... So much can happen in just one place, in just one second!
Someone gets run over... People stare with frightened faces.
A fruit truck flips over, people laugh. The same people.
Joy and sadness always go together, everywhere.
Like luck & misfortune, light & dark, life & death; you know. Got a minute?
I want to tell you a little story. It's pretty funny...
and rather sad, too. It's a love story.
A boy and a girl, obviously... Oh, of course - their names!
First come the names. These people don't matter to the story though.
MONPTI
A TALE OF PARIS
Of course, you don't have to read all this.
It'd be betterjust to look at what's behind it all. It's Paris.
My story is a story of Paris.
Alright at last it's over... This is St. Germain des Pres Blvd...
where the existentialists felt at home, alongside those who simply exist.
And this is our young man...
the one behind the bus. That's him, with the drawings.
You like him? Pleasant; maybe a little sad.
And this is our young girl... No, not that one, by God! The one with the book.
They're about to cross paths for the first time. Oh, what a shame!
Don't they know they were born for one another?
But that's another street and another day.
At this time of day the cafes are pretty empty, of course.
It's very, very early... there are a few students...
Oh, there's the kid again, with the book.
And on the other side? God is patient; there he is again.
They seem to have plenty time, but why are they always alone?
Hm... he doesn't look like he's from Paris. That's a Hungarian paper...
Don't be afraid, this isn't a political tale.
While he's finishing his reading, let's take a look at where he lives.
This is Bernardin St., and this is the Hotel... the Riviera... he can hardly read.
And way up on top, like all the poor people in Paris -
... closer to God - is where he lives.
It's not too comfortable. But what can you expect for 9,000 francs per month?
It's even cheap. Really cheap, for a view like that.
Ah, even the sun's coming out now... Notre Dame.
That old lady has her ways...
Are those wedding bells?
Indeed they are.
Old folks always get emotional when they see a wedding.
Young folks aren't so interested. It's only logical,
... they aren't thinking about getting married.
They'd rather think about... as they say around here..."faire I'amour".
An amusement park isn't all that amusing in the morning time.
Two cops, "flics," that is, walk along alone...
A dog carries a basket along and tries to get rid of it.
Oh, there goes our young man, with a girl, apparently.
The wheel of fortune spins... And the number is...
Four! A consolation prize.
Here it is.
We wish him the best of luck. Luck and success.
Well, maybe she doesn't like to play with dolls anymore.
It's time for our young man to meet a suitable girl.
It's not so easy in such a big city.
These are the Luxembourg Gardens. Here they call it "The Garden."
And the famous statue... Maybe that doesn't interest you.
But it interests our young man. And now he's seen it for real.
He seems uninterested... Or is he?
On the front page, the issue of French internal politics.
A little bit of boredom...
a little bit of joy.
- Excuse me miss, do you mind... - As you wish...
Wow, by God they both just speak French.
She speaks it perfectly, and he has a Hungarian accent. What to do?
Maybe you don't all understand French... Hold on a second!
Subtitles? No! We want to hear what they're saying, not read it.
We're going to switch it up; synch it. You know the drill.
Do you mind that I'm sitting here?
- Why? It's a public bench. - I don't want to bother you.
- What nice looking three oranges! - Oranges are always nice looking.
So big?
And so orange?
If you're hungry, take one.
I'm not hungry! What do you take me for?
- Is that a novel? - Yes.
- Interesting? - Yes.
- Can I see? - Sure. Here.
- This is poetry. - Yes.
- But you just said it was a novel. - Did I say that?
...yes.
You come here often?
- Sometimes. - You a student?
No.
Ah... you work around here, huh.
My parents don't permit me to work.
How come?
We're very rich. I can have anything I want.
I wake up late, eat breakfast in bed, I'm Anne-Claire Jouvain and I'm 17.
That's what you wanted to know, isn't it?
Of course, I don't talk to strangers at parks.
- How come you talked to me? - No reason. Just bored.
I don't believe it. You're not French, are you?
No... Hungarian.
Oh... wow.
- But I've been here a while. - And what do you do?
- I just live here. - Do you like Paris?
Oh, it's very pretty.
