Dedicated to those who lived through these events
SAFE CONDUCT
She's coming. Hop to it!
Got the flowers?
l was taking them up
Clear the whole floor
Everybody out of sight! Move it!
Come back in five minutes!
Just one minute
Like last Tuesday
Carnations? Not for an actress! l told you!
She'll murder me! Marcel, help me!
She's here, ladies! To your rooms, please!
Him and his dame! What a fuss he makes!
You don't know who this ''dame'' is!
Everyone knows. lt's Suzanne Raymond. l saw her movies...
Please, out of sight, all of you! Shoo!
lf you need cigs...
Maybe later. ln you go. Take care of that cough
Out of sight! Thanks! Shoo!
Not again!
Got the champagne?
Snap to it!
What a mess! What did l do to deserve this?
See him? The Kraut in room twenty-five?
Get in here
He threatened me again
Someday l'll sock him
Aren't you gorgeous!
These things always happen to you
Gorgeous, gorgeous
You smell so sweet
What a pretty little puppy nose, nice and cold
True, l'm freezing
God, what a winter!
What a winter!
Think so?
See how l slipped in?
Nobody saw me
But still,
l felt so sad
So sad
-l didn't get the part. -What part? Why?
The Cayatte movie. The False Mistress
Can l have some tea? Steaming hot tea?
Better than tea...
...champagne!
Champagne's too cold
But it's a cold that warms
Tea
Tea?
Then tea it is
Darrieux will get it. They said it's either her or me
Nonsense! l shouldn't have bothered
lt was made for Darrieux
Everything's made for her. She's perfect from take one
l'm never sure of myself.
Nothing comes easy
l'm fed up. Fed up!
l'm such a goose!
How can you say that?
Would l write for a goose?
Hold on
Your passionate lover - it'll be little Fran뿯½ois Perier -
recites a letter about your frolics
Your husband may have intercepted it
You: ''You really wrote all that?''
Him: ''Yes, my love''
You: ''Must you always go on about things we did together?''
''What's the point? l was there!''
That's nice!
That's me all over
l just love it
l adore you!
Put this outside the door
You knock, then scoot!
Come on, now!
The champagne
Stay
Go on, then
But be careful. And the tea!
Ask for tea
Do you have any tea? Yes, tea
You don't have any? That's okay. Thanks
They have no tea or coffee, let alone real sugar!
Where do l put this?
Damn!
What's the matter?
l've made a mess!
The script for Roland Tual, Love Letters
He's expecting it tomorrow
lt soaks up like a blotter! Look at that!
Hear that?
Rumbling
lt's thunder
Come over here!
Not thunder, planes. Lots of them
Only the Germans have planes
They wouldn't bomb Paris, they're in it!
No, it's freezing out!
l have to see!
They're far away, over the suburbs
What is it?
lt's coming from above
What a sight!
That light
What's that light? lt's beautiful
lt's an air raid, all right
-Close it! lt's freezing! -They're bombing!
Close your window, Mr Jean!
The Brits are bombing Renault!
Close it, Jean!
Down we go!
Never any privacy!
First the champagne, then the phone and now planes!
l refuse to be seen in a shelter!
We're calmly going to do what l came for
Calmly? We're being bombed!
And if we're being bombed, l can't do a thing
Let me handle this
To the shelters!
ls there a doctor?
Shut off the mains!
No, Mr Devaivre! To the shelters!
l'm getting my son
He's safe. Your wife's here
lt's you! Got a flashlight?
-l'll get one? -Come on!
Find something to cover them. Sheets and blankets
Simone!
You okay?
l'm okay
Have you seen Dr Pelletier?
The raid is over
l'm not so sure
The flares looked like fireworks at first
-What are you doing? -Taking him
lt's 60 degrees with the windows closed
At home, it's 34 degrees
Are you sure?
Take the kid!
Please, can you help me?
Not the small ones, Roger!
The big ones, under your nose!
The Brits' bombs work better than worms!
What are you doing?
Fishing! ''The miracle of the fishes!''
We have to finish the scene tonight
We'll be right in. The power is out
We'll save you one
We're already behind
We'll be here till 6 a.m. again
How is it outside?
Not a pretty sight. There are bodies everywhere
They were really popping and real close!
We'll start soon. Did anybody call the supply company?
The phone is busy. George sent a cyclist to the power station
The bridges are out
How do l get home? My husband will be worried sick
Fish, you guys! There's plenty for everyone!
Fish?
lf the cables are damaged, we're in for a long wait
Check them. lf it comes back on, we don't wait
lt will be a while
We would do the same
Renault makes trucks and motors
They come and bomb, it's fair play
Fair play, no! There are the rules of war
You don't bomb the wounded, priests or artists!
Boulogne's full of artists, and movie studios
Everyone knows it. The civilised world anyway
As if the civilised world still exists
l've got a theatre gig next
Ladies and gentlemen...
...we have to finish this long scene
We have very little film left
They're striking the set tomorrow
So give it all you've got. Thanks!
Spare the candles! They have to match
Mr Le Chanois is waiting upstairs
l'm going up
How is your baby? Not too scared?
Don't waste your breath. He never stops
l call him Speedy
l was about to leave
Sandwich
l also brought you carbon paper
This is an epic!
Read it later
What if my wife can't decipher it?
Here's the dialogue for Salou
The power! l have to get back
Hold on!
Comrades are getting nabbed. There are informers everywhere
-l know them. -Not all of them!
Nicolas Hayer beat it before the Fritz came knocking
Mickey Bouladoux got pinched. lt stinks!
Mickey?
So?
Clouzot offered me a job
Aurenche gave up adapting a Nerval story
Clouzot put me on it
Tourneur needs an assistant. You!
But Clouzot is Continental, and Continental is German!
Exactly! When you are in the lion's jaws, he can't bite
Even the French police can't snoop at Continental
That's 50% less hassle
And the other 50% ? l'll think it over
-l'll call you tomorrow. -l'll call you
You can't. l moved
Again?
Bretons are great travellers
We dolly in on the table
The table for two
The 103 on the table for two!
Quiet on the set! We're back to work and glad of it!
Places, everyone! Off with your overcoats!
l'm cramped. l need to pull back
Mr Arrignon needs room. Push back the sound booth
-Buy some chocolate? -We're rehearsing!
l'm interested
What is that funny smell?
Fish. ln the sound booth. Not much left
Move me back, please
A little more
-Mark it. -Done, sir
Tench is no better or worse than carp
lt tastes like whatever it is cooked in
Cook it in sauce, it tastes good
Cook it in muck, it tastes like muck
Stop the hammers!
The hammers!
Silence!
Miss Gautier's shawl, please
This wait had too many minutes
Try to be not too dumb!
Camera!
8 Men in a Chateau. Scene 82, take 1!
Action!
Punish the Vichy Torturers
The grips had a good catch. Here's our share
Good. Jacques's coming for dinner. He just called
l was at the nursery. lt is quiet
There's a card from your brother, Louis. From Germany
Awful handwriting!
ls it the cold?
What kind of fish?
-Tench. -Any good?
Better than barbel and not as good as carp
l brought you some carbon paper
Almost new
And a new tract to type in seven copies?
lt is not ''traiter'', it is ''traitor''
''Someday soon Berlin and Tokyo may burn under Allied bombs''
You believe that?
Cleaned, scaled and chopped, we could make soup
lf we have gas to cook
You know Nerval's The Magic Hand?
Jean-Paul backed me as assistant. He's scripting it
l can't decide
You two get along well
The producer's the hitch. Continental
The Fritz?
Do what you think is best
The elevator is off limits. For those gentlemen only
Mr Tourneur is expecting us
The glass door at the back: Greven. The big cheese
On the right, Bauermeister. Watch your step with him
Clouzot's there. He runs the script department
Greetings, Aurenche. No regrets?
For The Magic Hand? None. But you'll do fine
Updating Nerval stumped me. But you will find a way
As l told Greven: Either you can or you can't
Or, you will or you won't
Did Herr Doktor understand you?
He acted like it. He pesters the hell out of me!
l'm running late
What is Clouzot like?
A tough nut, but he plays straight
He will back you up, except in a professional screw-up
Here, here and here... our offices
At the end, a minefield!
Mr Tourneur... Jean Devaivre
You have a fine reputation
l know you finished Mediterranean Alert
How would you describe an assistant director's job?
The director is in charge.
He bears full responsibility,
but only has eyes. An extra pair comes in handy
Have you read Le Chanois's script?
