I think I overestimated my strength.
I overestimated myself. And I’m losing a lot of money.
Really?
I’m ruined.
No, wait. What are you talking about?
Maybe I should just stop everything.
I’ve never heard you talk like this before.
We’ll see.
Hey, it’s going to be okay. I’m sure of it.
See you soon, sis. I’ll call you.
Okay.
I am the eye, and you are the light,
without light, the eye is in darkness.
I am the fish,
you are the river,
without water, the fish cannot survive.
But immersed in clear water, it comes back to life again.
If you and I are separated, this very hour will be my last.
I’ll bring you something to eat and drink!
Come, Aïda. They’ve started.
Mischa...
Mischa, what are you going to feed them?
You emptied our supplies last week, remember?
And you’re already inviting half your clients!
They’re not clients, they’re friends.
And they’re like us. They’re artists, my dear.
Come dance...
You know what I always say.
Look where we came from and where we are today!
Yes, Mom! Come on, let’s dance.
What are you doing there? Don’t listen to us.
Come on, come on, come on!
♪ (in Russian)
"The Two Guitars" (Aznavour)
♪ Two gypsies, tirelessly
♪ Strumming their guitars
♪ Reviving from the depths of night
♪ All my memories
♪ Unaware that within me flows
♪ A stream of sorrow
♪ Reborn under their fingers
♪ My wild youth
♪ Once more, once more
♪ Many many more times
♪ Once more, once more
♪ Many many more times
♪ I want to laugh, I want to sing
♪ And drown my sorrow
♪ To forget the past
♪ That I carry with me, come on
♪ Once more, once more
♪ Many many more times
♪ Once more, once more
♪ Many many more times
♪ Two guitars in my mind
♪ Cast an immense turmoil
♪ Explaining the futility
♪ Of our existence
♪ What do we live for? Why do we live?
♪ What is the reason for being?
♪ You are alive today, you'll be dead tomorrow
♪ And even more so the day after
Manouch, where are we at?
I have a few ideas.
Mmh mmh. - But I’m still hesitating.
Mischa, these flyers are expensive. Are you sure you want to order them?
Of course, I’m sure.
Advertising is important.
Manouch, what do you suggest? - Well...
"At Aznavourian’s, everything is grand."
We can do better. - Better!
"At Aznavourian’s... you eat well."
And the rhyme, dummy? - You’re the dummy.
It’s not easy to rhyme with "Aznavourian."
Otherwise, I might have an idea.
"To Aznavour’s, we run." - "To Aznavour’s, we run." Here.
Hello. "To Aznavour’s, we run." Come to our restaurant.
Hello, sir. Come to our restaurant.
Hello, madam. "To Aznavour’s, we run."
Hi, Charles! - Hi, hi!
Hey, hi, Charles! - Hi. How are you?
I warned you. - Come on, kids. Let’s go!
He doesn’t even speak French.
What are we going to eat? - I’ll go shopping.
With what money?
Don’t worry.
Did you sell your gold tooth?
We have to eat, don’t we?
Do you think it’s going to be okay, Mom?
If God wills it.
Kids...
Come see our new café, our new home.
I know what you’re thinking.
I know.
It’s true that it’s small here.
But we won’t stay long.
Okay?
And we’re together...
As long as we’re together as a family, nothing can happen to us.
♪ Happy birthday,
♪ Happy birthday... - Stop. That’s enough for me.
Monday morning at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, 9 A.M.
Tell your parents. - Yes.
Congratulations.
Is there a little boy here who can do an African accent?
Is it paid, sir?
Who said that? - It was me.
It’s possible. Can you do the accent?
Of course! Hello, sir.
Monday at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées. - Okay.
9 A.M.
Thank you.
Hey, you there.
Are you Arthur?
Yes, that’s me. - Are you ready?
Yes. - Alright, that’s good.
I’ll say “break a leg.”
“Break a leg”? - It means "good luck".
Is this your first time on stage?
Yes. - Come on.
It’s your turn.
Thank you. Come on.
Don’t forget, stand up straight and speak loudly.
Okay.
Go ahead.
Oh, you’re here?
I’m here. I made it.
Please welcome our next act:
Charles Trenet!
Let’s give him a big round of applause.
"There is joy" (Charles Trenet)
♪ There’s joy, hello, hello, swallows
♪ There’s joy, in the sky above the rooftops
♪ There’s joy, and sunshine in the alleys
♪ There’s joy, everywhere, there’s joy
♪ All day long, my heart beats, sways, and stumbles
♪ It’s love that comes with don’t know what
♪ It’s love, hello, hello, ladies
♪ There’s joy, everywhere, there’s joy
Thank you, madam.
That’s it, bitte schön.
Henriette,
are you going to let me do something other than imitate Trenet?
I can sing real songs. - What do you want to sing?
Classics, love songs.
To sing about love, you have to be handsome.
Your voice is completely broken.
Stick to what you know how to do.
People are here to have fun.
But me... - Stop bothering me!
Love songs. What a guy!
Hi, Mélinée. - Hi, Charles.
Is Manouch here? - He’s waiting to play chess with you.
We’ll see.
Mom.
I found bread and rutabagas. - Perfect timing.
We’ll have to share dinner. And you.
I know, we’ll have to sleep on the floor.
There are people here. Even French people.
French people? - Jews. Manouch will explain.
This is incredible. What is it? - It’s your sister.
Next week, I’ll be all over the subway.
You’re beautiful, by the way. I never noticed before.
"Aznamour?" - According to the director, it’s more glamorous.
Not very flattering, but I’m the only one not taking my clothes off.
I wasn’t going to be picky.
I’m proud of you. - Thank you.
Gentlemen.
This is my son.
Let me introduce, Charles. The Rozenbaum family.
They’ll be staying here for a few days. - Okay.
They were supposed to leave us alone.
Since morning, they’ve been rounding everyone up,
helped by French police.
Really? - Yes.
Well played, Mr. Manouchian.
Thank you.
The two Russians and the Armenian were working for the German army.
Were forced to. They just deserted.
We found them clothes, but we need to help them disappear.
Kind of like your crazy guy, Charles.
Will you get rid of the uniforms? - Yes.
And you move to a different neighborhood.
Don’t dump them in the same place. - Okay.
♪ And I sleep at night on the grass in the woods
♪ The flies don’t bite me, no, no, no
♪ I’m happy, it’s okay, I’m not hungry anymore
♪ And I sing
♪ On my way
Yes!
How do you know those "interesting" people?
Thanks to my poster.
They saw it. The name caught their attention.
They came to see me at the concert.
Imitating our father-- advertising is important.
Yes.
Ah, hi, Aïda! Welcome.
Hi. Charles, let me introduce Jean-Louis Marquet.
Hello.
I’ll introduce you to the Club de la Chanson.
Your sister has told me a lot about you. - She’s kind.
Our writers, Francis Blanche and Lawrence Riesner. - Welcome!
Hi. How are you, Aïda? - Good.
Pierre Saka, also a singer.
Hello.
Behind the note sheets, our president... Pierre Roche.
Pierre?
Oh, hello.
Charles. Nice to meet you.
Oh, the pleasure is mine.
For me, it will be an osso buco and the butter pancake with its coulis, please.
And for you?
I’m not very hungry, thank you.
Really, you don’t want anything? Have something, Charles.
Just a coffee for me.
Well...
Is the apartment yours?
Yes, well, my parents’.
They’re never here. They live in the countryside.
And you sing and act in theater?
I do acts in cabarets and sell newspapers.
You and Aida are brave, you know. - Not much of a choice.
I take anything that bring me some money.
Yes, I understand.
Will you help me to get my singers to work?
With pleasure.
I could work on my singing. My voice is a bit husky.
A husky voice is interesting.
A lot of American jazz singers have one.
I sing through my nose.
Oh, well... with that nose, Charles!
Ah, I get it!
Insults by a young man who’s balder than my father.
Very funny, I see.
That’s good.
Let’s get serious.
Did you see the girls behind you?
Three brunettes. The prettiest is the one wearing the scarf.
Observant too, I like that.
Admire a bit.
Ladies,
excuse my boldness. Let me introduce us:
Charles Aznavour, Pierre Roche,
Parisian dandies at your service. - Yes, and?
I’m giving a concert in few days.
I’m delighted to invite you. Or better...
We are delighted if you could come.
And you’ll see that I don’t just play the fool.
You greet people, you smile.
She already smiles well. - Hi, Pierre.
Hi, kid. - How are you?
No, we haven’t heard anything from Pierre Saka.
Was he called up? - Ah, damn.
I’ll sing alone. I can’t do the whole set.
Could you sing an extra song?
No, don’t worry.
I can sing you two or three songs. - Well...
Yes, why not.
Are you sure, Pierre?
You’ll go between Aïda and me.
Come on, hop, hop, hop!
Get back behind your mic.
And now, let’s welcome...
Pierre Roche and Charles Aznavour!
She’s calling us both at the same time. What a fool!
Come on, Pierre!
Let’s go. She announced us.
Together? - Yes, let’s do it like at the club.