- And... how do you like the Parisians? - I don't know.
- I haven't been here long either. - I don't believe it!
- How old are you, 20? - No, 22.
Are you... married?
Oh... What for?
How old do you think I am?
To tell you that I'd have to look deeply into your eyes.
Go right ahead...
- So? - 17!
- Seriously? - Seriously.
- Unfortunately I'm older than 17. - 18?
- Older. - 19?
- Older. - 20?
Stop! You got it; well... almost 20.
But before you said you were 17.
- Did I say that? - Yes.
- Have a cigarette? - No, thanks, I quit.
It's too bad you're a foreigner.
- I have to go home. - Can I walk with you a while?
That's very nice of you, but my chauffeur is waiting for me.
Alright... well, can we see each other again?
- Why? - Just because.
- To talk. - What about?
About whatever.
It'd be enough... even just to talk about the time with you.
- Let me think about it... - When? Where?
- Tomorrow if you want. - Right here at the same time?
If not tomorrow, the day after. Wait for me those two days.
- I'll wait for you here every day! - Oh please, don't wait for me.
- I don't want to see you anymore. - But why?
I have my reasons.
I understand...
Listen!
Answer me fast. Why do you want to see me again?
I'm all alone in Paris. At least you've got a family.
Just because you're so alone.
Hey, listen!
You can keep them!
Good day!
Here lady, go buy yourself a glass of cognac...
What? I'm the rich countess Helene Vieile-Estradour!
Here are your drawings. I'll bring you some more.
- We don't need any more right now. - Maybe later?
- Leave your address here. - I thought you had it already.
- I'm missing some! - I'm surprised.
Me too... I've gotten a lot more back but never less...
- Hold on a minute, please. - OK...
- Of course you're missing some! Nine all together. - Aha!
The boss liked them a lot.
- And when will he give them back? - Never!
- But why? By what right? - We're buying them.
- Here's the purchase order. - Oh!
That means... you're going to give me money?
- Of course. - Here? Now?
- Yes? - Yes!
Yes! Thanks. See you later!
- Wait; your hat... - Oh, my hat!
- Where's the cashier? - At the end of the hall.
Uh sorry, I'll have the cashier take it out of my pay...
We're closing!
- Darling... - I'm almost an hour late.
I got here 5 minutes ago. I guess we know each other now.
A Martini for madame.
Or that, sure.
For dessert, perhaps a raspberry flambe?
- How's your husband, my dear? - No different. He loves me.
- Poor Bouboule. - And me?
Poor Nadine!
- What would you like for an appetizer? - I'm dieting. I'm 18 grams over.
Something very light. Half an egg, or a small fish.
- I was with Jacques last night. - Oh yeah?
- Yes... that's how it happened. - Exciting?
- Like it is with you... - Oh!
Thanks.
- Sometimes I'd like to have just one man. - Nadine!
Really! A poor young man, a hard worker, maybe...
just a little primitive. Just lemon, please. Who still doesn't know how it is...
- Want to go back to being poor, eh? - No, not that.
We'd need to please your husband, who has so much money.
Special formula for babies... Vitalin has no flavor. You'll be surprised...
... at how baby grows so fast.
Scuba divers needed...
Hey there kid! What's happening?
Don't you want to try?
Hello there. When were you thinking about paying rent?
Tomorrow. Right away!
The day after tomorrow!
Thanks.
Where are the panties... the green ones?
Where are you looking for your panties at?
- Where are my wife's panties? - Panties?
They fell on the roof... on the pin...
- What's this all about? - Please understand...
- It was an accident... I pulled up the panties.
- You pulled them up? You mean you pulled them down!
- No, you folks live beneath me... - How long have you known her?
- Who? - My wife.
- Maybe about a year. - You lie... you've known her for two years.
- Well... two years; it's the same. - The same! The same!
This is your father, Gerard. He is going to take care of you.
You can go get your things in a half an hour.
Please take us in... if you don't want my teeth to fall out.
He's hungry... Gerard is always hungry.
I haven't eaten today either.
Until the day before yesterday I had some powdered milk, but...
Give me a minute, I still have a bit for him.
Why'd you steal my green panties?
