The Private Affairs of Bel Ami

This film contains some strong language.

# Who'll be deceiving me?

# Who will be leaving me?

# Bel Ami-i-i-i-i... #

HE WHISTLES: "Aupres De Ma Blonde"

CONTINUES WHISTLING

I said to my friend, "There's a handsome gentleman who will stand us a grenadine."

You will stand us a drink?

Yes.

From that fountain.

Espece de cochon!

HE RESUMES WHISTLING

Georges! Don't you know me?

-Charles Forestier, 6th Hussars.

-I knew you at once.

-You old rogue!

-Same old Charles.

-Come and have a drink.

-Delighted to see you.

-How are you?

-Not too well.

-I've got a bad cough. What'll you have?

-Beer.

-Two.

-Doctor tells me I should go south, but I can't leave my job.

-What job?

I'm on the editorial staff for the Vie Francaise. A journalist,

-if you please.

-A journalist? Sounds important.

A fancy word for a newspaperman. What have you been up to since you left the army?

-I'm rich. Got enough money to last me the rest of my life.

-You have?

-If I die tomorrow.

How do you like that?

Is Ignorance Desirable In A Cabinet Minister? by Charles Forestier.

-You see?

-You've come a long way from the time we stole chickens from bloodthirsty Arabs.

-Don't. I'm scared to remember it.

-To the Arabs.

-God rest their souls.

I got sick of the army, but Paris is no better. I've been sent into the world merely to swell the crowd.

-You expect to open Paris like an oyster?

-I work for a railway company at 1,500 francs a year.

-Hang it, that's not much.

-Today is the 28th of June. Here's my capital.

Three francs, 40 centimes till pay day. I can have two lunches and no dinner or two dinners and no lunch.

-I did a foolish thing. I squandered the price of breakfast on a toy.

-Punch?

What in the world prompted you to buy this?

I have need of a stout stick like that of Punch to beat my way.

When I see the idiots with money, I'm tempted to wring their necks like we did with the chickens.

LAUGHTER, THEN HACKING COUGH

-That IS a bad cough you've got.

-I shouldn't have taken that cheroot.

-Couldn't you get a better job?

-Been offered a riding master's place.

-People in society won't receive you

-if you give riding lessons.

-One grenadine.

-Make yourself at home.

-Your friend. I can make a fool of myself for his sake.

-You haven't changed, Georges.

Women always go for you. Is it that devilish look of yours?

Maybe. Women take to men who appear wicked.

-Haven't I seen you in the Folies-Bergere?

-It's possible.

-I'm Rachel. My friend and I are dancers.

We're there between nine and ten. Perhaps we'll meet your good-looking friend there.

Perhaps you will not. Swallow your stolen drink and go.

Quickly.

You're very successful with women. It may lead to something. In Paris, it's through them one gets on.

A stick like that of Punch.

-What's that?

-Nothing. Just an idea that occurred to me.

Like to try journalism? We have a vacancy.

-A reporter died in a duel.

-I've never written.

-Everyone must begin.

-I can get you a job. Shall I speak to the manager about it?

-By all means.

-Dine with me tomorrow. The boss, Monsieur Walter, will be there.

-I haven't any dress clothes.

In Paris, you may as well go naked. Here's 100 francs. Pay me later.

-Tomorrow, at half past seven. 17 Quai D'Anjou.

-17 Quai D'Anjou.

-I've got to run along.

-I'll read your article.

-Till tomorrow.

-Thanks, old man.

-Long live the 6th Hussars.

# He...

# Whose love is deep

# Whose love is strong

# Whose love will keep

# But not for long

# Who'll be deceiving me?

# Who will be leaving me?

# Bel Ami-i-i-i... #

DOOR OPENS >

BELL RINGS

CHAMBER MUSIC PLAYS

-Good evening, Clotilde.

-Good evening.

And Georges Duroy. Are you two acquainted?

-Monsieur Georges Duroy - Madame Clotilde de Marelle, my very dear friend.

-Madame.

We met by chance at your door.

Fate, perhaps, had a hand in it.

GENTEEL CHAMBER MUSIC

It's Norbert de Varenne, the blind composer, and his wife Marie.

< Organist at Notre Dame Cathedral. He writes for the Vie Francaise.

And who is that beside Charles?

Laroche-Mathieu, of the Chamber of Deputies. Political editor of the paper.

He will be a cabinet minister. >

-And the gentleman with the cigar is Walter?

-You'll never see him without one. Banker and publisher.

The woman knitting is his wife. She's always knitting. >

-The girl is their daughter, Suzanne.

-Mme Walter knits too fast. There's trouble locked up in her.

-Perhaps.

-Who is the artist?

Jacques Rival, the caricaturist. >

He's very witty. You'll like him.

MUSIC CONTINUES

MUSIC ENDS

Isn't it absurd, Monsieur?

I'm not allowed to go to the theatre, or to read the serials in Papa's newspaper.

I'm allowed to paint in watercolours, but not in oils, and then only roses.

Parents keep their daughters sealed up.

Were we born to imitate our grandmothers and do embroidery patterns?

After all, I'm 15, and this is 1880.

< Excuse my daughter, Monsieur.

She chatters like that all day.

If I published a newspaper fit for my daughter to read, I'd go bust.

She's old enough to read anything. We censor our young people too much.

The only way to develop an immunity to the diseases of life is to be exposed to them.

-A dangerous theory.

-Not only young people suffer from censorship.

I'm a widow with a young daughter.

I'd like to disguise myself and go dancing at the Reine Blanche.

-But not a single gentleman of my acquaintance will take me there.

-They are perfectly right.

-Monsieur de Varenne...

-It is Monsieur Duroy who is speaking.

-I saw you at the puppet theatre on the Champs Elysees.

-I like that puppet show because of Punch.

There's a lesson to be learned there.

A lesson to be learned from Punch?

