This film was restored by PATHÉ in 2013
This is The Anti-Social.
Our hides aren't worth that much!
No, the newspaper, The Anti-Social.
Ah, it's gone out?
Splendid.
Have it set right away.
This is going to hurt.
Chakal's cartoon, 3 columns on page one...
Right, 3 columns.
Say, seen this?
It's good.
Let's see.
The Echo
Seen The Anti-Social?
It's ferocious.
He's got nerve.
He can do something for us.
You can't be serious, boss? He's not on our side.
To hell with his ideas. Lucien...
- Boss? - You know this Chakal?
We have his address?
- I don't know. - Claudine can find out.
But Mr. Cordier, he's The Anti-Social cartoonist.
He's an anarchist, a revolutionary, a dangerous man...
I've heard it before.
Claudine, do you have this cartoonist's address?
Chakal? Yes, sir.
What kind of fellow is he?
- A strange fellow, I think. - I don't doubt it.
He lives alone in a shack in Arcueil.
I want him here on the double.
We could have him do St-Lazare station.
- For Clara Stuart? - A good idea.
Please take a letter.
"Our paper plans a news story
"on Clara Stuart's return to Paris.
"We kindly ask you to be at St-Lazare station tonight..."
You are to do several sketches of the famous artist.
We will publish the best one.
Screen glory Clara Stuart arrives in Paris tonight
Paris celebrates the return of Clara Stuart
Princess Choppé, aka Clara Stuart, will sing tomorrow night
Film star Clara Stuart arrives at St-Lazare station tonight
I'll finally see her up close. She wears false eyelashes.
You're confusing her with Constance Christel.
- Are you sure? - Of course, I read about it.
If she talks to me I'm going to faint.
There she is.
Who's that? Her husband?
Her manager...
One moment. She'll be right out.
But she's very tired.
She asks that you be understanding.
There she is!
There's her husband. It's the prince.
- He's a prince? - Yes, she's a princess.
A photo, please.
- I'm so tired. - For Pathé Journal.
I'm so glad to be back in Paris.
What a welcome!
It's revolting.
- My dear artist! - My dear directors!
- What a joy to see you again. - How sweet.
And what flowers!
- Do I owe all this to you? - Not all.
Only the usual 10%!
Here come the sharks.
- How are ticket sales? - Very strong.
Needless to say there won't be a seat left.
I should hope not.
Come out on the balcony. They're waiting for you.
There must be at least 300,000.
Don't be silly!
- Do you have the contract? - Of course.
That's kind of them, but I'm worn out.
Those reporters in Le Havre,
the welcome at St-Lazare... Enough.
Just once, one little appearance.
- Make them happy. - You have to.
Do come.
Blow them some kisses, that's all.
Then you can go nighty-night.
You really are tedious.
What do you think?
We have to discuss the contract again.
Darling!
Fine. And you?
Not bad.
St-Lazare, 3 columns.
Your page is ready. We're waiting for your order.
I already told you, 40,000.
Not a centime less.
40,000?
You're joking about money.
Remember our circulation! Besides I paid the supplement
for the cartoon of Miss Stuart, by one of our best caricaturists.
Then don't negotiate.
We're still short of the price.
40,000 francs?
We won't have much left
with the overhead and the price of paper...
I'm going to pay you for your little masterpiece.
I'm not going to stint.
150 francs.
- This won't put you out? - Come now.
Want me to go up to 200?
Then I will.
Don't put yourself out.
This is fine.
Thank you.
Don't mention it.
- So long, Chakal. - So long, Cordier.
Excuse me, sir,
Rue de l'Avenir, please?
Second on the right.
Not the second on the right,
first on the left.
What?
I'm absolutely sure.
I live there.
All right.
You know, I've walked by you for weeks now
and smiled at you.
No way of getting your attention.
So I preferred to be blunt.
What are you doing now?
Going home.
All alone.
But tomorrow's a day off.
We can spend the afternoon together.
We can go to a movie.
Wherever you like.
Your tickets.
That's a nice cartoon in The Echo.
What? It's mean and nasty!
Think so?
With a nose like that, I'd go drown myself.
- What was the take for the matinee? - Guess.
I don't know. 200, 250.
Awful creature! I just got the receipts.
47,745 francs.
Let them find someone better!
There is someone, Constance Wilson,
your great friend.
Very funny!
Very, very funny.
Bloomberg is serious about her for his new film.
That'll be the day! He's losing his mind.
I understand they want you 2 days more.
You have the most charming male voice!
I'm a fool to ignore it. Be my manager!
Compliments of the management. Good idea, great port.
- And the other one? - A gift. For you.
Really? How nice!
Valentine!
My dress! I'm going on.
Valentine, quick.
Coming, monsieur!
Clara, you're on.
Intermission
It's you?
You're back?
No, my dear. I'm drowning in work.
Come pick me up here. We'll have a bite.
God knows where.
In my dressing room.
Clara is an angel. She said we could have dinner here.
You get some sandwiches.
I want two with chicken and two with salad.
That's it.
Order what you want.
See you in a bit.
- Ready? - In a second.
Hurry, madam.
- Coming! - Quick, dear!
Did you play poker last night?
Baccarat?
Not at all. Why?
I was hoping you'd played and lost.
