"DEFENDANT, PLEASE RISE" "REHEARSAL ROSTER" "SEPTEMBER 15, 1929" "NOON:" "DRESS REHEARSAL STARTING WITH 4TH ACT" "It's nice to hear French music once in a while, isn't it?" "Yes, people must be getting fed up with jazz." "Stop!" "Is that your costume?" "No, they're fixing it." "They're redoing the feathers." "They're redoing the feathers?" "What about you?" "My pants are too small." "Your pants are too small?" "Are you sure?" "What do you do?" "What do you mean?" "In the show?" "Oh, I'm the water lily." "And you?" "I'm the crane." "Larivière!" "What'd I say?" "You have another bird coming in with a flower!" "They're new." "They weren't here yesterday." "So what?" "Birds on the right!" "Flowers in front!" "Or the audience will be lost." "As usual!" "Let's go." "Legris!" "Yes, sir!" "Let's go to the next act." "Yes, sir." ""My little angels," ""My little angels," ""Come to your mother's breast." ""And you, vile seducer," ""must face my sword to get her back." ""Don't you dare try to take him from me." ""He's my son."" "Don't mind me, they're old memories." "My Lady." "OK, girls, time for the 15th act!" "Legris!" "Yes?" "Ready?" "Yes, sir." "Let's go!" "Stop!" "Ladies, you're holding guns, not syringes." "Continue." "Larivière!" "Larivière!" "Off the stage!" "You're in their way." "Mr." "Bastien!" "Yes?" "Can't you get your girl to sing in tune?" "I tried, but there's nothing we can do." "Go on." "She's our silent partner's favorite." "Jules." "Yes." "This dress rehearsal is going to be painful." "It's almost 4 AM." "You should change your costume, dear." "Blanche!" "Costume change." "Yes, ma'am." "Legris!" "Next act!" "Clear the stage!" "Next act!" "Ready, Legris?" "Yes, sir!" "Let's go!" "It was a very long time ago." "You wouldn't believe me." "But I won't tell you, because you'll print it." "Don't be rude." "He's a journalist." "Quiet, André." "You wouldn't believe where we've been." "When I look back, it's been hard for André and me." "We've toured the country in unheated, 3rd class trains." "And dirty, stuffy rooms..." "Think he's interested in that?" "Of course he is." "Aren't you?" "See?" "Alright, then." "My husband and I met in a show in St. Étienne." "They paid us peanuts, so we didn't eat every day, as you can imagine." "Then there was Maubeuge." "The audience was on both sides of the stage." "We sang for the right side first, then the middle, then the left." "So the left side only heard the end!" "And Limoges!" "Oh, yeah!" "We weren't paid there either, just fed." "The lead actor did the cooking." "You can imagine the food!" "We also got coffee and postcard profits, which was nice, right?" "Yes." "You know..." "It wasn't always funny at the time." "I was lucky to have my husband." "He's very talented." "Much more so than me." "Be sure to add that." "No, don't." "Yes, add it." "Quiet." "Come here." "We've never left each other." "We've always worked together." "We kept each other's spirits up." "We'd tell each other our luck would change someday." "It sure did." "We're in Paris now." "Our act is very good, very original." "He came up with it." "I did." "He got the idea when we were in the country." "We love the countryside." "One day..." "There's no stopping her now!" "I have to see the conductor about the cut we made." "Fine." "Excuse me." "Give me a goodbye kiss!" "There!" "Do you love me?" "A little." "Don't be mean." "I adore you." "See you later." "Yes." "Sorry, what was I saying?" "What was I...?" "Right, the country." "We just love the country." "We always planned to buy a house when we would have enough money." "Quiet!" "They're doing a number." "André!" "Want some candy?" "André?" "André!" "Yes?" "Yes?" "Come in." "Have a seat." "Have a cigarette." "Did you practice with the orchestra?" "Yes, ma'am." "There's no need to call me "ma'am."" "We're alone." "Call me Yvette." "I'd like to, but it's a bit complicated." "You're not only the star, you're the director." "And there's my wife to think of." "She might not understand." "I don't want to hurt her under any circumstances." "It took you a while to come up with that!" "Do you love your wife?" "Of course I do." "Why wouldn't I?" "That's what I thought." "Ridiculous!" "I don't see how that's ridiculous." "I'm not the only man who loves his wife." "She didn't come down with you?" "No, she's in our dressing room." "A journalist is interviewing her about how she got started." "Have some champagne with me." "No, thank you." "Yes, it'll help with your act." "If you were a reasonable young man, André," "I'd have a proposition for you." "I'm a reasonable young man." "The boss has found a new guy!" "She can't help herself." "She has to try them all." ""André, I have a proposition for you."" "I know what kind!" "Goodbye, ma'am." "Goodbye." "Where's Ms. Gary's room?" "One floor down." "More champagne?" "No, thank you." "I have to do my act later." "About that..." "You know, André, you could be in my summer show." "We'd make a lovely couple." "You'd benefit from my name." "I have an idea for a sensational act, one people will talk about." "With your name next to mine, it could be your big break." "I run things around here, so just say the word." "Wouldn't it be nice, André?" "What do you think?" "I'm going!" "Ladies of Louis XIV's court!" "Do I have to drag you down the stairs?" "This is unbelievable!" "Got nothing to say?" "What do you think?" "I'm not saying no." "Obviously, it would be great." "Let's talk about it over dinner tonight." "A