Hello! Alesia 12 12. Please hold, call from Tokyo.
Claire! Finally!
It's Castor. Hello!
Speak, my love!
Claire! Did you get my letter?
Yes.
Did you do what I asked?
No.
But you will?
No.
Claire!
Hello, Paris?
Ten Years Later...
THE SECRET OF THE PRESIDENT
Elizabeth!
Adios No hope of return
I thought you forgot me.
4 people lost their keys tonight.
No, Kitty!
No, no, no! You and I are finished.
Don't call back or my dad will flip.
Vodka. A tall one!
We don't do credit, young man.
- We're closing. - Bottle.
Hello, Claire? Is that you? It's Mom.
Hello. Hello!
That damn recorder again!
You're out, Claire! Call me, my love.
I'm worried.
Yes. I'm still here.
You recognized me.
The President?
He's in session...
It's urgent!
- Wait... - You're right.
I'll speak to him personally.
- Mr. President... - Yes?
Alright, Prime Minister. I'll catch up.
He'll be here soon.
President of the Republic.
Foreign Affairs Minister,
please be as concise as possible,
even if it's hard.
Mr. President, my trip to the Middle East
coincided with the US Sec. of State's visit.
I witnessed world States attempting
a new approach to the situation in the Middle East...
Hello.
You changed everything!
How are you?
Well, it seems.
Yes. Very well.
So?
Well...
Yes.
No. I'll still be in New York on the 20th.
Sorry.
Tell me exactly what happened.
My purse was snatched last night.
It had a letter from you inside.
A letter I kept in a red billfold.
Here.
That's right, you drink French, now.
Can't you stop that?
Claire!
It's me. I thought you were working at home
this morning.
How about dinner?
Call me, my love.
What was in the letter?
Your Tokyo letter.
I meant to tell you, but...
you're hard to reach.
- Your secretary... - Did you share the letter?
No. Never.
- I kept it... - Why not in a safe?
In Switzerland!
- What should I do? - Nothing.
We'll call you.
Where's the minister?
I'll expect him in 15 minutes.
The President.
The ambassador left home. The man fired.
He had 3 passports on him.
That was at least 2 too many, right?
Was he identified?
33 years old. A Libyan coming from Italy.
If Mr. H says so...
I even thought of writing it, Minister.
When are you out? Monday?
Don't rush.
I'm obliged to rush you.
Yours is the best seat in government.
You're wasting your time with the damn press.
They're against us.
Not all of them.
Thank you.
So? Did the Libyan talk?
We're handling it.
He's as Libyan as I am, but I let him go.
It suits us for now.
Does this name still ring a bell?
Claire Despres.
Claire...
I need to know who she frequents,
how she lives,
where she gets her resources.
I often wondered what became of her.
She makes many calls.
- I want a wiretap. - Motive?
Any.
We need one!
- It's an order. - Oh. Is that all?
No.
She says an old letter of mine was stolen from her,
it would be troublesome
if in our opponents' hands.
- Troublesome? - Troublesome.
"She says?" To whom?
Seeing her?
You never know anything, Interior Minister!
The ambassador is dead. Asshole!
Write a telegram to the widow.
There's no widow. Just his daughter.
Where was the letter?
In her bag.
For 10 years! Can you believe it!
- Hello, Claire. - Hi.
- Do you recognize me? - Barely.
Grey hair suits you.
It makes you look serious.
- You changed everything. - Yes. Myself included.
- Yes. You're gorgeous! - Really?
- Wasn't I, before? - No. You were not.
You were delicious.
That was another life.
Give me that.
I'm impressed by your place!
- It's my job. - Yes. It's true.
Tell me. I hear you're well paid
to draw on sheets and plates.
That's not exactly it, but almost.
That's good.
Yes! Yes. This, this is...
This is very good.
Any news?
My bracelet!
It was my grandmother's.
An old lady found it and brought it to the police.
Only an old woman would do that!
Your thief...
kept the money and tossed the rest.
Sometimes they're courteous enough to send back papers.
What if I put out an ad?
- Thank you. - "Red billfold lost.
"A souvenir. Reward."
Yes. We can try.
I'll handle it.
No use being identified.
Tell me, Claire.
Do you know this man?
Yes.
What do you know about him?
He has pointy ears,
an ugly wife, and he's a manager somewhere.
He's funny when he imitates the Prime Minister.
