CREEZY
What time is it?
Same thing... 6:16.
Madam, Louis.
You're not being sensible.
And when do we sleep?
Tomorrow night.
There's a night session in Parliament.
That should do it.
What did the Prime Minister say?
Faster, Louis.
We see a lot of her.
Too much.
I know.
Let's hear it.
The Prime Minister offered two postals.
Two outposts.
Social Affairs and Environmental Planning.
Not to be sneezed at.
And they could be instrumental in the next elections.
You're looking ahead.
I look much further than that.
7 o'clock.
We'll only be half an hour, Louis.
Then we're going to headquarters.
- Morning, Sir. - Morning, Simon.
- You're an early bird. - Of course, Sir.
Coffee, eggs and yogurt?
Remind me to drop in at the clinic today between 12 and 2.
This house doesn't seem a bit like you.
Hello, yes?
No, it's Donnie.
Who is it?
It's Collard.
Coming.
What's the time?
No coffee yet?
The eggs take time. Quarter past eight.
Good morning, Mr. Secretary General.
That was a brief vacation.
Yes, I hope to see you later on.
Listen, if you see Severan, I want you to work on him.
Be seeing you then.
Well?
He says Severan is sure to lecture on his misgivings again.
It's Severan's first opportunity to side with the majority.
It's his first opportunity to be named the Secretary of State.
Don't forget his ideas.
He values his ideas more than the State.
We've been a minority party since '52. Isn't that enough?
Suppose Severan agrees.
Don't think the party's left is obliged to follow.
It's not, they were obliged to follow Mollet.
And the Socialists, fired into the crowd at St. Isaiah.
And obliged to follow Miterant in Algeria.
Well, I'm asking for much less.
So they'd just better follow.
What's on your mind?
I find you very pragmatic.
Somewhat too much the realist.
I might also add that if you want your way...
you ought to be thinking of that...
and that alone.
Medont does not belong to your constituency.
You're welcome to those eggs.
Yes?
No, it's Dominique speaking.
Yes, that's right.
But, some very attractive concessions were made.
One second please, I'll see.
Who is it?
It's Farginot, he's with Villard.
They heard the news already.
They want to speak to you.
They're pretty upset.
They would be.
Tell 'em I'm busy.
I'll talk to them at Headquarters.
Say at 2:30.
"We don't need Nazis!"
Four months it's gone on.
It had better go on.
It's our only chance.
That's one man's view.
"We don't need Nazis!"
What do I do?
Drive straight on.
It's a government car.
I don't believe it.
But it is.
Let's go.
Are you all right?
I'm fine.
Louis, you're a professional.
I drove General DeGalles, twice.
At first it was busy, but now there's nobody home.
What good is it? He's not changing, he's your old man.
He'll do what he wants to, liberal that he is.
Left-wing liberal, I said.
You know what a left-wing liberal is?
A right-winger that's turned inside-out.
And you're a phony part-time Stalinist.
Also turned inside-out.
Listen, you little bourgeois, you'd better start changing.
All your left-wing liberal cares for is his own sweet ass.
You'll never have one like that.
And that really bugs you, huh?
Behave or beat it!
I've had it with you and your political bullshit!
We will be landing at the Leonardo Da Vinci airport in Rome...
at 11:45am local time.
We will be flying at an altitude of 20,000 feet...
at a cruising speed of 520mph.
Captain Vitello and his crew hope you have a pleasant trip.
Thank you.
Are you a model?
Does it show?
Yes.
Are you Julien Darndiet?
Yes.
Does it show?
God save me from my friends...
I can handle my enemies.
I don't suppose you have many.
Friends, that is.
Yes.
Yes, here he comes now.
An urgent call for you, Sir.
It's the Minister of the Interior.
- Hello, Brissot. - Good Afternoon.
Look alive. They're waiting for you.
They're lying in wait, Brissot, you mean.
I have no comment to make now.
Associated Press.
Mr. Darndiet is holding a press conference tomorrow.
Afternoon.
I talked to Severan. He'll be here by lunchtime.
Fine.
It looks pretty bad.
Why? He never refused me anything.
Give him time.
The Chief of Police called about your son.
Why, what's he done?
He was arrested, thrown in jail.
After having threatened to kill a bartender.
That's quite a son you've got.
I had him released, along with his pal.
Our affiliate in the south is somewhat hesitant.
