ELENA AND HER MEN
"The people and events depicted in this film are fictional
and do not refer to any real persons, living or dead.
The plot was imagined by the creators with no reference to actual events."
BASTILLE DAY - GENERAL ROLLAN PARADES THE PARIS GARRISON
- What lovely music. - What?
- What lovely music! - Isn't it?
Princess, please close the window.
Let's continue with Hélodse and Abélard.
One, two, three...
- Those brutes have blocked my inspiration! - What a pity.
I'm going to announce the reason for my visit.
I wanted to wait until we'd finished my overture, but I can't.
Baroness.
You, too, Gribiche. You're part of the household.
And Lolotte, so attached to your mistress.
You'll be very pleased.
This morning I received a telegram
informing me that my Hélodse and Abélard will be performed at La Scala!
- I knew it. - How?
Because I gave you a daisy.
What a wonderful surprise!
Elena will end up making me believe in daisies.
Daisies? What about my talent?
Your success foils all my plans.
Your lack of understanding doesn't phase me. Beethoven was booed.
Congratulations, maestro. Who'd have believed it?
I'm not in the least surprised.
Your music is great.
The proof is I can never remember a note of it!
- If the other one shows up - - I'll take care of it.
Princess, you no longer have any reason to hesitate.
When's the wedding? - Wedding?
Our wedding.
I made no promises.
You no longer need me. - But -
Your opera will be performed. I've accomplished my mission.
Good-bye, Lionel, and congratulations.
My little pigeon, don't listen to her.
Polish women can be hard to understand.
Your niece's attitude is perfectly clear.
My respects, Baroness.
- What will become of us? - I'll sell a pearl.
My little pigeon, it's appalling.
The truth had to come out someday.
There are no pearls!
I sold them all.
Too bad. My hat, Lolotte.
I'm going to have an attack of despair.
Gribiche, caviar and champagne.
Later, madam.
He's here.
Dear aunt, forget about the pearls. I already have.
- But the pearls! - This way, please, madam.
Martin-Michaud just rang.
I promised you'd go with him to the Bastille Day parade.
- But I promised Lolotte I'd go with her. - It's no matter.
Martin-Michaud has a huge fortune.
Shoes are a gold mine! Everyone has to walk.
People can walk barefoot. Gloves, please.
He adores you.
You've got him wrapped around your finger.
Hello, Princess.
Hello, Baroness.
Mr. Martin, when shall we marry?
Michaud!
Do you really accept?
Really.
You're crazy. You can't make such a decision lightly.
We must respect everyone's interests. - What interests? We're broke.
- What about me? - You're all welcome at my chéteau.
Of course, there's my son Eugéne.
But he'll be married soon. He won't be a problem.
I hope I won't be either.
Mr. Martin-Michaud, take me to the Bastille Day parade.
With pleasure!
Thank you.
The meal is served.
Be seated, Gribiche.
I want to share my attack of despair with you.
It has to be perfect, because it will be the last!
Now we'll be rolling in money!
What is it? I told you to advance.
Well, do something! We must get to the stands.
- Impossible to move, sir. - Let's walk.
- I didn't dare suggest it. - Let's go.
Princess!
So, Princess, mixing with the commoners?
Isn't that why you stormed the Bastille?
You came to see Rollan?
Who?
You don't know Rollan? Where have you been?
Don't cry. You'll see General Rollan.
Let's hope so!
Long live Rollan!
- There he is! He's so handsome! - Where is he?
- What's he like? - He's handsome.
Long live Rollan!
- I want to see Rollan. - Take my arm.
- What's that? - A periscope. Want to look?
What have you done with my child?
Long live Rollan!
- He's marvellous. - Did you manage to see him?
Long live Rollan!
- Did you manage to see him? - No, but I know him.
Oh, you know him.
- Want to see him? - Yes.
Come on!
They call this a parade!
In the days of Napoleon Ill, I had a lover in the Algerian infantry.
Those were the days!
There he is.
- In spite of his triumph, he seems worried. - It's because of his triumph.
What does he lack?
The will to do as his friends ask and seize the presidency.
It's lucky you brought me. I'll give him this daisy.
Will that solve everything? How easy.
Not really.
You must concentrate on the person you want to help and only them.
We nonbelievers would call that love.
Please, I'm very serious.
- Hello, Hector. - Hello, Count. Beautiful day!
- Bravo, General. - 120,000 people. A record.
The day is full of blessings.
Henri, your friendship has brought me luck.
They love you and they show it. That's all.
- Will you introduce me? - One of your fans. Madam -
Elena Sorokowska.
- A foreigner? - A bit. Polish.
When I was stationed in St. Petersburg, I met a Prince Sorokowski.
That was my brother-in-law Stanislas. An awful man, devoted to the czar.
Please accept this daisy.
Is it a symbol?
- No. It's a good-luck charm. - Are you sure?
- Don't joke. - The governmental representative is here.
Pardon me, Princess.
Allow me to introduce myself: Henri de Chevincourt.
These gentlemen are the general's political corps.
Duchene: the brain.
Fleury: the eyes.
Lisbonne: the heart.
