My name is Jacques Politie and I live in Paris.
I am an art lover and passionate collector.
In particular, I am interested by the paintings and sculptures.
My main goal, however, it's the fair sex.
And my research worries for new pleasures
drove me by a cool autumn evening to Mrs. Lillis' house.
The red lantern at the entrance was very clear,
what kind of institution was it?
Nevertheless, Mrs. Lillis was not not an ordinary brothel.
His reputation and especially that of his girls went far beyond Paris.
She welcomed me as a good old friend.
Mr. Jacques, you have not been here during the summer months.
I could not be there. I am all to buy a villa in Spain.
Oh, congratulations. I will gladly go again in the south,
but unfortunately, the house force me to stay here all year.
I would like to show you some new residents.
Unfortunately, it is already very late, most girls are already busy.
But this is not an obstacle.
Why should not I watch their occupations?
Then I knew, what was waiting for them.
Mr. Jacques, I'm counting on your discretion.
Oh, come on, Mrs. Lillis. I know the secret of your games
and I know that you are glad to observe them.
Why do not we share this pleasure?
An unusual request. I will honor him. You will pay well naturally.
- I have never been watching. - No it's true.
Can I always count on your discretion?
But of course, have I already heard from you?
You can come.
You know that our offers have always been very diverse.
This practice here: the peasant girl.
And here we have someone who is an old sea bass.
You can see that every customer is treated like a king.
He even has his own provided trunk.
Just look like intelligently he walks his scepter.
The class.
And here we have a typical owner of the South American states.
I recognized this girl.
Although I have not seen her for 6 months ...
I did not forget it.
We met a spring day.
That evening we visited a ball.
Armand, a young sculptor whose I admired the work, stood near me.
I was watching the dance.
- Who is this girl? - His name is Venus.
But I can not say much more.
You came with her and I see that you do not dance together.
My friend, she now has the night to dance with half of the city.
By chance, I came to know
that she came from Martinique.
And that she had been here in Paris for a few weeks.
- I would like to learn to know her. - It's dangerous, even very dangerous.
She is looking for a rich man of the world. No poor artists.
We have just spoken of you, my dear.
I hope it was something nice.
V nus, I want to let you know one of my best friends,
Armand Lasaque, one of the most talented young sculptor from France.
I would be very happy to have his point of view.
You will have them. Give him time.
You know as well as I do that lovers of true art
always have a head start.
I took the liberty of you admire while you dance.
Oh, really, it's very flattering.
It is impossible to describe this beauty with words.
It seems to me that you are not only a famous sculptor, but dance too.
At the birth of a great love!
When they have together,
I knew I was too much and left them.
A role that I do not like to play.
They both danced until dawn.
Then I guess they are go to the house together.
They walked through the deserted streets of Paris
and finally arrived in the attic,
that Armand pompously called his studio.
- Very interesting. So you live here? - And I'm working on it too.
- Do you sleep with your models? - Yes sometimes.
I guess you're going now ask if you are allowed to paint.
No, but something else.
I wanted to ask you, if I can make a sculpture of you.
Oh, that sounds exciting. How to resist? And where should I ask?
I am not joking.
- You would be really nice, but ... - But? - Venus, you will not have to wear any clothes.
- Oh dear... - If that's your idea.
Make me the pleasure to turn you.
Now you can watch again.
Accepted?
breathtaking.
- There is for a long time? - Please have a little patience.
- Stay where you are without moving. - I can look ?
- That's all ? - It's just a first sketch, and it paid off.
The sun is rising.
You must promise to be my model, Venus.
But not now, I'm almost going to starve.
Oh, forgive me, please. I'll bring you breakfast.
But unfortunately, I have nothing here.
Does that mean that you wanted that I come here only by attraction?
Wait here, I'm right back.
I come again.
- Are you a friend of Monsieur Armand? - Yes, but he's not here.
- Where is he? - I do not know, but he will definitely come back soon.
- Can I take a message ? - Give him the salute of Monsieur Lambert,
and that he would be pleased to have the rent,
I have been waiting for six weeks. Is this understood?
- Here I am going to take a down payment. - Leave that, it does not belong to you!
