THIS FILM IS BASED ON A REAL ADVENTURE IN FRENCH AVIATION
WHICH OCCURRED IN 1937.
THE CHARACTERS ARE NOT FICTIONAL.
THEY ARE BASED ON PEOPLE WHO, EVEN TODAY,
LEAD MODEST, HARD-WORKING LIVES IN SOUTH-EAST FRANCE.
THIS FILM, MADE DURING THE GERMAN OCCUPATION,
IS DEDICATED TO THEM.
♪ No, my daughter, you shall not go dancing
♪ No, my daughter you shall not go dancing
PLAY AREA FOR THE VILLENEUVE ORPHANAGE
PIERRE GAUTHIER MECHANIC
- Robert! Can you give me a hand? - Sure, boss. Be right there.
- It's OK like that? - Sure, it's fine.
The piano won't fly away.
Almost done. - Moving is a tough job.
Don't hold it against me. It's my first in 10 years.
Ready?
- Dad! - What?
- Take the pillows! - Put them in the car.
Ready?
Off you go!
Careful with my piano!
Don't go too fast. - No danger of that.
Stop!
Keep going.
What about the kitchen stuff? My pots, my potato masher?
How do you expect me to cook?
That's no way to move. You think you know everything.
One thing at a time. Put that down. I'll do it.
- I'm worried about my piano. - He won't play it.
Help your mother. - The kitchen should be moved first.
Then the bedroom. You start with your tools.
Grease everywhere.
Let me do that. Your rheumatism will act up.
- It already has. - Here's your chair. Take a rest.
- I'd rest if we weren't moving. - It's been expropriated.
- You let them. - They need it to build an airfield.
In my time, we did fine without them.
In your time,
what happened to mothers-in-law who did nothing but nag?
- Pierre! - Thérèse. Got your hands full.
- I'm glad we're almost done. - Give me that.
I'll put them in here.
I'll be glad to be gone. It's giving me the blues. And you?
- No. - Leaving our home doesn't bother you?
No, because in the new garage, you'll be there, and the kids.
And your mother, and her rheumatism.
And our furniture, our mementos, everything. Look at it that way.
You're right, but still, leaving this place...
Drive this load over and come back.
Get in the car, mother-in-law!
Hold on. I saved you the best spot.
Snug as a bug.
Need a hand? - Why do you have to move?
Because it's been expropriated to build an airfield!
Open your ears!
Here are your pans. Don't break anything.
Are you comfortable?
Up front with your mother and the blankets.
Everybody in?
- What? - My rheumatism. I can hardly talk.
Unfortunately, that'll never happen.
Here, take the crate! Off you go!
Ready?
My eighth trip and I haven't broken anything yet.
Let me carry something else. - No, you're all sweaty.
We'll check the garage for left-behind wire, bolts, screws.
Stuff your grandma says is useless, but one day, it'll come in handy.
Out of the way.
UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT
What are you doing?
- There's a problem with your piano. - Was it damaged?
The staircase is too narrow. We'll use the window.
- Can you manage? - Sure, with these two helping me.
Have you moved pianos this way before?
Don't worry. It'll be up there in no time.
More stuff to move.
It doesn't matter. Robert will get it.
I guess that's it. - Can we go now?
Sure.
In a week they'll tear it down with picks and shovels.
Our home. The house where you were born.
We almost forgot the measuring stick.
How could I forget that? I invented it.
A blue pencil for the boys, a red one for the girls.
Every birthday, we measured you on this wall.
Four years old, seven, eight...
The first time, you were this big. - I've grown.
Your sister was sick that year. She only grew an inch.
She's caught up since.
Two turns of the screw and it's off.
It's a shame to destroy all that.
Demolition crews need to make a living too.
A fine eulogy.
There's your mother. Let's go.
How's it going on your end?
Their system for lifting the piano is terrifying.
Higher!
Put your backs into it. Heave ho!
Easy, Granny. It's heavier than it looks.
- They're going to drop it. - You call yourselves men?
On my command, everybody pull.
It's too heavy.
One, two...
Heave ho!
Once more.
Heave ho!
- They broke my piano. - I can see that.
- If they were real men... - Out of my sight. The kids too.
Take your stool. Have lunch somewhere.
You guys are fired.
No one touches the piano.
I'll see if something can be salvaged.
- Want some cheese? - I'm full.
You're tired.
I saved this for you.
What's wrong, honey?
It's just...
we moved without counting the costs.
You needed more space to work.
I've got space and tools.
Now I just need customers.
Maybe I'm not good enough. - You're as good as anyone. Better.
- You're just saying that. - No, I know you.
I wondered if we'd overreached ourselves too.
Then I thought it over. We'll have to work even harder.
But that's fine. It's for the kids.
If we get some customers.
Don't be silly. We've just arrived and you're already worried.
What if...
It's the night bell. What if it's a customer?
What a mess. What will they think?
Hurry up. The client might leave.
- What's the problem? - A stupid accident.
I need to be in Limoges tomorrow and I broke a spring.
It's not the best time. I spent all day moving.
It'll take all night to repair this.
I'm sorry to insist,
but I have an important business meeting tomorrow.
I understand, but...
Drive it into the garage. I'll see what I can do.
- Is it ready? - I finished at dawn.
I must be dreaming. Your garage was a mess last night.
You put everything away too? - My wife did, to keep me company.
- She deserves to rest. - What about the kids?
They can't go to school hungry.
Don't eat like such a pig.
Aren't you eating? - I'm not hungry.
- Didn't you sleep? Your eyes are red. - It's just the dust.
If business goes well, Dad will buy you another piano.
