1938 was the year of appeasement. A year when France and England...
capitulated to Hitler's territorial demands.
It was a year when Nazi and Italian Fascists helped General Franco
overthrow the democratic government of Spain into a bloody civil war.
- A year when the French people formed uneasy alliances...
in an effort to halt fascist threat.
It was a year when whispers and shadows dominated every day life.
It was the lull before the storm of war.
-THE BLOOD OF OTHERS -
Based on Simone de Beauvoir's novel
... In Spain each and every day.
Only through solidarity can we overcome social injustice.
Don't let them get away with it! Spanish workers need our support!
We will march side by side, without violence.
Comrades, there must be thousands of us on Sunday.
Comrades together!
COMMUNIST PARTY
There it is again!
She leaves it out all night just to taunt me.
You like it? I'll get it for you, I promise.
It's so beautiful!
But it is!
I just see myself riding it along the Bois on Sundays.
Give me a pin.
Better?
Better. The whole thing's yours.
And what will she give you for it?
15 francs.
"Just for you, my dear."
I'll wait a long time for you to get me that bike.
Maybe not.
So there, I think.
You'll like that!
No, Gigi. The way you had it before.
Much better.
Good! Yvonne will work on it tonight.
Hi. - Hi.
Miss, I have a package for Madame Grandjouan. Express and urgent.
Would you take it up? I don't want to keep it all night.
Okay - I'll get it then.
When I looked up,I said to myself, "Who's this rich girl?"
I didn't recognize you. - How much do you think this cost?
I don't know. A lot.
- Steal it for me. - What?
I'll take care of the Concierge. Take it and meet me at Place St. Sulpice.
Are you crazy?
It's important. Do it for me. Just this once.
Miss, it's really very heavy...
Do it for me!
Damn it!
Thanks a lot!
What's got into you?
Do you want me to go to jail?
You're the one who says private property should be abolished!
So you think I'll steal a bicycle?
What I think is that just once...
just once I ask you to do something and you didn't have the guts to do it.
Stop looking at yourself in the mirror all the time!
I can't make it tonight. I've go to meet someone.
I'll take you out tomorrow night. - So put him off!
Please. I just want to go out with you tonight.
I can't. It's Jean Blomart.
Blomart...
It's always Blomart!
Who's this mystery man you are so in awe of?
In awe of? Shows how much you know.
His father owns many printing presses. He only pretends to be working class.
Sounds interesting.
Why?
You wouldn't understand. You want everyone to be the same.
And you want to believe that you are unique. It's not true.
Wait a minute, let me get this straight...
Why are you in love with me if there are 1000s just like me?
Because I do love you. - But you could love somebody else.
Could I fall in love with another girl?
Sure, if I hadn't met you... - Oh, I see.
Wait! You asked me a theoretical question! You misunderstood me!
Did I? - Yes!
You want me to agree with if everything you say, want and think!
But you never think about what I want!
You say you love me, but when I ask you to do something for me...
and you refuse! - There are things just aren't done.
When you love someone, you do things that just aren't done.
Where are you meeting your love?
At Port Salut, at seven o'clock.
Is Jean Blomart here? - In there.
Have you seen Paul Perrier?
He should be here soon.
I'm Jean Blomart. - Helen Bertrand.
You're Paul's fiancée? - Did he say that?
It isn't true? - Not really.
I'm sorry, do you want something to drink?
No. I came to ask Paul...
Maybe you could do something for me.
What is it? - Could you get my bicycle?
It's in the courtyard where I live, a few blocks away.
I would do it myself, but someones waiting there that I don't want to see.
And what if this someone sees me take it?
Don't worry. There will be no trouble.
It's a new bike, a blue one. No. 18, Rue Servandoni.
Okay.
Tell Paul I'll be right back.
Thanks, wonderful.
Hello. Jean Blomart just left?
He'll be back in a minute.
Good. Can you give him these?
Tell him they are the posters for Sunday.
Say they are from Madeleine.
Paul! - Hi, Madeleine.
What are you doing here? - Who is Madeleine?
She works with Blomart. - Is she his girlfriend?
I think she's sleeping with him. What is it to you?
I just met him.
So you met him? Great! - He is great.
Not only is he very good looking, I mean very good looking...
but he's also very obliging.
Here's your bike. Where do you want it?
