Sophie Bonhomme?
I'm Catherine Lelièvre
-Something to drink? I'm having tea -There's no need
Let me explain the position
We live in an isolated house near a small town about ten kilometres away
Only three of us, but it is a large house
My stepdaughter sometimes comes for weekends
We occasionally entertain, involving extra work...
...but we've all mod. cons.
I'm not afraid of work, Madame
I do the cooking; my husband gets the groceries each week, or we telephone
So your hours won't be too long
I can cook
-You wouldn't mind the isolation? -I don't know
I could drive you to town sometimes
I run an art gallery
You want my references?
Madame Dutoit's husband died
She's going to her son in Australia
So you're free now?
I gave satisfaction for a long time, as she'll tell you
You can call or write
I'll call tonight...
...but I'm sure it will be all right
I'll meet you, as we're hard to find
Do you know about the trains?
There's one at nine a. m.
So when shall we say... Tuesday?
Yes. What day is this?
Saturday; so you'll have the weekend
All right, then. Thank you, Madame
So it's all settled. See you on Tuesday
Madame Dutoit paid me 5,500 francs
Oh, I'm sorry... shall we say 6,000 francs?
I'll tell you all about it. We expected you last night
I was busy
You could have called your father
Need any help?
No, thanks. Where are the menfolk?
Zapping away at the new satellite TV
You're supposed to choose
What do you want?
A sunset
Not bad, touch wood
-What more do you want? -Not the TV, idiot
-I was referring to the new maid -Don't call her that, it's degrading
-What's her name, anyway? -Sophie
"The Sorrows of... "
Why not say housekeeper?
Can you hear me saying that?
Actually, it's quite complimentary
Maid of all work... not many people can boast as much
These are good. Can this skivvy cook?
Don't joke about it
Her reference says she's pretty good
You've got her on trial?
Stupidly, I forgot to mention that, but I'm sure she'll turn out all right
Well, we need someone
Too true
-Not too ugly, is she? -Why? Keen to try it on?
The boy's right to admire beautiful things
Thanks, Georgo
The question is pertinent; ergo, it deserves an answer
I've no idea. I just didn't notice
She's no monstrosity, though; that I'd have noticed
Better than last week's fatso, I hope
-No comparison. Everyone finished? -Unless I eat the shells
You'll see for yourself on Tunesday... the nine a. m. train
-I thought I'd missed you -No, I took an earlier train
I hope you hadn't waited too long?
I was lucky, got parked right outside
I'm Jeanne Marchal, St. Coulomb post office
Could you give me a lift?
I missed my bus, and Annie's on the counter alone
Sit in front with me, Sophie
I spend three days every month at home. We can split up our holidays
-Wouldn't a month at home be nicer? -Oh, I wouldn't like that at all
Sophie, could you see if there are cigarettes in the glove-box?
She must be wondering who you are
My husband can't stand her
Have you a dead donkey in here?
Strong, aren't you?
There's a shower next door
Take your time settling in
-I'll show you the house later -I'll come now and unpack later
No, I'll have coffee meantime
Do you like the room?
I don't know... Yes, of course
"There can be no justice without humanity"
This is your domain
The vacuum cleaner is under the stairs
Dining-room. The tapestry is very delicate
This bit is simple: just soap and water
Our bedroom
Perhaps you'd change the sheets
Tidying up here
The library
I'm late. Is all that quite clear?
I don't know... I think so
I'll be back at six. Call me if necessary; the number's by the phone
Gilles gets home at five
-Did you make the salad? -Yes, Madame; I'll bring it at once
Is she good?
Wonderful, so far... fingers crossed
Good, simple cooking
-You agree, gastronome? -She'll do
Put it on the table; we'll help ourselves
She needs tips on serving
I'm sure she knows. You can't set an exam
When are we leaving?
I'm booking a flight for the 20th
Remember last year's trouble
We could leave later
No, I've to be back to visit my father
Is Sophie off, too?
Too soon... and I doubt if she's anywhere to go
No one ever telephones or writes to her. Luckily, she has her telly
This chicken looks succulent
You drug her with that TV
It saves me making conversation, anyway
She's just a robot to you
Don't exaggerate
Sophie, you can clear the table
She seems to have a thing against books
I'd rather she left my desk alone
Why not let her use the car?
