Pathe presents a restoration of
Jean Renoir's "Boudu Saved from Drowning"
This restoration involved a 2K digital scanning
of the original nitrate camera negative
and a preservation fine grain master positive.
The soundtrack was restored using the best available material,
a release print, as it was impossible to use the original elements,
which were incomplete and chemically degraded.
The soft focus effects in certain shots are the result of directorial choices.
The restoration was done by
L'Immagine Ritrovata and Digimage laboratories.
BOUDU SAVED FROM DROWNING
Based on the Play by RENE FAUCHOIS
Directed by JEAN RENOIR
Anne-Marie,
you are like the nymphs.
You are as graceful as they and could frolic in mossy glades,
drink from the springs
and dance naked under the moon on summer nights.
Bacchus would have presided at the nuptials of Priapus Lestingois
and his Chloe, Anne-Marie.
My wife is incapable of bringing the joys of the flesh alive in me.
Is that any reason for me to renounce them?
As long as the gods grant me the strength and inclination,
and as long as your indulgent youth consents,
I shall be your grateful lover, my little nymph,
and my pipes shall laud till their last breath the glory of Eros.
To think the upstairs maid's sweetheart is a tongue-tied soldier,
and the other maid's new husband is a dumb coalman!
You are lucky, Anne-Marie,
but you deserve to be, because you're pretty.
- I love you, Mr. Lestingois. - And I'm lucky too.
Run along now. Go make the soup.
Don't forget to salt the broth.
I won't forget!
I'll be thinking about tonight!
Expectation is an indispensable seasoning
for the dreariness of daily chores.
She's charming.
But last night I fell asleep before I could go join her.
No doubt about it, I'm growing old.
My pipes are weary,
and soon some shepherd will lure her with his youthful flute.
Back already?
I arrived in time for the aspersion.
Ernest's funeral was well attended. - He was your only friend.
- I strolled around the cemetery. - Good for the appetite.
Come along, darling.
Come! Time to go home!
Come on!
Leave my grub alone!
Here.
Come here, boy.
Where'd he go?
Come here, boy.
You seen my mutt?
Black dog, long hair. Must've come this way.
- "Give me a kiss -" - All right, all right.
"My poet, take thy lyre.
The buds are bursting on the wild sweetbriar.
How black it looks within the vale!"
Hey, copper, you seen my dog?
- A dog? - Black, with frizzy hair.
Just the kind of dog you'd have.
He ran off.
You'd better run along too.
If you don't, I'll haul you in.
Tell me, sir, have you seen a dog?
I've lost it and I'm so upset. It's won'th 10,000 francs.
- 10,000 francs? - Of course!
Hey, boys...
this lady's lost her dog won'th 10,000 francs.
Let's look for it.
- What color is it? - It's a brown Pekingese.
Don't fret. We'll try to find it.
Thank you so much.
You look so sad, miss.
I've good reason. I've lost my dog.
- How terrible. - I should say so.
Shall we search together?
Then climb in, miss.
Give this to the poor man, sweetie.
We must always help the less fortunate.
- Why are you giving me five francs? - To buy some bread.
Here's five francs.
Are you crazy? You making fun of me?
To buy some bread.
How much are Les Lettres d'Amabed?
Sixty francs, sir.
- You find that expensive? - It's beyond my means.
A student?
You like Voltaire? You've good reason to.
He's the one with good reason.
- Here. It's yours. - I couldn't!
It's my pleasure.
Yes, but -
Wait a second.
Here it is.
- Take this too. - You don't even know me!
I know you better than you think.
Youth is your name.
Don't let my wife hear of this next time you come.
- I wouldn't dare come back. - Oh, come now.
I love young people like yourself.
The flowers in their beds hang their heavy heads
But with the coming dawn all their sorrows are gone
Who is the enchanter who makes them rise with laughter
Who else could it be but the sun
- Give me that. - I wasrt harming it.
No, but you'd better dust the piano.