Have you and he had... particular relations?
Not that particular! A long time ago.
Do you still see him?
Sometimes, with friends. Why?
On Thursday he called you and said: "It's done,
"I can't thank you enough." What did he mean?
He needed an apartment, and I...
How do you know he called me?
Get out, Pollux,
or I'll be rude to you. I don't like cops.
If we had more, your purse wouldn't have been stolen.
- If it was stolen... - What?
- Hypothesis. Pure hypothesis. - Which?
An ex-lover knows you have
a document that compromises the President.
A notorious, active opponent.
He wants to use it,
you are convinced...
A score to settle,
and a simulated theft exculpates you.
Then why warn you?
Remorse, the President thinks.
He expects a confession.
Just a hypothesis. You know how he is.
- When he's threatened... - Paranoid!
No! Not completely.
Listen, I forgave him much...
But suspect me? No!
In his position, you can't trust anyone. Even me.
He's been stepping on you for 30 years! Not me!
I can be mean.
Yes!
It's for you.
Thank you.
Yes!
What time is the session?
I'll be there.
How was the dauphin?
Awful. I was sure of it.
No. Don't wait up.
I'll see you at the Assembly.
Alright, Minister.
Adrian! Let's go.
Very nice.
Is this what you make?
I don't make them, I draw them. I create them.
Are you installing a bug?
I don't do that myself. Just a wedge under the table.
- It's always been lopsided. - Yep!
You live here alone?
Yes, just about.
- What? - The corkscrew.
There it is.
You?
The kids are gone, Jeanne divorced.
I've been very happy since.
Will you stay in the US long?
One week. Why?
Christmas, New Year's, Easter.
You're there often!
I have a contract. And a boyfriend. Isn't that in your file?
No. Nothing like that.
You have an American lover. Really?
They're so boring.
Still like your eggs runny?
Can I have a glass of water and an aspirin?
- May I? - Yes.
Boss! One Ricard!
Hello, Gallimard? Mr. Herval!
He's on a trip. Want his secretary?
It's really bad, eh?
Want a sandwich?
Yeah. Maybe. With lots of butter.
Ham or cheese?
You know something, Mrs. Berthe?
You're the only human being I've met. Including my mom.
Give me your hand.
Ham and cheese.
No. That's done.
Hold.
No. The Libyan is bullshit.
Yes?
You remember Herbert!
Hello ma'am.
Thank you.
Yes. Very well.
Hello!
- You're on time. Bravo. - I'm not all bad.
I'm glad to see you.
So, dear boy, what have you been up to?
I need you.
They promised me a translation.
Have you heard about the ambassador...
killed in front of his house?
By a Libyan, yes, vaguely...
He wasn't Libyan...
and he travelled from Munich...
- Can you go to Germany? - No problem.
- For what? - To investigate.
I'm all yours. One second.
The Interior Minister.
Your bistro is full of ruffians!
Reserve us two millefeuilles.
- Certainly. - Thank you.
I'm especially seduced by millefeuille,
ever since I had one in a pastry shop in Constantinople
on a desperate day.
You're funny!
No. I wouldn't say that.
I'm not funny at all.
I wish I was.
- Is this yours? - Yes.
Well, no. I found it.
Where?
Near my house.
"Lost red billfold, metal corner.
"Sentimental value."
It's your lucky day.
There's a big reward.
It's useful to read classifieds.
There's something inside.
- Did you look? - No.
Nice writing.
Ambition, character.
Cultured. Thinks highly of himself.
I know this writing.
Can I have this?
Keep it all. I don't want the reward.
Departure for New York, Pan Am flight 115,
immediate departure gate 41.
Mom!
You're late.
- Did you get my telegram? - Yes.
- Did you get my letter? - Yes.
There were fewer mistakes.
- Julie helped me. - I figured.
How many days are you staying?
To Thursday. Back Saturday.
- OK. - OK. Are they in the yard?
Hello, Hoffmans.
Hello, dear. You're late.
I had an awful day in New York.
How are things?
- Your contract with Dominguez? - Signed.
We'll launch the new collection in October.
The Rodkings will loan us their home in Italy.
If you loan them this one, of course.
He's a bit high strung, no?
Always, when expecting you.
Next year I'll come every month.
It would be better for him if things were settled.
If you can get a studio in New York for me...
Not easy. But I'll handle it.
Without you, what?
