Voila! Finally, the Small Change
script is here for all you quotes spouting fans of the François Truffaut
movie (L'Argent de poche). This script is a transcript that was painstakingly
transcribed using the screenplay and/or viewings of Small Change. I know, I know, I still need to get the cast names in there and I'll be eternally
tweaking it, so if you have any corrections, feel free to
drop me a line. You won't
hurt my feelings. Honest.
''Here, the center of France''
My dear Raoul,
I am traveling with my father...
and we have stopped
at Bruyere-Allichamps...
in the center of France.
I'll go in a youth camp.
And you?
I hope it will be
a mixed camp.
With kisses from your cousin,
Martine.
POCKET MONEY
The soil is granitic
and impermeable.
Streams, rivers and lakes...
irrigate the whole area.
Raoul Briquet, you are not
writing anything down.
Bring me that card. Quick.
I know. It's Allichamps!
It's a small town,
or rather a village...
located at the exact center
of France.
This is the monument,
on the postcard.
Can you see over there?
It's funny. May I?
I want them all to see it.
This is the way
the card is addressed:
It says: Raoul Briquet...
HLM Beranger...
Thiers...
Puy-de-Dome, France...
Europe...
Universe.
Anyone here know Allichamps?
Laurent, come and explain.
Raoul, you can sit.
All right, tell us what you know
about Allichamps.
My father is a hairdresser.
They held a meeting there.
- A convention!
- They ate a lot. I was bored...
so I took a walk
in the park.
- Who else? Mathieu? Tell us.
- Never been there.
You raised your hand.
You wrote Thiers, Puy-de-Dome...
instead of using the zip code:
Thiers, .
You know your zip codes.
Remain seated.
- What's the matter?
- You forgot to leave the keys.
The movers are waiting.
They can't get in.
- Here.
- Thanks.
See you tonight.
Put me back in jail
Make me sit up on a nail
Eat your hat
Spill my guts out on a cat
Kill my belly button
Kiss my ass
''The Miser'' by Moliere.
Late again, Fougerie?
Harpagon's scene...
Act IV, Scene
up to line .
- Desmouceaux, recite it.
- I didn't study it.
What do you mean?
Come here.
I didn't learn it.
- I assigned it, didn't I?
- Yes, Miss.
- You all studied it?
- Yes, Miss.
- Well?
- I don't even have the text.
You've got five minutes to study.
I'll be back to you.
Privadier, tell us the text.
''Thieves! Robbers!
Murderers!
Justice!
I'm done for! I'm killed!
They've taken my money!''
Enough. Froment, now try.
I don't know.
- How far did you get?
- I don't know.
I studied up to
''Where is he now?''
That's all? I told you
to go up to the th line.
I am really angry.
Fayet, you try it.
''Thieves! Robbers!
Murderers!Justice!
I'm done for! I'm murdered!
They've taken my money!
- Who can it be?''
- You can sit. It's quite the same.
Try to give it more feeling,
and don't speak so fast.
Hurbagnac, your turn.
''Thieves! Assassins!
Murderer! Justice!
I'm done for! I'm murdered!
They've taken my money.''
Not bad,
but try with more nerve.
Because Harpagon
is really out of his mind.
''Thieves! Robbers!
Murderers! Justice!''
- ''I'm done for!''
- ''I'm done for! I'm murdered!''
What do you want, boy?
You're not one of ours.
How did you get here?
By car?
Did you fall
out of a helicopter?
Can't you hear or talk?
From Welfare.
They send new kids in mid-June?
Let's see the principal.
He's not in. Did the Municipality
give you any other papers?
We'll ask Richet.
''Whoever can it be?
Where's he gone to?
- Where is he hiding?''
- Do you know it now?
''Thieves! Robbers!
Murderers! Justice!
I'm done for. I'm murdered.
They've taken my money.''
Not bad for five minutes' work.
If you had studied,
you'd know all of it!
Brouillard, your turn.
''Thieves! Robbers!
Murderers! Justice!
- I'm done for! I'm murdered!''
- Stop.
You don't seem to understand
what you're saying.
It's all the same tone of voice.
Listen to me.
''Thieves! Assassins!
Murderers!
Justice! I'm done for.
They've taken my money!''
Do you understand?
Try again.
''Thieves! Robbers!
Murderers! Justice--''
I'm as stubborn as you are!
I don't care how long it takes.
We'll stay here
'til you make sense.
''Thieves! Assassins!
Murderers!
Justice! I am--''
Sit down.