You're charming. Thank you.
I can't get Clara to sign for a picture with Bloomberg.
I know. She told me.
After our trip, she plans to stay in Paris
and buy a house. She won't return to America.
- Hurry, madam. - Coming!
Clara, treasure. They're waiting.
I'm coming.
What a touching little couple!
- Your little guardian couple. - I don't doubt it.
Noël told me about the American deal.
Don't bother me about that.
Just as I was saying.
- See you later. - Break a leg!
A shame you didn't lose. I can do something for you.
50,000 for you if Clara signs for two American pictures.
You against this engagement?
I want 100,000.
I don't smoke.
50,000 a film.
100,000 francs? Where do I get them?
From your share.
You must be joking.
Or else in Bloomberg's pocket.
Why do you need 100,000 francs?
I have a tailor's bill.
He can wait. He's used to it.
And I want to give Clara a present.
Not a gift...
On the commission you're offering me? Why not?
I adore giving gifts.
Madam will be back soon.
- It's a deal? - 100,000?
100,000.
Are you happy now?
I'll reassure my tailor.
Hello, concierge?
The person didn't ask for me?
Really?
You let him in?
Come in.
- Hello, Valentine. - Hello, monsieur Edmond.
You weren't long.
I came right over.
You brought all these sandwiches?
I also got some babas.
With my gas problems? You can eat them all.
Happiness is no longer a dream
Happiness is just a moment away
In my heart the morning beams
But will night follow the day?
Far from you I fear it's so soon ended
That minute so brief and tender
Happiness is no longer a dream
When you take me in your arms
I so fear the spell will be broken
It takes so little and one is woken
Joy is so close to our fears
Should I laugh or shed tears?
I put two tartelettes for you.
- Did they fall for it? - On their knees!
- Where is Geoffroy? - He went out. Here he is.
- Shall we get some air? - Sure.
- There's a crowd outside. - People think it's closing night.
Shall we go home?
Come now.
I'm ready.
Bravo.
Bring the car round.
See you later!
Did you hear something?
What's that?
- What's going on? - Sounds like an argument.
We hear something.
What's happening?
A gunshot!
Someone shot Clara.
I'm so frightened.
- Is she dead? - Wounded.
- In the face? - In the shoulder. Call Dr. Martel.
Gaston, Clara Stuart has been wounded.
Murdered. With a gun.
No, don't you start! Listen...
I'll go see.
Dr. Martel?
Be careful. Don't shake her.
Darling!
You'll come immediately, doctor?
What's the matter? You're so pale.
- Is there a lot of blood? - Sit down.
It's the tall blond guy who slept in front of the door.
Yes, the tall fellow.
Thin? Blond?
Lucien?
Something horrible has happened.
Someone just shot Clara.
- Is she dead? - Who?
How should I know?
A gunshot at close range.
We'll put her here.
Set her down gently.
Distribute this world-wide. Press, radios...
Try to be worthy.
A good thing I didn't take Maniche. She would have been hit.
What's the guy's name?
Are you batty?
I heard a policeman
say his name.
Lutcher.
Philippe Lutcher.
I was just told his name. A guy named Lutcher.
The crowd gave it to him.
There's no face wound.
Tell them.
Is there a lot of blood?
Here.
Wait.
A little...
It's bleeding!
You can't do that.
It will be nothing at all. You'll see.
To think I might never have seen you again.
Murder attempt on Clara Stuart
The famous artist is only wounded
The man who shot Clara Stuart is named Philippe Lutcher
The criminal is arrested
He refuses to talk. Is this the crime of a lunatic?
Philippe Lutcher refuses to answer questions
I don't understand. Why did he do that?
No one understands, honey.
What do you say?
Everyone wonders why that man wanted to kill you.
Yes, why?
- You never had a death threat? - Never.
What's he like?
He must look like a brute.
But I'm asking what he looks like.
I don't know. He hides his face in all the papers.
Let me see.
Don't bother.
Let me see.
Why doesn't he say anything?
It's a tactic.
But once he's in the dock he'll talk.
What does that hide?
"After 2 weeks of suffering I was able to leave the clinic,
"but due to a state of depression,
"I had to turn down two movies."
Made under oath. The witness has signed.
That is your deposition, madam.
Do you wish to make any changes?
No, Your Honor. That is fine.
Then may I ask you to sign the document?
Clerk, have madam sign this.
Princess...
A pen.
There is one last ordeal.
And that is?
The confrontation.
I must put you in the presence of the man
who shot you.
I wasn't afraid of him then. I'm not afraid of him now.
You have nothing to fear here.
I suggest you remain calm.
Don't worry, Your Honor.
This fellow can only be a poor lunatic or a vile brute.
I won't do him the honor of getting angry.
You owe him some real suffering.
Hello, counselor.
Would you do the introductions?
Counselor Balban.
Though defending different interests,
allow me to express my deepest admiration.
Greatly flattered, counselor.
Bring in the defendant.
Remove the handcuffs.
- That was for the photographs. - What an idea!
A note from the prosecutor.
Guard, remove them!
Hurry.
Sit down.
First, I will read the depositions of the princess,
stage name, Clara Stuart.
Deposition of 5 June.
"After singing...
"at the matinee of the Imperial music hall,
"I dawdled at the theatre.