Thank you. You didn't have any trouble, did you?
No.
How are you, Paul?
Is that bicycle yours? - No it's hers. I just got it for her.
Suppose he would have been caught? - I never would have forgiven myself!
Do you mean I stole it?
I would have stolen it myself, but they know me too well.
So you turned me into a thief!
Paul, she's quite a girl!
Those kinds of jokes are childish and stupid!
She won't miss it.
Don't you think I should steal from the rich and give to the deserving poor?
What do you think?
For myself, I wouldn't do it.
Yes, but you stole it for me when I asked you to.
Thank you. - Anytime.
Or you going to take that bike back or do I have to do it?
Don't worry. I'm only going to use it tonight, and I bring it back tomorrow.
Why don't you stay and eat with us?
On to your politics.
You're home early! What happened? - Is that you Helen?
- Yes, Madame de Kaillich. - That's a pretty dress, sweetheart.
We'll be back in a minute, Momma.
As the crowds begin to disperse...
the police cordons are still closing off Ave. Wagram...
where the disturbance took place. No further incidents are reported.
This is Marcel Delisle, at the Arc de Triumph.
How many?
Yes, we have already called Dr. Duval.
Yes, I'll tell him.
Thank you.
Oh, it's you!
I am looking for Paul Perrier.
He'll be back any moment. Take a seat.
That's a pretty dress. Did you make it yourself?
Careful!
Get the doctor.
Hey, I thought I was supposed to pick you up.
I felt like a walk, so I came here.
What happened? - Doriot's fascists broke the rally.
Was Jean Blomart at the march? - Why?
I just wondered.
What about the bands? - Leave them. We'll get them tomorrow.
Hello?
Let me help you.
You should sit down.
I just don't understand all this getting hurt over something. It's stupid.
Socialists, Democrats, Communists... whatever you all are.
You're still bleeding.
You alright? - Yes, thank you.
Let's have a look at that cut.
Hello, René.
Not bad, huh?
Not so bad.
There you are.
Thank you.
Can I ask you something?
Yes.
Do you think we could see each other? - Yes!
I don't think so.
Why not?
My work.
I don't have time to involve anyone else in my life.
You don't have to feel responsible for me.
But I would.
Sorry, It's ruined.
That's okay. I'll keep it anyway.
Goodbye, Helen.
Shall we go?
Look...
we've got to talk about this.
Why don't we go to the movies? Jean Gabin is at Odéon.
I don't want to see a stupid movie.
Do you have anything other suggestions?
Wait, I have one: I'll go home.
Yes, I have another suggestion...
Why don't we get married?
Why?
You can sleep with me anytime you want. - What's the matter with you?
Don't you know that I love you? - No, I don't. That's the problem.
What would you have me do? Swoon every time I see you across a crowded room?
I'm going home.
You are mad at me today. Why?
I don't know.
What is it? What happened?
That's healed quickly.
"Monsieur Jean Blomart."
Nice handwriting. Someone I know?
Paul Perrier's girl.
The pretty one?
She writes letter to you? - This is the fourth one.
Are you going out today? - No, I have to finish those posters.
You have to get out sometime!
What is she? 20?
I don't blame you. - What are you trying to say?
Are you having an affair with her?
No.
You are working too hard. Tonight let's go see Marcel and Denise.
Come to my place around 7, we'll have some drinks and go dancing.
I look like Hell.
I know that, but...!
But I want to be with you anyway!
Hello!
Hello.
Helen, you know Madeleine...
and this is...
Denise.
Up there is my best friend Marcel.
What are you doing here?
I like to dance. Do you?
I love to, but I don't know how!
Dance with her! It will do you good. - That's not what I meant...
I'm warning you! You're taking your life in your hands.
How come you didn't answer my letters?
I didn't want to encourage you.
Are you going out with her? - Yes.
We've known each other for a long time.
WHat about you and Paul?
Have you really broken up?
He's still in love with you, right?
I'm not in love with him.
How could I be?
What?
What is it? - Nothing. A little headache.
Here, sit down. - No, I'm going to get an aspirin.
No, I'll go. You sit down and stay here.
No, I don't want to bother you! - It's no trouble.
If I'm not back, tell the others to go on ahead.
They are not here!
I bet Marcel stopped to have a drink.
Anyway, let's get a big table.