friendly dinner." "We'll talk it over." "It's a date!" "It would be a pleasure, but I really can't, because of my wife." "You don't have to tell her." "You'll see her afterwards." "Come to my place as soon as you're done." "No, I really can't." "Fine." "I won't mention it again." "Blanche!" "Quickly!" "This isn't going to work." "I'll be going, then." "You're so clumsy!" "It's not like that at all." "My legs have had enough!" "Well, I've had 12 costume changes!" "Isn't life grand?" "Shoot, I broke a nail!" "What time is it?" "2 AM." "We've been here since noon." "The 14th act is starting!" "The 14th act is starting!" "Ready, Gaby?" "We're up next." "They finished Louis XIV's Court and started Babylon Gardens." "It's about time." "I'm fed up with waiting." "The makeup is nice." "Pass me the matches." "I need to tell the orchestra about the cut we made." "I was going down to tell him, but..." "I got stopped on the way and I forgot." "We'll see." "It's just a rehearsal." "Wish we could get it over with." "Did you tell them about the lighting?" "I'm out of powder." "Can you pass me yours?" "You're awfully quiet." "What's wrong?" "Look at me." "What's wrong, Gaby?" "Did something happen?" "You went downstairs to see her." "Me?" "I heard you two." "She asked you to be her partner and you had champagne." "Then she shut the door, so I couldn't hear more." "You're crazy." "No, I'm not." "I heard you clearly." "She wants you, but she doesn't need you." "That's crazy." "Are you jealous?" "That's silly." "You know I love you." "I'm lucky to have you." "I'd be a fool to be with another woman." "Are you trying to hurt me?" "Haven't we been happy together?" "Do you want to ruin it all over nothing?" "Over nothing..." "I hate her!" "If she tries to split us up, I'll get her!" "Enough!" "Are you trying to make me mad?" "Come here." "Look me in the eye." "I love you, only you." "Hear me?" "Are you sure?" "Of course." "Don't be silly!" "We're going to be a huge hit." "Our act is great." "We're gonna make a lot of money." "I'll buy you that house in the country." "And if anyone talks about theatre," "I'll kick them out!" "So you won't talk to her again?" "No." "She's ugly." "And old!" "She's 42!" "The costume girl told me." "42?" "And have you seen her hair?" "It's not real." "It's a wig." "It's true, her dresser told me." "And that voice!" "There's nothing more grating." "Hardly anyone knows her name." "Well, maybe in a few places..." "I'm just telling you what I think." "And have you seen her legs?" "They're awful!" "You've got her all figured out!" "You won't talk to her again?" "No." "Promise?" "Yes." "I know you." "You can be weak." "Swear." "Of course!" "No, say "I swear."" "I swear." "Happy now?" "Get me a brandy, will you?" "A big one." "A big brandy?" "Yes." "Be right back." "A big brandy, please." "It's for my wife." "I don't want her to fall over." "Great, thanks." "Put it on my tab." "How's the act?" "Good, we're on soon." "It's always the same thing." "Take this and get my handkerchief." "Got my fan?" "Yes, ma'am." "What's this piece?" "A popular Argentinean song." "It's nice." "Yes." "That's a costume I could wear." "It'd be a change from feathers." "They always cover me in them!" "This is too long." "The audience will fall asleep!" "Give it a minute, dear." "It just started." "Who's that woman?" "I don't like her!" "It's an original act, though." "It's not bad." "Maybe with another actress." "My handkerchief, Blanche!" "She's still not back?" "What could she be doing?" "There you are!" "Thank you." "Stay close, I'll need you." "Did you close my door?" "Yes." "Did you lock it?" "Fine, then." "I can't do it!" "She won't stop talking!" "What did you say?" "I've had enough!" "You should leave!" "Calm down." "No, I won't calm down." "I heard her what she said about me." "Enough!" "Let me go!" "I don't like her either!" "I'll take notes from the director." "Everyone else should shut up!" "Let me go!" "She's jealous!" "Enough!" "She's jealous!" "Get out of here!" "I don't want her in the show!" "But the act is..." "Fine, I'll take her role." "Sure." "You'll see the difference!" "It's difficult." "That's the final word." "What am I to you?" "Everything!" "Cut the act or I'm taking her role." "So?" "What do you want me to say?" "Your wife is a problem." "We couldn't practice." "But what happened is a problem." "You can't cut our act." "It's sure to be a hit!" "I'm not the only one in charge." "Think about your losses." "There won't be any." "You'll get a severance." "That's not what worries me." "After all these years, we finally got to Paris." "What can I say, André?" "I feel for you, but there's nothing I can do." "Go talk to her." "I would if I were you." "Think so?" "It's worth a try." "Think it'll work?" "It's your only hope." "Fine, I'll try." "Oh..." "Don't tell my wife." "You know how she can be." "I'm counting on you." "Understood." "Looking for something, sir?" "Ms. Delys's dressing room." "End of the hall, then up the stairs." "Legris!" "Yes?" "Leave the set for tomorrow." "Very well." "Think I'm in for it with the girls?" "Don't worry, it'll work out." "Sure, it always does." "One way or another." "Come here, ladies!" "You're finished for tonight!" "Be back here at noon tomorrow!" "Yes?" "Yvette." "We're waiting on you." "I'm tired." "I'm going home." "Without dinner?" "Not tonight." "I'm going home." "See you tomorrow." "Goodnight." "You?" "Yes, me." "How?" "You already got