Original subtitles

A certain morality colours...

...every portrait that is tragic...

...and renders what it depicts abhorrent

Barbey d'Aurevilly

Headmaster... it's about time for the bell

Go ahead. I'll do the unloading

- This stuff's rotten - You're not paying

Line up. No talking

- Delightful brats - Roll on end ofterm

Eyes giving you trouble?

I stumbled getting up

You're very early

At four a.m. I heard raised voices from your room

A virtuous woman does enjoy the sunrise

You spent too long with the Jesuits

We teachers can't all get sacked

Bastard!

Thank you, my dear

How pretty

We need holidays to cleanse our systems

I'll spend our three-day break naked. How about you?

I'm going home to Niort

I know the place

Keeping cool, Headmistress?

It wafts me the scent of my native land

These rainy days, I prefer my old umbrella

In my country you'd exchange it for a straw sombrero,

and recline in a hammock

Was that true ofyour teacher, José?

Yes, sir, and he rode a horse

I'd never get used to that

I was being nice to him

It was really a mule

Go and play, Joselito

What's up with you?

Ofcourse Michel; who else?

- Quarrelling again? - He came in at three a.m.

How did you stand him so long?

He made me happy at first

You got your money's worth

Don't try to be nasty; it's hard enough for us both

I may be old-fashioned, but I'm amazed by this attitude

The lawful wife drying the favourite's tears

I must go; I'm supervising break today

With your heart, you should let others do the work

I've something to show you

What are you up to?

Nothing

As the boys always say

Kiss me

- Haven't you noticed? - Still cross about that?

No kiss for hubby, Cri-Cri?

Aren't you supervising break today?

- I said not to; she isn't well - Fresh air is just what she needs

Look at those shoes

I always tell her to buy good, stout clod-hoppers

- Pretty things aren't for invalids - I'm not an invalid

You know she's delicate

Arriving from Caracas, she was

Now she's a ruin

She'll bury us all; ruins are indestructible

Go away and play

She was sniffing a little brown bottle, and it wasn't scent

They're boozers; that's why they're always together

- What was in the bottle? - Whisky, stupid

Please... I don't want to talk about it

Patard, ifyou want to draw, you can spend the holiday here

Monsieur Patard, you heard the Headmistress; no holiday for you

I didn't mean to punish him

Then you shouldn't have made the threat

He did an excellent English composition

That's no excuse for defacing buildings

I'll feel no remorse

I can't... I hadn't even the courage to divorce him

So you do still love him?

- No. You wouldn't understand - Am I so stupid?

Divorce is a mortal sin

Carrying a knife about... wasn't that a mortal sin?

I was mad with jealousy. Plotting like this is different

Please yourself, but we'll never have a better chance

Everyone will think you're in Niort with me

- You don't believe in hell, do you? - Not since I was seven

I do

- More fish? - It's not more, it's leftovers

Fry me some eggs

I've doused it in vinegar and shallots

The fish still stinks pretty high

No, thank you. I'm not hungry

Sauces are too rich for my liver

May I crave a glass ofwine, Headmaster?

You've had two

Only one, Headmaster

Very well

- What's wrong? A bone? - No, I told you I wasn't hungry

Swallow it

I can't get it down

Swallow it

Fish good, Monsieur Raymond?

Excellent, Headmaster

I find it... extremely nourishing

Restive, aren't they?

Silence, or no holiday!

Everyone's looking... swallow it

It's revolting

I'm not referring to the fish, either

Get those hooligans out of here, Monsieur Drain

What's this Bolshevism? Eat your fish and be quiet!

I told you to get them out of here

Go and help, Monsieur Raymond

Growing boys must be properly fed

They should eat what they're given

It's like a soup kitchen here

I do my best

Making them ill

We couldn't afford delicacies when I was a kid

I try now, but things are so expensive

Buying cheap, you don't even get value for your money

It's not his money; I pay for everything here

I pay for his women, for you, Nicole

I accept that

But I can't let him make the boys suffer... I won't stand for that

Calm yourself, darling; you know it's no use

I wish I could die and be rid of him

Hurry up, then. We'll arrange a nice funeral and be well rid ofyou

The school won't notice; I'll feel much better

Well, have fun. I've an early start; I'm offto pack

I leave at seven a.m.