The South always voted Bibert. His voters are mine.
They won't desert me.
Hope not.
How many are there downstairs?
About thirty.
Baginot and Villard are there as well?
- Seated. - I bet.
We have a busy afternoon.
Better have a word with them.
I hear you accepted the post of Foreign Secretary.
I wasn't even offered it.
Do we join them or not?
You know what I want.
Ah, do we... Power.
Must have offered something to you.
I'll explain at the meeting.
What guarantee do you have?
Will they put it in writing?
Bernard is dangerous.
Officially the man has nothing to promise you.
And once they've got a majority, the parties that helped them...
will find they've been had.
We won't even be on the Park Commission.
- You're out of your mind. - No, they're setting a trap.
You're all out of order.
The workers are striking, there are troops in the streets...
the franc is worthless...
and all you can do is argue.
If Bibert could see us now.
You're absolutely right.
There are better things to do.
I wish I could give up the whole thing right now.
Hello?
Renee.
I'm sorry. Is Madame Renee Vibert there, please?
Yes, Julien Darndiet.
Renee?
May I come over right away?
Yes.
Black with sugar please.
Sunshine, holiday.
The seashore, blue skies, pure air, palm trees and flowers.
Open up an office, earn enough to make a living.
Appeals to you, hmmm?
I'd love it.
I want to make love to you.
Now.
Go ahead.
What if someone comes?
Even better.
Well now. Look who's here.
You look tired, Julien.
May I smoke?
Of course.
Jean. Don't forget to bring some honey.
No, Madam.
She seems to be everywhere.
And how is she?
I don't know.
That's a new twist.
Good morning, Mr. Darndiet.
Morning, Jean.
You haven't changed a bit.
No, Sir. But my legs have changed.
The cup with sugar is yours.
You're very kind, Jean.
Tell me, how's your wife?
Fine.
Good.
But she's still at the clinic under sedatives.
Careful, Julien.
People even talk about your son.
Is it in the papers?
No. Rest assured.
How do you manage to know everything?
What people say, I listen to.
Like a toast?
It gets to be so impossible I want to throw in the towel.
You?
You must want something from me.
I made you what you are, Julien.
I know you by heart.
What do you want?
I'd like a discreet appointment today with Paul Renard.
But Renard knows you just as well as me.
You even came to work with him here
when he had the Justice Ministry.
You arrange the interview... my position gains.
He's nobody now.
Yes and no.
You'd like him to confirm the promises you were given?
Not very much escapes you, does it?
Not where you're concerned.
Thank you.
You're too much in a hurry.
You should have waited for Severan.
Why bother? We have the same views.
I'm not so sure.
He's my friend.
A friend that loses you votes, he's not a friend.
My dear Paul, good morning to you.
Oh yes.
And you?
Do something for me.
Have a little talk with Mr. Darndiet as soon as possible.
Before lunch?
Why you're a perfect angel, my dear.
Right. I'm very grateful.
12:30 so you should hurry.
Thank you.
One thing, Julien.
Having a pretty model friend, Creezy...
In your position.
It's fine.
But if tomorrow you were to head a ministry...
it won't work.
Now don't be jealous.
Don't you be an idiot.
- Julien. - Yes?
You had your way again with your crocodile tears.
These posters are getting to be an obsession, are you sure...
I know, I know.
Dr. Renaud's please.
Are we in business?
I'm still not sure.
Hello, it's Darndiet, may I speak to Collard?
Gimme that
Hello.
I'm going to Renaud's.
If Severan gets there before me don't leave him alone.
Not for one minute.
I won't have Ferdinand and Villard turning him against me.
Got that?
You bet.
Julien.
Come here.
Why?
Because.
Because why?
Don't be afraid.
The maid's gone.
I thought you were more courageous.
Not about that, no.
You know Darndiet, I think I understand.
You're on your way up.
And the last speech you made was perfect.
There was nothing to add to it, nothing to take away.
You have talent with the spoken word.
You only need to be a little...
a bit more particular about your behavior.
In private, let's say.
I always prize your advice, Sir.
Paul. I'm sorry. Am I disturbing you?
Of course not my darling.
I'll be with you in a second.
Good morning.
Madam.
I met her in a nudie show.
Now that's the point.
You see, I'm married.
Right. I understand.
Is it true, Sir, will you accept your old job at the Treasury?
The Franc is weak, and so am I.