"I had..."
Your Honor, a call for you.
Who is it?
The public prosecutor.
In that case...
I'll just be a minute.
Yes, you can look at me.
Are you talking to...
To him.
Clerk...
Why did you do that?
How could you do such a thing?
Princess, you should leave the judge...
You wanted to kill me? You're clumsy.
Would you have been glad to disfigure me?
Would you? Tell me!
Would you have been glad?
Will silence striker Lutcher reveal why he wanted to kill Clara Stuart?
Silence!
Philippe Lutcher belongs to an honorable, well-to-do family.
He received an excellent education.
At first he studied for the Bar,
but after he received his degree
he abandoned it for painting.
Admitted to the Beaux Arts, he could look forward to a brilliant career,
when he suddenly isolated himself from society
and seemed attracted to the basest revolutionary ideas.
These outbursts are scandalous.
If this continues I'll have the court evacuated.
Philippe Lutcher has no political affiliations.
His parents are deceased.
He lived alone in a small room in Arcueil.
I must pay tribute, Your Honor,
to the perfect impartiality of your portrait.
Let's resume the hearing.
I come to a vital question.
You are a very thoughtful man.
Intent on committing an act of terror,
who do you attack? An artist!
A great artist, I am told.
A beloved woman.
What benefit can it bring to your ideas?
Defendant, I ask you this...
Why is the life of Clara Stuart your target?
But, Your Honor,
kill whom?
In this matter, I have no advice
to give you.
Excuse the involuntary form of my phrase.
I'd like to make my response clear
but I was thinking of the incidents earlier.
It would be unfortunate if one were to take as provocation
words that I pronounce without any passion,
and which are, in a sense, technical explanations.
Continue.
The jury will attempt to grasp your way of thinking
which is not quite like ours.
I wanted to express this:
we antisocials believe in propaganda through action.
But we must proceed with lucidity.
Intent isn't all.
You must also choose the most public figure.
Our first concern: single out a leading personality.
But the problem of choice has become delicate.
Kill a rich man? Are there still rich men?
Once I'd decided to kill a public idol,
I came to realize
that modern glory
was the special preserve of two categories of prodigies:
the athlete and the movie star.
I hesitated between a champion and a star.
- Despicable! - Guard, expel that woman!
Don't bother. I'm going. What a farce!
Silence!
I could find no athlete famous enough to justify an attack.
So I considered the cinema,
and I realized that Clara Stuart
was, nowadays, the uncontested idol of the world.
So, gentlemen of the jury,
my choice was made. I had a clear conscience.
Is that all?
Yes, mister prosecutor.
Introduce the first witness.
Your name, Christian name...
Jules Antoine Malpion, aka Noël Malpias.
Age.
36... 37.
36 or 37?
37. I was born exactly...
That will do. Residence?
In Paris. Hôtel Crillon. Place de la Concorde.
Profession?
Artistic director and international lecturer.
You are not a relative or ally of the defendant.
You swear to speak without fear or hatred and to tell the truth.
Raise your right hand: "I swear."
Please tell the jury what you know about the affair.
Gentlemen of the jury, I handle the artistic interests of Clara Stuart.
The Sunday in question, miss Stuart left the Imperial
with her husband to rest up between the matinee and evening shows.
I was overworked,
and I was planning to snack at the theatre with a collaborator.
5 minutes later, Clara was carried in horribly wounded.
She showed such courage. Everyone admired her.
The head nurse said: "I've never seen anything like it."
Yet she must have seen her fill.
That's all I know.
But if I may add: if Clara Stuart had been killed,
it would have been a great and awful misfortune.
And first of all for France. Yes, gentlemen of the jury.
Lastly, a highly important person,
someone who has an important place in his country...
You see my gist.
You know what this personality said?
"Clara is the best ambassador France has ever had."
This is indecent. We're not at a play.
Continue.
People often say how kind Clara is, how giving she is.
It's stupid to talk like that.
Clara is goodness itself. Giving is all she knows.
There's no stopping her. When I saw her again
at the clinic in her bed and I remembered that...
Are you finished?
Yes, Your Honor.
No questions for the witness?
I have.
Monsieur Malpion or Malpias,
we've just admired your integrity.
You bear it high.
You pursue into the court of law
your delicate labor of publicity.
That's going a bit far. I'm under oath.
Of course. We're pleading a difficult case
and I won't let you insinuate, mister Malpias or Malpion...
I won't let you insinuate that my client
tried to fell the very statue of charity.
A statue? Did I say anything about a statue?
Gentlemen of the jury,
the witness sang the praises of miss Stuart.
But to be good, it takes lots of money.
Yet the artist's manager only mentioned expenses.
Not a word of receipts. Let us repair this oversight.
What oversight?
The figure appeared in the American papers.
The newspapers!
Miss Clara Stuart was paid for her last film
more than 100,000 dollars!
More than a million francs.
How earth-shaking!
Your profession's not bad either,
even with 10%.
I'm not going to live like a tramp! That takes the cake!
Address the jury.
That takes the cake.
- Do you plead for nothing? - Often!
Yes, in trials like this one! You, naturally, flee any publicity.
Witness!
You're an honest girl.
That's enough!
Your Honor, a person of such refined sentiments as...
