Love Eternal (1943)

[bunniefuu]

The Eternal Return

The eternal return...

This title, borrowed
from Nietzsche,

means here that
even legends can be reborn

unbeknown to their heroes.

An eternal return of
the very simple circumstances

which comprise the most famous
of all great love stories.

-- Jean Cocteau.

Achille!

Achille!

Claude!
Have you seen Mr Achille?

Here! Look what
your Mr Achille has done.

My God!

Achille!

Let me congratulate you.
Well done.

I warned you about collecting
g*ns with Achille around.

I never use them...

These stupid g*ns
would give anyone ideas.

Achille k*lled Claude's dog.
Shot it.

With a g*n of mine?

He stole one of my g*ns?

That's all you care about.

You're driving me crazy.

None of them are missing.

He's k*lled Claude's dog.

Marc will make a scene.

And where could that child be?

Achille is no child.

- Achille is no child?
- No. He's a dwarf.

- Am?d?e.
- A 24-year old dwarf.

We have a 24-year old son
who's a dwarf.

And it exasperates him
to be called a child, by the way.

Is it my fault
the poor child's a dwarf?

- It's not mine.
- Are you saying I'm a dwarf?

- You're not tall.
-That's rich!

As if there was any
connection. Not tall...

Wasn't your great grandfather
a hunchback?

- Yes. I admit it.
- Then think before you speak.

Don't forget Achille is my son...
and I adore him.

- Gertrude.
- What?

Achille...

- Achille what?
- He often eavesdrops.

My God, I hope the poor dear
didn't hear anything.

- Where have you been, darling?
- Nowhere.

- Answer your mother.
- Leave the child alone, Am?d?e.

Don't forget
I'm no longer a child.

Of course not, sweetheart.
Come and give me a kiss.

Are you sulking?

- What's this?
- That? It's a tie.

Do you think I'm a cretin?
Whose tie is this?

Your mother's asking you
whose tie it is.

Is it one of Patrice's ties?

You stole it from his room?

Come here.

Come here.

Do as your mother says.

What's in your pockets?
Go on, show me.

You will return this tie
at once.

At once!

Do you want a smack?

Do you?

Did you see them, Moulouk?
Weren't you scared?

- He saw us.
- So what?

Is looking out the window
a crime?

So you see, Achille,
there no point arguing.

Now, go to your cousin
as if to say hello

and return this tie somehow.

I hope you're big enough...

Well...clever enough
to understand

that as guests
we should behave impeccably.

- Yes, Mummy.
- Don't mock your mother.

Yes, Daddy.

- What do you want?
- Just to say hello.

- Say hello, Moulouk.
- Your dog hates me.

Then he'll bite you.
Bite him, Moulouk!

Bite him, Moulouk!

Idiot. You idiot.
Patrice...

You know Moulouk won't bite.
Get out of the wardrobe.

- Hold him or I'll scream.
- Scream, my friend!

Bite him, Moulouk!

Mummy!

My poor darling.
What's happened to you?

The dog...
Patrice made him bite me.

Let Maurice carry it, Claude.
It's too heavy for you.

- Is everybody all right?
- Well...

I never like
you being away, sir.

- Is it Mr Achille?
- Yes, sir.

But you'll always
be welcome, sir.

That dog doesn't deserve
any sugar.

Why is that, Aunt?

What an odd dinner.
What's wrong?

- Is it because I'm back?
- That dog bit Archille.

- Mummy...
- Shut up.

- Patrice provoked the dog.
- He never bites, Uncle Marc.

So I'm a liar?
Achille...

Let's not talk about dogs
tonight, if you don't mind.

- Why?
- Because I'll lose my temper.

- Keep an eye on Achille.
- What is he accused of?

You're wrong to insist,
Gertrude, very wrong.

Of course. I'm always wrong.
Unlike my charming sisters.

Edith and Solange are dead.
Leave them in peace.

No! Edith was always right
because she was your wife.

So was Solange because
she was Patrice's mother.

I'm wrong because
I'm Achille's mother.

- I wish I were dead.
- Gertrude.

Leave me alone!
It's awful.

The poor child suffers
from being different.

The poor child...

Patrice, I must talk to you
in my study.

- Come, my sweet.
- Leave me alone!

Achille...

I wish I were dead.

- I don't like this.
- Nor do I.

Achille shot Claude's dog.

How awful...

Achille is a calamity.

I wanted to be alone
with you for a while.

Uncle Marc,
you look exhausted.

Without your aunt
and your mother's help...

I can't cope with her scenes.

As all we loved is dead,
Gertrude should be happy.

That's unfair.
She's suffering too.

