Good evening. Your Lordship I mean Your Highness, Your Grace.
My friend, I'm just a starving man...
BARBIZON POST HOUSE.
Use this.
You're right.
I mustn't let my manners betray my true identity.
Since you worked for a count. Teach me...
...high society's customs.
A rich count like you must never show he's hungry.
All right.
Can't I help myself to wine?
Yes, but with moderation. Like this.
With great moderation and even a touch of disdain as if it were vinegar.
Laughing is allowed. Isn't it?
A true count laughs discreetly as if coughing.
High society people are meant to be bored to tears by life.
What idiots.
You take your napkin. Just the corner. Delicately, like this.
You're going to teach me good manners.
Give me lessons...
...on deportment. Attitudes and habits.
Teach me to be an imbecile, or to pretend.
Hello Beauchamp.
Here's the last edition. Everything on today's trial.
Death for Gervaise Rebuffet.
But Villefort is summing-up this afternoon.
He'll request death and get it, as ever.
And tomorrow Valentine will wear her usual blue ribbons.
Why not?
Miss de Villefort is ravishing.
I met her a few times in Marseille when she was visiting her grandmother.
When's lunch?
- We're waiting for Monte Cristo - Who?
His Excellency, the Count of Monte Cristo.
This is the man who saved my life He hardly gave me a chance to thank him.
I'm happy to do it today before you all.
You never told me how you managed to tear me away from my abductors.
I negotiated, Viscount.
Money buys everything. Even a mans life.
Maximilien Morrel from...
From Marseille.
Are you a soothsayer?
Of mine, Lord Wilmore.
I just heard your name from a friend of mine. Lord Wilmore.
If he's your friend...
He's just a business contact.
He sometimes advises me on my fortune...
...witch is considerable.
Does he only care about money?
My servants and I chased them with our scimitars...
...and the camels disappeared behind the dunes.
We returned to our tents and. Under the starry desert sky...
...we shared the most delicious 'roast sheep'.
You're an amazing storyteller.
I suppose he'd have thrown me in jail.
Is that all? You clearly know nothing...
...of jail.
And you do?
During the July revolution, I was...
July revolution? Forgive my ignorance but I was away from France for so long.
Three days of riots...
...which put Louis-Philippe on the throne...
on the throne.
Beauchamp's paper sided...
...with the rioters. He was arrested.
Like a common thief.
I spent three days and nights in jail. You can imagine what I endured...
for 72 hours.
Without wishing to belittle your ordeal...
...I knew someone who was plunged into the darkness of a dungeon...
...for 175.200 hours.
Good Lord. Tell us more.
I'll write an article...
Yes. Tell us...
You're too happy and carefree.
...to understand despair.
You think so?
What about two people...
...whose love is thwarted?
Come on.
I'd rather tell you about Benghazi camel drivers.
One day. I decided to buy a white female camel.
You won them over They find you extraordinary.
Even Beauchamp says Paris will be at your feet.
After you've met my parents who want to express their gratitude.
Especially my mother.
You mentioned me? What did she say?
She's anxious to meet you.
Me too.
My father loves horse racing.
I can't see how anything could surpass such a magnificent animal unless...
Unless?
Nothing.
May I introduce the Count of Monte Cristo?
At last. I had given up all hope of ever meeting you.
We owe you...
Nothing. What I did was very little.
Anyone would have...
Come closer.
We drew the curtains because of the heat, but let me see you in the light.
Please.
Leave the curtains as they are.
Bright light burns my eyes. I'm like an owl these days.
The sunlight on the Arabian desert sands...
...has damaged my eyesight.
You travelled in the East?
I lived there.
For how long?
Over twenty years.
- Fascinating place - Yes, but cruel too.
Yes, their tortures are so sophisticated.
In France too.
Thank God we abolished torture.
to make a man suffer.
since we can prolong them...
Less violent, but worse since we can prolong them...
for years.
What a conversation. We're here to rejoice.
Count. Would you like a cup of coffee?
What's wrong?
Are you unwell. Mother? You're so pale.
It's nothing. Just the heat.
This late-summer heat is stifling.
I hope you've chosen to reside on the banks of the Seine.
The river is so cooling.
At least when it doesn't bring its stench.
Where are you living?
Hotel Monte Cristo.
What address?
An excellent address which I have yet to find.
Leave it, sir I always lose anyway. I only play to make Fernand happy...
You dislike chess? - My wife thinks games take for ever...
That's true. I started one twenty years ago.
It's not finished?
It will be soon.
In fact. My opponent is already checkmated, but doesn't know it yet.
It's the best part of the game.
Come in.
For the Count of Monte Cristo from M, Bertuccio...
He's my steward. Excuse me The Plain of Monceau.
Pardon?
You asked for my address The Plain of Monceau.
It's almost the countryside.
Solitude.
I'm used to it.
But you might lessen it.
...with the odd visit.
Forgive me, but I must go to the lawcourts.
- I must hear Villefort's summing-up - Villefort?
He left Marseille?
He was appointed in Paris in. How long ago?
Nearly twenty years.
Twenty years already.
- Would you like to hear him? - I dared not. Ask.
I hope...
...your discomfort has eased.
My God, yes.
Who's this Gervaise Rebuffet on trial today?
An abortionist.
But what does the crime matter? Justice is like Spanish bullfighting.
