PLUCKING THE DAISY
And the official who has the relationship with the dancer?
The curator. Who else?
- And the man at the girls' college? - Monsieur Mousner.
- No. Monsieur Croquelot. - Monsieur Mousner.
- Monsieur Croquelot. - Maybe Monsieur Potembois?
- Perhaps. - And the man who sells lewd books.
Well, you should know.
- You're my best customer. - Isn't that General Dumont?
Yes. I bet he wants "Plucking the Daisy."
Hello.
General, you know Monsieur Dubreuil, the manager of the casino?
Yes, we've met. I hear there's a scandal in Vichy.
There are many.
This book "Plucking the Daisy" caused them?
Do you have it?
Sorry. It's been sold out for a week.
- Is everyone smeared? - Yes. The whole town.
- Am I mentioned? - No. It only features fools.
Good, or I would have told off the author.
And who is this A.D.?
- Nobody knows. - Anonymous. What times we live in!
May I have the honor of inviting you to our gala on Saturday?
I never go to these affairs. Thanks, nevertheless.
Sure he isn't mentioned?
It's an omission.
Your father's here.
He'll be surprised.
- Something wrong? - I'm starved.
Dinner is ready. We have a guest.
Agnes' Italian friend from college.
Yes, of course. Poor little Venetian.
What are you doing?
I'm smoking a peace pipe. I am against war.
I'll give you a peace pipe.
It's no fun being the son of a martinet!
What did you say?
That's what my friends call you.
You are under house arrest.
Peace pipe, eh?
Toto is being punished. Bonjour, Sophia.
- What happened? - She got news of her boyfriend.
- Is he dead? - No. He wrote her.
- Well? - He writes so beautifully.
- A real Italian. - Crying is cleansing.
- What's that? - A surprise.
"Plucking the Daisy" You've read it?
- No. I wrote it. - Good.
- What did you say? - She said she wrote it.
Yes. I wrote it.
A.D. is Agnes Dumont? You wrote it?
You didn't think I could write.
There will be no artists in my family.
- You said that to my brother. - He is no longer my son.
He is a famous painter. He left. Now he's well-known and wealthy.
Are you rich?
- Not yet. - There you are.
They published the book because you are my daughter.
Nobody knows my name.
If anybody finds out you wrote this scandalous book!
They will. Tomorrow I'm meeting the press.
That's the limit.
I'll break something.
- I'll be a writer. - You'll be nothing.
- I will! - I'll kill her or put her in a convent.
- She prefers the convent. - To your room!
And pack your things. You are going to Montlucon.
- Tomorrow, perhaps. - And let everybody know...
A.D. is my daughter?
Exiled like Victor Hugo. That should please her.
I've made my decision.
- I won't go! - The train. Tonight!
All aboard for Paris.
Passengers for Montlucon are requested to go to the other side of the station.
Don't make a spectacle.
- I won't go. - Then I'll take you to Montlucon.
I'll run away to my brother in Paris.
- With what? - I'll manage.
I'll give you my good luck charm. You'll need it more than I will.
- You'll write me? - That's enough. Agnes!
Get off at once! Do you hear?
Excuse me. I'm saying good-bye to my daughter.
Stop crying.
Tickets, please.
- Your ticket. - Oh, my ticket. Right.
Come now, it must be somewhere.
I don't understand. I had it a minute ago.
Sweetheart, here it is. I had it all the time. Stupid me.
Thank you very much.
Easy. He's still there.
Honestly, I thought l...
I'll find it. Don't worry.
Probably this gentleman has your ticket.
Of course. You have my ticket.
- No, I don't have it. - Are you sure?
Of course I'm sure.
Then I've lost it.
That will be 4,320 francs.
- Is he gone? - Yes.
Thank you so much.
Without you, I don't know what I would have done.
I get it now.
He gave you a ticket which happened to belong to me. How generous of him!
I am really sorry.
I am Daniel Roy, a reporter. He is Roger Vital, a photographer.
My name is Agnes Dumont.
- What's the trouble? - Nothing.
I just left the house in a hurry and forgot my bag. Silly, isn't it?
- I see. - I'll pay you back in Paris.
That's very nice of you.
You don't believe me? My brother is the famous painter Hubert Dumont.
We believe you.
You ran away?
No. I'm a writer. My publisher wants to see me.
- That's marvelous! - Have you been published before?
No, it's my first book... a satire on life in the provinces.
A.D.? Are you A.D.?
I used A.D. because my father is a general.
- Her father's a general. - A general.
Are there many generals in Vichy?
They have liver trouble too.
His Highness is ready.
- I'll wait here. - Come with me.
His Highness would be bothered by the lights.
His Highness is very understanding.
He is our guest...
and every decent Frenchman must make his stay pleasant.
- Are you coming? - I'm right behind you.