If I were your client, you'd find me very nice
and send me fees greater than my sentiments.
Enough!
My sentiments would be puny next to your fees.
Will you be quiet?
Yes, Your Honor. I'm a good boy but you mustn't...
The jury will note the witness' impartiality.
- Come off it. - Will you be quiet?
No more questions?
Defendant?
I didn't quite get what this was all about.
If I'm not mistaken,
miss Stuart often contributes to charity work.
Witness, answer.
Yes, Clara has sung often for the poor.
Yes, I've noticed.
One of the secondary reasons
which led me to choose miss Stuart as a target
was that she sang so much for the poor.
Silence!
Defendant, I see you don't pity the poor.
There are nothing but poor people on Earth.
Is that so?
Your Honor, may I go?
You're dismissed.
The next witness.
Name and Christian name?
Geoffroy Marie Blaise de Comtal. Prince Choppé.
This is it.
- Balban is a bastard. - He's very clever.
You're easy to impress.
There were lots of people.
- My wife had just got in the car. - Could you speak up, please?
I'd just got into the car beside my wife.
I was closing the door when I heard the gunshot.
Turning I saw Clara slumped over, holding her shoulder.
I couldn't see the killer, it was already dark.
Gentlemen of the jury, I would be lying
if I didn't express the horror I felt at this man's act.
When you haven't seen it, a gunshot is nothing.
But it was a horrific scene.
Don't talk to me about those who overpowered Lutcher!
It was simply justice.
If I'd been among them,
I'd have done the same.
- But this is more than a hearing. - Killing a defenseless woman...
You can't be a man with a man's heart,
to point a gun at that smile, at those eyes,
which gazed at him gently.
To do that in cold blood?
This man is a monster.
A monster!
Witness,
your emotion is understandable,
but this is a deposition.
I've finished.
Defendant, have you anything to add?
No, Your Honor, nothing.
Is his description of events accurate?
What? The events?
Oh yes. Very accurate.
The witness' violent tone
forces me to ask certain questions, I would otherwise have spared him.
The witness declared that he had no trade.
In other moments of his life,
did he practice any profession?
So you lived without a job?
Do you have a private income?
A comfortable life at least?
Before your marriage,
what means did you have?
- I received an allowance. - From whom?
- My family. - A large allowance?
You'd accumulated heavy debts, hadn't you?
The debts were paid off when you got married.
By your family?
Not by Miss Stuart?
Why yes!
Since then, you've led a comfortable life with your wife.
The life we enjoy leading.
The jury won't forget that this account
is that of a husband whose intentions
are to comply with the rich woman he married.
That proves nothing.
- Come now! - Come now yourself!
Witness! Witness!
Clara Stuart doesn't hold grudges.
She didn't want me to accuse the defendant.
I knew I'd be open to questions.
I've said what I wanted to say. What I had to say.
I have something to add.
My wife is worthy of the greatest love.
Had I lost her...
I mean, had she been...
killed...
You see, she's the only person I've ever cared about.
Now, no more questions.
But I won't ask you any.
I find myself in the presence of such dignity,
that deserves silence. I'll stop now.
Witness, you may go.
Next witness.
Miss Dumont is not cited as witness.
She is being heard by virtue of my discretionary powers.
Your name?
Louise Dumont.
Your profession?
Hair dresser.
How do you know the defendant?
I met him.
Of course, but where?
In the street.
Did he approach you?
No. It was me.
You approach men?
Not at all.
That one.
Did he say anything that might have warned of a drama?
No. Nothing.
- What surprised me... - Tell me.
It's just a thought.
What was he doing on the avenue Wagram?
Instead of committing a real crime.
Why didn't he blow up something big and full of people?
Come now!
That's a strange way to talk.
I'm telling you what I thought.
I'm putting myself in his shoes, politics is not my thing...
Now tell us about the matinee.
It's quite simple.
I told him I wanted to see Clara Stuart live.
He said he had 2 passes for the Imperial.
That's how he took me along.
Nothing in his manner suggested what he was going to do?
He was his normal self.
And when Miss Stuart came on stage?
I clapped so hard my hands hurt.
And him?
He stayed calm.
He looked at the theatre smiling.
He seemed to find it amusing.
That's how he is.
He always seems to be pulling your leg.
Yet...
Go on, young lady.
And yet...
When Clara Stuart sang Le Bonheur,
he couldn't help applauding.
Not for long.
Afterwards, he looked so serious.
He didn't say a thing.
That's all.
Miss Dumont shouldn't go thinking that I could ever make fun of her.
Good.
You may go, young lady.
Next witness.
Her Highness the Princess Choppé.
One moment.
Profession?
Actress.
My stage name is Clara Stuart.
- Your age? - 26.
You are neither related nor associated with the defendant?
Do you swear to tell the truth and nothing but the truth?
Raise your right hand: "I swear."
I swear.
Please tell us how you were the object of a murder attempt?
Gentlemen of the jury,
I'm here to perform a duty.
If I wasn't afraid of big words,
I'd say it was a sacred duty.
Only, I'm going to do it badly.
Although I'm used to the public,
I'm shy.
Extremely shy.
But you'll be kind, won't you? You'll be indulgent.
Thank you, gentlemen of the jury, thank you.
