Original subtitles

A ticket to Nantes, please.

Thank you.

A Coke, please.

- Here you are. - Thank you.

Sorry.

That'll be 10 Francs 50, please.

No, just 10 Francs 50.

Here's your change.

Can l see your ticket, please Miss?

You haven't stamped your ticket.

Not stamped.

Ticket, not stamped.

''stomped?''

What does it mean?

stamped.

You should have...

''clunked'' it at the station.

''Clunked'' at station?

What does ''clunk'' mean?

At station...

- lt's ok! - No, it isn't.

Yes, it's ok.

ls there a problem?

she's foreign, hasn't stamped her ticket and speaks no French.

lf she hasn't stamped it, she hasn't stamped it!

What should l do?

Make her pay the fine.

That's not going to be easy. she doesn't understand 'stamp'.

Ok, listen.

l think she's having a laugh.

lt's ok?

No, not ok.

Ask to see her passport.

Brazilian?!

Where's the photo?

l'm sorry,

l'm sad,

but he says l must fine you.

He's making me fine you.

Leave it, it won't work.

No way!

lt's out of the question.

- We're almost there. - True. We've wasted enough time.

They're speaking too fast for me.

Do you need an interpreter?

Do you have a ticket?

This is for second class.

But you're in first class.

l've been in the bar.

Do you have a supplement?

Has the dog got a ticket?

- The dog's not in a bag. - l have his ticket.

This ticket says your dog must be in a bag, not on a leash.

Just a minute.

President!

Come here.

ls that better now?

very good, Miss.

You can go back to your seat.

l can translate for you.

Please go back to your seat and let us get on with our work.

Do you speak Brazilian?

We'll manage.

Manage! l want to help her.

Listen, Miss, it's not your problem. Now, let us do our job.

Go back to your seat.

l have to cross first class to go back to my seat.

But he's stopping me from doing that.

Crossing 1st class with your ticket is tolerated.

That's why l will not repeat it, kindly hurry back to your seat.

That's 3 points for Joseph.

What do you mean?

Has he got a ticket?

lf you start joking, we've had it!

Tone it down, lady.

You tone it down!

l offer to translate and you tell me to sit down.

lt's clear that none of you understand each other.

That's what l understand.

That's not your problem.

lt appears she bought a ticket.

so what's the problem? A simple case of it not being stamped?

Tell me if l'm right.

Tone it down, lady.

That's all l ask.

Then go back to your seat.

You obviously don't speak Brazilian.

No, but she speaks English.

You clearly need an interpreter.

Look, l'm a lawyer so you won't have the last word with me.

lf you're a lawyer, l'm Transport Minister.

so you want to be funny now?

Why is it always those at fault who try to bluff everyone?

You're mistaken if you think we're impressed.

We see your kind all the time.

You'd be great selling stuff in a supermarket.

- Or on the market. - Too right!

You could impress them there.

What about this?

What's this then?

Maybe l got it at the market?

Keep her passport until this is sorted.

l know what l have to do.

Dump me with it!

You should go.

l really am a lawyer.

How do you say?

Meet. To meet

my client.

He's a sailor.

l'm a lawyer and my client is a sailor.

l'm meeting him in court in Angers.

What's a sailor?

At the court in Baug�.

Hey you,

you're funny! What do l do with the passport?

You abide by the rules.

The same goes for the 2nd class passenger in 1st class.

Who does she think she is? Be firm with her.

l've got an idea.

Listen,

l'll wait for you...

lf you were Brazilian,

and people were as unpleasant to you as you are to her

you'd see what it's like.

l'll give it back to you seeing as it's you.

But don't do it again.

Next time...

- How much is it for 1st class? - Let me see.

l can pay whatever you like.

You'll pay the exact price.

Hurry up.

l'm going as fast as possible.

ls everything ok?

Ladies and gentlemen, we are about to arrive in Angers.

Angers: a 2 minute stop.

You have to be firm, they could be anyone.

Like a terrorist, you mean?

There are more and more of them.

l prefer to keep a note of everything.

l do each time something's odd. Remember the Moreno affair?

Who doesn't?

He was demoted just before he retired.

Each time he visits his grandchildren he has to pay �2 5.

You have to be wary of everyone.

l don't think they recruit unknown Brazilian passengers.

Good looking ones at that!

Don't exaggerate.

l'm pleased to see you.

Give me your luggage.

He doesn't like sailors.

Easy, President.

President?

Was the journey, ok?

Yes, it was good.

l got your letter, but l'd like you to explain in detail.

Not too fast.

Not too fast?

Take it slow.

l'll try.

Last summer,

we were returning from my niece's wedding.

We had a great time.

such good fun!

The next morning l left to catch the 6am boat,

the one to Fromentin.

Then...

Ok, let me summarize.

One: You took small roads between Angers and Le Mans.

l don't like main roads because of the pollution.

Two:

You came across a car going slow, that refused to let you overtake.

lt was ahead of me and l tried to overtake.

l started overtaking and he pulled out in front of me.

Three: you attempt to pass, he cuts you up, you collide.

