The Glorious Summer 1914
Based on a novel by Louis Aragon
Fergus! Fergus!
Everything's alright, Fergus, calm down.
How are you? Where've you been that you're so dirty? And you smell.
Dad, look, here's Fergus. Dad.
Dad, we're here.
Let's go, Fergus. Go, go! Come on!
Directed by Christian de Chalonge
I had to sell some of the land and let the tenants in for the summer.
There was nothing I could do. I hope my niece won't mind.
They come from Lyon. For you I've prepared rooms on the other side, the second floor.
How could you? Now everything is bound to go wrong.
Nothing is going to be the same way anymore. The vacation is ruined.
- Why, darling, what are you talking about? - I am just tired.
All these people around. A nice vacation we are going to have.
He could at least have warned us. Like he has no money or something.
- Not only did he sell the land... - Your uncle hasn't got a penny to his name.
He is just pretending, the tightwad he is. Who are they?
- Who are they? - They own a factory in Lyon.
They are quiet folk, you won't even notice them.
Right. Unless we use the main entrance.
It's been a while since we spent the night together in the same room.
- As well as the same bed. - Yeah.
You don't seem to be all that enthusiastic.
Paulette.
- Paulette. - Don't touch me! All you need is an excuse.
- I wasn't touching you. - That's all you think about. Disgusting.
Disgusting? To love and caress is disgusting?
I am your husband, Paulette, not a stalking rapist.
Have I ever forced you? Tell me, have I?
- Are you afraid of me? - Yes I am.
I am tired, but you don't care.
You're all the same. Things go wrong between us, but as soon as we're in the same room
you want to bed me. Men are disgusting.
Are you scared by all men, or just me?
That's all because of the train. Clickety clack of the wheels drove you over the edge.
Damm. Damm.
Let's go.
Look, look.
We're at the edge of the world. We could fly like birds if we take the leap.
In Paris I would close my eyes and see these landscapes again.
I am so glad to be here again.
So glad.
Hush, Ganymede.
I bet you are the grandson. Let me take a look at you.
You're a handsome boy, Gabriel. Gabriel, that's your name, right?
Hush, Ganymede. The young man is a friend.
We're friends again, are we not, young beast?
Are you afraid of women?
Why would I be afraid of them? Because I was born in the autumn?
In the autumn? That means you were conceived with all the passion of spring.
You've got promising prospects.
You will break many a heart. You've got the teeth of a young predator.
- The better to bite you, madam. - Is that so?
Good morning, nephew. Have you seen Martha? She's forgotten about me.
- Isn't she in the kitchen? - No, that's where I've come from.
I wanted to have my breakfast and spent half an hour ringing. Oh, woe.
Yes. I'll have to make myself some hot chocolate.
Did you want to go to the bathroom?
- Please, suit yourself. - No, only after you.
It's only been a day since she took a bath. She'll scrape her skin away.
Yes, you know, we do actually bathe in Lyon. Unlike you here.
Oh really? Didn't you leave something behind at Count de St. Ville's?
Martha, what's going on? A war?
She's filled the bathtub with potatoes and doesn't want to clean up the place.
There's no room in the kitchen, All this moving, all this mess.
Potatoes have to be kept in the cold, lest they sprout.
- Martha, please, have mercy! - Alright, alright.
- No, no, there's no need for a bath. - Why not? You've had a long voyage.
- Okay, you've persuaded me. - What will you need?
It's nice you are here. You'll help get get the bath clean, won't you, baby?
- What do you need? - A towel, please.
Gabriel, Martha! I've told you not to call me a baby.
I am not a toddler.
Martha, can I talk to you for a minute?
Tell me in all honesty, am I ugly?
Everything irritates her, be it music or love. The vermin!
I married a vermin, and I'll strangle her like the vermin she is.
Vermin.
- Are you feeling well, Grandfather? - I'm just tired due to all the commotion.
Where have you been? Where did you get so dirty?
You've gotten taller.
- Was the chocolate tasty? - You know it was. You've tried it.
No, I just checked to make sure it wasn't too hot.
Come here into the light so I can get a better look at you.
What will happen with you? Will your father's money help you?
Will you become a professor like he is? And live in a gas-provided city apartment.
You want that, don't you?
- Where are you? - I am here, by the table.
I'm like an old horse with blinders on my eyes. I don't see what's around.
My sight is getting worse and worse.
But nobody has to know about it.
You won't give me away, will you? Let that be our secret.
No, I give you my word of honour. We'll claim you have trouble turning your neck.
Your honour? Good man.
To honour, young man. A man's honour is the most important thing.
Look at your grandfather. See where it has led him?
I've been wearing the same-style suits for the last 20 years.
And I like it. It's like nothing has changed.
Good afternoon, Mercadier. We really should have dinner together.
Are you Dr Moreau? I think there used to be a hut here a mere year ago.
That's right, and now there's my sanatorium there.
- The count finally yielded. - The construction site's your sanatorium?
Careful!
I expect to open it next summer. It'll be something ultra modern.
- You have to keep up with the times. - And now instead of grazing cows,
there will be hordes of tuberculosis victims wandering around the castle.
Couldn't you have started the construction a ways from the castle?
That's out of the question. The castle is what attracts the clients.
- Yes, business comes first. - I've made a few successful investments.
Fortune favours you. I, on the other hand, have been unlucky this year.
It's alright, no luck in cards means luck in love. I'm going to the village.
The only newspapers they've got come from Lyon, and they're 2 days late at that.
I get newspapers daily.
