"Pathé is proud to distribute... and Arena Films is proud to present a movie with sound, speech and song, with Mesdemoiselles" "Sabine Azéma, Isabelle Nanty," "Audrey Tautou, and Messieurs" "Pierre Arditi," "Darry Cowl," "Jalil Lespert," "Daniel Prévost, and Lambert Wilson in an operetta by André Barde and Maurice Yvain..." ""Not on the lips."" "this begins ONE AFTERNOON in AUTUMN, 1925..." "MADAME GEORGES VALANDRAY will receive GUESTS AT HER HOME" "ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20." "TEA, PORT, bridge." "Oh, when the lady of the house" "Shows no nous" "And when you come to call she's out and about" "Although she asked us with such glee" "Here for tea" "Lord, how forgetful she can be!" "So how on earth can one save face in that case" "And what to do for Heaven's sakes with these cakes," "The wonders set for today's spree" "That we see" "Pride of Battenberg and Dundee?" "Gilberte's forgotten us today I think Gilberte could not care less" "Or perhaps love's gotten in the way" "She has a man somewhere, I guess ls it Faradel or Charly" "She meets at a hotel?" "No, Faradel is too ugly" "That poor man, Faradel" "Ah ha, I see" "You're talking of me I can't say I'm sad lf your thoughts are bad" "'Bout a man who's here" "You call him your dear lf a chap is here" "You call him your dear" "Some people say lf a chap's away" "He's fair game for sport" "And he'll know not aught lt may seem like spite" "But they are quite right lt may seem like spite" "But they are quite right" "Such maladresse" "From today's hostess ls ripe for attack" "Getting our own back" "What can she expect" "After such neglect?" "What can she expect after such neglect?" "When you criticize her" "Make sure you take care" "That despite your hauteur" "You've a pleasant air" "And that your slightest slur" "Seems like praise foursquare" "Play it grand, make a stand, keep it underhand" "When you criticize her" "Make sure you take care" "That despite your hauteur" "You've a pleasant air" "And that your slightest slur" "Seems like praise foursquare" "Pull in your claws and purr" "Smile before you glare" "But now let us take tea" "Let's take tea" "Let us serve up the torte" "And the port I'll keep the macaroons as round as full moons" "And the chocolate creams" "That fill up my dreams" "Guess what I have just seen" "Oh, what can he have seen?" "Such great bargains and buys" "Where can one find such buys?" "And at all the counters" "But where are the counters?" "And on every shelf" "Tell us, where is that shelf?" "Down at Selfbury and Co." "There a-shopping we'll go for satin and pure silk" "And fabrics of that ilk" "For fine, bright bengaline and for light mousseline" "We ladies can't be blind to bargains of that kind" "Down at Selfbury and Co." "There a-shopping we'll go for lace and organdie" "Bright madras and paisley Shimmering gold brocade" "And bombazine with braid And nice, warm astrakhan" "And next summer's gingham" "Down at Selfbury and Co." "There a-shopping we'll go for the warmest cashmere" "That we all hold so dear" "Pongee and messaline" "Tartan and velveteen" "For mohair and nankeen" "And for lustrous sateen" "On offer just today" "Dear Gilberte is away" "So you may as well go" "So we may as well go" "Without letting her know" "And we'll just sneak out" "When the lady of the house shows no nous" "And when you come to call she's out and about" "Although she asked us with such glee" "Here for tea" "Lord, how forgetful she can be!" "Forgetful she can be!" "So how on earth can one save face in that case" "And what to do for Heaven's sakes with these cakes" "The wonders set for today's spree that we see" "Pride of Battenberg and Dundee?" "They've all gone, as you see" "So we see!" "And so now you can flee" "Let us flee!" "Let's be gone Far from this salon" "And so be gone!" "There are no bargains at Selfbury and Co." "I bargained on the bargains to rid myself of that little chorus line." "Now that we're alone together, let's carry on." "Good afternoon, Mademoiselle." "How are you today?" "What do you care, Faradel?" "Everyone knows that you're not interested in young girls!" "Here you are, teasing me already!" "Are you here without Madame Verberie?" "Of course." "Mother goes her way and I go mine." "She knows that I'm perfectly capable of defending myself." "And even attacking." "Dear Faradel, don't pester me, you won't have the last word." "Nor should I want to." "The last word with you is, "Marry me!"" "Marry you?" "Heavens, no!" "We all know Faradel's speciality:" "you take aim at married women and miss." "I beg your pardon." "Oh, come on, aren't you here hoping to woo the beautiful Gilberte Valandray?" "She's in your sights." "Bang, bang!" "Missed!" "Know why you'll miss her?" "Because you're out of date, my poor Faradel." "Out of date?" "Yes." "You woo them by attending to their every need, by sending gifts and, above all, by running errands." "Faradel, alias the taxi!" "Well!" "Well, that's all out of date." "It's simply not done, everyone knows that." "Such experience in one so young!" "You think young women are still like they were in my grandmother's day and age." "Don't deny it!" "I recall how in a pretty gown" "A shy, young girl could turn me upside-down" "Flirting held me in its thrall" "At a debs' ball!" "I like a different style lt may seem futile" "But it makes me smile I like to go skating" "Drink in bars, go dancing" "Who cares if it's shocking!" "I love the dances of my great aunt's day" "Partners held hands in a distant way I like a different style lt may seem futile" "But it makes me smile" "I have the feeling Madame Valandray has forgotten that she was supposed to be at home for friends today." "There's no need to stand on ceremony with friends." "Besides, Gilberte is a whirlwind, and a whirlwind doesn't run to a fixed schedule." "Her sister, Mademoiselle Poumaillac, is more like a whirlwind!" "Mademoiselle Poumaillac is a tornado." "I've never known such a turbulent spinster." "Perhaps that's what makes her turbulent." "Ah!" "That's Mademoiselle Poumaillac." "So I hear." "...and this for the laundry room." "How are you, my dear?" "It's lovely to see you." "How's your mother?" "I've left the large parcels in the motor." "Send the man down for them." "Good old Faradel!" "Ever loyal...ever precise..." "What have you brought us?" "l called to..." "My dear, those department stores... I was only there for an hour but I'm absolutely exhausted." "Guess whom I just met on the Boulevard Haussmann." "Pélissot!" "The man's the ghost of himself." "He looks a hundred." "His mistress has just left him." "I saw a darling little slip on Rue de la Paix." "Did he catch her in "flagrante delicto"?" "With ribbons along the hem and a lovely cut." "She was a little minx." "Darling, absolutely darling." "But you haven't had tea..." "We have, we have." "Honestly, why isn't Gilberte here for her at home?" "Her mind's never on what she's doing." "Pour me a drop of port." "I take port at tea, it's less debilitating." "You have an iron constitution!" "No, I'm less and less active." "I feel absolutely wiped out." "All right, Faradel, I'm listening now." "I called to bring tickets for a box, tomorrow evening." "At which theatre?" "The Cornmarket." "Isn't it in an old joiner's workshop out beyond the Bastille Square?" "That's the place, the audience sits on benches and, in crepuscular light, the actors, without sets or costumes, recite medieval mystery plays in the original Old French." "It's original, all right." "No one can understand a word." "It's all the rage." "Most interesting." "I'm sure we shan't miss it, but I believe my sister plans to attend tomorrow's premiere of Ratamu Pataga." "Ratamu Pataga." "What is that?" "You're the last to hear about anything, Huguette." "It's the opening night for the Lapland ballet." "The leading dancer is a seal." "Everyone who's anyone will be there tomorrow!" "Madame Valandray has tickets?" "I believe not." "May I hurry and get you a box, if there are any left?" "Don't go to the trouble." "l'd be delighted." "I'll be right back." "What a charming fellow, always ready to oblige." "Unusual for a taxi!" "A taxi?" "I call him the taxi because he's always running errands." "You little minx." "I always speak my mind." "How unwise of you." "If you're that demanding, you'll never find a husband." "I already have!" "Actually, I've chosen him but he doesn't know." "You secretive little madam!" "I'm here to seek your support!" "I'm all ears, my dear." "Who is it?" "Charly!" "Which Charly?" "Charles Brunner, the one we all call Charly." "You must be mad!" "l am, mad about him!" "He doesn't have a situation." "What?" "He's the head of a school." "Oh, yes, the chief competitor of the dada school, the cubisto-cuneiform school, known as coocoo for short." "Surely you don't plan to set up house on income from the coocoo school?" "I have enough money for two!" "Well, he is a very sweet boy." "I was simply exposing the rational objections, but I have nothing against cubism... and I love to handle matters of love." "That's quite rare for a..." "Stop." "You were going to say for an old maid." "I hate that term." "Firstly, I'm not old... and if I'm still a maid, it's against my will." "But enough of that." "I'll talk to Charly for you, I promise." "Without naming me." "I can imagine..." "Here's my sister at last." "Yes, Juliette, you're late