Jeu avec le feu, Le (Playing with Fire) (1975) Movie Script
Yes, and quite attractive.
OK, capable and recruited.
Enough! Still!
If you're good, you'll get
a nice bowl of soup when you arrive.
She's a pedigree, but
not very well trained yet.
If you don't stop,
you'll get a good beating.
Not that please!
You see,
already beginning to understand.
Message for
Giorgio Baldassarre De Saxe.
Banker. Age 47. Widow
with an only daughter. Carolina.
Carolina. Carolina. Carolina
is in the park, reading a book.
Innocent and peaceful.
Right now she's in great danger.
- Who are you? Hello!
- I repeat...
Carolina is in the park,
reading a book.
- What do you want?
- Innocent and peaceful.
Right now she's in great danger.
Message for Giorgio...
Ah Maria...
go immediately...
Tell Matteo to join me
at the bottom of the garden.
As soon as possible.
My respects Sir.
Your daughter, Sir,
and has just been kidnapped.
Alas kidnapped.
Your daughter Carolina.
She is now in a safe place.
In the hands of an organization
both powerful and cruel.
The ransom was fixed
at one million dollars.
In convertible currency,
or petrodollars.
The method of payment will be
communicated by return post.
The price is fixed,
and no haggling.
Promptness of payment
is an essential condition.
Otherwise interest will be applied
on a daily basis.
And also...
The organization reserves the right
to utilize the
economic potential of the girl
giving her to clients
of a special house for perverts,
in which Carolina will
satisfy their sexual fantasies.
An exhausting work
which could tire her,
of course, bit by bit.
If the police are notified...
Your daughter will be burned alive.
We can guarantee a complete result,
total and definitive.
Allow me Sir
to show you our references
on the seriousness of our business.
Ah, it's you Matteo.
- Sir is unwell?
- It will pass.
They squirted...
a kind of drug, right in my eyes
Oh. Unhappy clients
who were protesting
about the interest rate?
No, you fool! They were...
I don't know who they were.
Sir doesn't consider
that they were businessmen?
Maybe they wanted a loan.
No... they didn't ask for anything.
Ah. Well, in that case
they could be thieves.
I'll check
that everything is in order.
Quick! Quick!
For love of me
I can't say more
Your little Carolina
Lost
Excuse me Sir,
I saw nothing at all suspicious.
Tell me Matteo, what time
did my daughter leave this morning?
Does anyone in the house
know where she went?
As far as I know
the young lady left around nine.
As for knowing where she went
the easiest thing
is for Sir to ask her.
She's just now returned.
I met her as I was leaving the house
whilst she was
going up to her room.
With your permission,
I'll go into town.
Good, you're here.
I'm here.
What's wrong with that?
Has nothing odd
happened to you today?
Odd in what sense?
Was it you wrote this postcard?
No, why?
And yet it's your writing.
Yes...
Oh, silly me!
With the idea of arriving early
a stupid taxi driver
took me on an incredible tour.
And as always happens,
we got completely stuck.
Excuse me,
could I have an autograph?
You needn't add anything
in memory...
of this meeting...
only too brief?
Yes, but we must hurry.
It's a bit dry.
You couldn't... put for example...
'your Carolina'?
Why should I do that?
Let's say... for my love.
Hop, hop, hop.
The game went marvelously.
The arc remains and the triumph
won't give us any more trouble.
All done. Carolina De Saxe
is already in our hands.
Details.
Abducted without incident,
with extreme discretion,
and transported in the safest
of hiding places.
- Further details.
- The request is turned down.
All are equal before the law.
Even the head.
Everyone observes the autonomous
responsibility of their own sector.
Watertight compartments, efficiency.
No risk of blabbering
and limited damage
in case of accident.
And that's what I say.
Special instructions?
No, I want daily reports.
- This is your right.
- Goodbye.
Call Pierre Garen.
Follow Franz.
Okay.
Why?
No questions.
Report twice a day.
On Franz?
'Kay...
- Carry it out. Goodbye.
- Goodbye.
Excuse me Sir.
But here's a message
which arrived earlier,
while Sir was in the gardens.
and that I forgot
because of the commotion.
I should point out that it was
the cause of my delay
in rejoining Sir.
The instructions
for freeing the prisoner
will be given at the point marked
with a cross on the photograph.
I apologize to the gentleman.
But it seems to me that the thing
becomes jolly exciting!
It could be something serious.
Perhaps there was only a mistake
in the layout of the script.
And tonight... or tomorrow...
So you think
I'm going to be kidnapped.
And what will they
do with me in their lair?
- Good morning.
- Yes?
You have technical and moral prejudices
against sadism?
No. Just don't overdo it.
What do you like?
Spanking?
Rather the whip.
Cigarettes, trestle and nettles,
swabs soaked in alcohol,
and so on.
It's a demanding genre.
And these things are expensive.
Sure. We'll fix the price
and pocket the money.
And no one will ask your opinion.
Contact Julien Jacques,
your pimp.
Don't make such a fuss.
Write him a nice little note.
He'll have to turn
quite a few tricks
if he wants to regain his capital.
Rectifying the error in pagination,
the kidnap could take place equally...
Tomorrow, today perhaps.
With a slight delay.
A standstill. A pause,
from which we should profit,
to put ourselves under
the protection of the police.
So far, it's an empty threat,
which I've carefully hidden.
But to what end?
Ah Carol... Caroline... Carolina...
Given that it seems
to be an empty threat,
we use the breathing space,
to alert the police.
Without wasting a moment.
Four, three, two, one... zero!
What happened?
I wanted to burn some papers
and there was an explosion!
But why? What papers?
Nothing but old stuff!
And this? What is it?
An old doll, they've kept.
A doll made of celluloid
in the fire?
Don't you know it's dangerous?
Many children have been burned alive!
But I didn't throw it on purpose,
I don't know who put it
in the basket,
with all the papers to burn.
I did it without looking.
- You're not hurt?
- No.
Sure?
Just a bit.
A little burn.
It looks like the paw of a cat.
And if it was an attack?
Inflammable stuff put there on purpose.
Calm down.
Don't invent
unnecessary concerns.
I wanted to call the police.
But it is better not to
for the moment.
After all, you've not been kidnapped.
And all that's happened,
seems... a game.
Miss! You'll be safe here.
Go!
Go!... Down!
Go!
Now, theyve gone.
You can get out.
It seems they just wanted to play.
You think so?
Yes. but...
You've been bitten?
Oh no, no, only scratches
made from the bushes.
Oh, but I wouldn't be so sure.
No, no. Those scratches
have been made by teeth.
They're nothing, anyway.
Yes. A dog that tries to bite
must be mad.
It's essential
you get an injection straight away.
- But how?
- Luckily there's a doctor.
Don't be surprised...
It's a new social service.
- There won't be a scar?
- Absolutely not.
It's the kind of merchandise
that customers want intact.
