MovieChat Forums > The Camomile Lawn (1992) Discussion > Dialogue Between Polly and Tony in Bed -...

Dialogue Between Polly and Tony in Bed - Help with a word used.

posted 12 years ago by villagevicarage
8 replies | jump to latest

I'd be most grateful for some help in understanding the word used by Tony when Polly 'releases' him from their 'af·faire d'a·mour.' I've listened to the dialogue twice now and believe Tony is asking 'Are you giving me my corrigée?'

Have I misunderstood the word he said? I just find it rather odd that among all the French words and phrases we use in Britain that corrigée would have been used, especially in that era. I believe it to mean grading, which I suppose would be appropriate in the context of the dialogue but it's such an obscure word as it's more often used as 'corrigé' as in graded up...

I suspect it's just that I've misheard what was said, but would be grateful for anyone's correction.

The scene starts at: 42:30

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpgY2Kvxsk8&feature=relmfu

Sadly, as one would imagine, it's one of those scenes that has been purged from the film in deference to those who suffer from acute Ameri-mammary-mania.

Many Thanks

Fr B+

[–] gorye 12 years ago

- You can take her home after supper. I want an early night.
- But Polly, I...
- But Polly's had enough, so off you go.
- Are you giving me my congé?
- Yes, that was the arrangement. It's worked very well, thanks a million and all that.
- You're a cold-blooded bitch.
- No, just practical.

[–] villagevicarage 12 years ago

Gorye

Stupide moi! Hadn't even thought of it....a consequence of ageing I'm afraid.

Thank you very much indeed!

Fr B+

[–] gorye 12 years ago

You are welcome!

[–] finnegansword-772-990306 10 years ago

Conge

What the Free Dictionary says:-

1. Formal or authoritative permission to depart.
2. An abrupt dismissal.
3. A leave-taking

[–] willjohn 9 years ago

Abbreviation for "Conjugal rights" perhaps?

Only a suggestion.

[–] villagevicarage-1 9 years ago

Thank you WillJohn.

I think, we surmised that the word used was actually 'congé' - an unceremonious dismissal or rejection of someone.

In the context of the scene I think this was most likely the word used. I only wish I had been paying closer attention to the scene. Hopefully, the film will return to the air in the coming months.

Thank you again!

Fr B+

[–] gorye 9 years ago

The word congé is in the fragment of subtitles, which I've posted above.

It's strange that there's a need to surmise anything then.

[–] villagevicarage-1 9 years ago

Good morning gorye

Indeed you did! And it's thanks to your contribution that I remembered this and shared it with willjohn. Thank you again!

May all your journeys be ones of discovery!

Fr B+