The Exchange Student (Les Grandes Vacances)

This movie is dedicated to the memory of JEAN FALLOUX

Bosquier Institute, boarding school.

Good morning, Mr Director.

Good morning, Mr Director.

Take this in carefully. It's for my wife's birthday.

Yes, Mr Director. -No, it doesn't sting.

Don't damage it.

Mr Director, the students received their results.

More than 80% passed. You should be happy. It's a record.

So, if I understand correctly,

you're telling me with a smile that 20% didn't pass.

You're never happy, Mr Director.

We have to strive for the maximum. Our school's reputation's at stake.

I'm only teasing you. A glass of champagne?

Gentlemen, to your health, hard work, skills and teaching qualities.

Our task is noble. It reunites us in good days and bad.

Your eldest son's marks are on your desk, Mr Director.

To your health, Mr Director.

Charles, it's beautiful. You spoil me. -Where's Philippe?

In his room. Why?

Philippe? Philippe? -Yes?

Come here for a moment, please. -I'm coming.

Charles, did he do something bad? -No, something silly.

What's happening?

Look.

I had the average for English. -One.

But a 1 for English isn't good. -I'm not good at languages.

You will be. -You'll catch up during your holiday.

My son failing? Great promotion.

I have an idea. -I have a better idea.

You'll go to England for a month. -But daddy, I made plans.

I don't care. I'll exchange you with the daughter of the whisky merchant.

You go there, she comes here. She learns French, you English.

Your father's right. It's a great idea.

I'm lucky to have him. Brilliant, disciplined, dedicated.

And top of his class.

What is it, my good boy?

Booze in the dormitory, they're fighting...

...and they've locked the supervisor in the toilet.

Thank you. I'll look after it. Here, son.

I'll continue working on my essay. I reached the crusades.

He'll be a great help, later in life. -A great pain in the neck, you mean.

Philippe, don't be vulgar.

Good, I'll check on the supervisor.

This is the boat. Not bad, is it?

My dad left it for me. We'll go to Le Havre and make trips.

How good is the engine? -It's a brand new 12HP.

Have a look. -My parents are sending me to England.

What? -That can't be true.

You're the only one who can sail the boat.

Tell that to my dad.

Guys, we have to think of something. Otherwise, there'll be no trip.

Have a nice holiday. He has to be a bit more...

It was touch and go, wasn't it? -Such a high percentage. A record.

No, madam, it's a tradition.

Are you happy with my son Christophe? -He's one of the best 3, but barely.

Do your best a bit more. And you too. Can I talk to you?

The registration fee at the start of the quarter, not at the end, please.

Countess.

Where's our darling? -Here he is.

With his intelligence and some tutoring, he'll be one of our brightest students.

He's worthless. -He's shy.

When under pressure, people can lose their concentration during exams.

Can't they, Isolde? -Get stuffed.

He's right. -He's such a sensitive boy.

And so proud. Like all the St. André d'Anvilles.

I don't like to drive at night. -We're leaving, Jacques.

Countess.

We'll do the impossible, won't we?

I still say he's worthless. -What's wrong?

Brought pyjamas and your yellow shirt? -Of course.

I'll just put it in. -Fold it neatly, guys.

Don't be so difficult. -And, do you agree?

Yes, but I'm not sure. -Don't chicken out now.

Do you want to go to England or not? -Of course.

Grab your chance then. Your parents are never there during the holidays.

I know that. It's because of their meetings.

Here's a postcard. You'll send one a week.

And your ticket. Tomorrow morning at the airport.

I won't get into trouble, will I? -Not at all.

My parents don't even know the parents of the girl.

That happens often during exchanges. -As long as we're not caught.

THE BIG VACATION

Bosquier Institute. Boarding school.

"I + J" = "J + I" = cosine...

"J2" = 1. Do you follow?

Also "I + J" = "J + I" = cosine "E + A".

Understood?

Well, Bargin? Is something bothering you?

Yes, sir. Can I go outside?

Is it really necessary? -Yes, sir, it's urgent.

Go then. -Thank you, sir.

But hurry.

I repeat.

Can I help you?

What did you say?

Yes, but give me a kiss first?

First... and after.

Dad? -Yes?