She saw my despair. She saw
me bring you up like a son.

She sees you.

Very little. I'm always out
on the estate.

I'd like to help you more.

Uncle.

- You shouldn't live alone.
- I have you.

I don't mean that.
This place needs a woman.

- Really?
- They think I monopolise you.

They'd turn green
if you got married!

- To whom? A local lady?
- Why, a young woman.

- She wouldn't want me.
- You're much younger than me.

Uncle Marc, let me
find you a young woman.

The youngest, the prettiest.
You'll be so in love.

- And they'll be so jealous.
- Seek, Moulouk.

Just try me.
I'll seek and I shall find.

- A nice family.
- Coming, Moulouk?

- Off to the island tomorrow?
- To torment your serfs.

I only want what I'm owed.

- Good night, Uncle.
- Good night, old fool.

Bye, Jules. I'll let you know
when to come and pick me up.

- What's up?
- Always the same character.

Don't go in. He's dangerous
when he's drunk.

Leave me be.

Look at this!

Just leave me be!

- Leave me be.
- Stop it, Morolt.

- Leave me be.
- We must go.

Leave me be.
Drink.

- Drink!
- No, Morolt. Let's go.

Leave me be.

Go on, drink.

Drink!

Stop it, Morolt!

Leave me be.

- Cognac.
- Cognac. Yes, sir.

Drink that.

- Drink it!
- No.

Don't stay.

- Come.
- Watch out!

Don't pull out the knife.
Take him to our place. Quick!

He still looks ill,
doesn't he?

The fever has abated.

With the herbs, he'll be
fine in three days.

He's handsome.

His face isn't from
these parts.

Don't talk.

Talking doesn't tire me.

But turning my head does.

You're lucky Anne's a healer
and knows about herbs.

- Who's Anne?
- She raised me.

My parents were Norwegians.
They had a boat.

They went sailing
just after I was born.

The doctor wouldn't let
them take me.

The boat capsized.

- Your parents drowned?
- Yes.

Like mine.
We're both children of the sea.

What's this Morolt to you?

He'll marry me.
And he'll k*ll me.

You're engaged
to that drunkard?

He thinks so.

How old are you?

My name's Nathalie.
I'm 22.

I'm 24.
My name's Patrice.

- Is that you, Anne?
- No, it's Nathalie.

- Feeling better?
- Well... yes.

But I still don't feel
very strong.

If you didn't walk Moulouk
he'd be sicker than me.

I'll miss him.

You're throwing me out.

You're not from the island.
You've recovered.

Anne has given you her room.

You'll soon be back home...

and this knife business
will seem like a bad dream.

You're not from
the island either.

Me...

Wouldn't you like
to leave this island?

That Morolt?
This bad dream?

Wouldn't you like
to escape all this?

Secretly...

Sail across the water...

Marry a man
who's worthy of you...

And be alive...

You're not alive here.
You're dead.

You'd have a castle, a car...

servants, trees, roads,
animals, money...

love.

You're very intimidating,
you know.

I had to pluck up courage
to make this odd proposition.

You're crying?

No, I'm not crying.

Listen, Nathalie.
Listen to me.

Will you listen to me?

I have an uncle
who looks younger than us.

He's a delightful man.
And I want...

I mean... I'd like
you to become his wife.

Nathalie.
Nathalie, what's wrong?

Answer me, Nathalie.

What are you doing here?

I have a score to settle.

- Is he up there?
- Yes, he is.

Go on up.

- It annoys you, doesn't it?
- Me? I couldn't care less.

You'd like to protect him.

You're too stupid, Morolt.

Talk then,
if you're so clever!

I thought we had agreed
to get married.

So?

You don't get married
with handcuffs on.

I want to smash his face in.

Settle your scores later.
Don't make a scene here.

His uncle owns
the whole island, understand?

Then he must go.

He's leaving tomorrow.
Then we can get married.

- Is that true?
- It's true.

- What if I k*lled him?
- So? I hate him.

You'll have plenty of time
to get even.

- Then kick him out.
- Tomorrow.

- Agreed?
- Agreed.

Go now.

Still, I would have loved
to smash his face in.

Why did you run away?

I thought you were making
fun of me. I was stupid.

- Well then?
- Well what?

You haven't given me
an answer.

Why would your uncle
marry me?

Because he'll love you
when he sees you.

Will you accept?

- Yes, I will.
- I knew I'd be in luck.

I'll describe Uncle Marc
and the family.

- Later. We're leaving tonight.
- We can't.

A fisherman I know
will take us.

Wait at the headland.
I'll meet you in an hour.

- Has he gone?
- Yes.

I'm so sad to be
leaving you, Anne.

