This film was restored by Pathé in 2018
First sound film by Raymond Bernard, 'Faubourg Montmartre'
opened at the Ermitage Cinema, Paris, on September 18, 1931.
The next day, Pathé, in agreement with Raymond Bernard,
withdrew the film to make cuts,
reducing the running time from 115 to 94 minutes.
"Many scenes were shortened except their start and finish."
(Variety, October 13, 1931)
Among the shortened episodes were the father's return
during the police search,
and the charivari scene with Antonin Artaud.
Hello. Seen the kid Céline?
Céline Gentilhomme.
- She's waiting for you, Mr. Dédé. - OK.
- What'll you have? - A gentleman. Small one.
- One gentleman! - Coming up.
Bought some dresses for your kid sister?
Speak up, you look dazed.
You've been snorting again.
Yeah, I bought the dress, Dédé.
- How much? - 300.
A matching hat, and shoes.
Say, that all adds up.
Well, I hope she's not ungrateful.
Did you show them to her?
No, not yet.
- Pick the right moment. - Don't worry.
Put the gentleman down here.
Listen, Dédé, you know I'm willing.
Yeah, but you're a nincompoop.
Willing, sure, a willing nincompoop.
- And the kid's a shrew. - Ginette?
Right. Clam up, I know what I'm saying.
First, where is she at this hour?
She went to do the shopping.
Well, when she gets back, you gotta talk to her.
Explain things to her.
Right?
Yeah.
Sure, I'll explain it to her.
They're tasty.
And spicy.
Come over to our place.
I'll give you a glass of sherry from the tap!
- Your sister's not home? - So? She won't eat you.
Not a co-worker from Mouronneau's. C'mon.
Good, huh?
- Better than oysters. - I never had any.
Me neither.
Here we are.
The concierge saw me being born. We've been here 25 years.
When I was a kid, we lived on the second.
When we fell lower, we had to move higher.
Higher up.
Now we're here.
Up on the seventh floor.
It's cramped but we have a great view.
Anybody home?
There's nobody there.
What do you think?
Not pork again?
It's better than yesterday when we tightened our belts.
Don't worry, it's good for the figure.
The models at the Mouronneau sisters eat every other day.
By the way, the ladies mentioned a raise for me.
Don't count on it.
Give me your hand.
Let me see your lines.
There's money there.
Tell that to the butcher's wife.
I had a run-in with her.
If you like, I can do your nails.
Swell.
And then...
If you're nice...
We'll go out after dinner. You complain I never take you out.
- Where will we go? - You'll see.
I'm not very elegant. I don't have much of a wardrobe.
Have a look.
- What is it? - A surprise.
- For me? - Sure, for you.
A hat!
And a dress!
A party dress.
A lovely bag.
And shoes.
Céline, it's too sweet. l must kiss you.
It's OK.
Try them on in the other room.
I'll dress like a schoolmarm and be your foil.
Hurry up.
Don't damage anything.
- Come into a fortune? - Get going.
Don't walk so fast. Let 'em see what you're wearing.
- But we're being followed. - So what?
Please let's go home, Céline.
Everyone's staring. I'll never wear this dress again.
- They wear them longer now. - I'll remember this.
Let's go home, please, Céline.
I have to get up early to go to work.
For 100 francs a month!
Mouronneau Sisters Dressmakers
Love is a Bohemian child
Who never, never knew the law
Shut up, singer!
Hurry up. Make an effort.
It's a 5 day week. We get off at noon today.
What time is it?
- I'll tell you. - Get her new wrist watch!
It's 10.30.
10.30.
Giddy up, gee-gee.
Gee-gee?
She thinks we're dressing her.
We're harnessing her!
Don't get mad. Your fig leaf is very nice.
Who's next?
Who is it?
Your neighbor, Mrs. Chouya-Barca.
Come in, Mrs. Chouya-Barca.
The concierge gave me this letter for you.
Go ahead. Don't mind me.
The lodger I told you about arrives Saturday...
Not bad news, I hope?
No.
It's from papa, a lodger is arriving this afternoon.
Sit down, Mrs. Chouya-Barca.
A gentleman from the country.