Fine photographer.
- I am a Frenchman first. - God help France.
I don't like your friend.
He isn't bad, really. He is just a skirt chaser...
a little pompous, slightly cowardly...
and basically a hypocrite.
He's horrible!
Oh, there are worse than he.
He hasn't murdered anyone yet.
That might happen, they tell me.
What does he do?
They just keep him. They know I like him.
You must be important.
I'm the boss' favorite.
Bring me one of your stories.
Oh, how very kind.
I have a heart of gold.
I take out my handkerchief to wave good-bye...
- Here, use mine. - Let's call the police!
Not on your life. There'd be a scandal!
Don't worry, though. I'll call the station in Lyons...
because she left without a ticket.
I'll get her back by the first train!
Give me back my handkerchief.
Hold him there, please.
Get down, Daniel. You are in my way.
And put the minister higher.
That's it! Just like that.
Don't move. We'll take another one.
Thank you. Thank you very, very much.
- She's vanished. - She'll come to the paper.
I bet. I liked her, though.
No, sir. She belongs to me. Do you hear?
I bet you don't even have her address.
I do too. She lives with her brother at 3 rue Fabre.
That's an odd address.
What about my money, my 4,320 francs to be exact?
Rue Fabre is down the stairs. Cars can't go any further.
Fine.
Anybody here?
We are closed.
Could you tell me where I'd find Monsieur Dumont?
He only comes at the end of the week.
Would you know where I might find him?
Come back in a few days.
Who is Dumont?
You know. He's the guide at the Balzac Museum.
Museum? At this hour?
She isn't looking for a museum.
"Honoré de Balzac lived here"
What's that noise?
- I'll look. - I'm scared.
Twelve, six, seventeen...
304.
Take her out.
Her brotherjust killed himself.
You've just heard "The Sorceress of Plemianikoff"'...
a drama adapted by Vadim.
"The Master's Slippers" My brother is getting pompous.
"Dressing gown."
- Mademoiselle! - Give me a second of your time!
Mademoiselle, look up here!
Mademoiselle, will you come to my house for lunch?
- My name's Edouard! - And I'm Guillaume.
- And I'm François! - Wait for me!
Daniel's done it again.
He has to get them all?
Care to see some fancy action?
Oh, yes, I love that stuff.
- The bastards! - Don't watch.
The biggest bastard of the two isn't the one you'd think.
I worship you, you know.
You might as well know the facts.
Daniel is a lewd, lascivious lecher.
He'll deceive you.
His best friend is telling you.
Are you really lewd and lascivious?
You've been talking to Roger.
How did you guess?
You see? She loves me the way I am.
But now I have to do a little work too.
We'll dine together?
I'll pick you up after work.
Any news from the girl from the train?
I'm waiting.
Don't bother. Look who lives at number 3 rue Fabre.
Balzac Museum.
- Why did she lie? - So she wouldn't have to pay you back.
She seemed so decent.
That's their game. How else could they operate?
It's classic.
Too bad. She was cute.
Charming crook.
No doubt about it. She lied.
Something that...
- Stop! - I can't. It's stronger than me.
- And the article? - Haven't you typed it yet?
- Not yet. - I just tore it up.
- Well, write it again. - Really revolting.
Maybe you should get out.
- I wasn't talking about you. - You're annoying me.
Pretty little tramp!
Speaking of the devil.
The girl from the train.
Imagine. My brother isn't here. I don't know when he'll return.
You said you'd help me sell a story.
Right now it would help me enormously.
I only know you two in Paris.
That's an excellent idea.
We'll arrange something at once.
She'll want some money.
Could I get an advance?
Just for two days. I'm a little short.
Piece of cake.
I'll just tell the cashier. That's all.
How much?
How much do you need?
Just 15 or 20,000 francs.
Okay, okay.
You're too kind. I'll be there right away.
You're my guardian angel.
- I'm her guardian angel. - At 15,000! Not bad.
- Let's share. - No, thanks.
That's 19,000 so far.
Hey, look at that. Am I dreaming?
Absolutely delectable.
I'll take care of it alone.
You wouldn't know how.
- It'll take you an hour to kiss her. - I'll get a kiss in five minutes.
- Guaranteed. - I'll give you ten minutes.
Then I'll take over.
Scared?
No. Not at all.
What are you staring at?
I adore you.
- Hello, Agnes. - I've brought my story.
Let's go see Mimiche.
He's the boss.
To be in Tahiti with her...
naked under the palms, she calls me "my love"...
tickles me with orchid blossoms.
So long now. I'm going.
I worked all morning. I hope they like it.
May I see?
I'd rather tell it.
It begins in Vichy.
- Where's the article? - It's all here.
- Here? - You're clever.
All right. I'll do it.
"The words were stuck in her throat. He leaned towards her gently.