You'd put Mike in a Swiss school
and he'd be a snob and depressed.
Nonsense.
Yeah, nonsense.
Your son is happy. Don't invent problems that don't exist.
You'll have plenty when you tell him who his dad is.
- Does he ask? - Me? No. Never.
But he tells Patti:
"My dad is a secret. He spies for the Reds."
- Are you coming or not? - Coming, my love!
Mr. President, we have a minor catastrophe.
Your cobbler is sorry about your black shoes.
Finally, someone who can take initiative!
My shoes.
Give them here!
He raised the left heel instead of the right.
I walked 8 days like this!
- I was sure you were fine. - Me too.
I have an incompetent doctor, a useless cobbler,
intolerable pain in my lower back
and a crown to place at the feet of a hero.
What do you suggest?
Cortisone drip.
Excellent! Good work.
Is this all true?
- It's true. - And the cost?
Expensive.
- Very. - Do you sell a lot?
I don't sell it. It's sent confidentially to subscribers.
What language does she speak?
It depends. Five languages.
She's an economics student. Her father was a general.
She was in a concentration camp.
Refugees make good personnel.
In their country they do your job.
They're paid half price and aren't unionized.
- That's awful. - Awful.
I'm usually awful, my boy. Come.
You have a small fortune here.
Here. Put a tie on.
This guy's a bastard. A real bastard.
Think so?
When he wrote that, the elections were 3 years away.
He believes in his luck. It's audacious, but smart.
It's disgusting! Who do these people think they are?
He has a sterile but irreproachable wife.
If he divorces her, he's sunk.
"The only outrage my wife wouldn't forgive is a child."
Isn't it outrageous for him to write: "Have an abortion
"or it's over?" - Better.
Yes. He has a way with words.
"My coy mistress..." Shakespeare?
- Marlowe. - Same thing.
"I love you like no other.
"You freed me from women.
"But some things matter more
"than you or I."
Something angers you, I don't understand.
You're a bastard?
Yes. OK. So what?
Will you publish it?
Whatever you like! But the "coy mistress"...
What of her? The child?
- If there is a child. - True.
If you want to sell this literature,
you'll receive a tidy sum. From this man.
I don't care.
Let's forget this and enjoy this lunch.
Let the powerful sleep soundly.
Absolutely not.
That face! With his cane!
- He needs a monocle. - Short leg.
And handicapped! Great.
Let's make him pay.
Not with money. I want to scare him.
- Your name? - Odile Alaibrunetiere.
You're the wife...
The daughter, sir.
We went to school together.
I know.
What a loss for France.
We need men like him.
I'll call you one day.
We'll discuss him.
You're snoring, dear.
Sorry.
I found it on my doorstep.
It's in answer to our ad.
Thanks, Ms. Gazeran.
It's a sad land
whose president hates children.
"By refusing to embrace the girl
"presenting honors, the President
"shocked a people attached to family values,
"from whom our reporter heard say:
"'It's a sad land
"whose president hates children.'" What does it mean?
There was a letter in this billfold.
It was read, its author identified.
I'm sick of these mysteries!
Ask your friend Castor!
Hello, gentlemen.
Glad to see you again.
A most fruitful trip.
Excellent welcome.
France remains popular there.
- Paris airport. - Sir.
- Hello, gentlemen. - Mr. President!
May I have a word, Mr. President?
In this case, you'll instruct my successor.
Your successor will be designated when I choose.
For now, your duty is to protect the head of State!
Must I remind you, Mr. Interior Minister!
Then I need to know from what?
Speak, for God's sake!
Claire had a child.
- Whose? - Whose?
Mine!
- Where is it? - I don't know!
I didn't want it.
For all the reasons you might imagine.
Claire refused to understand.
I broke it off. She left.
- You mean she dumped you. - Women's egotism!
In other words, you behaved badly.
If I hadn't had the courage,
I say "courage,"
I wouldn't be here.
Now you must stay here.
- Does your wife know? - No.
But she...
If Claire takes responsibility,
we can manage it.
If not, we'll force her to do so.
Is it a boy or girl?
No comment.
I'm going to have to upset you.
Don't cry.
Please.
You and I are old.
Whatever happens, I want to face it together.
Right?
Is it a boy or girl?
There.
Ms. Claire can't be reached.
Of course she can be reached.
- The Prime Minister is here. - Let him in.
- What is it? - A gift.
Come in, please.
