Original subtitles

Gaumont

No! No, Pierre! No! No!

No, Pierre!

Witness in the City

Directed by

Screenplay by

Office of the Investigating Judge

Morning.

Gentlemen.

Mr. Verdier, my investigation is concluded.

I just signed an order in your favour dismissing the case.

Your Honour, I'm glad my client's innocence is recognised.

He has always led a decent and righteous life.

Look at him!

Could this really be the face of a murderer?

Nobody, sir, has the face of a murderer...

Until proven otherwise.

You are free to go.

Free!

The dismissal of charges is quite final, Mr. Verdier.

So, this play acting is useless.

It was clearly proven that you sought to break up with your mistress.

So, you would do well to stop overdoing it.

Your Honour!

Forgive me, Mr. Attorney, but this dismissal is a question of benefit of the doubt.

Doubt, your most effective collaborator.

Can we have a word sir?

Great job.

Radiator smashed, steering wrecked. Are you blind?

Of course, I saw your car.

But I saw the dog as well, so I had to choose.

-I'm sorry. -So am I.

Gonna be hard to get the police here at this hour.

In any event, it was my fault.

I'll give you my name, address, and insurance details.

Here. Would you mind giving me a hand?

I'll have no car for a week.

Same for me, and that's really bad news.

Well, you asked for it.

Of course, there are no taxis around.

You still believe in Santa Claus?

And even if there were, it'd be heading to Levallois, and I live in Porte Doree.

There's a stand nearby. And with some luck...

What'd I tell you?

-There's still the Metro if you like. -No, thanks.

-Then, I'll bid you goodnight. -Goodnight.

Frankly, I couldn't hurt a dog. And I'd do the same again.

Hopefully I'm never on the same road with you again. Goodnight.

Okay.

Dammit.

Radio Taxi.

Miss, please dispatch a cab to 14 Rue Saint-Claude, Neuilly.

What's your number, please?

Sablons 3015.

Yes, hold the line please, sir.

Thanks.

Hello, Sablons 3015?

Hello? Hello? Are you still there?

Yes, I'm listening.

Sorry, it'll be at least 10 minutes, sir.

That's fine, thanks.

It's you, Ancelin!

I know it's you. No need to play games.

Ancelin!

You broke into my house, Ancelin.

Like a burglar. I could justifiably kill you.

You're the one who'll die.

Executed for the murder of my wife, Jeanne-Denise Ancelin.

You're crazy, Ancelin. I'm innocent and you know it.

Everyone knows. What'|| you do about the dropped charges?

I haven't dropped the charges.

I'm warning you.

You'd be the prime suspect and arrested immediately.

I don't think so.

I've had time to think it through.

Months of thinking of nothing else.

Someone saw you enter.

What about the servants?

Didn't consider them?

I just have to ring.

You know it's no use.

And it's Thursday.

No servants on Thursday.

Give me your gun.

Come on!

I'll yell.

I'll yell for help.

The neighbours will come.

The rich don't have neighbours, Mr. Verdier.

Just trees surrounding their homes.

Listen, I beg of you.

Don't shoot.

I'm not going to shoot you.

You're going to commit suicide.

Because life without Jeanne is impossible.

Isn't that what you told the press?

-I planned everything. -You'll slip up.

-Perfect crimes don't exist. -Speak for yourself.

You never thought there'd be someone dumb enough to avenge their cheating wife.

There is someone.

You better understand that and quick.

Listen, Ancelin, you don't know the whole truth.

You're deluding yourself.

Let me explain.

You think I grew tired of her.

But it was the opposite.

She'd had enough because she only loved you, Ancelin. Only you.

But it was too late by the time she realised it.

She knew you'd never take her back.

And even if she'd returned, you'd never have forgiven her.

You're pitiless.

You're hard, stubborn, insensitive.

Jeanne knew all that.

It was all over for her. There was nothing left to hope for.

You have to believe me.

She killed herself because of you.

Is that it?... Have you run out of ideas?

-You disgust me, Verdier. -I swear I'm telling the truth.

You don't believe me because you're totally obsessed.

-Loneliness has totally warped your mind. -That's enough!

Stop!

I was getting worried.

You're the one who phoned?