Suddenly, she gets up..."
Did I hurt you?
Do I continue?
"Suddenly she gets up. He looks at her..."
Do you like it?
Two minutes.
And the trip toJapan?
Not yet decided.
Suggest me. Do I have a shot?
I have no idea.
You've got a very good shot.
One minute to go.
Shall I go on?
"Charlotte turns around. She is shocked."
- A fine guardian angel. - He's a lecher.
I should have warned you.
He's a slave to his horrid vices.
So I see.
Where is the boss?
Probably at lunch.
And my story?
If you want to talk to him, come back later.
Ah, yes. The advance.
I have a taxi waiting.
And you forgot your purse again?
Naturally. Writers, artists.
You're disgusting.
It's a horrible joke.
What joke?
I must tell the truth. There's practically no chance...
of selling your story.
Weeks will pass before you get paid.
- Thanks for being honest. - We never believed in your book.
And I must say I don't care for literary ladies.
You don't believe me?
No. But I like good-looking liars.
Don't leave. We were just beginning.
Wait.
- You'll be back? - Yes.
I will leave you my most precious possession.
Who wrote this?
It's very good.
Where can I sell rare books?
I know. I've done it myself before.
What do you have? Something good?
It's signed by Balzac.
Original of"Lily of the Valley."
The 1836 edition.
"To my great friend Zulma Carraud, Balzac."
Do you think I'd get 15 or 20 for it?
- At least 200,000! - I chose well.
- Don't take less than 150. - Less? Never.
Well?
I got 180,000 francs!
Shall we sell something else?
Now we buy. Dresses.
Chez Virginie?
I must send a wire to my father first.
How touching.
- What's the matter? - Agnes sent a long wire. Listen.
"Living with brother in beautiful house. Stop.
Sold book for 180,000 francs.
Stop. I am wild with happiness. Stop. How's Toto? Stop."
I admit. Agnes is a genius.
There's no other explanation possible. A genius, like my son Hubert.
Only two months. He owns a house.
All my children are geniuses.
I want you to learn to play the violin.
Beautiful, but so sad.
It gets sadder at the end. I cried while I wrote it.
- What do you think of the purse? - Unforgettable!
This is for you.
You are absolutely a saint.
Now let's go back to the newspaper.
I think we're going to do theJapanese story.
- You have influence with her. - Paging Daniel Roy.
I came to pay my debt.
My bag! Where is my bag?
- Maybe you left it in the cab. - I had it here.
- Your brother is back? - No. I sold a book.
Then you are a writer?
You wouldn't believe me.
- I apologize. Are you angry? - I liked your honesty. I like that.
Will you have dinner with me?
I'll make myself free.
Where shall we go?
The Orangerie is very fashionable.
I'm afraid I can't invite him. Lechers prohibited.
Correct. Strictly forbidden.
- But I go there all the time. - Not on Thursday. No lechers.
You have a car? Then I'll pay the cab.
No. He is a friend.
Now I know.
Kept by taxi drivers. A fine thing.
Worst. White slavery.
Shut up. She's nice.
A little crazy, but a good kid.
Anyhow, she's different.
Beautiful, beautiful!
No. Never.
You can give me a free ride some other time.
You are absolutely a saint.
The bills aren't counterfeit. I don't get it.
- Where do we eat? - Sorry.
I have to work tonight.
- Just a quick sandwich. - What work?
A.D.
A.D. A child prodigy.
- Let's go. I'm hungry. - Child prodigy, huh?
She looks younger than she is.
Come have supper with brother Danny.
He's taking her to dinner.
No, she is taking him.
- Revolting. - I think so.
And the man of your dreams?
Should be dark, nonchalant...
rude, not too good-looking, but with charm.
That's me.
It's easy to find a dream man, but what's difficult is...
- That he loves you. - To be sure he loves me.
- Who is she? - A friend.
- I thought it was Françoise Arnoult. - It is.
- Are you jealous? - I would be if I were in love.
That's fine. I'm in love with you.
Words are cheap, like pebbles at the seashore.
When you are really in love...
you won't find the words to say it.
My, you are serious.
It's no tragedy that I love you.
I want to believe you. It's so important to trust.
- Can I trust you? - Of course.
You never lie?
Are all your stories true?
It's hard to believe.
The house, your brother... all true?
You live at 3 rue Fabre? Is that right?
Very well. As you say.
That's cute. Teach me.
It's a knack.
First put it down like that.
- So, can I come in? - No.
- Can't I have a nightcap? - My brother is very strict. He'd object.
- Oh, don't worry. - I tell you, I can't.
Tomorrow night at 8:00?
Hello, Monsieur Hubert.
- Do you want me to pose tonight? - Yes.
I must finish the painting for the exhibit.
They've been waiting for you at the museum.
For quite a while.
