of crime and passion: screenplay
DESCRIPTION
M. Romain, the mayor of a small provincial town, Boulenne, France, hires Jacques Marcel to be his children’s tutor. Jacques, only a carpenter’s son, dreams of following in the footsteps of his hero, Napoleon – gaining a distinguished life of admiration and success. However, in the present time, the army has lost its grandeur, and the best way to attain power and glory is in the Church. Though he is training to become a priest, Jacques decides to seduce the mayor’s wife, Mme. Romain, as he feels it’s his duty to…The two become lovers, but as the mayor’s political adversary learns of the affair and begins to spread rumors, M. Romain becomes profoundly embarrassed. However, his wife convinces him that the rumors are false. Father Xavier, the town priest and Jacques’s mentor, sends him to a distant seminary to avoid any further scandal.The director of the seminary, M. Pirard, likes Jacques and encourages him to become a great priest. Jacques does very well at the seminary, but only because he wants to make a fortune and succeed in French society. The other priests at the seminary are not aware of Jacques’s hypocrisy, but are jealous of his intelligence. M. Pirard is disgusted with the political involvement of the Church and resigns. His aristocratic benefactor, the Marquis de Sylvestre, wants M. Pirard to be his personal secretary in Paris, but M. Pirard tells him to hire Jacques instead, as he feels that this move would be a greater opportunity for Jacques than life serving the Church.The Marquis and his family live amidst the erudite and classist aristocracy of the city. Jacques is both enthralled and repulsed by these aspects of Parisian society. He attempts to fit in among the nobles but his meager origins lead them to ever view him as a social inferior. However, the Marquis’s daughter, Claudette, falls in love with Jacques and they become lovers, despite her numerous aristocratic suitors. When Claudette becomes pregnant with Jacques’s child and tells the Marquis about her affair, he is furious, but soon ennobles Jacques as a way to justify their marrying. Just as Jacques finally has the aristocratic title he always wanted, Mme. Romain sends the Marquis a letter denouncing Jacques as a man only concerned with making his fortune through his use of women in power. The Marquis then refuses to let Claudette marry Jacques, who furiously returns to Boulenne and shoots Mme. Romain while she attends mass. Although she survives, Jacques is nonetheless sentenced to death. Mme. Romain somehow forgives Jacques for his actions, and dies of the effects of her love for him three days after his execution.TRANSCRIPT
OF CRIME AND PASSIONby
Jonathan Harnisch
Based on Stendhal's Le Rouge et le Noir
26 DECEMBER 2010
Registered WGA/W Copyrighted Material
FADE IN:
EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - DAY - CIRCA 1830
JACQUES MARCEL, 18, tall, thin, with feminine features, rides on horseback, gallantly tearing up the tall, grassy turf, over vast meadows, hills, through lily fields. Hopping across streams. A man on a mission.
JACQUES (V.O.)To the Messieurs of the Police: Nothing political. The scheme was a hothead of every kind who grows weary and slowly sees the light and ends by devoting himself to the cult of luxury.
(a beat)Very important detail: Everything can be acquired in solitude.
(a beat)Except character.
(a beat)My actions were but an act of score- settling in defense that I may be appreciated.
EXT./INT. FARMHOUSE - PROVINCIAL FRANCE - DAY
Jacques stops his horse on the grounds of a farmhouse. He slips from the saddle then walks towards a haystack, towards:
CHANTAL, 16, prostitute with a heart of gold, lies on a haystack near her small horse.
CHANTALClose your eyes.
She’s playing her own seductive version of hide and seek. Jacques is getting warmer.
CHANTALClose-your-eyes.
But Jacques’ eyes widen. He’s found the beautiful and innocent Chantal and comes to his knees.
JACQUESChantal?
She holds her hand out. Jacques trembles slightly and kisses it.
CHANTALAh-ha! You have found me.
She giggles and blushes.
CHANTALSo, you must be Jacques Marcel. Your good friend, Sebastian, has spoken good things about you.
Jacques stares at her lips. He won’t make eye contact. He’s sweating.
JACQUESI have changed little since then.
CHANTALWhere are you from?
JACQUESNowhere of any importance. Nor is my family of any importance. I grew up in the factory.
CHANTALYou are sweating.
JACQUESI’m nervous.
CHANTALNervous? Why?
JACQUESBecause I am suddenly blind and deaf.
He wipes his forehead.
Chantal giggles.
CHANTALI do not believe you.
JACQUESIt’s not your fault, Mademoiselle. Nature has been so kind to you.
CHANTALThank you.
Chantal removes Jacques’ boots and rubs his feet.
2.
CHANTALNow, close your eyes.
She unveils her small natural breasts.
Jacques can’t help closing his eyes; there’s too much beauty for him to absorb all at once. He lies like a dead man. Motionless. Eyes in heaven.
LATER
Chantal dresses Jacques. He’s distracted, staring into space, glancing at his horse whose eyes are on him.
CHANTALDo you regret it? Is there something wrong?
JACQUESThis is new for me. I am sorry.
Jacques takes money out of his jacket to pay her.
She waves it away.
CHANTALIs that so? Well, now you are an expert. No more worries.
Jacques shakes off some leftover tension.
JACQUESAre you married?
CHANTALNo.
He stretches his arms.
JACQUESAre you engaged to marry?
They pick on the hay together, face to face. Chantal’s presence is warming.
CHANTALYou are sweet and gentle. Seductive. And Master Jacques, seduction, you know, is the key to all that you want in life.
JACQUESIs that the truth?
3.
CHANTALWhat is it that you want?
JACQUESI’m not sure.
CHANTALYou seem so bright, Master Jacques. Tell me. I’ll not say a word.
He thinks about it.
JACQUESEarthly immortality.
CHANTALBut that is impossible!
JACQUESGlory.
CHANTALTo achieve great praise. Heavenly bliss. Splendor. Hmmm.
JACQUESYes.
CHANTALThe greatest man to achieve glory was Napoleon. You know, he used a very scientific method to achieve it.
JACQUESSeduction?
Chantal mounts her horse.
Jacques climbs up on his.
CHANTALNapoleon is the hero to all boys. Even girls. He started with nothing. He became everything.
JACQUESHow?
Chantal smiles. Jacques answers his own question.
JACQUESSeduction.
4.
CHANTALI know of no better way. Could you think on a higher level than the very man who gave us our freedom?
JACQUESPerhaps I’ll be joining the priesthood.
They ride out of the farmhouse.
CHANTALPerhaps the military. No?
JACQUESPerhaps.
CHANTALI do wish you much luck, Master Jacques. I would have liked, very much, to see you again. But I am off to Paris in three days to be wed to a very wealthy man and I must retire.
JACQUESYou have found what you want?
CHANTALI had the right mentor.
JACQUESI apologize. I am still a little confused, Mademoiselle.
Chantal removes a small portrait from her cleavage. It’s folded and tattered. She hands it to Jacques.
CHANTALHave this, Master.
He looks at the portrait. It’s hand signed.
JACQUESNapoleon. And it is hand-signed. Is it real?
CHANTAL You’ll understand. I have no fear that you’ll find everything you desire.
She rides away.
5.
CHANTALFarewell, Jacques Marcel.
Jacques watches her ride away, he takes off in the other direction.
A BELL CLOCK CHIMES
(OVER)
JACQUES (V.O.)I had no other direction. I never saw Chantal again.
(beat)My fate had been determined beforehand, nonetheless.
INT. MARCEL FACTORY - DAY
An old, beat down back room where FATHER XAVIER, 80, is in priests’ robes.
XAVIERHurry, Jacques. Monsieur Romain will be here any minute.
Jacques walks into the room where Xavier waits for him. Jacques is now dressed in priests’ robes as well. He fidgets nervously.
Out of nowhere, INSERT:
1. THE EXPLOSIVE SOUND OF THE GUILLOTINE DETONATING LIKE THUNDER
2. THE REFLECTION OF A BLINDING LIGHT
3. THE METAL BLADE CRASHING DOWN
A mounted cross falls off the wall. It SHATTERS.
Jacques and Xavier tremble as the resonance of an earthquake SHAKES the entire factory.
Jacques holds Xavier up.
JACQUESAre you alright, Father?
Xavier is fine.
XAVIERYou?
6.
JACQUES(nodding)
Ita Pater. (trans. Yes, Father)
Xavier smiles.
XAVIERThe earth moves to shut us up, you little cricket, always mumbling to yourself like a mouth full of cherries.
He looks up, smiles.
XAVIERBookworm.
They share a LAUGH.
XAVIERSeriously, Jacques. Do not forget the Mayor is a strict conservative. Your morals have already been questioned.
Xavier turns and looks directly at Jacques.
JACQUESThen what made their decision in my favor?
XAVIERThe time you studied Theology with me.
A beat. Xavier fixes Jacques’ collar.
XAVIERBe careful, now, with that portrait of yours.
JACQUESThank you, Father. But it is always kept safe.
XAVIERI still do not understand why you move always against convention. To allow hypocrisy to grab hold of you will destroy you.
Jacques studies himself in the mirror. Xavier stands straight next to him, his chin up.
7.
XAVIERStand straight. Chin up. The way you carry yourself resembles your station. Think to yourself: I am confident. I am strong. I am noble. If that is what you desire.
Jacques mimics Xavier. He never forgets this.
JACQUESAnd, Madame, what is she like?
XAVIEROh. (laughing) She is a beautiful creature but is of the highest moral character and virtue.
Jacques’ eyes widen.
JACQUESIt that so?
XAVIERIt is I who suggested your services to her, so do take heed of my good name.
JACQUES (V.O.)Have six months of your life ever been made miserable by love?
INT. MARCEL SAWMILL - DAY - LATER
MARCEL SR., a disheveled, poorly dressed junkie, storms in with a flask in his hand. He hasn’t shaved or bathed for days. His teeth are out, just the lower ones remain.
Jacques, at a table, reads a book.
Marcel Sr. marches over to Jacques, rips the book from his hand and throws it to the ground. He yanks his son out of his chair and throws him against the door.
MARCEL SR.Do not lie! How did you get to know Madame Romain?
JACQUESI have never spoken to her. I have never seen her, except in Church.
8.
MARCEL SR.You have looked at her, have you not? Tell me!
JACQUESWhen I am in church, I see no one but God.
MARCEL SR.Monsieur Romain told me Madame wanted you over there as tutor. Why would anyone want you? You are as stupid as your mother was.
Jacques stares, terrified.
MARCEL SR.Anyway, I am throwing you out. I will be much better off without you. Now, go! Monsieur Romain’s waiting.
JACQUESDid he mention what I shall make for my services?
MARCEL SR.You keep your clothes and receive four-hundred francs in wages.
JACQUESBut I do not wish to be a servant.
MARCEL SR.What? Do you think I would want my son to be a servant?
JACQUESBut with whom should I have my meals?
Marcel Sr. has no response. He grabs Jacques and throws him against the wall.
MARCEL SR.You ask too many questions. I am through with you. Do not bother this family ever again. Do you hear me?
Jacques, with blood and tears dripping down his face, picks up his bags, clutching a Cross of the Legion of Honor in his hand. He storms out.
9.
INT. ROMAIN HOUSE - DAY
Jacques and MONSIEUR CLAUDE ROMAIN enter. A SERVANT follows them with Jacques’ bags.
MONSIEUR ROMAINI must go to my study, Jacques. You may wait for Madame Romain in the drawing room.
The servant leads Jacques out.
INT. DRAWING ROOM - DAY
The room is huge. Jacques reads from a book in his hands, standing at the entrance. He dissolves within this glorious room.
Behind the drapery of a French window leading into a vast garden, A FEMALE FIGURE walks toward the window.
Jacques is engrossed in his reading, oblivious to the person behind the window. The window opens. The woman walks into the room. Jacques drops his book.
MADAME MARTINE ROMAIN stands by the window like an angel in a dream. She wears a stunning Mother of Pearl necklace, which reflects the light with an intensity like that of the sun. A sparkling rainbow can barely be made out arching over Madame Romain.
Sunlight surrounds her and the drapery blows her hair gently. She is a beautiful woman in her early thirties. She’s shy, graceful and elegant.
Madame Romain’s eyes are on Jacques’ under a mutual spell.
This is love at first sight working its magic.
Jacques stares at Madame Romain, so awe-struck that he’s unable to speak. Madame Romain steps closer to him and takes his hand.
JACQUES (V.O.)Is she the enemy? Who is the enemy?
MADAME ROMAINRelax, my dear. Have you come to see my husband, the Mayor?
JACQUESPardon me?
10.
MADAME ROMAINAre you here--
JACQUES--I have come here as a tutor, Madame, through Father Xavier.
The two of them are inches from each other. They examine each other. Madame Romain has a girlish laugh. Jacques melts with it.
MADAME ROMAINSo you know Latin?
JACQUESYes, madame.
MADAME ROMAINSir, you will not scold these poor children, will you?
JACQUESSir? I scold them? Why?
MADAME ROMAINYou will be kind to them will you not? Sir? You promise me that?
Jacques smiles.
MADAME ROMAIN Shall we walk through the garden and discuss the children’s lessons?
He follows Madame Romain through the French windows.
EXT. GARDEN - DAY
Jacques walks next to Madame Romain, through an exotic garden.
MADAME ROMAINBut is it really true, sir?
Madame Romain stops Jacques beside a fountain.
MADAME ROMAIN Do you really know Latin?
JACQUESYes, Madame. I know Latin as well as his Reverence, the Cure does.
11.
(MORE)
He has even been good enough to say that I know it better.
MADAME ROMAINReally?
They resume walking.
MADAME ROMAINYou will not whip my children, even the first few days, will you? Even if they do not know their lessons?
JACQUESDo not be afraid, Madame.
She notices his frail, feminine hands.
MADAME ROMAINHow old are you, sir?
JACQUESAlmost nineteen.
Jacques stops walking and turns to Madame Romain.
JACQUESMadame, I am trembling all over. I have need for you to forgive me many things.
Jacques smiles childishly.
MADAME ROMAINYes?
JACQUES I have never been to school. I haven’t many friends. Our cure will give you a good account of me.
MADAME ROMAINHe already has.
JACQUESBut if my family speaks ill of me, please do not believe them.
MADAME ROMAINDo not worry.
Madame Romain’s hand moves delicately around Jacques’ arm.
He takes her hand and puts it to his mouth. They stop.
12.
JACQUES (cont'd)
JACQUESI will never beat your children, Madame. Before God, I swear it.
The two of them stare into each other’s eyes, oblivious to the outside world.
M. Romain comes from the house. Madame Romain brings her hand back.
M. ROMAINMonsieur Jacques, I must have a word with you before the children see you.
Jacques walks off with M. Romain.
Madame Romain smiles at the sight of Jacques’ butt.
INT. ROMAIN STUDY - DAY
M. Romain walks to his desk and pulls out a cigar from a portable humidor. He lights it and looks up to the twitching Jacques standing before him.
M. ROMAINThe cure tells me you are grounded and well-behaved. Everyone here will treat you with respect.
JACQUESThank you.
MONSIEUR ROMAINIf your work is good enough, I might help settle you later on in a little business of your own.
JACQUESThank you, Monsieur.
M. Romain reaches into his pocket and reveals a handful of coins. He pulls Jacques’ hand and puts the money in his palm.
M. ROMAIN Here are thirty-six francs. Your first month’s salary.
JACQUESThank you, sir.
13.
M. ROMAIN I insist you do not hand over a single bit of this money to your father. Do you understand?
Jacques closes his hand and nods.
JACQUESOf course.
M. ROMAIN Of course. Now, Sir, I’ve given orders to everyone to call you Sir.
(looking him over)That jacket, it is dreadful.