So you'll marry his uncle?

I'm sick of poverty.
I'd hate to marry Morolt.

And...do you think
you'll love this uncle?

Who cares?
I want to leave the island.

You don't think it matters.
I don't agree.

- What are you doing?
- Listen, darling.

I want to ask you something.

It says "poison"
so that no-one touches it.

- What is this?
- I don't care if you laugh.

It's a herbal potion.

Those who drink it
love each other forever.

My poor Anne.
I don't believe in herbs.

Be happy and promise me.

I don't believe in them
but I promise.

I find the label amusing.

I'll look like I'm poisoning
myself and my husband.

Nathalie...

There's... something else
I want to confess.

You'll find me
so ridiculous.

When you left the room
and slammed the door,

and I was left by myself...

I thought... I mean...

I was silly enough to think...

that you thought
I was proposing to you, myself...

rather than on
my uncle's behalf.

You're five years old.

Can you imagine me
in that castle?

I can see you there.

Patrice...

Take me back
to the island.

Hold on tight.

Uncle Marc, Nathalie.

- What are you doing?
- I'm making ties for flies.

That's insane.

What is it this time?

Will you answer me!

It's Patrice with a lady.

And Uncle Marc
is holding her hands.

- What are you talking about?
-No one ever believes me.

Gertrude.

What is it?

What's going on here?

Views of the estate.

You'll hear frogs.

These stairs lead up
to Uncle Marc's room.

He occupies
the whole right wing.

-Do you like Uncle Marc?
- He seems very kind.

You're still to meet
the burlesque troupe.

Here's your bathroom.

Your medicine chest.

Snake bites, mosquite bites
and other family bites.

And of course, arnica
for bicycle falls.

All my childhood.

I'll let you rest.

We'll drive to town tomorrow
to buy anything you need.

Are you happy?

Tell me, Patrice,
is he a real dwarf?

His mother thinks
he's a very big dwarf.

But he's unmistakably
a dwarf.

You'll get used to it,
you'll see.

- Are you sleepwalking?
- Sorry, I was thinking.

- What's going on?
- Nothing.

- Are we having guests?
- No, just a friend of Patrice's.

He's showing her
around her room.

Edith's room?

I don't want it
to remain a dead room.

And this friend
of Patrice's...

is just a friend?

A friend.

I'll never be good at chess.

Because you're not
paying attention.

Nathalie...

Isn't youth beautiful?

Look at them, Marc.

This old castle
is coming alive again.

I love that.

Nathalie, it's your turn.

- I can't follow it anymore.
- Giving up?

I'll go back to my room.
I'm so tired.

- I'll walk you back.
- No, Patrice.

Stay here. Nathalie
doesn't need anybody.

Good night.

Maybe we could...

I think I'll follow
the young lady's example.

I will too.
I'm so tired.

Good night.

Stay here.

I must talk to you.

I'm going to marry
Nathalie.

I'm going to marry
Nathalie.

What? I don't believe it.

Doesn't the age difference
bother you, my poor Marc?

Nothing you say
can change anything.

I've made up my mind.

- She played her hand well.
- Gertrude...

- This person is an old friend?
- A childhood friend.

I met her when
she was Achille's size.

Let's go, Am?d?e.

- You don't regret anything?
- What is there to regret?

For me, it's incredible.
Let me get used to it.

- What about me?
- To you...

to this castle, this life
which is all new to me.

Alone at last.

- What a comedy.
- What a tragedy.

Stop chewing your gloves.
Take them off.

Go and shut the window.

All we have to do now
is pack up and leave.

- And go where?
- How should I know?

We no longer belong here.

They'll make it clear
soon enough.

- I would fight.
- That's a likely story.

What you call fighting
is being a parasite,

putting up with being degraded
and ruined.

Achille, come here.

Do you like your new aunt?

Of course.

Darling, we'll have to
keep our eyes open.

When I fight, I fight.

Patrice loves the girl
and marries her to his uncle.

It's revolting.

But let's smile, Am?d?e.
Let's smile...

Achille will keep an eye
on the couple.

- Are you listening, Achille?
- Yes, Mummy.

Try to catch them in the act.

We'll enlighten poor Marc
and that'll be that.

Why involve Archille?

Fight, my friend! Fight!
But let me fight my way.

- Wait here for me.
- How long will you be?

- About an hour.
-Charming evening.

I'm not leaving
until the storm passes.

- My poor child is all alone.
- Nathalie's there.

He must be terrified, like me.
He won't leave his room.

- I doubt it.
- Meaning what?

- The house is his to play in.
- "Play" describes it nicely.

There you are.

