This film is a work of fiction inspired by actual events.
Some scenes and dialogues stemmed from creative freedom,
rather than the events that actually transpired.
Your mother was held up at the casino.
A good flight?
You won't remember but we've met. When you were at school.
I was a supervisor.
Soon forgotten once you've done your exams, eh?
- Carousel 3. - I don't have any luggage.
- Your mother can't wait to see you. - So where is she?
- She insisted I come for you. - Why'?
I'm a lawyer. I can handle your divorce.
I see.
- Hello, Mademoiselle. - Mario.
To the beach.
Your mother's waiting.
You don't know what you're missing.
I get an ear infection when I swim.
I avoid the beach.
- Got a cigarette? - Yep.
Thanks.
You'll catch cold.
Thanks.
Is Agnelet your real name?
Yes.
It doesn't suit you.
- Really? - No.
You don't look like a "little lamb".
Like what, then?
I don't know.
Maybe we should go.
We've got time.
Sorry, but after the flight
she insisted on a swim.
Sending you was a bad idea.
Where is she?
In the car.
I don't think she likes casinos much.
Go home, Maurice. You've done enough overtime for today.
Ten thousand for Madame?
- May I place some chips for you? - Twelve.
- One on twelve. - Eighteen.
And on eighteen.
Thirty.
And thirty.
There, Madame.
Thank you.
Place your bets.
No more bets, please.
Eleven.
- You're looking beautiful. - Liar!
Mario, let's go.
You need some dresses.
A bit of colour. You're always in trousers, in black...
That hair colour makes your features look hard.
I did it on the spur of the moment yesterday.
I wanted a new look.
Punishing yourself for your divorce?
You sound like Masha Béranger!
I listen to her radio programme on my way home every evening.
I've come back to work.
To work?
- Back to university? - No.
- What, then? - I'll sell my shares and open a shop.
A shop? Why not?
But I'll take your shares.
- Our group... - I don't want to talk about it.
All right.
- Let me land first! - OK.
I know I'm being selfish, but I'm so happy you're back.
Sorry to be so snappy.
Nice of you to come, Maitre.
That's right, isn't it?
Yes, but I don't like being called that.
Call me Maurice, like everyone does.
Why are you always in a suit?
Your mother's wishes are my commands.
You should try, Maurice. It's easy.
I don't fancy it.
You don't know which way it'll go,
so you have to anticipate.
It's a good exercise.
Here.
Well, I'm not sure I'll be able to.
Can I borrow these?
The funds for your shop will be in your account tomorrow.
An advance on my shares?
No, it's money I'm giving you.
All I want is what I'm owed!
I can't buy your shares right now.
You're on the board, you'll see how serious the situation is.
Then why not sell the Palais?
You're joking! The Palais is my whole life.
- May n. - Him first.
- Do you need me, Madame Le Roux? - No, thanks.
You wanted to see me, Monsieur Guérin?
We lost a lot of money last night.
- How much? - Five million.
- Five million? - At trente-et-quarante.
In one game, from 9:30 to 10:45 p.m. I didn't want to tell you over the phone.
Have you watched the footage?
Yes, all played within the rules.
You can check.
If it was rigged, you're responsible!
The shoe wasn't tampered with.
The croupier could have been bribed.
We pay our employees enough to avoid problems like that.
You have to accept losses.
It's life... bad luck.
Yeah, blame it all on luck!
The players could have had
prior information of how the cards were set up.
You suspect the staff?
No, we have doubts about you.
What are you getting at?
I'm coming to it...
What conclusions do you draw from this?
It's put us in a precarious situation.
And who stands to gain?
Have you seen today's paper?
Fratoni makes a bid for the Palais.
Is that also...
bad luck?
Is that an accusation?
No, a suspicion.
I shall tender my resignation.
As main shareholder and member of the board,
Madame Le Roux has a say on that.
I refuse your resignation.
Robert Monnier, involved in organized crime, fraud and armed robbery.
Marcel Romero, owns a nightclub, involved in drug trafficking.
They're inseparable.
I've never seen them.
A German, Hermann Valbecker.
Banned from UK casinos.
And an Italian, Natalia Borghini,
a former dancer.
This lovely bunch took your five million.
How did you get this information?
Friends.
Friends...
Don't insult my intelligence with this cloak and dagger crap!
The local police chief.
He knows stuff about everyone.
Hello, everyone!
Come up for a coffee.
I don't want to disturb you.
We've finished.
Have a nice day.
Going into Nice? Can you drop me off?
- Mario can take you. - But why'?
Do you mind?
I'm on my motorbike.
I rode motorbikes in Africa.
I'll be right with you.
It wouldn't be safe without a helmet.
Goodbye.
Is the renovation work all done?
Yes, it's finished.
It used to be a toy shop.
Thanks for the lift the other day!
I didn't want to annoy your mother.
I have something for you.
For me?
Yes, for you.
Here.
Thanks.
It's The Odyssey.
You can read it to your son.
You do have a son, right?
A son?
Do I look that old?
No, but I've been asking around about you.
Are you free tonight? Can I buy you dinner?
I'd better tell you right now,
that I'm not ready for anyone yet.
I just want to thank you for the book,
not jump on you!
- Sorry to be such a wet blanket. - It's OK.
I don't know what you may have heard,
but you're not my type.