He beats everyone who opposes him, but his brutality is imposed on him.

Those who surrender to evil are not free, but marionettes of the devil.

We are all no more than puppets unless we believe in God.

Don't let's discuss God over soup. It usually comes up over dessert.

When no-one knows what he's talking about.

I'm religious. I pray every morning for the Stock Market to go up!

NO-ONE ELSE LAUGHS

Why do you think that Punch has been so popular for centuries? Because he's a scoundrel.

-The human race adores a scoundrel and crucifies its heroes.

-What is your opinion of Punch?

-I have respect for him. It is not easy to be a successful scoundrel.

-You are right. It takes talent.

But what strikes me most about Punch is his amorous inclination.

-Disgusting.

-I find it delightful. You've arrived at a subject which interests me.

It interests women, perhaps because in discussing it one passes readily from the general to the particular.

After the dinner, I shall make a caricature of you as Punch, since you admire him so much.

Your wife says you have something to discuss, Charles. The paper?

Yes. It can wait till dinner's over.

Nonsense. We are all from the paper except Monsieur Duroy. He won't mind.

-It concerns Monsieur Duroy. You'll forgive me, Georges?

-Of course.

Poor Marambot was killed in a duel.

I would rather have lost... 20,000 francs.

Duellists are just murderers.

-We need to replace him. I suggest my friend.

-Are you a journalist?

-Charles intends to make me one.

-Georges has returned from Africa.

He can write about Algeria, while it's being debated in the Chamber.

Recollections Of A Chasseur D'Afrique. I'd like to read that.

Bring me an article tomorrow at three,

and we'll decide the matter.

WHISTLING: "Aupres De Ma Blonde"

TRAIN WHISTLE BLOWS

TRAIN WHISTLE BLOWS, ENGINES CHUG PAST

HE COUGHS

TRAIN WHISTLE BLOWS

-Charles!

-Georges, what on earth are you doing here?

-Waiting for you to come out. I didn't want to go up

for fear of disturbing you. I need your help.

-Checking your competitors?

-Taking a course in journalism.

-I see.

-You haven't been able to write?

-Been at it all night. I made notes, but I can't get them into shape.

-I'm in a bit of a hurry.

-Just get me started. I've got to make a good impression on Monsieur Walter.

-You've got some good ideas here.

-I can't organise them properly.

Go in and see my wife.

-She'll be able to help.

-Your wife?

-I trained her for this kind of work.

-I can't call on her at this time of day.

-She's up. She's in my study.

-You're not going to make me climb those stairs?

-I'll tell her that you forced me to go.

-Bring the article to me at the Vie Francaise.

-Don't worry about that.

And that, Monsieur, is how one writes an article. Sign it, please.

I haven't the words to thank you.

Nonsense. I made the sauce, but you provided the materials - excellent materials.

But sign it.

Georges Duroy.

I hope you're not suffocated. I simply can't work without smoking.

-What is it you want to say?

-You won't be offended?

-Is it so awful?

When I saw you last night I thought, "She's beautiful."

No woman could be offended by such a confession.

Now I can't help thinking, "She's clever."

-What did you think of Clotilde?

-She's so young to be a widow.

She was married to an older man. She's original and intelligent. You must call on her.

-She wanted to go to the Reine Blanche. Dare I take her?

-Not there.

Bernard, how nice to see you. Madeleine.

An old friend of Charles, Monsieur Georges Duroy. Our closest friend, the Count de Vaudrec.

-Monsieur.

-Monsieur.

Well, thank you again.

LIVELY DANCE MUSIC

DANCE MUSIC ENDS

MOURNFUL MELODY PLAYS

# So many women adore him

# So many women, they bore him

# I'm just a woman who's for him

# If only he loved only me

# Who am I dreaming of Each time I dream of love?

# My Bel Ami

# Who clinks his glass with mine Each time we're drinking wine?

# My Bel Ami

# Whose arms romance with me Each time they dance with me?

# It's plain to see

# Whose love is deep?

# Whose love is strong?

# Whose love will keep? But not for long

# Who'll be deceiving me?

# Who will be leaving me?

# Bel Ami... #

SHE HUMS: "Bel Ami"

I've had such fun.

-We'll spend many such evenings.

-At carnival time I want to dress up as a young man in a full dress suit.

-You've no idea what a charming man I can be.

-Haven't I?

-I'm glad to see that the Vie Francaise has other uses.

-I heard Walter talking about you.

-What did he say?

-That you're a real find for the paper. He thinks you'll get on.

-I find journalism

to my taste, but can't make money at it. Who is the Count de Vaudrec?

He is Madeleine's oldest friend.

Oh.

I don't think so.

He dines with her and Charles twice a week. He's very rich, and a noble.

Madeleine is very clever.

I wish I were clever.

-You're beautiful. I know no cleverness to match that.

-She is keen, clever and intriguing.

-She'd be a treasure for anyone.

-She plays with her wedding ring, as if she didn't consider it permanent.

Charles frightens me with that cough of his.

-Will she marry again if anything happens to him?

-I suspect that she has someone in her eye.

-Not Laroche-Mathieu?

-He'll be a cabinet minister. She's ambitious.

She's too good for that mediocrity.

SHE HUMS

Are you in love with Madeleine?

Certainly not.

Are you in love with anyone?

Yes.

HUMMING

Liar!

CARRIAGE STOPS

I've had too much champagne.

-Is she asleep, Louise?

-Like an angel, Madame.

What do you think of my daughter? Isn't she an angel?

-As adorable as her mother, and more intelligent.

-How do you know?

The soldier in her arms is in the uniform of the 6th Hussars.

My old regiment.

What a wicked man you are.

-I shall call you Bel Ami.

-A name I shall do my best to deserve. I have an apartment near Notre Dame.

-Will you take coffee with me there tomorrow?

-No.

Good.

