"THE SANDWICH YEARS"
Yes.
What?
I'll be right there.
What is it? What happened?
Go back to sleep. The store's been trashed.
Great! Goddamnit!
The bastards.
You're...Mr. Rabinski?
Victor Rabinski, that's right.
# Racists strike again at Montholon Square.
# Vandals with crowbars destroyed an appliance store.
# Police have indicated that the store owner,...
# Mr. Victor Rabinski, is the latest target...
# in the wave of racist attacks in Paris in recent months.
# He's the 8th victim of such incidents this year.
# Stay tuned for more news. #
Everything all right, Mr. Félix?
Fine.
Hi, Mr. Beauchene.
Later...
"To Félix, from your friend Victor. August 25th, 1947."
PARIS, JULY 1947
Sorry.
Excuse me, Sir!
Treviso Street?
I don't know.
There's a map upstairs.
I know, but...
Where are you going?
Treviso Street!
Whereabouts is it?
The 9th District.
Near Cadet Station?
That's it. The Cadet Métro stop.
Change at Palais-Royal and take the Villette Line.
Villette...
I'm going that way but I change further on. Come on.
Got a ticket?
Then buy one!
A ticket, please.
1st or 2nd class?
I don't know.
Me, neither.
Don't move --- I'll ask.
1st or 2nd class?
What?
1st or 2nd class for the ticket?
I take 2nd class, but if you prefer 1st, I don't care.
Your first time in Paris?
Your folks live in the country?
Then they're in Paris!
No, not really, not really...
Ticket, please, young man.
Where do you live?
Treviso Street.
Hurry up!
Come on, over there.
You like to read?
Yes, of course!
What do you read?
Oh, a bit of everything...
whatever I find.
Have you read "Manhattan..."?
Excuse me?
"Manhattan Transfer"?
John dos Passos --- he's American.
Figures...
No one's ever heard of it but it's the best book I've ever read.
I'll try it.
Really?
Take it, please!
Sure, go ahead!
No, I couldn't.
I just reread it...I've got others.
Me, too...I've got lots of books.
I buy two copies of books I like: one to read and one to give away.
OK, but I'll give it back to you.
Shit --- Palais-Royal!
It's no big deal...just head back to Palais-Royal.
How?
Easy. See that "Exit" sign there?
Go up the stairs but stay in the station.
Go to the other side and take the next train to Palais-Royal.
Then you take the Villette Line...
to the Cadet stop. It's easy.
No, it's not...
But thanks anyway.
Good luck.
And thanks!
Let's get a taxi, OK?
A taxi? But that's expensive.
By the way, my name's Félix Beauchene.
Victor Rabinski.
Rabinski? Are you Polish?
Not really...I'm French.
Sorry.
That's OK --- we all make mistakes.
Sorry, but if your folks don't live in Paris or the country,...
where do they live?
I don't know.
So what's on Treviso Street?
My home --- it's where I live.
Look, I still don't get it:...
If you live on Treviso Street, your folks...
I don't know what happened...I'm very sorry.
Really, I didn't mean to offend you.
How about that taxi? I'll drop you off...
then go home. I have to be in when my father phones, or I'm in big trouble.
Ready?
Come on.
Thank you, sir. Good bye.
Thanks again!
Wait. I'll give you my phone number.
If you ever need anything...
anything at all...just give me a call.
Thank you. Thanks for everything!
Now where?
Mmmm? St. Cloud, please.
Can I help you? What do you want?
I'm looking for the concièrge.
That's me.
How long has the lady with the baby lived there?
Why?
No reason.
Never mind.
How about Mrs. Collignon? On the third floor?
Collignon? Nobody here by that name.
And the lady before?
Before what?
Before you.
Mrs. Brezet? The previous concièrge?
~ Mrs. Brezet? ~ Yes.
Why ask for Mrs. Brezet?
Where does she live?
I used to know. Now where did I put it?
Nobody asks about her...
I think Mrs. Brezet lives in Aubervilliers...just a moment.
"In the hope of continuing...
"our long and fruitful collaboration...
Change that to "cooperation"...
"regarding supplies..."
Yes? Come in.
"Please send us a detailed list...
"of our outstanding invoices...
"and the supplements pertaining thereto."
Look what we have here.
Why did you think you'd need a hat?
Pardon, Uncle Jean?
Nothing. Just wondering why you're wearing a hat.
Voilà. "Yours sincerely, etc."
Sorry, Uncle Jean.
Then take your cap off in front of a lady.
That's better.
Try to stay awake, Dear. Type that up for me to sign now.
I'm sure you know what to do.
I'll sign it when I'm done with this young gallant.
Are you here to work or to play golf?
To work, Uncle Jean. It's just that...
Your alarm clock didn't go off, you got lost,...
there was a Métro strike. You're sorry...I've heard it all.