I'm an awfully tired old man.
There's nothing in the coffers.
They wheel out the old monument, raise it through bonds...
which are called tax free...
and as soon as the coffers are full again...
they'll wheel the monument into obscurity...
and bring on the technocrats, who see life darkly...
their heads are perforated like the hole in computer cards.
No, I'm tired of it.
But, you.
Well, as far as I'm concerned...
I've got to know my allies before going to war.
Darndiet, rest assured, Severan avoids the party split,
your coalition meets the party's approval,
the promises that were made by the Prime Minister...
are sure to be fulfilled.
I shall depend on that.
You'll be victorious this time around.
But please, Darndiet, no more humbug, no scandal...
and no more ladies in the limelight.
You have enemies on both sides of you
who are willing and able to spy.
- Who can I trust? - Yourself.
Well?
It's fragile business.
How's old Renaud?
Also fragile but also in business.
Good afternoon. Three dozen red roses, please.
No, salmon pink.
- Delivered? - No, I'll take them along.
Let me see...
All those, delivered with no card.
To Madam, Sir?
Yes.
2 o'clock.
We strike in 30 minutes.
Will you take the flowers up?
You aren't coming?
No.
But you haven't seen her for 3 days.
I know.
Give an excuse. Say I was held up in Parliament.
She didn't believe me.
- Louis, 23 Rue de Montparnasse. - Very good, Sir.
- We're going to be late. - So what.
Sometimes Dominique...
sometimes I don't care.
What's wrong?
Creezy.
And you've had it.
Open up Florence, I know you're there.
Open up!
- Where is she? - Are you mad?
- Where is she? - I don't know.
Even if I did you'd never get it out of me.
She waits night after night for you...
and night after night you're busy.
You ought to be upset.
What a clown you are.
Just look at yourself.
That's how you should have looked before.
Clown! Bastard!
Son of a Bitch! That's what you are, you bastard.
Hello?
Hold on.
Collard.
- What is it? - Let's go.
Where are you?
Severan arrived 20 minutes ago.
It's bad timing.
Sure, but you'd better hurry.
I'm on my way.
Collard's a good man. It's time we showed our gratitude.
Nothing that looks too important...
he gets a big head the minute he has too much responsibility.
He's young, makes a good impression.
Graduated in Political Science.
Just right for an office manager.
- What's that about Collard? - Nothing.
You want to stop to rest?
You've got to hang on 'till tomorrow.
- Severan's here. - I know.
- Afternoon. - Hello.
- Where's Dominique? - Coming.
You OK?
Yes, I will be.
Sure to be absorbed, diluted, weakened.
They'll say that we sold ourselves, and cheap at that.
Without us, no one will balance out...
and we'll get the backlash.
Was it a pleasant drive?
What were you saying?
Nothing.
I was listening, waiting for you.
You know exactly what's happened.
You know what I've proposed.
The majority lost more than 20 seats.
Our support is crucial.
If we refuse the overtures they've made us,
the President will seek support on the right.
With a more conservative government,
...the backlash would be worse than any of you would think.
It's true, yes... but...
Yes but...
That's a phrase that belongs to the right.
That's true.
I'm afraid it's no.
For the past two weeks I've thought of nothing else.
And my conclusion is...
We should stay in the opposition.
I would feel different if we could change our fundamental policy.
But what you have asked me to do...
close ranks with the corporations...
support a capitalist state.
I cannot do this.
In any case, our followers would never go along with it.
There won't be any changes.
You can't change a government if you're not part of it.
I could change more...
as Secretary of Social Affairs...
than by voting in Parliament against laws...
which are passed anyway, whether I'm there or not.
Yeah, yeah we've heard it before.
But it's still used for hiding ambition and treason.
It's been used ever since I can remember.
Good God! Don't you see that the world has changed?
You're the one who's changed.
Creezy, answer the phone and I'll give it all up.
Is your wife well?
Yes and so is my mistress.
If you walk out on me now I'm through.
There's no way I can help.
I wish there were.
In spite of our friendship?
Because of it.
For years now we've worked together, haven't we?
Toward a single goal.
It seemed to me that was exemplary.
But now you are forcing me into a choice.
I may live badly,
without friends.
But I wouldn't be able to live at all without ideals.
I once began to write a novel.
"The Portrait of a Politician."
It was based on you, Julien.
Wasn't bad.