Will you take coffee with me tomorrow?

No.

Tomorrow afternoon.

GENTLE PIANO MELODY

# The lark sings in the morning

# The robin sings in the day

# The nightingale sings in the moonlight

# But my heart sings...

# Night and day. #

He wrote it for me, Mummy, for my birthday.

I love you so much!

Two grenadine.

Good evening, Monsieur.

-You know that woman?

-No, I... I never saw her in my life.

They can be awfully bold sometimes, these women.

Cognac.

He cut me dead, the swine.

HUMMING: "Bel Ami"

He knew me well enough to have a drink with me last Thursday night, and the Thursday before that.

He can have all the fancy ladies he likes, but he can at least bow to me.

I'll teach him manners, the lout.

Good evening, Georges.

Good evening. Are you quite well?

What? Have you grown deaf since Thursday?

So you're dumb, then?

Perhaps the lady bit your tongue off.

-Get out or I'll have you locked up.

-You lout!

The least you can do is nod! You cut me out.

If you'd only nodded to me just now, I should have left you alone. So you won't say good evening? Stop her!

She's stolen my sweetheart! ROARS OF LAUGHTER

'When we first met, you said it was not chance, but fate, that had brought us together.

'I know now that it was a fatality as inescapable as daybreak,

'and as mysterious as the rising of the moon.

'You entered my heart and I gladly made a place for you there.

'Now it seems as natural for me to love you as to breathe. What have I to reproach you with?

'That you have made me love you more than you love me? In love, one always loves more than the other.

'One cannot tear love from the heart as one extracts a tooth.

'I love you so much that your cruelty is dearer to me than the love of others.

'There is nothing you could do that I would not be willing to forgive.

'Tonight my emotions overcame me. For that, I ask forgiveness.

'I shall hide from you the terrible jealousy that kindles in my heart.

'If I must weep, I shall hold a curtain between you and my tears.

'I shall make you a thousand secret sacrifices, including the sacrifice of my self-love.

'It is not difficult to make the gift of love.

'But there is a greater gift - the gift of pride.

'I give you my pride, dear Bel Ami,

'together with my love, which will never change.'

Touch old man Walter for a raise since you're taking over my duties.

-You're leaving?

-Tomorrow. I'm going to Cannes. Doctor's orders.

-About time.

-I should have been off a month ago.

What fools we are. We squander our lives as though we were immortal.

What kind of talk do you call that?

It would be odd that, bringing you here, I was training my successor.

Nonsense. All you need is sunshine and you'll be as fit as ever.

Perhaps.

When I am leaving Paris, you decide to visit me. You find time to visit Clotilde.

Perhaps you've quarrelled with her.

Clotilde was angry with me. We're friends again.

-I haven't visited you because it's better so.

-Why?

-I'm in love with you. Only a little.

-I don't want to be head over ears.

-You could have come. No man loves me long.

-Why not?

-Because it's useless.

Understand that. A man in love is not only idiotic, but dangerous, like a mad dog.

I cease all relations with people in love with me until they're better.

But can we command our feelings?

Look at me.

I assure you that it is useless for you to persist in this sentiment.

Will you agree to be friends, nothing more?

Yes. If I'd found a woman like you, how gladly I'd have married her.

-Can you reach that suitcase for me?

-Of course.

-May I speak plainly?

-Please do.

Go and see Mme Walter and please her.

You hold an inferior position. You are not paid enough money.

-Being attentive to her will help you get on.

-How clever.

-I'm your friend.

-Can I tell you an idea I'd had for the paper?

-Of course.

A daily column made up of gossip and rumour.

-I should call it Echoes.

-Echoes? I like that.

I should hint at things, insinuate what cannot be proved or disproved.

-Make revelations, contradict in such a way as to confirm.

-Superb.

Everyone must be thought of. All classes, all professions. Army, art world, university, law courts.

People always believe gossip.

Reputations could be strengthened or weakened, and the Vie Francaise could become a power to be feared.

It will be necessary to judge what is good to announce and good to hide.

One could influence the stock market, the selection of cabinet ministers.

-Walter will be mad about your idea.

-You think so?

-It's magnificent.

I wish I could help you with Echoes.

I wish you could.

-Remember, we're friends now. If you have need of me for no matter what, do not hesitate.

-Thank you.

If I can be of use, send a letter or telegram and I will obey.

-Goodbye, Madeleine.

-Goodbye, Bel Ami. We've all picked up Clotilde's nickname for you.

Bernard, how nice of you to come and bid me goodbye. Madeleine.

You remember Monsieur Duroy?

-Monsieur.

-Monsieur.

I'll take these pears.

HE WHISTLES: "Bel Ami"

'Georges Duroy begs Madame Walter...

'to accept a few pears which he received this morning...

'from Normandy.'

-It was so good of you to send us the delicious pears.

-They're from an orchard close to my old home.

Sometimes my daughter's actions are a little bewildering.

Georges, you come at the right time.

We are discussing a subject on which we need your expert opinion.

The Venus de Milo's measurements have been compared with those considered ideal in females today.

-I prefer the living woman.

-Bravo.

When you are my age, you may prefer the statue.

-I was sure that Bel Ami would be our champion.

-On behalf of French womanhood, I thank you.

A woman turns in the direction you desire. You must walk round statues to get the right point of view.

-Bravo.

-On behalf of French womanhood, I withdraw my thanks.

-I prefer the statue. It will never deceive you.

-Society couldn't exist without deception.

But you are too severe. There ARE good women.

-Where?

-There may be, somewhere, good women whose existence is unknown.

No woman is worth what she costs, even if she costs nothing.

-Is there no-one here to defend us? Monsieur?

-You need no defence.

I shall not hear your virtue traduced.

If you'll excuse me. So soon?

Whenever Monsieur Duroy appears, the conversation takes an unwholesome turn.

