Original subtitles

Good evening. Your Lordship I mean Your Highness, Your Grace

My friend, I'm just a starving man.

BARBIZON POST HOUSE

Use this

You're right

I mustn't let my manners betray my true identity

Since you worked for a count. Teach me...

...high society's customs

A rich count like you must never show he's hungry

All right

Can't I help myself to wine?

Yes, but with moderation. Like this

With great moderation and even a touch of disdain as if it were vinegar

Laughing is allowed. Isn't it?

A true count laughs discreetly as if coughing

High society people are meant to be bored to tears by life

What idiots

You take your napkin. Just the corner. Delicately, like this

You're going to teach me good manners

Give me lessons...

...on deportment. Attitudes and habits

Teach me to be an imbecile, or to pretend

Hello Beauchamp

Here's the last edition. Everything on today's trial

Death for Gervaise Rebuffet

But Villefort is summing-up this afternoon

He'll request death and get it, as ever

And tomorrow Valentine will wear her usual blue ribbons

Why not?

Miss de Villefort is ravishing

I met her a few times in Marseille when she was visiting her grandmother

When's lunch?

- We're waiting for Monte Cristo - Who?

His Excellency, the Count of Monte Cristo

This is the man who saved my life He hardly gave me a chance to thank him

I'm happy to do it today before you all

You never told me how you managed to tear me away from my abductors

I negotiated, Viscount

Money buys everything. Even a mans life

Maximilien Morrel from...

From Marseille

Are you a soothsayer?

Of mine, Lord Wilmore

I just heard your name from a friend of mine. Lord Wilmore

If he's your friend...

He's just a business contact

He sometimes advises me on my fortune...

...witch is considerable

Does he only care about money?

My servants and I chased them with our scimitars...

...and the camels disappeared behind the dunes

We returned to our tents and. Under the starry desert sky.

...we shared the most delicious 'roast sheep'

You're an amazing storyteller

I suppose he'd have thrown me in jail

Is that all? You clearly know nothing...

...of jail

And you do?

During the July revolution, I was...

July revolution? Forgive my ignorance but I was away from France for so long

Three days of riots...

...which put Louis-Philippe on the throne.

on the throne

Beauchamp's paper sided...

...with the rioters. He was arrested

Like a common thief

I spent three days and nights in jail. You can imagine what I endured...

for 72 hours

Without wishing to belittle your ordeal...

...I knew someone who was plunged into the darkness of a dungeon...

...for 175.200 hours

Good Lord. Tell us more

I'll write an article.

Yes. Tell us.

You're too happy and carefree

...to understand despair

You think so?

What about two people.

...whose love is thwarted?

Come on

I'd rather tell you about Benghazi camel drivers

One day. I decided to buy a white female camel

You won them over They find you extraordinary

Even Beauchamp says Paris will be at your feet

After you've met my parents who want to express their gratitude

Especially my mother

You mentioned me? What did she say?

She's anxious to meet you

Me too

My father loves horse racing

I can't see how anything could surpass such a magnificent animal unless...

Unless?

Nothing

May I introduce the Count of Monte Cristo?

At last. I had given up all hope of ever meeting you

We owe you...

Nothing. What I did was very little

Anyone would have...

Come closer

We drew the curtains because of the heat, but let me see you in the light

Please

Leave the curtains as they are

Bright light burns my eyes. I'm like an owl these days

The sunlight on the Arabian desert sands...

...has damaged my eyesight

You travelled in the East?

I lived there

For how long?

Over twenty years

- Fascinating place - Yes, but cruel too

Yes, their tortures are so sophisticated

In France too

Thank God we abolished torture

to make a man suffer

since we can prolong them...

Less violent, but worse since we can prolong them...

for years

What a conversation. We're here

...to rejoice

Count. Would you like a cup of coffee?

What's wrong?

Are you unwell. Mother? You're so pale

It's nothing. Just the heat

This late-summer heat is stifling

I hope you've chosen to reside on the banks of the Seine

The river is so cooling

At least when it doesn't bring its stench

Where are you living?

Hotel Monte Cristo

What address?

An excellent address which I have yet to find

Leave it, sir I always lose anyway. I only play to make Fernand happy

You dislike chess?

My wife thinks games take for ever

That's true. I started one twenty years ago

It's not finished?

It will be soon

In fact. My opponent is already checkmated, but doesn't know it yet

It's the best part of the game

Come in

For the Count of Monte Cristo from M, Bertuccio.

He's my steward. Excuse me The Plain of Monceau

Pardon?

You asked for my address The Plain of Monceau

It's almost the countryside

Solitude

I'm used to it

But you might lessen it

...with the odd visit

Forgive me, but I must go to the lawcourts

- I must hear Villefort's summing-up - Villefort?

He left Marseille?

He was appointed in Paris in. How long ago?

Nearly twenty years

Twenty years already

- Would you like to hear him? - I dared not. Ask

I hope.

...your discomfort has eased

My God, yes

Who's this Gervaise Rebuffet on trial today?