Come here. -What is it?

What's wrong? -That English girl.

She just arrived by car and she stopped and they're all over her.

Are you kidding me?

No. -Yes.

Back inside immediately. Write the formula a 100 times. Give me that.

What's going on here?

You got dirty. Allow me?

What's this? You'll pay for this, Mr Chastenet.

At what time can you come to my office?

In half an hour? -When we have tea.

I'm Mr Bosquier. -How are you, Mr Bosquier?

Did you have a good trip? -Excuse me?

Trip, journey... -Very good, thank you.

You must be tired. -Excuse me?

Tired, so tired. -I'm in good shape.

Is this your first time in France?

No, the second time, but...

You should speak French to me. -Yes.

I want to learn everything with French. -This is going to be funny.

Let's go to your room. That way.

This is my eldest son's room. I hope you'll like it.

Nice.

There's our little English girl. -Mrs Bosquier.

You will have to adapt to the schedule of the house.

Lunch at 12:30 pm. Dinner at 7:30 pm.

Explain a bit to her, because I think that...

And she can work on her French. -But she's on holiday.

She can still have some discipline. Especially a young girl...

...trusted to me by her daddy. My son, Gérard.

He has a nice herbarium. You have a nice herbarium, don't you?

Come on, herb man.

Help her get comfortable. I'm going to my office.

Give me that.

I now visit Versailles? -Now? But of course.

Only talk to police men. -What?

Relax.

An 18 year old girl can go shopping without a chaperone.

Besides, she'll be back at 6 pm. -I know.

She has to wear something else. And she can't go close to classrooms.

You could teach her a lot.

She wants to visit museums, attend seminars, go to good concerts.

Discover French culture.

She can go out once a week, can't she?

Yeah, well. Gérard, come here. -I'm classifying the leaves.

It's cowslip. That's very rare in this season.

He's so cute. Come here, my little boy.

See, daddy, it's a primula officinalis.

And how did you find her? -Behind the storage area.

That's not what I mean. I mean Shirley MacFarrell. How do you like her?

Oh, me and girls, you know. -Tell me anyway.

Not really special. The less I see of her the better.

As of today, you'll see her every day. -Me?

Yes, museums, seminars, cinemas... You'll take her everywhere.

That's a big ask. -My darling.

While he's there, nothing will happen.

What time is it? -8:30 pm.

They're still not home. Where did they go?

To the Carnavalet museum and the Galliera museum.

There you are.

Did the museums make you look like this?

No, there was a lot of pushing going on in the subway.

Power failure. -You're kidding.

People were panicking a bit.

But I thought you went by car.

I don't understand a word. What's that? -She wanted to see the subway.

The subway's not always like this. Go get changed.

At what station did it happen? -I wasn't paying attention.

It'll be in the paper tomorrow morning.

So many things happen. They can't print everything.

I have to have a shower. -Yes, you'd better.

Tell me. -Yes?

Was the Carnavalet interesting? -Yes, dad.

Can I come in? -Yes.

What did you learn about the Carnavalet, my little boy?

Carnavalet? -Carnavalet!

It has the famous statue of Louis XIV, by Coysevox.

And an invaluable collection of engravings and books...

...with 4 centuries of Parisian history. -Plus electric guitars and wigs.

And the rags belonging to hysterical creatures from outer space.

Are you pulling my leg? Get under!

That's cold! -Is it too cold? Now it's ice-cold!

That's enough, thanks.

Drink your coffee. It gets cold. -That won't hurt.

Such a drama about something perfectly normal.

Dad, I'm taking Shirley to the St. Clotilde Chapel.

Great combination with Big Joe Williams. -Charles, please, it's Sunday...

...and they want to go to church. -Yes, nothing's more normal.

Go, my little ones. Right, to church.

Where are you going? -To St. Clotilde.

Driving on the right is too hard for me. Could you take the wheel?

Can't you drive? -Do you think I'm a fool?

The little bastards!

Are we going swimming? -What about St. Clotilde?

I know a good spot on the Seine. Shall we go there?

Let's go! -Change of direction.

It's a one-way street.

Come on, hurry up.

You've got plenty of room.

Damn.

Loser. -Is he totally insane?