Exactly. l said l was in a hurry as l was going to miss my boat.

l gave him my address and my insurance details,

to declare joint responsibility.

Honestly,

who cares? lt's only a dented door.

- You refused to do the report. - l said l hadn't time.

That's when he threatened me with a tyre lever!

l just had time to duck,

otherwise he'd have hit me.

And you heard no more about it

until you received a summons to appear in court in Baug�.

That's typical.

Medical report, a formal complaint to the Police.

l'd forgotten all about him.

He attacks me and he goes to the Police?

Who'd do such a thing?

What does your friend do?

l'm not sure. Model. Dancer, maybe?

Do you have a torch?

Look, Mr Petitgars.

Will she be with you in court tomorrow?

she's coming with us?!

We may make a bad impression.

Are you: Petitgars Marcel?

Born January 23rd 1944 in st sauveur, Yeu island?

son of Petitgars Emile and Lebr�te Lucienne?

Residing in Kadouer?

A village on Yeu lsland?

Profession: Fisherman.

Are you appearing alone?

l'm assisting him, your Honour.

You're accused of the following: ln Chevir�, on June 24th 1984

you hit and injured, through some form of violent act,

the victim: vall�e Lucien.

He was left injured and unable to work for more than 8 days.

Prosecution will take place under Law R-40 of the penal code.

- ls there a lawyer present? - Yes, your Honour.

l'm the lawyer for Mr vall�e.

Here are my conclusions.

On June 21st 1984,

your vehicle collided with that of Mr Lucien vall�e,

a shop owner from Briolet.

lt happened on a blind bend whilst overtaking.

Lucien vall�e asked you nicely to file a report

but you threw yourself on him yelling:

''You can stick your report, l've got better things to do''.

As he insisted, you flew at him.

You punched him twice in the face resulting in

his Dr signing him off for a week. What do you have to say?

lt's a bunch of lies.

Give us your version of events.

My pleasure.

l was coming back from my niece's wedding in Paris.

l was in a rush to get back to the boat.

But there was a guy driving really slowly ahead of me.

l wanted to overtake, but when l started to, he cut me up.

He then threatened to hit me with a tyre lever.

He's a violent man.

very violent.

His cuts and bruises didn't appear out of the blue though.

l don't know how he got them.

lf you don't know, how can l?

All l know is he's a real son of a bitch.

so the report made by the victim to the police is inexact.

lt's a pack of lies.

The court is surprised that an honest shop owner and father of 3...

He says whatever comes into his head.

He says whatever comes into his head.

My client means we shouldn't judge a book by its cover.

You can speak later.

An honest shop owner, father of 3,

Councillor and President of the Loire fishing association...

What about me? Maybe l'm a priest.

so the President of the Loire fishing association

would invent a story and waste time getting a medical note?

All l know for sure

is that he's dangerous.

That's all l know.

Does the Prosecutor have any questions?

What time did this happen?

lt must have been around midnight.

And your cousin's wedding was the day before?

That's right.

lt lasted all night.

Did you sleep well?

Would you have slept much?

l suppose you only drank water?

l drank...

l had a drink with the others.

No further questions.

The victim is present for questioning.

Mr vall�e please approach and give us your version of events.

lt happened very quickly, your Honour.

He cut me up.

Then he ran into me.

l got out of the car to make a report

and he said: ''You can stick your report...''

Go on.

''Up your arse''.

Then he punched me in the face.

Liar!

That's a pack of lies!

Quieten down, Petitgars.

l'd like to know what you'd have done in the same situation!

- l'm not here to answer to you. - Answer me!

My answer is that you'll soon be in contempt of court.

For the foresaid reasons: l request compensation

of 10 000 Francs in damages

for reparation of the harm caused.

Prosecutor?

- strict application of the law. - Fine.

lt's over to you.

Despite the victim's efforts to modify the facts in his favour,

the facts remain the facts.

Firstly,

l'd like to point out

that what we call the French language is not eternal

nor unique,

but is definitively codified.

French is the language used to buy a sack of potatoes,

say ''my love'', fill out a tax form

or transcribe a treaty for wave mechanics.

This global vision of French

leads us to distinguish several levels:

The common language, the formal language.

Elements considered as vulgar or obscene.

Regionalisms in French.

Technical vocabulary.

The use of old language which is now archaic.

None of these states merit being discarded.

They are all part of our language.

Two remarks can be made from this.

First remark:

lt's clear that the current organisation of French society

presides over the organisation of most of these levels.

lt's also clear

that any change in the configuration of social classes

would lead to a change within these levels.

But who can envisage the nature of these changes?

second remark:

These levels, albeit part of the language,

can not totally be reduced to their social dimension.

We should consider the role of communication.

We choose a level of language depending on the circumstances.

One person would say: ''What've l done with my lighter''?

But another would say: ''Where the fuck's my lighter''?

Hugo could put down his script

and write ''Baker's bill, October, 10 Francs 60''.

ln one way this is reassuring.

And we must learn from this.

The essential is to realize what damages the language system.

And the mistakes made due to the inadequacy of communication.

The first requires a change that leaves no choice

between the codes and the errings of awkwardness.