Excuse me, Miss Petit.
This is Julien Leclou.
He belongs to your age group.
There's a place.
Go and sit over there.
It must be a mistake.
The porter sent him to me
with a note from City Hall.
- What do we do?
- Go ask the principal.
- You live here?
- The Mureaux.
- That's not a housing area.
- Is that so? Well, I live there.
Garderet, take over
'til I come back.
Now I'll show you
the real Harpagon.
''Thieves! Robbers!
Murderers! Justice!
I'm done for.
They've taken my money.
Whoever can it be?
Where's he gone to?
How can I find him?
Run? Not run?
Give me my money.
Ah, it's me.
My mind is confused.
I ignore where I am, who I am,
what I am doing.
Oh, my dear, darling money,
my beloved gold...
I've lost my support,
my consolation, my joy.''
That's a great performance!
Do you teach them drama?
I've got good students.
It's about Julien Leclou.
Put him in Miss Petit's class.
What if he's not
on the same level?
I don't know his level.
He was referred by Welfare
as a special case.
- Hello, Pop.
- Hello, Patrick.
- I'll put the shopping away.
- You forgot the list.
I remembered everything.
One pound of sugar,
one bottle of oil.
Bread, apples.
- Open the window, please.
- Sure, Pop.
I read so much
that my eyes hurt.
- What's your name?
- Frank.
- What about you?
- Sylvie.
Richard, can you
take Gregory home for me?
I've still got a few errands to do.
Bye-bye, Gregory.
Be a good boy. Bye!
Bye, baby.
Look. Somebody's moving in.
It's Mr. Richet.
Good morning, Richard.
What are you doing here?
- We live on the same floor.
- So we're neighbors.
- Lydie.
- I must know your mother.
Your brother?
No. I must take him
to the th floor.
- You come to see the fat?
- I'll show you the layout.
You'll understand.
This is the kitchen.
I forgot my books.
- Your bike broken?
- No, the chain slipped.
- Have you got TV?
- Of course.
- What was on last night?
- An American serial: ''Columbo.''
What happened?
They were out to sabotage
a racing car...
so one guy
sawed the steering wheel...
and the car exploded.
- Was it Columbo?
- No, the gangster did it.
- And did Columbo get him?
- Sure. He always does!
You owe me some dough.
- How much?
- Two francs.
- I'll think about it.
- Cool it.
Two lousy francs!
- Well, I'd like to have them.
- Sure. Me too.
- It's my pocket money.
- For what?
Candy and the swimming pool.
He says Sylvie
was born in a garbage can.
You come from a garbage can?
I'm from Toulon.
- A Toulon garbage can!
- Was it a plastic can?
- I get five francs a week.
- For what?
- I buy books.
- And you?
I get nothing.
- Do you spend it all?
- I don't get anything.
- Can I go in?
- No, go away.
Let me go to see your classroom.
- Go home.
- You don't want me to visit?
- No, go away.
- At least say good-bye.
Do I get a kiss?
Bye.
Be a good boy.
See you tonight.
How are you, Patrick?
The driver used explosive gas.
Columbo guessed
when he found the empty can.
No. Columbo was tipped off.
- He got an anonymous phone call.
- No, you are way off.
Columbo caught the mechanic
cutting the brake line.
It's really beautiful.
What a dish.
I never saw that.
- What are you doing?
- It's my father's.
Keep it home.
Here it is forbidden.
All right.
What's wrong?
Go and play!
Today we review
the key dates of our history.
- Falipou. ?
- The St. Bartholomew Massacre.
- ?
- Death of Henry IV.
- ?
- Alsace becomes part of France.
Good. Keragel, ?
The Edict of Nantes
is revoked.
- ?
- We lose India and Canada.
Good. Leclou.
Leclou!
Sorry to wake you up.
You're haggard. I'm sure you
don't even know what that means.
It means looking gaunt...
like you look right now.
All right. Someone else.
You, Jeallas. ?
Discovery of America.
?
- The victory of Marignan.
- Right, but no whispering.
Desmouceaux. ?
Did you hear me?
Desmouceaux? Please, stand up.
It happens here.
Look at me.
Do you understand?
Look at me.
Are you deaf or something?
Did you hear my question?
- What's up?
- I'm studying.
Nobody's home.
I forgot my keys.
Help me.
Good.
''The metallurgical industry
is a key factor...
in our economy, involving
one million workers.
- Its--''
- ''Its role...''
''Its role--''
It's all crap. Forget it.
-Julien! For God's sake!
