Original subtitles

THE BUTCHER

To the population of Tremolat, in Perigord

Hurry up, Maurice.

Dish up the gravy, Odette !

Melanie, good gravy!

Get on with your work.

You think only of yourselves there

-Always the same. -My work is more important.

Roast ready yet?

l hope your beef was good.

You bet. lf it isn't

l'll cut my tongue out.

And we'll eat it in a spicy sauce.

Let me cut that.

This one should be good

-Will this do? -Thanks.

What's the joke?

Nothing,it looks really good. l'm happy.

Not like in the army...

...even when the meat was good, and it wasn't often

...it tastes like shoe leather.

My friends

As the bride's father,

l have to make a speech.

lt won't be long

as l don't want to talk nonsense

and my son-in-law

is a good judge of that.

That's the trouble with a teacher.

Pa-in-law has to be careful

what he says.

But l know enough to say

l'm glad about this marriage.

l like young Leon.

He taught my son to read.

He's a local.

And l'm sure he'll make

my daughter happy.

You can count on it, dad!

Give me a kiss.

Now kiss each other.

Weddings are amusing.

Don't you think they're funny?

Yes, everybody enjoy themselves.

Then things go wrong.

Not always.

My pals in the army

When they got married

Good thing you weren't there.

The things you think about!

Were you?

Well, no

l'd like a little Champagne.

May l have some Champagne?

Ask your mother.

She says l can if you say so.

All right. You like it?

l've never tasted it.

Try it.

You're taking a risk.

l like having responsibilities.

He likes you.

Hope so.

l'm telling you, he likes you.

l like him too.

Angelo! A song!

A song!

As everybody wants me to, l'll sing.

Won't you waltz?

Why don't we?

You're a great dancer but

l dance like an idiot.

Not as bad as that. l haven't danced much in 15 years.

Nice people in this town compared to the ones we meet everywhere.

Why did you join the army, then?

Things weren't so good.

The people here kiss each other, if you don't you will.

You can't go wrong.

How long have you been in the region?

Ten years. l knew your father.

Wasn't he scum?

He was a butcher.

And a bad one too.

He cut the meat anyhow.

Talk of marriages

My mother must have been happy on her wedding day

Only after she got sick.

Why did you never come back?

To see the old man. No thank you!

l came once...

...for my mother's funeral...

...7 years ago.

lt's been 7 years.

l was on holiday in Paris.

You go to Paris for holidays

Parisians come here. That's logical.

lt's logical.

l'd liked to see you do that.

l would have liked it. l'd audition

There were good times, but...

The rice was good?

The rice is okay,

but when the river is mud... it's less fun.

You smoke in the streets?

Yes! lt shocks you?

No, but...

lt's rare for women to smoke in the street.

lt's more simple than smoking in a house.

That's logical.

You seem to like logic.

l was fifteen years in the army.

So, in the army there's two things

you like because you don't have them.

lt's logic and freedom.

Live over the school?

How long have you been the headmistress?

lt's been 3 years.

3 years.

You're a young headmistress.

Because l'm very wise.

Do you like meat?

Yes.

l ask because sometime if...

...l come across a nice cut.

l could bring you some good pieces.

Cutlets or roast, ...delicacies from the butcher's.

You know there are...

...some meats better than others.

What a dream.

A dream, to have a butcher select your meat.

l'm very pleased.

By the way, tell me...

...does a butcher learn his trade?

You bet he does.

That's what's funny, since...

...l was a butcher with my father.

When l joined the army,

they put me in charge by chance...

...always a butcher, even for the army.

ln Algeria, lndo-China, loving the work!

Butcher.

There was plenty of work, those officers, they pig out.

Yes, that's logical.

Well, here you are. l'll be off.

So long, Paul. Thanks for accompanying me.

Goodbye, Miss Helen.

Leon, how sulky you look!

l'd rather have stayed home.

Not fed up with marriage already?

God no! Not yet!

l hope you'll be happy.

Thank you.

You'll see how nice it is

to go home to your wife after work.

l'll go there for lunch.