I must have lost my purse
when I ran just now.
Don't worry.
You won't need it now.
Clear off!
This isn't for you.
One: You have been weighed
in the balance, and found wanting.
Two: you have lost the opportunity
to save your happiness
and your power.
Three: your empire, and the flesh
of your flesh will perish in flames.
Are you working on the house?
No, I don't know what's happening.
Carolina, could you ring please?
- The lady rang?
- Yes, Matteo.
What's that racket?
A thousand apologies.
But it was only a minor
incident from ancillary life.
I allowed myself to take steps
to violate Maria,
but the cat interfered
inappropriately.
Again!
If Sir will permit,
I'll go and take action.
I'm sorry to have been so...
clumsy.
I had to slander
that innocent feline.
- Got it?
- I'll be more careful.
Now there's a guy there.
Behave yourself properly.
At least with him.
I'll do my best.
And do it well
if you don't want trouble.
Here's all that we know.
A non-existent kidnapping,
a huge ransom to be paid,
a secret appointment
at the most visible place in Paris.
And no specific threat?
No.
Then it's all a joke,
without a doubt.
But it's best to be careful, however.
You should place
Miss Carolina in a safe location.
No, I'd rather stay at home!
And safe here.
I'll get some Italian bodyguards.
- The house...
- Is the least secure of shelters,
It's obvious.
Given that the kidnappers
know you're here.
We must find a place
where nobody would think to look.
An insane asylum... a prison
a political party...
Or a brothel.
Just an idea!
I have a friend, completely trustworthy,
who runs a sort of...
Clinic.
A place of rest
for exhausted feminists.
It's... calm, discrete,
classy, you know.
Importantly, the bodyguards watch
always over the safety of the clients.
whom the director of the house
knows personally... and intimately.
Away from Carolina,
I wouldn't feel comfortable.
Naturally.
But it's not your
peace of mind that counts.
But the protection of her body.
Of her body...
It's important that
Carolina leaves immediately.
Erika my friend,
is right now in Paris
and could accompany her.
Is this place far from Paris?
No, not too far.
For extra precaution,
Carolina will dress as a man,
In one of your suits.
No, it would be too big.
Better one of mine.
By chance, I've one
in my suitcase.
Since I don't have time
to go home and change.
I understand that these
precautions will seem ridiculous,
But we can't risk anything,
when it's a matter,
not of saving a soul,
which can always be repaired
but that of a young body.
Yes, we must save her young body.
I hesitated at first.
I made some objections...
But finally I accepted.
Your empire, and the flesh
of your flesh... will perish.
- Can you give me a shirt, please?
- Yes, Maria.
This one here, Miss?
- Yes, Maria.
Come in.
- It's perfect.
- As if it were made for you.
I'm afraid the jacket
might not fit so well.
Matteo, would you call a taxi?
Sir doesn't take the car?
No.
I prefer a taxi.
We need a moustache.
Nothing easier.
Ah, a false one!
Naturally.
What'd we do without makeup?
- You didn't know?
- No.
Oh Miss, you look adorable.
- No, hands off, Maria.
If Matteo and the cat
don't satisfy you
I'll leave you Mr. Frantz!
Have fun.
Did you hear what Miss said?
Oh really...
Must I do everything myself?
I'll give you a hand!
Not now, it's not the time.
I feel embarrassed.
With the eyes of the public
staring at us.
- I'm used to it.
- But I'm not.
Kidnappings.
How romantic.
Unfortunately
it's no longer what it once was.
In olden days, fair beauties
were abducted by horses.
Raped by swans,
seduced by snakes.
Torn apart by bulls...
pleasures past, unfortunately.
Times change.
- Swans? And how did they do it?
- I'll show you.
I admit that it was full
of attention and kindness.
and love was made
in a way technically correct,
but nothing more.
As a memento
I took the gold chain,
that Carolina always wears
around her waist.
and that she had
forgotten to put back on
after removing it
to put on her trousers.
'What I didn't understand
is if it was
Frantz disguised as woman
or a woman disguised as Frantz.'
Don't say anything.
You're waiting.
Madame, will be down.
Here, my Lady,
your new, little pupil.
A first class purchase.
Carolina De Saxe,
Erika Von Eigher.
Needless to say,
that this is a false name.
Thank you for the welcome.
Don't thank me.
The pleasure will be all mine.
The young lady should
change out of her disguise.
That is no longer suitable
to her circumstances... now.
Although, maybe...
on second thoughts...
You will find a dress to fit you
on the couch in the lobby.
Hurry, now.
'The pleasure will be all mine.'
You can tell.
Look at me, however,
working in this film.
One of these days I'll get bored,
and send them all...
Come on.
In here it's so much larger
than it seems from the outside.
Yes, it wasn't easy to manage it.
And also...
Very strange.
Who are those girls
dressed in black?
The guests of the house.
Why dressed in black?
It's the rule.
To distinguish them from the maids,
who wear white.
Why are they so still?
They're resting.
Well then, will I also
always have to...
wear black?
- And all these doors?
- There are many rooms.
- What do they mean, these photos?
- Only what you see. Only portraits.
And this is your room.
Is she a good pupil?
If she's not docile, don't hesitate
to punish her. Cruelly.
It's already been done.
See the effects. Reverence...
I am yours, Ma'am.
Uniform of the house.
Get up.
Is she a real whore?
Here's a certificate to prove it.
Where's her beat?
Palais Royale.
And... her price?
Third category, Sir.
Unwrap it.
Immediately, Sir.
Yes, seems fresh.
I'll have it
with a salsa rossa.
and flamb au cognac.
Very good, Sir. And the serving?
Would you like it sliced?
If it's home made.
And is it tender?
Naturally Sir.
Add a little something as precaution,
so that it rises properly.
Unnecessary. But,
I'll do as Sir wishes.
I've everything needed here.
The doors, corridors,
photographs, keys.
The names on the doors.
My own photo,
and my own name.
I wanted to close the bolt,
but it had been unscrewed
during my absence.
My legs were weak
and my mouth dry.
I saw a bottle
on a tray,
which seemed to be
water for the night.
I drank a full glass.
But I soon realized
I'd made a big mistake.
I beg you, Sir, hold back
from performing an irreparable act.
That would put in danger,
her that God was putting
under your protection.
No acts of violence
in this sacred place.
Come on, let's hurry.
Come in.
Hello baby.
Isn't it locked?
It was removed.
Removed the lock?
What do you mean?
It works perfectly.
Ah, so it does.
How was your night?
Strange things happen
in this house,
It's a mysterious place.
Mysterious?
No. Why? I find it
quiet and comfortable.
Have you seen the people?
I found it a bit...
deserted don't you think?
Why do they lock me in?
As a precaution, no doubt.
And who gave you
the key to my door?
The guard, who else could.
But you saw the room of portraits?
Yes I glimpsed it as I went by.
An interesting idea, don't you think?