What are you waiting for? Have a seat.
I was expecting you.
I returned the bike.
Do you want one?
- You don't know what they cost! - Yes.
Next week, I'll bring him candy.
It's not a crime to give the President gifts,
but twice would be too much.
- What are you doing? - Photographing you.
Does it bother you?
- I'm borrowing this dictionary. - I hate that!
But... I'm happy to give it to you.
Tall, dark-haired, blue-eyed. Sound familiar?
It's me again, miss Claire. The President is impatient.
The Interior Minister urgently requests you call him back.
What do we do now? Do we let them bully us?
I'll take it.
Claire, I must see you. I'll be there in an hour.
Not until Sunday?
Fine.
Sunday, 6 PM, at your house.
Hey, dark-haired and blue-eyed.
No. I'm not leaving you.
I've had two awful days.
No. Work.
I want to go sleep in the country. You?
- Good evening. - Good evening.
Sorry about Friday night.
With the jetlag, I had to sleep.
You're sleeping alone?
It depends. Not you, from what I hear!
You read the wrong papers.
Something to drink?
Water and aspirin. My leg still hurts.
Poor man! That's a problem in your line of work.
Why are you wearing pants? You know I hate that.
If I was a dictator, I'd forbid women from wearing pants.
Wow! What if a man in my life likes that I wear pants?
Then he's a young idiot.
Is that who you love?
No. Not really.
No. Sit down. Here. Close to me.
How is he?
- Who? - Your child.
What's his name?
Like mine.
How is he?
Handsome, charming, intelligent.
- Handsome? Like you. - Intelligent?
Is he here?
No.
- Don't you have a photo? - No.
Does he know his dad?
He'll learn when he's 14.
Good.
Then I won't be a prisoner to my position.
I could give him my name. If you like, naturally.
I never considered it. He'll decide.
Yes. Alright. He'll decide.
- Have you heard the latest? - Only from the bar.
Two hypotheses:
the optimists say it's anarchists playing with fire.
One day they'll make a mistake, and we'll have the letter.
And pessimists?
It goes to press.
- What would you do? - Nothing. Do what?
You'll be identified.
Our liaison will be known. If a journalist comes?
Throw him out.
No. Here's what you do.
Let him in. Tell him we broke up a long time ago,
the child belongs to...
We'll think of someone.
Tell him you never saw the letter.
Then I can counter.
I'll decry my adversaries' machinations.
I'll demand an expert opinion.
It will show my writing was imitated. Get the picture?
Not great, but it'll fly.
I hope it never comes to that, but if so...
it's in the nation's interest. Understand?
I understand.
My responsibility is to my son.
Don't I matter?
You only ever think of yourself.
You spent 10 years never worrying about me!
- You wanted it! - True.
I wanted the child! It wasn't easy.
He can't be just anyone's son!
I can't be the author of that letter!
I don't want to! And I won't be.
Why write it, then?
Still the same.
Obstinate!
Inflexible.
This time I won't be in Tokyo. I won't be 10,000 km away!
Consider what I said.
- Will you be here the 28th? - Yes. Maybe. Why?
Watch me on television.
Tell me what you think.
Everyone else lies. All of them.
Good.
Then I won't be a prisoner to my position.
I could give him my name.
We're playing for a superb porcelain set,
44 pieces. Number 1?
- 1895 Francs. - 1895,
less. - Number 2?
1750!
More.
Number 3?
The President
is a sorry individual who hates children.
I repeat: The President
is a sorry individual...
You've got the wrong show.
Number 4?
- What was his name? - Dujapon.
Call this Dujapon back until he answers.
11 AM. The noontime headlines.
Your main concern...
The Interior Minister...
- Patch him through. - He's at Beauvau square.
"The President is a sorry individual who hates children."
Do you know these men?
Yes. I know them.
All regulars.
Which one is Mr. Dujapon?
None of these guys, anyways.
- Are you sure? - Sure.
Sure.
I forbid any minister from speaking on that station
until the manager resigns.
What?
I'll do it. But we'll lose support
because of a ridiculous incident
you deem overly important.
Your cleverness never ceases to amaze me.
Go. Hurry.
No. You stay.
Mr. President.
Support? Snake!
A snake in the grass.
Him, too.
He'll betray me. If he hasn't already!
If he doesn't have the letter.
My successor!
So?
What are you waiting for? Defend your friend!
