Blanche and Marie (Blanche et Marie)

WINTER 1941

You look very upset, my girl.

Victor didn't come back last night, he stayed at Gustave's again.

Gustave is a serious boy.

It's not like it was before,

when they're home, playing cards,

they talk quietly.

I hear them in the kitchen.

When I come in, they go quiet,

as if they have something to hide.

He never used to hide things…

You understand, mom?

Don't worry.

Let's go, Emilie.

If your husband doesn't come home, he must be busy.

He does what has to be done.

I want to believe you.

My daughter suspects something, Victor.

You have to talk to her, she's your wife.

For Dr. Simon.

No wonder, when it's so bloody cold here!

My hands are cold!

I told you not to watch them…

Fool! we'll get in trouble!

Trouble? Trouble indeed!

They can't stop me whistling can they?

Has Victor gone to the factory?

I don't know, I've not seen him.

-Hello everyone. -Hello daddy!

Hello daddy!

Come on, kids, or we'll be late.

Victor!

My Blanche.

I was scared for a moment…

There's nothing to fear…

See you this evening.

Think of the children.

I do.

1ST CLASS PHARMACY

"The law on the sale of clothing

and textiles was published this morning in the official journal."

-Are you listening, Blanche? -Yes, Ma'am.

It'll be like bread, meat and the rest of it, you'll see.

"Three customer categories are to be set out."

What did I tell you!

More privileges for factory workers!

Your husband will be better off than mine.

We'll be spared nothing, it seems.

-Excuse me, Ma'am. -Yes?

I have butter, would you like it?

What do you need?

Four tubes of ointment.

Is your mother's leg still bad?

Yes, Ma'am.

Two tubes per pound.

I only have one pound.

LIBERTY, EQUALITY, FRATERNITY

There you go.

Here, don't forget your scarf.

Thank you, Marie.

Has the Rouge Baiser arrived?

No. I don't know when we'll get it.

It's very annoying, it's the only

lipstick that doesn't come off.

You look after your admirers, Mrs. Charpentie!

Oh Mr. Germinal, at my age!

At your age? Age doesn't come into it.

You are a tease, Mr. Germinal, good day.

Goodbye Mrs. Charpentier, have a nice day!

You too, Marie!

Are you alright, Mrs. Louise?

My leg is giving me trouble, Mr. Germinal.

Would you like to rest a while in the back?

Yes please, that will do me good.

Marie!

Yes dad?

Come here and finish off.

What's going on?

Just as I was about to hand over a letter to Dr. Simon,

he was arrested.

Cancel the meeting at yours tomorrow. Have it at Victor's instead.

I won't go. He can tell me after.

Warn the others and then…

you can't stay, you must leave, quickly!

Leave?

What do you mean? I can't leave Marie all alone!

Why can't you leave me on my own, dad?

What are you doing here?

I came to check on Mrs. Louise,

but everything seems fine.

I saw nothing, heard nothing!

Leave if you have to, dad.

What do you mean?

No need for secrecy,

I know what you're up to with Mrs. Louise and co.

So? It's none of your business!

I totally approve.

I'd love to get involved too!

You know you look like a baby, right? Look at you!

You're practically a child.

Sorry, but you're a real airhead.

I'm not an airhead!

What were you up to last night, with Gustave?

Doing what we have to for the country.

If they catch you, they'll kill you.

You don't think of us and the kids.

Why do you want something to happen to me? Nothing will happen.

And you'll help me. I need you.

Tomorrow some friends will come over, make them a nice dinner.

That's all?

Yes, for tomorrow.

But each morning, I'll tell you what you have to do all day,

and you'll never tell a soul.

What's going on, Minai?

What's going on?

Stay in the kitchen.

She's thinking of joining us.

Thinking with her little airhead.

You okay, Marie?

I'm fine.

-Goodnight. -Goodnight.

-Goodnight, mum. -Goodnight, darling, sleep well.

They're lovely.

When I was at my grandparents', I'd eat one every morning.

Go ahead, they're fresh.

Thank you.

Marie!

Your dad says you're an airhead,

but we think you'd make a great agent.

Do you know the risks, Marie?

Your life, others' lives too.

I don't want France to become a Kraut colony.

It means no more friends,

no more family, forget everything

and never talk, no matter what.

From tomorrow, you're on your own, your dad's leaving.

He'll tell you all you need to know.

Lets go back into the kitchen, come on…

Thank you, gentlemen.

The less you know, the better!

Good evening Merlo, do you know Marie?

Hello.

Distribute these leaflets in the city,

and you can take the girl with you.

Right away.

WINTER 1942

These are explosives.

A comrade will pick them up in the morning.

He'll have the other half.

My respects to you, Ma'am.

Is it real soap, mommy?

Yes, from Marseille.

It's me, Fernande!

Soap from Marseille!

It's a bit heavy…

I'll try to get you some next time!

No, no.

Bizarre. It's not pure, is it?

I know, but it's effective.

So, no butter or bacon this time,

I brought you some lard.

I didn't find any shoes for your boy,

but I have some leather!

So,

to go with these lovely little turnips

I made a mushroom garnish.

Let the peelings dry for four days,

then let them soak for a good two hours

in cold water,

then drain them…

-How long? -Two hours!

Drain them, fry them in lard,

serve with salt, pepper, they look just like boletus.

Wait, I'll go.

Hello Father!

Good day to you, my child.

Hello!

So, I hear you're expecting!

All going well, I'm due in November, Father.

Oh how pretty you are, little Emilie!

-You alright? -Yes.

Yes! That's good.

-Oh! Fernande, hello. -Father…

Say,

you're going to have one too, I hope?

For France:

Work, Family, Country.

Listen here, Father,

I already have four and it's not the Holy Ghost that feeds them!

I'll hang up your laundry, Blanche!

Come, my darling!

You're getting fat faster than I am, Father!

It's called patriotic portliness!

If only everyone could catch that disease!

Is everything okay? I saw the priest.

Well, it seems the neighbor is breathing her last.

It's very good, Miss.

Lace, buttons, threads.

Everything you need to make a charming dress.

and two packs of English cigarettes, right?