Pierre, urgent phone call from France.
After the concert.
It's about your mother.
THE CHOIR
Remember me?
Fond de I'Etang!
My Dad's picking me up on Saturday.
I'm Pepinot!
Of course...
Pepinot...
How long ago was it?
Only about 50 years...
Fond de I'Etang.
You're the kid in the middle, front row.
That's you!
The supervisor... What was his name?
Clement Mathieu.
Right...
Whatever happened to him?
Open it.
Fond de I'Etang.
1949
It's the diary he kept at Fond de I'Etang.
His whole life. Our lives, too.
It was meant for you.
I'd have rather given it to you in different circumstances, but...
January 15th, 1949
After failing in numerous undertakings,
I was sure the worst was still to come.
It was a boarding school for difficult children.
At least that's what the ad said.
Fond de I'Etang...
"Rock bottom": Even the name seemed to suit me.
Hello.
You're alone?
Why are you there?
I'm waiting for Saturday.
Why?
My Dad's coming to get me.
But today's not Saturday.
Pepinot!
I'm Clement Mathieu, the new supervisor.
First time as a supervisor?
I've taught in a private school.
- Teaching what? - Music.
You'll get on well with Rachin.
The principal. A former trumpet player.
- Hi, Pepinot! - Hi!
They're his daughters. He lives there.
You've never met Mr. Rachin?
Not yet. Mrs. Boissemand got me the job.
Really!
He was Old Maxence.
He said he was janitor,
male nurse, supply clerk,
and window mender.
What's he done?
He's punished by Mr. Rachin.
2 weeks of housework. He's the cleaning lady.
What are these kids like?
- You weren't told? - No.
My infirmary. I'll show you my garden.
A pleasure.
What've they done now?
- I'll help. - Clement Mathieu?
The principal.
I'm Rachin, I run this place.
Sir, I'm sorry.
- You're late. - I got the wrong bus.
We're sticklers for punctuality.
Yes, indeed.
Yes, "sir"!
Yes, sir!
Follow me.
First learn our house rules.
You'll take over the 4PM class, after my class.
What's got into you? Answer me!
- Take this! - My eye...
Another dirty trick! See what angels they are?
Take him over there.
I can't see.
Don't overdo it. Let me see!
Yes, it's pretty bad...
Go ring the bell. School assembly.
- Let's call a doctor. - They cost money!
Did you hear me? The bell!
Where is it?
In front of you! Over the door!
All right.
Assembly!
This happen often?
Keep ringing!
In double lines!
Everyone into the yard! Assembly!
Hurry! No talking!
- A baldy! - Silence!
Bullet head!
Silence!
- I said nothing. - Silence!
I ordered you out because Old Maxence was the victim
of a cowardly assault.
The rule is: Action - reaction!
The culprit will be punished.
If in 3 seconds I don't have his name,
each of you will be locked up for 6 hours.
To continue until he confesses
or is denounced. Got that?
One...
Two...
Three...
Nobody?
Of course! Come here!
You Mathieu!
- Me? - Come here.
Mr. Chabert, the student roll.
Thank you.
Your new supervisor doesn't know you yet.
Baldy!
Silence!
Being new, and impartial,
he'll select the first to be punished.
Silence!
Pick a name.
At random?
- May I advise you... - Don't. Pick one.
Boniface!
Too bad. Chabert, grab Boniface.
- I did nothing, sir. - Shut up!
- You're lousy! - Talk properly!
Go on!
- I won't go! - I'll boot you in there!
Silence!
Until the culprit confesses,
no more class breaks or family visits.
So denounce him fast.
This encourages snitching...
You're new here, you still have illusions.
We'll discuss it in a week.
Ask Mr. Regent, who you're replacing, to fill you in.
Clean sheets.
Thanks.
Why are you leaving?
Ten stitches.
A scissors slash.
Because I confiscated Mouton's cigarettes.
Mouton?
A boy called Mouton.
Is he still here?
Here's a tip: Le Querrec booby-trapped Maxence's door.
I heard him say it a while ago.
- Didn't you report it? - I'd have missed the bus.
Maxence punished him for breaking windows, it was a vendetta.
That's how he is.
Le Querrec!
Remember that name.
And Morhange, too.
He doesn't say much, but watch out!
Face of an angel, spawn of the devil!
Action - reaction.
That's all they understand.
I'm off.
Good luck.
