We have an offer of 1600F. Who will raise the bid?
1700, going once, going twice...
- 1750!
- 1750, going once...
- twice... - 1800!
- 1800, going once...
twice... thrice... gone!
Sold!
- Gone! Sold!
- Sold!
- Gone. Sold...
- No!
Listen up, you!
It's shameful and wrong! Stalking them with your rifle!
People shouldn't go out killing people's dogs!
- I'm told they have nothing but that to eat.
- They eat nothing else? - Minou, Minou! Come!
- Nothing else.
- Couldn't he sell the manor? - It's already buried in mortgages.
AUCTION pending repossession of LANDS
Ah, my Lord Count! No. This time it isn't yours.
Personally, I'm only a solicitor.
When I'm told to sell, I sell.
My Lord Count...
It's not yours.
Damn! My wash basin!
Watch out, you!
La Langouste...
Oh! La Langouste...
La Langouste...
- What's her rate? - 6 francs. 100 sous for officers.
How much you got?
40 sous. And you?
I've got 3,50 francs.
Just enough for one.
Heads. I win.
I didn't call tails.
Hold up! Blockhead!
- Tell me all about it? - Yup!
Get yourself quickly back to your work, darling.
Quick.
No, I don't... I can't do it.
I can't even move my arms.
None of us can.
Octave, your father is having a bad day.
If he finds you loafing, he'll lose his temper.
Losing his temper. That's what your husband does best!
At least he has some sort of distraction.
Be fair, mama! Hector's killing himself with work.
If he's irritable, it's from exhaustion and stress...
from his hunting.
Beasts of burden, that's what he's made of us!
We who descend from the Galion de L?? And the child...
Why did I have to have the misfortune of being born?
And to be born Viscount de Cl?ambard.
If I were named Martin or Moreau,
I wouldn't be condemned to such a life of hard labor
in this historic manor house!
Had I been a shop clerk
a valet, I'd be eating my fill,
going to caf?, dating...
Oh... mom...
An employee at... at a gas station.
Mom... mom... mom!
I've just come from killing a cat.
I put it in the kitchen.
We'll eat it tonight.
Cat again.
Cat again!
It's the third one you've brought us eat this week.
She's very picky, your mother.
Hector, we may be poor. That's understood.
Poor is hardly the word.
But eating nothing all the time but cat...
You're as forgetful, my poor wife, as ever!
To try to save this ancient house, I've sold everything.
I've condemned my family to forced labor.
To bed at 2 in the morning and up at 5!
I've become a knitter, a packer, a delivery man.
How dare you scold me about eating cat.
Hector. My darling...
I know you all hate me!
Hate you, us?
Ask my mother-in-law...
ask my son!
Isn't it so, Octave?
I... I love you.
You're not peeling?
I'm not peeling.
You won't get any potatoes.
I don't want any cat either. You can have my portion.
In 1457,
in the winter of 1457,
my ancestor Onuphre de Cl?ambard,
besieged in Bl?ont palace,
ate rat.
Octave?
Thanks.
Yes thanks or no thanks?
No thanks.
Rat
and owl.
Owl!
It's believed that if he'd had enough,
he'd never have capitulated.
Louise?
No thanks.
Your ancestor was admirable,
but his only reason for dining on owl
was that he was under siege.
Me, too. I'm under siege.
Besieged by creditors,
mortgages,
bailiffs,
and solicitors.
The situation worsens day after day.
Louise. I haven't finished patching the leaks.
You should sell this drafty shack
where one has seen 50 before dying at 4!
My ancestors have dwelled here for 400 years.
Isn't that long enough?
After 4 centuries, surely they're tired of the place.
Octave? He seems sick.
Stay at your looms!
I said, stay at your looms!
Understood?
Feel better now?
Get on with it.
Get to work.
Must you strike him like a slave?
Octave has a lazy nature. He needs to be weaned of it.
Brute!
Monster!
He's exhausted.
He's your son.
My son?
That lazy fuck-up?
Better thrown in the bin.
I'd hoped for a son who, to preserve Cl?ambard's honor,
would go off to fight in a colony.
Reprobate!
That's my son!
At 21 years old, he knits.
He knits badly!
- 2 o'clock. - Leave your work as it is for bed.
Not you.
Finish this pull-over for me.
No sleeping on the job.
Repeat.
No sleeping on... on the job.
Monster.
What's that?
Nothing!
Mama, for all the years we've been married,
not once have I regretted being married to Hector.
- Aren't you going to bed? - No.
Right now, I'm going to amuse myself a bit.
111 mufflers...
One pull-over at 10 francs...
Packaging, 3,20 francs...
90 francs...
Delivery, 5,50...
If only you had tried to have a few more children...
Always something or other!
If I had nine children,
knitting for ten hours each day,
in twelve days, I'd be able to pay for repairs to the roof.
- In four years... - Up there!
First my dogs, now my cats!
That was bad enough, but this is the last straw...
Think you can go and kill my cat, huh?
Go on killing cats and I'll get you...
with my rifle by God!
Octave!
No! Not you!
See how he is.
There's a man who suffers.
Reverend.
You often visit Cl?ambard, I gather?
Almost never. He doesn't like visitors.
Reverend.
A few words.
Will the Count and Countess ever accept a match with one of your Galuchon girls?
What do you mean, Galuchon? Please.
Excuse me. Papillon.
You have three daughters... so which one will it be?
My eldest, of course.
I don't believe I've met her.
You haven't met Evelyne?
Ah...
I don't want to hang it on figures,
but my father has made a fortune
trading horses.
That's what they say.
You might remind him that Madame Galuchon
was a Cudenot girl.
Of the wholesaler Cudenots, I know.
- That says it all, doesn't it. - Yes.
My daughter's dowry...
Sure.
- ...and concerning the manor, I... - Of course.
- Have a drop, Reverend? - Yes!
It's well known that Evelyne is not...
Well, her sisters are prettier than she.
Much prettier than she.
- She's not... I mean...? - Oh no, no.
She's been very well reared.
Show your respects and leave us, my daughter.
- That's her? - Yes.
I beg your pardon.
Reverend! Come in, please.
- Thank you. - Reverend!
How is the young Viscount?
