- Good morning sir, what would you like? - How much for the daisies?
- 10 francs for one bouquet. - Alright, give me one bouquet.
- Shall I wrap them? - No it's not necessary. - Fine.
- Thanks. - Thank you sir, goodbye.
Mr. and Mrs. Charcelet?
Come in!
Oh good morning Biclo.
Good morning Miss Marie. I brought you daisies.
- Oh that's nice. They're pretty. - You're all alone?
Yes, grandma and grandpa are at the market, and I'm finishing my blanket.
- Look what I've done. - Oh, you're going fast!
But I have to go, I've two more deliveries to do.
- You're still up for game of checkers tomorrow night? - Yes, alright.
Alright, I'll bring it to you tomorrow if I remember.
- Goodbye. See you tomorrow. - Yes.
- Are you looking for something Miss? - No, I'm just looking.
- Maybe you'd like some information? - No thank you, I'm only looking at your dolls.
They're beautiful.
- You think so? - You have so many.
- Oh this isn't even a tenth of what I own. - You have even more?
These cupboards are full of them, the basement too, and at home a full room.
I have about 400.
- That's incredible! Where do you find them? - Just about everywhere. Mostly from individuals.
And I also travel abroad; in Austria, in Germany, in South America.
- You go that far? - Sometimes, yes.
Next month I'm going to Japan to perform an appraisal.
Do you trade them sometimes?
- Why, are you interested? - No, I'm just asking.
- You've never had a doll? - Yes, I even still have one. Her name's Andréa.
How is she, Andréa?
Oh, the poor thing has no hair anymore and she's missing a leg.
If you bring her to me I'll make her as pretty as she used to be.
No, I like her that way.
- Do you go to high school? - No, to the Voilot class.
Last year? - No, first year. I'm two years late because I've been sick.
- It's already 6 o'clock? - Yes.
I have to go.
Goodbye sir.
If you want to come back, don't hesitate.
- It will be my pleasure to show you my dolls. - Thank you.
Tell me grandma, do you know the doll seller in the old town?
- Not at all. Where? - In a street below the cathedral.
No, no I don't know of it.
You should see all the dolls he has; it's incredible. And so pretty, you can't imagine.
- He has 400 of them apparently. - Who told you so?
The shopkeeper himself. He looks for them in the whole world.
- Do you know what he proposed to me? - No...
To fix Andréa. He'd have alot of work.
Poor Andréa. She's really sick.
She's like me, a cripple from the war of 1914!
- Good morning Misses. - Good morning sir.
Thanks.
One waffle and one chichi.
- Thanks. - Thanks, misses. - Goodbye, sir.
- Is it good? - Oh good morning sir.
- Is Andréa doing well? - Yes, she's alright.
- Does she like chichis too? - I don't know, I never asked her.
- My friend Françoise, Mr... - Claude Dubois.
- Do you know what I received this morning? - No.
- A doll that sings and sends kisses. - There is such thing?
- Yes. It's quite rare but it does exist. - It must be funny.
Listen, I'm running an errand but I'll be at the shop in half an hour.
If you want to come see her. Your friend is welcome too by the way.
We can't this evening, but tomorrow if you want.
- Alright. See you tomorrow then. - Yes. Goodbye sir.
- It's the doll seller. - I had figured, thanks.
- He's pretty nice. - Yes, he's very kind.
This dashboard is really nice.
This car belonged to your parents?
Yes. My father left it to me when he moved to Morocco after my mother's death.
- our mother's dead? - Yes.
- A long time ago? - Four years.
Why did your father move to Morocco?
He was very close to my mother, and when she died he prefered to escape,
and since he was offered a job over there, he accepted.
That's how I inherited their house.
- You live alone? - Yes.
Well not really, there are a couple of caretakers,
and someone to take care of the livestock.
- Oh, but it's a real castle! - No, it's not really nice, it's a fake Napoléon III.
Oh yes, it's pretty!
Did you forget something Mr. Claude?
No Germaine, I'm only showing my collection to Miss.
The workers from Fournier's came for the roof of the barn.
They took the measurements and they said they'd send the estimate.
Very well. Don't wait for me tonight, I'm not eating here.