You lend her yours
I have a feeling she can't drive
Would arranging driving lessons be paternalistic?
No, demagogic
I won't have you smoking; it's easier not to start than to stop
One thing intrigues me
-Why don't you use the dishwasher? -This is quicker; I dislike machines
If you want to go to town, you can borrow my wife's car
I can't drive
We'd pay for lessons
My eyesight's too bad
Don't you have glasses?
I don't know
I can't see with them any more
We can fix that. I'll make an appointment for Friday; I'll take you
Melinda will collect you afterwards
I understand
Melinda will be here at eleven
Tell them to send the bill to me
No change? Sure you have... see, you've got the right money
-Can I help you? -Have you any with lighter lenses?
-Are they very expensive? -No... look
-I only have 100 francs -You're all right, then
I'll take them
Sorry to have kept you waiting
-When do you get them... your glasses? -Wednesday
So soon? Another trip to town, then
Do they overwork you?
You mustn't let them, you know. They're only too glad to have you
I'm just getting some milk
"Could you iron my white suit?" It's for you
I'll iron my stuff later, unless...
Oh yes, I love ironing
-Got our tickets? -I'm not a cretin
Give this to Fournier
I'll send you a postcard
Groceries are being delivered, so you shouldn't run short
You can always phone
We'll be there on the 2nd. Have a nice week, Sophie
Remember to get your glasses
Madame Lelièvre's order
There's another box
Thirsty work; would you have any beer?
It's fine like this
See the television last night? This area did great, raised 550,000 francs
I don't know
Sign this for me
I can't sign their name
Your own will do
Right, I'm off
Just call if you need anything; I'll come running
Not those
These are nicer and cheaper. Sure, they're milk chocolate - it says so
How's it going?
-Fine -Especially with the Lelièvres away?
Heard from them?
They were lucky to find you, anyway
I must get back... someone might phone
I'd drive you, but I've to work
Drop in any time, if you're passing
I spend half my time reading
I was passing, and there's a card for you
-I'll open the door -Don't bother
You have a car?
Not exactly new, but it goes
-I haven't my glasses -Like me to read it?
"Having lovely holiday. Thinking of you. Melinda"
I don't like going on holiday
Besides, there are pirates in Corsica... they blow up boats
This is some place, it must be hell to keep clean
Well done, one could eat off the floor. You should give my place a once-over
Now, there's class for you
That's really something How does it work? Haven't you ever tried it?
So many channels
All these books I love reading
OK if I borrow one?
"Journey to the End of the Night". Think it's good?
Cèline... my mother's first name
Can I look upstairs?
How does it switch off?
-Shall we use first names? -If you like
Nicely done up
-They both sleep here? -Yes
All these clothes
She was a model all right
Models often use made-up names
Aren't there photographs around?
I went for a modelling job as a kid; they picked a blonde - her, I'm sure
But I'd rather be in movies, wouldn't you?
I don't know
I recognized her from pictures when she came to the post office. And she eyed me
Probably wondering where she'd seen me
Why bury yourself in the country?
To forget her carrying-on in Paris?
Funny things go on...
Not for the first time in this house, I'm told
He's no better. Always listening to music, right?
He does at his canning factory, I hear
He's the girl's father. Is she nice?
Yes, she's not bad
Not bad. Their old set, but better than nothing; I don't have one at all
Maybe I could watch here, sometimes
-If you like -We're friends, aren't we?
I must go. Can I wash my hands?
I do voluntary work for Catholic Relief
Sorting the clothes and stuff that's donated. Like to come along?
Maybe
-Are you free on Sunday? -It depends
Not even Sundays off?
Don't stand for it
Thanks for showing me round
Come and see me any time
Having trouble?
It's the battery; only just fixed, too
-Shall I have a look? -If you would; I'm hopeless
I'm no expert, but I like tinkering
I don't
I prefer poetry
You hope to publish?
Well, not just yet
Try it now
The battery mounting's loose
Got a tissue?
I've a hankie
Thanks again
Better go to a garage
We've hardly seen you. Found a lover?
No, preparing for exams
-Still keen on hunting? -Maybe. Where are Gilles and Catherine?
Out walking; collecting mushrooms, so they say
-Why didn't you go? -Oh, you know...
Shall I clean the guns?
Why not? Is our treasure Sophie learning to drive?