An abortionist

But what does the crime matter? Justice is like Spanish bullfighting

The bull is only there to glorify the fighter

This woman... What am I saying this 'woman'? Does she still deserve...

...to be called a woman?

- This child killer - You can't say that

The word 'child is wrong. I remind the court that the Rebuffet woman,

isn't accused of infanticide

But of being an 'angel maker'. Too nice a term for this evil crime

Gervaise Rebuffet...

has killed children in the most revolting way

She put them to their deaths...

...In their mothers' wombs

This temple of life...

...which she profaned

This most sacred of havens she violated

How many times have you savagely destroyed...

...what is, for me at least. The most precious thing?

A child?

Even if you'd only done it once. It would have been once too often

The fact remains that when the guillotine strikes you...

...it won't make you an angel

For you belong in hell

If you wish to attend the execution. I can obtain...

...a pass for you. But you'll have to be up early

It must be wonderful to see justice at work

You've honoured your reputation again

the way I feel about children

It was easy the way I feel about children

Villefort. Crown Prosecutor

Excuse me, I must collect a document...

regarding an important matter

But of course

- Who cleans here? - Pardon?

Who cleans the courtroom?

Housekeepers I imagine Why?

Yes. To soften the jury but it was no use

I feel sorry for the one who has to mop up her tears

They dry quickly

The Chateau d'If

The most dreaded jail in the kingdom

When I was in Marseille I sent people there

Why did you leave Marseille? You didn't like it?

Embarrassing question. But I'll forget my modesty and answer you

I was promoted

For services rendered?

Of course

To whom?

To justice. What other cause would I serve?

Forgive me if I seem indiscreet

It's the first time I've met a prosecutor

You're in awe?

- Lt's only natural - I'm intrigued

You inflict such terrifying sentences...

...haven't you ever had any doubts?

Doubts?

Any regrets?

The acussed should have doubts

Not I.

Never any regrets?

Never.

You're not afraid to appear before Gods court to be judged in your turn?

Well.

My conscience s clear

I'm the same

I'm not afraid of death

Except if it comes too early.

...and stops me from fulfilling the great task I've set myself

A great task?

You'll find it amusing. Lt's to see justice done

- You? - Me

You can't. Sir

What confusion if anyone could control justice. Not that you're just anyone

But justice is the magistrates' job

Rest assured I've no intention of replacing men's justice

- There's no other - Yes

Yes, there is

The one we were discussing just now. Gods justice

Please forgive me

Valentine, the Count...

To what do I owe this surprise visit?

I've just heard such unexpected news. I don't know whether...

You can speak in front of the Court

He intends to replace God. God knows everything.

So nothing you say will surprise him

Is it true Franz dEpinay. Who was to serve another year in Algeria...

...will soon return to Paris?

It's true that I used my contacts to obtain his early return

You're the first to know.

That my daughter and Viscount Franz dEpinay will soon be engaged

Don't let me stop Miss de Villefort from expressing her joy

My apologies to the Count of Morcerf

What are you doing here, young Morrel?

At your age, men prefer cabarets to lawcourts

- Are you in trouble? - No

Not at all. At your service. Count

What's happening?

The worst thing. Franz dEpinay is returning from Algeria Go

Be careful

Sir. I beg you. He's all I have. Don't kill him

Have mercy on him

- What did she want? - Mercy for her son who'll die tomorrow

Don't let that upset you

Welcome home, master

Your new home is beautiful. Bertuccio has done well

I made you travel far. I'd hate you to regret it

The only sad one is young Hassan

- Why? - Because he can't see the sea

Tomorrow hire some labourers to dig a pond. I want it as large as possible

I want papyrus growing on the banks. Like the ones in Alexandria,

...and blue water full of fish

Like the Bible: "God created land and sea'

It's for young Hassan I try to be God. He misses the sea

This is very different from Marseille

You have thirty rooms here

The kitchen has a chef, a sauce cook. A pastry chef and seven kitchen boys

Take note

My people will have one day off a week

A whole day? In Paris, the custom...

In my house, people will live by my rules

People will wonder

I hope so

I came to Paris to surprise, astonish. Amaze, fascinate and astound

Shut the door

- You know who I am - If you want me to, yes

But if you don't...

Say my name. My real name

I haven't heard it for so long

Are you sure? You won't regret it?

Please...

Say it

Captain Edmond Dantes, I'm at your command

Captain Edmond Dantes

So good to hear

Dangerous too. What if someone recognized you?

The mask is perfect. Even Villefort didn't know

What about your voice?

Having ignored Edmond Dantes' cries...

...Villefort wouldn't know Monte Cristo's voice

Villefort maybe

But she?

She?

Captain Dantes' former fiancee

Mercedes is as beautiful as she was

Maybe more

Suffering can make people...

more beautiful

Did she suffer, even a little?

She seems so at ease with that lavish life to which she wasn't destined

The way she ran barefoot in the wilderness with her hair untied...

...like a little savage

Where has the southern sun gone?

How dark the night is over Paris

Here, the stars are theatre chandeliers...

...brasserie lights, carriages that light up the streets

I need a woman

You want me to find you one?

A woman I'll take to theatres and brasseries...