Why are you so nervous?
I had a bad dream last night.
There was a very strong, tall man
who was washing my body.
You should take a tranquilizer.
I've one with me,
if you want.
Look there!
It wasn't a dream!
The stick he had is still there
Don't be silly.
It's my umbrella.
I put it there when I arrived.
Here.
Swallow, now.
Now, don't be naughty!
Even as a child you had
strange, morbid nightmares.
There's no reason to worry yourself.
I contacted, despite everything,
your potential kidnappers.
As if you really were taken.
I am taken.
But no, you're here.
So I went to the appointment
marked on the card.
It was the first time
I've climbed the Arc de Triomphe
and will certainly be the last.
Yet I'd like to have taken you there.
One day.
And when I did.
It was if it were once,
many years ago,
when you were a child.
And I held you by the hand.
I see that you too
take little children for a walk.
It must be a kind of password.
My stupid bosses didn't warn me.
Fine weather, is not it, to visit
the capital with your family.
It's true, the sun, the wind,
the rain, the smell of the air,
the day dawns,
the night falls, and so on...
It so happens that I've brought
with me a little something.
Memento of Paris.
Like the obelisk erected
facing the Arc de Triomphe.
And the flesh of girls offered
in the secrecy of brothels.
Does this bring anything to mind?
Ah, thank you.
I wondered where it had got to.
The chain, of course.
As for Carolina, alas,
you know her cruel fate,
and you know the price,
to save her from it.
You'll take a cheque?
Why not notes,
seeing as it's you?
Cash then.
Ah, that lack of trust.
Used, in small denominations.
Let's say, 10 francs.
And more convenient
with the current cash crisis.
ten per millimetre, about...
Yes, more or less
that's a column fifty metres high.
So much?
Of course, and very cumbersome.
Not to mention the hard work involved,
to obtain them discreetly.
That's none of my business.
I carry out orders,
period.
Get thinner bills,
or renegotiate the deal.
The orders on this point
are precise.
Small used cuts enclosed
in a bag of new cement.
Deposited on a construction site,
which is at kilometre K,
on street X.
Here is the scale map.
Here, right here
in niche C.
Just to the right after passing door P.
Got it?
You know very well
there's a credit crunch.
I'd rather pay you
in several installments.
However,
take this in the meantime.
Three, four, five six, seven,
eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve.
That country bumpkin.
Hoping to impress me
with the efficiency
of his organization,
forced me to accompany him
to this lousy night club.
In twenty seconds,
the girl that you're looking at
will be called to the phone.
She won't return.
Is the ransom considerable?
Professional secret,
Mr. De Saxe.
Miss Diana Wanderbergh
wanted on the phone.
Beautiful victim, don't you think?
Pitiful and tender.
For the pleasure
of our sadistic customers.
Done capable and recruited.
Come on, get up.
You must be ready at seven
for a difficult customer.
There's still time.
Do you want
to be punished some more?
- By you?
- No, by Erika.
She always inve those little things
that really hurt.
Remember?
Yes.
Only you lose, not us.
There are always customers
that appreciate the show.
And even the ladies.
Yes, I know.
Don't you want to make love
some more?
No, there's no time to lose.
Business before pleasure
Do you want to do...
Practice violence?
It's work, eh?
Wait, lady, we'll help you.
They're real peasants, up there.
You can manage better inside.
Done. Capable and recruited.
Exciting, don't you think?
For you Sir, special offer:
Let me go immediately.
Or I'll call
the ambassador of my country.
If you like, we could put her
in a position, more comfortable.
You know, it was inevitable...
two or three of our men raped her.
They are entitled,
by contract.
Unless it's a special case, this...
I beg you, Sir.
Tell them not to touch me.
My father will pay
whatever you wish!
Of course he will pay, but this...
doesn't give you
the right to privileges.
Even admitting the show was pleasing,
I don't think it was
very prudent to show me.
I could recognize the places,
give directions.
No Sir, it's not possible.
Think of your dear little Carolina,
and what could happen to her
to amuse you.
Burned alive, for example.
But we can do better.
As for this,
it's a temporary haven.
Perhaps tomorrow,
it will no longer exist.
No! No! Let go of me! Let go of me!
I beg you.
If you're not a good girl
we'll burn the tips of your breasts.
Don't spoil her too much.
She must arrive
at her destination
in usable condition.
No!
There...
Fire.
Now, watch the birdie.
Fire!
The client is waiting.
Now, just as she is.
OK, we're coming.
Hello hello.
How are you feeling today?
This hotel doesn't offer
many distractions
- to a fashionable young lady.
- No, I've no time to get bored.
- The place is nice, isn't it?
- Yes, very nice.
So, all is well.
I know your father
has made several visits.
Yes, I mean no.
One that I know of.
Do you need anything?
- No, thank you.
Well, all right then,
I'll be leaving.
Why are you so cold
under my caresses?
Come, tell me that you love me.
Madam, I love you.
And I am your slave.
Or else I'll send you out
into the gardens.
I'll set the dogs on you.
They'll savage you to death
and devour you.
Have you pray'd to-night,
Desdemona?
Sweet soul, take heed of perjury!
Though art on thy deathbed
Presently.
Talk you of killing,
my lord?
Ay, I do!
Therefore,
confess thee freely of thy sin.
I never did offend
thee in my life.
By heaven, you have!
I saw, the infamy,
he blew his nose
in your new panties,
becoming more distracted.
What use now your tears
for those your panties!
Drive me away my Lord.
But do not kill me.
This is a tragedy!
Not a farce!
Kill me tomorrow.
Let me live tonight.
Tomorrow I'll be busy.
And certain things...
are best done right away.
But while I say one prayer.
It is too late.
Not yet quite dead.
And still... warm...
And soft...
and sweet.
I don't want to prolong too much
your torment.
Age?
Eighteen.
Her death was recent.
Oh, and still fresh.
How did she die?
- It was sexual.
- Particulars.
Raped then disemboweled.
By whom?
By her confessor.
The funeral service?
Oh magnificent,
it finished a few minutes ago.
The funeral?
When you are done with her.
Ready, Sir.
Set light to her.
You're going for a walk?
Good boy.
Down boy.
Ah yes,
I'd forgotten the key.
Listen Pierre Garen,
are you whining or playing?
OK, OK, I'll play.
I can't see the cards.
Damn.
Fifty.
Tell me where you've hidden
the little De Saxe girl, or I'm folding.
Each must do his own work.
See you.
I fill the boxes,
the work is too hard.
They leave it all to me.
You just tell the boss
you've found her and all's well.
If he wants to check?
Is that all?
Tell him, you were
at the top of the Arc de Triomphe,
and when she arrived,
you gave her a little push.
And whoops, over she went.
You mean the girl
is already dead?
No, this is a metonymy,
not a hypothesis.
If you don't understand,
I can't do anything.
He didn't understand for sure.
I understand only that
I've run out of money.
