The Wolf of the Malveneurs (Le loup des Malveneur)

THE WOLF OF THE MALVENEURS

The curse of the Malveneurs.

At a time when deep and mysterious forests

still covered the whole country

lived one called the first of the Malveneurs.

It is said that in a country infested with wolves,

this rough and great hunter was tempted by the devil.

One day he had the idea of seizing some wolf cubs, to raise them

and train them for hunting.

And so he obtained an incomparable pack.

But what was the terror of the peasants

when they saw him riding in the snow

followed by the howling pack.

Soon he was accused of all evils committed twenty miles around.

It was then that the curse of God descended upon him:

He became a wolf.

A man by day, he was a wolf at night,

forgetting all, except biting,

tearing, jeopardising all.

You see, Doctor

What gives a disturbing character to this legend,

also widespread,

- Is the way in which my ancestor died. - I can guess.

No, this is a historical fact.

One morning at dawn, a farmer killed with an axe

a large wolf.

At the same time, the first of the Malveneurs

was found in bed

dead, his stomach opened by an axe blow.

A curious coincidence,

- Admit it. - I grant you.

Your husband, has just succeeded in taking us back centuries.

Reginald is often in another world.

Can we blame a scientist for his escapes into the unknown?

Doctor, what can I offer you?

The unknown has its boundaries. Isn't it exciting to push them back?

You can honour yourself with being at the forefront

of those who struggle so.

Admittedly, I struggled.

But I can say this evening, before two doctors, that after months,

even years of research, often disappointing,

I have finally glimpsed the light.

In a short while, I will be able to change the human condition.

- I know your tastes. - I know your cognac.

I read your last report with great interest.

Doctor, don't encourage my husband so, He no longer leaves his laboratory.

Estelle, my dear, don't be jealous of science.

She's an old maid, difficult to conquer.

She's cleverer than me.

You're forgetting that the state of your health is what drives me on.

You're always present in my laboratory.

The ticking of the clock reminds me of your heart.

It's your blood I see in my test tubes.

If one day you give me a son,

I would be justified in saying:

Twice, you owe me life.

I know, Reginald.

I also know that you belong to thousands of strangers.

I'm one of them.

And now, gentlemen,

you will understand why I continued

this research on cell rejuvenation,

with so much stubbornness, such faith.

Each result brought me not only an exceptional joy

but a sense of accomplishment,

a dark duty towards those of my own blood.

An idea haunts me:

After me... there will be no more Malveneurs.

It's not just for me handing my name down to posterity,

but my race and this name.

What is it now?

Edward is calling Morin for dinner.

Please excuse me, gentlemen,

I have a culture of bacillus Rejuvenens to supervise.

It will take me an hour at most.

Till then.

You see, even your presence doesn't keep him...

But... It's proof of esteem.

Dr. Guiraud and I we can only approve of it.

Besides I must be thinking of returning to Paris.

Paris, where I left with my youth and my illusions, another Estelle.

- The page is turned. - But the book is not yet finished,

No, but I've already seen the ending.

Tell me, doctor, when will she come, this girl?

Miss Valory, whenever you please,

The sooner the better.

I haven't the strength to take care of this child.

And I don't know why, but I fear something.

I'll tell her on my return.

She's a trustworthy person:

- Intelligent, hard-working... - Is there any point?

There are already three women here, you, me and Marianna.

I'm not going to confide the education of my Genevieve

to a deaf-mute.

And it isn't you who'll be responsible.

Darling, say good night.

- She doesn't grow very much. - Doesn't matter.

She's a girl...

Go to sleep, it's getting late.

You'd like me, Doctor, to set an example to my daughter?

I feel very tired.

We'll miss you, but I'm glad to see

that you're following my advice.

Don't worry, Doctor, I'll take thing easy.

And take things easy, more and more.

Have a good trip.

It's unfortunate that my sister-in-law doesn't understand

that the time isn't right to alarm my brother.

And he was right to call me in, Miss.

Estelle is imaginative.

Perhaps, but her heart is prematurely worn.

We must avoid not only all fatigue but emotion too.

That's what we do.

The whistling that preceded the departure of Reginald

is a code agreed between him and Morin his gamekeeper.

- Why? - Estelle hates Morin

because he provides my brother with animals

which are subjected to vivisection.

This idea makes her sick.

- Morin is just a gamekeeper. - He's better than a gamekeeper.

He collaborates in the experiments.

He's interested, him.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.

Amen.

All those who have lived here are well known to me.

Do not smile, Doctor.

My soul is much older than me.

There is somewhere in my consciousness

the living memories of another Magda.

You have the certainty of a previous life.

It's rather that of an extension,

mysterious.

They are in me.

They see with my eyes.

They make use of my life.

You are sceptical?

No. There are troubling cases of reminiscences.

I beg your pardon, I'd like to see Mr. De Malveneur before I leave.

It's rather late.

The Malveneurs are always waiting for something.

It may be that my brother has need of me.

Would you excuse me for a moment?

- A curious family... - Eccentric.

- I pity the young woman. - She is resigned.

Do you think he can do something for her?

He treats her physical heart. but forgets the other.

They don't appear very popular in this region.

The man at the station told me:

Rather me than you.

Do you agree?

Only three types agree to come to Malveneur:

Men of law, the church and of science.

- The mayor and the priest, reluctantly. - Because of the legend?

Partly yes, but also because of their behaviour.

They never go out, never see anyone.

Well, curious...

Their coat of arms?

Three gold wolf heads, on a black rock, tongues the same.

Originally, there was a Latin motto like this:

- "With them I howl". - Well, very engaging.

They've not told you but even today,

this legend excludes them from the cemetery.

- But where are they buried? - Here, near the château.

That's incredible. In the 20th century.

My dear fellow, the people still believe in the Malveneur wolf.

But it's time to go. My train...

Are you leaving, Doctor?

I've received you badly.

I couldn't find my brother in his laboratory.

He must be with Morin.

You really must excuse me.

- I hope you weren't too bored. - But, not in the least.

Mme de Malveneur should follow my instructions.

- And thank you for your hospitality. - Not at all.

It's late.

Where's Reginald?

He's working.

- Why hasn't he returned? - I don't know.

What's wrong?

Where's Reginald?

- What time for Tournemillon? - 10:27.

- What? - Are you deaf.

11:58... plenty of time.

This is the train for Neutart.

What about me?

How do I get to the château of Malveneur?

I don't know, Madam. I am not from round here.

And I'm not staying either.

I beg your pardon, sir. The château of Malveneur?

Take road de Villeneuve, that way,

and then turn right.

- Is it far? - 7 or 8 km.

Have you seen anyone from the château?

What do you want with them?

A cure.

Rather me than you.

- Look after this package would you. - With pleasure, Mr. Laportelle.

I beg your pardon, Miss,

I couldn't help but overhear your conversation.

I'd be happy to help.