Hey... what're you doing? There's already 400 francs to pay!

Hello, Liliane? You must have screwed up.

The customer's definitely not at 14 Rue Saint-Claude.

Just a sec, I'll check.

Good evening. You coming?

-Listen, that won't work. -Oh, I'm hopeless!

It's your dress! It's too plain. You look like a married woman.

Listen, I might not be flaunting it, but I'm not ashamed.

And you've got to learn to smile...

It's true! Their wives gripe at them all day. We give them an escape.

-Right, handsome? -You coming or not?

At least you know what you want!

How much?

How much?

-3,000 francs. -Fine.

-This way. -No, come with me.

I don't want to travel, I'll lose money.

5,000.

-Alright. ls your place far? -You'll see.

Great, more exercise. Like I don't do enough already!

It's not bad out there.

Is Ancelin here?

Don't worry, he will be, he always is.

By 10, I hope.

Wanna bet?

Three minutes to go. At 10 sharp the door opens.

On the sweet face of our dear leader and guaranteed arsehole.

-When you've suffered like him... -I don't see the connection.

-I know. -Meaning what?

You don't know him, that's all.

And I suppose you do?

Enough to know he's a decent guy.

That's news to me.

Know what a groggy boxer is like?

Yeah, so?

A guy who doesn't go down while he's being pummeled.

The kind that stays cracked all his life.

The champ's late.

Evening, gents!

-Hi, Pierre. Doin' okay? -Hey, gramps.

-You okay, kid? -I'm off.

-Finish your coffee. -It's done.

-Want a cup? -No thanks. Got the form?

-Later. -Ciao.

That's fine.

You can call it a night.

-I gotta lock up. -Goodnight, old man!

Listen, Pierrot, I can't go with you.

-What? -Yeah, I have to stay in Paris.

Give the boss any excuse. That I had some errands to run, or...

Why are you looking at me like that?

What? Nothing, nothing at all.

So...what am I gonna tell the boss?

Use your imagination.

You can count on me. I'll come up with something.

Well, I'm off.

-Don't get too crazy. -Thanks, safe trip.

-Hey! -Yeah?

Nothing. I'm good.

Off we go.

Are we there?

This isn't going to be pleasant.

-You're so kind. -Goodnight.

Hey! Is that it?

Gosh!

-No. 10 on the first floor. -Thanks.

-Fill that out, please. -Do you have a phone book?

-By name or address? -Name.

-There you go. -Thank you.

-There's no porter to take your bag. -That's fine.

-You understand me. -Yes, that's right. Goodnight, sir.

Nobody loves me.

Of course, they do, sir. Everybody loves you just fine.

Now go home to bed. Goodnight.

-Sure. -That's it, goodnight, sir.

-Rue Claude Bernard! -Very funny.

It's 6 a.in!., shouldn't be hard!

-God, is it really 6 a.in!.? -Time for Phosphatine cereal!

-Got any milk? -No, movies.

-I saw "Miquette and her Mother." -That's enough, I gotta go.

-See you at the bistro. -Yeah.

Hey, wait a minute! Oh, this really takes the cake!

I can't charge you! Understand?

Enjoy the ride!

Oh Jesus! Not at all.

All right, I'll take you. But no funny business, guys.

-Where? -Boul' Mich'!

Couldn't you have told me before?

Hello? Liliane, I'll be there right away.

Will you wait for me? Hey, shut up!

Hello? What's all the ruckus?

A mob of Yanks in the back. You hear 'em?

Hello? Yes?

-What number? -See you in a bit!

-Your address? -Hey, girls!

What are you up to?

Can we join in?

28, Rue la Fontaine. Please hold, sir.

I think Lambert's breaking hearts.

-Tell me! -You're too young.

Can you hear me? Hold on, please, madam.

-Bye. -Bye.

The gentleman's coffee's getting cold.

Hang on, I'll be two minutes. Yeah.

Thanks.

HOTEL MOSCOW ALL MODERN - ELEVATOR

The car will be there momentarily. You're welcome.

I'm sorry, sir, but we're all booked. Could you please give us a call later?

-Are you available? -Yeah.

-But just for long fares. -Too bad, I'll find another.

-None of that! -Hey, driver! You're going too fast!