I find myself welcome at many gatherings

for the reason that my arrival is the signal for Monsieur Laroche-Mathieu's departure.

We are waiting for your devastating reply.

He'll think of it in the cab.

-You are wicked to bait him.

-He provokes it.

I disapprove of hypocrisy in others.

I've been admiring your paintings.

Now is the time to buy. The painters are all dying of hunger. They have not a sou. Not one sou!

-I must get home. My daughter will be angry with me.

-May I escort you?

I should be delighted.

< Suzanne...

I saw a young girl run up the stairs, and now a young lady comes down.

-It's nothing less than magic.

-She's too big for spanking.

I passed my sixteenth birthday, Monsieur Bel Ami. Do you approve of me?

My daughter finds you irresistible, Monsieur.

Now look at me.

I want to see if you still care for me.

I have a letter here that I want you to read.

Read it.

He never gives up, does he, your Gaston Rivault?

It's not myself I'm thinking of.

Monsieur Rivault is wealthy, one of the most respected citizens of Lyon.

A good man, devoted and honourable.

If I marry him, whatever may happen, Laurine's future will be assured.

-Well, then?

-Ought I to marry him?

By all means.

You know very well I have no intention of marrying him.

Then there's no problem.

Don't you understand it's you I want to marry?

You cannot deny that you love me.

Marriage and love are different.

No, a marriage is the daily bread of the heart. It is great happiness.

There's no money in happiness.

If one desires money too much, it can poison your life.

Give me your cigarette case.

One day you will grow old. You will stretch out your arms for love, consolation. But no-one will come.

Wouldn't you like children, like Laurine, who's so fond of you?

What is it, then, that you want in life?

Shall I tell you?

I should like to know.

When you marry, you want it to be in the Church of the Madeleine with all the wealth of Paris attending.

You want to look across to the Chamber of Deputies, where your future lies.

You cannot understand what Paris means to those who grew up in the provinces.

We look toward Paris as the souls in purgatory look toward paradise.

It's a war. One man against a great city. I must conquer Paris, or be conquered.

Perhaps you could fight even better with me beside you.

Perhaps.

It fits perfectly.

I had it made to fit. I can take the measure of your cigarette case

and put my photograph in it, to remind you of me.

By what arithmetic am I to measure YOU?

Who will tell me the dimensions of the heart?

I could be happy with you, Clotilde. I know that.

Well, then...

-Number 18, Monsieur.

-My heart tells me that you're right.

But I haven't listened to my heart for a long time.

Do listen to it now, Bel Ami.

'I am writing this letter because you told me I could count on you.

'Will you come and help me during the last moments of my husband, who is dying?

'I can only ask you as Charles has no relatives. You were his comrade.

'He opened the door of the paper to you. Come, I beseech you. I have no-one else to ask.'

I came just as quickly as I could.

How is he?

The priest is with him now.

Is he so far gone?

You will scarcely recognise him.

I can hear all the bugle calls from the encampment,

even see the warships in the bay.

Look through my glasses there. You can make out the squadron.

There's the Colbert, the Suffren,

the Admiral-Duperre,

and the Redoubtable.

It's beautiful, isn't it?

And over there is Africa.

GHOSTLY SINGING: "Aupres De Ma Blonde"

Sounds familiar, doesn't it?

They're always passing here.

You remember how we rode and sang, Georges?

You and I, this old accordion.

# Aupres de ma blonde Qu'il fait bon, fait bon, fait bon

# Aupres de ma blonde Qu'il fait bon dormir... #

GHOSTLY SINGING CONTINUES

SINGING GRADUALLY FADES

The sun will be shining.

The glow of springtime in the sky. Carriages will pass in the street. A breeze will blow the curtain.

But I...

Charles Forestier...

will be here no more, as though I'd never existed.

You're not so bad as all that.

I can see death so near, I want to reach out my arms, push it back.

Madeleine...

How clear the night is.

It's almost as bright as day.

Over there in Africa when we were soldiers together,

Charles risked his life every day, but no harm came to him.

-A cigarette might help me. Would it be wrong to smoke?

-I don't think so.

I must ask you to listen to me for a moment.

Try to understand and do not be indignant at my speaking at such a moment.

You may make a decision about your future before I see you in Paris.

You are aware of my feeling for you.

When we talked about Echoes, I had the vision of a life that brought work and sentiment together happily.

I hoped that such a prospect might please you. This is not a proposal. At this time, that would be odious.

But you can make me happy with a word. My heart and myself are yours.

Have I offended you?

No.

I do not wish you to go away without an answer, but I'm not prepared to say yes or no.

I have felt that our collaboration could be a happy one, but you must understand what sort of woman I am.

Marriage, for me, is a partnership.

I must be free, perfectly free,

as to my ways, my comings and goings.

I must be an equal, an ally,

not an inferior or an obedient and submissive wife.

My notions are not everyone's, but I shall not change them.

You must consider all this carefully.

I do not wish you to change. It is as you are that I came to love you.

You are free to make this proposal? You have no other attachments?

I have no attachments.

We think that love is given to us.

It is not. It is sold to us at the cost of the most cruel tortures.

You told me that Madeleine would be a treasure for anyone. You said that yourself at the Reine Blanche.

When will you be married?

We shall go next week to Rouen, where my father lives, and be married in a registry office.

There will be no witnesses except my father and Madeleine's friend, the Count de Vaudrec.

PIANO PLAYS

# The lark sings in the morning

# The robin sings in the day

# The nightingale sings in the moonlight

# But my heart sings

# Night and day

# The lark sings in the morning

# The robin sings in the day

# The nightingale sings in the moonlight

# But my heart sings

# Night and day. #

I'm glad you're home early. I've had news from Morocco. I got it from Laroche-Mathieu at Mme Walter's tea.

We must work up an article at once.

Your article will be a campaign against the ministry. It'll end by making Laroche-Mathieu a minister.