I know the songs. - Pierre Roche...
Alright, let’s go. - ... and Charles Aznavour!
Aah! - Pierre Roche, Pierre Roche!
♪ In Paris, there’s a lady
Three, four.
♪ In Paris, there’s a lady, In Paris, who thinks of me
♪ In Paris, she calls for me In Paris, I hear her voice
♪ She has gold teeth, many servants
♪ Courts of admirers, a garden on her roof
♪ Fish in her bathtub, fantastic jewels
♪ Birds from Brazil
♪ A fox from Alaska
♪ Ah ah ah ah
♪ In Paris, there’s a lady In Paris, who thinks of me
♪ In Paris, she calls for me, In Paris...
I hear her voice with us!
♪ There’s a lady in Paris, who thinks of me
♪ In Paris, she calls for me In Paris, I hear her voice
♪ She has gold teeth, many servants
♪ Courts of admirers, a garden on her roof
♪ Fish in her bathtub, fantastic jewels
♪ Birds... from Brazil La-la-lal-laa-laa!
Bravo!
A guy who owns a club in Lille invites you to perform.
It's not much, will pay 50 francs, but still...
It's going to be tricky to get there. There are hardly any trains left.
50 francs... each?
Mmh.
For 50 francs, we'll find a solution.
It's a club with dancers, a bit like strippers.
You're right, we'll find a solution.
You'll need your own songs. Oh, yes!
We can't just do covers.
We have the best songwriters here in Paris.
Would you have anything to suggest to us?
Well, we do have two or three finished songs, yes.
But, we intended to offer them to more famous singers...
... who are already performing.
But the spirit of this Song Club is precisely that.
It's fine.
We'll do it ourselves.
It can't be that hard to write two verses and a chorus.
Look on the desk...
there are pens too.
I can't stand all their "lalalalala" anymore.
I walk down the street, "lalalalala",
And look at the sky, "lalalalala"...
We need to put lyrics in those "lalala" places.
I thought of something.
Keep going with that...
♪ He wore...
♪ "a taupe felt" hat
A taupe felt hat?
Yes.
I was in your neighborhood
and on a hatmaker's window, I saw "taupe felt hat".
The guy explained to me that it was made from mole skin.
With the war, even the bourgeoisie are cutting corners.
A taupe felt hat? I really like that. - Really?
Yes.
I'd like to rhyme that with "onomatopoeia".
I could scat like a jazzman.
Ah! Now you're speaking my language.
Shall we try it together?
♪ He wore a taupe felt hat
♪ He spoke in onomatopoeias
♪ He drank iced coffees
♪ With straws
But it works! - Mmh.
I think it's sensational.
But, have you written before?
No.
I don't believe you. - I swear I haven't.
What's crazy is that...
it doesn't even seem difficult to me.
♪ Later, they got married
♪ It made for a crazy couple
♪ Walking out of step on Boulevard Raspail
♪ You should see them ♪ In the cafés
♪ On the counter ♪ Drinking iced
♪ Coffees
♪ Iced coffees with straws
Thank you.
Now, ladies and gentlemen, I leave you with Miss Viviane.
Did you spot those two over there? The mother and daughter.
I'll go talk to them. You join us.
You talk to the mother, and I'll talk to the daughter.
But who's the mother, who's the daughter?
You know what? I'll do my special move on them.
Like last time, at the little club of...
Charles?
Good evening. I was watching you from the stage.
You light up the whole room. - Thank you.
Do you say that every time? - No.
May I? - Please.
Good evening, ladies.
I was watching you from the stage.
You light up the whole room.
Okay.
And a liar, too. - Only for special occasions.
Am I the occasion? Is that supposed to flatter me?
No, I'm the special occasion.
It's up to me to judge, if you'll allow me.
Well...
what's the verdict?
Well...
a rough start, but an interesting comeback.
Oh..... - There's hope for what comes next.
It's in the follow-up where I'm the best.
Ah, I see.
Mmh?
And so...
no chance of a follow-up?
I'll need to go and light up the stage.
Oh really?
Mmh mmh.
You had her very young. I thought she was your sister.
"I Have Two Loves" (Joséphine Baker)
♪ I have two loves
♪ My country and Paris
♪ With them, always
♪ My heart is delighted
Where are you going, son? - To Lille.
We're going to give a concert.
I write songs now.
Songs? - Mmh.
That's good.
Do you know what the best song is?
"There's Joy."
♪ There's joy
♪ The swallows, there's joy
No one can do that better. - You make me laugh.
Go.
See you soon, Dad. - Good luck.
"His Youth" (Charles Aznavour)
I hope we can handle the admirers
♪ When you hold
♪ In your hands
♪ This treasure
♪ Being twenty - It's not the time, come on!
♪ Tomorrows
♪ Full of promise - Oh no, damn.
Come on, Mr. "Azbanour." We're going to sing.
♪ When love leans over us
♪ To offer us
♪ Sleepless nights
♪ When you see
♪ Far ahead
♪ Life's laughing
♪ Embroidered with hope, rich with joy
♪ And madness
♪ You must drink to intoxication
♪ Your youth
(in German)
Are you Jewish? - Oh no, not at all.
Pull down your pants.
Hurry up!
♪ And never again
Get lost.
♪ Lost time
♪ Won't face us - Get out.
♪ It passes
♪ Often in vain
- There's no more bread. ♪ We reach out
♪ And we regret
♪ It's too late
♪ On its path, nothing stops it
"We can't keep forever..."
"Our youth"
♪ Our youth
"Before we even smile, we leave childhood"
"Before we even know, youth slips away"
"It seems so short that we're all surprised"
"Before we even understand, we leave existence"
"When you hold this treasure in your hands"
"Being twenty"
"Tomorrows full of promise"
"When love leans over us, offers sleepless nights to us"
♪ When you see... "When you see..."
♪ Far ahead... "Far ahead..."
♪ Life's laughing "Life's laughing"
"Embroidered with hope" ♪ Embroidered with hope
♪ Rich with joy "Rich with joy"
♪ And madness
"You must drink to intoxication..."
"To your youth"
"To all the moments of our twenties..."
"that are counted"
"And never again loose time..."
"that face us"
"It passes"
They caught the Manouchian network.
Apparently, they've already shot them.
I have to go.
Yes, yes.
Quick, quick!
We can't stay here anymore, it's dangerous.
The Germans will find us.
Let's go to the hotel across the street.
Quick! We'll hide in the hotel.
Come on, quick!
Hurry up.
Aznavourian, first floor!
Let's go up, quick!
Sir! - Micheline?
It's over! - What?
We're free! - I'm coming.
Come down! - Are you okay?
Yes, I'm fine! The Americans are here.
We're free!
Come on, come down!
Come down!
Come on!
Micheline!
I'm so happy to see you. - Me too.
Are we free? - Yes.
Long live freedom!
Charles?
That was amazing. Thank you so much.
Can you laugh about it?
I can't wait for us to have our own home. - Charles, are you there?
Ah, you're here too, Micheline. - Yes.
Are you okay, Charles?
Yes. - You seem tense.
No.
Are you hungry?
Yes. Uh, no.
I'll make something to eat.
It'll work out.
If we get 1,000 francs, that's amazing.
Let me handle it. Say nothing. - You're going to ruin everything.
Be quiet and smile. - Oh, artists!
We're talking 3 nights, right?
I can offer you 1,500.
Well, no. No.
We're asking for 3,000.
3,000?
Each?
Of course.
Per night?
Mmh.
Wait, guys, 18,000 francs!
Well, that's it. It's...
It's what we usually charge.
Well, that's not cheap.
But here's a small advance.
For now, there's only 1,000.
We'll prepare your contracts, and we'll sign it tomorrow.
Thank you.
Wait.
We'll drink, my friend. We'll celebrate.
Tonight, in the best restaurant of Paris.
Gladly. - Even better... for all week
we'll hit the best restaurants. - Tutututut.
Wait, it's okay we'll treat ourselves tonight.
But the rest, we'll invest.
We'll print our posters. - Oh no, no Charles.
For once we have a little extra, we should enjoy it.
But we will enjoy it. Later, it's better.
In the meantime, we need to get known.
Publicity... is important.
Welcome everyone to Paris Radio Diffusion, a live music broadcast.
Do you see who's here? - Charles Trenet.
And Édith Piaf.
And Édith Piaf!
Roche and Aznavour, with "Express Departure"!
Ladies and gentlemen.
"Express Departure" (Charles Aznavour)
♪ One day in May when boredom hit me
♪ I left behind the life that oppressed me
♪ I left everything, without sorrow or regret
♪ Since travelling keeps the life young
♪ I answered to the curious:
♪ Destination "Unknown"
♪ I took first train in the morning
♪ By chance, there was very fine woman on a train
♪ As fate kindly watched over me
♪ She happened to be in my compartment
♪ The train, as it moved, made a hellish noise
♪ On the wooden seat we were quite uncomfortable
♪ And when I took her hand, she was speaking softly
♪ Faster than the train went beating of my heart
♪ In a charming, slightly mocking tone
♪ Instantly, I won her heart
♪ I proposed, in a gallant manner:
♪ Come with me to the dining car
Gentlemen, congratulations. I really enjoyed it.