All right Mr. Claude. Miss.
Come in.
Don't pay attention to the furniture, it's a bit old fashioned but...
I'm attached to it.
No, it's very nice.
Come, it's this way.
Go in.
They're so pretty!
All porcelain heads. Mouth open or mouth closed.
- What's the difference? - Oh, in fact, none.
It's an esthete squabble.
Mouth open or closed they have the same value.
What matters is that they're in good condition.
I always leave these ones here, I never bring them to the store. - Why?
First because I lack space, and also I'd be too afraid to break them.
- You like this one? - She's so thin!
A very peculiar woman sold it to me.
She came maybe ten times to the store before she decided to sell it to me.
What's funny about dolls is that each one has it's legend.
- You must know a lot of stories. - Yes.
As many as I have dolls.
Oh, what material is the body made of?
This one is made of lambskin filled with sawdust.
With the hands, head and ruff made of porcelain.
- Oh, what is this? - A doll coffin. - What?!
- Doll coffins. - There is such a thing? - Yes, everything exists for dolls.
Doll combs, bathtubs, nail files, rings, brooches.
There is even nail polish for dolls.
That's so funny.
This one is pretty too.
Would you like to have it? I'm giving it to you.
- Thank you but I can't accept. - Why?
Andréa wouldn't be happy, she's very jealous.
I'm joking, but if I accept I won't take care of her anymore, do you understand?
I understand.
So, take this.
- You'll put it around her neck. - What is it?
It's a medallion for dolls.
It's so cute!
Like this she'll put the picture of her lover, and her own.
She will like this, I'm sure she will be very happy.
... be at the same time an expiation, and a thanksgiving.
Engrave in your hearts and in your hearth the commandments of good,
banish sin from them and let only God be their master,
put all your glory in being only His servants and you'll be happy,
because to serve God is to reign.
Claude Dubois, do you want to marry Marie Charcelet, present here,
- According to the rite of our mother the Holy Church? - Yes.
Marie Charcelet, do you want to marry Claude Dubois, present here,
- According to the rite of our mother the Holy Church? - Yes.
Hold your right hands.
I declare you united by the sacrament of marriage.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, so be it.
- Hello. - Oh hello Françoise! - You're pretty you know, very pretty.
- Your dress is very nice. - What is it?
It's satin and tulle. You don't look like your mother's a dressmaker!
- You're beautiful you know. - You think so? - Oh yes.
- Take this. - What is it? - A gift.
- Look what aunt Alice gave me. - What is it?
- A small chain. - Oh, it's very nice.
- But who's aunt Alice? You know I've never seen her. - That's her!
- Good day! - Pleased to meet you.
Marie told me a lot about you, and about your clocks.
- Yes, I talked about your collection. - You'll come see it? - Yes, gladly.
So Marie, not too upset?
claude, I wanted to tell you, Henriette and me are very happy.
Marie couldn't be luckier. You're exactly the man for her.
Attentive, delicate. She needs a lot of care, you'll see.
Above all don't ever tell her about the accident.
She does not remember, but she misses her parents alot.
That's why she's remained very much like a little girl, I think.
She adores you my dear Claude.
We've spent wonderful years with her.
She's such a nice child!
We'll miss her alot.
- Have we arrived? - Yes.
- Where are we? - In the courtyard of the inn.
Oh, I love you.
It's late, let's go in.
I'll have your luggage brought up.
- You're not too tired? - Yes, a little.
I love you.
It's the best day of my life, you know.
The room's nice.
- You like it? - Yes, alot.
Come in!
It's for you.
- What is it? - Open it, you'll see.
- You've had it made? - Yes.
- It's beautiful! - You like it?
Yes, alot.
It's so pretty!
You're kind you know.
- Put it on. - Now? - Yes.
You'll put on your boots too.
Show me.
I knew it would fit you well.
The fabric is beautiful.
It belonged to my mother.
With your ringlets like this it will be perfect.
- Do you know how to do them well? - No, not really.
I'll teach you.
It's so pretty.
Come.
Lay down.
Do you know what we're going to do?
We're going to play a game.
Which one?
You're going to stay on the bed like this, still, with your eyes closed,
and you'll let me move you as if you were a doll.
