Chocolat Script - Dialogue Transcript

Woman 1

Bonjour, Monsieur.

Woman 2

Bonjour, Monsieur. Say bonjour.

Narrator

Once upon a time, there was a quiet little village in the French countryside, whose people believed in tranquilite. Tranquility.

Paris hioners

Come Holy Ghost, Creator come, From Thy bright heavenly throne, Come take possession of our souls, And make them all Thine own, Far from us drive our...

Narrator

If you lived in this village, you understood what was expected of you.

Paris hioners

...unto us bring, And through all...

Narrator

You knew your place in the scheme of things. And if you happened to forget, someone would help remind you.

Pere Henri

The season of Lent is upon us. This is of course, a time of abstinence. Hopefully, also a time of reflection. Above all, let this be for us a time... a time of sincere penitence. It is a time to stand up and be counted.

Narrator

In this village, if you saw something you weren't supposed to see... you learned to look the other way.

Pere Henri

This is a time for Christ. When you reflect, he knows what you reflect on.

Narrator

If by chance your hopes had been disappointed... you learned never to ask for more.

Pere Henri

He knows for what you must be forgiven. So in this year of our Lord, 1959, things...

Narrator

So, through good times and bad... famine and feast... the villagers held fast to their traditions. Until... one winter day, a sly wind blew in from the north.

Pere Henri

Where will we find truth? Where do we start looking? Where will we find truth? We will find it...

Armande

Who the hell are you?

Vianne

Oh, er, we're here about the patisserie. We'd like to rent it, and the apartment above.

Armande

Where are you from?

Vianne

Well, we, er, lived in Andalucia for a while. Let me see. Before that, er, Vienna, and before that...

Anouska

Before that...

Vianne

Athens.

Anouska

Pavia.

Vianne

Pavia, yes.

Anouska

Pantoufle hated it there.

Vianne

Pantoufle is her kangaroo.

Anouska

But he can't hop.

Vianne

Bad leg. War injury, huh?

Armande

I'll expect you to keep it in good condition.

Anouska

What a nice town this is. Don't you think so, Mama?

Vianne

It's a lovely town.

Anouska

Mama, Pantoufle wants to know how long we can stay.

Vianne

Oh, tell Pantoufle not to worry. Time for bed. What story tonight?

Anouska

Pantoufle wants to hear about grandmere and grandpere.

Vianne

Not tonight, Anouska.

Anouska

You always say that. Tell about grandmere and grandpere.

Vianne

Not tonight. How about the princess and the pirates?

Anouska

Okay. Prepare to fire! All hands on deck! Ready, aim... fire!

Comte de Reynaud

Forgive the intrusion.

Vianne

It's a pleasure.

Anouska

Sorry, monsieur. Pirate attack.

Comte de Reynaud

Of course. What is your name?

Anouska

Anouk. What's yours?

Comte de Reynaud

I am the Comte de Reynaud, at your service.

Anouska

A real one? Like the Comte de Monte Cristo?

Comte de Reynaud

Ah-ah! He was not a real one.

Vianne

To what do we owe the honour of your visit?

Comte de Reynaud

Well, as mayor of Lansquenet... I want to welcome you to the community, and to invite you to worship with us at mass on Sunday.

Vianne

That's very kind of you, but actually we don't attend. We're glad to be so near the church though. We'll enjoy singing with the bells.

Comte de Reynaud

The bells are not intended as an entertainment, Madame. They are a solemn call to worship for...

Vianne

No, no. Mademoiselle.

Comte de Reynaud

I beg your pardon?

Vianne

Mademoiselle. I've never been married, but feel free to call me Vianne. I do hope you'll stop by when I open for business next week.

Comte de Reynaud

Yes. Yes, opening a patisserie during the holy Lenten fast. I could imagine better timing.

Vianne

Oh, but it's not going to be a patisserie.

Comte de Reynaud

Then what do you intend to..?

Vianne

It's a surprise.

Narrator

The Comte de Reynaud was a student of history, and therefore a patient man. He trusted the wisdom of generations past. Like his ancestors, he watched over the little village... and led by his own example... hard work, modesty, self-discipline.

Comte de Reynaud

I have completed the eighteenth century. Madame Clairmont.

Mme Clairmont

Your letter to the editor, Monsieur de Comte. This paragraph about family and tradition, it's... it's beautiful.

Comte de Reynaud

Oh. Well, thank you. I, I value your opinion. May I ask, have you been in contact with your mother recently?

Mme Clairmont

Why?

Comte de Reynaud

She seems to have rented out the patisserie.

Mme Clairmont

Oh. Well, I haven't talked to my mother in quite a while.

Comte de Reynaud

Oh, I'm sorry. I did not mean to pry.