Enjoy the holiday, darling. Good night, you

As for enjoying the holiday... three days of honeymooning

I'll be right down

What are you doing?

Look out below!

For the Pont de Saint-Cloud bus, raise your hands

- Will your sister be in the bathroom? - Until ten; there's a peephole

- Give me back my fags - I'm letting you see my sister starkers

Aren't you coming with us?

We're sharing a taxi

Money to burn, eh?

- Where's your suitcase, De Gasquet? - It's the chauffeur's job to carry it

Our chauffeurs aren't doing theirjob

Enjoy your holiday, Headmaster

Isn't Madame down yet?

The ladies left as I was ringing the bell

Madame, and Mademoiselle Horner. I thought you knew, sir

Yes, ofcourse... I had forgotten

It's annoying, though

One ofyou gentlemen will have to remain in charge ofthe boys being punished

Do you mind going back... after your trouble in Niort?

I resigned from the school, that's all

Are your parents alive?

No. I let the first floor to teachers, a married couple

Someone's living in the house?

I've considered that. There won't be any problem, I promise you

- You're tired; want me to drive? - You don't know how

I couldn't afford a car

- Anyway, it stops me from thinking - Good; save yourselffor tomorrow

- We'll never have the courage - You don't know me

Yes, I do... very well

You couldn't kill anyone; but you must sometimes have wished I were dead

He did, not me

"With that heart of hers, it won't be long", he'd say. "lt'll be our place"

- That's horrible! - Don't you believe me?

What did you say?

- You want the truth? - Lfyou're capable of it

I hardly knew you...

Don't; I'd rather not know

Mind the step

Mademoiselle Horner...

...what a pleasant surprise

We'll manage

So much luggage!

My husband grumbles if I have more than a small case

Madame Herboux, this is my headmistress, Madame Delassalle

Are you remembering the rent?

Forgive me; I was hoping, in a day or two...

I was banking on some payments I'm due

But I'll see you tonight, without fail

I'll come up for it tomorrow; we're rather tired tonight

Madame does look poorly

Make yourselfcomfortable

It's good to be home

Switch off; no use wasting electricity

- So soon? - Get it over with

Saint-Cloud, please. This is 242. Molitor 2745, please

I like to go barefoot

I use ski socks when it's cold

Go ahead

It won't bite, won't slap you

Who is it, for God's sake?

Oh, it's you. In Niort? Well, congratulations

Do you think I can afford petrol for weekend trips?

I said it's best we should separate. Yes, I want a divorce

You're healthy enough to earn a living

I'll claim the school, naturally; my dowry paid for it

We can see to the papers after the holidays

Wait... I'm coming

He'll be here tomorrow

Really, Germaine!

You'll catch cold

I'm stifling

- You're feverish - No, I'm just too hot

I thought he'd get here before you

It wasn't easy... the shops are closed

You've got a tablecloth?

A nylon one. Waterproof

- It's a bit big - Not for him

2,500 francs

Some profit they're making

We'll open it, make it look more natural

No, pity to waste it

This'll get you going

Not bad; I've never had it before

- Water's added, usually - Shame to do that

Hand me the little bottle

Won't he feel anything?

No, this will put him out like a light

Won't it leave traces?

He'll digest it

He won't come

There's his train now, at the bridge

Put this in there

Please stop; it's horrible

It must be filled

I can't do it, not today

You know we have to; it's now or never

Never, then; I'm just not up to it

As you wish, but I warn you: Ifyou don't get him, he'll get you

I just don't know

Help me, Nicole, please

What's the use?

I shouldn't have trusted you. I'm in this, too, and you're letting me down

You're right. I'm hopeless, a ruin, just like he said

But the ruin will do what she has to, in order to get revenge...

...even if it kills her

lfonly he could know it was me doing it

You're going from one extreme to the other

What we need is to be very calm... calm and cold-blooded

I will be. I swear I will

It's time I went upstairs

Can't you stay with me?

The Herboux mustn't see him from the window

- You'll come right back? - As soon as I can, I promise

Buck up; it'll all be over in half an hour

We didn't expect you so late

My friend's resting. May I come in?

We were listening to the radio

The play's over. Zapi Max starts in thirty-five seconds

You have been listening to "One does not trifle with love", by De Musset

Proud ofyourself?