God damn! Then I'm going to the castle to see your uncle.
- That's a dangerous handle. - Yes, you could break your hands.
Would you like me to send an omnibus to get you?
Where are you? I can't see you? Suzanne, Yvonne, I can't see you.
- Do you come here every year, sir? - Yes, I do. Shall we drop the "sir"?
That's a good idea.
- How old are you? - I am 12.
- And you, can you do anything like that? - No, but it doesn't mean you're taller.
Did that hurt, sir?
I thought we were going to omit formalities.
Oh finally.
My little Jeanne.
Uncles, will you please pass me some bread? There it is.
You seem to have trouble turning your neck.
Yes, I think I cranked a vertebra in my sleep.
That must hurt.
- Have you enquired about your tenants? - Naturally.
And the recommendations I got were nothing short of excellent, they can pay.
I mean the ethnic side. After all, they are Jews.
- It's the Jews who've got all the money. - I thought it's the doctors.
They aren't Jews at all. Their last name is Pyron. Quite a French name.
It's been 8 years since Captain Dreyfus has been cleared of all charges.
You are rather late with your anti-Semitism.
Possibly. Yet every one of them is secretly a German. Anyone will tell you that.
Mom, Suzanne Pyfrom is a normal girl. It's her friend Yvonne who's God knows what.
She can't go anywhere without Suzanne. They are both 13.
Breathe when you talk, or you'll suffocate.
Speaking of the Germans. Think Poincaré means to start a war?
I don't know, I am no longer wary of politics. I don't care about it anymore.
- Is there anything you do care about? - Yes. John Low, inventor of banknotes.
The consequences his invention implies for mankind
make it more dangerous than the fire at the Alexandrian library.
- Are you writing an article about him? - A book.
I like this work. Every insignificant thing about a man's fate is cut off.
- I didn't know you were an idealist. - A pessimist would be a better word.
Is there a difference?... How soon will your book be out?
I only have the first chapter done. But time is on my side here. Unlike in love.
The Moustache must be her husband. He's rather vulgar.
Ernest!
I saw a woodpecker.
It's time to go, or I'll be late for the train.
The role of a castle hostess suits you.
- Will you be back next Sunday? - Hopefully so.
Take care of yourself.
- Goodbye. - See you.
- Kiss the girls. - Till Sunday!
"To You"
Leave me alone! Get away from me, damm mutt! Get away!
Where is the child of the autumn heading with a bouquet of summer flowers?
- To you, Madam. - To me? You liar, you.
You know, it's your dog I don't like. I like you.
I don't remember flowers making me so happy before. They are gorgeous.
Why do you have to keep such a foul- tempered dog? And its name is silly, too.
Ganymede? I think it has a nice ring.
What is your name?
You are a curious boy. I am Madam Pyron.
That's not what I was hoping to hear. That's your husband's last name.
My name is Blanche. It's not very official, is it?
Do you like it?
Yes, I like it a lot.
- I am lost. - Let the old man show you the way.
I wanted to go back.
This labyrinth is my alpinist aunt's doing.
I used to lure little girls in here. I would abandon them, then save them.
Your grandson is positively charming.
Gabriel? Don't you find him too clamorous, too expressive?
He is a little ugly, but that's a thing of his age, and it'll pass.
Ugly? I don't think so.
If he is anything like his father, I don't think I want to meet him.
Gabriel is nothing like his father. He is more like me.
I feel younger in your presence.
See, the silly things I say.
Have you always lived here in solitude, Monsieur de Saint-Ville?
Alone, yes. But not once have I experienced love.
And as a rule I received more than I lost.
There are only a few occasions I regret.
But I would have to lose the manor.
And that's not something I had the guts to do.
The manor is my only girlfriend, dear and demanding.
I understand. It's beautiful here.
You meant to say, it's boring to death.
Here's Ajax, my trusty sword. I killed 389 of the unfaithful with it.
I'd like to die in your embrace.
I'd like to die.
Oh, are you hurt?
Oh my God, help!
Just one kiss, only a kiss can save me.
I dreamed about this at war.
Lie, Dreyfus.
Shh, the dog doesn't recognize you. He won't let you touch me.
What do we do? It's a very fierce dog.
I missed you so much.
To your kennel, Dreyfus!
- I've never seen a dog betray his owner. - Looks like this dog is a Jew.
Then we'll make him a medicine. I know the recipe.
And he either becomes a good catholic, or dies on the spot.
Excellent. Some rotten rainwater, a set of beads, and the tears of a baker woman.
- And the main ingredient. - A May beetle, a scarab, a fly head.
Stir it, shake it... There.
Dreyfus, good doggy, come here for some tasty soup.
Come, Dreyfus. You'll learn what bliss is.
Stop! Are you crazy?
Does she really want to do it? Get on your feet, Yvonne, get up!
Suzanne, Yvonne, what are you doing?
We're hiding. You stay with Yvonne. We count to 100, then hide. Good?
Let's run.
Yvonne.
Now kiss me for real.
She was scared. The horse reared and nearly overturned the carriage.
Get me some English salt, quickly! These carriages are so unstable.
- Come around, Madam! - Say something, Mom!
Let me.
If it weren't for your husband, Madam, I would have died!
You are so lucky to have such a husband. He is so strong.
You never know your happiness.
I was so afraid when you jumped onto the horse's neck.
You could have been trampled. You are a brave man.
Anyone would have done the same. I am not at all a hero.
Nobody knows how to pickle cucumbers like Martha.
I'm the only one who knows the correct way to mix vinegar with nut oil.