I only have one friend. The same for 30 years.
I know.
That letter will come out.
I feel it. There were two warnings.
That's not my analysis.
What are they saying in the Party?
They wonder and chatter.
All assholes.
Or suspects!
In three days we'll be rid of Parliament.
Where's my son?
We're looking for him.
Hurry up, Minister.
Do your best, and hurry up.
As long as I don't have him...
Keep me posted.
- Count on me, Mr. Herbert. - Thanks, friend.
They don't know anything. But you're in their sights.
Now, no more jokes.
I'll go work in Nice, at my mother's.
- Work? - Didn't I tell you?
I got the translation. A German book
about film. I got an advance.
You didn't tell me.
You know...
Herbert is jealous of coworkers.
Don't be angry. I'll need you for work.
You'll find me.
- Going home? - Yes.
I'll take you.
Not too fast.
No problem. I'm wearing it in.
- Bye. - Adieu.
Claire!
I need to ask you about children's education.
No. I don't have time.
4 questions. Just 4.
- OK. I'm waiting for a taxi. - Thanks.
Should they have to eat fish?
No.
- Brush their teeth? - Yes.
Sleep in the dark?
Not if afraid!
As punishment, locked up?
How horrible! Odd questions!
My father in law locked me in a closet.
Oh?
Roissy.
- You're leaving? - Yes.
- When are you returning? - Never.
- The President's wife? - No.
She's ill.
Well!
- I hear you're ill. - No.
You're not ill.
What, then?
Nothing. I've had enough.
- Enough of what? - Enough. Of everything.
So have I. I've also had enough, but I don't show it.
I'm tired of not showing it.
Then show it. But to me, not others.
I'm surprised I have to tell you.
I think I'm going to break something.
State property.
True.
I see you still have your reason.
- Did you doubt it? - Honestly, yes.
All this fuss is unbecoming of you.
So?
The thought of shaking 2000 clammy hands
makes me sick.
Amid the women present,
at least 4 were your mistress.
Not counting the reporter who thinks she's a countess!
And who loves to harangue me.
Ever since you married me because I was a prefect's daughter,
you've humiliated me,
denied me,
blamed me for sterility,
used me because I was useful.
These past 30 years I helped you advance your career
at 3,589 breakfasts, dinners and banquets,
30 July 14th events and November 11th commemorations,
to which we should add local festivals,
prize awards, inaugurations of schools
and kindergartens, marriages, burials,
and don't forget Christmas trees.
I've kissed so many children!
How can France we don't have enough of them?
For 5 years, I've accompanied you
on 27 official visits
to see only nurseries and folk dances.
And each time an opera as a bonus.
I hate opera.
I hate folk music.
I'm allergic to flowers, the speeches bore me.
This house would make a 3 year old neurasthenic.
I've had enough.
I thought you liked this life.
You've always been perfect.
My sorry friend.
To quote you, this once:
"Asshole!" I loved you.
No longer?
No. Even the sound of your voice,
your famous voice, sickens me.
So...
Say "so," and I'll slap you.
I see.
What will you do?
I'll do my duty to your voters until the end of your term.
And I count on you to do yours vis-a-vis this child.
But then...
- State property. - I break what I like.
- Am I intruding? - Yes.
No matter.
What's going on?
A difficult decision to make.
- Personal? - No, no.
Castor wants me to do something I don't want to do.
I know how that is.
I've let it drag on, but he'll know soon.
If he doesn't already.
Refuse.
He'd replace me. My successor will obey.
Or... I could betray him.
Betray Castor? You?
And you'd like my blessing?
He's bad, but...
Yes...
He's bad, but...
I've hurt for that "but!"
Me, top cop in France.
- I only liked painting. - What do you do exactly?
Is it boring?
Not at all. Sometimes, it's even quite... exhilarating.
It's power.
And you like that?
It can also be used rightly.
He'll be taken.
Don't panic. For now, he's fine.
He's in Connecticut, with your friends, the Hoffmans.
The President doesn't know.
No. Don't call from here.
Which phone shall I use?
The white one.
Here's a passport.
Declare, Colette. Alright?
I'll need a photo for your son.
He has a US passport.
I didn't know. That's good. That's great.
Take him anywhere and stay put.
Until I can dissuade the President.
I will. Kidnapping a US citizen...
- He'll hesitate. - Julie? It's Claire.
Is Mike there?