Our benefactresses. There's the class schedule.
The principal taught French and History,
all other subjects were taught by a Mr. Langlois...
Meet our new supervisor.
Clement Mathieu.
Supervisor at your age?
I've taught, too.
Very well.
He's the most fun.
Go to your class, you're late.
No need to point the way!
Here comes Baldy!
Gentlemen.
No smoking in class.
That applies to everyone. Even you, sir!
Give it back!
Give that back! Silence!
Give it back!
A fine start!
Nice work, Mathieu!
Sit down!
As always!
You, again!
What did he do?
Nothing, sir.
What do you mean?
You'd punished him!
No, sending him to the blackboard.
I'd asked for silence.
And it was sorely needed!
Don't make me come back!
You! Go in the corner!
Very well.
Now that's behind us, let's get this straight.
There's a boy locked up alone in detention.
For nothing!
I may look stupid, but I'm not so dumb.
I know who did it.
And he's got 15 seconds to come forward.
I'm waiting.
Too bad... Only 5 seconds left...
Too late!
Le Querrec.
Who's Le Querrec?
Me, sir.
Really!
- You hurt Mr. Maxence. - No, sir.
I'm not asking, I'm stating.
- I didn't do it. - We'll let the principal decide.
During my absence I need a boy to keep order while I'm gone.
My infallible flair tells me it should be...
Morhange.
Come on.
Which of you is Morhange?
Me, sir.
So you're the angel face.
Down front! You'll take the class while I'm gone.
Go on!
Very elegant! Let your shirt hang out further!
They say strong minds keep men in line. Show us!
You! To the principal's office!
Have mercy, sir!
Did you show mercy to the boy who's in there?
Or to Maxence?
I meant no harm. It was just for a laugh.
For a laugh.
I'm sick of your escapades.
You'll get a thrashing you won't forget!
- Who's that? - Leclerc.
It's the 3rd time he's run away.
- He's going back into detention. - You'll have company.
Listen,
maybe we can work this out.
You seriously hurt Mr. Maxence.
I won't punish you by taking you to the principal.
You'll work at the infirmary every day after class.
You'll nurse Mr. Maxence.
You look after him till he's well.
You agree?
Not bad.
I can do better. The chalk, please.
Sideways.
I'll give you a little smile.
You can turn around.
I forgot...
A touch of color.
That's better. Go to your place.
Good.
So I know you all better, write down your name, age,
and what you want to be when you grow up.
Much to my surprise, they all did it.
All but one...
You're not writing?
How long have you been here?
A long time?
I don't know.
Write, little fella.
An exhausting first day.
What am I doing here?
Rachin scares me,
so does this building, even these kids...
They may sneak into my room and do me in.
My blanket.
- Can I have a drag? - Shut up!
Lie down.
I read the cards filled out by the kids.
They all dreamed of fabulous jobs.
2 firemen, 3 cowboys, 1 tiger-tamer,
1 fighter-pilot, 2 spies, 1 Napoleonic general,
1 hot-air balloonist, 3 foreign legion soldiers...
But not a single supervisor.
Thanks for looking after me.
See, Doctor.
The new supervisor says this boy volunteered to nurse me.
Spontaneously!
Wonders never cease.
Come in.
Mr. Mathieu, the new supervisor.
- Gentlemen... - Well?
It's a nasty wound.
If you're their new target, God help us.
You're so patient with them.
I'm tough. And I'm not the worst off.
Feel sorry for the kids. We had a death here.
A death?
His name was Mouton. Jumped off the roof.
Luckily he was an orphan...
It's like him. Everyone says it's hopeless.
He's a good kid. You've just got to know him.
Old Maxence is nice, huh?
Le Querrec, I'm talking to you.
Old Maxence is nice.
Isn't he?
Yes...
I didn't hear you.
He's just shy.
He's very shy, like me
May I speak to you, sir?
- Leaving us so soon? - I'd like to try an experiment.
Really.
To do with Maxence's accident.
It was not accident.
I'd like to ask for 3 favors:
Is that all?
1: End the class punishment.
2: Let me deal with the culprit. And...
3: Let me not reveal his name.
If you know it.
If I know it, of course.
You think highly of yourself.
You think you can just find out.
If you do, I'll end the class punishment.
But you won't find out. Or I'm an idiot.
I know him, sir.
Really?
So... who is it?
I said I can't reveal that.
Very well.