Mme Clairmont

Oh, don't be silly. I have no secrets from you. How is the comtesse enjoying Venice?

Comte de Reynaud

The comtesse? Oh, she's fine, thank you. Yes, yes, she's enjoying it very much. Venice.

Woman

I heard she was some kind of radical.

Boy 1

I heard she's an atheist.

Boy 2

What's that?

Boy 1

Don't know.

Monsieur Blerot

Come on, Charly. Come on. Come on.

Mme Clairmont

Oh! You should be more careful!

Boy 1

So sorry, Madame.

Boy 2

I'm sorry.

Vianne

Are you all right?

Mme Clairmont

I'm fine, I'm fine.

Vianne

I'm sorry, I'm sorry. Do you want to come in and sit down?

Mme Clairmont

No, no. Please don't trouble yourself. I'm fine.

Vianne

No, it's no trouble. I'm Vianne Rocher.

Mme Clairmont

Caroline Clairmont. I'm the daughter of your landlady. This is my son Luc.

Vianne

Oh, hello. And this is my Anouk. Come in, please, where it's warm. Try this. I bet you've never had hot chocolate made from a two-thousand year old recipe.

Mme Clairmont

Thank you, but no. Luc. No.

Mme Marceau

What's this?

Anouska

What do you see, Madame, in this?

Mme Marceau

Sorry?

Vianne

What does it look like to you? Just say the first thing that comes into your mind.

Mme Marceau

Erm, a woman riding a wild horse?

Vianne

Ooh!

Mme Marceau

Oh, silly answer.

Vianne

Oh, no. There are no silly answers. The pepper triangle, that's for you. A tiny hint of chili pepper... to play against the sweetness. Tangy, adventurous.

Anouska

What do you see?

Luc

I see teeth. I see blood... and a skull.

Vianne

Very dark. Bitter chocolate. That's your favourite.

Mme Clairmont

Ah, which will have to wait five weeks more. Lent. Thank you.

Vianne

Oh.

Mme Clairmont

We must run along. It's been nice to meet you. Come.

Vianne

My pleasure.

Anouska

Pantoufle, come on! Pirate attack!

Mme Marceau

How much are those... chili things, please?

Vianne

Four-fifty a box.

Mme Marceau

Could you put a ribbon on it?

Vianne

Mm-hmm.

Mme Marceau

Then I can pretend they are for my husband.

Vianne

Of course.

Mme Marceau

Josephine Muscat. She waltzes to her own tune.

Vianne

And these... are for your husband. Unrefined cocoa nips from Guatemala... to awaken the passions.

Mme Marceau

You've obviously never met my husband.

Vianne

Well, you've obviously never tried these.

Mme Marceau

Don't be pathetic.

Mme Clairmont

Luc, you've got a tiny error in problem six. Oh, Luc.

Luc

It's nothing. It already stopped. Mother... the new teacher... wants us to correct our own mistakes.

Mme Clairmont

I didn't tell you how to correct the mistake, I just told you that you made one.

Mme Rivet

Not hungry, Monsieur le Comte?

Comte de Reynaud

The Lenten fast, Madame Rivet.

Mme Rivet

Are you not supposed to eat something?

Comte de Reynaud

It's all right. Leave it.

Josephine

(Mumbling to herself)

Vianne

Hello. May I help you?

Josephine

It's expensive. I don't waste money.

Vianne

I have a knack for guessing people's favourites. These are your favourites. Am I right? On the house.

Josephine

I think I'd better... (Mumbles to herself).

Mme Audel

Well.

Old Woman 2

This is certainly different.

Old Woman 3

Yes. Very different.

Mme Audel

Look at that. Oh!

Monsieur Blerot

Oh. I'm so sorry.

Mme Audel

Bonjour, Monsieur Blerot.

Monsieur Blerot

Bonjour, Madame Audel. No, not that way, Charly. Come on.

Vianne

Come in! Please. Come on, boy. I've got something for you. What's your name?

Monsieur Blerot

Charly. He's fourteen years old. That's ninety-eight in human years.

Vianne

No, I meant your name.

Monsieur Blerot

Er, oh! Guillaume Blerot. You're very kind. He has so few pleasures left.

Vianne

Er, would you care... Would you care to buy... something special, for your lady friend?

Monsieur Blerot

Lady friend?

Vianne

Uh-uh. The lovely woman your dog was so fond of. Her favourite is chocolate seashells. That's my guess.

Monsieur Blerot

Oh, no. I mustn't. Madame Audel is in mourning for her husband.

Vianne

Oh, I'm sorry. When, when did he pass away?

Monsieur Blerot

The war. German grenade.

Vianne

Well, it's been fifteen years since the war, so surely...

Monsieur Blerot

Not that war. Monsieur Audel was killed on January the twelfth, nineteen-seventeen. It was quite a blow to Madame Audel.