Allow me to raise to toast to my wife's health.
Who I could have lost if it weren't for Mr Mercadier's cool head.
Another thing we owe to this unfortunate event is breakfast in such good company.
To Blanche's health.
- We could picnic on the mountain. - I love picnics.
We'll go to the fabled shrine and taste water from the miraculous stream.
A curious story happened there. And it was a certain lady from Lyon who
like you, Madam, played the key role.
Was this drama or comedy?
The comedy of morals that turned to drama. Just think!
Tell us what do you, as a historian, think of the Grand Duke's murder in Sarajevo?
- You think Austria will conquer Serbia? - That's what Germany would like.
But this time France is ruled by those out for revenge, and they want to battle.
Yes, and it's the same people who proclaimed "Death to Jews".
The Russians won't leave the Serbians, and we strengthen our alliance.
Oh, stop it, Ernest. Sarajevo is far away.
Let's better talk about Madam Cayo's crime. When love's involved, its most interesting.
Oh, there's nothing you can do right.
Enough, you old hag, don't try to appear worse than you really are.
Go ahead, bring it over. I will at least get some rest with you out of here.
This lady came here with her husband, the victim of tuberculosis.
He was Dr Moreau's patient.
Aren't you afraid that once the sanatorium is open
the patients will wander in hordes around the castle?
The Dr Moreau reminds me of a hobo who goes around, carrying plague.
He taints everything he touches.
One way or another, we are all expecting a war.
War, tuberculosis, railway accidents.
You are lucky the park protects the castle from their spit.
Listen, Ernest, you will have time to drink water, too.
This shrine was the place for the dates that our lady went on here with a young
peasant from a neighbourly village. There has been no priest since then.
The guy usually came with dogs and a rifle, claiming to go hunting.
And her poor husband with his ill lungs couldn't even come up here.
Martha, take the girl away. She is already sleeping.
So what was I talking about? Drama, yes.
Her husband suffered from tuberculosis but not idiocy.
Careful, uncle, be careful.
- I have some truly grand cigars with me. - Thanks, I'll have a cigarette.
- And you, Count? - No, thanks.
I realize I am boring. It's nothing interesting.
Not at all, I am listening. Please go on.
That's Ganymede's bowl! You'll make yourself sick. You won't get any more.
And who's this, a dog or a mouse?
Kids, get yourself some fruit and go play.
So he took the rifle and... bang!
Shot them both down like rabbits, his wife and her lover.
There's divorce for that. Why go to the extreme?
Indeed. There used to be duels in the past, now there are homicides for that.
- I think death is better than divorce. - Sure, if you love your husband.
Monsieur Mercadier, have you heard this passionate declaration?
- Well, I just said it. - Nobody forced you to.
- That stung him. - Men's ego.
I like your dress a lot. Did you buy it in Lyon?
Let's go to my place and talk about woman stuff. It'll be calmer there.
Let's go.
I am sorry, but I've got work to do.
It looks like rain, and I need to know whether the hay has been harvested.
Come with me, doggy, come.
He goes to nap after lunch, but doesn't want to admit it.
I just wanted a quiet place for my wife and daughter. This castle is ideal.
- Nobody knows what will happen. - I don't.
A war. A war that can't be avoided. Poincaré is not Jores.
You are obsessed which helps you pretend to be a caring husband.
Quiet! Come here.
Why are you talking like that? Nobody can hear us.
Yvonne won't find us here.
And if she does, we'll use the roof to escape. Look!
I can feel your heart beating. Are you afraid?
- And what are you afraid of? - Everything.
- Everything? - You don't like fear, do you?
Are you afraid of an invasion? Or that Yvonne will come?
If we are found, we are found. What's so scary about it?
Nobody will find us. We must remain unfound. No Yvonne will come to find us.
- Why? You don't want this? - No I don't.
- Thing thing is that Yvonne... - Suzanne!
You see, we two found this place and promised never to tell anyone about it.
Gabriel!
It's a matter of responsibility, just like with business, keeping your word.
Right, and then the children appear. That's how we get trapped.
So you wake up one day to discover you are 60.
When I saw Blanche for the first time
I could never imagine she'd become my wife.
She was so nice, so... and I was just a worker at her father's factory.
What then? Tell me. It'll make a nice story.
Well, there was a pool of money at the factory.
Her father wasn't a bad owner, but he had bad managers.
Then his son suddenely died in a car crash, I became an important man in their life.
I guess there are no social classes the way they are commonly conceived.
You say so because you've always remained faithful to your class.
- That's right. - I went through some serious schooling in the way of lies.
What to say to my superiors, what to say to my inferiors. That's why I succeeded.
I like those who get broke more than those who get rich.
You don't like those who marry the owner's daughter?
- Have you seen Suzanne? - I think she is at her place.
That sounds weird. I can't say that after 14 years of marriage
I am as much in love, but Blance remains the most...
- Flattering possession? - No. The happiest one.
Suzanne!
Gabriel! Gabriel!
- What will you do if she find us? - She won't come here.
I know her. What, are you afraid, too?
You've torn your stocking. What will your mother say?
Say nothing of my mother. I don't like her.
- And your father? Do you like him? - No.
I don't like either of them. I wish they were dead.
That was a joke.
Suzanne! Gabriel! I can see you!
She sees nothing. We played a nice trick on her.
We are cruel to her. She is suffering.
Make me feel pain.
Okay. Where?
Which place?
Good luck. See you on Sunday.
To you.
Gabriel, you are actually washing. Good boy.
Who are you doing it for, little sly dog?
