Such a Pretty Little Beach (Une si jolie petite plage)

This film was restored by PATHÉ in 2013

It was released in January 1 949

but prohibited to spectators under 16.

This text was required to be shown at the start and end of the film.

The makers of this film

wish to point out that their characters

belong to a psychological tradition

bearing little resemblance to reality.

They do not wish to malign

the reputation of war orphans whom government provides

with an existence similar to that of other children.

War orphans become painters, sculptors, lawyers, doctors, engineers,

officers, and government officials.

They have their place in the nation's elite.

Criminals come from all walks of life.

A CHARMING LITTLE BEACH

The bastard!

George, you'll get us killed!

Did you see that jerk?

Using his high beams then complaining about accidents.

Accidents happen so fast.

And then in the rain...

it gets slippery.

I've time for another nap.

- I'm home? - Just about.

- Got anything? - Just a package.

I'll take it.

- And my crate? - Tomorrow.

Tell her I'll see her Sunday for a brandy.

If she's goin' out, tell me tomorrow.

The newspapers!

I'll tell her.

- Any wars today? - Haven't read 'em. And the missus?

Doc says she'll be on the mend.

Say hello for me.

It takes time. Don't worry.

It's the only hotel open all year.

Nothing fancy but it's okay.

- You're in for bad weather. - Certainly.

But it's a charming region.

- Do you have a room? - For several days?

Here to swim?

We have few guests just now.

I'll be staying a while.

- Meals too? - Naturally.

If you'll just register...

Police regulations, you know.

Of course.

- The date? - The 20th, Thursday.

You from Paris?

You came by train?

- Yes. Why? - I'm a rail worker...

Let him write!

I repair the rails.

Is the pen dry?

No, it's all right.

Here on business?

For a rest.

I was ill. My doctor advised this.

I wouldn't stay here... in the rain!

It rains...

but we have better air than Berck and a charming beach in summer.

You must be tired from your trip.

Marthe, show the gentleman to Room 7.

Lungs?

- What? - Is it for your lungs?

No. Just my nerves.

Thank heavens! With the lungs, it's awful!

And contagious!

You forgot to put your occupation!

Student.

I'll fill it in.

- I'm too tired to eat. - As you wish.

Goodnight!

Watch the broken step!

If you lean out, you can see the sea.

The light switch is by the door.

I'll fetch water.

If you need anything, yell down the stairs.

He said to have a drink. How was I to know?

'Evening!

White wine!

I sent you a customer!

He won't pay my old age! He didn't eat dinner!

- Tomorrow he will! - He's ill.

If he's got TB, Berck is better.

You and your Berck, Berck...!

Don't get mad!

You all go on so about Berck!

Anyway, it's his nerves!

What's wrong with the old man?

Sick?

He ate like a horse tonight. He's only actin' up.

Marthe excites him too much!

We'll put 'im to bed.

What's wrong?

Wanna talk, eh?

Sure, don't tire yourself. Time for bed.

And pleasant dreams.

I wonder what's on his mind.

And only 3 years ago he was so handsome.

Now he's an extra chore.

Marthe, put him to bed.

Same here. See you tomorrow.

Come in.

Our beach is a draw for auto races.

And the stink of gas.

- Fresh air won't pay the bills. - You have to use it right.

With my gas idea, people would pour in.

We'd build palaces, garages with elevators...

- Charming! - Beats your walking dead.

The races last all year?

They're seasonal.

But the sick are sick all year.

TB drags on for a long time.

And their families come to visit.

Affection ignores the seasons.

When you love, time and expense mean nothing.

TB is spreading nowadays.

Lots of people catch it.

Betting on misery disgusts me.

It's a reality. So make the most of it.

Right?

Autos or sanatorium, I don't care.

The more trains that pass, the more I work.

We could build a casino.

They gamble like healthy people.

Madame Mahieu, know what you remind me of?

A hyena...

a dog that lives off carcasses.

- Morning. Slept well? - Very well.

Want the paper?

No, I'm here to rest. No news.

Scrub hard.

She got strong arms.

Who's this?

Where can I find a garage, please?

Work for you.

- A repair? - Just to park.

The only garage is mine. To the right.

I could give your car a wash. It needs one.

I may not stay.

You from Paris?

Many hotels here?

In summer, yes. Only one's open now.

Would they have a room?

Two, if you want. There's no crowd.

Not very cheery in winter. Or in summer.

So... shall I?

The hotel's empty?

Afraid of being bored?

If so, go somewhere else.

I drove all night. I need sleep.

I'd prefer a quiet hotel.

It's quiet, all right.

One Parisian came yesterday.

Not noisy. Sort of gloomy.

His nerves are shot.

I guess I'll try your hotel.

So... do I wash it?

Go ahead, wash it.

The hotel's back where you stopped.

Thanks.

Watch out for the broken step.

Thank you, but you could've said so sooner.

Here's the room.

Delightful.

Is the view as cheerful?

Charming vista.

A work of art.

A woman's smile brightens a room.

- Need anything? - How could I?

Lunch is at 12:30.

I'd like my meals in my room.

I'll ask.

You don't have many guests? Just a young man?

- Yes. Why? - I like it quiet.

The young man eats downstairs?

Of course.

If you don't mind, I'll eat here.

It seems he's ill?

I think so.

- All these sick young people... - I'll send the water up.

You too?

Come back!

Forgive her, sir.

Move along!

A hoodlum! That's what you are.

Look at the sneak!

Answer when I talk to you!

Where were you? Answer me!

Don't look at me that way.

Lower your eyes!

What nerve.

Take that!

- Can I have lunch? - Right away, sir.

That boy would try a saint's patience.

Marthe, serve the gentleman.

Run along, you!

Wine?