Buchez: the wit.
He began as a theatre publicist.
Without me, Sarah Bernhardt would still be at the Comédie Frangaise.
The indispensable lsnard,
once a champion runner.
Gentlemen, may I introduce Princess Elena Sorokowska.
A great headline: "The Princess and the General. "
Princess is a very common title in Poland.
The president asked me to present his congratulations.
The parade was a triumph.
As for myself, I hope it is a triumph for the nation... and the nation only.
That is my sincerest wish.
Please express my thanks to the president.
His compliments are for my colleagues, the officers and soldiers.
The council chairman has given me an official mission which concerns you.
It is serious?
The government will be restructuring the cabinet.
Would you accept the position of secretary of war?
How curious.
What is your answer?
I accept
- I don't like it. - What's worrying you?
That they'll cover him with honours and make him a government lackey.
- Anything wrong? - They asked me to be secretary of war.
- You refused? - I accepted.
That was a mistake! Now they have you!
Princess, I'm very impressed.
- Do you believe now? - Almost.
Sighted two degrees left of the flower shop:
Madam Escoffier's parasol.
What timing.
We absolutely must meet again.
Every charm has its secret, and I must learn this one.
Parasol approaching.
- When can I see you? - Why? You don't need me.
Henri will arrange it. Won't you, Henri?
Princess, this is Paulette Escoffier.
Princess Sorokowska.
- What a lovely day! - What an awful crowd! I'm suffocating.
- I can't stand crowds. - And I feel like kissing them all.
Go ahead. They're waiting.
I'm going.
Paris must be marvellous tonight. - May I come with you?
I insist you do.
- Who gave you that flower? - What flower?
It's ridiculous.
Beware of Paris
Its streets, its gray sky
For each woman, a caress
For each man, a mistress
Hold me close to you
It hurts, but I love it, too
No promises, only kisses
Wild passions of lads and misses
Beware of Paris
When the artillerymen of Metz return to the base
All the ladies of the east from their homes they race
To show the way For the flush artilleryman
The heroes bring joy To mothers and daughters
Artillerymen, dear brothers
Lift a glass to your health
And sing this gay chorus
Hurrah for artillerymen Women and Wine
Meet Elena.
Long live Rollan!
Tonight the drinks are on the house!
The princess knows how to slug it down!
It's not that strong.
In my country, the vodka's much stronger.
- What's vodka taste like? - Like nothing.
I prefer red wine.
You can drink more of it!
All together now, the Song of Roland!
Brave Roland, girded with Durandal
Rugged sword bestowed by the Frankish king
Mounted on his great horse
Oharlemagne With his long white beard
Pious Roland, the brave general
The fair Aude dreamt of Roncesvalles
The enemy sent them to their graves
Brave knight to your beloved come
Without dismounting kiss the amorous lips
You'll find another fairer and younger
General Roland Hurry, brandish Durandal
I love crowds.
Henri, I love crowds!
I'll take you home.
No, I love crowds.
- Give me some wine. - Watch out. It goes to your head.
It's like drinking water.
Only much better.
I know a place that has the best champagne in Paris.
- Where's that? - My place.
May I take you there?
Let's stay here.
It's been a marvellous evening.
I've never been so happy.
Let's have lots of wine. We'll all drink together.
Please, Elena, let's go.
Hey, drinks all around! This lovely lady's buying!
We'll all drink together.
Long live Rollan!
Down with Rollan!
Long live Rollan!
Down with Rollan.
No fighting! We're all brothers on Bastille Day!
Elena!
- You said, "Down with Rollan. " - Down with Rollan. Down with dictators.
- I'll teach you a lesson. - Go on and try.
This is my card.
This is mine.
It'll take two weeks to heal.
My compliments, and until we meet again. I'm sorry.
- It's just a scratch. - No hard feelings?
- Especially as you didn't fight for Rollan. - Really?
- It was for a woman. I like that. - You're mistaken.
I hope not.
Is this the residence of Princess Sorokowska?
Would you give her this bouquet?
Wait, my card.
The princess is not in Paris.
The ladies have moved into Mr. Martin-Michaud's chéteau.
Martin-Michaud is marrying the princess.
What will I do with these flowers?
I'll put them under the portrait of our dear Prince Volodia.
Her poor husband.
My respects, Captain.
- I believe the weather'll be fair. - I hope so, Captain.
- The cable's snapped! - Blast it! And we're headed due east!
The cable!
Don't be afraid. Come help us.
What is the name of this town?
The name of the town!
- Don't smoke! It's gas. It'll explode. - Dangerous. Gas.
FRENCH MILITARY OBSERVATION BALLOON
LANDS ACROSS GERMAN BORDER.
MILITARY BALLOON WITH FRENCH SPIES LANDS IN GERMAN TERRITORY.
CAPTAIN VIDAUBAN AND HEROIC PILOT IMPRISONED BY GERMANS.
VIDAUBAN'S STANCE IMPLAUSIBLE.
GOVERNMENT MUST DEMAND APOLOGY.
TALK OF MOBILIZATION
This is outrageous! Give us back Vidauban!
It's unbelievable! Outrageous!