Listen, miss. If you want to know
everything here belongs to me.
If you do not want me to take the drawing,
I may pay myself with the original.
And maybe I'll give him a few more weeks.
Lick me!
- No ! - Not like that!
Mischievous bastard!
Who gave you the right to touch her?
- You are not able to pay your rent! - It does not give you the right to ...
harass my friend! - Quiet! Stay calm !
Just do not go away, my friend. We'll talk about it again tomorrow, with the usher.
And I recommend you to do nothing here.
There will be unpleasant consequences for you if you have bad intentions!
By precaution I will set up a guard outside.
We can not trust him, yes!
Tomorrow we will see each other again!
A chance that you came back in time. He was terrible.
He left, no need to be afraid. Its good.
But what are you going to do now? You do not have money to pay.
I will try to sell anything,
or to borrow.
I have an idea.
When I arrived in Paris, I met a seamstress.
And I bought him some dresses.
She told me that if I encountered financial difficulties,
I could work as a model with her.
Come on, my dear, your life is a fun. I will not deny it.
But Armand, why are you so bad sometimes?
You know, I'll have the pleasure of working with her.
I wear very pretty dresses.
In addition, it is irrelevant that we let's earn two livelihoods.
The main thing is that we are together and stay happy.
I visit him immediately.
Come on, come on, hurry up! Customers are almost there.
- Who is this young woman? - My new model, Venus.
Venus, ah! An appropriate name.
- Really adorable. - Charles, we came to see new clothes.
Yes, of course, my love. But what is inside, you can not ignore it.
Please, you do not want to try it?
- Venus, you can go now. - Yes Madam.
- The skirt is a bit too vas e. - Then you will have to take it back.
- Well, how are you? - Very good!
Would it be possible, then to speak privately?
I thought you might be interested.
I assumed you were selling clothes here, ma'am.
But remember, it's Madame St-Jean who tells us introduced each other.
I just wanted to talk about the new collection, madam.
I'm sorry, I'm sorry. But it's getting late.
- Where is your new collection? - A second.
- Hello, my dear. I'm back ... - Very, very late. - Excuse me,
But Mrs. St-Jean was long.
But I already got him a week's salary.
That means you have a pay week of 100 francs?
Well, I would say that it will calm your owner for a while.
I can not believe you win so much.
If I want, I can even earn a lot more.
And how will you get it?
Well, you know, there's an old man who comes to our shop.
and Ms. St-Jean said that he was fully harmless and very, very generous ...
"But Armand is only to discuss. - You took his money!
Of course I took the money. Do not you have to pay the rent tomorrow?
I brought something to eat, but you cut my appetite.
Armand, please do not be so bad. I love you ! Only you and you know it.
Now, I want wine!
A good bottle of wine ...
... to get rid of black thoughts.
Armand!
I have been looking for you for weeks.
Look who's here? That good old Jacques.
And are you okay? Good friend, Jacques.
Bring me a drink for my friend.
Excuse me that I'm already drunk, but I'm still thirsty.
- Yes, it's obvious. - You just watch me drunk.
And do you know why? Only because of you, my friend.
Because you introduced me to V nus.
What happened? She ran away ?
- No, it's a money story. - But why, she still has no money at all.
She got it.
She does it again and again. And I can not help it.
Let's look at it this way, Armand, she comes from a sunny island.
She is like a colored universe, a bird exotic which beats wings from branch to branch.
Exactly. I have just realized it.
I understood. It's just the same thing.
Are you sure you really understood, Armand?
More wine! I want to forget this exotic bird!
It's an honor to have you here, ma'am.
Thank you.
A friend told me that you have the most beautiful dresses of Paris.
I'm looking for something exotic, something original.
I think I know exactly what you have in mind.
Venus? I want you to meet Mrs. Laudy,
one of our best clients and a very good friend.
- Mrs. - Are you new here? - Yes, I am, madam.
- Where do you live, my child? - Montmartre, madam. - Alone ?
No, with good knowledge, ma'am.
- And you're happy with your knowledge? - Yes Madam.
If you ever were, let me know.
My husband is often absent, I find myself still very alone.
We live in a big house in the city center.
Madam will give you my address.