The treatment. lt is not finished
Bryau is always cold
Von Schertel... SD
SD?
Controls the SS
-What's he doing at Continental? -Renting space
Understand German?
My wife gets by. Me, not a word
Many speak excellent French
My rule is simple: make good films
Artistic and script matters: see Mr Clouzot
For administrative issues:
Mr Bauermeister
Like all directors, actors and key technicians,
you will be given a pass
You must be ready for an August shoot
You'll have twenty-eight days
Come, Tourneur, let's have lunch
Spaak told me about A Shady Business
Balzac. Fine
l won't work for Continental. Period!
l can't keep turning Greven down
You must help me. When you won't, you won't
Sure, sure. Stop kicking the mahogany
lt scratches, too
Hold on
Don't move
There. Sure l will help you
But stop kicking the furniture. lt is distracting
Helping a friend like you will be easy. How?
Put me under contract
Fabulous!
Avoid the rock and the soft spot.
l'll have a project next month
l need a contract today. Predated. l signed one, two weeks ago
-With whom? -With you. ln this office
lt is easy enough to understand
l won't work for the Jerries, or end up in Berlin or in prison
l keep turning Greven down, l need an excuse
You must save me
First finish Three-Way Romance
lt is finished. We need something else,
For three months. Ten years!
Something else
l have it
Double Six. The play. Read it
-A play? By whom? -Achard
-You mean Domino. - l wanted The Lover from Borneo
lt is a dream title Borneo, Africa, tigers
There are no tigers in Africa. And Borneo's in Asia
Movies are made of dreams, and dreams can't be mapped out
l have something else
Roland Tual will produce if you distribute
-The title? -Love Letters. Listen
No, no, l'll take it!
l am sobbing already. Love Letters. lt is worth its weight
We will fool Greven
l have Gravey. His contract is a plague!
-He asking a lot? -Yes, and a pound of butter a week
-What for? -For bartering
To work! l'm head over heels in work
Find me pre-war subjects.
Passion, gas lamps, backstairs
-Back streets. -Back streets. With peepholes
l can never keep up with you
So my wife says
She is a great bridge player. She costs me
She play for money?
But if she plays well, she wins?
All the time
So why does she cost you?
lt is beyond me
Why are we talking about this?
Tell Greven we have a three-picture contract
Strange man! Seen his office chest?
-The what? -The chest
Storage chest?
No, man's chest. The head... like on statues!
The bust! The word is ''bust.''
Like buster
He hangs his coat and hat on it
So l saw. And?
Mussolini with a hat on his head!
You mean Hitler. Logical for a German dignitary
The thing has a forelock: Mussolini!
Mussolini's forelock!
The guy starts a sentence, but you never know
Did l sign a contract or not?
Why does he keep doing that?
He had a lobotomy
But he must do it for a reason
He thinks you are a Jew
Tomorrow, l will have lettuce
What brings you here?
l was in the neighbourhood
For you
Shall l get Olga?
Good timing. She is free at this hour
A Com뿯½die Fran뿯½aise actor mentioned you
One who often plays priests
Can l take those?
Oh, Jeannot!
My fingers are numb
Goddamned suitcases!
The handles cut through your fingers
l hate them!
A wheelbarrow is better
Maybe not on a staircase
They say it is very nice in French. Very sad
Not too heavy?
This place has become total chaos!
A new table?
A gift from Paul
He deals in hot furniture
Madame knows him from his vice squad days
He rents space upstairs and pays in services
lt is just for a day or two until l find something
There is no hurry
Make yourself at home
-You want a bath? -Still have hot water?
Sure! For the Germans
Put those in the closet
They will wrinkle in your suitcase
This all the same story?
No. l wish it was
-How do you keep track? -l manage
lf not, l start over. lt is better sometimes
Besides, clutter has a certain charm
Honeysuckle vines are a lot more fun
than matches in a box, or a military parade
l keep track very easily
You don't look like it
My life is a mess, not my papers
lt is my own fault. l always say yes
-Because you are nice. -Maybe so, but
l say yes to producers, hucksters, and women
So l am broke, l have four scripts and three women on my hands
No, four women and three scripts
Come on. lt's cold
Those handbags in the closet. Do you collect them?
They're for later...
...when l open a shop
l won't end up in a sailor's brothel
l'll have my own business
A leather goods shop
Luxury stuff
Handbags are so pretty
Even empty, they're pretty
lt's fine, but...
...the set is too big
Too wide for Stage 4. Two yards too long
With a thirty-five...
...we won't frame it all
lf l place it diagonally on A
But on the A there's the gallery
We have to cut it down or take out this wall
l noted the camera angles on the floor plan
l'll work it out
Cut this, maybe
Add arch. Gives volume
And the paintings there?
They're for the painter's studio
l painted two, small ones
Good. Arches, cats
Clouzot doesn't like Le Chanois's dialogue
He says it lacks ''punch''. That's the word he used
Here are both versions. You decide
l'll read them tonight, sir
For the historical explanation of the severed hand...
...we have to simplify. lt is too long
Or we ask for an extra day or two
We said twenty eight days. Twenty eight!
lf there is an extension...
...it will be an extension of six hundred miles
We'll send you to Babelsberg to study German production methods
And if we sent you to Stalingrad to study crawling methods?
Here's your pass
Mr Greven just signed Palau
Good. You won't be sorry
And your contract? Bring it in signed
He'll be great as the Devil, Palau
He's got funny eyes like a duck
Palau... No?
Talk him into it. lt is Dad's birthday. Make an effort
Do you realise the workload he has?
That's just it. He needs a break and it's Sunday. So come
''People of Paris, the French must fight!
''Turn out in force and demonstrate!
''The gas is on only four hours a day!''
The union must be joking! ''Go and fight...''
With what? And why? For gas?
Jacques, please!
Come on, this is a riot
He has you type Communist tracts but he was on the other side
He fights a war, great! But he works for the Germans
Not for but under the Germans
So how is Clouzot's dialogue?
Your brother's getting
You slave at weekends for them?
l work on films. For Tourneur, Clouzot and myself
To learn. And l'm always learning
Then shoot. Direct your first film
Not now. Not until we've kicked them out
And l haven't signed a contract. l never will
So how about Sunday? Are you coming?
Can't we put it back a week?
We'll celebrate Christmas on Bastille Day
Mom found a duck and turnips
We can set it back
But the duck's plucked. lt's this Sunday or never
l'll come with the baby
Jean will drop by
l took two tracts
l'll come for lunch
l love duck!
Devaivre?
This is Didot. Marc Valbel's friend
Hold on
Last year you had some apples. Got any left?
l need two. Remember where we met with Marc?
Sure l do
l'll meet you there
-Now? -Now
l have to run. l won't be long
-You know, l'm going -You said the less we know
l'll put the baby to bed
l'll do the ironing. l'll wait up for you
l have a pass
You're getting thin
Over there
Let's see them
Good
Let's go
Where they from?
l stole them on the day of the Armistice
l took them home
You got a head start
Would you have fired?
You picked up some coal. Very clever
You don't talk much
Usually the guys l take along don't stop talking
ln three minutes, bang!
Any special reason for going after the Fritz?
l just want them out, that's all
Let's go
And the van?
l don't know whose it is
So long!
Polish it well!
Activate the work!
You really pulled it off
The statue... A great idea!
lt adds to the scene
Every camera angle is a good one...
...and the paintings are great!
lt can all be dismantled
The Krauts won't believe their eyes
''ln Babelsberg we do this, we do that.''
But look what we can do with the little they give us
Nice work, Mr Andrejew!
For the walls, here are the grey samples
This one
The latest tract. Make 8 copies. For the art department
Greetings!
-How are your trotters? -We manage!
lt's dumb losing your toes in Russia when your name's Softi
How many was it? Frostbitten toes?
Three left toes, two right. You bet, it was forty degrees below zero!
No time to go out for a pee
l've got some liquid butter. Want some?
No, thanks
You can tell there is a war on. Even in June it's freezing!
War shakes up the skies, too
l got you darlings' lung from the butcher's
They gave it to me in a shoebox to avoid jealousy
Then getting it by the concierge, a fortune!
You're rich folks' cats!
But you know...
...the poor are the same
They go hungry to feed their pets
Crumbs for birds, birds for cats!
lf only they would eat them!
You might say, if they're poor, it's because they're not too bright
l got us some calf liver!