The second calls upon reflection

that leads to the choice of several levels.

so as not to condemn the inevitable,

common vulgar, regional tone used.

l felt it necessary,

before getting to the heart of the matter, my introduction.

lntroduction?

You have wandered off the subject.

Rather than explaining your client's behaviour

you have introduced obscure ideas.

And the court is having trouble following you.

l have great experience in this type of hearing

and all this is unnecessary.

lt's much easier than you think.

Therefore, your Honour, if you feel l am wandering,

l appeal to your perspicacity.

l'm sure you have perceived

our adversary's dishonesty

and Marcel Petitgars' innocence.

Petitgars,

if you admit that you have been,

l wouldn't say violent, but rather a little vivacious.

l am willing,

taking into account your honourable profession,

l'm willing to show you

great leniency.

l'm sure your adversary will be conciliatory

and will accept some form of symbolic compensation.

But good Lord!

Your honour, l'm innocent!

l haven't been violent at all!

He was going to bash me with a tyre lever.

Look,

l may still have

a bruise on my arm, see?

1 5 days prison with a deferred sentence.

Your lawyer will explain.

l'm innocent. l haven't been violent.

Be quiet.

And 2000 Francs in damages to the victim.

- Next case. - l'm innocent.

l haven't been violent.

Accused: Gu�rin Alfred.

l'll strangle him after the hearing.

Gu�rin Alfred.

lsn't Gu�rin here?

Note that down as a no-show.

l'll strangle him after the hearing.

l don't advise that.

You'll end up in Crown Court and l can't help you there.

- Can't you do anything? - Appeal you mean?

No, because you'd be sure to do 1 5 days prison that way.

A miscarriage of justice due to your bad impression.

l made a bad impression?

Yes, a sailor versus a shop owner isn't good.

Everyone in Port-Joinville knows l'm not violent.

They know l'm not like that.

That may be true but the Judge doesn't know you.

He thinks sailors fight in bars.

And he's a local Judge of a certain age.

There's no point getting angry.

Just stay calm.

l propose that l sleep on it.

l've got a friend who's a lawyer in Paris.

l told him l'd drop by. We can all go, he'll love that.

You stay here whilst l call him. l'll be right back.

Why does it say Richelieu on the tree?

l think he came here.

Richelieu wouldn't have given you a deferred sentence.

There weren't shop keepers or cars then.

What a road!

Are you sure it's this way?

Richelieu hid himself away!

ls that it?

Do you recognize it?

lt's wonderful.

ls this it?

This is it. Yes, there's another 2Cv.

There we are.

ls there anyone home?

ls there anyone home?

We're here.

l told you l wouldn't be alone.

- l'm Petitgars. - Hello.

Dejanira.

We've just been in court in Baug�.

These things happen.

lt's his first time.

Please take a seat.

l don't think he likes lawyers anymore.

Don't sulk, Petitgars.

The problem with this world

is that magic wands are for fairies.

Sir,

would you like a drink?

Just a drop.

You know, Petitgars

you were judged on appearance.

You're too emotional.

You got carried away.

lt's all about routine for a Judge.

Routine is everywhere.

Look at what happened to Dejanira and me on the train.

lsn't that right, Dejanira?

You mustn't fight destiny. Destiny is destiny.

Destiny has a name:

lt's called: that Ass of a Judge.

Mimi, destiny's not going to stop you having a drink, is it?

All l have left, though

is an open bottle of Pinot!

l see you're not alone in the woods.

Ticket inspector.

What's this about a train?

What's this about a train and a ticket inspector?

Cheers!

''Clunk'', at the station.

''Clunk'', what at the station?

l don't understand a thing.

l understand everything.

lt's a woman's thing.

What exactly did you do at the station, Dejanira?

That's what l want to know!

lt isn't important. l'm wasting my time on idiocies.

Don't leave me in the dark!

Petitgars, it's not important.

You might not think it's important.

You'd better tell me everything because l want to know!

Earlier, you said you had a plan.

so let's hear it.

l don't want to talk.

Another drink?

Please.

But if you think it'll make me talk, you're mistaken.

My dear Petitgars, l wouldn't dare insinuate

you don't have the courage to explain your plan.

But in my opinion, if you don't want to discuss it,

it's because it's not feasible or maybe inexistent.

lnexistent?

Let me tell you, they're going to get what's coming to them!

What's coming to them?

Who is 'them'?

All the ticket inspectors and judges.

Just like l said, it's unfeasible.

Firstly, those who bother Djani...

Dejanira.

Wait and see what l'll do for you sweetie.

They're going to pay for everyone.

For all the family.

How are you going to do it?

l have an idea.

But l'm not going to tell everybody.

What are you going to do?

something.

Yes, but what?

l'm going to do something big.

Well that's clear then!

l have a plan.

l'll get them good.

What is it?

l might take them

on a little boat trip.

lf l'd been there it wouldn't have been like that.

Ticket inspectors have to pay too.

They'll pay for all the family.

l'm easy to find in Port-Joinville.

At home. ln the Port Bar.

Ok, but don't drown anyone.

Do it slowly if you do!

