New York February 16, 1959
Hurry! She collapsed ten minutes ago.
The ambulance is here.
Saint Theresa, my sweet Jesus, don't abandon me...
...give me strength, I want to go on living.
Bring me back to life.
Why are you crying?
Scram, you brats!
What are you doing here?
Why are you crying?
Are you all alone?
Where's your mommy?
You're her mother? You worthless piece of trash!
Gotta make a living somehow. I'm a singer.
What about your daughter?
What about her? She's taken care of.
Louis, I can't go on waiting for you like this.
Belleville's unbearable.
An impresario said with my talent...
...I should try Constantinople like the singer Fréhel.
Good news for our acrobat?
Sure... Commendations from Clemenceau.
I left Edith with my mother.
Mamma Aïcha will keep her until my career takes off.
Louis, I've stopped waiting for you.
Anetta.
Anybody home?
Edith?
Louis?
Enough's enough.
What's this?
Your grandchild...
Edith.
What a strange name.
She's a sickly child.
Follow me.
What are you doing here?
You're so cute. What's your name?
Back to work, Titine!
Someone's in the upstairs toilet.
You've beautiful blue eyes.
Come on.
I'm listening...
I have to go back.
I'll be demobilized soon. Then I'll go back to the circus.
I came to see my cherub.
-Get out. -I'm all done, Mamma Louise.
Tend the door.
Where's her mother?
I don't know.
Want to leave her here?
People will gossip.
People always gossip.
Should we take her to Mass?
We're gonna be late.
Enough. The world doesn't revolve around her.
I hear we're keeping a baby.
Can we see it?
It's a girl, not a baby.
-Want some bread? -Get on!
Go on, ask her to sing.
You'd be on the stage, but your hair's too red.
Titine! Titine, open up. Enough of this!
-Now what? -She's with Edith.
Open this door now!
-What's going on? -Nothing!
Get ready, the gentlemen will be here soon.
-Open up or else! -I can't work.
-I can't work! -Really!
You think this is a hotel?
I'm keeping Edith. I'm keeping her.
That's what you think!
It's me, open up.
Your legionnaire's here.
I don't care.
He's a liar. He tells me nothing but lies.
Titine, stop this right now.
Come out or you'll be on the street so fast!
Enough of your antics!
I don't want trouble.
Doug!
What? Are you jealous?
I sent your Billie Holiday records to the hotel.
Thank you, Loulou.
Billie and I were born the same year. Funny!
I brought my sketches.
Do you want to see them now or later?
Later. I've got to sing that fool's song.
Before your time...
What?
Forget it.
Let's go.
I'm ready.
Let's go.
It's Jeanne!
Jeanne, what's wrong?
-There's blood... -Talk to us!
He wanted to play doctor, with his instruments.
The bastard!
Titine!
We must tell Madam.
She'll kill me. It hurts.
I can't see!
-Well, doctor? -Her health's fragile.
It's her cornea. She has keratitis.
Is she blind?
It's an inflammation.
Be patient. It takes months.
Take this to the pharmacy.
Thank you.
Whose child is she?
Nobody's.
Theresa, I rarely ask anything of you...
...I only ask that you hear little Edith.
Go on, Edith. Speak to her. She'll listen.
Go ahead.
Theresa...
...I don't want to be blind. I want to see.
She's all bruised.
Go on.
I want to learn to read, and run like before.
I don't want to be blind.
Saint Theresa, tell baby Jesus to look after Edith.
Go ahead.
Thank you, Saint Theresa and Jesus.
Thank you.
You're home, Edith.
-Louise? -Quickly...
Come with me.
She can see...
She can see!
Titine, get up!
-What is it? -He's back. He's taking Edith.
Get dressed.
They can't do that to me!
How can you go back to that job?
She'll see the country.
Go then.
Edith!
Titine!
Don't take my little girl!
Let her go!
Enough!
She's mad!
Stop it or you're out!
You have no right!
Don't do this to me!
Go!
I'll kill myself.
We're at Orly airport.
Paris, Orly June 1959
Passengers are disembarking. I see her. It's Edith Piaf!
A young man's on her arm.
What did you bring from America?
An American.
What's his name?
Edith, please!
Like her song, she's "carried away by the crowd"...
She steps into her elegant black and white car.
She looks tired, but is all smiles.
Silence! I propose a toast...
What a slob!
Slob yourself.
Indulge the invalid.
Watch out, accordion man, or you'll get a shiner!