Mrs. Lestingois will complain again about the dust.
Why have a piano if no one plays it?
Even so, we have a piano because we're respectable people.
You're looking at women. I'm jealous.
You shouldn't be. Jealousy is horrid,
a sentiment beneath both your intelligence and your beauty.
In the winterforest the birds do shiver
Theirnests like graves above the frozen river
April reappears to a thousand cheers
Hailing the best season of the year
Your smile is my spring
My heart feels Cupid's sting
Your smile is my spring
Be quiet a second!
Just look at that one! He's wonderful!
I've never seen such a perfect tramp.
What's he - He's crazy!
What's wrong?
A madman!
What's happening? A crowd's gathering.
An accident!
Take a look!
I've see so many, I don't even bother anymore.
He's crazy! He'll drown!
How wonderful! A man of our class showing true civic courage.
Body in the water. Stop!
Reverse.
Wait.
I'll do it.
It's too crowded. We'll take him to my house.
- Is it far? - No, just there on the embankment.
How brave!
You're not bringing that into my house!
Let us close the door.
Get the bench, quickly!
- There's a draft. - Just what he needs.
It clears the air. It's too crowded in here.
Please leave, gentlemen.
- You're soaked. - I'm not surprised.
Hold his head up.
The tongue... take it out.
Not yours, his! Use your handkerchief.
Meanwhile, I'll continue artificial respiration.
Anne-Marie,
go get your master's old coat and trousers from the closet.
Quickly!
Bring some towels.
Mr. Lestingois, you're a hero!
- You're slapping him? - To get the blood moving.
- I just had that reupholstered! - I told you it could wait.
You've done a very fine thing.
He's breathing, the poor devil!
Sir, please change your clothes before you catch cold.
I brought your old shoes too.
Here, you take over.
Slap him on the hands and face as much as you can!
Don't you belong to a rescuers association?
- No. Why? - We'll nominate you for a medal.
I don't want any medal.
Why not? You deserve one.
- Quite right, madam. - We'll see to it.
I belong to a rescuers association,
but I haven't saved anyone 'cause I never got the chance.
- It takes luck. - And the ability to swim.
- You can't swim? - My specialty was runaway horses.
I'm here, my friend.
- Am I dead? - No, you're very much alive.
You owe your life to this man.
He doesn't look happy about it.
He's still a bit disoriented.
I'll just have to try again.
- What did he say? - Maybe he's crazy.
- Where are you going? - To drown myself.
- Again? - He's set on it.
Don't go back. I just pulled you out.
- Why'd you do that? - To save you.
I jumped in to save myself.
I've had it with life.
Courage, now.
You were probably alone,
but now we're here. Arert we, gentlemen?
We'll all pitch in to help. - Certainly, neighbor.
My wife must be wondering where I am.
I'd better be going. Once again, bravo!
I left my door open. I'll make sure you get your medal.
- I'll be on my way too. - You can't!
I'll leave you alone.
Now that we've met, I won't abandon you.
You're no longer alone in life.
What's your name? - Boudu.
- What? - Boudu!
Mr. Boudu, come with me. Right this way.
Take off your clothes.
Anne-Marie, get a nightshirt and socks from the closet.
She's a nice girl. Is she your daughter?
Sit down. Let's get your pants off.
I've caught a cold.
It's your own fault.
No, it's his fault.
I'm hungry.
We'll bring you hot soup and poached eggs.
I don't like soup.
And eggs don't agree with me.
- What would you like? - Sardines with bread and butter.
Coming right up.
Wait! Let me dry you off!
The lady has to leave.
- Me? - Yes, you.
- You want me to leave? - Yes, and step on it!
Do as the poor fellow asks.
Go open a can of sardines for him.
- I've got my back turned. - All the same, you're embarrassing him.
She's embarrassing me.
Even with her back turned, she's embarrassing me.
Where are my suspenders? - I'll give you some. Yours are worn out.