OK. We'll play something else.
The girl that's being
sent back to her family...
There are two hours left
before delivery.
What? She's being returned?
Have they already paid?
No. An error
in the quality of the goods.
We have contractors
devoid of merit.
Luxurious standard of living,
but in debt.
The bank refused the payment.
Oh, shit.
You see, they'll blame me.
My pockets are full.
The economic climate
is most unfavorable.
The banks are stopping their credit.
And then people
are more and more depraved.
I don't know where it will end.
I don't know what the clients
have done to the girl, up at the villa.
But it's nothing too orthodox.
In fact she's still a virgin.
Don't you believe me?
Hey, lads!
Bring the basket.
Virgin?
Very rare, today.
Almost offensive.
Ah, on this point,
I quite agree.
I'm a guy of normal appetites.
OK then,
let's play poker.
No.
Baccarat. Eh?
It's more in your line.
Baccarat.
Remove the packaging.
You're pigs!
Nothing but sick.
You bastards!
Those fools
must have forgotten the injection.
I'll get revenge.
I don't need the police.
I'll find that dump...
and with my friends we'll blow it up.
You're starting to bore us!
We're working here!
Baccarat.
That's it.
My friend has won.
He'll be the one
to proceed with your deflowering.
So you'll have at least
something to tell to your girlfriends.
Pierre Garen...
You are despicable!
I hate you!
Missionary position,
but tie her well.
All beautiful women,
young, rich.
This is the twelfth
for all we know,
and no one has yet
filed a complaint.
This suggests
that there are others.
Hundreds maybe.
- Classified information?
- Undoubtedly.
Perhaps we should
summarize the facts for the public.
Naturally.
I've even prepared a note.
'The script
seems always the same.
Acquaintances of the beautiful,
young lady X and young lady Y
cease abruptly
to see them in their surroundings.
When friends ask for news...'
- Am I being quite clear?
- Perfectly.
'When friends ask for news
from the families,
amazed at such
an unexpected disappearance...'
Huh... unexpected...
'of missed appointments,
of continued absence
on the phone,
the father, or husband, bring out
apologies both nebulous and vague.
Forced rest, unannounced trips...
The last case
of which we are aware?
The last known case
is that of Diana Vandenberg.
Called to the phone, Tuesday evening
at the club what's-it-called,
never returned to her table,
not only was it that... she...'
What a way to write!
Such a precious style,
as if it wasn't already
difficult enough to understand.
'Not, only, was it that... she...'
In short 'She didn't return
to collect her personal belongings.
didn't even pass the cloakroom
To collect her fur...
animal unknown'
Her friends called...
Her friends called her house,
Her father informs them that
the girl felt unwell,
and had to return home in a hurry.
But this time, there are witnesses.
Suspects, indeed.
Yes, two. Two men,
standing by the bar,
and who watch intently the girl,
Ahha, they've been noticed.
They were noticed by those present.
One was identified.
Amazingly,
it was the banker, Giorgio De Saxe
who would even pronounce
the fateful word: ransom.
- Good, let him in.
- Here he is, boss.
You were by chance at time X
on day Z, at club what's-it-called?
Yes... that is no...
Sorry, I don't remember.
Don't prevaricate sir.
Yes or no?
Maybe in a certain respect...
if I remember correctly.
- You go there often?
- No, never.
Incorrect!
That night you were there.
So what?
I mean to say that I don't frequent
that kind of place willingly...
Ahha! Then you had a special reason
for going that night.
Not at all,
It was purely by chance.
- And who were you with?
- I was alone.
Incorrect!
You were talking with someone.
- A casual acquaintance.
- And who was it?
I don't know.
Have you ever seen this girl?
- No.
- You've never seen her?
No, not at all.
Another thing.
You possess a Cobra revolver,
very rare.
The teenager was shot once
in the Bois de Boulogne
with a weapon of this type.
Where do you keep the revolver?
- It's been stolen.
- When?
I don't know.
Thank you sir.
And if you have
other news on this case,
call Commissioner Loran.
All right.
- Financial, status?
- Precarious.
- Moral reputation?
- Very doubtful.
He's trying to get a large sum
for an unknown reason.
The father of Vandenberg
would pay any amount
To rescue his daughter.
Twenty percent.
Thirty per cent.
Taxes to be paid.
All right.
All right.
I've come to suggest a walk
Are you ready?
We must always be ready,
you know.
Very good, very good.
Then, let's go.
Shall we walk in the house?
- Oh, no, outside.
- In the garden?
- No no, in the country.
Ah, right.
And the dogs?
What dogs?
There are no dogs.
The gate isn't locked.
Of course not,
why would it be?
As a precaution
I've been told.
To only one who's a caution
occurs a precaution.
Ahha, mephitic wordplay.
We can go out like this,
freely?
To hear you speak like that,
one would take you for a prisoner.
So you've found my trail.
Happy?
Yeah, sure.
And little Carolina,
you know where she is?
Hitchhiking down at the crossroads.
She went in the hotel to telephone.
However I don't think
that will take long.
Well then, good luck.
Hello, this is Carolina.
Yes, there's been
a bit of a mix up.
A mistake from a typist
has led to the reversal
of some sequences.
But now it's all been tidied up
and everything's running smoothly.
I'll have a bag of cement shortly.
If there are no other mistakes.
Tell the public to relax.
Oh, no!
I've seen the back of you!
What a mess!
Within 17 minutes exactly,
I will deposit a bag containing
in a place provided
by the script,
The young lady was kidnapped?
Not exactly,
but the kidnappers believe so.
I thought I'd give you
the opportunity to arrest them.
Very kind of you.
Don't talk of it
even to the Commissioner,
just be on time because
it's a lot of money.
And money is expensive
nowadays.
Police.
Nice work.
Have you got your papers?
They seem in order.
I'm afraid the banker's
making fun of you.
You've been arrested for nothing.
The bills aren't
small denomination?
Neither small nor big.
The hiding place was empty.
Skinflint!
- Giorgio De Saxe?
- In person.
This is Commissioner Loran.
Good morning. Well?
The man who was with you at the club
what's-it-called, has been arrested.
So much the better.
I was a bit offended by the fact,
that you didnt put the money
in the hiding place.
What?
We would have recovered it.
We're honest police.
But you haven't...?
Help! Help!
Aider moi!
Aiuto!
Socorro!
Help!
Died in a car accident.
Which makes you think, according to
the police, that it was murder.
The car caught fire,
before she could get out,
tied and dazed.
It was my fault,
in other words.
What a horrible thing.
Carolina.
Flesh of my flesh.
Destroyed in the flames.
And so for this...
there's my revolver,
despite the postal strike,
It was returned to me this morning,
by express delivery.
- How are you?
- Not too bad.
No bruises?
- No, everything went OK.
Well, we won,
as expected.
I didn't understand the script at all.
but in short, that's it.
You have the money?
The ransom?
