(crowd noise)
(knocking)
>> Come in.
>> Go in.
Sit down.
Meursault, a citizen of Algiers
born in 1903.
Employed as a shipping clerk.
>> Uh-huh.
>> Have you made arrangements
for a lawyer?
>> No, in my case I don't think it's necessary.
>> But why not?
>> I think my defense is quite simple.
(suspenseful music)
>> Where to?
>> Marengo.
(horn)
(horn)
(horn)
>> Mama died today.
Or maybe yesterday.
I'm not sure.
A telegram from the home said,
"Your mother passed away."
"Funeral tomorrow."
"Deepest sympathy."
The Home for the Aged,
it is about fifty miles from Algiers.
I took the two o'clock bus.
It was very hot.
I fell asleep.
>> Madame Meursault ?
>> Yes.
Will you take me to see Mama right away?
>> First the warden would like to see you.
>> Yes, alright.
>> We have to bury her quickly.
It's so hot out here on the plain.
You know in this part of the country
everything goes fast, even funerals.
>> What an awful thing to say to Monsieur.
That's not nice at all.
>> Oh, that's quite alright.
It's interesting, really.
>> Madam Meursault became part of our family
three years ago
and you were her soul supporter.
>> I don't earn much as a clerk.
That must be written in your records somewhere.
>> No explanation is necessary, my good fellow.
I suppose you wish to pay your respects now.
I had the remains placed in the mortuary
to avoid upsetting the others.
Garçon, would you be so kind
to take care or Monsieur Meursault for me.
>> Yes, monsieur, of course.
I understand you just weren't able to take care of her.
She needed a nurse and you
simply could not afford it.
In any case, your mother was much happier here.
>> You're right.
We had nothing to talk about anymore,
and then she hated to stay alone all day.
(music)
>> Ah, monsieur, there you are.
They've already put the lid on,
but I'll remove it so you may have a look.
You don't want me to?
>> No.
>> But why not?
>> It doesn't matter.
>> I know what you mean.
Why don't you sit down?
A tumor.
That's what she had.
You can get some supper
in the refractory, monsieur.
>> Thanks, just the same,
I'm not very hungry.
>> Then would you like me to bring you
some coffee with milk?
>> I would like a cup of coffee, yes.
>> I'll leave you alone for awhile.
>> Thanks.
(melancholy music)
Night came very quickly above the skylight.
The shadows deepened into black.
>> You know your mother's friends from the home
will be coming to the wake tonight.
It's customary.
I'll go fetch the chairs and black coffee.
>> How long have you lived here?
>> Six years.
>> Cigarette?
>> Thank you.
>> Can you put out one of the lights, monsieur?
>> That's impossible
because they are all on a single circuit.
It's all or nothing.
(crying)
>> You know that lady has been weeping all day.
She was your late mother's companion.
Now, she says she's completely alone.
(crying)
(snoring)
>> As a rule, we don't permit the inmates
to attend funerals for their own good, of course.
I made an exception, however,
for a friend of your mother's, Thomas Perez.
Ah, monsieur?
It's actually a touching little story.
Monsieur Perez and your mother
had become almost inseparable.
The other old people used to tease
him about having a fiancee.
Naturally, he was quite grieved by her death.
>> It's damn hot!
>> Pardon?
>> I said it's hot.
>> Yes, it is.
>> Is that your mother there?
>> Yes, it is.
>> Hold old was she?
>> Quite old.
[chanting]
>> I shall have vivid memories of that day.
A blood red earth pattering on mother's coffin.
Thomas Perez crumbling like a broken marionette.
And the scarlet geraniums on the graves
in the cemetery.
(laughing)
>> Excuse me.
Well, fancy meeting you here.
>> Marie.
>> I haven't seen you in ages.
Are you still working at the shipping place?
>> Where do you work now, Marie?
>> Still at the place I went to when I left that company.
>> I'm really sorry you didn't stay with us.
>> The job is much nicer.
(laughing)
>> Wait, I'l help you up.
(laughing)
It was a mild day.
We stretched out on the raft,
and I lay my head down across her body.
She didn't seem to mind,
and so I let it stay there.
The sky filled my eyes with blue and gold.
Under my head I could feel Marie's
stomach gently rising and falling.
We lay on the raft for a long time,
drowsy in the sun.
Huh?
Well, what do you say?
Will you come to the movies with me?
>> Can we see the picture with Fernandel?
>> That'll be it.
>> Are you in mourning?
>> For my mother.
>> When did she die?
>> Yesterday.
(circus music)
(laughing)
(laughing)
I remembered it was Sunday.
And that depressed me a little.
I don't like Sundays.
(melancholy music)
It was another clear afternoon,
and the streets were shimmering in the heat.
Only a few people passed by,
but they all seemed to be in a hurry.
(crowd chanting)
(singing)
It occurred to me
that I made it through another Sunday,
but Mama was buried now
and that I'll be going back to work tomorrow as usual.
All in all nothing had really changed.
>> Good morning everyone.
>> Good morning.
>> Good morning.
>> Sit down.
Are you feeling alright, monsieur?
>> Yes, thanks I'm fine.
>> Not too tired?
>> No, no.
>> I was sorry to hear the news.
>> Thank you, sir.
Tell me, monsieur, just how old was your mother?
>> In her sixties.
>> Ah, pretty old.
(bell ringing)
>> Emmanuel.
>> Yeah?
>> Come on, let's eat.
>> Yeah.
(whistling)
>> Let's go!
>> Hey, Celeste, we're here.
>> [inaudible]
>> Good, but I'm starved.
