THE TALL BLOND MAN...
WITH ...
ONE BLACK SHOE
THE TALL BLOND MAN WITH ONE BLACK SHOE
Somewhere in New York...
I asked for the lie-detector...
because it's the truth.
I'm not a smuggler.
The Intelligence Service of my country.
I came on a mission.
I'm not a smuggler.
My boss told me to deliver the drugs.
He should be held responsible.
I'm innocent!
Somewhere in Paris...
Come in !
You came back early, Sir?
Sit down.
What's this...
mess about, old boy?
- I'm totally stunned . - Really?
I just read about it in the paper.
Shocking .
It's a dirty trick and a messy business.
Very messy, Sir.
He claims he works for us. But he's not in my section.
Nor mine...
Who does he work for?
I don't know, Sir.
This business might cost me my job.
You'll be the next department head.
Whoever he is...
I'm sure your successor will carry on...
in the same spirit.
Thank you, Bernard.
About this smuggler. Have you ever seen him?
Never, Sir.
It's a fake!
A fake?
It's possible.
Damn well done, but possible.
Well, that about covers it. You can go back to work, Bernard.
Bernard ...
Yes, Sir?
Did you get the case of wine?
I meant to thank you.
You shouldn't have...
I wondered :
What can we get for the St. Bernard?
First, I thought of a keg of rum.
Then I remembered our friend Milan...
is a connoisseur of wine.
Mouton Rothschild 1970! A whole case!
I ordered it locally.
Put it in a good cellar...
and drink it in 10 years...
I hope we'll drink it together, Sir.
Why not?
The car plan failed .
Old Bernard's not looking too well.
I agree.
He should have a vacation himself.
Come in, Perrache.
He's just got home, Sir.
How was your vacation?
Nice, Perrache.
Very nice, in fact.
Very calm.
We got a good rest.
Mother's in great shape!
After 10 days, she looks years younger.
The weather wasn't good,
but the climate is healthy and invigorating.
When we're back in Paris,
it's as if we're suffocating.
In fact, the spa is great for fresh air.
Puy-de-Dôme isn't polluted yet.
And that's pleasant.
I must admit the mud-baths are marvelous.
Warm mud is so soothing...
He's bugged your apartment!
Narcotics, microphones...
He doesn't stop at anything !
He sent the car, but I can't prove it.
I found the mikes by accident.
It was careful work.
He went to a lot of trouble!
Opportunists don't go far in our profession.
His mission is counter-espionage,
not to swipe your job.
But why the mikes?
He's scared I'll strike back.
It's pleasant to picture him scared to death
at his monitors.
He should put his sweatshirt back on. He'll catch cold.
Milan deserves a lesson.
He's got intelligence mixed up with double-crossing .
An exquisite pâté of duck.
Mother had 3 helpings.
That wasn't very smart of her.
I told her, "Mother, you're going to be sick..."
My dear Perrache, I didn't ask you here...
just to talk about my vacation.
A man will arrive at Orly
tomorrow morning at 9 : 30.
He'll help us clear up this messy business.
I'd like you to meet him.
I don't want the department involved.
Of course, Sir.
This man will probably need protection.
Take Poucet and Chaperon along.
I trust them.
9 : 30 at the airport!
Don't miss him, Perrache.
It's essential .
And strictly confidential !
I understand, Sir.
You like Italian food?
There's a little...
...morrow morning at 9: 30...
He'll help us clear up this messy business.
Good Lord !
The guy we're meeting...
- Who is he? - I don't know.
- What? - I don't know.
Go to Orly tomorrow morning and pick him out.
I don't get it.
Pick him out.
A face in the crowd . As ordinary as possible.
It doesn't matter who.
As long as Milan swallows the bait!
I'll tell you exactly
what you'll be looking for tomorrow morning, Perrache...
A booby trap!
Who's this guy, anyway?
Huh? Who is he?
Don't worry about it.
All you have to do is watch him.
Discreetly.
Arriving from Sydney, Air France
flight 704, gate 17.
He's coming from Australia?
Anyone...
A face in the crowd...
As ordinary as possible...
Pick one out...
It doesn't matter...