- Do you agree? - It'll be nice.
Yes, but don't talk. Otherwise the game stops working. - Promise.
Make yourself at ease.
You're beautiful you know.
You're the most amazing being I've ever met.
The first time I saw you, through the window of the shop,
I was turned upside down.
You looked like one of my dolls.
Even prettier.
You came in, and we spoke.
And the more we spoke, the more your beauty acted on me.
I watched you, I couldn't believe it.
You're not an ordinary doll. You talked, you smiled, you were alive.
I would have liked it to never end.
But you had to go.
You left the shop, and left me in disarray.
I was afraid of never seeing you again.
Tomorrow you'll wear your little silk panties.
No, keep you eyes closed.
I'll carry you to the bathroom.
Stand up now.
I'll soap you.
You can open your eyes if you want.
I love washing dolls.
It's a rare pleasure for me.
Like this my porcelain will be beautiful.
Very beautiful.
I love you. I like this game. We'll always play it.
- Yes, I promise. - Have you played it before?
Yes, but only with a real doll.
I like this. Hold me strongly in your arms.
What you told me was beautiful. It was like a poem.
- You're not taking a bath? - Yes.
Dear grandma and grandpa, I'm the happiest girl in the world.
Claude is so kind with me.
We stay in the best hotels and I eat lots of cakes.
Yesterday we visited Claude's friends in the Black Forest. They live in a very nice house.
We're returning in a few days, and I'll visit you to tell you about my trip.
Lots of kisses, your little Marie.
- Hello Germaine! - Hello my little girl!
- She's so beautiful! - Isn't my hat cute? - Adorable.
- So did the trip go well? - Wonderful. And you'll see all the presents I got!
- Hello Mr. Claude. - Hello Germaine.
- Hello Charles.- Hello Mr. Claude. - Hello Mrs. Marie.
- Hello Mr. Charles. - She'll never say only Charles.
She's so cute! Your grandmother phoned this morning to know if you had arrived.
I know, we called on them. Come, Germaine!
It's for you and your husband. Charles.
You shouldn't have. Thank you darling, thank you Mr. Claude.
Look, the same they have at the fair! Just the one you wanted.
- This fire is so pleasant. - We'll carry this straight to your room.
- Is it finished? - Yes, they did magnificent work.
- What work? - The work to fit out your room.
- I have my own room? - And what a room!
Come up, follow me!
- But you're crazy! - You like it?
- Do you realise!? - And you haven't seen everything.
- Come see the little bathroom. - I have a bathroom too?
It's beautiful.
When grandma and grandpa see this...
Oh a little greenhouse! It's so cute.
- What's in there? - Books.
Novels as you like, travel stories.
Oh a little dressing table.
That's nice.
- And what is this? - A record player, with records.
But you're crazy!
- These records are funny... Where did you get them? - A friend gave them to me.
Look underneath, there's more.
I chose the titles you told me about.
You're kind.
And over there in the chest of drawers... Take a look.
They have my initials!
Germaine, help Marie settle in, I'm going to take a bath and change.
- And where is your room? - Still at the same place. Just next door.
- I can't believe it. - Mr. Claude really gave you a great present.
- And what is this? - A travel trunk with your name engraved on it.
I think that if we hadn't stopped him he'd have put your name everywhere.
What got into him?
Thank you.
- Do you like your room? - I love you.
- You feel good? - I feel like I live in a fairytale. And you?
The more I look at you the more I think you're unique.
You're nice.
Germaine, when I won't be around tomorrow you can help Marie finish settling.
Of course Mr. Claude.
Will you return for lunch?
I don't know. It depends on what I have to do at the store. Anyways I'll phone.
Germaine, you'll tell Charles to turn up the heat. We could use a few degrees more.
Alright, Mr. Claude.
- You're cold? - No, but these big houses need heating you know.
There's a lot of draft.
- You won't finish your dessert? - I'm not hungry any more.
The doll wants to go to bed?
Come.
- Good morning Germaine. - Good morning darling.
- Did you sleep well? - Yes, very well.
I think I was right to give you this big duvet, it's so comfortable to sleep in it.
It feels like a nest.