Now listen carefully:...
You are a Beauchene. You must set an example.
So at least try to get here on time.
Don't get too familiar with the boys...
and don't mess with the girls downstairs.
I hope that's clear.
And never let anyone call you "Comrade"!
Do you understand me?
Very well, Uncle Jean.
What is it?
Is this Mrs. Brezet's place?
Mrs. Brezet? You didn't know about Mrs. Brezet?
She passed away last year.
Why? Are you a relative?
I just wanted to say hello.
Bye. It was nothing.
Your father phoned me about your punishment.
I don't know what it's for...
One night I snuck out...
And you got caught?
Only because a dog barked.
A dog.
It made such a racket I had to brain it.
You clobbered a dog? You?
Yes, Uncle Jean.
What breed? A poodle?
No, a guard dog.
Where was I?
My punishment.
Yes, right. Your father and I have agreed that...
some time spent in the company filing department...
and we have lots of files...
would be a useful way to introduce you to the world of work.
When I was being punished, your grandfather stuck me in files.
"SALES CLERK WANTED. APPLY RESPECTFULLY WITHIN."
Anyone here?
Hello, Sir.
I'm here about the job.
How old are you?
16, Sir.
Almost...
"Sixteen and standing tall," huh?
You don't look strong.
Maybe not.
But you're willing, right?
That's right, Sir. I'm willing.
Can you lift that thing there?
Where do I put it?
Out in the street.
Fine.
Now put it back.
Careful --- it's fragile!
If the legs break, we're left with nothing.
Sorry, Sir.
You're no circus strongman.
An audience wouldn't come to see you...not even for free.
And your parents...
would they want you working in a junk shop?
It's no life for a little squirt like you.
My parents are gone.
Where?
What's your name?
Victor.
Victor what?
Rabinski.
Victor Rabinski.
You wouldn't happen to be Jewish, by any chance?
Yes, Sir.
Me, too, but...{YIDDISH}
Beg pardon, Sir?
A Jew who doesn't understand Yiddish! That won't do!
That won't do at all.
You'll learn.
Tell me where you've been and where you're headed.
Get to it.
I'm listening!
I've come from near Chateauroux...now I'm traveling.
What did you do there?
Lived with the Roussels...went to school.
Who are the Roussels?
The folks I lived with.
Your parents sent you there?
No...Mrs. Collignon, a neighbor,...
took me there when my parents were taken away.
I couldn't stay in Paris.
Keep going.
Keep going! I've never known a Jew to have such a hard time talking!
Spit it out! Talk!
In Paris, towards the end, I'd sleep in a newsstand on Montholon Square
This kiosk --- my father sent me there.
One night --- I mean, one morning...
they took my parents away from home.
You have brothers? Sisters?
Later, Mrs. Collignon cared for me. She took me to the Roussels.
She's dead.
Who paid the Roussels?
Were they nice to you?
Sometimes.
Why not?
I hated going to church. I couldn't make the sign of the cross.
I got yelled at.
Crossing yourself is easy.
But it's pretty pointless.
It won't help you carry a coal stove.
Then what?
Then nothing.
I got fed up and left.
When was that?
Yesterday.
Yesterday?
What did the Roussels say?
Nothing --- I didn't tell them.
I took the money...
Mrs. Roussel hid in a tin.
What kind of tin?
A cookie tin. I left a note...
rode the train to Paris.
They wanted to send me to Palestine.
Who did?
The Roussels.
I saw the letter. The dictionary said...
Palestine was a desert filled with savages...
so I didn't want to go.
You believed the dictionary?
Of course.
How much was in the tin?
9,000 Francs.
You took it all?
How much is left?
4,500 Francs.
I paid the train fare, and a Métro ticket.
Give it to me.
I'll take 4,000. You keep the rest.
Give me the Roussels' address.
Never owe a Goy money! --- Never!
They even make you pay what you don't owe.
Don't think I'm giving you that money!
It's coming straight out of your pay, and you'll earn every centime!
So I'm hired?
If I don't hire you, who will?
Who?
Thanks, Sir!
Max!
Pardon, Sir?
You Victor, Me Max!
Sure, laugh! I wanted to hire a nice strong Goy...
because of my bad back.
And I get landed with a scrawny little Yid!
That's life --- what can you do?
Bring misery on yourself before others do.
I'll show you to your nest.
I'll work real hard.
You'll do your best!
You got a bread ration card?
No. I never had one in Chateauroux.
Oh, you didn't? What did you eat, bricks?
Got by with a smile...we'll get you one!
He's never had a ration card.
Voilà! It's just like the Ritz, but it's free.
Where's your suitcase?
Downstairs.
Make yourself at home, because this is your home!
This is my room, Sir?
Call it that if you want. It's where you'll sleep.
Rabinski...