I've never been one for sporty girls.
If you're scared of going for dinner, I won't force you.
Don't believe everything people say about me.
Bye.
No more bets.
- Two on red. - Thanks.
- Deserted! - Yes, I can see.
- And the Ruhl'? - Heaving.
Fratoni's raking it in.
I won't let him squeeze me out!
He has the town hall on his side and mafia money.
You're trapped.
A straight, 35 to 1.
- Ten on a straight. That's 350, Monsieur. - For you.
We have to act. Any ideas?
Clean up your own backyard first.
Meaning?
Accept Guérin's resignation.
- A tequila, please. - Two.
You should run the casino. Become chief executive.
I'm not sure I'd know how.
You'll learn.
As vice-president of the board you have the casting vote.
And I'll back you up.
I don't care for power. I enjoy the public relations aspect,
but that's all.
350 families depend on this business.
Take responsibility.
You may not care for power,
but I'm sure you'll fight.
Here...
To the future boss!
The board duly notes the resignation of Monsieur Maurice Guérin
as president of the Palais de la Méditerranée.
Do we have a candidate for the position?
I'm putting myself forward.
You can't be!
What's the problem?
You have no experience.
My client opposes it.
I'm sure. But I can't let the business fail.
The only way out of this
is to have the court appoint an administrator
to deal with it.
He'd do nothing, as you well know.
No other candidates? Then we shall vote.
All those for Madame Renée Le Roux?
Four votes for.
And all those against Madame Renée Le Roux?
Four votes against.
In that case, the Palais de la Méditerranée is deadlocked.
You're forgetting something.
In the absence of a president, as vice-president my vote counts double.
Which makes it five against four,
validating my election.
Five against four.
It's in the regulations.
You wrote them, Monsieur Guérin. A long time ago.
On Monsieur Le Roux's advice.
You can check. You have reread them?
Watch your tone, young man!
Here it is. Article 16, paragraph...
three!
Quite.
By virtue of her casting vote,
Madame Le Roux is elected president of the Palais de la Mediterranee.
I acknowledge your appointment,
but you steamrollered this through.
I disapprove. You are making a serious mistake.
- Congratulations! - Thank you.
Henry would have been proud of you.
We won!
Thank you, Maurice.
- May I kiss you? - Yes.
Bravo!
- You're not staying? - No.
I'm so pleased.
- I'm starving! - Leave it to me.
I have to appoint a managing director to back me up.
- Do you know anyone? - Yes, me.
- You? - I've been thinking it over.
I'll give up the bar for the Palais.
But, Maurice, I need someone from the casino world.
No, what you need is back-up.
Your enemy is Fratoni.
He bought Menton casino
after rigging a game.
Three million at trente-et-quarante.
Sound familiar?
- Aren't you eating? - No, thanks.
The same gang as at the Palais.
Fratoni is laundering mafia money,
using it to destabilize and then buy up casinos along the coast.
He won't get the Palais.
Renée.
You need someone fighting your corner,
as I've always done.
Aren't we a great team?
Did you see Guérin's face?
Like a cod gasping for air!
Like that!
I'll think about ii.
Thanks.
Bon appétit!
Staring into the fire makes you sad.
So what do I look at?
I don't know. Me?
Unless that makes you sadder.
Hello.
Can I help you?
No, thanks, I'm just looking.
This is lovely.
Is this the one you gave Maurice?
He told me you and I were alike.
Alike? In what way?
I don't know. He didn't elaborate.
Not physically, anyway.
Are you... a friend of his?
One of his mistresses would be more exact.
I'm Zoune.
I'm not here to make a scene, just to speak frankly.
Uh-oh! That means you'll either say something stupid or nasty. Or both.
I wanted to meet you.
I'm nosey, it's a compulsion.
I know Maurice isn't a one-woman man.
But he's even fender of his freedom than of either of us.
Hang on, you've got it wrong.
We're friends, not lovers.
He beds everyone in the end.
What about a gift for him?
He collects La Pléiade editions,
but I'm hesitating between Hemingway, Rimbaud and Gide.
Hold them we were together.
Landlords prefer renting to couples.
It's not the Taj Mahal but it's clean.
And available.
Obviously, there's no room to hang a crystal chandelier.
I don't want much furniture.
An armchair, a table...
I prefer the space.
Miss Le Roux, you're a man of taste!
Is it what you had in mind?
I had nothing special in mind.
What do you think?
It's not for me.
My favourite bit is the terrace.
There's not much of a view,
but you can sunbathe naked.
It's nice.
I could grow some herbs.
Some thyme, basil...
A bit of cannabis.
If you get caught, call your lawyer!
You really prefer this to the villa?
The villa's my mum's.
A small bedroom here,
"bathed in light", as they say.
They've even left a bed.
A bit hard.
I can soon fix that.
That's the springs gone!
Thanks. A lovely dress.
Thank you.
- Madame? - Someone's been in my office.
I want the keys changing today,
and I'll keep all copies.
- Am I bothering you? - Never.
I found a bullet
in my office.
I'm not surprised. You should get a bodyguard.
Fratoni would like that!
Did you think about my offer?
Working together at the Palais.
I don't like it when you're pushy.
They're trying to intimidate you. This is war.
Take me on!
I haven't decided yet.
And I'll say it again, you're being too pushy.