M. Romain goes over to a closet and pulls out a frock coat. He hands it to an overwhelmed Jacques.
INT. ROMAIN HOUSE ENTRANCE - DAY
A BUTLER opens the door. M. Romain walks in. Jacques follows.
Jacques, in all new gentleman’s clothes, walks with a slight clumsiness.
Madame Romain comes to the entrance to greet them. She’s behind her husband, taken with Jacques’ new appearance.
MADAME ROMAINVery handsome, Master Jacques.
Jacques smiles.
M. ROMAINBehave yourself, Sir, like a gentleman.
Jacques sees Madame roll her eyes behind her husband.
JACQUESMay I have some time to myself in my room?
M. ROMAINVery well. The day starts early tomorrow.
He turns to Madame Romain, excusing himself.
JACQUES Madame.
14.
Jacques dashes up the stairs.
M. Romain turns to his wife, dusting his hands off.
M. ROMAINWell, what do you think?
MADAME ROMAINI am not as thrilled as you. Your kindness will make his face red. You will be replacing him before you know it.
M. ROMAINOnly if I must. My reputation might be affected, but not if I hadn’t dressed the boy properly.
M. Romain walks out.
MADAME ROMAINNight, darling.
EXT. GARDEN - MORNING
M. Romain and Madame Romain are eating breakfast with their THREE CHILDREN.
Jacques walks through the French window. He’s a new man dressed comfortably like a gentleman in his new clothes. He carries with him a new self-confidence, as if his new look breathed life into yesterday’s peasant.
M. Romain winks at Jacques.
MADAME ROMAINCoffee, Jacques?
Her youngest son, REMY’S face lights up.
REMYCan I have some coffee, Mareum?
Jacques notices Madame looking at him.
MADAME ROMAIN Heavens, Remy dear, not yet.
Jacques walks over to the three children who are next to Madame Romain.
15.
JACQUESI’ll not have coffee either. We will both just have to wait. Coffee might make us forget our lessons.
REMYOkay.
JACQUESOn the other hand, gentlemen, I’ll be needing to begin your lessons in Latin, today.
The children MOAN.
JACQUESLatin is the root of all languages, both beautiful and brute.
Madame Romain looks on.
JACQUESI guarantee you, we will concentrate on the beautiful and nothing brute, nothing common and nothing dirty.
The children LAUGH.
Jacques pulls out a beautifully leather-bound copy of The New Testament and presents it to the three children. They examine the book with enthusiasm and excitement.
JACQUES This is the Holy Bible.
REMYI know the Holy Bible.
JACQUESVery well then. I suppose we are finished for today. However, I must warn you, I will often ask you to recite your lessons from this book and Remy, you will be first.
The eldest child, CHRISTIAN, takes the book from Jacques’ hand.
JACQUESExcellent, Christian. Go ahead, open it where you’d like, and say aloud the first word of any paragraph.
16.
Christian thumbs through the text.
JACQUESThe New Testament guides every man’s conduct, word for word, just as perfectly as my memory holds it.
Madame Romain smiles.
MADAME ROMAIN(to Christian)
Yes, Christian, choose something to challenge Master Jacques.
Christian opens the book to a random page and says a word with slight difficulty.
Jacques proceeds to recite the rest of the page with great ease, from memory.
JACQUESGo on. Stop me.
But they do not.
As Jacques recites the text, M. Romain looks at his wife wide-eyed.
Madame Romain’s eyes are shut, lost in Jacques’ voice.
A SERVANT walks by and stands by the French windows in delightful amazement. The MAID and the COOK come by and stand next to the servant with the same reaction.
The cook comes closer to hear Jacques. She stands behind Madame Romain.
COOKMy Lord!
Everybody is taken with Jacques. Until enough is enough.
He stops on his own accord.
JACQUESAnd it goes on. But I have stopped. So the point, the bottom line, the purpose of my demonstration is--
M. ROMAIN--Do you know Horace?
17.
JACQUESI am forbidden to read him. He is crude. Although, I must admit I have let some of his words slip into my head on accident, yes.
Remy takes the book from Christian.
REMYI want to try.
Remy opens the book and reads a word. Jacques recites the rest.
M. Romain gives Jacques a friendly look of approval as everybody continues to spectate, with jaws dropped.
INT. ROMAIN SALON - NIGHT
Jacques recites the Bible before the whole room, crowded with FRIENDS and NEIGHBORS.
LATER THAT EVENING
Everybody is gone except for Monsieur and Madame Romain, Jacques and the servants, who clean up after the performance.
Monsieur Romain approaches Jacques.
M. ROMAINMaster Jacques, sir! I am offering you a two-year contract to live with us as our children’s tutor.
Madame smiles behind her husband.
JACQUESNo, sir. If you should ever wish to get rid of me, I would have to go; an agreement which binds me without committing you is not on equal terms. I refuse to make it.
M. Romain smiles.
M. ROMAINSuch intellect and worldliness. I see a lot of opportunity ahead for you, young man.
JACQUESIf you will excuse me. I am tired and need to sleep.
18.
Jacques seduces Madame’s eyes and walks out of the room.
M. ROMAIN(to Madame Romain)
Charming, isn’t he?
Madame Romain pays no attention to her husband. Her face expresses the spell that Jacques has put over her.
EXT. WOODED PATH - DAY
Jacques walks down a path reading a book. He hears MOVEMENT in the bushes. His TWO OLDER BROTHERS step toward him with the casual look of vengeance. They’re dressed in workers’ jackets.
BROTHER #1 stops nose-to-nose with Jacques who is dressed in his good suit.
BROTHER #2 stands guard, clenching his teeth.
BROTHER #1Little brother, the pretty priest.
BROTHER #2Such a beautiful suit you wear. But you are a factory worker.
Jacques tries to move away from them, but they stand in his way.
JACQUESAh, you are too good for that, are you not?
Brother #1 grabs Jacques and holds him in place as Brother #2 beats his face with a closed fist. Jacques falls to the ground after the first punch. The brothers continue to kick and beat him on the ground.
They leave Jacques, beaten to a pulp, lying bloody and bruised, with his clothes torn.
ANOTHER ANGLE
Madame Romain walks down the path, talking with M. LEOPOLD, in gentlemen’s clothes. They see Jacques lying there, beaten up. Madame Romain frantically runs over to help Jacques. She lifts his head, inspects his wounds.
Jacques eyes are swelled shut, but he is conscious.
19.
MADAME ROMAINDo not worry my boy. Everything will be fine.
Jacques opens his eyes to see Madame Romain. His face is expressionless. He closes his eyes again.
MADAME ROMAIN Leopold, get help.
M. Leopold, noticing the attention Madame Romain gives Jacques, appears jealous, but he leaves, reluctantly, to get help.
INT. JACQUES’S BEDROOM - DAY
A disheveled Jacques lies in bed. Madame Romain addresses his facial wounds with a washcloth.
An attractive maid, FRANCINE, 25, enters the room with a fresh washcloth.
FRANCINEDo not worry, Madame. I’ll take care of him.
Madame Romain blushes, avoiding eye contact with Francine. She leaves the room.
Francine begins to treat Jacques’ wounds. Jacques opens his eyes and stares confusedly at Francine.
JACQUESWhat happened...?
Francine puts her finger on his lips. His words turn to quiet mumbles.
FRANCINEShhh. Save your strength.
Francine leans over and gives Jacques a kiss on the mouth.
She continues to treat his wounds, enjoying the sight of Jacques in complete rest.
Madame Romain watches through the crack of the open door, looking suspicious of Francine’s advantage.
20.
INT. DINING ROOM - NIGHT
M. and Madame Romain, M. Leopold, Jacques, and an ensemble of other GUESTS pass huge silver platters around the table for the feast of Saint Louis.
Jacques, recovered from his wounds, looks his most handsome. He is obviously uncomfortable at the dinner table.
LEOPOLDGreat feast, Monsieur. Who would have us celebrate the Bastille over the feast of Saint Louis? The Bastille is where they belong.
Leopold gives a menacing glance to Jacques who resists the bait.
M. ROMAINThe Lord has His place for every man. Some are born to be great men like St. Louis. Napoleon attempted to interfere with the Lord’s plan. So, there was Waterloo.
The men LAUGH. Jacques holds back a burst of rage.
M. ROMAINEven Beethoven deserted Him, the very man who dictated the Lord’s music.
LEOPOLDMan must accept his destiny and something must be done to stop those who challenge it. The traitors. Don you not agree, Madame?
Leopold turns to Madame Romain then glances at Jacques who sits next to her.
MADAME ROMAINYes, of course. Something should be done.
Jacques’ fury is so intense, he stands, his eyes shooting darts at Leopold.
JACQUESYou must excuse me. I have to look after the children.
21.
Jacques walks out of the room as gracefully as he can, still clutching his napkin with a firm grip.
The others continue to feast.
GUESTThis meal is splendid.
(lifting his glass)To the Mayor!
Everyone at the table smiles, lifts their glasses and CHEERS.
INT. JACQUES’S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Jacques walks to his bureau. A mirror hangs above it. He opens the bureau drawer and takes out the Cross of the Legion of Honor and the small framed portrait of Napoleon. He stares at the picture, takes the cross, squeezes it and puts it to his head in a ceremonial fashion.
Francine walks into the room, startling Jacques. He quickly turns to her.
JACQUES(defensively)
What do you want?
FRANCINEI need your suit, sir, to wash it, so that you will have something to wear tomorrow.
Jacques stands there, not knowing what to do.
FRANCINE Do not be shy.
Jacques starts taking off his clothes and handing them to Francine.
As he is removing his pants, Madame Romain KNOCKS on his door.
MADAME ROMAIN (O.S.)Jacques? I hope you were not upset by the dinner conversation.
Madame Romain opens the door and sees Jacques in his underwear and Francine holding his clothes.
MADAME ROMAINForgive me.
22.
JACQUESIt is quite alright, Madame. My financial circumstances afford me little in the way of a great wardrobe.
Jacques looks toward Francine.
JACQUES (CONT’D)Francine is kind enough to wash my clothes every night. You have caught us at the sometimes awkward exchange period of our little arrangement.
Francine tries to hide her smile.
Madame Romain looks at Jacques, relieved. Jacques is still standing in his underwear, waiting for Madame Romain to leave his room.
JACQUESIf you will excuse me now, I must be off to bed, and in order to do so requires a slightly more delicate exposure, inappropriate to any relationship outside the parameters of marriage.
Madame Romain excuses herself and leaves the room.
Jacques prepares for bed.
Francine carries his clothes out, looking back at Jacques.
FRANCINESweet dreams.
EXT. CONSTANTIN STREET - DAY
Jacques walks down the street with Madame Romain. With one hand, Madame Romain clings to Jacques’s arm while she holds a parasol in the other to block out the strong sun. Her three children are walking close by.
MADAME ROMAINAre you content, Jacques?
JACQUESNot fully.
MADAME ROMAINBut why?
23.
JACQUESI am not sure if happiness is the ultimate goal. I appreciate the opportunity your husband has given me, but one always strives for more purpose. A purpose that is still there.
Madame Romain slows down the pace. Jacques notices her blushing.
JACQUESMadame, have I distressed you?
Madame Romain stops and looks into Jacques’s eyes with great affection.
MADAME ROMAINNo. I-- It’ll be no secret soon that I am the sole heiress of a very wealthy aunt from Provence.
Jacques listens.
MADAME ROMAINMy sons are working so surprisingly well with you. I would like for you to accept a small present as a token of gratitude. It is only enough to buy some linen. But...
She opens Jacques’ hand.
JACQUESWell, Madame?
MADAME ROMAINThere is no need to mention this to my husband.
Jacques suddenly flushes with anger.
JACQUESI may be a man of low birth, but Madame, I cannot lie. I am prepared to show my account book to His Worship the Mayor at any time.
Jacques storms off.
MADAME ROMAINYou could have shown more graciousness.
24.
Madame Romain stands there dumbfounded, watching Jacques walk away. Remy tugs at her side, snapping her out of her trance.
INT. ROMAIN STUDY - DAY
M. Romain is thoroughly annoyed, gasping.
M. ROMAINWhat?!
He approaches Madame Romain who stands in front of the desk. M. Romain stares angrily into her eyes.
MADAME ROMAINI am guilty.
M. ROMAINHow could you tolerate a refusal from a servant?!
MADAME ROMAINJacques has proved himself to be more than a servant.
M. ROMAINAll people of his condition are considered servants.
Madame Romain sits on a chair.
M. ROMAINAnyone living in our house who is not a gentleman by birth and receives a salary is a servant.
M. Romain walks to his wet bar and pours drinks for the distressed Madame Romain and himself. He pulls out a drawer from his desk. He takes out a satchel of money and places it on the desk.
M. ROMAINI will have a word or two with Master Jacques, and give him a hundred francs.
Madame Romain’s jaw drops.
MADAME ROMAINAh! My dear. Please. Not in front of the servants!
25.
M. ROMAINYes, they might be jealous. They have every right to be.
M. Romain counts the money.
M. ROMAINIf this is what Master Jacques costs me.
Madame Romain retreats back into her chair. She wipes her forehead.
EXT. BOOKSTORE - DAY
Jacques and Madame Romain are walking down the street with the three children behind them. Madame Romain nervously turns to Jacques.
MADAME ROMAINWell, my boy, are you pleased with my husband?
JACQUESWhy shouldn’t I be? He has given me a hundred francs.
Madame Romain smiles in relief.
A COUPLE passes by holding lots of books.
Madame Romain notices a bookstore ahead of them.
MADAME ROMAINGive me your arm.
Jacques complies. She marches into the bookstore, arm in arm with Jacques. The children follow them in.
INT. BOOKSTORE - DAY
Jacques looks at all the books in amazement. He takes a book down and flips through the pages.
Madame Romain gives books to her children in another aisle.
MADAME ROMAINWrite your names in your books in case you lose them.
Jacques puts back the book he was flipping through and browses the selection in awe.
26.
Madame Romain comes behind Jacques.
MADAME ROMAINNow you have more books to advance their lessons.
Jacques smiles.
EXT. GARDEN - NIGHT
M. Romain sits on the sofa, smoking a cigar and reading a political pamphlet.
INSIDE - ANGLE
Jacques looks out the French window onto the garden. He sees M. Romain who’s too engrossed in his paper to notice Jacques.
With a pamphlet in his hand, Christian runs into the room and up to Jacques and shows him the pamphlet.
CHRISTIANMaster Jacques, what is this book about?
Jacques looks at the pamphlet and walks over to M. Romain. M. Romain puts down his pamphlet and acknowledges Jacques who is standing in front of him.
JACQUESTo provide me with material for answering Master Christian’s questions, you might, sir, allow me to take out a subscription at the bookseller’s.
M. ROMAINNot a bad idea.
JACQUESI wouldn’t dare take out any kind of novel, of course. Once such dangerous works get into the house, they might corrupt Madame’s maids, even myself.
M. ROMAINYou are forgetting political pamphlets.
M. Romain laughs, and Jacques takes the cue to join him in good fun.
27.
M. ROMAINVery well, you will have your wish.
Jacques runs off with the boy.
INT. CONFESSIONAL - DAY
Francine crosses herself as Father Xavier opens the divider of the confessional.
FRANCINEBless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been, well, not very long at all since my last confession. But, Father, I am in love with a man. He is beautiful and very smart. In fact, he is a priest.
XAVIERGood heavens, my child.
FRANCINEOh no Father, it is not like that. I plan to marry him.
XAVIERHave you lost your senses, child?
