Silence Is Golden (Le silence est d'or)

This film was restored by Pathé in 2018

Prix Méliés 1947

Golden Leopard, Locarno Film Festival 1947

SILENCE IS GOLDEN

Cinematograph?

We went once, remember?

- This makes twice. — My eyes hurt.

Then shut them. Let's get out of the rain.

Step right up, ladies and gents! The cinematograph!

The invention of the century.

One hour of belly laughs, free of cares and woe.

You'll see the magic shop inside.

A man chasing his own head.

The wedding of Potiron's daughter.

Step right up, folks!

Idiot.

"Oh, madame!

"Ever since I set eyes on you in the street, I have loved you."

"What's going on, monsieur? Will you get out!"

The bride is a bit nervous.

You can understand, ladies.

"Just a minute, darling, I'll be back."

"Oh, monsieur! What do I hear?"

"Help, darling! Help!"

Step right up, folks!

The cinematograph.

The invention of the century.

One hour of belly laughs, free of cares and woe.

Step right up!

Step right up! Do as the gentleman says.

They won't.

It's Mid—Lent.

They're watching the floats.

And listen here, monsieur Clément,

you have to make us some sad pictures.

I prefer sad pictures to happy ones.

Each to his own taste, of course, but I know my audience.

Don't go in.

Why not? Isn't the picture any good?

Not good enough for you.

Go see the floats, that's more like it.

But it's raining.

Take my arm, dear child. I'll shelter you.

It feels funny to be alone in the crowd with a stranger.

You have nothing to fear with me.

I could be your father.

It's lousy, filming in weather like this...

I'm talking to you!

Holy smoke! Wait, I'll be right back.

Let me through, she's my sister.

Sister? Don't pull my leg.

A girlfriend.

- What are you doing here? — Getting some air.

Call this work?

Don't worry.

Why didn't you answer my letter?

I forgot your address.

I'll write it down. Come and see me, I can help you.

FORTUNA STUDIOS

Can't you be more careful?

- I didn't know. — You didn't know...

If you don't know how to work, stay home.

Your throw.

Is that all you're good at?

Play in the street if you're idle.

As if we had money to throw out the window.

Your play.

- Your play. — Look, guys. Look!

Our boy Jacques with a girl.

- That's a rare sight. — He's learning the ropes!

This is the camera.

- You know how to turn the handle? - A bit.

You gotta know how to do everything here. Like me.

Excuse me, didn't you order a goat last week?

No, it's a mistake. We asked for a camel.

I don't have camels, only goats.

You ordered it, you gotta pay the fee.

Talk to the accountant.

What's your boss like?

A swell guy, but you have to handle him right.

It's very important, you know.

In that case we'll deal with it tomorrow.

Don't you have time today?

Not a minute to spare. I'm busy!

- Boss... — What do you want?

It's for the part of the angel you told me about.

I think this young lady might fit the bill.

Come in.

Let's see your legs.

Good.

Walk.

Busy tonight?

No.

LN' \ \ 'XL!

Sorry? Why sorry?

- I didn't know... — Didn't know what?

I thought you were working.

I am working, my friend.

If you'd care to wait here, young lady...

What is it now?

A man in my office.

I can't bring him in here, you'll see why.

I had to open the window.

Well?

I think it will work out.

See? I told you you have to handle him right.

Jacques! Speak to that gentleman.

I don't know about any goat.

I ordered a camel!

And don't leave that animal here.

What were you doing in my office?

Nothing. I was just passing.

Say,

you know that girl?

A little.

She your girl?

No, it's not what you think. She's a...

She's utterly respectable.

I knew her family. We lived in the same street.

Stuck on her?

- A bit. — "A bit"?

Have a good time.

Mademoiselle!

You can go. You start work here tomorrow.

Thank you, monsieur.

And tonight?

- Tonight you're not free. — Why not?

You have a date with your friend Jacques.

Stop! It's a waste of film without sun.

Couldn't you warn us first?

The clouds can't make up their minds today.

Turn round. I'll fix your wing.

You can't deal with heaven and angels at the same time.

Nothing. Heaven, angels... Just a joke.

Who's that old man looking at us?

- M. Du Perrier. — Is he an actor?

No, a backer. He's the owner of the whole set up.

- Is he rich? — So they say.

Watch out. He's always chasing girls behind the sets.

And you?

I never look at the girls.

I only look at one at a time.

Did you hurt yourself?

No, monsieur. It's my dress.

Allow me to help you.

- My wing. - I'll fix it for you.

May I come in?

Come in.

Now you can rest in here as you're so weak.

Thank you, Jacques dear, but I'm fine.

Fine? You haven't felt like going out all week.

"I'm too tired."

Going to bed early suits you. You've never looked prettier.

Or more elegant.

Is that a new dress?

A bargain price.

And the fur? And the hat?

Bargains too?

Must have cost you.

Not very much.

I wanted to surprise you.

Hello, my friend.

The gentleman wanted to surprise you.

Say thank you.

But I have the impression the room is too small.

One of these is one too many.

So if you don't mind...

Please don't push me! Will you let go of this chair!

Who's the idiot...?

It's you! What are you doing here?

Monsieur Clement, I've never interfered with the administration,

but if you don't dismiss that hoodlum right now...

- What hoodlum? — That gentleman!

He didn't demolish the set, you did.

He pushed me. I was in the corridor.

Your hand.

Idiot!

Boss, I'm sorry.

You should be.

Falling in love like a schoolboy. At your age!

You still don't know women?

I thought she wasn't like the others.

She wasn't. She was worse.

Just my luck.

Don't sulk, she's not worth it.

No woman is worth it.

Always remember this:

There are plenty more fish in the sea.

And how do you find them?

You want to know?

Excuse me, madame, is this going to city hall?

No, monsieur, it's the other way.

That's all right, I'm not going to city hall.

I just wanted to hear the sound of your voice. You don't remember me?

- No, monsieur. — You needn't worry.

I'm not the kind of man who talks to women

without knowing them.

I know you,

but why should you remember me?

I'm just a passerby, a man nobody notices.