The characters
first victim
second victim
third victim
the one in charge
her daughter
the fiancé
the other
the principal accomplice
the true guilty one
existence
You make a charming fiancée!
Unless I've gone mad, that gate has opened and shut by itself.
Yes, that's what I was about to say.
O God! Mama,
it's Jacques.
It can't be. He's in Copenhagen.
O I'm sure it's he!
He's got nerve.
Yes, he's an ace.
I've had jobs in the best houses,
but I've never seen a gate open and shut by itself.
Me neither.
What're you looking at?
I wasn't looking.
You don't think it moved a little?
Usually you're not drunk till the end of the party.
Look, footprints.
That's not natural.
If only your dear father were alive now!
He'd be so proud of you, so pleased!
It looks like he's looking at us.
He was so fond of carnations.
Now she'll have hiccups all evening.
I was just speaking about Line's poor father.
You know how he loved carnations.
And just as I said the word,
a carnation fell onto his photograph.
You haven't changed.
What?
It's you?
Me!
You're dead too?
And how.
When I was alive, I never thought we'd meet again
at your daughter's wedding.
Why'd you come?
She's really charming.
I knew her when she was a little child.
Yes, she's a fine girl.
This must be a happy day for you.
You don't seem very keen.
You know, the engagement's only a beginning.
It's all right. The living can't hear us.
I know.
My dear friends, welcome. It's delightful t see yu all here.
The speech doesn't interest me.
I'm very interested. I want to hear.
We can see everything.
Hold tight, or you'll fall in the soup.
Your daughter doesn't look happy.
- Emotion, no doubt. - Let's hope so.
The groom has a queer- looking head.
- He has an appetite. - That's a good sign.
Uniting two people for life is a great responsibility.
Naturally my wife thinks she's done well.
Where is she?
She hasn't changed.
Her few grey hairs just make her look younger.
I feel curiously affected, seeing her again. Don't you?
It reminds me of my own engagement party, so similar.
Except I was sitting on that chair.
I was young, still believing in many thanks.
Annette sat where her daughter is now.
Full of illusions.
Uncle Émile had a beard even then, and a mania for managining others' lives.
My dear friends...
Having enjoyed this delicious wine,
the moment has come for appropriate words.
But wine is better than a long speech.
Let us drink to the happiness of these dear young people.
"Happiness"!
Always the same promises.
Aways the same lies.
You're just pessimistic.
No! Eventually all couples know it.
Some know it, some don't.
You exaggerate.
Weren't you happy at the start of your marriage?
My marriage?! After 4 years it was misery.
When catastrophe happened, it was during the Exhibition,
at the hotel, in Paris.
I forbid you!
You'll stay!
I'll go mad with that music that never stops.
You will please unpack all those things.
We're not at home. You shouldn't bust the furniture.
I'll bust what I want to, as usual, after 4 years with you.
You can't complain. You wanted a car, you got one.
You wanted a house, you have two.
You wanted furs. I gave you furs.
Stupid, it might be business.
I'm fed up with business.
I want an understanding.
What do you reproach me? Didn't I take you to Paris?
You often talk of leaving me,
but today, watch out, I may take you at your word.
That's what I want!
I know what this is about:
So what do you want?
My freedom.
I'm leaving now!
Go to your mother's. Give her my love.
I'll have a great time in Paris without you.
My liver.
O my head!
I'm leaving, you know. But not to my mother's...
Not to my mother's.
To my lover's. - Your lover.
That's a good,
your latest fantasy, eh?
Go on! Go to him! Why wait?
Adieu.
Wher're you going? Take off that hat. You stay here. Hear me?
Follow that lady's taxi.
O that chase!
Little by little I felt things passing before my eyes.
What I saw was no longer roads or houses.
It was my whole existence with her.
At first I didn't understand.
What's wrong? You're crying?
I'm so disappointed.
How so?
You don't understand.
You leave me alone so much.
I wait. I wait.
My life is waiting.
Why don't you tell me, when you can't come back?
But my dear girl, business is like that.
Listen, I'm going to have a telephone installed.