You are here in a museum which is not a museum...
but a living reconstruction of the life of Balzac.
You have here...
Don't touch. Don't touch.
This chair now. When Balzac left it for the last time
the chair stayed here.
That's very interesting, right?
You can't smoke. Not here. Absolutely not.
This statue of Balzac is taller.
Balzac was smaller.
I mean, he came to about here, Balzac, at least.
Don't touch.
And don't smoke.
Here is Balzac's phone.
It's mine, of course.
Let's go to the drawing room now.
You noticed the candles everywhere.
Balzac loved to work at night,
so he used candles day and night...
and night and day were the same to him.
And now you are in the living room.
And here, Balzac drank his coffee.
Before he became a great writer, Balzac was famous for his coffee-drinking.
Don't touch, please.
He loved coffee and he never wrote without coffee,
and he never drank coffee without writing...
so that writing or coffee were one and the same to him.
I'll make myself some as soon as you leave.
Here is Balzac's clock.
A short. I will go see. Don't worry. I'll be back.
All fixed. No idea how that happened.
Now we'll go to the library.
Balzac hated publicity.
Here is his dressing gown as you can see.
Nobody knows whether he used it to get up or to go to bed.
But as he had only one, it doesn't really matter.
Here is his personal library,
most of them his own books.
And there, that's my sister Agnes, without her dress on.
Well, that was his dressing gown.
Go. You've seen enough now. Go on. This is insane.
Come on, get out. Don't touch.
You can smoke outside, you know.
Yes, that's his kitchen. Where his food was cooked.
This is Balzac's statue. Quick, quick. He was bigger than this.
Smaller than that one. That one's bigger. This is smaller.
And it means nothing to Balzac. Let's go now. Quick.
Don't touch! If you hurry, you'll be less tired.
If Balzac were alive, he'd tell you tips are absolutely obligatory.
- What are you doing here? - I have been waiting for you.
How did you get in?
- I broke a window. - Breaking into a museum?
I thought it was your house. You said so in your letters.
I said that to annoy Father. I make only 25,000 a month.
And I had counted on you!
If the saw cured you... I mean, if the ore sued you...
- I mean, if the curator saw you... - What's a curator?
Did you touch anything?
Just rearranged things a little.
Good morning, sir.
The original "Lily of the Valley"...
dedicated to Zulma Carraud?
No, it's here.
It couldn't be stolen.
Hold on. I'll look.
Stolen.
Did you take it?
- I sold it. - Sold it?
We will go to jail. What will I say?
- We'll have to get it back. - That's right.
Sir, we have the book.
They are offering you a false copy.
You're going to buy it?
Why, when we have the original?
It interests you? That's very interesting.
You have the money?
Only 30,000. But I have two dresses, a coat, shoes, a bag, a...
Stop. We have to get the book back.
We could sell another book to cover it.
No. The first time, you didn't know. Now it would be theft.
Go to the shop. Get on your knees and beg him for the book.
If you fail, we will be put in jail.
- You'll go to jail? - You too.
He'll never give the book back to me.
I'll talk to him, man to man.
I don't understand where she disappeared to.
People don't vanish.
I don't believe in fairies.
Yet she must be a witch or a fairy.
Hey, look at what I did!
I smell smoke.
I'm not surprised.
- Who did it? - Agnes the witch.
There's your proof.
"Striptease Contest" Shall we give it a once over?
I bet it's awful.
- I don't want to go. - He's in love.
- Serious? - The symptoms are getting worse.
I'm seeing Agnes tonight.
A drink. It's Roger's round.
- What happened? - Ridiculous man.
He insists that I give him the money first.
He promised to wait three days before selling it to the curator.
If I went home and threatened a scandal, Father would give us the money.
No. Anything but that.
I don't want a scene in Vichy.
Have to try something else. Can't go to Vichy.
There's no other solution.
There must be something else.
He'll never lend you 180,000 francs.
I am going to get my things.
- Shall I go with you? - No. I hate good-byes.
- Going or coming? - Officially, I am not in Paris.
Nobody must know.
- What do you want? - I'd like to enter the contest.
The contest list is closed. I am sorry.
So much the worse.
Well, I'll make an exception.
- You know what you have to do? - Oh, sure.
Here is the contract. Read it before you sign.
Can I use another name?
Certainly. A pseudonym.
Can I win?
I'd say so.
- What did you call yourself? - Sophia.
- Can I leave? - You have to rehearse.
- I have a date. - Work comes first.
You can pick it up later.
I want you to give her a routine.
Let's take a look.
I have something much dressier.
How about "Nonchalant Beauty"?
Yes. Something very feline.
- Walk like a cat. - I have a date.
Walk like a cat anyhow.
Waiting for Agnes?
- Where in the heck could she be? - I'm waiting for my date.