>> How are you?
>> Fine.
>> Sit down. I'll get you the usual.
Just relax.
>> What'll you have?
>> Salad first then steak.
Roquefort cheese and coffee.
>> Here we are.
(music)
>> Good evening, madam.
>> How are you monsieur?
>> Filthy mongrel,  damn you.
>> Has he done anything wrong?
>> He's always in the way, blast him!
(laughing)
Come on you!
(laughing)
>> The way he treats that dog.
It's abominable, huh?
>> No.
>> Hey, I got some pretty good wine.
How about having something to eat with me?
>> Thanks very much.
>> Like I said, there's this dame I know,
an old mistress of mine.
That man I told you I beat up.
He was the dame's brother.
Look, I want to be honest with you.
I know what the neighbors
have been saying about me.
That I pimp for a living.
I'm telling you that's a dirty lie.
I work in a warehouse.
That's all.
Well, anyway, about this dame.
I was paying her rent
and added to that fifteen bucks a week for food.
A couple of presents now and then.
I mean look, that's pretty for any woman,
but madam said I was stingy.
Said she couldn't make out
with what I gave her.
Look, I says, why don't you work a couple
of hours a week?
It's about time you help me out a bit.
Nothing doing, she says.
And then I started figuring that something
dirty was going on.
One day, I found this lottery ticket in her pocket book,
and she wouldn't tell me where
she'd gotten the money to buy it, you see?
Then another time I found a ticket
from a pawn shop proving that she
hocked two bracelets.
You follow me?
Who the hell gave her those bracelets?
I didn't give her any.
It was somebody else,
so I kicked her out
after beating her up
and I balled her out good too.
I said all she ever wanted was jumping into the sack.
(laughing)
>> But that isn't all Monsieur Meursault.
You'll be really sorry someday, I says to her,
because with me you never had it so good.
There were times I used to beat her,
but to play around that's all.
All she complained.
Screamed a bit.
Then we'd end up in the sack.
>> Oh, no thanks.
>> Just a little.
But I'm through with her now.
The bitch has got to be punished.
Look, I want some advice about that.
At first I thought I'd take her to a hotel
call up the police
and have her arrested as a prostitute.
Then I figured I'd call a couple of friends I got
in the business but all they said was,
Why not knock her up?
Except that ain't quite what I had in mind,
you follow?
So, I thought I'd find out your opinion about it.
>> Well, I'm not sure,
but it's an interesting story.
>> Didn't she lie to me, Meursault?
Was I right to think she was cheating on me?
>> Well, I guess it looks that way.
>> Let me tell you what I have in mind.
I want to send a letter to this dame
and let her have it, you know what I mean,
but at the same time kind of try
and make her feel sorry.
When she gets here,
I will take her to bed.
I wouldn't want to miss a chance for a good lay,
you follow me?
But as soon as we are finished,
I'll throw her out for good
and spit in her eye.
What do you think?
>> Well, that way I guess
she'll get what's coming to her.
>> That's right.
The trouble is
I know what I want to tell the bitch,
but I'm so lousy at writing letters, you see?
So, I was hoping you might help me out.
Would you mind writing it tonight?
>> Huh?
Uh, why not?
>> I know you're a real pal.
The name's Yasmine.
Yasmine [inaudible].
>> Arab girl?
>> Yes.
>> A few days later Marie
came to get me at the office.
We went for a long walk across town
along the crowded boulevards.
The women were brown and beautiful.
And I asked Marie if she didn't think so too.
She said, "Yes, I know what you mean."
>> Do you want to marry me?
>> It doesn't really matter.
But if that's what you want,
I will.
>> Do you love me?
>> Hmm, no I don't suppose I do.
But if you like, we can marry.
>> I think marriage is a serious thing.
>> No.
No.
No.
Then she said that I was strange somehow
and that she loved me because I was strange
but that maybe one day
she would come to hate me
for just that reason.
After that we suddenly
felt anxious to get back to my apartment
and to go to bed together.
I left the windows open
and it was good to feel
the cool night air caressing our bodies.
(dog whining)
>> Leave the door open
to let some fresh air in, alright?
>> Sure.
>> Look at what I put on.
What'd you get?
Ah, prefect.
>> You lousy mutt.
(dog wining)
>> What's that?
>> That's gone on for eight years.
The dog has a very bad skin disease.
It's almost bald,
and it's all covered with scabs.
And the old man looks exactly like his dog.
(laughing)
>> And what's even funnier,
the dog has learned to walk
just the way the old man does.
(laughing)
They're like twins,
but oddly enough
they can't stand each other.
>> Do you love me?
>> That doesn't mean anything,
but I don't suppose so.
>> (laughing) Now?
>> Yes, now.
(laughing)
(screaming)
>> You lying girl!
>> What's going on?
>> (screaming)
>> Oh, it's awful.
>> (screaming)
>> Hey!  Keep quiet all of you!
>> Do what she said.
Call the police.
>> No,  I don't like it.
>> Isn't somebody going to do something?
I'm going to go get a policeman.
Look out!
Oh, thank god, the policeman is here!
He's here!
It's murder.
On the second floor.
Oh, my god, hurry up.
>> Out of the way!
Get going.
Go on.
(knocking)
>> Oh, monsieur, just look.
He beat me.
He's trying to kill me.
>> Hey you, what's your name?
>> Raymond Sintès.
(crying)
>> Take that cigarette out of your mouth.
>> Can I pick it up now, monsieur?
>> Yes, you can pick it up.
You better show a little respect for the law.