Vianne

Apparently so.

Comte de Reynaud

Bonjour, Mesdames.

Ladies

Bonjour, Monsieur le Comte.

Comte de Reynaud

I wish all my tenants were as reliable as you, Madame Drou.

Mme Drou

How is the Comtesse enjoying Italy?

Comte de Reynaud

Uh... She may be extending her trip.

Mme Drou

Ah, very nice.

Comte de Reynaud

Have either of you seen the new shop across the square?

Mme Audel

Oh, the chocolaterie? Yes.

Comte de Reynaud

Shameless, isn't it? The sheer nerve of the woman... opening a chocolaterie just in time for Lent. The woman is brazen. My heart goes out to that, poor, illegitimate child of hers. Bonjour.

Pere Henri

You ain't nothin' but a hound dog, Cryin' all the time, You ain't nothin' but a hound dog, Cryin' all the time, Well you ain't never caught no rabbit, You ain't no friend of mine. Yeah.

Comte de Reynaud

A new addition to the liturgy?

Pere Henri

I have a weakness for American music Monsieur le Comte.

Comte de Reynaud

How long have you been with us Pere Henri?

Pere Henri

It will be, er, five weeks.

Comte de Reynaud

Your predecessor, Pere Michel, he was with us for... five decades.

Pere Henri

Yes, well... I only pray I can live up to Pere Michel's example.

Comte de Reynaud

Yes, that's my prayer also. I looked at your sermon, as you requested. I've made one or two notes.

Pere Henri

You're very kind.

Comte de Reynaud

Not at all. Oh, er, one more thing. If you haven't seen the new chocolaterie, perhaps you might like to take a look. It's important to know one's enemy. Don't you think?

Vianne

Hey, where's my kiss?

Armande

Watch where you're going!

Anouska

Excuse me!

Vianne

Hello. Morning.

Armande

What's the décor... Early Mexican Brothel? Huh? No! If I need help, I'll ask for it.

Vianne

What do you see in it?

Armande

Not a damn thing.

Vianne

Come on. It's a game. What do you see?

Armande

I see a cranky old woman too tired to play games.

Vianne

Hmm. I've got just the thing for you.

Armande

That little girl of yours, does she mind it?

Vianne

Mind what?

Armande

The way you move her from place to place.

Vianne

Oh. She's doing fine. I think it's good for her. You know, seeing new places, meeting new people.

Armande

Your cinnamon looks rancid.

Vianne

Well, it's not cinnamon. It's a special kind of chili pepper.

Armande

Chili pepper in hot chocolate?

Vianne

Mm-hmm. It'll give you a lift. There.

Armande

It tastes like... I don't know.

Children

Hop, hop, hop, hop! Where's your kangaroo? Hop, hop, hop! I'm your kangaroo now!

Teacher

Stop it! Stop it! Anouk!

Anouska

Ow!

Teacher

In this school we are civilised. We do not strike one another.

Anouska

But they insulted Pantoufle.

Teacher

I don't care. Didi, Dedou, come along! And be quiet.

Didi

Where's Pantoufle?

Anouska

Ssh.

Dedou

My mother says you don't have a father.

Anouska

Sure I do. We just don't know who he is.

Armande

...I was out all night with him. We swan naked in the Tannes. At dawn, when I returned to my house in my bed, my mother poked her head in and said, "Wake up, sleepyhead." She had no idea I'd been gone. Sure you didn't put booze in there?

Vianne

Nah. Something better.

Armande

Perhaps you should give it to my daughter. Melt that chilly disposition of hers.

Vianne

You and Caroline have a problem?

Armande

Do we have a problem? She won't let me see my grandson. I'm cut off from him.

Vianne

Why is that? Armande, why is that?

Armande

Oh, I'm a bad influence. 'Cos I don't like her treating him like a trained poodle. I swear that boy doesn't piss without her permission. Ever since her husband died, she's been so... The way she frets and fusses over that boy. If only she'd let him run, let him breathe... let him live. But she worries that he will over-exert himself. Not much danger of that. She won't even let the poor kid ride a bicycle.

Vianne

Do you think he, he'd like to see you?

Mme Marceau

Do you have more of those bean thingies, please?

Vianne

Oh, sure. Um, how many do you want?

Mme Marceau

How many have you got?

Serge

Jack of hearts is a better hunter that you, eh? Shoots the trump from right out under your nose.

Vianne

Are you Serge Muscat?

Serge

The one and only. What's your pleasure?

Vianne

Is your wife here?

Serge

Josephine? Well, it depends what you want with Josephine.

Vianne

Oh, she left this at my shop.

Serge

Well, let me have it. I'll give it to her.

Vianne

Oh, no, no. I'll, I'll give it to her myself, thanks.