Good idea!

Come along, children.

We are 5 minutes late.

Finally, in honor of Mr. Hamel's wedding.

Well, are you deaf?

You are deaf.

Riri's father told him...

...the postman said a woman was found dead in the woods.

That's ridiculous?

lt's true. The Police came.

...he took in a feeling of greatness...

comma

of greatness

A majestic firmness...comma

A deep emotion

by which

the coarsest soul

would be touched.

...touched. Full stop

Honore de Balzac.

l'll write it down.

Do you know who Balzac is?

A writer.

Right. He was a 19th Century romantic...

...who tried constituting his work...

...to paint a picture of the society of his day.

l'll read the dictation again.

Hearing the bedroom door open abruptly

Helen...oh come on.

You are not going to laugh?

Helen rose from the divan

on which she was lying.

But she saw the Marquis and cried out.

She was so different

that only a father's eyes could recognize her.

The tropical sun had so many rays

of white faces, with a marvelous golden hue

that it gave him a poetical expression from which

he took in a feeling of greatness

a majestic firmness

a deep emotion

by which the coarsest soul would be touched.

Come in.

l disturb you?

Not a bit.

l shouldn't come...

...during school hours. Tell me if l bother anyone.

Not at all. What's up?

l've brought a leg

-That's nice. -A leg of lamb. Look, it's beautiful!

Very beautiful.

Would you help me collect the books?

Take those.

That's where l sat.

Were you a good pupil at least?

French and History were all right but

the faucet problems

trains do cross

Our teacher wasn't as nice as you.

The old hag!

Her name was Cowden...with a cow.

Don't be disrespectful.

A real bitch she was!

You mustn't hear anymore.

Stand up!

You may leave.

ln an orderly manner.

Please hurry up.

They'll hear plenty more.

But Miss Cowden would never have let someone

come to class with bloody meat.

You have a fridge?

Yes.

-Well, good bye. -Wait! l'm going to the baker.

Say Paul, if you're not afraid

come and share the lamb with me tonight.

What is it?

Nothing. l didn't expect it.

Like that l won't eat it alone

At least half is for you.

lt's rubbing my butt.

Well, will you?

Of course!

When shall l come?

Let's see, come at about 7.

Good. l've extra time on my hands these days.

l don't do a whole lot in the shop.

l do the buying and slaying and

My assistant prepares the meat.

And business is slow with the hunting season and all.

Goodbye.

Good day!

What's happening?

lt's the officer in charge.

There's been a crime at Saint Albert.

A crime?

They found the Gaillotin girl

Killed with a knife wound!

Just last week she was dancing in here.

Haven't seen her since.

My god, who could have done this?

Oh, some tramp hanging around!

A baguette, please.

Sorry maam, l was lost in thought.

Who knows how long these cops will hang around.

l couldn't tell you.

lt'll keep us distracted but still...

You'll put it on my account?

Too soon?

No no, l said seven as we agreed earlier.

The door's open. Come up.

The punctuality and politeness of butchers

Like Louis XlV.

l still have 2 or 3 papers to correct.

You see l'm too early.

Not at all...give me 5 minutes?

-You want a drink? -No don't trouble yourself.

No trouble.

l've drunk plenty in my time, l don't need it.

so uhh

Shall l sit here?

or there!

No, it's ok l'm fine.

Just five minutes ok?

Must be fun teaching children.

Yes, it's a good job.

May l have the cigarettes?

You smoke Gauloises ?

What do you think of this sentence?

lt was so hot the air felt like an overcoat.

Dunno. Cute?

Yes ... l think it is

l wouldn't know.

lt's done.

How about l put in the lamb?

We could eat early then go to the movies.

You like movies?

Yes but not war movies, they're offensive.

Oh!

l was in the war for 15 years.

You have to be a dupe

if you don't see it's a distraction.

Why did you stay in the army then.

Exactly, because l was a dupe.

l've seen a thing or two.

And they weren't pretty to see.

Purely rotten.

There. lt's not a war movie, it's a comedy.

Shall we put the lamb in?

