NETFLIX PRESENTS
September 12, 1914. France has been at war for a month.
The war was expected to be short,
but has so far resulted in the death of 300,000 soldiers.
At Saint-Paulin, in the Vosges,
the French army is fighting to contain the German invasion
and prevent the enemy from reaching Paris.
As men left for the front,
women took their place in the fields, factories, hospitals…
This is the story of four of them.
EPISODE 1
Ah, come on, now! What the hell are you doing?
I haven't got all day! Stop him!
Let him go. He's Father Louis, I know him.
His fields are on the other side.
-What's he looking for? -A murderess.
Ah, that's ridiculous.
-Good morning, ma'am. -Morning.
Your papers, please.
-Where are you from? -Paris.
What are you doing in Saint-Paulin next to the battlefront?
I've come for work. I'm on the list.
-It's okay, she's a whore. -Hmm.
-It's not her anyway. -Go ahead.
Good morning. Police.
Show me your papers, please.
Jeanne Charrier.
-And where are you going? -To Pont-à-Mousson to get my mother.
It's not safe. I don't want her to stay there alone.
What are you carrying exactly?
Empty trunks for my mother's move.
-Suzanne Faure, does that ring a bell? -No.
-Who exactly are you looking for? -Me? Nobody.
He was sent from Paris. He's looking for a woman.
A murderess.
Ahh! Whoa!
-Where are you going? -To the convent in Saint-Paulin.
I'll take you. Come on, get in the car.
Don't be afraid, come on.
NATIONAL POLICE
Come on! We have wounded coming in!
We have wounded people, come on!
Lay him down!
Thank you, ma'am.
-Take care of yourself, okay? -Yes.
We have a lot of wounded! You two, come on, hurry up!
Wounded people! Wounded people!
Soldiers! Soldiers! Let's hurry up! Quick, quick, quick!
Sister Geneviève! Do you know where Mother Agnès is?
-In the church. -Thank you.
Please protect us.
Look, we're running out of space.
I've asked headquarters for a transfer to a hospital,
but our men are fighting here.
They should be treated here. I'm sorry.
Don't apologize.
God's house welcomes those who suffer. You can count on us.
Thank you, Mother.
Be strong, Major.
Hurry up, put him on the bed!
-How many? -No idea. A lot.
You're almost there. Hang on.
The Germans have taken the hill at Saint-Amand.
If they continue, they'll also take Saint-Paulin.
Doctor Bruand, check the others! Let's go, quick!
Okay!
You can't stay here. Come with me, Lisette.
Are you all right, Lisette?
Yes.
I brought you cheese, milk, and raspberries.
You can't stay there anymore.
Three women alone by the woods so close to the front line? It's madness!
Mom says we have to get the hay in first.
I know your mother, she'll always find an excuse.
She doesn't want to leave her farm, but you can't wait any longer.
I'll make room for you at the convent. At least here you'll be safe.
-But-- -No, there's no "but," Lisette!
If you're not here tomorrow morning, I'll come get you myself!
Lisette.
Promise me you'll tell her.
-It's good to unwind. -Yeah, it's good. You're right.
And I think I have an idea how I can help you.
-Uh-huh? -We're gonna have fun.
-Yes, what do you want? -I'm looking for a job here.
We're full, all right?
No, we do have a room.
Maria decided to leave us.
What's your name?
Marguerite de Lancastel.
-Hmm. -And, of course, you're on the lists?
Yes.
We don't want any trouble with the army here.
They turn a blind eye, but it's not worth the risk, huh?
Hey, honey, can you give us another round?
Here, you'll have 20 patrons a day.
If you're not up to it, you can leave now. I don't like fancy hookers.
I've been in the business for 20 years, and I work fast.
I won't cause any trouble. I'm here to work.
There are no customers in Paris, and here, well…
Here, there are soldiers.
Juliette! Please show her Maria's room.
-Go on. -Yeah? What do you want?
Don't fight over my pussy. We can work something out, you know?
I'm accommodating.
Come on, Maria, move it!
You heard the boss. You're not welcome here anymore.
Your boss means business…
Is that his wife behind the counter?
His sister.
-Did you know how the chips work? -I'm familiar with that.
And I suppose that they make wage deductions, huh?
The room, the linen, the meals. Running a brothel here costs money.
-I agree. -Listen.
There are about 15 of us here. Don't make any trouble.
-The last one who tried to screw us over-- -She's gone for good. Yes, I know.
It's not my first brothel.
We shouldn't linger, Suzanne. That cop won't give up.
Why do you help women like me?
Because I can't stand injustice.
I don't even know what your name is.
Jeanne.
Jeanne Charrier.
Thank you, Jeanne.
Don't worry too much. Everything will work out.