Am I too heavy? One month later.
- Why do you ask? - A girl at school said I was heavy.
Did she? Why did she say that?
We all got weighed.
She was 19 kilos and I was 25.
Really?
That's normal, sweetheart.
Even as babies, boys are heavier than girls.
It's normal.
This is Madame Le Roux's secretary.
Hold the line.
Daddy!
It's Madame Le Roux's secretary.
Yes, Madeleine.
There's been an accident. Someone knocked her out.
She was taken to hospital...
Go away!
If they examined her and let her out, she must be all right.
I hope she'll be OK.
It happened as she was posting her mail.
She's decided to hit back.
She's in great shape, it's a miracle.
Thanks for letting me know.
The casinos on the south coast.
Any questions?
How can you be sure it's mafia money?
It's in an intelligence report,
which identifies Fratoni's main associate, Cesare Valsania.
He's the Calabrian mafia's banker. Here's a copy.
Is it that easy to launder money in a casino?
As long as the casino is in on it, yes.
A player shows up with a large quantity of cash,
exchanges it for chips,
plays and loses just a little,
then goes back to the cashier to exchange his chips for a cheque.
The money is now his winnings, and is perfectly legal.
Can you give us more details about your accident?
As Hold you, I was posting my mail.
I received a blow to the head and blacked out.
I didn't see anyone.
- Thanks. - You can go.
I heard about your accident.
Accident? You're joking.
It has Fratoni written all over it.
Is that why you're going after him?
Like Joan of Arc?
Absolutely. And I'm enjoying it.
- Tea? - No, thanks.
A camp bed?
Yes, it saves me car journeys.
It's nose to the grindstone 24 hours a day!
Anyway, I'm happy to see you.
It's been a while.
Sit down.
Tell me what you're up to.
I respect your space but I miss you.
You miss me?
- Yes. - You never come to the shop.
Oh, books...
It's not just books.
There are African materials, Asian objects...
I just need room to breathe, Mum.
Breathe, then.
Did you get my writ?
- Yes. - And'?
I know how stubborn you are.
Mum, all I want is my share of my inheritance from Dad.
I wish you'd deal with it.
Do you realise the state I'm in?
I was knocked out, I fell down, I twisted my ankle...
Is this the time to hassle me?
It's never the time with you!
You contacted your godfather.
He too hopes you'll see reason.
Reason? I haven't gone insane, Mum!
I want my money!
Don't shout! You'll get your money.
But not now.
- In two years, the Palais... - Will be worthless!
Don't say that!
OK, but I can think it.
Everyone knows you're hopeless.
Who's everyone?
I won't wait two years.
Thanks for coming, anyway.
See my daughter out.
Don't bother, I know the way.
Are you crying?
No, it's nothing. Don't worry about it.
Permission to come aboard!
Granted.
Here.
I couldn't buy you a book.
So it's a notebook. You can write your own story.
- Can I have a look? - Of course.
I was sorting my photos out.
You and Jean-Pierre make a funny couple.
Is that you?
Mum made me do ballet.
I struggled going en pointe.
It was a nightmare.
Howl hated her!
I like this photo.
Really? Why'?
I don't know. Your expression.
What music do you like?
- May I. - Yeah.
I recorded that in Africa. The quality isn't great.
Makes a change from ballet.
- Can you dance to it? - Yes. Well, I learnt.
- But don't laugh! - No.
Sorry, but you're wanted in the counting room.
- Now? - The head cashier said it's urgent.
- What's that music? - I don't know.
Happy birthday, Renée!
I don't know what to say. Thank you.
I'll blow out the candle, then.
- Was this ridiculous idea yours? - Absolutely.
I have a present, if you'll follow me.
Be right back.
I'll leave you.
I'm glad you're here.
Maurice insisted. I did it for him.
That's pretty. Is it Indian?
No, African.
You're looking for a casino manager.
Maurice is really hoping for the position.
- He's the man for the job. - Don't try to plead his case!
I hired him. I know his strengths and his limitations.
He's a lawyer with ambitions above his means.
You can be so hard, it's scary.
Here.
I don't drink.
You can toast your mother's birthday.
Happy birthday, Renée!
You have to rub it on the parts that lose most heat.
You don't mind doing this?
No, you have lovely skin. I like touching it.
You shouldn't swim in this weather. You'll catch cold.
I'm not scared of the cold.
- She's an extraordinary young woman. - Meaning?
- Can you change this? - Of course.
Ten thousand.
Eight, fourteen and voisins.
Ten thousand.
Eight, fourteen and voisins.
Two thousand on thirteen.
Yes?
Allow me to introduce Mr Briault, the new casino manager.
Hello.
Who's this Briault?
He used to work in the Ministry of the Interior.
And he's run five casinos. Big ones too.
Why have you done this to me?
I've simply chosen a professional.
I run my business as I see fit.
- Not eating? - You've ruined my appetite.
Don't be childish.
I sacrificed my practice to defend your interests.
You did not.
Your practice never worked, through no fault of mine.
I've always supported you.
I supported you! Financially, anyway.
You only paid my fees once.
60,000! Not bad for chasing unpaid cheques.
That's not all I did, as you well know.
What else did you do? Remind me.
Oh, yes, you were free with your opinions.
Quite pertinent at times.
You're clever, everyone knows.