-Taking down what she says? -lt's automatic
Read me something you wrote?
lt's been a bad day
No, wait
Here's something l like
A scene between the count, Douce's father...
...and the beautiful young woman
The teacher? Like your mom?
She was a governess
The count says something funny
She laughs. That makes him happy
He: ''l love to see you laugh. You don't laugh enough.''
She: ''But, sir, l've never been so happy.''
He's very moved
''Truly? How l wish to see you carefree!''
l like that: ''carefree.''
l tried ''happy'' but it's too dull
''Easy-going'' didn't fit
That's more like us girls
''Easy women'' like they say. ''Carefree'' is better
l love to see you laugh. You don't laugh enough
l fear this house is too gloomy, too austere for you
l've never been so happy
Truly? How l wish to see you carefree
You even write on death notices?
Whatever comes to hand
-A relative? -An uncle
Was he rich?
He was old and blew every cent
-On women? -On books. Let me work
You come from a weird family! Books!
l'm getting nowhere!
And when you get nowhere, you repeat yourself. You ramble
So that's why you were sighing
Luckily, Bost will fix it
The man you work with?
Pierre Bost is gifted. He's a writer
And you aren't?
l'm a juggler, a pied piper
-A poet. -That's sweet
Known this Mr Bost long?
We worked on a film years ago, but not at the same time
We only just met
He was released recently for excessive thinness
His release form read:
''Displays a pathetic look''.
Bost is terrific
l want to dazzle him. lt inspires me
lt forces me to... Yes, l want to dazzle Bost
lf l didn't know you, l might wonder: ''Does he like women or men?''
Women, naturally. Too much!
The girls' mail. Take it up
Check-ups are on Friday
Do they mean next Friday or every Friday?
At least the Germans write in French
That one is fine. Now the 112 on the statue
Say, Thirard, for the street scene...
...walking my dog this morning, l noticed long shadows
lt produced quite a terrific, mysterious effect
That's what l want: very long shadows!
You'll have them, sir
l need a hand here
l told you, no smoking
What cig?
Stand in for Mr Fresnay. The camera will follow you
-Your butts are gross! -Not at all!
lf only you were as well groomed as my cigs
l steam 'em, dry 'em, comb 'em, mix 'em with endive...
...and l add corn silk
A real treat!
''...so l think life is short, and hell eternal''.
-48 secs. 80 feet. -We have the film?
No, sir
l'll cut the shot in two. l need 55 feet
With a short end of 67 feet and a quick clap, it will do
Hear that, men? The first take has to be right
Our first takes have been right for 3 weeks!
They're coming!
Butts!
My extinguisher!
Just checking!
Arthur, watch the sound booth!
A swivel stool for Mr Fresnay!
How long, Mr Thirard? Problems, Mr Nee?
None, fella
Get that tattle filter out of the way
Mr Bauermeister!
l'm glad to see you
Shooting only with short ends is a juggling act
We need extra film stock
Not a foot. You ate up too much film for the early scenes
The mountain inn set. Too many angles, too many takes
You went too far, so you're punished: short ends
l know you'll do just fine
Your hair's too long. A matter of dignity
They won't provide longer short ends, so they shorten the hair
Besides, long hair is filthy
Gentlemen, to work!
-Hello, Mr Manuel. -ls Mr Tourneur still here?
He's in his office
l came to tell him l won't be scoring his film
You're quitting?
Look after yourself, sir
The wind has to change some day
Children, Paul needs the table
Relax, he'll replace it
Sorry. l sold this one. That's business!
No hurry. My boys won't be here for half an hour
They'll have another one
So, you're in the movies?
Quite a world! You're lucky. l love artists!
She can tell you
Especially famous artists
l had Raimu over for dinner here. l live upstairs
Raimu!
A quart of olive oil got him here!
You know any stars? l'll invite them
Name one, l'll see to it
Not everyone likes olive oil
Anything!
l can get anything. l have connections
Give me some names
-Off the top of my head? -Let's hear it
Alerme
Debucourt
Gravey
Sorry, l don't know him
Women, rather. Women are pretty
l have perfume
Stockings
Moreno
Marguerite Moreno
That old bag? He's pulling my leg?
He's a fan. He has seen your films. He can talk about them
lt's just a lunch. Anything more is your business
What does this guy do?
He's in business. Like everyone
Business, business! What kind?
Property, l think. He deals in furniture
He's an antique dealer?
Yes... l don't know. Maybe
He may not know gothic from Louis Seize...
...but he trades furniture on the black market
We're his guests. You'll get a gift of your choice
Nothing to it!
Except it's in a shady place
Shady? lt's a brothel. lt's not shady!
You'll like the Madame
Will l like your doll?
Olga's like a little sister to me
Okay, okay, l'll come
l want oysters, foie gras...
...and for the gift: coffee
Coffee beans... Watch my makeup!
Real coffee
But l warn you: no Germans. Not at the table
-lt's so Chinese! -lt's oriental
l asked Reine to accompany me
My seamstress and friend. Reine Sorignal
Why, of course. A friend, Marinette Burgui뿯½re
Come this way
l'm delighted to have you here, children
They're just passing through!
We'll go upstairs
Your Suzanne's a looker
You're quite a couple!
Watch the steps
lt's waxed Prussian-style
Nice!
Sorry, it's like a junk shop here. There's no room
The table, the statue
l've seen this before. lt's magnificent!
Oysters! l must be dreaming
Never too old!
A promise is a promise. Abyssinian. A good pound
Thanks so much
Nothing like pre-war coffee
-Wait till the war is over. -lt won't be pre-war
For you
They're autographed
Why do you always do period films? For the gowns?
l don't write my roles. Fortunately
People are scrambling for fabric
True, fabric is hard to come by
Designers don't have that problem. They just have to pay
Money buys everything
A period film's a good medium for putting ideas across
Nowadays, any critical allusion to the army, the church, the family
The police
The police... lt's censored!
ln suit and tie, you're a public threat...
...but say it in a period costume
Other times, other ways
-Cheers! -To us!
Mouton-Rothschild 1929. lt's not dishwater!
Do you make a lot?
Goodness, yes
How much?
Excuse me?
Sorry. l'm nosey
lt's no secret
ln a play, l get 4,000 francs per performance
Really?
But in a movie, l make up for it. l can earn 30,000 francs
That's more like it
How about you?
lt's pretty unpredictable with us. There are ups and downs
lt takes stamina
Do you know Mr Giraudoux? Jean Giraudoux?
Sure, l know him. By name
l mean in person
No, but l think l might some day
Juliette, more chestnuts!
l know him
Jean used to take me to lunch with him at Louvre Hotel
He's really got manners...
...and education...
...and goodness
He's not paid what his worth either
Some more pheasant, darling?
You look lovely
Every man for himself and God for me!
Juliette will bring cigars and coffee
You're having fun?
The kid is a gas!
She asked what l earn on dresses per month
She totted it up...
...and said l'd earn more with a leather goods shop
-You're pushing me. - No
You're the one who's pushing
You asked me: ''ls Max Ernst is a Jew?''
l answer: ''Who gives a damn!''
''A great artist?'' ''Absolutely.''
''Can one be an artist and a Jew?'' ''Certainly
''But l won't denounce any.''
Then: ''ls C뿯½line a great writer?'' ''Yes!''
''You approve his anti-Semitic work?''
''l don't read the rags he writes for.''
''So, you're a Jew-lover.'' ''Mostly, l've been a Jewess-lover!''
l may be drunk, but it won't stop me from speaking my mind!
He's back again!
With his net!
-You sure? -l saw him
Take a look
He's a bit thick
Dirty creep!
Who?
What's this about?
lt's just Camille. A guy who catches cats
Cats?
What does he do with all those cats?
He skins them or sells them for food, who knows?
Maybe they served us cat
No, it had feathers
-Calm down. -l'll punch him out!
l warned him
Nothing is dumber than an anti-Semite!
Listen to yourself!
What are they doing?
They're hitting him!
Oh, my God!
Take him away!
Shit! Split it again!
You're crazy! He's dangerous
He is a cop for the Germans
l've wrangled with cops before
Please, Jean, calm down. Do it for me
He started it, l'll finish it
He's good for the prison infirmary
l'll fix him good!
Beating up a tramp in his 60s!
He gets this way
He's overworked
So when he drinks, he collapses
Mr Tourneur, could l add...
-How much time? -Three minutes
Sure, they're real pearls
Move the table closer
There was an extra here
Hear that, Jacques?
Hop to it!