Fine.
But I don't like this. I want no trouble in your class!
I've got them under control, sir.
It's too soon for that.
No nude girls.
I never said there were.
What's on your bit?
"Ave Maria for soprano", by Clement Mathieu.
Mine says, "String quartet"
by Clement Mathieu.
Looks like music.
How would you know?
- Could it be Morse? - Secret codes!
He may be a fraud!
A spy disguised as a supervisor.
Quick! Baldy's coming!
Give those back!
What are they, sir?
- None of your business! - Got a problem?
Nothing... it's music.
What for?
For a choir.
In the toilets?
Get out, "choirboys"!
- None of that here, Mathieu! - None of what?
Don't act dumb with me.
- You think I...? - I saw nothing this time.
You see evil all over.
Here? Yes!
Baldy, you are through...
The rules won't be made by you.
Baldy, you are through...
The rules won't be made by you.
You copping out, guys?
Are you Corbin?
I did nothing, sir.
Yes, you sing.
No, sir. I swear...
You sing! And you sing off-key!
You don't even know it. Try again.
Go on!
Want to sing in the principal's office?
Baldy, you are through...
The rules won't be made by you.
Know you can't carry a tune?
Is that music in your briefcase, sir?
None of your business.
And by the way...
the next person who goes through my things...
will pay dearly.
Now silence, get to bed!
Fun's over!
Sleep!
That ditty stuck in my head.
Their singing's lousy, but they sing!
I spotted some good voices.
Can't one do something for these kids?
I'd vowed never to take up music again.
Never say never.
Something's always worth trying.
January 23.
A week after the accident, Old Maxence suddenly got worse.
The doctor had him taken to the hospital.
Is he going to die?
No, he'll be saved.
That day Pepinot had a problem.
Pepinot, you're useless!
Last question.
The last one. How did Marshall Ney die?
I'm waiting.
Out hunting?
Zero!
Write 100 times: "Marshall Ney was shot."
Get out!
Boniface, come here!
Boniface!
As a prize for your essay,
you'll get a cookie from Marie.
You knew that Marshall Ney was shot?
Yes sir, like Napoleon.
Get out!
One moment, Morhange.
You took notes during class.
Such dedication from you is surprising.
Show me your book.
Charming!
Read it. Admire the spelling!
Mr. Rachin eats cartloads of shit.
It says "Mr."?
No.
Mr. Mathieu! Action - reaction!
Punished!
Go on!
Gentlemen, enjoy your meal!
Hungry, Pepinot?
You're allowed to eat.
Pepinot?
An orphan. His parents died during the Nazi occupation.
- How did they die? - Dunno.
But he thinks his dad's coming for him Saturday.
Each Saturday, no one comes.
So we say: "Next week",
and so on.
Why not tell him the truth?
We told him his parents died together.
So we let him wait by the gates. Why not? If he's happy.
Silence!
See that?
Action - reaction.
Meaning?
Action...
Reaction!
Someone's here to visit Morhange.
Morhange is punished.
No visitors. It's the rule!
You go tell her.
Hello, Madame.
Hello.
I'm the new supervisor.
I'm Pierre Morhange's mother.
Clement Mathieu.
I know it's not a visiting day, but it's the only time I can...
That's not it.
He's punished again?
No, he's not punished.
He's not here.
What?
An hour ago he was taken
to the dentist. Toothache.
- A toothache? - Yes.
Not serious. He'll be back tonight.
I can't wait. I'm due back at work at 5 PM.
Can I leave you something?
Of course.
Her name is Violette.
Violette Morhange.
Unwed mother, despairing over her son,
who is a thief, introverted,
a chronic runaway from a State school.
He was sent here against her wishes,
but she told the judge:
"At least he'll get a hot meal twice a day."
Jan 30. The experiment begins...
In Brittany, the hats are...
In Brittany, the hats are round...
That's why I'm Brittany bound.
Soprano, to the left.
Leclerc!
He is born, the holy child, Let us greet His coming.
Almost in-key. Alto, to the right.
Delaire!
Three miles on foot, what does it use?
Three miles on foot, eats up your shoes.
Start again.
Four miles on foot, what does it use?
Four miles on foot, eats up your shoes.
Just what I thought. Bass, to the right.
Ricoeur!
I've got tobacco in my pouch.
I'll give it away, not today.
No smoking! Alto, to the left.
Illouz!