Ballooning - what nonsense! In my time, soldiers rode horses.
Those were the days!
One less for the enemy! Waiter, another pint!
No more beer! Drink absinthe!
Free Vidauban!
Long live Rollan!
Thanks, my friend. Absinthe all around.
Gentlemen, this is serious.
The wave of emotion sweeping the country helps us by underscoring one point:
We need a leader. - A dictator.
Dictatorship, never.
The general must be named president. - Later, we'll see.
- But will he accept? - And what about Paulette?
The general seemed smitten by that Polish woman.
We mustn't waste this opportunity.
Poor Vidauban.
The people are convinced only one man can avenge the insult: Rollan.
- Sadly, the general is out on maneuvers. - It's his job.
Sometimes a man must choose between professional duty and civic duty.
Manoeuvres have their benefits: Paulette's not there.
Since Bastille Day, the general seems preoccupied by the Polish lady.
- Let's go see him. - He'll think we're out for ourselves.
I ask so little: ambassador to the Vatican.
"Poor Vidauban."
Henri alone can persuade Rollan.
I assure you that the Polish lady -
THE VIDAUBAN AFFAIR - ARMY IS PLACED ON ALERT
- You've lost weight, sir. - I'll stop by my tailor's.
Moths!
It should be taken out more often.
Sylvestre!
Sorry, sir.
Is Henri in?
The count will be delighted to see you.
- You're going? I was sure. - What's the hurry?
A present for you. When you're bored on bivouac, it'll be something to read.
"The History of Poland under the Czars."
Since you won't stop talking about Poland
and the Slavic soul, you can do some research.
Very feminine touch.
Think we don't understand?
- I knitted you some socks. - I made you a first-aid kit:
iodine, cotton balls, bandages. Everything you need.
So nice of you.
Now we understand.
- This is the reason we never see you. - Very pretty reasons.
You're barging in on a family meeting. These are my war pen pals.
Sylvestre, serve some refreshments.
- Tea. - We'll help you.
Can I lend a hand?
It's time to act. You must convince Rollan.
- You're counting on me? - He trusts you.
What are you getting at?
The general seemed very taken with that Polish lady.
I haven't seen Princess Sorokowska again, and I don't intend to.
She's married, with a life of her own. - Not yet.
The marriage isn't for a month.
Martin-Michaud wished to marry
at the same time his son marries Miss Gaudin of Gaudin Rubber.
Why didn't you tell me earlier?
It's not my job to keep you informed of the princess's activities.
But if you're interested, she's at Maisonvilliers Castle,
a few miles from headquarters.
So you're behind all this.
I'd be proud, but it's pure chance.
- Divine providence. - Send a telegram to Martin-Michaud.
You know who'll greet us on the steps?
His butler.
What innocents! Paulette, of course.
Who told her?
Take it from me: There are no secrets.
- My hat! - Tea is served.
Eugéne!
- Where will we go on our honeymoon? - The barracks. I'll be a soldier.
- But women aren't allowed. - We'll find a way.
- Anything wrong? - No, everything's fine when you're here.
- Tell Lolotte to prepare my dress. - I'd love to.
Denise.
My dear Denise, you're going about it all wrong.
Eugéne is a tormented soul. He only longs for the unattainable.
You're taking that girl from the Opera away again.
Poor Gaudin, she has six children, and the eldest just got married.
- Why'd we invite her then? - It's obvious you're from Bourbon-Saline.
Have you forgotten that we're celebrating double engagements tonight?
Mine to my dear Princess!
And my son's to your dear Denise.
- So what? - What do you mean?
Throwing a double-engagement dinner without an opera singer just isn't done!
- That's too much water. - It's to put out the fire inside me.
- What are you doing tonight after dinner? - Going to bed. And you?
How odd! Me, too.
Aren't you ashamed? You're engaged!
- All the more reason. - What do you mean?
What would Denise say? - I don't give a damn about her.
When you're a soldier in Bourbon-Saline, you'll see her every day.
I don't give a damn about Bourbon-Saline.
Mr. Eugéne!
Where can I seat Galandard, of Galandard Wines?
Or Mrs. Bourdalou, the cheese widow?
Wine and cheese? Seat them together. They'll make a nice couple.
Splendid idea! What would I do without you?
Why are you tugging at your suspenders like that?
Gaudin rubber.
Give them a tug. That's what they're for.
- Did I hurt you? - Not at all.
Give my garter a tug. Try it.
I've heard Bourbon-Saline is very pretty. It has mountains.
Bourbon-Saline isn't the only place with mountains.
There you go.
Gaudin rubber!
She blew - What's wrong?
Cheating on me before we're even married! How vile!
- Bring some water! - Poor little pigeon.
Come here!
Get over here. Quick! Run!
Hat.
Leave us.
- I've ironed your slip, madam. - We ironed it together.
Together? Daddy, I knew he was unfaithful!
Don't you understand?
You think I see Gaudin for his conversation?
Think I'm marrying you to his daughter to make you happy?
- I love Lolotte. - Love her all you like, but not in public!
And not in front of your fiancée!
Say something, idiot!