Very badly!
He is a little tired.
Octave?
Octave? The Reverend is asking after you.
Sir... Reverend.
You are very busy.
You know our situation.
It has not improved.
Often, God likes to show his creatures
that he loves each in a special way.
That's all too true for us!
The end of your trials may be closer than you think.
- Sit down. - Thank you.
You've met Mr. Galuchon,
the solicitor on Fantin Street?
- My Lord Count. - Are you staying long?
If I may... I am...
You can stay. But let them work.
Should be better than hearing you say mass.
Hector!
Sit down, Reverend.
Thanks.
I promised myself...
Before, we would have...
but now...
Sure, the grand-father was a factory worker,
the uncle was an ironworker... but
They say the ironwork makes for a good dowry.
The other thing is that this young lady,
while she may not be exactly ugly,
she is far away from pretty.
In order to compensate for their... disgrace,
the parents would like to make her a Viscountess?
She's a young lady who has been very well reared.
In addition to the dowry, The Galuchons will assist
my Lord Count in paying off the manor's mortgages.
Louise, we must agree to this.
Your husband's opinion is of little importance.
Octave is a grown up. Surely he wants out of this dungeon?
How dare you even suggest it mama!
Have I slaved away
so that a solicitor can buy himself a name and honors?
Octave, what do you think? Speak up for yourself a little.
Ma... Marry me mom.
Marry me right away.
I want to... I want to go for it.
Even if my wife is bald, blind, and toothless,
she'll always be the prettiest for me as long as....
...as I don't have to knit any more pull-overs.
I'm going for it!
It seems to be settled.
You accept the Galuchon's proposal,
You? Viscount de Cl?ambard?
Want an ironworker for an uncle?
Anything beats a beggar father.
I'm going to do it!
Octave...
Get married then. Poor child.
I'll waste what's left of my future here.
After Sunday mass, Mr. Galuchon and his family...
Filthy dog!
I'll found him in the cellar.
Did you hear him barking?
Perhaps you mean my dog. You can put him outside, for---
- He's dead!
...for example?
My poor Papillon.
How could such a thing happen?
I strangled him with a rope.
You had no right!
I had a perfect right.
This here is my place!
If you must know, I strangled him for laughs.
He'll rot away in my cellar.
No. His body belongs to me!
Take him!
Bury him in your garden, priest!
Say no more.
You're terrible!
Hector, it's unbelievable.
Enough!
Everyone back to work!
What are you doing here?
I am Saint Francis of Assisi.
Passing through this land,
I heard the howls of a dog in agony.
I have come to find him.
Poor beast.
But poor man, too.
Read this book which tells the story of my life.
Think of me sometimes.
And think above all
about living better than you have been until now.
I've lost of a good friend who loved me.
- Have you seen the monk? - No. What monk?
A monk...
dressed in a robe.
- Surely you've seen him? - No.
- He came by just now? - No I haven't!
He was...
You really haven't seen a monk?
You've been dreaming.
No. I am sure I saw him!
It's time for me to retire.
I bid you good night.
Octave, see the Reverend out.
Reverend, I'm simply devastated,
as if it were my own dog.
Words are useless
against the wicked one.
Papillon!
It's him! My dog! He's alive!
Oh, yes. Oh, yes... yes!
It's really you!
Count, you gave me such a fright.
Me?
How happy I am.
- See you later. - Yes. See you.
Oh yes, it's your master. Yes.
I'll never leave you outside again.
You have a bicycle, Reverend?
Yes, it was...
It...
...was a gift.
Your jokes are in very poor taste.
You seem worn down.
Are you getting sick?
Sick? No.
- Only... - Tired?
All of us are, more or less.
We'll wither away to nothing if we don't get some help.
Hector.
The priest came to speak to me on behalf of Mr. Galuchon,
regarding a marriage between Octave and his eldest daughter.
Yes.
But that monk... you really didn't see him?
He had a book in his hand.
What monk?
Why do you keep talking about this monk?
A monk wearing a large robe.
Where would I have seen this monk?
This book.
It didn't come on its own!
You see the book at least?
Of course.
Hold on...
You're buying books now?
With what money?
And the dog...
The priest's dog...
Watch where you're going, my Lord Viscount.
Relax the brakes! Easy!
Hey! The pull-over factory?
There you go.
Very good.
There you go....
The dowry is quite substantial.
The solicitor will pay off the manor's mortgages.
Why not accept?
Why not?
Did you hear me?
What?
- Come in.
G'day, m'ladies.
Don't everybody talk at once.
Madame.
To whom may I address my respects?
Hah! Respects...
They call me La Langouste because of the freckles on my belly.
Look...
My name is L?nie Vincent.
The Vincent girl, as the police commissioner says.
A real slut,
the town disgrace.
What brings you here?
I'm looking to buy a pull-over.
We don't make them for sale.
We only work for charity.
You're lying.
We work because we're poor.
You've always tried to hide that.
Who told you about us?
One of your friends who wished me well.
It's quite a surprise that we have friends in common.
Given my experience with men, it's hardly surprising.
Oh. Excuse me, Lady Countess.
How embarrassing.
You must be wondering what I'm doing with this wash basin.
No, no!
Not at all.
You can hardly imagine what trouble it's caused me.
In my room, I've got a ceramic basin on the floor.
There's no dressing table at my place.
You know how housework piles up for a young girl.
There's always something.
Anyway, my basin was on the floor...
These details need looking after...
- Please... - No, no.
This afternoon, I had an officer..
A young man from a good family, you know: distinguished, educated...
Just like a soldier.
Putting his pants on,
he tripped and broke my basin with his foot.
We've heard quite enough.
I'm only explaining why I had to buy a new basin.
For a classy woman, it's an essential, no?
For scrubbing down her figure
and keeping everything spic and span.
Hector. This is unbearable.
This isn't a home any more.
What do you want?
To buy a little pull-over.
Choose one and make it quick.
Ah...
Finally somebody ready to do business!
Oh... this one is nice.
Let's see.
This one fits nicely.
Very flattering to my chest.
- How much? - 12 francs.
No way! 12F, so much?
I may look distinguished, but it's only on the surface.
The one next to it is 10 francs.
It's ghastly.