I get the impression you decided not to finish it.
That's right.
You must think I've defected.
Yes.
Do you think we ought to go our separate ways?
That never even occurred to me.
Nothing so practical would have occurred to you.
- We get in... - That'll never happen.
To rule is to know what dirt is like...
It's being up to your neck in shit.
That Hitler?
You have a bad memory.
Sartre. Unclean Hands.
Excuse me.
You're excused.
I'm sorry, there's a call from your mother.
She'd like to speak to you. Sounds urgent.
Excuse me.
You won't change your mind, will you?
That leaves me 12 hours to change it for you.
Not much.
You're right.
It's a question of my wanting to, that's all.
Point is, I'm not so sure that's what I want.
Beautiful.
You know I love making love.
I want you.
Why can't we stay here?
Only one more day.
Left pocket of my jacket.
My date book.
Look at it yourself.
Tomorrow.
Pretty loaded, isn't it?
Yep.
See.
9:30 leave for Paris.
That we can always cancel.
They refund your ticket money.
12 noon, Orly, Dominique.
- Who's that? - A friend.
Your secretary?
He's my right hand.
Meet Collard, Severan 12:30.
To plan election strategy.
Is it something vital?
Terribly.
1:30 Renee Vibert.
Renee, a... a girl's name.
Important?
Yes.
But not what you think.
Is she anxious to see you?
Certainly.
That's good. Then she'll wait a day more.
4:00 Betty, clinic.
My wife.
Hospitalized.
A breakdown. She's recovering.
It's my fault.
On a break I suppose.
Yes.
6:00 the Express.
Do you read the Express?
Have they attacked you?
No, they may though.
There!
7:30 mamma.
It's odd you write mamma and not mother.
It's not like a Prime Minister.
I'm not a Prime Minister.
If you take the plane at 7:30 you'll be there at 9.
She'll have to wait up until then.
There you are.
Outside of your mother's visit
...there's absolutely no point for you to go to Paris tomorrow.
Tomorrow, please.
Say yes.
Yes.
I'm sorry you can't go any further.
They've blocked Avenue Versailles.
They'll set fire to your car.
It's just a few yards away.
I can do that on foot.
Oh, I never did know much about raising you.
But as far as your son goes, I don't have a clue.
Soon as Betty is out of the clinic he can come home again.
I saw Betty.
She's hurt because you stay away.
Of course, hurt is how I describe it.
She didn't say a word.
I saw it in her eyes.
She's unhappy there, you know that.
They arrested Attalan.
I suppose you know that too.
I don't know when he eats.
He never comes home before 6 in the morning.
And the boy's lost my only key.
It's a huge responsibility, you know.
Yes I know, I know.
You know.
But you just don't have the time.
Look if you like I'll leave a note for him.
You know...
Attalan is a young man now.
He knows the truth.
He's even proud of it.
That's what I don't understand.
And that's what has me so worried.
Shall I write you a check?
No, not before the end of the month.
Don't you want to leave a note in his room?
No.
Sleeping well?
I've had a difficult time sleeping since Papa died.
Take anything?
Renee.
Yes.
Could I see you?
Fine.
I'm on my way.
Gotta go.
I just don't want you to reproach me for...
Nobody will.
Nobody will ever reproach you, Mamma.
- Three in the morning. - Thanks.
Can't bear politics.
Neither can I.
That's the opposite of what I hear and read.
You either misread or misheard.
When you hate what you do it's best to be tops at it.
It's only bearable when you're a success.
Not true.
We're not meant to make sense.
Why not?
Love's another thing.
Love?
The word slipped out.
I never meant it to.
You said love, now don't take it back.
Say it again.
I like you.
Go ahead.
I love you.
It's past 3 o'clock.
Do you mind?
- Madame is in the library. - Thank you, Jean.
You've been watching the clock for 20 years.
Time hasn't stood still yet.
Listen to this.
If we are to part ways with the Communists
...it's because our Socialism is above all humane.
And because we've kept outside the dialectic of Marxism
...we've become the true bastion against reaction.
Leon Bloom, Congress, 1920, proposal by husband in '34.
...Socialists cut loose the Communists. Same conclusion.
Indeed.
But even then they were wrong.
Now, what can be said of you?
That the present situation is different.
That's what Severan didn't bring himself to see.
Renee.
You alone are able to convince Severan.
You can make him see your husband would have followed me.