Of course. It's in the trunk.
Alright then, let's go.
OK, capable and recruited.
Enough! Still!
If you're good, you'll get
a nice bowl of soup when you arrive.
She's a pedigree, but
not very well trained yet.
If you don't stop,
you'll get a good beating.
Not that please!
You see,
already beginning to understand.
Message for
Giorgio Baldassarre De Saxe.
Banker. Age 47. Widow
with an only daughter. Carolina.
Carolina. Carolina. Carolina
is in the park, reading a book.
Innocent and peaceful.
Right now she's in great danger.
- Who are you? Hello!
- I repeat...
Carolina is in the park,
reading a book.
- What do you want?
- Innocent and peaceful.
Right now she's in great danger.
Message for Giorgio...
Ah Maria...
go immediately...
Tell Matteo to join me
at the bottom of the garden.
As soon as possible.
My respects Sir.
Your daughter, Sir,
and has just been kidnapped.
Alas kidnapped.
Your daughter Carolina.
She is now in a safe place.
In the hands of an organization
both powerful and cruel.
The ransom was fixed
at one million dollars.
In convertible currency,
or petrodollars.
The method of payment will be
communicated by return post.
The price is fixed,
and no haggling.
Promptness of payment
is an essential condition.
Otherwise interest will be applied
on a daily basis.
And also...
The organization reserves the right
to utilize the
economic potential of the girl
giving her to clients
of a special house for perverts,
in which Carolina will
satisfy their sexual fantasies.
An exhausting work
which could tire her,
of course, bit by bit.
If the police are notified...
Your daughter will be burned alive.
We can guarantee a complete result,
total and definitive.
Allow me Sir
to show you our references
on the seriousness of our business.
Ah, it's you Matteo.
- Sir is unwell?
- It will pass.
They squirted...
a kind of drug, right in my eyes
Oh. Unhappy clients
who were protesting
about the interest rate?
No, you fool! They were...
I don't know who they were.
Sir doesn't consider
that they were businessmen?
Maybe they wanted a loan.
No... they didn't ask for anything.
Ah. Well, in that case
they could be thieves.
I'll check
that everything is in order.
Quick! Quick!
For love of me
I can't say more
Your little Carolina
Lost
Excuse me Sir,
I saw nothing at all suspicious.
Tell me Matteo, what time
did my daughter leave this morning?
Does anyone in the house
know where she went?
As far as I know
the young lady left around nine.
As for knowing where she went
the easiest thing
is for Sir to ask her.
She's just now returned.
I met her as I was leaving the house
whilst she was
going up to her room.
With your permission,
I'll go into town.
Good, you're here.
I'm here.
What's wrong with that?
Has nothing odd
happened to you today?
Odd in what sense?
Was it you wrote this postcard?
No, why?
And yet it's your writing.
Yes...
Oh, silly me!
With the idea of arriving early
a stupid taxi driver
took me on an incredible tour.
And as always happens,
we got completely stuck.
Excuse me,
could I have an autograph?
You needn't add anything
in memory...
of this meeting...
only too brief?
Yes, but we must hurry.
It's a bit dry.
You couldn't... put for example...
'your Carolina'?
Why should I do that?
Let's say... for my love.
Hop, hop, hop.
The game went marvelously.
The arc remains and the triumph
won't give us any more trouble.
All done. Carolina De Saxe
is already in our hands.
Details.
Abducted without incident,
with extreme discretion,
and transported in the safest
of hiding places.
- Further details.
- The request is turned down.
All are equal before the law.
Even the head.
Everyone observes the autonomous
responsibility of their own sector.
Watertight compartments, efficiency.
No risk of blabbering
and limited damage
in case of accident.
And that's what I say.
Special instructions?
No, I want daily reports.
- This is your right.
- Goodbye.
Call Pierre Garen.
Follow Franz.
Okay.
Why?
No questions.
Report twice a day.
On Franz?
'Kay...
- Carry it out. Goodbye.
- Goodbye.
Excuse me Sir.
But here's a message
which arrived earlier,
while Sir was in the gardens.
and that I forgot
because of the commotion.
I should point out that it was
the cause of my delay
in rejoining Sir.
The instructions
for freeing the prisoner
will be given at the point marked
with a cross on the photograph.
I apologize to the gentleman.
But it seems to me that the thing
becomes jolly exciting!
It could be something serious.
Perhaps there was only a mistake
in the layout of the script.
And tonight... or tomorrow...
So you think
I'm going to be kidnapped.
And what will they
do with me in their lair?
- Good morning.
- Yes?
You have technical and moral prejudices
against sadism?
No. Just don't overdo it.
What do you like?
Spanking?
Rather the whip.
Cigarettes, trestle and nettles,
swabs soaked in alcohol,
and so on.
It's a demanding genre.
And these things are expensive.
Sure. We'll fix the price
and pocket the money.
And no one will ask your opinion.
Contact Julien Jacques,
your pimp.
Don't make such a fuss.
Write him a nice little note.
He'll have to turn
quite a few tricks
if he wants to regain his capital.
Rectifying the error in pagination,
the kidnap could take place equally...
Tomorrow, today perhaps.
With a slight delay.
A standstill. A pause,
from which we should profit,
to put ourselves under
the protection of the police.
So far, it's an empty threat,
which I've carefully hidden.
But to what end?
Ah Carol... Caroline... Carolina...
Given that it seems
to be an empty threat,
we use the breathing space,
to alert the police.
Without wasting a moment.
Four, three, two, one... zero!
What happened?
I wanted to burn some papers
and there was an explosion!
But why? What papers?
Nothing but old stuff!
And this? What is it?
An old doll, they've kept.
A doll made of celluloid
in the fire?
Don't you know it's dangerous?
Many children have been burned alive!
But I didn't throw it on purpose,
I don't know who put it
in the basket,
with all the papers to burn.
I did it without looking.
- You're not hurt?
- No.
Sure?
Just a bit.
A little burn.
It looks like the paw of a cat.
And if it was an attack?
Inflammable stuff put there on purpose.
Calm down.
Don't invent
unnecessary concerns.
I wanted to call the police.
But it is better not to
for the moment.
After all, you've not been kidnapped.
And all that's happened,
seems... a game.
Miss! You'll be safe here.
Go!
Go!... Down!
Go!
Now, theyve gone.
You can get out.
It seems they just wanted to play.
You think so?
Yes. but...
You've been bitten?
Oh no, no, only scratches
made from the bushes.
Oh, but I wouldn't be so sure.
No, no. Those scratches
have been made by teeth.
They're nothing, anyway.
Yes. A dog that tries to bite
must be mad.
It's essential
you get an injection straight away.
- But how?
- Luckily there's a doctor.
Don't be surprised...
It's a new social service.
- There won't be a scar?
- Absolutely not.
It's the kind of merchandise
that customers want intact.
I must have lost my purse
when I ran just now.
Don't worry.