The bull is only there to glorify the fighter.
This woman... What am I saying this 'woman'? Does she still deserve...
...to be called a woman?
- This child killer - You can't say that.
The word 'child is wrong. I remind the court that the Rebuffet woman
isn't accused of infanticide.
But of being an 'angel maker'. Too nice a term for this evil crime.
Gervaise Rebuffet...
has killed children in the most revolting way.
She put them to their deaths...
...In their mothers' wombs.
This temple of life...
...which she profaned.
This most sacred of havens she violated.
How many times have you savagely destroyed...
...what is, for me at least. The most precious thing?
A child?
Even if you'd only done it once. It would have been once too often.
The fact remains that when the guillotine strikes you...
...it won't make you an angel.
For you belong in hell.
If you wish to attend the execution. I can obtain...
...a pass for you. But you'll have to be up early.
It must be wonderful to see justice at work.
You've honoured your reputation again.
the way I feel about children.
It was easy the way I feel about children.
Villefort. Crown Prosecutor.
Excuse me, I must collect a document...
regarding an important matter.
But of course.
- Who cleans here? - Pardon?
Who cleans the courtroom?
Housekeepers I imagine Why?
Yes. To soften the jury but it was no use.
I feel sorry for the one who has to mop up her tears.
They dry quickly.
The Chateau d'If.
The most dreaded jail in the kingdom.
When I was in Marseille I sent people there.
Why did you leave Marseille? You didn't like it?
Embarrassing question. But I'll forget my modesty and answer you.
I was promoted.
For services rendered?
Of course.
To whom?
To justice. What other cause would I serve?
Forgive me if I seem indiscreet.
It's the first time I've met a prosecutor.
You're in awe?
- Lt's only natural - I'm intrigued.
You inflict such terrifying sentences...
...haven't you ever had any doubts?
Doubts?
Any regrets?
The acussed should have doubts.
Not I...
Never any regrets?
Never...
You're not afraid to appear before Gods court to be judged in your turn?
Well...
My conscience s clear.
I'm the same.
I'm not afraid of death.
Except if it comes too early...
...and stops me from fulfilling the great task I've set myself.
A great task?
You'll find it amusing. Lt's to see justice done.
- You? - Me.
You can't. Sir.
What confusion if anyone could control justice. Not that you're just anyone.
But justice is the magistrates' job.
Rest assured I've no intention of replacing men's justice.
- There's no other - Yes.
Yes, there is.
The one we were discussing just now. Gods justice.
Please forgive me.
Valentine, the Count...
To what do I owe this surprise visit?
I've just heard such unexpected news. I don't know whether...
You can speak in front of the Court.
He intends to replace God. God knows everything...
So nothing you say will surprise him.
Is it true Franz dEpinay. Who was to serve another year in Algeria...
...will soon return to Paris?
It's true that I used my contacts to obtain his early return.
You're the first to know...
That my daughter and Viscount Franz dEpinay will soon be engaged.
Don't let me stop Miss de Villefort from expressing her joy.
My apologies to the Count of Morcerf.
What are you doing here, young Morrel?
At your age, men prefer cabarets to lawcourts.
- Are you in trouble? - No.
Not at all. At your service. Count.
What's happening?
The worst thing. Franz dEpinay is returning from Algeria Go.
Be careful.
Sir. I beg you. He's all I have. Don't kill him.
Have mercy on him.
- What did she want? - Mercy for her son who'll die tomorrow.
Don't let that upset you.
Welcome home, master.
Your new home is beautiful. Bertuccio has done well.
I made you travel far. I'd hate you to regret it.
The only sad one is young Hassan.
- Why? - Because he can't see the sea.
Tomorrow hire some labourers to dig a pond. I want it as large as possible.
I want papyrus growing on the banks. Like the ones in Alexandria
...and blue water full of fish.
Like the Bible: "God created land and sea'.
It's for young Hassan I try to be God. He misses the sea.
This is very different from Marseille.
You have thirty rooms here.
The kitchen has a chef, a sauce cook. A pastry chef and seven kitchen boys.
Take note.
My people will have one day off a week.
A whole day? In Paris, the custom...
In my house, people will live by my rules.
People will wonder.
I hope so.
I came to Paris to surprise, astonish. Amaze, fascinate and astound.
Shut the door.
- You know who I am - If you want me to, yes.
But if you don't...
Say my name. My real name.
I haven't heard it for so long.
Are you sure? You won't regret it?
Please...
Say it.
Captain Edmond Dantes, I'm at your command.
Captain Edmond Dantes.
So good to hear.
Dangerous too. What if someone recognized you?
The mask is perfect. Even Villefort didn't know.
What about your voice?
Having ignored Edmond Dantes' cries...
...Villefort wouldn't know Monte Cristo's voice.
Villefort maybe.
But she?
She?
Captain Dantes' former fiancee.
Mercedes is as beautiful as she was.
Maybe more.
Suffering can make people more beautiful.
Did she suffer, even a little?
She seems so at ease with that lavish life to which she wasn't destined.
The way she ran barefoot in the wilderness with her hair untied...
...like a little savage.
Where has the southern sun gone?
How dark the night is over Paris.
Here, the stars are theatre chandeliers...
...brasserie lights, carriages that light up the streets.
I need a woman.
You want me to find you one?