Yes, Mr. Max?
Don't forget...
despite your misfortune, you're a lucky guy.
Lucky to run into an old schmuck like me.
Believe me.
Is my nephew around?
Over there, Mr. Beauchene.
Thanks.
Well, how's it going?
Fine, Uncle, but I'd rather be doing something more...
You can't have your druthers when you're being punished.
Don't you agree?
Yes, Uncle Jean.
Let's go eat.
Since it's your first day and a customer cancelled on me,...
let's go to a restaurant.
Tomorrow you can eat with the others.
Now tell me more about that cur you laid out!
That must have been something.
How do you like our friend Lantier?
He's my real punishment, right?
He's a dedicated collaborator, as he once was to the Vichy.
But he's very reliable.
I'll be back at 3:00, Miss Irma.
Uncle Jean?
Who's that here?
Ah, yes --- that's our founder.
He's cross-eyed.
What do you mean?
The founder's cross-eyed, Uncle Jean.
Indeed he is!
Let's go.
It's about time.
Get the crates out, Rabinski! Onto the forecourt!
I said diamonds, Schmuck, not a Goddamn spade.
I say it's time for a spade! And you play like a fist!
Me? Like a fist?
Let me tell you how to play. I'll tell you.
~ Quit bitching, Max! ~ You're a sore loser!
Sure is.
A sore loser? Why should I be a good loser?
How stupid!
The idea is to win.
A good loser is still a loser!
Spades!
It's gas.
How pleasant! How refined!
I come to play cards with a guy and he belches in my face!
What fine taste.
It's gas.
Drink something else! I'm sick of this guy!
I won't play with him! He yells and burps and farts!
And he won't play fair!
You guys play --- I've had it!
Sammy, don't be sore --- come on back!
Simone! Put it on my tab!
Shit!
Nice going. Without your briefs, your nuts'd show.
My what?
Never mind. Go change.
I can't.
You don't have any other pants?
I outgrew them ages ago.
I left them at Mrs. Roussel's.
Couldn't she buy you another pair?
I mean, just one pair?
They're so worn they're beyond mending.
You worry me.
I didn't see the nail!
Idiot! Crates always have nails. Just be careful.
Come on. We'll find you something at Sammy's.
The Hell with the Roussels!
Stop playing hard-to-get!
Stop it, asshole!
Cut it out!
Anybody in?
It's the madman!
That's Sammy. His real name is Simon.
He's infatuated with America ever since the GIs landed.
Look!
Sammy wants to become American.
Look.
"Esquire"...
"Colliers"...
"New Yorker"...
They fascinate him but he can't read a word!
What do you want? Get off my back!
Can I sell you a straightjacket?
The kid ripped his pants.
Got any steel-clad coveralls to fit him? Strong, anyway, by preference.
Let me check.
Your name?
Victor.
Betty, get me a pair of overalls, size 4.
You hear me, Betty?
OK, Odette! Hurry, a customer is waiting.
Hi, Max. How's it going?
Max is fine. Everyone's fine.
Get me a size 4 coverall.
Won't be called Betty! But it's better than Odette, no?
Try these on!
~ Here? ~ Yes, here.
Where else, outside?
In front of everyone?
Go ahead!
I'll take care of you.
Is that all he needs?
No! He needs a Sunday suit, too. Bum's got nothing to wear.
A suit? You're in luck!
I have just the thing. American style!
Real cool. I'll be right back.
Thanks.
~ Ah. They fit? ~ They're fine.
Comfortable?
~ Yes. ~ Great.
Sammy's getting a suit for you.
I'll buy the coveralls: they're for work,...
but the suit comes out of your pay, OK?
OK.
Isn't this a beauty?
You'll look real sharp.
Like a true New Yorker. Nice, huh?
A bit flashy.
It's the style!
It's the style! It's how everyone dresses over there!
Feel that fabric! Pure wool and rayon, guaranteed!
I pay for the suit, right?
Exactly!
Then I want something else.
Rabinski, my boy! You've risen in my estimation!
You haven't. You can't even sell your rags to a kid!
Rags? You call this a rag?
A rag? It's a beautiful suit! I could sell it to anyone.
Especially the blind.
OK. I'll see what else I have.
He's making a mistake. You don't find a suit like this every day!
Nice trick, right, Vic?
Give him a white shirt while you're at it.
My treat.
And socks. And two pair of briefs to keep his nuts warm.
He's a thief!
Now you have all you need, so don't bug me any more!
~ Thanks. ~ Don't thank me.
I didn't do it for you!
If you dress like a bum,...
people'll think I exploit the poor!
Thanks anyhow.
I did --- I said I didn't do it for you!
Pretty, isn't she?
Who?
Odette. I mean...Betty.
Victor! Come here!
Now you're interested in women?
Haven't you had enough trouble?