Pick one out...
Coming from Australia?
It's 9 : 30.
Arriving from Munich. Lufthansa flight 320...
That's it.
He's a musician?
- That's him? - No.
Maybe he missed it.
He'll be here.
He's a black?
That's him.
With one black shoe.
Michel !
I'm sorry. It's a mistake.
François Perrin, 32, single...
Violinist, address: 24 rue de l'Alouette.
Coming from Munich.
No file on him?
No, Sir. Nowhere.
He made a phone call.
- To whom? - His dentist.
And the violin case?
You have 24 hours...
Find out who he is and what he's up to.
- Short notice. - We're on a tightrope.
He must be neutralized right away.
We bump him off?
Let's check him out first.
Get going .
Give it the works!
Poucet and Chaperon don't know you. Let's keep it that way.
Why one black shoe?
Why a violinist?
You said it didn't matter...
I know, but why a violinist?
He had one black shoe.
Who is it?
It's Dr. Muller... from Munich.
You're a murderer, a butcher...
Your execution was abominable, horrendous. Poor Prokofiev...
Cut it out, Maurice. I'm dripping wet.
Fooled you, didn't I?
- No, you didn't. - See you at 4?
Listen, I lost a filling. It hurts like hell !
No use, old boy. See you at 4!
I swear I called Dr. Michaux from the airport,
but he can't see me till tomorrow...
Sure, sure. See you at 4 on the nose!
A full-time tap! 24 hours a day!
Don't miss the call from Toulouse!
Now we have to get him out.
Who was that dentist?
It's Mr. Perrin.
Stay open.
Mr. Perrin again. He says it's killing him.
Stay open.
All right. I'll squeeze him in an hour.
An hour? Fine. Thank you, Miss.
Hello? It's Dr. Michaux's office.
You can come in an hour.
I see. Well, that's very kind of you, really very kind ...
I'll be there in an hour.
He's changed his shoes.
Renault 15, orange-red .
License plate: 28 68 XO 75.
He's not going to the dentist.
Not going !
He's not going to the dentist.
- Why? - I don't know, Sir.
Why isn't he going to the dentist? Huh ! Why?
He's going to the park.
Excuse me, Sir.
- What? - He's going to the park.
Going to the park!
He's at the lake.
He's renting a rowboat.
What the hell is he up to?
Yeah ! What's he up to?
He must have spotted us.
But the dentist... What's he doing?
Rowing ...
He's rowing, all right.
- Rowing? - Rowing !
Don't land . Go around.
I'm hot.
He's at the restaurant.
He's throwing bread to the ducks? Damn...
Hello, Mac. Am I coming in? Hello?
5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0...
You're coming in loud and clear. Hurry. He's finishing.
They're bugging his place now.
- They must have finished. - Fine.
Milan rushed in like a bull.
At least we will have identified his team.
That's something, isn't it?
I didn't know I had such a large staff!
Fine. You can go to lunch.
There was a Negro at Orly.
A tall Negro with a green loden.
I preferred the tall blond man with one black shoe.
Wait for retirement, old boy, to get literary.
Have a nice lunch.
No more leeks, Louis?
No, thank you, Mother.
Yesterday was Bernard Milan's birthday.
I hope you remembered.
Yes, I did, Mother.
Born at Epinal in the Vosges...
March 28, 1940.
Only child.
Born late in life.
The mother...
Marie Bugeaud, 45, teacher.
The father, Gerard Perrin, 55.
Teacher and amateur violinist.
Early retirement.
Uneventful childhood...
His father
guided his first musical steps.
Catholic.
Practicing.
- Homosexual? - No.
Enters Conservatory at 13.
Leaves at 15.
A year in a sanatorium.
Seduced by the head nurse.
- How do you know? - A letter.
Don't worry. I'm not pregnant.
Cured . Enters Paris Conservatory.
First Prize. 28 months in the army.
But no colonial wars.
Finishes in the navy band.
First violin for 5 years in orchestra.
Often on tour abroad.
Including the U.S.A.
We're getting warm.
That's where he worked !
No one there knows him.
Of course not! He's a super-agent.
That's all?
We found this under some shirts.