The family picked their day
to go to town.

Put another log on.

Do you know how to?

Nathalie, you're not
fond of me.

- What are you saying?
- You're not fond of me.

- I'm fond of your uncle.
- Of course. That's different.

With me, you're always
on the defensive.

- Me?
- Yes, you.

Nathalie, you're sad.
You're not happy.

I have a sad nature.
I'm happy.

Then cheer up!
Do silly things!

- When do you do silly things?
- Right now if you demand it.

I demand it.
Go on, I'm ready.

How about drinking
lots of alcohol?

- So you see me tipsy?
- No, merry.

Drink alcohol if you must,
but I won't have any.

I'll concoct something magic
for you.

- Got you!
- Let me go! You're hurting me!

Stealing cognac!
You came in through the vent.

- You're drunk, you pig!
- I wasn't drinking. Let go!

Why should I waste my time?
Get out of here!

- Here's enough for much folly!
- I'm filled with admiration.

So you should be.

- Were you bored without me?
- Not at all.

Thank you.

- How very talented.
- Very.

- Not for me.
- It's not strong.

I hate alcohol.

Didn't we say
we'd do silly things?

With me.
Drink it all in one go.

- To your happiness.
- You're impossible.

- Hooray! She's drunk it.
- Don't treat me like a fool.

What's the point
of getting drunk?

No point at all.
That's the beauty of it.

Can you see
the ceiling dancing?

- The fire's dancing.
- It's the ceiling.

It's the fire.

It's the ceiling.

- What's happening to me?
- You've been drinking, like me.

We should drink more often.
It's marvellous.

It's not marvellous, Patrice.

And at the same time
it is marvellous.

Now you see
I can do silly things.

Patrice, I'm scared.

- Are you scared of the storm?
- No, not the storm.

But I'm scared.

Say nothing for a moment.

The house was nearly
struck by lightening then.

As a child, I loved
that picture of Franklin...

chasing away lightning
with a whip...

as if chasing a dog.

I'll chase it away too.
I won't let it come near you.

Nathalie...

It's you...

It's you.

We're very lucky.

What is it?

Nothing...

But we were lucky.

My God, it's dark here!

Anybody home?

What a storm.
I'm soaked.

Take off your coat.
You'll get sick.

And I'll have to nurse you.

Where's Achille?

I don't know.

- What are you doing there?
- Me?

I was drying myself.

If I were you Marc,
I'd keep an eye on Patrice.

Is that you?

You're scaring me.
Are you sick?

Yes, Patrice.
I think I'm sick.

What's wrong?

You shouldn't have
made me drink.

Don't tell me a few drops
of alcohol made you sick.

It wasn't just alcohol.

If it had been poison
I'd be sick too.

Patrice...

I refuse to believe in
such an absurd thing.

- But it does scare me.
- What does?

Achille gave us a herbal
potion which Anne had made.

She was afraid
I wouldn't marry for love.

Do you really believe
in these old wives' remedies?

You don't, Patrice?

Well, no. It takes more
than that to be poisoned.

I wonder...

I don't know...
I don't know any more...

I wanted to know if
only I was feeling this way.

You can be reassured now.

Yes, Patrice.
I'm reassured.

- Totally reassured.
- Go back to your room now.

What would Marc think
if he found you here?

Where have you been?

- You scared me.
- Why be scared?

I couldn't sleep.
I was walking in the corridors.

You seem to be a bit edgy.

And Patrice seems
a bit edgy too.

I'll probably have to
send Patrice away.

We can't let ugly rumours
spread, Nathalie.

We can't let people talk.
Gertrude is frightening.

Get some sleep.
We'll forget all this.

Things will sort
themselves out.

- I'm sure you're right, Marc.
- Sleep, my angel.

Good night, Marc.

Having trouble sleeping?

- I was smoking.
- You never smoke.

- Uncle...
- Listen, Patrice.

I won't allow people
to attack you or suspect you.

So don't try to justify
or defend yourself.

I don't believe
those rumours.

But people here
are very mean.

I won't let them sully
Nathalie's name.

- She's very young.
- Yes, Uncle.

You used to disappear
for weeks on end.

You went riding, camping,
hunting...

Go, as usual.
Without saying any goodbyes.

Yes, Uncle.

We just can't allow
nasty remours to spread.

We can't

- Is that you?
- It's me. Quick, listen.

Meet me at midnight
by the spring.

Are you listening?
It's serious.

- I'll be there.
- Go back inside.

It's very bright tonight.

Don't come nearer, Nathalie.

It was stupid of me
to ask you to come.

The Frossins are trying
to discredit us.

Marc wants
to send me away.