Anatole, Anatole
Too small. Too expensive.
Too ugly.
I can see this won't be easy, huh?
Anatole, Anatole, Show me your guns.
We're not a cabaret, young lady.
Hector, make a deal and get rid of her.
Name your price.
Really?
I'll take it from you for a song.
Name your price.
How about 7,50. Will that do?
No. Just the same, that's not enough.
What do you say to 9 francs?
I've only got 9,50. I can't offer more.
9 francs will be fine.
Oh thanks!
Then 9 it is.
Thanks!
I can't wait!
I'm gonna put it on right now!
My basin!
I almost forgot my basin!
Oh Mister Count.
It's nice to know that there are still those in France who know how to live.
Refined manners are becoming so rare.
Good. I'm gone!
See ya, ladies and gents.
My God!
A man.
Speak up. Don't be shy.
Hold this for me.
Okay...
I hope that you can keep this quiet.
If my fianc?should see us, or my parents, my friends...
my servants...
Thanks.
Bye, sweetie.
La... Langouste.
La... La... Langouste !
La Langouste !
La Langouste! It was her!
It was La Langouste. She spoke to me.
Right in front of me, she looked me over.
It was La... La Lan... Lan...
What's come over you?
She was right before me.
I... I... saw her belly.
I... I... saw her breasts.
Her... her breasts.
Come now. Calm down.
Calm down?
All these years I've been thinking about that girl,
I've dreamed of going to her place to be with her.
Every time I pass by the alley behind Brebis,
I have to stop because my legs become mush.
I breathe in the scent of her entrance.
I hope...
Oh... I hope...
I don't know why I told you that.
What do you care...
You should know very well.
I am your father.
But...
I'm going to marry one of the Galuchon girls.
The ugliest one, but that's that.
'"The Life of Saint Francis of Assisi''?
Who would think you'd be reading that?
Why?
Francis of Assisi, if I remember correctly,
was a mendicant monk who loved all the animals.
And all the animals loved him.
Are you sure?
Uh...
Okay.
Back to work.
No! Not...
Go help your mother with dinner. We won't work tonight.
- We, we, we...? - Yes. Get along!
...give me some peace, for fuck's sake.
"In 1182, was born at Assisi
"he destined to be be a saint: Francis.
"Warblers, cuckoos, titmice,
"Orioles, blackbirds, nightingales...
"Sweet animals, my brothers, whenever I've been in the cities,
"I have encouraged men to come see you in the woods.
"I've told them that it is not enough for them to love their own kind
"and that it is important to love other good and beautiful creatures,
"who have voices like those in paradise and wings like the angels."
"The forest is the little that remains of paradise lost.
"God did not decree that the first sin should raise the first garden.
"All over the surface of the Earth,
"he planted forests where sinners may repent,
"among the beasts, witnessing their innocence."
"Ah. It's the wolf.
"Good day, my brother.
"You seem so unhappy.
"Stop making such gloomy faces, my poor wolf.
"I know.
"You will still eat the lamb.
"Go on. It's the way of the world.
"When you devour the lamb,
"you are celebrating God's glory.
"You are singing of his power
"and his goodness."
"It's a crude song to our human ears,
"but it sounds sweet to those of God,
"as are those of the birds when they're eating insects.
"My brother wolf, listen to the birds' song.
"That's their way.
"Just like your howls which God hears as well.
"Listen, wolf."
It's not like him.
He spent Sunday as if he was celebrating Lent.
He's been holed up since night before last,
without eating, without sleeping.
He'll neither see nor speak with anyone.
Dad can't get lost as long as we know where he is.
Children!
My darlings!
My God!
It's horrific.
Mom, what's happened?
My God! Is it Hector?
He's dead! My husband is dead!
No. Your husband's as sturdy as Pont-Neuf.
I was getting ready to go to mass.
Since he needs looking after,
I went to knock on his door.
- Guess what he said to me? - No.
He said...
- I cannot repeat it. - Well. I'll go up.
What did he say to you?
He said...
No. I can't.
In my ear.
Hector, I know you're in there.
Say something.
Mom. Do you know what he said to grandma?
Yes.
I know!
Hey there!
On your way to mass?
All alone, with your parasol?
Wait for me, I'll come right down.
Hold on...
Oh no. Sundays we close at 4 p.m.
How've you been since the other day?
What do you say? Didn't I say it would flatter my bust?
I bet it was you who knitted it.
Careful! There's a broken paving stone.
Stop bothering me, please.
What's your hurry? You're not catching a train.
Well hello!
Hitch your wagon?
Hello, you! Hook me up!
Hey Langouste!
Looking nice in your get up.
- Hello, Langouste.
G'day, Madame.
How are ya?
Out with mom?
Not bad, huh?
Oh, my.
Men in the daylight, it's gonna make me cry.
Oh no. Not from you Madame...
But take it, my friend.
Take it, poor man.
Oh!
I'm going to take this up to him.
This should put a stop to...
And if he receives you like this morning...
Mom?
I have better things to do that looking after him.
The Galuchons are coming.
I'm going to go gather some flowers from the garden!
Octave?
Me?
- But I... - Go on.
Hector?
He is mad.
He's gone mad, hasn't he?
Hector?
I've been so worried.
What have you been doing for the past two days?
I've been reading.
And thinking.
Thinking about what?
Myself.
And others.
Mom! A spider! There!
There, on the billiard table!
I'll kill it.
Leave that creature in peace.
I'll squash it.
Leave that little creature alone, I told you.
What's come over you?
It's only a spider...
Well, yes it is.
First a spider, what next?
All creatures have a right to live.
Why should we kill a spider who does us no harm?
This house is in disarray. I want to have things proper.
Then do what is proper and leave that spider in peace.
Spider, my sister.
Consider yourself welcome in our home.
Hector, it's disgusting.
You aren't a disgusting creature.
Your body is a perfectly formed oval.
You're like the flower of the Virgin's son.
- Isn't that so? - Sur... Sure.
You will be this house's pride and joy.
Your life is more precious to me than my wife's.
- I have you to thank! - Hector, what has come over you?
Only a little heavenly light.
From now on, I'm committed to defending all of the animals.
All.
Spiders like all the rest.