You know that's not true.
He wouldn't make that mistake twice.
Outside of you and me no one knows it's not true.
You want me to make a dead man talk?
That's right.
Even make a dead man lie?
Yes.
You're a disgraceful man.
No, I was born to rule and I'm proud of it.
You don't waste an opportunity like that.
Such eloquent delivery too.
I love having you depend on me.
Your love of power makes you detest depending on others.
Even on me.
I have a proposal to make you. For your own good.
And what is my good?
If you break off with Creezy
...who's ruining your reputation. I will deliver Severan.
It's a deal.
Aren't you giving in a bit fast?
Not at all. She left me already.
So you see, I make you no concession.
Are you so hurt?
No, I'm not hurt.
I'm lost.
Not you, Julien.
For two little breasts, for a pair of long legs and a smile?
When you're in power you may have any woman you want.
Whenever you want.
Creezy laughs at power.
Silly girl.
Perhaps.
- Why love her? - More than life.
Why no.
She's just a passing fancy.
I'd have been over that long ago.
I'll never be over her.
I love her.
It's ten past 7.
Do you still love me?
Relax will you?
See, I'm relaxed and tired.
But you don't seem to be tired.
Do you want me to tire you out?
Not right now.
I gotta make a phone call.
That always happens.
- You'd better tell the minister of communication... - He's an ass.
I have to stop by my place.
You've always got to be going somewhere.
You work too hard.
And the point is you don't have anything to gain.
All those words of love last night aren't true.
I take them back.
Why do you say that?
Because it's true.
Anyhow when I make love I feel so good.
It's beautiful.
That made me happy.
And I'm satisfied.
You said you loved me too, remember?
Is it true all men say that when they have sex?
For once I meant it.
Why do you say you don't love me?
To find out how it affects you.
It doesn't.
You keep on like nobody's here.
Yeah, I'll be late.
Gotta go now.
But I love you anyway.
Well go then.
You don't love me.
Cut it out, Creezy.
But I'll tell you this...
...if you continue to come around, you're gonna regret it.
And I do mean regret it.
What is it, Creezy?
I suppose I'll regret it too.
What is it?
You're going to suffer a lot more than you think.
There's no way out.
It's in the cards.
And I'm the one you're going to phone again and again.
And I won't be there.
Or I won't answer even if I am there.
Perhaps you may even try to commit suicide.
Cut it out.
Or maybe you'll let yourself go. You'll be all alone.
And nobody'll know you anymore.
You'll be a has-been.
I don't love you.
Julien.
I love you.
I'm a real bitch.
Yes.
But...
I'm expecting important telephone calls.
Complain to the Minister of Communications.
You bastard.
You're a bastard!
Bastard!
I love her.
I hate to see you this way.
I take back my condition.
You get back your lovely plaything.
I'll get you, Severan.
What if he won't?
Just leave it to me.
It's 8 o'clock.
Home, Louis.
Mr. Collard was on the phone. Call him back immediately.
I'll take care of it.
Are you dining here, Sir?
Nope.
- Mr. Allen is here too, Sir. - Where?
In your room. And your sister-in-law is in the backroom, Sir.
Is that all?
- Evening, Simone. - Evening, Julien.
Betty has almost nothing to wear.
They plan on keeping her there another week or two.
I understand.
I won't disturb you long.
- You don't disturb me. Where's Allen? - Here.
I'd like to remind you that this isn't the bathroom.
I haven't seen you for two weeks and that's all you can say.
Hello, Collard? One second please.
Collard.
It seems Severan is back.
He requested we call the committee together at 10 o'clock.
Before tonight's session in the assembly.
Beautiful. See you there.
It's all set. In two hours at headquarters.
What?
I'm off to the clinic. Anything to tell Betty?
Just say I'll come to see her tomorrow.
If you're not sure.
Simone, I promise.
- We have to talk. - Now?
Yes.
Well then.
- Dominique. - 20 past 8.
Then I'd appreciate your escorting Simone to the clinic.
But I'll just call for a taxi.
Oh no, no question of it.
Then rejoin me at headquarters.
- May I? - Thank you.
Get a move on. I'll be needing my razor.
Go ahead, I'm in no hurry.
Well now, what is it?
Well, my friends feel that you're turning into a traitor.
That's a rather rhetorical statement, isn't it?
They say you saw the Prime Minister.