out?" "Already?" "Guess the time flew for you." "I got out yesterday." "Why come here?" "Anyone see you?" "Is that you, Blanche?" "Yes, ma'am." "Don't come up." "You can go home." "Fine, ma'am." "Goodnight." "Nice welcome after being gone 5 years." "Cut to the chase." "What do you want?" "A little money." "I don't have any!" "I'm sure I'm in trouble." "Hope they didn't cut our act." "Your act is really good." "That's what made her mad." "Exactly." "That awful woman is jealous!" "I got it, Gaby." "Give her another so she stops." "I'm done, don't worry." "Thanks." "How's work, Mr. Bonneau?" "Not great." "You always complain." "Look at that face." "You'd think he was at a funeral!" "That's enough." "Not making enough money?" "OK, OK." "Look at these." "Hardly brandy glasses!" "More like thimbles!" "Want another?" "No, I'm done." "I have to see what happened." "It'll be fine." "As long as they didn't cut it." "They won't!" "That woman could do anything." "How much do we owe you?" "I got it." "It's on me." "No." "You always pay." "DON'T WAIT FOR ME." "GO STRAIGHT TO THE HOTEL." "I'LL BE BACK..." "You're a good friend, you know." "There aren't many in our field." "That's why I can't stand women." "See you tomorrow!" "See you!" "So what'd they say?" "It's going to work out." "She's not gonna get an apology." "Certainly not from me." "Absolutely not." "What's this?" "Where are you going?" "To see the boss." "Why?" "He thinks our act needs work." "What does that mean?" "I don't know." "Probably just a few cuts." "I'm having dinner with him." "You're lying." "You're seeing her!" "Come on!" "I heard you two earlier." "You're going!" "Gaby!" "You don't care about me or the act!" "That's ridiculous!" "I get it now!" "You arranged for her to make that scene during our act." "You wanted me to get upset." "It was all planned!" "I'm begging you." "Don't go, André." "Don't leave me alone." "I'm still upset about earlier." "You've got the wrong idea." "Please don't go, honey." "If you go, I don't want to ever see you again!" "Be reasonable." "I'm late, I have to go." "She'd better watch out." "She doesn't know what I can do!" "I'm going to talk about our contract!" "You don't care about the contract!" "I don't care!" "I don't care who hears me!" "She doesn't know what I'm capable of!" "André!" "André!" "Come in!" "I don't know, Mr. Larivière." "Have you seen the poster?" "Because I have." "I needed a microscope to find my name!" "That's awful, young man, just awful." "Say, Flamberger." "Do you remember the infamous parade in the last show?" "That night, the boss said," ""Larivière, you don't even know how to climb stairs!"" "Me!" "I've lived on the 6th floor for 30 years." "Young people know nothing about theater." "Nothing." "I played the lead in all kinds of plays in Carcassonne." "Let me tell you one thing." "It'll be beneficial to you, young man." "When I was in "Léonard ou les Égoutiers,"" "there was a chorus in act II." "Remember?" "The famous chorus!" ""Sewer workers are good men."" ""No one can refute that."" "That's what we sang back then." "It was at least as good as what they sing nowadays." "Where's the manager?" "On his rounds." "What's my boss up to?" "Everybody's gone at this hour." "It's always the same thing!" "I like theater, but I'm fed up!" "She's tough to please." "I get yelled at all the time." "Don't complain." "You have a good job!" "Think so?" "I'll wait until my Christmas bonus, then I'm quitting!" "Young man, theater is a thing of the past." "So are actors." "Did you see me in "Les Oubliettes du Vieux Louvre"?" "What a fond memory." "In "Le Crétin de la Montagne," I played the idiot, of course." "You should have seen the audience." ""Sire, I'm waiting for the ring."" ""To do what, Bertrand?"" ""To do what?"" ""To die on the day the Emperor dies."" ""They won't stain..."" ""these tears."" "If you'd only seen it, young man." "There isn't the same feeling anymore." "There isn't the same artistic satisfaction." "Think of the plays we did..." "Bonneau!" "He's not here?" "He's on his rounds, sir." "Larivière, tell him the fire department is coming tomorrow." "What's that?" "Help!" "A killer's on the loose!" "Help!" "Help!" "Help!" "Help!" "What's wrong, Bonneau?" "A killer!" "Who?" "Ms. Delys..." "in her dressing room!" "Call the police." "Is she dead?" "Yes." "How awful!" "Go take a look!" "Yes, sir." "Let's go." "Take the lead, Bonneau." "No, I can't." "There are 6 of us!" "Yvette Delys... muddled... molded...murdered!" "It's terrible, just terrible!" "She's in here." "There's blood!" "Oh, I can't look!" "Is she dead?" "Call the police!" "Looks like she defended herself." "Did it just happen?" "The killer must still be here!" "Was she strangled?" "Who's there?" "Don't say anything!" "Oh, it's you, Flamberger." "OK." "Yes." "Get the doctor." "Yes." "Was she strangled?" "No, there's a knife." "Don't touch!" "I'm not!" "I'm just looking." "That knife..." "What about it?" "It's Gaby's knife!" "Yes, from her act." "It does look like hers." "Impossible." "Don't touch!" "OK, OK!" "Hello." "Is this 2237?" "What?" "Is this 2237?" "Yes." "So, it's the theater?" "Yes." "Is Ms. Delys still there?" "No, she isn't." "She's not home, either." "Is this André?" "Yes." "What?" "We found Ms. Delys dead in her dressing room." "What?" "She's dead." "She was stabbed." "By whom?" "We don't know, looks like revenge." "I can't believe it." "Yes." "The knife looks like..." "Hello?" "Don't talk about