-He will make our fortunes.

-I'd be glad if it was someone less stupid.

-Your ears should have been burning. Mme Walter is smitten with you.

-Nonsense.

-It's so.

She spoke of you with enthusiasm.

-She wants a husband like you for her daughter, who would be willing.

-Her father would be unwilling.

She's aiming very high. Nothing less than a count or marquis will do.

-Or a baron.

-The title presents no difficulty.

How so?

-There are ways of acquiring a title.

-To be sure.

-Noble names are available to anyone

if the family's died out.

-Just visit the Keeper of the Seals and place an advertisement.

-"Any protest must be made in one year."

In case someone born to the title is hidden away, he has one year to make himself known, and object.

-Have you been considering it?

-The time has not come for that.

-She fancied me - Mme Walter?

-Anyone else, I would be alarmed. With her, such things are of no moment.

-How?

Mme Walter has never had a whisper about her. She's so perfect,

-I could throw her out of the window.

-All angels become women again.

I might learn something from her about old Walter's schemes.

We have more important things to talk about.

GEORGES WHISTLES: "Aupres De Ma Blonde"

Forestier!

Oh, I beg your pardon, Duroy. It's you I want to speak to.

I'm always mixing you up with poor Charles Forestier.

It's because your articles are so infernally like his, I suppose.

Potin, put that gentleman here.

There are all sorts of fools and envious people in this world.

Yes, I see that I was right.

The resemblance is remarkable.

Lend me a piece of your chalk, Jacques. Certain individuals here think it funny to call me Forestier.

I begin to find it very stupid.

However, I have a peaceful nature

and I wish to prevent matters from going to painful extremes.

I'm no longer in the 6th Hussars, but I've not lost my skill with firearms.

I will slap the face of the first person who makes the mistake of calling me Forestier again.

Monsieur Laroche-Mathieu can decide if it's worth risking a bullet for.

You will need yellow crayon, Jacques, for your next caricature of Laroche-Mathieu.

LIVELY PIANO MUSIC

PIANO MUSIC DROWNS OUT SPEECH

-How have you been during the century that has passed since we last met?

-Well. And you, Bel Ami?

-Allow me to call him Bel Ami.

-Whatever you please.

Permit him to escort me to my carriage. Goodbye, Madeleine.

Goodbye, Clotilde.

How do you like your new life?

Not much. We are a success. We've overthrown the cabinet and made Laroche-Mathieu a minister.

I'm a celebrity. My wife presides over a distinguished political salon. A practical partnership.

Nothing more?

Nothing more.

Wait.

Remember this?

Why should you want me to see Madeleine's picture?

Look under Madeleine's picture.

You see how it is?

-You haven't changed, then?

-Not for a moment. And you?

As if I could ever stop loving you.

You'll visit us again?

My carriage doesn't seem to have come as yet.

That is my good fortune. I shall have a moment with you.

Why do you look at me so strangely?

I want always to remember this time, this place.

The trees, the street. This moment, an island in the stream of time.

-What on earth are you talking about?

-Can't you guess?

-No.

-What makes this moment so important?

-I have made a decision. Look away,

and I will tell you what it is.

-Regardless of convention, or what you may think of me, I shall declare myself.

-To me?

To you.

-You must be mad.

-I'm sure of it.

I've wanted to say this for a long time, but I dared not. They say you're so proper.

I shall remember this moment also.

-Then you're not offended?

-No.

You understand my feeling?

-I understand it.

-You return it?

-You do not deny it?

-HOOVES CLATTER >

-When shall I see you?

-I dare not see you.

-I MUST see you.

-It's impossible.

-Tomorrow afternoon in the Parc Monceau. A chance encounter in a public garden.

I shall be at the Cathedral of Notre Dame tomorrow at half past three.

'I have lighted a fire in an old, soot-filled chimney.'

SOLEMN ORGAN MUSIC

Madame de Varenne? You're surprised to see me here. Do not be alarmed. I'm not a reformed character.

Are you quite sure of that?

May I ask you something? I've been puzzled about you ever since I first saw you with your husband.

-You are not like other women.

-What are other women like?

-Usually, incredibly stupid.

They can be caught by a look, a compliment - anything that touches their vanity.

But you are different. I saw that you were not taken in by such devices.

Why should you wish to take me in at all?

-I could not help you to gain money or position.

-You do me an injustice.

Wait. Why do you smile?

Because you're ridiculous.

Why should a woman marry a man who cannot see she is beautiful?

It seems unnatural to me. What made you waste your beauty on a man who is blind?

-How is one to explain such a thing to a man like you?

-Try.

ORGAN MUSIC CONTINUES

I admire his mind and I love his soul.

He has a quality in him you could never comprehend.

-What is that quality?

-A kind of...

grace, that comes from being gentle and good,

and faith that endures in spite of men and of experience.

If he should die, surely you could find someone else to adore.

One moment more. What do you think of me, really?

I think you're contemptible.

As for you, I think you're probably the only good woman I've ever known.

I am sorry for you, Monsieur.

There are millions of us.

Bel Ami!

-I'll do that.

-Yes, sir.

-You've hardly spoken a word.

-Have you forgotten our understanding?

We were carried away by our emotion. We've been guilty of a betrayal.

-We agreed to atone by burying our feelings.

-I must at least see you.

-We meet socially.

-Does that satisfy you?

-Anything more would be indiscreet.

-I have been discreet.

-You call it discreet to summon me to hasty meetings?

-It is only to see you for a moment.

Or to write me letters full of pet names, to wait for me in a cab with the blinds drawn?

You're right.

It's a kind of madness.

And now this telegram.

"Must see you today. Meet me at two o'clock, Cafe Riche. Can render you a service." What's so important?

I came to tell you news to put you in the way of gaining 50,000 francs.

-How so?

-I caught some words between my husband and Laroche-Mathieu.