What did I say wrong?
Don't argue!
I'm not. I just said she's pretty!
You are arguing. He's arguing with me!
Hear me well:...
just don't talk back to me, got it?
I get mad when people argue with me!
So don't do it again!
Don't look at me like that!
Why can't I say she's pretty?
She IS pretty!
Why not say so...? Odette, Betty...
One moment, please.
Mr. Félix? Telephone!
Hello, yes?
It's me, Victor!
Victor?
Yes, Victor. Victor Rabinski!
We met in the Métro.
Ah, I remember now. Hold the receiver away...
Victor..."Manhattan Transfer"...dos Passos!
Yeah, I heard you.
Hang on a second...
A customer.
I'll be right there.
I called to see if we could get together.
Hello? Are you there?
Yeah, yeah, I'm here.
I was saying...
I heard, I heard...
Sure, but when --- and where?
Wherever you like.
OK, let's say Sunday at Palais-Royal Métro.
Got that? Métro Palais-Royal.
What time?
At 2 PM?
Fine, 2:00.
Good, OK. Palais-Royal Métro, 2:00, Sunday!
Simone --- how do I get to Palais-Royal?
What are you up to at Palais-Royal?
Hi, how are you?
OK --- sorry I'm late.
I took the wrong train.
Again!...Don't worry about it, it can happen...
It's no big deal.
It happens to everyone!
I was late, too.
So what'll we do? Go to a movie?
Sure, if you like.
Let's go see an American movie: "Hellzapoppin".
You'll see, it's very funny.
We'll go by bus, since your feet hurt...
Mine? No, they don't, but let's go anyway if it's a good movie.
OK, let's go.
~ You know it's not dubbed? ~ That doesn't bother me.
We'll see the original.
Ummm...right.
It'll be in English, with subtitles.
Of course.
What are subtitles?
Excuse me --- it's a twitch.
I haven't been to the movies in a long time.
Last time was with my parents. We saw "Lost Paradise".
Do you know that one?
I think I saw that, too.
What exactly are subtitles?
A translation on the screen.
That's no big deal.
We pay our own way?
Out of the question. I may be dumb about subtitles but I do know when...
it's my treat! I'm paying...two, please!
Wow, that was great!
Want to see it again?
~ Could we? ~ Sure, just stay in our seats.
Don't we have to pay again?
No, it's a continuous showing.
~ It's really allowed? ~ Yes.
It doesn't sound kosher.
Pardon?
Kosher. You know, it means it's not on the level. It's in Yiddish.
In what?
Yiddish, the Jewish language.
Are you an Israelite, too?
Yes...I'm a Jew.
What exactly does that mean?
Well, different things...it's kind of hard to explain.
How do you become one?
It's like...lots of things:...
You're born that way, more or less.
Tell me about your God...
What's His name?
The Israelite God...He's the same as ours?
I'm not sure. I'm not up on all these things.
Me neither!
Like when I had to make the sign of the cross...
I could never get it right!
Dumb, huh?
Israelites make the sign of the cross?
No, they don't...
We don't do it all. The Jews don't do it...
but I had to do it during the war so people...
wouldn't know I was Jewish.
Not an Israelite, you understand?
Yes, perfectly.
It's nothing to be ashamed of...
No, I guess not.
"In October, motorists will be feeling the pinch.
"Gasoline supplies have dried up and rationing has made a comeback.
"Paris will be a ghost town.
"Empty streets, idle policemen,...
"Hardly a car anywhere to be seen.
"Now for some good news: there's no shortage of wine..."
So long.
See you soon.
Until then.
I'll call you.
OK.
Victor...
Yeah...?
Let's be best friends.
That would be great!
OK --- best friends?
OK. OK, best friends!
Bye, Félix!
Victor --- know the way?
Of course, don't worry!
Got any plans for next Sunday?
Not really...I work in the morning but after I'm free.
I'm free, too. Want to meet?
That'd be great.
Let's meet at Palais-Royal, same time.
OK, agreed: Palais-Royal Métro stop --- same time!
Bye, Félix!
Félix --- Félix!
"Manhattan Transfer" is great!
We'll talk about it next time.
OK, OK...Bye, Félix!
I've...
I've got...
I've got a friend.
Yes, I won't forget, Mother.
Love you, too. Good night.
It's not that hard. What an idiot!
Hey, Max!
Who's that?
A chiseler! Watch out for him.
If he shakes your hand, count your fingers before and after.
What's a chiseler?
Never mind! A chiseler's someone who will...
sell anything to anybody, at any price.
That's a chiseler!
Just like us. We're...
Just like who?
Like us. Aren't we chiselers?
No! We have a shop.
We are merchants! We do business.
We buy. We sell.
He's a thief. He's the type of punk who'd sell...
his own mother on the black market if the price was right...
then strap her to his bike and make a delivery.