A woman I'll take to theatres and brasseries...
...and help to carriages. You gave me the idea, if not the desire.
I talk too much. It's an Italian fault.
Isn't a pretty woman essential for a rich foreigner on holiday in Paris?
Can I be credible without a woman?
I don't know your tastes.
The only thing I demand...
...is that nothing about her reminds me of Mercedes.
I need a blonde.
And more doll-like than wild.
Her eyes will be blue.
She could have an accent. But not Spanish.
And lastly, she mustn't be a countess.
Nice day, isn't it?
My name's Bertuccio.
- Can we chat? - What about?
I've found an interesting option.
Baroness Caroline de Jouy-Maubert? You're calling her an option?
Baroness? Perfect.
Countess is no good. But baroness is fine.
She's my employer, you scoundrel.
Stop it. You'll scare the horses.
My compliments, Baroness. And my regrets.
What a pity. You'd have been perfect.
Baron, how can a great banker like you be so timid?
Danglars. Everyone knows the railway is the future.
Mr. Arago disagrees and he's the greatest physician of our time.
He says that when your railways...
...disappear into a tunnel at 30km an hour...
...the pressure will kill the passengers.
The Danglars bank won't contribute to such atrocities.
I'm an honest, scrupulous and responsible man.
Who's talking about such mad speed? The current 17km an hour...
Only on slopes.
I'm in a meeting.
The gentleman won't wait...
...more than ten minutes.
Let him go. Then.
Count of Monte Cristo? Never heard of him.
I have.
I hear he's some Italian aristocrat...
I see. Another poor immigrant.
Napoleon wanted to invade Europe Now we're invaded.
Wrong.
The fortune of that Monte Cristo is reputedly colossal.
Absolutely colossal.
Does he intend to entrust it to our bank?
That changes everything.
Excuse me. We'll resume later.
Naturally. Your reputation has reached my ears.
It's an honour and a pleasure to welcome you.
Now down to business. What amount do you intend, to invest?
No amount?
I'm not bringing you money.
- I'm asking you for some - From me?
Well. Yes. Aren't you a banker?
Yes, of course.
This letter from Thomson & French...
gives me unlimited credit with your bank.
Unlimited credit? What does that mean?
I think it's quite clear.
It means that during my stay in Paris, which is planned to last a year...
...I can withdraw as much as I please.
That's unheard of.
If Thomson & French brought me here
...they trusted your establishment.
However, sir...
...if your bank lacks the capacity to meet this credit...
...I will inform Thomson & French and take my business to another bank.
Wait, don't rush into anything.
We can't displease Thomson & French...
...out largest correspondent in Europe.
But the word "unlimited".
How much do you think you'll need?
Right now? I'd say...
I'll be generous.
- One million? - One million?
It's a lot. But you're with Thomson & French...
One million?
Don't thank me.
It's enormous, but we're a young bank and need to build our reputation.
Six.
Six what?
Six million.
Six million francs?
To start with.
Six million?
I want 500.000 of it immediately.
Half gold. Half notes.
500.000 right now?
Just as the words 'unlimited credit' have a meaning...
...so has the word 'immediately'.
You meet one of the worlds richest men...
...and instead of filling your safes he empties them.
You'll be a laughing-stock.
You know nothing of high finance, my dear.
To you I'm good for nothing. Not even to give you a son.
- You've told me enough - I never asked for a son.
- A girl would have delighted me - Don't be a hypocrite.
I know you wanted a son to take over from you.
Of course I'm sad at the thought of the bank passing to strangers.
Don't worry. Young Morcerf will buy it.
His father can afford such a toy.
- The Morcerf’s aren't really strangers - Meaning?
It's handy for a banker to be friends with a peer of France.
Someone with whom you had fun in Marseille.
What fun?
Come to bed. Hermine. We're due at the Jockey Club tomorrow.
Will your Monte Cristo be there?
I imagine so.
Is he racing?
I gave him his six million today.
By tomorrow he can't buy a horse. Train it, hire a jockey...
Monte Cristo may be rich but he's not God.
Did Father Faria teach you chemistry?
It's all the more to his credit that we had no way of checking our formulae.
Our laboratory was up here.
What will you do with all this?
First I'll humiliate Morcerf by beating him in the Jockey Club race.
- With what horse? - Noiraud.
You'll enter him as Pharaon.
A new name wont make him faster.
He won't last ten meters.
, into his trough.
What is it? A tonic?
You're holding an elixir capable of turning a mere spark
into a shining star.
Who owns this Pharaon?
An Englishman Lord Wilmore.
- Did you see him? - He didn't attend the race.
Wonderful. Beaten by an invisible Englishman...
...whose horse looks like a skeleton.
It wasn't your horse's fault.
I'm sorry I know how much this race meant to you.
Not just me. Danglars bet 3,000 francs on my horse.
Villefort bet on me too I was humiliated.
Stop grooming.
- Tomorrow he'll be put down - But sir...
That's the way it is To be beaten by a nag...
- Take him to the abattoir - It's not fair.
He wasn't bad Pharaon was just better.
Get rid of him or I'll kill him myself.
I'm going out.
Where to? It's almost time for dinner.
You've ruined my appetite.
Incredible.
Do we stop here, Countess?
We're going.
Where to?
Wherever. But drive fast The air is stifling tonight.
The Countess certainly is beautiful.