- I want mine. - They're all wet.
- I want them anyway! - All right. No need to shout.
He's not going to steal my suspenders now.
Here. No need to get upset.
- Your nightshirt. - Good. Thanks.
It's too small.
Well, you dropped in unexpectedly.
Get one of my ties.
You don't want a tie? - What is it?
A bit of cloth you wear around your neck.
Around my neck? What for?
It's not absolutely necessary. If you don't want one -
I don't want a tie.
Get a pair of my slippers.
In the meantime, you can wear mine.
Try this coat on.
What a getup! I'd never set foot outside in it.
- Why? - Kids would make fun of me.
No, they wouldn't. Pull up the trousers.
It doesn't fit.
Tomorrow I'll buy you a brand-new suit.
- One that fits? - You can choose it yourself.
- Black-and-white checks? - If you like.
- You're paying? - Of course.
In that case, I accept.
Your old slippers, sir.
- Why's she putting them on you? - Because I like to.
Can't he bend over?
She stuck her tongue out at me.
Pay no attention. She's just a child.
I'll have to sleep outside again tonight.
Here are your sardines with bread and butter.
About time.
- Is it all right? - Is this lard on the bread?
No, it's fresh butter, straight from Normandy.
- It's much better than lard. - No, it's not.
Have a drink.
Is the water good?
- It's white wine. - Try it.
What's the matter?
It stings.
- You prefer water? - That's for sure.
He had his fill of water earlier!
If he wants water, go get him some.
Make sure it's cold!
- Why'd she do that? - She was just kidding.
Is it a tic?
What do you sell in your shop?
What?
What do you sell in your shop?
Books. I'm a bookseller.
Can you read?
A little.
If the letters are big.
He's filthy! He'd better not be staying here.
I have no idea where I'll sleep tonight.
Give him 100 francs for a hotel.
A hotel? Never!
Your water.
- Why? - What would I do in a hotel?
You don't want to stay in a hotel?
Why didn't you let me drown?
We'll make up a bed for him on the sofa.
Seems you're master of the house now.
Is she your wife?
What?
Is she your wife?
Yes, that's Mrs. Lestingois.
On familiar terms now?
Do you mind?
Not at all.
Because I like you!
There goes her tic again!
Edouard...
seriously, what will we do with this man?
Seriously, Emma, I have no idea yet.
I can see I'm a bother.
Yes, I am.
I can see I'm a bother.
A wad of dough!
Oh, yes.
Lottery tickets I forgot in my coat pocket.
Lottery tickets?
I can't even remember when I bought them.
Oh, it was with Ernest.
- Poor Ernest. - Yes, he's dead.
- Ernest is dead? - Yes.
He's lucky.
Let's go, Anne-Marie. It's nearly dinner time.
Set a place for my friend Boudu. He'll eat with us.
- No, I'm not hungry anymore. - You have to eat.
I'll give you one ticket and keep the other.
Grand prize is 100,000 francs.
Can you imagine having 100,000 francs?
What would you do if you won 100,000 francs?
I'd buy a bicycle.
You know how to ride?
How could I? I never learned!
Where's that creature gone?
What are you doing down there?
- Where are you going? - Me? Nowhere.
Going to visit that girl downstairs?
Why aren't you asleep?
I can't snooze in a bed.
It's too hot.
It's too soft. Besides, I hate sweating on sheets.
Don't you?
I think the bed is a wonderful invention.
Then go to bed.
I'm going.
Good night.
Boudu.
Rose!
What?
- Got any matches? - Yes. Just a minute.
- You don't need them? - No, keep them.
Edouard, were you aware that Ernest had a mistress?
I hope he did.
Naturally, you approve.
And you didn't even attend his funeral.
You werert choked up.
My asthma keeps me choked up quite enough.
Yet you claim you were his friend.
I was no less a friend for missing his funeral.
I was a close friend, and he knew it.
- I just don't understand you. - Just realizing that now?