This way.

-You go through the school to get to? -No it's here

Here we go, my kitchenette.

-Magnificent! -Yes, l love my kitchenette.

Have you seen, there's been cops here all day.

A girl's been murdered behind Saint Albert.

Yes, l know.

They looked everywhere. They found no trace.

Your lamb, what's it weigh?

2 lbs... half an hour should do.

No garlic?

Wow! Never garlic in lamb!

Would you like me to make my special salad?

l'd like that but l feel funny, you working?

You must be kidding.

Then ok.

Are the eggs hard boiled?

What sign are you Paul?

l'm October 6th, Libra

lt's why l always seem like an indifferent person.

And you?

Scorpio.

Oh boy!

Why oh boy?

That's a bad sign!

There are no bad signs.

A small lid.

What's missing for your salad?

No l have all l need... a small knife maybe.

-Will this do? -lt'll do

Say, l've only got my van to go to town.

lt won't look ritzy.

l have my Citroen.

Why are you laughing?

Don't know, you must look funny in your Citroen.

You've never seen me

Good morning miss Helen

Good morning Paul, l'd like a small scallop.

Good morning Monsieur, good morning Michel.

And congratulations on the certificate.

You're too kind.

Without your help, my little brother would have failed.

Oh! Nonsense.

Here we go.

Here they come again!

Apparently they've found a clue.

The gendarmes are there.

Maybe they'll figure it out.

A crime is awful. Think of the poor girl

l've seen a corpse or two

their heads in the wind.

Cut in half, mouth open

l've seen 3 or 4 piled together.

Kids with their eyes punctured

lndo-Chinese as old as Madame Tirrant.

Completely torn to bits.

l've seen pals of mine rotting in the sun.

Being eaten by maggots.

Yes, war is a horrible thing.

That's a fact, but a murder like this

lt's barbaric.

We counted corpses by the truck loads so

l'm rambling.

How much do l owe you?

3 francs, l'll put it on your tab.

Look, they're passing again!

Mr. Lahire, before l forget.

About the party on October 20th

will you let me browse in your collection of costumes?

But of course, you come when you like

Take whatever you like.

l'm in the show, you promised!

Yes you're in it.

l love dressing up, anyway l like acting silly.

The joint of veal there!

Here -Thanks. Put it on my account.

What is it for you, Madam?

What will you give me?

Whatever you want.

Well of course then, hamburger.

Why not a nice steak?

No, l don't want it.

-lt would give you strength. -Next time then.

Coming mushrooming with us this afternoon?

l promised Charles and Lisette.

What time?

About four

l may not have finished.

Join us afterwards then. Ok?

Paul! Yes!

Wait for me on the path. l'll find him.

We're in the oak grove.

Made a good haul?

But that's terrific!

l smell 'em out!

Children, come and see Paul's mushrooms!

l've found one too.

Think you've done enough work?

No, but l like to watch you like this...

...with the children.

Can we play over there?

Yes.

So.

Hi Miss Helen, l've noticed something.

Generally, school teachers are...

We know them by their surname.

l didn't know Miss Vachin's first name.

With you, it's the opposite.

You're Miss Helen.

And l'm sure l'm not the only one

What is your surname?

Daville.

Helen Daville

My questions annoy you?

Not at all.

lt's normal you knowing my surname.

May l... ask you another question?

lt's less discreet.

Shoot.

You don't have to answer if you don't want.

Don't worry.

l think l know what you're gonna ask.

l promise to reply.

l'll dive in then.

Why don't you have a...

lover?

Maybe l don't want one.

Yes l understand but...

...but that's what l'm asking.

Why don't you want one?

Because l had a big love affair

Over ten years ago.

l was very much in love with a boy who made me happy

whom l liked a lot

lt went on for months

One day he had enough so he left.

So lt left me..

Left me lovesick

And it took me a long time to recover.

That's why l came here to teach

Now l'm very happy

l'm not saying you're not happy but

lt's unusual

lt's not unusual

You know Paul, there are simple ways

to pass it up.