This is take 59?
Don't touch what is on your plate
-Not even the lettuce. -The chicken looks yummy
lt's not chicken, it's rutabaga. Like the rest
Carved and raw
But we have to look like we're eating
So look like it, without eating
Character acting, right?
How low are you framing?
Just under her treasure chest. A lot of chest!
-Get a shawl. -lt's my endowment!
A shawl for the young lady!
You'll be on Ladies' Delight next
-So what? -l want a part
A real role. No more extra work
-What's a real role? -You know
Three scenes with three lines for a dozen eggs
-Eggs aren't rare. -A rabbit, then
Okay, but with six eggs
-Six eggs and half a rabbit. -The liver included
For tomorrow. l have guests
Mr Fresnay on the set!
Mr Fresnay's right here!
Mr Fresnay's on the set, always ready!
Lift your boom when the kid exits
You bet! We'll lift it
Ready ladies and gents?
Care to see the set-up?
What's with gramps?
We're going to shoot!
My wife's been incarcerated by the police in Vittel
She still has a US passport. She's American. l'm worried
l understand, sir
My mind is not on this, So if you could fill in for me...
Count on me, sir
Go to it, fella. We're behind you
Okay. The camera goes here, at 35
First, we don't see Mr Larquey, only his shadow
His name is Angel. l want a strange, eerie effect
You'll have it, sir
Rehearsal. Silence
Don't wrinkle my tie!
lt's a bad idea
-lt's like a wax museum. -No, you'll see
There's no mystery
We have to imagine the hand
lf it doesn't work, we'll cut it
This will go great guns, fellas!
We'll see!
Thanks for my script
What about it?
For backing it against Clouzot's. Thanks!
Yours was shorter
l'm not a philanthropist
So we'll make a little deal
Today, 1 cent. Tomorrow, 2 cents
lt gives you time to make a decision
8 cents, cents, 32, 64, 128,
256, 512, 1024
Doubling it to infinity
Do you know what infinity's like?
l know. l've been there. lt's quite nice
Cut!
Not only great guns, but howitzers!
l'll lead the way
Don't buy it, mister, don't buy it!
Quiet! You sorcerer!
And the shadows, sir?
His name's Angel...
...so he thinks he's everyone's guardian
lt's very good
l couldn't have done better
Thank you
-You believe in that? -Why shouldn't l?
But it's impossible
You have no valid reason to refuse
l do! l'm under contract. l'm tied up until January '43
Predated contracts which arrived just in time!
That's all right. Eat! Drink!
l choose good subjects...
three times out of five
l don't make films in Germany
l leave our propaganda to the French
Vichy censorship can't touch us and l pay the best
-What more do you want? -l don't know
lsn't it a bit too salty?
Salt always hides something...
...ever since the Middle Ages
Forget the Middle Ages, Aurenche
lt's salted just right
Hire Pr뿯½vert Hire Jeanson, V뿯½ry, Laroche
Jeanson was denounced by the French...
and the others tell me, ''Hire Aurenche.''
Spaak!
Hello, Dr Greven
Tell him to work for me, Spaak
Tell him l'm no ogre
Odette Joyeux is raving about Love Letters
Thanks. How about you?
l have my ups and downs
He's not afraid to work for me. He's finishing a film...
...and he's signed to do a Simenon, a Maigret
Give him my two films then
He doesn't have that French light touch
You have it. l want to make lots of good films
Better than the Americans...
...so l need good scripts, hence, good scriptwriters.
Take your pick
No...
...do you know why?
No more Jews. Not in Germany, not here
The best writers...
...were Jews, Natanson, Andr뿯½ Lang, Pierre Wolff. All gone!
lf you know any, send them over
Mr Greven...
...even if l knew any, do you think l would tell you?
Do know what you risk talking to me like that?
l could send you to Germany tomorrow
Sure... lf l were a labourer...
...or maitre d'h뿯½tel, l'd answer differently
But we're bourgeois. l'm poor, but still a bourgeois
We're two of a kind
l have a Jew at Continental and a communist too
l know it. He doesn't know l know
Just one film, Aurenche. A comedy
You know how to write gags
l'll have Fernandel in three months, he'll direct it
lt's called Adrien. A Jean de Letraz hit
But those kind of plays...
...are just what l loathe
As for Fernandel...
...he's a gag factory, a walking gag
Where would l fit in? l'd ruin it all
Ren뿯½!
Ren뿯½ Wheeler!
Selling shoelaces?
Not by choice. l have to eat
l don't sell any, so l don't eat
l just turned down a film. A piece of crap
l can accept it for you. You do it all and l'll collect it from you.
There are bad points. Director and star: Fernandel
lt 's for Continental, the Fritz
lf you eat with the devil, at least you eat
ls that cop here to monitor the gags?
l've had this idea l wanted to do with you
lt's a story about river poachers
A totally free narrative shot entirely on location
- Which region? - The Rhone. Simple people
Anarchists, extravagant as we like them
Well, Aurenche!
l'm not fickle, but when l left
You know what Napoleon said?
Ren뿯½ Wheeler, a first-class writer
Take him and we'll be a team
What did our friend Napoleon say?
lt'll come back to me. Ren뿯½ is free as of now
He knows it's Fernandel in front and behind the camera
Fernandel's ideas, gags, the works
He talks so l'll say yes without thinking...
...but still, l'm thinking
And l say yes anyway
Go up and see Marcel Bryau...
...who is in charge of contracts
Don't go. l'll see you in a minute
''Patience and time accomplish more than force and rage.''
That's it
Have a good day
Come along
So it's Fernandel
Your timing of the Tourneur film was perfect!
Only a 17-second difference with the final cut
Do the same on Ladies' Delight. You'll work with Cayatte
The Military Cross? Are the stars citations?
You were an officer?
Cavalry lieutenant, transferred to a reconnaissance group
But what happened to you French? This whole debacle!
ln '14 you held firm. l fought you, you had courage!
But now, why is this beating? Why so fast?
Fine. l have one, too. l was a fighter pilot
See Bauermeister, you have 30 days. Nights, rather
Power shortage. Take two extra nights
Cayatte lacks experience. You have it
Show him where the camera goes
lt is freezing!
The young lady there
That is a projector, not a foot-warmer
Put a scrim on that projector
The two girls on the left
The lady in the brown coat...
...move to the left. The other lady, too. My left
Not your left
You are holding me up. l am going to work
-Ausweiss, please! -What ausweiss?
Your pass
You have my lD. My papers are in order. Tell them!
lt is curfew. You need ausweiss
l am an extra! Over there. Ladies' Delight! Extra!
Me, movies, Continental, studio!
Continental is you! lt is German!
-Tract! -That is nothing
l found it on the ground!
l am going to make a stink! l know the director!
And l work for you! Continental is German, it is you!
l am cold and hungry!
l have fish bone paste
They are coming!
-Butts! -What a waste!
Quiet on the set!
Ready?
Ready, Michel?
Let us do it
-A chair? -No, thank you
Do you need anything?
Scene 248, take one!
Action!
Take your money back. Baudu does not accept charity
You ruined me, but you won't last
You have created...
...a mastrous monchine... Shit!
Cut!
''A monstrous machine''!
This was written by a mindless midget
-Stay in your places. -l am in my place!
-lt is okay, Michel. -Bug off!
Silence!
Hammers!
Maybe there is no director!
Watch your manners!
-Water for Mr Simon. -Which take?
-Sixth. -Bad times in Billancourt!
ln 20 years, trade will be one big battlefield...
...on which quality, probity and confidence...
...will be sacrificed
Beware, Mouret!
You are inaugurating a reign of junk and razzle-dazzle
There is a price that you, too...
...that you too, one day
What? ''You, too, one day...'' What!
l can't do it!
l can't go on playing with watchdogs around
Take a three-minute break
Reload!
Michel is a pain, but what balls!
Swiss balls! Safer than Gallic ones. Neutral balls!
lt is going to be hell!
Machine guns and anti-aircraft guns. We will go nuts!
-Go to my godmother. -They won't shoot all day
Where did you get this?
The dairywoman. l hired her daughter as an extra
Can the baby eat it?
Sure, sure
lt is milk. He can eat the cream
As for us... the crust is good
Your brother gets my goat
He only comes to pick up girls...
...but tonight, absent for duty
What do you mean?
He never showed up
l found him work as an extra. But him...
...he will get packed off to Germany, like my brother
Except that he got squealed on
lt has been a while
lt is every day now
Air raids all the time! Your Brits are a pain!