- Hide. Don't move.
Get in here,
you little bastard!
We'll take the elevator.
It's broken again.
We'll walk up to the top.
Come on, sweetie.
Hold the bread.
Let's climb upstairs.
It's hard.
Hold the bread.
Help me. It's heavy.
I'll take the bread.
Come on.
Let's go.
I'll race you.
I'm gonna catch you.
Don't go inside.
This is not our house.
Come back here.
Come here.
Excuse me.
The door was open.
I know him.
We met yesterday.
My husband says
he's very bright.
- Sit down for a while.
- Why not?
- I'm thirsty. What about a drink?
- If you don't mind.
- Would you like some wine?
- Yes.
It's a lot of work.
My husband helps after school.
After three months,
he pulled the classic exit.
He stepped out for some matches...
and I never saw him again.
But I've got my Gregory.
Confidentially, two weeks ago...
I spotted an ad
in the personal column:
''Bachelor seeking companionship.
Loves kids!''
- Have you met?
- No, I wrote to him.
He answered.
We've got a date on Sunday.
We'll both be carrying
the same newspaper.
- To the stranger!
- That's right.
Gregory, what are you up to?
Come here.
Give mummy the bread.
Thank you, sweetie.
I lost my wallet.
- Did you see my wallet?
- No.
Are you sure
you haven't seen it?
Did you hide it?
Did you lose it?
Be a good boy.
Did you notice a wallet?
Have you lost it?
What a shame.
Kitty, Kitty, come here.
Come, Kitty.
Little Kitty gone.
Come on, Kitty.
Here.
- I can't find my wallet.
- Did you leave it here?
No. I must have left it
in the grocery.
Gregory, what did you do?
Gregory went boom!
She fainted.
Wake up, madam.
Why didn't anyone
try to stop him?
How could they? They stood there,
staring up by the window...
but they were helpless.
The incredible thing happened
when he landed.
We all rushed over
expecting the worst.
He picked himself up
and started to laugh.
You know what he said?
''Gregory went boom!''
- Fantastic!
- Incredible!
It's terrifying to think of the way
kids are in constant danger.
That's not exactly true.
I mean, whereas an adult would
have been laid out for good...
kids are as solid as rock.
They stumble through life,
but they're not hurt.
They're much tougher
than we are.
Children are bored
on Sundays
On Sundays
children are bored
in their Sunday clothes
On Sundays
children are bored
Let them sleep.
It's still early.
Let's make breakfast.
Milk, tea.
- Where's the chocolate?
- There. Turn on the TV.
...that we build
a fraternal world...
in the name of the Lord.
Either for a ride
or a toast
They aren't the best cooks
They won't meet success
Boys and girls
Are much sadder
than their mom believes
Shit!
- It's good.
- Take a slice of bread.
The knife.
- Is it good?
- Excellent!
Good morning, Sylvie.
Did you sleep well?
Yes, Pop.
You're a real expert.
- Do they know you?
- I know them.
This is Plic
and that's Ploc.
- So that's Ploc.
- No, it's Plic.
- Then this one's Ploc.
- No, that one! This is Plic.
- This is Plic.
- No, Ploc.
You told me Plic.
And that's Ploc.
They swam around.
I give up.
Why not label them?
Get dressed. We're going
to eat in a restaurant.
In a restaurant?
That's neat.
What are you doing?
I'm washing a neighbor's car.
I do it every Sunday.
It's real weird!
He collects old cars.
He's got six or seven.
- What does he pay?
- Three francs.
I wouldn't mind
shining up his other cars.
Parents are bored
on Sundays
On Sundays
parents are bored
Hello, Richard.
How are you, Mr. Golfier?
- How's it going?
- Good. Picking a winner?
Not me.
No more money for the state.
You're right.
Are you coming?
With their paper collar,
their lorgnette...
And their white beards
On Sundays
parents are bored
- Hello. How are you?
- Fine. And you?
- We are collecting funds.
- All right.
- It's for cancer.
- Cancer? Here you go.
Thank you.
How much?
I don't know.
It's a small coin.
- So you lost your father.
- I was when he died.
Fortunately,
I live with my mother.
Could you visit us next Sunday?
- You must enjoy your work.
- I love my job!
We're collecting funds
to fight cancer.
Can I come on a weekday?
I must work on Sundays.
It's for cancer.
No. Once is enough!
I'm gonna clean you up.
You're dirty.
- Look.
- What about the yellow dress?
Well, this one fits you.
- What's that?
- My bag.
