In slang, "doulos" signifies a hat
But in the private language of police and underworld...
...it refers to a man "putting it on":
The police informer
One must choose
Die... or lie?
Have you eaten?
-There's some stew in the kitchen -I'm not hungry
Better eat something
Sometimes one doesn't feel like it
More often than not these days
The stones to one fence, the settings to another. They're scared
How much do you reckon?
15 to 20... hardly the 110 million francs the papers talked about
You saw Rémy as I suggested?
About Neuilly? Yes
Well, what's stopping you?
You're broke and the job's waiting. Sure, there's a safe...
...but you've all night, an isolated house
It seems too easy
I don't like easy set-ups. Six years ago was easy, too
When?
-Rémy wants it done tomorrow -He's right; the sooner the better
-Have you told anyone? -What do you take me for?
Not even Silien?
-You can trust Silien -That's not what they say in Paris
Screw them, he's my friend
I hope you're right. Someone's Iooking the place over?
Yes, Thérése; she'll make sure everyone's away
-How does Rémy work? Oxyacetylene? -No, drilling
That's best if it's reinforced
Eat. I'll see Nuttheccio downstairs
Nuttheccio's coming here?
Why? Got something against him?
Not personally; I just think he's a scumbag
I don't see how you can work with him
We're like you and Silien
Nuttheccio's dealings with the cops aren't just rumours, like Silien
-Do you want details? -Don't bother. Eat and get some sleep
-Is his friend Armand coming, too? -Yes
There's a pretty pair for you. When?
Any time now
I'm off to Thérése's place; she'll be glad to see me
Because Nuttheccio's coming?
I know how you feeI; for you, everything's changed
You need to get your life started again with Thérése, right?
Turn the job down if you're not up to it
It's understandable, after four years in jail
When my fences pay me, I can set you up for a bit
By the way...
I need your gun... for tomorrow
Are you crazy?
You know how it is
I'm not up to any rough stuff; there's nothing left
If there's trouble when I'm covering Rémy...
...I'll fire a warning shot in the air
I don't like to see you carrying; I've never cared for guns
Still, you're not a kid
-Where is it? -Chest-of-drawers, top right drawer
Discouraging for burglars
-Any bullets? -Two clips at the back, right
Thanks, this'll make me feel better
And don't worry
Help yourself to some money
Remember your cigarettes are here
Wait there
What's up? See the light?
-What time's your guy coming? -Seven o'clock
-Sure you're not being stupid again? -If I had to be sure, I'd never budge
I'm tired of being kept by Thérése
I said I could tide you over
That's my second offer. You think I'm finished?
I never said that. Anyway, you get nothing for nothing
I've bought a house, and soon...
You'll need a caretaker; that smells less like charity
You'll have work to do, don't worry
We'll discuss it twenty years from now
Never mind
Who is it?
It's Jean
What do you want?
Just to see how you are
I could be better
A stomach upset; eating snails Iast night
-Seen this? -I saw it
An old score settled?
-Ajob cleverly done, don't you think? -I don't think anything
Who gave you this address?
You did, two weeks ago
You were drunk at the time
You should watch it; cops might be around
That stuff about Arlette's death, for instance
Jean was saying that Gilbert killed your girl while you were in jaiI...
...in case she fingered him
But Arlette wouldn't have talked
Nor would he
It's not my style
Gilbert asked me to help with Arlette
I never spoke to the rat again
I know; I was next door the other day
I could hear every word
I'm off
-Stay for a drink -No, I just came to see how you were
Forgive me for coming here uninvited
My friend Silien
Make me a sandwich
Those snails didn't go down well
I feel queasy
I kept watch on the house all afternoon
No one but an old man about. There's a poodle, though, barks all the time
I assume the old man answered my call
He told me the owners were in Biarritz
I think the old man's living there till they get back
So that's the famous Silien?
Yes, he brought the equipment... for the safe
Why let someone like that in on your plans? You don't know who he'll tell
-Why didn't you ask Jean? -Jean couldn't get what I need
Besides, Silien's my friend...
...until proven otherwise
I'm the only one at risk, anyway; I'll make sure he doesn't meet Rémy
Friends, to my mind...
Want to look at the stuff?
How many clamps did you bring?
-Eight -Only two sets?