Yes, I've seen the Prime Minister.
Generally, the Government sees the Opposition.
Listen, Dad.
Haven't you ever thought of the thousands of voters that
...are never going to believe in you again?
Never's a long time.
If ideas mattered, you wouldn't play loosely with words.
You'd find the path to government littered with compromises.
And it's a long walk to take for a dreamer.
You hate my talking to you like that, don't you?
No, why?
If you think it's easy to come here
...and talk about things and try to get through to you
...that's where you're wrong.
With you I'm afraid of words.
Afraid because I know how you detest certain words.
At least when I'm the one employing them.
Like?
Depends.
Perhaps love.
Tenderness.
You see? You're making faces at me.
My God it's a quarter 'till 9. No time for a shave or shower.
You never have time.
I thought your meeting wasn't 'till 10 o'clock.
That's right.
But I said I'd see someone first.
May I go along?
No.
It'd be impossible.
What should I say to those pals of mine?
Well... well maybe you should say what a bastard I am.
You're not a bastard, though.
I don't think so.
But nothing else would be simpler to say.
Why?
You know... in general...
and in politics in particular,
one may not justify one's efforts until one's finished.
The drudgery...
you've got to keep to yourself.
And you don't flinch for a second
...if they spit at you.
You've got to carry on.
You've got to carry on until you reach your goal.
- What is your goal? - Shit.
I'm sorry to disturb you. Remember me?
Of course. You were on TV the other night.
You were terrific. Monday night...
That's right, yes. Well, Miss Creezy is out of town and...
- You want the key? - Yes, if it's no trouble.
- Here. - Thank you, I'll return them right away.
Julien has perfect taste when it comes to flowers.
Here we are. Dinner's served.
Anywhere special?
- Wherever you like. - I want to sit next to Julien.
Frank's not here.
We'll begin without him.
Come on.
Now our bookbinder's on strike as well. It's a mess.
Those strikes will be the death of the fashion industry.
Just how exactly do you make your living?
In office.
Public.
You could pour the wine.
Yes. A Bordeaux or Champagne?
Bordeaux throughout the meal.
Thank you.
- Bordeaux. - Bordeaux.
I'll get it.
- Hiya kids. - Ah, there he is.
Have a look.
Look at that.
One, two, three.
Oh, aren't you clever.
Oh that expression, I'd never know it was you.
And here's the best one.
The masterpiece.
Traffic was monstrous.
I suppose that you are the famous Julien Darndiet.
I wouldn't plan on too many children, it's a tight squeeze.
Since when do you plan to have children? I never knew that.
Do you like any particular one?
The redhead. You know I'm hung-up on color.
Julien?
All.
He's got the original.
I imagine that the master of the house ought to reply.
Yes?
Yes, speaking.
You said you'd show me your slides of Italy later on.
Shhh.
What's wrong?
I'm nuts about Italy.
I'll be there.
No.
Yes. I'm very sorry.
Go ahead without me.
Will you be home late?
I hope they're impressed.
I'm sorry.
You're going because of dinner, right?
No. I'm going because Dominique needs me for something.
Do you think they're awful?
No, no worries.
I'll give you a call tomorrow.
You go to bed. Don't wait for me.
See you later.
- Sorry. - Goodnight.
Enjoy the party.
Wow. Always on the go.
Hi.
Hello.
They're all here. Before entering, call Madam Bibert.
Good. Place the call for me will you?
Is it true you're taking the seat offered by the government?
I have nothing to say until after the meeting.
You must have really put the pressure on Severan.
Say we follow, what's in it for us? Short end of the stick?
Ah, blessed are the pure of heart.
Leave the Bible out of it. We're not in Sunday School.
My job is on the line. I have a right to know. You owe me.
Get out of my sight.
You'll hear from me.
Whenever you say, wherever you say.
If you hold Creezy, which only concerns me,
...I'll unleash what armament says ...which concerns everybody.
Now get the hell out.
Who do you think you are?
You don't have the right.
Now get out.
Here you are.
Forgive me, Renee.
Sounds like a lot of acrobatics going on.
Sort of a circus performance, yes...
Look here, Julien...
Severan posed some conditions prior to accepting.
He wants you to pledge as your first formal act that
...you'll raise the old age pension 100%.
And further you'll widen the insurance covering mothers
...to all salary losses during pregnancy.
But those are promises I can't make.