Your father clearly intervened to bring Franz dEpinay back early
...to hasten your wedding.
This wedding won't take place.
- It's you I'll marry - Your father won't consent.
He's ambitious for you I'm too poor.
You're not that poor Aren't you a shipowner?
Misfortune has struck our firm.
Our boats have sunk one by one I only have one left, the Pharaon.
Buy more.
With what money?
I saw Danglars about my plans...
Forget him We have an ally. My grandfather.
To him. Epinay is a cursed name. He'll stop me having it.
What can he do?
Your love for Mr. Noirtier makes you forget he's paralysed and can't speak.
He makes himself understood by blinking.
My last chance is Monte Cristo. He's rich and generous.
He likes me He might lend me the money...
Not him. His wealth may be too blatant to be totally honest.
My father has ordered an investigation.
Be careful. Don't compromise yourself with a man who may soon be arrested.
In a different way. Madame de la Richardais isn't bad either.
Who is she?
You sent me on a mission to find you a...
A mistress Let's speak frankly.
Your future mistress... I mean your potential future mistress is 31.
Camille de la Richardais is blond and very virtuous.
Oh. Women's virtue...
- She's very faithful - What do we do with her husband?
No, she's faithfull to the memory of her husband. She's a widow.
- At 31? - A duel gone wrong.
She's an angel shut in her home and only goes out on Fridays to confession.
Let's go and see your angel.
Domimus vobiscum dear colleague.
How did you get in?
The door was open. As is right in Gods house.
Your Friday penitent, Madame de la Richardais.
The dear child’s uncle is a priest?
- A Jesuit - My word.
May I replace you to hear her confession?
Of course.
I never know what time your niece will come to be reconciled with the Lord...
and with my rheumatism, waiting in this damp church...
It's settled.
Go and read your breviary by the fire.
Thank you, my dear colleague.
If you get bored waiting for your niece, you'll find some books in here.
I don't know where to put them.
I particularly recommend
...this monograph I wrote on Varaha the Boar...
...in the Hindu tradition according to its hyperborean origins.
It's amusing. You'll see.
You also have 'Le Messager' newspaper.
I would gladly consult the year 1815.
That's the year I was ordained.
"The mystery of General dEpinay's murder.
"Suspicion had first surrounded M, Noirtier from rue du Coq-Heron...
"Epinay had sworn to stop ex-Emperor Napoleon...
"...from ever returning to France".
Faria was right That's what the letter from Elba Island was all about.
Villefort thought I'd read the letter.
He threw me in jail, killing two birds with one stone.
He protected his father and did the monarchy a favour.
A favour which was very well rewarded.
Forgive me for I have sinned.
You're not alone.
Good day, your honour.
So, Boville...
How's the investigation going?
Cautiously. Sir.
We mustn't arouse Monte Cristo's suspicion.
I'm gathering as many details as I can.
From whom?
My agents have identified a man who seems to know him well.
A Jesuit priest called Busoni.
I'll see him this evening.
A priest? Be careful with priests.
The Crown Prosecutor only answers to the King. Priests answer to God.
Everybody knows God is only an idea.
We must beware our ideas don't catch up with us.
You won't absolve me, will you?
I know the sin of greed I commit in my dreams is abominable.
But I can't resist...
It's not a sin...
You love roast lamb, fricassee of game and eel.
You can't resist a dozen oysters.
You weep for joy before a grilled sausage or cherry clafoutis. So what?
Who the devil, if I dare say, do you think God is? He's no killjoy.
He put so much beauty in the world He can't be sad or narrow-minded.
Naturally He's interested in your soul.
But He really doesn't care what you put in your mouth.
Especially such a lovely mouth.
Father!
I'm sorry to bother you.
I'm not here for money. All I'm asking is that you talk to Baron Danglairs...
...so he reconsiders his position.
He will, my boy. I assure you.
We'll ask dear Mr. Danglars to reconsider many things.
It's late. You must get ready.
I forgot. Every night is a party for you. You're so lucky.
What is it tonight? The opera?
Tonight, I'm playing.
You’re risking a lot at that game. What if Boville arrests you?
To arrest me. He would have to know who I am.
If he recognizes you?
Because he sometimes inspected the Chateau d'If?
If Mercedes didn't recognize me, Boville won't.
She's a woman in love.
A policeman is different.
A woman in love?
If she'd loved Edmond. She wouldn't have married Fernand.
So you want to know who the Count of Monte Cristo is?
Who he really is?
Supposing you know yourself.
The Count is one of my penitents.
Interesting. Extremely interesting.
But I'm bound by the confessional.
Very annoying.
But I can reveal one thing.
Excellent.
One word will suffice. That man...
...is the devil.
I don't really believe in the devil. - Are you shocked?
No, but you surprise me I thought you'd met him.
The devil?
The damned. Have you never descended into hell?
When you did your rounds of the jails don't you remember the cries...
Like all the others. Do you have a short memory?
How do you know these things?
I was one of those damned.
Your name?
Father Faria.
Faria? That rings a bell.
The Chateau d'If.
You will pay for the Chateau d'If For your indifference to suffering.
One day you will pay. Not to me. But God.
God doesn't exist I'm sure he doesn't.
Dinner is served.
- What is it? - We'd planned
...watercress soup partridge fricassee and rhubarb compote.