and I can't abide people who are late." "She's the one accusing others of being late now." "Hello, Huguette!" "Where the devil have you been?" "I was just at the Spherists' exhibition, the Supercubists..." "very crowded." "You could have let me know." "I called you, but you had already left." "Charly took me." "is Charly well?" "He saw me all the way home." "He could have come up, the ill-mannered little lout!" "He had an urgent appointment, with some floozy, I think." "Are you leaving because of me?" "No, because of the floozy." "No. I left mother in limbo at the seamstress's." "We're expecting you for dinner tonight." "I know." "See you later, Gilberte." "You won't forget?" "You can count on me." "What a way to receive your guests." "If I hadn't been here... lt completely slipped my mind." "Were there many of the usual bores here today?" "Just Huguette Verberie and Faradel." "Faradel gets on my nerves." "Why?" "Because he keeps suggesting a rendezvous." "What about Charly, your other admirer?" "Now he's much more respectful." "He simply suggests his friend's opium den." "That's the same thing." "I'd like admirers who remain admirers." "I have no desire to make them my lovers." "Why take on a lover lt's a bother" "I don't need the worry I'm not sorry" "But flirting has no importance" "That way you keep your distance l have two suitors, true" "But I could never choose between the two" "Since I don't wish to pick sides lt's my husband who decides" "He's the one through and through" "With whom my heart resides I'd love my husband so, as a lover, you see I so like to think he could be" "And at night" "When he comes" "To nestle" "By my side I hide those feelings deep, deep inside" "Dreaming of those times when we make love I cheat against my will I may cheat but I'm his far and above" "And I feel such a heady thrill I'd love my husband" "So, as a lover, you see" "Tenderly, ardently, so madly" "Now you're quibbling." "Well, I love my husband." "He's enough for me!" "Right." "Valandray's a good man, much better than your first husband, Eric Thomson." "Really, Arlette, do you have to mention him?" "Let sleeping dogs lie!" "Didn't you love Mr. Thomson?" "No!" "Why did you marry him, then?" "I was curious." "We were in America and that American intrigued me, like a wild animal to be tamed." "It isn't wise to train someone that way in matters of love." "Poor Thomson!" "What's become of him?" "Still no news?" "Really. lf ever my present husband were to find out" "That's right, he has his own particular ideas about marriage!" "He wants to be a trailblazer." "Some people prefer to dwell in new apartments!" "Luckily, she forgot to have the marriage authenticated under French law by our consul in Chicago." "Without whom, I'd never have become Madame Valandray." "And that would have been a pity." "Your husband's quite charming!" "Yes, he leaves me totally free and indulges my every whim." "How's his business doing?" "Wonderfully!" "The metal works are booming and he's on the verge of signing a marvellous deal." "The dressmaker has just sent a dress round." "Good, put it in my room." "My dress for tonight's dinner party." "I have to write a note for Huguette." "She wants to marry." "So young?" "She's in love." "I thought she was more modern than that." "With Charly." "Really!" "Poaching on my territory!" "She had no idea she was trespassing." "She can have that small fry." "I prefer bigger game." "Young Charly?" "Small fry?" "More of a little monkey, I'd say." "I must write to the boy." ""My dear Charly..." ""l'm very curious... about Spherist art."" "It's you, Georges!" "is Gilberte home yet?" "She's in her room, trying on a new dress." "A serious undertaking that mustn't be disturbed." "Here we are." "It wasn't easy, believe me." "Hello." "Hello, Faradel." "You seem rather agitated." "Not at all." "Yes, you do!" "What's the matter?" "Nothing, old chap." "I just popped in to say hello." "I've heard that before." "Those words never quite mean what they say." "So there you are slaving away" "Like each day" "Without one minute to waste ln true haste" "When you have the sudden visit" "So be it" "Of an unwelcome twit" "He doesn't see from your ruddy blush" "You're in a rush" "He says as with an air so sweet" "He takes as seat I just popped in to say hello" "To see how you are in life's mad whirl" "My youngest girl" "Such a pearl" "Has learnt to stitch and sew" "Top of her class, you know I just popped in to say hello" "And there he stays on as you glower" "Hour by hour" "Like a cold shower" "He just popped in to say hello" "You'll be two long months away" "People say" "But you hurry home in a blur" "Earlier" "As a surprise in this life" "Of harsh strife" "For your dear wife" "She's in bed on a sunny day" "But she's at play With your best friend lt's so risqué" "You hear him say I just popped in to say hello" "And then you lash out like a thug" "At the mug" "Of that poor fellow" "Who just popped in to say hello" "Why all the song and dance?" "Do you suppose that one day, I, in a bed with your wife-- lt's what you desire, but it will never happen." "I'll leave you..." "No, please, stay, I insist." "Faradel, you're courting my wife." "l protest!" "Don't get carried away." "You court her and yet I'm not jealous." "Do you know why, Faradel?" "How can I possibly answer such an absurd question?" "Because you trust Gilberte." "True." "But because that trust is based on scientific facts." "Scientific fidelity?" "What do you mean by that?" "I could never marry a widow or a divorcée even if I adored her." "I know, that's one of your fixations." "No, not a fixation, merely the application of a theory, the practical implementation of a system." "I work in metals and I truly believe that marriage, or rather the first conjugal act, is like everything else here in this world of ours, a matter of chemistry." "What is he going on about?" "This is already way beyond you." "I'm speaking to Arlette." "The union of two beings is like the fusion of two metals." "There are all kinds of precautions and rules." "If not, you end up with flaws or bubbles." "And adultery is the logical result of a primeval bubble." "It depends on how the crucible is heated on the wedding night." "If the imprint is made on pure flesh, with all the right technical precautions, well then, the imprint is indelible and the woman is marked for life by the seal of the male who first possesses her." "She will never be unfaithful to him." "I can tell you, Faradel," ""Court my wife as much as you like." "It entertains her and amuses me."" "What a fellow... and to think I was going to take this seriously." "But you've gone and given me" "What's wrong?" "Nothing." "When I get emotional, it gives me hiccups." "I'm so easily impressed." "I'll soon get over it." "Get dressed for dinner." "You're running out of time." "I'll do likewise." "See you later, Mademoiselle." "Poor Faradel, he must have a faulty imprint." "Let's finish this letter." ""My dear Charly." "Let's finish this letter." ""My dear Charly." ""l'm very curious about Spherist art." ""Would you be kind enough to send me an invitation?" ""Even better, bring me the invitation and then you can go with me."" "Monsieur Charles Bruner!" "Show him in!" "How wonderful!" "My letter has already arrived." "l'm delighted to see you." "Not as much as I am, Charly." "How is your Coocooism school doing?" "Wonderfully well." "My latest field is total art." "My goodness!" "You certainly stop at nothing!" "Or, if you prefer, lyrico-symphonic art." "Anyway, I've painted a picture, composed a symphony and written a poem." "These three works form a whole:" "one is impossible without the other two." "The Holy Trinity!" "Could we descend from such lofty heights for a second?" "Lofty heights?" "Let's be down to earth." "Surely you're not counting on this poetico-balsamic painting to make you rich?" "But, well, I'm bringing you riches." "In what form?" "A matrimonial one." "l beg your pardon?" "A charming young woman, excellent dowry and huge expectations." "Then I don't understand." "She loves you, good Lord." "You're serious." "I thought it was a joke." "Someone wants to marry me?" "ls that a rejection?" "A categorical and downright rejection." "You don't know what you're missing." "Tell me her name." "Not on your life." "If she loves me, I have the right to know her." "I can offer her some form of compensation." "Don't even think about it." "At poker, when you pass, does the other player show you his cards?" "Arlette?" "What do you think?" "Charly!" "I didn't know you were already here." "It's exquisite!" "lt suits you." "Do you think so?" "You wear it admirably well." "I'm delighted to have the authorization of an artist." "And a demanding artist at that." "l imagine you are!" "After all, he is the head of a cubisto-cuneiform school." "Make fun of me, I don't mind." "It's all publicity." "What do I care, as long as they talk about me?" "Dadaism is over and out" "Cubism's had its day" "Nowadays without a doubt" "Coocooism's the way" "All these faddish art schools" "And their frantic need to be" "They're foolish food for fools" "Fatuous, freakish flummery" "Publicity, see" "When they follow a fad lt's mad lt makes them glad" "Publicity, see" "Wield your clout Pout and spout" "Get talked about" "Publicity, see" "Don't go without Don't be a lout" "Get talked about!" "I have to