Mr. Frédéric Charençon.
We've only 3 rooms, he rents out 1.
What rotten luck!
So much for freedom.
How's life for you, Mrs. Chouya-Barca?
So-so.
What with this crash in New York...
Miss Gentilhomme, please?
Seventh floor, middle door.
- But I don't think anyone's home. - I can wait.
Give me a couple more. They're tiny.
I'll put in 4 if you kiss me.
I'd rather pay double!
Miss!
Wouldn't you prefer a grog?
- No thanks, doctor. - I'm not a doctor.
Too bad. You could cure yourself.
- Oh, Miss... - What a pain!
Sir...
- Please excuse me. - Not at all, Miss.
- I'm Frédéric Charençon. - I thought so, sir.
Come in.
This is the dining room.
And your room's there.
This is it.
I put that little bouquet there.
Thank you, Miss.
Call me Ginette. Everyone does.
Is this your luggage?
Yes. I'll go get my trunk tomorrow.
The lodger must be here. I forgot about him.
- He's not here? - He must be in his private suite!
- I'll see what he looks like. - Me too.
Dull-looking mug.
You have lots of books.
All my favorites.
Baudelaire, Edgar Poe,
Verlaine...
Why do you like them?
Maybe because they suffered.
Then you'd have liked mama.
Talk about a sad life...
Someone's walking next door.
It must be sis and her friends.
Do you mind?
Please keep it down.
He's a pickle puss?
We saw him though the keyhole.
What a mug!
You know papa doesn't like us having guests without him.
So the spying begins.
What's his name?
Frédéric Charençon.
- But please go. - Alright, alright.
We're leaving.
My respects to the Duke de Charençon.
To Monsieur le Marquis.
Try to catch his eye. Make a good match!
If he needs a guide, introduce us.
Certified for Paris by Night!
Come back when he's out. I'll let you know.
Does he really have a funny face?
Well, it's not just anybody's face.
- I'll introduce you. - No.
I must powder my nose.
And put on my lace dress. Make a good impression.
Even though it's shabby here.
You put photos on the mantlepiece too?
like papa when he's in a hotel.
Mama.
My grandmother.
Your girlfriend?
No. My sister.
She's pretty.
She was very pretty.
I'm sorry.
What was her name?
Elisabeth.
You can tell me about her if you like.
Being sad together brings people closer.
Thank you.
But I don't want to make you sad.
You can show me around Paris.
We'll go to the theater. You must like it.
Yes, I love it.
- Music, especially. - Fine.
Just fine.
From next week, we'll go to the theater.
With your sister.
There must be a decent music hall in the neighborhood.
For sure.
Sure.
- It's her. - No, it isn't.
It is, I tell you.
Did you tell Mr. Frédéric?
The beanpole in the corner is our cousin.
The beanpole?
Yes, but we never see her.
Papa doesn't want us to.
Augustine Dada, her stage name Irène Ballestrini is fancier.
- But it's not her. - Yes, it is.
Hello! Hello, Ginette and Céline!
Hello, hello!
- Are you crazy? - She recognized us.
- She changed the lyrics for us. - What a nerve.
- We'll meet her at the stage door. - Just an extra?
An extra? She's doing a solo!
Here she is!
Irène!
Hello, children.
Meet our new tenant, Mr. Frédéric Charençon.
Delighted, sir.
Know what would be swell? Come for supper in my house.
Yes, the gentleman is welcome.
Driver, home.
You play adorably.
You're not handsome.
But you have charm.
Eat up, girls. Take no notice of us.
I never imagined they played so well in the country.
You must accompany me in Manon.
The Opéra Comique director made me some offers.
If they pay her for every flat note, she'll clean up.
Hush up, you!
Put them in a taxi.
And come back.
Taxi!
Get in.
Aren't you coming?
No, I'll have a smoke and walk a bit.
I'll be home shortly.
8, Faubourg Montmartre.
Know where it is?
Are you asleep, Ginette?
I was. You woke me up.
He's back from her place.
She impressed him because she's chic.
We're too poor.
No one looks at us.
I know.
You're crying?
No.
I'm thinking.
What about?