- Do you know what that means? - No.
- What does this mean? - Unaccompanied minor.
We're unaccompanied minors.
When are we going to Paris?
- Soon. - Promise?
Feet! Yes. I promise.
Then we'll go to the sea with Julie. Promise?
Yes. I promise.
- Mr. Grose is in reception. - Yes. Send him up.
- Claire! - Yes. Come in.
Hello. Nice of you to come.
You beckon, I come. You know that.
You have a new perfume.
No. Sit down.
Why are you here with a fake name?
Secret lovers?
Somewhat.
What's the problem?
- How much time do you have? - My plane leaves at 6 PM.
I need something placed in a safe.
Can you do that?
What kind of thing? Valuables? Jewels?
- Trade secret? - Let's say trade secret.
- What does it look like? - Like this.
My colleague in Geneva
will handle it. Is there a phone book?
I need you to get this tape if something happens to me.
Easy. Sign a power of attorney.
Who's the kid?
- My son. - Your son?
You have a son? Why hide him?
Trade secret. Recognize this voice?
I won't be a prisoner to my position.
I'd give my name.
Breakfast is served.
- Coffee? - Yes.
The operation is set,
but it means kidnapping a US citizen.
- Sure he's American? - Sure.
Then we need something else.
Considered a painful confession?
A big to-do with all of your talent?
Honoring 2 sublime women...
Yes. As a last resort. Where's Claire?
- I don't know. - Sure. You know.
You warned her.
Know what that's called?
It's called serving the State. Scandal always hurts it.
I agree.
I won't seek a new term.
So?
Premature.
You don't object?
I wouldn't suggest such a decision,
but I admire that you can
make it. - "Admire?"
Major problem: succession.
My successor is ready.
- The dauphin. - Him?
He's the least moronic. OK?
The best positioned.
To destroy all I've done? Yes.
- You'd help him? - It hasn't come to that.
No! And it never will!
Leave France to an idiot!
You "admire!"
- What would you admire? - Knowing when to leave.
It's harder to leave than to get in.
Leave! I have absolutely no intention of leaving.
What did the dauphin promise you for my abdication? Montagnon?
Right?
Is that it, the dolt! Speak!
You met last night to conspire.
I know where. I have informants.
But I'll break you, hear? I'll break you both.
Bullshit.
What did you say?
Again: Bullshit.
Want to hear me?
Listen to me.
You act against national interest.
You've always been intolerable, suspicious, and paranoid.
But we forgave you.
Because there was something larger than you.
A vision.
A kind of grandeur.
Where's the grandeur
when you can't accept the idea of a successor?
You could be the first to prepare your succession.
But you want to destroy the dauphin.
To break him.
You'll be broken if he resigns. And he will
if you carry on.
Why do you think I've pampered him for a month?
I don't care about Montagnon.
Why not tell me?
No one can talk to you, you don't listen!
You could have told me that, too.
Claire Despres.
Not now. Tell her to call back in an hour.
Sorry.
Thank you.
What time are they meeting?
Sorry.
Hello? Yes?
You're bothering me in a meeting.
Sorry, but you bothered me too.
I'll be in Paris with my son.
Your friend better hold his dogs.
Because if he lets them loose, I'll loose mine. Bye.
Hello? Claire!
- Where were we? - The strike.
Here you mistranslated.
- Oh. Got it. - The rest is good.
It's odd. To hear you speak!
- Can your secretary type this? - She's on vacation.
Letter H isn't in August.
You forgot. Else you wouldn't come.
Sure. You're a father to me.
It's all set, sir.
I'll get my letter. Bye. See you soon.
Don't look for your watch. You forgot it here.
If you need it, call me. Enjoy your vacation.
Don't forget me.
Hi. I'd like to talk to you.
Enough surveys.
Who was that?
No one. You've been playing.
It's all put away.
- Did you take a bath? - No.
- When to the beach? - Tomorrow.
- You wanted to be in Paris! - Not anymore.
Go. And be careful not to spill water.
I love you, little Kitty...
Who wants to take a bath with me?
I wanted to discuss
a certain letter sent from Tokyo.
I'll come back later.
- Is he here? - No. Not yet.
I knew it would end like this.
He wants to sell the letter.
Hello!
There you are. Hey, buddy.
- My name is Mike. You? - Your mom calls me Pollux.
- Say, you're good. - There's more.
- Hello? - Why call police?