Didn't you have any better way of getting to know me?
With 3 people, rent is higher.
With a married woman! And on top of it he gave her a son!
You should be ashamed! I wasn't good enough for you?!
So, you're one of them? A foreigner, of course.
That's fine, since I don't want to see you anymore.
He's gonna strangle us. You should see his hands!
Did you call for help?
What happened?
- I think I was dreaming... - In the middle of the day?
I guess so... Where's the baby?
You're very alone, young man. That can drive you nuts.
I'll come back around here tonight. If I'm free...
Who could imagine such a thing? Somebody stole my wife's panties.
- They were green & drying in the window. - Maybe it was the wind...
Well then they'd be in the courtyard. I just got back from there.
There's only one explanation. Some pervert climbed up the wall.
- With this rain! - Good night.
My old lady's interesting to me again!
I'll give you your milk in a second, Gerard. Mom's getting undressed.
Hey you! When were you thinking about...
Alright, fine! Then don't buy the watch. Your loss!
It was the best watch in all Budapest.
Hey you! Your money!
- Is this mine? - Well, it ain't mine!
Hey, you!
Oh, excuse me!
I just came to tell you that with this weather I couldn't come.
Thanks.
I'm not afraid of storms.
- Excuse me. - Come on, it's going to thunder again.
What do they say when there's lightning? Get away from oak trees...
...stay away from willows, and try to stand by a beech tree.
- What kind of tree is this? - A plane tree.
Wouldn't it be better if we went to a cafe?
Right, left...
- Dumb dog! Want a coffee? - Well, I'll pay for my own.
Don't even think about it.
I always invite women to sit when I'm out with one...
- Does that happen often? - Not too often. I'm gonna buy cigs.
Tell me something... do you want to break up with Bouboule?
- No! Who would finance our love? - A box of Lights, please.
- What would you like, miss? - A coffee and some water for the flowers.
- And for your husband? - He will order for himself.
- For you? - Same as the lady.
That is, two coffees and two waters for the flowers.
- I think I forgot to introduce myself. - That's ok. Sit down.
- You don't know my name either. - You told me... Anne-Claire Jouvain.
That wasn't my real name.
I couldn't tell you my name the first time we met.
So what should we call each other now?
When you're thinking about someone, you have to at least know their name.
I'm going to call you... Monpti.
Mon petit. "My little one." You like it?
Sure... if it's you that calls me that, sure.
- And what will you call me when you think of me? - "Ma Petite."
- My little one. - That's not so pretty sounding.
- My boyfriend sometimes calls me that. - Are you engaged?
Of course. All decent young girls are engaged.
Uh... er...
- Does it bother you? - What?
That I'm engaged.
- I don't see him much anymore. - If I'd have known...
You don't want to hang out with me anymore?
Oh, of course, you'd like to leave it to chance...
Just because I'm a decent girl.
These aren't the flowers you brought me as a present.
No?
Those ones were a lot prettier.
What time is it, please?
- Almost six o'clock. - Already?
- My watch is a half hour fast. - I still have to write a letter.
Why didn't you come yesterday? I have to know.
I didn't get a free second. We had a family gathering.
More than 21 people!
I gotta go now...
- Alright... - Waiter! The check, please.
Want me to pay for my own?
Since we won't be seeing each other anymore, you won't waste money.
That'll be 80 francs.
- Are you mad at me? - No.
It's too much. You can't throw away money like that.
I've got enough.
I lied to you before. My name really is Anne-Claire Jouvain. And my boyfriend...
I'm sick of my boyfriend.
I'll be waiting at the park bench tomorrow.
The check.
- See you tomorrow night? - How's your little girl from the Hot Club?
- How'd you know about that? - You're nervous, mon petit.
- She's on vacation. - With Jacques?
In Deauville. A canasta tournament.
It could all be so easy... Pay for it, will you please.
You'll have to excuse us, but that's the kind of place this meeting happened in.
We want to maintain objectivity.
Oh my! That's Hungarian. Not everyone understands that.
So that you can know what's going on...
Monpti has met up with a friend, another Hungarian...
... in these fine circumstances.
They haven't seen each other in a long time and have a lot to tell each other.