Love is a gypsy child...
that obeys to no one's laws...
Soprano. To the left.
Good. Pepinot!
I don't know any songs.
I'll teach you some.
Meanwhile, I name you assistant-choirmaster.
Go over there!
Boniface!
Marshall Petain, here we are!
Who taught you that?
My grandpa.
It's a bit dated. To the left!
Clement!
Citizens to arms, display your charms...
To the right.
My camp counselor's a jerk,
He doesn't do any work...
To the left.
Cuckoo, booboo, cuckoo, booboo...
Very good. Alto.
On the downbeat!...
Let's have it, Corbin.
C... D... G... C!
C!
C...
C!
Sorry, that note doesn't exist. Come here!
Mr. Pepinot, give me the score.
Thanks.
Open your hands like this.
I name you music-stand!
Mr. Pepinot, my baton.
Thanks.
Now, with me...
Once more.
That's it!
1... 2... 3... 4...
Le Querrec has hit the deck...
Every night they rehearse a song I wrote for them.
Carpentier has lost his way...
Fond de I'Etang is where we're stuck. Just our luck!
Fond de I'Etang is where we'll be, For all eternity!
It wasn't art, but I had their attention.
To take it further, I needed help from above.
What?
A choir?
Mathieu, you're way off base.
You'll never get them to sing a note.
Please, sir, don't say that.
Why not?
They already sing.
Really?
Just a bit.
So why ask permission, if you're already doing it?
I don't like your methods!
Sir...
You annoy me!
I've got more serious problems.
Then again, why not? I could use a good laugh.
Go ahead, make them sing.
But if turns sour, you're fired!
Thanks for your support, sir.
February 8. Morhange is out, but Rachin won't let go of him.
He has to do a month of community service.
We'll take it from the top.
There was a man called Stockbridge
Who went hunting for partridge
Dear Mr. Stockbridge
What is in your big white fridge?
Cinderella! Make my bed, too!
February 15.
Dr Dervaux, the psychiatrist, brought us a present today
We took him out of St Fereol detention center,
to see if he'll adapt to a less repressive environment.
Unlike his classmates,
Pascal Mondain reads and writes.
He speaks almost normally.
We gave him the Binet-Simon test.
The Binet-Simon test!
He also did an inkblot test, and a TAT.
Very good!
That test divides kids into 7 categories:
Normal, satisfactory,
limited, slightly retarded,
medium or severely...
And finally... Idiots.
Mondain's "limited",
in other words, not insane.
But I must warn you
he's a pervert with gregarious tendencies
Really?
What does that mean?
Well...
Doctor?
A tendency toward cruelty, parasitism, destructive acts,
and pathological lying.
There.
We've got lots of those.
But here, boys have access to a wider education.
I wonder how he'll adapt to your system.
We'll do our best
to live up to your scientific expectations.
Take charge of him.
- You'll stay for lunch? - With pleasure.
Give him your full attention.
Action - reaction!
No cigarettes here!
For the experiment to succeed, I had to impose my authority.
You look like an asshole.
Behave! Or you're in for big trouble.
OK...
Big trouble!
You must know a song.
Sure, but...
But what?
You won't like it.
No harm in trying.
Go ahead.
I'm listening.
One summer day, I took out my knob,
to give myself a nice hand-job...
Enough!
Up yours I go...
That'll do!
I told you so.
Not bad.
In time, you'll be a baritone.
What?
A baritone. It's not an insult.
It means a deep voice.
Go stand with the bassos.
Shit!
Leave your shit out of it.
Laugh, and I'll slug ya!
Any time, Mondain!
Solitary is over.
Here's Pepinot. You forgot him at the gate.
It's not Saturday.
By the way,
in your letters to your parents...
I got none.
I mean, for those who have them.
Remind them: Visits are the 1st and 3rd Thursday.
Morhange!
Concentrate! What did I say?
Dunno.
I said you could write your mom to visit you on the 1st or 3rd Thursday.
On both, too.
But no visits for punished boys.
So watch out.
I don't want to see my folks.
Morhange wants to see his mom.
He's not the only one!
See, we've got a real choir.
Who cares!
What?
Let's hear your voice.
Want to go back there?
Let's hear a scale. C... D... E... F... G...?
Being gross isn't your style. We can't all be like Mondain.
Once more.
- Where you going? - To piss!
Mondain, one moment!
- Corbin! - Can I go piss, too?
