Nadar Elevating Photography to Art

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).

Un Guichet de théatre.

Californian Shareholders. - Yesterday I invested 5000 Francs in the purchase of 1000 shares of a California Gold Mining Company.... we have the exploitation right of the left bank of the Sacramento river.... I think this will be a good business.... and the manager is just as convinced as I am. - I prefer a company, called "the golden hoax"... I have put all my money into it.

Croquade Divers

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.

The Grand Stairway of the Palais de Justice

Do you want gold, do you want money, do you want diamonds, millions, zillions? Step right up, let us help you... Boom! Boom! Boom-bond-bond!! Here's bitumen, here's steel, here's lead, here’s gold, here's paper, here's galvanizzzeddd iron... Step up, step up quickly, the law will change, you'll lose everything, hurry up, buy, buy your shares! Buy your shares now!! Boom! Boom!! Boom-boom-boom!! Bond! Bond!!

The Grand Stairway of the Palais de Justice

Various news. "The Rue de la Lune has been illuminated with gas light." Correction: In our last edition instead of "The mayor has given birth to twins" it should read: "He has returned into town." We are being informed from Dijon: "The latest frost has completely destroyed the mustard seeds; this will most likely result in considerable price increases for Moutarde de Dijon." - We inform our readers of a new kind of activity: cunning swindlers are getting information about the addresses of regular patrons of coffee houses. While the clients are reading the newspapers, the thieves will pillage to their home.

The Grand Stairway of the Palais de Justice

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!!