What's on your mind? - Mountains.
- Hold me back or I'll kill him! - I'll talk to him.
Meanwhile, you go entertain Mr. Gaudin.
- Do you know what you are? - A future military officer.
Don't you feel the weight of your enormous responsibility?
You're the heir apparent to a new empire,
the alliance of leather and rubber. Don't you see?
Clogs, galoshes, riding boots of leather and rubber.
- More. - It will revolutionize the shoe industry.
Immense factories with giant smokestacks,
all due to you and your dear Denise.
Wouldn't you like me to kiss you?
- What for? - To encourage me to be the heir.
If it would help.
I don't see why you're marrying Daddy!
Dearest Elena, Mr. de Chevincourt and these gentlemen have great news.
General Rollan will attend our engagement dinner.
It's not certain. It depends on the plan I told you about.
The general is welcome.
I'm sure Mr. Ohevincourt will explain.
We'll leave you to it.
Princess, I admire your adaptation to country life.
- I hate when she exaggerates! - It doesn't matter.
Take her away!
Gentlemen, the game is over. Let's show our cards.
It's far from over.
We don't know if Henri will convince the princess,
or if she'll convince the general.
Fine. I'll ask my fiancée to end the meeting.
- Don't be offended. - Tell us what you want.
Should providence smile on our undertaking.
I want higher tariffs on imported shoes.
No more competition.
And why not?
We employ thousands of fine people. It's our duty to protect them.
Through protectionist policies.
Of course.
Are we agreed?
Across the board.
Restore authority!
- One leader! - Order!
And morality, gentlemen.
Oh, right. Morality.
Don't you understand? No more pearls.
I'd nothing left to sell but myself.
What did you want to ask?
Convince the general to take power and save the country.
I gave him a daisy.
Someone destroyed your good-luck charm.
- So you believe now? - Today, I need to believe.
What you ask is very serious.
For the charm to work, I can't worry about anything else.
Right now, I have much to worry about.
- Martin-Michaud isn't serious! - My marriage isn't serious?
One mission at a time!
You're beginning to understand.
With just a bit more effort, you could be initiated.
That's all I ask.
Well, perhaps Martin-Michaud can wait.
He's in fine shape, with a long life ahead.
Then I accept, especially because
I know how to resolve Vidauban's arrest.
Where is the general?
You'll enjoy riding Salome. She's as sweet as a little girl
Thank you.
Did you come to France alone?
Did Prince Sorokowski stay in Poland?
My poor, dear husband is dead.
He was a wonderful person.
So sweet, so emotional, it was almost unhealthy.
He had an unfortunate passion for making bombs.
Bombs?
- Our palace was full of them. - How inconvenient.
Bombs, really? - To throw at the czar.
Volodia was very clumsy.
One day, he blew up the whole palace, with himself in it.
And you?
I was in the country, gathering daisies.
Company, fire at will!
Spies! Forward!
Halt!
- Are you the spies? - What spies?
Play along. It's the best way to find Rollan.
How exciting!
More fun than shoes.
- Halt. - They're spies.
Stay here.
We captured some spies. They're over there.
Attention!
At ease!
- What are you doing here? - Involuntary espionage.
Please take good care of this one.
It will be my trophy.
Don't lose it.
You have important decisions to make, and it will help.
It takes time to understand Polish women.
He believes in nothing.
And I'm ready to believe in everything.
The commander of the Second Division has given the order to attack.
Under enemy artillery fire. In a real war, his men would be massacred.
I'll be right there.
Come to dinner tonight at Maisonvilliers Castle and I'll explain.
I'll be there.
Let's head back.
Thank you, Henri. You've given me the mission of my life.
And I thought I was so crafty.
You look troubled. What is it?
I was thinking of an old story that impressed me as a child:
"The Sorcerer's Apprentice. " Do you know it?
It's a very popular story in Poland.
Who are you? What are you doing here?
My name's Hector Chagnol. I'm General Rollan's orderly.
My goodness!
- Welcome, friend. Have you eaten? - Not yet.
Back to work now.
Sit down.
Were you in today's manoeuvres? - And how!
Even though I was wounded.
- Where? - Here.
Thank you for this magnificent evening. At your side, I forget all my troubles.
- You mustn't. I've important things to say. - Me too.
- I'd like to be alone with you. - My dearest wish.
- I fear indiscretion. - So do I!
When I find the fool who introduced my niece to the general!
Look no further, Baroness. It was I.
My poor little pigeon!
- You said I'd be able to rehearse. - Where is my Eugene?
Now I'm certain that tonight marks the start of my mission with the general.
I'm sorry to hurt you. Let me break my vow.
But this is perfect.
I've spoken with the general's friends. We're working hand in hand.
If there's a war,
Martin-Michaud shoes will be on the front line.
Lolotte, your mistress wants you in the Hall of Arms!
In the middle of dinner?
I absolutely must speak to you, for both our sakes.
- Cointreau, Benedictine? - Not now.
This isn't the time. The general has agreed to a private meeting.
I'll give you anything you want.
How about a cozy Renaissance home?
- What neighbourhood? - Ternes. Daddy lives nearby.