But we're not interested in the details...
What's this? A Hungarian paying another Hungarian...
... back for money he borrowed?
It can't be! 30,000 francs. That's encouraging.
- It's really hot in here! - Don't stop, please.
- There's a draft in here... - After you...
- The same. Two of them. - Here you are.
- My husband went to see the lawyer today. - To put the land in your name?
No, to get a divorce.
- Who is the reason for the divorce, me or Jacques? - Both of you.
I don't know why those two keep showing up in our story.
They don't have anything to do with Anne-Claire and Monpti. Or do they?
Ah, well; there's no need to think about that so much!
These two are having a fun time.
Lively, unworried, maybe even happy.
But with every kiss things get more complicated, above all for her.
It doesn't mean anything that we're kissing.
What are we kissing for, then? Just kisses!
When a person loves another...
well, the other stuff... I don't want to do it.
I don't want you to talk about that stuff either.
You started it, talking about kisses.
Sure, kisses.
Ten minutes later, she said...
- The other stuff... - Yeah...
- I could only do it if... - Yes?
Well, you're a foreigner... one day you'll leave and won't come back...
You'll never marry me...
Marriage?
And another ten minutes later, he says...
If I married you...
Yes?
I can't marry you!
Is there something you can't tell me?
Please do tell me.
OK well, I'll tell you. It's your fault.
My fault? Why, because I was going out with another guy?
- Because you're not poor. - Oh, Monpti! If that's all!
You just have to tell my parents that you renounce my fortune...
- And you can marry me in peace. - In peace?
If you & Bouboule really do break up, it might be quite unpleasant.
How come?
- Everyone will expect you to marry me. - Or Jacques.
Or Jacques, yes. Don't drive so fast.
- Can you imagine us getting married? - You could marry me...
...even if it were just for my money. - Or I might marry Jacques...
Or Jacques.
But both of you would prefer to marry someone poor and even...
- You mean innocent? - Yes...
No, no, better with you.
- And if I'm divorced and guilty? - There'll always be Jacques.
- What really keeps us together? - Love.
That's called love too. Both Nadine and the other Monpti are young.
They've got it all. They've got each other, and all the rest too.
Maybe they even have too much. But let's not think of them anymore!
Let's admit, they are indeed part of our story.
- Monpti, why don't you say anything? - What do you want to hear?
Nothing.
Don't follow me. We won't see each other again.
She said it and left. He thought she'd be gone forever.
And once again... he was alone.
Much more alone than before...
He didn't know that she was alone too.
And even if both of them had tried to find the other...
They wouldn't have known where to look.
I still don't know...
If you decide today, I'll give it to you cheaper.
I sell them by weight.
Nah, not that one.
Our ducks are only a maximum of a few grams different in weight.
This one here!
He'll be ready to go in 3 to 4 weeks. If you accept my humble advice...
...this kind of duck tastes a lot better if you cook it with oranges!
Be good or I'll bring out the skillet, Napoleon.
Shut your beak, will ya Napoleon; I gotta work.
Otherwise we'll starve to death, understand?
Fine, you can complain all you like, but at least complain like a real duck:
Quack, quack, quack, quack.
Good night.
- Anne-Claire? - Monpti!
I waited for you twice in the park. How come you didn't show up?
- But you said... - I wasn't serious.
If I would've had your address I would've written to you.
OK, now remember it, then...
...so that doesn't happen again:
Rue de Bernardin, Hotel Riviera, room 43.
Hotel Riviera, room 43... 43 is going to be my lucky number starting today.
- You didn't even kiss me. - Yeah, that's true.
- I broke up with my boyfriend. - Because of me?
No. He drinks.
- Where are we going? - I don't know.
- Well, if 43 is your lucky number... - To your house?
Yes, of course!
Oh, I don't have the time today!
I've been working at my uncle's office the last few days.
- Didn't I tell you that? - You're working? What for?
Just because. My uncle has...
a... big importlexport company. Oil and lard.
- He's really rich too. Excuse me... - So I'll see you tomorrow then.
- We could do lunch. - Sure, I'm free after noon tomorrow.
Or maybe after lunch.
Give me a kiss too!