Here's the other side.
Two hearts that love are fated to meet.
Have it decoded right away.
They're already on it.
Fine.
Looks like a normal life.
A perfect cover.
Well, we bump him off?
Let's check him out first.
His eyes give him away.
What's he up to?
I've told you a hundred times...
Watch. Get it in position.
Hold it tight. You'll have to stretch.
Watch : pull, push.
What a screwball !
Violin lessons
Too loud !
The toilet mike is too loud .
Turn it down.
But that'll turn down the others too!
Why does he keep flushing the toilet?
It's weird .
Weird, all right.
He's flushing the toilet?
What do you mean?
I heard you, all right. But why?
It's broken !
You sure are nervous!
Not at all. You surprised me, that's all.
Well, you never surprise me.
I have another little present for you.
It's a violin concerto played by a talented young man.
Put it on tonight and relax.
You'll see, he's really very talented.
Who is it?
Paulette.
Hello, darling .
Hello, Paulette.
Paulette, I have to talk to you.
I did a lot of thinking in Munich.
We can't go on like this...
We've got to make a decision.
I can't take it anymore... secrecy, lies...
You catching that?
I had a terrible night.
I dreamt about you...
Paulette, please...
It puts me in a terrible spot with Maurice...
Maurice is pathetic...
I dreamt you tore my clothes off.
You had enormous burning hands...
Paulette, please leave my shirt alone...
Now you've ripped it. You're hurting me!
Squeeze me!
You'll knock me over!
Oh, François...
Paulette, Paulette, Paulette...
Do the horse.
No.
Aw, please do the horse.
No.
Damn, damn, damn...
Bite me with your horse teeth.
Turn that off, dammit!
How was Munich?
I'm really pathetic.
Pathetic.
I had a dentist appointment at 12. I didn't go.
Why?
I chickened out and had lunch at the lake.
I have a dentist appointment and I go to the lake. Pathetic.
You can go tomorrow. Does it hurt?
I don't know anymore.
I'm scared ...
Poor baby...
That reminds me. You know who's coming at 4?
Maurice.
- Maurice? How come? - He wants me to jog in the park.
It's not funny.
I play horse with you at 2, and have to start again at 4!
He wants to get me back in shape.
And whose little ears are these?
They're mine.
And whose little eyes are these?
They're mine.
And whose little mouth?
It's mine.
Whose cigarettes are these?
They're mine.
There's a permanent tap.
A flower truck is circling the building .
Milan is sure to catch on.
He's too smart not to.
He won't notice. He invented his own trap.
We just dropped some cheese...
And Milan built a mouse-trap around it.
What'll happen to the cheese?
I beg your pardon?
If Milan gets rid of the blond ...
That would be most unfortunate.
You're not worried about him?
What about you?
The tall blond man was your choice.
Is that what's bothering you?
No, Sir.
Let's get going.
Come on, lazy bones! To work!
Cut it out, Maurice...
Hey, you got some egg...
Cut it out, Maurice...
You want a cigar?
Thanks.
Smoke it later and think of me.
Let's get going !
I'm in top shape. Your tough luck!
He's leaving with the other guy.
Yes, on a bike.
Get his picture!
He should go to the park.
But he could go to the dentist.
Cut it out, Maurice.
Maurice, cut it out...
Tail a bicycle in Paris!
Go ahead !
- They're turning . - So I see.
He got a flat?
Maybe the valve's loose.
You think so?
Maybe it's a leak...
Dammit!
You got a flat there, boys?
No, just fooling around.
They just don't make 'em like they used to.
Of course before the war,
years ago, that is, tires were something else.
Here, have a smoke, Dad .
Well ... Thanks, boys...
He's not having much luck.
His bike is falling apart!
They're running now.
They've left their bikes.
He's stopped now!
Now they're talking .
Distance mike!
You can't stop every 500 yards, you sissy!
Come on ! We just got started !
I have to talk to you.
Nothing doing. Keep going !
It's about Paulette...
Play that woman's recording again.
- Who's there? - Paulette!
Hello, darling.
I have to talk to you. I did a lot of thinking...
We can't go on like this...