- Really? - Yes. Open the door.
- It's all for Dad? - And the other gentleman.
- Thanks a million. - Just doing my job.
And damn well. I own a big garage in Limoges.
I've got a guy running it because I'm doing bigger deals,
but he'd never pull an all-nighter for me.
Coffee?
I'd love some.
Thanks.
I need people like you to run my garage.
I'm not joking. If you don't mind moving.
- Again? - We just got here.
I travel a lot. I specialize in electrical equipment.
I'm doing the airfield's installations. I also sell neon signs. Want one?
- Perhaps when business is booming. - Thanks, madame.
I can see you're tired. - A bit. It just hit us.
I'm often in the area, so I'll drop by again.
We can discuss my garage, if you like,
or a neon sign, when business picks up.
- It's really bright. - Isn't it professional, Mom?
Who'll have the last laugh? The electric company.
Claude. Stop spinning like a top.
Will this lesson ever end? He's in no hurry to see us.
Mother-in-law, please.
Good. Very good.
But your attack still lacks precision.
Take it from the last line.
I think they're here, sir.
The whole family?
It's a big expense, so we'll all decide.
In a minute. Start there and watch the tempo.
One, two, three...
- Jacqueline prefers this one. - Impossible.
A black piano will clash with our pine furniture.
- This one. It has candle-holders. - Jacqueline prefers the black one.
I can repaint it.
Don't start putting colours everywhere.
Finally. The lesson's over. - Listen, Mother-in-law...
Let's not argue here. - I'll keep quiet.
My rheumatism is back.
Forgive us, a difficult passage needed to be worked out.
Are you pleased with her?
She'd blush if I told you what I think.
Have you chosen a piano?
- We're hesitating. - Not me.
Black is depressing and clashes with our décor.
It shows fingerprints and scratches.
Like I said, I'll keep quiet.
I propose a small test. Sit here.
Listen, please. Play an E-major chord.
Now listen to this one.
Hear the difference in tone?
We'll try something else. An arpeggio in G.
Good. And this one.
Is it clear now?
We can't buy a piano based on an arpeggio.
Is there a song that Jacqueline and I could play
to help you decide?
"The Triumphal March" from Aida.
With pleasure, madame, but later.
Although it's usually played by trumpets.
Mrs. Gauthier, what's your favourite song?
The one Pierre often sang during our courtship.
"The Time of Lilacs and Roses."
Yes, I know that one.
Please begin, Jacqueline. I'll join in.
CITY OF VILLENEUVE JUNE 24, 2:00 PM.
AIRFIELD GRAND OPENING STUNT FLYING BY MISS IVRY
PRECEDED BY ORGANIZATION COMMITTEE BANQUET
One more photo, Vice President?
- As many as you like. - Where's the president?
Mr. President!
No time for photos. I need to oversee the final touches.
Hold that pose.
Thanks.
Splendid. The pies have arrived. Serve them after the cake.
Yes, sir.
Not cold enough.
Serve the Saint-Martin with the appetizers,
the Mount-Louis with the timbale.
Announce the vintages too.
The table looks fine.
Who seated Mrs. Michaud by the pharmacist?
How tactless.
Mrs. Michaud.
Next to the hatter. Perfect.
Welcome home. - It looks so different.
Thanks for coming. No hard feelings?
Flowers? - Right here, sir.
Remind the waiters to wear white gloves
and not to serve the Vouvray until dessert.
When we lived here, we didn't make such a fuss.
- A glass of port? - Thanks.
- Hello, Marcel. - You remember me?
- The piano sure does. - Think their airfield will work?
Do you want to fly?
No. I considered taking over their bar.
Aviation is the future. But it takes faith. Have you got that?
Frankly, airplanes scare me. I'm just interested in the bar.
Excuse me.
Port? Vermouth?
Vermouth.
Thanks.
- Hello, Gauthier. - Hello, Mr. Noblet.
My respects, madame. Still going strong?
- And you, still in fine spirits? - On the contrary, I'm furious.
My manager in Limoges has really gone too far.
You'll never guess what he did. Even if I laugh, it's quite serious.
- The banquet awaits, miss. - With pleasure.
My mechanic isn't here and I'm having engine trouble.
Is there anyone who could look at it? - Damnation.
Hold on. I've just the man.
But he's a guest. - It shouldn't take long.
- OK. Vice President. - Yes?
Would you get Gauthier, please?
Right away.
If he cheats me on tires, gas and oil, he'll cheat me on everything.
Keep an eye on him.
I need honest folks like you to run it.
- The president wants to see you. - Me?
Excuse me.
- What sort of man is the president? - Dr. Maulette?
He's lost interest in medicine. - He's crazy about popular aviation.
It's his latest passion. Before that, it was vitamins.
Before that, it was making Touraine wines into champagne.
Before that, I can't remember.
He's introducing Pierre to the aviatrix.
He's busy, so I'll make you an offer you can't refuse.
They're leaving together.
This is important. You're not listening.
Yes, I'm listening.
- It doesn't seem serious. - Too bad. I like complicated repairs.
- Even at lunchtime? - If it's to help you.
What a beauty.
Gorgeous.
How far on a tank? - 930 miles.
That's progress.
- You worked in aviation? - Yes, in WWI.
- On the front lines? - Yes.
Turn it on.
- Don't you want me to explain? - No need.
A mechanic's ears tell him exactly what's wrong.
I've got it.
I learned a lot up north.
He'd bring back planes riddled with holes.
Even if the engine had been hit, I'd just listen and find the problem.
- Who was he? - Guynemer.
- You knew him? - Sure.