Is Claude still here?
No, he's been gone for at least two hours. Now he's at the store.
Mr. Claude asked that you weared this dress today.
And for this evening's dinner, your little flower dress.
It's a hoop dress. I had one when I was little.
Dresses are Mr. Claude's thing. Look at his dolls:
Every two month he pays a worker to iron their clothes.
Oh, hello Charles. Do you want something?
No. I mean, yes. I have to check the windows.
- Do you mind if I look at yours? - No, you can come in.
- Hello. - Hello madam.
Come in.
You're looking at my poor mother and father.
- This is two days after their marriage. - Your mother was pretty.
Yes. But not very strong. She died right after the birth of my brother.
She was so frail she couldn't ever get water from the well.
She got married much too young, she was barely 15.
Who is she?
My sister Victoire, she entered the Carmelites at 17 and never came out.
She's still alive? - Yes, of course. Prayers keep one well-preserved.
The only time she peeked her nose out was in 46, to vote.
She was my father's favourite. He cried so much when she left the house.
Such a beautiful girl he said, what a waste. The veil is made for ugly girls.
Oh, I keep talking but I must think about making dinner.
I asked Sergio to kill a rabbit.
- Do you like it? - Yes, alot.
I'm going to the garden to get a nice salad.
- Can I come with you? - Yes, of course.
But I have to find my knife. Where is it again?
Why did you marry so suddenly?
When you see her, you'll understand. I was really lovestruck.
- A very peculiar seduction. - How old is she? - 17.
- Who is it? - It's Claude.
Wait, don't come in; I'm not finished.
Come down quickly, we've got someone for dinner tonight.
- Who? - A friend. - I'm coming.
She's coming.
It's too bad, 8 days later and I'd have been here for the marriage.
Yes I know. What do you want to drink?
- Do you still have your famous Port? - I think there is some left.
Well, that's tremendous.
Here she comes.
Marie, let me introduce you to Pierre Courtin, a longtime friend,
physics and chemistry teacher at the technical high school.
- Good evening sir. - Good evening madam.
Good evening.
You're beautiful.
- Do you want to drink something? - No thank you, I'm not thirsty.
- Let's go to the table. - Gladly.
I promised Ida not to return too late.
- Sit down. - Thanks.
I was just telling Claude that we missed the marriage by 8 days.
Now that I see you I understand his hurry.
- Good evening Mr. Courtin. - Good evening Germaine.
- Mrs. Courtin isn't there? - No, I came as an awful bachelor.
- Did you have a good day? - Yes, and you?
Ah we didn't leave each other. She followed me everywhere.
- She wanted to know everything. - Thanks.
What's this for Germaine, and this, and why are there no cows?
And after 6 o'clock, every five minutes: Do you think Claude already left the store?
At what time will he arrive? One can say your little wife loves you.
I also listened to the records.
- They were the ones you wanted? - Yes, wonderful.
- And how's Andréa? - She's very satisfied with her new home.
Who's Andréa?
It's Marie's fetish, and our main conversation subject.
She has a few infirmities, but she's still very beautiful.
Of course she is.
- Does Andréa ressemble her mistress? - No, not at all.
I even had trouble identifying her. I couldn't tell if it was a Bru or a Stenner.
I must say she's in a very bad shape.
It's a cripple from the war of 1914, as grandpa says.
Wait a little.
Be reasonable.
- What does she want? - Every night Marie and I play a game together.
Really? What does it consist of, is it fun?
That's a secret between Marie and me. Isn't it? - Yes.
You know what you're doing is not polite Marie.
Don't worry about me kids, I'll return home.
- Do you live far from here? - No, about 10km.
- So, good evening Marie. I can call you Marie? - Yes.
- Good evening. - Good evening.
She's a number. Ida must get to know her, she'll be thrilled.
See you soon for a meal at my home. Ida will be delighted.
Alright.
You made him run away you know.
I wanted to be alone with you.
- Do you find your dress pretty? - Yes, very.
She wants to go to sleep you know. Her eyes are closing.
We'll take her to bed. Come.
What if you played the doll tonight?
You're crazy! The game wouldn't work anymore.
Hi!
Has your work gone well?