Drilling will take about two hours
If you break both sets, it's time to get out of there
Rémy knows his job
Try to bring that back, if you can
They don't make 'em like that any more
If all goes well, you won't regret it
So that Silien of yours has gone?
-You could have been nicer to him -Why should I?
Inspector Salignari, please
Is Maurice in?
He just went out
-Am I disturbing you? -No, come in
Some whisky?
You like brown, I see
Yes, it's my colour
Maurice is a sucker, too
For brown eyes
Understandably so. I'm not disturbing you?
Not at all... you just missed Maurice
They're bewitching
Your eyes. Maurice is a lucky man
Now, little lady, be good and tell me where Maurice's job is
Nod if you agree
Be sensible, little lady
And no screaming
Give me the address you went to this afternoon
86 Boulevard du GénéraI-Grenier, Neuilly
I hope you're not lying, because we'll meet again
Stop that, Flip
Hands up
Not a move, or I'll shoot
This is an assault
No, we're just having fun setting up a party
Put the light on. Keep looking down
Face the wall, don't turn round
Where's the piggy-bank... the safe?
There's no money in it
Just the kids' toys, I know
Off to bed... easy does it
Don't shout if you don't want to get hurt
Look at him now and again
Couldn't you do better than thieving?
We'd like to be cops, but want to make our pile first
Now shut up; you're disturbing the gentleman
The bastard!
Let's get out... leave everything!
Bloody Silien!
Turn left, quick!
Give me the gun. I want no shooting
-What's wrong? -You go on. I'm hit
Leave me the gun
Don't forget that bastard...
Thérése...
-Hi, Doctor -Hello, Maurice
Bad?
Just a flesh wound
Yet I fainted?
I told you before...
...that your years in jail had taken it out of you
I said you needed iron
What I had in mind was spinach
How did I get here?
Jean's charming lady might know
All I know is that...
...Jean called to say you were here, in need of my usual services
Remove the drip in an hour
You stay put for twenty-four hours
You know where to reach me
After all this time, I should know the veterinary clinic...
...Doctor Lekay
Till next time
What happened, Anita?
I don't know. Jean called to say you were here
I was to look after you; I found the doctor waiting
Who brought me here? Thérése and Jean?
I don't know
I've got to find that rat Silien
You're in no state...
Get me paper, an envelope...
...and something to write with
Watch this like dynamite
Two million in banknotes. Avenue Mozart jewels. LEAVE THE GUN
Don't parade it around
Give it to Jean - nobody else - if anything happens to me
-Be carefuI, Maurice -Give me 2-3,000 francs
Can you walk all right?
There he is. Stop here, Jo. Get behind him, Paulo
-He's spotted us -He isn't blind
How goes it, Silien?
Getting in? lt won't take long
We need some information, so we thought...
You and Sali...
You were good friends
Salignari is dead
Salignari took a call, then rushed to ask the Chief for four men
Being busy, the Chief asked no questions
So no one knew what was up
Sali shot Rémy and got killed
Rémy's accomplice got away
If you were Salignari's finger man...
...give us the accomplice and you're clear
I didn't finger anyone
Rémy was found holding the gun
But his jacket was rucked up, as though he'd been supported
You support a man who's falling; he's falling because he's dying
I can't see this dying man taking one shot to kill someone charging at him
Besides, Sali died instantly, so fired first
Obviously, the accomplice killed Sali
You support a dying man; you shoot for him; you put the gun in his hand
For Salignari's sake, Silien...
You owe it to him; he was your friend
I hate repeating myself: I wasn't the informer
Now you listen
Salignari is dead, and I'm packing it in
Maybe I'll find some place where cops and robbers don't exist
Meantime, I'll take care of whoever killed Salignari
I won't go to jail for it, either. And if I can't find him, no cop ever will
Have it your way
Personally, I know how you feel
We got the number of the getaway car, seemingly stolen
Then today we found it in a quarry...
...totally wrecked, with a body inside it
A woman's... I saw the papers
Did you know this Thérése Dalmain?
I don't know everyone
No prints but hers in the car
Rémy's girI, maybe, or his accomplice's?
Killed to keep her mouth shut
Maybe she wasn't even in the car at Neuilly
Maybe a third man drove it...
...perhaps taking her along for the ride
All those "maybes". Didn't the back-up cop see anything?
No one saw anything?