I don't mention it often, only when it comes up.
- Was he truly exceptional? - Yes. A great man.
- Miss Ivry, we're waiting. - Coming.
I'd better join the banquet, though I'm not looking forward to it.
- Enjoy your meal. - Thanks.
Welcome, friends.
- Will our mechanic work a miracle? - Certainly.
He's got many talents. He's the best at what he does.
He could even show a clockmaker a few tricks. Plus, he's modest.
Whenever you praise him, he protests.
He's protesting quite loudly.
- Mind if I wash my hands? - No problem.
Hope some food's left.
What's happening now? - The president's speech.
Enjoy it, it might be all you get from the banquet.
We might be a small town,
but we're proud to support a great idea.
For we lack neither energy nor courage.
Nor appetite.
I raise my glass to the charming Miss Ivry
and the future of our club.
Without further delay, let's move outside.
- Nice of you to wait for me. - I saved you a seat.
That's all that's left.
- Is everything fixed? - Shipshape.
I'll thank you later.
Did you see her hands? So small, but the things she can do.
I asked the cook to save you something.
- I'll stay with you. - No, don't miss it.
She'll do some interesting stuff. I'll grab a bite and meet you there.
Marcel.
It was hard to save you a plate.
These aviation fans have hearty appetites.
Purring like a kitten.
Music to the ears. Not a false note.
You roll a bit, pull up
and wander through the sky like it was a garden.
Are you tempted to try flying? - Oh, no. I'm too careful,
and I've got dishes to wash.
- Fantastic, isn't she? - I'm no judge, but...
Look, a barrel roll, then straight into a corkscrew.
If she loses control now...
- Noblet brought up Limoges. - Again?
- He made a very interesting offer. - Look. A downward spin.
- He needs someone to handle sales. - She's stalled the engine.
If it doesn't start exactly when needed...
There it goes!
Noblet offers a three-month trial with a percentage of sales.
Why can't Noblet leave us alone? We're happy as we are.
You often say you'd have gone further if you'd had more education.
Everyone says that when things go badly.
What if Claude is more ambitious?
It'd be a shame if we hadn't made the necessary efforts.
- You want to go to Limoges? - Just to try.
But we'd be apart.
Just a few months.
Forget about Noblet.
That's fantastic!
Up straight as an arrow, then falls back on itself.
Even better than her, and she was no slouch.
When lots of people are watching, is it hard to be brave?
Why do you ask?
Did you see that? That last move was wonderful!
- I look forward to hearing from you. - Glad to be of service.
Good-bye, madame.
- See, it's not so hard. - Eight in three months.
Last year, we only sold four.
Hello?
It's the number you requested. - My house, great.
- Please hold. - Perfect timing, I have good news.
Pierre?
Oh, it's you, Robert. Put the boss on.
I have the worst luck. Whenever I call, he's not home.
Put my mother on.
Mrs. Brissard.
You're improving. Soon you'll do it with no hands.
- Yes? - Your daughter calling from Limoges.
And her husband is out. Put it through to the dining room.
Yes, madame.
She's always calling. Who's laughing? The phone company.
How are you?
Hold on, I can't hear a thing.
Stop playing for a minute.
Yes, the children are well.
It's my back that's bad. My rheumatism.
I can hardly walk.
I drink my herbal tea, but it still hurts.
Hello?
Still there?
Yes, I'm listening.
Where's Pierre? - Oh, him.
Don't you know?
Your husband doesn't tell me where he's going.
I'm not his keeper.
I'm asking how he is, not where he is.
- Sorry. - Don't worry, keep talking.
Kiss the children for me
and tell Pierre I'd have liked to hear his voice.
That's all. Good-bye, Mother.
Everything OK at home?
Yes, thank you. Sorry to be on the phone.
I just visited the workshop and they're doing well,
and I see the shop hasn't been idle either.
- You must be pleased. - I'm delighted.
I wanted to tell your husband myself.
On my way to Paris, I stopped in Villeneuve.
- You saw Pierre? - No, he was out.
I wanted to persuade him to join us, so I stopped again on the way back,
but he was out again.
It's up to you to convince him.
It's very troublesome to be separated from your husband and children,
don't you agree?
Yes, I'm starting to see that.
I'd better go speak to him. - Whenever you like.
- How about tomorrow? - Excellent.
Thanks, that's nice of you. Good-bye.
Very good, my dear. Your style is excellent.
It's a shame you study pharmacy when you could be a concert pianist.
- If only I could persuade Mother. - Your father accepted.
A conservatory education is as respectable as any other.
I'll talk to your mother. I'm sure she'll say yes.
- Sorry to bother you, Robert. - Business is slow.
- You could tidy up. Is my husband here? - No, he's...
Please, don't play dumb. It was annoying enough over the phone.
"The boss is out." Where?
He's taking people flying at the airport.
He'll be back any minute. If I were you...
If I were you, I'd clean this place up on the double.
Hello, this is the air club.
That you, Robert?
Who's asking for Gauthier?
Warn him his wife is coming?
That's impossible.
He'll be in trouble?
That's for sure.
- Is my husband here? - Like every day at 5:00 PM.
Where is he?
Up there.
What? In that thing?
He must've seen you. He's preparing to land.
That takes nerve.
I agree. The nerve of that man.
Stomach OK? Heart still beating?
A great first flight. - Fantastic.
I even saw my house. - Come again.
Like the priest, I'm here every day.
We both promise you heaven, but I always bring my clients back.
Oh, my.
What a surprise.
You can say that again.
Hello.
I went up to give him a ride.
Let's go. We can discuss it at home.