This filthy, awful thing?
It's my only bag.
I carry everything in it.
- What will you do with it?
- Bring it to the restaurant.
Bring this thing
to the restaurant?
People will lose their appetite!
You can't do that!
- I want to take it.
- Don't be stubborn.
- I'm taking my bag anyway.
- You're a pretty girl.
- You should leave it here!
- I'm bringing it.
-Jean-Marie, come for a second.
- What is it?
Do you know the latest
on your daughter?
She decided to take this old bag
to the restaurant.
- Tell her it's impossible.
- It really looks awful!
It's disgusting.
Leave it here.
Mama is going to get you
a real ladies' bag.
Go and get it for her.
That's no toy.
I need it for my work.
- Will this do?
- She'll love it.
It's one of mine.
You want it?
Take this one.
It's nicer than yours.
A real ladies' bag. With this,
you'll look like my wife.
Now listen.
If you don't take this bag...
we'll go to the restaurant
and leave you all alone.
- I'm staying here.
- Stubborn. Very well.
You can still change your mind.
Have it your way.
I'm hungry! I'm hungry!
I'm hungry! I'm hungry!
- What are you doing here?
- I'm hungry.
- Where are your parents?
- They're eating out.
- Without you?
- They left me home. I'm hungry.
- I know her.
- She lives on the third floor.
- Do you want something?
- I'm hungry!
- Come eat with us.
- I can't. I'm locked in!
What can we do?
- Do you want something?
- We'll send you some food!
- Thank you.
- Imagine, locking the kid in.
- Terrible! Leaving a kid alone.
- It's criminal.
- If something happened to her?
- Incredible.
- Yes.
- Her father's the Chief of Police.
You're kidding.
Where are you going?
Let's see.
It's a little girl.
Well done, kids.
Look.
Let it down.
- Have a nice dinner.
- Thank you very much.
Chicken!
Everybody looked at me!
- Three orchestras, please.
- One balcony.
- Can you get me in?
- I have enough for one ticket.
I know a way.
Come on.
Two orchestras, please.
- Wait here. I won't be long.
- And you?
I'll buy a ticket.
Gimme the money.
Now your jacket.
Trust me.
I'll be back soon.
One seat.
In the center aisle.
Your jacket's on the seat.
- Don't forget the ticket.
- What about you?
I'll be right with you...
after the news.
- Where were you?
- Men's room.
- Do you have a ticket?
- Here. My jacket's on my seat.
- All right.
- Thanks.
Sit here, just in case.
How was your date?
Nice... but a bore.
When I laughed, he was scared
people would notice us.
I'll look in the paper again.
- What did she say?
- Never mind.
- I'm curious. Tell me.
- Nothing doing.
You see there?
Look at Miss Petit!
- Where?
- Back there.
She's with a guy!
- Hello, Mr. Richet.
- Hello.
Where are our parents?
There!
This seat's taken.
Thirteen years ago in the spring.:
a time of pain and disarray.
The arms of war were still
over the land of Algeria.
This new spring
of work and serenity...
proves that the virtue of time
and the wisdom of men...
can get together
to draw from the past...
the oath of a future
freed from rancor and resentment.
When memory gives
imagination insight...
the thought
exorcizes the shadows...
and the encounter might become
a meeting with history.
l am certain
that in the world we live in...
facing our problems...
and knowing each other
as we do...
French and Algerians...
have things to talk about...
and things to do together.
Giscard! Boumedienne!
The fun gets underway
on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
When to everyone's delight
The streets
are lively and bright
They look like
they're at a board meeting.
Just like big people.
He looks like a clown.
Look at that little boy crying.
Adults always think
they're joyful.
- He's got a girlfriend.
- She's a neighbor.
They know each other well.
Good morning, Mayor.
Cute kid!
I bet you just love kids.
I hate the little monsters!
Most people adore children.
They just annoy me.
They always do what they shouldn't.
But I have a sense of duty.
Well, very good.
- Wide open?
- Yes, thank you, Patrick.
I'll be late.
Just bring me the coffee
and I'll manage.
Thank you. Hurry up.
- Did you take your sandwich?
- Yes, I did.
- Sure?
- Yes, sure.
Goodbye, Patrick.
- Hello, Monsieur Riffe.
- Hello, Patrick.
- Hello, Madame Riffe.
- Hello, Patrick.
Are you here to get Laurent?
Laurent!
Your friend is here.
You'll be late!
Coming!
- My hot chocolate is too hot!
- Let it cool it in the saucer.