- So, how is she? - Charming.
Really a little girl. And feline with that.
All that you like.
And how's he with her?
You know you must be reasonable Marie.
I thought about it again today, I really can't bring you with me.
You know I would if I could.
But I'd wait for you at the hotel, I'd go out for walks.
I wouldn't even be able to eat with you, it's 20km away from Chambéry.
For 2 days you'd better stay at the Courtin's.
Bring me, bring me.
The others don't bring their wives, you know.
I don't want to leave you, I don't want to stay alone.
But you won't be alone. You'll see, Ida is very kind.
I want to stay with you.
Don't be a child.
- I love you. - But me too.
I feel good like this, I feel good.
Someday my prince will come, someday we'll meet again...
Why are you crying, is it the song?
Yes, I used to sing it at night when I was little.
And I cried and I cried, I couldn't stop crying.
- Why? - I don't know.
Maybe because I was waiting for you. You are my prince.
- Tell me we'll always be together. - Yes.
We'll have many other travels. Together. Only the two of us.
We'll go to the most beautiful countries, we'll stay at the best hotels.
Marie will be the prettiest of all.
She'll have the prettiest dresses, the prettiest gifts, the prettiest jewelry.
She'll be the most beautiful doll in the world.
And she'll never get old, she'll never have wrinkles.
She'll always keep her porcelain skin, her big black eyes,
her cherry mouth.
- Good evening Germaine. - Good evening Mr. Courtin.
- Is Mrs. here? - Yes, in her room, she's waiting for you.
The poor thing is crying, a real fountain.
It's much better that you didn't go with him.
These collectors meetings are awful.
They're not funny guys, you know. It's true.
Ida is delighted to meet you. I told her so much about you.
That's better.
Good evening pretty child.
So you're the creature. You're the one who turned Claude's head.
This traitor, who dared getting married during our absence.
You're even prettier than I imagined.
Let me kiss you.
Hello madam. - Oh, call me Ida, we won't have manners between us.
I've know Claude for 20 years, you know.
Come near the fire, you look frozen.
This little fur hat and this little jacket are very cute. Claude gave them to you? -Yes.
Take these off, give me all this.
But you're shivering!
Your feet are wet.
- Pierre! - Yes?
Bring my slippers, the girl has her feet frozen.
You'll put them on; these are grandmother's slippers, they're very warm.
- You're wearing stockings? - Yes.
You should wear thick socks, and thick whool dresses in this weather.
- I bet Claude wants you to wear them. - Yes.
Pull up your dress.
What a suspender belt! You're dressed just like the Belle Époque!
You've got the legs of a star.
- Are you well? - Yes, very well.
- Is the water hot? - Yes, it's alright.
Your bathtub is big.
Yes. Enough for two.
You can be familiar with me.
- Can I take my bath with you? - Yes, of course.
- Do you take baths with Claude sometimes? - No, never.
Men don't know what's good.
If you want to wash you hair I've got a terrific shampoo.
It's made of boar grease. It's just for you, it's called "ebony hair".
You should come see me when you're alone in the afternoon.
Do a quick bike ride. Or you can take the bus.
I'll show you how to fix dolls. I'm sure Claude never showed you.
No.
You're a baby you know.
Come into my arms.
Here he is!
I love you! I'm happy you're here.
I've waited and waited for you.
- You're beautiful. - You think so?
Germaine told me to wear this dress. She told me you'd like it.
- Look what I brought for you. - That's nice.
- This one. - They're beautiful. This one is so big!
Here.
I'm happy that you're back.
So, what's new here? - I don't know. I've just come back from the Courtin's.
- Oh really. Did it go well over there? - Yes, very well. Ida is very nice.
- I didn't know you've knew her for so long. - I didn't tell you? - No.
- And you, how did it go? - Exhausting.
- Really? - Yes. It's a good thing you didn't come.
Chambéry is really boring.
Germaine and I have made you a surprise. Guess!
- What is it? - She made you a rabbit with mustard sauce,
... and I made you a pie. - All my favorites!
- Good evening Germaine. - Good evening Mr. Claude. Did you have a nice trip?
No, not really. Those were two tiring days.