I'm thinking...
Tomorrow I'll wear the nice clothes you bought me.
You're coming around at last.
I stopped mentioning it but I knew you'd come around.
We'll end up making something of you.
Yes.
If the little pigs don't eat me.
Just listen to good advice.
I can see you in a car like Irène's.
With an even nicer house.
And even biggerjewels.
And rings on your toes.
You're not answering.
Are you asleep?
No, I'm listening to you.
If you like, I'll take you to the Gibmeisters tomorrow.
You'll see.
It's a scream.
Yes.
Sure, we'll go tomorrow.
Yes, it's me.
You've only seen me badly dressed.
Where are you going?
To some friends.
Where it's even fancier than Irène's.
If you want my opinion, I find Irène ugly.
Very ugly. Super-ugly.
Everyone has their own idea.
Does my dress suit me?
Very much.
Ginette...
- What? - You must promise me...
Are you ready?
Yes.
You were saying?
No, nothing.
It's fine, go on.
Enjoy yourself.
I forgot to tell you.
I have to be away for a few days.
Yes... Some research in the archives.
ln... Orléans.
Fine.
Then enjoy yourself.
Goodbye, my dear.
Very chic.
But they're not bodies without souls
Those little ladies
And there are kids
like ghosts
Who wander the streets
At dusk
Seeking every night
Some foolish man
Who'll offer a sum
To hear words of love
So they can amuse them
They must be losers
With broken hearts
Believe the make-believe
Will last forever
As anything can happen
In the Faubourg
One day
You see? Men!
Always in songs.
In the Faubourg They're not all beauties
There are pale-faced rebels
And those who don't eat
It's easier to be good
When your tummy has shrunk
But the street is ruthless
And destiny relentless
It's not worth being sensible
Why try to stay wretched
Even more wretched
There are kids
like ghosts
Who wander the streets
At dusk
Their hope is so strong
And resistant
That they never give up believing
In true love
In Montmartre
These humble flowers
Come out of the gutter
In tears
So they're happy
When their turn comes
As anything can happen
In the Faubourg
One day
What's your song called?
Faubourg Montmartre.
It's good.
But it gets you thinking...
About things that do you no good.
Enough to ruin your appetite.
Not always, unfortunately.
Hello.
Good evening.
- This your little sister? - Yes.
Charming. Hello, young lady.
Hello, madam.
- Sit down. - Yes, sit down.
Here.
- You work in dressmaking? - Yes.
So what are you doing here?
Enjoying herself!
She's the right age.
You know Dédé. No need for introductions.
Mrs. Élise.
She's a pawnbroker.
Mrs. Gibmeister.
She has money in the bank.
Frangipane.
Paprika.
- Nothing but the finest. - Don't listen to her.
- I'll start the phonograph. - Do that.
- Do you dance? - No.
What?
Then the big sister will.
That must be the concierge.
Are we being too noisy?
That's not it.
Stop the phonograph.
What's the matter?
One of my tenants was murdered.
- How horrible! - That's appalling!
She was called Mrs. Lucienne. A fine person.
- Céline, let's go. - Wait.
She didn't come down as usual, so I went up.
She wasn't there, then I saw her curled in the hallway.
- I phoned the police. - That's all we need.
Céline, let's go.
Goodbye. See you.
- I'm leaving too. - And me.
- Where were you? - 3rd floor.
They're decent ladies.
They were about to have tea
when this horror struck. - Your names?
Gentilhomme, sir.
We're honest folk. Our father is a traveling salesman.
I work for the Mouronneau sisters.
- Go on. - Yes, sir.
And her?
- Manicurist. - OK.
And your name?
Jeanne Bourgeois. I'm a great artist's model.
Let's go, Céline. I'm scared.
It was bad timing. I thought we'd have fun.
And your names?
They call me Frangipane.
That's my stage name. I'm a chorus girl.
But the music halls aren't casting now.
OK, run along.
We want to question Mrs. Gibmeister.
This way, sir.
Oh my.
Some days you want to go to bed and stay there.
Know what I'd like?
A little shop where we could sell candy and tea...
Aunt Aurélie's been working at Horlaville's for 30 years.