You treat people like lackeys! Agnés is right.
- Keep her out of it. - Yes, sir!
- What does that mean? - You piss me off!
What's your game?
My devotion has its limits.
I'm not your adviser anymore.
Hello.
Thank you.
I'm out of cigarettes. Got any?
Thanks.
Try to calm down.
I'm in a real bind.
Sorry to bother you with all this.
It's no bother.
Can I help?
HOW'?
I don't know, but you can count on me.
I screwed up with the old bag.
No, you were right to do so. It takes courage to slam the door.
Courage won't put food on the table.
I have to save my practice.
At least I'm done with three-piece suits.
Well, that's something!
How much would tide you over?
No, I don't want you to do that.
I do what I want with my money.
Enough?
I don't want it, I said.
Pay it back when you can.
I want to do it.
Thanks.
I don't understand.
- Did you get my messages? - Yeah.
Why are you ignoring me?
Renée was taking the piss, so I walked out.
Good for you.
But she was my biggest client.
I'm sick of the Le Roux family.
We had fun but it's over now. I'll write.
- Are you kicking me out? - That's the idea!
Unless you enjoy watching a guy in the gutter.
But you have other clients.
The others aren't the same.
Come here.
Listen to one...
chosen at random.
You record your conversations?
That's not all. I also edit, splice and file them.
It must take ages.
No.
You work fast when you're lazy by nature.
My insurer won'! Pay up.
Have you filed a complaint?
No, not Yet.
Well, do so.
What will it Cost?
I'll be honest, I can't afford to pay your fees.
I'm the poor man's lawyer!
Stuck in a musty-smelling office.
So goodbye, Agnés Le Roux.
You'll find a new pal, I'm sure.
I don't want a pal.
Then what do you want?
Do you even know?
If you've nothing to say, then go.
If you don't fancy me, fine. I just want to know.
You mean you fancy me?
You know Zoune.
She came to your shop.
She's waiting.
I know you have lots of lovers.
That doesn't scare you?
I'm no coward.
I'm warning you... I'm a handful.
I'm seeing her till midnight.
I could come round after.
Still no spotlights?
Yeah, the lighting's bad.
I need one here,
and another here, for this stuff.
But I'm broke.
The Le Roux heiress can't afford two lights?
I'm still waiting for my share.
The way Renée's business is going,
it'll soon be worth fuck all!
I don't know what to do. I sent a formal demand.
That's not how to go about it.
How, then?
Advise me. That's your job, isn't it?
Not for the Le Roux family. I quit.
But if you want to hire me, there's no problem.
Come to the office, we'll do it properly.
I just want what's owed me.
That's fair enough, isn't it?
Tell me I'm right.
Yes, you're entitled to it.
I don't know how to get out of this.
I just don't know.
I have an idea that might interest Fratoni.
Fratoni? Isn't he a gangster?
That's what your mother says.
Do you know him?
He's a freemason, different lodge.
To me he's just a businessman.
As for anything else...
Aren't they great to watch?
I'm honoured by your invitation.
Relax! You quit working for the Queen Mother.
So enjoy life.
We're all informal here, no fuss.
- Lemonade? - No, thanks.
I love animals.
- I hope you do. - Yes, of course.
Look at that horse.
What's more beautiful than a horse, eh?
Have you won lots of races?
Who cares?
That's not why I breed horses.
Sit down.
Let's talk figures. How much does the heiress want?
We haven't established an exact sum.
A precise figure, I mean.
Hang on, son. You're wasting my time.
Hold you I agree if she votes against her mother.
So what will this crap cost me?
I don't throw money around.
Well, I need to talk to Agnés.
Time for my insulin.
How about the equivalent of her share of the inheritance?
Would that work?
How much?
Three million.
I'll transfer it to a Swiss bank.
One call and it's sorted.
You could make an effort!
I don't know what to say.
I prefer to leave it to you.
Having regrets? It's not too late.
I'll tell Fratoni and we'll call it off.
No, it's OK, we'll do it.
I just need to feel you near me.
Here, catch!
Thanks.
Doing anything tonight?
Family. And then Francoise.
- And you? - Nothing special.
- Here. - Thanks.
You have friends. Why not go out?
Friends?
It's funny,
but you're the only person I want to see.
Shall I wrap that too?
No, this is for me.
- Here. - Thanks.
- Goodbye. - Have a nice day.
- Your shop's nice. - It's starting to do well.
- You're looking beautiful. - I'm in love.
It hasn't happened often.
Never, as far as I'm aware. Try as you might.
But you shouldn't be seen with him.
- At Fratoni's too. - Look, Mum...
I do what I like.
I don't have to do what you tell me anymore.
I'm not a little girl.
He'll make you unhappy.
He's married, with kids.
And Fratoni wants my head.
Maurice is divorced.
He doesn't have to explain to anyone.
Be careful. He only wants your money.
My money's part of who I am.
And I'd like to see it!
He's a go-getting stud.
If that's all you have to say, you can leave!
It's my job to protect you.
By shooting down the man I love?
Agnés is here.
- Why'? - With Maitre Agnelet.
They're waiting for you.
- Good morning. - Good morning, Madame Le Roux.
Before we begin,
what is Maitre Agnelet doing here when he's no longer my lawyer?
He's mine.
But you gave me power of attorney.
Your signature,
from October 28th 1976.