I beg you
to plead my cause.

Marc believes you.

So you must make him
see the truth.

Yes, I know...

You don't like me much.

But as you've come...

Help me.

You must trust Marc.
He'll see through calumny.

And there's no need
to meet me out here.

What we have to talk about
is no secret.

Farewell.

Uncle Marc...

Did you see them?

I'll never forgive you.

- Where are they today?
- Having a picnic.

A picnic...

It has been going on for
two weeks, with Marc's blessing.

- It's beyond words.
- Your turn, Mummy.

Well, they're careful
in front of him.

Marc must be told somehow.

- I know a way.
- What way?

You look so cheerful.

- She hates my driving.
- A public menace.

I'll be back in three days.
I'll send you a telegram.

Mrs Frossin is waving
goodbye, sir.

It's you...

It's me, Nathalie.

- You're mad, Patrice.
- Yes, I'm mad.

I'm mad and I believe
you were right.

We've been poisoned.

But the poison's beautiful,
Nathalie.

Patrice...

We've been poisoned.
It's marvellous.

There's nothing we can do.

Patrice...

Nothing we can do.

You can't stay in this room.

What if I did stay?

Sometimes, one walks back
after driving off.

Sometimes, one doesn't have
the upper hand.

Leave us, Gertrude.

Uncle...

There's nothing to explain.
Go back to your room.

You'll hear my decision
in the morning.

First of all, there's no need
for explanations or tears.

Patrice, you're leaving
the estate.

I'm not turning you out,
but I'll avoid you.

I've arranged for you
to leave today.

- You...
- Uncle, I must...

I'd appreciate it
if you didn't interrupt.

You're going back
to your island.

To the house
where Patrice found you.

- Marc...
- Gertrude will drive you.

I couldn't have found
a better escort.

- You'll leave today.
- Not to the island, Marc.

There's a drunkard who wants
to k*ll me. You can't...

You handle men very well.
I've made up my mind.

You're going back there.

Arguing would be
painful and pointless.

You're free, Patrice.

Nathalie stays in her room
till she goes.

Farewell, Marc.

This car is going to explode.
What's wrong?

- It's smoking.
- I can see that.

A breakdown. How pleasant!
Right in the sun, too.

- We'll have to wait.
- This isn't a main road.

Put your hanky on your head.
I took a short cut...

- Mummy! A car.
- We're saved.

Sir! Sir!

- Mummy... It's Patrice.
- What?

- Problems?
- What are you doing here?

- Playing hero, Aunt.
- Right. We'll swap cars.

Wrong.
Don't touch me! Achille!

Why scream?
I won't hurt you.

And Achille knows
he'd better keep quiet.

- He's mad.
- Sit down.

How dare you!
I represent your uncle.

- But so badly.
- He's completely mad.

You're his accomplice.
You'll be sorry.

Achille, get out!
Go after them!

No, don't get out!
Assassins! Louts!

- How are you feeling today?
- Fine, Patrice.

You were asleep...
without me.

Like a little girl.

Were you dreaming?

Ever since we ran away,
I've dreamt about the present.

And when I wake up,
I think I'm dreaming.

But I don't know
the people in your dreams.

The people in my dreams
know you.

You're freezing.

- Yes, I'm a bit cold.
- I'll make a fire.

Moulouk, remember
to shut the door!

A walking forest.

- I'm causing you such trouble.
- Lots and lots.

Patrice...

- What are we going to do?
- Light a fire.

What have I dragged you into?

With that job in town,
we'll find a place to hide.

You must get better.

Patrice...

I'm so scared
of becoming ill...

and showing you a face
that would frighten you.

A face you wouldn't
love anymore.

You must feel much worse
than you ever said.

You're feverish.

- It's my fault.
- It's our fault.

We were mad.

Yes, my love.
But it was beautiful.

And I wouldn't want
to live without it.

Patrice...

I'm so selfish.
I'll go into town now.

I'll be back tonight.

Patrice!

It's awful
to leave you alone.

I won't be alone.

I'll look after Moulouk.

Moulouk will look after you.
Moulouk!

Look after my sweetheart.

Patrice!

I won't be long.

I was expecting you.

I knew you'd been here.

I knew you'd come back.

I came last night
with thoughts of m*rder.

I watched you sleep...

and I was disarmed.

It would be better
if you followed me.

Take me away
as fast as you can.

Take anything you want.

There's nothing
for me to take, Marc.

I came here with nothing.

Will you miss this shack?

Take me away!
Quickly.

As quickly as possible.

Nathalie!

Nathalie!

Nathalie!

- Petrol?
- No.

- Repairs?
- No, I want to sell it.