Look where it got her!
She dresses like a beggar.
Don't come in.
I have something to say to you.
I need to talk to you.
- Leave us alone. - Gladly.
You have to get me out of this.
Are you compromised?
In the murder? Not at all.
You know I'm in business, nothing else.
I was leaving the Gibmeisters,
meaning to go home.
There was a guy stationed in front of the door.
Understand?
I'm clean, but with those people...
When they start questioning you, better forget it...
I thought that since your lodger isn't here
you could take me in.
Well, I don't mind but...
What, the kid?
Now's the chance to show you run the show.
Come on.
In here.
Go in.
- Will this be my room? - Yes.
Wait, I'll talk to my sister.
Ginette.
Are we eating?
With what?
Papa sent nothing.
Don't mope. There's someone next door.
We've been saved again.
Is he here?
Yes.
Frédé!
You?
Yes, me.
Don't touch that. It's not yours.
What are you doing here anyway?
Tell her.
He's staying a week, like it or not.
Until Charençon comes back.
But these are Mr. Charençon's things.
- We can't let him in here. - Pipe down.
- Leave me alone. - Quiet!
- Don't touch me. - Try to understand.
I've got problems.
I can't go home.
Now's your chance to show some gratitude.
Céline will tell you, it's thanks to Dédé that you can eat.
Yes, it's true.
- Get out of here. - No, he's not going. You are.
With the pittance she earns, she'd put a friend in a bind.
Heartless!
- Right, I'm going. - Where to?
I'll ask Aunt Aurélie to take me in.
Bon voyage!
And if you sell me out,
I have friends. You'll see how I get revenge.
- She won't talk. - I'll see to that.
Who's this Aunt Aurélie?
An old maid who works at Horlaville's.
She'll never take her in.
Don't worry. The kid will come back.
- A pretty box for the pralines, miss. - Yes, ma'am.
Miss Aurélie, look after the gentleman.
Yes, ma'am.
What would you like, sir?
- Candy. - Yes, sir.
May I show you our latest creation?
It tastes delicious.
I'll admit it, even if I hadn't created it.
Absolutely, sir.
It's a cat.
We call it a fur choc cat.
Perfectly natural imitation fur.
Filled with chocolate.
Half praline, half pistachio and vanilla.
One fur choc cat for the gentleman.
90 francs, sir.
What did he say?
He says it's a charming idea.
It will be a terrific hit.
And 10. For 100.
- See to it, Miss Aurélie. - Certainly, ma'am.
A dime's worth of vanilla twists, please.
We don't sell for a dime.
You mustn't come when we're busy.
Our families are not allowed here. Understand?
- But... - And the way you're dressed...
It's shameful.
Let me explain, aunt.
- I have something serious to say. - Dressed like that!
Come over here.
This collar suits me, no?
- Yes. - I look younger.
Yes, it really suits you, aunt.
Tell me what you want to say.
I'm listening.
Hurry up.
I had a row with Céline, so I can't go home.
- There. - "There."
There!
I don't need trouble with your sister.
What do you want?
To be taken on here.
I'll discuss it with Mrs. Horlaville.
Right away?
Right away...
You don't just waltz into the candy business.
I don't know where to go.
Let me stay with you for a bit, aunt.
I only have one bedroom.
A small bedroom.
We have our habits at my age.
Try somewhere else.
At Irène's, maybe.
Irène? The singer?
Yes. It would be much more suitable.
Thank you anyway.
No, wait.
I can't let you go like that.
Do you like pralines?
Go ahead.
Feel free to eat them.
They're rejects.
I'll stash the merchandise here.
And you'll have your cut.
Buy some fancy clothes.
Keep up your standing.
I'll pick up the stuff tonight on the quiet.
And you know, if you fancy any...
You like coke?
Yes, I love it.
You'll have more than you need.
Not too much. Don't overdo it.
A big round blob.
You'll see some fine landscapes.
And hear some rhapsodies...
It's so beautiful...
It sounds like angels.
Yes...
Angels...
Angels weeping.
You play so well, darling.
It's Schumann.
I love you.
I only know one person who plays as well as you.
He was a colonel.