But that's disgusting!

l'm not in the least worried.

l love these children like my own.

l'm not convinced

-And anyhow -No but l see all kinds of reasons

l find it to be a miracle that people can meet

Love each other... .make love

Since

But l don't want to take another risk

l know it's not always fabulous

But, never making love can make you insane

But.. also, doing it, can make you crazy

That's not the point

But shit, if l asked you

if l kissed you now, what would you say?

l'd say nothing

but please don't

The package l ask you to keep?

Here it is.

lt's for you.

-A present? -Yes

What's the occasion?

What day is today?

-Shit it's my birthday! -Yes

lt's beautiful!!

Feels good

Look your partner in the eyes.

You can do better, Charles.

Forward

three, back, to the side

Back, to the side

Smile, further apart

How handsome!

A trifle.

Follow the tempo.

Remember what you're doing.

Bernadette, close your mouth!

Pascal, tuck in your belly

Smile!

Shall we?

Hold yourself straight.

Like this.

Let's do the finale... there!

You must understand that the instincts

The feelings

And even the intelligence of Cro-Magnon man

were definitely human.

The only differences to the problem were

his needs to survive

What does survive mean?

lt means to stay alive.

He began to draw

Do you know what we call desires

When they lose their savage quality?

Aspirations

lf Cro-Magnon had not survived,

The world in which we live, wouldn't exist

Be careful where you step.

What if he came back now Cro-Magnon

The Cro-Magnon, what would he do?

l don't know

Maybe he would adapt and live among us

or maybe he would die

l don't want him to die.

l am certain he was nicer

Perhaps.

Hold hands

-Did everybody bring sandwiches? -Yes

l have chocolate croissant for those still hungry.

Careful!

Don't go too fast!

Sit down here.

l'd like a chocolate croissant

lt's raining?

No it's not raining

Look! The sky is blue

lt's red

Blood! She's bleeding!

l'm frightened. l'm frightened!

Don't move. l'll be back.

Stay calm

Miss Helen

Go away, Charles! Go away!

Miss Helen

Try again.

Miss Daville.

l'm the lnspector. Sorry to disturb you but

l have to ask you some questions

Wait for me here

Perigueux called last night and l took the night train

lmpossible to sleep

Let's go in here it's fine.

-This your classroom? -Yes

You're young for a headmistress.

They tell me you're a great teacher

You're very much liked here

You'll allow me?

Perigueux is a little overwhelmed

Two crimes, one after the other like this

They're right to pass the buck.

lt's not the kind, easy to solve sadistic crimes.

So it's you who found the body

l read the statement you made last night

the walk and all, no need to repeat

A real shock for the kids.

The one who got blood on her head

What l wanted to ask you

they did the autopsy last night.

She was killed... ... ... not raped

She was not raped... .very odd, in fact.

usually

She was killed just before you found her

The blood was still fresh.

l'd like to know if you heard noises

suspicious noises before the blood incident

-You didn't hear anything? -No

You didn't for a second think there was..

Someone aside from the kids

No... ..but

-Sorry -Go ahead, you were going to say

l mean... since we had come out of the caves

l think it was normal l didn't see nor hear anything.

And neither did the kids?

No. l don't think but l haven't asked them

well, we'll see about it later. So you approached the corpse

Obviously, you couldn't imagine

Tell the little ones to come in here.

Mr. Hamel won't be coming today.

You little ones to the back.

Some of you there

and when there's no more room, sit on the benches

Come on, hurry up!

Now listen, children

Did anyone on the walk hear or see

anything that seemed strange?

No, sir!

Now don't invent anything.

Tell the truth.

They don't tell lies.

So?

No. We didn't hear anything

Can we talk somewhere else?

ln the yard if you like.

Charles, take over for me.

Try and behave

Now shut up, as Miss Helen said.

l admire your presence of mind.

l realize you must have been panic stricken.

l wanted to ask the kids but let me ask you..

...to think carefully.

Have you the slightest idea...

...of a clue that might help us get on track.

lt is quite certain that...

...somewhere not necessarily here but...