My shaving lotion? Very nice.
Good afternoon, Pierre.
You smell of lavender. Started using perfume?
Paulette, darling, look at my hat!
Now that my mourning is over, we can have a bit of fun! Oh, Paulette, dear.
Denise, my dear, if only you knew how I am glad to see you.
I am bored to death here.
Come with us. We're taking you away! You'll see it'll be better for you.
Paulette, my darling cousin.
My friends. They went to live in Saint Dorgent.
Paulette and I were inseparable in the monastery. Right, Paulette?
Later you'll have to tell me everything! I want to know all the details.
Is your husband still the bear he always was?
Have you tried putting a ring into his nose and making him dance?
Do you like being a freak?
Stop that. Put your hair away, there's nothing nice about it.
- Suzanne is waiting for us. - I know.
She'll have to look for us. That'll be funny.
Come here! Come!
No, no. We aren't playing hide-and-seek. That's cheating.
Come, Suzanne is never going to find you. Let's go.
- Why are you laughing? - Just because.
I'd never dare bring your here before. I swore to Suzanne I wouldn't.
But even as I swore, I felt I would break the oath one day.
Such a sweet temptation, if you get what I mean.
Yvonne, Gabriel! Where are you?
I like the sound of piano in the morning.
In bed or bathroom. That's the best time there for me.
I often go to concerts alone or with friends. My wife doesn't like music.
Your touché is quite refined. You play Bach so expressively.
I don't play neither piano nor flute nor drum.
I am sorry, but I am not your muse.
- Still, maybe... - No. It's the girl.
Have you come here with someone else before?
Have you seen Gabriel and Yvonne? We were to meet.
- They aren't there? - No.
So what that you are a year younger. I am not like Suzanne.
What do you mean? What did she tell you?
You know, my father died, I don't even remember him...
that's why I make faces.
If you are poor, you make do by entertaining the rich.
- Oh, stop. What are you talking about? Are you crazy? - I'm not. Now, Suzanne...
- I am only pretending to be crazy, while she is totally nuts. - You think so?
She is a monster. I hate her. It's all her fault. What do you think of her?
I don't know. She plays a good piano.
I play the piano. Music is my calling.
I am going to become a famous pianist.
- Will you play for me? - Of course.
Where are you?
That's not funny.
You and your husband are a mystery to me.
You remind me of two planets whose orbits will never cross.
Ernest is so energetic. He is so different from other people around me.
- That's right, the factory saviour he is. - That's right, but that hardly explains it.
How old were you back then? 15? 16?
- You had no one to compare him to. - I was 18.
That's right, the time to get married. And the disappointment that follows.
What an imagination you have. Your fantasies are like those of a school boy.
That's not a husband, that's a social torment.
Has Madam Mercadier left? Too bad. I haven't seen her for a long time.
I don't mean to offend, but women should seek the company of women.
Are you sure?
Wait, where are you hurrying to? Mom and Monsieur Mercadier can't keep up with you.
So what? Are they going to get lost?
Mom! Mommy!
- Shall we run? - No.
What if your Mom wants to stay alone with my Dad? You haven't called out her
- when we were there in the attic. - With my Dad? With my Dad, you fool.
If that's what you say, I am not going to hide with you anymore.
Look what's written here. "To you."
That's a declaration of love. Who's written it?
I don't know. Who could it be?
Why are you going so quickly? We can't keep up.
Mom, look.
Maybe Monsieur de Saint-Ville wrote it a long time ago
to immortalize the passion he felt for the herder girl.
- Maybe it was Dad? - Or maybe it was you?
Gotcha!
Don't touch it, it's a snake! Don't go there!
- Help, it's going to bite me! - Let me look.
Let me look.
Don't worry. Just like that.
No, no, hold me.
Oh, like that. Lie down into the water nice and good.
Something is tickling me. Help!
Doctor, come here to take a swim! Come to us!
I've got a bottle of pink wine. The water is icy, but it make your blood boil.
Come fish with us, Grandma!
Granny! It's Granny!
Granny is here!
Mom, look!
Marie, we were expecting you no sooner than Friday.
I decided to make a surprise. It's so interesting to come unannounced.
Mom, you should have told us.
We'd have met you.
Has your trip been good?
How are you doing, brother? Not feeling good?
This heat is killing me. My heart hurts.
Would you like me to examine you? Does your hand bother you?
My hand is fine. As for my knee... I fell on it.
- Will there possibly be a salve? - Of course.
My poor old man. Everything is going more or less good with me. Holding my ground.
Shall we go inside? It's not so hot there.
Excellent, I am so glad to see you, Marie. I missed you so much.
Pleased to meet you, Madam. How are you?
I just won't die, my dear. Without your help that is.
Mercadier, are you aware that the news is not the best?
If you've got any stocks, sell them immediately.
- I'm going to call my banker one of these days. - Don't be slow about it.
For some reason wars are always declared in the summer and fortunes lost in the autumn.
Who is this slut?
She is a very decent woman. She is renting my house.
Decent? I say.
I used to love this song.
Remember, Pascal? We sang it with our cousin.
Yes. In the barn redressed as the ballroom.
We were the same age as Gabriel and Jeanne.
I am sorry, but I promised the Pyrons I'd call on them to drink some coffee.
My dear son-in-law, have you completely forgotten all manners?
What's the matter?
- You've forgotten it's my mother's birthday. - Not really, she's your mother, not mine.
Monsieur Mercadier, why this had to happen in our family?
No respect at all for my poor daughter!