I was careful. Ask him.
It looks scary from the ground, but in the air...
- Are you coming? - Yes, dear.
Let's go home.
Get out.
- Mom! - My little Claude.
What happened?
- Dad dared me to slide down the banister.
- Clever of him. - I did it four times before I fell.
Four?
That'll teach you.
Glad you're watching your son. Come with me.
- Mom! - Hello, sweetheart.
Hello, Mr. Larcher. You look pale, honey.
- Could I speak with you? - I really don't have time.
It's very important, before you leave...
No time, sorry.
The windows haven't been cleaned since I left.
- It's about Jacqueline... - Put this away.
And her future.
What?
Her future?
I'd like to prepare Jacqueline for the conservatory.
Conservatory?
It'd be a shame to waste such talent
in the backroom of a herbalist.
You must be dreaming.
You want Jacqueline to give up serious studies
for a career like that and the conditions it involves?
The conservatory is a serious...
Can you imagine Jacqueline, alone in Paris,
in wild Montmartre?
When I discussed it with Mr. Gauthier, he seemed to understand.
- You did? - Well, I mean...
She'd be destined for poverty. As of today, no more lessons.
The piano will be locked.
Excuse me. As I told you, I'm quite busy.
Come with me, Pierre.
Look at my room. You've really taken care of it.
Your mother has a lot to do, so I do our room.
You've made such an effort.
This is unbelievable. - Darling...
I wanted to surprise you. I certainly did.
Never in my wildest dreams did I expect this.
Claude split his head open, Jacqueline wants to be an "artiste"
and you're doing loop-the-loops.
Don't be mad.
I'm not mad. I'm so angry I could cry.
Don't you remember how we started out?
Did I ever complain, ask anything for myself?
Never.
The children always came first, the house,
because all I wanted was for us to agree.
I wanted more for us. Each week, I saved some money.
Those 30,000 francs represent lots of nice things we denied ourselves.
For the children, so they never know hardship,
I accepted to live away from you.
It was hard, let me tell you. But you didn't suffer.
- I did. - Not like me.
I was gone three months and no one missed me.
- Of course we did. - You don't realize...
What if you crashed? What if you were crippled or killed?
You don't care. I thought about you all day long.
I come home and you're doing barrel rolls.
What did you do all day while I was bored to death?
- I was bored too. - In the clouds?
I understand perfectly well why you left,
but everyone here started getting bored.
Everyone found their own remedy to their boredom.
Different remedies, nothing terrible.
Return to us and everyone will return to normal.
Really? Now that you've rekindled your old passion?
It's just for fun.
If you'd been here, I'd never have flown.
The guilty party is Noblet and the money he's offering.
Come back to us, Thérèse.
Stay.
- You won't fly again? - Never.
You'll be here. I'll never be bored again.
The equipment has arrived. Pick it up at the train station.
Yes, ma'am.
- When will the boss be back? - Around 6:00.
He should already be here.
- Look at that! - You're into planes now?
That's the club's plane.
They're all starting to fly like the boss.
- Where did he go? - To repair a car on Beauvoir road.
- That's not far. - Look at that turn.
Doesn't look like much, but up there, you feel it.
- You've been up there? - With the boss.
A quick tour of the neighbourhood.
He even took Mrs. Pelu. She's almost 100.
What a reversal! You'd think the boss was flying.
The boss.
I need to run an errand. Stay here until I get back.
- What will I tell the boss? - I doubt he'll be back before me.
It's a steal at 25,000. Did you convince the pharmacist?
- He won't go higher than 22,000. - For a fast little beauty like this?
He'll eventually buy it, but the expense worries him.
- Can I help you? - I certainly don't need your help.
Mrs. Gauthier.
Waiting for me? - Not really.
You never visit us. How about a little spin?
How dare you promote these flying machines?
You'll only stop when the city is reduced to widows and cripples.
You should try it.
Like Mrs. Pelu? She's so old, she's practising to go to heaven.
You're witty, but it takes guts to go up there.
Are you saying I don't have the guts? Me?
I left some tools here. Where'd you put them?
On the workbench.
- Who's flying? - The president.
Doctor hasn't improved much.
I wouldn't put my life in his hands.
What's my car doing here?
Did my wife come to check if I was...
Where's she hiding, trying to catch me red-handed?
- She's not hiding. - Where is she?
Up with Maulette? I wasn't born yesterday.
They were talking and suddenly she got in the plane.
No kidding? Thérèse is...
That idiot. What's he doing?
She's getting her share of thrills.
What if she gets hurt? She's got kids. She can't go thrill-seeking.
- She's perfectly safe. - Safe? She's irreplaceable.
Can you see me raising those kids by myself?
He's doing a barrel roll.
A fine series of figure eights.
- With Maulette. It's madness. - They're coming back.
They're coming in for a landing.
Maulette's landings can be fatal.
You're completely crazy!
And so are you!
After everything you told me, what made you do it?
Answer me. What's wrong?
I'll never stop you from flying again.
- Pretty, isn't she? - And so responsive.
You roll a bit,
pull up and wander through the sky like a garden.
- Listen to you. - How about a drink?
After a five-hour flight, you deserve it.
Sounds good.
Marseille to Valence was perfect,
but after that, you let the wind push you off course.
- It's too hard for me. - It's not.
Your instincts are good. You just lack experience.
You see...
- So, Mr. President, how did it go? - I won another trophy.
What do you think? - Bravo. Where'd you win it?
An amateur meet in Valenciennes. I was a big hit in my kite.
Marcel, champagne to celebrate my victory.
But you two could win any trophy you wanted.