...in the neighborhood...

...there is a madman. Understand?

Yes, but l cannot help you.

Between ourselves, what about her husband... .Leon

...Hamel? What do you think?

Sir, lt's quite unthinkable!

lf you only knew what we see..

...and what human nature can be

l won't keep you any longer.

Go back to your students, l'll just stew in my own juice.

Can l phone?

l'm sorry, but it's too early.

The post office opens in 15 minutes, we're connected directly

Up-to-date, eh?

The telephone's not mine... it's the school's

lt's ancient.

Goodbye miss

Everything all right?

You little ones, not too tight?

l'll give you something to draw.

Miss Helen, may l come up?

What is it, Paul?

l've been in Perigueux. l have a surprise. Can l come up?

OK, come up

Look what l've brought you. You like it?

Cherries in brandy

but the real stuff compared to what's out there.

Look how big they are, you like them no?

Very much.

What? Not feeling well?

Yes, but a little tired.

Can we try them right now?

Sit down. l'll get the glasses.

You're worn out...

...with all this business.

A little spirit

Best ones l've ever had.

Good, aren't they?

What do you think?

Marvellous!

First time l've seen you upset.

Well, funny! Not that funny

Yes it is. Don't worry, Paul. You're too kind

l'm not completely stupid, l know it shocked you.

The poor kids

and poor Mr. Hamel. He must be a mess

He couldn't teach the class today.

l know. Suddenly more work for you

You ought to take some time off

ln case you get sick

l'm strong

l hope so, but...

lf only you'd seen how she was...

l thought of all those corpses you talked about.

lt couldn't have been worse

You mustn't think of it. Don't see her that way

Think of her as she was the day of her wedding.

When we became friends.

She's had a few drinks... a little pink in the face.

You're tired...

...and you're crying.

Dry your eyes.

l saw some good lambs at Perigueux, we could have some...

Excuse me...

l can't help myself.

You know what, l'm going to paint this room.

Needs it, doesn't it?

Now stop crying.

lt's over now.

Got a light?

Ah, that's better.

lt's my lighter!

Of course it is. Works well, too.

Not going to begin again, are you?

lt's not quite the same now.

l don't know what to do.

Would you like me to go away?

No no no no...l beg you

No, please stay. l need you.

What a surprise!

l loved her so much.

-You know Paul Thomas? -We know each other

l had to take him in, like the rest

Will you allow me to walk down with you?

Of course.

This is a frightful business.

lt's a hard case. Not a clue nor a lead of any sort.

Not an indication.

lt's a tragedy.

No doubt, it's the same sadist

who did the other. Same sort of wounds... .no rape.

He'll do it again for sure.

And go on until we arrest him if we ever do.

We can't lock everyone home.

We're not even sure he's from here.

And the weapon...

...apparently a flick-knife.

Everyone has them in the country.

Hang this up, l'm going to miss Miss Helen.

Almost done.

l have to finish the ceiling.

Do problem No. 5 on page 72.

lt starts with ''A train leaves Orleans''

What's this?

Trains

lf l gave only what you know there will be no progress

l've come to finish the ceiling.

-What a mess! -lt will soon be beautiful

l hope so

-Hello Leon. -Hello Miss

How's things?

Not bad.

Till tomorrow.

Tomorrow's Sunday.

Till Monday then.

See you Monday

Poor chap.

He's very unhappy.

l'm going shopping with Jean, back in an hour

Charles, go upstairs and work.

Be done when l return.

-and no chit chat -Oh no, Miss Helen

More problems of trains, that and faucets

Poor chap!

ls it coming along?

No... Can you help me?

lf only l could...

Shit!

What?

l said shit, l spilt some paint on the rug.

You need benzene.

Yes but l don't know where it is.

Here in the cupboard

You know where everything is.

The time l've spent on trains.

And the clean rags?

ln the drawer of the small table between the windows.

Mr. Thomas, can l read you my problem?

lt won't do much good.

A train leaves Orleans at 2:37

lt runs at 50 m.p.h.

for the first 30 miles

then at 70 m.p.h. for the rest of the journey.