At f/fteen we /eave the v///age

At f/fteen we /eave our parents

At f/fteen we /eave the shore

To sa// the ocean waves

/t's the sea that ca//s us there

/t's the sea that wh/spers /ow

ls there a train to the sables now?

There's the 1:26am.

''Clunk'' at the station.

We could have a coffee at the Port bar while we wait.

Maybe next time.

she'll make us a little something special.

lt's my shout, you should come!

Don't worry, we'll come to see you.

We can ask for sleeper seats later.

The ticket lnspector.

You again?

You obviously can't get enough of me!

We can't get away from you!

Maybe you can help us get some sleeper seats?

You want sleeper seats?

surely, you can help an old friend out.

- Where are you going? - To the sables.

You have to get off in Nantes, the correspondence is at 6:08am.

lt takes four hours?

Yes, but you can sleep in the train in Nantes.

lf l can find you spare seats.

You want sleeper seats? l need to check it out.

Let's not stay angry with one another.

This stays between us.

Don't repeat this or l'll get in trouble.

lf l'd been alone it wouldn't have been a problem.

So you're saying your colleague's the culprit.

He's stubborn, especially at work.

We argued a little,

because we can't let passengers off lightly.

We have to abide by the rules.

But if it were up to me, l wouldn't have fined her.

Because,

pretty girls...

Yes, absolutely, ticket inspector's honour.

Don't take it badly.

What about a little kiss to excuse myself, is that ok?

- l'm not her bodyguard. - Tell her then.

You're a quick one.

sleeper seats, yes?

she understands.

What's she saying?

she says she knows someone who's looking for you.

What do you mean?

We both know someone who's looking for you.

What do you mean? Why?

l don't know. Maybe he wants a word with you.

A word about what?

Maybe it's about unpleasant ticket inspectors.

- Who's this guy? - He's Petitgars.

Petitgars from the Yeu lsland, Port Bar.

Have you known him long?

You are nosy.

We both know him.

But Dejanira knows him best.

You know him?

- He's a sailor. - Really?

You shouldn't be telling tales like that.

You've got me interested but l'm busy.

l'll meet you at the station caf �.

lt's my shout.

l want to continue this conversation.

Forget the seats. see you at the station caf �.

Anyway, there's nothing else to do.

Are you coming to sleep at my place?

l don't know. l've kind of got a date.

Leave the key under the shutter as usual.

Thanks. see you.

Who are you meeting?

l can't tell you.

Oh, you're here.

l hope my colleague doesn't come because if he sees me with you...

He almost blew a fuse because l gave her passport back.

l got a good telling off.

- Do you always work together? - Not always, but sometimes.

so we were lucky to lose him then?

So,

what's all this about the Port Bar?

What's your snappy hero called again?

Don't insult Petitgars.

His name's Petitgars.

l've not done anything to him.

He doesn't like uniforms.

He doesn't like uniforms. We're tough guys at the railway!

l'm not frightened to go find him if he's looking for me.

Go right ahead, Yeu island's not far.

The Port Bar.

We can go together. What are you going to the sables for?

Or maybe that's too personal a question?

she wanted to see the sea

from the other side. she's Brazilian,

so she wanted to see the sea from the other side of the ocean.

There's nothing to see there.

l should know, l was born there.

- lsn't it nice? - lt's not the right season.

You'd be better going to Yeu lsland.

What do you say?

she says it's ok.

You speak such good Portuguese that even l understand.

l'm fantastic. What's her name?

How do you say: 'what's your name'?

How?

she understood!

- De, what? - Dejanira.

Janeiro.

Like /f you go to R/o...?

And you?

Lucien Pontoiseau.

But for the ladies, it's Lulu.

What's she saying? ls she mocking me?

she says she wants to see Petitgars versus Lulu.

You're on!

Don't stand me up though.

l've got some time off, but l can be there tomorrow.

Do you know the bus times?

No.

- Let's have a drink. - What a good idea.

- lt looks good, here. - Chocolate.

Two chocolates.

ls the dog thirsty too?

The little boat trip...

l don't want to go to Court!

- Where to? - New York.

ls it urgent?

very.

Can't you call?

lf it's really urgent.

Hello lads!

Hi Thierry, Andr�.

Are you winning?

lt's my go, l dealt.

lf you like.

You took your time.

l was in court.

l have to pay 2000 Francs in damages,

with a 1 5 day deferred sentence.

- A jug, please. - A jug.

serves you right.

lt could've been worse.

You're a bunch of idiots.

l know something that'll shut you up.

You haven't heard the best bit yet.

We can't wait.

A jug for me too.

A round, please!

This'll shut you up. l've met a girl.

- Blimey. - A pretty girl.

A Brazilian who knows my lawyer.

- You're having us on! - No, l'm not!

she couldn't take her eyes off me.

- Really? - l was alone.

she was looking at me.

You're pulling my leg, Don Juan.

she's coming to see me.

You're bringing her here?

Don't believe a word he says.

she must be impressed if she's coming.

l made a really good impression.

Let me tell you why.

l showed an interest in her.

And that got her right in the heart.

she had a problem on the train.

They were lucky l wasn't with her.