go dress for dinner." "Think about that poker game of mine." "There's still time to raise the stakes." "I never play." "You worry me!" "Why?" "Because children need to be playful." "It annoys you when people call you a boy." "Yes!" "You'll get over it." "Cigarette?" "Please." "Thank you." "So, what was that game my sister was talking about?" "It's not a game, it's a match." "And when's the wedding day?" "What wedding?" "Yours." "In another twenty years." "Girls don't interest me." "So who does interest you?" "You do." "And you know it." "And why is that?" "It can't be explained." "First of all, there's something strange about you." "At times you make fun of me, yet at others you listen to me with something akin to sympathy." "I do?" "You feel a sort of attraction." "Darling." "You attract me." "It's irresistible." "Deny it all you like." "I've sensed it clearly." "And when we dance a tango... you're not unhappy to press against me." "Charly, my boy, I'm going to throw you out." "Do you know what you are?" "You're a tease." "lmpossible!" "You enjoy having men around to arouse, but you never intend to give yourself to them." "Indeed, I don't give, you'll have to come back." "Too bad if I can no longer contain myself." "Gilberte, it's your entire fault." "Gilberte." "Lord, what's come over you?" "You foolish boy." "Get your paws off me." "Don't try that again or we'll no longer be friends." "Please, forgive me, it won't happen again." "Just like a child." "It won't happen again." "You bad boy!" "Again!" "Ah, Charly." "I don't wish to send you packing but you barely have time to run off home before coming back, kid." "I'll hurry." "You'll see who's the kid when I give your wife one!" "Here you are at last!" "Here you are at last!" "I was about to say the same thing." "Say hello first." "All right." "Hello, darling." "How placid!" "Conjugal." "That's what I'm saying." "You haven't noticed anything?" "Noticed what?" "My dress, for Heaven's sake!" "Yes. lt's very nice!" "You hadn't even noticed it." "That's conjugal too!" "I love you in any dress, and all the more without." "That's better!" "Will dinner be good?" "I hope so!" "It happens to be of capital importance for me." "I have an unexpected guest, a surprise for you." "Why?" "Important news." "Our fortune increased tenfold, perhaps." "Lovely!" "Once our overseas guest tonight signs the prepared contract after dinner, the whole American market will open up to me." "Well!" "You'll have your pearls as dessert." "What a delightful husband you are." "I believe I am." "Oh, let's not exaggerate." "You have one serious failing." "Which is?" "You never tell me that you love me." "But you know I do!" "That doesn't matter." "I could forget." "Silly child!" "Are we not blessed, dear?" "Yes!" "And do you ever wish to go?" "No!" "Such exquisite tranquillity!" "True, I have never known such calm and immobility!" "It's better than futility" "My love for you is not a whim lt's dim!" "is that all that you could find?" "You're blind!" "But Gilberte, you're my true love!" "Those words have such a sweet tempo" "They're wonderful to hear, you know!" "Must I repeat them, Heavens above?" "Talking about it is not what you do" "When a sweet love is true" "You stay silent beneath the skies" "And let love speak out through your eyes lf we want love to last" "Vast" "Then our words must be few" "True" "All words must be small" "Just a kiss, that's all" "All" "Withal ln thrall" "You see my silence as a plot!" "What?" "While endearments make you swoon" "Goon!" "Lying's an easy thing to do" "When a man's as silent as you" "A woman can't know what is true!" "One kiss can give you a clue" "Do you feel this love is sad?" "Bad!" "You want love to effervesce?" "Yes!" "Well, I find that worrying!" "Your love must be a constant thing" "Forever bright and dazzling!" "It's not just some mad, wild fling" "Talking about lt is not what you do" "When a sweet love is true" "You stay silent beneath the skies" "And let love speak out through your eyes lf we want love to last" "Vast" "Then our words must be few" "True" "All words must be small" "Just a kiss, that's all" "All" "Withal ln thrall" "You silly man." "You know I adore you." "What about you?" "For words." "Just think, you're my little wife, my very own." "Monsieur." "Monsieur Zambeaux is asking to see you." "Show him into my office." "My business lawyer's brought the contract." "Excuse me." "See you later, my millionaire." "Juliette." "Monsieur." "An American gentleman will be arriving shortly." "Show him into the small drawing room and let me know right away." "Monsieur Eric Thomson, an American." "Eric Thomson!" "No, I can't have heard properly, that's impossible!" "What on earth's wrong?" "What do you think of my dress?" "The dress is what's wrong." "Do you have any idea whom this dinner is in honour of?" "Eric Thomson." "Eric Thomson?" "Her first husband!" "Yes, and Georges knows nothing about my first marriage." "What's going to happen?" "He expounded his ideas earlier, it's all a matter of chemistry." "What are we going to do?" "Pretend you've fallen ill all of a sudden and take to your bed." "That's just putting off the inevitable." "My second husband is about to introduce me to my first." "You must speak to Eric first." "That's the door. lt's him." "You greet him, I'm too nervous." "Be eloquent." "I'll try but the fellow always hated the very sight of me." "I can imagine your surprise, Monsieur." "You didn't expect to find me here?" "I must admit that, myself." "You're looking very well." "I'm quite well myself, too, thank you." "You're wondering what I'm doing here?" "Yes, I can tell, seeing me here, displaying such familiarity, you're probably thinking that I'm a member of Monsieur Valandray's inner circle." "Well." "That's right." "I'm part of his family and I shall now answer the second question that is burning your lips and that you don't dare to ask." "You've always been such a tactful fellow, Eric." "You don't mind me calling you Eric after all this time?" "Thank you, I expected nothing less of your exquisite courtesy." "A drop of port?" "Forgive me. ln my confusion, I forgot how fond you are of port." "I didn't offer you a glass." "Eric, how I so wish we could clear up this misunderstanding between us, there's no reason for it anymore." "To your good health." "I was the cause of your divorce, I know." "You found me to be a bit... of a burden." "Say it, go on. I don't mind." "Can we bury the hatchet, Eric?" "I see, you don't want to mention it again." "Very well, that's that, let's not mention it again." "Should I fetch my sister for you?" "You'll see her right away." "What a grouch!" "Have you told him?" "Not yet!" "He hasn't opened his mouth." "Anyone would think he no longer speaks a word of French." "Monsieur Thomson, I have something to tell you." "I'm Monsieur Valandray's wife." "And so there's something I must ask of you." "lf you stay" "What do you say?" "Do not betray" "What do you say?" "Our past today" "What do you say?" "It could be bad" "lt can be seen" "What do you mean?" "As go-between" "What do you mean?" "You're not serene" "What do you mean?" "Oh, this is mad!" "ln God's name" "What do you want?" "Think of the shame" "What do you want?" "lt's not a game" "What do you want?" "Don't be a cad" "lf he's au fait" "What do you say?" "ln the least way" "What do you say?" "The consequences would be dire" "Without a doubt" "He's just a lout!" "lt's a real snafu" "You were married, true But no one must ever know" "What do you mean?" "You're a has-been!" "Husband number two" "Could well misconstrue lf you broke the status quo" "What do you want?" "Am I to blame?" "It's a real snafu" "She wed after you" "And the news could be a big blow" "What do you say?" "Lord, what a day!" "is this all for play?" "His "What do you say?"" "I thought he'd understand some way" "He'll have to pay!" "It's a real snafu" "You were married, true" "But no one must ever know" "What do you mean?" "l'll take my aim!" "Husband number two" "Could well misconstrue lf you broke the status quo!" "What do you say?" "Please go away!" "It's a waste of time" "He reasons in rhyme!" "It's invo" "What is it, veau?" "lt's invo" "What is it veau?" "I think it's involuntary" "Or he's the slyest of us three" "He's lost all his French, you can see" "What do you say?" "Oh, go away!" "Oh, you're already here?" "No one informed me of your presence" "More an absence!" "He's here, my dear" "The introductions have been done?" "Well done!" "Well done!" "And he's met everyone!" "Everyone, I must profess!" "And so you've met my wife!" "So let's see where we're all at!" "Enough, let's leave it at that!" "And here now are our three dear friends" "Huguette Verberie" "Charly and Faradel" "How d'you do, cher Monsieur" "Cher Monsieur, how d'you do" "How d'you do" "I don't quite like his style" "That's a Yankee profile?" "He could be from Carlisle" "He's not that handsome" "With his mug like a Hun" "And he can't be much fun" "You were dreaming of a real man" "This one looks like he could be called Anne I like a different style lt may seem futile" "But that makes me smile" "I am dying with hunger." "Lord knows what he needs How he pleads" "He needs it here and now!" "What's he demanding?" "He must be sucking on a plum lt sounds so rum!" "What's he demanding?" "If nature calls, he shouldn't be shy" "We don't wish to