Mr Briault will represent you.
Except that I'm here now.
You gave me power of attorney!
Well, I revoke it!
- Revoke it? - She can.
The power of attorney you refer to was never put to the board,
so it's invalid.
Agnes needs no representation.
Formally speaking, that's true.
If Agnes Le Roux is present
and wishes to take pan, then she has the right.
The employees have agreed to a wage reduction under my presidency,
and the works council supports me.
We hope to redress the deficit over the coming year.
I ask you therefore to vote for me,
so that I can continue to implement my policies.
Before we vote,
we'll hear from you.
For all your optimism, your management style is too rash.
As for the staff being behind you...
Well, they'll come down to earth with a bump!
We need someone new at the helm.
I shall vote against you.
You won't get rid of me.
My group has half the votes. A deadlock helps no one.
The future of this business
and its 350 employees is at stake.
Exactly! They deserve to be managed by a professional.
Like Fratoni, you mean?
I'm asking you to vote for me.
All I want is to save the Palais.
Let's vote.
I vote against.
- Against. - Against.
I vote for.
I vote for renewing Madame Le Roux's mandate.
For.
Agnés?
I vote against.
What are you doing?
Agnés?
- Agnés, what... - I vote against!
Agnés Le Roux betrays her mother.
- Sorry I'm late. - It's OK.
You're a star now!
Stop reading it over and over.
If your ten votes had stayed in the Le Roux group,
it would have been 3,500 for, and 3,500 against.
Your mother wouldn't have been reappointed.
There's no point feeling guilty.
Do you hear me?
Sorry.
Beautiful. Is it your brother's?
He's not my brother.
- Can I have a look? - Go ahead.
Thanks.
What does he want?
He's just interested in your motorbike.
He thought you were my brother.
- Really? - Yeah.
We don't look alike.
Do you have siblings?
I had a brother.
21 months between us.
But we looked like twins.
Here, look.
He was a medical student.
He'd locked himself in to study for his exams.
Then one day we found his keys. He'd gone.
“Gone”?
His body was found two weeks later in Marseille.
He'd killed himself.
I went to identify him.
My parents were on holiday.
I asked them to come home,
but they just sent money for the funeral,
telling me to deal with it.
I was alone at the cemetery.
Come on.
The money was transferred by Jean-Dominique Fratoni on July 12th.
It's been divided between your two accounts.
Thank you.
Now for the two documents granting power of attorney.
Once signed, only Maurice will have access to my account,
apart from me?
That's right.
And you'll also have access to Monsieur Agnelet's account.
There is no time limit.
Each party has total control over the other's account.
It's an unusual procedure, but it's what you want, isn't it?
Yes.
We also want safe deposit boxes.
With mutual power of attorney too.
Very well.
Thank you.
You're secure now.
Thanks to you, you mean?
Don't go thinking you've bought me!
I'm not for sale.
This changes nothing between us.
Why are you talking like that?
I'm not asking anything of you.
Your mother always mixed money and relationships.
I'm not my mother.
Fortunately!
Can't you knock?
Mario, take Madame Le Roux's things home for her.
Don't bother, Mario.
I don't need the limousine anymore.
I won't owe the mafia anything!
This "mafia" business is an obsession with you.
Is it a way of covering up your poor management?
Sorry, but your successor has made me technical advisor
and controller general.
In this capacity, I'd like to check the files you're taking with you.
Is this sharp enough?
- It's not too loud? - No, it's OK.
Help me tell the staff we're shutting up shop.
- What'? - The Palais is in liquidation.
But the court will find buyers.
We'll explain to any buyers they should leave well alone.
I've written a speech. I need you to tweak it.
Here.
I don't think I'm the man for the job.
Fuck, yeah! You have those lefty ideas, you'll phrase it right.
Now, you mean?
Yeah, hurry, they're all here!
Ladies and gentlemen,
the efforts we have all made
have not enabled us to turn the Casino's accounts around.
We are at present insolvent.
This morning we contacted the Nice tribune of commerce
with a statement of our assets and liabilities.
Please!
We did all we could to try to avoid this unhappy outcome.
But the losses incurred through Madame Le Roux's management
left us with no choice.
I can assure you that your salaries will be paid at the end of the month.
And after that?
I can assure you that the redundancy scheme
will entitle you to compensation.
You're kicking us out!
We'll have a sit-in!
Sit-in!
Come in, Mario.
This is the first time you've asked me in.
And the last. I'll have to sell it now.
Sit down.
Fratoni's closing the Palais.
He doesn't care about the Palais.
He'll sell it to the council.
For years now, Médecin wanted to turn the casino into luxury flats,
and get a commission.
350 families without an income.
I didn't expect it to go so fast.
Can I do anything for you?
No, thanks, Mario.
Get home to your family.
They're with my parents in Naples for the long weekend.
Have you eaten?
How does an omelette sound?
I won't be great company.
Apart from football, there's not much I can converse about.
We'll talk football, then!
I'm enjoying wine more now.
They say it's good for you. Whether it is...
Tonight it is.
To us!
We'll be OK.
Forgive me for saying this, Madame Le Roux,
but your daughter is the reason we're in the shit.
Why did she do that?
We've all been talking about it.
They say it wasn't Agnés' vote that got rid of you,
that the two groups were 50/50 and it was a deadlock...