- Do you love me? - Yes. Where will we meet tomorrow?
At your house. Room 43.
Who is it?
- May I clean the room? - Yes, clean it up real good.
Real clean. Real clean.
Is that drawn from a live model?
Yes.
I have a friend that looks much nicer than that.
Much nicer. If you want I can talk to her.
And if my friend doesn't have the time, maybe I could...
It won't cost you anything.
- Good day. - Good day.
Thanks, miss, that's looking pretty clean.
It's really pretty... I came today, tomorrow I won't have time.
- You don't look too happy. - I think so.
Why are you laughing? Because I'm washing my shirt?
No. I didn't think you lived alone. That's why I came now.
Give it to me, I'll do it.
Tell me, what's up?
- I'm just laughing at myself. - How come?
Because I love you!
- That's no reason to laugh. - Yes it is. I'm so silly.
- Come here. - Do you like her a lot?
- Who? - Her... the black lady...
Lots of men like her. What's that?
- That's Napoleon. - Where'd you get him?
- I bought him. - May I? Oh, he's all wet and cold.
- He just had a bath. - Why'd you buy him?
So I have some company. You can't be alone all the time... you go nuts.
Yeah...
- What are you going to do with him in the end? - One day I'll let him go.
When he doesn't need me anymore, of course.
When he's grown up enough to handle this cruel life all alone.
Does it bug you that I named him Napoleon? Since you're French?
I don't know anything about politics.
Saturday evening... Lots of people have visitors.
You too.
Were you really sad when I left you?
You thought you'd never see me again.
Great.
You know how I imagine happiness?
Maybe it's a foolish thing to think...
the wife cleans, cooks, irons, and saves money for her husband, and...
couldn't live without him. That's how I imagine happiness.
- I could do all that stuff. - For me?
Yes.
I'd do anything for you too.
- Why are you crying? - It's nothing, really.
I'm a little nervous.
No! Please, no! Please, no!
- You don't love me? - Yes, but!
It's really bright in here. Please close it.
Please... could you turn on the light? I changed my mind...
- Are you mad? - Mad? No, I'm not mad.
Yeah you're mad. I don't want you to be. Close it.
I'm so afraid...
- What are you doing? - I'm going to take off my clothes.
This wrinkles easily. Good heavens, my bag!
- Why? - I've never done it before...
But don't think i'm being cold... I just...
still haven't gotten used to you.
Do you love me, in spite of everything?
Of course... The human side of things is important too...
So...
OK, then; go on home now. When can I see you again?
The day after tomorrow. Tomorrow I'm going to my aunt's country house.
My cousin is getting married to a big landowner. In a... white dress.
OK, the day after tomorrow then.
I sure would like to have a white wedding...
- How long have you been married? - A long while, two years.
- What does your husband do? - He's...
a Hungarian aristocrat. He studies at the Fine Arts Academy.
- Have any children? - On the way.
Anne-Claire. Dressing room 4.
You shouldn't go out in black... With your figure...
It's a matter of tact. I think a divorcee is a kind of widow.
Depends on the inheritance you get. Take up this hem.
Bouboule has behaved quite poorly.
He pays me the same as he did before marrying me.
After 8 months of happiness!
Lower the left side.
Monsieur says he can't come to the phone right now, and...
No one answers at the other number.
It's not easy being a single woman.
Well, a woman as enchanting as you shouldn't have trouble, Nadine.
You don't really need... to be alone.
- Monpti? - Yes?
Close your eyes!
- Don't open them. - What are you doing?
Blindfolding you.
- Hey, you folded my nose too! - Well, just don't look.
- That's... - My song: "A Hungarian in Paris".
- It's yours too? - Yes.
It's our song!
What's happened? It's all different...
Well, I thought, now that I'm not alone anymore...
Where'd you get all that money?
- I made a good business deal. - Don't lie. You ran up debt.
- Yeah, well, open it up! - This is for me?
- Stockings. - Three pairs.
- What's this? - Open it.
A hat!
- Violets! - If you don't like it...
- They also have them with pansies. - No!
- Yes! - Oh, I love you... I love you!
Do you know why I'm giving you all these presents?