Coming from you, Mr. Trenet, it's an honor.
Do you know Raoul Breton, the great Parisian publisher?
Of course.
We can't miss you, your posters are everywhere. I'm interested.
Come visit me next week.
With pleasure, thank you. Monday morning?
Ah... Yes, Monday morning is fine. - See you soon, Édith.
See you next time.
It was an honor to have you here. - Come, come see.
Me? - Well, yes, you.
It was good. It's a bit different from the others.
Thank you very much. - What are you doing tonight?
Some friends are coming over to my place. Would you like to come?
Yes. With pleasure.
My partner too?
The partner? Oh well, bring him too.
See you later. - See you later.
There they are. They finally found it.
The little one sang well. And he writes too.
Give them something to drink. And pour me another, don't lose your touch.
Édith, take it easy, though.
Oh, it's fine, darling.
He's afraid I'll turn into a drunk. He hides the bottles from me.
Do you write music?
Mostly lyrics.
And quite well, actually.
His way of writing is interesting. Not like the others.
His voice isn't bad but a bit rough. He sounds like an American.
Are you Jewish? - No, Armenian.
What's that? - Oh dear.
Too long to explain. - Then don't bother.
Why the black? In mourning?
No. When it's dirty, it shows less.
So, is your shirt disgusting?
It very well could be, yes.
He's very good.
He even wears dirty shirts.
Are you like me, from the streets?
Did you sing in the streets? - You bet!
Oh, now you're starting to grow on me.
I bought a bicycle to go to the Musette Dance Hall.
Oh yeah? Have you been to Le Petit Balcon?
Of course. I prefer Bal à Jo.
Do you waltz in 3/4 rhythm?
I do, yes.
Forward and backward?
Obviously.
Backward? - Yes.
Well then, you rascal, we'll see about that.
Hey, Michel, Henri, roll out the carpet.
Marguerite, on the piano. Play a waltz.
We'll see if Mr. Aznavour knows how to waltz backward.
Help me up, you.
So...
And. one, two, three.
He's the real deal. - I return the compliment, madame.
Call me Édith.
Alright, Édith.
I'm going on tour with the Compagnons de la Chanson.
I'm giving you the chance.
You'll do my opening act.
After intermission, you'll introduce me. - Oh, thank you.
But if I may ask,
will we be paid, or...?
I'm offering you a tour and you're asking how much?
You're right. Sorry.
I have a family to feed and I plan to get married.
At your age and in this profession, better stay single.
Am I married?
Very well.
Train to Roubaix, the day after tomorrow, at 8:20.
Be on time. Don't miss the train.
Thank you, Édith.
Hey!
No!
Damn!
Pierre's going to kill me.
Let me through, for heaven's sake!
Excuse me. - You too?
No way? - Look.
Good heavens!
Oh!
We're clowns.
We laugh and laugh, but we just ruined everything.
Well, I'm going back to bed.
A pretty blonde is waiting for me in my bed.
No, no, no. We can't leave it like this.
We're going to the bus station.
Bridges are destroyed, trains take forever.
We might arrive at the same time as her.
Let's go. - Let's go, let's go.
Édith!
Oh! So you're here, huh?
We didn't miss the train.
And they're acting smug, too.
I can't wait to see how this goes with these clowns.
See you tonight. - See you tonight.
We play at 8. Be there at 7. - We'll be there.
We'll be there.
Ladies and gentlemen...
one name and in that name of all music...
Édith Piaf.
Thank you.
By Michel Emer, "L'Accordéoniste".
"L'Accordéoniste" (Édith Piaf)
♪ The girl of the night is beautiful
♪ At the corner of the street, over there
♪ She has a clientele
♪ That fills her purse
♪ When her work is done
♪ She goes on her way
♪ To find a little dream
♪ In a dance hall in the suburbs
♪ Her man is an artist
♪ He's a funny little guy
♪ An accordionist
♪ Who knows how to play the java
♪ She listens to the java
♪ But she doesn't dance it
♪ She doesn't even look at the dance floor
♪ But her loving eyes
♪ Follow the nervous play
♪ And the dry, long fingers of the artist
♪ It gets under her skin
♪ From top to bottom
♪ She wants to sing It's physical
♪ Her whole being is tense
♪ Her breath is held
♪ She's a true music fanatic
♪ The girl of the night is sad
♪ At the corner of the street, over there
♪ Her accordionist
♪ He's gone off to war
♪ When he comes back from the war
♪ They'll get a house
♪ She'll be the cashier
♪ And he'll be the boss
♪ How beautiful life will be!
♪ They'll live like kings
♪ And every evening for her
♪ He'll play the java
♪ She listens to the java
♪ That she hums softly
♪ She sees her accordionist again
♪ And her loving eyes
♪ Follow the nervous play
♪ And the dry, long fingers of the artist
♪ It gets under her skin
♪ From top to bottom
♪ She wants to cry It's physical
♪ Her whole being is tense
♪ Her breath is held
♪ She's a true music fanatic
Ah, by the way, we're cutting the tour short.
I got an offer for New York.
New York? The dream!
When do we leave?
I'm leaving next Tuesday.
You, well... if you can afford your ticket.
♪ Stop!
I need to buy him new clothes. Everything's too small.
We need to move. The Nazis are back.
Mmh mmh.
Seda, she's Roche's daughter. - Mmh mmh.
Mmh.
Charles? You're not listening to me.
Oh sorry, excuse me. I was thinking.
Tell me. - When are you with us?
You've been on tour for months. You've barely seen your daughter.
I was glad it was over.
I thought you'd be happy to be back.
I am happy to be back and to see you, finally!
I have the right to regret that the tour is over.
I've waited for this my whole life.
I'm doing this for us, so we can be secure.
If my own wife doesn't understand that, what do I do?
I put my career on hold for Seda. - Oh, no!
No.
I never asked you to do that.
You could have continued. My parents would have taken care of her.
She needs parents.
What would you do in New York? - I'm going to do my job!
If I have to neglect everything around me to make it, I will.
You're constantly complaining!
Never happy. - The world upside down!
You're the one who's never satisfied.
If only you were happy with us... Even when you're here, you're absent.
You're in your thoughts, your songs.
You're bored with us, Charles.
Are you serious? - Why? Are you happy now?
Are you happy with what we've been doing?
Can you imagine the American girls hanging on your neck?
How will we get the tickets? My parents cut me off.
And you have a wife and daughter. - Trust me.
So, my children,
it's done.
It's the big day.
I'm very proud that you're joining the Raoul Breton house.
I'm already talking about you to everyone.
I've signed incredible songwriters.
We'll write for all the great singers.
Did you read the contract? - Yes.
Did you see the advance? - Yes, thank you.
Actually, we've also gotten ahead.
We've already written quite a few songs.
And regarding the advance, we'll need a bit more because...
we'd like to talk to you about a project.
But Dad, you put too much stuff in it.
How are you, son? - Let me help you.
Did you go to the flea market like this? - It'll be fine.
You'll hurt your back. - Oh... Usually, it's not this heavy.
Are you okay?
I'm fine. Actually, Pierre and I are going to America.
America?
We're joining Piaf in New York. - New York?
Remember, when you were little, we wanted to live there.
But we're fine here.
No! What are you doing? - Take this.
No, keep it! - I have what I need.
It's your money. - I'll find work.
You'll need it over there. - It'll be fine.
Okay?
It's amazing to be here.
The land where everything is possible, Mr. Roche.
Beautiful things will happen here.
America,
here we come!
You don't have a visa?
Ouch.
I don't think we can enter. You need a visa.
What do you mean, you think? Don't you speak English fluently?
English, yes. But here, it's American.
We're talking about territorial administration.
It's a very technical language, so let me handle it.
Uh... so...
What do we... what the...
So what?
Do you know Édith Piaf? - Immigration.
Edith Piaf (in slang) - Next!
The Edith Piaf.
Where are they taking us?
What the hell are we doing here?
How long are we going to stay? - I don't know.
We should find some paper and pens.
Let's take the chance to write.
What are you talking about?
Bravo, Charles.
What?
Your idea to join Piaf without telling anyone. Thanks.
You're funny, you know.
You're the one who bought the plane tickets.
Didn't they say anything about the visa?
Yes, yes, but I preferred prison. We're fine here.
No, they didn't say anything!
Well, we need to make a phone call.
To whom? - I don't know.
Our parents... no idea. We can't stay here.
You're going to catch diseases.
I shouldn't have listened to you. We can't afford the trip back.
You gave everything to your family.
I've already explained it to you, Pierre.
I'm sorry.
Well, let's see if there are any ladies.
Mr. Charles Aznavourian and Mr. Pierre Roche.
Himself. - So....
Did you come here to kill the President of the United States?
No, no, no.
We don't even know who he is. - Two musicians.
What do you sing? - What do you sing?
Our own songs, but also covers of classical American ones.
Their own songs, but also translations of famous American songs. - Oh, yes.