Hang on, hang on, if I get it right...
The nerve you have! You understand very well what I mean.
Go ahead, ruin your family, go to that slut!
Keep deceiving your trusting wife.
Mother, what are you talking about?
Pierre, is this true? Tell me it's not and that mother is mistaken.
He is not even ashamed in front of the children. You are such a fool, Vania.
You noticed nothing. She noticed nothing.
This is really easy to see. They don't even think it necessary to hide. Disgusting!
And her husband does not object, of course? Oh, rotten mortals! Rotten morals!
I am sorry, Madam, but there are children here. The window is open.
Please cease your hysterics right now.
I am even willing to write it off for the champagne you've drunk.
This is really the last straw! The only thing he cares about it that people don't hear.
My daughter is crying, and he is thinking of that slut!
Enough! Paulette, put the children to bed.
The children to bed? When it's Grandma's birthday?! Never.
- You hear, Paulette, this will never happen! - Let's all calm down.
And you, oldster, you have taken the side of this scoundrel and his slut?
- I forbid you to speak ill of Madam Pyron. - So it's true then, isn't it?
- But... - Oh my God.
I don't know which of you is the biggest fool or the maddest woman!
Mom, tell me everything you know.
If I behaved like this around your father...
Once I backhanded him in the Empress's presence!
And you know why? Because the Empress was smiling at him.
It's clear why. He was a handsome man.
I am ashamed by my daughter and your trader.
- He is a professor at a lyceum! - No difference.
He works because he likes it!
He is rich enough to live off rent money.
That's it! No decent man would work.
He can only be a diplomat or a prefect like your father.
- Let's go, I'll tell you a story. - Oh no, the kids stay here!
Pascal, it's my birthday. The kids will stay for the celebration!
You've ruined everything, I will never forgive you.
Ruined what?
Was there anything left to ruin?
You don't want me. You are disgusted by me.
Even worse that that, I scare you.
- What have I done to you, Paulette? - I don't know.
I hate the thought of you being scared by me. It's unbearable.
Tell me, what have I done to deserve this?
You mock everything. Including me.
Without realizing it. You've deprived me of my will.
I'm always afraid to say anything that would go against your wishes.
That's nonsense. Absurd!
Go ahead, cry, cry. Think you can move me?
You believe nothing!
One can't love a man who believes nothing.
Stop this, come on, stop. I can't take it anymore. I am tired.
- But I never thought you would be able to cheat on me. - Stop that!
What must I do for you to stop saying that?
Maybe hit you?
I am sorry. I am sorry, I didn't mean it.
What's the reason, Paulette? What's happened with us?
I can't take it anymore.
We used to love each other, remember? You were my everything, my little girl.
And now you bed another woman.
I bed nobody. Even you.
Has your mother given any proof? None.
- She is just crazy! - Don't say that.
Okay.
Since you say that lady is not your mistress.
She is not.
Then you simply shouldn't see her or talk to her. You shouldn't.
How nice of me would that be?
We live in the same house. We constantly collide into each other.
Say hello to her from afar.
Swear you won't go anywhere near her, or I won't believe you.
Please swear.
I swear.
I feel like I am 15 years old.
Me too. I used to understand everything at that age.
Felt everything. Nothing seemed impossible.
And I am still that way. I wish I hadn't know love in bed.
Come here. Come here.
- It's so good in the water. - I am afraid of nothing.
You are not? Breaking my word feels so sweet.
- We wasted so much time! - Oh yes.
Oh these nights in Saint Ville.
Alone on a double bed. I couldn't take it anymore.
If it weren't for you, I'd probably have found somebody else.
Oh really? How nice of you to say that.
No, no, I've never cheated on Ernest before. The very thought chilled me.
You are the loveliest of women.
- Don't look at me. - Oh yes I will.
I like your wrinkles. I too have some around my eyes.
Careful, there's somebody watching.
Blanche...
What will happen to us?
Jeanne, darling child, where's your father?
I don't know. I haven't seen him.
Oh yeah, he went away somewhere at dawn.
I wonder where he is. It's been a long time.
- He likes fresh air walks. - Right, I see he's convinced you of that.
You don't seem to realize there are actions that mask other actions.
Enough, Mom. I am not a child anymore. Leave your advice for yourself.
Granny, you are cheating! Cheating!
I felt terrible last night. I couldn't fall asleep all night long.
- Cheating! - That's not the way you talk to your Grandma.
Stop that, Mom. What are you doing?
I am checking whether this honorable family's mother is home.
You can't hide from them. They are everywhere.
Soon I am going to bump into someone in my own living room.
Or my own bed.
There is no way I can forbid them to walk around. The castle attracts them.
You will take 30 drops daily to help relieve rheumatic pains.
Send for me right away if you feel any worse.
- What do I owe you? - Nothing at all.
- It's a friendly visit. - But not free at that, right?
I asked Suzanne to come along. She is so sad here.
Why are you avoiding her?
My Mom told me not to talk to the Pyrons.
She is my friend, after all. We can't leave her alone.
Suzanne!
Gabriel, how about you carry our breakfast? You are the man here.
Give it to me. It's the same with all the girls.
Mom left for somewhere in a carriage early morning.
I hope nothing happens this time.
She is careful these days.
Who'll be the first?
- Suzanne... - What?
Why are you sulking at me?
Because you were in the attic with Yvonne.
- I wasn't. - Don't lie to me. She told me.
- Is this their fabled shrine? - A crime was committed here.
You think there are any blood stains left?
Blood always stays.
Suzanne, where are you?