pry I pray my husband can't tell that I'm lying!" "Oh, good Lord above, I feel like dying!" "Dinner is served." "All right You see!" "Hungry!" "Here we are, our minds in havoc" "While he's obsessed by his own stomach lt's a nice, light dinner, just to say hello" "A simple meal with dainty trifles" "Fresh cockles" "Creamed morels" "Smoked salmon from Oslo" "And a fine Bordeaux" "A nice, light dinner, just to say hello" "Grilled lobster and a fat roast goose" "Chocolate mousse" "Nice and light, you know" "A nice, light dinner, just to say hello lt's a nice, light dinner, just to say hello" "A simple meal with dainty trifles" "Fresh cockles" "Creamed morels" "Smoked salmon from Oslo And a fine Bordeaux" "A nice, light dinner, just to say hello" "Grilled lobster and a fat roast goose" "Chocolate mousse" "Nice and light, you know" "A nice, light dinner, just to say hello" "AND TEN DAYS LATER AT 7:00 P.M..." "MR. AND MRS. GEORGES VALANDRAY REQUEST THE HONOUR" "OF YOUR PRESENCE friday, OCTOBER 30, 9:00 TO midnight." "AN EXCERPT FROM CHARLES BRUNNER'S PLAY" ""primitive SOULS" will BE PRESENTED." "Get him something to drink." "Something nice and cold." "A cocktail." "Thank you, my dears." "No, slap him on the back." "Thank you, it will soon pass." "It's nerves!" "Give him a scare!" "I hate this." "It's not my fault." "Faradel, what are you doing here?" "What am I doing here?" "Tonight's soirée, I had an invitation." "To come and listen to a new piece by Monsieur Charles Brunner." "Well, hurry to your seat in the hallway and listen to the music that sets the atmosphere." "But I have hiccups." "People will think it's jazz." "Off you go." "These artistic soirées!" "Good Lord, what a terrible headache!" "Huguette, you can do me a favour!" "I'd be delighted!" "I have to get all these young ladies into their costumes." "Please seat the guests." "Certainly, Mademoiselle!" "Mesdemoiselles!" "We're rushed for time." "I'll take you through myself." "We're dressing in Madame Valandray's bedroom." "Follow me." "I much prefer that." "Well, he's very much at home!" "He's so kind." "So active, so youthful!" "Are you still as keen?" "More than ever!" "Bravo." "Love is such a beautiful thing!" "Have you stepped in on my behalf?" "Of course!" "And?" "And then?" "He refuses to listen." "But I didn't tell him your name." "Thank you." "In that case, I'll speak to him myself!" "That's not really the done thing." "But it's still the best way to get results!" "What a crush." "Such a mad scramble." "I thought that I'd never be here on time." "Charly's painting is hanging there in the large drawing room." "Yes, his total art!" "Well, there was such a crowd that I got jammed in." "You speak slang now?" "It's not slang." "The way Paris is going these days, I'm afraid we're all in the same boat!" "On the avenue I was speeding, in a stew" "The cop on the plot Tinpot despot" "Fined me on the spot" "On the street so wide Traffic flowed from every side" "Like an assault Not through my fault" "Grinding to a halt!" "And so I found myself jammed in" "The cop took it all right on the chin" "And despite his rank" "My words were too frank" "He gave a grin Then took me in I spent the night in the tank" "And so I found myself jammed in" "And my wife, her poor mind in a spin ln her stress Called the press" "And told them out of her wits" "My husband's been chopped to tiny bits" "Since not so long ago Paris has changed so" "All her best sights Full of Levites" "And gruff Muscovites" "Or with Spaniards Camping out on the boulevards" "Worse than Venice Ancient Memphis" "But it's not Paris!" "And so we find ourselves jammed in" "By people their fortune here to win ln the bars You've Magyars" "With cashiers From Algiers" "From Vadodara Or from Ankara" "We'll end up with cholera" "And so we find ourselves jammed in" "Sweep them out before they settle in" "They show gall" "Take it all While we sit by and just cry" "Who'll get us out of the jam we're in?" "A man must never let himself get jammed in!" "What were you saying about me this time?" "My poor little Gilberte." "You're so nervous." "is Thomson here yet?" "I thought you'd ask me that." "Yes, I just saw him at the buffet, where else?" "Excellent." "Excuse me, I need to have a word with him." "See that?" "It's been that way for a week now, ever since Thomson got here." "They're always chasing after one another." "They can't bear to be apart for a minute!" "You're proof that they share the same tastes." "He has moved in here, he takes all his meals here." "I see more of him now than when we were married." "And what's he like?" "Very polite." "So what are you complaining about?" "This." "Watch." "He's like the police." "He's following me like a thief." "Or like the French President!" "He saw I was with you, so he turned away!" "He's not likely to be drawn to me!" "I can't take anymore." "That music has a totally numbing effect on me." "Dear me, Faradel, are you deserting?" "My neighbours keep complaining that my hiccups annoy them." "Some people are leaving." "What?" "You're driving our guests away." "I must stop them." "At last, alone with you." "Oh, no, Faradel, spare me your declarations." "You've been giving me the cold shoulder for two weeks now." "Everything I do is wrong." "Everything I think." "Don't exaggerate." "You don't think!" "Yes, I do, I think that you really must come to that little ground floor flat I've prepared for you!" "It won't see me for a long time." "You're so cruel." "During the day, I only ever undress at my couturier's." "But a fitting with you, well, I can't quite see that." "I merely need to imagine the look on your face." "Your face." "Then, when you... I'm cured of the notion of adultery before even trying it." "You're like a Member of Parliament:" "you promise the moon when you're a candidate but everything withers away once you're in the chamber." "I'm delighted to see Monsieur Faradel." "So am I, Monsieur Thomson!" "I am particularly pleased to see Monsieur Faradel." "The pleasure's mutual, Monsieur Thomson!" "You please me enormously." "I would never have guessed." "I'll leave you." "I have to get into my costume." "He's been listening again." "I must get rid of the man!" "And I want to give you a word of advice, dear old boy." "Sit down." "In America, when a deal is... what's the word... when someone's drowning, their head..." "Goes under!" "That's it, goes under." "In America, when a deal goes under, we never push the issue, we forget it." "And you're right!" "You think so?" "So if you think so, why keep at it?" "I keep at it." "Yes, it's a waste of time." "You might miss other interesting deals." "I don't quite follow you." "When a woman doesn't want to go to bed, there are so many others who love to slip between the sheets." "You deprive them." "Do you understand, my dear fellow?" "Not a word!" "Yes, you do understand." "Leave that person alone." "I feel remarkably fond of you." "I wouldn't want to have to give you advice every day." "You understand, my old fellow." "Thank you." "Thank you." "You slapped me on the back." "That's cleared up my hiccups." "I've been de-hiccuped!" "Here he is at last." "Hello, Sam." "My name is Eric." "But back there, I always called you Sam." "You don't remember?" "I thought it was nicer, more American." "Here, it's another kettle of fish." "Why are you talking about fish?" "An English saying." "I see. I'll answer with a few French sayings to clear everything up." "Indeed." "Don't wake a sleeping cat." "Because?" "Because it has claws." "What's done is done." "So you think!" "Don't disturb a very happy marriage." "You don't always have what you dream of in life." "Alas, I know what I'm talking about." "At times, you need to be content with what you have." "I've often dreamt like all the girls" "Of cuddling here on my knee" "A baby with pretty blonde curls" "However that never came to be" "And now here I am an old maid" "Well, not old, a slip of the tongue" "For I'm not that starchy and staid" "And this heart of mine is still young lt's younger than yours is now" "But since it's young with no design I spoil others' children anyhow" "Wishing so that they were mine" "When you cannot have what you love" "Treat what you already have with love" "Just try to be content" "With the lot you've been sent" "When you cannot have what you love" "You're not a bad girl, Mademoiselle Poumaillac." "And you're not a bad boy either, Thomson." "Come, come, Sam, you're just excessively shy, I know you well." "And you're afraid of women." "That's" "But why?" "It happened when I was knee high to a grasshopper!" "A grasshopper?" "Yes, just a little boy." "Tiny, in short pants." "One day, my schoolmistress kissed me on the lips." "They do that in America, too?" "Oh, a lot. lt created such an incredible revolution within that I swore never to let another woman lay her lips on mine." "Seriously!" "I don't usually laugh about sad things." "So you were married to Gilberte for six months and never once exchanged such a kiss, the prelude to love?" "Never!" "Well, you're quite something." "l am!" "You did have other kisses?" "Oh, I had everything!" "But not on the lips, it's not hygienic." "You poor man, perhaps that's what led to your divorce." "But that's all over now and you shouldn't be such a regular fixture in your successor's home." "Why not?" "I'm staying." "And I'm happy to see you, too, you're