FRANCINEBut, Father, you do not understand. It is Jacques Marcel. I love him, and he is not yet a priest. Recently, I came into an inheritance, and I am now prepared to be wed. I know you speak with him, Father. Will you help me?
XAVIERThis is not exactly the place where such arrangements are made...
(thinks)but I will make an exception for such a fortunate engagement.
Francine crosses herself.
FRANCINEOh thank you, Father.
28.
EXT. ROMAIN ENTRANCE - DAY
Father Xavier is standing at the front door. The servant opens the door.
XAVIERI am here for Master Jacques.
The servant motions him inside.
INT. ROMAIN DRAWING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Xavier follows the servant through the house to the French windows of the Drawing Room.
The servant opens the French windows. Jacques is giving a lesson to the three children in the garden. Madame Romain sits at the table, watching the lesson. Francine sits next to her sewing.
EXT. GARDEN - DAY
Madame Romain stands up to greet Xavier.
MADAME ROMAINCure, what a delightful surprise. Would you care to join me for coffee and a pastry?
XAVIERThank you, but I have actually come to see Jacques.
Jacques looks up, surprised.
XAVIER I have an important matter of good fortune to discuss with him, and I was wondering, with your permission of course, if you could spare him for the remainder of the afternoon.
MADAME ROMAINIf it is important, you may certainly have him.
Jacques exits with Xavier.
Madame Romain sits back down next to Francine.
Francine, smiling, leans toward Madame Romain.
29.
FRANCINEFather Xavier is going to arrange for Jacques and me to marry.
Madame Romain turns pale. Francine continues to confide in her.
FRANCINE (CONT’D) With my inheritance, we are sure to have a promising future. Even the Cure thinks so. He thinks it could be the best thing to happen to Jacques.
EXT. CATHEDRAL - DAY
A long and tall Gothic Cathedral stands against the sun in the middle of town. Bells CHIME.
INT. CATHEDRAL - DAY
Father Xavier, at the top of the alter looks on as Jacques lights the candles.
XAVIERWhat do you mean “refuse”?
JACQUESI appreciate everything you have done for me, Father. If it were not for you, I would not have the job at the Romain’s, and I would not be receiving the recognition for it from the whole town.
XAVIERIt is you who has done all that. All I have done is recognize your gifts. You have made a success of them.
JACQUESAnd I want to continue with my success. That is why there is no place for this courtship. And still, she is a maidservant. I do not wish to remember a part of me I resent, Father.
Father Xavier walks over to Jacques and stops him from lighting a candle.
30.
Xavier faces Jacques and stares him in the eye. Jacques is holding a candle which stands between them.
Father Xavier looks down.
XAVIERExamine well what is going on in your heart, my son.
Xavier takes the burning candle from Jacques’s hands. He turns away from Jacques toward the other candles and begins lighting them.
XAVIERGo away, my dear boy. Think it over, and come back in three days time to give me your definite answer. As far as your mind is concerned, I have very good hopes for your future, but allow me to say...
Xavier lights the final candle. He lifts his head with tears in his eyes.
XAVIER...that I tremble for your salvation should you enter the priesthood.
Jacques’ face is blank.
INT. MADAME ROMAIN’S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Madame Romain sits in front of her vanity applying makeup.
A dejected Francine cleans the room obsessively.
MADAME ROMAINFrancine, bring me my hairbrush off the night stand, dear.
Francine is distracted in thought and does not hear Madame Romain.
MADAME ROMAIN Francine?
But she still doesn’t respond.
31.
MADAME ROMAIN Francine! What has gotten into you, my dear girl? You haven’t been yourself for three days now. A recent heiress should be in high spirits. You’ve been distracted.
FRANCINEPardon me, Madame, but my inheritance has been overshadowed by anguish. May I confide in you, Madame?
MADAME ROMAINPlease do.
FRANCINEMadame, he has refused me. Father Xavier gave him three days to think it over, and his answer came back unchanged. Some wicked people have told him tales about me, and he believes them.
Madame Romain, hardly able to breathe, tries to conceal her excited delight.
MADAME ROMAINWho has refused you?
The mirror looks at Madame’s face, plotting, no longer listening to Francine.
FRANCINEWho else but M. Jacques, Madame?
Francine begins sobbing.
FRANCINE His reverence hasn’t been able to get him to change his mind. For his reverence thinks he oughtn’t to refuse a decent, respectable girl just because she’s a chambermaid.
Madame Romain’s mouth drops.
FRANCINE After all, M. Jacques’s father is only a carpenter. And how did he earn his living before he came here to your house?
32.
MADAME ROMAINI’ll make one last attempt. I’ll speak to M. Jacques on your behalf.
INT. DINING ROOM - DAY
Jacques is sitting at the table across from Madame Romain. They are eating their breakfast.
MADAME ROMAINJacques, I know it is none of my concern, but recently I have been made aware of your refusal of a very lucrative marriage proposal. Seeing that it came from my own maidservant, I feel a slight obligation to make a final plea in her favor.
JACQUESI appreciate your position, Madame, but I will spare you the bother of making any argument, which I assure you will be futile.
MADAME ROMAINBut, Master Jacques, you do realize the size of the estate Francine is offering and what an opportunity you are rejecting?
JACQUESI have been forced to be well aware of these matters Madame, and my answer remains the same. You see Madame, for as lovely as she is, and as wonderful as the offer appears, I do not love Francine.
MADAME ROMAINWhat part must love play in such a union? That is something that will develop from the prosperity that you two will share.
Jacques gets up and begins to exit. As he gets to the door, he stops and turns to Madame Romain.
Jacques stares seductively at Madame Romain.
33.
JACQUESAnyone who believes that, Madame, has not had the good fortune of feeling the mighty power of that true emotion.
Jacques exits.
Madame Romain smiles, she covers her heart with her hands.
INT./EXT. ROMAIN ENTRANCE - DAY
M. Romain is standing at the front door, surrounded by servants holding his suitcases.
Madame Romain comes into the room with Francine behind her, holding her suitcases.
M. ROMAINThe carriage is ready. Where are Jacques and the children?
Jacques walks down the staircase holding a small bag. The three children follow him.
Madame Romain looks up at Jacques as he walks down the stairs. She blushes.
M. Romain looks at Madame Romain and notices her blushing.
M. ROMAINDear, your face is flushed. Are you alright?
MADAME ROMAINThis trip is so consuming. It gives me a headache every year.
M. Romain begins to laugh.
M. ROMAINThat’s like all you women. Such little machines always in need of repair.
Jacques gets to the bottom of the stairs with the children. M. Romain turns to him.
M. ROMAINJacques, be sure you have brought all you will need. We stay at the estate in Boulenne right up until the summer season.
34.
M. Romain, Madame Romain, Jacques, and the three children all exit out the front door. The servants follow them out carrying their bags. A carriage waits for them.
They board the carriage while the servants load their bags.
The carriage rides away.
INT. CARRIAGE - DAY
Jacques is looking out the window at the Boulenne estate. His eyes widen.
M. Romain notices Jacques looking out the window in amazement.
M. ROMAINI see you enjoy the view. Every single one of those blessed walnut trees costs me half an acre’s crop. No wheat can grow under their shade.
Jacques turns back to the window, resuming the same expression as before.
EXT. BOULENNE ESTATE - DAY
The enormous estate begins at the countryside which surrounds it. Footpaths are lined with huge walnut trees with enormous leafy branches which raise up to staggering heights.
The manicured lawn in front of the house is landscaped with fountains and gardens. There are GARDENERS and other SERVANTS on the lawn, maintaining the property. The beautifully ornate stone house lies at the foot of the garden.
The carriage pulls up to the front door. There are servants standing in attendance at the carriage. A servant opens the carriage doors, and everyone inside gets out.
INT. BOULENNE ESTATE - DAY
The Romain family walks into the house with Jacques. The children run up the stairs to their rooms.
M. Romain steps away. Madame Romain looks at Jacques and motions for him to follow her.
35.
EXT. ORCHARD - DAY
Jacques and Madame Romain walk on a gravel path as the children chase butterflies with nets.
Remy comes up to Madame Romain and Jacques and shows them the butterfly he caught.
REMYLook, Master Jacques. Look what I caught!
JACQUESThat particular butterfly is called a Lepidoptera.
MADAME ROMAINSuch a barbarous name for such a beautiful creature.
REMYMaster Jacques, come chase the butterflies with us!
JACQUESOnly if Madame agrees to join us.
MADAME ROMAINOh, I do not think so.
REMYDo come, Mother. We have enough nets.
Jacques smiles at Madame Romain.
Madame Romain looks at Remy and then at Jacques. She cannot resist them.
MADAME ROMAINOh, well, alright.
Remy runs to the field to get them nets. Jacques takes Madame Romain’s hand as they run on to the field.
Jacques, Madame Romain and the three children run around chasing butterflies.
It begins to RAIN.
36.
EXT. FIELD - DAY (RAIN)
Jacques rides a horse in the rain with Madame Romain sitting in back of him. They pull up to a stable.
EXT. STABLE - CONTINUOUS
Jacques dismounts from the horse. He helps Madame Romain off. As she falls into his arms, her weight causes Jacques to slip. They both fall into the mud. They look at each other and LAUGH.
Jacques gets up and offers his hand to Madame Romain. She takes his hand and gets up. Jacques and Madame Romain stand face to face. They stare into each other’s eyes until Jacques lunges for a kiss. Madame Romain shows no resistance. Jacques stops himself before he meets her lips and regains his composure.
JACQUESWe better wash up. Supper will be soon.
Jacques and Madame Romain walk toward the house under the heavy rain smudging Madame’s make-up.
INT. BOULENNE DINING ROOM - NIGHT
M. Romain, Madame Romain, Jacques and the children sit around the dining room table eating dinner.
Jacques and Madame Romain make suggestive eye contact throughout the entire meal.
M. ROMAINBusiness in the city was tiresome. That is why it is to necessary to have a competent man in power such as myself. These Liberals, stirring up the peasants with their lofty ideals, have no concept of how things must be.
M. Romain puts a piece of bread in his mouth. He continues talking with his mouth full.
M. ROMAINThey are born with the knowledge of how to work the land. Men such as myself are born with the ability to run it.
37.
M. Romain turns to Jacques.
M. ROMAINHow did you manage with my family while I was away?
JACQUESRather well, although it is a relief to see your return.
MADAME ROMAINYes, quite a relief.
M. ROMAINWell I am glad to hear it. I know how difficult it can be for a wife when her husband is gone. That is why I believe it is important for the wife to die before her husband. When the husband goes first, it is so hard on the woman.
Jacques holds back his contempt for M. Romain as he listens to his stupidity.
Madame Romain stares at Jacques with the same expression.
M. ROMAINThat is why the peasants live so long to cause all the trouble. Their hardy faces allow for long lives.
INT. JACQUES’S ROOM - NIGHT
Jacques kneels next to his bed with a Bible in his hands. The Bible is opened to a page where Jacques has placed his secret portrait of Napoleon. Jacques stares at it.
JACQUESTonight you would be proud of me, Emperor Bonaparte. For I have won my first battle. I shall continue to fight until I can claim total victory over this rich woman’s heart and cuckold that self-important bourgeois fool she is married to. Then they will see.
Jacques takes the picture out of the Bible and places it into a wooden box on his night stand. He puts the wooden box underneath the mattress. Jacques blows out the light.
38.
EXT. GARDEN - DAY
Madame Romain eats breakfast at a table.
Jacques sits across from her, eating his breakfast.
A gardener waters the plants.
JACQUESWhere has M. Romain gone so early in the morning?
MADAME ROMAINMy husband will not be joining us.
Jacques smiles mischievously.
MADAME ROMAINHe will be busy with his valet and the gardener getting all the pillows and mattresses in the house refilled. This morning, he has had every bed on the fist floor restuffed with straw, and now he is on the second.
Jacques leans in to Madame Romain and grasps her arm.
JACQUESHelp to save my life. I must confess to you, Madame, that I have someone’s portrait. I have hidden it under my mattress.
Madame Romain looks down.
JACQUESYou are the only person, Madame, who can go into my bedroom at this moment. Put your hand, but do not let anyone see you, into the corner of the mattress nearest the window. You will find a little shiny black box there.
MADAME ROMAIN(in shock)
It contains a portrait?
JACQUESI’ve a second favor to ask you, Madame. I must beg you not to look at this portrait. It is my secret.
39.
MADAME ROMAINA secret!
Jacques looks at her reaction with amusement and nods his head, yes.
Madame Romain gets up to walk out.
JACQUESYes, Madame.
Madame Romain exits.
Jacques bites his lip.
EXT. LAWN - NIGHT
M. Romain is engrossed in a political discussion with MADAME DESCHAMPS, 35.
Jacques and Madame Romain are sitting behind M. Romain and Madame Deschamps. Jacques notices that M. Romain is too focused on his discussion to notice him and Madame Romain. Jacques leans over close into Madame Romain’s ear.
JACQUES(whispering)
Were you able to retrieve the box?
Madame Romain blankly stares ahead of her at M. Romain and Madame Deschamps. Madame Romain nods her head slightly.
JACQUES (still whispering)
I am greatly indebted to you, Madame.
Jacques slowly kisses Madame Romain’s ear. He continues down her face, to her neck.
Madame Romain accepts these kisses in fear of her husband seeing. She slowly starts to melt from the kisses and loses the fear.
Jacques and Madame Romain stare at one another while M. Romain goes on talking to Madame Deschamps, oblivious to what is going on right behind him in the dark.
EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - DAY
The sun is just rising. Jacques furiously rides a horse through the countryside.
40.
Jacques gets to the top of a large hill and stops the horse. He looks over the hill.
A small house is nestled in the middle of the valley.
Jacques rides down the hill toward the house.
INT. BOULENNE DINING ROOM - DAY
M. Romain is sitting at the table, eating his breakfast. Madame Deschamps sits next to M. Romain. MAX, a small white Poodle is eating out of a dog bowl next to her foot.
Madame Romain walks into the room. She looks at M. Romain and is puzzled not to see Jacques sitting at the table. She turns to Madame Deschamps and her dog.
MADAME ROMAINMy dear cousin, good morning.
(to the dog)And to you, too, Max.
M. ROMAINGood morning, dear. I trust you slept well.
MADAME ROMAIN(confused)
Yes.
M. ROMAINWhat is it, dear? Is something troubling you?
MADAME ROMAINWhy is Jacques not with the children?
M. ROMAINBecause the children are here, and Master Jacques is gone.
MADAME ROMAINGone?!
M. ROMAINYes. I granted his request for three days leave this morning to visit his friend somewhere in the mountains.
Madame Romain walks away.
41.
INT. SEBASTIAN’S HOUSE - DAY
Jacques sits at a small wooden table, drinking coffee as his friend prepares food.
SEBASTIAN, 25, is tall and slender with a very long nose.
Sebastian comes to the table with his breakfast and sits across from Jacques.
SEBASTIANYou do not belong there. Stay here with me. I see you know M. Romain, the sub-prefect Leon, and the cure, M. Xavier. You understand the ins and outs of their characters.
Jacques listens.
SEBASTIANWorking with contracts, you are better with numbers than I am. You should keep my accounts. I rake in a lot of money in my line of business.
Sebastian pauses for a moment, looking for some signs of interest from Jacques. There are none.
SEBASTIAN Not a month back, I gave Michaud over at Saint-Amand the chance to make six thousand francs, and I hadn’t even seen him for six years. Why should you have not earned that six thousand francs yourself, or at any rate, three thousand of it?
Jacques seriously considers the proposition, for a moment.
SEBASTIAN So, you say you’ll be my partner?
JACQUESI have made a commitment to the ministry. I cannot disregard my sacred oath.