She's never mentioned it
Gilles says she often goes into town. Maybe she prefers walking
-Do I clean the guns? -I'll try to make it some Sunday
I'll clean them, then
Do you never stop working, even on Sundays?
I like ironing
Don't mind me
Mind giving me a lift? My moped's bust
I mind, but come on
I'm going to be late
I've a meeting this morning and I may be late back
I've left a shopping list by the phone
Call that number and they'll deliver today
We've nothing to eat in the house
What's up so early?
I need help
Our phone's out of order, so could you call in this order?
I'll report the fault first
No, Monsieur Lelièvre's done that
Couldn't he take the list?
Well... he didn't know about it. Stupidly, I forgot to tell him
Beneath his dignity, right?
I want to place an order, please
For the Lelièvres. Two packets of spaghetti
Two lettuces, four veal cutlets, eight lamb chops
Three rump steaks
Three tins sardines in oil, three with pimento
Why sardines? They can their own
No good, maybe
Got the sardines, have you?
Six Vichy Cèlestins
Four packets of coffee... Yes... no... "Carte Noire"
Two packets of navy blue napkins; five kilos of Omo washing-powder
Yes, I'll tell them
They haven't the Vichy water. They're also out of the coffee...
...the Omo and the navy blue napkins
Even supermarkets can run out. You could try next door
Thanks a lot
-Want to see this? -Yes, why not?
I'm mad about Paul Newman Can I see it at your place?
-Yes, when is it? -It says here, Sunday
I've an idea
Let's go to Catholic Relief first; I'll pick you up at noon
I need "Carte Noire" coffee, six bottles of Vichy Cèlestin...
...Omo washing powder and navy blue napkins
You're loaded like a pack-horse
The supermarket was out of some things
-Nice of you to bother, Sophie -I like walking, anyway
We've people coming for Melinda's birthday on Sunday. Can you be there?
I said I'd go to Catholic Relief
Charity work? That's good
I'm going with the postmistress
Well, do what you can; I'll try to manage
Quick, it's so windy
-Look at this -Wait, I'm helping Sophie
-No blue napkins -I'll manage
Look at this parcel; it's been opened, then done up again any old how
-Really? What's in it? -It's for Melinda, probably a present
I'll get the blame. That woman opens my letters, too
What can you expect of a welfare case?
Yes, she took her battered kid to hospital, where it died
They couldn't prove anything...
...but she was sent for trial
-How do you know all this? -From the newspapers. Remember?
You know I hate newspapers. Maybe it wasn't her
It was. I recognized her at once from the photograph
-It doesn't prove she did this -No, or I'd have complained already
-Need any help, Sophie? -No thanks, Mademoiselle
-Terrific Did you make all this? -Just the quiches and cheese tartlets
Well, thanks anyway
-Is it midday yet? -Half-past eleven. You aren't late
Here's Jèrèmie
-It's Jèrèmie -He's not late, anyway
Here... Happy birthday
-What is it? -Look and see
-So the party's begun? -My brother Gilles... my friend Jèrèmie
A bargain buy, they said
Can I borrow it? I'll pinch it, then
-Come and meet my parents -Concerto for flute and harp, K. 299
You've done your homework
This is Jèrèmie... my parents
See my present?
He recognized the Mozart
-You like Mozart? -Very much. I'm told you're a fanatic
Put it on the table
You're the first arrival. We're expecting a few friends and relations
Ask Sophie for ice, would you?
These little quiches are wonderful
Our Sophie made them; she's odd, but a real treasure
You're lucky
-How does it feel to be twenty? -Much as usual, but I love the presents
Paul Nizan said: "Let no one tell me twenty is the best age"
I'm sure there are worse
I know an equally alarming but less well-known saying
"There are many things I detest about good people, but not the evil in them"
-Good God, who said that? -Nietzsche
I should warn you that we're having a buffet, not a sit-down meal
Good idea
-Sophie would have brought it -She isn't there
Look for yourself
What's going on?
Unbelievable
She's gone
-You took your time -I couldn't get away earlier
Never mind. Look: do you like chanterelles?
We'll eat at my place; then, Catholic Relief
The bastards kept you?
