PRIZE WINNER, 1963 BY UNANIMOUS JURY DECISION Judex. . .
It's a Latin word meaning 'judge' or 'upholder of the law' I know. Thank you This judge seems more like a swindler to me I didn't think anyone would dare to blackmail me any more I don't understand what it is that this Judex wants He's not asking for anything for himself and usually. .
. Don't be so naive, Vallières If I give in and show I'm afraid, then the real blackmailing will begin We shall see. On a more serious note.
. . .
. . did the bank phone with the closing price in New York?
Yes, sir. It was as you predicted Come in Sir, a MrCocantin is asking to see you - He says you're expecting him - That's right. Show him in - Good timing - MrCocantin Let me introduce myself, sir.
Alfred Cocantin, private detective I run an agency called Celeritas. . .
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that I took over from my uncle, the late MrRegaudet. . .
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decorated for services to education. . .
Him, not me. . .
- Sit down - Thank you, sir - Mr. . ?
- MrVallières, my secretary I have already had occasion to call upon. . .
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the services of your predecessor. . .
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and I was very satisfied - I hope I will find the same with you - Rest assured that. . .
Let me tell you what this is about Tomorrow we celebrate both the bank's 21 st anniversary. . .
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and the engagement of my daughter to Viscount Amaury de la Rochefontaine A lot of people will be at the château I'm counting on you to stop any indiscretions being committed. . .
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by staff employed for the occasion. . .
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or by certain people, business acquaintances. . .
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who I am obliged to invite Naturally, you will pass for one of our guests MrVallières will explain all the details to you. . .
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and you can inform him of your conditions I will introduce you right away to my daughter That way you will have the run of the house And while you are at it, try and find out who wrote this letter It's no doubt some servant's idea of a joke Vallières, come over here "MrFavraux, I order you to atone for your sins. . .
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by handing over half of your fortune to your victims "You have until six o'clock tomorrow evening. . .
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to comply "Signed Judex" Judex? Phone Marco at the Rio Pinto. Tell him to sell off all available funds Make sure people know it's the Favraux Bank that's selling In three days, we'll buy everything back for next to nothing I think I'm going to be giving myself a nice birthday present Come now, my dear Cocantin.
Let's go and get a breath of spring air - I insist on speaking to MrFavraux! - I have no time for charity I'm not asking for charity You don't recognise me, do you? A spell in prison changes a man - My name is Pierre Kerjean - Never heard of you You weren't so proud at your trial You promised to make me a rich man.
. . .
. . if I kept my mouth shut and served your sentence for you You promised to keep an eye on my family while I served my time My wife died destitute and my son has disappeared And you did nothing So now, Favraux, you will help me find my son Do you hear me?
Otherwise, like it or not. . .
. . .
I can still talk - This man is crazy Give him 40 sous and send him away Come along, old boy My dear Jacqueline, let me introduce MrCocantin He's our guest tomorrow MrCocantin, let me introduce my daughter, Mr Aubry MrFavraux has told me the news of your engagement I am honoured to be among the first to congratulate you Thank you, sir Ah, here is my granddaughter, Alice - Say hello to the gentleman, darling - Hello Hello, young lady. I know a little girl called Alice - Like me - Yes She was in her garden one day, and what did she see run past? A rabbit dressed in a lovely blue suit The rabbit stopped in front of Alice, without seeing her He took out his watch and said.
. . - The rabbit had a watch?
- Yes, a gold one on a chain Like Grandpa Excuse me, madam. I've come to take Alice for her lesson MrCocantin, let me introduce Miss Verdier. .
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. my granddaughter's governess Pleased to meet you Go with Miss Marie and be a good girl Goodbye, my darling Show the gentleman over there to his room Very good, sir I don't understand I went to make enquiries early this morning, as you asked That vagabond died last night. He never recovered consciousness He died in hospital where passers-by who found him had taken him And no one suspects you "Not content with dishonouring people, you must also murder them "If by midnight tonight you have not carried out my orders.
. . ".
. . you will be mercilessly punished "Judex" - Have you murdered someone?
- What? This letter says. .
. MrCocantin, let me remind you, you are not here on vacation. .
. . .
. to tell stories about rabbits and watches But sir, I. .
