Princess of Jerusalem
A film by Guillaume Levil and Nicolas Paban
-What are you watching? -A documentary.
-How's your dad? -He is alright, today.
How's yours? Getting better?
No.
People in the village tell me he only has little time left to live.
But I still hope and, like you,
I talk to him, I watch tv with him...
Pete!
We're expected!
Your team will be handling the Lermit case.
You will represent Bertier Insurance.
It's an important case, lots of money...
I decided that...
...Peter...
...would be in charge of that case.
Are you joking boss?
Dummy?
I am the team leader!
Of course,
but you're not the only one in the team.
Peter will be managing this case,
and if he needs help from someone in the team to work faster,
he'll ask you.
We'll see how that goes.
You'll be alright, right?
About the presentation,
it bothers me but I won't be able to go to Paris. My father, you know...
Don't worry.
Someone else can manage the presentation.
Sorry.
-Good evening. -Yeah.
YOGHURT
-Hey Pete... wait. -Good evening.
Sorry to bother you but I bought yoghurts.
There are too many for me. If you want some...
Every week's the same! It's really kind.
And dad doesn't eat them...
Here. I don't know if...
...you still need those. -Well, outside after the rain,
or with the young people outside, they get damaged and need replacing.
About the iron,
you can keep it a bit longer if you still need it.
Well, are you sure it's alright?
Come on, calm down!
Pete, you'll never believe me! A lawyer contacted me.
He confirmed a rumour I heard in the village.
My father's extremely wealthy,
and I'm his only heir.
But...
"But..."
"I have to pay legal fees before his death,"
"otherwise I won't be entitled to it."
"If you help me, I'll share half of it with you. A huge amount apparently."
"You only have to lend me the legal costs, it's not much..."
This website is secure.
I'm embarrassed but people are jealous and won't help.
I'm running the risk of you not believing me.
But we've been chatting for so long...
we love each other.
Let me give you a hand!
Thanks Pete!
I'll definitely miss you.
You're the only nice guy in town.
-Why? Are you leaving? -Yes.
The landlord doesn't want us here any longer.
If it's about money, I can help, you know.
It's very kind, but you don't make much and you've got your father to care for.
Here, I switched it this time.
I painted them first.
It'll be pleasant for the kids, to look at the drawings while eating.
Pete !
You're so great!
Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
-I'm glad I could help. Good luck. -Thank you. So much.
Thanks to you I paid the inheritance tax.
I was afraid you wouldn't believe me.
I'd have helped you whatever...
...the reason, whether I believed it or not.
I'd really like to meet you. I don't want to wait any longer.
At first it surprised me that a princess would need money.
She has royal blood. That's where her father's money comes from.
Actually her father's in a coma,
and he's the only one to have access to that fortune.
The money's frozen until his death.
After that she can inherit. It's the rule.
I did the maths,
I only need 1200€, to complete my remaining 800.
That includes her plane ticket from Africa,
and a train to get here, since... we don't...have an airport.
Alright. Consumer credit...
...for a plane ticket, 1200€.
I'm granting you the loan, but considering your income, it'll be the last one.
Forget the bank.
What's going on?
We're super late, and you're sitting here doing nothing!
How's the case going?
-I'm not in the mood for work... -Not in the mood?
We'll get such a good telling off! Especially you.
What's going on?
It's Sarah, my African princess.
She'd have arrived yesterday, but something must've happened.
It's her.
We're in love.
That's the princess?
Aren't African women usually black?
Not her.
Does she even exist? Where did you meet her?
I've known her for a while, she contacted be online.
Alright, I get it.
She asked for money?
You didn't give any, dummy?
Come on, tell me I'm wrong, you're joking!
Anyway. Tomorrow I want to see you working.
Or I'll be the one shouting at you!
Hello. It's...because I'm bringing yoghurt for the kids.
Hey hi Pete.
Hello, sorry, it's because there are too many for me...
Yes, I know Pete. Thank you, it's kind.
Actually I was about to go over and say goodbye, because...
...we'll be leaving tomorrow.
Are you alright?
I'm very worried.
I haven't heard from the woman I love.
The woman...? ...Who?
Sarah, my princess I met on the Internet.
I paid her father's inheritance tax,
and the tickets. I thought that'd be enough,
but something must've happened. I don't know what to do.
Well... Don't worry Pete,
you loved that woman... and that's something.
Come on, you should forget about that.
Can I see a picture of your princess? I wanna check something.
I knew it!
I have to tell you something.
It will probably seem crazy, but...
I know where she is.
Because I know her.
Don't ask me how, it'd be too hard to explain, and...
there are details I must keep to myself.
I...just asked around...
and your princess did use those tickets.
She's in France.
But she was kidnapped before getting here.
And I know who kidnapped her.
They demand a ransom for her release.
But her father just died,
you know, you mentionned the inheritance tax.
Her father cannot pay the ransom, obviously,
and your princess you love,
she cannot get her inheritance, since she's held captive.
But I know a way to free her.
I just need money...
Yes, I know the story must seem unbelievable,
and the probability that I know that princess is so low...
I'm surprised myself!
But...among the infinity of events that never happen,
at least one happens sometimes.
I'd need 2000€ to set things straight.
Cash. By tomorrow.
Come in.
-Good morning. -Good morning.
I had expenses.
Expenses... Lermit file... Ok.
Sign here please.
-Thank you. -Good Bye.
What got into you, Peter?
You've always been a model employee. I trusted you.
I don't understand this foolishness.
Also because everything's double-checked here.
Was it related to... that story Sam told me... ?
An African princess?
I didn't think you were serious, Pete...
Please leave us, Sam.
I won't call the police.
We'll leave it at that.
But... I can't keep you, of course.
I looked it up...
You were the victim of a rip-off dating back to the 18th century.
At the time, prisoners sent fraudulent letters,
to rip people off.
They were called "Letters from Jerusalem".
Because some of the prisoners were incarcerated in the Bicetre prison,
on Jerusalem street. Anyway.
You can go.
You... will get over this and get a fresh start....maybe.
Peter! Don't forget this.
But...no making waves, no fuss, no lawsuit...
Go on.
Letters from Jerusalem
The frauds started in France at the end of the 18th century...
I didn't think you'd come.
The car's loaded.
We're ready to go.
You got the money?
Great.
She's one lucky princess.
Alright!
Bye Pete.
Pete?
I'm sorry.
Your iron... must be somewhere in a box.
It's alright.
You can give it to the princess.
Take care.
Princess of Jerusalem