it." "Hello?" "Hello?" "Hello, hello." "Get me the police station." "Gaby!" "Who are you?" "Let go!" "No need to yell." "Let go!" "Help!" "André!" "Let go!" "Help!" "Help!" "Help!" "Get her to police headquarters." "GABRIELLE DELANGE ACCUSED OF HOMICIDE" "We shall proceed with the cross-examination." "I advise you to follow the proceedings closely and to listen carefully to the charges brought against you." "Remember, each of your answers will carry significant weight." "Your parents lived in Bordeaux and loved you very much." "They spent a considerable amount to ensure you had an excellent education." "In spite of that, you left home without any explanation at the age of 16." "My authoritarian father wanted me to marry a man I didn't love." "To escape your father, you saw fit to run away with some 1,100 francs." "That proves 2 things, Gabrielle Delange." "Firstly, from a very young age, you rebelled against discipline." "Secondly, you already lacked scruples." "I've always regretted leaving..." "My father was inflexible." "I had to obey him or leave." "I tried to obey him, but the man I was to marry was an imposter." "I wanted to tell my parents, but my father refused to listen." "That's why I left, but the money was mine." "I'd been saving up since my childhood." "I'd like to inform the jury that the reasons given by the defendant are not true." "She, herself, would admit that her father did not believe her." "This proves that Ms. Delange was accustomed to lying from a young age and her father no longer trusted her." "I'd like the jury to take into account that this information about my client was taken from a few neighbors and should not be taken seriously." "Your Honor, would the defendant please remove her hat." "Let's move on to a later date in St. Étienne." "You met André Robert, with whom you now live." "You call him your husband, but you've never been married." "No, your Honor." "But you live together." "You're both dancers." "Let's skip over the years prior to your time in Paris." "You're currently preparing a pantomime act." "You wear a costume in it." "The costume includes a knife attached to your belt in a leather sheath, correct?" "Yes, your Honor." "Is it also true that in the pantomime, you use the knife frequently?" "And at the end of the act, you throw it with such precision that it pierces the chest of a dummy, which is supposed to represent your partner." "Yes." "Here are 2 established facts." "Please listen carefully." "On the night of September 14, rehearsals were underway at the Folies Montmartre for the winter show." "That night, you had a violent argument with the victim." "Shortly after, Ms. Delys was found dead in her dressing room, stabbed to death with your knife." "The weapon had been thrown at the victim with the same precision and accuracy as in your act." "Although gravely wounded by the knife that had pierced her, the victim tried to defend herself with a small revolver." "She shot one bullet at her assailant, later found in the paneling." "Yvette Delys was fatally stabbed and the killer got away, leaving your knife in the wound." "Gabrielle Delange, that killer was you." "It's not true!" "It wasn't me!" "It's a horrible accusation!" "Why did you arm yourself with a knife before going to the victim's dressing room?" "I wasn't armed with a knife, your Honor." "I had it on me when I left my dressing room." "It was part of my costume, but I didn't notice." "When I got to Ms. Delys's room, I didn't think about having it." "You didn't think about it?" "No." "Yet, you threatened the victim with it during your interaction." "No, I didn't threaten her." "I'm going to have to contradict you." "A witness who was passing by during your conversation with Ms. Delys claimed he heard someone yell," ""Throw this knife!"" "It's true, I threatened her, but only with words." "I swear, I never used my knife." "I'll explain." "I love my husband." "We're not married, but it's like we are." "We've been together so long." "We've had good days and bad days, but we're happy because we love each other." "I sensed this woman wanted to take him away, so I went to try to work things out." "I asked her what right she had to take him away from me, to shatter our existence." "I wanted her to promise to leave him alone, but she just laughed." "When I saw she was mocking me," "I lost my head." "I went towards her." "I might've made a gesture that she took as a threat." "But if I did, I didn't realize it." "I swear, I never threatened her with my knife." "Never!" "How can you explain it, then?" "When she screamed, I realized she was afraid of the knife." "So I threw it on the ground." "You've admitted you threatened the victim, but only with words." "What were those words?" "I don't remember exactly." "I was beside myself." "You don't remember." "That defense isn't new and it won't get you anywhere." "It's not a defense, your Honor." "It's the truth expressed by someone incapable of lying." "Or a convenient method for avoiding a question." "That's a sly use of psychology to sway the jury." "No, I'll leave it to you to make up stories that tug at the heartstrings of gossips." "Please note that the prosecutor has called the jury "gossips."" "The matter is closed." "I'll ask you for the last time to remember your words." "They were insults, whatever came into my head." "You don't always remember what you say in anger." "I knew my husband was at her place." "To scare her, I said I'd keep her from going there by