What's so funny?
Monsieur Seguin's after-shave lotion.
I might buy it for Father's Day.
- How is your father?
-Just fine.
He can read all day,
because he bought a machine...
that turns the pages automatically.
I've got to tidy up before
we open the store.
''Comfort on the rails''
Hello, young man.
- Good morning, Mme. Riffe.
- Hello, Fatima.
Forgetting something?
Bye, honey.
Now you work hard.
What a pair of eyes!
Damn! She got a great ass!
Look, a moon in broad daylight!
It's mostly during my geography class,
there are...
always two in the back playing
with themselves under the table.
It's an old school tradition.
They do it to provoke me
because I'm a woman...
- or something like that.
- Nothing to do with it.
Mine do the same,
but in my history class!
History!
I wonder if they're not
having a contest.
They sit by two, to share books.
I've seen that quite a lot.
It's part of the process of growing up.
So I wonder if I should ignore them...
- or bring it out in the open.
- Use your own judgment.
I once had a bad problem.
One boy who was years
older than the others...
was a bit of an exhibitionist.
I took him aside and we talked it over.
- After that he behaved.
- It's the same with girls.
In my class in Lyon we had
the same stupid problems.
Next year, when we take in girls,
we'll have other problems.
When my brother-in-law's class...
went coed, he said some kids
reverted back to childhood...
They were intimidated
by others problems...
Tolitto's mom sends him to
buy a banana and two lemons.
On the way home, there's a bridge.
He drops them in the water.
A nun comes by and says:
''What's wrong?''
I dropped my lemons and banana.
''I'll get them back.''
Then a priest comes by...
Tolitto tells him about
the two lemons and the banana.
So they both dive in, naked.
After that, the nun grabs...
the priest's dick...
and he gets a hold of the two lemons...
of the nun. So she says...
Take your seats.
Silence, everybody.
Will you please open your
grammar books to page ?
- Where's your book?
- I don't have it.
- What have you done with it?
- I don't care.
You don't care?
Then stand in the corridor!
Are we all
on page ?
On the old editions,
it's on page .
Did your folks
give you hell?
Get lost.
We're selling our books.
Come on.
Good morning, sir.
That's some compass!
How much?
- francs.
- No discount?
- francs. No more, no less.
- You have the same, cheaper?
The same kind
is the same price!
- Ask your father for Christmas.
- It's too much.
I can't afford it.
- Hi, sweetie.
- She's hungry.
I'll wait outside, okay?
So, how can I help you?
Can I help you?
I want to sell some books.
I don't need them.
But they're this year's.
Don't you need them?
- We'll get new ones next year.
- What about your brother?
- How old are you?
- I'm ten.
- He can use them next year.
- They'll be out of date.
-Have you a note from your parents?
-No.
- Even orphans?
- From whoever's responsible.
- There is always someone.
- What will we do now?
- Good-bye, sir.
- Good-bye.
- What are you doing here?
- Waiting for you.
- Gosh!
- Do you want it?
-No. And you?
-What are you gonna do with it?
May I?
- Are you gonna sell it?
- Yes.
How about a swap?
- I want cash!
- Cash?
Yes.
- Here's Golfier.
- Hi, guys.
I'll tell you something.
How about lending me ?
Just 'til Monday.
- I can't.
- You can't or won't?
My father gave me francs
to get a haircut.
To get a haircut
at the barber?
At the barber.
It's like throwing money
out the window!
Don't cry now.
It's too late for that.
- Golfier's having a fit!
- No allowance for a month!
Hello, Mr. Golfier.
For God's sake!
I don't know how you handle
kids.
I'll fix that barber!
- Do you want it parted?
- No. ''Divided they fall.''
Tomorrow we open
at a quarter to nine.
- We're closed, sir.
- I demand an apology!
This is a scandal!
You call this a haircut?
This is no way
to talk to people.
Now, calm down.
Be civilized.
I'm calm. What did you do
to my son?
I paid for his haircut.
-Look at him!
-I won a gold medal years ago.
Would I butcher him
like that?
You'd better tell us
the truth.
- I cut one side, you the other.
- Papa says it's best...
when they can't tell
you've been to the barber.
- I swear, they'll never know.
- Turn around. I can't see.
- That's my side!
- Your ass!
Careful!
- Make it even on both sides.
- Don't cut my ears.
Now we equalize.
- Equalize on both sides.
- All right.
Do it well.
- Lay off my side!
- It's my side!
Stop!
-That's better.
