Reunion in France

---

Tonight, the people of France have reason

to be heartened and encouraged.

In the north, Hitler's army stands helpless

and immobilized...

...before our impregnable Maginot Line.

Our soldiers are fully equipped and trained

to the point of perfection...

...and behind them,

the people of France...

...are confident and united

as never before.

It is because of our leaders of industry

and of labor...

...that our imperishable republic

will not only emerge triumphant...

...but will ensure the freedom of Europe

for our generation...

...and for the generations to come.

France is a great country tonight.

On behalf of myself

and the general staff...

...I wish to thank our leader of design,

Monsieur Robert Cortot...

...who serves as chairman.

Monsieur Berthil,

of the coal and allied interests.

Messieurs Clment and de Brun,

representing labor.

And to the others of the

Committee of Industrial Coordination...

...who have pooled their efforts on behalf

of our gigantic war program.

The fate of France is in their hands.

France will never forget them.

Oh, I beg your pardon. I'm so sorry.

It's nothing. The maid will have it dry

in just a moment.

Excuse me for a moment, madame.

What if I hadn't followed?

I was prepared to faint

before I reached the window.

Sneaking out like this.

It's practically treason.

My train leaves in less than an hour.

- Come with me to Biarritz.

- There's a war, darling.

Well, let them fight it in there.

The Bay of Biscay's blue in May.

- We can be there tomorrow.

- The fields of Flanders are green.

- Hitler may bomb them tomorrow.

- Or next week, or never.

Or tonight.

But Hitler can't invade France.

The general said so.

Unfortunately, for every general that's

right, there's one that's wrong.

- I promise you, Michele...

- Good night.

- You're being childish.

- I'm being manly.

France is at war, and in times of war,

love is a punishable offense.

Birds mustn't sing near airfields, the sun

mustn't shine on military objectives...

- I'll see you off at the station. - It

won't be necessary. I promise I'll leave.

- Mademoiselle de la Becque.

- Martin.

- Monsieur Cortot.

- Martin, do a favor for me.

Whisper to General Bartholomae that I am

escorting mademoiselle to the station.

- I will return soon.

- You needn't bother.

- It is no bother, I assure you.

- At the earliest moment.

- Thank you.

- My highest respects to your parents.

Thank you, Martin.

- I'll wait for you at Mathilde's.

- All right.

Remember, your train leaves

in 40 minutes.

- May I drive you, Monsieur Cortot?

- No, thank you. I'll walk.

It's just across the street.

Send those to the station at once.

Oh, poor Montanot.

Have you been waiting long?

- Two hours and 27 minutes.

- Oh, darling.

Oh, Clothilde, Juliette, I'm so sorry.

What an odd color.

Hurry, I've got to change.

It's exactly the odd color

you insisted upon...

...to match the new dining-room tapestry

at the chateau.

Why is it she never seems

to find enough time...

...in which to do absolutely nothing?

She's done more than I have tonight.

For one thing, she's had dinner.

The gold one.

I thought we were going to use rajah silk.

Our shipments from India

have been uncertain since the war.

You should have told me, and I'd have had

the silk brought in a diplomatic pouch.

Incredible. Are they all I have?

Mademoiselle has dozens.

Mademoiselle seems annoyed at the war.

It's a wonder she doesn't forbid it.

I could never wear that neckline.

- It's much less severe when it's worn.

- I'm sure. Perhaps someone a little taller.

- Where are your shoes?

- I have a blister on my heel.

A blister can be serious.

You should see a specialist.

Have I a gas-mask case to go with this suit?

Monsieur Cortot insists I take one.

You know how men are about the war.

Overgrown boys.

They'd be happy if they wore only uniforms

and played with tanks and planes all day.

Thank you.

Forgive me for running, darling.

Oh, send them all down to me,

and I'll return the ones I don't like.

Have you tried having your shoes

made to order? Hurry, Genevieve, hurry.

Pack up.

Who does she think she is?

Who do they all think they are?

The glory that was France.

What do you think, Monsieur Cortot?

Will my husband be home soon?

Eight months he's been sitting

in the Maginot Line, knitting mittens for me.

Do you miss him so very much, Mathilde?

Yes. Well, we were used to one another.

Of course I miss him.

He was a good waiter.

You and your war.

Me and my war?

Is the war the only reason

you don't love me?

Michele...

It's become a routine, something you do

with your mind on other things.

Then I suppose I should tell you

about the other things.

No, not all of them, just one.

Is she pretty?

Beyond description.

- Young?

- Eternally.

What's she like?

Like you, in a way.

Spoiled, selfish, incredibly romantic.

- Do I know her?

- Casually.

Robert, who is she?

- You'll laugh.

- Of course I will. It's my only defense.

- What's her name?

- Her name?

Her name is France.

Michele, I've got a job to do.

Five years of work in five months.

Maybe five weeks, if that long.

That means concentration

and even devotion.

That means leaving every now and then

the private world you and I live in.

But on how well the job will be done...

...may depend the existence

of a world for anyone to live in.

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