Which songs, for example?
Oh! I understood that.
For example: for example. - Wow, that's good.
For example, for example...
"Look To The Rainbow".
Sing it for me. - Sing it.
Three, four.
♪ Look.... ♪ Look....
♪ Look to the rainbow
♪ Look, look...
♪ Look to the rainbow
♪ Follow the fellow who follows a dream
♪ Follow your friend who pursues his dream
Bravo. - Bravo to you.
ADMITTED
What are you doing? - We'll meet you.
Bet settled.
Fools, you think I have time for this?
Thank you... gimmick.
Well.
What are we going to do with you two clowns?
I was told you need some cash.
We'll find some for you. I won't let you down.
I have an idea, but not in New York. - Where are we going?
To Montreal.
We'll get you tickets.
Bundle up. It's freezing there.
You'll be welcomed by Gustave Longtin.
I'll call him. He can't refuse me anything.
He has a great venue, the Quartier Latin,
which already has its clientele.
You're bound to work there.
You'll have the French, and Quebecers love the French.
With your Frenchie faces and your rhythmic songs,
they'll adore you.
He'll find you a contract and an apartment.
I'll tell him, you're my protégés
and that you had a huge success in Paris. They won't check.
You'll have Quebec women at your feet.
And you won't be in my way.
Here, guys. It's well deserved.
3,500.
Look Edmond, sorry, but we can't play here.
Excuse me?
How can we play on a stage like this?
If you can even call it a stage.
It's not the stage that draws the crowd. It's the singer.
Allow me, I learned my craft from Édith Piaf.
She would never have set a foot here. - Ah...
OK.
What would we do?
Renovations.
Lots of renovations.
That's not a problem. You should think about it.
I'd like to talk to my colleague.
Go ahead.
There's nothing to think about, we're not coming here.
It's too small, ugly, dirty. It stinks.
We're doing great at the Quartier Latin.
And do you know who he is? Do you want to work for a mobster?
A mobster, well, whatever.
What does it change? - I'll double your salary.
Trust me.
We need to redo the decor. It looks like an old dance hall.
Redo the walls, change the floor.
The curtains aren't right either?
No, I like them. - Oh really?
I really like the color. We'll need to move them back.
We'll set up a backstage at the back.
If we do that, it'll make the stage too small.
We just need to extend it.
And most importantly, raise it.
It's an investment.
Believe me, you won't regret it. - Yes.
We'll get going. - Yes.
I'm counting on you. Go on.
Ladies and gentlemen, good evening.
Thank you all for coming to the reopening of the Faisan Doré.
To celebrate,
and welcome the French duo everyone is talking about:
Roche and Aznavour.
Good evening, Montreal.
Here's a song that will surely warm your hearts.
Three, four.
♪ He wore a taupe fedora
♪ He spoke in onomatopoeias
♪ He drank iced coffees
♪ With straws
♪ You should see them ♪ In a café
♪ On the counter ♪ Drinking iced
♪ Coffees, iced coffees
♪ With straws
Jocelyne. - Good morning, Charles.
How are you? - Good, and you?
Is the bird awake? - Not for long. I'm off.
See you later.
What are you doing?
Charles? - Damn it!
Your forehead doesn't fit in the frame. - You're mean. You're handsome, you.
New suit.
Tell me, Jocelyne, here...
I've never seen the same girl not much.
A month, that's a record.
It's true, I really like her.
And you, where were you? - With Mariflore, the tall redhead.
Oh yes.
I've been around. I'm tired of little admirers.
I can see myself settling down with Jocelyne and make something.
And now, we have the ideal life.
We finally have everything we need.
What?
I can see myself settling down with Jocelyne.
Making something. Are we talking about Pierre Roche?
Hey now.
Laugh at me. You can't understand.
You too, one day, you'll want to have a wife and a child.
That's a low blow.
But come on, Charles.
You're right.
I need to stop lying to myself.
And lying to her too.
Since we've been here, I keep telling myself,
to bring her here with my daughter.
But I keep pushing it back.
Hey. - It's nice of you to accompany us.
I wouldn't let you go to the airport by a taxi.
When are you coming back?
Three weeks, maybe a month.
Ah, the future newlyweds!
Wow! - Thank you.
Don't mess around. Over there, you say yes, then you come back.
Everyone in the car, we're going to be late.
Charles! - Ah!
Darling!
Dad. - My son.
I'm happy.
And you, my little one, huh?
Give daddy a kiss. Give a kiss.
You've learned how to dress.
Here we go, you're starting? - Well, yes.
Are you coming back to live here?
I don't know, we're doing well there.
Aïda, you could sing there. The Quebecers will love you.
I told you it was a stupid idea.
We're so out of sync.
Between her here and the success in Montreal...
What? Success? What success?
It's going pretty well. - And that's enough for you
to have your little success in a cabaret at the end of the world?
Are you thinking about what's next? Oh!
Honestly, my little genius idiot,
you've got talent, but don't know how to manage a career.
Listen to your big sister. Here's what you're going to do.
For success, you need a good-looking face.
If you want to sing about love, it's time to get your nose fixed.
I know a specialist. He creates miracles. ``` Let me know if you need further adjustments! Here is the translation of the subtitles from French to English, maintaining the subtitle format: ```
I’m offering you the operation.
You’ll use your best handwriting and write three letters.
"From Now On" (Charles Aznavour)
The first one, you’ll address to the Golden Pheasant
to tell them you’re not coming back.
This career happens in Paris.
Edmond will kill us, he’s waiting.
Why bury yourself in Montreal? There are only a few sad spots.
A French artist must first succeed in France.
It happens in Paris.
You must sing your songs for the French audience.
♪ From now on, we won’t be seen together
♪ From now on, my heart will live in ruins
Damn French.
Then,
you’ll write to the girl to break up with her.
You’re not in love anymore.
Since when can you succeed while being married?
♪ From now on, my voice won’t say "I love you"
I’ll always be here, Micheline.
I’ll find you a place to live.
Seda can also keep living with my parents.
♪ I’ll be the shadow of myself
♪ My hand separated from yours
The third letter, you’ll write
to let your buddy Pierre know
that it’s over, you’re staying here.
Pierre just got married. He’ll never want to stay in Paris.
Good, you don’t need him.
A real man builds a solo career.
♪ Never again will we know the same fear
♪ Of seeing our happiness slip away
♪ And from now on, the rest
Do you understand what that means? - Yes.
But I’m ready to start over, to work twice as hard.
I’m talking about me here!
For once, can we not talk about you?
About your desires, your ambitions?
You wrote to Edmond without telling me.
Do you really think he’ll keep me?
Sorry, but I’ve turned the question over in my mind.
I don’t want it anymore.
I shouldn’t force myself.
Of course, I thought about you.
It’s hard to imagine the future without you. But you’re married.
Your life is over there.
That changes everything.
I just know I want to write.
And to write my songs, I need the streets of Paris.
But see, it’s still about you!
Your career, your songs!
You were often right, but here, I think you’re wrong.
We have everything we want in Montreal.
No, maybe not you, because you’re never satisfied.
But your ambitions will end up making you lose everything.
Me, your wife, your daughter, everything!
It’s thanks
to that you have a big apartment and found your wife.
So yes, I have ambitions.
Yes, we don’t share the same ones.
Do I have to apologize for that?
Pierre.
And the suitcase, am I the one carrying it?
Sorry, Édith.
I’m sorry, I won’t be able to come with you to Bordeaux.
The Paradis Latin offered me a gig. It’s a great contract.
You prefer the Paradis Latin over opening for me?
No, that’s not it at all... - I’m joking.
Go sing with your no-ass dancers. One less flop for me.
Right, my little genius jerk?
You know what? - No.
The more I look at you, the more I prefer your old nose.
Oh really?
No.
Oh......
That’s my song.
I wrote it for her.
Really? - Mmh.
Why didn’t you offer it to me?
I did, actually, I offered it to you.
And what did I say?
That it was worthless and I could shove it where the sun doesn’t shine.
I said that, me? - Yes.
That’s weird, that’s not like me.
♪ Happiness is in the arms of a boy of color
♪ For he leaves and breaks her heart
That’s it, we want the Kid!
♪ Hands her the ticket
♪ Says: "Darling, I’ll miss you."
♪ But what is... but what is it?
♪ An everyday story
♪ But what is... but what is it?
♪ Maybe the end of a love
Are you done, Joséphine? - Yes.
Bye, Charles. - Bye, Françoise.
I’m in the car. Want to grab a drink?
Since when do you have a car?
Come on, follow me.
Wait for me.
Is this what your evenings are like when you leave the cabaret?
I can’t believe you’re living with Piaf.
Huh! - How’s it going, my little genius?
Very well.
Joséphine, Édith.
She’s all dolled up, the lady.
Gilbert, you probably already know Charles Aznavour.
This is Gilbert Bécaud, a great little songwriter.
Charles. - Nice to meet you, Gilbert.
♪ How not to lose your head
♪ Held by daring arms
Recently, I had a breakthrough. I wrote "Sur ma vie,"
where I talk about myself. - Is that the secret?