- Why did you cry when he died? - I cried?
I saw you.
Are you crazy? Good thing I'm no longer thirsty.
Why did you put salt in my wine?
Because you stained the cloth. It's to draw out the wine.
You've got a nice wife.
- I'll leave you with your friend. - You're getting on my nerves.
- What's gotten into you? - It's to draw out the salt.
The flowers in their beds hang their heavy heads
But with the coming dawn
Instead of singing, you should help Anne-Marie.
Hand me the plates.
Never mind. I've got them.
- Don't forget Judge Rougier. - Judge Rougier?
You're to deliver the works of Baudelaire.
- Where does he live? - His address is in the ledger.
What time is it?
The oaf! I'd better leave.
You've made a fine mess.
It's 2:00.
I've had enough of this!
Help me pick them up.
It's your fault, too. Why'd you ask me the time?
- For a laugh. - I'm not laughing.
I didn't expect you'd drop the tray to get your watch.
My watch is broken.
- Did you wind it? - I always wind it.
You wind it too much.
When the master gave it to you, he said to wind it once a day.
He gave it to me because it's broken.
You think so?
He had it on when he jumped in the water.
- It was to save you. - He could've taken it off.
It's not something he'd think of.
It's always the same: They'd take the shirt off his back.
And that man! What a stupid lout!
Boudu!
- Did I spit again? - You know how it bothers me.
Don't you have a handkerchief? - Yes.
Then use it, for heavers sake.
- I thought it was for blowing your nose. - It's for spitting too.
And what do you do after you spit in it?
- Put it in your pocket. - That's dirty.
Not as dirty as spitting on the ground.
Do as I say or else!
Don't get mad. I'll spit wherever you say.
- What now? - He tickled me!
- Me? - Yes, you!
- Boudu. - What?
You must change your ways, my friend.
Me?
"You must change your ways, my friend."
I just saw you spit.
No I didn't.
I did not spit.
I thought you did.
You see how you are? You scared me.
A bit irresponsible, isn't he?
Who?
Mr. Lintesgois.
He makes me laugh, that fellow.
He's a maniac, that Lintesgois.
Lestingois.
What did I say?
- Lintesgois. - I was close.
You could at least learn your benefactor's name.
It's so long.
This is dirty. Straight in the laundry.
Boudu!
What a pig!
The flowers in their beds hang their heavy heads
So you think Mr. Lestingois is irresponsible?
First of all, he'd never seen me before.
Why'd he fish me out? It beats me.
Maybe he needs a servant. I'd like to know.
Stop fooling around! Now I'm all wet!
I'll call Mr. Lestingois if you keep that up!
Lestingois! Lestingois!
- He wants me to thank him? - Will you stop that?
If he wanted thanks, he's been cheated.
- I've never thanked anyone. - I'm not surprised.
- Did you figure that out by yourself? - All by myself.
Do you eat well here? - Yes.
- You sleep here too? - Yes, I do.
And your fine checkered suit fits well?
Yes, it does.
Nice clothes, good food and a warm bed -
who do you owe all this to?
The good Lord.
Where would you be if the master hadrt saved you?
In heaven.
People who kill themselves don't go to heaven.
You know nothing of religion, and you're an ingrate!
I'm an ingrate?
Would you like a kiss? - Have you lost your mind?
Would you know how? - I haven't a clue.
- Would it be your first kiss? - No, I had a dog.
A dog?
He used to kiss me.
- He licked you. - He licked me.
- And did you kiss him? - Yes.
Did you enjoy it?
- Do you want to kiss me? - What happened to your dog?
I don't know. He ran away.
- Maybe you kissed him the wrong way. - No, I kissed him right.
Want to kiss me?
I don't like bearded men.
Want me to cut it?
Yes, cut it. Then we'll see.
- Then you'll kiss me? - We'll see... if I like you.
Now do you like me?
You've gone mad. A barber has to cut your beard.
Why?