-They agreed not to let you into the secret.

-What secret?

They are going to take Morocco.

Nonsense. I've written articles for Laroche-Mathieu designed to create the opposite impression.

-They are humbugging you so their plan might not be known.

-What plan?

Your articles depress the stock market. They're buying up the Morocco loan.

An expedition is to take place.

-When we are there, the government will guarantee the debt. They will gain millions.

-And they leave me out.

Monsieur Walter is not a man. He is a cash-box.

We ought to profit by this.

-Buy some of the loan.

-I haven't any money.

-Let me lend you some.

-I can't.

-I'll invest 20,000 francs. You shall stand in for half.

I will use my own money. Walter will not know.

-If it succeeds, you will gain 70,000 francs. If not, you will owe me 10,000.

-I don't like it.

Your articles made it possible. It would be foolish not to profit by it.

-You have rendered them services.

-Very well. But if we lose, I will repay you for 10,000 francs.

Eat your dessert before it is completely cold.

I shall tell you about a dream I had of you last night.

I was travelling in a train at night through a mysterious forest.

It was a very long train, but I seemed to be the only passenger.

We stopped at a deserted station surrounded by dark trees. I closed my suitcase.

I stepped onto the platform. I knew that you would be there to meet me.

That swine Laroche-Mathieu! I could skin him alive for his treachery.

I dreamed that we were taking a journey together across the desert.

We were riding on two camels and we had some sandwiches and wine.

It annoyed me. We were too far off from each other on our camels.

-I wanted to get down.

-So do I.

You've brought one of Madeleine's hairs.

No, it isn't Madeleine's. It's too dark.

-Very likely the maid's.

-You've been with a woman who has wound her hair round your buttons.

-Ridiculous.

She loves you, and she wanted you to take something belonging to her.

-You're being very silly.

-You're not faithful to Madeleine.

I don't know anything about it.

-Have a ring made out of her hair! And all the others!

-Wait.

"I love you so much that your cruelty is dearer to me than the love of others.

"There is nothing you could do that I would not be willing to forgive.

"I shall hide from you the terrible jealousy that kindles in my heart.

"If I must weep, I shall hold a curtain between you and my tears.

"I shall make sacrifices, including the sacrifice of my self-love.

"I give you my pride, dear Bel Ami, together with my love, which will never change."

I suppose you meant those words at the time you wrote them.

What a brute you are.

Your minister, Laroche-Mathieu, let us down nicely.

-He's no more my minister than yours.

-He doesn't pay court to me.

-Or me.

If I chose from your admirers, I'd prefer that old fossil de Vaudrec.

What has become of the Count?

That old fossil de Vaudrec died an hour ago.

De Vaudrec?

He had a heart attack last night. They sent for me this morning. I've just come from his deathbed.

"Having no heirs, I leave the whole of my fortune, consisting of stock to the amount of 600,000 francs,

"and property worth about 500,000 francs, to Madame Madeleine Duroy, without any charge or condition."

It is understood, Monsieur, that your wife cannot accept this legacy without your consent.

I must ask time to reflect.

Just what was the Count de Vaudrec to you?

He knew me from my childhood, and my parents. He was like a father to me.

-You seem more affected by his death than by that of your husband.

-Charles was ill. I was prepared.

De Vaudrec died so suddenly.

When a man leaves his fortune to a woman, it cannot be ignored.

It requires some explanation.

He left it to me because he had no relatives. He was very fond of me.

But there was nothing more. Never.

I'm prepared to believe you.

But do you suppose anyone else will? The world will gossip and laugh at me. I cannot accept that.

Then let us not accept it. There will be a million less in our pockets. That is all.

Perhaps you're right.

-I have the solution.

-Yes?

-We say that he divided the money between us.

-How can that be done? The will is plain.

-Very simple.

-Sign half the inheritance to me by a deed of gift. We'll stop scandal.

-The will is there.

-Need we show it?

Paste it on the walls? We'll simply say he left his fortune between us.

Very well, if that is what you wish.

He left it equally to us to show that his feeling was Platonic.

-If he'd thought of it, that is what he'd have done.

-Go to the notary.

-You think so?

-By all means.

Behold a millionaire.

Have you the invitation?

"Monsieur and Madame Walter beg your company on December 30th between 9 and 12pm,

"to view the painting Temptation Of Saint Anthony illuminated by electric lights." Electric lights!

It's clever, that painting. The critics say it's a masterpiece.

Walter paid 400,000 francs for it. Titled hypocrites have an excuse to enter the home of the new Croesus.

And to see his daughter, the heiress. To become a king, one has only to marry that puppet.

-Suzanne has had two offers, one from a marquis and one from a count.

-It'll be infested with counts.

You haven't been there for months. Mme Walter complained to me about it.

Mme Walter doesn't keep me away. Monsieur Walter and Laroche-Mathieu played us a scurvy trick.

They cleaned up. We got nothing.

-Why make Mme Walter suffer? There's no reason to be cruel to her.

-The best of reasons. She bores me.

We are so happy that you came. You'll find the painting in a small drawing room beyond the conservatory.

I hope you can stay for the dance. Virginia, I have never seen so many celebrities at once.

I'll speak to Laroche-Mathieu. His defence of the African campaign...

-Who's that with Suzanne?

-Marquis de Cazolles.

-An impoverished aristocrat fishing for 40 millions.

-At last, Bel Ami. Why do we never see you any more?

-I've been busy.

It is wicked of you to neglect us. When you are not here, I am bored.

Come along and I will take you to see our painting of Saint Anthony.

Yes.

When HE said that, my mother did the most fantastic thing. She kissed his hand.

The painting cast a spell over her. She says no-one can understand the struggle with temptation as she can.

Imagine that from my mother, who never had a temptation in her life.

She adores the painting. She spends hours here alone,

just looking at it.

You're not listening to me at all.