No.
No, a lieutenant.
An Austrian.
He wanted to kill himself for me.
He held the gun to his temple, and I said:
"Careful, you'll make a mess in here."
Why did you stop?
You love me...
Well then...
Still want to go away with me?
You won't regret anything?
No more family.
No more friends.
The Gentilhomme girls won't keep you here!
You're free.
- Madam? - What?
I'm not in for anyone.
It's madam's cousin, Miss Ginette.
I'm not here.
You're not here?
Are you interested in her?
She's unhappy.
I've been unhappy too, babe.
She can deal with it like I did.
Tell her to write to me.
Yes, madam.
You're looking funny.
I'd never have expected that from you.
That I want to stay quietly with you?
Whatever.
I have a heart too.
I've been dropped too.
That's no reason to drop other people.
I'll send her a sovereign.
There you are. I wondered if you were inside.
You sure know how to make me worry.
Where did you sleep? Where were you?
- Oh, Céline... - What, "Oh, Céline"?
I've been fired.
- They fired me. - Why?
Because of my dress.
And because they saw us on the boulevard.
We weren't doing anything wrong.
The Mouronneau dames sacked you?
I'll teach them, just you wait.
Hey! Show your ugly mugs.
- Hey, you cows! - Oh, Céline!
They don't scare me.
They got it coming if they show up.
Well? Why are all these morons staring at me?
Never seen a lady before?
Come on, I haven't eaten anything. I've had enough.
What did I say...!
You go first.
I'll give you something to eat.
You needed that.
What are you hiding?
And you, Céline?
Don't worry about me.
Are you sick?
It's nothing.
You've been drinking.
Not at all.
I'm not drunk.
I haven't had a drop.
The thing is...
I had myself some coke.
For the hell of it. To see what it's like.
You gotta live.
Hear how easy I'm talking? That's the coke.
Coke is magic.
And I take it to forget my troubles, you see, troubles...
I've got my share.
Oh boy...
But don't worry, it's not worth it.
Anyway, I'm counting on...
a friend...
a foreigner...
who's coming over now.
We'll offer him some tea, that's all, and then...
He'll lend us some money.
But the thing is...
Obviously...
You gotta be nice to him.
He'll be here soon.
I'll go buy a cake.
Wait for me.
Chat him up nicely.
Well?
Well, I explained to her...
that he's coming.
Yeah. And?
I don't know...
I don't know. Wait and see.
Careful. Someone's coming up.
It's him.
Stay here. Sit down.
It had to happen some day.
And then...
Anyway, I gotta recoup some of my investment.
Sure she won't resist him?
Yep.
- No... No, that man... - Stay here.
She has to go through it.
Let's hope he has tact.
It's not such a big deal.
Come in, sir.
My sister will be right back.
Your sister? The one they call Céline?
- Yes, sir. - Good.
It's a long way up.
Closer to heaven.
Heaven.
That's right.
You're pretty.
No, I'm not beautiful.
Yes, you are.
You're very kind, sir.
You're a little treasure.
I beg your pardon?
A treasure.
Yes...
Yes, yes.
- Look! - What is it?
A sailor's trousers.
What? A sailor?
We say that when the sky is dark
and suddenly you see a patch of blue.
Enough to make a sailor a pair of trousers.
About time too.
It's been raining for days.
No...
Enough small talk.
- Enough...? - Right.
Enough chat.
You know I didn't come here to talk about the weather.
Come here.
Come along.
I forbid you to talk like that.
First of all.
And if you make a move...
watch out for your bald head.
Delightful.
Delightful!
I feel so strange, my heart's gone faint.
- What's going on? - Shut up, it's fine.
Mister, you've made a mistake.
Take a look.
You'll learn something from it.
That's mama.
- Mama? - Yes.
And the baby is me.
And that's papa.
Papa?
Yes, he's on the road.
He'll be back any minute now.
Papa...
Mama...
Exactly.
Didn't you have parents?
It's so long ago.
I used to work in fashion.
Now I'm getting ready to go into candy.
Here's my sister. You better explain.
This wasn't the plan.
Forget it.
Get out.
Six flights of stairs to look at a photo album!