We will be six.
Feeling better?
Are you glad you came? - Yes! And you?
You know I am.
I don't know if you remember, but...
in one of the letters I wrote you...
I asked you if you knew why we were here. Remember?
Yes.
How could I tell you?
No one can tell you that.
How old are you? - That doesn't matter.
The only thing that's important is that we are here.
Did you know that I followed you to the dance?
You followed me? Tonight?
When I wrote you that letter...
I had no idea...
what my purpose in life is...
but now I do.
Marcel and the others... they are not coming here, are they?
Does it matter?
You didn't have a headache. It was just another trick like the bike.
I did, I do! When you left, I thought that...
I just wanted to talk to you alone.
You are amazing! It's no wonder I didn't answer your letters.
I know what I feel.
You do too.
Where did the others go?
Do you want to go with them or do you want to answer my questions?
I don't have any answers.
Where did they go?
Then don't answer my questions. Just stay with me for a little bit, please!
I'd like to, but...
Which restaurant?
Baltzar.
It's not too far.
Let's join them. - No, you go ahead if you want to.
I'm sorry if I spoiled your evening.
You haven't spoiled anything.
It's Madeleine, right?
She has nothing to do with it, nothing.
Look...
You're young... and very beautiful.
You have every right to enjoy your life. Forget about me.
I'm sorry.
Helen, how is the markup coming along?
Fine.
I'll take these to Momma.
See you at suppertime. - Okay.
Hello.
Now I'm following you!
I just got home, I was in London at a Congress of trade unions.
Want some?
My apartment is just on the next street.
I could make some coffee.
Let's go!
It's nice.
Who is this? - Huh?
Who is this?
From one of father's printing plants.
You ever hear of Floral Arts, the publishers?
Sure. They did out our textbooks. - Oh, yeah?
You must be rich!
I've left all that behind me. I had a big fight with my father...
I organized all of his workers into a trade union.
We haven't spoken in a long time.
I'll start the coffee. - Okay.
I wish I was rich! - What would you do?
I don't know. Buy a big, fast car.
Take my friend Yvonne and her mother out to the country for the weekend.
Her mother would love that!
What about for you? What do you want?
Everything I want, I can't have.
What do you really want?
For yourself.
I don't know. Maybe a dress shop.
No... I'd rather sleep late every morning!
And you? What do you want?
I don't know. I never think about that.
You should you know... if you think about me.
Good. There you go.
It's changed this year. Far less precious.
How can I say it... Much more architecturally?
Yvonne tells me that you designed the dresses.
Is that true, my dear? - Yes, that's right.
Come and work with me in New York. Why don't you? You could come for a year!
New York! Imagine that...! I hope you're going to accept.
New York, yes... - Did you say "yes"?
No, I meant "I understand." I didn't say I would go.
You don't have to make up your mind right away. I'll leave you my card.
I'm at the Ritz until Tuesday. Promise?
New York?
Its' a fantastic chance!
What a fool I am.
I thought...
Never mind.
No, what?
Say it. What is it?
I thought...
I thought you loved me. I thought...
You wanted us to get married, create a life together.
There is going to be a war.
What difference does that make to us? - We are going to be separated anyway.
You are talented! Here is your chance for a career.
My life is politics, political action! That is no life for you.
Why don't you let me be the judge of that.
I love you. Can't help it.
I want to be married to you.
It is not a time for marriage.
REBELS DRIVE TO BARCELONA; REFUGEES FLEE NORTHWARD.
REFUGEES TO FRANCE BARRED BY SPANISH AUTHORITIES.
FRANCE OPENS HER BORDER TO FLEEING LOYALIST ARMY.
Long live France!
Doesn't he know that France has refused to help the Spanish?
Hello...
May I speak to you for a moment?
Running a soup kitchen for refugees, do you think that stop the fascists?
Nothing will stop them now. Not in Spain.
That's what I want to talk about. I'd like to go there.
It's over. Franco has won.
Not quite. Still, there is a chance. I want to join the Spanish militia.
Why?
Why not? I'm not particularly useful here.
You know the right people. You can get me across the border.
It's too hard to get across the border.
It's too dangerous! What if something happens?
Here we go again! You are not responsible for me.
If something happens, I promise not to blame you. Alright?
Jean...
I really want to go.