I will be grateful if you could now keep me company.
And I am very generous.
Thank you Madam.
I hope to hear you very soon.
Oh, that's all right, ma'am. Can we continue now?
No why ? I told you that I am looking for something exotic and original.
And I think I found it.
My exotic little bird is already back.
You make me pity. I still had to do it.
You still had to do Who were you with this time?
Probably still a generous customer, with him you had to talk.
At least, it was objectively.
Armand, if you still drink so much,
if you continue to believe that I am a unworthy woman,
I ask you what kind of man for you and me you have become?
I do not even want to continue my work.
All I can still do is drink. I want to forget that we know each other.
- Oh God, no! - If I had known you were so licked!
Do you want me to leave you?
If you do not do it, then I'll kill you!
Or myself.
Yes, between!
Excuse me madam. There is one young lady, who wants to talk to you.
At this hour? Do you know what her name is?
- Yes, Venus. - Venus. - Yes Madam. - You can ask her to come in.
Besides Gina, now you can go to bed Sleep well.
- I will not need you anymore. - Yes Madam.
Good evening.
What a pleasant surprise!
You told me that I could visit you,
if once I was unhappy. Now I am.
I will try to make it disappear. Give me your coat.
- I even left my dresses. - It's not a problem.
I have enough dresses for both of us. Come on.
Oh, they are wonderful.
When you have everything, so we buy new ones.
- Why are you doing this for me? - It's very simple, V nus.
Did not you notice? I'm in love with you.
Accept once, I think it will be good.
- But do not like ... - Do we have to talk about it now?
Know that I will accept. I agree to come to your place.
Only to go to society. Where will I sleep then?
In the bedroom of my husband. He is never home.
Okay. So I stay at your place.
Thank you Madam. You really helped me a lot.
Venus, my dear, call me Marie.
Good night... Good night, Marie.
Good night, Venus.
Mrs ! Mrs ! Monsieur came back.
- Oh my god. What are we going to do ? - Let me think.
You go to Madame de St-Jean's,
And tonight you come here. As if you belonged to the guests.
Okay ?
Well.
We will see each other later.
- Your coat, miss. - Thank you.
- How nice to see you here. - Good evening, Mr Lambert.
- We can talk again later. - As you wish.
Ah, for a surprise! I did not expect to meet you here.
I had feared never to see you again.
I wanted you to introduce yourself to a friend.
An extraordinarily important man. He must be here somewhere.
Come, please, let's look for him.
I promise you, you will be fascinated by him.
He is charming. Man, I'm sure,
has never seen such a beautiful woman as you.
By the way, today he is back.
What a surprise you are still in Paris, Pierre.
Yes, you're right. It seems really a surprise for all.
Can I introduce you? Venus, you have certainly heard from him.
I should have heard?
Hey, she became the best friend of my wife.
- Both are frankly like two twin sisters. - Good night !
Oh, I understood. We will meet again later.
- I have heard a lot about you. - You have been away for a long time.
And now I'm back. The staff spoke to me on the left, right.
- I understand. - You're even more attractive than I expected.
And I am an expert. I collect various objects.
I want to show you my last acquisition. Come with me.
It will certainly interest you.
Okay.
Take care of this gentleman and please he do not be disturbed in the next ten minutes.
- Only we can start. - Let me go, please, Pierre.
Mary must already be wondering where we went.
Mary will not wonder at all. And I do in my house what pleases me.
But I'm only here at the title of guest and I can not do what I want.
A long-term guest, for some time. I know everything.
My wife and I have a very open relationship Hello.
My friends become his, and her friends become mine.
- Pierre ? - Hello, how's it going, ch?
I assumed you would come back sooner. You sleep after all these excitations.
Now you do not need to create a scramble. She is a very good friend.
Or at least it will be soon.
- Venus, it's Louise. - Hello, Louise.
- Hello. - Louise is very charming, but a little inexperienced.
But she is still young. I'm right, Louise?
A very pretty n glig , but you please me much better, my dear.
You know it but besides I paid for it.
And therefore I do what I want.
No, Pierre! Not yet !
- Venus, come here a little. - You did not pay for me.
Oh, yes, I have it. Even a lot.