Then everybody out!
Off you go.
And silently.
There was a man called Stockbridge...
Who went hunting for partridge
Dear Mr. Stockbridge,
What is in your big white fridge?
You sing great, honey!
Want some?
You been left alone?
I'll protect you.
Wait for me.
We're alike.
My parents are creeps.
So is your mother.
She wants to be rid of you, to have fun.
It's because she works.
So what they say's true?
What?
That she's a whore.
I'll fix your duff.
Get in there!
You're a goner!
Oh, yeah?
That day Morhange missed roll call.
No one knew where he'd been.
But he'd come back, that's what mattered.
What are you doing there?
I'm not allowed up.
You're not allowed?
How come?
I got no money.
It takes money to sleep? What's this?
It's Mondain.
I can't go up unless I pay him.
We gotta watch out.
In my last place, I got caught.
I did in the supervisor.
How?
With a bayonet. I bled him dry.
You killed him?
You bet.
Here I won't let Baldy bust my balls!
Mathieu isn't so bad.
Sure...
The singing's a cover for touching your pecker.
Scum like that should die.
Evening!
Enjoy your meal.
I did nothing wrong, sir.
Nice company, Corbin!
Get out!
I'll turn a blind eye to that.
Think of it as a gift.
But I'm warning you:
Never talk to Pepinot!
Stay away from him.
Don't even look at him.
Is that clear?
One look at him, just one,
I'll make your life a nightmare!
See on your way...
Forgotten kids who've strayed...
Give them a helping hand...
Lead them to new horizons, help them understand...
Feel, in the depths of despair...
A surging wave of hope...
The fervor of life...
The glorious path...
What are you doing?
Nothing, sir.
I thought I heard voices.
I must be tired.
Article 8 of our rules:
Students are forbidden to enter classrooms alone.
Mr. Rachin'd make you copy it 100 times.
And he'd tell your mother.
To hell with my mother!
- Tell me what she did. - No!
Wait! You won't get off that easy.
Everything has a price here. Ask Pepinot
You're doing things that aren't like you.
You pretending to be a gangster doesn't amuse me.
I won't play along.
As of tomorrow, you're in the choir, like it or not.
Music lessons every day!
Go to bed.
Go on!
March 3.
He doesn't know it, but I'm sure of it.
His voice is miraculous, an outstanding gift.
You can leave quietly.
I said quietly!
Little by little, as I perfect my choir,
I'm taming my new student.
Childish delights
Too soon forgotten and erased...
A golden light that burns forever...
At the end of the path...
Feel, in the depths of despair...
A surging wave of hope...
The fervor of life...
The glorious path...
Take your arithmetic books.
Are you teaching those boys to sing?
Yes, sir.
- Is there a problem? - Not at all.
On the contrary. I love music. I even sing sometimes.
Really?
Why are we waiting, let's get happy...
Why are we waiting, let's have a ball...
Have a nice day!
You too, dear colleague.
Arithmetic, page 27.
Hello, folks.
Hello, Madame.
- Pierre's coming. - Something wrong?
No, fine.
And his teeth?
It worked out.
You told him I came by?
No.
Why not?
It was best not to tell him.
He's very sensitive. And he has a talent...
For being foolish.
Not only.
By the way, I should talk to you...
Singing? But no one taught him.
He has real talent. We must help him.
Hello.
I'll leave you two.
Be sure to visit him
I didn't say you were punished. I said, at the dentist.
So it seems you sing well?
Yeah...
He seems pleased with you.
Is he nice to you?
OK.
Clean linen...
I baked you a chocolate cake.
You glad?
April! These kids inspire me.
I knew some day my music would be played.
I'm Clement Mathieu, a musician.
Every night, I compose for them.
Like a caress on the ocean...
Lightly lands the gull...
On the rocks of a sunken isle...
Ephemeral winter breeze...
At last your cold breath fades away...
Far into the mountains high...
Face the wind and spread your wings...
In the gray eastern dawn...
Find a path to the rainbow...
And spring will reveal itself to you...
Calmly...
On the ocean.
Wasn't it good, sir?
It was good.
Very good.
Move, you bastard! Go on!
Little creep!
Move!
What's he done?
Stole my watch! I caught him in my room! He's punished!
Action - reaction!
- Where you taking him? - The lock-up. Two weeks!
- Wait! - For what?
He's my only baritone...