- Know of any antique lovers?
- Talk to the boss.

I'm sorry to bother you.

Patrice!

- You run a garage?
- What's wrong with that?

It's not how I pictured you.

Well, lucky people own cars.
Unlucky ones own garages.

Have you seen my car?

It's a venerable age.

- You want to buy another one?
- Just to sell it. I'm broke.

- You? What about your uncle?
- We're on bad terms.

He's kicked me out.

- Because of those... dwarves?
- As well.

Great! An abandoned child.
Just our type.

- Whose type?
- My sister's and mine.

We're abandoned too.
Mum's joined Dad in Morocco.

She made me take on
this garage.

Now they don't look after us.
So we're like an old couple.

And where do you live?

- Nowhere yet?
- Stay here.

No, I'll find a room.
And I'll sell the car.

What about the Association
for Abandoned Children?

You're poor. I'm rich.
I own a garage.

I buy your car...
And everybody's happy.

- What is it?
- Police.

- You idiot.
- That's what it's like here.

Here's another
abandoned child.

Broke. Selling his car.
He'll stay in Mum's room.

Patrice.
My sister Nathalie.

I'll show you your room.

Come on.

Your room, sir.
Period style.

I don't know which period,
but it's Mum's style.

We have communicating
rooms.

If this style gives you
nightmares, wake me up.

- I'm most embarrassed.
- You can't be that stupid.

You'll get used to her ways.

We'll let you settle in.
Come, Nathalie.

Mum's drawers are empty
now she's dazzling Morocco.

My name surprised you.

- Don't you like it?
- You can't be that stupid.

He's learning!

- Will you be able to sleep?
- Yes, Marc.

- Do you need anything?
- No, Marc.

Or rather...yes.

I'd like to ask you
a favour.

I'd like to change rooms.

Change rooms? Why?

My eyes are
nearly always closed.

When I open them...

I get so tired, Marc.

I'd like to change rooms.

Yes, Nathalie. I'll organise
the room in the north wing.

It's smaller, more cheerful.
You can almost see the sea.

We'll move you tomorrow.

You're so kind, Marc.

What's wrong with her?

She misses her Patrice,
that's what.

The doctor thinks
she's very ill.

She'd fool any doctor.

She pretends she's dying
to soften Marc.

And it's working.

I have news of Patrice.

- You?
- I have, yes.

Useless as I may be.

- And what have you learnt?
- He lives in town.

With a mechanic...
and his sister.

A rather flighty sister
whom he's never seen without.

- So there.
- How do you know?

I occasionally go to town
to buy firearms.

So they've proven useful
for once.

- Tell me everything.
- That's all I know.

They form an inseparable
threesome.

It's even rumoured...

that Patrice will marry
the young lady.

That's terrific!

Surely they weld firearms
in a garage.

You're astonishing...

You're so gloomy.
What's wrong?

Nothing at all.

- I'll tell you what's wrong.
- I can't wait.

- You love Nathalie.
- What?

But you don't think
she's in love with you.

You're wrong.
I know her well.

- She's madly in love with you.
- You're nice, but silly.

Maybe so, but she loves you.
It's obvious.

- Then I should leave at once.
- Why?

If it were true, I couldn't
stay in her house.

You're so old-fashioned.

- What would your parents say?
- Dad wouldn't care.

And Mum called from the train
"Get married soon, Nathalie."

Not your average parents.

A customer.
Get rid of him.

I must sort all this out
with you.

- What a surprise!
- Hello.

Do you weld firearms
in this garage?

Nothing could be easier.

Are you a mechanic?

- No, a friend of mine is.
- I see.

Congratulations, then.
The big news was true.

- The big news?
- You're getting married?

- Me? Who told you that?
- Nathalie.

She was so happy.

She couldn't wait
to tell Gertrude.

And how is Nathalie?

She was unwell, but now
she's as fit as a fiddle.

She's nearly glowing.
She's putting on weight.

She does a magnificent job
looking after the estate.

She said
I was getting married?

She said: "At last
he's getting married."

"Marc and I
are much relieved."

So...I congratulate you.

- What is it?
- A firearm to weld.

This is a garage.

We don't waste time
welding firearms.

Okay. Don't get upset.
I'm going.

- You're not very polite.
- That's the way I am.

Goodbye.

Goodbye, Patrice.

- You know him?
- A bit.

What a bore.
Listen, Patrice.

- When will you understand?
- Understand what?

I know her best.
And I know you.

You love her, but you're
afraid she'll laugh.

So you pretend
not to notice her.

- You like her?
- I like her, Lionel.

I even like her too much.
Love is something else.

You're so complicated.