-Liliane? -Yes?

I want to kiss you.

Do you know what I want?

A nice hot coffee.

-There. -And my sandwiches?

Right, they're coming.

Here, I hate to see you suffer.

-You're an angel. -Whatever.

-Hello.

What? I can't enjoy others' happiness?

-Lovers make me sentimental. -Get outta here!

That's exactly what I was thinking.

You put me onto a dud at Rue Saint-Claude.

Classic, the guy calls, goes outside, sees a taxi and takes it.

And when you arrive, he's gone.

Exactly, except he was actually there but ran off.

Maybe he changed his mind. So many weirdos around at night.

I know someone weird who's formal at night and pally during the day.

At work you're just number 3-25.

-What about afterwards? -No numbers.

Uh yeah?

Cappuccinos are awful.

-They just put me to sleep. -It's always been like that.

-Hey, night owls! All good? -You needn't worry about us.

Oh, but I do. I feel quite deeply.

-With mugs like yours? -Thanks for nothing.

-Oh, we're just from different worlds. -Like night and day!

Go ahead, laugh. We soak up the sunshine.

-And exhaust fumes. -And no tips.

Yup. People are more relaxed at night.

In the daytime they're mean.

-You in a hurry? -I'm exhausted.

No, please don't.

Yes actually. How much?

-Both? -No, separate.

70.

Thanks.

I can't give you anything.

Not true, little things like aperitifs.

-But not breakfast. -Really?

It's essential. I don't want you feeding me.

-And why? -Just the way I feel.

- The day a guy pays for my "Ra's" - Today?

Never mind. You're too nosy, let's go.

C'mon! Stop daydreaming.

Yeah.

About the day I buy you breakfast.

Hey! I'm warning you, you'll upset the other girls.

Meaning?

Like you should find another hunting ground.

-Shut up! We're serious. -The door!

OK!

What a pest!

-You're so stubborn! -I know someone else who's the same.

Oh, come on, stay with me.

-No. I'm different from other women. -Oh, here we go!

Those others were before. But since I met you, no one's gotten off at Pigale.

-They'll have to close the station. -Okay, if you don't like me, tell me now.

-Listen, please stop pushing! -I get off next stop. And you?

-I'm not what you think. -I thought you were a nice girl.

-Boor! -Filthy beast!

-Stop it! There are others. -Not at my place.

There's been too many people there.

-Liliane! -You change trains here, right?

-Getting off? -Alas.

Goodnight, no. 3-25.

All aboard!

-Hi, Marlon.

Bugger of a job!

-You need something, sir? -No, no, thanks.

-A coffee. -Yes, sir.

-How much? -With a croissant?

-Yes. -That comes to 80.

-Keep the change. -Thank you.

Please, I'm in a hurry. You have the registration?

I have your contract, the deposit cheque.

Ah, you have the registration papers.

There, how silly of me!

-Can I go now? -Certainly.

Excuse me, sir, but there's only five litres of petrol. Is that enough?

France Soir! Le Monde! Paris-Presse! France Soir!

France Soir.

Thanks.

Industrialist Pierre Verdier's Suicide: Police investigate

-This is nice. -This is nice too.

Well, read it!

Goodness me!

-Okay, so what? -Are you still asleep?

No.

-I'm dreaming. -Idiot! This couldn't be suicide.

Would you recognise that man you saw?

Of course! And he'd know me.

Alright, get dressed. we're going to the police.

No, hold on!

-First, I hate cops. -It's not about love, it's your duty.

Right. And the one time you're here, I want to keep you.

A man's been murdered. It's your duty to testify.

My duty? I can see you know nothing about cops.

First, they'll force me to stew for an hour in the hall.

Guaranteed! Then, the classic scenario.

They bombard you with questions!

"Why were you in Neuilly? Did you know Verdier?

Describe the suspect. Dark, fair, tall, fat, short, bald?!

Was he wearing a coat? What colour?"

- "Shut up! Do you know him?" - "NO-II

"You do, shut up! Why didn't you go into the house?"

Et cetera, et cetera. The truth is too complicated.

The truth doesn't interest them, so, they won't believe it.

-But you're a witness! -I was one once, I know what happens.