...and help to carriages. You gave me the idea, if not the desire

I talk too much. It's an Italian fault

Isn't a pretty woman essential for a rich foreigner on holiday in Paris?

Can I be credible without a woman?

I don't know your tastes

The only thing I demand...

...is that nothing about her reminds me of Mercedes

I need a blonde

And more doll-like than wild

Her eyes will be blue

She could have an accent. But not Spanish

And lastly, she mustn't be a countess

Nice day, isn't it?

My name's Bertuccio

- Can we chat? - What about?

I've found an interesting option

Baroness Caroline de Jouy-Maubert? You're calling her an option?

Baroness? Perfect

Countess is no good. But baroness is fine

She's my employer, you scoundrel

Stop it. You'll scare the horses

My compliments, Baroness. And my regrets

What a pity. You'd have been perfect

Baron, how can a great banker like you be so timid?

Danglars. Everyone knows the railway is the future

Mr. Arago disagrees and he's the greatest physician of our time

He says that when your railways...

...disappear into a tunnel at 30km an hour...

...the pressure will kill the passengers

The Danglars bank won't contribute to such atrocities

I'm an honest, scrupulous and responsible man

Who's talking about such mad speed? The current 17km an hour...

Only on slopes

I'm in a meeting

The gentleman won't wait...

...more than ten minutes

Let him go. Then

Count of Monte Cristo? Never heard of him

I have

I hear he's some Italian aristocrat...

I see. Another poor immigrant

Napoleon wanted to invade Europe Now we're invaded

Wrong,

The fortune of that Monte Cristo is reputedly colossal

Absolutely colossal

Does he intend to entrust it to our bank?

That changes everything

Excuse me. We'll resume later

Naturally. Your reputation has reached my ears

It's an honour and a pleasure to welcome you

Now down to business. What amount do you intend,

to invest?

No amount?

I'm not bringing you money

- I'm asking you for some - From me?

Well. Yes. Aren't you a banker?

Yes, of course

This letter from Thomson & French...

gives me unlimited credit with your bank

Unlimited credit? What does that mean?

I think it's quite clear

It means that during my stay in Paris, which is planned to last a year...

...I can withdraw as much as I please

That's unheard of

If Thomson & French brought me here,

...they trusted your establishment

However, sir...

...if your bank lacks the capacity to meet this credit...

...I will inform Thomson & French and take my business to another bank

Wait, don't rush into anything

We can't displease Thomson & French...

...out largest correspondent in Europe

But the word "unlimited"

How much do you think you'll need?

Right now? I'd say...

I'll be generous

- One million? - One million?

It's a lot. But you're with Thomson & French...

One million?

Don't thank me

It's enormous, but we're a young bank and need to build our reputation

Six

Six what?

Six million

Six million francs?

To start with

Six million?

I want 500.000 of it immediately

Half gold. Half notes

500.000 right now?

Just as the words 'unlimited credit' have a meaning...

...so has the word 'immediately'

You meet one of the worlds richest men...

...and instead of filling your safes he empties them

You'll be a laughing-stock

You know nothing of high finance, my dear

To you I'm good for nothing. Not even to give you a son

- You've told me enough - I never asked for a son

- A girl would have delighted me - Don't be a hypocrite

I know you wanted a son to take over from you

Of course I'm sad at the thought of the bank passing to strangers

Don't worry. Young Morcerf will buy it

His father can afford such a toy

- The Morcerf�s aren't really strangers - Meaning?

It's handy for a banker to be friends with a peer of France

Someone with whom you had fun in Marseille

What fun?

Come to bed. Hermine. We're due at the Jockey Club tomorrow

Will your Monte Cristo be there?

I imagine so

Is he racing?

I gave him his six million today

By tomorrow he can't buy a horse. Train it, hire a jockey...

Monte Cristo may be rich but he's not God

Did Father Faria teach you chemistry?

It's all the more to his credit that we had no way of checking our formulae

Our laboratory was up here

What will you do with all this?

First I'll humiliate Morcerf by beating him in the Jockey Club race

- With what horse? - Noiraud

You'll enter him as Pharaon

A new name wont make him faster

He won't last ten meters

, into his trough

What is it? A tonic?

You're holding an elixir capable of turning a mere spark,

into a shining star

Who owns this Pharaon?

An Englishman Lord Wilmore

- Did you see him? - He didn't attend...

...the race

Wonderful. Beaten by an invisible Englishman...

...whose horse looks like a skeleton

It wasn't your horse's fault

I'm sorry I know how much this race meant to you

Not just me. Danglars bet 3,000 francs on my horse

Villefort bet on me too I was humiliated

Stop grooming

- Tomorrow he'll be put down - But sir...

That's the way it is To be beaten by a nag...

- Take him to the abattoir - It's not fair

He wasn't bad Pharaon was just better

Get rid of him or I'll kill him myself

I'm going out

Where to? It's almost time for dinner

You've ruined my appetite

Incredible

Do we stop here, Countess?

We're going

Where to?