We'll be in Pont-à-Mousson tomorrow,
and the day after, you'll be sleeping in Switzerland.
It's Compoing!
-Jeanne, can you hear me? It's Compoing! -Where is he?
Jeanne!
Jeanne! Are you okay?
Jeanne! Are you hurt?
I'n not after you.
Tell me where she is.
Come!
Let's go.
I know the situation is far from ideal,
but I'm leaving for the front line tonight and I need to count on you.
Sorry, Mr. Dewitt.
We're willing to run the plant,
but we still haven't received our exemption papers.
We should have been drafted by now!
Without papers, we risk being executed by firing squad.
-We're not deserters! -You'll get them.
My brother assured me the Ministry of War approved our application.
-Why is it taking so long? -All I'm asking is for you to trust me.
It's only a matter of time.
The war won’t last long.
You'll be in good hands while I'm gone.
My wife knows all the files, clients, and procedures.
And she knows every one of you.
She has my complete trust.
Having a woman in charge of the company, it'll shake them up.
That's good.
Besides, I know you, hmm? You'll win them over in no time.
What is it?
At least you could've stayed.
-You would have been exempted. -Yes, but I have to go anyway.
I'm an engineer, and I can help France differently.
You understand, right?
-Hmm? -Hmm.
Don't worry, I'll be back in a month.
Hey.
I promise.
I have great confidence in her, Mother. We've been married for ten years.
Like when you trusted her with the factory's renovation
and it cost a fortune?
To bring it into the 20th century, yes.
She's not even handy, but if you say so.
And Caroline has no business sense, it's obvious.
Mother.
Please, Mother.
Promise me you'll make an effort.
Fine.
Come back to me.
Do you think the Germans will leave soon?
I hope so.
I'm looking forward to going home.
We can't right now, dear.
Do you think someone's sleeping in my room?
Mmm-mmm.
That is impossible.
-We locked all the doors, remember? -Maybe they slipped in through the window.
I hope they didn't break all my toys.
I brought you a present, Madeleine.
Do you like it?
-Hey, Madeleine! -Let go of me! Let go of me!
-Calm down. -Let go of me!
-Let go of me! Let go of me! -Madeleine.
-Madeleine, please! -Leave me alone!
-Calm down, Madeleine, please! Please! -Let go of me!
Madeleine, Madeleine, please.
Please. Please.
Calm down.
Talk to me.
I don't want you to leave.
We've talked about this, okay?
Hmm?
Let's try something, you and me, look.
If you miss me,
you take the doll here,
hug it very, very, very tightly against you like this.
So you can feel my heart beating against yours.
Okay?
I don't want your doll.
I love you. I love you.
Daddy! Daddy!
Wait!
Dad, wait for me!
Aubert.
Legrand.
Husson.
Bonnet.
Pition.
Aliex.
André.
Guillet. It's time. Next convoy is yours.
You're with the engineers.
Captain Dewitt!
Major Dupont.
Sapper Aubert.
Sapper Jacquet.
Captain Dewitt!
DEWITT FACTORY
He left.
We were almost late.
Where's Madeleine?
In her room.
Listen, Éléonore--
You don't have to.
You're here because your house is in German territory, that's all.
Victor is gone.
So now there's no need to pretend.
Let's try to coexist peacefully.
I like the quiet of my house,
and meals are served at set times.
As for the factory, well…
do the best that you can.
After all…
you weren't that tired, Captain.
Right?
You know, there's no need for flattery anymore.
Is this included in the price?
Let's just say…
when I like a man, I like to make things last longer.
I, uh…
-I'd love to, but I don't have time. -Of course.
You have to return to your quarters.
By the way, I was wondering…
I could come and see you there, if you tell me where it is.
What do you say?
The location of the quarters is classified, surely you know that.
This is my friend Lucien.
-Good evening. -Evening.
-Do you have a lighter? -Yes.
Thanks.
May I buy you a drink?
Only one?
-What are you having? -Champagne.
Oh, I'll speak about you at the quarters. You won't be short of customers!
I could always come and do a few extras.
-If you tell me where it is. -That's not possible.
Civilians are not allowed.
Too bad…
Either that or… You'd have to be discreet.
Well, look how discreet I am.
It's just after the Madeleine pass.
Thirty minutes on foot from here, if you walk fast.
Thank you.
Can we go to the Bear Cave, Mommy?
We can't go, Madeleine. It's too dangerous. It's German territory.
So can you play dolls with me?
I've already explained to you, I have to work now, sweetheart.
Mmm.
Your mother is too busy to take care of you anymore.
I'm not.
I bet we will have lots of fun.
You have to study too.
Remember, school starts in two weeks.
Go around the estate! Find them!
Where's the entrance to the factory?