I don’t know, but it feels important to say "I" and "you."
When you say "you," it creates distance.
You have to write every song as if it happened to you.
Even if it’s not true.
You have to be an actor in songs.
Piaf is an actress in songs.
As for the rest, it’s just hard work.
Putting the right word in the right place.
Every word has its own rhythm.
Charles, I sang with Piaf.
Well, there you go.
I like her. She’s my favorite.
Are you two geniuses chatting?
I was telling him how much I love his work.
Oh, he’s a great songwriter.
But he wants to sing, and on stage it’s not...
exactly thrilling, huh?
I’ll take those two songs of yours.
Bravo. - I don’t feel well.
I’m feeling dizzy.
I’ll be back.
Are you staying long?
What do your parents say?
Nothing for now. I haven’t introduced him yet.
They’ll be happy. He’s Armenian.
Georges Garvarentz.
He’s an amazing composer.
Does he make a living?
He’s talented. - Talent isn’t enough.
Stop playing the big brother.
I know you’ll love him.
So, tell me what’s wrong?
You look terrible.
I’m fine, I’m hanging in there.
I need to work more, rehearse more.
You’re playing chauffeur for another tyrant.
Stop it. - It’s true.
I don’t get it why you put up with it.
It’s not easy every day, but...
I’m learning a lot by her side.
And it’s Édith Piaf, after all.
And you’re Charles Aznavour.
What exactly are you afraid of?
This isn’t you, Charles.
♪ Jezebel
♪ That demon who burned my heart
♪ That angel who dried my tears
♪ It was me, no, it wasn’t me, it was you
Don’t you think it’s a bit high for me?
No, that’s exactly what’s beautiful.
That you have to push yourself. - Really?
Don’t hesitate to attack it strongly.
Strongly...
Does he give instructions in Italian, my little genius?
Not easy to sing, but it’ll be good.
I’ve told you before, don’t do silly little songs.
You should focus on your work as a songwriter.
If you tired of failing as a support act,
or singing between strippers, move on to something else.
You said that if I were a real man,
I had to come back to succeed in France.
And you can by all means succeed as a songwriter.
That’s not what you said.
You were talking about being a singer.
Yes, but to be a singer, you need a voice.
And your voice, it’s strained.
Don’t mess with me, let’s get back to it.
"Jezebel" (Charles Aznavour)
No.
I have to go.
I’m singing between two strippers.
Oh, he is upset. Come on, we have work to do!
I have work too. - What is it?
Trying to be a solo singer, is that so?
Exactly, yes.
Actually, I’ve been thinking about it for a while.
Out of everything I’ve learned by your side,
if there’s one thing I’ve understood,
it’s that only hard work pays off.
It’s time to get to it.
To dedicate myself to my songs, to my career as a singer.
Because yes,
whether you like it or not, I am a singer.
And what I do for you, day and night,
it takes all my time.
I can’t do it anymore, Édith.
I can’t keep up.
I'm quitting.
Honestly, it feels strange to hear you say that.
What is it?
You're abandoning your big sister from the streets?
You think you don’t need me anymore?
I don’t have a choice.
I need to think about myself now.
Well, that’s to your credit.
It takes courage, you know.
I don’t like indecisive people. If you’re leaving, then leave.
And quite a few doors will close.
You might feel lonely if you’re no longer under my wing.
Thank you for everything, Édith.
Well, leave then. I don’t like goodbyes.
I’m coming.
Charles. - Raoul. How are you?
According to people, she fired you because she didn’t believe in your talent.
They say that?
And without her, you’re as good as dead in the public eye.
I’ll show them.
Oh.
My new manager.
You’ll see, you’ll like him.
Hello, Charles. - Come in.
No, Jean-Louis Marquet!
I’ve thought it over. What is Charles Aznavour?
He’s a scrawny guy, 5’4” tall, with a raspy voice.
I can’t do anything about my height.
I have to accept it to make people forget it.
Then, my voice.
I can’t change it, but I can work on it
to expand my range a bit. Believe me,
I’m working on it every day.
And I know that I seriously lack culture.
To write, to answer journalists, I need to read.
Raoul, make me a list of the great classics of literature.
We need to step it up a notch.
"Everything Fades Away" (Charles Aznavour)
I want to make my own record.
My face and my name on the cover.
I want it out as soon as possible.
I’ve wasted too much time. Shall we continue?
♪ Everything fades away, everything dies
♪ I feel fear creeping into me
♪ I already hear the wind rising
♪ To chase away my dreams
♪ Everything fades away, everything dies
♪ But spring returns victorious
♪ Arms laden with dreams and tears
♪ And dries our tears
♪ And sows in our hearts
♪ These seeds of madness
♪ That’s how life goes
It still feels weird, though.
Is it good? Have all the radio stations received it?
Yes, yes.
Are they reacting well? - Uh...
Not really. For now, they don’t want to play it much.
There’s that idiot Vital, the boss of RTL, who stole one of your songs.
What do you mean? - He’s a film producer.
In his latest film, he used your song "Because."
Without asking for permission, without paying royalties.
He doesn’t care.
It’s a huge professional mistake, and good news for us.
He’s in no position to negotiate.
His film comes out in a week. The reels are ready to go.
Needless to say, we can impose whatever price we decide.
I think I have a better idea.
Charles?
Charles!
Yes, I’m here.
You could work with Georges.
Why not, let’s talk about it. Oh!
"On My Life" (Charles Aznavour)
Do you hear that? - Is that you, dad?
You bet!
You’re on the radio? - Yep.
Unbelievable!
They finally figured it out.
The boss of RTL didn’t have much of a choice.
Bravo, my son. Bravo!
Hey!
"You Never Know" (Charles Aznavour)
♪ You never know, how love comes to lovers
♪ How it works or what it does
♪ To trap us in its nets
♪ But suddenly, it’s wonderful
♪ There are tears in our joys
♪ Caresses at our fingertips
♪ And dreams in our eyes
♪ You never know
♪ But why try to understand
♪ No one has ever had that power, we forget everything...
Turn that off, it’s awful.
What do you mean?
I’m awful.
I’m making unnecessary gestures.
I’m looking around like an idiot.
Who sings with their hands in their pockets?
Suit is too big. The hair, it’s not right.
Don’t ruin your first TV appearance over a few critics.
A few critics?
One talks about my "hoarse muezzin" voice,
the other compares my tone to a pepper grinder...
Ah.
"A small-time fraud, matching his height."
"His cavernous voice isn’t compensated by the beauty of his gestures."
They’re racists. - Charles, you’re exaggerating.
I’m exaggerating?
Wait.
I’m exaggerating...
Here.
"This Armenian isn’t edible."
"Armenians, they’re known for being good with numbers."
"He should go into accounting."
That’s not racism? - It’s meanness.
It’s stupidity.
But you’re starting to build an audience.
I’m going to face that audience.
Jean-Louis, you’re going to book me a big venue in Paris.
We’ll invite everyone,
all the elite, the journalists.
Even them, especially them.
But first, I’ll do a tour across all of France.
With ten musicians.
We can't afford to pay for a tour with an orchestra.
I'll fund it with my own money.
Calm down. For once, you’ve got some savings.
Don’t bet it all on a tour that might not work out.
And why wouldn’t it work out?
Why? - Well...
Raoul?
It’s a bit risky, he’s not wrong. - Exactly!
We’ve already talked about this.
You have to take risks. Otherwise, you’re dead.
You can take risks without betting everything.
It’s exciting, but it’s madness. - Madness?
Damn it! Even you’re giving up on me?
Don’t you believe in me? - No, no!
Yes! I’ll prove it to all of you.
You, the audience, the journalists.
Everyone!
I’ll create a new show. And this tour, I’ll make it happen.
I’ll convince every single audience member in every venue.
From now on, I’ll write a song every day.
I’ll sing until my throat is torn apart.
I’ll show them that I’m not to be overlooked.
They haven’t heard the last of Aznavour.
It’s horrible, Jean-Louis. There’s not a sound.
It’s a hell. - It’ll be fine! Stay focused.
Right, Charles? Breathe, breathe.
It’s terrible. - No, it’s great.
Come on!
Should I help you with your suitcase? - No, I’m fine. Thanks.
"On my life" (Charles Aznavour)
♪ On my life
♪ I swore to you one day
♪ To love you until the last day of my days
♪ And even now
♪ I’ll keep my oath
♪ Despite all the pain you’ve caused me
♪ On my life, my dear
♪ I’ll love you
I think I overestimated my strength.
I saw myself as too big.
The truth is, no one’s waiting for me in the provinces.
Plus, I’m losing a lot of money. - Really?
It’s simple, I’m ruined.
I’ll have to sell my car for posters.
You still have Paris. Are the concerts next month sold out?
Paris?
We’ve booked a week at the Alhambra. Only the first night is full.
I should just stop everything.
No, wait, what are you saying?
I’ve never heard you talk like this.
It’ll be fine, I’m sure of it.
We’ll see.
That's it. See you soon, sis. - Wait!
Our parents gave me a letter for you.