Wherever. But drive fast The air is stifling tonight

The Countess certainly is beautiful

Your father clearly intervened to bring Franz dEpinay back early,

...to hasten your wedding

This wedding won't take place

- It's you I'll marry - Your father won't consent

He's ambitious for you I'm too poor

You're not that poor Aren't you a shipowner?

Misfortune has struck our firm

Our boats have sunk one by one I only have one left, the Pharaon

Buy more

With what money?

I saw Danglars about my plans...

Forget him We have an ally. My grandfather

To him. Epinay is a cursed name. He'll stop me having it

What can he do?

Your love for Mr. Noirtier makes you forget he's paralysed and can't speak

He makes himself understood by blinking

My last chance is Monte Cristo. He's rich and generous

He likes me He might lend me the money...

Not him. His wealth may be too blatant to be totally honest

My father has ordered an investigation

Be careful. Don't compromise yourself with a man who may soon be arrested

In a different way. Madame de la Richardais isn't bad either

Who is she?

You sent me on a mission to find you a...

A mistress Let's speak frankly

Your future mistress... I mean your potential future mistress is 31

Camille de la Richardais is blond and very virtuous

Oh. Women's virtue...

- She's very faithful - What do we do with her husband?

No, she's faithfull to the memory of her husband. She's a widow

- At 31? - A duel gone wrong

She's an angel shut in her home and only goes out on Fridays to confession

Let's go and see your angel

Domimus vobiscum dear colleague

How did you get in?

The door was open. As is right in Gods house

Your Friday penitent, Madame de la Richardais

The dear child�s uncle is a priest?

- A Jesuit - My word

May I replace you to hear her confession?

Of course

I never know what time your niece will come to be reconciled with the Lord...

and with my rheumatism, waiting in this damp church...

It's settled

Go and read your breviary by the fire

Thank you, my dear colleague

If you get bored waiting for your niece, you'll find some books in here

I don't know where to put them

I particularly recommend,

...this monograph I wrote on Varaha the Boar...

...in the Hindu tradition according to its hyperborean origins

It's amusing. You'll see

You also have 'Le Messager' newspaper

I would gladly consult the year 1815

That's the year I was ordained

"The mystery of General dEpinay's murder

"Suspicion had first surrounded M, Noirtier from rue du Coq-Heron...

"Epinay had sworn to stop ex-Emperor Napoleon...

"...from ever returning to France"

Faria was right That's what the letter from Elba Island was all about

Villefort thought I'd read the letter

He threw me in jail, killing two birds with one stone

He protected his father and did the monarchy a favour

A favour which was very well rewarded

Forgive me for I have sinned

You're not alone

Good day, your honour

So, Boville...

How's the investigation going?

Cautiously. Sir

We mustn't arouse Monte Cristo's suspicion

I'm gathering as many details as I can

From whom?

My agents have identified a man who seems to know him well

A Jesuit priest called Busoni

I'll see him this evening

A priest? Be careful with priests

The Crown Prosecutor only answers to the King. Priests answer to God

Everybody knows God is only an idea

We must beware our ideas don't catch up with us

You won't absolve me, will you?

I know the sin of greed I commit in my dreams is abominable

But I can't resist.

It's not a sin.

You love roast lamb, fricassee of game and eel

You can't resist a dozen oysters

You weep for joy before a grilled sausage or cherry clafoutis. So what?

Who the devil, if I dare say, do you think God is? He's no killjoy

He put so much beauty in the world He can't be sad or narrow-minded

Naturally He's interested in your soul

But He really doesn't care what you put in your mouth

Especially such a lovely mouth

Father!

I'm sorry to bother you

I'm not here for money. All I'm asking is that you talk to Baron Danglairs...

...so he reconsiders his position

He will, my boy. I assure you

We'll ask dear Mr. Danglars to reconsider many things

It's late. You must get ready

I forgot. Every night is a party for you. You're so lucky

What is it tonight? The opera?

Tonight, I'm playing

You�re risking a lot at that game. What if Boville arrests you?

To arrest me. He would have to know who I am

If he recognizes you?

Because he sometimes inspected the Chateau d'If?

If Mercedes didn't recognize me, Boville won't

She's a woman in love

A policeman is different

A woman in love?

If she'd loved Edmond. She wouldn't have married Fernand

So you want to know who the Count of Monte Cristo is?

Who he really is?

Supposing you know yourself

The Count...

...is one of my penitents

Interesting. Extremely interesting

But I'm bound by the confessional

Very annoying

But I can reveal one thing

Excellent

One word will suffice. That man.

...is the devil

I don't really believe in the devil

Are you shocked?

No, but you surprise me I thought you'd met him

The devil?

The damned. Have you never descended into hell?

When you did your rounds of the jails don't you remember the cries...

Like all the others. Do you have a short memory?

How do you know these things?

I was one of those damned

Your name?

Father Faria

Faria? That rings a bell

The Chateau d'If

You will pay for the Chateau d'If For your indifference to suffering

One day you will pay. Not to me. But God

God doesn't exist I'm sure he doesn't

Dinner is served

- What is it? - We'd planned,

...watercress soup partridge fricassee and rhubarb compote

But partridge is so dear in Auteuil...