I hardly recognized you. So friendly.
I was afraid I'd miss you. Now everything is fine.
- I can't go out tonight. - Your brother?
What I mistook for his house was the Balzac Museum.
- I get it. - My brother is only a guide there.
It could only happen to you.
See you later. At midnight?
The government is due to fall.
Again? I won't see you?
Come to the house. Tell the guard you want to see me.
Bye, lecher.
Newspaper work?
- Good evening, little brother. - Good evening, little sister.
- Ready to go? - Of course.
- You see women don't stand me up. - Where are you going?
We're going to the striptease. Lothario will be busy looking.
- Can I go? - Me too? Are you guys coming?
Hey. I only have a table for two.
We'll work it out. Don't worry.
Martine, you're forgetting. Here you are.
Another lady will honor us.
Marie Luce, blonde, smiling, provocative.
May I remind you that the winner of tonight's contest...
will participate in the finals of the striptease.
The finals will take place Saturday...
in the grand ballroom of the casino...
I can't undress with all those people.
Who's forcing you? Go home.
If I don't win 200,000, I can't stay in Paris.
- So? - I'm in love.
My poor baby.
How do you feel the first time?
When you show your breasts,
you just have to think about something else.
At least it's honest.
They pay to see you, and you show them what you've got. That's that.
Sophia, you're on!
Don't be scared. It'll be all right.
He'll wait for you here.
Good. You're smiling.
Our contest is strictly for amateurs.
Marie Luce has never been on a stage.
She is 20 years old. Her bust is 36, and so are her hips.
Oh, what confidence, what authority!
- Not interested? - I'm waiting for him to fall.
Her thighs aren't bad.
Who said that?
If he's not satisfied...
- Don't worry. - I don't like rude remarks like that.
It wasn't rude.
You're next.
Don't yell. It's vulgar.
He's got a nerve. "Not bad." Some nerve!
Go on. I'll meet you at the stage.
Shut up. You'll scare her.
- He said my thighs weren't bad! - He was wrong.
Sorry for that interruption. The ladies are nervous...
but I believe in a moment, we'll show you our last and final surprise, Sophia.
Yell in your room. Where do you think you are?
You stupid little shit!
Is that you, Sophia?
You're crazy. They'll object.
Watch out. Here he comes. Go on. Quick.
I'll describe her.
She is blonde, has big eyes, a sensuous mouth...
Come on, get out there!
And there she is. Sophia, the Nonchalant Beauty.
Nonchalant, but fast and masked.
No. Stay with us.
This mask is a surprise...
that will surprise you later.
Why the mask? I bet she's ugly as sin.
I find it intriguing.
With a body like that, she could be stupid.
Sophia is 18 years old, five feet four.
Her bust measures 37 and a half.
Her waist is 19, hips 35.
She is Italian and came here 'specially for the contest.
- She is fascinating! - Very ordinary.
She's really put together.
- And so are you. - Thanks.
Go ahead, Sophia. Don't be afraid.
Sophia, don't leave. No, no!
Start clapping to encourage her!
Sophia, are you leaving again?
Don't be silly. I'll cover you up as soon as you come off.
Count to three and go.
He fell.
Come on. On stage.
Elected unanimously. Congratulations!
- Can I have the money? - Tomorrow, at the office.
Number 10, Mademoiselle Sophia is the winner.
Here she is, accompanied by Mr. Valentin, the director.
Now, I'll leave you to your admirers.
- Where are you going? - To see her up close.
I thought you were in love.
- He's incapable of love. - That depends with whom.
He can't stop being a wolf.
Will you take off your mask for our friends?
Don't go yet. Maybe in her room, later.
Don't tell me to leave. I won't.
You don't know me.
Here's my card.
Get out!
I'll call the manager.
I'll call the manager!
Let him kill me!
I'll slap you.
Slap me, bite me, crush me. My corpse will still adore you.
Beautiful!
Don't move.
Why not?
You're in front of the light and you're showing me something.
What do you want?
- You love me? - I didn't say that.
You'd be disappointed if I took the mask off.
I feel differently.
My feeling tells me that you are despicable.
Flatterer!
A man like you courts one woman while deceiving another.
For you I'd deceive the world.
Photographers.
Don't let them come in!
She'll call you when she's ready.
Help me out, please!
I'll take them out front. You go out by the back door.
You'll see a white car. Get in and wait for me.
We want a picture in her dressing room.
She's getting dressed. Don't wait here.
Please let everything work out.
I want to explain my vote.
Because of pettifoggery and skullduggery...
the discussion has continued...
How long?
Five minutes, maybe.
I don't know what hit me, but that girl...
Agnes has nothing to do with it.
Must you have all of them? Agnes, Sophia, etc.
Mademoiselle Dumont to see you.
I was afraid you wouldn't find it.