a dear old thing." "Let me shake your hand." "There's something charming about this fellow." "He's charming but I must find a way to rid Gilberte of him." "Oh, I know." "Oh, I know." "Huguette." "Do you want to marry a millionaire?" "Me?" "Nothing easier." "You just need to get Mr. Thomson to kiss you on the lips." "But, Mademoiselle, I have no desire to marry a millionaire." "I forgot." "She's taken, but I'll set all the other girls after him, and there are plenty." "The freer they are, the better." "Oh, a Mexican!" "Total art. lt's frightening just how total this boy is." "You look magnificent!" "Kind of you to say so." "So, you're going to perform." "Yes, later on, with Gilberte." "It's a tableau taken from my work "Primitive Souls."" "I know!" "Do you find Gilberte attractive?" "She's a woman who" "Forget her, married women aren't this year's fashion." "They're out of date." "Like Mademoiselle Poumaillac you're trying to marry me off." "Was she wrong to?" "Not her." "But the young woman who..." "Don't say anything unpleasant, I know her!" "What madness came over her to make her want to marry me?" "As a tender young girl, she immediately thought of marriage." "That would have been madness!" "But she figured it out!" "She is not stupid!" "She was telling me that a mayoral sash or a cassock aren't always necessary to unite two beings." "And that a girl can give herself to the man she's chosen without a crowd of five hundred to back her up." "I'm sure you share her opinion on that point." "Not exactly!" "How can that be?" "It's much better to remain within the norm and follow the precepts of traditional...morality." "Meaning?" "Meaning... she could marry someone who counts less for her and, once married, give herself to the man of her choice with an affair that follows the social norm." "You can tell your friend that." "All the same, she'd have to be sure that the crumbs will lead to the cake." "The cake's telling you so." "Well then, I'll give her the message." "Marvellous!" "I adore this costume." "It might be wise to rehearse one last time." "Perhaps." "I do feel a little nervous." "I'll leave you to work in peace." "Could you tell the other young ladies, who must be in costume by now, to enter on cue?" "All right." "Of course, it's easy for her." "I don't dress up as a Mexican." "Let's rehearse!" "Just a second." "Let me admire you first." "In that costume, I see you and another woman at the same time." "Gilberte, if only you'd" "Soon you'll be offering to show me your bachelor flat like Faradel." "Faradel has offered you..." "No, he hasn't." "Let's get one thing clear:" "I'll never be your mistress." "But you allow me to be your lover!" "Silly man." "That's all over now." "Let's rehearse." "Let's rehearse." "Remember what I'm symbolizing with "Primitive Souls"?" "Love in the different races." "Again!" "What?" "Nothing." "I must cure him of his spying." "Go back to what you were saying before." "Before?" "He claims he's in love." "Talk about love?" "Of course." "But you just forbade me to!" "I'm allowing you to now, so..." "Just a second." "Let me gather my thoughts." "Gilberte, if only you would, for months now I've longed to." "You know, on the day you were married..." "Warmer, warmer." "l never mentioned this to you." "Mention it, please, mention it." "Gilberte, I desire you madly, your pliant body." "I'd make a wonderful little lover, will you let me?" "Yes, I can tell you want that." "How silly, I didn't find that at all unpleasant." "He's gone, that's done the trick." "Enough now!" "l haven't even started." "Come on, let's rehearse!" "You were saying that as Mexico I represented..." "The last traces of the Redskins." "You're a young maiden." "l like that idea." "And you love this adventurer fellow who camps up in the mountains, the attraction of purity for the rogue." "And you're the rogue." "That's me!" "All right, let's start." "In the Sierra, the night replaces day" "You quietly come my way" "My heart just flies away" "Beneath tall palms, in the aromatic night" "My resistance is slight" "And your sweet voice takes flight" "People tell me" "You're cruel without a care" "But all I see ls love beyond compare But I knew it" "I saw as we embraced" "That your jacket" "Now bore a bloody trace" "The other man died" "Oh, my sweet pride!" "In joy I cried" "Oh, ecstasy divine!" "I'll build to you a shrine" "Your lips brush against mine" "With a kiss so sweet l fear but I submit" "And after I taste it" "My soul I do forfeit" "To this thrill so fleet" "Oh, ecstasy divine!" "I'll build to you a shrine" "Your lips brush against mine" "With a kiss so sweet" "Gilberte." "Farewell, Charly." "What a woman!" "My blood's boiling." "I'll have her." "Faradel." "Faradel, just the chap." "Faradel, I'd like you to lend me your bachelor flat." "I need to arrange a private meeting." "She isn't the kind one can simply summon to a hotel room." "Faradel, a Don Juan such as yourself must have a small bachelor flat." "But I don't." "I know you do." "I mean, I used to have a bachelor flat." "My lease has been terminated to rent it to some foreigner." "What a bother!" "Today's the thirtieth." "Tomorrow, the thirty-first, is the last day." "One day's all I need." "We can manage it!" "Be my guest!" "You're a true brother and, believe me, I'll treat the place as if you were receiving your cherished one there." "I'm sure you will!" "I'll put myself in your shoes." "Sorry, but I'm afraid I'll be in yours." "That's right." "I'll see you later." "This is exhausting. I'm in a state of total excitement." "Did you rehearse well with Gilberte?" "I certainly did." "I'd like your advice." "My advice?" "Yes." "I wish to attempt to conquer Mr. Thomson." "I want to get him to marry me." "Do you know why?" "l can guess." "Apparently, all a girl needs to do is convince him to kiss her on the lips." "That's all?" "That's all, but I lack experience." "What must a girl do to get a man to kiss her?" "That's a tough one." "It's harder than you're told" "To charm a man who's so very cold" "And that's true, you'll grant" "When a girl's a mere debutante" "But what can you do" "When he tries hard to ignore you?" "You'd do what you could" "To do any good" "To that lump of wood I could act like I'm effete" "Now that's quite sweet!" "I could act like a naiad" "Now that's not bad!" "Or perhaps to make a start I could play a young sweetheart" "As a saucy little tyke" "Now that I like!" "I could wear a suit that's neat" "Now that's quite sweet!" "To make me look like a lad" "Now that's not bad!" "Tell me now, what would you say lf my stocking pulls this way" "And shows a patch of skin?" "Now there you win!" "This is rather grand!" "Finding a student who can understand lt's such a delight" "To look good in your teacher's sight" "But remember now I'm just helping, you'll allow" "Let's see what you know" "Which to me you owe" "Repeat anyhow I'll use a perfume that's discreet" "Now that's quite sweet!" "Made with myrrh from Old Baghdad" "Now that's not bad!" "I cover up my bosom" "Leaving his eyes to fathom" "Cleavage worthy of Vandyke" "Now that I like!" "Then he'll sweep me off my feet" "Now that's quite sweet!" "And with a kiss I'll drive him mad" "Now that's not bad!" "I'll move close temptingly" "So when I'm in his arms he'll see" "That my body's made for sin" "Now there you win!" "Good Lord, I really must apologize!" "There's no need!" "What came over me?" "Oh, do be quiet." "Charly, what are you up to?" "The ladies are asking for you." "I'll go to them now." "I'd quite forgotten." "Did you put him in such a state?" "I don't know." "Perhaps I did." "Mr. Thomson seems to be in a very bad mood." "Indeed!" "This is no time to seduce him." "Besides, perhaps I no longer need to." "You're not happy, Thomson, my dear fellow?" "No!" "You have a problem?" "Yes!" "Business?" "No!" "Romance?" "Yes!" "Perhaps you should give up." "No!" "You're as stubborn as ever." "Yes!" "And talkative with it." "Lord!" "Go away!" "Really!" "What's come over you in the last hour or so?" "Ah!" "Thank heavens you're here." "Mr. Thomson has just made an utterly ridiculous comment." "You're the one who must go out, immediately." "You must be crazy, Mr. Thomson." "l'm sorry. I have my reasons." "What reasons?" "I'll tell you when the lady I don't wish to see has gone "out"." "As soon as you apologize, I'll leave you with Gilberte, if she so desires." "Yes, you really must!" "Come on, let's hear an apology!" "Thank you and au revoir, my friend, for we'll meet again." "I'll put every nubile maiden in the place after him." "Speak, I'm waiting." "It's not easy!" "I'll get straight to the point." "I saw a man kiss you on the lips!" "And then?" "I don't know what he kissed then." "ls that any business of yours?" "But..." "Yes, he's my lover." "What is it to you?" "Damn it." "The cure is working." "Feeling better?" "No!" "Come, come, Eric." "Let's have a little chat." "I want to!" "If I understand correctly, you still love me, or, rather, you love me anew." "I think so too." "You're a man of rigid principles, Eric." "And now I'm a fallen woman, I have a lover." "You must scorn me and cast me aside, you must leave." "Oh!" "This is terrible." "I desire you even more now that I know you have a lover, a frolicsome woman." "I now want those lips of yours that I always refused!" "Really." "Be silent. I demand it." "I'm an