- Stop this nonsense. - He's gone mad.
- And the Galuchons? - Hector!
Go ahead, little sister.
Go ahead. You're home now.
They're so cute, these little critters.
Where does this sympathy for spiders come from,
from you, a man who kills dogs and cats?
Louise, I understand your disbelief.
Only yesterday, I was killing dogs and cats.
Don't think I'll ever forget that.
Yet since then, I've read this book.
Do me a favor and read it yourself.
So you've been reading it, finally?
You didn't find it boring?
A saint's life? That doesn't sound very promising.
Imbecile!
Unhappy imbecile!
I've been thinking about you a lot while I've been alone.
I've been thinking about your well being.
Do I have to give you a swift kick in the ass?
Tell the Galuchons that the marriage is impossible.
You no longer support it?
Hector, think about our situation.
I've decided that Octave will marry La Langouste.
La Langouste?
- This is some kind of joke. - Not at all.
Octave will marry La Langouste.
But Hector, that's absurd.
You've lost your all of your senses, your dignity.
I'm telling you, I've had enough of our dignity.
She's the soldiers' girl!
You think you're better than La Langouste?
Now you're comparing me to a prostitute?
Exactly, a prostitute.
When she strips off her petticoat
before an officer, God is there beside her.
He smiles upon her sacrifice with gladness.
You are stupid!
- You are obscene. - Quiet, fickle woman.
La Langouste is happier than a nun leaving the confessional.
Her shame and misery is her passport to heaven.
Precisely the dowry she'll bring when she's wed to this...
bastard!
That's your son you're talking about!
This jackass?
This dung-cart here?
Our son is a shit-head
just like me.
Just like his mother.
You have no right to treat me this way.
To rescue Octave from our fate,
I'll allow him be married to one of the Galuchon girls.
But not to this whore!
Octave shall marry the woman he loves.
The woman he loves?
You love La Langouste, don't you?
I mean... I'm not sure...
Come now! Do you love her?
I mean, I...
I don't have the experience that would allow me...
Good. To seal the deal,
I'll get dressed and go ask for her hand.
Hector!
Why would your father say that you love La Langouste?
Me...? La Langouste?
Anyway, you've already agreed to marry the solicitor's daughter.
Yeah.
But.. at the same time, it would bother me...
to disobey dad.
Why should that bother you?
Octave, have you been with this girl?
Me? I would have been with her where? When?
- You always listen to-- - You've had her!
There! There's the spider!
Don't move.
Here I come, little sister.
There! There she is!
Stop her from spinning her web.
Oh, mom. Here! Here she is.
Oh, over there.
Don't kill her. I want her alive.
This time, I've got you.
Leave her to me.
My scissors! I'm going to cut off her legs.
Why make her suffer? Like hearing her sweet lament?
Look! Just look at that!
Just one leg.
You mustn't get overexcited, darling.
Come now.
I'm going to cut off her head.
They're here, they're here!
Here they come!
Go wash your hands.
Where is my button-down collar?
Nobody here?
Good. You can come out now, my sister the spider.
Spider..
You took part in the hit squad, huh?
Oh. It's you! Squad? What squad?
You had a hand in the murder of this creature.
What creature?
This one!
But why are you showing me these insect guts? It's sickening.
They most certainly are, in my opinion.
Forgive me if I have falsely accused you.
Got get dressed. They're here.
Didn't you hear the horn?
- I only want to bring us closer to God. - Yes, that's right!
I would like to help you, but first you must admit
that you are an impure being.
What's that?
A miserable earthworm.
A poor scorpion.
I am going to unmask the killers.
They're here.
- Your husband... - Yes, I know.
- Everything ready? - Yes.
The tea service!
Ready?
Onwards!
Where's dad?
He's lost his head.
We don't need him.
Madame.
- Madame.
Ma... dame.
And who are these young ladies?
Let me introduce you to
Brigitte, the youngest,
Madame.
...Etiennette,
Madame.
...and Evelyne, the firstborn.
Madame.
My lord Viscount.
Mademoiselle.
Please be seated, ladies.
A lovely view of the manor, Madame!
It's played quite a role in French history.
What are you waiting for girls? Sit!
- Yes, daddy!
- My lord, the Count is... - My husband begs your forgiveness.
Business has called him away.
For a busy man, the days aren't long enough.
I have a meeting myself at 5 o'clock
which will require me to leave before my wife.
We'd better address our business then without delay.
Where is your sister, the spinster?
Ah, my lord the Count!
I'm begging you.
Where is your sister, the spinster?
Well... I don't know, I...
in the salon?
May I do anything?
- No, that's quite-- - Your sister's not in the salon.
Where is your sister?
- Oh! Madame's sister is... - No!
What can I tell you?
- She may have crept away. - No.
Your sister has not crept away.
As you both must know all too well having killed her.
A cowardly, savage act.
And then you dismembered the body.
It's only a joke. He's pulling your legs.
This is outrageous.
No. But it is an outrage!
I only asked a fortnight ago that three of the spinster's samplers hang in each room.
You're murderers and torturers.
What are you suggesting, Octave?
I killed the spinster.
- Is it true? - Indeed ... I didn't do anything.
Very good, my boy!
The idea you were involved in this murder has been tormenting me...
since it would have made you unworthy to marry the one you love.
Since you're innocent,
I may now ask for her hand.
I shall be overjoyed to see all of you join our family...
in so admirable a wedding.
My Lord Count, the pleasure is all ours...
Our neighbors will say:
"How about that?
''You've married your son to a whore?''
Hector!
Good God! You have no right to speak this way of my daughter!
Daddy, will Octave really marry me?
- Haven't you broken the news? - But what do you...
- My Lord Count...! - I have no time for chatter.
Explain it to them.
A little tea?
Come dog! Come.
Come dog! Come!
Blockhead and me,
we're the best of pals.
Hurry up and get dressed.
It's funny: Blockhead...
Known him since the 2nd Squadron.
It's just what they call him: Blockhead. Blockhead.
You're making me sleepy with this nursery rhyme.
Help me on with this?
Do you think I'm your maid?
Getting back to Blockhead...
More Blockhead. I've heard quite enough about Blockhead.