You're even uglier than before.
I want a kiss!
Don't touch me! I'll call Mr. Lestingois!
What's going on here?
I wanted a kiss.
I didn't want to kiss him.
Your beard is lopsided!
She said she'd kiss me if I cut it.
- Did you promise? - No, I swear.
Here's some money. Go to the barber's for a shave.
You're not going out like that, are you?
- Why? - Your shoes aren't shined.
- My shoes have to shine? - Of course, dummy.
Are you angry with me, Mr. Lestingois?
Why would I be angry?
You never visit me at night anymore.
How can I, with that rascal sleeping in the hallway?
He can't keep a secret.
I'm sure you don't want madame to learn
of our nightly meetings any more than I do.
It's so sad.
I get bored all alone in my room.
I'm not exactly jumping for joy in my room either.
Are you sorry you saved him?
At night I am.
I'm not myself anymore.
My nerves are frayed.
What about Judge Rougier's delivery?
I'm just leaving.
What a pain!
That animal!
I'm off to the barber's.
Mr. Boudu, are your shoes polished?
Are they ever!
Edouard!
- Guess what Boudu's done now! - What?
He left the kitchen faucet running.
- Enough already. - There's water all over the floor.
What now?
Your friend Boudu!
Look!
That's the last straw. He has to go at once!
- You're telling me! - That creature's beyond hope!
- I've said that from the start. - You were right.
One should only come to the aid of one's equals.
We'd certainly be better rewarded.
But what will become of the poor wretch?
He'll do as he likes. It's no longer your concern.
But I am still concerned.
Even though he disgusts me, I did save his life.
I'm like a grandfather to him now.
Here comes another flowery speech.
You'll give him another useless lecture and then let him stay.
I said he's leaving, and he'll leave...
tomorrow.
What is it?
He spat in The Physiology of Marriage.
That pig!
He's leaving, even if it takes a swift kick in the rear!
There's no need for brutality.
I can relay our decision in very few words.
- He spat on Balzac. - He respects nothing.
- A magnificent edition too. - I'm not surprised.
I wouldn't have believed it!
This is how he rewards your devotion.
You look angry, Mr. Lestingois. Not with me, I hope.
No, you know how much I cherish your presence.
But now Boudu's always between us.
- Not for long, I swear. - Really?
That's wonderful!
I thought you loved him.
Mr. Lestingois, I'll love you my whole life.
I certainly hope so, but you might have loved him too.
At the same time?
I'm leaving before you make me cry.
Tears make you look so pretty that I wouldn't regret it.
I'm exhausted.
BARBERSHOP
You've been to the barber's? Very nice.
Madame has something to tell you. - Tell me?
Yes, you.
The man who spit in Balzac's Physiology of Marriage is less than nothing to me.
Who is that man?
Ask my wife.
Where's Mrs. Lestingois?
It seems there's another spitter around.
Don't be stupid. I must talk to you.
Don't I smell nice?
Yes. Did you go to the barber?
Do you like me now?
- Me, Mr. Boudu? - Yes, sweetie.
- Don't be so familiar. - What's that, sweetie?
Listen, Boudu.
Mr. Lestingois and I are your benefactors.
Yes, I know.
Nevertheless, you don't seem fully conscious
of your obligation to us arising from your situation.
What's she saying?
You're welcomed into an honest, middle-class home,
and you behave like a Neanderthal!
In cleaning your shoes, you made complete pandemonium of my room!
- "Panty-moan-yum"? - Don't be funny!
It's scandalous! Can't you polish your shoes like everyone else?
How do they do it?
Everything you need is in the kitchen.
- You mean polish? - Yes, and it's in the kitchen!
I don't like polish.
You'd rather use my satin quilt! You have no shame!
- I won't do it again. - Too late!
What's that you have there?
What? Here?
A beauty mark.
What was I saying?
Why do you have a mark like that?
Back to the matter at hand.
What did you say, Emma?