- Not so loud; the neighbours... - Don't worry, I shan't make a scene

A man running after his wife is pretty ridiculous

Sneaking around, hiding from my own concierge, it's humiliating

I couldn't say where I was going

Well, now you've got me here, go on... Get your bag

No... I'm staying

You refuse to come back?

I thought you understood: Not till we're divorced

You've decided on a divorce? With your religious convictions?

I just won't remarry

It takes two to divorce

- My solicitor doesn't agree - You have a solicitor?

Maître Berthoux, 64 rue Victor Hugo

Look him up

He told me this morning I'd have no problems

Going just by your looks? Funny sort ofsolicitor

I explained, naturally

You told our intimate secrets to some lip-licking bastard?

You, convent-bred? You know what I think? It's disgusting

You told your mistresses, didn't you?

Do we have one secret that Nicole doesn't share?

Do you believe that liar?

Some things she couldn't make up

She could make up everything. God knows what she told your lawyer

I'll see him... you can't stop me

Go tomorrow. It's dinner time... he won't see you now

He'll see me, all right

There isn't any solicitor. I lied to you

You, too? It must be catching

So this divorce business was just another lie?

No, I want a divorce. It's the only solution

For you, too; a divorce would be best for you

You can't be serious. Do you know how much it would cost? And the scandal?

I'll have a lawyer to defend me

Once the two get going, parents won't want to entrust their kids to you

You mean, I'd lose pupils?

You'd ruin your school... not that I care

I'd have sold it and gone into business

We could have made a nice living

But you insisted on the school

It meant security, didn't it?

Oh yes, switching to a cheaper car, giving up my profession...

...wearing out old clothes, living in poverty

I sold my encyclopaedia, my main teaching tool, to pay my fare here

I did all this for you, and I've no regrets

But when you throw me out, it hurts, Cri-Cri. It hurts deeply

But you made me so unhappy

We quarrelled a bit, as most couples do

You girls do yourselves proud!

Don't lie to me now. You made me very unhappy

Maybe you didn't realise it, but you did. Ask Nicole

That bitch knows you're unwell, so she's set you against me

She has taste and experience, but a bad attitude

I'll get rid of her...

...hire a good man

My Prince ofWales suit!

I'll reek of alcohol

Kindness is a waste oftime with you

Get busy

Use hot water

We're leaving right away

How long was the drive? Ten, twelve hours?

Pour me another glassful, Milady

I feel dizzy

Lost your touch?

That's more like it

Lovely colour

What are you staring at?

Isn't the Princess paying?

Where is she, anyway? Hiding away, scared?

Upstairs, with her tenants

She never told me about any tenants

Thatjourney did me in

Lie down

- Your bed, or hers? - Ours

Take my shoes off

What's wrong with me tonight?

I don't want to go to sleep

We're leaving

What are you up to?

Go to sleep

Why are you putting the light out?

I'm so tired

- What's that? - Nothing; go to sleep

- Where did you come from? - I came straight in here

- How much did he drink? - Three glassfuls

How obliging of him

He's dreaming

We can move him now

Remember his shoes

- What's she doing? - Taking a bath

At ten? Oh, hell!

Can you tell me where the Mozambique Channel is?

Between Madagascar and Africa

Between Madagascar and the African coast

32,000 francs

Will you take the money, orgo on?

I'm winning 32,000 and I can't hear!

Poor dear

The bitches!

Didn't even hear the question. Midnight baths, Roman decadence!

It's a violation of rights. I could make a formal complaint... maybe I will

The 17th at 10.05 p. M... no, 10.06

- What are you looking for? - His return ticket

Here it is, with a bill from the dining car

Burn these

You take the feet, it's easier

Get the bronze from the mantelpiece

Now get the tablecloth

Did he suffer?

He didn't even know

Why not take him back now?

After they find him, we have to be able to prove we were here when he died

They're our alibi, upstairs

- She still hasn't emptied her bath - So what do you care?

I can't sleep with those cataracts gushing out

- You won't get drowned in bed - It's like Niagara roaring away

- Will you stay up all night? - I'm sitting down

I'll give her till midnight

Here they are

They've taken their time

I saw them at the café at midday

Doing themselves proud

lfwe owned a school...

We'd treat ourselves a bit, too

Time for my siesta

There go the floods!

He looks hideous

I wish to hell they'd clear off

Such a shame, you're leaving so soon

Classes start again tomorrow for us all

I just came for my crockery

It's some weight

Have you any string?