No way. Contests are just showing off to impress people.
It's better for Thérèse to make progress doing real flying.
I'd like to bring home a trophy. Imagine my mother's face.
"What's this?" " Thérèse's trophy for five perfect barrel rolls."
I don't mind just one.
But there's a new one each month, taking the place of a knick-knack.
My porcelain cat was prettier than this naked guy.
- The cat was missing a leg. - Yes, for 12 years.
The cat touched my heart, but these trophies leave me cold.
If you'd won them, you'd feel differently.
- At your age, you're still... - Don't start that again.
I know, it's no use.
Your husband's arm is in a cast, and you still won't stop?
- It comes off today. - Maybe it's a warning.
Open your eyes: The linens are neglected, the garage is a mess.
Open your ears: At night, Claude is coughing.
- He isn't sick because I fly. - They're warnings.
Ignore them at your own risk. - Don't be silly.
Pierre is with the doctor right now. He'll get medicine for Claude.
The cast will crack open to reveal a brand-new arm.
- As good as new? - Almost. You can fly again.
- I'm through with flying. - Because of a little fracture?
I think I'm too old to do anything important.
It's true, with your little plane, you'll never be the next Lindbergh.
Then what's the point?
I brought the plane home to fix it, but I think it's best to sell it
and give up flying.
You have a family, so it's understandable.
I'm a bachelor. No one cares if I break my neck, so why not?
Aviation needs heroes, but it also needs little people.
The town council gave me a bust of myself for my 50th birthday.
What jokers. I adorn my mantel, ear chipped by the cleaning lady.
They thought I was worn out, calmed down.
It bothers them. They say I set a bad example for the working classes.
Do as you like, Doctor,
but when it becomes an obsession, it does more harm than good.
Are you sure of that?
I haven't seen you in so long.
How are you?
Been practising on your own?
What's wrong? - I'm afraid of being seen here.
- It is a crime to visit me? - Mom doesn't like it.
She thinks I'm a bad influence?
She doesn't let me practice either. The piano is still locked.
You miss music. You're unhappy.
How can I help?
Allow me to come here sometimes to play piano.
Is that wrong? - I don't think so.
I'll have to keep it secret and I don't have money for lessons.
Come whenever you want. I'll teach you for free.
- Is it wrong? - No.
Small towns need girls like you,
so the best things in life may continue.
Come to the piano.
Families often have an ugly ducking.
Parents worry, but most often, the child fits in.
But one day, a child is born,
and instead of being a barber or a bureaucrat,
he becomes an artist or an inventor.
Where'd he get that?
Or girls like you who like to dream?
You're not listening.
I'd like to play, please.
Go ahead. I'll lower the shade so no one sees you.
Did I wake you? Does your arm hurt?
No. Besides, I wasn't asleep.
How's Claude? - His cough stopped,
but the doctor said every two hours, so I'll continue.
I set the alarm for 4:30.
What were you looking at? - Nothing, just...
I saw you.
I'm sure you're thinking what I'm thinking.
We'll have to give up. - What?
We'll never break any records in a plane like that.
It's better to give up, don't you think?
- What? Sell the plane? - Yes.
Yes, it's much more sensible.
You'll take up driving again. It's just as fun.
Not now.
Since you've been in the cast, I've gotten quite attached to it.
I'd like to keep it.
- Haven't you won enough trophies? - They no longer interest me.
I realize that our plane isn't good enough to break men's records,
but what about women's records?
Are you serious?
The distance record would be easy to beat.
You? Dreaming of doing something so dangerous?
First, it's not dangerous.
Secondly...
Wait, let me show you some news clippings.
Élisabeth Lion flew 2,500 miles. For a year, no one's challenged it.
This is her plane. If we modified ours, added a reserve tank,
I bet it'd do as well, if not better.
You researched all this without telling me?
It's no big deal.
You were thinking about this stuff while doing the laundry?
- Is that wrong? - I didn't say that.
- You're not angry? - No.
I feel like I'm dreaming.
During the war, I had lots of dreams, and I thought about them a lot,
but never told you.
And today, I finally give up,
and you're the one defending them.
Is it wrong?
Oh, no.
Sometimes, I remember working with Guynemer,
how I fixed his plane,
how we'd work together to improve it,
how he'd talk about that plane,
how everything depended on my skills.
The idea that we might have something like that,
in addition to our love,
a friendship like that,
I can't tell you what it means to me.
I love you even more than on the day Claude was born.
- How's your flight plan coming? - It's ready. I'm just waiting for you.
Every day there's a new problem.
But I'm always able to find a solution.
- And it's expensive. - We knew that.
Help me with the cylinder head.
We've already spent all our savings.
And Jacqueline's dowry and Claude's establishment fund.
It doesn't matter. Maulette supports us.
OK, you can let go.
He promised to present our request to the town council.
What if they refuse?
Maulette is respected by the council. And 50,000 francs isn't much.
What if they refuse anyway?
Well, then...
People are getting suspicious. I heard a few nasty remarks.
The veterinarian had his motorcycle repaired at the other garage.
He said we'd gone crazy.
How could he understand something like this?
What bothers me is we had to replace the engine.
- That was expensive. - It sure was.
Those 50,000 francs will be more than welcome.
What if we don't get them?
Then I'll sell everything we have.
Jacqueline's piano. She doesn't use it.
I thought of that.
But she's attached to it,
and I'd feel bad... Not you?
I don't know anymore.
All that matters to me is breaking the record.
If I had to, I'd...
Who's that? - I don't know.
- Who's there? - It's me. Marcel.
- The barman at the air club? - What's he want?