And he's a Goy!
There ought to be a law against Goys doing business.
~ Hey, Max! ~ Hi.
So the little shark's a postman now, is he?
~ The usual? ~ Yeah, please.
Interested in 500 pairs of nylon stockings?
~ What? ~ Nylons.
Nylons? What would I do with nylons? Got anything else?
No, not at the moment.
You're wrong. Nylons will sell fast, especially in the daytime.
Husband at work, wife at home:...
"Madame, would you care to buy some nylon stockings?"
OK, I'll take 100.
OK.
~ Meet me in a few minutes. ~ Yes.
Good day, Madame. Would you care to buy some nylons?
American-made?
Oh, yes, Madame.
Come in.
If we lose the Brazilian market, we may as well close up shop.
Sure, that's a great idea.
It'll be a nice break.
France or Brazil, it won't matter to her.
She likes that country.
I'll be expecting you.
Want to talk with your son?
OK, I'll tell him.
Nephew!
Your folks will be home tonight. Try to show up.
And hide any of the dogs you've brained all over Paris!
Where's Mr. Armand?
Sir...
I want all the nylons you've got!
Hotcakes, huh?
Do we have a deal?
Too late. The rest went to an RAF pilot.
Shit!
Shit! Shit!
I have something much better.
Up, girls!
I'm onto something big.
Are you listening?
Gasoline.
Where's Mr. Max?
In the café.
How's it going, Max?
Mr. Max...
I've got a good thing.
Really good.
We've worked together before, so I thought...
"This is for Mr. Max."
Anyway, I've got this friend...
who's not a friend, he's sort of a friend of a friend,...
You know what I mean?
No?
He proposed the thing...
and I thought that since you...
This is the big league,...
it's not for small fry.
Anyhow, I thought that maybe...
You want to tell me or do I have to guess?
I'll explain.
~ You have to... ~ Have to what?
Out with it. What are you selling?
Gasoline.
How much?
Lots.
How much is a lot?
10,000 litres.
Where will you put it? It won't fit in a milk bottle.
That's why I came to see you, Mr. Max!
Thanks. How much for the 10,000 litres?
A million and a half Francs. I front the cash and you get 30% of the take.
50%.
Oh, no...I'm putting up the cash!
Cash isn't the problem. I've got cash, too.
But I've brought the deal...
So drink your gasoline. Cheers!
No one will buy 10,000 litres. So you've got to store it. Right?
For that you pay: 50 for you and 50 for me.
Goddamnit! It makes me sick!
If it's too hard for you, don't force yourself.
Pour it into your thermos and sell it on your bike.
So how do we start?
I'll know at 5:00 PM.
Victor! Inside with you!
Don't worry --- you'll make lots of money!
I'm going out for the day.
Can you manage without me?
Yes, yes, I'll be fine.
Hey --- wash yourself, you smell like garbage!
Maurice! Where is that creature?
Do something, will you?
Where do I put all of this?
Tell them they'll miss the plane.
Give me a hand.
I went to bat for you, nephew. Your punishment's over.
Tomorrow you'll be home.
Then you, your brother, and Granny will be off for the coast.
What do you say?
Tomorrow? I can't, Uncle Jean.
You can't?!
Because I...I haven't finished doing the files...
Very funny! I said your punishment's over.
I can't leave, Uncle.
You have a girlfriend?
No, I just can't leave before Monday, that's all.
Got a date Sunday night?
Oh, Félix, you're a nephew after my own heart!
What's keeping you?
Hey!
What are you up to?
Didn't I tell you to wash?
Are you deaf or what?
I'm cleaning a stove.
Your overalls are filthy! Washing them won't wear them out!
Then what do I wear to clean stoves?
You want a beating? You're asking for one!
I'll knock your head off, you little snot!
Then where will you be?
Wash them tonight before going to bed.
Hang them up and they'll be dry by morning.
Is that so difficult?
Right, then. Any business?
I sold the oven, the copper pots, and a firescreen.
To the same person?
No. The oven's for the concièrge at Number 24. The rest went to...
some guy driving a Simca.
A big gray-haired phony in a white Simca?
Right. That's him.
You charged him normal prices?
Of course.
Forget it. You couldn't have known.
Known what?
If you see him again, double the prices. Triple them!
If we do that, we're thieves.
Not on your life! Not on your life!
He's the thief! We're merchants, understand?
No.
You worry me: for a Jew, you're a bit Goy in the head!
Sit down.
Now repeat after me:...
"Dealers are stealers." Repeat!
"Dealers are stealers."
And "We are merchants." Repeat!
"We are merchants."
Now say it all at once.
"Dealers are stealers. We're merchants."
Perfect! I knew you could do it!
Wasn't that easy?
Now I'm going to play cards, I think...
because you've worn me out, you fink!