Tell me about your mistress.
Your family?
Your parents?
You have any sisters?
Why would I talk about my sisters to a whore?
They must have fresh mouths, your sisters.
Give me a cigarette.
Sorry, I've only got three left.
A real gentleman!
- Bet you'd like Blockhead... - Step it up a bit!
Don't forget your helmet.
Heads! I win.
That's strange.
What time is it?
Do you know the time?
No.
Not a moment too soon!
The trumpet! It can't be true!
I was winning!
Move it! They're taking the roll.
Move it!
Yeah!
Miss.
Mister Count!
It's kind of you to drop by to see me.
Go on, come in.
- I'm not interrupting anything? - I'm alone.
Take a seat, my fat jackrabbit.
Thank you.
Well, what is it?
Looking for a little fun?
My visit has a completely different purpose.
Sorry. Excuse me.
How nice it is at your place!
I'm gonna let in some sunlight.
Don't harm any spiders.
L?nie, what I have to say will surprise
and perhaps even scandalize you.
Scandalize me? I doubt that.
I can't see how you could do that.
Do you know my son?
Hold on.
It must have been him I saw as I was leaving your house.
A big boy, kind of stupid looking?
Yes. It seems you do know him.
My son Octave loves you.
One kindness deserves another.
Everything has its price.
Absolutely! Don't I know it.
Now I really must make you understand:
My son loves you
and wants to marry you.
I don't like guys who try to take the mickey.
Your sweets and getting sour.
Do I strike you as a man who is joking?
This doesn't happen to a girl every day.
Octave has loved you secretly for many years.
Me?
Poor fool.
It's perfect timing.
It certainly is not.
He'd be truly lucky to be your husband.
Don't make me laugh.
I'm lucky for nobody.
I'm busy!
- Okay, I'll come back. - You do!
Only married an hour and already doing the dishes.
What if I go out on the town?
Dear girl!
Coming home at night, all boozed up,
I might give him a good soaking.
You're just the woman my son needs.
I love you already like a daughter.
Is that so?
You like me a little bit?
I love you for all of your perfections.
Well the. You do like me?
I just need a little tenderness.
That's just what you'll have.
My big, bad wolf.
My God. Forgive me.
I very nearly succumbed to a loathsome temptation.
I'm nothing but a lecherous beast!
Isn't that why you came looking for me.
To the brink of hell, I've lured this innocent.
I've been restrained by this melodious song.
Do you hear it?
Sure. That's Risette and Chocolat, my little canaries.
This is a message from the poor little man from Assisi.
You must despise this vile creature!
I'm a satyr!
No way. Not a chance.
Maybe if you're in the mood, it's not such a bad thing.
No, no, no. Don't try to reassure me.
Lord, why doesn't your presence accompany me at all times.
It sounds like you've been listening to the priest's ideas.
I would have held in my arms my son's fianc?.
And then what?
Speaking of which...
I'd kind of like to see him, your Octave.
- He said "whore". - Think of the little one's marriage.
You heard the Countess. He's delirious.
- He's overworked. - Well so am I!
Anyway, you've found a special place in his heart.
Octave, your fianc?
is waiting for you.
Chouette! La Langouste!
- Octave! - La Langouste!
- Octave ! - La Langouste!
- Hurry up.
Louise, he's gone insane!
What's this?
My dear Louise, when I think
that you were prepared to marry him for some spare change.
You! You would prefer disgrace.
- I'm warning you... - My poor wife.
As ever, you understand nothing.
- Neither do you. - Don't touch me.
But Hector, you're not thinking.
If this marriage happens with that person,
what will be their income?
Will she still be entertaining the soldiers?
Your concerns are almost legitimate.
But tonight,
the manor of Cl?ambard will go up for sale.
What?
With whatever money's left over after the creditors take theirs,
we'll buy a caravan,
a horse,
and we'll travel the country lanes,
listening to mankind's murmurings
and the birds' songs.
You'd like us to live like gypsies?
How will we make a living in this caravan?
We'll live as beggars.
We'll ask for charity at the churches.
We'll beg from the peasants.
Everywhere, we'll testify to God and his love for us.
- Come in.
Cuckoo to you!
It's your Galuchon coming to fool around.
Oh...! On a Sunday, even? Now?
To each his own vice.
I made up an excuse about a business meeting.
You turn me on.
Come on. Quick. Get into bed!
You've missed your chance. I'm not in the mood.
Don't worry. It'll be quick.
Standing before us, Eug?e Galuchon, solicitor,
practicing in Fantin Street,
Appearing in shirt and pants,
without any strings, come to see and feel
Miss Langouste,
in her capacity as call girl,
dwelling in the alley behind Brebis,
where she runs a pleasure boutique.
The said Langouste is requisitioned,
for the sum of 15 francs...
Ex... Excuse me.
I didn't think that...
And there you have it!
My dear Viscount, your... your...
Close the door.
Your presence in this place is very surprising.
It's all dad's fault.
Your dad?
Yes. Dad made me come back here.
What? Your dad...
Well, that's alright!
Sir, to tell you the truth,
the woman my father wants me to marry...
it's her.
Does it shock you?
You're joking?
Why would he want to marry you to a call girl?
What reasons could he have for so outrageous a choice?
I don't understand very well myself.
Something to do with morality and religion.
What's that?
You can ask him yourself. He's out on the street by the door.
Well, I'm off.
Whatever else, don't you two get up to anything.
You'll be hearing from me!
My Lord Viscount, come see me tomorrow.
- My 15 francs! - You had your fun, right?
I leave with a heart full of regrets.
And what about me!
So it's you, Octave?
L?nie...
Good day, young ladies.
How many times have I sat out there at the base of the stairs,
counting my change.
Sometimes, I'd see a soldier come in and...
Then I'd... I'd imagine you...
n... nude.
Maybe gestures
would better express what I can't say.
That's funny! Like it's done by the mimes.
And now?
I want... I want... I want to marry you.
Too bad about Cl?ambard !
Money, titles... in spite of it all!
I want to screw you until the end of my life.
So old fashioned!
You'd like that, huh?
Tell me.
You really want to?
I haven't said that.
You went to bed with Galuchon!
Anything else you want to tell me?