To like her is to love her.

Marry her and run the garage
with me! Perfect.

You have no family.
We are your family.

You can't wait for your uncle
to choose you a wife.

What do you say?

Things will follow
their natural course.

You like her,
that's the main thing.

- You do like her?
- Yes.

Come in.

- You?
- What do you mean?

You've been here two weeks.
You should be used to me.

I bet you find it odd to see me
in your room at night.

So you do think
I'm that stupid?

A little bit stupid.
But I was bored by myself.

I couldn't sleep.

Do you sleep well?

I sleep as much as I can.

I find sleeping
a waste of time.

Don't you love life?

Life doesn't love me.

What a nice thing to say.

I'm not talking
about the present.

Were you unhappy
at your uncle's?

Please don't ever talk
about that.

All right. I'll let
you sleep.

Give me a cigarette.

I always say the wrong thing.

I'm getting used to it.

You're improving.
You forgot to knock.

Come in.

What's the matter?
You want your cigarette back?

Listen. Slap my face
if I'm bothering you.

Is it true that...
you're in love with me?

Yes.

Do you want to marry me?

Yes.

Nathalie...

When shall we do
this foolish thing?

Very soon.
We wanted a holiday.

Let's do it then.

I know an island where we can
stay with a nice old lady.

Where is your island?

Fishermen live there.

Have you decided to stop me
from working all night?

No, but we've decided
to get married.

- You're grotesque.
- Grotesque.

We're going to
a deserted island.

- What do you think?
- We'll repopulate it.

That should be fun
with just the two of you.

Go and fight
somewhere else!

- Hasn't Patrice come down?
- He left an hour ago.

It's funny. When I see you
I think of Nathalie.

- Nathalie?
- My Nathalie.

The one who married
Patrice's uncle.

Yes, of course.

I had forgotten
her name was Nathalie.

- Where's Patrice?
- Your brother may know.

Here's a jolly fisherman!
With his music box.

- Have you seen Patrice?
- No.

He'll join us later.
I can't waste any time.

Every wedding needs a feast,
and every feast needs music.

Here's the music.

I'm off to catch
a ton of fish.

You beautiful girl.

This is great.
Coming, Nathalie?

I'll meet you at the boat.

Hurry up. This wedding
must stun the world.

Coffee's getting cold.

Patrice often mentions
his uncle and aunt.

- Do you know them?
- I don't know his uncle.

But I know Nathalie.

Mine...

I'd love to meet her too.

- Do you have a photo of her?
- You want to see her?

She's my aunt.

Don't tell Patrice
I showed it to you.

- Why?
- He'd scold me.

Young ladies do get
jealous of each other.

Young ladies.

It was taken in the sun
so you can't see her well.

But in the shade
she was radiating light.

She looked like a seabird.

Miss! Give me back the photo!
Give it back to me!

- Where's Patrice?
- He's not coming.

- Did he say that?
- No.

Lionel!

Patrice will never marry me.

Patrice? But the wedding
is tomorrow.

- We'll never be married.
- Why not?

It's simple.
Patrice doesn't love me.

What are you talking about?

Has he just talked to you?

No, because I haven't
seen him.

I haven't seen him
because...

even when I see him
and talk to him

he's invisible.

No, Lionel.

I'm sure of it.

Patrice lives
in another world.

Our happy-go-lucky attitude,
our gaiety, it irritates him.

He's even further away
when he's with us.

You're stark raving mad.
He loves us. He loves you.

That's why we're
on this island.

I'm not the one
he's seeking here.

It's not my name
he's calling.

He's seeking a ghost,
Lionel.

Do you want to see
the real Nathalie?

Here she is.

She's his uncle's wife.

I'm only the shadow of
that shadow of that Natalie.

It took me a long time
to understand...

- I'll break his neck.
- There's nothing we can do.

- I'll break his neck.
- No, Lionel!

Lionel!

Yes, sir. Morolt is dead.

And I'll tell you something.
He was missed.

Yes, sir.

They were proud of having
a fellow who scared them.

And as you can see...
I'm not too busy now.

People used to come here
to be scared by Morolt.

When he fell into the water
blind drunk...

people watched him drown.

No one tried
to get him out.

But the next day...
they were all so sad.

Explain.

Why? You know everything.

- I'll break your neck.
- Calm down, Lionel.

Why agree to marry my sister?

Because...I liked
living with you.

I liked you, Lionel.

I thought I'd get over it
that way.

What does this woman
mean to you?

Patrice...

Do you mind?

- What are we going to do?
- I disgust you.

I'd like to save Nathalie.

I'd like to save you.

I'd like...a miracle.