- It's freezing here. What's going on? - The boiler doesn't work well.
Charles asked Lepage to come fix it, he'll be there tomorrow morning.
- Mr. Wadgep phoned too. - What did he say?
- He said he had the part you had asked him. - Very well. That's good news.
- For you. - What is it?
- Did you knit it? - Yes.
It's beautiful. I'm very glad.
- Really? - Yes.
Thank you.
You've seen how pretty her scarf is? She's done some good work. - Magnificent.
- You like it? - A lot.
- You'll wear it to go to work. - Of course.
Listen Marie, we won't play tonight, I'm really too tired.
- Yes we will. - No, really.
You're terrible.
I love you, you know. I'm glad you're here.
I feel so good in your arms. I haven't stopped thinking about us.
I thought about the trips we're going to make.
I think Marie will be the happiest girl in the world.
I had a strange dream last night. I'm sure you won't guess.
It was as if Marie had become someone else. As if she wasn't a little girl any more.
The poor darling fell asleep.
You're beautiful you know. You're my darling.
I've never dared tell you, but I'm madly in love with you.
I'd like us to have a beautiful life.
The kind everyone dreams about, but that no one ever has.
Oh I love you, I love you, I love you.
I fell asleep?
- What have you done? - I removed your shoes and I put you in bed.
But you're crazy! What time is it?
I have to go to bed. - No, stay. We haven't seen each other for two days.
- It's late you know, and you see that I'm tired. - We haven't even played.
You're really terrible.
Come on.
We'll play tomorrow night, I promise.
- Hello. - Hello.
- Does it hurt? - No.
- Why do you do this? - She's got bugs.
I have to shear her, or else she'll scratch herself 'til she bleeds.
- Mr Claude has returned? - Yes.
the butcher came by for the two mothers, he agrees to take them.
So Mr. Claude must make up his mind.
- You aren't in bed yet at this time? - I can't sleep.
- Your eyes are red. Were you crying? - Yes.
- Mr. is not nice with you? - Yes, he is.
- So what? - I'm too capricious.
That's not good. That's for little girls.
- Do you always work so late at night? - It depends.
Be careful, wool is very greasy. You'll stain your pretty dress.
Oh, it doesn't matter, I've got plenty of dresses.
It's done. Go on girl.
This one doesn't have much longer to live.
- Why, is she sick? - Diarrhea.
That's from the grass. It's full of water, that's bad for them.
- Poor beast. - Every year we lose 3 or 4 of them because of this crap.
I'm turning the light off, you're coming?
- You should dress more warmly, you'll catch something. - Oh, I'm not cold.
It's not very warm.
- Good night madam. - Good night Sergio.
- Don't forget to tell Mr. about the ewe. - Yes.
My dear Biclo, what are you doing?
Grandpa and grandma came to see me and told me you said hello
I'm doing well but I miss our games of checkers and our long evenings with grandpa and grandma.
If you've got time one Saturday, come see me with your bike. Youe old pal.
- It's quite a nice place. - Yes, it's agreeable.
- But you already been here haven't you? - Yes. When your father was still here.
- Yes, I remember. - How is he? - Alright.
He couldn't come for the wedding, that's a shame. I wanted so much to introduce him to Marie.
We'll try to go see him for the holidays.
Marie!
Sit down.
What would you like to drink?
- I don't know, what are you drinking darling? - Do you have gin and tonic?
I think so. Yes. And you?
For me a Scotch.
So, you still live at La Ménardière?
- We'll move out soon, Mom is very tired, it's too big for her. - Really?
- Good day. - Good evening. - Good evening.
Where did you come from?
Have you seen your dress?
You don't think you're going to eat like this?
Well Claude, it doesn't matter.
I had surely told Germaine that Georges and Marie-Paule were coming for dinner!
What are you waiting for? Go get dressed.
What's happening to you? Why are you crying? Mr. Claude scolded you?
Don't stay outside like this; You'll catch something.
Come inside for a while.
Come in.
Go near the fire, it will dry your dress.
Don't cry like this. Everything's gonna be all right.
I saw Mr. Claude arrive earlier with other people... Friends of yours?
No.
- They came for dinner? - Yes.