Perfect timing!
Call the boss. I want free champagne!
I'm Edith Piaf, and I made a mess.
Everyone kiss. Even enemies!
Kiss me, Claude.
-Who's that broad? -No idea.
Who gets the steak tartare?
Where did your handsome friend go?
Don't embarrass her...
Butt out, Coquatrix, who rang your bell?
Well... Mademoiselle!
Miss Piaf, a pleasure! What can I do for you?
A lot. I want a present.
Naturally.
Well...
I wanted champagne, but I'll take a ring...
...a big ring with diamonds studded everywhere.
Don't trouble yourself, we'll have champagne.
Here's a toast to the love I have for you all.
And I'll stand up for that.
Give me a hand.
I'd like to make a toast to Marguerite.
My composer and my most loyal friend in the business.
Don't blush like that, you'll make us cry.
You want an autograph?
I don't think so.
Bubbles and booze, perfect. This is Claude's influence.
You're irritating, Loulou.
We're just back to Paris, we had some fun.
Don't play the broken-hearted lover.
I'm waiting for someone. Get lost.
Let me remind you, you have commitments.
You're not alone.
Remember the first night at Gerny's?
I was a bum. She looked at me like a princess.
You were a princess. My princess!
To Marguerite!
To those who want to see me fall on my face.
They think I don't notice! Cheers.
Something wrong, Louis?
He's having a tantrum.
Get lost, we're busy.
You don't watch the show. Get busy.
You must work. There are no kids here.
You have to earn your keep. That's enough.
Little turd! You ruined my exit!
Go to the trailer. Make dinner.
Ladies and gentlemen, a big hand for Louis...
...the contortionist!
She's so cute.
How old is she?
Ten.
-Has she no mom, then? -A mom? What for?
Don't you ever feel lonely?
You could invite me back to your trailer for a drink.
All right, come on.
Do you know who I am?
I'm Theresa.
Are your eyes well, my angel?
Yes.
You're so sweet. Who'd you like to pray for?
I'll pray for Titine.
Good girl. I'm watching over you.
Never forget.
When you're alone, I'll always be there.
I've had it! I told you to change that wheel.
No discussions. Just help. We're all in the same shit.
-I don't give a damn! -Then get lost!
You can't quit. Not over a spat!
Who needs a boss! I can't stand Caroli anymore.
-You're drunk! -I'll go solo.
Fat chance! Circuses aren't on every corner.
Don't worry. I always land on my feet.
-You were growing on me. -You'll get over it!
Saint Theresa, make him change his mind.
I want to stay in the circus.
Edith!
Is the girl in the act?
Just a minute.
Do something.
They'll leave, do something.
Come on, do something.
Bravo!
That's my daughter!
I'm fed up with carrot juice.
As long as I'm your nurse, you'll have carrot juice.
I prefer it dark, Simone.
It's sunny, it'll do you good.
Edith...
...I know it's hard...
...you need lots and lots of rest...
...and patience.
-Your husband called today-- -It's no use.
What makes me sick...
...is that I overdid it.
The last three years have been disastrous.
You're an artist.
Simone?
I won't sing again, will l?
What are you looking at?
I want some chow.
We sing for a bit, then we eat.
Singing alone's like begging. With you, it's a show.
I want to sing there.
Hey, you!
You can't sing in the street.
Is that so?
-How old are you? -Twenty.
What's that?
She barely had a sip.
Come here.
You know "Du Gris"?
Shut your trap!
If you sing it, I'll let you go.
My beat's over there. I'll look the other way.
Next week's the 21 st. Sisters for five years now.
Prefer working with me or the factory?
I'd rather slit my throat than work in the factory.
And you?
What about me?
Slaving in a shitty cheese shop?
Shut up! We're eating.
Annetta, don't make trouble.
There's your lush of a mother.
Edith...
Any spare change?
That's it?
Yep, I'm no Rockefeller, as you know.
-Give me bills. -Don't have any.
I'm your mother...
Get lost!
Want me to sing for it?
Throw her out!
I'm an artist! What are you?
You'll see!
-You'll see! -See what?
When you're down and out!
Pipe down or get out!
A piece of shit!
Go to hell!
Don't count on your daughter feeding you!
That's enough!
I'm going. You can finish my plate.
-You're no singer, you shit! -Leave her be or I'll sock you!
Let's lose these bums.
Eat shit!
Go on and sell yourself!
Hurry, your ass will soon be too old for customers.
Thanks.