They've guests for Melinda's birthday, but I slipped away
I wish I could see their faces
It's my birthday, too
Really? What luck we've got those chanterelles
There's wine in the fridge
-Too much garlic, maybe -It won't hurt
The bread's fresh today
Good?
Is it really your birthday?
-I know something about you -Something good, I hope
That you killed your child
-Who told you that? -I just know
I didn't do it; she burned herself
They'd no proof. Want to see?
-You didn't do it? -They couldn't prove it; the judge said
How could a mother kill her child?
Even if it's not normal
I know something about you
You like chocolate ice-cream? Take it out of the fridge, to soften a bit
Cold, but good
You, isn't it? Read that
I'll read it, then
"Arsonist still at large, say police
"The fire that ravaged 15 rue de la Providence, killing Jacques Bonhomme...
"... was deliberately started, but the culprit remains unknown
"Devoted to her paralysed father...
"... the daughter was out shopping
"Her innocence was quickly established
"We can't say as much for the property developers...
"... who profited by the tragedy"
You, right?
You're Sophie Bonhomme
We'll do that later
You didn't do it?
They couldn't prove anything
Now let's go and do good deeds
For a change
-Hello, Madame Lantier -Good of you to come, Jeanne
I brought Sophie to help
You're most welcome. We've been given a lot of stuff, most of it useless
If it's not too awful, keep it; the rest, chuck out
I could sew buttons on
Don't bother, it's all moth-eaten
Hurry up. Monsieur l'Abbè's waiting
Their charity's a bit out-at-elbow
What's that?
The Abbè's doing the choir
That's nice
"Arithmetic, 1st and 2nd Year Primer"
Who are they to use us as dustbins?
I don't know
Notice how Lantier stinks of tobacco?
With the priest it's piss
Just like my Dad
Not too much clearing up left, I hope
Happy birthday... Sophie told me
This way
Switch it on
On Two? No, Channel One
Those bloody ads
These letters have been deliberately opened. It's happened before
So I'm lodging an official complaint
It's not my fault if they're torn when they get here
We'll leave that to the enquiry. It never happened with your predecessor
I don't see how you can prove it
-Look at me, Mademoiselle -I'm looking
You got away with it once, but not this time
Who do you think you are, accusing me of opening your mail?
You read gossip about me, but I know
Your wife's a whore, like the one who killed herself
Did you see that?
-Let her have it, did you? -The girl's mad
I left a file on my desk that I need urgently
I'll send a driver for it
It's clearly labelled...
You couldn't have missed it; and the driver found no one in
-Your call was cut off -I called back
It didn't ring. I must go...
-The driver found no one in -With the phone out, I went shopping
My husband's here?
Your maid's getting up my nose
She's a maid, not a secretary
You don't have to be Einstein to find a file. She hung up on me
Some things you don't ask her to do
She's no good with the telephone, with books, but her housekeeping's perfect
Maybe, but I've had about enough
She's changed... almost insolent sometimes
And she's around less and less
I can't cope again like before
Of course not, but no one's irreplaceable
Maybe, but I had an awful job finding her
Anyway, I must dash with this file. Don't wait dinner, in case I'm late
We'll be watching a film on TV
With a tray... without me
Without you. Good film, though
She makes a good omelette
Terrific. What makes you say that?
I mean, Sophie's a good cook
Yes, she is... so what else is new? What's wrong?
Be nice and get my cigarettes from the bedroom
-Right now? -Do you mind?
-Weird, isn't he? -He won't say anything
Want one?
Make up your mind
You can smoke when I'm there
That's crazy, but OK
I'm worried; I don't think things are going well between Georges and Sophie
Why?
He thinks she's taking advantage
I hadn't noticed. She's got a friend upstairs
The girl from the post office
She's here? Georges will be furious
Don't tell him, then
-Really? -I don't see any other choice
I can't... I can't start keeping secrets from him
One can never really relax
-OK for the Delon film tomorrow? -Just don't let them see you
I'm afraid I've something disagreeable to say
Your private life is you own, and we have no wish to intervene
But that friend of yours is not to come here again
-She did no harm -I'm not going to discuss it
I will not tolerate someone who opens my maiI...
...and spreads malicious gossip
You may see her elsewhere...
...but I do not advise it
See what you made me do
You look grim
It's the skivvy... I'm beginning to find her...
Repellent?