A nice shower and you'll be fine.
What's that?
See you tonight! Mozart...
What a stupid jerk!
Maurice is pathetic...
I dreamt you tore my clothes off...
You had enormous burning hands...
Hey! Stop!
Hold me tight!
Squeeze me!
That guy on the bike is shouting .
Do the horse.
Please do the horse.
Paulette and the florist...
She's sleeping with a florist.
I just saw them lying in a delivery truck.
They were saying filthy things to each other.
Come on in and sit down.
What's the matter?
Shaving cream in my toothpaste.
I'm next to a truck at the red light. When I heard Paulette,
I fell off my bike.
It's the first time I've fallen off.
That's ridiculous... a flower truck...
- That's nerve-racking ! - I can't help it.
First, I thought I was dreaming...
She said things about me. She said, "Maurice is pathetic".
My wife is hysterical ...
Rinse your mouth out.
That guy had your voice...
- What guy? - The florist.
Paulette is talking dirty...
to a florist. It's insane!
I told you, I heard them!
She asked him to do the horse.
What?
She asked him to do the horse! He did and I fell off.
- What you doing? - Calling her.
But she's in a truck with a horse...
Hello! Paulette...
It's François... I'm with your husband .
Everything's fine.
Hello. Who is it?
Paulette?
Fine... No. Yes, yes...
No, no... Yes, we had a good workout.
Fine. I'll be home soon.
She's at home with my mother.
You see you imagined it!
It's weird ...
They found the flower mike!
We'll never get anywhere...
Around in circles, dammit. Around in circles...
He's just taking us for a ride.
He knows his stuff!
He should be eliminated...
No, we'll try something else...
Hello?
Musical instruments?
Yes, old musical instruments.
Look in antique shops...
and rent some flutes, zithers, violas...
Or cellos. I don't care.
Send it all to 85 rue des Vignes.
Their fun is over now!
Mr. Perrin?
I saw your notice for violin lessons.
Can I come in?
It's for my son, not me.
I have a 6-year-old who just loves music.
6 is the right age I think...
I'd prefer lessons at home.
He's still so young.
My father was a collector too.
He died last year.
- He left it all to me... - Really?
There might be some valuable pieces...
If you like...
I'll show them to you when you come.
My son's on vacation until next week...
"I asked a dealer to stop by."
"I really don't want to keep the instruments."
"Too many memories..."
Too many memories...
Oh, really?
You can still have a look.
But you'd better come soon.
When?
Let's see... tomorrow's out... Wednesday too...
What are you doing tonight?
Tonight?
I've invited some friends. Why don't you stop in?
Here's my address:
85 rue des Vignes.
See you tonight...
But I can't tonight.
I've got a concert at 9!
You can come at midnight. I'll still be up.
Bye now...
She's leaving now...
No, never seen her before...
Good-looking blond . Very classy.
He's here.
He's here, Sir.
Come in.
Hello.
How did the concert go?
My friends just left.
I know... they're awful killjoys.
Maybe I'm too late.
Not at all. I was expecting you.
What would you like... champagne, whiskey, cognac?
Champagne, please. It's just wonderful ... here.
Some are quite nice.
A giraffe piano!
The rest is still in the basement.
The basement?
We can go down later if you like.
Sit down.
Not there.
Come sit on the sofa. You'll be more comfortable.
It's great to be able to relax...
I'm glad they've left.
A little privacy is very pleasant.
Yes, of course. The others have left...
It's quite true...
Do I intimidate you?
Not at all.
Actually, I can't believe it...
What?
- All this... - Oh, it's nothing special.
It is for me.
The most beautiful woman I've ever seen rings my doorbell .
And that same night we're...
drinking champagne!
Is it cold enough?
Yes, perfect.
Aren't you hungry?
Not at the moment.
Do you mind if I take off my jewelry...
and get comfortable?
Go right ahead .
I'll be right back. Make yourself at home.
He's very clever!
Well ...
I lost my cigarette...
It's better like this...
Take off your jacket.
I'm not... I'm not... hot. No, I'm not hot...
Why don't you get undressed?
What?
Get undressed.
I'd love a little champagne.