No, I haven't

Would this do?

- It's too full - Why not take something out?

I've got an old chest upstairs; start unpacking

We'll manage. We're late already, aren't we?

That's done it

On the count oftwo...

I'll start up

You've been a great help, Monsieur Herboux

Here's a little something for the road. Mind the holiday traffic

There'll be gendarmes everywhere

- We made it this time - Sooner or later...

It can only end one way. We're monstrous

You can say that again about him; the rest I'll keep for Sunday School

- Everyone else is sold out - Not surprising with this traffic

Come along, I'll get your change

- Are you going to Tours? - No

Couldn't you help? The bus driver wouldn't let me on

He's anti-militarist, like me

We've no room

A private doesn't take up much room

If I'm not back in time for muster, it's the cells for me

Go away, you're drunk

Listen, I asked you politely

Just for that, I'm going to get into the back

Don't you dare. Will you get out?

It's all right, I know him. He's drunk, but harmless

Aren't you ashamed, Robert? Out, or I'll throw you out

The dirty beast!

I'll mop that up for you

Never mind, we're in a hurry

The nylon tore

- Sounded like the Headmaster - So he's turned up, has he?

Is all that noise wise?

It's Michel's signal; ifwe just ring, Plantiveau won't open up

- He sleeps like a log - I'll wake him

I thought it was the Headmaster

Is he away?

How should I know?

- You look tired - Is that so surprising?

Sorry we woke you. Good night

We don't need spotlights for our scene

Or music

The lavatories

Pasquel... he goes every night

He might look out

Can you see him?

No, the water's too dirty, or it's too far away

There's nothing to see

Why stay there? We don't find him

It stinks in here

- The Head's not back - He's out chasing skirt

- Aren't two birds enough for him? - I'll have heaps when I grow up

Just like Napoléon and Louis XIV

- Think you're Napoléon? - Me? I'm Hawkeye

- Stop playing the goat, Moinet - I'm not a goat, I'm a redskin

Take twenty lines: "My foolish remarks rouse my fellows to hilarity"

What's this I hear? The Head absent?

Yes... three meals with undoctored wine

Where can he be?

I saw him at eight a.m. Two days ago; by midday, he was gone

And hasn't reappeared?

How strange; that isn't like him

Poor Madame Delassalle had problems enough

lfshe feels like me, he can stay where he is. But he'll be back soon enough

So will our watered wine

You'd think he was not seeing it on purpose

The body sank

- Will it come up? - I'm sure of it

- How soon? - Who knows? Tonight, tomorrow

I can'tjust wait

We can't have the pool emptied

Why not, ifthe water's dirty?

With what's in there?

I'll take the responsibility

You're being childish

This is hopeless: No marks

You're so calm... I've marked this wrongly

- Rub it out - I haven't a rubber

All right, I'll have it emptied tomorrow

I hope we won't regret it

Don't bite your nails

That's what I've been waiting for

- Don't look - Do something... you promised

Give me your keys; we'll get things going

You'd better get the vaulting pole

Here, Soudieu...

...let's see how fast you can run

Not much good at throwing, are you, Mademoiselle?

It's lucky I'm a champion frogman

- I forbid it - He's a champion

- He's taking his time - Maybe he's drowning

I saw this shining

The Head's lighter? No keys?

It's dark down there

Get dressed before you catch cold

I think we'll have to empty the pool

That's right

Send Plantiveau to me

The bell's gone; offyou go

- It's deep where you are - I can swim

It's swimmers who drown; non-swimmers keep away

I want the pool cleaned

Now? I'm not dressed for it; I was going to the barber's

It's urgent. Do it for me, Plantiveau

Very well, but it takes an hour just to drain

Behave yourselves; she's upset

Why are you staring at me?

Now we'll continue with the problem about the hexagon

I'm waiting

Get out your exercise books

I'll be right back

It's impossible; I must have been mistaken

You weren't mistaken

- He's not there any more? - No, he's not

The doctor

It's the void, the empty pool

Agoraphobia... makes you dizzy

Nature abhors a void

Better a full bottle; right, Plantiveau?

Is the Headmistress feeling better?