I'm not a complete idiot.
The lady's with me.
And how is the family?
You know. How was your evening?
You know. The fights.
Who won?
- The winner. - You don't say.
How's Sophia without the mask?
How would I know?
You stayed 10 minutes. What did you do in her room?
- Boxing? - What boxing?
- You heard me. - What boxing?
You disgust me. Fooling Agnes like that.
We didn't go to the fights.
- Who asked you? - She's right.
Be quiet.
- They've voted! - Let's get to a phone.
What's Sophia like?
- I love you. - You love her too?
Don't be silly. I love only you. You know it.
I had a sudden desire for her. That's all.
How sweet! I love you, but I desire another. Good night!
Listen, I promise...
The government's fallen.
Promise what?
I don't have time. I've got to work.
Them or me.
But the government...
The government just fell!
Call the paper. I'll see you in half an hour.
- Leave me alone! - I'll take you home.
I have no home.
- Sleep in my bed. - Never!
Don't worry. I'll be out all night.
- We're through! - But I love you.
I don't believe you.
I want to marry you.
Are you serious?
You'll be my wife!
Amazed?
Just to get me to your house?
I want to marry you.
You are trying to...
I want a wife.
We'll see.
We'll go to Vichy. I'll ask for your hand.
Father will be happy.
- So you're jealous? - Yes.
What was the promise?
Never to see Sophia again.
Can I believe you?
I'd never lie to you.
I have something to tell you. It's not easy.
Your father's not a general?
It's about Sophia. I'm glad you gave her up.
That's easy. Girls like that...
They're fun for a night...
Are you sure?
A girl who shows her body to everybody can't be faithful.
Hey, the government!
Choose: The government or me!
We have our whole life. The government just died.
If I stay, you know what will happen?
Yes, darling. Stay.
If Sophia asked, you'd stay.
Yes. With her I would.
You, I respect. The first time in my life!
I'm amazed at myself.
What does she have that I don't?
The president's picture came out terrible.
You really look funny with a beard.
I have good news.
I got theJapan trip for you.
- Thanks, but I can't go. - He's getting married.
Charming. Makes me look like a fool.
You can fix it.
I can't kiss you anymore.
That's all the thanks I get?
You'll be godmother to our firstborn. How about that?
We have to pay our respects to the future Madame Roy.
- I like your beard. - Can we go out?
I have to get a book back. I'm late already.
To uphold our honor, here's our witness.
- Where did you find this pig? - Right here.
Impossible.
- How come? - Sophia brought it.
- She came here? - A little while ago.
She is very dark, superb.
- What did she want? - To thank you for helping her.
I couldn't understand her accent that well, but she said you are "funny."
- You misheard. - No, she said it a few times. "Funny."
And she left this for you.
Here. Department of Love.
I bet she's a duchess or princess.
She has a huge crown on her handkerchief.
A duchess? Striptease?
Maybe she does it for thrills.
- Now you're sulking. - Not at all.
Regret your promise?
No. Ridiculous. Tomorrow we're going to Vichy.
I was worried.
I'll clean up and get to the paper.
You pick me up and we'll lunch together.
We'll drive to Vichy?
Sorry, but you should have read the contract.
You get paid after the finals.
I don't want to, again.
I'm sorry. For both of us.
Isn't there any other way?
Then I'll do it.
You'll leave for Vichy tonight.
- The finals are in Vichy. - Vichy? Impossible.
What do you have against Vichy?
I live there. I'm known.
But you're wearing a mask. I like the mask idea.
But in the streets, the hotel!
I'll drive you there, get you a room at the casino,
drive you back, all at night.
Okay? Are you happy?
And I'll get the money?
You're getting famous. Your picture's in three papers.
Daniel is really odd.
Yesterday, he falls for this girl,
an hour later, he proposes to another.
Who can understand a man?
- Thanks, friend! - What did I do?
The boss is sending me to Vichy for the masked girl. Thanks!
You've met her. You'll do a fine story.
But I can't go to Vichy, because I am going there.
You can't go because... An ambulance, quick!
I am going to ask for Agnes' hand.
I can't go chasing after naked ladies at the same time!
What delicate sentiments!
He doesn't want to go toJapan.
Now Vichy. We're getting a little difficult.
Don't get mad. Just help, please.
Getting married imposes certain restrictions.
They are sending me to Vichy...
and I promised never to see Sophia again.
- The old ball and chain already. - Shut your mouth.
- I said noon! - I can't go to Vichy.
Strange. I can't go either.
I have to go to Lausanne. Why can't you?
My publisher wants me to be in Brussels.
What a coincidence!
That's enough!
- You'll be back? - Day after tomorrow.
Me too.
Are you going by train or by car?
By train.
What were you going to say?
Nothing. And you?
I'll think of you.
I love you.