I've always known they go together,
sweet words, love songs.
And then, all of a sudden...
Tell me L?nie. What do you think of my son?
I want to marry her as soon as possible.
You're not the only one who has to decide that!
L?nie?
To be honest, it's not what I was looking for.
She's made herself clear.
Understand? You're unworthy of L?nie.
I thought there might be a chance, but paternal pride blinded me yet again.
Scram! Fuck off
Bu... but. I... I want to marry her.
You promised.
I'm staying here.
Octave, don't test me.
I want to be with her.
- I want to go to bed with her. - You base, lustful...
- Out! - No... no.
I want to screw her.
Out!
I want her body.
Out!
I want to screw her.
Boorish! Shameful!
I want to be with her.
This animal is even more disgusting than his father.
- Get the fuck out! - Stop.
You shouldn't be so cruel to him.
Scrawny guys aren't my type, that's true.
But when he talked to me about love,
I felt a little softness in my breast.
I'm all for that.
I got all warm inside like a duvet full of goose feathers.
Just now, I was too hot and bothered.
But, if I spoke to you tenderly...
Cut out your sweet talk. It's too late.
Love's a serious business, especially when marriage is involved.
But I.. I want... I want to mar...
Well, good. That can be arranged.
As of this moment, we're engaged.
Before the ceremonies, we could tie the knot a little.
Monsieur de Cl?ambard, I can't resist.
I can see heaven in Octave's eyes.
Dear children.
Octave!
Octave. Come home this instant!
Shove off. He has no need of you.
- Come now, Octave. - Come on, grandson.
No, grandmother, I can't.
Why?
Dad wouldn't like it.
Why not?
He said that "dad wouldn't like it."
Hector, listen.
Ho!
You've been fooled, dear lady. He's cut in front of you.
Hey! Mathurin!
Can't you see I'm in the middle of a session.
Still? But I was already here.
Clear out!
That's something else!
Excuse us, ladies.
Beg your pardon, ladies.
I'll be back.
- Hector! - I'll be back.
If you persist in this scheme, I will wage a war against you.
Against me?
That's right!
- I am your enemy. - Louise.
Come on, mama.
Louise!
Louise.
Did you really mean it when you said you were my enemy?
It was an angry outburst.
I was upset.
You know very well that my heart bleeds for you and I love you.
But, Hector, what's happening to you?
Where are you? Who are you suddenly?
It's a miracle, Louise.
A miracle?
A miracle from heaven
Hector.
You've really worn yourself out these past weeks.
Come home for some rest.
Friday, I strangled the priest's dog.
Then a monk came into our place and gave me a book.
It was Saint Francis of Assisi.
When the priest left,
he found his dog quite alive!
He was barking. He was alive.
The saint had resuscitated him.
A miracle happened.
A miracle!
You don't believe me?
Well say it!
Hector, we believe what you've said.
You don't believe me?
I don't want to vex you,
but your story is a bit hard to believe.
How about just now,
I held in my arms my son's fianc?.
I held her close to me.
I was about to throw myself into fornication.
Hector!
Into fornication, adultery and incest!
A bird's song welled up in the room.
Saved! I was saved!
It was him. It was the poor little man,
full of love, compassion, fraternity.
The sparks of love rained forth!
The sparks of love!
Of love!
A superb day.
You spent a good night in your gypsy caravan?
Very good. We leave at 4:30.
Hear that?
Just how were you able to pay for this caravan?
I'll for it with the money raised tonight.
Another miracle, probably.
Where is Octave?
Give it a little rest, smooching your way up my thighs.
I'll wind up with marks.
I'd like to see them.
If that's how you feel, I won't do anything else to encourage you.
Anyway... that's how it goes.
Catch.
Ah... give it a rest!
If the poor little man could see you...
What poor little man?
Little Saint Francis.
Haven't you read the booklet?
Don't laugh like an ass.
Your father gave it to me.
I couldn't sleep.
Go get the sheets for me on the terrace.
Go on!
? me fait dr?e de te voir comme ?.
No way!
No!
- What's going on? - No, no!
Let him in so I can talk to him.
No! It's shut!
Quit kidding around!
No. No! You have no right!
It's... It's private in here!
What's all this about?
My fianc?
Fianc?
No, no and no. I won't move into that caravan.
Going to bed in a cart, begging, ravenous with hunger...
Well then, move into my place.
Once we're married, what'll you do then?
Keep on at your trade?
It'd be shameful if, for a 100 sous,
an officer could buy the Viscountess de Cl?ambard.
If you found a dragoon in your bed,
it'd probably upset you.
After our marriage, it'll have to be the caravan.
Tell me, tell me. Do you love me?
I'm not used to being asked to get married.
This stuff freaks me out.
Ah. The notary!
Make it quick, that's all that I ask you.
Aye, aye, aye!
You gentlemen there! Who are you?
- Ladies. - Sir.
I've come to sell the manor. These men are interested.
Yes. These are the investors.
- You were expected? - Of course, Madame.
My Lord Count should come at 4 p.m. to sign the papers.
Gentlemen.
Until then, let's visit.
Go put on your hat. This instant!
A miracle?
Suppose I give you the money
and the Count decides to abandon the manor and go off in his caravan...
What should we do then?
The money is here.
It's yours on two conditions.
First... get the hell away from there!
First, your son must give me his word.
He will marry Evelyne. Second...
Go away!
Second, the Count must be put away.
What do you mean by "put away"?
Are you familiar with Dr Mindeur,
the medical alienist?
If you allow your husband to remain free,
your son will give your name to a call girl,
and the family will wind up living in a caravan.
Have I made myself clear?
Dr. Mindeur is a friend.
He'll look after my Lord Count
and I, meanwhile, will look after your business.
His institutionalization will be temporary. It's for his own good.
It has certainly been difficult.
You believe he is mad?
I'm far from certain.
Are you... Are you anxious for the wedding?
And how!
- Oi! - L?nie!
What do you make of the caravan?
What time do we split?
Within the hour,
the manor will be sold. After that, we're off.
Once I've paid off the caravan, there should be 1500F left over for the poor.
If you keep giving all your money away, you'll be the poor one.
That's just what we'd like to be.
Not me!
