The True Colours of the State

True, you have lost your case...but you surely must have enjoyed the eloquence of my pleading!

Mr.Lifeguard.... is it true there are sharks at Dieppe? - Of course... but it is pretty simple... as soon as you see one coming to eat you, all you have to do is lay down sideways. He won't eat you for fear of choking to death.

A confession of faith. Yes sir, I bared my political life in pure sincerity before my country. I was convinced that my true love for our institutions would make me worthy of representing my fellow citizens. I was wrong, Monsieur, it seems the nation wasn't ready for this yet.

Preparing for the baccalaureate. - There are two ways in which you might pass your exams: the first way is to let someone else take your place; the second is to take them yourself. - I would like to take them myself. - Very good!... Do you know Greek? - No. - Latin? - None the more. - Excellent!... Do you know your Math? - Not at all. - What do you know then? - Nothing. - But you've 200 francs? - Of course! - Splendid... You'll be passed next Thursday. - You mean you're going to prepare me in eight days? - What do you think!!!!... It's true that I've taken on the responsibility for your success, but for teaching you... Oh no! Certainly not!!

Robert Macaire before his judges. Very well! Yes, gentlemen, I was rather unfortunate at the Assize Court... but misfortune is always respectable!... moreover, it’s true what has been said, I've a habit of subtracting money, it's easier to excuse me than someone else because it's harder for me to resist my weakness... as for the rest, I am accused of selling lead for gold? Twenty witnesses swear to it. Very well! I deny it forty times and since two denials are worth an avowal it's clear that you cannot find me guilty. (after this brilliant improvisation Robert Macaire is condemned with a maximum sentence).

Who says, Parisiens are never satisfied! Not one dissatisfied visitor in the first four rows. It's true, all Frenchmen are Romans.

Robert Macaire, business agent. Yesterday I made a mistake when I said that your business is in good shape. It's detestable. The government owes you five hundred thousand francs, it's true, but the debt hasn't been recognized, there's a forfeiture today, you won't have a penny. However, come to think of it, there's Mr. de St. Bertrand, a rich capitalist, an imbecile, sell him your interests for a hundred crowns, that'll be a splendid deal... (aside) and not expensive.

Golden Time of the Hour