And always the same targets: Renault, Salmson, Sauter
So long, Billancourt! l am moving to Rue St Charles
But that is right where Citroen is!
So? They would never bomb Citroen. Citroen is all Jews
-Mr Raoul! -This is not bad
More of that gutless literature. My hat is no trash can!
Rehearsal, gentlemen!
l dare you to repeat that
What you call my tomahawk pin is P뿯½tain's francisque
l am proud of it!
But you still kiss Kraut ass!
l fought them but l respect the victors
-''And l inform.'' -What nerve!
Hands off! l will denounce you!
Mr Aimable!
You are behind on the set construction
Let me show you why
Coffins?
The wood for our sets. Requisitioned
lt is in great demand on the Russian front
That is furniture for the Atlantic Wall
The studio head sells to the Krauts
No profit is too small
To make household savings, use everything
Let nothing go to waste
Mum, what are you doing here?
Simone got a summons
-Summons? -l came to watch the baby
-Summoned by whom? -How should l know?
You know Simone. She called...
...showed me a paper when l got here...
...and said, ''l am going to Fresnes.''
The prison! l am going
You are crazy!
Try the police first
lt must be those shoe coupons. They looked shady to me
She got them from her father
Those shoes were trash
Wood and cardboard
Let the time go by
Let the days go past
Let the wind blow high
But make sure love stands fast...
Strange place to meet
There is safety in numbers
You wanted to see me?
l am worried
Simone got a summons. l asked the police. No news
Who summoned her? Where?
l do not know. But she is at Fresnes
l will ask around
Continental is no protection. This proves it
That is irrelevant. She works at Sirius Distribution
lf we got her out
Our job is intelligence, infiltration, not playing commandos
Sorry to wake you, Mum
lt was because of Jacques
He was arrested outside the studio
He was going to work
They found tracts on him
-They did not hurt you? -No, not me
He is at Cherche-Midi Prison
Better than Fresnes
l think
One little tract! lt is no big deal. Maybe he found it
l saw the report. lt is not one tract
Everyone says that, ''l found it!''
But two! You do not find two!
Two tracts is a big deal!
He is only 20. He is a kid
The Russian front is full of German kids...
...who may never reach 20
Excuse me
l overheard you
lt is a regulation. A German directive
lf there are several tracts, they investigate
You should speak to Mr Von Schertel
Wait here, l will see if he is free
His name is Dubuis, isn't it? Jacques Dubuis?
And the herbs! A stew without herbs is mush
Herbs and the marrow bone
Ah, the marrow bone!
A thing of the past!
But l should tell you...
...about my mother's stew for funeral meals
Shoulder, shank, ribs
Beef cheeks. Sorry, l have to run. See you
Have you checked on My Love is Yours?
Sure, sure
And your contract! Bring it in signed.
l have asked you 10 times!
Sure, of course
Ah, Devaivre! l know you are crying for lumber and film stock
Materials and film are my department. l decide who gets it
l know, Mr Beurkley
lf you need anything, come see me
Come in
My secretary told me...
...about your brother-in-law
He is not a Jew? A Communist?
A Freemason?
You have a good reputation here at Continental
l will look into it
l swear! lt came back to me
You sure?
The statue was at Harry Baur's
He had invited Christian and me over
His collection was stunning: paintings, books, and bronzes
including that one
-She is fooling herself! -She can fool me, her husband...
...but not about something so minor
Anyway, she is a lousy liar
That Paul is not just a dealer or an ex-vice squad cop
He robbed Baur before murdering him!
He does not scare me
You can't speak to him, smile at him... He is Gestapo
Come with me
l would love to, but l can't leave now
Where would we go?
How long would you stay with me?
My dear, sweet Olga,
lt is not you l left, but that murderer, Paul Maillebuau
You know deep down l am an incorrigible flirt...
...loyal to all my women, not just one...
...to my friends and my beliefs, too
That is the risky part nowadays
l have the courage to write...
...but l can't stand physical pain
Still, l want to face these shameful times with integrity...
...using my own weapons...
...not writing a single scene or line, even just to eat...
...that might seem to support all the horrible things l loathe...
...and which Paul Maillebuau embodies
Stay away from him, Olga
l will call next week to see how you are
Love, Jean
lt is closed?
-lsn't it obvious? -Be nice to a blind man
l am crying!
Why do these things always happen to you?
l am spoiled by the gods!
What is that?
What are you waving at me?
That ring! Nothing escapes me
From the new guy? The wop? He is in good, is he?
-Show my friends respect. -No, show me respect!
That ring is an insult! An obscenity!
You should talk! The way you carry on in a brothel!
l will leave you alone
No, stay!
Yes, stay! You are part of the family
You have slept together, haven't you?
Do not try turning the tables on me!
You are a tart! A kept woman!
We have been through this...
...before
l love you...
...but l love life, fine things
Things l can't buy you
-Darling... -lt is fake!
Fake?
Stop it, children
Fake? l doubt that very much!
ln Africa, it is called a Congolese emerald
You creep!
They are sold on every street corner. Everywhere!
Stop it! You are lying!
Let us see
Here, look!
Congolese, fake!
Listen to him! Fake!
What are you doing?
l threw it out
Get out!
Get out of here right now!
Your suitcases
What a jerk!
l can't see a thing!
Goddammit to hell!
We will find it
l looked all over. l must have thrown it too far...
...or someone picked it up
l will pay her back. l will buy her another
You have no idea how much that ring cost
l will sell my Soutine. l was offered a fortune for it
lt would kill me
l do not even know where l am sleeping tonight
-lt is heavy! -You can say that again
-l will carry it. -l won't say no
l forgot my hat
When my husband died l thought of moving...
...but l like this area
l have my room, there are others
That is too much bother. ls it worth making up two beds?
lsn't it a beauty?
lf it is worth a fortune, yes
You are lovely without your hat
For those waiting for cod, we are out
Without coupons, l have date paste
Very sweet, not very good
We do not have much choice
We come, we wait, and take what is left
Here, Mum...
...the December ration tickets are not in yet
l am off to Sirius. Masson asked Jean to come and photograph a poster
Excuse me
No wine before Tuesday!
Only Jerusalem artichokes left
Wait! You won't get off so easy
You promised me something
Hello, Gilberte
ls Simone here?
l thought l had missed you
Masson is inside. l must run
That is right, you run, l run, everybody runs!
Can't they afford a photographer? What misers!
And that Beurkley!
He hires poor empty-headed actresses so he can bed them
A Gestapo bastard, for sure!
l am quitting Continental,
l am fed up!
Fed up with not saying what l think, kowtowing. l am fed up!
-l could not help your brother. -We are all fed up
You are acting like a child!
Keep going, for my brother
-Keep going, but how? -Keep going!
l am expecting some news
Mr Duborny has contacts at Cherche-Midi
l have to run
Go and see Masson
She is his girl since Carthacalha?
Beurkley's?
With his connections, he has got more, but she is one
He forgot his briefcase
Two at a time, side by side
Faster!
l can not go any faster
ls he coming back?
Yes
Hurry, let us finish
Done
You will be the death of me
Why did you do that?
lf no-one does anything
Hello, my dear fellow
There should be royalties waiting on my adapted books
Haven't we met?
-Sure, Mr Pierre Nord. -Right, Devaivre
You did my trailers in '38-'39
You work here now?
No, at Continental Films
ls that so?
Of course. Do l see the cashier for my royalties?
Masson just told me
Do you know what you photographed?
Not at all. lt is in German
Give me the film
l will handle it
What l want mostly
My brother-in-law has been arrested
His name may be in there...
...Jacques Dubuis
There is not much chance, but you never know
-You have a phone number? -0930
-Where can l reach you? -l travel a lot
ln case of an extreme emergency,
Lyon station, third class waiting room, Thursday and Saturday
l am a civil servant...
...in Vichy
l break my neck!
This way, Mr Pottier
My coat
Here
lsn't Annie wonderful? You should be delighted
Can't l ever have a screening without an air raid?
Tomorrow at 10 am, postpone the screening of The Crow
l will let Clouzot know
Very well, sir
To the shelter!
Simone!
Where are you? No arguments
You are leaving
You are going to my godmother's
l was waiting for you. The next train is at 4:15
Couldn't it wait...
...until tomorrow?
Tomorrow, l won't have the strength
lt is all right
20-minute stop!
l was an hour early, not to be late!
l feel so filthy!