Over there, Captain!
Good day, gentlemen!
Stop what you're doing, put your tools down!
When I call your name, join the officer towards the rear.
-Chalandon. -Yes, that's me.
To the rear.
-Dubois. -Yes.
-Hermé? -That's me.
-Jacquotin. -Yeah.
-Mauvignier. -Yeah.
-Perrot. -I'm here.
Queneau.
-Ricoeur. -Good morning, sir.
-Sabatier. Schmit. -What's going on?
-Yeah. -Degaux!
Would you mind explaining?
I'm arresting your workers.
-Why? On what grounds? -Desertion, ma'am.
-We're not deserters! -No, it's a mistake. You got it wrong.
These men are awaiting exemption papers. You can call the Ministry of War.
I doubt it. The order came from the ministry itself.
Sir, please, I'm just asking for a day to check this out, I'm sure--
I have orders. They're coming with me today.
-What's going to happen to them? -They'll be sent to the front line.
-Let's go, gentlemen. -No!
-Don't worry, Denise. I'll be fine. -Ma'am, please.
-Sir, let's go. Come on. -Have faith, Denise.
-Please, ma'am. Ma'am. -Don't go!
Let's go!
Mother.
Help!
Stay here, Lisette!
I need to treat her urgently.
-Lisette, go inside. -Thank you.
Hang on.
We need to disinfect and stitch the wound.
We don't have what's needed here, but there's a hospital in Saint-Paulin.
-It's in the convent. -No, we can't go.
Can you get some clean water, please?
Thank you.
Don't stay here, Pauline! Come with us.
Not the hospital. It's too dangerous.
Grab your train ticket and run.
Mmm-mmm.
I'll go there alone.
I'm a nurse and I'll bring medical supplies.
What if you get caught?
I'll take your papers.
I'll leave mine here. That way, if I get checked, I can pretend to be you.
What's your last name again?
Charrier. Jeanne Charrier.
-There you go. -Thank you.
Keep pressure here, okay?
Which way to Saint-Paulin?
It's down that path. Follow me, I'll show you.
Hang on.
The Germans have taken the hill near their farm!
If Lisette and her family aren't here in an hour, let me know, I'll get her.
Yes, Mother Agnès.
-Come on, guys! -The wounded are arriving!
Careful!
Slowly!
Calm down, calm down.
Watch the stairs!
-Easy. Take it easy. -Bruand!
-Yes?
-How many? -Another 20.
Keep sorting them. Send me the critical ones.
Bring me morphine, quick!
Give me a hand!
Grab him by the legs. Try to keep him on the table.
We lost the hill of Saint-Anne.
If we lose Saint-Paulin next,
it's a straight shot to Paris for the Germans.
And the Red Cross reinforcements? Any news?
Not anytime soon. They're still stuck in Marne.
How can I handle this? I'm the only surgeon here.
I have to get by with country doctors and nuns who can barely dress a wound.
Bring me the next one!
Your brother arrives tomorrow. He's been assigned to my command.
-Are you sending Léon to the battle front? -He's a Saint-Cyrian.
He's not a Saint-Cyrian by choice. He did it to please you.
-Excuse me, General. -Go!
On my table.
On three! One, two, three!
Come on!
General!
General, we need you!
Lisette, go inside!
Lisette!
Inside, Lisette!
-Mother! -Hide, Lisette!
-Mother! -Go hide!
Mother!
No, Mother!
-Don't move, Lisette! -Mother!
No! Don't move, Lisette!
-Mother! -Don't move!
Mother!
Hide, quickly!
Back! Stay back! Stay where you are!
Stay back! Stay back!
I'm so sorry.
Lisette! Lisette! Lisette!
Lisette!
Why did you do this to me?
Are there other survivors?
Go in peace, my dear child.
We have to go. They might come back.
Miss?
What is your name?
Miss, please.
What is your name?
Jeanne.
Jeanne Charrier.
Hey. Come with me.
Don't forget the change!
What are you doing here?
I've been looking for you for so long…
I finally convinced myself you were dead.
Mom! Mom! There was no baguette left, so I got a loaf of bread instead.
Don't worry, dear. It's okay. Come.
She's, uh, my daughter…
Madeleine.
Maybe we can talk some other time?
You know where to find me. I have the same job.
Who's the lady, Mom? She's pretty.
Have you seen the time? This is not a hotel, got it?
I'll catch up. You can trust me on that.
Her ID?
-Where's the body? -Inside the house.
It's not her.
It's her smuggler.
Suzanne Faure is not married.
-Other bodies in the house? -Just the little one in the next room.
Hey! What are you doing?
You're obsessed with this girl. What exactly did she do?
Suzanne Faure killed my wife…
so she must die.
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Sir?