-I apologize, but when I saw him--
- I understand.
- How much?
I won't accept money. I did it
for the honor of the profession.
-Good evening. Did he calm down?
-Yes.
He wanted to pay. I refused.
If you're through,
I'll set the table.
- Why not stay for dinner?
- My father's expecting me.
- We could call him, right?
- Good idea.
Mr. Desmouceaux?
This is Mrs. Riffe.
Patrick just finished
helping Laurent.
Can he stay for dinner?
- Of course. It's very kind of you.
- Good.
Good evening.
Pass me your dish.
- Potatoes. Do you like carrots?
- Not really.
You don't?
A little bit of green.
Some gravy.
You can start, Patrick.
- Seconds?
- Sure.
Would you like some salad?
Later. I'd rather have
more noodles.
And also a piece
of camembert.
- What about fruit?
- A peach.
And maybe grapes.
Thank you very much
for your frugal meal.
- What is it?
- I was thinking about our vacation.
I'd love to go to Venice.
Hey, boy. You want to make
five francs?
Go up to the rd floor left.
If a lady opens the door,
give her this note.
- If it's a man?
- Say it's the wrong floor.
Good.
What is it?
A man told me
to give you this message.
- A man?
- Yes.
Good-bye.
Keep your eyes on the road.
The old ''crocodile'' gave me
a dirty look.
You should forget his car
and take care of me.
I'll take care of you
in Palma.
The way you have with this car
is touching.
I must protect
the Countess.
The film sounds good.
You should see it.
Picking up girls is easy.
- But you talk to them.
- Okay. I'll talk to them.
Too blank for small talk
Too blue to enjoy a walk
Store dummies strike
The only note of cheer
As they grin
from ear to ear
- Too bad she's by herself.
- Go on.
-I don't mind. We'll meet later.
-No. We're partners.
- What about them?
- They're three.
- So what?
- We're only two.
There's two.
Let's do it.
- Are you sure?
- Wait here.
Come on, Patrick.
I'm not sure we want
to see the film.
You promised!
Let me talk it over
with my friend.
Two balconies.
- Are you sisters?
- No. She lives next door.
- What class are you in?
- I plan to study hairstyling.
''PATHE NEWSREEL MAGAZINE''
Our spotlight this week is on
the one and only Oscar.
Every night the elite jam
his dressing room...
as he whistles
while he works.
Oscar was born in
right after the war.
In Madeleine,
a pretty young Parisian...
like her compatriots,
paid tribute...
to the U.S. troops
who liberated France.
In this atmosphere of joy...
Oscar's mother-to-be spent
the whole night flirting with...
Peter Nicholson,
a G.l. from Kentucky.
Thousands of girls discovered
the joys of chewing gum...
with the U.S. Army.
Madeleine's flirtation
had an aftermath.
Oscar was born
months later...
right after
his parents' wedding.
Her gown was white,
although a little tight.
They lived happily ever after,
though...
Madeleine spoke no English...
and Peter spoke no French.
How would this non-communication
affect Oscar?
Would he speak French
or English?
Or would he opt
to baby-talk, or would...
his instincts lead him
to speak Latin or Hebrew?
Unable to speak,
he started to whistle.
Before becoming
a world-renowned virtuoso...
he made everything clear
by whistling.
He was also capable
of violence.
With a few shrill trills...
he knew how to assert
his authority.
lf not wisdom-wise,
Oscar grew in age.
On the day of her first communion,
he refused to kiss his cousin.
She was so mortified
that she entered a convent.
Today, in
Oscar is now ...
and his handicap
has won him fame and fortune.
His motto.: ''The whistle
is mightier than the word!''
And now we take you to
the Caribbean islands.
Under the rising sun,
a white boat...
is waiting in the port
of Curacao.
What idiots!
See how colorful the girls
at this factory are.
How happy and conscientious
they are.
They first catch the cups.
One second too late
and the operation is ruined.
But they are fortunately
dexterous.
Now, they carefully fill
the cups to the top...
and put them into racks.
As you see, the supervisor
checks each rack.
A man from the Metropole
they call ''Uncle' 'teases him.
But here it is like
a big family.
After a tough selection at each
step of the manufacturing...
comes the packaging.
The merchandise is then
sent by tip trucks...
to the loading dock.
''But it all ends, ''seem to
think these black kids...
waving little flags,
while appearing on the skyline...
is the governor's
long white car.
The boat lowed like one of
our Normandy cows.
Listen to her calling
the laggards.