Man 1

Got to go. I'm late for supper.

Man 2

But the game's not over yet.

Man 3

You wanna play? You know Belote?

Anouska

Of course I do.

Man 3

Sit down.

Vianne

Josephine? Hello?

Josephine

What do you want?

Vianne

You forgot this.

Josephine

What do you want?

Vianne

To be your friend.

Josephine

I don't have friends. Does Serge know you're here?

Vianne

Does it matter? Do me a favour. Try one of these rose creams. Tell me if you think it's a little heavy on the Cointreau.

Serge

Josephine!

Josephine

I'm coming! He talks about you. He says you're indecent. He says you're, you're an influence. You're a bad influence for someone like me.

Vianne

Josephine, I don't have to listen to a word your husband has to say.

Josephine

No, not Serge. Not him. Reynaud, the mayor. He... he talks about you.

Vianne

Time to go.

Anouska

Look what I won.

Vianne

That's good. Come on.

Man

Bonsoir. You see? I said they'd be here.

Vianne

Luc, mind if I take a peek?

Luc

Oh, um... It's not really...

Vianne

Show me. Oh.

Luc

Well, I exaggerated the angle of the head.

Vianne

You draw beautifully. What's your going rate?

Luc

What?

Vianne

To do a portrait? How much would you charge?

Luc

Oh, I... I couldn't. I'm... I'm not really a...

Vianne

Fifty francs? Sound reasonable?

Luc

It'd be great.

Vianne

When could you come by my shop?

Luc

Oh. I'm... I'm really sorry, but... the Comte forbids it. Er, he... he spoke to Mama this morning... and a lot of others.

Vianne

Whatever you say.

Luc

I, I wish I could. I really do.

Vianne

Thanks for showing me your drawing.

Luc

Wait.

Vianne

Am I breaking any laws? Tell me! Am I hurting anyone?

Comte de Reynaud

You're asking my opinion?

Vianne

What exactly have you been telling people about me?

Comte de Reynaud

Only the truth, mademoiselle.

Vianne

Well... if you're expecting me... to just shrivel up and blow away... you're going to be highly disappointed.

Comte de Reynaud

Let me try and put this in perspective for you. The first Comte de Reynaud, expelled all the radical Huguenots from this village. You and your truffles, present a far lesser challenge. You'll be out of business by Easter. I promise you that.

Vianne

Aagh! How long have you been standing there?

Josephine

I forgot to pay you for something the other day. I'm sorry.

Vianne

No, it was a gift.

Josephine

No. People talk. No, people would lie about me. I don't steal. Not on purpose. I...

Vianne

Yes, I know. It's nice to see you. Would you like to come in for some chocolate?

Josephine

This is for you.

Vianne

How sweet of you. Thank you. Hmm, it's lovely.

Josephine

I heard you don't go to church.

Vianne

That's right.

Josephine

You won't last long here. People talk. Oh, sorry. I'm behaving badly, aren't I?

Vianne

No, it's okay.

Josephine

You don't misbehave here. It's just not done, did you know that? If you don't go to confession, or if you don't, dig your flower beds, or if you don't pretend... if you don't pretend... that you want nothing more in your life than to serve your husband three meals a day, and give him children, and vacuum under his ass, then... then you're... then you're crazy. Oh, you must think I'm stupid to stay with him.

Vianne

No, I don't think you're stupid.

Josephine

Well I am. I... I'm weak. I don't love my husband and I lie.

Vianne

Things could be different for you, Josephine. Serge doesn't run the world.

Josephine

He night as well.

Vianne

Is that what you believe?

Josephine

I know it.

Vianne

Oh. Then it must be... must be true. My mistake.

Josephine

You make the most wonderful chocolate.

Anouska

Pantoufle wants to hear the story of grandmere and grandpere.

Vianne

Oh!

Anouska

Don't say, "Not tonight." You always say, "Not tonight."

Vianne

All right, all right. Your grandfather... George Rocher... was the young apothecary of the town of Aulus-Les-Bains.

Narrator

It was Anouk's favourite story. Always told in the same words. George was honest, prosperous, and trusted by his customers. But George was not content. He felt there should be more to life than dispensing liver oil. In the spring on nineteen-twenty-seven, the Societe Pharmeceutique formed an expedition to Central America to study the medicinal properties of certain natural compounds. George was the expedition's most eager volunteer. But his adventure took a turn he did not expect. One night he was invited to drink unrefined cacao with a pinch of chili. The very same drink the ancient Maya used in their sacred ceremonies. The Maya believed cacao held to power to unlock hidden yearnings, and reveal destinies. And so it was that George first saw Chitza. Now, George had been raised a good Catholic... but in his romance with Chitza, he was willing to slightly bend the rules of Christian courtship. The tribal elders tried to warn George about her. She was one of the wanderers. Her people moved with the North Wind, from village to village, dispensing ancient remedies, never settling down. Not a good choice for a bride. George did not heed their warning... and for a while, it seemed that he and Chitza might lead a happy life together in France. Alas, the clever North Wind had other plans. One morning, George awoke to discover that Chitza and the little girl Vianne had gone away. Mother and daughter were fated to wander from village to village dispensing ancient cacao remedies... traveling with the wind. Just as Chitza's people had done for generations.