I'll take care of it.
Are you going to visit us? - "Us"?
You and me or you and that kid, Helene?
I'm talking about you and me.
You and me?
There is no you and me. I mean...
Our relationship was... loose. Wasn't it?
We said we shouldn't get involved.
Marriage, even living together. Any of that!
You said it wasn't the time for such things.
It wasn't.
It wasn't!
It isn't the time now.
It's different with this girl, you know it is.
She's pregnant, isn't she?
What?
Didn't you know? She's been...
She's been asking around about an abortion.
Take my place.
I'll be right back! - Jean! Don't forget me... the border.
I'll take care of it!
I'm coming! - I'll get it, Mother.
No, no sweetheart. Let me!
You mustn't...
Excuse me, ma'am, I'm looking for Helen. Is she here?
She's not well. Maybe you should come back another time.
Excuse me.
Are you alright, sweetheart?
You want me to make you some tea?
Go back to bed.
What did you take?
Did you take pills?
How long ago?
I'll get the doctor. - No, please!
The address is on the dresser. Her name is Madame Monge.
She doesn't have a telephone.
Hurry. Tell her it's been over twelve hours. She promised to come.
It is impossible to find a taxi. The Metro is much quicker.
We go straight through.
Are you sure she's not just being foolish?
These Jews are always crying. They are not strong.
She is not Jewish.
Excuse me. But the old woman is Jewish, so I assumed... Sorry.
But I will tell you the truth. It is them and the Freemasons...
who are the real enemies of France!
Take that Hitler... I do not like him, but he's not that bad.
He is sound on the Jews, at least. And I'll tell you something...
those Americans are not to be trusted either!
Roosevelt! That's a funny name!
He's a hooked-nose too!
Here...
Do it properly.
Voila! Satisfied now?
Wait!
The door...
There, it's all over!
Can I see her?
No, not now. It is not a place for a man.
Can she be moved? Will it be alright to mover her later?
You want to move her somewhere else? That's fine. Take a taxi.
I assume you are the gentleman involved. - Yes.
50 francs. It's very reasonable. I do not overcharge.
Where's Yvonne? - She's gone home.
The doctor says you have an infection and fever.
You need someone to take care of you.
I want my clothes. Where are my clothes?
You're staying here.
Yvonne has to work, and her mother can't care for you.
It'll make you stronger.
I love you.
Oh, God...
I'd like to believe that.
It's the worst part.
Madeleine! - Look who's here!
What is this? - You know Charles Arnaud...
Hello, M. Blomart. And who is this?
Miss Bertrand, the cause of great joy.
When did you get back? - A few weeks ago.
After the war, I took a little holiday in Seville. - And what's this?
Nothing.
Don't be such a damn hero! - Don't be so tiresome, Charles!
I hate heroes.
Why didn't you get in touch when you got back?
I don't know...
I've been very busy. Stop worrying!
Another thing I dislike is getting involved in others people's wars.
What about you, miss? Do you want to fight for those Czechs and Poles?
My father was killed in the last war. One day before the Armistice.
A perfect answer. - I shouldn't have let you go!
Helene... may I call you Helene?
This man is difficult. Have you noticed how he takes the blame for everything?
Dostoevsky said: "We are responsible for everyone and everything.
Rubbish!
Typical Russian rubbish!. We're not responsible for any damn foreigners!
Stop making speeches, Charles. You're boring this lovely girl.
Did you hear about Marcel? He joined up last week.
I guess Marcel beat me to it.
He said there will be war by September.
September is the month that wars start. Yes...
after the harvest.
What is it now? - It's like you wanted it to happen.
Wanted what? - A war.
It's so stupid. I don't know why you do that.
Because I live in the real world. You don't.
I don't want a war. I don't even want to think about it!
And when war comes, you'll just pretend that it's not here?
Let me try! - No, it would be too much for you.
You want to bet?
Go ahead, then!
Is that for Mme Muller?
Yes, but we can't finish without the lining.
She was supposed to send it from Germany, but it has not come yet..
Haven't you heard?
They just announced it on the radio...
negotiations have failed!
The English have already declared war.
Yes, my dears... terrible times have begun.
You shouldn't get depressed, he's sure to get leave!
Leave! I don't give a damn about leave! I want him home for good.
I'll do anything I have to do! Even if I have to go to Gigi!