I gave my name after an accident, stupidly I might add.

At the hearing, I got blasted by the lawyer, then the judge.

Then, the friend I testified for told me I'd effectively blamed him.

In the end, I lost a day's work.

That taught me a lesson.

If everyone thought like you...

But I'm just being honest.

I'm a good little boy scout who wants to serve justice.

-And you forgot the main thing. -What?

That you're here. In front of me, in my home.

For the first time, thanks to this story.

I'm really grateful to that guy.

-He brought Liliane to me. -I have to go.

Hey, this is reserved for taxis!

-So what? -What'd you say?

Oh, it's you! What are you doing in this neighbourhood?

I'm picking up a pal of mine.

-Haven't seen you for ages. -True.

-Is this hot little number yours? -Yes.

-Sweet. May I? -Be my guest.

So, after work, you take this baby out for pleasure?

It's a completely different horse.

Well, better than taking the bus!

Watching the driver mixing up his pedals in traffic. That's something!

-I'm not sure which is worse. -Guess it's a matter of opinion.

-Still working for Radio? -For sure.

I just couldn't get used to it.

You gotta deal with cars, pedestrians, cyclists, red lights, cops.

And then having to answer the phone, it can just drive you mad.

It's hard, but you get regular fares, good tippers, and it all works out.

Well, I prefer the old way, cruising and instinct.

Well, your system isn't foolproof. You're about to lose a customer.

-Damn, you're right! Bye. -Bye!

Coming?

You take advantage and then yell at me?

You're despicable, 3-25!

I bet you can't stand on tiptoe.

Me?

Your jealous lover, already?

The old crab himself! Come in.

I've got my wheels, I'll take you to work.

Well, both of you.

-You're like a father to us. -Thank goodness for that.

Let's hurry, otherwise, Margot will go nuts.

Nope! Lovers in the back. I'm your driver.

Thirty years' experience, can't help myself.

Don't mind me.

Shut it!

That's not on.

You see that? Pure jealousy.

Thank you, driver. How much?

Forget it. This is my week of good deeds.

Your week? More like your minute!

-Don't be mean. -See you tomorrow.

Bye, kids.

Tell me, there's something I want to know.

Earlier, when you wanted to go.

Did you know you had time?

You're too nosy!

Answer me. Did you have time?

-See you tomorrow morning for coffee. -Liliane!

Don't forget to make a living. I don't have a cent on me.

Hey! Did anything happen at your place?

Yes, yes! Things went brilliantly!

18 Quai aux Fleurs.

27 Rue de Tournon.

"And her voice, distant and quiet and deep,

inflected by the beloved voices that have fallen silent."

Like that? It's Verlaine.

I said "27 Rue de Tournon." You're on the clock, 3-25, will call you back.

Yes, General! Rue de Tournon, five minutes, General!

I love you, General!

The Opera.

Thanks very much, sir.

I repeat, 10 Rue de Maubeuge. Anyone in the vicinity?

3-25 here, Rue de Maubeuge in four minutes.

Breakfast will be sumptuous, General.

Look at you. You've got a funny look.

-Up to something naughty? -Sort of.

-Inquiring minds want to know. -You want me to?

I'll tell you everything. I bought the newspaper.

-And so? -That's it.

-You're bluffing me. -I'm not.

Radio Taxi, go ahead.

Take up the whole damn street?!

You just worry about yourself!

You want a punch in the face?!

I should teach you a lesson. Want to repeat that?

Is this really necessary?

You're just lucky that I'm in a hurry.

-And we're stupid to get worked up. -Aye

-Sorry, ladies. -That's all right.

Sounds like an old banger.

Don't laugh. It can carry you all.

Step on it, you're dawdling!

You interrupted me just at the critical moment.

There's no oil in the gearbox.

- Just like in the cabs! - The Marne cabs, anyhow.

Go on, laugh!

Okay, tell me when to stop. I'm not going far.

Just here, driver.

-What's that creaky noise? -The brake, of course.

It's the same as the gearbox!

Gimme a break!

Okay, we're here.

-What a strange place! How much? -8.75.

-Oh, that's expensive! -Whatever.

And now, you attack me. Go on, hit me in the neck.

-For real? -Well, hit me already!