But partridge is so dear in Auteuil...
...madam will have to make do with the watercress and rhubarb.
I'll pretend it's Lent, that's all.
The Count of Monte Cristo begs your forgiveness...
For this very bold visit.
Since he's been in Paris. He has heard about you every day.
Fearful of never meeting you at the Opera or at court
How can I go out? I'm a poor widow, I've had to sell my jewels and dresses.
The poor count simply had to make your acquaintance.
So he decided to try an Eastern custom.
To reach an unapproachable person...
...one takes one's caravanserai to their door.
Madam my caravanserai, Please forgive its humbleness.
To be honest. I don't understand.
But since all these lovely things await us, shall we eat?
- Sophie, serve us - Don't worry.
I've thought of the service too.
What Is this? I'm dying to try it.
Can I have this black thing in the metal bowl?
Caviar.
The bowl is vermeil.
Won't you eat? At first some flavours are disconcerting...
but then it's absolutely delicious.
I'm devouring you with my eyes. Lt's enough.
To think I was reduced to watercress and rhubarb.
I've told you, to know you better.
I'm too poor to interest you, When you know who I am, you'll be disappointed.
My only disappointment is that you haven't tried the ortolans.
Bertuccio.
Come on get up.
It's still dark.
It's going to be a busy morning.
Send Camille the best dressmaker hairdresser...
...and jeweller, Money's no object, I have unlimited credit.
Does it mean dinner...
...was suitable?
It was exquisite and so was she.
Come on, a bit more energy.
The telegraph network has over 534 stations...
...towers, pigeon houses or church steeples...
...Creating a relay between 24 major French towns.
As you can see, I'm in charge of the last relay before Paris.
Progress is a great thing, You must be proud to work here.
Yes, except I have to climb up there One of these days. I'll break my neck.
When the winter wind blows through the tower
...chest infections are rife.
I can imagine. But aren't you paid for such risks?
- How much do you earn? - 1000 francs.
Of course I have accommodation and a plot of land to grow my vegetables.
But 1000 francs is a starvation wage.
When I can no longer climb up, how will I live?
I suppose the management will pay you a pension.
Some pension!
What if I offered you 25000 francs?
That's a fortune. What do you want in exchange?
To send a telegram I'll dictate.
Impossible, I'm only allowed to transmit messages from another station.
30,000?
35,000?
Come on, No more steps. No more north wind.
Is it at least decent, your telegram?
Lt's about justice, not decency.
Madame Sevenet. Are you still happy about the hat shop?
I told you it was a good deal...
Dear M, Tucherer making a fortune with hoops and skipping ropes?
Hello, Beauchamp.
A telegram just arrived at my newspaper.
I thought. "This is for Baron Danglars.
How much this time?
I've started seeing a dancer, She's absolutely adorable.
But she's a bit...
200 francs will be ample to keep her.
She's perfect all over.
Except her teeth. She's money-hungry.
You can stretch to 500.
She might as well...
...walk the streets.
They all do it. Give me that telegram.
"Exiled King Carlos is returning to Spain. Catalonia is at war.
"Barcelona...".
Is rebelling in support of King Carlos.
Spain is sliding into chaos.
I have 500.000 in Spanish shares.
When my paper publishes the news...
...they won't be worth anything.
I'll have sold them by then. Thank you.
Danglars. You really rule the Stock Exchange...
He started a deluge by selling his Spanish shares.
What intuition! Who could have predicted all this upheaval in Spain?
What if king Carlos fails...
...To take the throne back from Isabella II?
The information I received leaves no doubt.
Tonight, Carlos will be over the Sierra de Guadarrama.
He'll make a triumphant entrance at the Escorial.
Congratulations, Baron.
In your haste, I hope you didn't sell all your Spanish shares at a loss.
- I did but the loss is minimal - Really?
Nothing compared to the hammering that’ll strike...
...the poor wretches who still have their shares.
I must talk to you.
My dear Beauchamp. Is your dancer happy?
This isn't about her, I have the latest edition of 'Le Messager'.
With a denial, King Carlos never left Bourges.
What do you mean?
But then...
Then nothing. Carlos is in Bourges and Isabella II in Madrid.
Spaniards still play castanets. Serene and peaceful under the sun.
That's a joke, You had a telegram...
That was a fake.
It seems the telegraphist had a fit of dementia...
He ran away leaving his station unattended. Lt's all here.
Spanish shares are going back up.
I'm buying.
Is something upsetting you?
In one hour Spanish shares have recovered and probably doubled
yesterday's value.
With what I lost selling them and the lost profit due to their rise...
...I will lose a million francs at best.
That's the wealthy Italian count.
Monte Cristo isn't Italian He comes from the island of Malta.
Are you sure? I heard he was Turkish.
To think Father was invited to the King's box.
I wish I'd been too, Don't you madam?
Valentine don't call me madam, I've been your fathers wife long enough...
For us to act like best friends, I know.
I saw Monte Cristo. He already has his own box?
No. And since we're in his debt for saving our son...
, I invited him to share ours.
Les Huguemots. Music by Meyerbeer.
Libretto by. M, Scribe.
Oh yes Les Huguenots, I feel this is going to be another hilarious evening.
Have you anything juicy to tell me?
I'm responsible for your justice not entertainment.
Under my predecessors people had more fun.