SEBASTIANYou may turn down my offer Jacques, but do not forget this is Sebastian you are talking to. Sebastian, your best friend.
42.
SEBASTIAN I know I am not offering you the glories of Bonaparte by the age of twenty-eight, but I am willing to guarantee you four thousand francs a year. Enough money to put you in a much better position when you decide to go to Paris and make a name for yourself.
Sebastian looks at Jacques, giving up on him.
SEBASTIANLooking at you, Jacques, I realize the futility of my arguments. Let me just warn you of the danger of what is keeping you from accepting. Have no doubt that the fire in your pants will lead you to Elba as well, if you do not learn to control it.
Jacques listens, with tight lips.
SEBASTIANThe two careers you are impulsive to. You are a tutor and a lover, Jacques. Still must find a way to balance everything out.
JACQUESI am stuck. Confused. I have you as a friend, though. Always will. I thank you for that. I feel blessed. Have a drink before I leave?
Sebastian smiles.
SEBASTIANAnytime.
He kicks Jacques on the butt. Jacques wrestles him.
EXT. LAWN - DAY
Madame Romain walks with Madame Deschamps and Max.
MADAME DESCHAMPSYou have not been feeling well for three days now. I really think you ought to consult a physician.
43.
MADAME ROMAINI do not think it is that serious.
Madame Romain looks up and takes notice of something in the distance.
MADAME ROMAINDo you see that?
Madame Deschamps looks in the same direction.
MADAME DESCHAMPSWhat?
MADAME ROMAINI think it’s Jacques! I better go inside to greet him.
Madame Romain hurries toward the house.
Jacques rides hard toward the house.
Madame Deschamps turns to Max.
MADAME DESCHAMPSThe poor woman’s in love.
Madame Deschamps walks with Max toward the house.
INT. DRAWING ROOM - DAY
Madame Romain is seated, working on a tapestry frame. Jacques sits next to her. M. RENE LEON sits next to Madame Deschamps.
JACQUESIt is funny seeing you here, M. Leon. I was speaking of you recently.
LEONOh?
JACQUESYes. You know my friend Sebastian?
LEONThe lumber man who lives in the mountains?
JACQUESYes. He has recently offered me a position as his partner.
44.
Madame Romain looks up in shock.
JACQUESHe suggested that my friendship with you cold be beneficial in terms of our future business.
LEONI assure you of my help, should you ever need it.
MADAME ROMAINWould you do that? Would you leave your pupils like that?
Jacques smiles at Madame Romain but doesn’t answer. The room is silent for a moment.
Jacques extends his foot so that it touches the bottom of Madame Romain’s leg in front of everyone.
Madame Romain is suddenly terrified and drops a pair of scissors. The scissors BREAK on the ground.
Leon and Madame Deschamps look down at Madame Romain.
Madame Romain turns to Jacques.
MADAME ROMAIN You saw them falling before I did. You might have prevented it. Instead, you only succeeded in kicking me violently.
MADAME DESCHAMPSM. Leon, may I show you the most interesting thing I noticed in the garden?
LEONWhy, yes, I'd be delighted to follow you.
Madame Deschamps takes Leon out with her. On her way out, Madame Deschamps gives Jacques a knowing smile.
MADAME ROMAINJacques, I must order you to be careful.
JACQUESConcerning my employment, you may order me all you want.
45.
(MORE)
Otherwise, it is my right to give you the orders. Madame, tonight at two I will come to your room. There is something I must say to you.
Jacques exits the room with his finger over his lips.
EXT. CLOCK - NIGHT
The clock on the side of the house strikes two.
INT. JACQUES’S ROOM - NIGHT (PARALLEL TIME)
The little clock on Jacques’s night table strikes two. Jacques lies in bed with his eyes wide open, staring at the clock.
Jacques gets out of bed and stands up, a little clumsy.
Jacques walks down the hall. As he gets to the first door, Jacques puts his ear to the door and hears the noise of M. Romain SNORING. Jacques goes to the next door and pauses for a moment before opening the door.
INT. MADAME ROMAIN’S ROOM - NIGHT
Madame Romain lies in her bed with her eyes closed. The candle next to her bed is still burning, illuminating her face. After a few seconds, Madame Romain opens her eyes and sees Jacques standing there. Madame Romain sits up and pulls the sheets up to her chin.
MADAME ROMAINWretch! You must leave at once.
Jacques goes over to Madame Romain’s bed and rests his head on her knees.
MADAME ROMAIN What are you doing? This has gone too far!
Jacques raises his head and looks at Madame Romain.
Jacques attempts to embrace Madame Romain, but she resists. After a substantial effort to resist, Madame Romain submits to Jacques’s seduction, and they begin to kiss.
Jacques and Madame Romain make passionate love.
46.
JACQUES (cont'd)
While Jacques is on top of Madame Romain, she suddenly stops him. Jacques looks down at Madame Romain.
MADAME ROMAIN How were you so sure?
Jacques smiles and then licks his fingers and extinguishes the candle next to the bed.
INT. MADAME ROMAIN’S ROOM - DAY
Sunlight pours through the open window. Jacques is fast asleep next to a sleeping Madame Romain. She slowly opens her eyes and looks over to see Jacques next to her. Madame Romain smiles. She looks at her clock. Alarmed by the time, she quickly shakes Jacques.
MADAME ROMAINJacques! Wake up. You have to go. Good heavens! If my husband has heard any sound, I am dead!
Jacques gets out of bed and starts dressing himself, rather casually.
JACQUESWould you regret your life?
MADAME ROMAINAh, very much at this moment, but I shouldn’t regret having known you.
Jacques smiles and is about to leave Madame Romain’s room.
MADAME ROMAINJacques?
JACQUESYes, Martine?
MADAME ROMAINWho is my rival?
JACQUESI beg your pardon?
MADAME ROMAINThe portrait you had me rescue. Who is it, Jacques? I must know.
JACQUESThere is no woman I love more than you, Martine.
47.
Jacques walks out without caution.
EXT. BOULENNE ENTRANCE - DAY
Madame Deschamps and her poodle board a coach. The horses pull it down the road.
INT. DRAWING ROOM - LATER - DAY
Madame Romain is sitting in a chair, sowing.
M. Romain comes into the room from outside.
M. ROMAINWhere is Madame Deschamps going? I just watched her leave.
MADAME ROMAINShe is returning home.
M. ROMAINThis is unexpected. Did she say why?
MADAME ROMAINNo.
M. ROMAINHas anyone given her reason for offense?
Jacques walks into the room. M. Romain turns to him.
M. ROMAINJacques, just the person I was looking for.
Jacques gives M. Romain a nervously inquisitive look.
M. ROMAIN In a few days time, Constantin is expecting the King. Being the Mayor, it is one of my duties to prepare the town. The King does not wish to pass through Constantin without going to visit the famous relics of Saint Clement. It is important that we have all the clergy at this ceremony.
Jacques nods in agreement.
48.
JACQUESI agree, Monsieur.
M. ROMAINM. Maslon did not want Father Xavier to attend, being that he is a Janeist. I told him that Xavier must be invited because the Marquis Sylvestre will be accompanying the King and will be sure to ask for him if he is missing from the ceremony.
M. Romain walks around Jacques.
M. ROMAINIf the Marquis Sylvestre were to not show because of Xavier’s absence, it would be quite a slap in the face. M. Maslon has agreed to let Xavier attend, and Xavier requested that you accompany him on the altar.
He looks at Jacques directly.
JACQUESCertainly.
M. ROMAINI myself have another request to make of you. During the procession throughout the town, my wife thought you would make a wonderful Guard of Honor. If you are agreed, I would like to see you carry out both duties for this celebration.
Jacques beams with pride at the honors which are being bestowed upon him.
EXT. CONSTANTIN STREET - DAY
A bonfire burns at the top of a mountain.
Bells begin to CHIME.
Throughout the streets of Constantin, TOWNSPEOPLE scurry here and there with excitement. OTHERS hang out of windows looking down at the commotion and joining in the excitement. The people in the streets step back to the sides, clearing a path. HORNS BLOW as a procession moves through.
49.
Madame Romain watches in the street with her children. Suddenly, she spots someone in the procession. Her face lights up.
M. Romain leads the Guard of Honor. At the ninth row, Jacques is the first rider on horseback. His gaudy dress and demeanor make him stand out.
Jacques sees Madame Romain smile.
Jacques returns the sentiment with a smirk out of the corner of his mouth.
As Madame Romain looks at Jacques, she notices TWO WOMEN talking to her right.
WOMAN #1Would you look at that? Just because this young workman dressed up as a priest and was a tutor to Romain’s brats, he had the nerve to appoint him Guard of Honor.
WOMAN #2Appalling. So spoiled. Just a rotten upstart from the gutter. I am ashamed. Disgraceful.
Madame Romain gives the two women a nasty glare. The women notice Madame Romain and walk away. Madame Romain looks back at Jacques.
Jacques continues to ride with pride.
The KING looks toward the back of the procession, waving at the people in the street as they scream.
TOWNSPEOPLE(chanting)
Long live the King! Long live the king!
The Marquis Sylvestre sits next to the King.
The procession makes its way up the street toward the church in the distance.
INT. CHURCH - DAY
Jacques runs into the church in his black suit. He finds Father Xavier and stops.
50.
XAVIERYou are late. Quick, put these on.
Father Xavier helps Jacques put on his cassock and surplice. As Xavier helps Jacques, Xavier notices the Guard of Honor spurs that Jacques has forgotten to take off. Father Xavier tightens his lips.
XAVIER We must go at once. You will accompany me as we lead the King to the holy relics.
INT. CHAPPELL ARDENT - DAY
An enormous Gothic door swings open. TWO PRIESTS enter, followed by Father Xavier, Jacques, the BISHOP, the Marquis de la Sylvestre, and finally, the King.
The room they have entered is a small circular Gothic chapel with a high ceiling. The entire room is lit by candles with enormous bouquets of flowers in between them. Twenty-four young WOMEN are kneeling the center of the room. The women watch the men who arrive in place.
The King walks to the altar and kneels. He flings himself onto a statue of Saint Clement in the garb of a young Roman soldier, beneath the altarpiece. The King begins to CRY.
The kneeling women watch the King in shock.
The Bishop kneels next to the King and begins to recite a prayer. After the prayer, he whispers into the King’s ear.
BISHOPMay I speak now, your Majesty?
The King nods his head. The Bishop rises and turns to the kneeling women behind him. Jacques, Xavier, the other two priests and Marquis Sylvestre are kneeling behind the women.
BISHOPNever forget, young Christian maidens, that you have seen one of the greatest Kings of the earth on his knees before the servants of the Almighty God. You will forever remember this day, will you not young Christian maidens?
Jacques looks up to the Bishop.
51.
BISHOP And hold in hatred the ungodly man!
Bells CHIME.
INT. LEOPOLD DINING ROOM - NIGHT
M. Leopold, MADAME LEOPOLD, and THREE COUPLES are sitting around the dinner table.
MADAME LEOPOLDThe nerve those people have. In the very Guard of Honor. If you ever become Mayor, dear, maybe you should appoint the valet Bishop. What a splendid ordeal that would be. Maybe we could even have a Huguenot pope.
Everybody LAUGHS.
GUEST #1 (FEMALE)Don’t get carried away with that sort of thinking, dear, or we might have to send you away to America.
GUEST #2 (MALE)Indeed, anything goes in America. They even have farmers running their country.
Everybody at the table continues to LAUGH.
The BUTLER walks up to M. Leopold and whispers in his ear.
LEOPOLD BUTLERPardon me, Monsieur, but a young lady is here and says that she must speak with you.
M. LEOPOLDShow her in.
LEOPOLD BUTLERShe claims it is a rather delicate matter and wishes to speak with you in private. She claims it concerns your good Mayor’s wife and the young tutor.
M. Leopold smiles.
M. Leopold turns to his guests and stands up.
52.
M. LEOPOLDPlease excuse me. I have a most pressing matter I must attend to.
MADAME LEOPOLDDo not be too long. There is still plenty of this very expensive wine we must finish.
M. Leopold exits.
INT. LEOPOLD DRAWING ROOM - NIGHT
Francine sits on a large sofa, playing with a trinket on the coffee table.
M. Leopold walks in.
M. LEOPOLDMay I get you something to drink?
Francine nods her head yes.
M. Leopold goes to the bar and starts pouring her a drink.
M. LEOPOLD So, you have seen something, have you?
M. Leopold comes over to Francine and hands her a glass of wine.
M. Leopold sits next to her.
FRANCINEYou would disgrace me, sir, if I told you the truth. You masters are all hand-in-glove with each other when it comes to important matters, yet we poor servants are never pardoned for speaking out about certain things.
M. LEOPOLDFrancine, my girl. I assure you the strictest confidence. Allow me to help your moral conscience by confiding in me. I promise you a most discreet recourse.
FRANCINE(hesitantly)
Well... Alright!
53.
(MORE)
I believe it has been going on for quite some time now. I didn’t believe my mistress could actually do something until I saw it with my own eyes.
M. Leopold leans closer, taking it all in.
INT. MADAME ROMAIN’S BOULENNE BEDROOM - NIGHT
Jacques lies in bed next to Madame Romain. Madame Romain turns to Jacques, hugs and kisses him passionately.
MADAME ROMAINJacques, do you love me with all your heart? I need you to love me so, in order to justify sacrificing my family and all I have ever lived for. Especially my children. What might we mean to my children and my standing in society? I am a woman, Jacques. My actions with you might appear questionable.
JACQUESMy dear, it’s wonderful. We’re wonderful together. When I feel you next to me it is then, like right now, that I realize you mean more to me than the whole world. A world I long to retreat from, with you, so that I may be able to spend every moment of time in a condition more blissful than could ever exist in any heaven.
Madame Romain smiles and snuggles closer to him.
MADAME ROMAINI love it when you speak of glory. It excites me. But it worries me, so strangely.
JACQUESWhy? Any doubts you may have had about my true feelings can only stem from the fact that I am a carpenter's son, regarded no higher than a peasant.
Jacques strokes her hair.
54.
FRANCINE (cont'd)
JACQUESI do not have that words to express the power of my feelings, if any words even can.
Madame Romain rubs her hand across Jacques’ chest.
MADAME ROMAINJacques, you surprise me. I have never known anyone like you.
Jacques takes defense, moving slightly away.
JACQUESWhat is that supposed to mean? “Like me”?
MADAME ROMAINTake down your guard. I relate to you, Jacques. You surprise me. You are human.
JACQUESDuring moments when you show signs of regret, the fear of being separated from you consumes my every thought.
Jacques places his hand upon hers.
JACQUESMartine, my heart is in a state of love so infinite that my mortal and spiritual existence could never function without yours. The opium which is your essence has intoxicated my soul. I could never survive the withdrawal.
Madame Romain looks at Jacques and CRIES.
Jacques embraces her and whispers in her ear.
JACQUESDo not cry my dear. I am not going anywhere.
Madame Romain looks at Jacques and attacks him with kisses.
MADAME ROMAINI love you.
55.
INT. LEOPOLD’S DRAWING ROOM (PARALLEL TIME)
Leopold reads Francine’s eyes.
FRANCINEMoreover, M. Jacques didn’t put himself out at all to win her. No doubt, it is because sometime ago, M. Jacques refused to marry me. And there I was a silly little girl talking it over with Madame Romain and begging her to speak to the tutor.
Leopold grins like a villain.
M. LEOPOLDThere, there my dear. That traitor will get her due along with that proud marching upstart.
INT. BOULENNE STUDY - DAY
M. Romain is at his desk, sifting through papers.
There is a knock at the door.
M. ROMAINCome.
The BUTLER opens the door and steps inside the room.