Doctor Loisy's with her

Prep for her class, Monsieur Raymond; keep an eye on mine, Monsieur Drain

Madame Delassalle may need me

She's giving the orders, you notice

Wear and tear: Comes to all of us

Where's her husband? He'd better hurry back

Meanwhile, no excitement; keep her very quiet

Do you think a specialist...

I'll call Bridoux, ifyou like

Not young, but a good man. Keeps a good table, too

You can give her digitalis

- The doctor said... - I don't care. Close the shutters. Go

Oh no, that's too easy

Do you think a bodyjust walks away?

Someone moved him, and Plantiveau says he didn't open the gate

- Why should he lie? - I didn't say he lied

But I've searched everywhere

Attic, cellars, garden... no body, nor signs ofdigging

The whole thing's insane

It has been all along. It was one ofyour silly maths problems...

...about taps running and tanks filling, and you turned it into a crime

That's what's insane: Baths filling and pools emptying in real life

I was mad to have listened to you

It's the suit the Headmaster wore these last few days

His Prince ofWales

- Who brought it? - A dry cleaner

I don't know which one. A delivery tricycle, it was

Conscientious lad... made sure he had the right address

From Monsieur Delassalle, he said

"You saw Monsieur Delassalle?" I asked

"No", he said, "I was just told that it was urgent"

Shall I hang it up?

Leave it there

It's his

It's enough to drive one mad

Wait...

Did you deliver a suit in Saint-Cloud this morning?

- What name? - Madame Delassalle

Is something wrong?

No, but who left it? A Prince ofWales suit

We get lots ofthose

I remember: A thin gentleman, very dark, with a bamboo cigarette-holder

Wait... that foolish boy forgot to take this

It was in the hip pocket

Eden Hotel

Room 9

Funny life your husband leads

The boy could return the key

- Do you know the hotel? - It's furnished apartments; very plush

First on the right, number 27

- Suppose they ask questions? - Unlikely in this place

It's a trap... a blackmailer

At least we'll know who he is

- What are you doing here? - I'm looking for Monsieur Delasalle

He's never here in the daytime

When does he come in?

Who knows? His bed's never slept in

You see? No clothes, no suitcase. Nothing

Funny sort oftenant

Have you seen him?

Never; nor has the night porter

Why all the questions?

He's my husband

Poor lady... you won't find him here

He's somewhere else

What's happening to us?

I don't know. It makes no sense

An unpaid bill, two years old. I can see the bailiffs in the offing

Send them half, keep them quiet

- Was he really dead? - You should know, better than me

- What do you mean by that? - You killed him, didn't you?

You planned the whole thing

We planned it, and you telephoned him

I wouldn't have known how to get the drug

- But you got him to drink it - I didn't want to, you know I didn't

You could have let him sleep it off

Who pushed him under?

And who brought the heavy bronze?

You'll see in court which of us comes offworse

I'm not afraid ofthat; we'd get what we deserve

- Go to the police, then - I've thought of it

So you can blame it all on me? Well, I'm going to call them first

Go ahead; I'll tell them the whole story

How you killed him out ofjealousy...

...and I helped because I pitied you

You were the jealous one, because it was over between you. You killed him

What are you waiting for?

Have you my paper?

The ink's still damp

I've nothing to say

- Where are you going? - To Confession

You think you'll get absolution?

I can go to the police

- Involving me? - I can't leave it like this

It's over, don't worry. He's been found

NAKED BODY IN THE SEINE

- Why in the Seine? - The main thing is, he's been found

It all fits: The description, the location, the time ofdeath

Our alibi will hold up

The morgue

I read this and I think it may be my husband

Identity card

Can you describe Monsieur Delassalle?

Medium height, thin, dark eyes...

That's all in the paper

- Can you give more precise details? - Such as?

Well, an appendix scar, for instance

He has one

- His own teeth? - All ofthem, I think

- Fillings? - One or two, probably

- Any moles? - Yes... on his shoulder

No bracelet on his wrist?

He never wore one

Anything about the right thigh?

- Nothing - Above the knee, remember?

Nothing... I must be wrong, then

Bring up 4702

You were right on both points

Come with me, please, Madame

- It's not him - Are you sure?

I'm sorry, this rarely happens

Saint-Cloud at this hour? You don't catch me missing my dinner

Still a bit shaken are we, dear lady? It gets to you, doesn't it?

At least it wasn't him

Feeling better?

I'm Alfred Fichet, police superintendent, retired

I didn't go to the police

You didn't even inform them?