Oh, take your presents away this instant!
No...
Come here.
Sit down.
Take it.
Cut up the stockings, so I know that you really love me.
See, you can't do it!
The next pair...
And the last.
You can keep these.
- I did it... - Now I can believe you.
- What are you going to do? - Close it.
- Why? - I want to show you that...
No, not today, or I'll always think you did it because I gave you gifts.
Let's have a bottle of wine, shall we?
I'll go get one across the street.
It's all for you, why so solemn?
Excuse me, I left something here this morning.
- Maybe this was it! - No, it was the broom!
Anne-Claire!
You left your lighter at my place.
I've been looking for you for 8 days. I called everywhere.
But you didn't call me.
Strange, I didn't think of doing that... Where were you?
Under my pillow.
- This lighter is yours, Jacques. - Thanks.
All these shows are the same. Always the same faces.
Good day.
- Good day. - Good day.
A fine Sunday!
- Why aren't you at church? - What about you?
We pray in shifts. It's my old lady's turn today.
We don't want to spoil God.
Excuse me, there's a call for you.
Zaza, baby...
I can't wait.
Yeah, just us two...
I'm really late. I was afraid it would fall and spill in the metro so I walked.
What was going to spill?
The pot of soup. I made something for you to eat.
- How come you went running out of here? - Here are the little potatoes...
Put down those stupid pots!
Yes... I know it wasn't fair of me... I understood everything today.
- Where've you been all week? - Don't shout... It's still hot.
- What have you been thinking about? - About you, about us.
- You needed a whole week to do it? - I could think about you my whole life.
- Good Bye! - Monpti! Don't get in a bad mood!
- I was a lot sadder than you. - Well? Can't you tell me why?
- You really don't know? - No!
Anne-Claire, if you don't tell me what you're talking about, I'll explode!
You're disgusting! I suffer and you shout! You wouldn't do that to Napoleon.
Don't you talk about Napoleon!
See?
Please... Anne-Claire!
Before I call a doctor... Will you tell me why you're suffering?
Please understand, Monpti. At first it was a terrible shock for me...
That's why I went running out...
But then I was thinking about it... You know, I've matured a lot this week!
I know how badly you need a girl...
And if I can't be that girl... I mean, not yet...
I don't think it's fair... But... I understand it all.
I don't have anything against it!
What girl are you talking about?
The one with the green panties!
What are you doing?
Girl with the green panties! Oh baby! My God, that's hilarious!
- There's no girl with green panties! - Are you denying it?
- I saw with my own eyes! - What did you see?
The green panties!
- See that roof? - Yeah, so?
Well, see, over there, on the shingle plates, was my box of powdered milk!
And my string with the hook on it fell over... look, come with me.
Look down there! See that wooden clothes rack?
The panties got caught on my hook and got pulled up here, that's all.
You should be ashamed to tell me such nonsense!
Even after I told you that I understood and even thought it was OK...
Anne-Claire...
Monpti, promise me that we'll never mention those green panties again!
- Well, sure! - Then come eat now!
- What, you don't like it, Bouboule? - Bouboule!
- Oh, sorry... - Bouboule! I sleep in Bouboule's bed...
I eat Bouboule's diabetics' food, and now you're calling me Bouboule.
- Sorry, Monpti. - I feel like I'm married.
I don't think you're attracted to me anymore now that I'm separated.
Maybe that's it.
- You want a cognac? - A Marie Brizard.
- I could marry Jacques... - That might be a solution.
I like you more than him.
What a sad Sunday this is...
Clear the table please.
- That was delicious. - Really?
- I'm proud of you. - Now you really can be.
- I'll make coffee. - Terrific.
What's this?
- I mean... what was it? - I was going to give it to you.
I traded in the hat with the violets.
They were all out of the ones with pansies.
You're a dear, thanks. But are you sure this is a men's hat?
- Are these your drawings? - Yes...
- You sure are imaginative. - They asked me for something like that.
- So? - It's a drag.
- You like those girls? - I like you.
- Was this one really like that? - Well, she was a bit thinner...
She come here often?
She doesn't come anymore, not since I've known you.
Was she... the one with the green panties?
Oh oh oh!