...madam will have to make do with the watercress and rhubarb

I'll pretend it's Lent, that's all

The Count of Monte Cristo begs your forgiveness...

,. For this very bold visit

Since he's been in Paris. He has heard about you every day

Fearful of never meeting you at the Opera or at court,

How can I go out? I'm a poor widow, I've had to sell my jewels and dresses

The poor count simply had to make your acquaintance

So he decided to try an Eastern custom

To reach an unapproachable person...

...one takes one's caravanserai to their door

Madam my caravanserai, Please forgive its humbleness

To be honest. I don't understand

But since all these lovely things await us, shall we eat?

- Sophie, serve us - Don't worry

I've thought of the service too

What Is this? I'm dying to try it

Can i have this black thing in the metal bowl?

Caviar

The bowl is vermeil

Won't you eat? At first some flavours are disconcerting...

but then it's absolutely delicious

I'm devouring you with my eyes. Lt's enough

To think I was reduced to watercress and rhubarb

I've told you, to know you better

I'm too poor to interest you, When you know who I am, you'll be disappointed

My only disappointment is that you haven't tried the ortolans

Bertuccio

Come on get up

It's still dark

It's going to be a busy morning

Send Camille the best dressmaker hairdresser...

...and jeweller, Money's no object, I have unlimited credit

Does it mean dinner...

...was suitable?

It was exquisite and so was she

Come on, a bit more energy

The telegraph network has over 534 stations...

...towers, pigeon houses or church steeples...

...Creating a relay between 24 major French towns

As you can see, I'm in charge of the last relay before Paris

Progress is a great thing, You must be proud to work here

Yes, except I have to climb up there One of these days. I'll break my neck

When the winter wind blows through the tower,

...chest infections are rife

I can imagine. But aren't you paid for such risks?

- How much do you earn? - 1000 francs

Of course I have accommodation and a plot of land to grow my vegetables

But 1000 francs is a starvation wage

When I can no longer climb up, how will I live?

I suppose the management will pay you a pension

Some pension!

What if I offered you 25000 francs?

That's a fortune. What do you want in exchange?

To send a telegram I'll dictate

Impossible, I'm only allowed to transmit messages from another station

30,000?

35,000?

Come on, No more steps. No more north wind

Is it at least decent, your telegram?

Lt's about justice, not decency

Madame Sevenet. Are you still happy about the hat shop?

I told you it was a good deal.

Dear M, Tucherer making a fortune with hoops and skipping ropes?

Hello, Beauchamp

A telegram just arrived at my newspaper

I thought. "This is for Baron Danglars

How much this time?

I've started seeing a dancer, She's absolutely adorable

But she's a bit...

200 francs will be ample to keep her

She's perfect all over

Except her teeth. She's money-hungry

You can stretch to 500

300

She might as well...

...walk the streets

They all do it. Give me that telegram

"Exiled King Carlos is returning to Spain. Catalonia is at war

"Barcelona..."

Is rebelling in support of King Carlos

Spain is sliding into chaos

I have 500.000 in Spanish shares

When my paper publishes the news...

...they won't be worth anything

I'll have sold them by then. Thank you

Danglars. You really rule the Stock Exchange.

He started a deluge by selling his Spanish shares

What intuition! Who could have predicted all this upheaval in Spain?

What if king Carlos fails...

...To take the throne back from Isabella II?

The information I received leaves no doubt

Tonight, Carlos will be over the Sierra de Guadarrama

He'll make a triumphant entrance at the Escorial

Congratulations, Baron

In your haste, I hope you didn't sell all your Spanish shares at a loss

- I did but the loss is minimal - Really?

Nothing compared to the hammering that�ll strike...

...the poor wretches who still have their shares

I must talk to you

My dear Beauchamp. Is your dancer happy?

This isn't about her, I have the latest edition of 'Le Messager'

With a denial, King Carlos never left Bourges

What do you mean?

But then,.

Then nothing. Carlos is in Bourges and Isabella II in Madrid

Spaniards still play castanets. Serene and peaceful under the sun

That's a joke, You had a telegram...

That was a fake

It seems the telegraphist had a fit of dementia.

He ran away leaving his station unattended. Lt's all here

Spanish shares are going back up

I'm buying

Is something upsetting you?

In one hour Spanish shares have recovered and probably doubled,

yesterday's value

With what I lost selling them and the lost profit due to their rise...

...I will lose a million francs at best

That's the wealthy Italian count

Monte Cristo isn't Italian He comes from the island of Malta

Are you sure? I heard he was Turkish

To think Father was invited to the King's box

I wish I'd been too, Don't you madam?

Valentine don't call me madam, I've been your fathers wife long enough...

For us to act like best friends, I know

I saw Monte Cristo. He already has his own box?

No. And since we're in his debt for saving our son...

, I invited him to share ours

Les Huguemots. Music by Meyerbeer

Libretto by. M, Scribe

Oh yes Les Huguenots, I feel this is going to be another hilarious evening

Have you anything juicy to tell me?