That's them. Why are they here?
- Are you sure they left? - Yes.
I am so afraid. Can you feel my heart beating?
- Could they have seen us? - Hardly.
- And the carriage? And the horse? - Don't be so nervous.
Hug me, Pierre, hold me tight.
I won't stand it if the children...
I don't care about them. I don't care about anything. It feels so good to be with you.
Quiet. They can hear us.
Could jealousy make you kill?
You know, as we were making love, I thought about Tristan and Isolde.
Help me, you fool.
- I'd like to experience this one more time before death. - Let's not talk about death.
For you, my boy!
- Or have you forgotten French? - I don't understand.
Do you think she is acting weird? I think she is about to do something stupid.
And are you acting normally? Why did you tell her we were hiding in the attic?
It's better for us to go back. It's going to rain heavily.
I like rain! Let it rain, let it rain!
It's going to take us no less than 2 hours to go back. We shouldn't go any further.
Gabriel, Yvonne!
Stop!
We're on the edge of a swamp. It's dangerous here.
I remember this tree. We can go through there.
That's tales for children. I am not afraid.
Follow me, step for step.
Help!
Yvonne, Yvonne, quickly! Quickly!
All these rumours about a war...
Gabriel, he is too young to become a soldier.
Think of your life, of my life, of your mother's life.
All the emptiness.
What's the matter with you? Is it because of the rain?
We are alone here, locked up in childhood. Besides, you are the only one who...
I can talk to. Tell me, was I born only to...
give birth to an idiot girl like Paulette?
And my son, the nothing he is, he went with a dancer girl.
- For how long have you been out of touch with him? - 15. 15 years.
I used to breastfeed him, and now his is dead.
And also widening of veins and a weak heart.
When it's coming to an end, you start looking for excuses. Finally, you turn to God.
Oh God, you say when you have no one else to talk to. You beg him.
- I make do fine so far. - It's just that you are 5 years younger.
Soon you'll find out. Loneliness becomes unbearable.
Nobody believes we used to be young, even we ourselves.
- Listen, Marie, my eldest... - No, no, let me finish.
It makes it easier for me. You are the only one who remembers I used to be beautiful.
- Stop looking at that slut. - I am not looking.
I am sorry for the intrusion, ma'am.
I merely wanted to say I saw your son from a distance in the mountains
some 2 hours ago with the girls. I was wondering if they are back yet.
Gabriel with the girls in the mountains?! No, I know nothing of this.
There's no need to be afraid, they surely must have found someplace to hide.
- Good afternoon, Monsieur. - Good afternoon.
Do you think something should be done?
What can we do but wait?
I hope they thought better than to hide beneath a tree.
We used a moment of calm and decided to take the risk to go out.
It's wet even inside.
- Are you cold? - No.
- Listen, what has happened? - The kids got lost in the mountains.
We are so worried. I was telling Madam Pyron that...
- Are you cold? Are you sure? Maybe I should get another log in? - No, no.
- Of course, Marie, get closer to the fire. - I'd rather get warm in the room.
- Sit down, Madam. - Yes, please do.
Dance, doggy, dance with us.
This waltz belongs to me, count.
You are risking it.
A record player is so pleasant to listen to. That's a much better way to listen to music.
The concerts are all so long, and it's boring there.
It's been long since I last had the happiness of being in your company.
Monsieur de Saint-Ville, now that everything is over, tell me please
why was everybody so cold to me? Everybody avoided me, even you.
It's so difficult to say. You could get angry.
My poor sister made her daughter sister that her husband
that your husband and you, I mean, that you and her husband...
- You understand, don't you? - I don't.
No? Well, how should I say it... that Mercadier and you...
- I hope you of all people didn't believe that, did you? - No, no. Mercadier?
Oh thank God. If you believed this abomination, I would never again
be able to talk to you. You know, I love you so much.
- You are a lovely woman. - And you dance like Nizhninski.
What's the matter? What's wrong with her?
Must have fallen out with Gabriel.
That's a good tune.
What's the matter, my darling? You look so strange.
I can't believe that falling out with your boy made you that upset.
Do you like him? Those in love shouldn't be sad.
Besides, you are going to have many more just like him in the future.
It's okay, Mom. Nothing serious has happened.
I don't like it when you start talking English. It's an ill portent.
Take it easier, will you?
Take the entire life easier, go through it dancing, cheerful, graceful.
Yes, mother. Do not worry.
Dance with me lightly, cheerful and graceful, dance with me!
I admit I wasn't fair to Madam Pyron.
She loves her daughter. She is a mother above all.
She doesn't need you in the least.
What's the matter? You don't like it that we made up? Denise was right, you are a bear.
Have you forgotten how I used to change your diapers?
Listen, I have grown up since then. Maybe you should turn away.
What's going on? Making alliances with your foes? Mutual wounding?
My position renders me unable to answer you properly.
Then it's true!
It's funny looking at you, although I can't laugh about it.
Okay, so there was some trouble with the children. But then we've found them.
What's it have to do with my son-in-law? My daughter's been made to look ridiculous
Marie, admit it like everyone else has, you've made a mistake.
You are an old playboy who'll fall for so much as a woman's smile.
You can't spoil our vacation.
If a stranger woman is dearer than your mother to you, who am I to argue?
But I must warn you that in this case I will stay in my room.
Do you realize how it's going to look?
I realize it perfectly well and couldn't be happier.
Knowing what I know, I am not going to join this farce.
Very well. Spend as much time in your room and you'd like.
I wanted to have some rest anyway. I felt ill yesterday.