Thanks for nothing!
Ginette...
Dear little Ginette...
Come, Céline, please.
- Get up. - No, you have to know.
I'm a horror.
- Hit me. - No.
- Yes! I deserve it. - Come now, Céline.
Is that me?
It is me.
It's me.
Céline...
Still, you have to...
you have to know what I wanted to make you do.
You have to know.
I do know.
And...
And you can still touch me.
It's over. Don't let's talk about it.
I hear footsteps on the stairs.
- No... - Yes, I do.
He's coming back.
- Wait a minute. - No, don't move.
Don't go.
If he knocks, don't open it.
It's me, children.
It's a surprise.
I'm home.
It's papa!
Open the door.
I'll let him in.
Put the chair away.
Papa!
- Hello, darlings. - Hello, papa.
- Nothing broken? - Hello, papa.
So all is well. Give me a kiss.
Hello, my Ginette.
Hello, Céline.
How lovely to see you both.
And the Charençon fellow?
He left.
We took in a new lodger.
Who is he?
- He's called Dédé. - Dédé?
Yes. André.
A nice man?
Yes. A very nice man.
Well done. Bravo.
Children, I'm so happy to see you again.
And the Faubourg Montmartre is looking beautiful.
We'll celebrate with a feast.
Here, Céline.
Buy what we need for a good lunch. Here.
You take care of the dessert.
Still hale and hearty, but not a millionaire.
You look a bit pale, Céline.
Not at all, it's just your imagination.
Well?
A kiss for your old papa?
Off you go.
And be quick.
For Céline
For Ginette
All along the paths of delights
We'll trip along together
And we'll...
Police.
- Pardon me? - Police.
André Marco, aka Dédé?
Wait a minute.
- He may be our lodger. - It's him.
Charged with trafficking lethal substances.
No, there must be a mistake.
No. My daughter Céline knows him.
Céline Gentilhomme?
Yes. I can explain. I have two children, sir.
Céline and Ginette.
We'll have to search the house.
Will you help us?
Certainly, sir.
Certainly.
I'd be only too happy to help but...
my legs have gone funny all of a sudden.
It's odd.
You can have a clean conscience but...
The police...
this is the first time for me.
I'm 64, sir.
It's very strange.
What can it be?
It's nothing serious.
It can't be anything serious.
My little girls need me.
What's in this cupboard?
- In the cupboard? - Yes.
It must be empty.
Open it and take a look.
Oh, my...
God Almighty!
What's that dress?
What's in here?
There?
It's our lodger's room.
Perfect.
Search it.
Look in the wardrobe.
The bed. Underneath it.
The fireplace.
Here. Take this suitcase.
Indeed!
Not very well hidden.
Good.
We have all we need.
Goodbye, sir.
Goodbye, gentlemen.
Thank you, gentlemen.
Thank you.
Ginette.
My little Ginette.
My sweet child.
You don't need me so much.
Come, Céline.
Come here.
Come.
Go on. Cry your heart out.
Know why you didn't laugh before?
Because you hadn't cried enough.
What are you saying?
I can't hear you.
Father...
- You left me... - Yes...
You left me so poor.
Say no more.
I understand.
Yes, I left you both alone.
It was so wretched.
But it's over now. We'll never part again.
I'll find a job in Paris and we'll stay together...
Papa!
No, it's nothing. It's nothing.
This carcass!
- I'll go for a doctor. - No, not the doctor.
I'll get the doctor.
It will get better.
Stay with him as...
I need to take a pick-me-up.
- You should warn Frédéric. - Why?
- We're so alone. - Yes, I will if you like.
Well, papa?
No.
I'm a lot better already.
Something went down the wrong way.
The circulation will start up again.
On your feet, soldier.
On your feet. No, impossible.
There's no way. No way.
What's wrong with me?
It's like a weight.
It's because your heart is breaking.
What will become of her?
I wonder.
With a sister like that...
We should put her in trade.
She must take after me.
She'll do very well in trade.
Step right up!
Step right up, ladies!
Over here!
Not opposite, not right or left!
Over here for the best bargains!
It's this way, folks!
Come closer, ladies!