Sorry to bother you.
What do you want at this hour?
What's wrong?
I'm sorry.
I had to tell somebody what happened.
- What? - Marcel, tell us.
The president, our president...
Spit it out.
This morning, he left for an air show in Nancy.
I waited for him.
He didn't come back.
I kept waiting.
And finally, we got a call.
What happened?
Dr. Maulette won't be coming back.
He can't be...
I'm sorry, but I had to tell somebody.
Poor Maulette.
And thus, dear departed friend,
through this statue you'll remain among us,
continuing to inspire us with your generous ways.
Gentlemen, let's get to work.
First, the proposition of the late Dr. Maulette,
which requires our judgement.
It requests a credit of 50,000 francs for our air club
"to promote aviation," which seems rather vague.
Would anyone like to counter this proposition?
I do. Who benefits from these 50,000 francs?
The Gauthiers.
I told Maulette that it's preposterous.
Why help them when the town has more practical needs?
It's only common sense.
I second that. What's more, a woman's place is in the home.
We'd be setting a bad example.
Instead of encouraging such folly, it's our duty to stop it.
I completely agree, but perhaps someone will defend the proposition?
- What's your homework on, Jacqueline? - The uses of carbon monoxide.
- Starting to like your studies? - I'm trying.
Listen, Jacqueline.
Close your book for a minute. I'd like to talk to you.
You're old enough to understand now.
You've probably noticed that things have been difficult lately.
Yes, I have.
When business was booming, we gave you a present.
A very expensive one.
Since you don't use your piano anymore, we thought
you wouldn't mind...
if we sold it.
Do you agree?
- No. - Why not?
When I'm old enough to do what I want, I'll need my piano.
I thought you loved us more than that.
It hurts to have such a selfish daughter.
Dad.
Small towns need girls like me.
Really?
Hear that, Thérèse? Where'd you learn that?
- You wouldn't understand. - I wouldn't?
Until you're old enough to do what you want, I'm in charge.
I'm selling your piano. - Mom.
No way. Enough weeping. Go to your room.
Right now.
- We weren't allowed in before. - Now we are.
- What did Mother say this morning? - That they were going to Marseille.
I heard that.
To sell the plane? - I think so.
After Mom kissed us good-bye,
she came back.
She whispered something to you.
Yes.
She said, "I'm sorry about the piano."
- Why? - I don't know.
- When will they be back? - I don't know.
No, my daughter, you shall not go dancing
What's that?
The orphans, out for a walk.
An oil stain. And it's still fresh.
The wheel tracks... two big wheels and one little wheel.
Forgive me for this speech,
as I know you're impatient to see the plane.
It's just arrived.
It's been examined and meets regulations.
Tonight's record-breaking attempt has been prepared in utter secrecy.
I'd like to summarize it for you.
The record we intend to beat is for distance flight by a woman.
I'll reveal the pilot's name later.
First, I'd like to honour some of our female aviation heroes
such as Adrienne Bolland,
Amy Johnson, Jean Batten
and those two admirable aviatrixes, Maryse Hilsz and Maryse Bastié.
Also, Hélène Boucher.
Lastly, Élisabeth Lion,
who with 2,500 miles,
currently holds the woman's distance record,
which a woman will try to surpass tonight,
despite the glorious exploits of her sisters in aviation.
I'll now present the plane. Follow me.
All set. The officers were very kind.
One seemed to recognize me, he said, "It's for tonight? No one told me."
I was touched. - We're finally ready.
That's right. Look, it's for us.
What is remarkable, I'm sure you'll agree,
is the plane's innovative design.
No one has every attempted to break the record.
The pilot worked closely and harmoniously with the technical crew.
Our engineers spent over a year developing it in utmost secrecy.
You'll find all the specifications in this pamphlet.
Of note is its autonomy, which has been considerably improved,
allowing us, we hope, to beat the current record.
Takeoff is scheduled for 9:00 PM.
Before takeoff, Lucienne Ivry, who you all know,
invites you to the airport bar to toast her attempt.
If you'll follow me, this way.
There's no way we can beat that.
No.
You've earned a place on our wall of honour.
- How did I do that? - All you have to do is take off.
Thank you, Commander.
Between Mermoz and Guillaumet.
Lucienne Ivry, we offer you our highest honour:
the company of our great colleagues.
To aviation!
I have no talent for speeches,
so I'll let the roar of my motor express my thanks.
It's time to go to the airfield.
Lucienne Ivry will shortly take flight
in her attempt to beat the world distance record, 2,500 miles.
She's heading towards her plane. Listen to the applause
and cheers for Lucienne Ivry.
Quit shoving. Never seen a plane before?
Well...
Ready to go home? - Are you hungry?
- No. Are you? - No.
I'm kind of thirsty.
I saw a shop by the hotel. Should I buy some grapes?
Good idea.
Pierre?
I didn't hear you.
Are you unhappy?
No, no.
Something incredible just happened.
I was gazing at the night sky
and suddenly, I was so confused.
I didn't know if you'd gone or not, or how long you'd been gone.
I was lost.
I stayed.
You're really here, Thérèse? I'm not dreaming?
- You're feverish. - You're safe and sound
and you ask if I'm unhappy?
- Pierre... - It's crazy.
At this very instant, that woman might fall into the sea,
or worse, crash in the desert, to die of hunger or thirst.
And me,
I dreamt of the woman I love being in the place of that poor woman?
No way. That's a good laugh.
- I wasn't risking my life. - Think about it for a minute.
To save you from a situation like that,
I'd give every cent I have, sell everything I own,
but instead, I gave all that to put you in that situation.