They wouldn't have got away with it.

How dare they fine a young woman who can't speak French?

she hadn't stamped her ticket.

The leaders will pay for all the family!

The whole family!

They'll see!

- We'll see later. - l haven't had my jug.

Where's my jug? l'm thirsty.

lt's not the same!

My God.

They're going on a boat.

On a little boat trip.

A little boat trip!

- Absolutely. - Then we'll see.

You'll see, Jeannot. Are you with me?

Yes captain!

No!

Don't panic.

- l've had enough. - Get lost.

That'll last eight days.

How was your meeting, yesterday?

lt was fine. Calm down.

Buy her a washing machine.

she'll just have to wait.

l was looking forward to a little relaxation.

Leave your wife with her parents.

You should come with me tomorrow and chill out.

Our job's tiring, with ungodly hours.

We're out of sync.

You're off somewhere?

- Where? - Yeu lsland.

ls that what your meeting was about yesterday?

very discrete!

Be careful who you talk to.

No need to worry. You're the one missing out.

Yeu's great. You're missing out.

The open air.

We're going to free our minds.

lt's called going with the flow.

l've got cupboards to fix in the kitchen.

Besides, l'm not playing gooseberry in your love story.

- Who said it was a love story? - l know you.

When there's a little mystery...

lt's good that you argued with your wife,

you'll be able to have a week end to remember!

Your insistence is suspect.

l'm just worried about your health.

l swear it'll do you good.

lt'll get you back on form.

l prefer watching football.

On Tv?

Crisps, snacks, peanuts!

You really should come along.

We'll have lobster,

grilled and a little white wine.

lsn't that better?

lt's better than steak and chips in the buffet bar.

l've had enough.

Maybe you're right.

Where do we go now?

l have no idea.

There's a Port Bar in all ports.

l'm not going to a 4 star hotel.

The Port Bar, it is then.

- lt's awful here. - No, it isn't.

Hello.

A hot chocolate.

A very milky hot chocolate, please.

And a soda water with ice, to warm me up.

What about some mint cordial?

A muscadet.

Don't scare them like that!

- Here you are. - Thanks.

- l've seen you here before. - You must be mistaken.

We're not from round here.

Where are you from then?

Here and there. Nowhere special.

We're travellers.

- Are you sales Reps? - Not at all.

Not exactly.

Gypsies?

We're the total opposite of you.

We don't cross the ocean.

We're land travellers.

Land travellers?

Don't you get it?

We work on the trains.

They're not interested.

Yeah, listen.

We're inspectors on the trains.

With the national rail company.

lt's your turn.

- Everyone wins. - Who's cheating?

We're going to pay our tax.

We're going to do our taxes, lads.

- A water please, Josiane. - There you are!

shut up, l'm not in the mood.

Try me again tomorrow!

Yesterday was the same!

- Give me a coffee. - A coffee.

A jug would give me some strength.

strength!

You'll need enough for two!

Just enough for me will be fine.

l don't know you.

ls this your first time here?

l said is it your first time?

We've just got here. Why?

On the 3 o'clock boat.

- 3:1 5. - Good crossing?

Was it a bit rough? We're you seasick?

No, we weren't.

some people were sick, but we were fine.

My colleague was fine too.

That's good.

You don't get seasick, then?

- No, why? - Good for you!

- Why's he asking that? - No reason.

A little boat trip.

A boat trip?

For a little bit of fishing.

A little boat trip.

How about a fishing trip tomorrow?

Do you have crisps?

The crisps are out back.

l'd like a packet, please.

Follow me.

so no one fancies a boat trip?

They'll go tomorrow and throw up overboard.

The tides not bad, they could go out.

You could capsize them.

- ls that all? - Yes, how much do l owe you?

Three Francs thirty.

- Hello. - Hi, how are you?

Hello.

Here l am.

Excuse me.

We just got here.

What do you mean ''we''?

l've come with a friend.

You really look like sailors.

We went to the supermarket.

so, how's things?

Petitgars!

Did you see that? Give me a kiss, babe.

What's she doing here?

she's the one l spoke about.

The one you told me about?

The one l met.

You met her?

- You didn't tell me! - l didn't get a chance.

You met her? What time's the boat?

- Calm down. - What time's the boat!?

All today's boats have gone.

l don't believe it!

lt's unbelievable. This is your mess.

You wanted me back on form!

Calm down.

lt'll be peaceful and quiet,

you'll have lobster. Do you call that lobster?

- Manners, please! - You sit still!

Don't make a scene!

What's wrong with him?

Does he know who l am?

Petitgars. l'm Marcel Petitgars.

so what?

Was it you who fined

my fianc�e on the Maine Ocean train the other night?

Maybe. And what if l did?

l'm not acquainted with you.

Do you enjoy bothering people?

ls that your job?

What if it is?

lt's irrelevant. Excuse me.

Excuse you? You want me to excuse you?

Don't ask for excuses.

lt's too late for excuses!

- lt's way too late! - What are you doing?

Are you angry?

Who is he?

l'm Marcel Petitgars.

No one dictates the law to me.

- What law? - Calm down.