- Will I have a maid? - Yes.
A fine line of work you're in!
You don't understand Polish women.
I've been waiting all evening for this.
All evening, I've seen you worrying about Vidauban.
You know me so well.
Oh, sorry.
General, where is Eugéne?
Miss Denise.
Please, I'll do it later.
Eugéne, where are you? - Help me rehearse.
At ease.
General, you don't need me, do you?
Certainly not!
Alone at last.
Let's go into the next room.
My illustrious man, I'm warming up for you.
Dearest Elena.
- Does madam need me? - You may go, Lolotte.
Eugéne! - Oh, mother-in-law.
Dear Elena.
Cointreau, Benedictine, cognac?
Destiny has sent Vidauban to you.
Dear Vidauban.
For your glory or for your ruin.
You must respond to Vidauban's arrest
with an ultimatum.
You're getting on my nerves. I don't care about your intrigues.
This is ridiculous! I'm ending this farce.
There are moments in the life of a nation
when a citizen must put the nation's interests before his own.
Yes. Take me, for example.
Where is the princess?
Everywhere.
I've had enough!
Enough of what?
Henri, you're unfair. You should've told me.
If you were a true friend, you'd have known.
- There's a way to settle this. - Fine!
You're only thinking of yourself. Vidauban's life is at stake.
- General, do you need me? - At ease - and get lost!
Be sensible.
The general has the good-luck charm, not you.
We'll see if this charm is of any use!
I am ready for you, illustrious man.
I'm sure you are.
General, it's Paulette.
Your friend.
She's here.
- Forgive me for intruding. - You are always welcome.
But why is the chief of staff here?
The council chairman himself called your headquarters
and your officers pretended not to know where you were.
He then contacted me.
You are summoned to Paris for an emergency cabinet meeting.
Have you eaten?
Thank you, but our car is waiting.
We'll continue this matter later.
Please hurry. The meeting proves I'm right.
Have faith in the charm.
Leaving so soon? It's a marvellous concert.
General, I must talk to you about shoes.
Another time.
I'd like to know who informed Paulette. There are leaks.
- Perhaps it was telepathy. - I didn't tell anyone.
Except my mistress, of course.
- You're leaving? - I'll see you at your next engagement.
CHAMBER OF DEPUTIES
I move that we issue an ultimatum demanding the return of Vidauban.
Down with Rollan!
Down with dictatorship!
- You're putting the country at risk. - Remember Napoleon's coup d'état!
Resign!
You want to wear a dictator's mantle!
Down with dictatorship!
Resign!
Beware of Paris
Its streets, its gray sky
For each woman, a caress
For each man, a mistress
Hold me close to you
Extra! Read all about it!
"Rollan triumphs! Vidauban and his colleagues freed!"
VIDAUBAN FREED THANKS TO ROLLAN
They'd better give back the balloon, too!
Who doesn't have a daisy, General Rollan's flower?
Get your flowers, gentlemen! General Rollan's daisy!
Long live Rollan!
- Still not convinced? - Oh, but I am!
Now that your mission is accomplished, may I take you to dinner?
We'll celebrate Rollan's victory.
Long live Rollan!
Volodia had his bombs. They must be fun to make.
Lionel had his music. Always busy practicing scales.
The general will become king of France.
He'll have no free time.
Why do you want me to help you?
If you had ambition, an ideal -
I do have one.
But it's so lofty, it's almost unattainable.
- Tell me. - To do nothing.
My ideal is to attain perfect idleness.
Alas, these days it's almost impossible.
I don't understand.
A man must do something.
Have a vision for himself or others.
I agree completely.
Universal idleness for everyone, rich or poor. What a goal!
You're such a dreamer.
- Bravo, my brother. - The people are with us.
- Destiny has spoken. - The Paris troops are yours.
1: We march on the Elysée. 2: We occupy congress.
First, the secretary of the interior. He's key. An infantry division will do.
- As ambassador to the Vatican - - Be quiet. Leave me alone.
Going beyond the law is repugnant to me.
It's your duty.
The aide to the council chairman asks to see you.
- Don't. It's a trap. - Show him in.
May I speak in front of these gentlemen?
Please do.
The government fears that the celebrations in your honour
might degenerate into disorder.
I've been asked to deliver
a friendly warning against worrisome consequences.
You want me to resign as war secretary.
Just advice. A wish.
Not an order.
It's preferable for you to leave Paris.
Where am I being sent?
The command of the 41st Regiment
at Bourbon-Saline is vacant.
But that's a backwater!
- Shall I throw him out the window? - One moment, Hector.
We're listening. - The president will receive you privately
to express his regrets personally.
The president is too kind.
- It's an outrage! - It's a warning.
Enough politics. Finally, we'll be happy.
I'll need three weeks to order dresses, Then I'll join you in Bourbon-Saline.
Dear Paulette.
Beware of Paris
Its streets, its grey sky
For each woman, a caress
For each man, a mistress
Great news, Sylvestre. I'm thinking of marrying.
But you're still young, sir.
- Good day, Count. - Good day.
- Have you heard the news? - What news?