Every boat takes away with her
a bit of her country...
and the West lndies
are no exception.
A part of France took us
to this colorful paradise.
Farewell, Caribbean island,
and good luck.
It's my wife.
She's having the baby.
I've got to call the hospital.
- There.
- Thanks.
- What's going on?
- Lydie's in labor. Help her.
- Have you got the number?
- I'll get the phone book.
I can't believe it!
For a maternity.
I think that's the page.
I'm at the Jean Zay building.
We need an ambulance.
I'm counting on you.
They said a few minutes.
I'll call the elevator.
It's now or never.
So, what about the pictures?
I feel like talking.
Hey, guys.
Silence!
Mr. Richet is a little late.
Be quiet. Don't force me
to come back again.
- I know why he's not here.
- Why?
- His wife had a baby.
- He even took pictures.
- For magazines?
- I bet they're porno.
That's disgusting.
-Just baby pictures.
- That's different.
- A boy or a girl?
- A girl!
Nonidentical twins.
You can't tell boy or girl.
- A boy!
- A girl!
Nonidentical twins.
Good morning. Sit down.
As you can see,
I'm a little late.
It's a special day:
I've got a child.
- Girl or boy?
- Boy.
- His name?
- His name is Thomas.
Like tomato.
- How's your wife?
- Well, but she's tired.
- But very happy.
- Has he got hair?
- How big is he?
- inches long!
- Can we see him?
- When he's a little older.
He weighs pounds
and ounces.
I'm a very happy person today.
- So are we!
- So, no blouse!
I had no time to prepare
for class.
Let's practice storytelling
as best as you can.
Richard Golfier.
Please stand up.
Tell us what you did
on Sunday.
I got up late.
I slept a lot.
- And after?
- I slept a lot. I got up late.
Let's pick another subject.
- Motorcycles?
- Sure. Go ahead.
-Speak louder.
-There are many different types.
Suzuki, Triumph, BSA...
BMW, Kawasaki, Peugeot.
Remain seated.
I'll take care of this.
I've just been told that
the De Luca brothers...
gave out some toy guns
to certain students.
They meant well,
but those little guns...
don't really belong to them.
They bought them with money
that wasn't theirs.
So, let's have them all back!
A set of numbers.
''E'' equals zero, one, two, three,
up to eight.
Then what?
''A'' equals...
- Good morning.
- Good morning.
I want to buy some flowers.
- What kind?
- I don't know.
A present?
Then I suggest roses.
See? Each color is a symbol.
''Red rose: Flaming passion''
I'll take the red roses.
Ten more minutes,
Mrs. Golfier.
Good morning, Patrick.
Are you looking for Laurent?
No, I came to see you.
- I mean... they're for you!
- For me?
How sweet!
Please give my thanks
to your dad.
''In breast-feeding,
new mothers...
may press the infant
so tightly...
that the baby
can't breathe.
As a result, the baby
will resist the feeding...
while the mother feels
she's being rejected.
An infant will sense
his mother's anxieties.
It's a key factor.
It will affect...
his entire future behavior.
He will relate to women...
as he did to his mother.''
Like you and your mother!
- How old is he?
- Born days ago.
- On a Sunday, remember?
- In the middle of the night.
- Sometimes he smiles.
- Yes?
Not 'til they're months old.
- Even so, he smiled at me.
- Maybe.
- Do you leave him alone?
- No, I'm always with him.
He's got nice ears.
He's got my finger.
All babies grab
and squeeze.
- When will he grow up?
- One of these days.
Get out! I expected you
an hour ago!
I'll manage alone as usual!
What are you talking about?
It says !
You are only .
No, . I changed it to
to get half-rates.
Sorry. Try somebody else.
Leclou, what are you
doing here?
Did you sleep here?
You are one hour early.
Come in and wash up.
As we could see, comma...
the glowing embers, comma...
The doctor's here
for the annual medical checkup.
Let's go, everybody.
- That means you too!
- My folks won't let me.
Did they give you a note?
You go like everybody else.
My parents registered for
the Club Mediterranée.
I prefer Arcachon.
My cousin will be there.
Planning your vacations?
Where are you going?
To summer camp.
Boys and girls!
You've got to strip,
like us!
- What's going on?
- Leclou won't undress.
- Quiet!
- This boy won't undress!
- Bring him in.
- Hurry up.
Leclou! Potato bag!
One meter, thirty-six.
Take off your pants.
Please, close the door.
- Where's the principal?
- We'll look for him.
He's next door.
- It's very important.
- What's wrong?