You won't need it now.
Clear off!
This isn't for you.
One: You have been weighed
in the balance, and found wanting.
Two: you have lost the opportunity
to save your happiness
and your power.
Three: your empire, and the flesh
of your flesh will perish in flames.
Are you working on the house?
No, I don't know what's happening.
Carolina, could you ring please?
- The lady rang?
- Yes, Matteo.
What's that racket?
A thousand apologies.
But it was only a minor
incident from ancillary life.
I allowed myself to take steps
to violate Maria,
but the cat interfered
inappropriately.
Again!
If Sir will permit,
I'll go and take action.
I'm sorry to have been so...
clumsy.
I had to slander
that innocent feline.
- Got it?
- I'll be more careful.
Now there's a guy there.
Behave yourself properly.
At least with him.
I'll do my best.
And do it well
if you don't want trouble.
Here's all that we know.
A non-existent kidnapping,
a huge ransom to be paid,
a secret appointment
at the most visible place in Paris.
And no specific threat?
No.
Then it's all a joke,
without a doubt.
But it's best to be careful, however.
You should place
Miss Carolina in a safe location.
No, I'd rather stay at home!
And safe here.
I'll get some Italian bodyguards.
- The house...
- Is the least secure of shelters,
It's obvious.
Given that the kidnappers
know you're here.
We must find a place
where nobody would think to look.
An insane asylum... a prison
a political party...
Or a brothel.
Just an idea!
I have a friend, completely trustworthy,
who runs a sort of...
Clinic.
A place of rest
for exhausted feminists.
It's... calm, discrete,
classy, you know.
Importantly, the bodyguards watch
always over the safety of the clients.
whom the director of the house
knows personally... and intimately.
Away from Carolina,
I wouldn't feel comfortable.
Naturally.
But it's not your
peace of mind that counts.
But the protection of her body.
Of her body...
It's important that
Carolina leaves immediately.
Erika my friend,
is right now in Paris
and could accompany her.
Is this place far from Paris?
No, not too far.
For extra precaution,
Carolina will dress as a man,
In one of your suits.
No, it would be too big.
Better one of mine.
By chance, I've one
in my suitcase.
Since I don't have time
to go home and change.
I understand that these
precautions will seem ridiculous,
But we can't risk anything,
when it's a matter,
not of saving a soul,
which can always be repaired
but that of a young body.
Yes, we must save her young body.
I hesitated at first.
I made some objections...
But finally I accepted.
Your empire, and the flesh
of your flesh... will perish.
- Can you give me a shirt, please?
- Yes, Maria.
This one here, Miss?
- Yes, Maria.
Come in.
- It's perfect.
- As if it were made for you.
I'm afraid the jacket
might not fit so well.
Matteo, would you call a taxi?
Sir doesn't take the car?
No.
I prefer a taxi.
We need a moustache.
Nothing easier.
Ah, a false one!
Naturally.
What'd we do without makeup?
- You didn't know?
- No.
Oh Miss, you look adorable.
- No, hands off, Maria.
If Matteo and the cat
don't satisfy you
I'll leave you Mr. Frantz!
Have fun.
Did you hear what Miss said?
Oh really...
Must I do everything myself?
I'll give you a hand!
Not now, it's not the time.
I feel embarrassed.
With the eyes of the public
staring at us.
- I'm used to it.
- But I'm not.
Kidnappings.
How romantic.
Unfortunately
it's no longer what it once was.
In olden days, fair beauties
were abducted by horses.
Raped by swans,
seduced by snakes.
Torn apart by bulls...
pleasures past, unfortunately.
Times change.
- Swans? And how did they do it?
- I'll show you.
I admit that it was full
of attention and kindness.
and love was made
in a way technically correct,
but nothing more.
As a memento
I took the gold chain,
that Carolina always wears
around her waist.
and that she had
forgotten to put back on
after removing it
to put on her trousers.
'What I didn't understand
is if it was
Frantz disguised as woman
or a woman disguised as Frantz.'
Don't say anything.
You're waiting.
Madame, will be down.
Here, my Lady,
your new, little pupil.
A first class purchase.
Carolina De Saxe,
Erika Von Eigher.
Needless to say,
that this is a false name.
Thank you for the welcome.
Don't thank me.
The pleasure will be all mine.
The young lady should
change out of her disguise.
That is no longer suitable
to her circumstances... now.
Although, maybe...
on second thoughts...
You will find a dress to fit you
on the couch in the lobby.
Hurry, now.
'The pleasure will be all mine.'
You can tell.
Look at me, however,
working in this film.
One of these days I'll get bored,
and send them all...
Come on.
In here it's so much larger
than it seems from the outside.
Yes, it wasn't easy to manage it.
And also...
Very strange.
Who are those girls
dressed in black?
The guests of the house.
Why dressed in black?
It's the rule.
To distinguish them from the maids,
who wear white.
Why are they so still?
They're resting.
Well then, will I also
always have to...
wear black?
- And all these doors?
- There are many rooms.
- What do they mean, these photos?
- Only what you see. Only portraits.
And this is your room.
Is she a good pupil?
If she's not docile, don't hesitate
to punish her. Cruelly.
It's already been done.
See the effects. Reverence...
I am yours, Ma'am.
Uniform of the house.
Get up.
Is she a real whore?
Here's a certificate to prove it.
Where's her beat?
Palais Royale.
And... her price?
Third category, Sir.
Unwrap it.
Immediately, Sir.
Yes, seems fresh.
I'll have it
with a salsa rossa.
and flamb au cognac.
Very good, Sir. And the serving?
Would you like it sliced?
If it's home made.
And is it tender?
Naturally Sir.
Add a little something as precaution,
so that it rises properly.
Unnecessary. But,
I'll do as Sir wishes.
I've everything needed here.
The doors, corridors,
photographs, keys.
The names on the doors.
My own photo,
and my own name.
I wanted to close the bolt,
but it had been unscrewed
during my absence.
My legs were weak
and my mouth dry.
I saw a bottle
on a tray,
which seemed to be
water for the night.
I drank a full glass.
But I soon realized
I'd made a big mistake.
I beg you, Sir, hold back
from performing an irreparable act.
That would put in danger,
her that God was putting
under your protection.
No acts of violence
in this sacred place.
Come on, let's hurry.
Come in.
Hello baby.
Isn't it locked?
It was removed.
Removed the lock?
What do you mean?
It works perfectly.
Ah, so it does.
How was your night?
Strange things happen
in this house,
It's a mysterious place.
Mysterious?
No. Why? I find it
quiet and comfortable.
Have you seen the people?
I found it a bit...
deserted don't you think?
Why do they lock me in?
As a precaution, no doubt.
And who gave you
the key to my door?
The guard, who else could.
But you saw the room of portraits?
Yes I glimpsed it as I went by.
An interesting idea, don't you think?
Why are you so nervous?
I had a bad dream last night.