Vianne

Just as Chitza's people had done for generations.

Anouska

Will it just go on for ever?

Vianne

Night, Mama. Oh, I appreciate you coming in, Armande.

Armande

All right, what's so important that I had to postpone my nap?

Vianne

I've got some chocolate cake.

Luc

Grandmother. Grandmother... bonjour.

Armande

May I... Would you like a cup of, er...

Luc

No. No, thank you. I'm just here to, um, do a portrait.

Vianne

Mm-hmm.

Armande

Whose?

Vianne

Yours, actually. Is the light okay where she's sitting?

Armande

I have something for you, boy. I've been carrying it around since your last birthday. It's a book of poetry.

Luc

Oh. Thank you.

Armande

You don't like poetry?

Luc

Oh, no, no, no. Of course... I do. Yes.

Armande

Neither do I. It's not that kind of poetry.

Monsieur Blerot

And, in a moment of weakness... I prayed to the Virgin Mother, to soothe Charly's soul in his hour of suffering.

Pere Henri

You understand an animal has no immortal soul.

Monsieur Blerot

I understand, mon pere.

Pere Henri

Yet you flout God's law.

Monsieur Blerot

I'm weak and a sinner.

Pere Henri

What else?

Monsieur Blerot

Impure thoughts. The woman who runs the chocolaterie.

Pere Henri

Vianne Rocher?

Monsieur Blerot

Er, she suggested I buy chocolate seashells for the widow Audel. And, well... I guess that got me to thinking about the widow Audel.

Pere Henri

At her age? At your age?

Monsieur Blerot

Yes. And yes.

Pere Henri

And just what were you doing in a chocolaterie during lent?

Monsieur Blerot

It was for Charly.

Pere Henri

Again you flout God's law.

Monsieur Blerot

Well, but if Charly has no soul... then there's no harm in him breaking Lent. Isn't that so, mon pere?

Pere Henri

Ten Hail Mary's, twenty Our Fathers.

Armande

Will she never have done, then that ghoul queen of a million dead bodies? I see myself again, skin rotten with mud and pest, worms in my armpits and in my hair." It's perfectly wretched, isn't it?

Luc

Perfectly.

Vianne

Would you like some cake?

Luc

I'm not supposed to.

Armande

Don't worry so much about not supposed to. Live a little.

Luc

Oh! Her hair appointment's almost done. I have to go.

Armande

What about my picture?

Luc

Um, next time. Thank you for the cake.

Armande

Don't look so damned pleased with yourself.

Vianne

Stay here.

Josephine

I did it. I did it. He... he was so drunk. He, he, he woke up. He woke up. He saw me packing, but... So he tried to come after me, but I had already tied his feet with his belt, and... Boom! Right on his face. Right there on his big, red face. It's so stupid, isn't it? I never blame him. Sometimes I even... for get what really happened.

Vianne

Now, now, now, now. Now, now, now. Ssh.

Serge

I saved her! You remember her father collaborated with the Germans? Nobody wanted to touch her. Except for me. And this is the way she repays me?!

Comte de Reynaud

Your anger is understandable.

Serge

Anger? Everybody's gonna be laughing at me!

Comte de Reynaud

That is not your concern. Your concern is the sacrament of marriage.

Serge

Yeah, of course. The sacrament.

Comte de Reynaud

Yes.

Vianne

Dip the ganashbe into the white chocolate.

Josephine

Like this?

Vianne

Good. Yes, shake it... a little. Good. Put it on the parchment sheet. You're doing great. Oh. I'll be right back. Oh. Good morning. Can I interest you in some Nipples of Venus?

Comte de Reynaud

Rumour has it that you are harbouring Madame Muscat. Is that true?

Vianne

You make her sound like a fugitive.

Comte de Reynaud

She is a fugitive... from her marriage vows which have been sanctified by God.

Vianne

Josephine! Come out here a minute! Let His Radiance have a look at you, hmm? Is that sanctified enough for you? It's not the first time.

Comte de Reynaud

I'm truly sorry. You should have come to me. Your husband will be made to repent for this.

Josephine

Tell him to repent on someone else's head.

Comte de Reynaud

Come on. In!

Serge

Monsieur le Comte!

Comte de Reynaud

I'm going to make an example of you. In there. He's ready.

