Charlie Chaplin - Monsieur Verdoux on Trial

Awaiting execution for his crimes, Verdoux says to a journalist, “One murder makes a villain…millions a hero. Numbers sanctify my good friend.” Transcript of Verdoux’s final remarks to the court during his trial in Monsieur Verdoux: Judge: Monsieur Verdoux, you have been found guilty, have you anything to say before sentence is passed upon you? Verdoux: Oui, Monsieur, I have. However remiss the prosecutor has been in complimenting me, he at least admits that I have brains. Thank you Monsieur, I have. And for thirty five years I used them honestly, after that… nobody wanted them. So I was forced to go into business for myself. As for being a mass killer, does not the world encourage it? Is it not building weapons of destruction for the sole purpose of mass killing? Has it not blown unsuspecting women and little children to pieces, and done it very scientifically? As a mass killer, I am an amateur by comparison. However I do not wish to lose my temper, because very shortly I shall lose my head. Nevertheless, upon leaving this spark of earthly existence, I have this to say…..I shall see you all very soon…… very soon… From Monsieur Verdoux, Copyright © Roy Export S.A.S. All rights reserved