force." "Once I said that, I stopped." "She said, "Are you crazy?" ""Why would I stay here if your husband's at my place?" ""Work it out for yourselves." Then she turned around." "I didn't know what to say." "I wasn't expecting indifference." "I didn't know how to answer." "I was upset, I didn't even have it in me to cry." "I thought I might faint." "So I left her alone and she slammed the door behind me." "You told investigators you couldn't remember what time you left the theater." "The building manager, Mr. Bonneau, claimed he saw you leave 10 minutes before the crime was discovered." "The crime was discovered at 4:05 AM." "So you must've left the theater at 3:55 AM." "That's impossible!" "I left well before then." "He must have lied!" "Why would he have lied?" "Because it's impossible." "I saw the time at the Quai d'Orsay train station." "It was definitely 4 AM." "It's more than a 5 minute walk." "You remember that now?" "Anyway, let's move on." "What were you doing at the Quai d'Orsay station at 4 AM?" "I was completely distraught." "I didn't want to go back to an empty room without my husband, so I walked around." "Near the Quai d'Orsay station?" "Yes, along the Seine." "Along the Seine?" "I was going to jump in." "You were about to kill yourself by jumping into the river, yet you noticed the time?" "Very impressive, ma'am." "It's the truth." "I was looking into the water when I noticed the clock's reflection." "It felt like someone was watching over me." "As I looked at it, the clock chimed 4:00." "So you immediately decided not to kill yourself?" "Why did you change your mind?" "I got scared." "You then went back to the hotel, where you were arrested." "That was about 5:30 AM." "What did you do in between?" "I walked around, trying to calm down." "Did you run into anyone?" "No, your Honor." "You walked around Paris for an hour and a half without running into anyone?" "You know that type of defense..." "WITNESSES FOR THE DEFENSE" "AFTER AN INTENSE INTERROGATION OF THE DEFENDANT," "SEVERAL WITNESSES TESTIFIED, SPEAKING HIGHLY OF THE VICTIM." "THE FINAL WITNESSES WILL TESTIFY TODAY." "A VERDICT IS EXPECTED THIS EVENING." "I must defend the defendant's rights." "I firmly believe in my client's innocence." "It was never a question..." "It's easy to be disdainful" "of the defense's rights!" "I'm respecting your rights." "Only in words!" "In deed as well!" "You only respect the form!" "You can't claim for an instant..." "Enough, Counselors." "It's been insinuated that the prosecutor has failed to respect the defendant's rights." "However, throughout this hearing, he has shown the utmost impartiality." "Your Honor, I commend the prosecutor for his impartiality." "The doctor has just described in detail how he believes the victim was struck with a large knife from 2 meters away." "The weapon was thrown with so much force that it caused a deadly wound to the thorax." "Dr. Louis, please look at my client." "Ms. Delange, please stand up." "I have a question for you." "You said the weapon was thrown with extreme force." "Given my client's physical stature, do you believe she's capable of throwing the weapon with such force?" "No, I do not." "Doctor." "Would you agree that, with sufficient practice, anyone, including a woman, could attain such force, particularly if that person was very angry?" "Yes, it's possible." "For the record, the prosecutor has claimed the crime could have been committed by anyone." "Provided they could throw a knife as skillfully as the defendant." "That isn't impossible." "Does the defendant have anything to add to this testimony?" "Does the jury, prosecution or defense have any questions?" "No, your Honor." "You're dismissed, doctor." "Call witness Georges Barreau." "Mr. Barreau, you testified earlier that as cashier at the Folies Montmartre, on the night of the crime, you brought the victim 20,000 f." "At her request, you brought that amount to her in her dressing room." "Can you tell us the exact time you were in her dressing room?" "Approximately 3 AM." "When you left her dressing room at 3 AM, did you run into anyone?" "Ms. Delange was on her way out." "She went right back to her room." "Did her attitude seem suspicious?" "Perhaps." "I didn't pay attention." "Did you notice a knife in her hand?" "I didn't have it!" "I didn't notice." "Ms. Delange, when you entered the victim's dressing room, did you see the money the cashier had given her?" "No, I wasn't paying attention." "The 20,000 f has never been found." "Mr. Barreau..." "At the dress rehearsal, which involved a number of people, some of whom may have questionable characters, did anyone see you bring the money to the victim?" "I put the money in my pocket and brought it to Ms. Delys, so no one could have seen me." "Your Honor, in the interest of getting to the truth," "I'd like to question Mr. Bonneau." "Call him in." "When the victim called you to send the cashier, what time was it?" "Around 2:30 AM." "Are you sure?" "Yes, sir, 2:30, maybe a bit earlier." "It couldn't have been." "Why not?" "I was in the theater at 2:30, watching the rehearsal." "On my way to my office to get my hat, I noticed it was 3 AM." "That's when I got the call." "Mr. Bonneau, we have a witness claiming it was 3 AM." "It couldn't have been." "That's when I was serving Ms. Delange at the bar." "She had 3 brandies." "She was very upset and angry." "She was saying, "That woman is jealous." ""I don't know what I'll do to her."" "You've already