General Rollan has been exiled to Bourbon-Saline.
Paris won't be the same without him.
In my day, a woman couldn't go out alone without receiving indecent proposals.
Those were the days!
The princess has left us.
Bourbon-Saline?
BOURBON-SALINS - 1/4 MILE
Good day.
Here we are.
- Hello, Mr. Gaudin. - Hello, Rosa.
Would you like a private room? Do you have an appointment?
- Can we rely on your discretion? - Deaf and dumb. Right, Mr. Gaudin?
- I don't see what you mean. - If I wasn't, I'd be out of business.
- And the servants? - Country girls, unspoiled by city life.
- Paris servants! - Troublemakers.
The telephone in the hall is a problem. Let's go in your office.
This way.
Very good.
Your enthusiasm for the general's cause is well-known.
- Is that a problem? - On the contrary, that's why we chose you.
Besides, no one would think of looking for him at Rosa the Rose's house.
- The general? Here? - In person.
He's meeting with Princess Sorokowska,
and the future of the nation depends on it.
My house, my servants and I myself are at your service! Long live Rollan!
- Long live Rollan! - Very good.
Leave, all of you.
They're here.
Open the door, Rosa.
- Daddy. - Denise!
What are you doing here, naughty child? - And you?
- None of your business. - He's right.
- Please be so good as to leave. - Never!
I'm meeting Eugéne.
The alliance of leather and rubber!
You mustn't tell a soul. It's a state secret.
- I'm not interested in your affairs. - You should be ashamed.
Go easy on the youngsters.
For my sake.
For your sake?
She's charming. Long live Rollan.
The place is perfect. Let's tell the general.
Wait until the princess arrives. It depends on her.
ELECTIONS - WHAT WILL ROLLAN DO?
A COUP D'ETAT IS POSSIBLE GOVERNMENT TAKES PRECAUTIONS
Come in.
General, another general.
I know. Show him in.
I didn't say you were in.
Show him in!
- Duchemin. - Rollan.
- You need no introduction. - Alas.
- Dear colleague, the war secretary... - My successor.
...Has given me a very unpleasant mission.
You're under house arrest for 30 days.
- Why? - The elections have made them crazy.
They're afraid. Your friends talk too much.
Remember, my friend, that the army is the silent service.
- For you, my dear. - Thank you.
Go on!
It's Henri!
Sorry, no vacancies.
Thank you. I've seen all I needed to know.
Can't you be more careful? We've been found out.
- Who told Henri? - Love!
- Why'd he come here? - To suffer.
In any case, I'll telephone Buchez for early election results.
Why the dreary look?
I just had a terrible thought.
What if the general's no longer interested in Elena?
Banish the thought!
- We'll move in with the gypsies. - That's madness!
On the contrary.
You and I aren't hunting the same prey, but we'll use the same trap.
The main thing is for you to remain hidden until I say.
If I catch fleas, I'll never forgive you.
And if you catch your beloved, you'll never thank me enough.
Trust me. I have a plan.
I hope so.
Pardon the intrusion. Are you the owner?
Yes, I'm the artistic director
of this traveling troupe.
For business, talk to the women. - We'd like to rent lodgings.
You're joking.
- No, we're very serious. Are we not? - Certainly.
Madam wishes to rest. There is no room at Rosa the Rose's.
Your caravan looks very comfortable.
You pay in advance.
Nothing personal. Times are hard, and you never know who to trust.
- Follow me. - Hard times.
You're telling me.
- Must I? - It's in your best interests.
I'll obey you, but Frangois will pay.
Go on in. Clovis will keep you company.
This must be Rosa the Rose's.
Come in, quickly. Don't show your face.
Pleasant trip?
- Wonderful. - Thanks to Gaudin tires!
- Tell your fortune, madam? - Wonderful idea.
This way, Princess.
We're honoured, madam.
- Where is he? - He doesn't know you're here yet.
Go tell him immediately.
You'll be recognised. You're as compromised as us.
Compromised? I haven't done anything.
I'll go myself, but I'd like to change first. May I have a bath?
Of course. This way, madam.
Prepare the princess' bath.
Before we get started, I'd like to say something.
I demand that all tariffs on imported shoes be lifted.
- Free trade? - Long live freedom!
You've changed your mind?
- I made a deal with factories in Austria. - That explains it.
- Who's this guy? - Our boarder.
- That's all? - It's due to General Rollan's house arrest.
House arrest?
Are you sure? - I'm sure. Right, everyone?
The soldiers are furious.
Don't tell the lady in the caravan.
- What lady? - None of your business.
Prepare dinner. The general needs his strength.
To march on Paris.
Hello, gentlemen.
My respects, Princess.
- What are you doing here? - Waiting for you.
You're a gallant man. Leave and don't tell anyone.
I'm staying with your neighbours and am at your disposition.
Let me know when you're done conspiring.
Will do.
I almost forgot. The general's under house arrest.
You're in for a long wait.
- By what right? - The government has gone too far!
- What does "house arrest" mean? - A catastrophe!
- It's like prison. - We're done for!
I'll tell him to talk to the soldiers.
They'll revolt and be the first to march on Paris.