Pere Henri

Well, but confession must be made in the spirit of contrition.

Comte de Reynaud

Have you come in the spirit of contrition?

Serge

Contrition, yes.

Comte de Reynaud

He's ready.

Dedou

Licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, gluttony and drunkenness.

Pere Henri

Correct. And what are the three conditions for mortal sin? Serge?

Serge

Mortal sin... is the sin whose object is... committed by... deliberate... consequence.

Pere Henri

Incorrect. Didi?

Didi

Mortal sin is the sin whose object is grave matter, which is committed with full knowledge and deliberate consent.

Pere Henri

Correct.

Vianne

So how do you know if the coverture is properly tempered?

Josephine

Er, first you check to see if it's... at body temperature. Then you dip the palette knife, to see that the coverture hardens on it evenly.

Vianne

Correct.

Comte de Reynaud

Closer.

Narrator

In the village, time passed. And the chocolaterie did not go out of business. The Comte de Reynaud felt himself being drawn into a strange crusade. His struggle to transform Serge into a gentleman, became more than an act of good will. It became a test... a holy war between chateau... and chocolaterie.

Luc

Each time I, I tell myself it's the last time. But, then I, I get a whiff of a hot chocolate. Or, it's usually those moon things, or chocolate seashells.

Mme Audel

So small, so plain, so innocent. I thought, well, just one little taste, it can't do any harm. But it turned out that they were filled with rich, sinful...

Mme Marceau

...buttery filling and it melts, God forgive me... it melts ever-so-slowly on your tongue, and tortures you with pleasure.

Pere Henri

Against you alone, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight. Indeed, I was born guilty, a sinner when my mother conceived me. You desire truth in the inward being, therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart.

Narrator

Now, the Comte was no fool. Thought he hoped to redeem Serge, he knew that his redemption alone would not be enough to regain control over the village. He understood that some, larger lesson needed to be taught. Some greater problem needed to be identified and solved. Little did the Comte suspect, that his greater problem would arrive one quiet afternoon... in the dull green waters of the river Tannes.

Dedou

You're it!

Didi

Hey, look!

Dedou

I'm over here!

Vianne

You've never really told me what the problem is between you and Caroline.

Armande

'Cos it's none of your damn business. I'm an embarrassment to her. I swear, I, I read dirty books. I eat and drink what I like. And sin of sins... I refuse to go to Les Mimosas.

Vianne

Huh?

Josephine

When I was a kid we used to call it Le Mortoir.

Vianne

Oh.

Josephine

It's a nursing home for old... It's in Toulouse.

Armande

Caroline loves the thought of a nurse with a clipboard recording my bowel movements.

Anouska

Mama, Mama, come quick! They're here! They've come to Lansquenet!

Vianne

Slow down, Anouk. Who's here?

Anouska

Pirates!

Mme Marceau

Come on.

Dedou

Why can't we stay?

Mme Marceau

Come on!

Dedou

But why can't we stay?

Mme Marceau

Okay, enough.

Didi

But, Mama, just a little bit.

Mme Marceau

Come on.

Vianne

Hello. How are you?

Anouska

Anybody got a sweet tooth? I bet he's the captain.

Vianne

Anouk, don't do that. Anouk, don't do that, please.

Roux

How do you do?

Vianne

Sorry.

Roux

I'd like to apologise. For all of us. Sincerely.

Vianne

What for?

Roux

For whatever it is you're here to accuse us of.

Vianne

Oh. And why would I do that?

Roux

Well, because we river rats are the dregs of society. With horrible diseases and criminal impulses.

Vianne

Sounds terrifying. Is it true?

Roux

It's what you townspeople always seem to think, isn't it?

Vianne

Oh. This is not my town. Sorry.

Roux

Well then, what do you want? Are you here to save us? Are you the Catholic Aid Society? French Family League? Communist Workers? Which idea are you selling?

Anouska

Chocolate.

Roux

I'm sorry, chocolate?

Anouska

What's a river rat? Is it like a pirate?

Roux

Yeah, you could say that. You could. Have a look at my treasure chest.

Vianne

Let me guess, they're for sale.

Roux

As a matter of fact, they are. For a mere thirty francs apiece. You laugh? I can get fifty for them in Paris.

Vianne

Then go to Paris. We'll take two, please.

Roux

You'll take two?

Vianne

Yes, please, absolutely.

Roux

Okay.

Vianne

I don't know if I have the right change. Just a minute.

Anouska

They're beautiful.

Roux

Ireland's finest.

Vianne

Thanks.

Roux

Thank you. Listen... I should probably warn you. You make friends with us, you'll make enemies of others.

Vianne

That a promise?

Roux

It's a guarantee.

Man

What's he up to? Maybe he's joining the circus.