Your thoughts are miles away. What is it you're thinking of?

-I've decided to embark on a daring adventure.

-May I come along?

Yes, if you have the courage.

It'll take a great deal of courage.

-I have a surprise.

-What is it?

-Guess.

-I shall make no such effort.

-The day after tomorrow is the 1st of January.

-Yes.

-The time for New Year's gifts.

-Yes.

Here's one from Laroche-Mathieu. He gave it to me at the reception.

-The Cross of the Legion of Honour.

-It's a big thing.

-I should prefer ten millions. That didn't cost much.

You're incredible. Nothing satisfies you any more.

He still owes me. Do you mind if I make a suggestion?

-What?

-Laroche-Mathieu is taken with you.

-Nonsense.

-We ought to take advantage so that he doesn't fool us again.

What do you suggest?

Encourage him. Yield him no favours, but lead him on so that he confides in you.

He won't play any more tricks on us.

And have you no fear of me?

Do you trust me so far?

I trust you.

You are acting against the Minister of Foreign Affairs?

He'll not be that much longer.

-To destroy a career. What a waste.

-My wife - how did she receive you?

-She stated that the rendezvous was made at your suggestion.

-What a fantastic idea.

-Yes.

-Let her tell that to the divorce court.

-I am at your disposal.

You're even cleverer and more dangerous than I had supposed.

When you have your freedom, who will you marry? A princess, perhaps? Or a banker's daughter?

Not Suzanne Walter?

You will be disappointed there.

Her father needs a better name than Georges Duroy to match his millions.

I remember. You told me once how to obtain a title.

Good evening. Will you join me in a nightcap?

And you wear the Cross of Honour that I gave you.

You were paying a debt, but you did not pay in full. So I collected.

-What do you propose?

-My application for divorce will name you.

Tonight I'll write an article which will tumble you from your pedestal.

I am not without resources.

Do not underestimate the extent of your ruin. You are done for.

-Permanently.

-Monsieur Walter...

-He is a realist.

He wastes no time on lost causes. He will ask for your resignation.

No doubt. But you will fight the case?

No. I shall not allow your name to be subjected to his accusations.

I applaud your discretion.

I shall offer myself as a candidate in the elections. From obscurity, follow my career. I shall get on.

Yes, you will get on. You are an unmitigated cad.

One day you will make a mistake. Scoundrels like you end by falling into their own traps.

Goodbye, Madeleine.

Goodbye...

Bel Ami.

PIANO PLAYING: "Bel Ami"

I should like to be announced.

Monsieur Duroy.

< Why have you become so formal?

You are quite at home here.

-You are not accustomed to being announced.

-My visit is formal.

-Very dramatic.

-This is perhaps the most important moment of my life.

I want to read a notice I inserted in the newspaper six months ago.

"Georges Duroy is about to apply to the Keeper of the Seals

"for permission to add to his name that of de Cantel.

"Any protest must be made to the Keeper of the Seals within a year."

Georges Duroy de Cantel. I like that.

De Cantel is an old, noble name.

I'm told the family's died out. In six months, the name will be mine.

-You ought to make a brilliant marriage.

-It'll enable me to follow my heart.

The name I can offer is nobler than that of the Marquis de Cazolles.

-In six months time, it'll be mine.

-The Marquis de Cazolles? What has he to do with it?

When it belongs to your grandchildren, no-one will question their right to it.

My grandchildren?

It's true, Father.

I love Bel Ami, and I want to marry him.

He's free to marry me.

You wanted a noble name,

and he's acquired that, too.

You always sing his praises.

Don't prevent our happiness.

All this is common sense, Monsieur.

It was you who made her refuse the Marquis de Cazolles. You think her dowry worth trying for.

I am sincerely in love with Suzanne. She knows that.

If you refuse,

I swear I shall never marry anyone else.

I am sorry, Monsieur.

Deeply sorry.

It is YOU who are responsible.

You were always luring him here, flattering him. It was Bel Ami here, Bel Ami there, morning till night.

This is the return for it.

I know how great a shock this is. On second thoughts, you'll realise

I'll make an excellent son-in-law.

I'll be more than a son-in-law.

I'll be a collaborator. We'll build the Vie Francaise into an empire.

Come here, my child.

Is this what you need to make you happy? Yes, Father.

I had a different dream for you.

But who knows?

Perhaps you shall not regret it.

With such a man, one never knows what may happen. Then you consent?

I might make a better choice as regards position, but not prospects.

He will be a deputy and a minister.

I consent.

I want to talk to your mother.

You'll find her at the painting of Saint Anthony. It's a mania with her.

Monsieur Walter has given his consent.

It is all suddenly so clear to me.

Clotilde,

Madeleine, and now Suzanne.

You're distressed now, but in time you will become accustomed to the idea.

I hate you. I did not know that it was possible to hate anyone as much as I hate you.

You are the Mayor of Canteleu? Yes, Madame.

You know the name de Cantel? The region once belonged to the de Cantel family.

There is no-one alive today? The last went into the forest.

Where is he now? He disappeared four years ago. It's thought he went to Africa.

No-one knows if he's alive.

If he should return, give him this. Someone is stealing his name.

He still has a few months in which to protest. Thank you, Monsieur.

Madame, why do you do this for a man who's a stranger to you?

To prevent a still greater wrong.

How brilliant Gautier was. "A woman is a toy which will pick itself up if you should let it fall."

-I'm not in the mood for quotations from Gautier.

-No, but be reasonable.

Reasonable? For years I have been in love with you, waiting for you.

What is the most difficult thing to get, the thing we pay most for,

the thing we fight for, the thing we only obtain by genius, by luck,

by meanness, by wild efforts, energy, audacity or work?

It's money.

Yet there is a way of getting it without any fatigue, without genius,

simply and naturally, and that way is by marriage.

I despise that form of marriage.