I'm responsible for your justice not entertainment

Under my predecessors people had more fun

Today, France's only obsession s to get rich

I don't govern,

...the French, I breed fatted calves

Always the same thick necks and plump shoulders

At last someone new

Who's that man in Morcerf's box?

A foreigner who just moved to Paris

I'll gladly introduce him once we have the results of the investigation

The investigation?

A mere formality. We just want to find out where his huge fortune comes from

...how fortune is incompatible with virtue

Why always suspect people because of their wealth?

I'm wealthy too

But you're the King

That's what they said to Louis XVI. Leave the Count of Monte Cristo alone

He's Morcerf's guest

Isn't that good enough for you? It is for me

The King knows you?

Don't be jealous. You know me better

It's only the third time we've met

Too late. The tragedy is starting

Thank you. I'm so happy to be here

You deny me the opera the one night the King attends

Losing a million is like losing a loved one

One has the decency to stay at home

You think you're more important than you are

Who cares about your million?

I'll get it back

With this. Lord Wilmore sent me this letter

He suggests I invest in the goldmines of Zacatecas in Mexico

At the source of the Aguanaval river

You know this Wilmore?

Not personally

Don't worry, Wilmore is a major shareholder of Thomson & French

A bank we can fully trust

When you introduced me to the King I was so flustered

Why? A king is just like any man

You're not. Everyone is fascinated by you

And how do you see me?

With infinite gratitude

However. Take this back

I was happy and proud to wear it, but it's far too beautiful for me

This necklace is yours, If you don't want it, sell it

And use the money to fix your roof

Why was my poor husband so obsessed he got into debt to buy it?

I think he was proud to live in the Saint-Merans home

The Saint-Merans from Marseille?

- You know them? - By name

It's an old and great family which has always loyally served the Crown

Helene de Saint-Meran was Villefort's first wife

That man with the cold gaze in the King's box

Villefort lived here?

He probably only used it as a country house

Won't you come in to warm up before going back to Paris?

Sophie must have lit a fire

It's a bit early to play with fire

You're right, especially since today is Thursday

That means tomorrow is Friday, witch is the day I go to confession

You may have less to confess if I don't give in to the temptation...

...to come in

Were you going to steal? I caught you red-handed, you scum

Maybe you wanted to kill someone

No. I�m not so stupid as to kill the goose that lays the golden eggs

I came to talk business

Who with?

The nasty fellow who lives here

You have the wrong address

I have a secret worth its weight in gold

Who do you think we are?

I'll knock your head off

Leave him alone

You see?

Stand up

You have a secret to sell?

- Interested? - Tomorrow...

...go to the address I'll give you

- You'll be very well paid - An address?

- The police station? - No. A priest

Busoni

Father Busoni, I knew I was being sent into a trap. Have mercy

In the name of Jesus. Don't send me...

To jail?

Last time we met I made you rich with a diamond worth 50,000 francs

It should have been enough for a decent life

She tried to take it from me, I had a knife handy...

Quiet. Lt's always the same story, Meanness. Treachery, infamy

You make me sick. All of you

Come on. Caderousse, I hear you've a secret to tell

It's not for you. Lt's only good for blackmailing someone

Speak or I'll hand you to men's justice while you wait for Gods

I'll have to accuse...

...a judge

- Well a prosecutor - Villefort?

You guessed?

Never mind, Continue

He did as he pleased undisturbed

What did he do?

Things priests don't do

He made love

Who with?

Hermine Danglars a banker's wife

They had a secret love child

Without Danglars knowing?

He didn't notice?

When the child came the lovers thought it dead

It suited them fine. No baby. No scandal

Villefort put the baby in a box and buried it in the garden at night

He thought no one knew

But a passing thief thought it was a treasure

So once Villefort had gone...

He found the baby, revived him...

...and brought it up as his own

How do you know all that?

That child was with me in the Toulon jail

His adoptive father had told him about his birth. And Toussaint told me

Toussaint? I suppose he was found on All Saints' Day

But why was he in jail?

He'd visited a few beautiful houses uninvited

Amusing for a prosecutor's son

- We escaped together - How much?

Lt's worth a fortune, Villefort and Madame Danglars would pay up to...

But I'm a poor priest, I won't buy your story. I'll hire it

How?

For 500 francs a month

For six months Toussaint and you must keep quiet

After that. Do as you wish

Well my dear...

Have you heard?

I received the same thing an hour ago

"Madame de la Richardais requests the pleasure of your company for lunch"

It's only natural she should invite you

She's poor and you're married to a banker. But she doesn't know me

She doesn't know anyone. She must have made her list at random

She's a peasant her husband didn't have time to refine or get pregnant

Queen of Spades on king of Hearts

Certainly not. I never play the Queen of Spades. It signifies death

I won't go to that lunch

Seeing that house again is more than I cam bear

I'm sure you understand

- But you will have to go - Never

It could be a trap

How could this little Richardais set a trap for us?

She's an innocent

Lunch in the country. How charming

Full of little people we don't know?

This Richardais is a nobody

Her husband didn't even have the Legion of Honour.