People did from their windows, not that it helps much
Some saw one man in the car, others two. No one mentioned a woman
But after the papers came out, someone claimed a woman was driving
Originally, he said he saw two men
-"A man and a woman?" we asked -"No," he said, "a woman alone"
Witnesses are influenced by the papers
No one saw the one who got away?
Plenty of people mentioned seeing a man running away
But all they saw was a silhouette. No use in showing them mug shots
We can't haul in every known crook...
...and parade them in turn before the witnesses
Even if we had a suspect, it'd be hopeless. Witnesses? Forget it
Well, for his sake I hope you find him before I do
It's getting late...
Hold on, there's something else you could help with
It has nothing to do with Neuilly, but we're interested
A few hours earlier, Salignari received one of his famous mystery tips
Oh, I know... it wasn't you
But you can't get out of this one so easily. Salignari told us about it
It concerned one Gilbert Varnove, killed at home with a .44
A ring from the Avenue Mozart robbery was found under his body. Follow me?
The informer said the killer was Maurice Faugel
Salignari agreed, at the informer's request, to delay the arrest
While looking for you tonight, we were trying to pick up Faugel
We didn't find him
But certain things...
This isn't about Salignari any more
You just want my co-operation
Forget it
How are you paying for that house you've built?
If you want explanations, get yourself a warrant
You'll be getting your wish tomorrow
We talked to Vice
They've just bust a drug ring. Isn't that your thing... heroin, coke?
-Pity to get involved when you're clean -And no Salignari to look out for you
You talk too fast for me
-We told Vice you were involved -They're getting a search warrant
-Meanwhile, we keep you on ice -And your lovely new house gets tossed
You make me laugh; there's nothing there
I don't touch drugs; I'm just a poor boob
You don't get clothes like that selling papers
I do the dustbins
-I'm sure they'll find something -I'm sure they won't
We all know there's nothing; seek, and ye shall find
-We'll go shares -At a pinch, one can find anything
What do you say, Silien?
I say you're shits
That's not nice. Wouldn't you like us to have Vice drop the matter?
What is it you want?
You're known everywhere, so call around
Find your friend Faugel
-FaugeI's no friend of mine -So much the better
Why not try raiding?
The sound of a gun going off alerts the quarry
If we didn't find Faugel right away, he'd be forewarned
So without help, you're screwed?
Is it a deaI?
7.15, the cocktail hour; it's a good time
Let's go
I'm not known there
-Telephone? -Downstairs
A dozen tokens
Try the "New-York"
Maurice? He's just left... asked for you and for Monsieur Jean
He's just across the road
He's in the bar opposite
We can nab him now
Make your call first... to Vice
That was just kidding; we're smarter than you
I'm off
So you can call him? Oh, no!
You don't expect me to pay for any calls? I'm not on expenses
Thérése Dalmain's body found in a wrecked car
The police are not sure if it was an accident due to fatigue...
...or an underworld killing
The car crashed into a deep quarry
Don't do anything silly, Faugel
What did I do?
On your feet!
-Are you armed? -Does anyone ever say yes?
Save it for later
There's money in the pocket for my bill
You ran like a rabbit?
That's unlike you
Guys came busting into Gilbert's place
I heard the guns go off upstairs
I scarpered by a window as they came down
The footprint behind the house is mine
But the tyre tracks are from their car; I went there by train
You had good reason to kill Varnove
Five years ago, someone just told you, he drowned your friend Arlette
In your shoes, I'd have done the same
I didn't do it. I'm not confessing just to please you
Here's what I suggest
Give me a lead on the Neuilly business, and I'll let you go
Neuilly business?
Some slimeball like you shot lnspector Salignari
I'm a thief, but I use my fists, not guns
Name an associate of Rémy's, and you can go
If you killed Varnove, it's just one slimeball less
And if you relieved him of the Avenue Mozart jewels...
...I doubt you'd have bothered with Neuilly
I hardly know this Rémy
That's a shame, because...
...you'll go down for killing Varnove
I didn't kill him
You'd deny it even if we caught you with the gun
He took care of me when I was released
I didn't kill him
You did, and you stashed the gun and the jewels
He died working on them
I've never packed a gun in my life
His Avenue Mozart accomplices killed him for his share
There's usually honour among thieves, so they say
These were probably the ratbag type
Have a look among your informers
Gilbert was your friend, he knew you could be trusted
So why not tell you who he did the job with?