When I got into the car on that fateful day,
among all those faces in the crowd, I could only make out one.
But he looked so pale, so miserable.
I was moved to tears.
What? What?
If I'd only made a gesture then...
I can sometimes be very childish,
by blowing kisses to these unknown friends waiting at the stage door.
One of those kisses might have prevented the worst.
It might have saved a man from himself.
Please remain silent!
Sorry, Your Honor.
I'll try not to laugh.
I don't mind making Mr. Lutcher laugh.
I expected as much.
Let him laugh.
I discovered his secret.
I know that Mr. Lutcher was on avenue Wagram
to carry out a self-imposed mission.
But he was torn between his will
and his instincts...
which aren't those of a cruel man.
Gentlemen of the jury, I speak to you with all my heart,
Philippe Lutcher has paid his debt.
He was brutalized, wounded.
You have such honest, gentle faces.
If you sentence him, I'll feel remorse.
Would you want me to live in remorse all my life?
Gentlemen of the jury, I ask you for an act of justice, of kindness.
This act is the acquittal of Lutcher.
Silence!
Miss Stuart's words are surprising but warm.
I don't understand the defendant's sarcasm.
I'm confused too. I thought it was a joke.
But I was quickly won over by Miss Stuart's eloquence,
by her tone of voice.
If Miss Stuart has nothing else booked,
she should try to get into the Odeon Theatre.
Please continue the deposition.
I'll be frank to the end.
At the clinic, in my bed,
I tried to look truth in the face.
I had looked death in the face.
I came to understand
that the life of a woman like me,
pampered, idolized,
could inspire hatred in an unhappy man like Lutcher.
Nature is unfair.
How I pity him.
I pity him with all my heart, this heart that cannot lie.
I wish to point out that Miss Stuart gave a statement
completely different from today's.
Very harsh on the defendant, devastating even.
I support the comments of the public prosecutor.
I reject Miss Stuart's pity.
Her sense of brotherhood!
Send me to the penal colony, to the guillotine,
I won't say a thing.
Here's a chance for revenge, seize it.
All I ask is to be spared this degradation.
Don't let my fate depend
on the original sketch Clara Stuart just performed,
before her world tour.
Treat me as an enemy, but in everyone's interest,
spare me a verdict of clemency, variety acts and talking pictures.
The court is out of patience.
Silence!
Defendant,
don't insult the woman you tried to kill.
Stick to the facts!
I am. I'm fighting this abuse!
Your attitude surprises me.
- Why all this rage? - I'm not angry.
It's a good imitation. "Degradation", "abuse"...
For an antisocial, that's social language.
You're mixing things up, Your Honor,
you speak like a psychologist. An antisocial...
You used this term. You are a criminal.
If you say so.
The criminal that I am
is still capable of a reaction.
If I put a bomb in a basement
it's no reason to confuse me
with the clockwork that makes it run.
I'm motivated by something other than springs.
Besides, Your Honor,
I don't see the point of this discussion.
You agreed that we had to put an end to this farce.
Keep this star off the stage with her latest sketch!
Personally, I'd have liked being Miss Stuart's murderer.
And I don't intend to owe her my acquittal!
Exactly, that's what you want.
Good for evil.
The man who wanted to kill you, saved by you.
Saved from prison, perhaps the guillotine.
Terrific publicity!
Or rather, it's your loss,
gentlemen, if my pardon comes from this girl.
- Be seated! - Sorry, from this princess.
This princess of gallantry and the screen,
this perfect profiteer of human stupidity.
Silence!
Defendant, your attitude is revolting.
Too bad for you.
Nothing further to add?
I have something to say.
He's right, gentlemen.
I can't allow you.
Send in the police to silence me.
He's right. My deposition was grotesque.
Everything I told you
I had rehearsed in front of a mirror.
Gentlemen of the jury,
I've been famous for 10 years.
I'm not 26, that was a joke. I'm 32.
For 10 years you've been weeping when I want you to cry,
laughing when I'm funny, you're happy,
with me, for me, happy for me.
If you've preserved the memory, the slightest memory of...
What was I saying?
It's nothing, gentlemen of the jury. He's a poor fellow.
That much is obvious.
He'd like to be someone but he isn't a criminal!
He's not even mean.
He only hurt himself.
You no longer have the floor.
When they ask you if he's guilty, answer no.
Don't send him to hard labor with those bandits.
That would be too horrible.
Give him to me.
Give him to me, gentlemen of the jury.
Give him to me.
- Give him to me! - Evacuate the court!
What's keeping Noël?
You asked him to wait for the verdict, he's waiting.
It's endless.
They won't sentence him?
I hope they do.
- Bloomberg has signed Constance. - I don't care.
Here he is.
It went well.
- Tell us! - He's been sentenced.
Sentenced?
To 18 months.
18 months?
With probation, he'll be free in 6 months.
He shouldn't complain. It's cheap.
He can say it's a good deal!
What's the matter?
Nothing.
Tell me.
Stop the record.
The first one in 4 months.
A woman?
Pretty?
I fancy her.
But... elegant?
- Brunette? - Maybe so.
Me, you know, outfits, colors...
It's you...
It's me.
Excuse me, am I disturbing you?
I really wanted to see you again.