BUTLERI am sorry to disturb you, but this letter has just arrived.
M. Romain motions for the butler to bring it to him.
The butler walks over to M. Romain and hands him the letter.
M. Romain opens it and begins to read. His face drops. He motions for the butler to leave the room.
Jacques knocks on the door and opens it.
M. Romain is furious.
JACQUESI was wondering if I may borrow the paper. The children want me to read to them about yesterday’s festivities.
56.
M. Romain throws the paper at Jacques. Jacques bends down to pick it up. As he gets up, he notices that M. Romain reading the letter.
Jacques looks curiously at M. Romain as he continues to read.
M. Romain lunges at Jacques, giving his all to attack him with his hands. But the more limber Jacques and he play cat and mouse, dancing around. Romain’s unable to even touch Jacques. He’s furious as all hell, cursing, frustrated.
INT. BOULENNE DINING ROOM - NIGHT
M. Romain, Madame Romain, Jacques, and a neighbor couple sit on chairs, talking.
NEIGHBORThis has been a lovely evening. We only see you a few months out of the year. It is getting late though, and we really must return home.
Everyone stands up.
M. ROMAINAllow me to see you to the door.
M. Romain walks the neighbors out of the room, looking back at Jacques with an angry glare.
Madame Romain follows the crowd until Jacques grabs her arm.
JACQUESWe must not meet tonight. Your husband suspects something. I could swear this long epistle he was reading and sighing over this morning was an anonymous letter.
Jacques walks away.
INT. HALLWAY/JACQUES’S ROOM - NIGHT
The clock in the hallway strikes two o’clock.
Madame Romain walks out of her room, through the hall to Jacques’s room. She notices a light coming from under Jacques’s door. She KNOCKS on the door.
Jacques is awakened. He looks over at the candle burning on his night stand. Jacques blows out the candle.
57.
Madame Romain looks down and sees the light from Jacques’s room has gone out.
EXT. GARDEN - DAY
Madame Romain’s approaches M. Romain during breakfast. A letter is slammed down on the table in front of him.
M. Romain looks up.
Madame Romain is standing over him gritting her teeth.
MADAME ROMAINJust look at this revolting thing. An ugly looking fellow, who claims to know you and be under some debt of gratitude, handed it to me as I was passing by the solicitor’s garden.
Madame Romain folds her arms and paces the floor.
MADAME ROMAINThere is one thing that I must ask, for you to send M. Jacques back to his family without delay.
M. Romain grabs the letter and furiously starts reading.
MADAME ROMAINHe’s a clever lad and will easily find a place somewhere or other. Perhaps he can work for M. Leopold or M. De Leon.
M. Romain stands up and turns to Madame Romain.
M. ROMAINSpoken just like the silly woman you are. What common sense can one expect from a woman? None of you ever pays attention to what is reasonable. How should you know anything?
MADAME ROMAINI am speaking as a woman whose honor has been outraged. I have been attacked in all that I hold most precious.
Madame Romain takes a few steps toward M. Romain.
58.
MADAME ROMAIN This young peasant whom we’ve overwhelmed with kind attentions and even presents may possibly be innocent. Either he or I must leave this house.
M. Romain grabs Madame Romain’s arm and walks her through the garden as they argue.
M. ROMAINDo you wish to create a scandal and bring dishonor both on me and yourself?
MADAME ROMAINVery well then. I will have Jacques ask you for a few month’s leave to go and stay with that timber merchant in the mountains.
M. ROMAINNo. What I demand above all is for you not to speak with him. There would be some anger in your words which would put him on bad terms with me. You know how touchy that young gentleman is.
MADAME ROMAINThat young gentleman is nothing but a peasant. I have never had any opinion of him since his refusal to marry Francine, which would have meant a safe income for him, merely on the pretext that she sometimes visited M. Leopold on the sly.
M. ROMAINWhat? Has there been anything between Francine and Leopold?
MADAME ROMAINIt’s ancient history, my dear. He has even suspected Jacques and me.
M. ROMAINAnd you said nothing to me?
MADAME ROMAINWas is necessary to stir up trouble between two friends just because our dear superintendent’s vanity was a little puffed up?
59.
M. Romain SLAPS Madame on her face hard. She holds the bruise with extreme fear. But she still attacks him verbally, in tears.
MADAME ROMAINWhat woman is there in our circle of friends to whom he hasn’t addressed a few witty letters, with even perhaps a little gallantry in them?
M. Romain stops and SLAPS Madame Romain even harder. She falls to the ground.
M. ROMAINThen, he wrote you?
MADAME ROMAINHe writes a great deal.
M. ROMAINI want those letters at once. Where are they?
MADAME ROMAINIn the drawer of my writing-table. But I’ll certainly not give you the key.
M. ROMAINI’ll break it open.
M. Romain runs in a rage toward the house.
Madame Romain WEEPS.
INT. MADAME ROMAIN’S BEDROOM - DAY
Madame Romain walks into her room and sees M. Romain prying open her desk with an iron bar.
M. ROMAINTo hell with you, Martine.
She marches away.
MADAME ROMAIN(under her breath)
And what about love? What about love?
M. Romain calls out.
60.
M. ROMAINYou! You run away. You even think of running off with him and I’ll bring you to hell! You hear me? I’ll run him out on a rail. I know you plan to meet again. But you won’t.
INT./EXT. GAME ROOM - DAY
Madame Romain runs a storm through the game room and out on the balcony. She ties a white handkerchief around a pole. She calls out to Jacques as he rides away.
MADAME ROMAINAm I a fool for love? Is that what you think? Is that what you think?!
Tears pour down her face. She SHRIEKS, clenching her fists.
INT. MADAME ROMAIN’S BEDROOM - DAY
M. Romain is on the floor, furious as all hell, reading the letters, throwing them around the room.
INT. PIRARD’S ROOM - DAY
The door opens. A PALE-FACED MAN leads Jacques into the room.
M. PIRARD, 65, in a cassock, sits at his desk in the back, next to a window.
PIRARDYou are very late. Can you answer me?
JACQUESYes, sir.
PIRARDAh! That’s fortunate.
JACQUESFather Pirard?
Pirard pulls a letter from his desk. He nods.
PIRARDXavier’s letter is short but sincere. He asks that I grant you a scholarship. Do you speak Latin?
61.
JACQUESIta, Pater optime. (Yes, most excellent father.)
PIRARDEmpty your pockets.
Jacques takes out some change and a playing card and places them on Pirard’s desk.
Pirard picks up the card and hands it to Jacques.
PIRARD Explain to me what’s written on this playing card.
Jacques reads from the card.
JACQUESAmanda Binet, Cafe de la Giraffe, before eight o’clock.
Pirard looks at Jacques crossly.
PIRARDI have here three hundred and twenty candidates for the most holy of callings. I cannot overlook these young men for one who is obviously not cut for the job. Because Xavier has asked a favor of me on your behalf, he will have deserved very little after fifty-six years of apologetic labors if I cannot grant him a single request.
JACQUESThank you, Father.
PIRARDQuiet! You do not even know what I’m getting at, and anyway, you are thanking the wrong man. Now wash up and get some sleep. For as of tomorrow, I will have fulfilled my obligation, and you will be leaving with me for Paris.
Jacques’s face lights up.
62.
PIRARDRemember, during your training, if I recognize your failure to remain competent, you will meet a very unholy fate.
JACQUESYes, Father.
INT. CARRIAGE - DAY
Jacques sits across from Father Pirard. The Parisian streets pass by outside.
PIRARDHe has two children, a daughter and a son of nineteen, a superlatively elegant young man and an utter madcap who doesn’t know from one hour to the next what he’s going to do. Remember, you are not in the provinces anymore. This is Paris.
EXT. SYLVESTRE MANSION - DAY (PARALLEL TIME)
The carriage drives through a gate. A sign on the gate reads:
“HOTEL SYLVESTRE”
Behind it is the enormous Sylvestre mansion.
INT. HOTEL SYLVESTRE ENTRANCE - DAY
Jacques stares in open-mouthed awe at the palatial house they have entered.
PIRARDDo try to look sensible. Just consider how this tribe of lackeys seeing you standing here like that will make fun of you.
JACQUESI dare them to do it!
A SERVANT approaches Jacques and Pirard.
SERVANTThe Marquis will see you now.
Jacques and Pirard follow the servant.
63.
INT. SYLVESTRE STUDY - DAY
The Marquis Sylvestre circles Jacques, looking him over for a few seconds.
MARQUISI am giving you liberty for a couple of days. You cannot be presented to Madame Sylvestre before then. In the first moments of your stay in this modern Babylon, any other man will likely watch over you as if you were a girl.
JACQUESSir, what are you trying to say?
The Marquis looks Jacques up and down again.
MARQUISIf you must get ruined, ruin yourself now, and I will be quiet of the weakness I show in caring for you.
He looks at Jacques with disdain.
MARQUISThe morning of the day after tomorrow, this tailor will bring you two suits. You will give five francs to the young fitter who tries them on.
The Marquis turns and stares out the window.
MARQUISBy the way, do not let these Parisians hear your voice. If you say a word, they will find a way of making you look ridiculous. It is a special knack of theirs.
He turns, looking Jacques straight in the eyes.
MARQUISBe at my house at noon on the day after tomorrow. Off with you now, and ruin yourself.
(a beat)I was forgetting one thing. Go and order yourself some boots, shirts, and a hat at these addresses.
64.
The Marquis hands Jacques a card with addresses.
Jacques exits with Pirard.
INT./EXT. SYLVESTRE ENTRANCE - DAY
Jacques looks at the card as he walks toward the door with Pirard.
PIRARDThe Marquis is an active man. He foresees everything and prefers doing things to giving orders.
Jacques and Pirard get to the door and walk outside to the front steps.
PIRARDHe’s engaging you to spare him bothers of this kind. Will you have enough quickness of wit to properly carry out all the business at which he will only hint? That’s what the future will show. Be on your guard.
Pirard walks away, leaving Jacques on the steps.
INT. SYLVESTRE STUDY - LIBRARY - DAY
Jacques is standing in the middle of the room, decked out in new clothes.
MARQUIS(to Jacques)
Good. You are dressed well.
The Marquis turns to Pirard.
MARQUISPirard, would you have any objections if M. Marcel took dancing lessons?
PIRARDNo, Jacques is not a priest.
The Marquis motions to Jacques and Pirard to follow him.
The three men walk through a secret passageway in the bookcase, down a hall.
65.
MARQUISHow many shirts did you get at the linen drapers?
JACQUESTwo.
MARQUISVery good.
The Marquis opens a door which reveals an enormous library. The three men step into the library.
MARQUISVery good. Get twenty-two more. Here is your first quarter’s salary.
The Marquis hands an envelope to Jacques. An elderly man (ARSENE) is stacking books at the far end of the library.
MARQUISArsene!
Arsene walks over to the Marquis.
MARQUISArsene, will you look after M. Marcel?
Arsene nods his head and brings Jacques to a desk in the corner of the library.
INT. LIBRARY - NIGHT
Jacques reads a book at his desk. The Marquis walks to the desk, startling Jacques, picking up one of the letters on the table. He begins to read.
MARQUISYou are not quite sure of your spelling? Cela is written with one l only. No matter, are you ready to come with me?
JACQUES I apologize, sir.
Jacques stands up. The Marquis looks at him.
MARQUISI have one thing with which to reproach myself.
66.
(MORE)
I did not tell you that at half past five every day you are expected to dress.
Jacques looks at the Marquis without understanding what he means.
MARQUIS I mean you must change into shoes and stockings.
The Marquis motions for Jacques to follow him out.
INT. SYLVESTRE DRAWING ROOM - NIGHT
A gathering of about TEN GUESTS are socializing in the room.
The Marquis walks in. Jacques follows. The Marquis leads Jacques to his wife:
The MARQUISE SYLVESTRE is overweight and unattractive. Yet, socially, she’s full of power. She gets what she wants at the lift of her finger.
MARQUISM. Jacques Marcel, allow yourself to be presented to my wife, the Marquise Sylvestre.
JACQUESIt is a great honor.
The Marquise pays little attention to Jacques and walks away.
INT. DINING ROOM - NIGHT
The people from the drawing room now gather around the table, waiting for dinner to be served.
COUNT NORBERT SYLVESTRE, a tall good-looking young man, makes a loud entrance in riding clothes. He walks up to the Marquise at the end of the table and kisses her hand.
MARQUISEYou always keep us waiting.
NORBERTPlease accept my apology, Mother. I have been riding as fast as I can from the bitter tip of the African continent so that I may eat my supper while it is hot.
67.
MARQUIS (cont'd)
Norbert takes his seat next to his sister, CLAUDETTE, 18. As Jacques watches Norbert at his seat, he notices Claudette for the first time. Their eyes lock for a moment.
MARQUISNorbert, I must ask you to look after M. Jacques Marcel, whom I’ve just taken on as my personal secretary and whom I hope to make a man of, if that is possible. You see he writes cela with two “l”s.
Everyone at the table LAUGHS. Jacques takes it well. He turns his head back to Claudette. She’s still staring at him.
INT. LIBRARY - DAY
The early morning sun pours through a window next to Jacques’ desk as he copies out letters.
The movement of a door prompts Jacques to lift his head. He sees Claudette sneak into the library through a hidden door disguised by the backs of books. She approaches a bookshelf, about to remove Voltaire’s Princess de Babylon. She turns around. Jacques is watching her.
Claudette gives Jacques an angry look for interrupting her book-stealing scheme. She scurries out.
ANOTHER ANGLE
The afternoon sun coming through the window is dim, forcing Jacques to do his work by candlelight.
Norbert slides down the banister of the staircase which comes from the second story landing. He wields his sword as he runs over to Jacques and points it at Jacques’ throat.
NORBERTThere is the time in every man’s life when he must put down the pen and mount the horse. This is that time, Jacques. My father gives us leave until supper.
JACQUESLet’s go!
INT. DINING ROOM - NIGHT
Jacques sits at the dinner table with the Sylvestre family.
68.
MARQUISSo, Jacques, I understand Norbert took you out riding.
JACQUESHis lordship was very good to me. He was good enough to let me have the gentlest horse possible, but after all, he could not tie me on it and for lack of this precaution, I tumbled off right on to the middle of the bridge.
Claudette unsuccessfully tries to hold back her LAUGHTER.
JACQUESThe horse was scared of me, I think. I have no problem riding.
He winks at Claudette.
INT. STAIRCASE - NIGHT
The Marquis walks up the stairs with Norbert.
MARQUISI hope good things of this young priest. He relates his misadventure in front of the ladies. How charming.
EXT. TERRACE - DAY
Jacques eats lunch with the Marquise Sylvestre and Claudette. They all eat quietly, creating a very uncomfortable atmosphere.
JACQUESThe is wonderful chicken. Much better than anything we have in the provinces.
MARQUISEJacques, it’s veal.
Jacques goes back to eating and keeps his mouth shut.
INT. LIBRARY - DAY
Pirard walks up to Jacques who is working at his desk.
69.
PIRARDI see you are still busy on that interminable lawsuit with M. De Friar. I just came by to see how everything was going. But you are busy, so I'll leave you be.
Pirard starts to walk away.
JACQUESSir? Is dining everyday with her ladyship, the Marquise, one of my duties, or is it a kindness on their part?
PIRARDIt is an honor!
JACQUESFor me sir, it is the most painful part of my job. I find nothing more uncomfortable or boring, to say the least. I see even Mademoiselle Sylvestre yawning now and then. I am frightened I might fall asleep. Will you not kindly get permission for me to go and dine for a little money at some humble inn?