You'll hurt your voice that way.
I have to eat, sir.
Of course you do.
Here, my name's Louis Leplée.
My card. Be at Gerny's tomorrow at 2 p.m.
We'll see what we can do with you.
You sing too?
No, but I have other talents.
Bring your sheet music... Your usual songs.
And if I don't?
Suit yourself, sweetheart.
You're out all day and this is what you bring back?
I trust you and this is it?
I keep some for my father. He's sick and broke.
I'm no social worker!
I swear. He's sick.
I'll throw you to the street, then you'll see!
-Let her go! -Never! Never!
I'd rather croak than turn tricks.
-If she dies, it's on your head! -Shut up!
I want more, understand?
Or you'll spread your legs like the rest!
You'll spread yours first.
Albert, I'm sorry...
Stay, please stay!
Drop that asshole.
Etienne, give her a drink.
-Coming to the Chinaman's? -Who's going?
The two wops, Fats and Pops.
There'll be lots of coke and poppy.
How about some human warmth...
Because I screwed you once...
...doesn't mean I'll do it again.
-Get it? -Give me a break.
You know what?
I don't give a shit about all that, know why?
No? Too dense?
Because I'm an artiste.
I'm going to the top! I know it.
I've always known it!
It's the little flame.
Saint Theresa, I see great things.
Look at her clothes. She looks sick.
Where did he dig her up?
She's incredible.
Philipo, champagne.
The boss is in love.
She's got lung power.
The kid's all right, my Louis.
Don't be jealous, Josette.
Tell me your name again.
Edith Giovanna Gassion.
That's not great.
I have other names:
Huguette Helias, Tania...
-Denise Jay. -Jay...
You get manicures!
Don't change the subject.
You're like a bird.
You think so?
Really?
Is "Little Songbird" taken?
Yes, it's taken.
A sparrow...
You call a sparrow a piaf?
Is that what you say? Piaf?
-The Little Sparrow. -Great!
-That's corny. -What do you know?
-The Little Sparrow. -That's great!
You need some classics worthy of your name.
Bruant's "Les Mômes de la Cloche."
I know that one.
Rehearse around the clock if need be.
You start on Friday.
The show's about to begin.
Check on your protégée.
-Why? -She's quite a drinker.
I'm on my way.
Philipo...
...no more alcohol backstage.
What are you doing?
I didn't finish knitting it.
-I'm making a sleeve. -Now!
-It's sold out. -All the more reason.
She can't go on like a bum!
She can't sing looking like a bum. Your star is dressing your new singer.
Yes, absolutely.
-Girls, hurry. -Yes.
I'm gonna barf.
Some other time. Quickly, now.
A few days ago, on my way home...
...perhaps luck or fate led me to tonight's performer.
Here she is, as I first saw her...
...a diamond in the rough.
From the sidewalk to Gerny's: The Little Sparrow.
She's like my sister.
Did I lie?
She's sensational.
Meet the venerable Jean Mermoz.
This is for you.
Thank you.
Come, Edith.
You wowed them, you'll do it tomorrow and every night.
You must meet someone who'll help you.
My name's Marguerite Monnot. I'm a pianist.
If ever you need, I'd love to compose for you.
Thank you.
Come.
Edith...
...this is Mr. Jacques Canetti.
Artistic Director of City Radio.
Miss, you completely dazzled me.
Thank you.
Please join us at our table.
-I can't stay. I have to run. -What's so important?
Thank you.
What is it?
Marvelous, marvelous.
You better lay off, or it's pow...
...right in the kisser!
You dimwit, we've been waiting an hour!
Fuck off, you stingy bastard!
THE SPARROW
RECORD OF THE MONTH
AT GERNY'S ASTOUNDING
Interview with Louis Leplée
Leplée introduces Edith Gassion, a.k.a. "The Sparrow"
Owner of famous cabaret "Le Gerny's"
Miss...
...you're marvelous.
My hand's going to fall off.
Have more bubbly.
I want the bottle!
Here. I told her to trust me.
That's the power of radio, right, Coquatrix?
Don't forget the magic of music hall.
Of course.
Edith, I have something for you.
-A song? -Naturally.
Raymond! Raymond!
Mireille, call Raymond.
Someone for you, Kid.
The big guy wants to talk to you.
This is Raymond Asso...
...writer, composer, performer, poet.
-I'll be back. -I love your music.
Yeah, I don't like your mug.
I've seen you often.
You must've been hiding.