Are you well?
Yes. Thank you. And you?
You're not too miserable?
No. It doesn't matter where I am...
I brought you some oranges.
They took them at the gate. And they made fun of me.
It's true, it's my first time in a...
Prison?
Excuse me.
You brought me oranges like in hospital. That's kind.
It's seeing you there, behind this grill.
It's over.
And I was coming to amuse you!
It worked.
Still, you'll be happy to get out?
I'm out in 3 weeks.
They're letting me go for good behavior.
You'll be happy to see the sky again?
They sold your little house, you know.
And all of your books. That made me sad.
And your drawings.
You know Clara Stuart is making a new film?
Sorry. I shouldn't speak of her to you.
Why not?
They also say she's getting divorced.
Are you sure?
- I read it in the papers. - Time's up!
One more minute!
Listen...
Tell me,
why did you do it?
We were to go home together that night.
Thank you for coming.
Ask for the oranges! Perhaps they'll give them to you.
- What film is that for? - Clara Stuart's new picture.
- Have you seen the producer? - Mr. Bloomberg?
Yes, I have.
He's at Mr. Malpias's house for Miss Stuart's contract.
Here is Clara Stuart's signature, my dear.
It wasn't easy to get.
Really?
She won't hear any more about plays and movies.
It took patience.
Diplomacy.
The prince used to help me with these things.
He had a good influence over her.
But now...
Why did they separate?
I have no idea. It happened like that. No reason.
Oh, women!
What a charming house! Is it new?
It's not even finished.
Clara won't let anybody come in here.
- It's just for her. - I'm leaving.
Not that way. This way.
She starts on Monday at 9. Ready to shoot.
She'll be at the studio at 7. She is punctual. Plucky.
She's a real work horse.
She hasn't even seen the script.
She deals with me.
Lucky she hasn't read certain scenes.
- Which scenes? - You know the ones.
She is nervous, she might have seen a reference.
I understand.
Do you understand?
We finally found our title.
What is it?
Her hit song: Le Bonheur.
Why not!
Le Bonheur, 212, take one.
Sorry, madam. Mr. Simoff is asking for you.
- Is he here? - Yes, madam.
I'm coming immediately.
Excuse me...
- You're not going to see him? - Why?
He's a criminal. A crook.
I know. A murderer...
Stop!
What is it?
I can't say that.
Stop!
Stop the cameras! Open the doors.
My dear, it's the script.
I don't care. I won't say that.
What? "Murderer"?
Find something else.
Not so easy.
Too bad. I won't say that.
"Killer"?
It's the subject that I don't like. Do you understand?
Madam, someone's asking for you.
I'll be right there.
One second. Think about it.
- Did you deliver my letter? - It wasn't easy.
You're sure it's done?
Yes, madam.
Here's the proof, the answer.
Thank you.
Come by tomorrow and I'll pay you.
What's the problem?
She won't speak the lines. She's nervous.
I see why you're avoiding me.
There's nothing to see.
Give me that letter.
Go away.
I want to know what you're hiding.
I'm a free woman, aren't I?
I want to be alone.
Alone with who?
Don't be ridiculous.
You lied to me. You told me you needed calm.
Go away!
Miss Stuart!
I'm coming!
Is that your script?
Please don't, Geoffroy...
Miss Stuart, you're on!
I'm coming!
Silence! Rolling!
Le Bonheur, scene 212, take 2.
Next Saturday, 7 o'clock, door B
Good luck.
Where are you going?
Arcueil.
I lived in Arcueil.
Orient Passage.
Orient Passage. Arcueil.
Do you mind?
The air feels so good.
Were you surprised to get my letter?
Aren't you scared of me?
Yes.
You are very pretty.
You didn't know that before you hurt me?
Yes.
Imagine, it was a year ago to the day.
Probation is a swell thing.
You gained 6 months.
"Gained", so to speak.
It's funny to see you laugh.
I don't know how to laugh.
Tell me,
why were you so hard on me? Why such hatred?
Did you despise me?
Tell me.
You're crying.
I forgot my handkerchief.
I haven't a handkerchief to my name.
Thank you.
What number, madam?
Don't bother.
It's down the street.
Are you sure?
It's no place for you.
Come now...
Thank you.
Will you come?
You promised me.
Present! What is it?
It's me. You were sleeping so nicely.
- You saw me sleeping. How awful. - I'm glad.
It doesn't take much.
So happy.
It's always nice to have some pity.
- Cigarette, darling? - No, thank you.
I have my own.
Give me that.
- What is it? - Give me my cigarettes.
It's my handwriting.
Where did you expect me to put them?
You kept my letters.
- It's hard to smuggle them in. - I can believe that.
What did the guard say?
"A letter for you, from Miss Stuart."
And?
That's all.
He said: "It's a good way to get yourself busted."
My love.
I've never loved anybody like this before.
I never had time.
I've been working since I was 17.
It's all I ever thought about.
I was never free.
I never had real happiness.
When I saw you at the judge's, your expression moved me.
I've never forgotten it.
Since then, I've been yours.
Even in prison.
Speaking.
I was at the studio.
No, Geoffroy. Don't even think about it.
I won't let you in.
It's not my fault.
Good night, Geoffroy.
- I'm sorry... - Don't be.