. Quiet. You have until this evening to find out who wrote these letters - Goodbye - Very well Her father is making her remarry She was quite unhappy the first time round He married the poor girl off too young Favraux must like the sound of de la Rochefontaine for a son-in-law This engagement is most convenient.
Apparently he's completely broke De la Rochefontaine probably can't wait to come and sleep in this bed! No, MrFavraux, I will never be your mistress Marie, I need you desperately. Will you be my wife?
I will marry you straight after Jacqueline's wedding My fortune will be yours I'm not the sort of woman you can buy "Will you walk a little faster? " Said a whiting to a snail "There's a porpoise close behind us And he's treading on my tail See how eagerly the lobsters And the turtles all advance! They are waiting on the shingle - Will you come and join the dance?
What sort of head will Favraux have had made for himself? A vulture's head My dear friends. .
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. I would like to announce some great and happy news Tonight not only are we celebrating. .
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. the culmination of 20 years of effort. .
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. and real dedication. .
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. which has allowed the Favraux Bank to prosper. .
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. and extend its activities to most branches of industry We are also celebrating the engagement. .
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. of my daughter Jacqueline. .
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. to Viscount Amaury de la Rochefontaine My joy is all the greater. .
. With the great happiness that I feel at this moment. .
. I'm a doctor, let me through He is dead Diana! TH E N IGHT AFTER FAVRAU X'S FU N ERAL.
. . MrFavraux died at the exact time indicated in Judex's second letter The coincidence is extremely troubling I think this is merely a coincidence and that's why I didn't say anything I felt it was my duty to warn you Mr Aubry will decide for herself what action to take Madam MrCocantin.
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. . I am sure I don't need to ask you to ex ercise the utmost discretion I am sure you will be bound by professional secrecy You can count on me, sir Vallières, we must alert the police No, madam, it's impossible Why?
Madam. . .
these letters spoke the truth Show me proof I only stayed in your father's employ. . .
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to try to put right, in so far as my limited means would allow me to. . .
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the mistakes I had been powerless to prevent Favraux's fortune, like that of many others. . .
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has its origins. . .
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in the Panama scandal Your father was once a lowly bank clerk And. . .
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fate put him in possession. . .
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I would rather not tell you why. . .
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of some documents that were very compromising. . .
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for certain high-ranking politicians and financiers Thanks to these documents. . .
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he had no trouble getting the necessary funds. . .
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to permit him to carry out his first major business deals As early as 1882. . .
About time It will take three days Follow the doctor's instructions to the letter. . .
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and do not leave him unguarded for a moment My dear Jacqueline, the gentleman is right Do not insist. I have given it a lot of thought I am giving up my father's inheritance All I ask is that my daughter's share be kept for her until she comes of age I am giving you a free hand Thank you My humble respects, madam But this is madness. Why?
Since the question of inheritance seems to be of such great concern to you. . .
. . .
it's only fair to give you the chance to go back on your word Do as your feelings dictate In that case, allow me to take back my freedom Sir's luggage has been loaded onto the carriage outside Sir is free to leave whenever he wishes to Thank you, Fernand. Goodbye Goodbye, sir Madam, I have come to take my leave of you Goodbye, Vallières Thank you for everything I remain devoted to you. Do not hesitate to call if you need me Thank you, Vallières You are my only friend I am going to feel very Ionely Little Alice only left yesterday I am missing her already And I am worried about her You mustn't worry.
Marie-Jeanne is a wonderful person She adores the little one And Loisy isn't that far away I know I suppose all mothers are like me Goodbye. Come and see me from time to time. I'd like that I'll write to you to give you my new address Goodbye, madam Well, well.
The Favraux widow Please. That's not funny If you only knew how it felt to leave the château with my wages in my bag. .
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. like a servant, when I was practically the mistress of the house Don't be angry. I was only joking.
Do you think I want this? He could at least have married you and conked out afterwards Get your hands off me. This is not a good time - Save yourself for tonight - What are we doing tonight?
- Going back to the château - What? Listen, in his office are some documents worth their weight in gold We've never seen a haul like it Have a look in there Hello! Hello!
Hello? Hello? Speak normally or you'll regret it Jacqueline, help!
Help me, my dear! Answer me, Jacqueline. Jacqueline!