Someone is heard LAUGHING behind a bookshelf. Jacques and Pirard turn their attention toward the LAUGHTER. They see Claudette with a book in her hand, smiling at Jacques.
Claudette scurries out.
INT. MARQUISE’S BEDROOM - NIGHT
The Marquise sits in front of her mirror applying makeup.
The Marquis walks in.
MARQUISAre you almost ready, dear?
MARQUISEWill Jacques be dining with us this evening?
MARQUISJacques always eats with us.
70.
MARQUISEYes I know, dear, and that’s what I am rather concerned with. Jacques is a lovely boy, and I see that everyone has taken to him. I myself dine with him everyday.
She looks at him with concern.
MARQUISEBut when we have certain people over, I should think that it would be best if we could send him out on some business or other.
MARQUISI am anxious to carry on with my experiment to the very end. This fellow is only out of place because his appearance is unfamiliar. As for the rest, he is as good as deaf and dumb.
INT. DINING ROOM - NIGHT
Seated at the long table is ONE ARISTOCRAT seated next to ANOTHER. They’re feasting on supper, LAUGHING and CONVERSING with one another. When we finally get to Jacques, he is noticeably out of place as he eats, talking with no one. He sits next to the Marquise.
A fidgety Jacques looks up from his plate. Claudette is sitting across from him. She smirks at Jacques. Jacques glances at the Marquise, then winks back at Claudette.
INT. OPERA BOX - NIGHT
Jacques watches the opera with a proud smile on his face.
The performance begins.
INT. SYLVESTRE STUDY - DAY
The Marquis is sitting at his desk when Jacques walks in.
The Marquis gets up and smiles at Jacques.
MARQUISSo now you are the son of a rich gentleman of Franche-Comte who is an intimate friend of mine.
71.
JACQUESForgive me, sir. I didn’t start this rumor, I swear to you. I wanted to fit in better. You see, sir--
MARQUIS--I know, I know. It’s up to me now to give some consistency to this story. But I've one favor to ask of you which will not cost a bare half-hour of your time.
Jacques pays close attention.
MARQUIS (CONT’D) (cont’d)Every evening when there is an opera, go and stand in the vestibule when people of the best society are coming out. I still notice at times some provincial mannerisms in you.
Marquis points his finger at Jacques.
MARQUISEYou must get rid of them. Besides, it is not such a bad thing to know, at least by sight, certain people of importance. Go to the box office, and make yourself known. They have a pass ready for you.
EXT. PARIS STREETS - DAY - WINTER (SNOW)
Snow falls on the streets as people scurry to their destinations.
EXT. SYLVESTRE HOUSE - DAY
Snow falls in front of the house as a carriage pulls up to the front door.
INT. SYLVESTRE ENTRANCE - DAY
Marquise, Claudette, and Norbert walk in, covered in snow.
Jacques greets everyone.
JACQUESHe is in the drawing room.
72.
INT. DRAWING ROOM - DAY
Marquise, Claudette, and Norbert walk over to the Marquis who is lying with his foot up on the couch.
MARQUISI trust you had a good holiday?
CLAUDETTENever the same without you, Father.
MARQUISYou needn’t have worried about me. I had Jacques here to keep me and my gout more than enough company.
CLAUDETTEOh?
MARQUISWhen he wasn’t making a name for himself at the opera, he would keep his bedridden master company with all the latest gossip.
CLAUDETTEM. Marcel, are you coming to M. De Pascal’s ball tonight?
JACQUESMademoiselle, I’ve not had the honor of being presented to his Grace, the Duke.
CLAUDETTEWell, you have managed to make quite a reputation for yourself. Just yesterday, we saw M. De Pascal on his way back from holiday, and he asked Norbert to bring you.
NORBERTQuite right, Jacques.
Jacques bows to Norbert.
JACQUESI am well aware to whom I owe so much kindness.
73.
EXT. HOTEL DE PASCAL - NIGHT
Snow falls on this palatial mansion as many carriages are greeted by SERVANTS at the entrance.
INT. DE PASCAL ENTRANCE - NIGHT
The door opens. Jacques and Norbert step inside, dressed for the ball. Jacques looks around at the incredibly beautiful room he has just entered.
A SERVANT takes their hats and coats while another SERVANT leads them to the ballroom.
INT. DE PASCAL BALLROOM - NIGHT
An orchestra plays MUSIC.
COUPLES dances in the center of this magnificent room.
Jacques stands behind THREE MEN in an adjoining room while he’s getting a drink. He listens in on their conversation.
BALL MAN #1You must agree, she is queen of the ball.
BALL MAN #2Mademoiselle Charles, who has been considered the prettiest of them all throughout the winter, is well aware she’s gone down to second place.
BALL MAN #3She would seem to have full command of the pleasure she gets from her triumph. You’d say she’s afraid of seeming attractive to anyone who speaks to her.
Jacques tries to look over these men’s shoulders to see who they are talking about.
BALL MAN #2Why, of course. That’s the whole art of seduction.
74.
BALL MAN #3That air of reserve implies: “How charming I could show myself to you, were you the man worthy of me.”
BALL MAN #1And who could be worthy of the sublime Claudette?
Jacques’ head turns.
JACQUES(to himself)
Claudette?
Claudette is beautiful. She dances with a noble looking YOUNG MAN. Her eyes roam the room.
The MUSIC stops.
CLAUDETTEYou must excuse me. I have been dancing ever since I arrived, and if I do not sit down for a little while, I may never be able to use my legs again.
Claudette walks over to her friend MADEMOISELLE CHARLES who is talking to some gentlemen.
Claudette turns to Jacques.
CLAUDETTEIsn’t this ball the prettiest of the season?
All the GENTLEMEN in the area look at Jacques who is lucky enough to be acknowledged by Claudette.
JACQUES(cold)
I’d scarcely be a good judge of that, Mademoiselle. My life is taken up with writing. This is the first ball of such magnificence I’ve ever seen.
CLAUDETTEYou are a wise man, M. Marcel. You look on all these balls with the eye of a philosopher, just like Jean Rousseau. Such follies astonish but do not tempt you.
75.
JACQUESJean Rousseau was nothing but a fool in my eyes when he constituted himself a judge of good society. He failed to understand it and viewed it with the heart of a lackey risen above his station.
CLAUDETTEHe wrote the Contrat Social.
JACQUESAnd while he preaches a Republic and the overthrow of royal rights and privileges, this upstart goes off his head with joy if a Duke alters the course of his after-dinner constitutional to see one of his friends home.
Jacques walks away victorious.
CHARLES(to Claudette)
It is truly unfortunate that such a handsome young gentleman cannot cultivate the manners and position suitable for eligibility.
CLAUDETTEHave you not thought that maybe it is the manners and position which are truly unfortunate?
INT. DE PASCAL BALLROOM - NIGHT
Claudette dances with M. BERNARD, a classy young man.
Charles dances next to Claudette.
The music stops. The two women step off together.
CHARLESIt appears that M. Bernard has taken a special interest in you. You did not hear this from me, but there is strong reason to believe he has matrimonial intentions. This must excite you.
CLAUDETTEWhat a colorless life I should lead with Bernard.
76.
CHARLESYou are quite mistaken. He is one of the most sought after gentlemen among the most select. A more perfect man is inconceivable.
Claudette looks around the room, holding her head.
CHARLESYou look sad. I warn you, that is unbecoming at a ball.
CLAUDETTEIt is only a headache.
CHARLESI am concerned as to where pleasure may exist for you if you cannot find happiness in the midst of a ball which rouses the envy of all the women of Paris.
Charles looks across the room and sees Jacques and Sebastian on the terrace.
CHARLESLook at that. Your philosopher friend seems to have found companionship with the Count Sebastian.
Claudette’s face lights up as she spots Jacques talking to Sebastian.
CHARLESI hear that Count Sebastian is a condemned man. I do not know if I should even call him Count anymore. Anyway, he has come to Paris in order to seek refuge.
Claudette watches Jacques intently.
CHARLESI am not sure of his crime, but as I understand it, he could have been pardoned by his own country if he had just renounced his actions. I ask you what could be so important that you would render one to put their position, and life for that matter, in jeopardy?
77.
CLAUDETTEI see nothing conferring honor on a man except sentence of death. It is the only thing that cannot be bought.
EXT. DE PASCAL TERRACE - NIGHT
Jacques and Sebastian are talking.
JACQUESYes, Danton really was a man.
Claudette comes onto the terrace and interrupts their conversation.
CLAUDETTEWas Danton not a butcher?
Jacques looks at Claudette with contempt.
JACQUESWhy, yes, in certain people’s eyes.Unfortunately for people of good birth, he happened to be a Lawyer-sur-Seine. This is to say, Mademoiselle, he began his career like several peers I see here tonight.
CLAUDETTEYou are so young and yet very bright.
She looks around the ballroom in contemplation.
CLAUDETTEThere’s no real true passion left in this century. That’s why people get so bored in France. The greatest cruelties are committed, yet not from motives of cruelty.
JACQUESSo much the worse. When people commit crimes, they should at least find some pleasure in committing them. One can not find the slightest justification for them, except on such grounds.
Claudette, recognizing Jacques’s passion, looks longingly at him.
78.
CLAUDETTEWe have either too much or too little. Everything is either an utter disaster or truly sublime and in perfect harmony. Even the way we feel. Perhaps in the far future, things will be different.
JACQUESWe are trapped in a way. For now, at least.
CLAUDETTEYes. We are. Aren’t we?
EXT. DE PASCAL MANSION - DAY
The morning sun slowly creeps up over the courtyard as carriages pull away from the house.
INT. SYLVESTRE LIBRARY - DAY
Jacques sits at his desk, copying out a letter.
Claudette walks up to his desk and stands right in front of him. Jacques takes no notice of her.
CLAUDETTEI was wondering if you could be so kind and take a volume of Vely’s Histoire de France off the top shelf for me.
Jacques, paying little attention to Claudette, moves the ladder and climbs up to find the book.
CLAUDETTEYou are clearly thinking about something very interesting, M. Marcel. Tell me, please, what is it about? I’ll be discreet, I swear I will.
Jacques doesn’t respond.
CLAUDETTEWhat could have turned you, who are ordinarily so cold, into a creature inspired, a sort of man like one of Michelangelo's prophets?
79.
Jacques grabs the book and comes down the ladder. He hands Claudette the book.
JACQUESDid Danton do well to steal? The revolutionaries of Piedmont, of Spain, should they have compromised the people by committing crimes?
He paces the room.
JACQUESMust a man who wants to drive ignorance and crime off this earth pass through it like a whirlwind and do evil indiscriminately?
Claudette smiles.
EXT. GARDEN - DAY
Jacques sits at a table, deep in thought.
Claudette comes in and walks up to Jacques.
CLAUDETTEI beg you to tell me what is so interesting that it occupies so much of your thought.
JACQUESI am afraid it’s not my place to discuss such matters or to even think about such things.
CLAUDETTENow that you have me so curious, you must tell me.
JACQUESWell, alright, as you wish. Through my position as the Marquis’ secretary, I have more than once written to the two lawyers arranging the terms of a marriage contract concerning M. Bernard and yourself.
Jacques looks directly into Claudette’s eyes.
80.
JACQUESAnd although I find your intellectual conversation most stimulating, I cannot imagine a man such as M. Bernard receiving it with the same appreciation.
Claudette takes a step forward and pretends to hurt her foot. Jacques comes over and helps her up.
JACQUESAre you badly hurt?
CLAUDETTEIt is nothing. Probably just a sprain. If you could be so kind as to escort me inside.
Jacques leads Claudette into the house. Claudette holds on to Jacques in an overtly familiar way.
EXT. PARIS STREET - DAY
Claudette walks out of a store with Mademoiselle Charles. The two women continue down a street.
CHARLESDo let me see M. Bernard’s letter.
Claudette pulls out a letter and hands it to Charles who looks it over.
CHARLESHis love is so passionate, and his words carry so much meaning. He truly does know how to love.
CLAUDETTEEveryone of them is the same perfect gentleman, ready to set off for the Hold Land. I cannot fathom anything more insipid.
Claudette points to the letter.
CLAUDETTESuch letters as these can only change every twenty years to suit the occupation then in vogue. They must have been more colorful in the days of the Empire.
81.
(MORE)
Then all these men had really done things of greatness such as my uncle who had fought at Wagram.
CHARLESI fail to see the intelligence in giving a saber thrust. Yet, whenever such a thing has happened to them, how often they talk about it.
CLAUDETTETo have been in a real battle, one of Napoleon’s battles, in which ten thousand soldiers were killed, that is proof of courage.
Claudette walks on.
CLAUDETTEExposing oneself to danger elevates the soul and preserves it from boredom. And this boredom is contagious. All men who adore me, they are all the same.
She looks at Charles.
CLAUDETTEWhich of them has ever sought to do anything out of the ordinary? They seek to win my hand, a fine exploit. I am rich, and my father will help his son-in-law get on. If only he could discover one who is a little fun.
CHARLESYou will not be talking like this when you discover true love with M. Bernard. Love will reveal to you the silliness of your ideas.
CLAUDETTEQuite mistaken, Charles. It is love which has validated these ideas.
CHARLESWhat are you saying?
CLAUDETTEWell, I have had the good fortune to fall in love with M. Marcel.
82.
CLAUDETTE (cont'd)
CHARLESThat is absurd. Such feelings for such a man from a woman of your background are impossible.
CLAUDETTEWhere can a girl my age, young, beautiful and intelligent, find a thrill, if not in love? A trivial affair would be unworthy of a girl of my birth.
EXT. GARDEN - NIGHT
Norbert, Claudette, THREE YOUNG MEN, and TWO YOUNG WOMEN are sitting around in conversation.
NORBERTI agree that he is a very intelligent young man. Perhaps too intelligent.
Everyone except Claudette shows agreement.
CLAUDETTEOne can never be too intelligent. He provokes these sentiments because he possesses an energy unlike any man of proper society.
NORBERTWe have learned not too long ago that we must beware of such energy from such people. If a Revolution breaks out, he will have us guillotined.
INT. SYLVESTRE STUDY - NIGHT (PARALLEL TIME)
Jacques hands the Marquis some papers.
MARQUISThis is excellent work, Jacques. You may be excused until morning.
Jacques exits.
INT. SYLVESTRE STAIRCASE - NIGHT
Jacques walks down the giant staircase leading to the first floor.
83.
EXT. GARDEN - NIGHT (PARALLEL TIME)
Norbert, Claudette and their friends are still sitting around talking.
CLAUDETTE...and so, gentlemen, you will have lived in fear all your lives, only to be told afterward that it was not a wolf. It was only its shadow.
INT. GARDEN ROOM - NIGHT (PARALLEL TIME)
Jacques walks through the room leading to the garden. The door leading outward is slightly open, and Jacques can see Norbert, Claudette and their friends talking. As he gets closer, he can hear what is being said.
NORBERTWith men like Jacques, we must always be prepared and can never be too careful, for they will seize any chance to take advantage.
Jacques stops before the door leading to the garden and turns around.
Through the small opening in the door, Claudette spots Jacques walking away.
INT. ENTRANCE - DAY
Jacques is standing at the bottom of the stairs as TWO SERVANTS are coming down with a trunk.
JACQUESThat should suit me perfectly.
Claudette walks in from the side door. She approaches Jacques.
CLAUDETTEYou will be gone for quite a long time. You must plead with him to excuse you.
JACQUES(suspiciously)
Why ever for?
Claudette clutches Jacques’s arm.
84.
CLAUDETTE(whispering)
You will receive a letter from me this evening. My father has proper regard for the services you render him. He will accept an excuse from you.
Claudette walks away.