Josephine

Sorry, we're closed!

Serge

Josephine, you look different.

Josephine

So do you.

Serge

I just want to tell you that I am so sorry. For everything. But I've changed. You see, God has made me a new man. I ask you, I... I beg you, please accept my apology.

Josephine

I accept.

Serge

I promise, from now on, everything will be different.

Josephine

Everything already is different, Serge.

Serge

Well, I mean, when you come home.

Josephine

Home? Thanks for the apology. The flowers are, lovely.

Serge

No, please don't, Josephine. We are still married in the eyes of God.

Josephine

Then he must be blind.

Council Chairman

The council has no legal authority to force them to move. The riverbank is public land. The mayor wishes to say a few words.

Comte de Reynaud

If I may, ladies and gentlemen of the council. These people are rootless, Godless drifters.

Townspeople

That's right!

Comte de Reynaud

Their's is they way of slovenly pleasure. They would contaminate the spirit of our quiet town. The innocence of our children. Now, the chairman of the council is quite right. We cannot force them to leave.

Man

Why not?

Comte de Reynaud

But we can help them to understand... that they are not welcome.

Serge

Josephine? Josephine, you think you can just walk out on me?! You stupid woman! Worthless cow! You're nothing without me. You can't even use a skillet! Can't even put a... goddamn meal on the table.

Josephine

He's inside. He's here. Oh, God.

Serge

Josephine, I need to talk to you. Please open the door. I know you...

Anouska

Mama!

Vianne

Come on, help me!

Serge

Open the door. Open the door. I just want to talk to you.

Josephine

Go sleep it off, Serge!

Serge

Ah, you shut up, you bitch! You've caused enough trouble already! You... Open this door!

Anouska

Mama!

Josephine

Oh, my God!

Serge

Stay away from me. Come here now!

Josephine

Aaah!

Serge

You, you meddling bitch! You...

Josephine

Who says I can't use a skillet?

Comte de Reynaud

Wonderful. Come on. Up, Serge. Come on. Come on.

Armande

His skull can't be as thick as we thought.

Vianne

It was like swatting a fly.

Armande

Oh. The worst is over. He found out what you're made of.

Josephine

So did I.

Luc

Hi.

Vianne

Hey.

Armande

How long have we got?

Luc

She's at the hairdresser for an hour.

Mme Clairmont

Fuffi? Fuffi. I'm so sorry, but I have to break the appointment.

Mme Drou

Is something wrong?

Mme Clairmont

No. I volunteered to distribute these. I promised the Comte I'd have them out by the end of the day.

Mme Drou

Count me in. Not that I expect any of them to stop by for a hairstyle.

Mme Clairmont

It's not just that. The Comte feels we must stand firm. We cannot trust these people. Before you know it, they'll be doing jobs for food. They'll be begging at our doors.

Mme Drou

Not at this door.

Mme Clairmont

Good, Fuffi, good.

Armande

Rub, rub. Rub harder. Rub. Rub, rub.

Man

Bonjour.

Mme Clairmont

Bonjour.

Armande

Rub it. Hard. Keep your head still. Aha!

Vianne

Bravo!

Armande

Hello, Caroline. If you want to blame someone, blame me... corrupting him with cocoa.

Mme Clairmont

Oh, how dare you, Mother?

Armande

He's happy. He's fine. Look at him.

Luc

Mama, I...

Mme Clairmont

Well, what about you, Mother? Are you fine? I bet she has conveniently forgotten to tell you.

Armande

Carol.

Mme Clairmont

Why don't you show them, Mother? Are you afraid to?

Armande

Ah!

Mme Clairmont

Why don't you show? Insulin shots. She has diabetes... very advanced. She could be blind within a year.

Armande

Yeah. Couldn't you call me a drug addict? It sounds a lot more glamorous.

Mme Clairmont

And you... you, you sit here feeding her sweets.

Armande

There are worse ways to die.

Mme Clairmont

Why don't you just give her rat poison? It would be faster.

Armande

Carol has a flair for drama.

Mme Clairmont

She needs to be in a place where she can be taken care of.

Armande

Me Mortoir?! I'd rather be in hell.

Mme Clairmont

You may get there, Mother. Luc, come with me.

Luc

I don't want to.

Josephine

He, he's, he's happy here. It's good for him.

Mme Clairmont

I will decide what is good for my son, Madame Muscat.

Armande

Give me another. It's my life. Let me enjoy what's left of it. Fill 'er up.

Vianne

Armande, why didn't you tell me?

Armande

Is this a chocolaterie, or is it a confessional? Don't you dare pity me.

Serge

Sorry, we're closed.

Roux

She just wants a soda water.

Serge

I don't serve animals.

Roux

Right.