Today, France's only obsession s to get rich.
I don't govern
...the French, I breed fatted calves.
Always the same thick necks and plump shoulders.
At last someone new.
Who's that man in Morcerf's box?
A foreigner who just moved to Paris.
I'll gladly introduce him once we have the results of the investigation.
The investigation?
A mere formality. We just want to find out where his huge fortune comes from.
...how fortune is incompatible with virtue.
Why always suspect people because of their wealth?
I'm wealthy too.
But you're the King.
That's what they said to Louis XVI. Leave the Count of Monte Cristo alone.
He's Morcerf's guest.
Isn't that good enough for you? It is for me.
The King knows you?
Don't be jealous. You know me better.
It's only the third time we've met.
Too late. The tragedy is starting.
Thank you. I'm so happy to be here.
You deny me the opera the one night the King attends.
Losing a million is like losing a loved one.
One has the decency to stay at home.
You think you're more important than you are.
Who cares about your million?
I'll get it back.
With this. Lord Wilmore sent me this letter.
He suggests I invest in the goldmines of Zacatecas in Mexico.
At the source of the Aguanaval river.
You know this Wilmore?
Not personally.
Don't worry, Wilmore is a major shareholder of Thomson & French.
A bank we can fully trust.
When you introduced me to the King I was so flustered.
Why? A king is just like any man.
You're not. Everyone is fascinated by you.
And how do you see me?
With infinite gratitude.
However. Take this back.
I was happy and proud to wear it, but it's far too beautiful for me.
This necklace is yours, If you don't want it, sell it.
And use the money to fix your roof.
Why was my poor husband so obsessed he got into debt to buy it?
I think he was proud to live in the Saint-Merans home.
The Saint-Merans from Marseille?
- You know them? - By name.
It's an old and great family which has always loyally served the Crown.
Helene de Saint-Meran was Villefort's first wife.
That man with the cold gaze in the King's box.
Villefort lived here?
He probably only used it as a country house.
Won't you come in to warm up before going back to Paris?
Sophie must have lit a fire.
It's a bit early to play with fire.
You're right, especially since today is Thursday.
That means tomorrow is Friday, witch is the day I go to confession.
You may have less to confess if I don't give in to the temptation...
...to come in.
Were you going to steal? I caught you red-handed, you scum.
Maybe you wanted to kill someone.
No. I’m not so stupid as to kill the goose that lays the golden eggs.
I came to talk business.
Who with?
The nasty fellow who lives here.
You have the wrong address.
I have a secret worth its weight in gold.
Who do you think we are?
I'll knock your head off.
Leave him alone.
You see?
Stand up.
You have a secret to sell?
- Interested? - Tomorrow...
...go to the address I'll give you.
- You'll be very well paid - An address?
- The police station? - No. A priest.
Busoni.
Father Busoni, I knew I was being sent into a trap. Have mercy.
In the name of Jesus. Don't send me...
To jail?
Last time we met I made you rich with a diamond worth 50,000 francs.
It should have been enough for a decent life.
She tried to take it from me, I had a knife handy...
Quiet. Lt's always the same story, Meanness. Treachery, infamy.
You make me sick. All of you.
Come on. Caderousse, I hear you've a secret to tell.
It's not for you. Lt's only good for blackmailing someone.
Speak or I'll hand you to men's justice while you wait for Gods.
I'll have to accuse...
...a judge.
- Well a prosecutor - Villefort?
You guessed?
Never mind, Continue.
He did as he pleased undisturbed.
What did he do?
Things priests don't do.
He made love.
Who with?
Hermine Danglars a banker's wife.
They had a secret love child.
Without Danglars knowing?
He didn't notice?
When the child came the lovers thought it dead.
It suited them fine. No baby. No scandal.
Villefort put the baby in a box and buried it in the garden at night.
He thought no one knew.
But a passing thief thought it was a treasure.
So once Villefort had gone...
He found the baby, revived him...
...and brought it up as his own.
How do you know all that?
That child was with me in the Toulon jail.
His adoptive father had told him about his birth. And Toussaint told me.
Toussaint? I suppose he was found on All Saints' Day.
But why was he in jail?
He'd visited a few beautiful houses uninvited.
Amusing for a prosecutor's son.
- We escaped together - How much?
Lt's worth a fortune, Villefort and Madame Danglars would pay up to...
But I'm a poor priest, I won't buy your story. I'll hire it.
How?
For 500 francs a month.
For six months Toussaint and you must keep quiet.
After that. Do as you wish.
Well my dear...
Have you heard?
I received the same thing an hour ago.
"Madame de la Richardais requests the pleasure of your company for lunch".
It's only natural she should invite you.
She's poor and you're married to a banker. But she doesn't know me.
She doesn't know anyone. She must have made her list at random.
She's a peasant her husband didn't have time to refine or get pregnant.
Queen of Spades on king of Hearts.
Certainly not. I never play the Queen of Spades. It signifies death.
I won't go to that lunch.
Seeing that house again is more than I cam bear.
I'm sure you understand.
- But you will have to go - Never.
It could be a trap.
How could this little Richardais set a trap for us?
She's an innocent.
Lunch in the country. How charming.
Full of little people we don't know?
This Richardais is a nobody.
Her husband didn't even have the Legion of Honour...
You're wrong. We'll know averyone.