No one understands a thing.
How about you?
Do you have an explanation?
She was manipulated.
Agnelet is my explanation.
I don't want to blow it up like in the papers, but...
Betraying your own mother!
I'd never forgive her for that.
You mustn't make excuses for her.
Doing that to her own mother...
It's criminal!
Let's not talk about Agnés anymore.
It's the truth, Madame Le Roux, you know it is.
In the rear-view mirror I see what people are really like.
I'm sorry but...
I need to be alone.
I have to lie down.
I have your address, I'll send you a reference.
- Don't worry. - Thank you.
The telephone for you, Mademoiselle Le Roux.
- Hello? - Agnés, it's Maurice.
My son has a temperature.
That's OK, Maurice.
Sorry, I can't leave him. I hope you understand.
- I'm sorry. - It doesn't matter.
- Some other time. - I have to stay with him.
Stop it, Daddy!
Mr Fratoni thinks we should redecorate.
Hey, I've got something for you! Look...
Do you already have a cowboy outfit?
Well, now you have. Look.
- What do you say, sweetie? - Thank you.
If you like, you can come with your mummy and see my horses.
- Can you ride a horse? - No.
I'll teach you, then.
- Shall we open it? - Yeah, open it!
- Look at that! - Nice, eh?
The hat...
Let's see how you look.
How's the Le Roux girl?
I don't know.
You're still seeing her, I hope.
Not so much lately.
That's no good.
No good at all.
I heard
she bought a Range Rover.
It's like she's trying to blow all her money.
She wants to buy a sheep farm.
To live in with you?
She needs someone 24 hours a day. Not me!
Stop it, I hate that!
I want to go away with you.
South.
How about Morocco?
- Hence the Range Rover? - Yeah.
- Why not come and see it? - Cars aren't my thing.
Stop it, you're soaking wet!
Dry yourself off.
Stop it!
- Are you working this afternoon? - No, and you?
Yes.
How's the practice doing?
I'm trying to get it going.
With Fratoni's help?
Yes. Well, a bit.
He keeps asking about you.
In case you make up with your mother
before the sale of the Palais land goes through.
Tell him I won't, if that's why you're here!
I'm here to see you.
I can't be content with what you give me.
I'm here, what more can I give you? Explain it to me.
Other people's fucking emotions!
I do all I can to avoid them.
I don't want the fallout.
I don't care for you as much as you love me.
Is that my fault?
I never asked to be loved.
I can't play at being in love just to please you.
It's hard on you, I give you that, but that's how it is.
We could run away together.
- "Run away"? - Yes.
You sound like a teenager.
Shall we carve our initials into a tree trunk too?
Were you really married for five years?
Go away with you just to watch you cry? No, thanks!
I promise I won't cry.
Look, Agnés.
Don't love me too much.
I don't know what to do. I panic.
It was better when we were friends.
As I'm sick of talking to myself, I'll talk to you.
It's always to you.
I know that what we had together,
that the world we found, we will never lose.
But saying that it was enough is too restrictive.
We can invent something else.
It's 5 a.m. and Agnés doesn't sleep.
Rather than talking to an absent you,
I've decided to write. For myself or for you?
I'd have to know where you are.
And I haven't known that for a while. Far, anyway.
Sweetie!
- How are you? - Fine.
How was it today? What did you do?
- I did some drawing. - Some drawing!
Wait for me here, don't move.
Come here...
What are you doing here? What do you want?
I wanted to see you with your son.
- He's none of your business! - I'm sorry.
- Why so aggressive? - I don't like being spied on.
Did you expect to be introduced?
"Meet a real princess, the Le Roux heiress!"
I don't want to fight but this intrusion...
I didn't think you were like this.
Apologise!
- Now! - Stop it.
I don't know why I did it.
It was a mistake.
I regret it.
Regretting is too easy.
It's harder to apologise.
I'm not joking, Agnés. Apologise!
I'm sorry.
Now I want a smile.
Look at me.
A real one.
Why has a week gone by since...
No point in talking to you.
I don't want to explain to you...
or ask for anything.
I don't know what you're doing. I have a bad feeling.
I'm lighting a cigarette.
I shouldn't be as close to you as this.
Why?
Because, Maurice...
You should be how you want to be.
I'll say it again, I don't want to ask anything of you.
What do you wan! For us?
I wanted to free you of what was a problem for you,
make you financially secure,
so your life wouldn't be one long constraint.
All I wanted was for you to be OK, maybe even happy.
To be, anyway, how you want to be.
I don't say you must change your life. You have to want that.
But if you do want to change, now's the time.
We have something special, but you daren't run with it.
I wanted to give you the means, but you're still unable to fly.
My journey is over, I'll stop here. Everything is fine.
I want Maurice to take care of everything.
Emergency services? I'm Maitre Agnelet, a lawyer.
I'm calling about a client, Agnés Le Roux.
She called me last night
and I'm worried she may be trying to commit suicide.
I called but there's no answer. You must send an ambulance.
I'm really worried.
Her address, please?
28 Boulevard Saint-Roch.
Were you mistaken? You said Boulevard Saint-Roch.
Oh, yes, I got them mixed up. It's Boulevard...
Carnot? We have a Le Roux there.
That's it, Boulevard Carnot. I always mix them up.
I'm sorry. Thank you.