Vianne

Hello. I just made a fresh batch of monduon. Anybody interested?

Girl

My tummy hurts.

Vianne

Oh? I've got just the thing for that. Come in.

Roux

What about boycotting immorality, then?

Vianne

Come in. An old remedy. From the cocoa tree.

Girl

Tastes strange.

Vianne

Mmm. Maybe your daddy would like a taste?

Girl

He's not my daddy. He's my pony.

Anouska

Here. It's a lot better than those leaves.

Girl

Tastes good.

Anouska

Come on. Pantoufle wants to meet you. He's my kangaroo.

Vianne

Go ahead. It's your favourite.

Roux

What makes you so sure?

Vianne

Go on. Taste it.

Roux

That's fantastic.

Vianne

Oh, thanks. I have a knack for guessing.

Roux

It's good. Not my favourite.

Vianne

Sorry?

Roux

All right. Thanks very much. You know, I could fix that, if you like. Not with glass, but... I can make you a nice strong one out of wood.

Vianne

That's nice of you... but I insist on paying you for your work.

Roux

Well, that makes two of us, then. Bye. Thanks again.

Comte de Reynaud

She's laughing at us. Now she's got one of those river people working for her.

Pere Henri

Is that a problem? After all, Christ teaches us...

Comte de Reynaud

Look at this. She's soliciting for stalls and street performers for a fertility celebration on Easter Sunday. She's cackling at us. When are you going to do something about it? Oh, there.

Roux

What part of Australia is Pantoufle from?

Anouska

A small town, outside of Sydney.

Roux

What does he eat?

Anouska

Leaves, bugs... and worms, of course.

Roux

What about chocolate?

Anouska

Kangaroos don't eat chocolate.

Roux

Has he ever tried it?

Anouska

Have you ever tried chocolate? He's not interested.

Roux

Not interested? Mr Pantoufle, you surprise me. A world traveler such as yourself not interested in new flavours? You should be ashamed.

Josephine

I have a very nice truffle here, if he wants to try it.

Anouska

You're wasting your time.

Josephine

Oh, I'm sorry.

Roux

How do you know you don't like chocolate if you refuse to try it?

Anouska

Do you like worms?

Roux

What?

Anouska

How do you know if you've never tried one? Ugh!

Roux

Subtle. Zesty. Disgusting. Go on, my little friend. Be free.

Anouska

You tricked me.

Pere Henri

Satan... wears many guises. At times, Satan is the singer of a lurid song you hear on the radio. At times, the author of a salacious novel. At times, the quiet man lurking in the schoolyard... asking your children, if he might join their game. And at times, the maker of sweet things... mere trifles. For what could seem more harmless... more innocent... than chocolate?

Roux

A bit of a squeak.

Vianne

Hey, Guillaume! I've got something new Charly's gonna love.

Monsieur Blerot

Come on, Charly. Come on.

Roux

It's me. I should go.

Vianne

No, it's not you. Where have you been? I was worried. Hey! I'm talking to you.

Anouska

It's just like all the other towns.

Vianne

Anouk. Anouk. Just tell me what happened.

Anouska

Are you Satan's helper?

Vianne

Well, it's, it's not easy being different.

Anouska

Why can't we go to church?

Vianne

Well, you can if you want, but, but it won't make things easier.

Anouska

Why can't you wear black shoes like the other mothers?

Armande

He's a fine piece of work, out little nobleman. No wonder his wife goes gallivanting off. She's been in Italy for months. Did you know that?

Vianne

Armande, the whole town's against me. What can I do?

Armande

Throw me a party.

Vianne

What?

Armande

Wednesday's my seventieth. Let's show the bastards we're ready to go down dancing.

Vianne

But a party? You're not well. You have to face it.

Armande

Okay, okay, okay... But you do this for me, and I promise... I'll check into Le Mortoir the very next morning without a care in the world.

Vianne

If I threw a party in this town, no one would come.

Armande

They don't need to know who's throwing it.

Vianne

Armande, listen, I...

Armande

No, no, no. You listen. I need this. Huh? When I need help, I ask for it.

Woman

Boys, bring me some more wood.

Vianne

My mother used to sing that song... when I couldn't sleep.

Roux

And did it help?

Vianne

I still didn't sleep, but, yes, yes it helped.

Roux

How's the door?

Vianne

It squeaks.

Roux

Does it? How's Anouk? Is she well?

Vianne

Oh, she's better. She's fine.

Roux

Good. How are you?

Vianne

I'm, throwing a party... If anyone shows up.

Roux

Thanks. Who's invited?

Vianne

A bunch of townspeople.

Roux

Tell me something. Why do you give a damn about what these narrow-minded villagers think? You're not scared of them, are you?

Vianne

Coming to the party or not?

Roux

I can't. There's a boycott ag