Where do you think my wife was the money she spends?
- And what am I supposed to do? - That's better!
First you remove the dress, I I'm sure I paid for it too.
And it's my money. It would be a shame to spoil it. Not true ?
- You're even worse than I feared. - It is true.
But do not stop halfway.
Very pretty. You know, my wife always had an excellent taste.
And now, my friends, be happy together.
You will teach him the basics, so that she can gain experience.
See you later. Not true, Louise?
You hear ? Our other guests appear enjoy. Everything is excellent.
Your two will certainly have fun. Goodbye, have a nice time.
The lady of heart.
He's a bastard. When did you meet him?
Yesterday he came to the store in which I work.
He invited me to dinner, gave me gifts and ...
And then he kindly begged you to be to him in return?
Yes, yesterday he took me to the hotel.
and today he brought me here.
I think we have fallen into a trap.
- It was his wife who stole me. - How is she ?
Really generous, but she asks a lot too.
What will she do, if she finds us both here?
My faith, they'll look at you. It's all natural.
Pierre has already been right. Customers want to get their money's worth.
- Tell me but how you find me. - You act on me, like the innocence of the country.
- I have nothing against the peasant women. - Do you only like girls?
Girls and boys.
- If you know both are very good. - And together? - Why not ?
It's very interesting.
As Peter said that I was still very inexperienced, I am almost ashamed.
- It is the experience that makes the pleasure. - I love you. You are so honest.
What? I told you all kinds of things but listen to me, you never know.
- How old are you? - I'm 17 years old. - And all the same you came from so far?
You were right. I am a farm girl.
And I have been here in Paris for a month.
The city impressed me enormously. But everything is exaggeratedly expensive.
Nevertheless, I want to stay here. I want a rich husband.
We must be very dear to pay for all this.
If nothing works, then I will.
- Will you teach me everything? - If you want, it will be with pleasure.
- I'm really looking forward to overcoming the surprise. - Yes me too.
- Do not make too much noise ... - If you're not calm, everything will be fucked.
Can you at least tell me what you are waiting for?
No, so it will not be a surprise anymore. More a noise now.
- Do not stop! - No, further, V nus, continue.
It is true that it is very exciting.
Forgive us, Mary, but Peter forced me to do that.
You do not need to apologize, my dear.
And the little one is really lovely.
Pierre, I hope you'll keep it for yourself.
But no, how can you have such an idea?
Let me think,
who will be the next to honor Louise?
Well, dear friend, how will it be? You do not want to wake up their appetite?
Come on what are you waiting for? Catch her!
Come on, my dear. Here we can not do nothing anyway right now.
But I will do something. You make me sick.
Here is your dress!
Participate! But never more than three, please.
I hope you have fun, my friends. Excellent! Do not stop!
Yes, seriously. Everything is wonderful.
- Where is Venus? - She disappeared - If she's gone, it's your fault.
Simply because here you had to organize everything!
Armand.
Thus, it is the workshop of a genius.
Really not very comfortable.
It's been two weeks since I have no news,
and so I wanted to make sure I knew how you are doing.
I worked, day and night.
And now I'm almost done.
It seems like you did not have time to eat,
and apparently nothing drunk too.
Since Venus left, I do not drink alcohol anymore.
- Do you now know where she stays? - I do not know.
By the way, she always stayed with me.
- She's always here. - What do you mean by him, Armand?
Imposing.
This is the best job I have ever done.
- I'll buy it, give me a price! - I'm sorry, she's not selling.
Now, do not be pu'ril. I'm sure that you do not have a penny in your pocket.
It's equal to me.
V nus never gave up on me.
Very good. Also good. So, as I can not not having Venus at home,
I invite my friends here,
to watch it. Pity.
But maybe you'll change your mind,
if you are a little distracted.
Listen, Armand. My friend, you worked very hard.
You need some change.
I'm going with you to give a party. A real festival of a workshop.
You will not have to worry about anything.
Neither food nor wine. And neither girls.
If you want, you can invite all your friends.
- I lost all my friends. "What absurd, comrade!
And she will be the center of all the attention.
Your work. The black Venus.
Not really !
- Very original here. - Yes !