I thought you were different.
It was him. He won't come.
- He said... - He saw my car.
Your car?
Yes, Mr. Minister. On a bike. Young, tall, brown-haired.
I'm an idiot.
You don't get a surprise.
- What surprise? - He had a surprise for you.
He came by earlier.
- What? - We talked football.
But not American football.
Well, buddy, we'll talk more later.
If he's a suspect, we'll have him tomorrow.
Otherwise, he'll try to contact us again.
- Maybe tomorrow. - I'll be gone.
- You can't leave. - Yes.
He needs to get back to normal life.
We must apprehend this individual.
I'm hungry.
Not to mention the charmer stole 5000 Francs from you.
- Hungry? - Yes.
- I screwed up. - What a surprise!
I really screwed up.
OK. Come on.
I saw the kid. I liked him.
Police!
Police! Open up!
It looks fake.
Trust me.
Geneva! Switzerland is expensive!
Wait here. Give me your key.
I'll get your manuscript.
The President awaits in his chambers.
Excuse me, miss. The President wants to see you.
No way!
I have to send law enforcement to see you!
- Hello. - Hello.
- My name is Mike. You? - Mr. President.
- Is this your house? - Yes.
Know where the kitchen is?
No. What do you need a kitchen for?
I'm hungry.
Kitty!
Lunch is served, sir.
Perhaps you'd like to wash your hands?
I had no choice. You refused to cooperate.
Do you blame me?
Yes.
Here's our young man.
What's wrong?
We came with his cat.
- It ran away. - A man doesn't cry.
It's your fault Kitty left.
I'll find him. Call the commander.
- I hate fish! - At your age, eat everything.
Yes.
Do you have milk?
I'll get some.
Too familiar with servants.
He doesn't know what a servant is.
I hope he keeps it up.
Your napkin.
Come in, come in.
Get all the men you need and find me a cat.
It's hiding in the garden.
Right away, Mr. President.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
An astronaut. Or I'll own a ranch.
A ranch? A noble ambition.
- I'll tell you a story. - Then I can go?
Go ahead.
Once upon a time, there was a boy whose father was a baker.
Since he worked hard, his mother said:
"Polytechnique."
- What's "Polytechnique?" - A difficult military school.
At 13, he was stricken with polio. His leg was damaged.
He missed Polytechnique.
But he attended Normale Superieure, even harder.
Your story is long.
I'll tell you the end. Since he was always first,
he became President.
Cue the Marseillaise.
- President of what? - France.
- France is small. - It's very big!
- Let me explain. - Another time.
Can I get up? Thank you.
He's not ill-mannered, but he's strange.
It figures.
- He's a brave kid. - Like his mother.
What about me?
I hate lakes.
This is a good place to work.
I'm screwed now, anyway.
Let some time pass. Herbert will fix this.
The good Samaritan!
If I only knew who you were!
It's a long story.
Complicated, useless.
I'm a friend.
Why? Tell me.
Tell me.
Because you've given me something
priceless that I'd lost:
passion,
dear boy.
And... Where are you going?
See you tonight, bastard.
Find a better place to eat.
- Oh, sorry. - No. Stay. I'm done.
Take this immediately to Paris.
Sit down.
So? Where is he?
He ate dinner. He's in bed.
OK.
Champagne?
Gladly.
That dress looks great on you.
Thank you.
Who gave it to you?
A man who loved me.
My gifts were modest.
- I wasn't demanding. - No.
You were delicious.
A dreamer.
Silent.
Mute with adoration.
Did I make you unhappy?
No.
I even had some perfect moments with you.
So, no remorse, no regrets?
No regrets, no remorse.
To your success, ma'am.
To success, Mr. President.
Why did you take him to the US?
- He was born there. - Born there?
He could be US president if he likes.
Admit, it would be funny.
- Funny for whom? - They have good universities.
Where will he go to school?
We should discuss it.
Harvard, or Princeton.
Ma'am.
Police.
For the Minister.
"Ma'am, one June evening, someone snatched your purse. It was me.
"A girl I loved wanted smoked salmon.
"I don't love her now.
"In the purse was a letter written by an awful man."
And he's moralizing!
"He was harassed. It was me.
"One day, someone asked you questions. It was me.
"I liked your answers. I liked your face..."
What literature!
"In August, I brought you the letter.
"I only wanted a promise: immunity from theft of the purse.