No. No! I don't want to go begging for alms.
You go off in your caravan.
Me, I'm staying at the manor.
Octave!
No. No! What right do you have to fleece me?
It... It's my manor.
I was born here! It should be passed down to me.
I don't want to leave my manor!
Your manor?
Your manor?!
Cl?ambard manor!
Who was just saying she wasn't sure he'd gone mad?
Hector?
Oh, Louise.
Due to my frailty, the Lord has abandoned me.
I've fallen back into violence.
That girl is still here?
Yes. Our daughter will follow us down the road to poverty.
L?nie, come hug your mother.
Oh...
No. I've just come to see the caravan.
Come on.
As a gift for that person, it's a good choice.
But it's for L?nie and for us all.
- Come and see. - I'd rather not!
There are two rooms.
Until the kids get married,
you'll sleep with L?nie in the smaller one.
Hear that!
L?nie will tell you about the life of Saint Francis of Assisi.
I read his booklet. This little Francis is a real eye opener.
Kind but not proud. Had I only known him!
Dear child...
If he'd had me around, he'd of wanted for nothing.
I'd be working at all hours.
"Dear, it's for the poor."
It's been nicely furnished. A dining room,
a sitting room,
every night, cocktails at Jules'.
- Fridays... - Octave!
Remove your hands from that girl!
It's shameful!
Leave. We are honorable people.
We want nothing to do with the town tramp.
Go away!
What are you saying?
On your knees!
On your knees before her!
For all your trappings of a Countess,
you don't deserve to hold her train!
Demand her forgiveness!
No need to force her, Mr. Count.
We leave in an hour.
Let's go look for some old clothes in the attic.
My poor child.
Octave!
That was your fault.
Say yes to Galuchon and we can move on.
Are you listening to me? Where are you going?
I'll see. I'm gonna think it over.
Madame Countess?
What are you doing there?
I'm Saint Francis of Assisi.
Hector?
Hector, listen to me.
You've killed another dog?
No.
It's the priest's dog.
Well then...
I don't know any more.
You seem distraught. Sit down.
In the attic, I found dead body of the dog
that I believed had been resuscitated.
What does this mean?
I believed I had strangled the priest's dog.
But it was another dog that resembled him.
To sum up: contrary to what you thought,
there wasn't any miracle.
And that monk?
That monk!
I saw him and heard him!
It was him.
It was Gustalin.
Count...
I disguised myself to frighten you.
My cats, my dogs... I'd had enough.
So it was only me.
I never expected it'd disturb you so much.
I only wanted to...
I don't believe you.
It really was me.
I cut my hand when a roof tile fell.
Look. I just about hit
my head on the ceiling. Remember?
And how did you disappear?
There wasn't anybody out here!
I watched you searching for me.
I was terribly frightened.
I was hidden in the kitchen.
I stayed in there for an hour.
He snuck out while La Langouste looked at pull-overs.
And the book? Editions of Heaven?
Count.
I found it in a bookshop.
There's plenty more.
So then it was you?
If you knew what danger you've escaped...
What danger?
When you spoke of a miracle,
nobody believed you.
So you think I'm a madman.
Put yourself in my place.
The sale of the manor, this marriage,
this caravan, these outrageous schemes...
Just what schemes are you asking me to give up?
See here, Hector.
It only follows that there've been no miracle.
Didn't I need a miracle to make me love my neighbor?
Faith will suffice.
Faith. Just how have you come into it?
It came over me!
I have faith, period. I believe in god!
The real miracle is that there hasn't been a miracle.
I wish we had already left Louise.
Louise ?
Do you think I'm mad?
Mad, no.
But senseless.
I'm going to go bury this beast in the forest.
You, come with me.
You, stay right here!
Ha, ha, ha! The caravan!
He's certifiable, your father-in-law.
Good. I've forewarned the doctor.
We mustn't delay.
Where is Octave?
Good day.
Mmmm... Lovely as ever.
- Cheerful as ever. - Good day, Viscount.
What a poetic thought it is to go away in a caravan!
You think?
Would you like to see the inside?
- My God... - Oh, yes!
That was easy.
Since the caravan is very cramped,
each will have to take her turn.
- Can I pet the horse? - Please do.
Come in.
He could at least have shown you first.
We are not yet engaged,
officially.
We still need to set the date for the marriage that will make us family.
- The Viscount hasn't promised yet. - Exactly.
- I'll go find him. - No. Wait.
I'll speak to him man to man.
Do you think he'll kiss you in the caravan?
It's possible.
And as his future wife, I will submit.
Hey. Have you seen the Viscount?
Yes. He's visiting in the caravan with Brigitte.
Perfect! Just perfect.
My Lord Visc...
Brigitte!
Oh... mama.
What's going on here?
Only your son
dishonoring my youngest, right before my eyes!
You didn't do anything?
I came too late!
Octave...
Come out of that caravan!
You've betrayed your fianc?.
How dare you slight L?nie.
I didn�t mean to do it.
Sure! It only happened to be Evelyne!
He chose the prettiest!
I'm prepared to make amends.
- Just how? - There's nothing else to be done.
Don't expect the dowry!
- And your fianc?? - Hey there!
In your attic,
there's nothing but useless junk, huh?
Just look at this!
A waffle iron for the holidays,
a canteen, a blanket for the horse,
a lantern, a harmonica...
See?
I have some painful news to break to you.
To me?
Octave has betrayed your lover.
He has committed the sin of the flesh with this young lady.
Oh.... You don't say!
So you've sewn some wild oats!
- She's cute. - Don't come any closer!
Alright. Let's go.
Screwing around doesn't make you married for life.
Yes. Regrettably.
- I have to make it up to her. - Make it up how?
He's saying that, having sinned with the girl, he must marry her.
You don't say? He's sinned with me, too
And before the young lady.
Octave. Have you no respect?
Seeing how long he waited, he has some excuse.
Anyway, I have precedence.
Evidently so.
- Outrageous! - Young woman...
See what you've done?
I'll file a complaint if this isn't set right.
Listen to me!
All right then.
I understand.
You owe me 100 sous.
My money. Hurry up!
Thanks, Mr. Viscount.
Go on. Beat it! Deadbeat!