You should try some one else.
She causes too much trouble.
Who? I don't know anyone.
Go see his parents.
Jean's parents? Are you out of your mind?
What can they do anyway? - You never know.
Good afternoon, I have an appointment.
Hello, Miss Bertrand. How do you do?
Nice of you to see me. - My husband will be here in a minute.
He's on the telephone.
Won't you sit down?
Would you like some tea? - Yes, thank you.
Milk or lemon? It's cold, isn't it? - Lemon, please.
So...
- You are a friend of Jean's? - Yes.
How is he?
We don't see him very much.
I got a letter from him the other day, and...
He's been posted in the infantry in Dieppe. - Dieppe?
Excuse me. I'm sorry.
How do you do?
Nice to meet you.
Your letter did not...
Exactly what was it you wanted to see us about?
Madame Gigi Grandjouan, I think you know her. She suggested it.
I thought maybe you could help...
Help? - Oh, please sit down.
She said that you might like to see Jean serve in something less dangerous.
- Gigi Grandjouan? - She has a friend who is a general.
He needs someone with Jean's experience on his staff in Paris.
But first...
... it would be helpful if someone with influence could put in a word...
That's all very well, but who's going to fight the Germans...
if everyone is posted to Paris?
I don't want to see him killed. - None of us do!
Henri, would you... Will you excuse us a moment?
42 INFANTRY REGIMENT
I have a letter of introduction. I'm looking Colonel Catelas.
Please... - What do you want with the colonel?
Can you help me find my fiancée? Jean Blomart, the 42nd Division.
Repentigny... At the front.
It's close to the Front. Really, I should arrest you.
Are you military police? - Yeah, that's right.
Someone waiting for you at the station? - No,just visiting.
Boyfriend?
Be careful, you might get him into trouble.
Not my boyfriend, but my brother.
Your brother? What's so important you have to tell your brother?
His wife is very sick.
Marc! Wake the sergeant, will you?
Wake him up!
Oh my God!
Richard! Watch out for the M.P.s, okay?
What letter?
It has already been sent. Gigi has arranged everything.
All you have to do is ask the colonel for a transfer.
I'm not going to walk out.
Absolutely not!
Why not?
Are you afraid of what your friends will say?
This war can be won without the four or five shots you will fire.
For once...
For one time, try to understand. - Understand?
I don't give a damn about this stupid war. What difference does it make?
If you die, I'll kill myself.
This war is not just us. - Yes, it is us
I'll do anything for you. Lie, cheat, steal...
betray my country, I'd kill someone...
Here!
She says she has a letter...
May I see the letter?
And you know Henri Blomart?
Yes.
Please come in.
The Germans have broken through! - Are you sure?
Yes, it was on the radio! - We've been invaded, stupid!
Oh my God! Mother sits by the radio! She'll be terrified. I must go home.
I'm going back to Jean's apartment. Tell your Mom I'll come over later.
When did you get back? - This afternoon.
Why did you do this?
I didn't want you to be killed!
Go ahead, beat me up, hit me! Break up with me... whatever you want.
I'd rather that than have your head blown off!
The world is not organized to suit only you!
A lot of the time, especially when I'm with you.
You went to my Father behind my back!
It was the only thing I could do. - Well, it didn't work...
The whole thing's been canceled. I'm going back to my unit tonight.
Haven't you heard? The Germans are breaking through!
Great! Now you'll be killed. All I did was keep you alive a few more days.
Do you have any idea what you've done?
No, I don't think you have.
You are just a kid! I should never have fallen in love with you.
But you didn't. - I did!
No, you didn't.
You said you loved me...
but you never loved me the way I loved you.
Helene...
I love you so much...
Helene... - What?
Listen to me...
There is no reason why you should love me. Not at all.
I'm not going to fool myself any more. I'm just going to get my things.
It's over. - Don't go.
You don't have to move out. I don't need this place, I'm going back tonight.
I want to. No, don't!
I'll get my clothes some other time. - Don't go!
I will leave. Right now.
I never should have gotten you mixed up in all of this. It's my fault.
I'm sorry.
Wish me luck.
So you want luck now?
Okay. Good luck.
It's from Jean...
He's been wounded. He is in a hospital in Arras.
How long would it take to get there? All the railroad lines are blocked.