Hey, why do not you come and have fun with us, Armand?
Oh, now, I think I understood. You think she's watching you.
So make her less jealous.
Come on ! you must distract him.
Armand has the reputation of a great lover.
So convince him!
Is that true, Armand?
It's better if you leave me alone!
Do not pay attention to what he says! Offer him only joy!
Leave me alone !
Jacques, it's getting late. And besides, it's boring here.
Let me go home.
I regret that the party was bad.
It does not do anything.
Maybe the idea was not as good as I thought.
I will probably go there now. But do not forget,
if you changed your mind, you let me know.
I will protect her as the apple of my eyes. Your masterpiece.
- You know, but she's not selling. - Of course, of course.
But still, we also need money to live.
- Good night and thank you for the party. - All is normal, my friend.
Have fun with your beloved.
Please stop! Stop!
- Louise. Louise. Louise! - Venus.
- Nice to see you again. - How's that going for you?
Pierre threw me outside. I could not go back to the store.
- So I started something new. - And how do you get away with it?
- That's okay. - And you ? - Well, I'm working again for this seamstress.
- And are you satisfied? - I live from that. - I do not understand.
- You could make a lot of money. - A lot of money ? - Yes.
- But how? - In a very good establishment.
- I do not think I'll make money. - Certainly you will do it.
It's only a question of price. When they see you, they increase voluntarily.
Be completely determined. Forget your prejudices.
- I do not know. - Why, do you have a lover? Who is it ?
- Someone, whom I have known for a very long time. - He pays you your rent.
He can not even pay his. I have not seen it for ages.
Forget the boy. To hell with men.
It's enough but they pay for it.
Well, we all know that men pay for it.
Thank you.
Sir.
And now, gentlemen, let me to have the pleasure,
to introduce you to our new recruits.
First, a delicious appetizer North. Ingrid of Suede.
Our next dish is from England, whose cooking seems unbearable.
But I'm sure you Enjoy the fresh air of the island. This is Rose.
And now, my very esteem Minister of the Interior,
if I brought you a plant from your country.
A little French, all made for you.
Indeed, madam. For this one, I am really interested, and I will pay well.
Finally, gentlemen, I have something very special for you.
An exotic fruit, fresh from the Caribbean.
However, already in high demand, I please do not discuss, please.
A dream of the South Seas for you, gentlemen. It becomes reality. Venus.
As a diplomat, I would like certain privileges.
See you after?
- My respect. - May I have the pleasure, miss?
But gentlemen, it seems to me, you two have chosen the same dish.
As a diplomat, I think a certain favor.
As Minister of State of our country, I can probably decide me first.
Your claims are equivalent.
It does not belong to us, to favor one of you.
Venus, you will do your best, to satisfy these two masters.
- In this case I maintain to be the first. - I can not accept it.
I represent an empire. Do you want to raise a conflict?
But sir, we want to try to avoid confrontation.
Since Napol on, France wants to be no more war with Russia.
Venus, none of them can be preferred.
- Inbetween? - It is true. Or do you want to create a new French defeat?
Take these two gentlemen into the royal suite.
With the preferred drink, champagne.
Miss.
Go then.
Still alive ?
Yes.
- If you can still learn something from life. - This is now my last warning.
Where you pay tomorrow or you move away!
The statue stays here! Unless you find the money.
- Where is the model? - I do not know.
She was a real little whore.
So, we'll see you tomorrow.
Are you interested in the girl?
How long is she at home?
Few months ago. Besides, so much demanded.
I would like to talk to him.
I'm afraid that today she is too tired for that.
I insist. It's very important. In any case, I must talk to her.
I will see what I can do for you.
I must, however, ask you to be patient.
- If you want to sit in the living room? - Thank you. I am obliged to you.
- You? What do you want ? - Only speak with you.
- Good. Speak. - Have you heard of Armand?
No, I did not hear, and he does not know where I am.
But he did not forget you. He finished the statue.
A job is particularly good. The resemblance is fascinating.
- And how is he? - I have not seen him for some time.
But eventually he will starve.
I wanted him to buy the statue but he refused.
Give him some money. You can help him with that.
- I do not want him to die. - I want to have the statue.