I cannot afford to despise it.

-Victory in this world is to the strong. One must be strong.

-Strong? You call that strength?

-Egotism as regards fortune is better than egotism as regards love.

-You call it strength.

Strong men do not descend to that.

You are not strong. You are sly. You weave plots, invent schemes. You're no better than a sneak thief.

-I'm not sure that I like your saying that.

-A thief.

You deceive. You filch enjoyment wherever you can. That is stealing.

-Be quiet.

-I will not be quiet.

You robbed Madeleine of half her inheritance. You stole Walter's fortune. Even your name is stolen.

-Be quiet.

-You behave like a cad to me, and you make out that I'm not to tell you so. You stole my life.

-My whole life!

-Will you be quiet?

-I'll shout it from the rooftops! Let all Paris know! Thief! Thief!

SOBBING

Someone steals my name,

and because a year passes before I see the warning, I cannot make the scoundrel give my name up again.

That is the case exactly.

Where can I find this thief who calls himself by the name de Cantel?

"Frances the King,

"to Gaston de Cantel,

"1515."

"A de Cantel would rather fight a battle

"than tell of it."

-Where can I find him?

-You'll find him at the office of the Vie Francaise, Boulevard Poisonniere.

One moment, Monsieur.

I've thought of a gentleman who'd be happy to take you there.

Twenty-three.

Twenty-four.

Twenty-five... Ah!

We have a distinguished visitor.

Twenty-six. The ex-minister... Twenty-seven. ..of Foreign Affairs.

Twenty-eight.

-Twenty-nine.

-Do you call yourself Duroy de Cantel?

-That is my name.

My name is Philippe de Cantel.

Cowards find brave men to do their work for them.

I understand. You think there is a de Cantel too many. I agree.

-Will you act for me, Jacques?

-Of course.

I represent the real de Cantel. I shall call on you within the hour.

Where can he have sprung from? They said there were none of them left.

-My lip is bleeding. He's a regular buffalo.

-You'll choose the sword?

-No.

-He looks as if he hunts. He'll be accustomed to firearms.

My enemies will try to make a scandal. I must kill this young man.

It's the way to make my position good. I'll put a stop to everything.

All stories, gossip. Everything.

With a sword, I might just wound him. I'm a good shot. I'll put the bullet there, in the organs.

A case of peritonitis.

-Who do you want to take? Potin?

-Count on me.

Do not let this matter go beyond these walls.

< Come along, Potin.

Someone marked this paper and sent it to him.

You must tell me what's wrong. Why have you brought me here?

-We shall have rain.

-The cab man must think we're insane.

-Nothing surprises a cab driver.

I don't understand you at all.

I hardly expected to see you again. You get me out of bed in the night,

-and bring me to the Bois du Vesinet.

-I hate trees. This vegetation lives by devouring us.

What a morbid idea.

I made my will this afternoon.

-But why? What has happened?

-I provided for my old father. He doesn't need much.

I left everything else to you and Laurine.

What is it that threatens you?

Are you in some danger?

Ten.

I had the idea, in any case, that I might die.

But why? Why?

Twenty-five.

What is it, Bel Ami?

Please tell me.

I made an admission to myself tonight, an admission that I thought I ought to make to you.

So I got you up in the middle of the night and brought you here.

What sort of admission?

There are two people in the world that I love.

You, and little Laurine.

That last time we met -

if you could put that out of your mind and remember this instead.

But what is all this talk of dying?

No need to be alarmed. Quite the contrary. One never knows what may happen in a duel with pistols.

A duel?

I do not share your anxiety, Madame, and I shall not go to the Bois du Vesinet to make myself ridiculous.

Have no fear for Bel Ami. He'll come out of this with his skin intact.

Suzanne's interference would only embarrass him. Now I'm going to bed.

But it is a duel with pistols and both men will shoot to kill.

I have such a dreadful presentiment.

Get him to give up this young man's name. Agree to marry him without it. Then he could withdraw with honour.

-He thought the name had died out.

-The name was only for Father's sake.

-Later on, he can find another title that will please your father.

-You make me ashamed.

You love him, even though he is to marry me. Few would think more of his safety than of their own pride.

If Father won't come with us, I'll get Paul de Cazolles.

We must go at once.

Hurry, or you'll be too late.

But do not say who sent you.

You are not to fire until the signal has been given. The signal will be the dropping of the handkerchief.

You may then fire, if you wish.

It is permitted, however, to advance ten paces to the point indicated by the walking stick before firing.

If one of you is wounded, he is allowed one minute to fire from the moment he is hit.

If he has fallen, he's allowed two minutes. His adversary must stand and receive his fire.

Is everything clear?

Potin, will you bring the pistols?

Monsieur...

The principals are not to address each other directly.

Jacques, offer my adversary a cigar. A cigar puts the nerves in order.

Monsieur?

-I have no nerves.

-I suspected as much.

-I am distressed to see my adversary exposed to the rain. Will he accept one of our umbrellas?

-Monsieur?

I am used to shooting in foul weather.

In that case, might I retain my umbrella? I should not like to quit the field with a case of sniffles.

Monsieur?

I have no objection.

The pistols were obtained at Gastine Renette's. He loaded them and sealed the box

in the presence of witnesses.

Suggest to Monsieur Laroche-Mathieu that he observe from behind a tree.

He presents a very tempting target.

You will take your positions, gentlemen.

Are you ready, gentlemen?

Ready.

Ready.

I'm not done for yet!

One minute and 30 seconds remaining.

One minute.

30 seconds.

Fire! Fire!

One moment. >

Bel Ami?

It was I who brought the newspaper to him.

Do you understand, Bel Ami?

I brought it to him.

You see, Jacques?

It's nothing.

Just a scratch.

I have been scratched...

..by an old cat.

Clotilde...

I should have been happy with Clotilde.

'We are all no more than puppets unless we believe.'