I'm no big shot, in on everything
Besides, I was in jail at the time
Even if he had told me, why tell you? I'm not one of your back door men
I don't grass
What I'm saying's in your interest
You'd find it tough in court
Two clear motives: robbery and revenge
You could get from ten to fifteen years
Fifteen years is a long time, as you already know
All right, we'll take your statement
If you change your mind, my offer still stands
Bank on it
Hi, men... I hope
What are you in for?
Machine-gunning twenty-five cops
My name's Kern
-Looking for someone, Monsieur Silien? -No, I'm thirsty
-Silien at Nuttheccio's place... -That bodes no good
What'll it be, Monsieur Silien?
What's on offer?
Here?
No, upstairs. Tables busy?
I don't know
What is it? Baccarat, chemin-de-fer?
I'm just the barman
Poker?
I think so
-To what do we owe the pleasure? -I was thirsty
Drinks on the house for Monsieur Silien
-Your Scotch, Monsieur Silien -You have it
Two whiskies
-I'd like a drink with the lady -But that's impossible, sir
Because she belongs to the boss? Two whiskies, I said
-Long time no see -I wanted to leave you in peace
-Is my peace of mind so important? -He neglects you while he's gambling?
Never mind the obvious. Why the sudden visit?
I felt like it
What's the other reason?
I need information
Nothing much
-About what? -About... Nuttheccio
So... what do you want to know?
Not here
Your place
-Think you can still order me about? -Don't tell me you love him
Your assurance is galling
I know he revolts you. I'll be offering you a chance to get shot of him
You're too kind
Admit you dream of escaping
You with Nuttheccio... that galls me
-How can I see you? -Forget it
Don't you believe I can get you out?
I'm quite content
Pity
-You're going? -Obviously
I almost thought you came for me
You expected frankness; you got it
I made mistakes, and I know you're unhappy
You can't trust me again; it's a vicious circle
Tell me what facts you need, then I'll see
Why not?
Because the truth is that I wanted to see you
I wanted to spend some time with you, just the two of us alone
I wanted to sleep with you
1 1 rue de Franqueville. Give me an hour... it'll look less suspicious
I'll be there
Try to remember. You have to
An innocent man is in jail
I stayed in the car, saw nothing
I'd have heard the shot if Nuttheccio killed Gilbert Varnove
It was cold, the car windows would be closed...
...the house at some distance, the sound faint
They made you wait because they had it planned
The jewels and the gun that killed Varnove are in Nuttheccio's safe
No
Tell the cops they coerced you; you won't be charged
Oh, come on
This is your only chance to get free
Free for what?
Nuttheccio and Armand won't say different; they'll be dead
Believe me, Faugel didn't kill Varnove, I swear it
FaugeI's innocent and in jaiI, keep that in mind
Nuttheccio's quite capable of killing
He wanted all the jewels
I know, or I wouldn't do all this for FaugeI, who isn't even a friend
Help me
I need your evidence. I couldn't stand it if Nuttheccio got away with this
Try to remember
Afterwards, we'll go away together
A door slamming, a tyre bursting far away?
The train...
A train went by after they went in
So I wasn't wrong. You didn't hear a noise because there wasn't one
No one notices something like a train
The sound of the shot was covered by the train
He was killed as the train passed
Aren't you staying?
Later. I must finish this right now
-You'll be free in a few days -I'm afraid
If you knew me better, you wouldn't be
Nuttheccio's clever, too
Nuttheccio's as good as dead
You don't love me
Are you sure you don't remember a bang as the train went by?
-You don't love me -What do you know?
I'll be back tomorrow, maybe
I think I heard a bang
Don't say it just to please me
I can manage without your help
I did hear a shot, Silien... I remember now, I'm sure of it
Absolutely sure? You heard it?
Let's get this straight. You heard a shot as the train crossed the bridge
Fabienne? I'm here. Stay right there
What is this?
Sit down
Armand? Nuttheccio got the jewels back. He wants you
See these?
I see they're jewels
From the Avenue Mozart job
That wasn't me; I earn money enough
I have them and I need money
I'll gladly help you out; you didn't have to...
Who did you call?
The cemetery... to book you in if you screw it up
I've bailed friends out financially before. This isn't necessary
I need 200 grand
200,000 francs
Three, if you like
Fine. Handle them, they're not fake
I trust you
Handle them
There's no need...