"As per our agreement, I am sending you 180,000 francs
as an advance against royalties for your book."
It's from her publisher.
She has to sign for it?
- Naturally. - She can't authorize me?
No. I need her signature.
I'll ask her to come back.
They would recognize my voice.
Who is calling?
This is Monsieur Becu.
Sounds bad.
That's my name.
She's not here.
- Insist. - I insist.
Where is she?
In school.
Where, sir? Where?
- He didn't like that much. - Not much.
He's imprisoned her. And the money is here.
Go get her!
I guess I'll have to bring her back from Vichy.
I'll go to Chivy, and I'll bring her back.
This is awful!
What's the matter with you this morning?
And stand still, will you?
I need to go to the bathroom.
Let's hope it improves your playing.
- What is it? - Your lunch.
Leave it at the door.
Don't say anything. Please.
If you swear you won't tell you saw me.
I swear.
On Father's head.
Do you live here?
No. What are you doing here?
Violin lessons.
Will you do something for me?
What do I have to do?
Tell Sophia I am here.
Tell her to come to room 7.
But nobody else must know. Understand?
You can take another cake.
- Where have you been? - At my lesson.
And this spot comes from a violin?
From a chocolate cake.
Violin lessons in a candy shop?
No. The cakes come from the casino.
- You stole? - They gave them to me.
- Who? - I can't tell.
I don't remember.
Answer or I'll punish you.
- Agnes. - Lying to your father!
Agnes did give them to me!
I want the truth!
The truth! The truth!
A fine idea bringing her with you.
I don't mind paying attention to her.
I think Sophia is in room 7.
Nobody answers the door, but...
"To see you is to love you.
I love you. Where can I see you?"
Good, eh?
You find something.
Find the manager.
Take this to number 7, please.
- Impossible. - Try anyhow. Please.
How's that?
Very good. And it looks so nonchalant.
A card for you.
Under the door, please.
That faithless...
Tell him to come in five minutes.
Even more natural-looking.
You're expected.
Stay like that. Don't move.
Listen!
In ten minutes, you come by whistling.
Any tune.
"Marlborough Goes To War"?
I'll take her mask off, open the door and you take a photo.
- What if the door is locked? - It won't be.
- Don't miss your chance. - You don't know me.
I'll pretend you surprised us.
Who is it?
Are you alone?
What a surprise to see you.
- Who told you I was here? - This. It never leaves me.
How romantic you are.
It depends on the lady.
Ah, you Frenchmen!
- You promised to take off your mask. - You'll be disappointed.
- You're beautiful, I'm sure. - Who told you?
The girl at your house? She's nice.
Who is she? I'm jealous.
- Just a friend. - You love her?
No. She is funny, that's all.
She is an oaf. Right?
Yes, an oaf.
I stepped on your foot.
Doesn't matter.
You like me?
Why would I be here?
I beg your pardon.
Traitor. You tried to take off the mask.
Somebody's listening.
Still masked.
Open up. He's gone.
Careful. If she guessed...
I should have handled her.
Do you like her still?
While I'm with her, I think of Agnes. Strange, isn't it?
I've got it.
Drop them. Find a third one who resembles both of them.
Great idea! But where would I find her?
Quick. Come in.
What are you doing here? You're crying.
That brute! That pig!
He'll pay for it!
- Who? What? - My fiancé.
Fiancé? Wonderful.
He said he loved me.
It's awful. He said it yesterday too.
- To another woman? - Yes. Me.
Well, everything's fine.
That's just it.
- I don't understand. - It's quite clear.
There's me and me. Agnes and Sophia.
- I am Sophia. - I am Sophia.
- Since when? - Two days ago.
Who are you now?
I'm too unhappy.
I am missing a link.
Start again slowly, step by step.
- May I be excused? - What's your hurry?
My homework.
I'll go.
He is becoming a complete liar.
Children have imagination.
But this is too much.
What is it?
Answer me!
Hubert.
Now stop it!
I forbade you to enter this house again.
I don't want to enter. I am looking for Agnes.
Isn't she with you?
Isn't she here?
I haven't seen her since she left. Is that clear?
She left Paris for Vichy.
Then he was right.
Kiss your father.
I am glad you came, my son.
Couldn't you say you were telling the truth?
Let's go see what she's doing at the casino.
We'll see at the casino what she's doing.
Why the casino?
Your fiancé is having an affair with yourself?
Kill him, I say.
That's not enough.
I'll take the mask off.
I'll destroy all his illusions.
That'll teach him. Go get him.
Good. He'll die of heartache.
So will I.
You are Sophia?
Monsieur Daniel Roy?
I've got her!
You'll be on the front page tomorrow.
I'm the wrong Sophia. I am the other one.
Two Sophias?
That's the end. I slaved, and for what?
There are two Sophias?