- We're with her. - Is that her! Can hear?
Yes, we're pumping her stomach.
Is she out of danger?
Yes, the pills she took weren't very strong.
But she won't tell us how many she took.
Is she conscious?
Yes, she's conscious.
Once more.
But she could try again.
Sit her up.
Someone who knows her well needs to look after her,
find out why she did it.
Sorry, it's not a good idea in her condition.
- You told her it's her mother? - She knows we called you.
She needs rest, she's very tired.
- Did she refuse to see me? - Yes.
Excuse me.
I'm sorry but you can't stay here, Madame Le Roux.
- Can I see the consultant? - I am the consultant.
- The plants are dead. - Hardly surprising.
You have a set of keys.
I won't come if you're not here.
Read it if you want.
None of my business.
You'll understand me better.
I don't want to read it.
Why? Are you afraid?
- No, I'm not afraid. - Well, then?
Go on!
Read it!
"I'm sick and, what's more, I see no reason to get treatment..."
"The diagnosis is clear. The cure too."
"I have to want to be here, for one reason or another."
"But what if I fall like the leaves? Maybe my season has come."
"What reason do I have to force myself to hold on?"
I want you.
You're too weak, you need rest.
We could go away for the bank holiday weekend.
Promise me you won't do anything silly.
I'm waiting.
I promise.
Are you going.
Yes, after I've checked the TV's working
and there's some food in the fridge.
Agnés here, leave a message.
It's Biancatti from the garage.
Please call me about the Range Rover.
Agnés here, leave a message.
Hi, gorgeous, it's Colombe. When are you coming up to Paris?
Please have a seat.
Thank you.
The contents of Miss Le Roux's account have been transferred to yours.
I'd also like to cancel the rental of her safe deposit box.
And put the money in your account?
Yes. And then transfer my account to your agency in Vevey,
if you don't mind.
Very well.
It's handier for me.
My journey is over, I'll stop here.
Everything is fine.
I want Maurice to take care of everything.
Agnés Le Roux and the casino war.
A woman disappears.
Agnés Le Roux's mother without word from her in 4 months.
The casino's fate depended on missing heiress' ten shares
"“Fratoni bought my daughters vote, not her shares".
Agnelet sentenced to 30 months for vote-rigging.
Sorry I had to see you in this meeting room.
My office is being redecorated.
Please, Madame Le Roux.
Thank you for responding to my invitation.
"Summons" would be more apt.
I'd rather we spoke plainly, Mr Prosecutor.
You have filed a complaint against the police.
It's an unusual step and merits an explanation.
I'm listening.
My daughter was killed by Maurice Agnelet.
I filed a complaint because the police did their job poorly. That's all.
The officers in charge of the case are all retired now.
Your daughter disappeared over 20 years ago.
Why stir all this up now?
What exactly do you want?
To have the case reopened.
Impossible.
It was dismissed.
- Now it's expired. - I know how to get round that.
Agnés' body was never found.
I just have to sue Maurice Agnelet for hiding her body.
He fled abroad.
He must be brought injustice.
Justice has done its job.
He's in Panama.
He has a right to live his life.
Forgive me, Madame Le Roux, but...
Perhaps it's time to start the grieving process.
I cannot allow Agnés' murderer to remain at liberty.
I cannot.
A good flight, Mr Agnelet?
A comment, please!
Will you prove your innocence?
Thirty years on, I don't understand what the court wants.
I'm being persecuted by Renee Le Roux.
There is no case against me.
I was not trying to escape justice by hiding in Panama, as some have said.
I am not afraid, lam innocent.
Was Agnes murdered? Where? When? How?
No one knows.
Without a body there's no murder.
I hope she's still alive. Thank you.
Ladies and gentlemen of the jury,
as of October 26th 2005
the court has retained these charges against Maurice Agnelet...
That he took the money acquired from selling the vote.
That he did lie and give contradictory accounts
regarding banking operations which he carried out
without Agnés Le Roux's approval. That he gave
unconvincing explanations regarding Agnes Le Roux's disappearance
on a long weekend which they had planned to spend together.
That he can supply no alibi
for the period from October 27th to November 2nd 1977,
when Agnes Le Roux disappeared.
No one can confirm his presence
where he claims to have been at that time.
Ladies and gentlemen,
these charges may establish that Maurice Agnelet
killed Agnés Le Roux
to appropriate the 3 million francs paid by Jean-Dominique Fratoni,
and that it was murder with premeditation.
Let us through, please!
Do you have anything to say, Monsieur Agnelet?
- Try to get some sleep. - I can't.
I've nothing left to drink.
Why didn't you stay in Panama? They couldn't extradite you.
I didn't want to act like a guilty man.
Don't you realise everyone's against you?
Will your mother be there at least?
No, she refused to testify.
Francoise worries me.
She wants her revenge.
And you'll be without an alibi. What will you do then?
I don't know. We'll see.
Your full name, date of birth, profession and place of residence?
My name is Francoise Lausseure, born March 15th 1940.
I live in Nevis, in the Caribbean.
I don't have a profession.
Do you swear to tell the whole truth?
Raise your right hand and say, "I swear."
I swear.
Where do you want me to start?
Wherever you wish.
Maurice was always able to make me laugh.
We met in philosophy lectures at uni in Monaco.