How you have grown!
Jean could not come?
Too much work
Him and his movies! They are not God!
For Jean, they are
He will turn up the first chance he gets
But it is miles!
Hurry, Estelle!
Visiting the poor always take time
Not the time spent with them, but the time climbing stairs!
The poor always live high up
Not that one, it is too nice
You see, young lady...
...you must learn to choose what you give the destitute
lf you give them fine things...
...you also give them regrets for the luxury they will never have
But if you like that blouse
My God, they are laughing! We blew it!
They are not laughing at it, they are laughing with us
With Moreno...
...they love her
She embodies the cruel, good conscience
of the bourgeois aristocracy which is alive and well
She shows her true self. lt is funny
When you read it, you laughed, too
-True. l did. -You see!
A drama without any humour is stiff as a board
Therese, you are foolish! You hardly have enough to eat
We get by with the animals
That is it!
The cat eats the bird, who eats the cat? You do!
When you are starving!
l wish you patience and resignation
What should we wish you, dear lady?
Wish her impatience and revolt!
Magnificent! A very fluid manner of...
Not only good taste and skill...
...but a blend of virulence and grace, a very personal grace
A young lady's grace, a caustic grace
You are a young lady, old man!
The end does not work. l needed more time and money
You know the producers. Not yours, Continental's loaded
Adrien is an accident
Sure, bread and butter work. As for money...
Like it?
''lmpatience and revolt... '' Wait till Vichy sees it
-Did you like it? -Yes, l did
l love when she says, ''l want to be happy, not humble''
You will have censorship problems, Bost
And the Church may rate it a five, ''To be prohibited.'' Maybe worse
There is worse than a prohibition?
A six. Like for my film, A Life of Pleasure
''Socially, morally and religiously pernicious''
Do they burn the unlucky films?
Yes, and they shoot the imprudent audiences
You! Aren't you Pottier's assistant?
Yes, sir. Le Chanois asked me to come tonight
That is his business. Tell Pottier...
...l have not finished the Maigret script
Do not forget. l can't run after him
Pierre!
She says it is a proud film. Superb, isn't it?
Why is that, miss?
Because everyone faces up
The young to their elders, the servants to their masters
And when Douce dies, it is sad...
...but she was not happy with those people, so better to die
Jean! l knew it!
He needs his sleep
Will we be able to talk normally after this?
Don't you want to see Paris?
l mended the collar and pocket
Put them in my suitcase
Thanks for keeping them under the spuds
Be careful
What if l stayed?
What would Tourneur do without you?
Need a hand?
-Going far? -Paris
l can take you to the station
No, l am going by bike
Good God! You a bicycle racer?
Do not bother
l used to race, but mainly on tracks
The Vel d'Hiv bicycle races. l am in shape
But from here to Paris it is over 220 miles...
...one way or the other
Still, the train is easier
They are constantly inspected...
...''Papers! Open your bags!''
Roads, too. Afraid of something?
l will give you a lift
You say you are from Curbigny... You know Marc B뿯½rot?
He is a neighbour. l mainly know Mrs Barou
Josephine? She is a good friend!
l am her godson
Good Lord, are you the star? The one in movies? Devaivre?
Ren뿯½ Fl뿯½chard, plumber-roofer
-Are we stopping? -This calls for a drink
You need energy
-l would not deprive you. -We have got plenty here
Thanks
Some take advantage: butter at 1000 F, eggs at 10 F
-Drink up. -lt will knock me out
We will settle scores someday
You make note of the collaborators, too?
Yes and no. l work at a German firm
Oh, shit!
lt just happened that way. We are not pals
But it is true, it is a problem
l am in a bind... between work and my family
l want out, but there could be reprisals
Anyway, where could l go?
There is a place
lf you decide, l will tell you where
Nicht black market! For my kids!
-Who is it? -lt is Louis, your brother
Anyone see you? The concierge?
You hardly wrote. We were worried. Especially the folks
A card every six months!
lt is over now
-l hate to write. -So, in fact, you escaped
ln fact, yes
They kept saying, ''Workers, not prisoners!''
But if you went out, you knew what to expect
l itch!
Stowaways are fine for adventure stories
-But Berlin-Paris... -Here?
Lying half frozen on a boxcar roof...
...half scorched against a hot water pipe
Good luck!
You can find me work here...
...like for your in-law?
He is in big trouble
They arrested him in March, and no sign of him since
That does not mean a thing
Take me: l vanish, l reappear!
He will turn up again
Jacques Dubuis, my brother, never came back
And l never saw him again...
...except once, 57 years after his arrest...
...in 8 Men in a Chateau where he was an extra
That is him!
The Germans sent him to die in a Silesian salt mine
He grew so thin...
...his campmates called him, ''Stringbean''
He was 20 years old
The other day, at the Acad뿯½mie Fran뿯½aise...
...that taffeta thing, the ''slipper'' play
What an endless bore!
My wife understood it, but she is a bridge whiz. Bingo!
Excuse me!
The metro was packed!
Suzanne was perfect, losing weight helped
But he got fatter. How could he do it?
Splendid, Suzanne!
A superb funeral for riffraff! The cream of Paris Corsicans!
Carbone and Spirito, the underworld kings
Tino Rossi sang?
As good as a state funeral, and cartloads of flowers!
My dear...
My dear, you were fabulous!
Leg of lamb!
You remind me of... the name escapes me
An American actor... What is his name?
So kind of you!
The audience hung on every word
Yes, it is so
And the play is fairly short. That is what is great!
Plays are all too long. Even short, Claudel is long
Haven't we met?
-Richeb뿯½. Can we talk? -But Suzanne
You came! l have missed you so much!
Congratulations!
-Rewriting Michel Duran's script? -Only your lines
You are an angel. Danielle Darrieux sent me a sweet note
l waited for you every day
l swear, l am doing you a favour
They have arrested Jeanson twice. Spaak is in for it now
Why not me next?
Who knows, you live with me?
They censored the best scene in Douce
The Countess's visit to the poor, cut!
They did the same to Spaak.
The method: censorship, then prison
Why not just say ''l am leaving?''
''Because l saw Suzanne again''
She told me
''Because l miss her''
''Our affair was just a bandage. l healed, so l am leaving''
Are you angry?
lf only l could be
-What? -My painting stays put
Your painting?
What is in my house is mine. lt is the law. Look it up
Goddamn them!
Suitcases!
Women and suitcases!
Darling! But you are too early!
-l was to call you. -But since l am here
So is my husband
-Who is it? -Nothing, it is a charity
Have anything hot, besides coffee?
Beef extract?
Hot milk? Herb tea?
A grog?
-There is no rum. -Grog with calvados
A calvados grog, then
''Women are more...
...''resolute''
Another grog. A hefty one
We are nearly out of gas
A cold grog?
Cold
With less water?
With no water
A cold grog without water
-l do not have change. -No problem
All that
Watch the curtain
What do l tell her?
l do not know?
Jean, darling, what is it?
l killed him
l killed Suzanne's lover
You have been drinking! What has got into you?
l saw red
He got arrogant... You called me a coward
You did, a little
He had a gun. l grabbed it and bang!
What will we do? What will you do?
The police, ''l did it!''
Sleep first and tomorrow, the police
Wait. Think it over
See a lawyer
You know what a lawyer costs?
-Less then what you earn. -...And spend!
No lawyer. l am broke. lt is prison for me
You can have it back
Get the best lawyer
Take it! Get going!
What you just did is beyond words
Reine, l did not kill anyone. l had nowhere to go
l made it up on the landing
You did not kill anyone?
You bastard!
Funny, isn't it?
The detectives' office. The chief inspector's office
The sentry box
You the film director?
You are shaking Maigret's hand. l am the original
l nabbed Mestorino, but l have got to run
He has the original?
One of them: they have taken up beer and pipe smoking
Mr Tourneur
This closet is perfect. For Cecile... her body
Just fine
l will build some steps for perspective
As you like, but l want shadows, corners, possibilities
-Corners... -Right up my alley
lt is those cold baths!
-But l mend fast. -l hope so
l need you
Did you read the script on The Affair of the Poisons?
Yes, l did, sir
Repulsive. Especially now
Trash disguised as history. lt would not be wise to do that now
lt shows France in a shameful light
You can't stay here. Go home to bed
l will send the company doctor. l owe you that much
Can you stand suction cups?
lnhalations...
...and above all, rest
Stay warm and rest
Make the most of the weekend. Stay in bed
Drink hot liquids, sweat...