Since
Since we got this machine, you never come home.
We can't go on like this.
There's no point crying and exaggerating, dear.
It's a business dinner.
Be reasonable, you know it's for yu I work. For the future.
I thought money would do it.
I worked like a slave. I made a fortune.
O yes, we've got on. Business is good.
But even when you're home, you're not here.
O darling, I'm tired.
No, please. I told you.
I don't want you to come to my room.
I'm so tired.
So, I thought she had something.
I asked the doctor.
She's a bit anemic, maybe.
Too strenuous a life.
Anyway,
for now,
avoid shock.
Cede.
Without arguing. Cede.
So naturally I ceded.
I'd have given my fortune for her happiness.
I spent recklessly. And the result?
Yes, you're full of good intentions.
I know.
Only it doesn't make me happy.
I didn't know what else to do. In despair, I spoke to Uncle Émile.
Naturally the old fool put his foot in it.
If you want to change all that, there's only one way.
Listen, I'm responsible. I made your marriage.
Get away both of you.
Home, business, everything.
Take a trip to Paris.
So I took my wife to Paris.
First things seemed better.
Unfortunately I stupidly took her to the circus.
Yes, it's possible.
We could manage an apartment in Paris.
Look!
She saw you.
In the taxi, I kept wondering where she was going.
I made 1000 absurd guesses, when suddenly the taxi stopped.
Say, monsieur, we're here. The taxi's stopped there.
I still didn't understand.
- Where are we? - Look there.
Only then did I understand.
I couldn't take more.
Always the same arguments. Always the same lies.
- Some cake? - No thanks, never sweets.
It's too bad.
That you didn't speak to me about it.
Why?
That wouldn't have changed anything.
On the contrary, it would have changed everything.
I never wanted to elope with that woman.
I swear.
When I realised what she wanted, I was horrified.
All I thought about was returning her to you.
I assure you.
That night I tried to find you
to implore you to take her back.
And the bag?
Go look for it.
You pricked Tony on the flank tonight.
I dont want that.
You must go back. Be very kind to him.
Then I'll speak to him.
We have to arrange it amicably.
He'll take you back.
But we'll go on loving each other?
Yes of course.
I pretended like that. I really didn't care.
I was praying you'd take her back.
I was always moving around.
But I couldn't escape. I started to worry.
He's gone. I'm free.
So there I was. Caught.
What to do? I had to think...
Now I'm yours for ever. Are you happy?
Yes. Naturally.
And that's how calamities happen.
Obviously you were caught.
But I always suspected you wanted to leave her in my arms.
No, I assure you!
These people walking through us are really annoying.
Yes, they make me tickle all over. Let's go away from here.
But you loved Annette?
Yes, but less than my freedom.
After all, I got tied, and you were free and joyful.
"Joyful," huh?
From what I heard you made lots of scandal.
I tried. But I've no talent.
Now it's finished. Over. Two years. Gone.
But even so, even though I couldn't get along with my wife,
nevertheless, I loved her.
I loved her, you know, I loved her.
As happens only once.
You're listening, aren't you?
She too maybe loved me the same way,
But we didn't get on.
How explain all that?
Why didn't it work?
After all, I'm an okay guy.
Yeah you're an okay guy.
Unfortunately when you drink, you aways talk about your wife.
O it's boring!
Yes, it's boring.
Believe me, I tried everything!
Come on now, forget our troubles!
Here's to love and money and flirting.
Want a carnation tonight?
We'll be up all night.
It's always like this when he comes.
He can't decide to go home.
Feel gayer now?
Yes at this moment I'm completely happy.
Snatched away, in the flower of life.
It's hard.
My poor friend!
Excuse me, it's stronger than I am. It's stupid.
Everytime I recount my death, I break down.
But it's over. It's past now.
Let's drink something good. Where's the cellar?
It was a champagne cork.
The taste is lost.
Lost? Don't be funny.
Lost for the guests, I mean.
Good. I wouldn't have thought you able to make corks pop off.
Child's play.
Let's go back to the brandy.
Not much. My liver...
Don't be fussy.