...since we're the only guests.
What do you mean, "we"?
We. The people from Marseille, The happy gang from the old days.
The only outsider will be Monte Cristo.
The tables will be under a canopy.
What colour?
White the colour of innocence.
And the menu?
Exactly the same buffet as the one prepared in Marseille...
...for Edmond and Mercedes' engagement.
Same dishes same wines. Same flowers. We had mimosa.
Why do this? They'll recognize you.
How could they know I’m Edmond Dantes?
Sometimes I even doubt it myself, It’s like a dream, a book...
...another life altogether.
Anyway. This day has to come some time.
...will be worse for them than for me.
I've just thought of something crazy.
What's that?
- I don't know your first name - My first name?
Yes sir. Anatole, Charles, Edouard or Paul. All men have a first name.
What's yours? You've never told me.
Really?
Really what is it?
I could say Athanase.
Or Chrysande.
The truth? My parents must have been absent-minded. They forgot to name me.
- That's awful - No, madam.
It's wonderful. Call me whatever you wish.
You mean I can christen you?
Yes, What name do you choose?
Guess, It starts with 'E'.
Why 'E'?
To match what you are.
'E' for excellent, eccentric, extraordinary exhilarating.
'E' for exceptional. For expectation.
For Eric, Ernest. Etienne.
Or Edmond.
That's my choice.
No, I can't be seen.
You're not saying anything? Don't you like my dress?
You're dazzling, Maybe too dazzling for lunch...
...with this little Richardais.
"Little"? Is she so charming that she sparks such affection in you?
What's wrong? I only said "little"...
...to stress her insignificance.
The other night, I heard she wore...
...a ravishing gown.
I didn't see it but the Ladies' Gazette...
...published sketches.
She had the grace of a coat-hanger.
We don't have to go to this lunch. I'll send a footman with an apology.
We'll go. Monte Cristo's presence will make it bearable.
I'm sure he'll amuse us He's such an eccentric.
The sash of the Order of Saint Louis?
- You didn't say... - The King's reward.
I attach little importance to such things.
I do, I'm so proud of you.
You're impressed? Tell your mother to hurry the carriage is ready.
You look radiant.
Isn't life wonderful?
This isn't the day for a scene.
I'm not making a scene.
But if you will play the Stock Exchange, use your own funds.
You know how much your last speculations cost me?
You never speculate?
I don't improvise I use the cleverest...
the most informed advisor.
Thanks to Monte Cristo, I'm the only French banker to invest in Zacatecas.
So far, it's not much of a goldmine.
Women are such impatient creatures.
Give them time to dig a bit deeper, then you'll see.
Zacatecas is only a starter.
Monte Cristo convinced me to invest . a million into Russian sturgeon farms.
That'll be our main course and we'll have a feast.
They're coming.
- I'm so nervous - There's no need.
If my husband could see me, His poor Camille with such important guests.
You look so solemn too.
Why would I be solemn? A country lunch is such a happy occasion.
Come and see what fun we'll have.
They're spiced fish eggs you eat with a touch of olive oil and pepper.
They're delicious on toast.
Countess look at this wonderful dish.
For delicate palates we have eel with celery. Tomato and bitter orange zest.
I see the Baron has noticed our marinated sardines and red mullet.
Do taste, Baron.
What a strange idea, this Marseillais menu.
It's the Count's idea. Don't you like it?
...something more original than pork pie and salmon.
I throught you were being nostalgic.
Nostalgic...
To be nostalgic. I would need to know Marseille.
- You don't? - I know it as well...
...as anyone stopping over before sailing...
...to the East.
Come and admire my pond. The Count gave me...
...Amazing water lilies from the imperial gardens of Kyoto...
I never go near ponds I don’t like mosquitoes.
But don't let me deprive your other guests of this enchanting sight.
Your childhood must have been hell.
- Why? - The mosquitoes.
I hear they're ferocious in the South.
- You left Marseille because of them? I left to follow my husband.
Madame de la Richardais would do the same.
Wherever you go, she'll follow.
Don't deny it.
At the opera, your feelings for her were very clear.
I approve.
You won't find a lovelier young lady.
You were right to wait to fall in love.
At twenty...
...One makes mistakes.
Let's drink to your happiness.
No, thank you.
Don't you want happiness?
Yes, I have a right to it like others maybe more.
So you're refusing the wine.
If I want something I'll help myself.
You lived in the East.
Isn't the custom there for people who've shared food...
...to be friends for ever?
By refusing the wine I'm offering...
...are you saying you refuse my friendship?
Why would I?
What would be the reason for that?
Thanks to the Count's generosity...
...I was able to make this gloomy home more cheerful.
I've changed the tapestries and furniture.
- Except in the bedroom - You can't show...
On the contrary. I'm sure they'll be fascinated.
Something terrible happened in there, I dissuaded Camille from changing it.
Why try and hide the past?
It always reappears especially when branded by horror.
You're not well?
It's the heat I think, I'll go out for some fresh air I'll be fine.
- I'll take her - Your legal duty comes before chivalry.
If there was a crime. You should go and see.
Words can't describe it.
On this bed where she so often surrendered to her lover...
...imagine a woman gasping for breath.
Her hair sticky with sweat.
Contorted by the pain of childbirth.
Next to her on a sheet, a baby.
It's not moving or crying.
The baby was dead?