To promise things you've got to know the price.
Say you will now and face the music later.
The idea is you promise it tonight and deliver it tomorrow.
But how can I?
Bargain with what you have to offer.
Close the deal when the price is high; impress the supporters.
It's up to you now.
I wish you well.
Renee...
What?
Tell me, how did you convince Severan?
Tell me how I convince you.
Well that's... different.
It's how you look at it.
Give me a call tomorrow?
Sure Boss, till tomorrow.
- You'd better hurry. - O.K. Here I come.
Thank you.
Julien Darndiet is from Vallors near the mining town of Vallonsien.
His father was an accountant...
whose early death left Julien, the eldest of five children,
... with the responsibility of a family.
His childhood was a brief one.
At fourteen he traded his schoolbooks for a miner's helmet.
The hard realities of his high ideals, to find common ground.
He became an active union member.
Although not as yet politically committed.
He finally was able to complete his education...
during his free hours, his family and his union activities.
Fortuitous circumstances were to decide his future.
Through his union experience, he found a philosophy of life.
Through a chance meeting, he found a political commitment.
Henry Bibert, the founder of the United Republican Party,
was struck by the sincerity of young Darndiet...
and made him his protégé.
No task was too demeaning, no assignment too demanding.
Bibert's disciple rapidly rose through the party ranks.
From day to day, he amassed the skills necessary to success,
the compassion essential to leadership.
And then another chance meeting changed everything.
Betty D'Orvar had the means to support his struggle,
the comfort to compliment his courage,
the happiness, material security and mental security
transformed the young militant into a fulfilled individual.
A seasoned public personality and attractive newcomer
... we all admire today.
A lesser man would have compromised his ideals,
lost his effectiveness with such sudden affluence.
But Julien Darndiet turned them to his advantage,
applying his time and talent more fully to his goal
of political effectiveness.
Now all the more rewarding because of his personal happiness.
Because of his astonishing impartiality, his fervor for justice
and his incredible reserve of energy,
Julien Darndiet is one of the reasons Henri Vibert said
"Give me three months and I'll change the damned world."
Indeed the world will change with men like Julien Darndiet.
For true to his ideals and his vision of the future,
Julien Darndiet is the one man today who has what it takes
to make the nation and the world a better place
for you and your children to live, love and be happy in.
Well done, popular style.
Maybe too much of a hard sell.
That's what it's for.
And you?
It's Julien alright.
Let's go.
For one who's so proud of being punctual, you're a little late.
I hope you'll be good enough to excuse it.
We'll excuse you. We all realize how busy you are.
You pressured Renee into speaking with me.
Well it worked, I yielded.
Not with joy.
But I yielded because Renee is always right.
So far she has been.
Let me make one thing clear.
There is no sense pretending this coalition with the majority
...doesn't worry me.
Still, I'm willing to endorse it.
But on two conditions...
Which are?
Which are proof to our voters that we won't let them down.
Thanks on their behalf.
Will you give me your word
that upon being installed as Minister of Social Affairs
you'll double the old-age pension?
Will you give us your promise
that within a year of taking office
you will have done everything to extend free medical care
to all salaried workers and insure working mothers
against all salary losses...
For six months you've been promising this Moroccan vacation.
I cancelled all those engagements.
There were even two American cover stories.
They even made me pay costs of $2,000.
Oh no.
- That's not what I want - to be reimbursed.
The money's no problem.
I don't want to be alone. That's all.
It's a holiday and everyone's gone.
You said we'd go away too.
And it's Christmas Eve. I'm all alone in town.
But of course you don't seem to care.
I asked you about it a day or two ago.
You said 'sure no problem at all'. You were sure to get away.
They're all listening.
I passed up a chance to go with Florence to Spain.
And now it's too late.
And what's more,
you can't even take me to dinner.
Julien, I know what you've done to your mother and to your wife.
Don't think I'll be the victim too.
Listen to me, Julien.
It's not my fault if you're so busy.
I want you to understand we're finished, Julien.
I love you.
And I want you to know I'm through with you.
I'll phone somebody, anybody.
And whoever he is, I'll sleep with him.
Because it's impossible to love you, Julien.
It's impossible.
Listen to me.
I'll be over right away. I'll give them some excuse.
I'll be there in 45 minutes.
Don't hang up yet. Don't hang...
Louis, don't leave the courts yet. I'll be out in 10 minutes.