American." "There you are." "I've been looking for you everywhere." "What's the matter with him?" "These Americans are odd people." "You can be having a perfectly pleasant conversation and all of a sudden, "good-bye."" "He should leave for good." "Why?" "Because he's a pest." "He's a foreigner, he doesn't realize." "Have you signed your partnership agreement?" "Not yet." "Then don't!" "Oh, very funny, I'd be turning down an absolute fortune." "Do we need so much money to be happy?" "You desire" "Many things to acquire" "You'd buy me" "The finest jewellery" "Everything" "Fur coats, a diamond ring" "But, my dear I don't need that I fear" "Love, it's true" "Needs just enough for two" "Happiness ls romance, nothing less" "After all" "Why seek out a windfall" "For indeed" "There's not a lot we need" "We don't need a lot" "Really not a lot" "Just to be content" "With love's kind assent" "A meal that's frugal but palatable" "As the saying goes, it's delectable" "We don't need a lot" "Really not a lot" "A nice, narrow bed" "With a thick bedspread lf the bed is small, we'll still be comfortable" "Not a lot" "Really not We're pleased with our lot" "As you say" "To be in love today" "We don't need a lot" "Really not a lot" "Just to be content" "With love's kind assent instead of lunch I'll feed on your sweet caress" "That will satisfy us more than hot bouillabaisse" "We don't need a lot" "Really not a lot" "This year it's likely" "Coal will be costly" "We'll stay abed warmed by our own tenderness" "Not a lot" "Really not" "We're pleased with our lot" "That's agreed then, you'll send Thomson packing." "Not on your life!" "What if I told you he'd been courting me?" "I'd say it was a good thing." "It could make him more flexible on the contract." "Really!" "What?" "You're not likely to take him as your lover, are you now?" "Georges, you're too sure of yourself." "Or just sure of you." "So you're not at all jealous?" "Absolutely not!" "There's no love without jealousy." "Only if you're mad, which I'm not." "Oh, no, you're far too calm for that." "You're a real noodle." "Yes." "I'd rather leave." "You exasperate me." "Having one husband who kicks up a fuss when you don't love him and another who doesn't when you do, well, it's frightful." "How can a woman tell which way to turn?" "Women." "Honestly, Gilberte." "Monsieur Thomson, you must pay a forfeit." "What?" "You wagered, you lost." "Oh, yes?" "You owe us a forfeit." "We ask anything that we want of you." "And what do you want?" "A kiss on the lips." "Oh!" "Never." "People say they love kissing" "But it's not exciting I find it disgusting" "Don't think that I'm cold as ice" "But I don't think it's nice" "Like some unpleasant vice I don't know any miss" "Whom I'd let steal a kiss" "Please leave my lips on the shelf I keep them to myself" "Just a kiss!" "Just a kiss!" "Just a kiss!" "Just a kiss!" "Not on the lips!" "Just a kiss!" "Just a kiss!" "Just a kiss!" "Just a kiss!" "My stomach flips" "Not on the lips" "His stomach flips!" "My lips are made for talking" "Not for kissing" "Just a kiss!" "Just a kiss!" "Just a kiss!" "Just a kiss!" "Not on the lips!" "Just a kiss!" "Just a kiss!" "Just a kiss!" "Just a kiss!" "Hands off my hips" "Not on the lips" "Elsewhere is fine" "Just a kiss!" "Just a kiss!" "Just a kiss!" "Just a kiss!" "These lips are only mine" "Up there on the silver screen" "Kisses can be seen ln every other scene" "On the screen, their lips are glued ln a kiss they ne'er conclude" "As the public shares the mood" "Well, I can't say I'm keen" "What happened to hygiene?" "It's to me my germs belong I won't pass them along" "Just a kiss!" "Just a kiss!" "Just a kiss!" "Just a kiss!" "Not on the lips!" "Just a kiss!" "Just a kiss!" "Just a kiss!" "Just a kiss!" "My stomach flips" "Not on the lips" "His stomach flips!" "My lips are made for talking" "Not for kissing" "Just a kiss!" "Just a kiss!" "Just a kiss!" "Just a kiss!" "Not on the lips!" "Just a kiss!" "Just a kiss!" "Just a kiss!" "Just a kiss!" "Hands off my hips" "Not on the lips" "Elsewhere is fine" "Just a kiss!" "Just a kiss!" "Just a kiss!" "Just a kiss!" "These lips are only mine" "These young French women." "They're even more of a handful than their American counterparts." "I'm glad to see you." "Why?" "Sit down, my friend." "You must throw this Charly fellow out." "Really?" "Why?" "He's always lurking around your wife!" "Keep an eye on him!" "I have absolutely nothing to fear there." "I am mathematically ensured of Gilberte's fidelity." "My theory is irrefutable." "Let me tell you:" "a woman belongs to the first man who possesses her, as long as he's neither a brute nor a clumsy idiot." "She is his and will necessarily return to him, even if life parts them." "She is marked by the indelible imprint of the man who reveals her to herself." "Yes, like a developer in photography." "That's why I fear nothing." "I was the first in Gilberte's case." "You were first?" "Quite obviously and I believe I've been an excellent developer." "You don't say, a developer and fixative." "I mention you and you happen by" "Would you like to tell me why?" "He was saying that he adored you, see" "That's no secret, we agree" "Why do you tell him with such glee?" "Before the bomb blows we should flee" "He can say it again, I decree" "That I took your virginity!" "What did you say?" "Hey-hey!" "Don't say it so" "Hey-ho!" "That's not the way!" "Hey-hey!" "That's not the way!" "He says when you became his wife" "He was the first, the first man in your life" "Yes, I'm number one" "Next to none" "And yet I am too" "Oh, says who?" "Oh, what can you do?" "When you're number two!" "For straight off you see" "Good old number three" "But we're not talking of me" "That's just what we say" "Say, say, what do we say?" "After two there's three!" "It must be lt can't be done With three in the queue!" "There's one too many" "After two, there's three!" "It's no fun being the second" "He's so very old-fashioned lf you're numbers one and three" "That can really never be" "All these numbers, it's quite crazy!" "Marriage is a lottery, you see" "A lottery I once tried for free" "While I had a winning spree" "What did you say?" "Hey-hey!" "Don't say it so" "Hey-ho!" "That's not the way!" "Hey-hey!" "That's not the way!" "He says when you became his wife" "He was the first, the first man in your life" "Yes, I'm number one" "Next to none" "And yet I am too" "Oh, says who?" "Oh, what can you do?" "When you're number two!" "For straight off you see" "Good old number three" "That's just what we say" "Say, say, what do we say?" "After two there's three!" "It must be lt can't be done With three in the queue!" "There's one too many After two, there's three!" "When your love is true ls this the same old song?" "The same old song!" "He's insisting and he's wrong!" "You know what's done is done And my love you have won" "The man who's number one Can the others outrun I know what's done is done And your love I have won" "The man who's number one Can the others outrun" "Oh really, for Heaven's sake" "Why for Heaven's sake?" "You expose my life like a rake?" "Oh no, he's not a rake" "l feel my very marrow shake!" "That's a big mistake" "My nerves are all a-quake" "Some ether she should take I don't feel so odd" "God!" "What now, dear God?" "It's nerves, you can tell" "As clear as a bell" "No need for eau-de-vie!" "As we can all see" "l'm as good as new" "She's as good as new" "She's as good as new" "But what's this to-do" "She's uneasy too" "What is it?" "Do I misconstrue" "What is it?" "lt's so impromptu!" "What is it?" "He looks right through you" "Really, what can I do?" "lt's as if he knew" "She's interrupting me too!" "His suspicions accrue I shudder anew" "While he sticks like glue After my virtue!" "Yes, I'm number one I'm second to none" "But what would I do" "Were I number two?" "For what can ensue lf you're second too I bore his name, too After all, it's true" "Yes, I'm number one I'm second to none" "But what would I do Were I number two?" "For straight off you see Good old number three" "That's the conclusion" "To the whole question!" "By the way, where is your bachelor flat exactly?" "It's very easy to find." "Make your way" "To Quai Malaquais" "Twenty-three" "That's where you'll find me ln the yard turn to your left lt's the door without a cleft" "You can't get it wrong The framing shop is next along" "Make your way" "To Quai Malaquais" "There you meet" "No one on the street" "But for a scholar or two" "Though they'll never bother you" "They just care for books" "And they will never give you looks" "Refusing second-best, I suggest" "The perfect spot for our little love-nest" "Meet me tomorrow" "And you'll know" "Fiery passion nothing less" "This is the address" "Make your way" "To Quai Malaquais" "Twenty-three" "That's where you'll find me ln the yard turn to your left lt's the door without a cleft" "You can't get it wrong The framing shop is next along I say nay" "The Quai Malaquais" "Along that way I shall never stray" "You must be quite mad, dear boy You can't treat me as your toy" "And so you will stay" "Alone on your qual i've just received the keys lf you please" "For a flat where l can take my ease" "Much better than an hotel lt'll be swell" "Tell me now where it is found And I shall call round" "Make your way" "To Quai Malaquais" "Twenty-three" "That's where you'll find