And what I need...
Well?
What I need is...
I don't know.
What I need is a drink, Schmuck!
So long, Uncle Jean.
Oh, Félix!
I fixed it up.
You'll end the week here and go back Monday. What do you say?
Thanks, Uncle Jean!
"My Dear Son, "Have a good summer. "Your Loving Father"
"My Darling, "Change your clothes. "Kisses, Mother"
Come on! Move, damn it!
Cut it out.
Stop, Goddamnit! Quit beating him, you'll kill him!
Get lost, Twerp!
Stay out of this!
You crazy? I'll slug you!
You bastard!
What the Hell's going on?
Dirty thief! He stole my dog!
What are you doing with that dog? Give him back!
I won't! He'll kill him, I'm keeping him!
Mind your own business, he's my dog!
Not any more, forget it!
Thief!
Take this and bugger off!
I can't believe this!
You hear what I said? No dog's going to shit and piss in my store.
I don't even like dogs!
Give it back!
Now!
No, I won't!
See what happens?
It's not my problem. Work it out with him! It's not why I'm here.
Victor!
Don't come back! I hate assholes!
Go get drunk somewhere else!
Where is he?
Get rid of this damn anti-Semitic hound right now!
Hear me? Get that mutt out of here!
OK. Just let me go pack my bags!
What?
If he can't stay, we leave together.
God grant me patience!
I'll kill him...I'll stomp on him!
Where will you go, you lousy bum?
Who knows? Anywhere but here!
Anywhere! Anywhere!
I can't breathe!
I took in a lunatic!
Now the idiot want to bring into the shop...
dogs with fleas and who knows what else!?
What have I done to deserve this?
Tell me what!
Hell! If you want to leave, get going!
Take your bags and dog and go!
Go to Mrs. Roussel!
I have no room for dogs and crazies!
Get out and fast!
When I think...all I've done for him...
And he'd rather go with a damn dog!
Well?
Well, what?
Where do we store it?
Shit, this is no time to bug me about your damn stuff!
Don't bug me!
There's no hurry.
This way we're square.
~ And thanks! ~ Forget it.
Hey hey hey...where are you going?
Time will tell.
No it won't. You're staying here like a good boy.
You can't just take off. What about the money you owe me?
That's right --- the suit, shirts, socks, shoes?
Not to mention what you stole from Mrs. Roussel and I made good.
I'll pay you back.
You won't leave until you pay back every centime.
Now go back to your room and put on your coveralls.
~ And my dog? ~ What dog?
Lay off me about the damn dog!
Keep it out of my sight!
Go change --- hurry!
Hey, Zorro --- get over here!
I'll show you where it goes. Hurry up!
I've got work to do.
Front me part of my commission. 100,000 Francs --- hurry!
That's new.
Hand it over, quick!
Now, or I'll tell the blacks to call it off!
The rest in a week even if the stuff's not sold.
Don't you trust me anymore?
Can't afford to.
I don't like working with small fry.
Look.
Holy shit. They're drunk as skunks!
They're always like that.
What'd he say?
Wants directions.
Straight ahead, then left, up the hill, and through the tunnel.
That's it.
Never mind. I'll show you. Go ahead.
My God, didn't you know they were loaded?
As usual.
Who's he?
The middleman.
The commission's for him. I already paid 100,000 Francs.
What?
He wants the money.
What?
That wasn't the deal!
Well?
Give him the money!
It's in there.
It's there.
Goddamn thieves!
Scum!
Bastards!
Fucking niggers!
Watch what you say when I'm around.
What?
Why?
Maybe I'm part nigger.
Hey.
Oh, now. Grab onto the sides and pull hard.
I can't get a grip.
Bit off more than you can chew?
Take this.
Got to grab it from underneath.
Want a hand?
I want you to leave me alone! Got it?
Shit!
Mr. Max!
Let me be!
Help! Simone!
Damn dog!
Easy there!
Hold him.
What's he doing?
Two weeks of bed rest...two shots a day and no liquor.
I'll be bored stiff.
It's up to you: that or a wheelchair!
But if I see you up in the next two weeks, I'll double the shots.
Nice, juicy shots.
Intravenously, if I'm in a bad mood.
I'll bring his meals and look after him.
If he acts up, I'll call you right away.
Everybody out! Give him some air!
Shut up, Kiki.
What are you doing here?
Who's minding the store?
Downstairs, right smartly!
This is all your fault! You want...
me to get robbed? Get thrown out onto the street?
Ruined? Crippled?
Mr. Félix --- you're wanted on the phone.
A Mr. Victor.
Voilà! This is where I work.
Look around --- there are some neat things.
What's this?
It's a noodle maker. It's broken.
And that?
That's a...a liquor dispenser.
How's it work?
It's tricky.
Come on, I'll show you my room.