- It's quite bad!
- Let's go see.
- What's going on?
- It's rather serious.
We'll have to call
the police!
Here's the Inspector.
- Good morning.
- Inspector. Dr. Martigues.
We were doing
a routine checkup.
One of the boys
was reluctant to undress.
His body is full of bruises,
scars, burn marks.
- What does he say?
- What abused kids always say.
- ''I fell down.''
- Whose class is he in?
It's Julien Leclou.
Miss Petit's class.
Didn't you notice anything?
Don't look, Mom!
Go fuck yourselves!
Get out of here!
This is private property!
Get out!
My kid's happy.
He goes to school.
No pictures!
Can you take
my class today?
The police need
my testimony.
Go on, and don't worry.
I couldn't sleep.
I feel guilty...
because I did not
understand.
I was very hard on him.
No, Chantal.
You shouldn't feel guilty.
Don't mix up problems.
You have nothing to do
with the whole thing.
The kid made it a point
to cover up his home life.
Just go.
Some of you boys,
move over by the window.
I know we are all thinking
about Julien Leclou.
It's in the press...
and you've heard your parents
talking at home.
Before you go
on vacation...
let's talk about Julien.
I don't know much more
than you do...
but I'll tell you
how I feel.
First, Julien will be
taken care of by Welfare.
He will be placed in a family.
Wherever he goes, he'll be
better off than in his own home...
where, in his own words,
''he was beaten.''
His mother shall lose
her maternal right.
For Julien, it may be
quite a few years before...
he'll know the freedom
to come and go as he pleases.
Julien's case is so tragic
that we cannot help...
comparing our lives
with his.
My own childhood
was also quite painful.
I couldn't wait to grow up.
I felt adults had
all the rights.
They can lead their lives
the way they want.
An unhappy adult
can start again from scratch.
But an unhappy child
is helpless.
He may not know how to put
it in words, but he feels...
that he cannot
even contest...
his parents' right
to hurt him.
An unloved
and battered child feels guilty.
That's what's so tragic!
Of all mankind's
injustices...
injustice to children
is the most despicable!
Life isn't always fair...
but we can fight
for justice.
It's the only way!
It's a slow process,
but we do move forward.
All people with power
like to claim...
they're impervious to threats.
But they do give in
to pressure!
A show of strength is
the only way to get results.
Adults understand that...
and they obtain what they
ask for by demonstrating.
I want to show that
when adults are determined...
they can improve their lot.
But children's rights
are totally ignored.
Political parties
are not concerned...
with kids like Julien
or you.
Do you know why?
Because children don't vote!
If kids had the right
to vote...
they'd have better schools,
sports facilities.
You'd get them because
politicians need your votes.
You could come to school
an hour later in winter...
instead of rushing out
before daylight.
I also want to say,
because of my own childhood...
I feel kids rate
a better deal.
That's why I became
a schoolteacher.
Life isn't easy.
You must steel yourselves
to face it.
I don't mean ''hard-boiled.''
I'm talking about stamina!
Some of us who've had
a difficult childhood...
are better equipped
for adult life...
than those who were
overprotected with love.
It's the law of compensation.
Life may be hard,
but it's also wonderful.
When we're confined
to sickbed...
we can't wait to get out
and enjoy life.
We sometimes forget
how much we really love it.
You're about to go
on vacation.
You will discover
new places...
and make new friends.
In September,
you'll move up a grade.
We'll enroll both boys
and girls.
Time flies. Before long,
you'll have kids of your own.
If you love them,
they'll love you.
If they don't feel
you love them...
they'll transfer their love
and tenderness to other people...
or other things.
That's life! Each of us
needs to be loved!
Well, boys, school is over.
Have a happy vacation!
miles and a half
wears out
miles and a half
wears out one's shoes
miles and a half
wears out
miles and a half
wears out one's shoes
''Dear cousin.:
It finally happened!
On the train on the way
to camp, l noticed him.
l could tell he liked me too.
His name's Patrick.
Yesterday, we watched
the bike races.
Naturally, we only had eyes
for each other.
Today, during lunch,
l had to go to the bathroom. ''
Hold my apple for me.
I've got to pee.
Let's have some fun
with Patrick!
- You calling me?
- Yes. Did you see Martine?
She went out
to kiss you.
Go! She's waiting for you.
Did Patrick find you?
He went out
to kiss you.
''Girls' Dormitory''
''Boys' Dormitory''
'And when we returned,
what a riot!''
''The town of Thiers
and its inhabitants''