You should have; that's what they're there for

I didn't think of it; I'll do it

Oh, I can take care ofthe matter myself

The police are so busy; we mustn't over-burden them

We'll find your husband, shall we, you and I?

I've forty years experience, and time on my hands

There's really no need

If I find nothing, you owe me nothing

If I do find something... well, you be the judge

- How long have you been married? - Eight years. But I don't see...

I know what I'm doing. So, eight years...

It's boiling

He had keys... came and went. After all, he was the boss

It was a holiday, too

Monsieur Delassalle... depressed?

He wasn't the type, not complicated at all

Feeling ill, perhaps?

Sound as a bell; used to be a tennis champion

Did he get a telegram on Sunday?

A phone call?

Things often start that way

I couldn't say. I'd taken the wife out, to enjoy the holiday

An accident is possible. Did Monsieur Delassalle drive fast... very fast?

The ladies had the van in Niort

Could he have drowned?

He was like a fish in the water. That man could really swim

I think you may have been too hasty in your alarm

He's been gone only five days, and already you're running offto the morgue

It was that article in the paper, the description...

That could fit 100,000 men in Paris, not to mention their country cousins

You suspected suicide, I suppose?

Yes... I don't know

A suicide doesn't usually strip naked

I'm inclined to a much less tragic theory

- By which I mean... - A woman

You're right. It was foolish of me to worry and bother you

No. Our agreement was that if I find nothing, you owe me nothing

But find something I will

It's been so many years...

Our council school at Charonne was nothing like this

lfwe'd had that...

You've had it emptied

- So you thought ofthat, too? - Not at all

What do you mean?

It was emptied because I dropped my keys in... yesterday morning

Mademoiselle Horner, our most loyal associate

So it's nothing but a coincidence

All the same, you do seem to have water very much on your minds in this house

May I see his correspondence?

- You'll never find him - How do you know?

- He has a typewriter, anyhow - To take care of bills

True, Monsieur Delassalle is no writer; perhaps he mistrusts his spelling

I don't see him as despairing

Well, let's do things properly

Delassalle, Michel, age 34...

Height... 1 metre 70... yes, I know. Dark hair

- Eyes? - Brown

Nose... average

Normal ears. You wouldn't think such a description would turn someone up

They'll find him, though. Those devils are good

How was he dressed that day?

We weren't here

Ofcourse. What am I thinking of?

What we'll do is look in his wardrobe and see what's missing

What was the seventh pair?

Brown suede

- Tie? - Dark red with white stripes

You've sharp eyes; there are two dozen there

Now, the suit

You're more familiar with his ties?

A grey Prince ofWales, I think

Like this?

Madame Delassalle has a weak heart

You should have told me. There's no hurry, I've plenty to get on with

Rest, dear lady, while I go and look in on my friends at Headquarters

I'll be back, don't worry

Plantiveau says he's a detective

Private eye! Lemmy Caution!

Ritberger, ifyou've finished, I can find more work for you

The Church knew the importance of Latin, I can tell you that

Every last village priest knows Latin

But isn't particularly intelligent

It isn't his business to be...

Not in class, Moinet?

The Head's punishing me

What nonsense!

Why would he punish you?

I broke a window

Could the Headmaster be back?

Tell me the truth. Who punished you?

The Headmaster

- Don't lie to me - I'm not lying

You're frightening him

Be good and tell me everything, and I'll let you offyour punishment

- How did you break the window? - With my catapult

The Head opened the door, and said I was to fill the wheelbarrow with leaves

That's impossible, you know he isn't here

He's a born liar; last week he said he fought a lion at the county fair

No one else has seen the Head, but there is indeed a broken window

He can't have invented the story

A case of auto-suggestion, perhaps

He breaks a window, expects punishment

Darkness and his subconscious do the rest

- Do you really believe that? - Yes, he imagined his punishment

I say he's just trying to pull our legs

The catapult

The Head confiscated it

Enough is enough, Moinet

Excuse me, I feel rather tired; I must rest

You may leave the matter in our hands, Headmistress

We've been very patient with you, Moinet

You may go and stand in the corner until you decide to tell the truth

We'll see who weakens first

I saw him; I know I did

It wasn't Moinet who put the catapult there. Who was it?

Someone, I don't know...