>> He's a pimp, monsieur.
He peddles whores.
>> Is that legal to call a guy a pimp, officer.
>> Shut up.
>> I'm not through with you yet.
>> I said shut up!
And you get out.
Go on.
You better stay right here
until the chief wants you
down at the station.
Do you understand?
>> Yes, monsieur.
You're a fine sight.
You're so drunk
you're trembling all over.
>> I'm not drunk monsieur.
When a cop glares at me,
I tremble out of fear.
>> Clear out.
It's all over everyone.
Get going.
>> He should get kicked out of this house.
>> Thanks a lot, Meursault.
You're a real sport to help me out of this mess.
You're a pal, you know that?
That was right to tell him
she cheated on me.
Cops are all alike.
I know just how to handle them.
>> Uh-huh.
>> Say, did you think I'd hit that guy back?
>> No, no.
I mean I don't care.
I don't like cops anyhow.
>> You want to go some place
and pick up a couple of whores?
>> No, not particularly.
Besides I've got to be up early tomorrow.
>> I'm pretty tired myself,
and I've had enough of women for one day.
>> So, we just walked slowly home.
Raymond was very nice to me,
and I thought what a pleasant evening it was.
>> What's happened?
>> My dog is gone.
I took him over to the fairgrounds
tonight as I always do.
The crowds were overwhelming at the fair.
I stopped just for a minute
to look at the fire-eater
and can you imagine he disappeared.
Of course, I'd always meant
to buy a tighter collar for him to wear,
but I never thought the lousy mutt
would get away like that.
>> It's a shame.
>> He'll find a way home.
>> Oh, no.
He'll starve to death first
because nobody will take him in.
Why he's disgusting with those scabs
all over his body.
The police will shoot him.
I know it.
>> I bet they just take him to the pound.
You can get him back for a fee.
>> Then they can kill him for all I care.
I won't pay a cent for that mutt.
>> (laughing)
>> Well, good night and thanks, again.
It all came out just fine.
I really taught that bitch a lesson.
>> Good night.
>> (whistling)
>> What do you think
will happen Monsieur Meursault
if they won't help me find him?
What am I going to do?
>> Why don't you go out and buy another dog?
>> I'm already used to this one.
>> I understand.
Have you had him very long?
>> Since my wife died.
I never felt much affection for my wife, monsieur,
but as time went on
I got used to having her there.
When she died, I felt so lonely.
Then I thought about taking in a dog
and asked an old friend for one.
He brought it here.
A tiny thing like that.
It was so young,
I had t feed it from a bottle,
but a dog's life is shorter than a man's
and so we grow old together,
you might say.
We've had some fights he and I,
but he was a very good little dog
all the same, monsieur.
>> He was a good breed.
>> Huh?
>> Oh, you should have known him
before he was ill.
The dog had a splendid coat that everybody admired.
The problem was he'd gotten very old
and there isn't any remedy for old age.
>> Yes, I guess you're right.
Well -
>> Your poor mother was especially fond
of my dog.
Did you know that monsieur?
And you, you've suffered
a terrible loss too.
I hope I won't hear a dog barking tonight.
I know that I'll think it's mine.
>> Good night.
(crying)
>> I don't know why,
but I suddenly thought of Mama.
Yes, that's fine.
Alright.
>> The name is Meursault.
Terriffic guy.
He invited us to his beach house this weekend.
I told him all about you, yes.
Sure, bring your girlfriend with you.
Meursault's wife will like having
another woman come.
>> Look Raymond, I've got to hang up.
I'm coming.
>> Hold on it's important.
>> Will you hurry?
I want to tell you another thing.
Listen. I was tailed the whole morning
by some Arabs.
One of them is my ex girlfriend's brother, you see.
So, look tonight, when you get home,
keep an eye open
and if you spot the guy,
you let me know.
It's very important.
>> I will.
You can count on me Raymond.
Raymond, I've got to hang up.
I'll talk to you later.
Good bye.
>> Come in.
Sit down.
Please, sit down.
Listen, Meursault I have a little project in mind
I'd like to discuss with you.
I want to hear what you think about it.
It's like this.
I want to start a branch in Paris
to allow us to deal with more directly
with the larger companies.
I want to know if you'd object
to being sent there.
It would be a fantastic opportunity
and you could travel a good part of the year.
While you are still young.
You'll have a marvelous time in Paris.
>> I guess so, but I don't really care.
>> What?
Aren't you the least bit tempted
by the chance to change your life?
>> But it's impossible to change one's life.
I might as well remain where I am.
I feel reasonably content here.
>> Why must your head be up
in the clouds all the time.
You have no ambition, my friend.
And you cannot succeed without that.
I'll talk to you later.
You can go for lunch.
>> As a student, I was very ambitious,
but then I had to drop out of my school,
and I finally came to realize how unimportant
that is.
So, I'm sorry.
It's just that -- excuse me.
>> A glorious day.
Just prefect.
>> What do you have in your bag?
Let me see.
If you're looking for something to eat,
I didn't pack a thing,
but we can go for coffee.
>> I would like you  to meet Mademoiselle Cardona.
Raymond Sintès.
Let's get going.
>> Great idea.
>> What is it?
>> The second one from the left.
That's the guy.
Let's go.
>> Hi.
>> Is there anything wrong?
>> Just an Arab Raymond had a fight with.
Here comes the bus.
>> Let's go then unless you want coffee.
>> We can always get some later.
No point in wasting time.
>> Thank you.
>> I shouldn't brag about my husband,
but he's the best fisherman in Algiers.
Look at what he caught this morning.