You're pulling my hair.
No, it's caught.
What's going on?
The zipper's caught.
You're hurting me!
Sorry. This has never happened before.
Damn zipper!
Well?
It won't budge.
Well, I can't stay like this.
No, but we'll need scissors.
- Do you have any? - In the bathroom.
I'll get them.
I have to come too!
Yes, you'd better.
Wait. Don't get up. Stay on your knees.
There. Now very slowly. I'll follow you.
I'm sorry.
This is stupid !
It's a charming little apartment.
No, you go first...
What's that screwball up to now?
There!
You hurt yourself?
I'm going to save it.
Come on...
Sorry.
It's so stupid ...
You're not hungry?
I wouldn't mind a snack.
There's cold chicken, roast beef, ham...
Some chicken would be fine.
We'll have a picnic in bed !
My nose is bleeding.
I got hit by the bagpipes.
- The bagpipes? - The bagpipes.
That's better.
Eat.
I'm not hungry anymore.
I'll turn out the lights.
You get undressed and into bed.
You've had a hard night.
I think... I knocked over the tray.
How many sugars?
Two.
He sure takes his time...
You're separated from your husband?
Yes.
And your son is in the country?
Yes.
With his grandparents?
- What's it to him? - Quiet.
There!
I'm in bed now!
Coffee?
No.
My feet are cold .
It doesn't matter.
What a strange day...
How's that?
This morning ...
the guys nailed my shoes...
outside my hotel room in Munich.
Really?
They're always kidding .
I put my shoes out to be shined
and they got nailed .
So I came back with one brown shoe and one black one.
Then there was tooth cream in my shaving paste...
and shaving paste in my tooth cream.
No one seems surprised .
Then I went jogging with a friend...
and he had visions.
Usually, he's very normal.
Straight, athletic, not much imagination...
Suddenly, he hears voices.
Then I popped a string tonight.
And now I'm in bed with you.
Now you're kissing me...
and my feet are cold.
They're making love.
They're making love at 85 rue des Vignes.
Your protégé has some compensations, after all.
How do you feel?
Great.
Me too.
I want to tell you something I've never told anyone.
It's a secret...
Uh huh?
I've got another occupation besides violinist.
- I also compose. - What?
What?
Nobody knows about it.
I wrote an opera. It took 3 years.
And I'm still working on it!
I'll dedicate it to you !
What?
I'm going to dedicate it to you.
What are you doing?
- I'll play it for you. - What?
Just the main theme.
Not at this time of night!
I'm warning you. It's very modern.
Really, François!
What's going on?
Turn it down !
Enough !
You don't like it?
Yes, but not now...
It's lovely, but it's too late...
Are you mad?
No, not at all.
Well, come on then...
- You are mad . - No, I'm not.
Come on...
They're at it again !
She won't get anywhere now...
Take him to the country.
Yes, Sir.
You made me lose a night.
You should have made a deal . I'd have outbid Toulouse.
Can't you use your head once in a while?
When?
When could I use my head? He spent the whole time...
cutting my hair, playing an opera, and making love.
Very well, in fact.
We're going around in circles, dammit.
Dammit... around in circles...
It's only an opinion, but I can't believe he's a pro.
Keep your opinions and get dressed .
Christine?
No, it's Paulette.
Who's Christine?
Listen, you can't come over today.
I met a wonderful girl last night.
- I think I'm in love... - You're kidding?
No, I'm not.
Poucet and Chaperon...
...are the only problem. It's a cinch.
A cinch...
Get the violinist to the country!
Perrache has arrived at Toulouse's.
I don't think I'll wear a coat today.
I'm going to headquarters at 11.
The violinist has finished his work.
He'll be giving his report.
There'll be plenty of surprises!
He must be liquidated immediately!
What about Poucet and Chaperon?
Find the violinist. You have an hour!
I'm feeling so sad .
I can't stop crying. It's stupid...
Try to understand...
François, I love you.
I'm lost without you.
You won't have to do the horse again.
I promise.
But don't leave me, darling .
Well, you got what you wanted, Sir.
Milan has gone crazy and ...
Look where you're going !
Tell Poucet and Chaperon they can go home.