Marie Verdier. . .
Get the chloroform! Let's take her with us. That will give us time to get her to talk My toolkit "If anyone threatens you, set these pigeons free "I will rush to your aid.
Yours vigilantly, Judex" That was Favraux's voice on the phone. I'm sure of it It might've been a hoax What about the dogs? And Judex's threatening letters to Favraux?
Are they hoax es, too? What if Favraux is still alive, imprisoned by Judex? Wouldn't it be worth trying to find him?
My marriage would suit you, too Think about it. If Favraux marries you, assuming we can find him. .
. . .
. when Jacqueline tells him what you did to her last night. .
. She won't bother me for long Once I know what's happened to her father. .
. It won't be long now What do you intend to do? I need two strong men Go and warn Pierrot and Léon Tonight the four of us will gather at Favraux's grave WHAT WAS ONCE FAVRAU X'S GRAVE.
. . Favraux!
BAN KER FAVRAU X. . .
. . .
I HAD CON DEMN ED YOU TO DEATH YOU R D AUGHTER'S ACTIONS HAVE S AVED YOU R LI FE I COMMUTE YOU R S ENTENCE TO LI FE IMPRIS ONMENT J U DEX Where is he? I want to talk to him Later. You're still too weak.
You've had a near escape No thanks to him. If you hadn't picked me up in time. .
. He might know something about my son I was wondering that, too, when I was pulling him out of the grave Just as I thought. Favraux has vanished - First we must find Jacqueline - How will you do that?
She left her child in the care of her nanny I'll get the address from the nanny Your turn Come in A telegram for you, Mr Aubry Thank you Mr Vivier My daughter has just had a serious accident The nanny has sent me word. I must go It might not be as serious as all that I'll look after the little one There she is She fell for the telegram Over to you now, Pierrot. Have you got it?
Room number 20, third floor Grab any papers bearing Favraux's name. . .
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and any that talk about banks or money We'll pick up the rest on a trip to the country Got it. If I meet anyone, I'll say I'm there for the plumbing A pigeon has just arrived Kerjean will take you to Loisy Check nothing has happened to Marie-Jeanne Bontemps. .
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. who looks after a girl called Alice Get the other car ready for me. I'm going to Paris Are you feeling unwell, madam?
Here, lean on me This woman doesn't look well at all, Sister. Can I offer you my car? Thank you, sir.
We'll take her to the clinic where I work Poor woman. She doesn't look well - These townswomen aren't healthy - How true - She's not sinking - We should have put a stone in with her I want to see where she goes Ship ahoy! There's someone in the water Mister!
Mister! There's someone in the water! Quick, go and get help!
Let's hope she's dead, at least Follow them and verify it - Is she dead? - No, she fainted Take her away to play. This is not a sight for your eyes Telephone Marville for an ambulance right away I'm on my way Get up Help, help, help!
It's the same woman - What's going on? - This old banger! - What's wrong with it?
- I don't know. It's broken down Have you seen an ambulance pass, coming from Loisy? No more than half an hour ago.
It went that way Thank you Keep an eye on the cars. I'll take a look around Do you think there's anyone inside? Look, it's deserted.
We'll be better off here than on the road Go and get the van and come back for us All right, all right. It's quite a walk, you know Stop! Kill him.
He saw me No! My name is Pierre Kerjean That ring used to be mine. I gave it to my wife the day of my arrest You are my father Traitor!
- I'm so glad you came - Rather late in the day Judex, this is my son. I have forgiven him - Where are the others? - The woman's in there Break down the door Two men drove you here They said they knew of my devotion to your family You were delirious.
They left without further explanation The youngest of them said his name was Judex Judex. . .
Who are you? Where is Vallières? Stay away from me Don't be afraid.
I am Vallières But my daughter. . .
Why isn't she here? She is safer in Loisy where my men are watching over her Your men? Judex.
. . Listen to me, I beg you I am not your enemy.
You must know that Leave me alone. You killed my father No, Jacqueline, he's alive Alive? Yes, I wanted to kill him I could have done it without arousing any suspicion But I wasn't able to Because of you BUT WHAT BEC AME OF DETECTIVE COC ANTI N?
"The coffin was empty "With a cry of rage, the two nuns recoiled. . .