>> Hey, Masson!  Bring another fish onto shore!
>> (laughing)
>> Wait for me!
Wait for me!
You didn't remember to kiss me this morning.
I was thinking.
Why not tell your boss
you just reconsidered everything he said
and accept that job in Paris next year.
I'd come with you, naturally.
I'm dying  to see Paris.
>> I lived there one a long time ago.
>> Isn't it pretty?
>> Dirty as hell.
Pigeons in the courtyards.
People with pale faces.
>> Madam Masson, can I come and help you?
It's not fair for me to sit by
and let you do all the work.
>> No, no stay there.
I can manage just fine.
It's all right.
We're almost ready to eat, darling.
>> Good.
>> Hey! Masson has come back in, you see?
I bet lunch is ready.
>> And I'm starving too.
Shall we go?
>> This way.
It's only 11:30.
>> I don't believe it.
>> We had lunch earlier than usual.
As I aways say, when you're hungry,
it's high time to eat.
(laughing)
>> I propose we take a little
walk on the beach, gentleman.
My wife always likes to take a nap after lunch.
>> Oh, yes, it relaxes me.
>> But I prefer to walk.
Walking relaxes me.
>> Madam Masson, I'll give you a hand
with the dishes.
>> Oh, thank you.
That's a dear.
>> Let's go then.
Raymond, coming with us?
>> (laughing)
>> Let's start right now and get it over with.
There we are.
>> Hey, let's go.
And when you return,
you'll find us curled up asleep like little dolls.
(laughing)
>> That's him alright.
>> How did me manage to find out you were here?
>> They saw us get on the bus.
In case they mean trouble,
I want you to grab the other man
and I'll jump on mine.
Hey, Meursault, if another one comes,
he's yours.
>> He's got a gun!
Look out!
>> Here, let me see.
>> He cut me bad.
>> No, it's just a scratch.
>> My face.
Look at that.
>> I tell you it isn't bad, Raymond.
You're okay.
Come on.
Let's get you back to the house.
>> Hey!
Hey!
Come quick.
Hurry!
>> My God, what's the matter?
Has there been an accident?
>> It's nothing serious.
Mademoiselle.
>> Oh, my God!
>> Mademoiselle.
Come out.
>> Oh, dear.
Oh, dear.
>> Listen, there's a doctor
who has a beach house up on the cliff.
He's usually there on Sundays.
I'll go get him.
>> No, no, I'm perfectly alright.
I'll go up there myself.
>> What happened to him?
>> We got into a fight with some arabs.
All right.
>> Raymond!
>> Shut up, will you?
>> Wait a minute.
>> I said, shut up.
(flute music)
>> Shall I shoot?
>> No, keep cool, Raymond.
It isn't fair to fight in cold blood.
>> Alright, first I can bait him,
then I shoot.
>> No.
Be sensible, Raymond.
Hand me the revolver.
Just rough him up a little bit.
>> If he pulls out his knife, I'll take care of him.
>> Well, I'm glad they're gone.
>> We scared them away, huh?
>> Right.
>> We better go back to town.
The bus leaves at five, you know?
>> Aren't you ready Mademoiselle Marie?
It's time to go.
Hurry up.
I stood for a moment on the bottom step,
my head reeling from the heat of the sun.
I didn't have the strength to climb the stairs
and face the smiling, chattering women above.
(suspenseful music)
(gun shot)
I shook off the veil of sweat
and light that blinded me.
I realized that that I had shattered
the impassive stillness of the afternoon
and the shimmering silence of the beach.
(gun shots)
And so I fired again.
Four shots like four fateful raps on the door
to my destiny.
(flute music)
>> I was caught robbing a store.
What did you do?
>> I killed an Arab.
(flute music)
>> When you want to sleep,
take this mat and use it as a pillow.
You have to learn how to roll it up right.
>> Like that?
>> Do you smoke?
>> Uh-huh.
>> It's always the same old story.
You idiots never follow orders.
>> But we did what they told us to do.
>> You got it all wrong as usual.
>> He's supposed to be in solitary.
Meursault.
Meursault.
Get up.
Come on.
You're going to solitary.
Come on.
Shake a leg.
You two take him down there.
>> This way.
>> Go on.
Get going.
>> I'm your lawyer.
The court appointed me.
I reviewed your case.
It's extremely tricky, of course.
However, I know I can get you off,
if you be sure to follow my advice.
>> Thank you.
>> Let's get right down to it.
They've already made inquiries into your private life,
and they've learned that your mother died recently
at the home for the aged in Marengo.
They even conducted an investigation at the home,
and unfortunately they gathered evidence
to prove that you were exceptionally callous
at your mother's funeral.
I hate to pry about this,
but it is quite important.
If the prosecution attempts to follow up
this accusation, you could be in serious trouble.
Were you truly grieved by your mother's death?
Do you understand that I must be prepared
to refute the charge?
>> I'm not quite sure what to say.
It doesn't seem to matter very much to me.
I care for her, yes.
And yet there were moments
I wished her dead.
Don't we all do the same?
>> Promise me not to repeat that at the trial
or to the prosecuting attorney.
Phew.
>> You see, the day that they buried Mother,
I was tried like a sleep walker.
I stumbled around like I was in a daze.
Naturally, I prefer -
I prefer that Mama was alive.
>> That isn't enough, Meursault.
Is it alright to say you were stifling
normal emotional reactions?
>> No.
It'd be a lie.
>> I learned today that the director of the home
is serving as a witness for the prosecution
with other members of the staff.
This could be disastrous.