To our reconciliation.
To friendship.
To our loves.
To her.
Really?
Between us, we owe her that.
You lived with her too.
Too long.
Much too long. Because I loved her...
My love, you were magnificent tonight.
Did he hurt you?
No. The beast was just playing.
But beasts that play are sometimes dangerous.
I'm glad it's the last night.
Don't exhaust yourself in London. You need rest.
That could have been a nasty business this evening.
The audience didn't notice but it gave me cold shivers.
Let's go eat. Maxim's? Café de Paris?
No, not tonight.
At your place, then?
No, I'm expecting someone.
So I leave you.
Congratulations, she's charming.
You're not well?
What's the trouble? Giddiness?
Yes, especially mornings.
And these migraines which won't go away.
Let's have a look at you.
Poor reflexes, low vitality.
You need to get out of harness.
Absolute calm. The mountains. Davos...
But above all, all alone.
A friend of mine has a sanatorium there. You should go.
Well, I suppose I must go.
But I debut in London in three days.
Impossible in your condition.
You'd be a beefsteak for those animals.
And her?
You love her?
But I've work.
You have to leave quick, without discussion!
When?
At 6:30. No need for a reservation.
Say what you like, but it's strange.
You give up London, leave for Davos, all so suddenly.
That's why your friend came?
I wish he'd stayed home.
And naturally, you're going all alone.
Naturally.
Don't act such a martyr, it's exasperating.
You look worried.
I daresay.
Your dinner jacket?
No need.
I'm sure you will.
Don't think I'm going away to have fun.
So why this mystery? Why don't you take me?
Because I need rest.
The friend who was here is a doctor.
I have to be absolutely alone for a while.
Are you really going because you're sick?
I told you.
My dear, I'm happy! I was afraid you didn't love me anymore.
See, it's not so serious.
But you're sick, that's terrifying.
Tomorrow we'll consult my doctor.
Why? Since mine...
But I don't know him!
The idea of sending you away without me!
I'm sure my doctor will advise the Riviera, with me
I'll wire to have the villa ready.
There's a fast train in the morning.
We'll wire in the morning.
Don't delay or the risk will be great! Best wishes.
No. You stay here. I'm going alone. Today. To Davos.
I don't want to be an annoyance or danger.
When you come back, it'll be better if I'm not here.
I came to say goodbye.
I loved you too much.
No, my decision is made.
It's impossible. Wait. I'm coming.
Come in, then. Let me explain.
Please, just to the first stop.
No farther! You promise!
No. All alone. I'm going to Davos!
I'm sure my doctor will advise the Riviera, with me.
Wasn't I right to insist we come here together?
I came back worse than ever.
The result didn't delay.
Mama, what's wrong?
Nothing, dear.
A day like today brings back so many memories.
I don't want to let this evening pass
without mention of those no longer with us.
Your poor father whose life was made happy
by your mother's faithful companionship.
They lived in total confidence,
their marriage was an example to all.
We must remember too
the man who became your mother's friend.
And whom a cruel fate snatched from her.
We all remember her devotion nursing him.
He had always been delicate.
She didn't hesitate to give up everything.
Follow your mother's example,
and surround those you love with devotion and care.
That woman never did either of us any good.
She was always a thorn in the flesh.
An enemy.
No, messieurs. I can't allow you to talk like that.
He sounds like an in-law.
I rise from my grave to say, Stop!
You've no right to insult this woman.
Why do you interfere?
And come over here.
No, monsieur. A conversation on a fountain isn't serious.
Quite the romantic type.
Who is he anyway? He might take the trouble to move.
Let's not annoy him. After all, he's a colleague.
Okay, monsieur, we're listening.
Messieurs, I apologize for interrupting your conversation.
That poor woman isn't responsible for the harm she did you.
Be just. We spirits have no right to judge the living.
You know her well?
Very well.
So there was a third? Did you know?
She never spoke of it to me.
Did you love her?
Maybe.
You were her lover?
What do you take me for?
There's nothing to laugh at.
Look what happened to me.
- A bullet? - A bullet.