...and you will feel better
Thanks, doctor
l will inform Continental
l will come by Monday
l will be at work Monday
For Richard, Stalag 17...
...from his mama, Josette
This is Pottier
Spaak is done
He drops off The Majestic Case script at Continental at noon
l understand, but...
You go get script at Continental right away...
...and you read it
A crate of oranges, not a wagonload
What will l do with all that fruit?
l am putting it back
Can you read this?
Sure, l can read it
But l can't understand it
Think we spoke Kraut together?
lf only l could find Jacques's name
What is all this stuff?
l will tell you later
No. The less you know, the better
-Going out? -Just for a few hours.
lt is worth it
Not in your condition
l am supposed to be asleep. Do not answer the door
What about the telephone?
Let it ring
lf it keeps up, pretend you are me
Talk through a hankie and cough
That is all, just cough
l get it, l cough
Stay here
There you are!
''Saturday, third class waiting room''
l did not say inside. So it is something urgent?
-A big package. Want to see it? -Not here
Over here. Explain it to me. We have time
Get a platform ticket
Those photos you took were good
You saved a few necks
Get a platform ticket...
...and meet me on platform 15, fifth car, middle compartment
lt is full, madame
There is the cyclist
He is looking around
Tell him to get on
He is suspicious. Let him see you
Buy a ticket for Melun
That is not what we said
And this?
Check it
You will ride back
Quick! We leave in minutes
Go easy, it is not a tractor
Get a ticket
You are amazing
What is it all about?
lt smells... like medicine
That is my chest. Tincture of iodine
-Watch yourself. -l am okay
l am interested in Jacques Dubuis, my brother-in-law
He may be...
...on a list
These are not police documents. lt is more military
-We get off at Moulins. -Moulins?
But l have a ticket for Melun
Melun? l said Moulins
-You heard wrong. -And my bike?
l have to tell the baggage car...
...at the next stop
Then tell them!
Tell them
-So, the key with the red ribbon? -Red wire
Ticket check!
Put that away, fast!
Sit over there
Here
An administrative pass
Write your name in
Hurry!
You have got nerves of steel
You did not bat an eyelash
Nothing to it. lt comes naturally
l get chills afterwards
-May l have the papers back? -Sure. Now you can
Moulins!
25-minute stop!
lt is for my bike
l saw your name on the frame. You a professional racer?
-Ever win? -Never
Neither did l
l came in third. Behind P뿯½quinet, and behind...
Behind who else?
Me, maybe?
Wait, your pump! l put it aside
Go easy on my bike!
You sure took your time
Stop coughing, it is me
No, stay put!
Stay there and wait for me
Whatever you do, wait
l do not know?
A few hours, five or six
This is a real opportunity
l will radio the Brits while you fly
Fly?
l am not flying!
Keep the papers. l am going home
Listen!
The British want to know how you got these papers
ln person, you can convince them. Not by radio
lt is too complicated
l am sick! l should be in bed. My brother is waiting
l work on Monday. You kidding me?
What you have done is fantastic
But you have to go all the way
lf l see De Gaulle, what do l say?
What the hell am l doing here?
You steal these from a chemist?
lt is me. Tincture of iodine
-You speak English? -Sort of
No, not really, not well
Badly, act as if not at all
l have to get back fast
Read them quickly
l have to be at work on Monday
Want to eat?
Some tea?
lf you want
Aren't you reading the file?
Very secret
How did you get this... in your hands? Tell me
lt is like this
l work in the movies...
...for Continental, a German company, but French films
Two floors cinema, and the office of an SD... Whatever that means?
Nothing to do with movies
lt is Von Schertel's office...
...at the end of the hall
l was home sick yesterday Bunged up!
The flu
l had trouble with the lock
Go on
You take a key
A key on a red wire
lf you wouldn't mind starting over for me
Start over, from where?
The beginning
What do you mean?
lf you do not mind
Von Schertel... ln the pictures, he does what?
Nothing
lt is geographic
He is just there, at the end of the hall
You are at home. You get a call. From whom?
The director, Richard Pottier. My director
Not another one!
What time is it?
l have to get home and no-one's even bothered to read what
Now start over
No more interruptions
lt is like this... l work in the movies
The wrong key?
You expect me...
...to believe that?
l could not believe it either, but it worked
Why did you steal it? Why this? ln a cinema office?
You do not understand
You are not listening
Yesterday was Saturday. You work Saturdays?
Pottier phoned me
Pottier, Richard. Me, assistant. He does not care if l am sick
He sends me to the Champs-Elys뿯½es. l told this to him, him
You!
That thing in your hand. What is that?
My pump
You need a bicycle pump on the airplane?
No, it just happened like that!
l was going to pick up a script
lt was the wrong key. l do not think, l just do it
Then things snowballed
The train, Melun, Moulins, the plane, and now you!
l have done my job! Enough!
l am going home. What time is it?
What are you working on?
l am starting C뿯½cile is Dead A Simenon. Maigret
Harry Baur
-He is fine, Maigret. -lt is Albert Pr뿯½jean this time
You should use Baur again
He is dead
Sit down
Get off my back with that tea
Do you understand English?
A little, if you talk slowly
Faster, l will understand better
ls that English?
Me not Saint Cloud. Me, Boulogne
Work now, Monday. Leave
Good night, all!
You come with me. l have a mission over France
l will drop you on the way
Great! Why am l being measured?
lf we boom, you can blow to pieces
With measurements, a piece is enough for a name
Sign this waiver
The British crown is not responsible
Have some tea
They are nuts with their tea!
My wife loves tea. We can't get any in France
l do not care for the stuff, but...
We climbing?
Yes, region very P뿯½tain
Bad for us. We climb over flak
Not afraid?
We are hit. We may turn back
Turn back?
lmpossible to turn back!
That is enough! l am going home!
My family, my brother is waiting. He will be shot, understand?
-Blockhead! Moron! Shot! -Calm down
l have to jump, l am jumping!
Jump!
Put your two feet together, one foot lower and you break it
The knees are like springs, and forward!
Curl up and roll, l know. l was a jockey
-What is that? -Tea for your wife
Find him, damn it! l have had my fill of amateurs!
Over there, l think!
Here he is!
l will remember this!
You are here, no?
lt is a miracle
What time is it?
ls this yours?
l should do a written report
lf l had to explain this in writing, it would take hours
Do not bother, l am here. Just get me to Moulins
l am going home, Basta, and no-one is the wiser
Where is my pump?
What pump?
The Bluemels, black celluloid. Long, lightweight
And what is that?
lt happens
The next train for Paris?
4:42 pm via Nevers, Gien, Montargis...
...first, second and third class
Anything else?
But tomorrow is the same, 4:42
lt is me, Jean
My bike
The phone rang off the hook
First, our folks. They wanted news about me
l said you were ill
Then Mr Tourneur
l imitated your voice. lt was easy, l caught your germs
What did Tourneur want?
To see how you were. He was worried about you
Who else called?
Richard Pottier
l barely understood him. He is down with it, too
No, it is his accent...
...Hungarian or Austrian
lt comes off
Reassure Mum that l am fine
Take my bike
Careful, the front wheel is bent. A pedal is loose
lt makes a noise
lt has done a lot of riding, l guess
lf l told you, you would not believe me
-Jean Devaivre? -Yes, but...
Continental Films. lnspection
-Why aren't you at work? -l am sick
Sick with what?
The doctor came
The Continental doktor
Ask him
Mr Spaak's script, you have it?
There, on the stack
You read all that?
l read what l am given
No other papers from Spaak?
l am out of coal
l have a fever, l am shivering
lf you have coal for me, thanks
The bed is cold
So?
You were supposedly in bed
On the bed...
...not in it
-Where were you yesterday? -Here, resting
The prescription is here
You live alone? Why?
My wife and child are in the country
Why?
The air is better there
Do you have lD papers?
May l ask what this is about?
Suction cups
Turn around
Who applied them?
My mother, she comes every day. The concierge...
...must have told you
Very hard calves
That is what the doctor said, ''What hard calves!''
He does not know why either
My papers?
You won't need them before tomorrow. l will be back then
What are you doing?
As you see, l am examining you. How do you feel?
Better. Fine. Hello, doctor
Weren't you coming back...
...tomorrow?
lt is tomorrow
lf you have slept since my visit...
...it has been over 24 hours
l have to work!
l doubt that
l am strong enough. l feel better
l admit days of rest has helped your recovery, but still
What did Mr Bauermeister say?