The Sophia you know is waiting for you.
Good. Take care of her. Something's fishy here.
Now tell me where the real Sophia is.
That's how you take care of me.
- Can't you see I'm working? - Work? Work! Hah!
lecher.
You want to go to Italy with me?
Yes. When?
Tonight after the show.
Certainly, I'd be glad to.
Now you deserve to see my face.
Swear you won't reveal my identity.
I can't do that.
I came to get a photo of you.
Is that the only reason?
Well, not exactly.
I find you attractive.
Are you angry at me?
Are you angry because I told you the truth?
Go! You'll never know who I am.
As you wish.
But I'll find out who you are tonight.
And you let her friend escape.
She just escaped.
We have to get her out of the room.
Sophia 1 won't talk, but Sophia 2 might.
But how?
I'm amazed that you even come up with one idea.
You talk as if I were feebleminded.
How did you guess?
Photograph something!
- He loves me! - Which me?
- Me, me, me! - You you or you me?
He loves Agnes. He wanted only a photo of the other.
If he discovers I'm Sophia and I do the striptease, all is lost.
Oh, I hope not.
First and last: discretion and incognito.
General Dumont, I am so pleased you came.
I didn't really come...
We'd like you to be on the jury.
Very kind, but I couldn't.
Nobody knows you. Go to work, but incognito.
I've got an idea! Are you angry?
Just worried.
Let's blow a fuse. That'll get her out of the room.
My, my, you're waking up!
Looking for something?
Yes. The incognito.
Let's go find the incognito.
Lights! Lights!
Hey, little man!
Why did she say, "Hey, little man"?
What's the matter? No lights?
Why don't you watch out?
I'm so sorry.
Thanks so much. Now that my coccyx is broken...
It's painful?
Are you making fun of me?
No, he's not. He is just sorry.
You know Sophia?
My name is Daniel Roy.
Mine is Incognito.
Let's find her.
- Who are you? - Answer when we talk to you.
Hubert will tell us.
Ah, Hubert's name worries you.
Yes, Hubert makes an impression.
Let's try it with the other Sophia.
Mademoiselle Sophia, Hubert would like to see you.
The word works like magic. Keep her here. I'll find Hubert.
She's not easy to hold.
Scare her with Hubert.
- Anybody call me? - You're wanted in room 7.
Incognito, you know.
Who is it?
You're here?
We're getting closer.
You hold her. I'll get my camera.
Have you ever seen this?
It belongs to Agnes.
Sophie is Agnes, and Agnes is...
No, I made a mistake. I've never seen it.
The little devil fooled me.
Now that you have the money, will you go through with this?
- I signed. - Contract, bah!
I'll talk to the manager.
I have handled tougher situations.
She's crazy, that Italian girl.
Get him out!
I am sorry. I was stupid.
I should have accepted your proposal.
You still want me?
Changed your mind?
I thought I loved a little girl. I worried about it. Bah!
This is crazy.
Compared to that little oaf, your sinuous body...
will make me forget all about her.
That's the truth. You'll see I'm very nice.
If you changed your mind, say so, because I am going to ask your father...
General Dumont for his consent.
- You know? - Sophia told me.
Now you won't love me.
I'm not mad at you.
But you despise me.
You're not mad?
Good-bye to my reportage.
They expect a photo of an Italian duchess.
I'll look good!
And after refusing to go toJapan.
- Why refuse? - We're getting married.
I'd love to honeymoon in Japan.
- Impossible. - Why not?
And now we welcome our next contestant, a delightful blonde...
whose charms you'll appreciate.
I'm not competing.
I am Incognito.
I am looking for the manager.
Go ahead. Don't mind us.
Don't push me, do you hear!
Go on home, please.
Now we shall welcome our Mademoiselle Agnes.
Agnes is a ravishing blonde, who is 5'9"...
I'm not a contestant. I'm leaving.
- There's a wall there. - Sir, please leave. Right away.
- You dropped your sweater. - What a gentleman.
It's hot here.
Is that the only Agnes?
They all use false names.
A fine time.
Restrain your wild passion.
The manager insists you go on.
- Out of the question. - He'll sue.
And that would bring the scandal out into the open.
It would kill Father.
And if you go on, he'll die too.
He is a member of the jury.
He'll recognize me.
Someone else has to replace you.
Not me. I'd be too ashamed.
Don't you get it? Get out!
I've got an idea.
And now for the last contestant...
the exotic, mysterious, masked Sophia.
Her father's a general.
Are you feeling ill?
What are you doing here?
This gentleman wants to ask you something.
- I want to marry her. - Take her.
You have my blessings. Self-preservation, you know.
I'd rather live with her than die of old age.
Take off the mask!
You know where we're going for our honeymoon?
Next door.
Not necessarily.
Does that mean, "next door"?
No, "I love you."