It's not left or right.
It's here.
Yes, this is where we knock the prices down.
We sell at a loss.
You're not engaging enough.
And you must insist more.
First you have to smile.
That's very important in trade.
Smile.
Got it?
- Yes, ma'am. - Smile.
Ma'am? Can I help you?
No, thanks.
What's that?
A train whistling.
It could bust your eardrums.
And now the bell.
Won't that train ever leave?
I'll sue the stationmaster.
I'll take him for...
a billion in damages.
That'll be a tidy pile of cents.
Holy saints...
What are you doing?
Nothing. Nothing at all.
But what were you doing?
I was playing around.
I was very busy all day, you know.
I was in a big department store.
I had to buy some thread.
Listen.
Listen, don't tell anyone.
But at night,
I make myself a dress.
To replace the ones they stole from me.
Yes.
With threads from a dishcloth.
I do it very well. At a distance it looks like lace.
Céline...
Come and sit next to me.
No, don't touch me.
I hurt all over.
Céline...
Listen, Céline.
I have a proposition for you.
From our cousin Irène.
She doesn't think you look well.
She wants you to go
to the country for a few days, at a friend's
where they'll look after you.
But will I be free?
Of course you'll be free. Yes.
If you like, we can pick you up tomorrow in a car.
- And drive me to the country? - Yes.
Yes, I sure am lucky.
They're firing the cannon again.
They keep firing the cannon.
My sister...
I'll see the flowers.
Dearest.
I'll see the flowers.
Dearest.
I'll see the flowers.
No! No, Ginette!
I can't go! Not to the country!
No, not the country!
They lock you up, they touch you and hit you.
They won't let you have coke.
Who cares if I die anyway?
Nobody loves me.
No, I won't go to the country.
Not the country.
No, not the country.
Not the country.
Where are you going?
Farewell, Faubourg!
Not the country.
I have no one now.
Listen, Ginette.
I've had an idea.
Yes, we'll both be saved.
As I need to go away too.
You're not happy either?
I can't take it any more.
Yes, I know.
- It's my cousin Irène? - Yes.
I've suffered so much.
Listen. You know I have a little house far away.
Yes. You went there with your sister.
Yes. I thought we'd both be happy there.
Your Aunt Aurélie talks about retiring.
She can come with you.
- What about you? - I'll join you there soon.
You're pale. You need fresh air and rest.
Well?
Do you accept?
Yes, I do. Yes.
But Céline?
You're not allowed to see her.
You can later.
When do we leave?
Friday, if you like.
- Frédéric. - Ginette.
You know...
We have to look after ourselves.
I'm only just beginning to feel better.
Frédéric...
What?
If only I could tell you...
You're not going to thank me, I hope.
I'm alone too.
And I was so glad to find you.
Mr. Charençon doesn't want to be disturbed during his stay.
Anyway, who are you?
Mr. Antonin Marco.
Antonin Marco aka Dédé?
A nasty piece of work.
What?
My niece told me. I know everything.
So it's you.
Yes, it's me.
And I need to talk to Miss Ginette.
- That's impossible. - Not so fast.
You probably don't know that your niece Céline
is having charges brought against her.
Céline is not responsible for her acts.
She's locked up in a sanatorium.
The kid sister may be her accomplice.
- No, sir! - Yes, ma'am. Yes.
And as I could be suspected...
suspected only because I helped them,
I need Mr. Charençon to testify on my behalf...
Otherwise...
I may be forced to talk.
About Miss Ginette.
- So let me through. - Are you trying to bully me?
No, not at all.
Insolent man.
Frédéric.
Here's a rat you must get rid of.
I won't take long but...
Ginette must listen to me.
Leave this to me.
Sorry, I want to talk to the young lady.
It's not hard to guess why you're here.
I forbid you to disturb this child, she's sick and needs rest.
Hey!
Spare me your attitude, mister!
Thanks.
First you have that poor Céline committed.
OK, she was losing it but she wouldn't hurt a fly.
And then,
you send Miss Ginette down here,
and come to join her a few days later.
Clever work.
You had them all fooled.
If Dédé wasn't around...
But I know your Ginette, see.