told us that." "You accused the defendant of a suspicious animosity." "However, one point has been contradicted by a witness whose honesty is above suspicion." "No more than his own!" "He's also under oath." "I won't allow anyone to question his honesty!" "Does the defendant have anything to add?" "Does the jury, the defense or the prosecution have anything to add?" "No, your Honor." "Call the next witness." "Larivière!" "Larivière!" "Your full name, age and occupation?" "Désiré Larivière, 74." "Occupation?" "Former lead actor in all genres." "Following that, a diction professor for 1 month, and, temporarily, assistant stage manager at the Folies Montmartre." "One has to make a living." "You live at 47 Trois-Couronnes." "You aren't a relative or employee of the defendant?" "Raise your right hand." "Do you swear to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth?" "I swear, your Honor." "Only "I swear."" "I swear." "Proceed." ""Beware, my son, of accusing the innocent." ""The gods, both fair and good, will look out for their defense." ""By uncovering the facts," ""judges and witnesses will discover the truth." ""The gods..."" "Excuse me." "Are you reciting verse?" "Exactly, your Honor." "It's in the second act..." "You're not on stage." "Tell us what you know about the crime." "Where were you on September 15 at 3 AM?" "Pardon?" "Where were you when the crime was committed?" "Pardon?" "Address the jury." "Er..." "On the night of..." "Where was I?" "That's a funny question." "On the night of..." "Oh, I remember!" "I was at the bar, having a drink with a friend," "Flamberger." "He's Alsatian, your Honor." "We were at the bar." "A drink from time to time takes the edge off." "It doesn't make you an alcoholic." "I was there with Flamberger." "He's also an artist, a great one, actually." "He hasn't been successful, but we're not all successful, your Honor." "Otherwise..." "Please stick to the facts." "Yes, your Honor." "I understand." "At the time, I was telling him a story about my past." "So, obviously..." "Er..." "Let's finish this up!" "Then what?" "Then what?" "That's it." "What do you mean?" "That's all." "That's all?" "Yes, your Honor." "That's all." "Oh, yeah!" "I was having a drink with Flamberger." "We were having a drink." "Then, all of a sudden, we heard screams." "That's the truth, your Honor." "We heard noises in the night." "Screams!" "Screams, I tell you!" "So, everybody went to look." "But I, your Honor," "I stayed back alone." "That's it." "And?" "And?" "That's all." "That's all you know?" "I swear." "Fine, take a seat." "Thank you." "No, thank you, your Honor." "Call the next witness." "Mr. Larivière..." "The judge certainly looked the part." "André Robert!" "André Robert!" "Your full name, age and occupation?" "André Robert, 30, artist." "Do you swear to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth?" "Raise your right hand and say, "I swear."" "I swear." "Lower your hand." "I swore you in because you aren't legally married to the defendant." "We're aware of your situation." "Please don't let your feelings for her impede the truth." "Proceed with your testimony." "I have nothing to say, your Honor." "I was..." "Address the jury." "I don't know what happened." "But I know she's innocent!" "She couldn't have committed this crime." "I know her after 8 years together." "Stick to the facts directly related to the crime and, again, address the jury." "I'm sorry, it's upsetting to see her this way." "I don't know" "I'd left the theater, but I know she's innocent." "We had an argument that night, a rather serious one, but it was my fault." "I know she gets jealous and I should've listened to her." "I hope she can forgive me." "It was my fault she was upset." "I'd like to repair things here." "Please forgive me." "I forgave you long ago." "This isn't your fault." "But if I'd told you the truth, if I hadn't..." "Please tell us what you know." "Your Honor, she couldn't have done this!" "That night, she tried to keep me from going." "If I'd listened, we'd have left together and you'd know she wasn't guilty." "You can't convict her without proof." "It wasn't me." "I didn't do it." "It wasn't me!" "This testimony adds nothing." "His protests can't refute the mounting evidence." "I'd like to remind the jury how often the defense has endured unjustified attacks from the prosecution." "My client..." "Your client is a great actress." "I'm sure some of her tears are real, but her exaggerated emotions are characteristic of her trade." "How dare you say that!" "She's in tears and has claimed her innocence since her arrest." "She keeps saying she didn't do it." "How can you say such a thing?" "Is her paleness acting too?" "And her tears?" "Her sobs?" "Her weight loss?" "Is that acting?" "You can't mistake her sincerity!" "Prosecutor, you're trying to sway this impartial jury to convict the defendant by trying to convince them all of this is acting!" "Do you have anything to add?" "Yes, I mentioned something during the investigation, but nothing's been done about it." "That night, I ran into a man hiding backstage." "Yes, you mentioned it during the investigation." "He was acting strange, like I'd caught him." "I asked him what he wanted." "He said Yvette Delys's room." "So I directed him." "And?" "Why haven't they found this man?" "No one else saw the man you claim to have met." "He was lurking about, looking worried he'd be caught." "What was he doing there?" "Why was he hiding?" "I'm