Here's where I sleep.
You're reading that?
It's hard to read.
Bergson says it's good...
so I'm struggling through it.
André Bergson?
Henrí Bergson.
You must freeze up here!
If it gets too cold, I'll set up a potbellied stove.
A what?
A coal stove.
Of course.
This friend of yours? A lout like you, I expect!
You found him in the Paris gutters?
Is he a Yid, at least?
The schmuck wants to hire a Goy!
I'll end up at the Salvation Army.
~ They're Goys! ~ Why not?
If the Goys ruin me, they can feed me!
He's doing it to help me, not for the money.
Who'd work for nothing?
Is he a millionaire? A philanthropist?
From your family?
No, just a pal...lending a helping hand.
Are you out of your mind?
I swear, it's out of kindness, Max. Kindness!
Then I don't want him!
"Friends" like that always cost you an arm and a leg.
Bare your behind, not that it's anything to see...
I know that woman's anti-Semitic!
You're living it up.
But why two?
To brush my hair faster --- see?
It's faster and parts in the middle.
Pretty smart.
I'll give you one.
~ Take it, come on! ~ No.
~ Go on. ~ It's part of a set.
One brush per head is plenty. Here.
Here, this is for you.
"To Félix, from your friend Victor. August 25th, 1947."
Hey!
Max wants you. I'll wait at the café.
I'm on the way.
Can I trust you?
Yes, Mr. Max.
No. Come here.
Closer.
Can I really trust you?
With complete confidence?
For once, do you promise to do what I ask...
without messing up?
Yes, Mr. Max. You can trust me.
If you foul up, I'll slug you.
They call me Rocket. He's the Stork.
I'm Victor.
Where's Jojo?
He's not here.
I deal with him.
You sell to us.
I open it?
Wait. The money first.
We pay first?
Like with sluts?
Like with sluts.
Since you do it for money...
Stop!
It's not all there!
Thought you'd give us a discount.
No discount --- the price is set.
Give the little guys a break.
Why should I?
We'll show you why...
You're short 300,000 Francs.
OK, pay him: sluts don't give discounts.
There --- happy now?
Let me tell you: I like you.
You're competent...
But you're too rigid. That's bad in your business.
Now I'll tell you something:
I don't like you at all,...
your buddy even less.
Besides,...
if he keeps calling me a slut...
I'll climb on a stool and knock his teeth out. Got it?
Now push off.
That went pretty well, huh?
Think so?
Sure --- you really showed them who's boss!
We're up the creek.
Why's that?
I never should have let those creeps come here.
Is your pal reliable?
Félix!
I'm Bouboule...real name's Robert,...
Bouboule: that's my street name.
I filled him in.
He agrees we should scare them.
And we've got a good method!
What's that?
A mattress.
What's it for?
To scare them...really scare them!
Hey, you're crazy!
Now if they return, we'll give them a warm reception!
A real fireworks display!
No no no no no!
You're nuts!
Me and my buddy won't go along with it!
What's wrong with you?
Those guys will be back with a gang to steal our gas...
and beat the shit out of us.
I don't care. That wasn't the plan!
We said we'd scare them, but not with bombs!
We can't do this!
We'll scare them! They'll take off!
Trust me on this.
What if they don't?
Yeah, what if they don't back off?
They'll back off!
I don't care! I don't care!
I'm not risking my neck for some black-market gas!
I value my life! This is crazy!
Let's go, Félix. Here, Kiki!
Go! Who needs chickens?
Chickens? We don't care!
So you said. I'm sick of your shit!
Take your buddy and your dog and get lost!
No. I'm staying.
What?
I said I'm staying.
Staying? Are you out of your mind?
Why stay?
I'm curious.
The door's locked.
It's deserted.
No, he's here.
I say no one's here.
And I say there is.
We'll get clobbered if we get any closer.
Robert!
Come on out!
It's your buddy Jojo!
Scumbag! Second-hand scumbag!
Get out the sticks.
The what?
The matches!
When I tell you, stand back and light the wick. Got it?
I know he's here!
I heard something.
~ Something like a dog. ~ That's not all.
Where are you, slut?
He's asking for it.
You've got 10 seconds to clear out!
Don't get sore.
We can work something out.
An arrangement.
Shit! I said 10 seconds, or else...
Or else what, little slut?
Light it!
Let's talk to them!
Hurry! Light it!
We're coming up. We'll go that way since the door's closed.
Light it! Quick!
Don't get nervous.
It's just to talk.
Hurry, damn it!
Come on out, little slut!
We've got lots more!
~ They're leaving! ~ Follow me, Félix!
Félix!
Félix, come back! I want to leave now!
Light it! Move back!
My leg!
It hurts!
I'm coming.
What's wrong?
An accident with Félix.
Where?
In the 9th District.
What's he doing there?
How should I know?