There was a very strong, tall man
who was washing my body.
You should take a tranquilizer.
I've one with me,
if you want.
Look there!
It wasn't a dream!
The stick he had is still there
Don't be silly.
It's my umbrella.
I put it there when I arrived.
Here.
Swallow, now.
Now, don't be naughty!
Even as a child you had
strange, morbid nightmares.
There's no reason to worry yourself.
I contacted, despite everything,
your potential kidnappers.
As if you really were taken.
I am taken.
But no, you're here.
So I went to the appointment
marked on the card.
It was the first time
I've climbed the Arc de Triomphe
and will certainly be the last.
Yet I'd like to have taken you there.
One day.
And when I did.
It was if it were once,
many years ago,
when you were a child.
And I held you by the hand.
I see that you too
take little children for a walk.
It must be a kind of password.
My stupid bosses didn't warn me.
Fine weather, is not it, to visit
the capital with your family.
It's true, the sun, the wind,
the rain, the smell of the air,
the day dawns,
the night falls, and so on...
It so happens that I've brought
with me a little something.
Memento of Paris.
Like the obelisk erected
facing the Arc de Triomphe.
And the flesh of girls offered
in the secrecy of brothels.
Does this bring anything to mind?
Ah, thank you.
I wondered where it had got to.
The chain, of course.
As for Carolina, alas,
you know her cruel fate,
and you know the price,
to save her from it.
You'll take a cheque?
Why not notes,
seeing as it's you?
Cash then.
Ah, that lack of trust.
Used, in small denominations.
Let's say, 10 francs.
And more convenient
with the current cash crisis.
ten per millimetre, about...
Yes, more or less
that's a column fifty metres high.
So much?
Of course, and very cumbersome.
Not to mention the hard work involved,
to obtain them discreetly.
That's none of my business.
I carry out orders,
period.
Get thinner bills,
or renegotiate the deal.
The orders on this point
are precise.
Small used cuts enclosed
in a bag of new cement.
Deposited on a construction site,
which is at kilometre K,
on street X.
Here is the scale map.
Here, right here
in niche C.
Just to the right after passing door P.
Got it?
You know very well
there's a credit crunch.
I'd rather pay you
in several installments.
However,
take this in the meantime.
Three, four, five six, seven,
eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve.
That country bumpkin.
Hoping to impress me
with the efficiency
of his organization,
forced me to accompany him
to this lousy night club.
In twenty seconds,
the girl that you're looking at
will be called to the phone.
She won't return.
Is the ransom considerable?
Professional secret,
Mr. De Saxe.
Miss Diana Wanderbergh
wanted on the phone.
Beautiful victim, don't you think?
Pitiful and tender.
For the pleasure
of our sadistic customers.
Done capable and recruited.
Come on, get up.
You must be ready at seven
for a difficult customer.
There's still time.
Do you want
to be punished some more?
- By you?
- No, by Erika.
She always inve those little things
that really hurt.
Remember?
Yes.
Only you lose, not us.
There are always customers
that appreciate the show.
And even the ladies.
Yes, I know.
Don't you want to make love
some more?
No, there's no time to lose.
Business before pleasure
Do you want to do...
Practice violence?
It's work, eh?
Wait, lady, we'll help you.
They're real peasants, up there.
You can manage better inside.
Done. Capable and recruited.
Exciting, don't you think?
For you Sir, special offer:
Let me go immediately.
Or I'll call
the ambassador of my country.
If you like, we could put her
in a position, more comfortable.
You know, it was inevitable...
two or three of our men raped her.
They are entitled,
by contract.
Unless it's a special case, this...
I beg you, Sir.
Tell them not to touch me.
My father will pay
whatever you wish!
Of course he will pay, but this...
doesn't give you
the right to privileges.
Even admitting the show was pleasing,
I don't think it was
very prudent to show me.
I could recognize the places,
give directions.
No Sir, it's not possible.
Think of your dear little Carolina,
and what could happen to her
to amuse you.
Burned alive, for example.
But we can do better.
As for this,
it's a temporary haven.
Perhaps tomorrow,
it will no longer exist.
No! No! Let go of me! Let go of me!
I beg you.
If you're not a good girl
we'll burn the tips of your breasts.
Don't spoil her too much.
She must arrive
at her destination
in usable condition.
No!
There...
Fire.
Now, watch the birdie.
Fire!
The client is waiting.
Now, just as she is.
OK, we're coming.
Hello hello.
How are you feeling today?
This hotel doesn't offer
many distractions
- to a fashionable young lady.
- No, I've no time to get bored.
- The place is nice, isn't it?
- Yes, very nice.
So, all is well.
I know your father
has made several visits.
Yes, I mean no.
One that I know of.
Do you need anything?
- No, thank you.
Well, all right then,
I'll be leaving.
Why are you so cold
under my caresses?
Come, tell me that you love me.
Madam, I love you.
And I am your slave.
Or else I'll send you out
into the gardens.
I'll set the dogs on you.
They'll savage you to death
and devour you.
Have you pray'd to-night,
Desdemona?
Sweet soul, take heed of perjury!
Though art on thy deathbed
Presently.
Talk you of killing,
my lord?
Ay, I do!
Therefore,
confess thee freely of thy sin.
I never did offend
thee in my life.
By heaven, you have!
I saw, the infamy,
he blew his nose
in your new panties,
becoming more distracted.
What use now your tears
for those your panties!
Drive me away my Lord.
But do not kill me.
This is a tragedy!
Not a farce!
Kill me tomorrow.
Let me live tonight.
Tomorrow I'll be busy.
And certain things...
are best done right away.
But while I say one prayer.
It is too late.
Not yet quite dead.
And still... warm...
And soft...
and sweet.
I don't want to prolong too much
your torment.
Age?
Eighteen.
Her death was recent.
Oh, and still fresh.
How did she die?
- It was sexual.
- Particulars.
Raped then disemboweled.
By whom?
By her confessor.
The funeral service?
Oh magnificent,
it finished a few minutes ago.
The funeral?
When you are done with her.
Ready, Sir.
Set light to her.
You're going for a walk?
Good boy.
Down boy.
Ah yes,
I'd forgotten the key.
Listen Pierre Garen,
are you whining or playing?
OK, OK, I'll play.
I can't see the cards.
Damn.
Fifty.
Tell me where you've hidden
the little De Saxe girl, or I'm folding.
Each must do his own work.
See you.
I fill the boxes,
the work is too hard.
They leave it all to me.
You just tell the boss
you've found her and all's well.
If he wants to check?
Is that all?
Tell him, you were
at the top of the Arc de Triomphe,
and when she arrived,
you gave her a little push.
And whoops, over she went.
You mean the girl
is already dead?
No, this is a metonymy,
not a hypothesis.
If you don't understand,
I can't do anything.
He didn't understand for sure.
I understand only that
I've run out of money.
OK. We'll play something else.
The girl that's being
sent back to her family...