You're wrong. We'll know averyone

...since we're the only guests

What do you mean, "we"?

We. The people from Marseille, The happy gang from the old days

The only outsider will be Monte Cristo

The tables will be under a canopy

What colour?

White the colour of innocence

And the menu?

Exactly the same buffet as the one prepared in Marseille...

...for Edmond and Mercedes' engagement

Same dishes same wines. Same flowers. We had mimosa

Why do this? They'll recognize you

How could they know I�m Edmond Dantes?

Sometimes I even doubt it myself, It�s like a dream, a book...

...another life altogether

Anyway. This day has to come some time

...will be worse for them than for me

I've just thought of something crazy

What's that?

- I don't know your first name - My first name?

Yes sir. Anatole, Charles, Edouard or Paul. All men have a first name

What's yours? You've never told me

Really?

Really what is it?

I could say Athanase

Or Chrysande

The truth? My parents must have been absent-minded. They forgot to name me

- That's awful - No, madam

It's wonderful. Call me whatever you wish

You mean I can christen you?

Yes, What name do you choose?

Guess, It starts with 'E'

Why 'E'?

To match what you are

'E' for excellent, eccentric, extraordinary exhilarating

'E' for exceptional. For expectation

For Eric, Ernest. Etienne

Or Edmond

That's my choice

No, I can't be seen

You're not saying anything? Don't you like my dress?

You're dazzling, Maybe too dazzling for lunch...

...with this little Richardais

"Little"? Is she so charming that she sparks such affection in you?

What's wrong? I only said "little"...

...to stress her insignificance

The other night, I heard she wore...

...a ravishing gown

I didn't see it but the Ladies' Gazette...

...published sketches

She had the grace of a coat-hanger

We don't have to go to this lunch. I'll send a footman with an apology

We'll go. Monte Cristo's presence will make it bearable

I'm sure he'll amuse us He's such an eccentric

The sash of the Order of Saint Louis?

- You didn't say... - The King's reward

I attach little importance to such things

I do, I'm so proud of you

You're impressed? Tell your mother to hurry the carriage is ready

You look radiant

Isn't life wonderful?

This isn't the day for a scene

I'm not making a scene

But if you will play the Stock Exchange, use your own funds

You know how much your last speculations cost me?

You never speculate?

I don't improvise I use the cleverest...

the most informed advisor

Thanks to Monte Cristo, I'm the only French banker to invest in Zacatecas

So far, it's not much of a goldmine

Women are such impatient creatures

Give them time to dig a bit deeper, then you'll see

Zacatecas is only a starter

Monte Cristo convinced me to invest . a million into Russian sturgeon farms

That'll be our main course and we'll have a feast

They're coming

- I'm so nervous - There's no need

If my husband could see me, His poor Camille with such important guests

You look so solemn too

Why would I be solemn? A country lunch is such a happy occasion

Come and see what fun we'll have

They're spiced fish eggs you eat with a touch of olive oil and pepper

They're delicious on toast

Countess look at this wonderful dish

For delicate palates we have eel with celery. Tomato and bitter orange zest

I see the Baron has noticed our marinated sardines and red mullet

Do taste, Baron

What a strange idea, this Marseillais menu

It's the Count's idea. Don't you like it?

...something more original than pork pie and salmon

I throught you were being nostalgic

Nostalgic.

To be nostalgic. I would need to know Marseille

- You don't? - I know it as well...

...as anyone stopping over before sailing...

...to the East

Come and admire my pond. The Count gave me...

...Amazing water lilies from the imperial gardens...

...of Kyoto

I never go near ponds I don�t like mosquitoes

But don't let me deprive your other guests of this enchanting sight

Your childhood must have been hell ,

- Why? - The mosquitoes

I hear they're ferocious in the South

- You left Marseille because of them? .I left to follow my husband

Madame de la Richardais would do the same

Wherever you go, she'll follow

Don't deny it

At the opera, your feelings for her were very clear

I approve

You won't find a lovelier young lady

You were right to wait to fall in love

At twenty...

...One makes mistakes

Let's drink to your happiness

No, thank you

Don't you want happiness?

Yes, I have a right to it like others maybe more

So you're refusing the wine

If I want something I'll help myself

You lived in the East

Isn't the custom there for people who've shared food...

...to be friends for ever?

By refusing the wine I'm offering...

...are you saying you refuse my friendship?

Why would I?

What would be the reason for that?

Thanks to the Count's generosity...

...I was able to make this gloomy home more cheerful

I've changed the tapestries and furniture

- Except in the bedroom - You can't show...

On the contrary. I'm sure they'll be fascinated

Something terrible happened in there, I dissuaded Camille from changing it

Why try and hide the past?

It always reappears especially when branded by horror

You're not well?

It's the heat I think, I'll go out for some fresh air I'II be fine

- I'll take her - Your legal duty comes before chivalry

If there was a crime. You should go and see

Words can't describe it

On this bed where she so often surrendered to her lover...

...imagine a woman gasping for breath

Her hair sticky with sweat

Contorted by the pain of childbirth

Next to her on a sheet, a baby

It's not moving or crying

The baby was dead?