Mathieu!
Yes, sir!
I found some more graffiti.
Forgive them, it was a stray ball.
Move away!
Mathieu!
Chabert!
You're on my side!
Month of May. As the weeks go by,
I'm winning new battles.
Get up!
Leclerc!
What?
- Are we still friends? - Yes, why?
- How much is 5 plus 3? - 53
- You sure? - Yeah.
Thanks.
Billowing sails...
Faraway shores, it's summer now...
With its song of freedom...
The clouds are gone...
First flutters...
Shudders of joy...
Maybe I'm dreaming, but even the principal
seems to be changing.
A summer glow...
A waking dream...
My heart takes wing high in the sky...
Far from the earth. My tears dry up...
Look, Old Maxence!
Ready. Don't move.
Smile!
Come on out, Mondain.
Hey, kid.
It's over.
Come on. 1... 2... 3...
I just saw Mr. Rachin... To tell him Mathieu's choir is fabulous.
- I'm tired. - You're always tired.
- What did he tell you? - To go to hell!
Where's Mondain?
You didn't notice he was gone?
He was here for roll call, sir.
Very well. No more walks this year.
- He stole a lot of money? - Everything we had!
How will I pay our suppliers now? How?
Why did I take him?
All for some damn experiment! Like your music!
Without coal, we have no hot water!
I'll inform the police.
When Rachin in his coffin lay,
His cock was hard, they say!
His cock was his last bid to lift up the coffin lid.
Yes, indeed, he's a funny breed!
Singing is making them smarter? Nice going!
They've had no hot showers for 3 weeks.
Cold water stirs the blood. Get out!
By the way, I'm disbanding the choir.
- But, sir... - That's all, Mathieu!
Get me the police!
Saving the choir is tough.
For the kids' showers we'll use wood.
There's none left.
What about this?
The principal's personal supply.
Chabert! Action - reaction!
Chabert astounded me. I thought him a pale copy of Rachin.
He's a good man
who believes sports and music
are what hold our nation together.
He's helping me organize the underground.
Our choir has gone into hiding.
No, you're fading at the end of lines.
Keep each note well separated.
It's late. See you tomorrow.
Can't we sing Part II?
You don't know the solo.
I learned it.
You learned it?
OK, Part II...
Out you go.
On May 13, shortly after 3 PM,
Mondain was back.
- Where's the money? - Dunno.
- Then who stole it? - Not me.
Want some more?
Well?
- He's hitting him? - For half an hour.
He's crazy.
And wasting his time. That kid won't talk.
So...
Let's start all over.
Where's the money?
Talk!
Where's the money?
- Stop it! - Let go!
Let go!
Calm down!
The boy confessed. Perfect.
I'll inform the police right away.
You'll taste other institutions,
with other guards!
To protect their shaky morale,
the kids weren't told
of the Mondain affair.
Mondain was sent back to his old school.
A chicken
lays on average
84 eggs
per year.
If she's well-fed,
and lodged...
I saw Rachin's daughters today.
- Were they naked? - No.
...in a clean coop,
she lays 150.
How many more eggs
can be obtained
by a farmer's wife
who is raising
9 chickens?
Nice day.
Good to have some sun.
Soon it'll be warm.
Pierre amazes me more every day.
I want to thank you for what you've done for him.
It's a bit for you, too.
I mean, if Pierre's well, it's a plus for you...
- Allow me. - It's nothing.
You're an idiot!
We'll all be punished!
What's going on?
Why are you beating him?
Tell me, Bebert!
Because Morhange threw ink at you.
Why did you rat?
I'm ashamed of you, Pierre!
Wait!
Doesn't matter. It's just ink.
Try to understand. He's proud of your beauty.
Beauty?
I mean, you're not like the other mothers.
Because I live alone?
So do I.
- But you don't have kids. - No.
Let's say I have 60 kids!
But they all see you as the dream woman.
I mean the mother... of their dreams.
To Pierre, you're real, you're his mom.
Naturally, he won't share you.
He's wasting his time here.
Find him a music school.
I want him to have a real trade.
Music is a real trade, if you have what it takes.
He could enter Lyon Music School.
I'll check his progress,
see he gets the best teachers.
Then what?
He'll become what he has to become.
Alone, one gets nowhere. I'll make sure Pierre blossoms.
But I need your help.
I understand.
Thanks.
No, that's no good.
You all asleep today?