me ln the yard turn to your left lt's the door without a cleft" "You can't get it wrong The framing shop is next along" "All the way" "To Quai Malaquais" "There you meet" "No one on the street" "But for a scholar or two" "Though they'll never bother you" "They just care for books" "And they will never give you looks" "Here I am with my love-nest What a pest" "But I know a way to put it to the test" "Tomorrow for high tea I'll be free" "Really, it's a rendezvous" "Where will I find you?" "Make your way" "To Quai Malaquais" "Twenty-three" "That's where you'll find me ln the yard turn to your left lt's the door without a cleft" "You can't get it wrong The framing shop is next along" "Ah I say" "The Quai Malaquais ln a trice lt's like paradise" "Charly, you're a charming boy I shall meet you there with joy" "Crossing the doormat" "Of a young man's flat" "I have just received the papers from America for our partnership contract." "Thank you." "You were once married?" "To a Mademoiselle Poumaillac?" "Fancy!" "How odd." "Perhaps she was related to Gilberte." "I don't know!" "What about you, Gilberte?" "Perhaps you know this Mademoiselle Poumaillac, who was married to Monsieur Thomson?" "Lord, no!" "Why do you look so grim?" "What do you imagine?" "There's more than one Poumaillac" "There are many Poumaillacs near Bergerac" "Focus your attention" "Oh, I feel quite sick" "Yes, I see the situation" "Could well be a trick" "To calm down his emotion" "Be diplomatic" "We must try it all" "But we must stand tall" "Let's avoid every pitfall!" "I'm a girl called Poumaillac" "Here's another Poumaillac" "Now there's a third Poumaillac" "First there's number one" "Who is next to none" "Then there's number two So what can you do?" "The next has to be Number three lt's accidental" "But it's natural" "And you have to say There's no other way" "Since it has to be After two comes three!" "But what's this to-do She's uneasy too I feel that my question Must lack precision" "He looks right through you" "What is the reason" "He seeks the reason" "For this combination" "His suspicions accrue I shudder anew" "Does he have a clue What he's going to do?" "I am number one" "But the boss never knew Of the old issue I'm in the stew" "And the peace here to ls losing its value" "She bore my name too After all it's true" "l am number one -l see number one" "And second to none" "What is she to do lf she's number two" "He mustn't think she is now number three lt's only natural, you see After two comes three" "And how true will it be?" "After two comes three!" "AND this ENDS ON MONDAY AT 5:00 in THE AFTERNOON." "Madame Janitor?" "That's me!" "Ah!" "You're here for the flat!" "That's right!" "Ah!" "I recall now." "You're the new tenant, Monsieur Thomson." "l am!" "And you've come to move in?" "I've come!" "Surely you don't want to move in now?" "l do!" "That's not possible, sir." "Your lease doesn't begin until tomorrow." "I'll pay!" "The former tenant hasn't moved his personal belongings out yet." "I'll pay." "You're buying the furnishings and the carpets, but that doesn't give you the right to move in on the 31st instead of the 1st." "I'll pay!" "Ah!" "You mean you'll pay compensation for the extra day." "I do mean." "You don't say a great deal, sir, but you're easy to understand." "Let me see, eight thousand for the carpets and furnishings... five thousand for the lease, paid in advance, and one hundred and fifty for the extra day." "I'll give it to you." "Thirteen thousand two hundred." "That's right." "I'll bring you fifty francs change." "Keep it." "Thank you, sir." "True, with the dollar so strong, that's barely ten francs for you." "Thank you anyway." "I'll give you your receipt later." "I used to clean for the previous tenant." "May I hope that Monsieur... I'm asking you to go out and stay out for a long time." "Very well, Monsieur." "Oh, I forgot to tell you my name." "I'm Madame Foin." "Widow Foin." "My husband, the late Monsieur Foin..." "Get the hell..." "Get the hell..." "Hell out." "Thank you." "Yes, get the hell out." "You speak French very well." "It's a true pleasure talking to you." "All right, Monsieur, all right, I'll see you later." "What a pleasant surprise!" "Not very well, but thank you for asking!" "You seem rather upset." "l couldn't sleep all night." "Why?" "I was mulling over a lot of things." "That's bad." "Sleep is sleep and business is business." "I remembered the address of the flat you'd found." "l'll get straight to the point." "That's always best." "Thomson, tell me the truth." "Were you married to Gilberte?" "Since that scene yesterday, a lot has come back to me." "Gilberte's awkwardness when I found out you had been married to a Mademoiselle Poumaillac." "Then I remembered she travelled to America a few years ago." "This morning, a lawyer told me that a wedding abroad that isn't officialised by the consul doesn't count in the eyes of French law." "And so, when I married her, from a French legal viewpoint, she was still Mademoiselle Poumaillac." "Answer me, Thomson. ls it true?" "You seem very excited indeed." "You have to clear my doubts." "Answer me." "I have nothing to say." "That's tantamount to a confession, if you won't say anything." "That means you have something to say." "Not at all. I speak good French." "In America, it means I'm not interested, let's change the subject." "Try to understand." "Thomson, please, tell me the truth." "The truth is that partners must discuss business." "What do you think of this morning's steel price?" "Ah!" "You Americans are quite extraordinary!" "In America, you think you're all so smart" "You believe no one attains your state of art" "You gaze in proud shock" "At any tower block" "But they don't have the power Of our Eiffel Tower" "You're the kings and say so ad nauseam" "The kings of iron and the Grand Coulee Dam" "The kings of combustion" "The kings of emulsion" "And the emperors of Virginia ham" "We have pigs here too, cowboy, Old boy!" "But they are far from coy, Old boy!" "When we have fun, we don't hide" "And love here is a source of pride" "You drink vitriol over there" "We drink wine without a care" "For you, love's a mere ploy, Old boy!" "Over here, it's full of joy, Old boy!" "We do it best from Paris to Hanoi" "We're the best at that employ" "There you'll never take the lead, old boy!" "I think you're very excited." "So I'll forgive you." "You still won't answer?" "You can have a secret that isn't yours alone." "Come back in an hour." "I'm sure to speak then." "All right." "Meanwhile, go for a run." "It's very good to drain the blood down to your feet." "Yes, I feel..." "I need it..." "my head is heavy." "His head is heavy because he has something on his mind." "See you in an hour." "Madame Janitor!" "Here I am." "So quickly." "Were you behind the door?" "I'm always ready to oblige." "Get me port, whisky, soda and cakes." "I'll be in there working." "I'm expecting a lady and I don't want to be disturbed." "Very well, sir." "This is the place!" "Most pleasant!" "Monsieur Faradel." "Monsieur is here for his things?" "Later." "There's plenty of time until midday tomorrow." "Indeed, but the new tenant has already brought his things." "Since he paid me to move in, I thought he could." "Well, he's moved his things in there, to the left-hand room." "The rest is free." "That's something!" "Monsieur was here so rarely." "All right, Madame Foin, now you mustn't let anyone in, except a lady." "Who will ask for Monsieur Charly here..." "Monsieur isn't...?" "No, I am." "Charly." "Will you remember?" "Charly." "He's a sweet boy. I love that." "There." "It feels as if it's all for me." "You'll find the plates in the small dresser with the glasses." "Perfect!" "And is she pretty?" "Delightful." "You lucky devil." "The bedroom's through here." "I'll find it, don't worry." "I won't keep you any longer." "And thank you." "At least this place will have come in useful for once." "Let's decorate the chapel and prepare the shrine." "Monsieur Charly will be with you right away." "Such a nice young man." "It's easy to see how he could drive a woman wild." "But, you know, you have nothing to fear with me." "If ever your husband turns up, I won't let him in." "My husband." "Talk of the devil." "There's nothing you lovebirds need?" "No." "All right." "Have fun." "Oh, I love this." "Hello, Huguette!" "Hello, Charly." "What are you going to think of me?" "I'll tell you afterwards." "What?" "You're shocked now!" "Believe me." "The most audacious people are often the shyest." "l feel a bit scared." "Really!" "Do you promise to be reasonable?" "How odd." "You sound just like a married woman." "So this is what they call a bachelor flat?" "That's right." "A drop of port?" "l'd love some." "It always begins with a drop of port." "And then moves on to, "Take off your hat."" "I can manage that." "And then, "Take off your dress."" "Oh no!" "Modest?" "Yes!" "Forgive me, I'm rushing." "Oh!" "Charly." "I feel so awkward because I love you." "I promise you, nothing is going to happen." "I don't believe you." "I'd rather leave right now." "Farewell, then." "People kiss when they say farewell." "Yes." "Huguette!" "I'm leaving." "All right." "The door's through here." "When you're spying through a hole" "Through a hole" "You lose all self-control" "Through the keyhole of a door" "When you're spying through a hole" "Through a hole" "You