Well then, here I go!

-Did you hurt yourself? -No, I'm fine.

This is where I use my grip. Watch.

Your hand. Right?

-Hello! -You missed the best ever!

-The champ's got a problem? -Whatever!

It was because I wanted to fall.

I wouldn't hurt a woman.

Ten years in pro wrestling. Always got up by the count of three!

-A 10-count maybe? -Oh, you don't get it!

For good reason, I was known as "Bob the Gripper."

Ten years I was the king of the Elysee.

The Montmartre Elysee.

It's not the big time, kids. Hey, is the grub ready?

-I'll check. -What do you got?

-Tripe. -Great, let's eat!

You know, when you can't forget a girl?

It's serious.

When I think of all the time I've wasted.

Big deal! You had fun.

There's no fun in having fun.

C'mon, kids!

Hurry up, there's a free ride in a banger.

Come back this afternoon for a free judo lesson.

A free lesson? That's too expensive! Goodbye, my pussycat.

See you tomorrow, guys!

6 Place des Vosges.

I repeat, 6 Place des Vosges.

Boulevard de Bercy.

-What number? -I'll let you know.

Pretty cold out tonight.

I'll close the window.

Got a light?

Thanks.

Hello, 3-25, you're disturbing the switchboard.

Cut your transmitter.

-Where are you going? -I know the way.

Me too. Turn right!

I told you turn right!

I told you, I know the way!

You'd better not insist.

It's all right.

Stop on the left.

-This isn't Boulevard de Bercy. -Do what I say!

Drop that.

Absolutely not.

Drop the wrench.

I don't think so.

You recognised me then?

You? Never saw you before.

You're a bad liar.

Listen.

I brought you here because I need to talk.

Privately, understood?

We've got nothing to say, we're strangers.

Please listen to me.

Or I'll have to force you to!

Stay away from me.

Look at me carefully.

Ring any bells?

Yeah, it does. And how.

You've got a face no one would forget.

You want to bump me off?

Then there'd be two of us.

Drop it.

Drop it I say!

Drop it now!

Hey! Your flag's up!

What are you doing?

Getting in. You're a taxi, right? So?

Go! Go!

I'm not free.

-But your flag shows that you're free! -But I'm not free!

I know, I just got in.

Get out, I'm returning to the depot.

And me, I'm going to the Deux Magots Bar. Understand?

What's going on?

-He got into my car. -So?

Well...my shift is over!

Your flag was up? Drive the gentleman.

Miss.

Liliane.

This is Inspector Pecharel of the Crime Squad.

I'm sorry, miss, but...

we need your additional testimony.

Are you sure Lambert's not driving?

How much do I owe you?

3.40.

That's not Lambert's voice.

We need to get help, that person's in danger.

-Can I use the phone? -Go ahead.

Calling all cars! Calling all cars!

Lambert has just been attacked.

He's been wounded or even killed.

The murderer has made off with his taxi.

Number 1402-FK-75.

He's armed.

Please everyone, be on the lookout for this car and let me know if you see anything!

My God!

Quick, get out!

-But madam... -Don't argue, get out!

You'll be better off here.

It's you? What a surprise!

Quick! Lambert's been attacked.

-Lambert? -Quick, for heaven's sake!

Hello, switchboard? This is 4-32.

3-25 is 100 metres away.

I'm on the Rue de l'Ouest, heading to the Porte de Chetillon.

Calling all cars!

I repeat, 3-25 is being tailed and chased by his colleagues.

Number 4-32 and two others headed towards Porte de Chatillon.

The murderer must be forced to remain in the car.

Hello? Do you hear me, 4-12?

Are you receiving?

I've lost him, sir.

This is 2-14, think we nabbed him. Come to Rue Castagnary!

Hello, 2-14?

Hello? Can you hear me?

Hello, Germaine?

-Sir? -A coffee, please.

Pierre! Pierre! I just saw someone!

He's a pal. He comes by the same time every night.

I repeat: a grey Simca,

Registration number 7600-HE-75.

Order to all cars in the vicinity

to help the police block all exit points from Paris.

Hello. Hello, Ancelin. Listen to me.

You haven't got a chance. Drop your gun and surrender.

Haven't got a chance.

The End