Boniface, look at you!
You can't sing like that! Sit up!
We'll start over at "So sweet is the song..."
What about my solo?
What solo?
My solo!
Oh? No more solo.
Your voice's OK, but not indispensable.
Sing or don't sing. We'll manage without you.
Let's take it from...
O Night...
Bring to...
the Earth...
The enchanting calm...
of your mystery...
Clement Mathieu
You'll get chewed out.
Chabert said he was in town.
Thanks kids, go play in the yard.
You're annoying me.
Sir, they've done their homework.
Our benefactresses have heard of your choir.
The Countess wrote me. She's bringing her friends next Sunday.
- They want to hear it. - Fabulous! I mean, it's fine.
I can see it. Socializing, music...
Why not tea and cakes!
Your ridiculous activities give me extra work.
Still, sir, music has helped with discipline.
We've had fewer problems.
- Coincidence. - I don't believe in coincidence.
I know. Who told the Foundation about the choir?
I did.
You know how to write?
- Mr. Maxence meant well... - Spare me your insights.
- I don't like your attitude. - You don't like much, sir.
Mr. Rachin is wanted in the visitor's room.
We'll discuss this later.
For you.
We should've let Mondain strangle him.
Violette thanked me for helping her son.
She said she had something important to tell me in private.
Could we meet at the local cafe? On the 20th at 4 PM?
I wrote to Lyon Music School.
I know the head slightly.
He said he'd be delighted to audition him.
If he's accepted, he'll try and get him a scholarship.
Things will be simpler for me, from now on.
Really?
Since meeting you...
I...
I mean...
My life has...
Changed?
Yes!
Thanks to you...
I never thought that...
Neither did I.
But you know...
Maybe I shouldn't rush things.
You can trust me.
You've brought me luck.
Luck?
I've met someone.
He's an engineer in Lyon.
I met him in the cafe? He's working near here,
building a bridge.
You all right?
I'm fine.
It's a lucky break for you and Pierre.
I'm sorry, but I have to run.
I'd love it if we three could lunch.
You must tell him about Pierre. Will you?
Why not?
Well, goodbye.
Thanks for everything.
I almost forgot...
Not a word to Pierre yet.
Sorry, may I take this chair?
Sure.
Go on.
Countess...
These flowers are...
I understood most of it, especially the intention. Thank you.
Countess,
may I introduce Mr. Mathieu, our supervisor,
who taught these boys to sing.
- Countess... - Congratulations, sir.
We admire Mr. Rachin's methods for rescuing these poor boys.
And thank you for helping him in his work.
Whose idea was this choir?
Actually...
It was my idea, Countess. Mine.
I'm delighted to assist
a principal who is so understanding.
Right! Now make them sing!
Mr. Rachin's modest. He doesn't like compliments.
So, what are you going to sing for us?
Rameau's "The Night", Countess.
I'm sure it will be lovely.
Excuse me.
Who is that boy over there? Is he punished?
- That one? - Yes.
He's... a special case.
May I?
O Night...
Bring to...
the Earth...
The enchanting calm...
of your mystery...
The shadow which follows you...
is so sweet...
It is such a sweet concert...
Your voices chanting hope...
Your power is so great...
Transforming all into a dream...
O Night,
O leave still...
to the Earth...
The enchanting calm...
of your mystery...
The shadow which follows you...
is so sweet...
Is there anything more beautiful...
than a dream?
Is there any truth...
sweeter...
than hope...
In Morhange's eyes,
who followed my beat so carefully, I read many things...
Pride...
The joy of being forgiven, but also,
and this was new for him, a kind of gratitude.
First day of summer. Our choir has a new member.
Sorry, I missed the repeat. My fault.
Once more...
Little kite, flying up high...
Keep on your way...
Toward the sea, high in the sky
A child may see you...
I sense the kids want to explore the outdoors,
to build treehouses. The fine weather saddens them.
Come see, it's important.
I was cleaning graffiti in the toilets. I raised a stone and found this.
- Corbin's harmonica! - And this.
There's a small fortune.
No one knew where you hid it.
Don't say the money got there by chance.
Mondain was sent away for this theft.
I didn't know.
True, you didn't know.
Now I'm telling you.
What did you plan to do with the money?
Promise you won't tell anyone?
No one.
I promise.
I wanted to buy...
To buy what?
A hot-air balloon.
I don't know who did it, but Mondain was innocent.