Who knows?

No doctor or midwife was called, The birth was a complete secret

If the child is stillborn. Scandal cam be avoided

He grabs the inert baby

He looks around for something that can be used as a coffin

He notices a small trunk. He places the child in it and closes the lid

All this unnatural father has to do is go to the garden

It has rained all night the soil is loose, the grave will be easy to dig

- What do you say to that. Villefort? - Me?

He's horrified

Understandably upset. Such a monster deserves a trial and severe punishment

From a brute, one might understand

But the Count says he was an eminent person

Which makes it harder to forgive

Sorry. I don't believe a word of this fable...

...so cleverly told

I'd be relieved if you were right

All old houses have their legends...

...concocted by servants dismissed for drunkenness and seeking revenge...

...by spreading slander

Not at all

This story is true, I can prove it

I defy you

You missed something The Count told us...

,. A spine-chilling tale. Come on

Come and hear the end at least

Mind your head

I had the garden dug up

- And here,. - You had no right to desecrate...

No, sir

I desecrated nothing, We didn't find the child�s remains

As I said, it's a fable

But have a look at this

The cook playing grave-digger?

I felt I should put back what we had dug up

I know the law doesn't like people to destroy or burn...

...any evidence

It's empty

Empty indeed

Empty today, But was it empty the night it was buried?

Surely not

Why bury an empty trunk?

I agree. I think there was a child in the trunk

- Can you prove it? - I can't

- But you... - Why me?

It's your job to prove things

Even if you have little to go on

If the child wasn't dead...

It was buried alive

And may still be alive...

...Today

Next to this evil couple...

...Gervaise Rebuffet who lost her head was an angel

You must find and punish the monsters...

...who committed this unspeakable act

- Careful. It's hemlock - I know

- Careful it's hemlock - I know

It's poisonous throw it away. And wash your hands carefully

Don't worry. I'm used to it

Poisons can be controlled, like everything

Take hemlock, for instance

Mixed with clay and vinegar, it's perfect for beautiful hair

Mixed with salt it restores the shine of old silver

You're an expert

My husband has often prosecuted poisoners

You learn fascinating facts from the files of a trial

And this?

You know this?

Digitalis purpurea

It contains digitalin which slows down the heartbeat

It can cause death...

...in the right quantity

To be efficient. It should be picked from two-year-old plants

Flowers and death have always gone hand in hand

They say "garden comes from an old word for paradise"

...which means the beyond

The truth is I'm terrified of death

Why play with it?

Therapy for torment

It reassures me to put death in jars, to make powders and cream from it

I feel in control. It's at my service

Except death can't be caged like a lion. Can you always control it?

Absolutely

From time to time. I check it's obeying me

I experiment on slugs, caterpillars, stary cats, pigeons...

Therefore we have the cleanest garden in Paris

Dear child,.

Stop fidgeting like an excited little girl. By autumn...

...you may be married

Madame de Saint-Meran wrote to me, Your grandmother will attend...

...your wedding

I'd love to see her. But this wedding might not happen

There's nothing to stop it now

Franz dEpinay and I finally agree on everything

He quibbled over your dowry

But I stressed he was entering the most upright family

That's worth more than a huge fortune

You're just like me. Weddings always make me cry more than funerals

I'm not to be disturbed

I thought about it all night

Its little face turned blue its tiny chest that didn't even heave

So he wasn't dead?

Apparently not

How could that be?

I'm not a doctor

He must have been in that state called deep lethargy

A sort of sleep where vital functions are suspended

Someone who saw you bury the trunk dug it up and you didn't notice a thing?

Notice what?

I came back to you, You were so upset

A stranger took our child. Revived it. Held it tight and took it away?

Is that it?

Yes. That's probably what happened

And now? What will you do?

What about?

What about? But it's my child, my son. You must find him

Let's see. If he were still alive, he'd be about twenty

With only this piece of information, you want me to find him?

France is swarming with twenty-year olds

Of course a miracle might lead me to him

What would his reaction be?

Joy at knowing his real parents

You're married to a rich man

I'm hardly destitute myself

I'm sure greed would prevail over the joy of reunion

He'd call us to account

Could you tell Danglars...

...you gave another man the son he always wanted from you?

"Give two million to this boy who isn't yours or he'll say...

"...I cheated on you"

What do you take men for?

For what they are. Cash registers

Believe me

Just as we've forgotten each other forget this too

If you're ever in a church don't pray for the return of a ghost

You say that to a mother?

Don't exaggerate, You were a mother like I was a father

By accident

You've become indifferent to me

Why are you like this?

Is it because my stupid husband is in a tricky situation?

You're ashamed to be friends with Danglars wife?

'Tricky' is an understatement

Your husband is close to bankruptcy.

Let's hope it doesn't involve fraud.

I would hate to have to prosecute him

Farewell

- Think about your marriage - What marriage?

It was destroyed firstly by your insistence to make me your mistress

And then yesterday...

...when they dug up that awful little trunk all covered in earth

I have nothing left

Of course you have

A lot of money

At least for now

At our age it's what matters.