>> But that has absolutely nothing to do with my case.
>> You haven't been involved with the law before,
have you?
>> Tell me.
Did you love your mother?
>> Why yes, like everybody does.
(typing)
>> You fired five shots.
Is that right?
One after the other.
>> No.
At first I only shot once.
(typing)
Then I fired the others a little later.
>> (sighing) I see.
What's the reason for your waiting
between the initial and second shots?
Explain why you continued
to shoot at the dead man.
Why?
I insist on hearing the answer!
Why?
Tell me why!
Do you see?
Do you realize who this is?
>> Yes, I do monsieur.
>> I believe in the Lord God.
I believe that even the vilest sinner
can obtain forgiveness in God's eyes,
but first the sinner must become like a child
and in true repentance bare his ailing soul to God.
Obviously, only one point
in your confession in unclear.
The fact that you said you hesitated
before firing the second shot.
Everything else is quite in order,
but that completely baffles me.
Do you believe in the almighty God?
>> No.
>> Why that's impossible.
There isn't a single man on earth who doesn't.
No man who doesn't at least acknowledge he exists.
If I had any doubts at all,
my whole life would have no meaning.
Do you want my life to be senseless?
>> It doesn't matter to me.
(typing)
>> I'm a Christian,
and I beg the Lord to forgive you your transgressions.
But how can you deny that he suffered for your sake?
You must.
You must.
Yes, I'm sure you must believe in him.
>> No.
(typing)
>> I have never in all of my life
seen a soul as hardened as yours is.
All the criminals who've come here
shed bitter tears on seeing his precious image.
Are you sorry for what you did?
>> I'm not sorry exactly.
I'm rather a little annoyed.
(typing)
(door buzzer)
>> That will be all today, Monsieur Anti-Christ.
(yelling)
>> No women.
That's usually a prisoner's first complaint.
>> I can understand why.
It's unfair to take that away too.
>> Yes, but isn't that the purpose
of being in prison?
>> What purpose is that?
>> Why, to put you in here
to deprive you of liberty.
>> I forgot that I'm being punished
and that explains it.
>> Yes, you have brains, you know.
The others don't,
but you all end up doing it yourselves.
>> Hello.
Is there anything that you want?
>> [inaudible]
So, I bailed her out and guess what happened?
She started screaming,
"Keep your filthy mouth shut. "
>> Raymond said to send his best to you.
>> Mine to him.
He feel better?
>> Oh, yes.
I brought him home Monday.
>> It's going to be okay.
>> [inaudible]
>> When you get out,
we get married, okay?
>> All right, time's up.
Everybody out.
Time's up.
This way out.
>> Come on everybody out.
>> Time's up.
>> This way out.
>> Everybody out, please.
>> You'll be acquitted!
We'll go swimming at the beach!
>> This way.
Time is up.
>> Good bye, Mama.
>> Good bye, my son.
>> I don't think they'll me come to see you again!
They said they can't give me permission because -
because we're not married!
They said I could come just this once.
>> Five months.
Five months.
Five months here in prison.
The summer had slipped away
and quietly returned.
>> Shall we begin?
And now the court shall touch on matters
which initially appear unimportant,
but that bear most directly
on the matter at hand.
Let us consider certain key facts.
I see that during the month of June 1936
you put your mother
in the Marengo residence for the aged.
Am I correct?
>> Yes, your honor.
>> I see, but why?
>> I didn't make enough money
to really provide the things she needed.
That's the reason.
>> I see.
Were you upset by the idea
of putting your mother in the home?
Did you miss her at all?
>> We'd both become totally independent
of each other and anybody else.
So, we were both able to adjust to this change.
>> I do not want to pursue this point.
Has the prosecutor any particular
questions he wishes to ask?
>> I would indeed, your honor.
With your kind permission,
I would like to inquire if the accused
did in fact return to the cove alone
with the intention of killing the Arab?
>> Why, no!
>> In that case, why was the accused armed?
And why then did you return
to the very same spot?
>> I guess just by chance.
>> Your honor, that is all for the moment.
>> Council for the defense objects, your honor.
>> One moment.
One moment.
Monsieur, it's getting late.
We'll get around to your objections after lunch.
Court adjourned!
We shall resume at two o'clock,
at which time all of the witnesses will be heard.
>> The court is adjourned.
Remove the prisoner.
>> I would like to inquire
upon any occasion the mother of the accused
expressed displeasure with her son's conduct.
>> Yes, many times, your honor.
But that's to be expected.
Our guests always complain about their relatives.
>> Very well.
I would also like to know
whether it appeared to you
she resented the fact of having
been sent to your institution?
>> Yes, your honor.
>> Was there anything in particular
that you observed about the accused
on the day of his mother's funeral?
>> Yes, he seem unusually calm and composed.
I must in all honesty say
that I was shocked by his behavior.
He refused to see his mother's body.
He did not shed a single tear,
and he hurried off as soon as the ceremony
was over without even pausing
to pay his last respects at the gravesite.
>> Ah, very well.
If there are any questions that the prosecuter
wishes to ask at this time,
he may now proceed.
>> Oh, no.
That's all I need to hear.
>> Very well.
Thank you, monsieur.
You may step down.
>> He told he he wouldn't see the body,
and what's more
he smoked cigarettes and drank coffee
and then he went to sleep.
>> I didn't hear what he said.
Would your honor please
request the witness to repeat his testimony.
>> Do you mind repeating what you said, monsieur?
Repeat what you said.
>> I said that as he sat there in front of the coffin
the prisoner drank a cup of coffee
and smoked a cigarette
and then he went to sleep.