We were great friends at the time, then,
when we met again in the early 1970s,
I fell in love with him.
Did you know of his relationship with Agnés Le Roux?
Yes.
Maurice always thought sex makes the world go round,
so it was a way for him to succeed.
But I never thought of Agnés as a rival.
I'm open-minded.
Did you hear of her suicide attempt?
All the women around Maurice attempted suicide.
Even I did, and I'm not the depressive son at all.
How did you react
to Agnés Le Roux's disappearance in the autumn of 1977?
Agnés was gone... I thought no more about it.
Whether she was there or not made no difference to me.
On October 27th 1977, were you in Geneva with Maurice Agnelet?
No.
He asked me to spend that weekend with him.
I said yes but at the last moment he stood me up.
He was always doing that.
Why did you originally claim he was with you in Geneva?
Because he asked me to.
It's hard to refuse Maurice anything.
I admit I lied as a favour. I didn't think it would be so serious.
Monsieur Agnelet, please approach the witness stand.
Did you ask Francois Lausseure
to provide an alibi for you for the night of October 27th 1977?
Never. I was at the Hotel de la Paix with Francoise Lausseure.
She says you weren't. One of you must be lying.
Absolutely, Your Honour.
Thank you, Monsieur Agnelet.
Madame Lausseure, is your retraction motivated by resentment?
I bear no hatred towards this man.
We shared some very good times
and some very bad times.
I wanted to see him all the time.
I was lucky, anyway.
I went through the same as Agnés... The same feelings.
And now...
I'm still here.
Monsieur Agnelet, can I have a photo?
- Thanks, have a nice evening. - You too.
What?
Nothing.
Have you seen how Renée looks at me?
She's there, in front of me...
Does she even see me?
She's blind in one eye.
I've known some crazy women,
but she takes the biscuit.
She's been after me for 30 years.
I'm the man of her life, in fact!
And you think it's funny?
Why has a week gone by since...
I don't Want To explain to you...
or ask for anything.
I don't Know what you're doing.
I'm lighting a cigarette.
I shouldn't be as close to you as this.
- Why? - Because, Maurice...
You should be how you wan! To be.
I'll say it again, I don't want to ask anything of you.
Madame Le Roux, please approach the witness stand.
You are Renée Le Roux.
Appearing for the prosecution, you do not have to take the oath.
Please go ahead.
I've wanted this trial for 30 years.
I've fought,
I've hired private detectives,
I've sold all I owned...
Many mothers would do the same if they could afford to.
I live in a small space,
I don't see anyone,
I do my own housework...
I do not want to be diverted from my goal,
and today I've reached that goal. I believe in justice.
Agnelet knows what happened to Agnés.
He was her demon.
She wasn't as has been said, she didn't care for money.
She was blinded by this man.
Agnés was young, beautiful, she loved life...
I'm inclined to think she was pregnant when she died.
Is that so, Mr Agnelet?
Thank you, you may sit down.
No! My daughter has been deprived of a grave forever,
but one day Mr Agnelet will be laid to rest in a cemetery.
Thank you.
Before we continue, the court will adjourn for fifteen minutes.
Monsieur Agnelet, in February 1978,
when no one had heard from Agnés Le Roux for 3 months,
you transferred the money from her accounts into your own.
Why did you do this'?
I wanted to protect Agnes' money from her heartless mother,
who was always trying to embezzle her inheritance.
I kept the money safe in my own account.
Why didn't you try to warn Agnés Le Roux,
rather than furtively taking her assets?
Because I didn't have to.
Agnés had given me that money.
It was what she wanted.
To her it was a very symbolic act,
sharing a loving couple's money over two accounts.
But you are aware that this appropriation of 3 million francs
could constitute the motive for premeditated murder?
A motive doesn't mean there was a crime.
There is no evidence whatsoever
of Agnés' death,
her murder or my involvement therein.
My client must have the benefit of the doubt.
This is a principle of our legal system. I told the jury,
“If you have any doubt,
"you must acquit him. That is the law."
All stand!
The hearing is resumed. Please be seated.
I ask those present to remain silent at the reading of the verdicts.
Monsieur Agnelet, please stand.
These are the answers to the questions put to the jury.
To the question, "Was Agnés Le Roux murdered?"
the jury answered yes by a majority of at least 8 votes.
To the question, "ls Maurice Agnelet guilty of murder?"
the jury answered no.
To the question, "ls Maurice Agnelet guilty of conspiring in murder"
"by commissioning this crime?"
the jury again answered no.
In consequence, Monsieur Agnelet, you are acquitted of the charges.
The hearing is closed.
Thank you.
- Thank you. - It's a disgrace!
Where's my stick?
Who's taken my stick?
Agnés.
Go and fetch Agnés.
Agnés... Look at me, darling.
A year after being acquitted by the Alpes-Maritimes court,
Agnelet was sentenced on appeal by the Bouches-du-Rhone court
to twenty years for the murder of Agnés Le Roux.
In 2013, the European Court of Human Rights condemned the French courts
for violating fundamental freedoms
as the defendant did not understand the reasons for his conviction.
In 2014, a third trial took place, in Rennes.
Agnelet's son accused him of killing Agnés Le Roux in Italy.
The court sentenced him again to twenty years.
Subtitles: Howard Bonsor.
Subtitling: CNST, Montreal