This is the Port Bar, l'm Petitgars from Yeu.

What about it?

- Hold me back, lads! - No.

We're not holding you back.

Hold me back or l'll have him!

l did close combat in the army.

Don't take it badly, Mr Marcel.

- Don't get angry. - Who said Marcel?

Who said Marcel?

My name's Petitgars!

Only the ladies call me Marcel.

Don't break anything!

Only the ladies!

lt's not worth losing your temper, Mr Petitgars.

These things happen.

Damn Civil servants!

Representatives of the law!

Pigs!

l'll ring all their necks.

They dared do that to my fianc�e

just because she doesn't speak French.

- Would you like a drink? - Yes, why not.

We didn't fine her, by the way.

You didn't fine her?!

l'll wring their necks like that!

How's Lulu?

He's sleeping at the hotel.

After his trip to the doctor you recommended.

After that,

and with all the emotion...

He'll join us for dessert.

He's not badly hurt, is he?

- Well... - He's not too bruised is he?

He'll be fine.

l didn't mean to hurt him.

l hope l didn't hurt you too much either?

l don't know my own strength.

l'm violent. The Judge was right.

l have been violent.

You don't deserve that, that's for sure.

We do kind of. We did fine her.

lt's awful for a guy like me.

We should have...

lt's my fault. That's how l am.

l have to abide by the rules.

l can't do anything other than

hand out fines.

- Can l be frank? - Of course.

lnspectors are hard workers,

and honest ones at that.

lt's awful.

A worker who hits out at fellow workers

who are working to bring up a family.

Do you have a wife and kids?

Well l...

Just think, they could have been orphans.

How can l make it up to him?

l'll never forgive myself. Here.

Good Lord!

- Poor guy. - Cheers.

We're friends, so l'm prepared to beg for forgiveness.

You're like a brother to me.

l'll take you with me.

l'll take you fishing with me.

Don't cut yourself up.

We chose our stupid jobs.

We're like slaves.

lt's true. lt's slavework, you know?

lt's totally stupid.

Why did it happen to me?

Why am l an inspector?

lt's not what l wanted to do.

What did you want to do?

l wanted to be a pilot.

You like travelling then.

Do you know what l have here?

Paris - Nantes, Nantes - Paris.

sometimes La Roche-sur-Yon too.

You know l have a hat with four stars,

but l don't hold the controls.

lt's a stamping machine for stamping.

lt's stupid and so am l.

You're not stupid. l know you're not stupid.

Dejanira!

What were you thinking?

l'm at the...

- The Mother Goriot. - What?

The Mother Goriot.

The Mother Goriot. l'm here!

seven hours in the plane.

seven hours from New York in economy class.

Not first class.

An hour to find my suitcase at that airport in Paris.

Charles de Gaulle.

Then two hours in a traffic jam

to that other airport.

- Orly. - Orly West.

Half an hour to get a ticket.

Fifteen minutes to get it stamped.

Fifteen minutes to listen for...

- What are they called? - Planes.

That's right.

Then an hour to get to Ch�teau Bougon!

And after that there was another little plane.

Then a little taxi.

Then after that, the little Dejanira.

Why did you come here on holiday?

Just when l get us a show!

He'd better not hurt you!

l need to find a piano because she's got a great number.

so l can accompany her when she sings.

What piano?

l need to find a piano

in this hell hole.

Do you know where l can find a piano, now?

There's one where l taught. But l stopped because...

There's one at the civic centre.

l don't know what state it's in.

l think there's a rehearsal on tonight

for next month's f �te.

- A rehearsal? - Yes, for the island's band.

Come here.

Let's go there now.

- Right now? - Yes.

What about dessert?

He's a friend of his and your star's companion.

Ok, how about,

leaving a note on the table.

Let's go.

Let's go!

We're going to play now?

Let's go play.

That's no easy task.

Easy does it.

Wait for us!

l didn't do anything.

Let me introduce Pedro de la Maccora,

world famous Mexican impresario from New York.

He's here. Come on.

lt's for a piano rehearsal,

with the huge star of Brazilian samba,

Dejanira, my fianc�e.

she's my girlfriend.

Ok, let's try something else now.

What about us?

silence!

Give me a hand, please?

- ls it ok there? - Yes, that's better.

Here's the music.

Here's a chair.

- Aren't you the pianist? - No, you are.

You asked for a piano, l can't read that.

lt'll be easy for you.

l'll try, but l can't promise anything.

Do you have everything you need?

Thank you.

Can you play that, please?

l'm not a pianist.

We should have brought guitars.

l told you, l could see this coming.

A guitar?

- A guitar? - The island is small.

A small island. A guitar.

A guitar.

Who said there's no guitar on the island?

- You did. - Me?

l never said that!

That guitar will get smashed over someone's head.

stop it! We need it.

Calm down, Marcel, it's fragile.

lt's electric. Marcel, is there an amp?

There's an entire music shop back here.

That's seems ok.

lt's fine.

Are you ready?

That's the music.

l don't know which way up the page goes.

No, that'll distract me.

You've always said you were good at music!

The Rolling stones didn't go to music school!

l know the chords, but l can't read music.