"My mother doesn't deserve to see me in prison.
"You called your cop friend..."
"Cop" says it all.
"I'm outside of France. I want to return.
"The letter for my freedom. Do you accept?
"If you say 'yes,' I'll trust you. I'll call at 6 PM.
"If you aren't home, I'll try again every day.
"I'll return your 5000 Francs someday. Eventually."
See? You should have stayed, Claire.
Swear nothing will happen to him.
- On Mike's head? - It's up to the minister.
I head the army, not the police.
I'm sorry, Mr. President.
Pollux!
Are you imprisoned, too?
Yes. He's a bandit. He's terrible.
- Don't say such things. - Only the truth.
- I'm returning to Paris. You? - Yes.
What about Mike, in Paris with this heat?
Leave him. We'll return him.
Then stay with him a while longer.
If you like.
I'll leave you to your joyful family.
See you later. And don't forget: 6 PM.
My respects, Mr. President.
- We're free. - Did my dad pay the ransom?
- Yes. Your father did. - And it's a big one.
- When can we go? - You owe me a chess game.
If you like.
Tell my son I'm waiting for him.
The Lady informs you it's time to leave, Mike.
Mike!
All passengers travelling to Paris
please go to gate 11.
What are you doing?
Don't worry. There's no risk.
I trust you.
Check. This is it.
I trust you.
Forgive me? For the money?
I'll forget it. Don't do it again. It was stupid.
You'll end up in a closet.
Is your son here? Can I see him?
No.
You should go now.
Good evening.
Who was that?
A letter.
- A good letter? - A good letter.
It's a shame to burn it.
- I'll get it. - No. If it's him, he'll think...
I need to make a call.
Come in.
There.
Paris is exhausting. There's always drama.
You're telling me!
Mom!
Mom? Can I come by tomorrow?
I don't know. Maybe by plane.
See you tomorrow. Me too.
- Another one, please? - Of course.
How old are you?
22, 23.
Mr. Herbert! 216.
Hello, old sod! I'm in Paris.
No. I don't care about him,
and he doesn't care about me.
I don't want them to find your body in Lake Geneva.
Adieu. As in the novels: "Don't look for me."
- Good evening. - Good evening.
Goodbye, dear Claire. Think of me, in the sun.
- You're not coming? - No, buddy.
- I'm a poor laborer. - Goodbye, Pollux.
You were great. Thanks for everything.
Come.
What happened?
He tried to run when we grabbed him, sir.
Imbecile.
Old sod, I'm in Paris.
No. I don't care about him nor he about me.
I'm calling
so they don't find your body in Lake Geneva.
Adieu. As in the novels:
"Don't look for me."
Do you recognize that voice?
A young man I occasionally employ.
- Employ where? - At Letter H.
Of course.
This young man?
Exactly.
- Homosexual? - Not that I know.
- Do you know? - Yes.
He won't be working for you.
He's dead.
An accident.
Are you OK?
No. It's fine. Just the heat.
When we picked him up off the street
he had on his person
a second ID card.
This one,
whose origin must be determined.
- It doesn't interest you. - No. Not really.
We also found a letter.
It would interest you, if you had a copy.
But...
You don't have a copy?
No.
You've been very helpful.
It's unfortunate you were inconvenienced.
I'd like that tape.
No problem.
It's a copy.
"Tokyo Letter" Photocopies
Printer
Hello, Mr. Herbert.
We haven't scheduled with you.
Tell me, can you run 4 pages with a photo?
Today it will be close.
Thank you.
A document reveals a hidden side to the President
Here are the papers.
Bravo.
So!
What's going on in the world?
But... where were you?
- They're coming. A search. - Thank you.
Mr. Herbert!
Open up!
You've set a fire! Open up! It's the concierge.
Unidentified man jumps under car
Pursued by police,
a man threw himself under a car.
He was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.
- Where are you going? - I need to make a call.
Police.
Put them in my safe.
Let me speak to him.
Claire?
What's going on?
How could you imagine such a thing?
No.
I know. But we have limits!
Your young man must be on vacation.
No, no. I'm glad you called.
Take it easy. Give Mike a hug for me.
Mr. President.
Mr. Interior Minister, you may speak.
I'm honored to present the Counsel a plan
to dissolve the municipal council of Ceintrey.
Everything in this story is fictional.
So, any resemblance, etc., etc.
Subtitles: Eclair Media