>> Thank you.
>> Your honor, may I have the floor?
Would your honor be so kind
as to ask this man,
if during the wake he did not also smoke a cigarette?
>> Who is on trial here?
Does my learned colleague
think that by slandering this witness
he can shake the abundant evidence
against the accused?
>> I accepted a cigarette
only because monsieur offered it,
and I did not know how to say no, your honor.
>> (sigh)  I see.
Does the accused have anything
he would like to add?
>> No, nothing.
Except to add he's spoken the truth.
I did give him a cigarette that night.
>> Well, it was me that offered
him the coffee, your honor.
>>  Mark those words, gentleman of the jury.
>> Yes, the jury will acknowledge this and they will agree
that a total stranger might offer him coffee,
but that he should have refused
the offer out of respect
for the poor dead woman
who brought him into the world.
>> Monsieur Perez, would you please tell the court
how the accused behaved on the day
of his mother's funeral?
>> You must understand, your honor,
I was very, very upset that day,
and I honestly didn't notice him at all.
Especially, since I fainted, your honor.
How could I keep my eye on monsieur?
>> Tell me.
Did you see him cry?
>> Nope.
>> Mark those words, gentleman of the jury.
>> But can you swear to the court
that he didn't weep at all?
>> No.
>> These whole proceedings are a mockery.
The truth is false and lies are true.
>> Well, that would be all.
>> Don't worry.
It's going to be alright.
Everything is going beautifully.
Count on it.
>> Somebody tell me what's going on,
I can't make head or tail out of this guy.
>> Now then, Monsieur Meursault often
ate in your restaurant?
>> He was a good customer, your honor,
but he was also a good friend.
>> I see.
What was he a good friend?
Just because he's a truly good man.
>> Exactly, what do you mean by that?
>> A good man, your honor.
There's no other definition.
>> Order, order, order.
Did it ever appear that the accused found it difficult
to, uh - uh - communicate with the rest of you?
>> And he wasn't a big blabber mouth, your honor.
>> Did he -
>> Did the accused always
settle his accounts with you on time, monsieur?
>> Always, without hesitation.
>> With the court's indulgence,
I would be very much interested
to hear your opinion of the crime
he committed.
>> It seems to me it was an accident, monsieur.
An unfortunate turn of events
that sums up my opinion.
>> I see.
That is all.
You may step down.
>> I'd like to say another thing, your honor.
>> Proceed, monsieur, but please be brief.
>> He didn't mean to kill.
>> The court will decide that.
It's obvious that our function here
is the meditate and to judge.
Thank you and farewell.
That is all.
>> Well - well, my dear young lady,
how long have you know the accused?
>> About three years.
>> Please speak up.
>> About three years.
I'd been employed in the office where Arthur --
I mean Monsieur Meursault worked.
>> And what is your relationship with the prisoner?
Not to be indiscreet.
>> I'm his girlfriend.
We want to get married.
>> I would like to ask Mademoiselle Cardona
to tell the court the exact date
on which her relationship with the accused began.
>> It was the first Saturday in the month
of July last year to be exact.
>> I see. I see.
The day after the funeral of Madame Meursault.
>> Order, order, order, order.
(gavel pounding)
>> I do not wish to pry
into such a delicate situation
with all due respect for Mademoiselle's feelings,
but it's my duty to waive considerations
of delicacy.
Tell me then exactly what did transpire
on that first Saturday in July last year?
Forgive me Mademoiselle, but I must have an answer.
>> Well, in July, I usually
spend Saturdays at the beach.
I spotted him on that afternoon
while on the pier.
I spent about an hour swimming
and sunbathing with him that day.
Afterwards, we decided to go to the cinema
then back to his room.
He asked me to spend the night with him.
>> Mademoiselle Cardona has just told
the court precisely what she testified
to the examining magistrate
during his investigation.
>> As a result], your honor.
I consulted newspaper listings on that day
for the cinema, but I prefer to ask,
Mademoiselle Cardona to specify
what kind of film they were going to see that day.
>> It was a film with with Fernandel.
>> Ah....
>> Gentleman of the jury,
the after his own mother's demise
he sported at the beach
began an illicit liaison with a lady
and gay as a lark, watched a comedy at the movies.
(crying)
>> It's all a mistake.
It isn't like it looks.
You have twisted everything
I have said about that day.
I know he didn't mean it.
It isn't his fault.
It isn't.
(crying)
>> Alright, mademoiselle, this way.
(gravel knocking)
>> He treated my poor dog with kindness.
(laughter)
(gavel knocking)
He and his mother had nothing
in common any longer.
Things just happen like that.
Things happen like that.
>> Your honor, I'd like to say
that's he's innocent.
>> You aren't someone,
to pass judgement, monsieur,
but to state facts.
Just answer the questions
when they are put to you.
Would you tell the court
exactly what was your relatinship
with the victim.
>> To begin with,
I'm the only man
that the victim hated.
That's because I'd fooled with his sister.
>> Did the victim have any reason
whatsoever to dislike the accused?
>> Not at all.
Monsieur Meursault was meeting me
on the beach that day
just by coincidence.
>> I would now like to hear
this gentleman explain to the court
how it came about that this letter,
which evidently lead to the crime
was written by the accused.
>> Coincidence.
(gavel pounding)
>> It would appear that the real
culprit in this case is coincidence.
And was it also coincidence, by any chance,
that the accused went along with you
to the police station?
And was it again by conincidence
that he did there upon testify
and so obligingly in your behalf?