I'll meet you at the harbor.
The boat leaves at 10:30. I'll wait for you.
I can't take you.
Don't be sad.
You'll join us later,
when my parents have forgiven us.
Guard my things while you wait.
What are you doing?
You're leaving?
You risk it?
Without money?
What are you thinking of?
But I love him.
He's sacrificed everything for me.
"Sacrificed"? "Sacrificed"?
Just cause he went off for 4 years to trade with savages?
And came back worse than before.
You'll soon be starving.
That's okay with me.
I know that.
I know the life you'll have.
A new life, mama.
Far away.
Children. Debts. Nothing to eat.
Remember you're almost engaged to monsieur Dupont.
He's a serious boy, a man capable of looking after a wife.
But mama, I don't love him.
It's not a question of love, but of marriage.
Moreover, if you really love this boy, believe me,
it would be better not to burden him with a wife.
Think.
A letter from mademoiselle.
In my head.
We're all buried, you as well.
Of us four, she's the one with most to lose.
You don't seem to bear her any ill-will.
With her first love ruined,
you think she could ever have been happy with you?
We can sit here.
It's quiet here.
Nice party, eh?
You won't take offense at what I'm going to ask.
I know what it is be young.
You haven't any liaisons? Or debts?
Absolutely nothing.
I must tell you, the girl had a flirtation, probably long forgotten.
But I prefer you know..., rather than later.
Anyhow, they were both children.
By the way, you haven't sent me your marriage contract.
I'll send it tomorrow.
So I can count on the contract tomorrow?
Love's all very well, but things must be order.
The girl's in love with somebody else.
Is she to be given to that owl?
Let's not part.
We'll stick together and watch them. Agreed?
Excuse me, I don't feel well.
You don't want to marry him!
Why didn't you tell me before?
Supposing something happens to him
Well, I should give her some bromide.
She'll be alright. Her mother's with her.
You know I'd never have forced you against your will.
But now reflect. You're engaged.
The man's no fool. He has a good position.
He'll make a good husband.
I only want you to be happy.
He's only a wastrel who'll never be able to support a wife.
Bring that bottle of old brandy I told you to save.
She's quiet now. She needs silence.
Will you excuse me? I'm dying to sleep.
Not crosswise, that's unlucky.
To your happiness!
This is a solemn moment.
Give it to me, I'm her father.
Ah, she's decided.
She's packing.
Like her mother before.
You watch the ground floor.
I'll watch the servants.
Don't make a noise. We mustn't wake her.
The fuse blew.
Uncanny.
Quick, there's no electricity. Bring some candles.
Am I drunk? I thought I saw you go into the garden.
I'll take a glass of bromide.
And call me tomorrow morning at 11:00.
Everything will turn out fine, you'll see.
AIRPORT LE BOURGET. THIS IS TO TELL YOU I'VE GONE TO LONDON
TO MARRY JACQUES. KISSES, LINE.
Good morning, sir, another letter. That's the 40th today.
I guess this has made a lot more work for you.
Excuse me, monsieur, he's a bit under it.
Thanks for the great party.
Where'd you put that address?
I'll phone our friends the Browns in London.
They'll meet them in Croydon.
It'll be prison for abducting a minor.
Find me the Browns' number.
We're here. Around you.
We've come back to help you.
And protect you.
Think of your youth.
You wanted a new life, but didn't dare.
The whole tragedy began then.
Your daughter has more courage than you.
She doesn't want a loveless marriage.
Like ours.
She loves someone else.
You can't, you've no right to destroy her happiness.
So go. Quick.
Hurry. Faster.
Faster!
Give me London.
Then try to get Croydon.
No, not bananas. I just want the police station.
Enough!
- But... - Yes! Don't ruin a second life.
You'll all crazy in this house!
No, inspector, it's nothing.
Just a family affair, all settled.
We mustn't be late. What time is it up there?
O it's five to four.
Quick, I don't want to be sent back.
Do you come from our region?
No, from the Milky Way.
Well, I think we've done some good work.
- After you, please. - No, please, after you...
You forgot to close the door.