". . .
as the coffin fell to the ground "'Who are you? ' Cried out one of the nuns. .
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. as she suddenly threatened the other with a gun "The other nun also brandished a gun "'Drp the masks! ' she said imperiously "With their left hands, the two nuns pulled off their headdresses "Cries of hatred escaped their lips "'Juve!
Fantômas! "' What is it now? Sir, this kid.
. . Cheeky!
Detective Cocantin, please That's me, kid. What do you want to tell me? This woman here is the nun who kidnapped Alice's mother.
. . .
. . in the ambulance When the real nurses came back to the village, they were a mess Alice said it was her governess and.
. . Marie-Jeanne knew you were.
. . - What are you again?
- I'm a detective Yes. She said you were a detective. .
. . .
. and you were at Alice's mother's château when she was rich I'm not following your story. Wait.
. . That's Mr Aubry and Miss Verdier - Leave us, please - Yes, go away Try to be a bit clearer What's the connection between Miss Verdier and this kidnapping?
That's Alice's governess. It was on Marie-Jeanne's mantelpiece She's the nun in the ambulance who took Alice's mother away after she drowned What's all this about nuns? You're sure about the address?
I'm telling you, Marie-Jeanne said it was here I was so happy with you Why did this have to spoil everything? You know I still love you, don't you? Nothing has changed for me No, it's over I won't be able to trust you any more We can start over.
We can forget about all this Leave me alone Can't you see I'm unhappy and don't want to see you any more? Leave me and go Go and find your darling daddy since he means so much to you My father told me where Favraux is I know how to get to him It's her See you tomorrow. We'll take the Côte des Moines From tomorrow morning I'll be tailing you, sweetheart - Me, too - No, you stay at my place This could be dangerous.
Come on Careful. I'm being followed - I don't understand - Oh, it's MrCocantin The detective wants to know what's going on. Let's take him with us Keep an eye on him, Mora.
I'll hide the car Get out THAT E VEN I NG, THAN KS TO J U DEX. . .
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J ACQ U ELI N E WENT TO FI N D H ER FATH ER Don't waste time saying anything Go straight to Loisy and round up some men. Await my orders there Come with me, Cocantin Your father has been kidnapped I promised I'd get him back to you and I will keep my promise - Is that all you heard? - Just the name of the town I think he was talking about a house that's about to be pulled down It must be here Where's he appeared from?
- Well, well! - What are you doing here? I came with the crooks.
I know where they are - Come on, get in - I hid in the boot. They're over there That's where they are They've locked themselves in. Call Loisy and tell them where we are Call Loisy Call Loisy We'll go into hiding for a while When Judex has lost all trace of you, you can reappear You will get your name and your fortune back My brother and I will help you.
You will be rich and powerful again No, my dear Marie, that's impossible My alleged death suits too many people. . .
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some of them quite influential I'm ashamed to admit it, but. . .
I was hated If I came back, I would not stay alive for long There is too much at stake All I ask for is to live. . .
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a free man and to be left alone with my daughter and granddaughter MrFavraux, you once asked me to marry you I only hesitated because of your vast fortune Now. . .
I can say yes Marie. . .
Marie. . .
Judex. . .
He won't have come alone The others might already be inside or on the roof. Go and see MrFavraux, it could be a long night Get some rest. There's a bed next door What about you, Marie?
Don't worry about me. I'll keep watch here with my brother When I get tired, you can come and take over Morales is a coward He'd drop me the first chance he got I don't want him any more I need a man like you Favraux knows some things that are worth a fortune I know how to get him to talk Think of what we could do together You and I. .
. Your loss, you fool! It's to stop him shouting out.
Come next door D AIS Y'S CI RC US Daisy! Daisy! Cocantin!
Stop! - I'm so happy to see you again - Come this way You know my uncle, the lion tamer, that brute who wanted me to be happy? Well, the lions ate him - Now I'm free - Oh, Daisy What are you doing here?
I'm waiting for a friend who is up there and in danger But you must help him I can't. I'm no acrobat He's lucky he can sleep I'm telling you, we should get away from here His men could find us any minute We'll end up trapped in this place You might be right Get the car and bring it round to the door leading onto the waste ground Judex. .
. Stop!