INT. LIBRARY - DAY
A FOOTMAN approaches Jacques who’s sitting at his desk. He hands Jacques a letter.
Jacques opens the letter and reads it.
He closes the letter and looks up, grinning.
INT. SEBASTIAN’S CABIN - DAY
Sebastian opens a wrapped package on his table. In it, he finds a Bible. As he flips through the Bible, an envelope falls out onto the table. It reads:
JACQUES (V.O.)Keep this in safety, for these people cannot be trusted. If anything should ever happen to me, you must use it to prove the honor of my word. Your friend, Jacques Marcel.
INT. LIBRARY - DAY
Jacques is at his desk working. Claudette walks in.
CLAUDETTEIt has been days now, M. Marcel, and I’ve still not heard any response from you about my letter. I demand a definite answer concerning your intentions.
Claudette hands Jacques another letter and scurries out.
Jacques reads the letter, smiling.
CLAUDETTE (V.O.)I want to speak to you. I must speak to you tonight.
85.
(MORE)
The moment one o’clock strikes, see that you are in the garden. Take the gardener’s long ladder.
EXT. GARDEN PATH - NIGHT
From her window, Claudette’s sees Jacques pacing back and forth in the garden.
Jacques looks up at the house. There’s a light in Norbert’s room, which is next to Claudette’s. It goes out. All the lights in the house are now out. Jacques looks up at the full moon illuminating the sky. He looks over at the garden shed.
INT. GARDEN SHED - NIGHT
Jacques rummages through the shed holding a lantern. He finds the ladder and takes it with him. Jacques tries not to make any noise. With all the things in the shed, this proves impossible.
EXT. GARDEN - NIGHT
Jacques comes around the house to the garden with the ladder. He places the ladder against Claudette’s window. After looking up and taking a deep breath, Jacques boldly proceeds up the ladder.
When Jacques reaches the window, the window CREAKS open. Jacques climbs into the room.
INT. CLAUDETTE’S ROOM - NIGHT
Jacques faces Claudette in front of the window.
CLAUDETTEYou made it.
Jacques clumsily tries to embrace Claudette. Claudette pushes him away.
CLAUDETTENo, no.
Claudette notices something in Jacques’s pocket.
CLAUDETTEWhat have you got in the side of your coat?
86.
CLAUDETTE (V.O.) (cont'd)
JACQUESA pistol.
CLAUDETTEA pistol? Well, you must remove the ladder now.
JACQUESIt’s terribly big and may break the window of the drawing-room below.
CLAUDETTEYou mustn’t break the windows. You could possibly lower the ladder by tying a rope to the top rung. I’ve always plenty of rope in my room.
Jacques fastens a rope to the top rung of the ladder and lowers it on to a bed of plants that run alongside the wall.
Claudette watches this, troubled.
CLAUDETTEWhat will my mother say when she sees her beautiful plants all crushed?
Jacques shoots her the look.
Jacques ties the rope to the window sill. He quickly turns toward Claudette. The two of them look into each other’s eyes, standing motionless.
CLAUDETTEWhat have you done with my letter?
JACQUESI’ve had the post carry it off a long way from here, hidden in a Protestant Bible.
CLAUDETTEGood gracious! Why all the precaution?
JACQUESHow am I to know if you can be trusted? This could be a plot to destroy my peasant spirit.
87.
CLAUDETTEYou have a man’s heart, my love. I confess that the trouble I had you take to reach my room was to test your courage. You are even more fearless than I thought.
Jacques grabs Claudette and kisses her passionately.
They proceed to make love.
INT. CHURCH - DAY
Jacques sits on the altar next to Pirard. He looks up and notices Claudette walk in with the Marquise.
Claudette and the Marquise sit toward the front of THE CONGREGATION. Claudette sees Jacques and immediately looks away.
Jacques looks straight at her as she coldly avoids his glance.
MOMENTS LATER
The priest is making his final remarks of the service.
PRIESTEven the prophet Moses had to live by the word of the Lord if he was to reach the promised land. And from this we learn that it is our actions which will guide us to salvation.
The organ indicates the service is over. The congregation gets up to leave.
Jacques spots Claudette and tries to catch her.
Claudette manages to get away, leaving Jacques standing alone in front of the exiting crowd.
Pirard looks at Jacques from the altar and shakes his head.
INT. DINING ROOM - DAY
The Marquis, Marquise, Norbert, Jacques, Bernard, Charles and a few other distinguished guests sit around the table for brunch.
88.
MARQUISWhat has happened to Claudette?
MARQUISEShe claims to have been taken ill.
MARQUISBeauty is so delicate. Do you not agree, Bernard?
Bernard politely LAUGHS.
BERNARDMost definitely, sir.
JACQUESLike a fine aria, its delicacy is what makes it ever more precious.
MARQUISQuite right, M. Marcel. One can always rely on you to cleverly illustrate the phenomenon that dumbfounds most. It is a true gift you are blessed with.
NORBERTYes, you are a blessed creature, Marcel.
Jacques looks at Norbert with annoyance. Norbert arrogantly returns the look.
INT. DRAWING ROOM - NIGHT
The Marquis, Marquise, Norbert, Claudette, and a few other guests are having cocktails.
Jacques comes in and walks over toward Claudette. Claudette spots Jacques and immediately leaves the room. He follows her.
As she’s TALKING with one of her GUESTS, the Marquise notices all the commotion from the corner of her eye.
INT. STAIRCASE - NIGHT
Claudette runs up the staircase. Jacques follows a few feet behind.
89.
INT. BILLIARD ROOM - NIGHT
Claudette runs into the room, grabs a pool stick and holds it in front of her.
Jacques runs after her. He comes into the room, walking toward Claudette. She moves away.
CLAUDETTE(angry)
I asked you not to speak to me.
JACQUESI’ll keep your secret. I swear. I’d never speak a word to you again, if it were to ensure your reputation wouldn’t suffer.
CLAUDETTEI cannot believe I have given myself to the first comer.
JACQUES(enraged)
The first comer?!
Jacques takes a sword off the wall and points it at Claudette’s neck. Claudette looks into his eyes and begins to tear with delight. She puts her hands on the sword and slowly moves it away as she moves closer to Jacques.
Jacques looks at Claudette with confusion.
Claudette stands face to face with Jacques.
CLAUDETTESo I have just been on the point of being killed by my lover. Jacques, you are truly the noblest man of our age.
She passionately kisses Jacques.
The Marquise is in the hallway outside the billiard room.
MARQUISE (O.S.)Claudette, where are you, dear?
Claudette, startled, runs out of the room.
90.
INT. HALLWAY - NIGHT
The Marquise is about to go into the billiard room as Claudette comes running out.
MARQUISEClaudette, what is going on? Why are you flushed?
CLAUDETTEI am feeling a tad warm, is all.
MARQUISEThere’s is no time for that now. We’ll be late for the curtain.
Jacques steps into the hallway. Claudette’s face drops.
MARQUISE Hello, M. Marcel. Enjoying your evening, I hope?
JACQUESQuite.
MARQUISEWe really must be off. Come, Claudette.
Claudette walks off with the Marquise.
INT. CLAUDETTE’S ROOM - NIGHT
Jacques falls into the room though the window. Claudette runs up to him.
CLAUDETTEMy dear.
Jacques gets up and embraces Claudette passionately, leading her to the bed.
They make love.
Claudette stops Jacques for a moment and looks him in the eyes when he’s on top.
She gets up and lights a candle by her bed. She takes a pair of scissors from her night stand and cuts off a large lock of her hair.
91.
CLAUDETTE You are my master. I am your slave. I beg you to forgive me for having tried to rebel. I want to remind myself that I am your handmaid. If ever my detestable pride should lead me astray, show me this hair and say:
With great expression.
CLAUDETTE “It’s no longer a question of love, it does not matter what emotion your heart may be feeling at the moment, you have sworn to obey me, I put you on your honor to obey.”
LATER
Jacques and Claudette are asleep in the bed next to one another.
Jacques slowly opens one eye and notices the beginning of an early dawn.
Jacques gets out of bed and quietly puts on his clothes so as not to disturb the sleeping Claudette. Jacques climbs out the window and down the ladder.
EXT. GARDEN - NIGHT (DAWN)
As Jacques gets to the bottom of the ladder, a clump of hair falls next to the ladder. Jacques picks the hair from the flower garden. He looks up and sees Claudette hanging out of her window.
CLAUDETTELook what your servant sends you. It’s the token of my eternal obedience.
Jacques looks up at Claudette and smiles. Jacques walks away with the ladder.
INT. LIBRARY - DAY
Jacques sits at his desk working. Claudette walks in and storms over to Jacques.
CLAUDETTEYou wish to speak to me?
92.
JACQUESExcuse me?
CLAUDETTEIf you have no sense of honor, you can ruin me, or at least attempt to do so. It won’t prevent me from being sincere. I no longer love you, sir. My crazy fancy deceived me.
Claudette storms out.
Jacques watches Claudette leave.
INT. DRAWING ROOM - DAY
Claudette sits with the Marquise.
The Marquise notices Jacques walk by the drawing room.
MARQUISEJacques!
Jacques stops at the entrance of the door.
JACQUESYes, Madame?
MARQUISEWill you bring me that pamphlet on the table behind you?
Jacques turns to the table and accidentally knocks over the vase.
The vase shatters on the floor.
The Marquise SHRIEKS and runs over to the destroyed vase. Claudette follows her with a smile on her face.
MARQUISE(distressed)
It was old Japanese porcelain. It came from my great aunt, the Abbess of Chelles. It was a present from the Dutch to the Duke of Orleans when he was Regent.
Jacques is unmoved by the event.
93.
JACQUESIt’s destroyed forever, and so it is with a feeling which once was master of my heart. Please accept my apologies for all the follies it has made me commit.
Jacques calmly walks away.
The Marquise is puzzled by Jacques’s calm and insincere apology as she turns to Claudette.
MARQUISEOne would really think that this M. Marcel is proud and pleased with what he’s done.
INT. JACQUES’S ROOM - DAY
Jacques is getting dressed. There’s a KNOCK at the door. Jacques opens it to reveal Arsene standing there with a full bag in his hands.
ARSENEThis package arrived for you earlier today.
Jacques takes the bag from Arsene. Arsene leaves. Jacques brings the bag to his bed and opens it. Inside are sixty letters. Jacques takes one out and begins to read. He puts the letter down and smiles.
INT. DINING ROOM - NIGHT
Norbert, Jacques, Charles and a several other GUESTS are all seated for dinner. Jacques intentionally sits next to Charles, flirtatious.
Claudette walks in. Suddenly, she sees that Jacques has returned from his trip. Claudette walks over to her seat, looking at Jacques from the corner of her eye. Jacques pays no attention to her, wrapped in conversation with Mademoiselle Charles.
When Claudette takes her seat, Jacques looks at her hands form the corner of his eye and notices she is trembling.
MARQUISClaudette, are you cold?
Claudette is surprised by the question and realizes she is trembling.
94.
CLAUDETTEI might have caught a slight chill. Nothing serious.
INT. DRAWING ROOM - NIGHT
Claudette walks into the drawing room. The rest of the dinner guests follow. She comes to the window, turning around to see if Jacques has followed her. But Jacques is still talking with Charles. Claudette immediately storms out.
Jacques and Charles flirt on the sofa.
JACQUES(laughing)
That is quite a story you tell.
CHARLESThat is not all.
JACQUESNo?
CHARLESThe shoes had been taken to another man to be altered for size. Can you imagine that? I had to send one of the servants all the way down there in the snow to pick them up for that evening.
JACQUESWhat a nightmare!
Claudette is outside the window, looking in at Jacques and Charles.
INT. JACQUES’S ROOM - NIGHT
Jacques is sitting at his desk with a small candle burning next to him. He is copying out his first letter.
EXT. CHARLES’S HOUSE - DAY
Jacques rides his horse up to the front door and rings the bell. The PORTER opens the door and Jacques hands him the letter. Before the porter has the opportunity to close the door, Jacques takes off on his horse.
95.
INT. OPERA - NIGHT
Jacques sits next to Charles in the private box. The opera has not yet begun.
JACQUESI recently saw Augustine Benoit. It was not to be believed.
CHARLESI saw it, too. It was wholly inferior to the Abbey Provost novel.
JACQUESIt is refreshing to find a person of your exalted virtue praising a novel.
CHARLESAugustine Benoit occupies one of the highest places in its class, which did not prevent your Bonaparte on Saint Helena from pronouncing it to be a novel written for lackeys.
Jacques looks at Charles in shock. The lights go out, and the overture begins.
Six boxes over is the Sylvestre box. The Marquise is seated there next to Claudette. Claudette faces Charles’ box, trying to catch a glimpse of Jacques.
EXT. OPERA HOUSE - NIGHT
The opera is letting out. Jacques and Charles stand among a crowd of THEATERGOERS, waiting for their carriage to pull up.
CHARLESRemember, sir, that people who love me must not love Bonaparte. They may, at most, accept him a necessity imposed on us by Providence.
The carriage pulls up. Jacques, somewhat annoyed, follows Charles into the carriage.
As the carriage pulls away, Claudette is revealed, standing in the street next to the Marquise, in conversation.
96.
INT. JACQUES’S ROOM - NIGHT
Jacques is copying out another letter. He is tired and daydreaming.
INT. CHARLES’S ROOM - DAY
Charles sits at her dresser, reading Jacques’ letter with squinted eyes.
EXT. CHARLES’S GARDEN
Jacques is walking with Charles.
CHARLESWe have both avoided mention of your correspondence to me. Although I wish to continue respecting the sanctity of what has been left unspoken, I am slightly puzzled. How is it that you mentioned London and Richmond to me in a letter you wrote just last night?
Jacques’s face drops at his folly. He quickly searches for an explanation. He looks into Charles’s eyes.
JACQUESIt is quite simple really. Excited by the discussion of the most sublime, the most lofty interest of the human mind, my own, in writing to you, may perhaps have become distracted.
Charles smiles, satisfied.
CHARLESOh, well of course. That makes perfect sense.
Charles takes Jacques’ hand. They walk through the garden.
INT. SYLVESTRE LIBRARY - DAY
Jacques is at his desk, writing.
Arsene walks into the library with a letter. Claudette walks by and notices Arsene hand the letter to Jacques at his desk. Arsene walks out and acknowledges Claudette.
97.
Claudette ignores Arsene’s gesture and approaches Jacques at his desk. She rips the letter from Jacques’ hand.
CLAUDETTEThis is what I cannot endure. You are forgetting me completely. Me! Your fiance! Your behavior, sir, is shocking!
Jacques gets up. Claudette steps back, but Jacques grabs her arms and pulls her to his body. Claudette surrenders to Jacques’s embrace and begins to CRY in his arms.
Jacques hugs Claudette with a tear in his eye.
JACQUESI am so sorry.
INT. CLAUDETTE’S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Jacques and Claudette are making love. Jacques stops and looks down at Claudette.
JACQUESClaudette?
CLAUDETTEGood heavens, what?
JACQUESWhat guarantee will you give me?
CLAUDETTECan this not wait for a more convenient moment?
JACQUESI must know before I let this continue.
CLAUDETTEI have been miserable for a month. I wish never to endure such torture ever again.
Claudette pulls Jacques down. They resume kissing.
INT. OPERA - NIGHT
The Sylvestre’s and Jacques are all watching the opera. Claudette whispers into Jacques’ ear.
98.
CLAUDETTEYou wish for a guarantee?
Claudette takes Jacques’ hand and puts it on her lap. His face fills with surprise. Claudette continues whispering in Jacques’ ear.
CLAUDETTE Elope with me. Let’s go off to London. I shall be ruined forever, disgraced. Disgrace me.