Lionel, this is the last thing
I'll ever ask of you.

I'd like to see Nathalie
just one last time.

Yes, that one.

To see her.
To let you see her.

Let's go to the castle
and hide.

If I can bear it...

and if it's true
she's forgotten me...

If it's true
and you see it is...

I swear I'll be strong.

I'll marry your sister.
I'll live for her alone.

- I'd do anything, you know.
- Let's sail off at once.

- You're a good man, Lionel.
- Do you mind?

It's not possible, Lionel.
Not possible...

No, it's not possible.

I get the message.

Come, Patrice. Come.

- Does it hurt?
- Never mind. Help me.

- We must get away from here.
- The b*stards.

Well?

He's asleep.

- I don't trust this short cut.
- Don't worry. I know the way.

We'll get out of here.

Patrice...

- We can't go on like this.
- I'm all right.

I want to make it back
to the island.

Put your arm
around my neck.

I'll make it to the island.

Everything seems normal.

But a shot was fired,
I'm sure of it.

Moulouk didn't even bark.
Some guard dog he is.

- Nothing!
- You scared me.

I didn't see anything.
I went all around the castle.

But Moulouk has disappeared.
He broke his chain.

Get Anne and my sister.
Tell Anne he's badly wounded.

Nathalie...

You're sufferng a lot.

Stay still.
Don't speak.

Nathalie...

You were here?

He's badly injured.
It was an accident.

- I'll explain.
- I'm not asking you too.

Nathalie...

Please, go and help Anne.
Hurry.

Be patient.
Anne is coming.

She'll look after you.
She'll make you well.

I'm going back.
His temperature's still high.

It has gone into his blood.
It's a nasty wound.

Don't you start crying!

I am not crying.

Lionel.

- Do you want anything?
- I want to talk to you.

- You musn't talk.
- Yes, I must, Lionel.

Listen. Come closer.

I'm afraid I may not
be able to talk later.

My head feels huge
and it's pounding...

Talk, then.

- Lionel, I'm very ill.
- It will pass.

No, Lionel.
I know I'm very ill.

Listen to me now.
I want to see Nathalie again.

- I must see Nathalie again.
- Calm down.

I don't want to calm down.
I want to see Nathalie.

You will. Now be calm.

I'll be calm when I see her.

Lionel, you're my brother.

You must go
and bring her back.

You must tell her
I'm very ill.

- I must see her before I die.
- You won't die.

I'm dying now, Lionel.

And I want to see her again.

- I'll go if you don't.
- You're mad.

Yes. yes, I'm mad.
I'm going mad.

Listen to me, Lionel.
I beg you.

Be reasonable and
I'll do anything you want.

Thank you.

Thank you, Lionel.

You must leave at once.

I can't die
without seeing her.

I can't.

I don't want to.

My uncle must be told
at once.

He couldn't possibly refuse.

She'd walk
to the ends of the earth.

- When are you going?
- At once.

Take the boat.

I'll hear the engine.
I'll recognise it.

If you replace the flag...
with one of her scarves...

Ask her to wear a white scarf.

I'll see it from afar.

Have you understood?

- Repeat it.
- If I bring her back...

I'll put a white scarf
on top of the mast.

Look after him. He's resting.

I must go
and tell his uncle.

- When will you be back?
- By tomorrow morning.

I must be off at once,
or his uncle could blame me.

Of course. Go.

The sea...

It's on the sea.

Can you see anything there?

Calm down, Patrice.
I'm with you.

Can you see anything?

It's dark, Patrice.
I can't see a thing.

Can you hear anything?

- Did you just hear something?
- Hear what?

An engine in the distance.
Listen...

- Don't get restless.
- I can hear the motor.

Your ears are deceiving you.

If you want to hear it,
lie still.

Nathalie...Are you there?

Nathalie?

Yes, Patrice. I'm here.

Can you see anything
on the sea?

Can you hear anything?

No, Patrice. Not yet.

You'll exhaust yourself.
You're bathed in sweat.

On the sea...

On the sea...

The boat.

Nathalie.

The boat.

It's the boat.

Nathalie.

Is that the boat?

Yes, this time it is.

Can you see it?

Answer me.

Can you see it?

Instead of the flag...

can you see a white scarf?

No.

I see a red flag as usual.

Why?

Look...again.

Look.

Look.

It's the usual flag.
The red flag.

Patrice, it's not true.
I lied. It's the white scarf.

I can't...

hold on to life...

any longer.

Patrice!

- You're exhausted.
- Let me go alone.

You won't have the strength.

I won't?

Lionel! It's awful.

Patrice.

I'm here, Patrice.

No one can reach them now.