learn and find out more" "For through a hole" "For through a hole, things look so droll" "Well, for now, they don't seem so hot" "The poor lass has no experience" "But that boy, he knows what's what" "He was showing her his influence lt's twenty years since I saw it last, Lord lt seemed so vast" "When you're spying through a hole" "Through a hole" "You learn and find out more" "For through a hole, things look so droll" "When you're spying through a hole" "Through a hole" "For through a hole, things look so droll" "Through a hole" "You learn and find out more" "End" "Just next to the framing shop." "This is Monsieur Thomson's residence?" "Yes, Madame." "Mademoiselle." "Oh!" "Sorry, I couldn't have known." "is Monsieur Thomson in?" "I don't know." "He said he was only at home for a lady." "Well?" "There are two of you!" "It's the same thing!" "Well..." "These Yankees are an energetic lot." "I'm rather pleased to see a bachelor flat, it's amusing." "Exciting, too." "The place is simply fragrant with love." "Really, Arlette, love is all you seem to think about." "I can only find it here, so let me hold onto it." "I'm not here for fun." "I asked her along as soon as I got Thomson's note fixing a rendezvous here." "Apparently, he has something to tell me that cannot be said at my husband's home." "Do you have any idea what he wants to tell me?" "No...but in any case, he has acted like a true gentleman." "He kept his word." "In fact, he held it back, which is even more difficult." "You must ask Thomson to return to America immediately." "That's exactly why I'm here." "You have a chaperone?" "A lady doesn't usually call on a single gentleman alone in France." "But it happens all the same." "I suppose you've nothing to say to my sister that I can't hear." "On the contrary." "Ah, Madame Janitor has bought the port." "A drop of port, Mademoiselle Poumaillac?" "I'd love some." "You may have some biscuits, too." "Gladly." "Well, my friend, I'm waiting to hear this serious news of yours." "All right." "Your husband said something that struck me yesterday." "He said, "A woman belongs forever to the man who first visited her."" "And, Gilberte, your first visitor was me!" "Pardon?" "She's not a museum." "He added, "She is bound to return to him, even if life parts them."" "Now you're here, I'm glad and we'll be very happy." "You don't waste time!" "l'm American." "Surely you don't want me to become your mistress?" "Certainly not!" "You divorce Valandray and you marry me." "Valandray doesn't count, he's dust, gone." "I'm going to tell him everything." "No, you're not!" "I am, but I wanted to warn you first." "So you're going to tell him," ""l was first, hand back the goods."" "Exactly." "Gilberte, you're my fiancée, I'm so excited." "Sorry, but you're forgetting I have a lover." "You'll need his permission." "Charly's not your lover." "He's just your sweetheart." "You think so?" "l know so." "If I'd thought that he was your lover, I wouldn't have told you to become my wife again." "He's ready to be third, but definitely not fourth." "No, no, no and four times no!" "Yes, yes, yes, yes, four times yes." "This American's a real mule." "Monsieur." "No need, Madame Janitor, name no names, I know." "Ladies, would you be kind enough to step into the next room?" "I still have a lot to tell you, and I have someone to see first, so I'll tell you after." "He wants to lock us away." "Just like Bluebeard." "It's Monsieur Valandray, isn't it?" "No, Monsieur, I've just brought you your receipt!" "These Americans have some very odd manners." "I forgot the bottle of port." "I need it now." "The level's dropped." "Charly." "Gilberte!" "You remembered our rendezvous at Quai Malaquais?" "is this your bachelor flat?" "Yes!" "And you were expecting me?" "Yes!" "Really!" "How comical." "Why?" "And very handy too!" "I don't think so!" "Charly, you're my saviour." "But the other one's waiting next door." "Come here." "Charly, my darling." "Yes." "Monsieur Thomson." "You refuse to believe that Charly's my lover?" "What's the matter?" "I have to take you by force?" "is this the latest fashion?" "Nowadays nothing does amaze" "And nothing ever stops you" "Feelings have no pride of place" "Courting's not a thing to do" "And love never leaves a trace" "Good day; good night" "After love, they both take fright" "Good night, good day" "Feelings never get in the way" "All those pretty words Spoken by lovebirds" "Are dead and gone" "Seeing as bliss Just a simple kiss ls a bygone" "Good day, good night" "When it's over, they're just polite" "Good night, good day" "Gallantry's gone the same way" "You're so cold, Charly." "Not at all." "Do you still love me?" "Yes, Gilberte, I love you!" "Say it louder." "lt's just that..." "Shout it out..." "like me!" "is he ever going to come back?" "How am I going to get out of this?" "And take me in your arms." "Hurry!" "Charly, Charly!" "Gilberte, here?" "Georges, believe me." "Be silent!" "Monsieur Valandray, it's a mistake!" "You, be gone." "Unless you want me to grind your bones to dust." "Let me explain." "Not a word, go and get dressed first." "Georges, it's not what you think." "It's not what I think?" "That's brilliant." "I find you with some fellow in his pyjamas and it's not what I think!" "Tell me what's going on." "Just tell me!" "You're hurting me!" "I love it when he's like this." "Good Heavens!" "Georges, what are you doing?" "I can see it all clearly now." "Arlette, I see things clearly at last." "I've just caught Gilberte here with Charly in his pyjamas!" "He really is her lover." "I don't need to hear Thomson." "I know where l stand." "I'm a cuckold, because I'm not the first." "The Mademoiselle Poumaillac that Thomson married was Gilberte!" "No, she wasn't!" "That's not true...not at all." "The Mademoiselle Poumaillac that Thomson married was me." "You would have said so earlier!" "No, I couldn't." "It was a big secret between us." "Isn't that right, Eric?" "He made me suffer." "I wanted to forget him." "Come on, tell the truth, Sam." "You were the one who hurt me." "I adored the man, but it's all over now." "My sister is wonderful." "Were you really married to Mademoiselle Poumaillac?" "Go on, answer, Sam." "I'll release you from your vow of secrecy." "There's one simple way to convince me." "Come along." "Appease me." "Make up and kiss in front of me." "If he made you suffer, that means you still love him." "Come along." "A kiss of reconciliation." "Yes, Arlette, forgive him." "Do it for me." "You have to." "Thomson, be a man." "Sam." "She kissed my lips!" "Do you believe me now?" "Yes...but Charly... I'll explain, but let's leave them." "We're in the way." "I merely came along to accompany my sister." "Oh, Sam!" "What have you done?" "It was you, I think." "Our lips met as they were trying to avoid each other." "You're stirring the very marrow of my bones." "I hadn't felt such an emotion since my teacher." "Sam." "At last I know the sweet intoxication!" "Of what?" "The intoxication of love's first kiss!" "Yet I hardly dare to feel that I care" "Dare lt overcomes me when I feel such bliss!" "Though my little heart is full of fear" "Dear" "Yet it starts to fill with glee" ""Ga-lee"?" "I understand imperfectly" "But I sense it so completely" "Oh, Sam!" "Do it once again, please" "Oh, Sam!" "You can be such a tease I feel I've been swept away lt's as if today's my birthday" "My toes are curling and my heart is pounding" "Oh, Sam!" "You're simply irresistible" "Oh, Sam!" "It seems almost impossible!" "The stars around me spangle" "And my nerves are a-jangle" "Cupid's aim is well and truly infallible!" "You'll be the first to have your way" "That's something I have done" "For I'm always number one" "Oh, Sam!" "You're simply irresistible" "Oh, Sam!" "It seems almost impossible!" "The stars around me spangle" "And my nerves are a-jangle" "Cupid's aim is well and truly infallible!" "I still can't understand why Charly was in his pyjamas." "Well, neither can I." "Oh, sorry!" "Drat." "Ah well, too bad." "Everything's becoming clear now." "He was here for Huguette." "My flat's quite crowded." "But..." "What do you mean, your flat?" "Yes, this is my bachelor flat." "It's mine, I paid for it!" "And we've just celebrated our engagement here!" "A little early!" "Hush!" "And to consolidate a marriage" "That was coming apart!" "And rebuilt one that had been destroyed." "Lord!" "What have they been up to in here?" "!" "What a shock!" "Drat!" "Here I go again." "All's well... that end's well!" "Will you say now you're on your feet" "Now, that was sweet!" "There's nothing more to add" "Now that's not bad" "Our songs were pleasant for you" "And we're happy doing what we do" "So we'll carry on alike" "Now that we like" "You're not yet on your feet" "Now that's quite sweet" "At the finale, you feel sad" "Now that's not bad lf you feel you do belong" "Why don't you sing along?" "We can all dive right back in" "So let's begin" "Will you say now you're on your feet" "Now, that was sweet!" "There's nothing more to add" "Now that's not bad" "Our songs were pleasant for you" "And we're happy doing what we do" "So we'll carry on alike" "Now that we like" "You're not yet on your feet" "Now that's quite sweet" "At the finale, you feel sad" "Now that's not bad lf you feel you do belong" "Why don't you sing along?" "We can all dive right back in" "So let's begin"