They've done a good job.
Go home! But the tall blond man won't have a chance!
Don't discuss orders, Perrache...
and look where you're going !
Tell them they can go home. Period !
Chaperon? It's Perrache.
The boss wants you to double security.
They're sure to try something this morning.
Be very careful !
They're in the courtyard !
Damn, I'm getting old ...
Don't move!
Where's my tie?
It must be in the living room...
Hello, François... It's Christine.
I've got to talk to you.
I'm at the café on the corner.
Right away. It's urgent!
Christine?
Answer me, Christine...
What the hell are you doing here?
Go home now.
Mr. Milan doesn't want you around here.
Understand?
He's gone out...
Don't move!
We're not actually going to shoot each other...
We're in the same line of work, after all ...
A very pretty girl . Blond. She phoned 3 minutes ago.
She's gone.
- What? - She just left.
No, Maurice. I'm sorry, but I can't see you now.
There are 3 dead bodies at your place.
3 dead bodies at your place.
I came to kill you. There are 3 dead ...
- Now what's wrong? - See for yourself...
Why did you want to kill me?
Bastard ! Thought you could fool me!
I overheard Paulette on the phone. Hypocrites!
Go ahead ...
Well?
I don't understand...
Sit down.
There were 3 dead bodies. I swear!
Of course there were!
I'm not crazy, François!
Of course you're not.
I'm sure I just heard Paulette on the phone...
And you heard her make love in a florist's truck...
You just saw 3 dead bodies...
What do you think?
I'm not a doctor.
Have a glass of water.
- Water? - It'll do you good .
I'm not thirsty.
You're not going to pass out! I'll get some water.
I told you I'm not thirsty.
Here.
I'm not well, François.
I'm not well at all, you know.
There are 3 victims, Sir.
2 of Milan's men and Chaperon.
I beg your pardon?
There was a little shoot-out.
But don't worry.
The tall blond man is safe and sound .
But I told you to get Poucet and Chaperon out of the way.
You did?
Then I must have misunderstood.
I told them to double security...
You misunderstood, all right.
I'm terribly sorry, Sir.
Don't be angry.
I just wanted to protect an innocent man.
Well, you missed your chance.
It's the moment of truth.
It's Milan's turn now.
He's scared to death... As for the tall blond man...
This should end with a shoot-out...
like a good Western.
I have to go to the john.
Well, go ahead .
- Come with me. - Hey, take it easy...
Please come with me.
Leave me alone.
Christine!
You were told to stay away.
Get in !
Mister... Your glasses!
Get up.
Come over here.
Turn around .
- Like that? - Fine.
I'm Colonel Milan, your superior.
Excuse me, Sir.
- Thank you. - You're welcome.
Perrache...
The tall blond ...
with the black shoe...
Who is he?
It's a booby trap, Sir.
What's the matter?
Nothing . Everything's fine.
Come on, Maurice...
Come on up. You'll see. Everything's just fine.
Fine and dandy.
See? Everything's fine.
You don't seem yourself.
With the Musicians' Fund plus insurance,
I can stay in a good clinic free.
Hello, Madame. Goodbye.
Where were you? I looked all over.
You're not going to believe this...
Mysterious death of Colonel Milan.
Louis Toulouse states: "Milan was a remarkable man."
Darling ...
Goodbye, Paulette.
Stay there... Don't move...
Say goodbye to François.
Goodbye, François.
They're cutting down the tranquilizers.
He's much better now. No more nightmares.
I'll be there at 2 tomorrow.
See you tomorrow.
It will be just like before.
You'd better take him home now.
Come on now.
Bon voyage! And be good in Munich...
The Munich flight?
No, for Rio. Brazil.
Oh, Rio. Then it's another counter.
Don't worry. I can manage...
Hey, Mister...
- Are you OK? - I'll be better soon.
- Do you love me? - Yes.
When he comes back...
and he's bound to sooner or later,
you'll contact him.
He shows promise, this young man.
Every person...
...is entitled...
...to the respect...
...of his/her...
...private life
Article 9 of the penal code
Subtitles by Nina Levin
Subtitling : Eclair Group