I'd already refused to see him. We're divorcing.
He had left me alone
but for the last few days, I've been getting letters and phone calls.
Come away with me.
- But you're not free. - Yes I am.
- You're making a movie. - But it's done.
My time belongs to me...
to you.
Let's go far away.
Where is far?
There are islands in the Pacific.
That was really far.
- Me? - Yes, you.
When we've crossed such a distance. The Pacific...
What are you saying?
This is beautiful.
It's not so beautiful.
But it's yours.
Mine?
That's funny.
I've never owned anything.
They've asked me to make 2 films in America.
We could go there together.
What would I do there?
- You could draw. - What?
Posters, figures...
I've got no talent.
Maybe you could play a part.
But I'd ask for a lot.
They'll give you whatever you want!
- Really? - After what you did.
- I'm a star? - And how.
A tabloid star.
A very public and exciting scandal.
If they only knew...
The true story is even more exciting.
The true story?
The real crime. The real movie.
What the readers don't know.
- What? - And nor do you.
What do you mean?
You believed my explanations in court too?
- What, they weren't true? - Not that day. It was true before.
It was true at St-Lazare station.
If I'd only shot you that day.
I wouldn't have missed.
Darling!
But when I got to the matinee,
I was confident.
The way you greeted people, walked down the stairs, grinning.
At that moment, I was sure.
I was going to leave the theatre and wait at the stage door,
when the audience got up and shouted:
"Le Bonheur! Le Bonheur!"
That word, that shout, coming from all those stupid faces
was so ludicrous and pathetic that I stayed.
And I was doomed.
The lights went down and you sang.
You sang Le Bonheur.
Incredible.
There's nothing more vulgar than that song
and the exhibition around you.
And yet,
I suddenly felt a strange dizziness.
And suddenly...
It was awful. I suddenly understood.
I was the biggest fool in that music-hall.
I knew I wanted you.
Everything had changed. My mind went blank.
My mission, my ideas. Everything.
I was there like everybody else, hopelessly in love with you.
I panicked.
It was over, I was going to lose you.
My hand tightened around the pistol in my pocket.
I thought: "It's not for my cause.
"It's for me, so that you don't belong to anybody else."
I thought:
"I will erase that image from the world".
At the stage door
I reached your car.
You got into the car, quickly, gracefully.
I prayed: "Hopefully she won't smile."
You didn't. Your face stiffened when you saw me.
I saw your eyes.
So I squeezed the trigger.
Darling.
It's you who loved me first.
You see, the crime was planned by an anarchist
and committed by a man in love.
How beautiful.
What a script!
We should write it.
That would be something incredible.
It's my story. Mine alone.
Mine as well.
Nobody has the right to touch that. It's mine.
Come then. Let's change the subject.
In fact, I'm very proud.
The true story flatters me.
I could stay here by your side all my life.
All my life.
The station is scratched.
- What? - What's that?
The station is scratched.
- It can't be. - All the scenes?
Yes, the whole lot.
Good Lord! Bloomberg!
- The station is scratched. - All the scenes?
All the scenes.
We must do it over.
Of course, we must do it over.
Get me Malpias on the phone.
Hold the reel.
- Let's hope Miss Stuart is free. - Of course she'll be free.
We'll see.
Mr. Malpias?
Hold the line.
Mr. Malpias on the phone.
We have to film tonight.
Shall I go to the station for the permits?
Run along.
What?
Redo a scene?
But what for?
The creation scene?
The station scene?
It's nothing.
We have to contact Miss Stuart immediately.
Clara's not going to be happy.
I know.
But we're shooting tonight.
I don't even know where she is.
Do what you have to.
It's not my fault if the film is scratched.
Why can't you get good film stock?
It's going to break.
- What? - It's going to break.
What do you mean "break"?
It's going to break the camel's back.
Your scratched film is going to break the bathtub's back.
The camel!
That guy's crazy.
Maillot 17-23.
You answer. Say I'm out. I'm not home to anyone.
Clara has a male voice now.
Darling.
It could go on and on.
I gave the servants the night off.
It must be a wrong number.
I can't see anything.
Shall I go see?
Yes, go on.
Tell them you're alone.
Is Clara Stuart at home?
I don't know. I'll go see.
It's urgent.
Is she well? Is she alive?
- Who was it? - Your manager.
Noël?
It's urgent.
What now?
What do you want?
I'll explain.
Can't you leave me alone?
We have to re-shoot the station scene.
What do you mean? It can't be.
We shoot at midnight.
Where? At St-Lazare station?
We have no choice.
I'll find a way but it's not easy.
I understand.
You should find a solution.
Tell him you're going to the studio. He won't follow you.
Mind your own business.
He can wait for you here. Give him the house keys.
And the safe key.
Stop joking!
See you later then.
Noël says I have to re-shoot a scene immediately.
I can leave if you want.
No, wait for me here.
But if you get bored here's the garden key.
You can come and go as you please.
Where are you going?
To the studio.
Already?
I have to get my makeup on.
You're shooting at the studio?
Yes. Of course.
The studio is in Joinville.
Silence!
We're going to shoot.
Silence!
Stay behind the extras. At the signal push through 3 steps.
The rest, as we rehearsed?
Alright.