It’s from an Arlette. Does that ring a bell?
Hmm, it’s been a long time.
Read me the letter. - Yes.
"Dear Charles,"
"this letter isn’t easy to write. I’ll be direct."
"You have a son."
"His name is Patrick."
"He’s eight years old."
"When I found out, I had just met someone in the province."
"I thought it was best not to tell you."
"But I left that man, who became an alcoholic..."
"and violent toward me and Patrick."
"I have little means."
"Patrick needs a father."
"Can I introduce him to you soon?"
At the bottom of the letter, she left a number.
Charles... - It’s a lot. I’ll call you back.
"Nasal voice and lack of vocal power."
"His presumption to perform in front of an audience is inconceivable."
"What a utter recklessness."
Oh no, why are you reading that, Charles?
And this: "We were the first to witness an appearance"
"that brought us back to monstrous imagery, to the century of Quasimodo."
"How can we let a disabled person sing?"
A disabled person... - Ignore all that. They're idiots.
Let's go.
We start in five minutes.
Tonight, I either live or die.
"I Saw Myself Already" (Charles Aznavour)
♪ At 18, I left my hometown
♪ Determined to seize a life
♪ With a light heart and little baggage
♪ I was sure I’d conquer Paris
♪ At the fanciest tailor, I had made
♪ This blue suit, the latest trend
♪ Photos, songs, and orchestrations
♪ Wiped out my savings
♪ I saw myself already at the top of the billboard
♪ Ten times bigger than anyone, my name sprawled
♪ I saw myself already adored and rich
♪ Signing my photos for fans who pushed and shoved
♪ I was the greatest of all entertainers
♪ With a success so huge, people stood and cheered
♪ I saw myself already scanning my list
♪ For the one who, that night, might favor me with her embrace
♪ My features have aged, of course, under my makeup
♪ But the voice is there, the gesture precise, and I’ve got spirit
♪ My heart has soured a bit with age
♪ But I’ve got ideas, I know my craft, I still believe
♪ Just feeling the stage beneath my feet
♪ Seeing an audience before me, my heart races
♪ No one helped me, I had no luck
♪ But deep down, I’m sure at least I’ve got talent
♪ My blue suit, I’ve worn it for thirty years
♪ And my songs only make me laugh
♪ I chase gigs, I go door to door
♪ To survive, I do whatever it takes
♪ I’ve only known easy successes
♪ Night trains and soldiers’ girls
♪ Pitiful pay, suitcases to carry
♪ Cheap lodgings and meager meals
♪ I saw myself already in photographs
♪ Arm in arm with a star, winter in the snow, summer in the sun
♪ I saw myself already recounting my life
♪ With a world-weary air to eager beginners seeking advice
♪ Calmly opening, on opening nights
♪ A thousand telegrams from the Paris elite who scare us so
♪ And dying of stage fright before this audience
♪ Entering the stage to ovations and spotlights
♪ I tried everything to stand out
♪ I sang of love, I did comedy and variety
♪ If everything failed for me, if I’m in the shadows
♪ It’s not my fault but the audience’s for not understanding
♪ I was never given my chance
♪ Others succeeded with little voice and lots of money
♪ I was too pure or too ahead of my time
♪ But one day will come when I’ll show them I’ve got talent
Tomorrow, we’re changing careers.
I know that sound of folding seats.
People are leaving. - Go take a bow anyway.
What’s the point? - Go on, Charles.
♪ I saw myself already at the top of the billboard
Cheers!
Cheers to all! - And to all the radio bosses
I met after the show who all want to play it.
You will enter through all main doors.
You’ll be heard everywhere.
What a show! What a great idea, this staging.
Thank you, Charles. - It’s Charles Trenet.
I love him. - Look who’s here.
Bouchard. I hate that journalist.
He’s killed me several times.
Mr. Aznavour, I must say, you amazed me.
Thank you very much.
Sorry for my previous article.
I wasn’t very kind. - Oh really?
I never read the press.
Ah.
Have a glass of champagne.
It’s for me.
It makes me happy. I wish you a good evening.
Thank you very much. See you soon.
A very fine lesson in diplomacy.
Hats off. - He’s strong.
Come on, have some champagne, Charles Trenet.
I’ve always said, the best song is "There’s Joy."
Yes, but tonight,
my son became a great artist. Right, Charles?
Do you remember what I say?
Look where we came from and where we are today!
The little one is here. - Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.
Good evening. - Good evening.
Good evening, Arlette.
Very happy to meet you, Patrick. Really is.
Did you like the show?
Yes, it was good.
Did your mom explain?
Yes. I’ll live with you from time to time.
That’s it.
Come, let me introduce you to your family.
Your grandfather, Mischa.
Hello, my son.
Your grandmother, Knar.
And your big sister, Seda.
I’ve prepared your bed.
It’s a lot of people all at once, huh?
Will you go to the Armenian school? - He’s definitely your son, Charles?
It’s a normal school with Armenian classes.
Is it hard?
What the hell are you doing here?
You’re wasting your life.
It’s fine, it’s fine. - "It’s fine, it’s fine." It’s not fine at all.
You look great behind that pot.
You should be in front of a concert piano, in front of a packed hall.
What the hell are you doing here? - You can’t be in two places at once.
Let me laugh! - Cut!
OK, cut.
That was great. We’ll do it one more time.
Charles, could you sound a bit more jaded?
Mr. Truffaut, we need to change the reels. Fifteen minutes.
15-minute break.
Mr. Aznavour? - Yes.
Can I have an autograph?
I have a pen.
Who should I make it out to? - Céline.
Hello, Charles. Still an early riser, I see. Good news.
I’m going to translate my lyrics, record my songs in Spanish and English.
Okay. But now? - We have no choice.
Nothing beats 17 hours of work a day.
That’s not wrong.
Let me tell you the good news.
We’ve passed 300,000 albums sold for "I Saw Myself Already."
Second piece of good news:
after your record of 90 concerts at the Alhambra,
we’re opening for two weeks at the Olympia.
I have new songs for you to listen.
Are you happy about it? - Very.
I think I’ve found the formula.
The Aznavour formula. - Ah.
Shall I play them for you? - Uh... OK, quickly.
Just one.
I have a meeting waiting for me.
♪ In the little woods of Trousse Chemise
♪ When the sea is gray and we’re feeling blue
♪ In the little woods of Trousse Chemise
♪ We do silly things, remember us two
♪ We set off for Trousse Chemise
♪ Watched by the old ladies behind their shutters
♪ We set off with flowers in our hair
♪ And two bottles of real Muscadet
♪ Come see the actors, see the musicians
♪ See the magicians arriving
♪ The actors have set up their stages
♪ They’ve raised their platforms and hung their banners
♪ The actors have toured the outskirts
♪ They’ve paraded with drums and fanfare
♪ In front of the church, a wagon painted green
♪ With chairs for an open-air theater
♪ And behind them, like a wild procession
♪ They draw the whole countryside
♪ The actors
It’s magnificent.
What about your meeting?
Oh, damn.
Charles. - Yes?
You should open the mail, especially this one.
You’ll like it.
It’s your royalties.
1 million?
Is that in old francs?
No, new francs.
Ladies and gentlemen, magicians,
let’s get into position.
Michel?
"Because You Believe" (Charles Aznavour)
♪ Because you believe
♪ That you are my weakness
♪ You hurt me
♪ You bruise me
♪ And play with me
♪ Like everything else
♪ And dispose
♪ Of my life
♪ And day and...
Stop! Stop!
The chords.
They’re not quite in tune.
Let’s focus. Come on, let’s go again.
From the top.
♪ Because you believe
♪ That... - Let’s stop.
It’s me, sorry. My bad.
Let’s go again.
The brass.
Can I have them sharper, more dynamic?
Are you going to get it right at least once?
Let’s go again.
Johnny Hallyday, Charles Aznavour.
Nice to meet you. - Hello.
Thank you for receiving me at your home. It’s a pleasure.
It’s beautiful here.
You think so? - Yeah.
Where are you from? - I grew up partly in Paris,
partly in Belgium, but mostly from the streets.
That’s something we have in common. - Oh really?
I’ve heard you sing. Bravo.
Bravo, you have real talent. - Thank you.
Few singers of your generation are interested in me, in rock,
or in yé-yé, as they call it.
They’re afraid we’ll take their place.
But if you don’t pay attention to what’s coming, you’re dead.
Sing without your rock’n’roll effects.
Use a soft voice, like you’re talking to a woman.
OK. I like that.
I’ll start.
"Hold Back the Night" (Johnny Hallyday)
♪ Hold back the night
♪ For the two of us, until the end of the world
♪ Hold back the night
♪ For our hearts in its wandering course
♪ Hold me tight
♪ Against your body
♪ When the time of madness comes
♪ Great love
♪ Erases the day
♪ And makes us forget life
♪ Hold back...
♪ The night
Are you coming to dance with us? - No, thanks.
What’s wrong, Charles, being picky?
Don’t you like them?
They’re pretty, but I know why they’re here.
Oh, you’re annoying. But you’ve slept with half the Côte d’Azur.