Monsieur Sintès, would you tell us
how you are currently employed here in Algiers?
>> I work in a plant, your honor.
>> It is common knowledge,
gentleman of the jury,
that he does in actuality earn his bread
acting as a procurer and the accused
was his friend and accomplice.
This crime has its roots in slime and corruption.
>> Monsieur, the prosecutor,
is shamelessly and without justification --
>> We shall discuss that issue
when the prosecutor has finished.
Let him proceed.
>> There really isn't much to add, your honor.
There is just one more thing.
Was the accused a friend of yours?
>> Yes, he was a real pal.
>> Was this man your friend?
>> He was.
>> Behold this callous criminal.
A son who mourned his mother's death
by wanton forays and shameful orgies
and who murdered cold bloodly
a poor lad who have never done him
the least kind of harm.
>> Is my client standing trial
for not adoring his mother
or for killing an Arab?
>> Order, order.
>> The way in which this man
buried his one and only mother
is evidence that in his heart,
he's a criminal.
And so gentleman of the jury,
you are now acquainted with the series of events
which lead this man to commit murder,
deliberately with malice and afore thought.
And fool aware of his dastardly crime.
To reiterate, gentleman,
there is no evidence of extenuating circumstances.
There is no evidence
of impulsive or irrational behavior.
The man who sits before you in the prisoner's dock
is an educated man.
You have observed this by the way
he answered my questions.
Therefore, I repeat, it is impossible
to conclude that he committed the crime
without knowing what he was doing.
I have looked into the depths
of this man's soul and I have seen a gaping
void within, gentlemen of the jury,
to reveal the awful truth,
he has no soul at all.
No human spark.
Not even a mere respect of principle of morality
so dear to ordinary men
does this monster possess.
No doubt we have no right to blame the accused
for lacking quality he's morally incapable of.
But here in this court, we must stifle
the human inclination to be tollerant
and submit our will to the loftier demands
of that noble ideal which is justice.
Above all, the man that faces you in the dock
embodies all that is evil and inhuman
and as such has to be removed
from a world that he can only corrupt.
>> This very same court, monsieur,
will try here tomorrow
what seems to me to be the basest crime of all
patricide, monsieur.
And yet I must say this
the horror that even the crime
of patricide inspires in my breast
it was a pale reflection of the horror
inspired by the callousness
of the man you see before you.
This man, who is morally guilty of his mother's death,
is no more fit to dwell in a society of man
than the vile son who slew the father
that begot him, and so without a single reservation
in my heart, I ask that you impose
the death penalty on this man.
It's often been my duty in the course
of my long career in court
to ask the extreme penalty of death.
Your duty plays no role in this affair.
I feel that I must give way
to my conscience, my heart, my duty.
My conscience, therefore, compels me to seek
the death penalty in this case
because my conscience is repelled
by this criminal.
This monster devoid of any vestige of human feeling.
>> Hmm.
Have you anything whatsoever you'd like to say?
>> Simply, that -
Simply, that I didn't intend to kill the Arab.
>> The court will take note of your statement.
I - you see, I'm at a loss,
to fully understand your defense.
So before the court hears your lawyer
doing the summing up,
would you please explain to me the motive.
The reason for your act.
>> Well, it was....
I think it was the sun.
(laughter)
(gavel pounding)
Defense council may now take the floor.
>> Gentleman of the jury.
I kiled a man.
That I confess.
>> Why did he say that?
>> Lawyers always talk that way.
>> But I, too, have looked into the depths
of this man's soul for a time,
but I don't happen to hold the opinion
which my erudite friend and colleague
has put forth.
And I have found his soul, in fact,
to be as crystal clear as a shinning fountain.
This is a soul of a contentious worker,
of an honest and fair young man.
A friend and companion to many.
A model citizen, compassionate and helpful
to those around him.
I was, frankly, amazed at the furor
aroused by the way in which he treated his mother.
Here sits a dutiful son
who took care of his mother
as long as he was able to afford it
and being unequipped at last
to adequately provide for her,
sent her to a home,
hoping that there she'd receive
all the care and comfort she required.
Surely, proof be needed of the excellence
of these institutions.
We need only remember
that they are promoted and subsidized
by the very state to which we owe our allegiance.
Therefore, by sending his mother
to a state-supported institution,
this man has on a grader scale tacitly
expressed his faith in our laws,
in our schools, in our hospitals,
and in justice.
Yes, monsieur, in justice herself.
Gentleman of the jury, this man has made
a fatal mistake.
I admit.
A human error.
We must act mercifully
and not condemn him.
The circumstances in this case are extenuating.
I think you'll agree.
So, let his conscience be his judge
and his sole tormentor, the all mighty God.
>> Bravo.
You were splendid.
>> In the name of the people of France,
this court after due and impartial deliberation
of this case finds the accused
guilty of the crime which he has been charged
and in accordance with the prescriptions
of the law condemns Arthur Meursault
to be decapitated in full view
of the general public.
>> I've heard they always come for you at dawn.
Now, I spend my nights waiting
for that one day break.
I never liked being caught off guard.
That is why I'll only sleep during the day.
Watching all through the night
for the first glimmer of light in the sky.
At the slightest sound,
I hurry to the door.
Press my ear to the wood.
Listening so intently
that I can hear my own breathing.
Quick, hoarse breathing.
Like the panting of a dog.
Then my frenzy subsides.
And I know I will live another 24 hours.
I've refused to see the prison chaplain three times.
I have nothing to say to him.
I don't feel like talking.
I've spent a lot of time
thinking that it makes very little difference
whether one dies at the age of 30
or at the age of 70.