The one that comes now, is she skinnier?
- I don't have models anymore. - Why?
I can't stand having a naked girl walking around my room.
I mean... not one that wasn't my...
Couldn't I model for you?
Yes, you could, but...
- You aren't going to. - Why not?
You'd have to pose nude.
Well if it's indispensable...
Shut the door... let's get to work.
Yeah.
- Do I have to take off my shoes? - No, you can leave them on.
How do I pose? Like this? Or like this?
Like that.
Start immediately!
You're not drawing...
I thought you were going to take it all off...
Oh please, let me stay like this.
- I think you're flaking out... - How rude! Fine, look!
You knew perfectly well you wouldn't do it! You're playing games with me!
Stay with the green panties girl then! She's not that way, I'm sure!
Anne-Claire?
- Where're you crying at? - Over here.
Please don't cry.
Monpti, let's get out of here. Right now.
Please, Anne-Claire, forgive me about how i said you were a flake.
I didn't mean...
You have beautiful skin. I noticed that before.
- Really? - Yeah.
Monpti..., now I'm the one that forgot her panties!
- I don't think it's very nice. - What's not nice?
Taking him around on a leash. People stare.
Otherwise he'll run into the water.
- I think you love him more than me. - No, but he loves me more than you.
Monpti, please... Give me another couple days.
Three or... two days. I'm so scared.
- Napi! - Napoleon!
Napoleon! Come back right now!
Napoleon!
I'll go! Help!
He's going to drown!
You came here with Bouboule every week didn't you?
Yes, 39 Sundays.
We were married 8 months... Twice it was raining,
...and once we slept in.
- That was at the beginning. - Look... that little duck.
- Why does he have a little leash on? - I don't know.
We're all prisoners!
Ought to get a dog. They have something human to them...
Why don't you put on the hat I gave you as a present?
No one wears hats!
- Are you upset with me? - I'm sad.
- About Napoleon? - Yes.
- Maybe he's happy with his freedom. - You always hated him!
- But he was a light in my life. - I'm very sad about it too.
It's true.
- What are you looking for? - You know... it's the ring.
It's my cousin's. It was small on her and she wanted me to have it.
- Are you going in there? - Yes, of course.
What?
If I come around to your house tomorrow, it's because I want to be your wife.
Even if you can't marry me, I promise you...
here before God.
The first lady in the fourth row, at the corner; that's my mother.
She always sings.
My father is the last on the side of the column, see him? He doesn't like music.
My grandmother is over there on the other side.
She's not doing too well...
Back there is my aunt Eugenia, from Maubeuge. No, not that one.
I can't see her anymore.
- How come they sit so far apart? - They're in a fight.
I already told you that my cousin's wedding got called off.
They found out her husband was a Moroccan.
- That happened just a bit ago? - Yes! I'll show you where I live.
- Wow! - You have to see the house.
- On the first floor. - I'd love to!
But not now, at nine! What will my family think?
- If they're all at church... - But... uncle Jean is at home.
There he is, up there. He was the prevost at the Chartres cathedral.
- Get going, I don't want him to see us together. - Good night.
You don't want to wait one more day, when you've already waited so long?
Tomorrow... tomorrow.
Hey Anne-Claire, where are you rushing off to?
For Miss. Jouvain, please.
- Jouvain? - Yes.
- No Jouvain living here. - Yes, on the first floor.
Her uncle was the prevost at Chartres cathedral.
A man named colonel Duchamp lives on the 1st floor.
And he's an atheist.
- Did you hurt yourself? - Me? No!
- You hurt me! - I did?
No, she did.
It was all a lie. All of it!
Here, take your hat. It's not all so big a deal...
Your hat...
Hold on there!
I'm almost ready, Gaston.
I wanted to take your suitcases down. What a shame you're moving out!
We all liked you very much around here... especially me.
I know, Gaston, but I just have to move... I'm getting married.
Monpti?
Monpti! Are you in there?
Monpti!
Where are you? I was here. My bags are at the door.
Please pick me up at my uncle's house at 5 o'clock.
Your loving wife, Anne-Claire Jouvain.
I've been waiting 52 minutes for you...