sure he's the killer." "I've done all I can to find him." "I have people still looking for him." "Why go to Yvette Delys's room?" "Why hide?" "You've already asked these questions." "We couldn't find him." "But I saw him." "How do you know he's not the killer?" "You're here to answer questions, not ask them, Mr. Robert." "A full investigation was done." "You've done your best to find this man." "However, he hasn't been found." "If he can't be found, he likely doesn't exist." "You're excused." "Take the defendant away." "Hearing adjourned." "Will it be over tonight?" "It's likely." "There are a few more witnesses, but they've agreed to finish tonight." "Thanks." "It was a good show, very good, indeed." "However, it could've been better." "When we put on "Roger La Honte" in Nevers, there was a courtroom scene." "Of course, I played Noirville." "André!" "I think we found him!" "Nénette found him." "Come on!" "Where?" "I'll take you." "It's time!" "Is it him?" "Yes." "Come on!" "Let's go!" "Why are you looking at me like that?" "It's him!" "He's the killer!" "No, I'm not!" "I don't know what you're talking about." "You don't?" "No." "Remember me from the theater on the night of the crime?" "It wasn't me!" "You're coming with us." "Where?" "Court!" "What for?" "You're the killer!" "No, I'm innocent!" "She says she doesn't know, that she doesn't remember." "Regardless of what the defense says, this isn't about psychology." "That girl is a killer!" "She killed out of cowardice." "She ran into the shadows, forgetting about the weapon, the weapon she'd thrown so forcefully, which penetrated so deeply, it killed the victim instantly." "The victim's death was swift and rapid." "She's not only a killer, she's also a thief!" "Gentlemen of the jury, you're about to hear a defense argued by a lawyer who raised the pitch of this hearing." "He'll likely talk about passion over reason and blinding jealousy." "He may even allude to the specter of judicial error." "Don't let him instill doubt in you." "You've brought here a respect for justice and the strength of your opinion." "I ask you to resist sentimentality." "Remember, Ms. Delange is, and always has been, an actress." "Her claims of innocence, her tears and her lies are all an act to try to sway you." "Moreover, this woman didn't even come up with an alibi." "She's too smart not to think her lie would be discovered." ""It wasn't me." "I didn't do it." "I'm innocent."" "Lies!" "This woman is a liar!" "She's tried to appear mysterious in an attempt to create doubt in your minds." "Don't fall into her trap." "Weigh the evidence and find her guilty, as she deserves by answering yes to the questions you're asked." "Justice must prevail." "The truth must come out." "Do not be trapped into feeling pity or mercy." "We live in a time when too many take justice into their own hands." "Don't confuse pity with weakness." "The killer is here." "A weak verdict on your part would mean a breach in the ramparts built to protect our society." "Your weakness would only encourage future crimes." "I've fulfilled my duties." "I ask that you do the same." "Now for the defense." "Your Honor..." "Before giving my closing argument," "I'd like to call a new witness, of whom we were just made aware." "Sir, the hearing is over." "Yes, but the verdict isn't in, so the debate is still open." "His testimony may have a major impact for my client." "Prosecutor, do you object to hearing this new testimony?" "No, I do not." "Call the witness." "Your full name, age and occupation?" "Henri Capelle, 41." "Occupation?" "None." "You're not a relative or employee of the defendant?" "I didn't swear you in because you weren't on the witness list." "The jury will only use your testimony for informational purposes." "What do you know about the crime committed at the Folies Montmartre?" "I don't know anything." "Where were you on the night of September 14?" "I was home." "That's a lie, your Honor!" "He's the man I saw backstage!" "Remain quiet or I'll clear the room." "You said you were home." "Where do you live?" "I live at 18 Goutte d'Or." "But at that time..." "At that time?" "When the crime was committed, I wasn't home." "You should be careful what you say." "You seem unaware of the serious allegations made against you." "You were seen in the theatre on the night of the crime." "You appeared to be hiding." "Yes." "I might as well spill it." "It'll do me good." "I went to the theatre that night to see Yvette Delys." "She was my wife." "Your wife?" "Yes." "We were married 12 years ago." "She didn't want anyone to know because as a successful actress, it would hinder her from building her career, etc." "Anyway." "It was fine with me because she brought in a lot of money." "I didn't have anything to do with the crime, though." "If you're innocent, as you claim, in spite of being seen near the victim's dressing room and clearly being sought after, why didn't you go to the authorities on your own?" "I can explain." "I know the justice system." "After 5 years in prison, you learn a thing or two." "I figured if I came forward..." "Since I was seen in the area the night my wife died and I have a police record, and all that, they'd pin it on me for sure." "They wouldn't believe me and I'd be finished!" "I'm not impressed with your opinion." "And you should watch your language." "Let's move on." "You claim you went to your wife for money." "Did she give you any?" "Yes, 5,000 f." "The theater cashier