Handle them
Look at this brooch
And this bracelet... feel the weight
It's good stuff
I'll give you 500,000
In cash
Sure. ln this drawer...
I prefer money from the safe
It's all the same
As you wish. The keys are in my left jacket pocket
-How much is there? -Three, four...
Back up to the wall
-You going to clean me out? -I might just clean your clock
Put these on
How about two million, and you keep the jewels?
Five million?
What happened, Silien?
What happened is this bastard...
I brought the bastard the jewels
He opened the safe to pay me my share, but instead...
Fabienne? Do it
Hello, police?
-I still think Silien fingered me -Who do you think got you out, then?
Yes, but it wasn't mere chance that I was arrested
And how come the cops knew about the Avenue Mozart job?
To atone for killing Arlette, Gilbert helped me
He became my friend
Killing Gilbert was hard
I probably wouldn't have done it but for a casuaI, irreparable gesture
He turned round
He saw the gun aimed at him
You don't aim at a friend
There was only one thing to do
Jean... who fingered me?
You really don't know?
I met Salignari with a girl who seemed fond of him
A valuable informer, he told me. I promptly forgot about her...
Until that day...
...I met her with you
And I had her case the Neuilly job
You wouldn't have believed me, so I let you go ahead
But I called to invite Sali to dinner that evening
He refused
He said he had to bust two guys at Neuilly
I got the picture
So I made Thérése talk, tied her up, borrowed her car...
...and dashed to Neuilly to intercept you
No joy
No, it was a mistake. I managed to get you away to Jean's place
I called Sali to try to smooth things over
I was told he was dead
I was upset, but couldn't let you down
Sali was going it alone; no one else knew your name or Rémy's
So they were stuck
I got rid of Thérése; she could finger me as the third man in the car
Jean called Anita to look after you
We went to Thérése's
She nearly got free
I hope you won't hold it against me
It cost me a raincoat... almost new
While Jean dealt with Thérése...
...I went to an address I'd been given, to get a fake passport for you
Nobody there
So I went looking
At seven I met Jean, and we called Anita
She said Lekay was taking care of you, so I went passport hunting again
How did they know where to arrest me?
I got picked up by Inspector Clain
They didn't know you were in on Neuilly, but Sali had told them...
...he suspected you...
...of killing Gilbert
Thérése must have tipped him; maybe you told her beforehand
That night I was too drunk
Clain put the screws on me...
...to find you for him
So I agreed to call around the bars, knowing you were safe at Jean's
Having no reason to be suspicious...
...the barman said you were there
I'd just left Jean's
Jean had given me your sketch-map
I dug up the jewels and gun
Then I squeezed evidence from Fabienne
Nuttheccio's girI, an old flame of mine
Nuttheccio's prints are on your gun. He and Armand shot each other
The jewels are in his safe
That's the whole story. Tonight you're invited to dinner here with Fabienne
I'm going to retire with her
I've a nice house at Ponthierry, and I'm packing it in
In this business you end up either a bum, or dead
I'm off to Ponthierry. A last good deed: for a fugitive who isn't even a friend
I'm an ungrateful bastard
I wanted Silien dead
If I'd found him, I'd have gunned him down
Silien doesn't show his feelings...
...but he'd do anything for a friend...
...no matter which side of the law
You and Salignari were his only two friends
Telephone, Monsieur Maurice
Kern will deliver the wreath this afternoon. Have the money ready
Where's Silien's place?
First right past Ponthierry
Lend me your car... it's urgent
A small Scotch
Hello, Jean
How's Anita? Nice girI, but talks too much, unfortunately for you
The quarry! Everyone out!
Why was Faugel holed up at your place?
I don't understand
We found a raincoat in your cupboard...
...but a bit of it was caught in the car in the quarry
-I don't understand -Come along, then; we'll explain
I'll probably get off
Once out, I'll need a million francs to set up a nice little deal
Kern...
I've a friend... a very dear friend... I'd hate to see something happen to him
Naturally
I wouldn't be there to buy him a wreath...
...an expensive wreath
Costing a million?
Maybe even two
My lawyer could arrange for my friend Jean...
...to give you two million francs to buy the wreath
I think you've come to the right guy
Maurice!
The... screen...
Fabienne? I won't be coming round tonight
Filmed in the rue Jenner studio