Half? Only?
Here are my Swedish friends. I’ll introduce you.
Girls!
Come here, girls!
"She" (Charles Aznavour)
Charles, this is Essie.
And Ulla.
Ulla, right?
Ulla. - Ulla.
Good evening, Charles.
Nice to see you. - Thank you very much.
Skägget i brevladan.
Do you speak Swedish? - No, not at all.
It’s the only phrase I know. I have no idea what it means.
It means...
"caught the beard in the mailbox."
For us, it’s "caught red-handed."
Good evening. Congratulations, Mr. Aznavour.
Thank you.
Do you know everyone here?
No, it’s more like they know me. They’re fans.
Fans? - Mmh.
Why fans?
Charles Aznavour, doesn’t that mean anything to you?
No, sorry.
I’m not very familiar with French culture.
Don’t be sorry.
Just know that in French culture, when you’re offered a drink,
you’re obliged to accept it.
What do you do for a living?
I’m a model. I do photoshoots. - I could have guessed.
You must travel a lot. - Yes.
Milan,
Paris, a bit in the "United States"...
So listen, Ulla,
the day I perform in the "United States," I’ll invite you.
I’ll cover everything: the flight, the accommodation. Everything.
Thank you, that’s kind.
But if that happens, I’ll buy my own ticket.
Very well.
So. Skägget i brevladan.
Caught red-handed, right?
Shall we dance?
OK.
Come have breakfast. - No, thanks.
Not right now.
How’s Patrick doing at school?
It’s hard to tell about Patrick. He doesn’t talk.
Tomorrow, we’re having lunch with Frédéric Dard. Are you coming?
I can’t. I’m recording six songs in Spanish.
I hope you’ll have time to eat.
A sandwich.
Mmh.
Before, it was because of lack of money, now it’s lack of time.
Oh dear.
Who’s talking to me? Charles or Aznavour?
Let me know when my brother is available.
You’re funny, sis.
Ah!
Did you sleep well, my love? - Very well.
I didn’t hear you come down. - Hi, Ulla.
Good morning.
That’s pretty. What is it?
We’re working with Jacques Plante. I’ve finally found the melody.
Can you play it? - If you want.
"La Bohème" (Charles Aznavour)
♪ I’m telling you about a time
♪ That those under twenty
♪ Cannot know
♪ Montmartre in those days
♪ Hung its lilacs
♪ Right under our windows
♪ And though the humble room
♪ That served as our nest
♪ Was nothing fancy
♪ It’s where we met
♪ Me, crying hunger
♪ And you, posing nude
♪ La bohème
♪ It meant
♪ We’re happy
♪ La bohème
♪ We only ate every other day
♪ In the nearby cafés
♪ There were a few of us
♪ Waiting for glory
♪ And though we were poor
♪ With empty stomachs
♪ We never stopped believing
♪ And when a few bistros
♪ Offered a hot meal
♪ In exchange for a painting
♪ We recited verses
♪ Gathered around the stove
♪ Forgetting the winter
♪ La bohème
I was right to give you a chance in that club.
You were so sure of yourself.
So full of yourself.
So French.
I’m the one who gave you a chance. - You see, that’s exactly it.
♪ "La Bohème" (in English)
My parents moved here after their wedding.
And so, Charles? - Mmh?
When are you going to ask me to marry you?
Oh, me, marriage, kids, I’ve done enough of that.
I think it’s more for me.
♪ La bohème
♪ "La Bohème" (in Spanish)
I’m just trying to understand you.
Let’s not bring this up again, damn it!
OK.
I’m going back to Sweden.
And if you one day want to see me again,
it’s for marriage.
Careful.
Are you sure about what you’re doing?
♪ La bohème
♪ "La Bohème" (in English)
♪ La bohème
♪ It doesn’t mean anything anymore
The famous French singer, Charles Aznavour,
performed at Carnegie Hall tonight for the very first time.
Many French journalists have come here
to report on his much-awaited New York debut.
You know, it’s my first time in America and...
I know that the concert is full of French people, but I...
I will come back and sing more in English, because...
I... my dream is to make big tour in the US.
Charles, there’s someone to see you.
Don't you see I’m busy. - He insists.
Excuse me.
What’s his name?
His name is Pierre Roche.
Oh, Pierre.
You didn’t tell me. - Don’t you like surprises?
Come in.
Pierre Roche.
My, my best friend. - Nice to meet you.
Hey, we gotta go, Charles. Thanks again.
You’re welcome.
Goodbye.
Hey, Frank?
I keep singing in America until I have the same salary than you.
Hah! Good luck!
You told Frank Sinatra you’d earn the same salary?
Mmh. - I missed you, Charles.
And look at you!
I can’t tease you about your nose anymore.
But I can.
Yes, I know. - Really, though...
And you?
Where are you at?
I play piano in a hotel.
The guests don’t listen to me. I don’t have much pressure.
I’m happy. Thanks to my son, I’ve started composing again.
How so? - No matter what, every morning,
I have breakfast with him.
I ask him to tell me about his dreams,
and then it inspires melodies for me. - Oh really?
And you?
Me? - Are you happy?
Yes.
You’re doing well. You have everything you want.
Yes.
Yeah.
Still not satisfied, huh?
And women?
I almost experienced true love.
Meaning? - She wanted to get married, I didn’t.
She left. - Too bad.
Ulla.
She’s Swedish, beautiful, refined.
And she’s my mirror opposite.
When she’s ice, I’m fire.
You see, you still talk about her in the present tense.
What are you waiting for?
"Formidable" (Charles Aznavour)
♪ You are the one for me, for me, for me
♪ Formidable
♪ You are my love very, very...
♪ very very truly
♪ And I wish I could one day finally tell you
♪ Write it to you
♪ In the language of Shakespeare
♪ My daisy, daisy...
♪ daisy, daisy desirable
♪ I’m unhappy to have so few words
♪ To offer you as gifts
♪ Darling! Love you, love you
♪ Darling, I want you
♪ And that’s about it
♪ You are the one for me, for me...
♪ for me, formidable
Dad, are you having breakfast with us?
Yes, yes. Oh, it smells good here.
Shall I put some jam on for you?
No, I don’t like jam.
Ah.
Tell me, Katia, what did you dream about?
I dreamed about Mischa.
In the garden, there was a dog that wanted to catch us.
And Mischa was crying.
Dada.
That’s very good.
Will you be here this weekend? - In the morning.
And tonight?
Tonight, I’m not here. I’m working.
"Time" (Charles Aznavour)
♪ Let me guide your steps through life
♪ Let me have the chance to make you love me
♪ Come like a child into the crook of my shoulder
♪ Let me have the role of making you forget
♪ Time that passes
♪ Time that sleeps
♪ Time without joy
♪ Time of wonders
♪ Time of a day
♪ Time of a second
♪ Time that runs
♪ Or time that rumbles
♪ Time, time
♪ Time and nothing else
♪ Yours, mine ♪ The one we want to be ours
♪ Time, time...
♪ time and nothing else
♪ Yours, mine
♪ The one we want to be ours
♪ Time past
♪ Time yet to come
♪ Time to love
♪ And to disappear
♪ Time of tears
♪ Time of luck
Oh, Patrick.
Hi, Dad.
Come here, come closer, my boy. Jean-Louis told me you were here.
You should have let me know.
It’s been weeks since we’ve seen you.
I know.
What’s going on?
Nothing. Nothing, nothing.
And congrats for tonight. It was great.
Oh no. It wasn’t great at all.
Let’s talk about something else.
Three weeks of absence. - Yes, sorry.
Tell me. - I didn’t feel like going out.
I wasn’t feeling well.
But I’m better now.
I’m better now.
And this new apartment, is it nice?
You don’t feel too lonely?
No, not at all.
And the apartment is perfect.
Thank you dad, it’s a great gift.
Don’t thank me. It’s completely normal.
You’re my son.
If you need anything else...
No.
The piano?
Did you get it? - Yes. Yes.
It’s beautiful, isn’t it?
The guy from Le Parisien wants to see you. - I’m coming.
Don’t hesitate.
I want you to lack anything.
I have everything I need.
"Under the Sky of Paris" (Édith Piaf)
♪ Under the sky of Paris, a song takes flight
♪ Mmh, mmh
♪ It was born today
♪ In the heart of a boy
One last one.
Ladies and gentlemen, sorry, we have to go.
Bravo, Charles! It was magnificent.
It was very good tonight.
No. I know when I’ve been good and when I haven’t.
Let’s go have a drink.
♪ A philosopher sitting
♪ Two musicians
♪ A few onlookers
♪ Then thousands of people
Take me where you would have gone.
I mostly go to places, bars...
Gay bars?
It’s not a bad word. - Gay bars.
Thank you.
Where’s Patrick? - He already left.
Already? He didn’t even say goodbye.
Thank you very much.
♪ It lulls to sleep in the night
♪ The tramps and the beggars
♪ Under the sky of Paris
♪ The birds of the Good Lord
♪ Mmh, mmh
♪ Come, from all over the world, to chat among themselves
Bravo, Jacky. It was very moving. - Thank you.