Exactly
I'd sack her if your mother weren't so afraid of not finding anyone else
How's the moped? I'm no taxi-driver
-Couldn't you wait till tonight? -That's the problem
-Old Lelièvre fussing again? -He says you can't come any more
I knew it They use you...
...and you just sit and take it
His daughter calls him a Fascist...
...his wife screws around with men in that so-called gallery...
...and the son, he's the one who ratted on us
But you can't have friends? Bloody hell
I won't obey
They pretend to be nice, but what do they know?
What kind of car, who inherits what
That's the only kind of problems they have
If I'd had a tenth of what they've got...
...I could have lived a very different life
They won't get away with it
Drop me here
No, all the way. They won't be around
The daughter's car. What's this, boy friend trouble?
Just run back home... it's easy for her
You heard anything? You never say
I'd better drop you here
Try to find out
And tell me, for once
See you later
Jèrèmie's in England; it's cheaper if I call from here
You're not expected?
I'll do it now
How's it going?
Fine, but I'd rather be with you How are you?
I've got a problem
-Serious? -Sort of. I'm ten days overdue
-Has it happened before? -Never. I'm sure I'm pregnant
Don't panic if a test confirms it
we've still time to think
If you decide on an abortion or to keep it, either way I'm with you
How do you feel?
I don't know, not exactly overjoyed, but it's early days yet
I shan't let you down, though
-My father will go crazy -It's not that bad
After all his birth control lectures...
...he's convinced that whoever this happens to, it won't be his little girl
He'll know if I get an abortion, and kick me out
Anyway, what matters most is us
We'll discuss it, then I'll talk to him, OK?
-You'll call me tomorrow? -Yes, I'll do that
I love you, Melinda We'll have kids, don't worry, if not now, then later
I love you, too
You'll strain your eyes. Shall I make tea?
Catherine told me about your friend
Don't stand for it. Dad tries to be charitable, but can be a Fascist
Jeanne and I do charity work
You told us that
-Where are the cups? -On the draining-board
-What name would you pick for a baby? -I don't know
Sophie's nicer than Melinda
Do you know it means "wise" in Greek?
Any sugar?
There's a fun questionnaire here
"Are you a bitch?
Straight to the point
"He falls for a man. A) You laugh
"B) You make him take an AIDS test
"C) Ask for a divorce. D) Ask to meet the lover
"E) Suggest a threesome. F) Insist on secrecy"
You ask the questions, see if I'm a bitch
I've work to do
It's not long
I haven't my glasses
Here they are
Are you shocked? I'm sorry
How about fashions?
Yes, I prefer that
You're dyslexic?
I'm sorry. I mean...
You don't know how to read?
You should have said
I could teach you, if you like
Or I saw a TV programme about a woman doctor
She's in Paris and can help dyslexics, even much older ones than you
My father would pay
Say one word, and I'll tell about your baby
I'll tell your father. You're the bitch, not me
So mind your own business
Sophie, we're back
Melinda's around
This is a nice surprise
What's wrong?
I'll leave you two
No, I have to tell you
You found out what?
She's illiterate
She can't be
Of course... we should have guessed
It never occurred to me. You don't expect it these days...
...or being so ashamed
It's still no excuse for blackmail
Sorry, but this means the sack
Yes, we can't just ignore it
One can't read, the other reads our maid
Melinda has told me everything
I cannot employ a blackmailer
I know life's hard...
...and that being illiterate isn't entirely your fault
I feel sorry for you in a way, but blackmail, no...
...that I will not tolerate
You're not watching that
I could just turn you out; we've no written agreement
But you may keep this room for a week while you look around
Tomorrow's Thursday; I want you gone by this time next week
Do you understand?
We can commend your work...
...but will extend no character references
So don't expect any
If you find you can leave sooner...
...so much the better
Your household duties are, of course, suspended
We're from Catholic Relief
Here to remind you to give what you can for the cold and hungry poor
It's usually the Abbè
-This time it's us -The Abbè's at choir practice
Girls from Catholic Relief
We've put things aside. I'll get them
Someone always comes about now, you see
Looks like rubbish
We're not the town rubbish-dump
Lend a hand
Past its sell-by date... poisoning the poor?
Thanks, see you next year
I'll report you
Just don't palm off your garbage
Heathens
That'll do for today
So you've got Sunday off?