There are two hours left
before delivery.
What? She's being returned?
Have they already paid?
No. An error
in the quality of the goods.
We have contractors
devoid of merit.
Luxurious standard of living,
but in debt.
The bank refused the payment.
Oh, shit.
You see, they'll blame me.
My pockets are full.
The economic climate
is most unfavorable.
The banks are stopping their credit.
And then people
are more and more depraved.
I don't know where it will end.
I don't know what the clients
have done to the girl, up at the villa.
But it's nothing too orthodox.
In fact she's still a virgin.
Don't you believe me?
Hey, lads!
Bring the basket.
Virgin?
Very rare, today.
Almost offensive.
Ah, on this point,
I quite agree.
I'm a guy of normal appetites.
OK then,
let's play poker.
No.
Baccarat. Eh?
It's more in your line.
Baccarat.
Remove the packaging.
You're pigs!
Nothing but sick.
You bastards!
Those fools
must have forgotten the injection.
I'll get revenge.
I don't need the police.
I'll find that dump...
and with my friends we'll blow it up.
You're starting to bore us!
We're working here!
Baccarat.
That's it.
My friend has won.
He'll be the one
to proceed with your deflowering.
So you'll have at least
something to tell to your girlfriends.
Pierre Garen...
You are despicable!
I hate you!
Missionary position,
but tie her well.
All beautiful women,
young, rich.
This is the twelfth
for all we know,
and no one has yet
filed a complaint.
This suggests
that there are others.
Hundreds maybe.
- Classified information?
- Undoubtedly.
Perhaps we should
summarize the facts for the public.
Naturally.
I've even prepared a note.
'The script
seems always the same.
Acquaintances of the beautiful,
young lady X and young lady Y
cease abruptly
to see them in their surroundings.
When friends ask for news...'
- Am I being quite clear?
- Perfectly.
'When friends ask for news
from the families,
amazed at such
an unexpected disappearance...'
Huh... unexpected...
'of missed appointments,
of continued absence
on the phone,
the father, or husband, bring out
apologies both nebulous and vague.
Forced rest, unannounced trips...
The last case
of which we are aware?
The last known case
is that of Diana Vandenberg.
Called to the phone, Tuesday evening
at the club what's-it-called,
never returned to her table,
not only was it that... she...'
What a way to write!
Such a precious style,
as if it wasn't already
difficult enough to understand.
'Not, only, was it that... she...'
In short 'She didn't return
to collect her personal belongings.
didn't even pass the cloakroom
To collect her fur...
animal unknown'
Her friends called...
Her friends called her house,
Her father informs them that
the girl felt unwell,
and had to return home in a hurry.
But this time, there are witnesses.
Suspects, indeed.
Yes, two. Two men,
standing by the bar,
and who watch intently the girl,
Ahha, they've been noticed.
They were noticed by those present.
One was identified.
Amazingly,
it was the banker, Giorgio De Saxe
who would even pronounce
the fateful word: ransom.
- Good, let him in.
- Here he is, boss.
You were by chance at time X
on day Z, at club what's-it-called?
Yes... that is no...
Sorry, I don't remember.
Don't prevaricate sir.
Yes or no?
Maybe in a certain respect...
if I remember correctly.
- You go there often?
- No, never.
Incorrect!
That night you were there.
So what?
I mean to say that I don't frequent
that kind of place willingly...
Ahha! Then you had a special reason
for going that night.
Not at all,
It was purely by chance.
- And who were you with?
- I was alone.
Incorrect!
You were talking with someone.
- A casual acquaintance.
- And who was it?
I don't know.
Have you ever seen this girl?
- No.
- You've never seen her?
No, not at all.
Another thing.
You possess a Cobra revolver,
very rare.
The teenager was shot once
in the Bois de Boulogne
with a weapon of this type.
Where do you keep the revolver?
- It's been stolen.
- When?
I don't know.
Thank you sir.
And if you have
other news on this case,
call Commissioner Loran.
All right.
- Financial, status?
- Precarious.
- Moral reputation?
- Very doubtful.
He's trying to get a large sum
for an unknown reason.
The father of Vandenberg
would pay any amount
To rescue his daughter.
Twenty percent.
Thirty per cent.
Taxes to be paid.
All right.
All right.
I've come to suggest a walk
Are you ready?
We must always be ready,
you know.
Very good, very good.
Then, let's go.
Shall we walk in the house?
- Oh, no, outside.
- In the garden?
- No no, in the country.
Ah, right.
And the dogs?
What dogs?
There are no dogs.
The gate isn't locked.
Of course not,
why would it be?
As a precaution
I've been told.
To only one who's a caution
occurs a precaution.
Ahha, mephitic wordplay.
We can go out like this,
freely?
To hear you speak like that,
one would take you for a prisoner.
So you've found my trail.
Happy?
Yeah, sure.
And little Carolina,
you know where she is?
Hitchhiking down at the crossroads.
She went in the hotel to telephone.
However I don't think
that will take long.
Well then, good luck.
Hello, this is Carolina.
Yes, there's been
a bit of a mix up.
A mistake from a typist
has led to the reversal
of some sequences.
But now it's all been tidied up
and everything's running smoothly.
I'll have a bag of cement shortly.
If there are no other mistakes.
Tell the public to relax.
Oh, no!
I've seen the back of you!
What a mess!
Within 17 minutes exactly,
I will deposit a bag containing
in a place provided
by the script,
The young lady was kidnapped?
Not exactly,
but the kidnappers believe so.
I thought I'd give you
the opportunity to arrest them.
Very kind of you.
Don't talk of it
even to the Commissioner,
just be on time because
it's a lot of money.
And money is expensive
nowadays.
Police.
Nice work.
Have you got your papers?
They seem in order.
I'm afraid the banker's
making fun of you.
You've been arrested for nothing.
The bills aren't
small denomination?
Neither small nor big.
The hiding place was empty.
Skinflint!
- Giorgio De Saxe?
- In person.
This is Commissioner Loran.
Good morning. Well?
The man who was with you at the club
what's-it-called, has been arrested.
So much the better.
I was a bit offended by the fact,
that you didnt put the money
in the hiding place.
What?
We would have recovered it.
We're honest police.
But you haven't...?
Help! Help!
Aider moi!
Aiuto!
Socorro!
Help!
Died in a car accident.
Which makes you think, according to
the police, that it was murder.
The car caught fire,
before she could get out,
tied and dazed.
It was my fault,
in other words.
What a horrible thing.
Carolina.
Flesh of my flesh.
Destroyed in the flames.
And so for this...
there's my revolver,
despite the postal strike,
It was returned to me this morning,
by express delivery.
- How are you?
- Not too bad.
No bruises?
- No, everything went OK.
Well, we won,
as expected.
I didn't understand the script at all.
but in short, that's it.
You have the money?
The ransom?
Of course. It's in the trunk.
Alright then, let's go.