So?

she can read the chords to me.

l'll be great, don't you worry.

Ok, Miss.

Maestro.

The first chord please, Miss.

- C. - C.

Low C.

D Minor 7th.

No, no!

- D Minor 7th. - Sorry.

G 6th and 7th.

- ls that it? - Yes. Four times.

Let's play it at the right tempo.

One, two. One, two, three.

Sing.

stop! she knows the song.

Ok, do the same again four times.

Then l'll call you in, ok?

One, two. One, two, three.

Go!

And after?

- Go on, please. - she's deciphering it. Hang on.

A Minor.

D twice.

- B 7th. - B.

seventh.

E Minor.

A.

D seventh.

- Then G 7th. - G 7th.

Then there's a bar like at the start.

The same as the start.

He's getting annoyed.

E, F...

lt's just a thought, but we could ask the pianist.

The one who lives around here.

The one who lives near the Minister.

- He was on his bike. - Who, the Minister?

No, the pianist!

Hello, are you the pianist?

Yes l am.

l'm Pedro de la Maccora the American impresario.

Here's a sheet of music, can you play it?

- Please. - Excuse me.

Hello.

Excuse me.

Sing.

One, two, three, four.

l'm the King, the King of samba!

l am, l am the King, the King of samba!

Are you ok? Not too tired?

l'm fine. And you?

Fine. l'm looking for Dejanira.

she wasn't in her room.

l saw her leaving in a hurry.

Leaving? Where'd she go?

l don't know but l saw the boat go.

The boat's gone? How is that possible?

she left with the strangling sailor.

l saw her with my own eyes.

Let's go get a strong coffee.

Please, Miss.

Another bit of toast with extra butter, please.

Do you have any marmalade?

- l'll bring it over. - Thank you.

We haven't seen your colleague yet.

He must still be asleep.

l have a good idea where he is.

He'll be here for the boat.

l'll take one then.

And one for my dog too.

l'll ask about the two remaining places.

l've got my places. There are 2 left, interested?

Yes, l'll take both please.

Yes, two other people are coming with me.

There are three of us. Thank you.

l heard something's going on.

Apparently there's a big American impresario here.

He's over there.

We're you the American at the casino last night?

l'd like an interview.

l'm from the island's Radio Far West.

Far West?

lt's a private joke!

lsland humour!

You've not got a local accent.

l'm a special case, l'm an immigrant worker.

l met my wife in the Midi region.

My wife's born and bred here, that's quite rare.

My wife's fast. Let's not talk about it.

Could you answer a question off the record?

Could you tell me about your Brazilian star?

What Brazilian star?

The one that gets undressed,

dances samba at the Rio carnival. You're her impresario.

The star!? The star!?

There's only one artist here, that's him.

He's the only one!

No strip artist!

Artists, artists!

Oh come on.

Don't you think l recognize talent when l see it?

You don't think Pedro de la Maccora sees your great talent?

l make big bucks with talent like you.

Aren't you a professional?

Do you speak English?

That's great!

You're the Maurice Chevalier of the future!

Don't exaggerate.

Take a seat.

l'm from the New World. l'll make you a star

in New York, Los Angeles, Mexico, no problem.

But what'll l do over there?

You'll sing songs on Tv, NBC.

Do you have songs ready for me?

You can sing the songs you sang yesterday.

With your beret and a baguette under your arm.

You can sing like that.

l can't just up and leave.

Do what you did yesterday.

Where do you get your instantaneous inspiration from?

lt's when l have a bit to drink.

lt comes naturally after a few drinks.

That's real talent.

That's exactly what l said, but l can't convince him.

You don't have to tell him. He knows.

He just doesn't want to admit it, that's all.

No one's ever told me before.

l believe you, but you're taking a risk.

Do you want to sign a contract right now?

No, not here.

l've got a lawyer in New York.

- l can't go to New York. - Just think,

l can call NBC and they can send the contract.

- Who'll pay my flight? - l will.

Make it a return ticket, then.

l'll have to get time off work. lt won't be easy.

lf it doesn't work out l'll want my job back.

Lots of people fail. l've got a wife and kids to think of.

Listen,

there are days,

when we have to make important decisions.

Today is that day for you.

Your future. Maurice Chevalier.

lf you don't make that choice now

you're future's over.

My future isn't bright, but at least it's certain.

You're talking to Pedro de la Maccora.

You should come along this afternoon.

Your flight's in the evening.

You can answer the listener's live.

Maybe you could even sing.

Yes let's go, we've got nothing else to do.

- l'm taking the boat. - Come with us.

You'll get to Nantes quicker.

l've told you, l work on the trains.

l have a family. l can't leave.

Give your wife a call.

l can try, but...

How far does your radio reach?

All the way to the sables.

Hello, honey, it's me.

l need to tell you something.

Give me a chance.

l'll tell you later.

No, l'm talking to a woman l met on the train.

Pack my case, l'm going on a business trip.

very unexpected. l'll explain later.

Pack my blue pyjamas.

My wool socks, a pair of long johns.

ls it cold in New York?

New York, that's right.

Don't worry, l'll fix it with work.

