Le Cercle Rouge (Le Cercle rouge)

Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha,

drew a circle with a piece of red chalk

and said:

"When men, even unknowingly,

"are to meet one day,

"whatever may befall each,

"whatever their diverging paths,

"on the said day, they will inevitably

come together in the red circle."

Rama Krishna

A red light, tough!

THE RED CIRCLE

Good news: You get out tomorrow.

- Thanks for the tip-off, boss. - That's not all.

Time's short. The watch is due.

What's the game, boss?

I've known you five years. You're the only man for this job.

Job?

Classic, easy. No-risk.

If done right.

And if not?

- Sorry. I'm not coming back here. - Well, I want out of here.

When you hear the details, you'll warm up.

I doubt it.

What's with you, Corey?

With your pedigree and your time inside, who'd offer you decent work?

The bastards, they're ahead of schedule.

Leave nothing to chance, boss.

That's why I fixed the lock so no one knows I'm in here.

I'm offering you the job because I can't take risks.

They're unforeseeable.

Let's hear it anyway.

My brother-in-law's worked for a firm for 15 years.

They've just installed a new security system.

One billfold.

300 francs.

Three photos.

One driver's license.

- One passport. - Expired.

One watch, platinum.

One set of keys, and that's it.

Corey... Your photos.

The telephone, please.

Police here. Get me the gendarmerie.

- Have a map of the area? - Behind you.

- Where are we? - In Mersault-L'Hôpital.

- This road? - D23.

This is Inspector Mattei, Criminal Investigations, Paris.

The prisoner I was escorting got away.

Right, set up roadblocks on all roads between...

Arnay-le-Duc, Nuits-St-Georges, Beaune,

Chalon-sur-Saône, Le Creusot, Autun.

I'm at the level crossing at Mersault.

Right, on the D23.

Then tell your captain to come down. I'll explain.

One other thing...

Ask the Prefect to put the Rex Plan into effect,

and use dogs for the dragnet.

I'll wait here... And make it snappy.

What do I do?

There are other trains running.

Bring me my coat and jacket,

the handcuffs and the two hats,

and get the train moving.

If anyone had told me you'd be my wake-up call...

I was released early.

For good behavior.

Just a little poker game.

So I see.

If I haven't been in touch for the past four years...

- Five. - Sorry, five...

it's because during the investigation and trial,

you didn't mention my name.

So I figured it was better, for you and for me...

You don't say.

Don't believe me?

Now that you're out, you can count on me.

It's 7:30. The banks open at 9.

- I'll write you a check. - No checks!

Loan me a few thousand. I'll pay you back.

You're nuts. Wait till 9.

Let me give you something sizeable. I owe you.

Just lend me what I need.

I don't have enough cash here. Wait till 9.

And in here?

Nothing. Just a few thousand.

That'll do.

As you like.

I'll pay you back.

Sure, you will.

- What is it? - Nothing...

Hello, Paul?

We're closed, mister.

Ripping off Rico at home!

You lost your manners in prison.

Give it back, Corey.

Sure.

I lost, anyway.

Hello, police?

Nicephore Niepce invented photography in this village in 1822

Papers, please.

You just bought the car?

At 9 this morning, before leaving Marseille.

Register the car in your name before next week.

Your address still the same?

Yes, 19 Avenue Paul Doumer.

Would you open your trunk, please?

Fine, thank you.

Go on.

Still nothing?

We lost his trail at the stream.

We've got to find it again.

Comb every inch of the region.

- Are they still searching? - Yes...

but I think it's useless.

The Interior Minister won't put up roadblocks all over France.

This isn't a terrorist.

Think he'll slip through?

He'll manage.

What makes you say that?

Hunter's instinct, maybe.

And for once the prey is intelligent.

The Chief wants to see you.

You don't say.

As soon as you get in.

Really?

Good day, sir. Registration, please.

It's not in your name.

I know, your colleague warned me. I'll see to it tomorrow.

Open your trunk, please.

They forgot to give me the key.

I can't open all my crates!

Expect me to dismantle the doors, too?

And the wheels, the tires, why not the tool box, too?

You're out of your mind!

You're free to go, sir.

Come out. The coast is clear.

Hands up.

Fine way to thank me.

You see me climb in?

Sure. Or I wouldn't suggest you get some air.

Why run a risk like that?

Up!

Answer my question.

After I lower my hands.

And rich, to boot.

Put your hands down.

This morning!

That's unbelievable!

What'd you think seeing me hide in your car?

That you're the fugitive the radio mentioned.

I'd just passed a roadblock at Chalon.

And you weren't afraid?

What of?

Me, to start with.

And of them finding me in your trunk...

for instance.

C'mon. Paris is your best bet.

In case we don't meet again... thanks.

Hello, Fiorello.

Hello, you.

Hello, Grifollet.

Hello, Ofrène.

Time to eat.

Come on, children.

You're sulking because I was away 3 days.

Come on, Grifollet.

Coming, Ofrène?

Come on, baby. Come on, Ofrène.

Take the forest road.

Get out on this side.

End of the line, Corey.

One move and you're dead. Hands up!

Let's go, quick! Someone might've heard the shots.

- Only chance can help now... - Chance hasn't had much luck.

Mr. Mattei,

didn't you know that a suspect must be considered guilty?

Not for me, sir.

I've dealt with so many suspects who were innocent...

You're joking! No one is innocent.

All men are guilty.

They're born innocent, but it doesn't last.

Sir, my chief just told you that only chance can catch Vogel now.

Chance and myself, in fact.

Mr. Mattei, I don't doubt your good will,

but allow me to doubt

your efficiency in arresting culprits.

Mattei has the finest service record in 15 years on the force.

So what! People change in 15 years.

Think I'm the man I was in 1955?

We all change...

for the worse.

I'm ready to resign if...

That would be too easy.

No, you're to find Vogel by hook or by crook.

No matter what the cost.

You know him the best here.

Travelling together in a sleeping car creates a bond,

even if the journey's cut short.

Very well. I'll find him.