They won't let you see him.
- This is terrible. - I have an idea! Lolotte!
You're in good with the general's orderly. - I'm not that kind of girl!
We're not asking that. Lisbonne, you're a genius.
- Just faith in divine providence. - I understand.
Lolotte, come here. Get me a daisy.
Run to the barracks and find a way to get this daisy to the general.
Yes, madam.
Even if I'm run through with bayonets, the general will get your daisy.
Eugéne.
How are you? Still mad?
No, I'm on guard.
Where'd you come from?
- Since when do civilians give us orders? - Down with civilians!
- And who is war secretary? - A civilian!
- Who'll teach him to respect soldiers? - We will!
- Who'll bring back cleanliness and honesty? - Rollan!
Sobriety, austerity -
Lolotte!
What about austerity, cleanliness, morality?
She's not just anyone.
Meet Lolotte, Princess Sorokowska's maid.
Long live Rollan!
Not so loud! There were some strange men outside.
- Police? - I'm afraid so.
You must take this daisy to the general
and tell him the princess is waiting at Rosa the Rose's.
Well, well, discussing General Rollan?
Do you have anything to say?
One thing: Long live Rollan!
Rosa the Rose's.
Rosa the Rose's. Are you deaf?
Come in.
- Permission to leave, Sergeant. - Going out naked?
Naked?
You're sending me back?
I'll go easy on you this time. Button up and you can leave.
Is there a problem?
Don't you have a doll in town, with all your dough?
She's no doll, Sergeant. She's my fiancée.
Poor guy. That's the way it goes. Go on
- Attention. - At ease.
May I ask a question, sir?
Why don't you just go out the front gate? We're all behind you.
The sergeant on watch would be accused of complicity and court-martialled.
I don't want anyone compromised.
Besides, I enjoy escaping.
They locked me up like a common soldier, so I'll climb the wall like one.
Long live Rollan.
I'll tell you my secret:
If you want to win a woman over, agree with her.
Once you're master, get out the club.
- What's keeping him? - Lolotte assured us he'd come.
At ease.
- You, here? - We're responsible for your security.
- A friendly visit. - I'm here for my fiancée.
You'll win the elections. We wanted to congratulate you first.
- You honour this house too highly. - Where is the princess?
She's waiting for you upstairs.
Come in.
Finally, you're here.
I'm so glad you needed me.
Your love is all I need.
- Mother-in-law, I want Lolotte. - General, so do I.
This is up to Lolotte. Leave.
Madam, this isn't my doing. I'm a good girl.
Leave us alone and you'll be corporals. Right, General?
- Get out, both of you. - Move it!
Ungrateful son! Idiot!
It's all my fault. I left you too soon.
I should've stayed with you until I'd seen with my own eyes
that you'd become the president of the Republic.
I love you.
Long live the Republic!
Listen to me.
I sent that ultimatum out of love for you.
Luckily, it worked,
and I became a national hero.
But only out of love for you...
not love of success.
It's you I want, Elena...
not power.
Not me. Power.
I love you, Elena.
I don't matter.
Your cause does.
Enough about my cause.
I have a secret message for the general. Open up.
General, I'll smash your face in!
Leave him alone!
He's so stubborn! Just like poor Volodia.
- Who? - My first husband.
- This is between us! - Henri's dangerous. We must protect you.
It's for his own good. Tie him up in a safe place.
- You mustn't compromise yourself. - You mean your shoes!
A pillow for his head.
- Please. - You're driving me nuts!
- Poor Henri. - The general doesn't seem convinced.
- Not yet, but it's coming. - Hurry up!
I'll call Buchez. With the election results, the general won't hesitate.
- Good idea. - Watch the street. She convince him yet?
Almost.
- Where's your car? - Near the church.
- Let's go get it. - With Gaudin tires!
No entry.
If you're nice, I'll read your palm.
For free, because you're cute.
- Where are you going? - Evening, Mr. Fleury.
Hello... and good-bye.
- What's going on? - Buzz off. The kitchen!
The general's friends are in the lead.
- Who are they? - Don't be so stupid!
- Police? - Of course.
Give me a glass of water.
I'll predict your future. Everything you want to know.
Sit down.
Close your eyes.
Empty your mind.
- Will you revolt? - I will if you're with me.
- Will you take power? - Anything you want.
Victory! You've won by a landslide. The nation awaits.
Destiny has spoken. When you arrive in Paris,
those that elected you will carry you to the Elysée.
- Hesitate no longer! - Long live Rollan!
Not so fast.
We've been betrayed. - What's going on?
Look.
For the time being, we're safe. They can't come in without a warrant.
- Could we bribe them? - The police? You're crazy.
- Long live the Republic! - My Eugéne!
Remember what he told you.
Agree with her at first, then afterwards -
- What are those crowds? - Local peasants, probably.
They outnumber the police.
Show yourself! - Don't be rash!
- You promised you'd revolt. - You promised you'd never leave me.
I know.
Long live Rollan!
- What have you decided? - Let's not be hasty!
I agree.
- Let's go, General. - Madam, let's go.
Awaiting orders, General.