Excellent. I'll inform the others you are not feeling well.
Marie, this is me.
Don't you feel guilty to have abandoned me, too? I spent the entire day alone.
Nobody even paid me a visit. And I had a migraine yesterday.
Give me your hand. I must go out and breathe some fresh evening air.
So what have you all found in this slut?
Marie, you mustn't talk like that about Madam Pyron. She is my guest.
- Yes, Madam Pyron is young, charming, attractive and intelligent. - What else?
- Don't interrupt me. Of course she enjoys men's attention. - That's right.
What can she do in bed that the poor oaf Pierre got so worked up?
This is really enough. What are you talking about Marie? I've talked to Madam Pyron.
- And she totally... - Charmed you, of course.
Want some evidence? This morning Martha went to the village and met Dr Moreau.
He told her, "I hope that Monsieur Mercadier and your tenant..."
"...managed to get home before the storm struck."
What are you doing here, Mademoiselle Suzanne?
Suzanne! Suzanne!
We've searched the entire castle and the park. She disappeared in the evening.
Gabriel and Jeanne know nothing.
We should get equipped with poles and ropes and go in the mountains.
I think so. We have to split up.
Think we should have told her everything?
If we were playing hide-and-seek, we'd have hidden there anyway.
- We didn't really lie to her. - That's right.
But then you'd leave for home together.
These people know the vicinity very well.
Do you know what she is like? So unpredictable.
God, where is she?
What do you think she has done?
She could go back to the swamp.
I am afraid. I can't tell Ernest. I am sure she saw us at the shrine.
The one thing I don't understand. You didn't kiss her goodbye yesterday, did you?
No, and I reproach myself for that. It's all because of Ernest.
When we got up, he was in such a hurry, you see?
I see.
Let's go, there is no time to lose.
We must tell them what we know.
What your conscience tells you to do.
Do you realize how dire the consequences could be?
Consequences! It's time we thought about consequences alright.
Stop that. Has what you've already caused not been enough for you?
And so I am the guilty one. The nerve you have!
Although why am I so surprised? You always took the side of those who made me suffer.
You are a traitor.
A traitor? It was your husband who joined the Emperor. I stayed faithful to the King.
And while you flaunted off at the court at Compenier, I was poor...
I lived alone in my castle and I kept my dignity.
- And now every scum is glad I am broke. - What are you talking about?
You, the man who has sold half our land. I'd never have done anything like this.
All your life you've been groping peasant girls. You haven't anyone to give your name to.
- And you sold your name. - You betrayed me by taking my husband's side.
Because you are unbearable! He was right!
Another thing I wanted to tell you. You are glad I never got married.
You did a lot to make this happen, you scared away all the possible brides.
That way, it was easier for you to torment me, to cause me pain!
Those peasant girls were, at the very least, nice and simple.
As far as I know there were neither beauties nor smart girls among them.
Well, what do you want? You alone have enough of that for the family.
- That's what your son seemed to think. - And you are willing to justify what he did.
I know you've been secretly seeing him.
You are digging through the past to conceal your role in Suzanne's disappearance.
Your responsibility and your guilt.
This is an outrage.
You old hag.
Old hag? Old hag...
Oh well. Old hag?
Paulette!
Paulette! Paulette!
- Paulette, I got the ammo! - Let's go!
The most inconvenient time. Suzanne, Gabriel's friend, ran away from home.
Pierre is participaing in searches. The girl's mother is in a terrible condition.
Well, it's too bad, but we are leaving.
Paulette, maybe you can go with us. We'll get you back here in the evening.
No, no, I cannot. Let Denise stay with me.
- Will you? - Of course.
What's the matter?
Not a minute longer am I going to stay at a place where I am insulted.
I am moving to a hotel. Go, coach!
But, mother!
I tried to get her to listen to reason, but she is stubborn like a donkey.
If you could only hear the way she told me off, the words she used.
I could never have thought. Worse than a sailor.
Will somebody explain it to me? I don't understand.
Her poor mother thought... how disgusting.
A village boy has come to help with the searching.
And, saying nothing to nobody, she sent him off to get her a fiacre.
She'll make everyone go crazy. Say, Norbert and you, did you...
No, no, there is nothing between us.
I need a man nearby, or it gets boring.
Remember the notes he used to send to you at the monastery?
A real antique tragedy. You know, I always used to cheat on my late husband.
Now that he is no more, we are at peace.
And he loves me, and he doesn't mind that duel now.
What sort of joke is this? Are you talking to ghosts?
You are such a provincial girl, dear Paulette. Is there a circular table anywhere here?
- Yes? - The letter N.
It isn't that easy to find it here.
Spirit, will you name thy name?
Tomorrow we'll continue the search.
Two knocks. It won't.
- So she will have to spend another night alone? - We'll be searching.
- The spirit asks what we want. - It said the word "mama".
What lama? 16, 17, 18, 19... The letter S.
- My little finger hurts. - Do not distract!
32... That's U. 5, 6...
7, 8, 9... Z.
Z! Oh my God!
Suza...
Spirit, tell us if it's true.
One for yes, two for no. Are you the girl Suzanne?
Enough. Stop these idiots.
It said "yes".
Did she die?
She did something stupid. What's happened?
I never know what she is up to.
She never says anything. I think Gabriel and she fell out.
Why?
It's the age of first love and first disappointment.
I'd want to be out there, under the rain, so long as she was here...
I'll go there. Resume the search at dawn.
That's stupid. You can't see anything. There's no moon.