Isn't that hilarious? Isn't it a laugh?
If you put it that way...
But it's true, you know.
It's true.
We were happy,
and then we threw ourselves into that situation.
Why'd we do that?
We scrimped and saved, drank only water,
no new clothes for the kids, and all for what? Nothing.
Just for fun.
To crash you into the sea. It's hilarious.
I admit there's some truth in that.
Just imagine if you'd gone and I saw the truth too late.
Me, all alone, waiting for you?
Can you imagine me hearing you'd crashed
and having to go home alone?
The kids waiting at the station. What could I tell them?
What could I say?
And your mother?
All dressed in mourning, asking "What did you do with my daughter?"
What would I do? - I imagine you alone.
How would you handle the clients, the kids?
- We're quitting all this. - Yes.
It's all over.
We've cured our airplane madness. - And tomorrow,
think how happy we'll be to go home and see the children.
I'll sell the plane.
If no one wants it, it's scrap metal.
All I ask is we keep a photo of it,
as a souvenir of all our nights in the garage.
And also...
And?
Of tonight.
- You said 6:00 AM. - We changed our minds.
- I already filled the tank. - We overslept.
- Still leaving? - Back to Villeneuve, in short hops.
We're careful pilots. Aviation needs people like us.
Alfred. She did it.
- How far? - 2,563 miles.
We're waiting for you. - Lucienne Ivry beat the record.
Excuse me, all the mechanics get free champagne.
Did you hear that?
Yes. 2,563 miles.
Ours would've done better.
The way she flew yesterday, I'd have done 3,000 miles.
Pierre... - Don't say a word.
- Look at me. - You still want to try.
- If you agree. - Remember last night.
I do remember, and I remember the scrimping and hard work.
I'm so sure I can do it and you prepared the plane so perfectly.
I'm confident.
I don't know anymore.
What's the greatest proof of love? To say yes or no?
To say yes.
OK, you can go.
But hurry. Get dressed while I tell the officials.
Have them roll out the plane. But quickly, before I lose my nerve.
I'll be ready.
To Lucienne Ivry, world record holder for distance.
Hip, hip, hooray!
I need some sugar, lemons and chocolate.
Can't you see I'm busy?
I'm in a hurry.
I need you too. - Leaving again?
I'll be back in five minutes. Get the stuff ready for me.
OK, I'll handle it.
CONTROL ROOM
I have the papers you authorized last night.
Thérèse Gauthier. The ANSK pilot.
For immediate departure. - I'll take care of it.
Thanks.
The best provisions. They don't take up much room.
I forgot to ask, what radio frequency is she on?
- Radio? - Yes.
She doesn't have a radio.
Excuse me, sir.
Has the ANSK plane from the Villeneuve Air Club been sighted?
Not yet.
It should've already crossed the Mediterranean.
It hasn't been announced.
Do you mind if I stay?
I'd like to know as soon as it's sighted.
- You can stay, sir. - Thanks.
Do you read me?
I've attempted contact for 15 minutes.
Nothing received on 5.2 MHz.
Switch to 4.2 MHz.
Receiving on 4.2 MHz.
- Nothing to report? - Nothing in particular.
What's he doing here?
He won't accept it.
Any news for him?
Nothing.
A death trap. If you knew under what conditions his wife left...
Some people think aviation is a do-it-yourself project.
Offer him a coffee.
Sir?
- Has she been sighted? - Not yet. Would you like a coffee?
No, thanks. I'm waiting.
Villeneuve.
Hello, Dad! Where's Mom?
Let's get out of the rain. You'll catch cold.
- She's not here? - She's coming later.
We've been waiting. Your telegram didn't say when you'd arrive.
I forgot, and it depended... How's Grandma?
She cries all the time.
Listen, children, be nice.
- Will Mom be home soon? - Of course.
But you must be very good for a few days,
as if she'll be back any minute.
That's what she'd want, even if she had to come back
much later.
Understand?
No, I don't.
Well, then...
be like Jacqueline.
She doesn't say anything, but she understands.
Don't you, Jacqueline? - Yes, Dad.
We've got to have faith.
How are things at home?
There are people there, talking with Grandma.
What do they say?
They shout a lot.
I don't want you kids catching cold.
Where's Thérèse?
Where is my daughter?
Well... She's still in the plane.
Can her mother still hope?
Not in front of the children.
- I have a right to know. - Of course.
Robert, can you take the kids?
Go on, I'll see you later.
Where's Thérèse?
That's what we don't know. She left
and we've had no news.
She's fallen into the sea or into the hands of savages.
You let her do it.
I rambled on with my old-fashioned ideas.
I was stupid to protest when they expropriated you.
That's when all our problems began.
I shut my mouth and you killed Thérèse.
- Mother-in-law... - You put those ideas in her head.
I said it was expensive and dangerous. I was told to mind my own business.
After all, this isn't my house.
When you depend on other's charity, you're not allowed an opinion.
- I never said that. - It was perfectly clear.
I've discussed it with my friends. You can ask them.
I wanted Jacqueline in Catholic school, but no one listens to me.
One thing leads to another.
And now, Thérèse is dead.
You can fly if you like,
but don't get the mother of your children
involved with those contraptions.
- What you're saying is horrible. - "Horrible." Even now, I'm still wrong.
Anyone with a heart and some common sense is against you.
What's that?
It's been ringing all morning. People calling to say what they think.
Hello?
How brave to say it over the phone.
Say that to my face. Whenever you like.
Someone else will call in a minute.
What did I do?
Ask our friends.
She's right, you shouldn't have done it.