For once you're dead,
it doesn't matter how or when you died.
Whenever I talk myself into believing that,
I am at peace for a little while.
I really do not need to see the chaplain.
>> Don't be afraid.
>> You usually come at the last moment.
>> This is just a friendly visit.
It has nothing to do with your appeal.
I have no information about that.
Here, sit beside me.
>> No, I'd rather not.
>> Why wouldn't you let me visit you?
>> I'm an atheist.
>> How can you be sure there's no God.
>> Why bother about it?
It seems to me that's not really important.
>> It is quite easy to say you feel sure
when inside you're wracked by doubt.
Don't you believe so?
>> That's possible.
In any case, I may not be sure
about what interests me really,
but I know I'm sure of what bores me
and I'm sure I'm very bored by what you've said.
>> Aren't you talking to me like this
because you feel desperate?
>> I'm not desperate.
I'm afraid.
That's human, isn't it?
>> God can calm your fears.
My friend, I'm not telling you this
because you are condemned to die.
We are all condemned to die.
>> But not by execution,
so that's no consolation to me.
You should realize that.
>> I do, but you have to die someday
whether it's now or later
and then the same question will arise.
How will you face that terrible final hour?
>> In exactly the same manner
as I'm facing it this morning.
>> Have you no hope at all then?
Do you truly believe that nothing remains
after you die?
>> Right.
>> How I pity you.
Life must be unbearable for you
if you think like that.
Listen to me.
I'm sure that your appeal will be successful
but that's not what concerns me.
You are bearing the burden of great sins
you must atone for.
Man's justice is nothing at all.
Only god's justice matters.
>> I was condemned by man's justice.
>> Man is powerless
to offer you redemption.
>> Sin means nothing to me.
They've condemned me for an act that I've committed,
so I'm paying the price.
You may ask no more of me than that.
>> You're wrong if you believe that.
You could be asked to pay more.
A lot more than you imagined.
>> What is that?
>> You'll be compelled to see, to confront.
>> Confront what?
>> These walls are steeped in human misery.
I know that.
I sense the torment and sorrow
they've hidden, but deep inside I know
each man who waited here for death.
So, emerging from that blackness,
our savior's face.
You will see that face as well.
>> All of these months I've stared at the walls
and now there is nothing.
Nobody there.
Nothing but the four walls.
Yes, I stare at it.
A long time ago,
I, too, searched for someone's face.
It was a face like the sun flaming with desire.
The face of a woman named Marie,
but I searched in vain.
It's all over now.
I've never seen anything emerging
from these filthy walls.
>> Why don't you try to pray then.
>> No.
>> Do you prize the things of this earth so much?
Huh?
No, I don't believe that.
I feel sure you've often wished
for a life after death.
>> Of course I have.
Who hasn't?
But in the same way that I wish to get rich
to travel all over the world
to have a better shaped mouth.
It's no more important than that.
>> When you think of dying,
tell me how do you envision what follows?
>> A life where I will remember all of this.
I'm sick and tired monsieur.
Leave me.
Time is precious now.
I don't want to waste it on God.
>> Why speak to me as monsieur?
Call me father.
>> You are not my father.
You stand with the others.
>> My son I stand with you,
but you remain unaware
because your heart is filled with hate.
I shall pray for you then.
>> I don't want you to pray for me.
You are so certain about everything
Not one of your certainties
is worth a single strand of a woman's hair.
You're not even sure if you're alive
because you act like a dead man
And I - it looks like I have nothing,
but I am sure of what I am.
Sure of everything.
Sure of my life and now even my death.
I only know that.
What I'm sure that is the truth for me.
My mother doesn't matter.
Nobody matters really,
but especially not your God.
Or how I choose to exist,
or I thought I did.
The others will also face this fate
as will you.
Don't you understand?
What difference does it make
if a man is accused of murder
and executed for not weeping
near his mother's body?
Or that old Salamano never loved anybody
but his mutt.
Or that Marie wanted me to get married.
What difference does it make if Raymond
is my friend just like Celeste?
Who is a better man than him?
And what does it matter
if Marie is getting another man today?
But don't you see?
You must die just as I die,
but I am sure of what face.
>> All right, let go of him!
My future!
>> That's enough.
>> Let him go.
Let him go.
>> Once he'd gone I felt at peace again.
I think I must have slept
because when I opened my eyes,
the stars were shining down on my face.
The sounds of the countryside
floated into my cell with the cool night air.
It smelled of earth and salt
and that fanned my cheeks.
The marvelous peace of the sleeping summer night
washed over me like the tide.
Then just at the edge of daybreak,
I heard a ship's whistle.
People were starting on a voyage
to a world that had ceased to exist for me.
For the first time in months,
I thought about Mama.
And now it seemed to me
that I understood why at her life's end
she had taken a fiancee.
Why she had pretended to make a new beginning.
There, too, in that home where lives were flickering out.
There, too, dusk came as came as a mournful solace.
Being so close to death,
Mama must have felt a great release
and ready to start life all over again.
No one had the right to weep for her.
And I too felt ready to start life all over again.
It was as if my great rush of anger
had washed me clean, purged me of hope,
and gazing up at the night sky
for the very first time,
I opened my heart to the sweet indifference
of the universe.
And I felt that it was so much like myself,
almost like a brother.
That I realized that I had been happy
and that I was happy still.
For all to be complete, for me to feel less alone,
I only wish that there will be huge crowds
of onlookers at my execution
and that they greet me with howls of contempt.
(suspenseful music)