Miss Stuart,
are you ready?
Everyone shout: "Betty!"
Start the train.
Miss, a word for our listeners.
After 2 years under the Californian sun,
I'm back in France
and I'm happy
to see my beloved Paris.
Cut!
You weren't expecting me?
I never expect anyone.
Don't show off, we're not in court now.
What happens to me now?
You throw me overboard and take my place.
I'm not looking for a place.
You don't know what it's like to suffer for love.
Maybe not.
You don't believe in my pain.
You think I'm after her money.
You're wrong. I married her for money,
I sold her my name and realized I married for love.
Does that surprise you?
I know you love her.
You don't love her.
Love doesn't count for a man like you.
You don't love her.
Listen, I find it hard to talk about my feelings.
Don't think it's a big romance.
Clara Stuart is tough, as tough as she's attractive.
When she tires of you...
You don't think you're the first?
I don't think anything.
You think she loves you?
She doesn't know what love is.
She confuses it with pleasure. I know her better than you.
Yet you love her.
I admit it.
I need her.
Don't smile.
It's not her money I need.
It's her presence.
Let me have her.
Sorry but I've always done what I want.
Let me have her, or else...
Are you threatening me?
You know I could break your neck?
I don't doubt that. I've never been very strong
and the last few months
have been debilitating.
Are you scared?
What? Scared?
I don't think I'm afraid of violence.
Don't torture yourself.
I have news that you will like.
Wrongly, perhaps.
- I'm leaving. - What?
She's yours.
You don't mean it.
Yes I do.
You're giving up on Clara who loves you?
Are you sure?
Very sure, sadly.
I'm leaving.
I'm moving on.
Painlessly?
Painfully.
When do you plan on leaving?
Tonight. Right now.
You came here to say goodbye?
Geoffroy, what's the matter?
Why did you come? I asked you not to.
What do you want?
Nothing.
What were you saying?
You want to leave?
Why?
Admit that you love me. You can't leave me.
What did I do? What's the matter?
I'm yours. I want to go away with you.
We'll go far away.
We'll be blissfully happy.
Don't you know I can't live without you? Without your love.
Talk to me.
Answer me.
Well done.
Nicely played.
This comes just after the station?
- What? - I'm asking you.
You were there?
I saw it all.
The arrival, the smile, the pistol.
Nicely done.
You were there.
But I wanted to say,
the man playing me was hamming it up, wasn't he?
You should have consulted me.
Listen to me.
His long hair, mean looks, that anarchist.
I should know.
The poor guy was very clumsy.
He can't even hold a pistol. His hand shook.
He missed you. He's ridiculous.
I know the type.
He's even stupid enough to suffer at the thought of losing you.
Listen to me!
Malpias organized it. He signed the contract.
Why are you apologizing? It's normal.
I was stupid enough to be surprised!
A little memory like that,
for a woman like you, for a star, that doesn't count.
It takes a loser like me to suffer.
You're right. It's vile.
By the time I found out it was too late.
It's not my fault.
Don't think I'm going to believe that.
Liar!
Sorry!
Please forgive me.
I was wrong.
You're a slave to your fame.
It's too late to live for yourself.
Stop it. You're hurting me.
The two of us can't make it.
Don't leave me! What will become of me?
Don't do this to me, please.
Don't cry.
Stay with me.
You'll see, you'll be happy.
I will make you the happiest of men.
I'm incapable of accepting happiness.
Then let me come with you.
I'm ready to follow you. I'll follow whatever you do.
- But Clara... - Believe me.
I'm ready for any sacrifice. Anything.
"Sacrifice."
So it's no?
You won't have me?
You're a fool.
You love me, you know. I'm sure of it.
Darling!
Clara, come now.
You know that, in any case,
even if I stayed,
I'd lose you.
I always knew I couldn't keep you.
You are too beautiful.
You're right.
Listen, Philippe,
I want you to have something of mine.
I know you care about nothing but...
think of something you'd enjoy.
I don't see what...
Don't deny me this small pleasure.
That's not it. I'm thinking...
Yes.
Could you let me have...
100 francs?
I had some other things I would have sold.
What's become of them now?
What would you do with 100 francs?
Let me give you some money,
lend it to you.
Lend it? I couldn't pay it back.
Then let me give you a substantial amount.
More than 100 francs?
It's nothing.
Just for a while. Then I'll manage.
Promise me that if you ever need anything...
I don't need anything.
Can't I write to you?
I'll see.
You'll see?
On the screen.
Why not?
You can meet me in theatres.
I'll only see your image.
- How horrible! - No.
Darling, listen to me.
Sometimes, if you think about it...
when you pose for a close-up,
think of me, look at me. You see?
With these very eyes of yours.
And one night,
all alone, somewhere, in a theatre,
I'm sure
to recognize that expression.
And I'll feel close to you.
And if you cry,
I'll think
you're crying because of me.
You're hurting me.
Before you go,
say something to me.
Something you never said to anyone else.
Never.
"Never"?
Forgive me.
Darling.
Happiness is just a beautiful dream
It disappears when you flee
But towards me you lift your eyes
And happiness lives...
once more
Subtitles: Lenny Borger
Subtitling: C.M.C.
Restoration conducted by L'Immagine Ritrovata
with the support of the CNC