Come in. We'll talk inside. - No. I'll find some other way.
Come in. We can talk about it tomorrow. - No!
Are you sure you know what you are doing?
Yes.
Take this. You may need it.
Are you sure you're going to be alright?
I will.
This is the French National Radio. Marshal Pétain will now speak to you.
Do you mind if I camp here tonight?
Fellow Frenchmen, at the request of the President of the Republic...
I will assure the leadership of the Government...
assure that the affection of our admirable Army...
which has been fighting with the heroism...
Where are you going? - To Arras.
...far superior in numbers and armaments...
assured of the support of our veterans whom I had the honor of commanding...
assured of the confidence of the entire population.
I hereby offer myself to France in order to alleviate its suffering.
In these agonizing hours, my thoughts go to the poor refugees who are...
wandering aimlessly and despondently along our roads.
I wish to express my compassion and sympathy to them.
Today, it is with a sad heart I tell you that we must cease fighting.
You can sleep here by the fire if you like.
Good day, monsieur. Can I get some milk, please?
Yes, ma'am.
You, there! Stop!
Stop, please!
Do you wish to ride, Miss? - No, thank you.
Where are you going? - To Arras.
The gentleman is no longer there. - Where'd he go?
Where is this man?
He was shipped out in round No. 6.
He has been transferred to the Reich, as a war prisoner.
But there's an armistice!
We are in France! And France must be kept safe for our soldiers!
That is why we must hold prisoners.
Go back to bed, Mother.
The candle went out. That's a bad sign.
I'll light it again. - It's still a bad sign.
She looks tired.
Gigi?
Where are you?
Karl-Heinz!
"Fantastique!"
How was Berlin? - Dreadful!
Can you imagine, tea and cakes at five with the Führer and Eva Braun!
Incredibly lower middle-class!
And this evening promises no better. - Why?
We dine with General Klausen of the SS.
Ten years ago... he was an insurance agent.
Can you imagine that! An insurance salesman!
So there it is...
Do you know what my latest assignment is? - No.
Rounding up foreign Jews.
Poor darling. What are you going to do?
Do you know where she's living? At the Ritz, with a German general!
You're joking! - No. She knew him before the war.
Ask Marie, she was there. - It's true, it's true!
He has a full suite on the top floor.
How are you? When did you get back? - Last night.
We'd better be ready. She is downstairs.
With a German!
The General? - No, the manufacturer.
Our new boss. - Yes, you're right.
That fabric is exceptional. There's some beautiful work being done in Germany.
Helene, my naughty girl! Where have you been all these days?
Leaving my alone with this mountain of orders!
Mr. Bergman, may I introduce Miss Bertrand.
Indeed!
Madame has talked about you. You've been away some time?
Just for three weeks. Did you find Jean?
No. He's been sent to Germany as a prisoner of war.
The question of prisoners is very...painful.
It would be easier if we could just give them back to you.
The officer at the hospital said that no French prisoners...
would be returned until all German troops had left France.
Some prisoners, perhaps. But sometimes with a little luck...
a word in the right quarter...
No, don't sit...
You're very pretty standing.
I was wondering...is there anyplace that I could apply?
You could apply to me, perhaps.
No, I'm joking.
Who is this man? A relative? A boyfriend?
Just a friend. I would really appreciate your help.
I have some contacts in Berlin... - "Wunderbar!"
We would be so grateful.
Let me think...I got to see the Commandant today.
I might make some inquiries... just about the procedure.
Yes.
Have lunch with me tomorrow. - What a gentleman...
And we can talk about it then.
This friend of yours in Germany... You sure he's not your boyfriend?
No.
He's just a friend.
I'll be honest...that's good news.
Write down his name, rank and where he was last contacted.
Arras.
Write it down. I can promise nothing, but I'll do my best.
These things have to go through the right channels; it may take some time.
"Sie sind so schön..."
Do you speak some German? - No.
Strange, isn't how...
ones whole life can be changed by an accidental meeting.
If not for this war, I wouldn't be sitting here with you now.
Have you ever been to Germany?
I have to go back next week, but...
I'll stay away the least possible time.
I mustn't be away from Paris.
Not now.
It's as though...
I can't explain it. It's...
Suddenly, I am terribly happy and terribly afraid.
Do you have any idea at all what I'm talking about?
No.