Another train leaves Toulouse at 2:43

it runs at 40 m.p.h.

for the first 50 miles

and at 76 m.p.h. after.

The two trains meet at 5:45.

How far is Toulouse from Orleans?

Do you know how far? That's a help

You don't know how far?

l never have understood those problems

There you are, l was just leaving.

Already?

l've finished the first coat. lt needs to dry

You want me to take the ladder away?

No, don't worry.

-Then goodbye -Goodbye Paul

Did you know another girl was murdered?

This time in Bergerac

behind a gateway

You didn't hear me?

Paul, l was at Bergerac.

Another girl's been murdered in the same manner

She was found behind a gateway.

l'm not surprised

There's no reason it should stop

Why should it stop suddenly?

That's true, you're right.

Goodnight Paul. See you tomorrow.

Been another crime?

Yes, but don't worry about that.

And the problem?

l can't do it

Do you at least understand the principle?

l don't know.

You work out the distance covered...

...by each train and add them.

But l couldn't care less.

That's clever. Come on, try.

So...where are you at

l found that one train traveled has gone 229 miles

That should be it.

Charles, did you look for something in the drawer?

No Miss. lt was Mr. Paul who took...

...a rag for cleaning a paint drip

Oh that's good.

You must be tired.

lt's Sunday tomorrow.

At any rate, you understand the problem

-lt's easy -Yes

-You can go. -Ok

-Goodnight Charles -Goodnight miss

Miss Helen

Let me in l need to talk with you.

Please, it'll take a couple minutes.

l beg you.

Let me have a word with you.

No. l have a headache. Tomorrow

No, Tonight. lt's important.

No Paul, l don't feel well right now.

Tomorrow morning... come tomorrow morning

But it's important.

Miss Helen! lt's me

l put out the light.

l came through the wood shed.

Keep still and listen.

l saw you found the lighter

So l understood you knew it was me.

When l realized l'd lost it...

...l tried to buy another one.

l spent all day at Perigueux...

...to find the same one.

So you wouldn't notice.

lt wasn't worthwhile since you'd found it.

This is what l killed them with.

With this knife.

l can't help it, befalls me like a nightmare.

l can't breathe until l've done it.

Until l've buried my knife.

l understand. You can rely on me Paul

Don't talk don't talk

Now l won't dare to be with you like before.

l'm dreadfully embarrassed.

l couldn't bear to see you, you understand.

l know l horrify you.

And l can't stand that. l can't stand it

Miss Helen, help me!

What have you done?

As you see

l've killed myself

Help me

Don't move!

Stay where you are, don't move.

Unclench your first.

Press. Press hard

l'll take you to the hospital

Don't tell them why, don't tell them l did it

No... be quiet

Don't speak

Hurry

Hurry up, my blood is leaving me

Be quiet.

lt's better if l speak now.

l spent nights thinking of you.

You don't know.

l've spent nights in front of the school...

...looking at your window...

...and with you...

...when l saw you, when l saw your eyes...

l would forget everything.

l didn't know who l was.

l only lived for you.

l beg you don't talk.

You can't stop me.

l would've liked... to take you in my arms.

l would've liked to be... with you always.

To love you...

to protect you...

l would've wanted you to need me

l wanted to take you on a deserted island.

lt's so far.

lt's so far.

l have a lot of blood.

My blood doesn't stop flowing.

l know about blood.

l've seen so much blood...

...blood flowing.

When you were there.

There was no more blood.

l didn't think about blood anymore.

l don't know if l'll make it to the end.

My blood doesn't stop flowing.

Once when l was little...

l fainted when l saw blood.

l noticed the smell of blood.

They all smell the same.

That of animals...

...and that of man.

Some is more red than others but..

All...

...have exactly the same smell.

lt's so far.

Be quiet!

We've arrived!

Miss Helen

Kiss me!

He's dead, Miss.

When the elevator stopped

he cried out Miss Helen.

Then he died.

Now go home. You're tired.

We'll leave the paper work for tomorrow