They've sacked me
The bastards
I knew it
Melinda?
Oh, this junk-heap... the battery mounting's loose
Tell me about it
First we'll deliver that
It stinks
So you're back
We only brought the better stuff
Put it there
The Abbè wants to see you
It's Jeanne and Sophie
This is a serious matter
I suppose you are doing your best...
...but we can no longer turn a blind eye to your behaviour
We make allowances...
...since you're volunteers...
...but you taint Catholic Relief's reputation, and that's unacceptable
We've had complaints...
...and I confess...
...I am amazed
For whatever reason, you have gone too far
In short, we have no further use for your services
We're not to do good?
You need help
That's an idea
Farther and farther the ferrets dig
Father, oh Father, who do you frig?
Madame Lantier, that's who
Tell me about being sacked and Melinda
Nothing to tell
Tight-lipped, aren't you?
Let's eat at my place
Yes, I'm hungry
If I have anything
Great coffee-maker
You'll find another job easily. Meantime, you can stay here
It'll be fun. We'll go for your things later on
Melinda's pregnant
Is there a big stink?
I don't know
How did you find out?
Keep it or not...
...it's no problem for them
Pity we've no food
Splendid, darling
It was just a ham salad
Splendid, wasn't it?
She made it
You know what I meant
Only ten minutes till it starts. Let's get going
We'll get stereo in the library
-How do we move that monster? -It's on castors. I've an aerial lead
-You're staying after all? -I like the opera
-Could I tape it? -Sure, give me your mike
There's your computer generation
I hope Jèrèmie won't call in the middle
No, the blessed event isn't that close
I've found the libretto, bilingual Italian-French
-The CD has one, too -It's not the same thing
Ready, Mozart
-Tape OK? -It's on
The bastard took off, so I'd no one to advise me...
...had I wanted an abortion
I wanted the baby, though
The cops should have realized I'd have done it then if I wanted rid of her
She was so good, never cried...
...even if she was hungry
She was almost four
I came in laden, and felt something touch my leg
I automatically kicked out, not knowing what it was
It was winter, so the stove was on
I went into the kitchen with my shopping
Coming back, I saw her against the stove...
...her cheek all blistered
Panicked, I ran for my neighbour...
...hoping she'd help, but she just squalled: "What have you done?"
She called the police
I was in a corner, out of it
I tried to explain, but the cops wouldn't believe me
I never knew what the examining magistrate thought
Maybe nothing
I was sent for trial
The judge was fair
He believed me, I think
He said he thought it was just a dreadful accident
So they let me go
The Post Office took me back...
...but transferred me here from Rennes in case of gossip and stuff
What about your Dad?
Oh, that...
Stop here
-Why? We're collecting your things -I want you to
Still scared of them?
Come on
Some hot chocolate?
Stick 'em up
I see why they like shooting
They've been screwing?
Take that, bitch
They'll know it was us
Don't want any jealousy
The chocolate now?
Let me pour
-Coffee? -Hush, I'm recording
In the interval
Now, my lady
No more telephone
-What next? -I don't know
Let's scare them
How does it work?
Here, I watched him
-You never told me -I know where the bullets are
-You'll break it -You're supposed to
What do you think?
What I like is, it's all of a piece; no one hogging the limelight
Did you hear something?
Probably Sophie sneaking in
-I thought it was glass breaking -That was in the opera, stereo effect
Snoozing?
No, digesting what I've heard
What was that?
I'm sure that postmistress is here
-I'll see -Let them say good-bye
Won't be long
Put those down and get out, or I'll call the police
I warned you before
One down
Was that a shot?
No, that girl's old jalopy
This is my favourite bit
-What's Georges up to? -He's hiding; he's shot the crazies
-Go and see, Gilles, I'm worried -It's all right, he's throwing them out
Let's go
Do please take a look, Gilles
-Where's my husband? -He's dead
That's it
A good deed
-I'd better go. Can you cope? -Yes, I'll set things straight
Then call the police; say you found them like that
They'll have no proof
I'll take this, it's too tempting
Melinda's present from Jèrèmie
She won't need it
I'm off
The car was just standing there, with no lights on
It was too late to avoid it
It wasn't your fault, Father; it was just fate
You think that's appropriate?
Do please take a look, Gilles
-Where's my husband? -He's dead
That's it
A good deed