father. - It was a very big ransom.

- When will we leave? - Later, you owe me a game of chess.

If it makes you happy.

- Tell my son I'm waiting here. - Yes, Ma'am.

Madame says that it is time to go, Mike.

All passengers going to Paris

are asked to proceed to exit 11.

What are you doing?

Don't be afraid. You risk nothing.

I trust you.

- Check if it's the right one. - I trust you.

Do you forgive me for the money?

It's forgotten. It would be stupid to do it again.

You'll end up in a closet.

Is your son here? May I see him?

No.

You should leave now.

Goodbye.

Who was it?

A letter.

- A good letter? - A good letter.

It's a shame to burn it.

- Let me get it. - No, if it's him, he'll believe...

I need to make a call. Everything is closed.

Come in.

It's over here.

Paris is tiring. Something is always up.

You can say that again.

Mom?

It's me. Can I come over tomorrow?

I don't know. I might take a plane.

See you tomorrow.

Me, too.

- Can I make one more? - Of course.

How old are you?

22, 23.

Mr. Herbert, 216.

Hello, you old crook. I'm in Paris.

No, I'm not interested anymore,

and he isn't, either. I'm calling because

I don't want you to be found at the bottom of the lake.

Goodbye. As they say, don't try to find me.

- Goodbye. - Goodbye.

Goodbye, my dear Claire. Think of me, under the sun.

- Aren't you going with us? - No, my old boy.

- I'm but a poor worker. - Goodbye, Pollux.

You were wonderful. Thanks for everything.

What happened?

He tried to run when we stopped him, sir.

The imbecile.

You old crook, I'm in Paris.

No, I'm not interested anymore, and he isn't, either.

I'm calling because

I don't want you to be found at the bottom of the lake.

Goodbye. As they say,

Don't try to find me.

Do you recognize that voice?

He's a young man who sometimes works for me.

- Where? - At "The Letter H".

Of course.

This young man?

Indeed.

- Homosexual? - Not to my knowledge.

Are you well acquainted?

I'm no stranger.

He will no longer be working for you.

He's dead.

An accident.

You aren't well.

No, it's nothing. It's the heat.

While we were picking him up off the street,

we found a second identification card on him...

This one.

The original would be worth finding.

- It doesn't seem to interest you. - No, not really.

And we also found a letter.

Which would be of interest to you, if you had a copy.

But...

You don't have one, do you?

No.

You have paid a great service to this house, Mr. Herbert.

It would be unfortunate for you to have any problems.

I would like to keep the tape.

No problem.

It's a copy.

"TOKYO LETTER" (PHOTOCOPIES)

Hello, Mr. Herbert.

We aren't working for you this week.

Tell me, can you get me four pages with a snapshot?

That will be tight today.

We've brought you the newspapers.

Well done.

So...

What is happening in the world?

A NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN DOCUMENT REVEALS AN UNKNOWN SIDE TO THE PRESIDENT

But... where were you?

- They're coming with a warrant. - Thanks.

Mister Herbert!

Open up!

You're burning down the house. Open up, this is the concierge.

- Where are you going? - I have to make a call.

Police.

Put them in my safe.

He can't call me back. Put him on.

What's going on?

How could you imagine such a thing?

No.

I know, but there are limits.

The young man must be on vacation somewhere, like everyone else.

No, no. You were right to have called.

Get some rest.

Give Mike a hug for me.

The President of France.

Mister Minister of the Interior, you may speak.

Mr. President, it is my honor to propose to the board

the dissolution of Ceintrey City Council.

Everything in this story is fiction. Any similarities, etc., etc...

SUBTITLES: RED BEE MEDIA FRANCE