A nasty piece of work.
If you try to hurt that child I'll break your neck, you hear?
I'll give you 5 minutes to get out of town.
- Lay off, I'm going. - Get out.
Out! Whatever Ginette may have done,
you were the cause of her misfortune.
You're brutalizing me!
Rubbish!
Beat it!
5 minutes to get out of town!
What happened, you poor man?
They wanted to kill me.
You can talk now. Tell them everything I told you.
Tell the whole town what they are.
And don't forget.
That girI's a little tramp...
from Faubourg Montmartre! God's truth!
They've brought you trash, see?
Give me my suitcase.
I have 5 minutes.
Ah, that Frédéric...
A fine gentleman indeed!
Ask about Ginette in any bar in Paris.
You should see her, in Paris.
He may not be telling the whole truth.
You can repeat that to everyone. They had it coming.
My bill.
He sticks that under my nose.
Me, his family housekeeper.
I'd say this will turn ugly.
Louis Follestat heard it all. He's the local firebrand.
If old man Charençon knew about this scandal...
A man who wore his black suit every Sunday.
And never left the house without gloves.
It's an insult to his memory.
What do you say, Follestat?
It's an insult to the region, in my view.
We won't stand for it.
I have an idea. Listen.
Listen to him.
You know what we do on Saint Jean's Day when a widow marries too soon.
Or a woman cheats on her husband.
Or when we want someone out of the county.
A charivari!
Yes. A charivari.
Do you hear?
Hear this!
Frédéric and Ginette.
You'd be so peaceful without me.
I don't want to make trouble for you.
I enjoyed teaching that scoundrel a lesson.
He's gone now. You'll never see him again.
I had news of Mrs Horlaville this evening.
The shop hasn't been doing so well since I left.
But I won't go back, even if she begs me on her knees.
Or...
Or I'll say I'll think it over and impose my conditions.
How noisy they are tonight.
It's not a holiday.
It sounds like it's right outside.
They'll probably start dancing.
But...
What's going on?
Fireworks!
Do you hear?
Hear this!
Frédéric and Ginette!
On Saint Jean's Day, we'll punish you
On Saint Jean's Day, we'll be rid of you
On Saint Jean's Day, we'll punish you
We'll burn them
And hang them
We'll burn them
And hang them
On Saint Jean's Day, we'll punish you
On Saint Jean's Day, we'll be rid of you
They were just having some fun.
- They're not evil. - They call it a charivari.
It's a hazing, everyone here goes through it.
My God, what have I done?
Why should I be punished?
It's not about you.
Did they have a charivari when you came here with your sister?
I don't know.
I can't remember.
Yes, it's...
It's possible.
Frédéric.
Frédéric...
I swear I don't deserve this.
- I said so. - Me too.
We gave her a shock.
We should have told her instead of listening to that man from Paris.
This proves she's not a bad girl after all.
It was a hard blow for her.
- My conscience is clear. - Mine too.
Here comes the doctor.
Let's ask him how she is.
Doctor, how is the poor girl?
I can't say.
- Poor thing... - It was just a joke...
Your joke was despicable.
- I wasn't there. - Nor was l.
- Me neither. - You'll see, any minute now,
no one will have been at that charivari.
But all my friends were there.
Yes, madam, I'm back again.
- The price, Miss. - 43,25 francs.
I had planned to retire.
I was in my niece's chateau, in Saint-Jean.
45, 50 and 50 make 100. Thank you, madam.
My niece, née Gentilhomme.
She's just married the Count de Charençon.
Count Frédéric de Charençon.
I was in their chateau, but Mrs. Horlaville insisted...
May I, madam?
Hello?
A phone call from Saint-Jean.
Offer her a praline.
Look after the lady.
Show her our fur choc cats.
It's my niece.
Hello, dearest.
Hello, aunt.
Do us a big favor.
I'd love to hear the sounds of Paris.
The sounds of Paris?
Of course, dearest. Listen.
Listen to the sounds of Paris.
Subtitles: Lenny Borger & Charlotte Trench
4K digitization and 2K restoration by the lmmagine Ritrovata laboratory
With the support of the CNC