We warned you, but you wouldn't listen.
I hate to say it, but you brought it upon yourselves.
Many people suffer hardships. That's life.
But you were happy
and you threw it all away.
That's criminal.
You're all here to encourage Grandma?
Not me.
I came to say that I understand you.
You think he's right to drag his wife into such escapades?
You're not married. - No.
I wasn't lucky enough to meet someone like your daughter.
Pierre and Thérèse fell in love. They dreamt of a home, of children,
while listening to the song "The Lilacs and the Roses."
They had all that. Why wasn't that enough?
Because their love grew.
They needed something bigger to match this love
because of that song they still heard.
Isn't that what happened?
I don't know.
It wasn't boredom, it wasn't weariness
that led them into this adventure,
but a love that required them to surpass themselves each day.
You're nuts.
You'd understand if you listened to anything besides the march from Aida.
Another one who doesn't understand.
Not answering won't change anything.
I disagree.
Loving a wife has nothing to do with that.
If instead of your smooth hands from piano playing,
your hands were calloused from cooking and sweeping the floors,
you'd know what it's like
to have a daughter,
and see her happy, and then lose her like that.
We agree with you.
You have the right.
All I ask is to leave me alone, because I can't take any more.
Are you throwing me out?
My friends will take me in. - I'm not throwing you out.
But I have no ideas, no words, only sorrow.
Don't you understand?
I'm a man who has lost everything.
Everything. - It's your own fault.
Gauthierl
- I'm scared. - Don't be. Come here.
- Why are they yelling? - They don't know themselves.
- Where are they? - Across the square.
There's only about 100 now.
When there are 300, 500, maybe they'll dare tell me.
What?
What? Oh, nothing.
Another brave caller.
I warned you.
- What do you want now? - I'm not here for you.
I'm worried for the boy. - He's perfectly safe.
And Jacqueline? - She's sitting on her bed.
She's listening, but she's calm.
Happy now? All those people agree with you.
Still, they've no right to scare the children. It's wrong.
Listen.
It sounds like they're getting closer.
What are they saying? - They're shouting "Gauthier!"
It keeps ringing.
If they think I won't fight back, they're in for a surprise.
They're coming here!
I'll go meet them.
- Don't go out there. - That's what they want, isn't it?
Stay with your grandma. - Pierre.
- Boss, don't go out there. - You believe their gossip too?
I'm not going to hide.
The first one to approach... - Let me talk to them.
Stay here.
They want Gauthier,
here he is!
Again!
Well, I'll answer.
It's Mrs. Brissard. Say what you have to say.
What?
Thérèse?
Thérèse did it! They cabled the air club.
" Thérèse Gauthier, 3,000 miles, plane intact."
I tried to call you a dozen times.
Everyone found out before you.
3,000 miles!
Leave me alone.
Thérèse.
Thanks. A coffee, just what I needed.
Tell your cook it's not hot enough. It loses its taste.
Besides breaking records, you also run a household?
Yes, although I shudder to think of the shape it's in now.
Fifty-one cables, and they're still coming.
We might run out of tape.
- Still nothing from my family? - The official cables have priority:
ministers, associations, air clubs, foreign ministers.
You're getting messages from around the world.
Keep up the good work until I get my cable from Villeneuve.
You'll like this one:
"Heartfelt congratulations from Lucienne Ivry."
How sweet of her.
- The Buenos Aires Air Club... - In a minute.
You see, my husband and I have a small garage.
So, in addition to housekeeping,
I handle clients, pay the bills, general business stuff.
And if I'm not there, it's chaos.
- Really? - Utter chaos.
So I'm anxious to hear from them.
Madame, it's Villeneuve.
- Where do I start reading? - Sorry.
"Urgent. 12:15 AM. We're very happy.
Your mother is proud. From Pierre and the children."
- Happy now? - I suppose.
He doesn't give many details. There's so much I want to know,
but Pierre didn't think of it.
I'd have liked...
Can I keep the tape?
The rest can wait. This one is enough for me.
IN HONOUR OF THÉRÈSE GAUTHIER
My daughter is like me.
When we take on a challenge, we succeed.
I knew she could do it.
Here she comes!
Kids! See that black dot? That's your mother!
- No, you stay here. - But that's my wife!
You'll see her later.
Hello, honey. Where's Dad?
First the town council.
- Have you seen my husband? - No, madame.
The town of Villeneuve congratulates you.
Hooray for Thérèse!
Silence!
Madame, the air club president wishes to speak.
- That's me. - Pierre!
I'm here to welcome you, Thérèse...
I mean, madame,
and to inaugurate the monument.
That's all.
Go on, pull.
Pull.
Hooray for Thérèse!
"Madame, our friend was bored at the town council.
This is where he belongs, to see those leaving
and those returning.
Madame, he is happy and proud of his air club."
Poor Maulette with his broken ear.
Please don't interrupt the president.
Continue.
Dr. Maulette would've made a better speech than me,
but since I know you, they asked me...
"Madame, you've been the kind of woman one rarely sees.
For your children, your husband, your mother, you've been"...
You've been really great.
Always. In good times and hard times.
"Every day of your life, you gained the respect of honest folk.
But you didn't stop there.
Today you've gained the respect of heroes."
And I'm happy to think
of what our comrades are saying about you:
"Our little Thérèse Gauthier did well.
She's really got guts."
That's the highest praise they could give anyone.
"And so, madame"...
I mean, Thérèse.
I don't know what I'm saying.
Ready, gentlemen? ♪ "The Lilacs and the Roses." ♪
A toast to Thérèse and Pierre Gauthier.
Source used: Aventador