Who knows?
No doctor or midwife was called, The birth was a complete secret.
If the child is stillborn. Scandal cam be avoided.
He grabs the inert baby.
He looks around for something that can be used as a coffin.
He notices a small trunk. He places the child in it and closes the lid.
All this unnatural father has to do is go to the garden.
It has rained all night the soil is loose, the grave will be easy to dig.
- What do you say to that. Villefort? - Me?
He's horrified.
Understandably upset. Such a monster deserves a trial and severe punishment.
From a brute, one might understand.
But the Count says he was an eminent person.
Which makes it harder to forgive.
Sorry. I don't believe a word of this fable...
...so cleverly told.
I'd be relieved if you were right.
All old houses have their legends...
...concocted by servants dismissed for drunkenness and seeking revenge...
...by spreading slander.
Not at all.
This story is true, I can prove it.
I defy you.
You missed something The Count told us...
A spine-chilling tale. Come on.
Come and hear the end at least.
Mind your head.
I had the garden dug up.
- And here. - You had no right to desecrate...
No, sir.
I desecrated nothing, We didn't find the child’s remains.
As I said, it's a fable.
But have a look at this.
The cook playing grave-digger?
I felt I should put back what we had dug up.
I know the law doesn't like people to destroy or burn...
...any evidence.
It's empty.
Empty indeed.
Empty today, But was it empty the night it was buried?
Surely not.
Why bury an empty trunk?
I agree. I think there was a child in the trunk.
- Can you prove it? - I can't.
- But you... - Why me?
It's your job to prove things.
Even if you have little to go on.
If the child wasn't dead...
It was buried alive.
And may still be alive...
...Today.
Next to this evil couple...
...Gervaise Rebuffet who lost her head was an angel.
You must find and punish the monsters...
...who committed this unspeakable act.
- Careful. It's hemlock - I know.
- Careful it's hemlock - I know.
It's poisonous throw it away. And wash your hands carefully.
Don't worry. I'm used to it.
Poisons can be controlled, like everything.
Take hemlock, for instance.
Mixed with clay and vinegar, it's perfect for beautiful hair.
Mixed with salt it restores the shine of old silver.
You're an expert.
My husband has often prosecuted poisoners.
You learn fascinating facts from the files of a trial.
And this?
You know this?
Digitalis purpurea.
It contains digitalin which slows down the heartbeat.
It can cause death...
...in the right quantity.
To be efficient. It should be picked from two-year-old plants.
Flowers and death have always gone hand in hand.
They say "garden comes from an old word for paradise".
...which means the beyond.
The truth is I'm terrified of death.
Why play with it?
Therapy for torment.
It reassures me to put death in jars, to make powders and cream from it.
I feel in control. It's at my service.
Except death can't be caged like a lion. Can you always control it?
Absolutely.
From time to time. I check it's obeying me.
I experiment on slugs, caterpillars, stary cats, pigeons...
Therefore we have the cleanest garden in Paris.
Dear child...
Stop fidgeting like an excited little girl. By autumn...
...you may be married.
Madame de Saint-Meran wrote to me, Your grandmother will attend your wedding.
I'd love to see her. But this wedding might not happen.
There's nothing to stop it now.
Franz dEpinay and I finally agree on everything.
He quibbled over your dowry.
But I stressed he was entering the most upright family.
That's worth more than a huge fortune.
You're just like me. Weddings always make me cry more than funerals.
I'm not to be disturbed.
I thought about it all night.
Its little face turned blue its tiny chest that didn't even heave.
So he wasn't dead?
Apparently not. - How could that be?
I'm not a doctor.
He must have been in that state called deep lethargy.
A sort of sleep where vital functions are suspended.
Someone who saw you bury the trunk dug it up and you didn't notice a thing?
Notice what?
I came back to you, You were so upset.
A stranger took our child. Revived it. Held it tight and took it away?
Is that it?
Yes. That's probably what happened.
And now? What will you do?
What about?
What about? But it's my child, my son. You must find him.
Let's see. If he were still alive, he'd be about twenty.
With only this piece of information, you want me to find him?
France is swarming with twenty-year olds.
Of course a miracle might lead me to him.
What would his reaction be?
Joy at knowing his real parents.
You're married to a rich man.
I'm hardly destitute myself.
I'm sure greed would prevail over the joy of reunion.
He'd call us to account.
Could you tell Danglars...
...you gave another man the son he always wanted from you?
"Give two million to this boy who isn't yours or he'll say...
"...I cheated on you".
What do you take men for?
For what they are. Cash registers.
Believe me.
Just as we've forgotten each other forget this too.
If you're ever in a church don't pray for the return of a ghost.
You say that to a mother?
Don't exaggerate, You were a mother like I was a father.
By accident.
You've become indifferent to me.
Why are you like this?
Is it because my stupid husband is in a tricky situation?
You're ashamed to be friends with Danglars wife?
'Tricky' is an understatement.
Your husband is close to bankruptcy...
Let's hope it doesn't involve fraud...
I would hate to have to prosecute him.
Farewell.
- Think about your marriage - What marriage?
It was destroyed firstly by your insistence to make me your mistress.
And then yesterday...
...when they dug up that awful little trunk all covered in earth.
I have nothing left.
Of course you have.
A lot of money.
At least for now.
At our age it's what matters...