I'll never find a doctor at this hour.
François?
He's away.
Where are you going?
Upstairs.
He's still practicing?
When he has patients.
Are you Mr. ...?
Get in!
Wait --- I'll get my dog.
What's Félix doing with that street kid?
Who keeps a dog...!
Come on!
Where is it?
Keep to the right. It's past the shed.
It's not serious.
Where is he?
Over there. You should get him to a hospital...
They've got the equipment.
Why didn't you call an ambulance? What happened?
My leg.
We were attacked, Sir!
Attacked? By whom? Why?
What's this for?
What's this, huh?
What should I make of this, huh?
Answer me!
It's not my fault he fell.
Let go of me or I'll get mad!
Get lost!
How'd you brain that dog? With a Molotov cocktail?
Let's go.
Filthy rich, huh?
Looks like.
Just wait until I'm rolling in dough!
Enough of your shit! Let's get out of here!
Take it easy!
Hey, Max!
It's a ghost!
Given up English?
Hi, Simone.
Hi, Camus.
You're still alive?
As you can see...I got off the hook,...
but I'm living on borrowed time.
Buy you a drink?
Chamomile...
A chamomile tea, Simone!
Let me alone!
It's nice and tidy in here.
I forgot to tell you...
it's a shame, but...
I need the room upstairs.
I bought a whole load of junk.
I need somewhere to put it.
When?
Right away.
They deliver today or tomorrow.
The gas, right?
What?
It's because of the gas?
What gas?
What are you talking about?
Idiot.
What's with the fancy case?
It's my friend's things.
Your friend!
Come on.
I'll show you where you'll be staying.
Come on!
I'll get the key.
Sit! Stay!
What a big place!
We were once a big family.
I'll clear it out later. Settle in.
Like this, I can keep an eye on you...
so no monkey business.
I wanted to tell you...
Now what? You sold the store behind my back?
The gas again?
I couldn't care less about the gas.
Listen: if you sell the store,...
Sell the apartment with it!
This is your home.
And don't bug me anymore!
Now what?
You hug me now, in an economic recession?
Shit! Who's minding the shop?
Who's minding the shop? Such emotion! It'll ruin us!
Old, sick, and stupid!
What else can I ask?
What are you doing here?
Come on in.
Why look at me like that?
Never seen a dumb old sick Jew cry before?
Come here.
You anti-Semite!
No thank you. We don't need anything.
Sorry to disturb you...I'm Victor, Félix's friend.
I brought back his things. I called and was told to drop by.
Is Félix here?
I'll go see.
Wait here, please.
Your name?
Mr. Victor?
That's right. I'm Victor, if you please.
Félix's friend.
...It was hilarious! He was sprawled...
~ They put him on a stallion. ~ I ride well but not that well.
You hear, Félix? He was flat on his back.
Mr. Félix isn't here.
That's right --- he slaughtered a dog, didn't he?
What's a Jew, Mr. Max?
You didn't stay long at your friend's house.
Didn't have much to say.
I see.
Is his leg better?
Seems to be.
He sure had a nice suitcase!
Real leather!
What are you doing here?
Crazy mutt!
You asleep?
Yes.
I can't sleep a wink, it's too hot.
You crying?
Why should I be?
Good question.
But it helps sometimes.
It cools you off, clears you out...
it cleanses you, purifies you...
What are you hiding? Show me.
Show me.
No!
Give it to me.
Get up. Come on.
Come with me.
They're better off here.
A son, a daughter, a wife,...
a mother and a father.
Why the candle?
To remember.
And to honor those who have left us.
You believe in God?
You crazy? After what he did to us?
No, I just think it's important to remember...
Oh, yes...
not for Him...
not for Him.
For us, and for them.
I'm hot...aren't you?
Let's go out and get some air...
while it's still free.
Look, Rabinski...it's daybreak!
It's beautiful.
Don't you think the Guy who thought all this up...
can't be all bad?
Not all bad.
This year, despite all your mistakes,...
you've become a man.
Yes, you're right!
Crying at night doesn't mean you're not a man.
Tears make you a man, too.
Years like this one are rare in a lifetime...
Most men only live five or six years like it...
in their whole lives.
The other years are just the filler, until you exit.
Years like these are...
like thin slices of cold veal...
between two thick slices of bread.
They are...the Sandwich Years.
So...
when they happen you have to bite into them.
Even if the mustard's too hot...
and makes your eyes water...
You must be able to eat the whole thing.
All of it!
No harm in asking for a bit of pickle.
Rabinski, you pickle! Come here!
Today you are a man! Right, Kiki?
You may not have a beard yet, but you're a man.
When he heard about the attack on Victor's store, Félix almost...
sought out his long-lost friend, Victor.
But he never saw him again.
He knew that, unlike himself, Victor no longer needed anyone.