...and I have to be on Rue Rabelais at 4.
This is Coco...
- I'm not interested in Coco. - Do you want to start a fight now?
- Yes! - So do I!
My darling... You've always lied. You never cared about your husband,
you've separated from Jacques... Oh please!
He told me the same thing. You're just like all the other girls...
You want so badly to be a bourgeois. You want to get married, with me even.
But you can't do just as you please with me.
No one can buy me off. Not me, my dear, not me!
Nadine, I'm sorry, but we just don't have the same aims.
Oh but Monpti, come on...
Did you wait a long time? I had to get the office in order.
I had to tell my uncle that I'm getting married tomorrow,
...otherwise he wouldn't let me off.
- Are you happy too, Monpti? - All you can do is lie...
Monpti!
Disgusting whore!
Taxi!
Monpti!
Do you remember the green panties I asked you about? I found them.
By a very nice chance.
- Your wife will be happy. - I don't think so...
Who's there?
- Police. - Nothing the matter here!
- Open the door, please. - Come in.
- Is your name Istvan Vasary? - Yes.
- Hungarian? - Yes.
- Your wife calls you Monpti? - Yes...
Your wife has had an accident.
- Where is she? - Who?
Anne-Claire Jouvain. They brought her in yesterday.
- I think it was an accident. - Ask over there.
Thanks, sister.
Jouvain, please; Anne-Claire Jouvain. A policeman came to get me.
- Something about an accident. - The girl from yesterday... 438, bed 43.
How is she?
- Are you her brother? - No, her husband.
Husband? But you said that after examining her...
She was a virgin... How strange...
Wouldn't it be better to tell the husband that?
Anne-Claire.
Monpti...
A stupid car ran me over.
Did it hurt you bad?
What you said to me hurt me a lot more.
Why was none of it true?
Hand me my bag, please.
My parents.
Behind them is Le Havre.
My father worked at the port.
They both died a long time ago.
The war, you know?
And my aunt Eugenia from Maubeuge...
She really does exist. I met her afterward.
My cousin really did marry a Moroccan.
But he wasn't a... big landowner... He was a farmer.
Anne-Claire.
Please... let me tell you everything, Monpti.
I'm actually really poor... you know? And I have to work a lot.
The hotel I lived in... it's a lot worse than yours.
Why didn't you want me to know?
You wouldn't have liked being seen with me as much.
You would have been different.
Men are just like that, I think.
I wanted to keep you. I was a lot more alone than you.
I can't get up. You've got to come kiss me.
Forgive me.
Did you see what bed number I'm in?
- 43. - My lucky number.
I didn't bring any flowers...
Bring me some when you come back tomorrow.
And bring my little suitcase.
What else? Is there anything you can't eat?
Bring me oranges.
Three oranges? Real big, orange ones?
Anne-Claire, when you get better...
We'll get married, right?
You don't want to get married. You're still so young.
I swear by all that is holy.
Cut up the hat I gave you.
OK.
Now I can believe you. I'm very happy.
Me too.
- What if I don't get better? - You'll get well soon.
We'll get married and everything will be marvellous.
- Marvellous. - Marvellous.
- You! - Yes, me!
Nurse, another vase please...
Just a visit to a sick lady, that's all.
Nothing's the matter, I just pulled a muscle.
You sure that's all?
- You're a devil. - I try.
I lied to you. I didn't separate from Jacques.
- He just went out. - I know, I ran into him out there.
- Where... - You'll have to be strong...
She's...
Yes. She died peacefully an hour ago.
No!
Come now...
Believe me, it's better this way. She wouldn't have been able to walk...
...or make love, either, you understand?
Can I give you her things? There is no immediate family...
Yes, yes...
This was all she had.
She was so young...
- Only 20 years old. - She was 17.
- I have to know... - The documents are there.
She never lied to me.
Be calm, Josephine.
Please calm down.
That was the tale I wanted to tell you...
A poet once said, George Santayana, I think:
"Everything on this earth is lyrical in its essence...
tragic in its fate, and comical in its reality"
I think he was right. Well, it certainly is getting late!
I've taken a lot of your time.
Thanks for listening to my tale...
So long.