claimed he gave her 20,000 f." "I'd asked for 20,000, but she only gave me 5,000." "I said it wasn't much and I'd be back soon." "So, the victim kept 15,000 f?" "Yes, she put it on her vanity." "If I were dishonest, I could've swiped it all." "Did you see the manager when you came in?" "No, he wasn't at his desk." "He wasn't at his desk?" "Your Honor, I'd like to question the building manager." "Call Mr. Bonneau." "Did you ever leave your desk the night of the crime?" "I watched a bit of the rehearsal." "You're in a position of trust." "You're supposed to guard the artist entrance." "You left to watch the show rehearsals?" "I'm not impressed with how you handle your job." "You could be accused of being an accessory to the murder." "Me?" "What do you have to say?" "I don't know." "You asked so many questions." "I don't speak as well as you." "I didn't understand half of it." "You didn't?" "No." "Then I'll make myself clearer." "Here's another question." "The witness here present, whom you didn't see come in." "Did you see him leave?" "Yes." "Pardon?" "You saw me leave?" "Of course." "I was already back at my desk." "You were at your desk?" "Yes." "I saw you when you left." "You're a liar!" "How could you see me from your desk when I left through the public entrance?" "How's that?" "My wife didn't want anyone to see me." "She took me through the theater to the main entrance on the street." "How could you see me, then?" "How can you explain that?" "Perhaps I'm mistaken." "Where were you?" "I may be mistaken." "Maybe I was on my rounds." "You discovered the crime on your rounds?" "Yes, your Honor." "When I got to Ms. Delys's room, the door was ajar and the lights were on." "I waited a minute, but I didn't hear anything." "I thought she might've left with the lights on." "So, I knocked on the door and went in." "That's when I saw her with the knife on the floor." "She didn't move." "I got scared and ran to get the others." "You said all that before." "Excuse me, your Honor." "You said the lights were on when you reached the victim's room?" "Yes, sir." "Then how could they be off when the driver went in?" "What?" "He claims he had to use the flashlight he had in his car." "I have another question." "You must've heard a gunshot on your rounds." "It's been established that the victim shot her assailant before being stabbed." "The bullet was found in the paneling." "You didn't hear a gunshot?" "No, I didn't hear anything." "Really?" "You were very close by." "I'm hard of hearing, sir." "It's not an important detail." "Your Honor, I'd like your permission to perform a reenactment of the crime." "This is a sketch of the victim's room." "I strongly object to this last-minute demonstration." "This isn't a theater, it's a French courtroom!" "The defense is overstepping its bounds." "Prosecutor, you cannot restrict the defense's rights." "Your own rights may be restricted, but a lawyer's rights may not." "The average lawyer puts his energy into his argument, but it's in the hands of his adversary." "It's his right and I won't allow it to be compromised!" "My client's freedom and, perhaps, her life are at stake." "I'm about to save her and have her charges dismissed." "She's not a criminal and I'll prove it." "Gentlemen of the jury, this is the scene," "the scene of the crime the witnesses testified about." "the scene only the killer knows about since he fled it." "He fled unseen and escaped punishment for his crime." "I'll present you with the scene right now." "I'll go back to the night of the crime." "I'm backstage at the theater, deserted at this time of night." "It's full of dark corners." "I'm walking behind Yvette Delys." "She's undressed, wearing only this kimono." "She's leading her husband, who she wants to hide, to the exit." "He escapes unseen." "Yvette Delys then heads back towards her dressing room." "She walks down the same dark hallways to her brightly lit dressing room, where she'd left the money, the 15,000 f we talked about earlier, foolishly left on her vanity." "The 15,000 f attracts one man's attention." "He sees the bills through her open door." "He's fascinated by and drawn to them." "Thinking he's alone, since he doesn't hear anything, he tiptoes his way in." "Holding his breath, he takes the money." "He wants to make a run for it, but he hears a noise." "It's the victim's footsteps heading towards the room." "What can he do?" "He'll be caught!" "He rushes into the back room, which doesn't have a door." "That's when his eyes fall on a knife." "This weapon, which the defendant foolishly tossed." "This weapon, left there, as if by evil design, was at his fingertips." "Yvette Delys suddenly comes back into the dressing room." "She walks into the back room, unaware of the danger." "Suddenly the lights go out." "In the darkness, she can't see anything." "She only hears her heart racing with fear." "A minute passes, then several more." "Then she hears footsteps." "He brushes past her as he runs to the door." ""Who's there?" she cries." "No answer." "She has a feeling that someone, perhaps armed, is hiding in the shadows." "So, she grabs her revolver." "Would you take this, please?" "She points her ivory-handled revolver into the dark, in the direction of the noise she heard, and she shoots." "He's the killer!" "I remember doing a court scene in a play in St. Amand back in 1876." "Yes, sir." "I was young and handsome then..." "THE END" "Translation:" "Jennifer Donovan TV5 Québec Canada"