I can't sleep! I'm not a refined person, so I can't just wait doing nothing.
Very well, then I go with you.
You don't have to risk your life. Or do you have reasons to?
Let's say it's because I am Gabriel's father.
You don't know the vicinity, you'll get lost. You need a guide.
Go to the farm and wake up Boniface.
Will this rain never cease?
- Fergus, let me have it! - It's Suzanne's shoe.
Fergus, where did you get it? Show us. Lead us there.
Go, go! Let's go!
- She must be here, atop that tree. - Where? Suzanne, speak up!
- I see her, there she is! - Quickly, a blanket and a ladder.
No! Leave me alone!
I am going up.
Get away! I don't want to see you!
Don't worry, you'll be fine!
Don't move.
I don't want to go down.
Okay, then I stay here with you. We'll live here together.
- Dad. - I am here, just a moment.
Send for the doctor.
Dad, Dad, I can't climb down.
I'll help you. We'll climb down together. Together.
You realize she could have died here, so close to the castle.
Don't you?
Shut up. I know that of the two of us, it's somebody young who has to die.
It's sad, of course, but it's so beautiful, to die at the age of 20.
Everybody will remember you, you are going to become famous.
I should concentrate on music.
Her breathing is hoarse. She has a fever.
Delirium.
Typical pneumonia, but let's not get desperate.
- She did it because I chose you. - That's nonsense.
Three difficult days will follow, and then...
- Goodbye. - Goodbye.
- Is this dangerous? - Given time, she'll recover.
Mercadier, I have some unpleasant news.
This is worse than the girl. This morning your aunt died.
In the village hotel, of an embolism. I was sent for too late.
My condolences.
What an awful smell, right, Gabriel?
How is she?
Same. The temperature won't go down.
Blanche, these days have been pure nightmare.
You were there, and I couldn't touch you, hear your voice.
Smell you.
Blanche, I can't live without you, I cannot.
- I cannot live without you. - Not here!
Look at me.
I need you.
What a summer it's been! Do you remember our passion and the icy cold water?
To love and caress each other, this will happen again, right?
Stop, don't talk about this.
Blanche, we can't go back. You'll never be able to be with him again, and I with her.
Be quiet. She knew, Pierre. She said it in her delirium. She knew everything.
Love and passion are destructive. This is something you have to cope with.
I could have abandoned everything. Even ruin everybody. It's just that...
Just what? Tell me.
- Mom, Mom. - She is calling, leave me.
What did you want to say?
I don't love you.
Where are they, what's going on?
Madame Damberier has died. I can't wait for the child to get better.
I am on the verge of collapse as I am!
I am going back to Lyon.
I am going back.
Blanche!
I am sorry. I wanted to look at the castle. I am sorry.
Are you coming from the city? Is it true the war between France and Russia has started?
I am sorry to disturb you.
Did you call them to Lesot? Are you crazy, dear uncle? Pierre, did you know?
- It's her son and your brother, after all. - I'd rather fenestrate myself
and follow my mother down the road than watch him come here.
I couldn't believe I'd live to see the day.
- You must agree it's a special day. - Whether you like it or not
there are heritage matters to settle. He's got as much right to it as you do.
My condolences. Beg your pardon, would you tell me where my daughter is?
We accommodated them on the 2nd floor. I'll see you to there.
Let your wife and uncle know of how grateful I am.
Right now is not the best of times.
Well, it's here.
Just the two of us this night.
Reminds me of the days we were newly married.
It was easier to spend the nights not sleeping then.
I was scared yesterday when I didn't see you. Really scared.
You thought that Suzanne...
I thought you left me.
Silly of me, right?
Right.
Pierre.
Do you feel the grief, too?
Why aren't you looking at me?
You don't like me?
Pierre... I need you so much.
Hug me.
Is this what you want?
This is what you want?
This, right?
This? This?
Or this?
Blanche?
- I know I've caused you pain. - It's over.
Don't worry, I am no longer here. You may sleep in peace.
Don't be so cruel. I am at fault. It's the other way with men.
I shouldn't have succumbed to passion.
How could I believe you were different?
You are all like. Slut each and every one. Farewell.
- Pierre, I don't recognize you. - So I have changed.
Changed because of you. I am free now. Nothing holds me back. I am leaving.
You know what I'm going to do with all my money? I'm going to blow it off. Squander it.
John Low, who invented banknotes, was right. The true prophet he was.
Do you know the only thing that connects a man and a woman? Money.
Money and the fear to lose it. Nothing beyond that.
I will have enough money for ten or so years. Not bad, huh?
Ten years of freedom. Ten years to spend it all!
Freedom!
Casinos, Monaco, Cannes, Vienna,
Italy, Greece, Istanbul...
Thanks! Thanks for everything!
Is he going to the station?
I hate music.
I'll never be a pianist.
Go home! Go!
Uncle.
I've got a bit of financial trouble.
I... I am broke.
I've loaned off my castle, and my business is worse every day.
I have to sell everything.
Maybe one of the respected relatives
would let me in to live with them?
- Who is going to get the castle? - Doctor Moreau, present here.
Look at him. He's been long waiting for this hour to come.
As soon as I leave, hordes of tuberculosis victims will invade the castle.
Unless one of you buys me out.
Which I don't believe anyone will.
So doc gets the castle for a song.
I am not telling you to go, count!
Your room is there for you.
This is impossible. Is there nothing to do?
Where is Pierre? Why is he not here?
What's going on? Gabriel.
Gabriel, find your father.
They deserve the war.
Subtitles: Quantum 04/2008