He'd never have left it behind.
I'll look into it when I get back. Don't fret over Mondain's fate.
He'd have done wrong sooner or later. Boys like him are beyond help.
- And justice? - He'll get his just desserts.
Sir! Wait for me!
You're leaving, too?
The car. I'm having a family vacation.
At my sister's...
There's a piano.
Know why Rachin went to Lyon?
For a finance meeting with the board?
- No? - Yes...
He's wheeling and dealing to get himself decorated.
What are his chances?
He'll paint an idyllic picture of the school,
cover up all the horrors we know, claim the success of your choir...
Some success!
Indeed. I heard it. It's great.
Sir, did Langlois go with the principal?
Chabert and Carpentier took two weeks off.
We own the joint!
No classes today?
No.
What'll we do?
Have a siesta.
I've got a better idea.
Thank you.
Without wanting to...
Your decoration?
Yes...
It's taken care of, Mr. Rachin.
How can I ever thank you?
You're wanted on the phone, sir.
Excuse me.
- Do something, my son's up there! - Let me by.
The fire started under the roof, in the dormitories,
where the kids were last seen.
They were all
trapped like rats.
For Rachin, his decoration
was going up in smoke.
When suddenly...
After lunch we left through the kitchen garden,
so Old Marie and the villagers wouldn't see us.
Then we went into Lignan forest.
To do what?
A paper chase. They were so happy.
You're a big disappointment, Maxence.
I'm fully responsible for this escapade.
Mr. Maxence tried to stop me from doing it.
Not very successfully.
On the other hand, we saved the children's lives.
But you left the place unguarded. And it burned down!
Why do I listen to you?
Maxence, you've been here many years, your suspension is temporary.
Mathieu, you're fired. For disobeying the rules.
Then fire me, too!
That's not your decision.
That's kind of you, but you're needed here.
Think of the boys, since he doesn't.
Here's your severance.
Here.
You'll leave on the 6 PM bus.
Without a farewell to your former students.
- What? - Maxence, see he complies.
Get out!
Sir...
Before I go, let me tell you what I think of you.
I already know.
You're an incompetent, wicked man.
What about them?
- They're not here by choice. - Am I?
I never wanted to be a teacher.
Did you hope to end in this dump? You had higher aims. So did I!
Why make the kids pay for it?
Think I enjoy playing bad cop?
Someone has to do it? Go ahead!
Go on a pilgrimage to Paris.
Go see the big shots. "Hi, I'm Mathieu!"
We need real teachers, not phony!
Fight for your beliefs. Be a saint, Mathieu!
You're just a failed musician.
A supervisor.
A teeny weeny supervisor!
"What do you do in life, sir?"
A measly supervisor!
You're insane!
I'm tired.
Go to hell!
Hell is what I'm leaving!
I'd hoped they'd disobey the order, come out and say goodbye.
Not a chance.
Their wisdom seemed more like indifference.
And Morhange...
Anyway...
"See you soon, Mr. Mathieu!"
"Goodbye, Baldy!"
I recognized Boniface's neat writing.
The spelling mistakes were Pepinot's.
The one with musical notes
came from Morhange.
And this one...
And that one...
Silence! Make them be quiet!
They locked themselves in.
I felt a surge of joy and optimism.
I wanted to shout it to the world.
But who would've listened?
No one knew who I was.
The great artist was back to being a nobody.
I'm only Clement Mathieu...
failed musician, unemployed supervisor.
I'm only Clement Mathieu...
failed musician, unemployed supervisor.
Then what?
He never had time to write it.
But I know what happened...
Pepinot answered me.
The next day on the way home,
my youth came back with a vengeance.
After Mathieu was fired, I went to live with my mother.
We moved to Lyon. I got a music scholarship.
Her lover wanted me in boarding school.
She refused. He left us.
Chabert, Langlois and Maxence all testified
against Rachin's brutal methods.
The kids were questioned. Rachin was dismissed.
Clement Mathieu gave music lessons to the end of his life.
Without seeking fame
He kept his achievements for himself.
For himself?
Not only.
Mr. Mathieu!
Can you wait a second?
Mr. Mathieu!
What are you doing?
Can you take me with you?
No, I can't. Go back to the school. You'll be punished.
Please...
Coming!
I'm not allowed to take you.
Go back.
Go on!
Pepinot's dream came true.
The day he left was a Saturday.