Elena, you've said nothing.
You know what I think.
It's your decision, and yours alone. I mustn't influence you.
Rollan in power! Rollan in Paris!
Rollan for president!
These peasants will be my escort. The police won't be able to stop us.
When we reach the town square, there'll be 10,000 of us.
In Paris, millions.
You're the hero I've always dreamed of.
Live waited all my life for this moment.
- I protest this madness! - Let's look before we leap!
They'll arrest you, and we'll be finished!
I've invested a lot of money!
I'm not asking you to follow me.
Even Napoleon made the same mistake.
- What happened to you? - My respects, Princess.
So sorry to leave you. I hope we'll meet again.
He's crazy.
- Good-bye. Let's have dinner some time. - I'd love to.
He's charming.
- We must send for a doctor. - He's not as crazy as he seems.
- What an inspiration! We're saved. - He's right. I understand.
- Where are you going? - Home.
Why would anyone stop me from going to my caravan?
At your service, ladies and gentlemen.
Trapeze artists, tightrope walkers,
performing dogs, palm readings - a spectacle for young and old.
If Henri can leave disguised as a gypsy, so can you.
A stroke of genius!
I'll say it again: We're saved!
No struggle with the police. He'll cross the barricade with ease.
Let's take the carriage. I don't trust my car.
With the aid of divine providence, you'll reach the station
and maybe catch a train. - What train?
- A train to Paris. - The 9:17.
I'd have preferred battle. It's more glorious.
But the ends justify the means.
Henri, please give the general your disguise.
I'll only accept it if he offers of his own free will.
Alas, I don't dare ask out of friendship.
- Do a good deed. - It doesn't even suit you.
Stop being unbearable.
Yes.
Henri begs you to take his disguise.
I beg you, hurry-
I understand. You won't have me because I'm rich.
I'll ask Daddy to disinherit me. - How'll you earn a living, idiot?
I'll get a job as a valet. I love to iron.
You don't even know how. Even if you learned, I still prefer Hector.
Too bad. I'll stay rich.
Long live Rollan!
- What a farce! - Isn't it?
You both look wonderful.
Let us in - to protect you.
Do you have a warrant? Then you can't come in.
- They'll calm down if you show yourself. - In this outfit?
You, too. They saw you together.
We've no time to waste. He must leave immediately.
- As soon as possible. - Henri will take his place.
Good-bye, Elena.
- Tomorrow you'll be in the Elysée. - Not without you.
I'll follow you with all my soul.
It's my cause you'll follow - the cause you make me hate.
I say good-bye with a broken heart.
Go on!
Come quickly.
Show yourself.
They'll never be able to leave.
I've got an idea. Come here.
You mean to kiss me? Why?
To allow Rollan to escape.
I don't see why.
The French respect love.
If they think Rollan came here for romance,
they'll forget about politics for a moment.
Mr. de Chevincourt, how superficial.
Perhaps it's a form of civilization.
When it comes to drilling oil
or choosing governments or manufacturing explosives,
perhaps we're not the best.
But when it comes to the art of living, you can count on the French.
- For show only. - To save Rollan, nothing else.
Why don't you do the same?
- We're not here to have fun. - He's setting an example.
Let's try.
- They're playing their role well. - Too well.
I suggest an intermission.
It's warm.
Winter is over, thanks to the west wind.
It's simpler than that.
Night has paused her course.
She loves us. Her gaze warms us.
Obviously.
- You'll miss the 9:17 train. - Let's go. Good-bye.
We'll catch the 10:00 train for the southern coast.
What are you doing here?
Tonight's full of trickery! - Simply the end of a dream.
Our real life is beginning.
It has its good points, too.
Miarka, you're in charge of the show.
O night
My friend, I await you
O night
Bring me a lover
O night
Ensnare in my tresses
A lover to love me alone
At dawn he'll leave without a sound
In your dark firmament
The crescent moon
Shine in my tresses
A lover who'll suffer on my account
A lover who'll die for me
They're being so good.
To thank them, give them one last show.
O night
I swear to you
My lover to forget
When my suffering is through
To forget the warmth of day
To forget the pebbles on the way
You're not pretending any more.
You mean it.
So do I.
He's gone.
All this excitement has made me hungry.
Let's drink.
What a crazy undertaking.
Dictatorship doesn't stand a chance
in a country where matters of the heart are so important.
You can stop kissing now. The show is over.
I know.
A VERY PARISIAN EVENT
THE MARRIAGE OF GENERAL ROLLAN AND PAULETTE ESCOFFIER
WAS CELEBRATED IN STRICTEST PRIVACY.
A RECEPTION WAS HELD FOR THE GENERAL'S FRIENDS.
AMONG THE GUESTS
WERE THE COUNT AND COUNTESS DE CHEVINCOURT (INGRID BERGMAN),
THE WELL-KNOWN BUSINESSMAN, MARTIN-MICHAUD,
THE FAMOUS COMPOSER LIONEL, ETC.
GENERAL REAFFIRMED HIS INTENTION TO WITHDRAW FROM POLITICS.
THE NEWLYWEDS WILL HONEYMOON IN VENICE.