Maybe you should go back, they must be waiting for you.
I don't want to.
Why did he scold you?
Because I forgot to change my dress.
That's him! Don't open, I don't want to see him.
- Good evening sir. - Good evening Sergio, have you seen Marie?
Oh you're here? I've been looking for you everywhere.
Excuse us Sergio, I had a little dispute with Marie.
I'm sorry, I was a little irritated. come on.
Leave me.
Listen, it's nothing. Come on, they're waiting for us over there.
I'm sorry. Here.
- Goodnight Sergio. - Goodnight sir. Goodnight madam.
- Sorry again. - It was no trouble.
- Hello. - Hello. - I came to bring you a piece of pie.
- Here, I found this yesterday after your departure. - Thanks, I looked for it everywhere.
I thought I had lost it in the park.
- You're feeling better today! - Yes.
Germaine told me you were a champion for pies. Would you like a little coffee?
No, thanks.
It's good!
I wanted to ask you if you'd lend me your bike this afternoon?
Take it, it's in the barn. But I think it's flat.
- Oh it doesn't matter, I'll inflate it again. - No, you won't find the pump. We'll go see.
- Don't go to any trouble, you haven't finished eating. - I've got the whole day off.
- I'm asking too much. - You must be joking!
- Hello! - Hello. So the bike's going well?
Yes. I made a long trip. I went as far as the mill.
I'm not bothering you?
No, not at all. I'm washing a little bit, I just finished washing the pig.
- Have you seen the ewe? - Yes. - She's doing better isn't she?
She looks like she stands better on her legs. What are you giving her?
Vitamins. I put them in bran balls. The postman explained it to me.
- And she allows you? - More or less.
- Do you want to come in for a minute? - Alright.
- May I take one? - Yes, of course.
Here, sit down.
- Don't you want a little sip of brandy? - Alright, but just a drop.
Do you know the people who live in the farm by the mills?
The clubfeet? Oh yes I do.
- They look strange. - They're nutcases.
Madeleine is an honest fat woman. She's nice. But it's the two others.
They don't want to do a damn thing. The father and the son.
Here you go. To your health!
She makes the farm work. The men are alcoholics.
Two sons already hung themselves in there, and a third put a bullet in his head.
- Mr. Claude never told you about it? - No.
He knows them well nevertheless.
Last year they even came for his help to calve.
The mother had calved during the night, so we went there with Mr. Claude.
It was a huge calf, three weren't enough to get it out.
- He's not told you about the uncle, either? - No, what is this?
It's not an ordinary story.
Madeleine had an old uncle. And nobody wanted him in the family.
Why's that?
The poor old fellow was disabled.
So when she got married she brought him with her
and she put him in a little house by the horsepond.
- What's a horsepond? - It's a pond to water the beasts.
And everyday she came to wash him, to put him near the window,
to feed him, to put him to bed.
And one morning she found the door open. He had woken up during the night and he had went away.
We discovered the tracks of his wooden shoes on the paths,
we dredged the horsepond to see if he had drowned, we never found anything.
Maybe he's dead.
We don't know. We'll never know.
- That's incredible. - Yes. Well, I have to go.
- No, tell me more. - I have a job to do.
The work won't do itself, you know.
You're always dressed the same way. Never anything on your buttocks.
- You're wearing stockings? - Yes, always.
You've got nice thighs. You look like a feather, but you're a pretty girl.
- Doesn't your husband tell you? - Yes.
If I had a doll like you I would ake her into my arms, cuddle her.
Do you like caresses?
Does your husband give you any?
You should ask him.
I have to go.
- Can I help you? - No. Flattening the potatoes: it's no job for a little woman like you.
You should take care of your husband instead!
What's happening to you Marie? Are you crazy?
What's come over you?
I'm sorry.
Would you change the channel?
You're pretty you know. Beautiful.
I wish I could kiss you everywhere.
- What are you doing here? Why are you crying? - Don't go tomorrow, or take me with you.
I told you I can't. You're terrible. You know well it's for my work.
Yes, take me. I'm afraid you know, very afraid. I don't want to stay here alone.
- Why? - I'm afraid in this house.
You're a real baby. What a comedy!