- Just chance? - Yes, chance

Just chance that Fichet was at the morgue

The suit, the hotel, now the boys...

...is all thatjust chance?

Calm down. I'm nervy, too

There must be an explanation. Miracles don't happen... unfortunately

I keep expecting to see him walk in

He must be in a dreadful state

If he's dead

I've seen bodies before; Michel is dead, believe me

- Lie down and stop worrying - How can I?

You must sleep. Doctor Loisy is very worried

Professor Bridoux is coming tomorrow

What's the use? I'm done for now

Keep your voices down; the Headmistress is very ill

You may go, temporarily

Go and be photographed

It's no good without the Head and Headmistress

Better luck next year

- Bench in front ofthe window? - Why not the door?

Can't you see the car? A professor's up there

I must go and attend to myjob

I'll see the professor out

We've been a little unwise, so we're going to take a long rest

- Can I get up? - We'll see in a day or two

Will the stairs be too much for me?

You're to stay where you are until further notice

- My clinic is rather costly, so... - There are no heirs, you know

I know, but I don't care to see hearses at the door

Nor do my patients

What luck, no one moved

It's quite good of me... in the place of honour for once

People will think I'm the head

- What's this in the window? - It looks like the Head

I didn't see anything

Just a reflection, or damp spot...

...shaped a bit like the Head's features

Maybe it was him... not wanting to disturb us, or having a little joke

I don't see him playing hide-and-seek

Did you notice anything?

I was too busy

Let's settle the matter

Moinet, did you see the Headmaster?

No, I've had enough

So, no one was here

Good; a concierge likes to know who's coming and going

- I'm frightened - So am I

We must get away

Get dressed

I'm supposed to stay in bed. Where would we go?

My house

In Niort? Don't you think he'll be there, more than anywhere?

Then we'll just go

It won't do any good

- I can't stay here - You go, then

But I can't leave you

You'll get on fine without me, and I don't want to see you again

I'd rather face what's coming... is bound to come...

...on my own

You hate me?

Not even that

Where's the red case I lent you?

In the bottom ofthe wardrobe

- You really think we should part now? - Yes, it's best

I wish you well

"Tremble," she said, "daughterofmine

"My fearfor you is vengeance divine"

- What are you doing here? - Watching you

I came to report, doing what I'm paid for

But you were so fast asleep...

Go away; I'm very ill

Then you'll start feeling better; it's all cleared up now

Can't you have a little mercy, and let me die in peace, in my own time?

Come now, this is no time for dying, dear lady

I've found him; he'll be here any moment now

You know he can't come back... because I killed him

- This afternoon? - Five days ago

- There must be some... - Five days ago, in Niort

- So you went to the morgue? - The body had disappeared

- In Niort? - No, here

We brought him back in a wicker trunk, and put the body in the swimming pool

So you weren't alone in Niort? Mademoiselle Horner was there, too

Did she see?

She was his mistress; she helped me

So that's how it was

I must talk to her

She's gone

I thought so

It's Michel's; it won't work

Not after a day in the pool

Aren't you arresting me?

You mustn't let your nerves get the better ofyou

A nice sedative is what you need

Good night

I'll put the light out, shall I?

You'll wake up tomorrow feeling acquitted

Head gone, wife raving, Nicole takes off. Doesn't that suggest anything?

The dole queue for us?

I fished it out right there

- Is there a wicker trunk somewhere? - Above the garage

- It's beginning to smell pretty bad - Delasalle... an accident, you think?

You can testify that I knew nothing

- I don't know what, but... - Someone's been up to something?

Who's there?

Did it work this time?

She was tough, for all her complaints about a weak heart

You're all wet, poor darling

Last time was worse... an hour before I could get out

And the trunk must have been awful

Not to mention the pool. She really put us through it

- I got scared sometimes - It was worth it, though

We're rich. What will we get for the school?

Between fifteen and twenty years, depending on your lawyer

Wait there for me!

Aren't you ashamed ofyourself, Moinet?

With the school closing, too. Who gave you back your catapult?

The Headmistress

She opened the door and gave it to me

"Enjoy yourself," she said

You're incorrigible, Moinet

The Headmistress died and was taken away

She didn't die; she came back

Go and stand in the corner

I saw her; I know I did

Don't be diabolical!

Don't spoil the film for yourfriends by telling them what happens

Thanks on their behalf