Mr. Boudu, I'll thank you to show me the proper respect.
- I'll give you respect! - What's gotten into you?
Why are you making those faces? You're frightening me!
- Frightened, Emma? - Yes, I'm frightened!
Victory, my dear neighbor!
- It's done! - What's done?
You've been awarded a medal!
For rescuing Boudu. It will be announced tomorrow.
Ridiculous. I don't want any medal.
Besides, I made no formal request.
I wrote it and your wife signed it, to surprise you.
Then it's a forgery.
Now I'll look ridiculous. - What is it?
Your master has been decorated for his good deed.
What's this?
Your husband has been decorated, thanks to me - I mean us.
No kidding? You've been decorated?
So it seems.
- All thanks to me. - He's right.
My dear benefactor, allow me to kiss you.
- A good deed's never wasted. - Now let's drink to it.
Yes, let's drink to it.
Excuse me, my friend. I don't see Mr. Lestingois.
Has he stepped out?
Lestingois? Wort I do?
Some time ago I asked him
for the first edition of The Flowers of Evil.
This isn't a flower shop. It's a bookstore.
I'll stop in another time.
The Flowers of Evil.
- Anne-Marie. - What?
- Did you see that customer? - Which one?
The one who just left.
No, I just got back.
What about him?
You should have seen me deal with him.
At this rate, I might even become a bookseller.
A bookseller! He never even finished grade school.
- Where would you sell books? - Here, and you'd be my little wife.
When I take leave of my senses, I'll think of you.
I want it to be right now.
I have a present for you.
What is it?
The lottery ticket Mr. Lestingois gave me the day he fished me out.
He gave it to you, so keep it.
What's mine is yours because I love you.
You love me? Arert I lucky!
Wort you be my little wife?
When pigs have wings.
- Will that be soon? - Wait and see.
- Are you teasing me? - You finally noticed?
You're a naughty girl.
A naughty girl.
Get the list of winning numbers in the Colonial Exhibition lottery!
Is that you, Mr. Lestingois? I'm so glad.
Hey, what's this number?
346.
- And this one? - That's 346 too.
Don't tell me - - Tell you what?
- Is that your ticket? - Yes.
Then you've won 100,000 francs.
What the hell is it to you, buddy?
- What are you doing? - Nothing.
- What's on your mind? - Nothing.
- Mr. Lestingois isn't here? - Not unless he's turned invisible.
Are you happy?
Why do you back away? Do I scare you?
Does your conscience trouble you that much?
Naughty boy!
I'm not naughty.
How quickly we forget!
Silly goose, nobody's going to hurt you.
Quite the contrary.
Arert you happy here? Tell me.
What's wrong? Answer me, darling.
What's been bothering you this last week?
Are you running from your beloved?
I'll yell if you come any closer!
What are you doing here? Oh, God!
If you faint, I'll slap you!
- I'm so ashamed! - Keep quiet.
- Think of the scandal. - You keep quiet too.
- We need to make certain things clear. - It all seems clear enough to me.
- Now I can marry you. - Shut up.
Quiet, for God's sake.
The situation couldn't be clearer. In fact, it's blindingly clear.
It's not won'th making a fuss over.
Nonetheless, modern morality demands the situation be set right.
Edouard, the ticket.
The lottery ticket.
I won the 100,000 francs!
So, then -
I won.
Let us bless sweet Fortune,
who, in the guise of a lottery ticket,
permits the union of carefree youth and innocent beauty.
For once, both modern morals and the laws of nature are satisfied.
Let us invite the gods to witness the union of Priapus Boudu
and his Chloe, Anne-Marie.
I can't eat this without bread.
Where's Boudu?
Did he run off or did he drown?
That savage!
Wherever he's gone, I couldn't care less.
It's his destiny. The currents have taken him once again.
In the blue water and the blue firmament
Violins sing forth their haunting strains
And the wooing of the sender ever sweeter and more tender
Holds you in love 's embrace again