Jacques is stone faced.
INT. LIBRARY - NIGHT
Claudette is seated at Jacques’ desk. Jacques silently paces for a moment, then turns to Claudette.
JACQUESOnce we are on the way to London, once you are disgraced, to use your expression, who will answer for it that you will love me?
Jacques paces the room.
JACQUESI am not a heartless brute. To have ruined your reputation will seem to me only a further cause for grief.
CLAUDETTEThat’s not important.
JACQUESIt is not your position in society that is the obstacle, but unfortunately it is your own character.
CLAUDETTEThen I am altogether unworthy of you.
JACQUESNonsense! You speak only nonsense! You must put an end to these foolish thoughts and cut the cord that your heart attaches to me.
99.
CLAUDETTEThat would be murder.
Claudette begins to CRY. Jacques comes closer and lifts her face up to his.
JACQUESWhat you are saying?
CLAUDETTEIt is true. We are bound by another life. Do you doubt me now? Is not this a guarantee?
Claudette smiles slightly over her tears.
CLAUDETTEI intend to write my father. We cannot deceive him.
JACQUES (horrified)
But he’ll throw me out of the house!
CLAUDETTEHe is within his rights. But I’ll give you my arm, and we will leave by the front door together in the full light of day.
JACQUESYou must not do this. At least, put it off a few days.
CLAUDETTEHonor calls. I know my duty. I must carry it out at once.
JACQUESYour honor is safe. Although both our positions are bound to change.
CLAUDETTEThat is no longer important, my dear.
Claudette falls into Jacques’s resistant embrace. His face is filled with irritation.
100.
INT. MARQUIS’S STUDY - DAY
The Marquis reads Claudette’s letter at his desk. A look of rage grows in his face.
INT. JACQUES’S ROOM - DAY
Jacques is asleep in his bed. A loud KNOCK on the door suddenly awakens him. Jacques jumps out of bed and opens the door. Arsene is standing behind the door.
INT. MARQUIS’S STUDY - DAY
Jacques walks into the room. The Marquis is standing at the far end of the room. He lunges toward Jacques.
MARQUISYou miserable wretch!
But Jacques stands tall.
JACQUESI am no angel, agreed. But I am a young man, and no one understood my mind except that lovable creature.
MARQUISLovable! The day you found her lovable you ought to have fled!
JACQUESI tried. But...
MARQUISBut what!? My daughter is to be called Madame Marcel?! My daughter is not to be a duchess!
Jacques stares stone-faced as the Marquis paces quietly. The Marquis walks up to Jacques and stands nose to nose with him.
MARQUISYou ought to have gone away, sir. It was your duty to go. You are the lowest of mankind.
JACQUESYou are within your right to be angry with me, but I will no longer stand for your abuse. Kill me or have me killed by your valet. It’s seven in the morning!
101.
Jacques turns his back on the Marquis and exits.
The Marquis is helpless as he watches Jacques leave.
EXT. GARDEN - DAY
Jacques paces back and forth. He hears someone walk in and immediately draws his pistol. It’s Claudette. Jacques withdraws the pistol. Claudette walks over to him.
JACQUESClaudette, it would be wise for you to leave.
CLAUDETTEThat’s not necessary. I have just spoken with my father. I threatened that if you were to die, I would die too.
Claudette reaches out to him.
CLAUDETTEI told him you would mount your horse and leave the Hotel until there’s a foreseeable conclusion to this mess. Take refuge with Father Pirard. I’ll write you volumes. Now, you must be off.
EXT. ROAD - DAY
Jacques rides his horse furiously down the dirt road.
INT. PIRARD’S KITCHEN - DAY
Jacques walks into the room and sits down. Pirard walks over to him and pours Jacques coffee.
PIRARDA troubled mind sleeps little. I thought perhaps to blame myself. I thought I had guessed this love affair.
JACQUESIt has been over a week now. I want this to end.
102.
PIRARDYou are welcome here for as long as you’d like.
(a beat)Perhaps this will ease your temper.
Pirard takes out an opened letter and hands it to Jacques. Jacques begins to read.
PIRARDIt came for you via courier last night while you were sleeping. I took the liberty of opening it in case it was important enough to wake you.
JACQUESAnd did you not think this was important?
PIRARDThat’s subjective.
Jacques face lights up.
JACQUESI’ve been given a commission as Lieutenant of Hussars with the title of M. Le Chevalier Jacques Marcel de la Vernaye! The Marquis does not wish to kill me, but instead to be a true gentlemen of his family! What is subjective about that?
Pirard frowns. Jacques stares joyfully at the letter.
EXT. PARK - DAY
Jacques rides up to the park and dismounts his horse by a tree. He is dressed in uniform as he walks over to Claudette. She is waiting at the fountain.
CLAUDETTEI can hardly believe it is my Jacques in the flesh.
She embraces Jacques. He returns the affection.
CLAUDETTEI do not know how I can live apart from you while you are a Lieutenant in Strasbourg.
103.
JACQUESYou must. It is the only way.
CLAUDETTEI know, but it’s not fair.
JACQUESYou must be happy for me and our future.
CLAUDETTEI will go with you to Strasbourg. I cannot bear to be apart from you.
JACQUESNo, you mustn’t. This is the best way for us. Anyway, I am not due in Strasbourg for a week. I must see to some personal matters before then.
CLAUDETTEI will live for the day of your return.
JACQUESGood. That will be sure to keep me from staying too long.
EXT. SEBASTIAN CABIN - DAY
Sebastian greets Jacques at the front door. Jacques is in uniform.
SEBASTIANMy friend has finally become Bonaparte. I am embarrassed at having offered you such a small position when you have become a Lieutenant.
JACQUESEven though fate has granted me fortune, I will never forget your kindness.
SEBASTIANAnd love? Has it granted you that?
JACQUESYes, that, too.
104.
SEBASTIANOf what?
JACQUESMy dear friend, Sebastian, your cynicism is not lost on me. If passion does not exist, then can love? I have passion with this woman. So I must be in love.
SEBASTIANThere is no doubt of your passion, Chevalier, but passion can make men vain.
JACQUESWhat about vanity?
SEBASTIANVanity, Lieutenant, is the seed of loneliness.
JACQUESWith you as my friend, I shall never be lonely.
SEBASTIANWith vanity as your vice, you are sure to be.
Sebastian LAUGHS slightly.
JACQUESWise Sebastian, how I miss the freshness of your company.
Jacques gets to his horse and mounts.
JACQUESI will be sure to write and visit the first chance I get.
Jacques rides away.
EXT. WOODS - DAY
Jacques rides hard through a wooded area.
EXT. STRASBOURG - DAY
A PARADE of uniformed SOLDIERS on horseback march. Jacques is dressed in a Lieutenant’s uniform.
105.
As he trots, a lone HORSEMAN makes his way through the parade up to Jacques. Trotting alongside him, the horseman turns to Jacques.
HORSEMANMonsieur Jacques Marcel?
JACQUESI am he.
HORSEMANAn urgent message from Paris.
The horseman hands Jacques an envelope and rides off. Jacques puts the envelope in his coat pocket and continues riding.
INT. COLONEL’S OFFICE - DAY
Jacques is escorted into the plush room. The Colonel gets up from behind his desk and walks over to Jacques.
COLONELIt is good to see you, Lieutenant. What brings you here? You are not having problems with the men already?
JACQUESNo, sir. I must ask for your permission to take leave.
COLONELI do not understand. You are getting along so well.
JACQUESThere is an urgent matter for which I must hasten to Paris immediately.
COLONELWell certainly, you may take leave. I hope everything is alright.
JACQUESI fear anything else.
EXT. PARIS HOTEL - EARLY MORNING (RAIN)
Under the rain, Jacques looks up at a sign and walks into the entrance.
106.
INT. HOTEL HALLWAY/ROOM - EARLY MORNING
Jacques KNOCKS on the door. The door is opened and Claudette, dressed in mourning, rushes into Jacques’s arms.
JACQUESWhat is it?
Claudette brings Jacques into the room and points to a letter on top of a desk near the window. Jacques walks over to the desk and picks up the letter. He reads the letter stone-faced.
MARQUIS (V.O.)I could forgive everything except his plan to seduce you because you are rich. That, unhappy girl, is the frightful truth.
Jacques lowers the letter then lifts it to his eyes again.
MARQUIS (V.O.)I give you my word of honor that I will never consent to a marriage with that man. Read the letter I have received in response to the information I asked for. The shameless fellow even urged himself to write to Madame Romain.
Jacques turns to Claudette in disbelief.
JACQUESWhere is...?
Claudette hands Jacques another letter. Jacques reads.
MADAME ROMAIN (V.O.)What I owe to the sacred cause of religion and morality obliges me, sir, to the painful step which I approach you. The sorrow I feel must be overborne by a sense of duty. The conduct about which you desire to know has been, in fact, reprehensible, and more so than I can say.
Jacques’s face fills with an inquisitive anger. He sits down and continues to read the letter.
107.
MADAME ROMAIN (V.O.)Poor creature, it was with the help of the most consummate hypocrisy, and by seducing a weak and unhappy woman, that he sought to make a position for himself to become somebody better.
Jacques throws down the letter and sinks his head into the table, CRYING. He lifts his head up to the ceiling.
JACQUES(shrieking)
No! It can’t be so! And yet I read it all in her own hand!
Claudette runs over and embraces Jacques in an effort to console him.
Jacques breaks free of Claudette and gets up. He takes his jacket and heads toward the door. Claudette runs after him.
CLAUDETTEIt is five in the morning! Where on earth are you going?!
Jacques runs out, ignoring Claudette.
EXT. WOODS - MORNING (RAIN)
Jacques rides furiously in the rain through the woods.
MADAME ROMAIN (V.O.)I am bound in conscience to believe that one of his methods of success in a household is to seek and then to seduce the woman who has most influence there. Under cover of a show of disinterestedness and by making use of phrases from novels, his great and only object is to arrive at securing control over the master of the house and his fortune.
INT. CONSTANTIN CATHEDRAL - DAY
Jacques walks up the aisle as Sunday Mass is proceeding.
MADAME ROMAIN (V.O.)He leaves behind him unhappiness and everlasting regret.
108.
Jacques stands behind Madame Romain while she prays in her pew. Jacques takes out his pistol and shoots her. Madame Romain falls down. The CONGREGATION is frantic. Everyone runs from the cathedral.
Jacques stands in shock as TWO POLICEMEN run into the cathedral. They grab him and lead him outside.
INT. PRISON - DAY
A bearded, disheveled Jacques lies on a bed in his cell. A noise by the door is heard. Jacques opens his eyes. Claudette walks in.
JACQUESYou again.
CLAUDETTEDo not be angry with me, my darling.
JACQUESI am frustrated. Please, grant me my final days in peace.
CLAUDETTEThey needn’t be your final days.
Jacques looks at her, shaking his head.
CLAUDETTENo harm was really done.
He stands up.
JACQUESYou are insane!
CLAUDETTEI am insane only in my love for you. I have consulted one of the guards on the possibility of procuring your escape.
JACQUESStop talking nonsense and leave me be.
CLAUDETTEI will come back when you have a better disposition. Until then...
109.
INT. PRISON - DAY
Jacques is sleeping when MOVEMENT is heard from the door.
JACQUESGo away!
Madame Romain slowly steps toward Jacques. Jacques gets up, squinting his eyes as he makes her out.
JACQUESThis cannot be. But I am not dead yet.
MADAME ROMAINNo one has informed you?
JACQUESThis is a dream.
MADAME ROMAINMany times I wished you were a better shot. Death would be a welcome guest over the pain you’ve given my shoulder.
JACQUESYou are alive, my love. I beg you, please forgive me.
Madame Romain welcomes Jacques into her arms. Jacques bursts into TEARS as he embraces her and kisses her shoulder.
MADAME ROMAINWho would ever have said that I would write that shameful letter?
JACQUESI have always loved you. I have never loved anyone but you.
MADAME ROMAINIs that really possible? That young Mademoiselle Sylvestre, I started to really believe that strangely romantic tale in the papers.
JACQUESIt is true only in appearance. She is my wife, but she is not the mistress of my heart.
Jacques and Madame Romain kiss passionately.
110.
JACQUESIn a few days time will be my trial. I am sure they will sentence me to death.
MADAME ROMAINNo.
JACQUESNow that I have touched you again, I am ready to face death. And yet I leave behind a child in mademoiselle’s womb. Will you look after this child for me, and tell it of its father?
MADAME ROMAINIf we were to die here and now?
JACQUESWho knows what we shall find in another life? But you must go on, and do this for me.
MADAME ROMAINI will do whatever will make you happy.
JACQUESI shall never have been so happy as I am now. A condemned man, with his true love.
MADAME ROMAINNever been so happy?
Madame Romain smiles, looking at him tenderly.
JACQUESInstead of clasping to my heart this lovely arm which was so close to my lips, I let the future bear me away from you.
A tear falls from her eyes.
JACQUESI should have died without knowing what happiness meant if you had not come to see me here.
A GUARD opens the door. He indicates to Madame Romain that she must leave.
111.
JACQUESI am so sorry, angel. I am so sorry.
Jacques gives her a last kiss. The guard escorts Madame Romain out. She tries to resist. Jacques calls out to her.
JACQUESSwear on the love you bear for me not to attempt your life. Remember that you have to live for the sake of my child.
Madame Romain exits as the prison door SLAMS shut.
EXT. GUILLOTINE - DAY
An enormous CROWD OF PEOPLE surround the scaffold where the guillotine stands. The number of spectators increases tremendously, closer to the front.
Claudette is dressed in mourning and holds a bronzed bust in her arms. Sebastian, Pirard, and Francine are also in the crowd nearby.
Off to the side is Madame Romain dressed in peasant attire.
At the scaffolding, Leopold and Xavier wait for Jacques. Xavier crosses himself.
From the crowd is thunderous NOISE as Jacques, accompanied by guards, makes his way in shackles up to the scaffold.
Jacques stands before the crowd. Everyone hushes to a dead silence. A thousand faces glue their eyes on Jacques.
JACQUES (V.O.)If we still have sensations after our death, I should rather like to rest.
Jacques is escorted behind the guillotine. He kneels before the executioner. As the executioner is about to place a bag over his head, Jacques lifts his shackled hands and takes the bag from the executioner, placing it over his own head.
He’s lead to the guillotine. His head is placed into position.
Everything seems slower than usual.
Xavier walks over to Jacques and says a final prayer into his ear.
112.
Leopold motions to the executioner.
The executioner pulls the rope.
Under the blade, it descends.
EXT. MOUNTAINSIDE - DAY
Claudette carries Jacques’ severed head up a long path on a hill, toward a lonesome cave.
She kisses the bust. Jacques’ head has never been filled with as much poetry as it is now, in death. Claudette readies it for burial. She and Jacques are alone -- their final moment together.
JACQUES (V.O.)I’d overcome all of life’s fears and no longer was I content with the gloomy happiness which pride affords. That may be reason enough to explain why I have hastily damaged something truly sublime. Who am I to do such a thing? Look at me now. I cannot fathom the thought.
Madame Romain approaches Claudette near the hill, dressed in mourning. She stares into the cave where Jacques is being buried, struck with the sound of Jacques’ voice in her head. She clutches her heart. Her face becomes pale, fading away like death.
Madame’s three children play in the field, catching butterflies in the distance.
There are two sets of footprints left behind Madame Romain’s.
JACQUES (V.O.)The fading tracks of your footsteps cause my wet bones to quiver in this cloudless heaven.
(a beat)I am now alone. I find these conversations with you lonely.
FADE OUT.
THE END
113.