He is expecting you
Your papers
The keys are in the door
They made such a fuss!
But there were only two people here Saturday
Spaak brings the script, you come for it
So it is simple. When it is not you, it is him
Maybe someone else?
The guardian is always here, it is not possible
Maybe they lost them?
Are you that interested?
No, but if it is not him?
lf it is not him, the system returns to you
So, quiet
These days, it is better to shut up...
...it is always better
But right now, it is an obligation
This is where they find the body
l am doing insert shots on Stage B
lf it isn't Softi!
Still tiptoeing around like a sneak
Leave him alone
You are getting sloppy, leaving nasty papers around!
''Those who work for the Krauts, will be treated like Krauts.''
Where did you get that?
The illegal union. As if one was legal!
Have you seen this?
All tracts...
...are crap!
On all sides, De Gaulle's as well as the Communists'
lt is his mother
She hounded him for a red flag. So he went to get her one
lnstead of waiting here, quietly...
...for them to come. Right?
They are coming, Jean-Paul?
Patience, we are on our way!
Get off my back!
l imagined a bigger fish tank
lt is to measure
There is a collection...
...for our buddies killed by the Brits at Photosonor
-l will chip in some cash. -Afraid to cash in your chips?
So long
You do not look well
l am okay
Well, not really
l was at a meeting with the comrades
l am sick over it
Film people and others. ''Real workers'' as they say
lt is clear. No more contact with the Krauts
That is new
Continental is German. You can't work there anymore
l had the Party's approval
lf not, congratulations
But there is a new party line: action-resistance
Hey, l was resisting back in '40
Along with Max Douy, Nicolas, Painlev뿯½ and Lemare...
...l did not go begging, like some here, to dub German films...
...or negotiating with Greven to make Franco-German newsreels
l did not wait for the invasion...
...of Russia
l organised, infiltrated studios, started a union
When the Fritz go...
...we won't have helped the German cinema but saved...
...French cinema. -Discredited it!
Like Clouzot's vile The Crow!
He never sold out. He is protecting a Dreyfus, me!
A Levy, Jean Ferry, and others
His film is an abscess on France's honour!
lt attacks informers. lt is about poison-pen letters...
...based on a pre-war case
Get your facts straight
So what! That is your business!
lt reminds me of those stupid magazines about stars...
...their earnings, German boyfriends, Berlin tours
Movies are just another industry
The new Party line is an armed struggle. Either you obey...
...or you get out
Excluded by my comrades!
''Comrade'', a finer word than ''brother.''
You do not choose a brother...
...you choose your comrades
There were eight of us in October '40
Where was Daquin in '40? Yeah, l am sick over it
What about us?
Us?
We do okay
Forget about them
Dogs bark, fools act foolish
l rewrote the opening of C뿯½cile
The downstairs neighbour... He has to be meaner
Hello, Spaak
l am sorry
Not as sorry as l am
The last time we spoke...
...was at Fouquet's
Got a cigarette?
You know l do not smoke
What is your situation?
l am questioned every few days...
...''Where is your brother?''
l did not know when they arrested me. How should l know now?
This was not my doing
l deal with movies, not politics or police
You and l have a problem
Your contract
You have not delivered...
...the final script on Majestic
You have not delivered!
We can't shoot without the essential work
And me, Dr Greven...
...l can't deliver it without the essential, my freedom
Your freedom? lmpossible!
lt is beyond my power
But you can still work in these conditions
Jeanson did a lot of writing here: articles...
...script dialogue. l know he did
Get Duran, or Le Chanois
Talk to Clouzot
Clouzot won't hear of it. You are under a sole author contract
Then sue me
l admire your work
Grand lllusion...
...Who Killed Santa Claus?, A Life of Pleasure
l love all those films. lt is you l want
Freedom, as l said, l can't give you
But better treatment...
...l can
You mean...
...food?
Bread?
Sardines?
For my wife, too?
Food packages?
Tobacco? l can't write without tobacco
And erasers, paper, pencils, a dictionary...
...warm slippers. Aspirin
l may as well forget liquor
-The cop is here. -l will tell Devaivre
Maybe some beer?.
He is here
With more lumber, it would be more impressive
Why? You do fine with plaster
Then give me plaster
So, today's instalment? Any good?
All right, but just three pages. Three short pages
lt is not enough!
You can't demand too much of a man who is starving
lf we had him here on the set...
...we would work faster
We would avoid the prison shuttle
lf he were here, you say?
l will see to that
Get your papers together
And my things, too?
No, you come back tonight
Ladies and gents, back to work
Action!
Fast
Faster
lt is no good...
...the plates are empty. lt is obvious
Cover the plates and platters...
...or else keep the extras in front of the dishes
Yes. lt is not good!
The plates are empty. Ridiculous!
You extras, stand in front of the dishes!
But what goes on the plates?
The usual: rutabaga, Jerusalem artichokes, lettuce
The extras ate it all while my back was turned!
Jean, please!
And me?
Why does Spaak keep writing scenes with food in them?
Two months in jail
Straighten these nails!
-What a nice loaf! -Easy! lt is fake!
Except the piece for Mr Pr뿯½jean!
-Shit! -That is life!
Can you do a cast of this?
For when?
-When it is ready. -You got it, kid!
For me?
The crew wrote something
The crew has to hand it to you
ln Von Schertel's office...
...the papers
What papers?
l had three bottles of my own stock! No more!
l drank two glasses of three bottles only. Shit!
Bunch of sticky fingers!
Near the North Station, maybe farther
How much farther? The suburbs?
The suburbs, yes
This pie is delicious
-Why not finish it? -Gladly
That is war, bombs and death...
...but while it is far off, finish the bottle
You took part...
...you endured it
l prefer ''endured.''
Not me. l had my eyes closed
Half-open
Enough to see people and women go by...
...watch them a while
l did nothing serious
You made films!
''Patience and submission.''
No, ''impatience and revolt.''
lt is good to say...
...when everyone bows down
That is why it was cut
-You wrote that! -No, we wrote it
l claim impatience but the revolt is yours...
...or the other way around
Still, l think of the story about the roofer who falls
Everyone hears his scream...
...but those on the wrong side cross rather than dirty their shoes
You are funny! People have to survive somehow
lf survival is all, how do we differ from animals?
l thought that in the stalag. Why are we here?
What is the point? l would have given up
Then one day...
...l saw a prisoner like myself
He was always busy with something on his lap
He was writing
Writing on Stendahl, with a piece of lead...
...stuck in a splinter of wood. Writing on a writer
That was his life buoy
He restored my taste for life
Some make sheets, some make bread...
...others make up stories
We are nothing more or less...
...than story-makers
What good do we do?
We enlighten the lives of sheet-makers...
...and bread-makers. -ls that enough?
l think so
l never forget that and thanks to that...
...l made a friend
Watch the glass doors. They are made of paper!
Hello, son...
...l knew l would find you here
We are striking the sets. We finished at 6 am
l saw Greven, he said to read these
Tell me what you think
-Sure, sir. -l will be on Stage B...
...to see Andrejew. l will see you after
By the way...
...Le Chanois was arrested
When?
At sun up...
...this morning
For what reason?
An open secret: his name is Dreyfus and he is a Communist
See you in 15 minutes
l forgot, my brother is sick. l have to go to the drugstore
Go ahead
Goodbye, sir
Jean Devaivre never returned to Continental
He pedalled for seventeen hours to the maquis...
...where Ren뿯½ Fl뿯½chard, plumber-roofer, was waiting...
along with other fighters who would become his friends
Le Chanois, on Dr Greven's demand...
...was released within three days, without talking
He carried on, but was sanctioned by the Party...
...for having worked at Continental
Tourneur was suspended for almost two years after the war...
...and directed two films from scripts he hated
Jean Aurenche, the ever-faithful friend...
...remained close to Pierre Bost until Bost's death
He often talked to me about Reine, Suzanne and Olga
Olga lost everything in '44, her hair included...
...but got it all back three years later
Jean helped her open her shop...
...in '47...
...the year Devaivre directed his first film...
... La Dame d'onze heures, which Le Chanois wrote
lt was followed by The Farm of Seven Sins
53 years later, in April 2000...
...Devaivre told me that if he had to relive that period...
...he would probably be stupid enough to do exactly the same thing
Subtitles: Cynthia Schoch - Lenny Borger
Processed by L.V.T. - Paris ਊ