It’s a very personal interpretation.
I liked it. - It touches me.
I’ve already sung in clubs where I was insulted.
I’ve heard it all, you know.
Faggot, queer, dirty fag, of course.
I know insults well too.
Oh really? What did they call you?
Oh, if only you knew.
Gypsy,
midget,
foreigner,
dirty Jew.
But you’re not Jewish, are you? - No.
At least you’re gay.
Yes, yes.
Who’s going to sing this?
Me.
You say "I" in the song. - Yes.
And so?
Are you going to explain to people?
Make an announcement? They won’t understand.
Of course not, we’re not going to make an announcement.
Don’t think the audience is stupid.
I’ll sing it as it is.
I’ll stand like you.
"As They Say" (Charles Aznavour)
♪ I live alone with my mother
♪ In a very old apartment
♪ On Sarasate Street
♪ To keep me company
♪ A turtle, two canaries
♪ And a cat
♪ To let my mother rest
♪ I often go to the market
♪ And cook
♪ I tidy, I wash, I wipe
♪ Occasionally, I also sew
♪ On the machine
♪ Work doesn’t scare me
♪ I’m a bit of a decorator
♪ A bit of a stylist
♪ But my real job
♪ Is at night
♪ That I practice in drag
♪ I’m an artist
♪ I have a very special act
♪ That ends in full nudity
♪ After a striptease
♪ And in the room, I see that
♪ The men can’t believe their eyes
♪ I’m a homo
♪ As they say
So, you show up unannounced?
What’s going on?
Charles...
Is it my parents?
Aïda?
Speak.
It’s Patrick.
And what?
They found him like that at his place.
He’s dead, Charles. I’m sorry.
(in Armenian)
I’m going to go.
You’re not coming with us to our parents’ place?
I have to go to the Olympia. I’m performing.
Even tonight?
Are you okay, brother? - Yes.
Are you sure? - Mmh.
I’m fine, yes. I...
I was in the middle of writing a song.
You can tell me if something’s wrong.
I’m fine. Well, you know, I...
I was focused on a text.
Why do you lock yourself up all day to write?
There’s no rush to release a new album.
You don’t need new income.
I have to maintain everyone’s lifestyle.
Charles...
you’re at the top.
You can take your time.
After what happened...
maybe you can slow down a bit, enjoy the kids.
Charles, you just lost your son.
Talk to me.
You can tell me you’re in pain.
First, I don’t think I’m at the top.
And I’ve thought about it.
I’m going to ask Jean-Louis to rent the best venues
in every capital of every major country.
I need to travel.
I need to see people.
"Take Me Away" (Charles Aznavour)
Okay.
That’s a very good idea.
In case you don’t know my name,
I had it written here.
♪ To the docks where the weight and boredom
♪ Bend my back
♪ They arrive with their bellies heavy
♪ With fruit, the ships
♪ They come from the ends of the earth
♪ Bringing with them wandering ideas
♪ With reflections of blue skies
♪ Of mirages
♪ Trailing a peppery scent of unknown lands
♪ And eternal summers, where we live almost naked
♪ On the beaches
♪ Me, who has only known
♪ The northern skies
♪ I’d like to wash away this gray
♪ By changing course
♪ Take me to the ends of the earth
♪ Take me to the land of wonders
♪ It seems to me that misery
♪ Would be less painful in the sun
♪ In the bars at nightfall
♪ With the sailors
♪ When they talk about girls and love
♪ A glass in hand
♪ I lose track of things and suddenly my thoughts
♪ Lift me up and drop me in a wonderful summer
♪ On the shore
♪ Where I see love, arms outstretched, running like a madman
♪ Toward me and I throw myself into the arms
♪ Of my dream
♪ When the bars close and the sailors
♪ Return to their ships
♪ I still dream until morning
♪ Standing on the dock
So, you love to be on tour, don’t you?
Oh, I love it. It’s... it's all my life.
I sing all around the world, and...
But you know, it's... it’s a constant challenge.
Show business is magic thing. You never know...
why it works and why it doesn’t work.
And I want to see if the magic is going to happen once more.
Thank you very much, Charles, for being with us tonight. - My pleasure.
Ladies and gentlemen,
a big round of applause for Mr. Charles Aznavour.
Bravo, you were perfect.
Thank you.
I’m leaving, I’m exhausted. - The driver is waiting for you.
And Charles, I got the American production to go with.
You’ll get the same fee as Sinatra.
No?
Oh, well...
Bravo, Charles.
Excuse me?
Can you stop here, please?
I...
I need to walk. - Yes, of course.
I’m treated like a king here by the audience, the media.
That’s great.
Why are you telling me this in that tone?
I don’t really know. I...
I feel...
weird.
I don’t know if I want to laugh or cry.
I keep thinking about my parents,
about Patrick.
Pierre, Édith...
Do you remember Dad’s phrase?
(in Armenian)
"Look where we came from and where we are now."
Well, look where you are.
You’ve achieved all your goals, that’s it.
Maybe that’s the problem.
I worked so hard to get here.
And now, I don’t know what I’m going to do.
I’m not used to this.
Hey, but Charles, it’s...
This is where I tell you that you need to slow down,
take time for yourself, but...
we know already what you’re going to say.
I’d like to, really.
But if I stop, I’ll die.
Charles?
Charles, are you there?
Well, it’ll be fine.
I’ll call you back.
Mmh? - Okay.
It’ll be fine.
"Just Yesterday" (Charles Aznavour)
♪ Just yesterday, I was twenty
♪ I caressed time
♪ And played with life
♪ Like one plays with love
♪ And I lived the night
♪ Without counting my days
♪ Which fled in time
♪ I made so many plans that remained up in the air
♪ I built so many hopes that flew away
♪ That I remain lost, not knowing where to go
♪ My eyes searching the sky, but my heart buried in the ground
♪ Just yesterday, I was twenty
♪ I wasted time
♪ Thinking I could stop it
♪ And to hold it back, even to outrun it
♪ I only ran
♪ And got out of breath
♪ Ignoring the past, conjugating in the future
♪ I preceded myself in every conversation
♪ And gave my opinion, which I thought was right
♪ To criticize the world with ease
♪ Just yesterday...
A legend of French music has just passed away.
Charles Aznavour has died at the age of 94.
Until the very end he wrote and performed on stages in France and all over the world.
With 180 million records sold, he left behind a significant amount of legacy.
He, the son of refugees, became the symbol of French culture
and even the image of France in the world.
♪ And I wasted my life and my young years
♪ On the best and the worst
♪ Throwing away the best
♪ I froze my smiles
♪ And I iced my tears
♪ Where are they now
♪ Now
♪ My twenty years?
"My Troubles" (Charles Aznavour)
♪ I worked for years
♪ Without rest
♪ Day and night
♪ To succeed
♪ Yes, to climb
♪ Oh yes, the summit
♪ Forgetting
♪ Often in
♪ My race against time
♪ My friends
♪ My loves
♪ My troubles
♪ I ran headlong
♪ Thirsty
♪ Determined
♪ Toward the horizon
♪ The illusion
♪ Toward the abstract
♪ Sacrificing
♪ It’s sad
♪ I accuse myself now
♪ My friends
♪ My loves
♪ My troubles
"La Mamma" (Charles Aznavour)
♪ They came, they’re all here
♪ As soon as they heard that cry
♪ She’s going to die, la mamma
♪ They came, they’re all here
♪ Even those from southern Italy
♪ Even Giorgio, the prodigal son
♪ With arms full of gifts
♪ All the children play in silence
♪ Around the bed or on the floor
♪ But their games don’t matter
♪ It’s a bit like their last gifts
♪ To la mamma
♪ There’s so much love, so many memories
♪ Around you, la mamma
♪ There are so many tears and smiles
♪ Through you, la mamma
♪ That never
♪ Never
♪ Will you leave us
"No, I Haven’t Forgotten Anything" (Charles Aznavour)
♪ I never would have believed
♪ That we’d meet again
♪ Chance is curious
♪ It provokes things
♪ And hurried destiny
♪ Takes a pose for a moment
♪ No, I haven’t forgotten anything
♪ I smile despite myself
♪ Just looking at you
♪ If months, years
♪ Often mark people
♪ You, you haven’t changed
♪ Maybe your hairstyle
♪ No, I haven’t forgotten anything
♪ Haven’t forgotten anything
"Old-Fashioned Pleasures" (Charles Aznavour)
♪ In the familiar noise of the trendy club
♪ Under psychedelic lights, in the curious decor
♪ We discover, sitting on uncomfortable chairs
♪ The latest pop records played at full volume
♪ It’s there we met among those our age
♪ You, dressed as an Indian, and me, in a Mao collar
♪ We’ve returned since then like on a pilgrimage
♪ To dance in smoke so thick you could cut it with a knife
♪ Come, let’s discover, you and I
♪ Old-fashioned pleasures
♪ Your heart against my heart
♪ Despite the crazy rhythms
♪ I want to feel my body embraced by yours
♪ Let’s dance cheek to cheek