Listen,

sometimes, you have to take a risk.

Don't yell at me. l'll sort it out.

so he's coming then?

There's only 2 seats. Are you leaving Miss Brazil here?

- Did you notice? - Yes l did.

- l scored with the pianist. - l saw.

We missed you this morning.

And you're going to vend�e via Brazil!

There were already 2 of you lusting after her.

- Three would have been a crowd. - What now?

- Now, l've got itchy feet. - What about vend�e?

she didn't want me to leave.

All her family's on the island.

That's island mentality.

You're a real scaredy cat.

l'm not. We get the boat then get back to work.

Don't forget, 10:26am with your suitcase, ok?

someone made me a proposition.

A proposition?

Who? The Brazilian?

No, her agent. He thinks l'm the new Maurice Chevalier.

No kidding!

No, really. l'll be on Radio Far West in a minute.

And seeing as l'm a star, l'm taking the plane.

And landing in Broadway!

There's a stop at Ch�teau Bougon first.

No really, where's your case?

- Dejanira! - Another passenger?

What?

The fraudulent passenger.

Pilot stop, please.

What's going on?

l thought we were going to New York.

You have to take me to Nantes at least!

l'm arranging a meeting with Johnny Miller

at the 7 4th street studio.

We had a Panam correspondence in New York,

but now it's in Paris.

l've got to be on the 10:26am Nantes train.

No way!

Why should l?

Make him get out!

You can't throw me off like that. l've got a train to catch.

My company's waiting for me.

l'll complain to the company!

The bird opens its beak and drops its prey.

Crook! swindler!

Bastard!

There's someone at the door.

someone's knocking.

Am l seeing things or is that the train guy?

We're closed!

Ask him to come here!

- We're closed. - lt's very important.

There are still people inside.

They're finishing their game.

The owner doesn't want us open after 8pm.

Let him in.

l'll take the blame, Josiane.

lt's not possible.

lt's a disaster, it's terrible.

They chucked me off the plane.

l have to be on the 10:26am train

to Nantes tomorrow morning.

l don't know how to get there.

Call in sick.

You're crazy.

l was refused three days off last week.

They'll think it's my revenge.

lt's a disaster, l really don't know what to do.

Can you take him, Marcel?

- Me? - ln your boat?

To Fromentin?

My boat doesn't have a radar to get there.

What if it's foggy?

How will we manage the port?

l'll end up in Jamaica.

That's an idea, Marcel.

lt's hard to use the Fromentin channel at this time.

lt'll be low tide later.

lt's two hours away.

Let's meet at the port at 3am.

l don't control the tide.

Can l transfer a passenger to you?

That's no trouble.

Come on and we'll pick you up.

Thanks guys.

Come on!

l almost went overboard.

- say hi to the family! - Bye Marcel.

Thank you.

Thanks a lot.

We're getting close, aren't we?

We're nearing land, yes.

We can see the coastline.

- You'll see the land soon. - lt's there.

Not long now till sun rise.

- lt's night on the left. - lt's beautiful.

Night on the left, day on the right!

Come on.

We can't go any further.

- There's not enough water. - We'll run aground.

lt's low tide.

Hey guys!

You see, you're saved!

Do you think he'll take me?

Of course.

ls he going to Pornic?

- See you soon! - Thanks.

Thanks a lot. Bye!

That's for sure.

How long does it take to Pornic?

About an hour or so.

Good bye!

Thanks for everything!

Thanks for everything!

- We're not moving. - We've run aground.

- What do you mean run aground? - Hit the sand.

Can't we try to...

lt's no use.

We're stuck.

We're not far.

Help!

l'm leaving.

l don't believe it!

Can you help me off here, please?

What a disaster!

Good bye!

Take this.

Let's go quickly! Wait a minute!

Ok, we can go.

Good bye and thanks!

Thanks a lot.

l need to go to Nantes, ok?

- To catch a train. - l'm going that way.

- What's that way? - l'll drop you at the port.

The port! l need to go to Nantes.

Nantes is that way!

l don't believe this.

l'm going to Nantes.

Have a drink.

No, it won't go down.

Just take a sip!

Turn that way.

Where?

There's not much water.

There's not much water. Go that way.

But there's no water.

Go back towards the sand bank.

Don't get stuck!

There's not much water.

Go back that way.

That's it. There's water there.

The port's that way.

Can you see the port entrance over there?

Go straight on to the port.

straight on.

Don't go too fast.

Go slowly or we'll hit the sand.

You're going to hit it there.

The port's over there. You can go straight in.

What's wrong now?

The road's not far.

ls there enough petrol?

The most important is that there's enough water.

There's not a lot there.

l can't get in the water.

Look at all the sand over there.

Does it goes right to the road?

Yes, it does.

Lend me your waders, l'll walk.

ls that high enough up?

- ls that enough? - Yes.

The sand's soft.

Are you following me?

lf l fall in the water...

Thank you.

Thanks a lot.

/'m the K/ng. The K/ng of samba.

/ am, / am the K/ng, the K/ng of samba.

Adaptation: Nicola Haughton

Processing: B.B. COM - Paris