- Do you love me? - But, of course!
- Do you still love my big black eyes and my cherry mouth? - Of course.
Keep me near you tonight.
What's going on Marie?
I don't know. I don't know. I feel like... I love you, I love you. If you only knew...
Calm down, calm down.
You're crazy to put yourself in such a state.
- Oh I love you so much. I love you. - Me too, you know it.
Come on.
You'll go to bed now.
We'll talk about it tomorrow.
- Do you promise? - Yes.
You'll take me with you?
Now go back to your room. Be reasonable.
Oh, my love.
Come on. Don't worry.
- Excuse me madam. - Sir? - Are you the one who does the ironing?
The person in charge of the ironing only comes the afternoon.
- Can you ask her to come see me? Room 12. - Of course sir. - Thank you.
- They're pretty, aren't they? - Yes.
- How old are you? - 6 years old.
- What's your name? - Zabette.
You're pretty too.
How would you like if I gave you one?
Come see, I've got more here.
Which one do you prefer?
- I'm giving it to you. - Thanks. - It's yours.
- Now we're going to play a game, do you agree? - Which one?
Come.
We'll put it beside you
Now you're going to stay like this, still, on the bed. You're going to let me move you as if you were a doll.
- Do you agree? - Yes.
But don't talk. Otherwise the game will stop working.
Eat my little girl, and stop crying.
But why isn't he here? And why didn't he phone?
He told me he would come back.
- I'm sad Germaine, I'm so sad. - Come on sweetheart.
Eat! He can still phone, it's only 9 o'clock.
I'm worried about the girl you know.
- Why? - She doesn't stop crying.
Why hasn't Mr. Claude called? Maybe something has happened.
- No, what are you imagining?! - Bah, nothing ever worries you.
Oh, Marie.
Come in, I'm with a friend.
Maybe you know him, it's Charlot from the farm of the four paths.
- Good evening. - Good evening.
It's a good one, it's from Renaud. He doesn't make alot, 100 stocks.
Down on the right near the cemetery.
- Will you drink with us? - No thanks.
Sit down.
You cried again.
I don't know what's going on, but the marriage doesn't seem to work well.
The poor chick cries everyday.
She's cute however, isn't she?
That's something else than the missis, isn't it Charlot?
Come here.
Look how she's going around at night, she never has anything on her buttocks.
- You were in bed? - Yes.
- What has your husband done to you this time? - He didn't come back home.
To have a little dove like this at home, and to leave it alone, ain't that a shame?!
- That's why you cried? - Yes.
You've got beautiful hair you know. I noticed it right away.
She's beautiful isn't she?
And she's got good thighs, you know.
- Be nice with me. - Yes, my little darling... She's cute.
Everyday she comes so that I'll tell her stories.
It's really disgusting to be mean with a child like her.
The poor kid is helpless.
My little darling.
So, what do you decide Charlot, do we see each other tomorrow?
- We'll meet at the federation. - Alright.
- Bye. - Bye. - Goodnight.
Goddamnit, you're a virgin!
Goddamn!
- Stop! No, leave me, leave me! Help, help! - Shut up! Good god!
Bitch!
- Sir? - Excuse me madam, I'm a friend of Marie.
We met at the marriage, I don't know if you remember.
- Oh yes, you're Mr. Biclo. - That's it. - She told me you'd come.
Her shutters are closed. She still sleeps at this hour.
But come in, she'll wake up soon. Or I'll let her know if you prefer.
No, let her sleep. I'll go to the village and I'll come back.
- You really don't want to go in? - No, I'll come back.
As you prefer.
- Miss. - Sir. - What can I do for you?
- Excuse me, but your doll in the window... - Which one?
- This one, with the boater. - It's not for sale.
I don't want to buy it, it find it strange. It looks like it's alive.
- You think so too? - You were already told?
Many times. An old lady brought it to me one day,
and asked me to promise never to separate from it.
She told me it was her granddaughter, and that she died from it.
- From what? - From being a doll... I didn't understand.
- Do you want to take a look at it? - No, thank you.
- Maybe you'd like to see other ones? - No, not at all. I hate dolls.
- Goodbye sir. - Goodbye miss.