Good evening. Mr. Remco please. It's very urgent.
- Julien Darndiet. - Very good, Sir.
Thank you.
How are you?
Not so good.
Express my regrets to the Prime Minister.
I'm unable to stay for an interview.
Nothing serious I trust?
No, well that is...
just between the two of us.
My son attempted suicide.
Good Lord! I'm sorry to hear that.
Yes, I must get back to the hospital.
Yes, of course, would you like a motorcycle escort to take you?
No, thank you very much.
- The Prime Minister will be very sorry. - Yes, I'm sure.
Thank you.
Midaux and hurry.
- Where is she, Manuela? - She's not back yet, Sir.
What did she say?
Nothing, not to me.
Where did she go?
You know very well, Sir, it's impossible to keep tabs on her.
Yes.
What does concern us
is the time it will take to honor that commitment.
We want assurance our support of the government
will serve the cause of those who support us.
Under those conditions we are willing to follow you.
But we won't be a tool for anyone.
No one can deprive us of our liberty.
We remain Democrats.
We have neither the military discipline of Communists
nor the facile submission the last government has shown.
No one is our keeper.
No master can tame us.
For we will not submit to political expediency.
I am and always will be a friend in the best sense of the word.
That is faithful to myself, my ideals above all.
A friend always ready to work for those I serve.
But never a friend to compromise.
Never one to betray our ideals.
We'll be true friends?
There is no question of concession in my mind.
Our agreement is a moral one.
Made in the sincere desire to work toward the same goal.
Our differences may be overcome in time.
Our unity can never be destroyed as our goals are unfulfilled.
Our decision to support you
is based on our will to preserve the unity of our party.
I regret presenting my views this way.
As a sort of ultimatum.
But it's either that
or nothing.
I find it difficult to imagine a break between us.
And yet I detect a growing rift at the very center of our party.
Well, I saw it coming.
I trust that the seriousness of the division will understand.
I want you all to understand.
And forgive the rather aggressive tone I've been taking.
But there is no time left for us to play with words
or ideals or personal feelings.
What is it?
- You want me to leave? - No.
Come upstairs with me.
Leave her alone.
It's over. Leave me alone.
You've got to accept that. Just leave me alone.
Come on. I'm very sorry.
We all know what your feelings are.
And as for me I hope they never change.
Well?
That's fine with me.
You did it. I'll give him the news.
No need, he's going to the assembly.
The session begins in 15 minutes.
I'd better inform the cabinet members first.
I think this calls for champagne.
There's time to thank Renee before the meeting.
Oh yes.
I'll call her.
- Yes? - Creezy.
I tried to call you all day.
Listen.
Creezy, I love you.
I hope you'll forgive me.
If you like I'll get a divorce.
We'll get married, whatever you want.
Are you alone?
Yes, there's no one here.
Where are you?
At Headquarters.
The meeting is just over.
There's a late session of the Assembly but...
I'll have someone replace me.
What? Replace you?
Listen, Julien. How late is it?
11:20
Then I'll be waiting.
I'll meet you at midnight.
And if once again national concerns are more important
...there's no more light to be seen in my window when you arrive
you'll know I've gone to the end of the earth.
And I'll never see you again.
Never.
I swear to you.
- Collard going to the Assembly? - Yes, so am I.
Well then, If there's a vote for anything,
vote as I would with my blessing.
Did you call Renee?
No, I'll phone her from the car.
Don't you think it'd be wiser to come?
- If it would be I don't care. - You don't care?
- Right. - Did I hear right?
He won't have the time to attend the Assembly.
That's right. I don't have time to go.
Since the President is at the Elysee Palace
expecting his personal appearance To accept his new post.
Right now?
He'll be there waiting.
Elysee Palace.
Just one more effort.
The president doesn't seem to care how late it is.
There he is.
Over here, Sir.
Can we have a statement?
Have you had any appointments yet, Sir?
Is everything alright?
Yes, we agreed on all the essential things.
Renee's on the phone.
But what kept you from calling me yourself?
I had to see the President first.
I just did. It went very well.
I'll tell you afterwards.
Why yes. Right away.
Come and tell me the whole thing.
I can't right now. I really can't.
Julien, you owe it to me, don't you?
I simply can't you understand.
Of course.
Congratulations, Mr. Minister.
I love her.
No.
Yes.
I'll go home on foot, Dominique.