Ah... I don't feel so good.
Carry her into the manor.
- She's dead! - No. She's only fainted!
Poor child, put yourselves in her place.
- She's breathing. - Over here. Gently!
There's nothing more for me to do here.
How's that?
There's everything for you to do.
All of us need you.
You're kind.
There are no more reasons why I shouldn't leave.
Octave doesn't deserve you.
Forget about him.
If only I could...
With you, I can say it.
Octave... I think I loved him.
You can say to me, that I'm only a whore.
L?nie...
Anyhow...
I wasn't ready for it to be over.
Who said anything about it being over?
It's just begun.
Okay...
I could tell... the angels, the good Lord...
the Virgin... as I'd rather do,
only I hardly believe in them.
Believe.
I'll help you.
No, no. Leave it.
In a quarter hour, we leave.
Tomorrow, you'll be a really joyful girl.
A real girlfriend!
God will provide!
Evelyne, my child. It's your mother
My baby! It's your mom.
In addition to the dowry, which should be about a million...
- A million? - Let me speak.
I expect that you will bestow upon Brigitte
a small monthly income.
Let's say... 2000 francs.
Am I dreaming?
Cigars.
- Come to!
I've made up the second floor for...
L?nie?
They say he's changed?
They say that reading the "Life of Saint Francis of Assisi"
has changed him.
He seems to have been touched by grace. It's annoying.
Grace doesn't come so easily to the clergy.
L?nie? L?nie?
You've driven her away.
L?nie!
Hector! Where are you going?
Hector?
L?nie?
Hector!
Doctor! Reverend!
- If you only knew... - Hush!
Dr. Mindeur, meet the ladies.
Right this way, Doctor.
He's going to sell it! Quick!
- Sell what? - The manor!
He's mad! Climb in !
Good Lord almighty!
- L?nie!
L?nie!
L?nie.
Whoa! Whoa.
Please. Come.
But where?
Who with?
Come!
I'm headed to the notary's.
Then, the blacksmith's.
- And then? - Then?
It's straight ahead!
Giddy up, Patureau! Giddy up!
Good God almighty!
Thank you.
The good man notary
has seen to everything.
- How much did he leave you? - At least 1500F.
Oh, no. No, milord Count.
It's impossible.
Take it.
God wills it.
But no! My Lord Count!
My Lord Count. No!
I told you to take the money.
It's impossible.
It's impossible!
For the love of God!
It's impossible.
For the love of God!
There you are.
That'll be 4,50.
- I don't have any more money. - What ?
Hang on!
- I've got the 100 sous from Octave. - No.
You don't have anything.
We don't have anything.
What about me?
Just a moment!
For the love of God.
For the love of God!
For the love of God.
Thanks.
It was a technical difficulty.
Eug?e!
- God almighty!
- Thanks.
For the love of God.
Oh, my God!
Count. Count. What are you doing?
I'm begging, Reverend, because I'm poor.
And I dream of being even poorer still....
- for the love of God. - Think of your family.
I followed him across the countryside, famished,
hearing only the call: "Come to Jesus. Come to God."
But where did you receive this missionary order?
- In the Gospels, sir. - Oh?
The Gospels are a dish that needs to be handled with care.
I have no intention to obstruct the light of the Church.
Good news. And what of your claims about miracles...
I was mistaken.
- You no longer believe in them? - No. Not as such.
But I hope someday, God will favor me with a miracle.
You're so presumptuous?
And when that miracle comes,
I will go out to proclaim it across the Earth.
Those who snicker,
whether they be men, women or priests,
I'll arrange to have their ears cleaned.
For the love of God.
Thanks. Go in peace, Priest.
Stop spreading around these ideas. What you're advocating is...
revolutionary.
Why not. The world is full of injustice.
Don't speak of justice and injustice.
Our Lord had no hope for justice in this world.
Priest, you go on interpreting the Gospels.
For the love of God.
Louise, come. We're leaving.
- My Lord Count. - Dear Doctor.
How are you?
Very well, thanks. And yourself?
Hasn't anyone told you? I've gone crazy.
Crazy with hope, crazy in love, Doctor!
I'm burning with love for all of those who suffer,
trembling upon this earth.
Since my dream about the poor little man from Assisi,
this madness has consumed me.
I've given myself to Jesus!
His symptoms are quite advanced.
Regression of value judgments,
confusion of social norms, mental perversions.
It's very serious.
You've understood nothing, doctor.
Look.
Look!
Little Saint Francis!
Look at him.
He's going to mount the horse.
What is happening?
Contagious madness.
Collective hallucination. The classic symptoms.
My God!
I don't see anything at all.
Two angels...
fastening the harnesses.
What could they be seeing? My glasses...
I forget where I put them.
The horse is eating from his hand.
How white his hands are.
I still can't see a thing.
I'll have to tell Monsignor that I didn't have glasses.
Anyway, I'll come closer.
He's returning to heaven!
Now everything's clear.
It's all so simple.
Stand up!
We'll bear witness.
Rise up!
It's time to go.
And my students, my people, my servants?
- We'll bring them all along. - Wonderful.
Son-in-law, you are an exquisite creature.
Does this mean we don't have to pay?
Not a penny! The Lord shall provide.
Subtitling: TVS - TITRA FILM translation: depositio
One day, he took his house upon his back,
And he went away, Like a sad clown,
Take him for the moon, Take him for the sky,
It's so nice there inside of his head.
He threw his pennies and his papers in the clink
But I saw feathers In his cap
Here in the night, Here in the rain,
It's so nice there inside of his head.
Yesterday,
All the beggars, the children, and other folk... All!
The madmen and the cats, the dogs and the soldiers... All!
Those who're poor and those with riches have abandoned their niches
And gone away with him!
He had told them to leave behind the cities
of the lands of a thousand and one worries
For the table set up in the Promised Land.
It's so nice there inside of his head.
Yesterday,
All the beggars, the children and other folk... All!
The madmen and the cats, the dogs and the soldiers... All!
Those who're poor and those with riches have returned to their niches.
No one speaks of him any more.
He's gone away, his house on his back
He's gone away, like a sad clown.
Take him for the moon, Take him for the sky,
It was nice there inside of his head.