Buy it. She will bring him bad luck.
- And you ? - I'm fine.
You can not be happy here. Not you ! I know it.
It's a way to make money. Please, promise to help Armand.
I'll do my best.
Good night.
- Who was this man? - Someone I've known for a long time.
- Did you like it? - No. But he brought me a message from him.
- Probably not a good one. - No, a bad one.
He fell very sick, and maybe he will die.
Oh, Louise.
You are my only friend. You will never leave me.
- You too. You promise? - Yes.
Yes, I promise you.
Jacques. Jacques, what are you doing here?
V nus asked me to take care of you.
- Do you know where she is? - Yes, but I can not say it.
She asked me to help you.
- And take the statue. - No ! No ! No !
I sent a doctor to buy a new stove.
From now on, you will not be cold anymore, neither hungry.
But you know I could not pay.
Here are 5000 francs for you.
I think you can live with it for six months.
No! I do not want any money. I just want ...
Finally, the statue is mine!
But although I'm happy to be satisfied
I was uncomfortable and restless.
And not even the view of Venus, even his image could dispel my discomfort.
And so I took the resolution to retire to my house in Spain.
But before leaving, I decided to complete my collection.
Sir?
- Jules? We leave tomorrow morning for Spain. - Well sir.
The statue must be carefully packaged.
- I plan to take him away. - Well sir.
Ah, Jules, take care of the young man as I asked you.
There will be everything you need, sir.
You must pay them the costs of breaking the contract, Jacques.
No !
No ! No !
Our trip to Spain took several weeks.
With each passing day, we approached the south,
I felt more comfortable and exalted.
We had left the winter and Paris snowy behind us.
and we were greeted by the sweet spring of the Spanish coast
Employees were informed of our arrival time
and had thus prepared everything,
so that nothing hinders a longer stay.
V nus and Louise went every day to the almost deserted beach.
They moved with exubation
and the ease of two young mares.
Do not you feel sometimes as observed by yourself?
Bah, stupidity.
Come !
Very good! The food is really excellent.
Is not it a wonderful night?
- Yes. And Paris is very far from here. - Thank God.
Do you remember that I love you and once I asked you if you were happy?
Now I want to ask you again.
I think the word happiness is not enough for me.
Happiness is just a word. And I feel more than that.
But maybe they call this feeling Fortunately, and I owe it to you alone.
To no one else, Jacques.
I like being with you here.
Only three of us.
Or maybe I should say four?
No, I do not feel too much today. if we did something else. Okay ?
- Good. What would you say about fishing? - Right here ? And how ?
I feel that someone follows us.
Who can follow us here?
I do not know.
Probably the imagination.
- Look here! - I can not recognize it. - There is someone.
I think the sun did not help you. You already see ghosts.
We noticed something happening, Jacques.
V nus saw someone who watched us.
It's probably an effect of the imagination.
I'll talk to Jules about it.
Maybe it would be prudent to hire staff who will care about you.
I want to know how to avoid in all circumstances you are being harassed.
Music! We want music!
And a little wine, Jules!
So, that was not my imagination.
You watched us all this time.
- I came for my property. - You sold it to Jacques.
He cheated on me. I was sick He stole it from me.
So so you only came because of the statue?
- Do you think I still love you? - Do not you feel anything?
You chase me in my dreams and my nightmares.
You have my hope.
- And you destroyed me. "I did not want you to hurt, Armand.
Neither you nor anyone else.
- Venus? It's him...? - Yes. It's Armand. - I'm coming badly.
But I have to ask you a question. And you will have to decide.
Do you want to leave here with me?
I think you just wanted to see the statue again.
- I want to come back as it was. - Armand, do not be stupid!
The staff is armed.
- And me too ! - The collector and the protector.
You just have everything stolen! Thief!
This time I will make your financial ruin.
- Why ? Why did you do that? - Jacques, you have to be careful of her.
Armand.
He killed himself, Venus.
Go get a doctor!
Not moving. Stay calm. All will be well, Venus.
He did not say anything about me before he died?
If Venus, yes. He said : "Take good care of her."
But he must have thought that I was already dead.
Now maybe he had something else in sight too.