It's midnight, everyone up.
Everyone stand up!
You're an immense artist.
I'm wearing high heels.
Whenever you'd like...
Call me. I'll be waiting.
My Daddy Leplée!
A toast to my Daddy Leplée, my savior!
What about yesterday? Were you in, or...
I was here, but didn't see him.
You're a bird of ill omen!
It's her fault!
Are you the Little Sparrow?
Follow me, please.
What for?
This way.
Let me through, please.
This way.
I'm talking to you!
-Are you mixed up with the Mob? -No.
Leave me alone.
What about Henri Valette?
And Georges, Johnny the sailor and Albert...
...never heard of them either?
They're friends. They're not mixed up in this.
Aiding and abetting is a crime.
I'm not guilty! I didn't do anything!
I've lost everything.
Where were you last night?
I told you, I was out partying...
You scum, lousy rats!
What you're doing is disgusting!
This isn't the stage!
It seems you have some unsavory friends, like Albert.
I don't know any of them, inspector.
Sure. I wasn't born yesterday.
-Miss Piaf, a word? -A photo, please.
She deserves to be shamed!
You just go back to the gutter you came from!
Leave her alone! She's innocent.
Got that?
Did you turn anyone in?
This is a funeral. Show some restraint.
-One more question. -Stop stirring shit. Move!
Out of the way, all of you!
That's it. I'm as good as dead.
They dragged me through the mud.
Forget it. It's old news.
I didn't do anything!
I know.
Open up.
-What? -Simone Berteaut?
Yes.
Miss Berteaut, you must come with us.
What for?
Court order from the judge and your mother to send you...
...to a girls' detention home.
Effective immediately.
Get your things, please.
It's not true. She stays here!
I have nothing to say to you.
For the last time, get your things.
You want to kill me!
You want to kill me, is that it?
Let me go, I said.
She's not leaving.
-Momone! -Edith, don't let them take me!
My things! I have nothing!
You hear, you bastard?
Momone, no!
Daddy Leplée.
Oh, Daddy Leplée!
You killed him! Where's the dough?
What do you expect from a former slut?
Everyone out of my dressing room!
Mamie, stay.
I need a shot, it hurts too bad.
Call the American.
You can come in now.
What a triumph. It was divine.
Doug...
I need some air.
I want to go back to Chalons, with you.
It's four hundred kilometers away.
Go to hell, all of you!
I've had it with you all!
You're exhausted. It's a long journey.
It's always "no" this and "no" that. To hell with that!
Let's go back.
Turn around.
Turn around! You spoiled it for me!
Her blood tests are catastrophic.
She has two broken ribs we can't set.
It'll take weeks.
If she has engagements, cancel them.
It's tight enough. Get away.
Doctor, give me a shot so I can sing.
Sorry, but my admiration has limits.
Theirs has no limits, neither do l.
Cancel. You're playing with your life.
So? You have to play with something.
You want a new life? Get a new you.
-New what? -New you.
Why didn't you call sooner?
I was busy. I didn't know what you wanted with me.
I saw you sing. You've a lot to learn.
You're the first to say so.
In three months no one will call you Kid. Cabaret life's over.
Like-a-storm-in-the-night! Articulate!
Again!
"He had bright blue eyes"!
Are they words or sounds?
-What do you want? -Perfect diction!
I sing the way I speak!
Badly.
You slur the words, and you don't understand them.
Slower, Marguerite.
It's been 6 hours. Can we open a window?
We'll breathe later.
Again.
You don't listen! You're not living the song.
You have to be that woman in love.
Think like an actress.
He's mocking me.
We're tired. We need a break.
He makes me feel like I can't sing.
Who do you think you are?
You can't rest on your laurels.
I started singing at 9!
It's okay. Don't worry. This is new and difficult.
You must become a performer, understand?
Live the song!
No one ever minded my diction.
No one... Like who?
Creeps at Gerny's or on the street?
Do what I say or go back to the gutter.
Edith!
To my little girl who never forgot her daddy.
-To the Kid! -To the Kid!
Heard you got a mentor. Does he have bucks?
Not a cent... It's art for art's sake.
Art for your ass' sake.
Come on, Kid, sing something.
Give us a song!
That's the way to handle her.
I let her get away.
I was too good to her!
You're stiff as a poker. Lifeless.
Like a champ brawling in the street.
Performing is an art.
Grab them with all you've got.
You have great hands.
Use them.
Sing with them.
Again, Marguerite.
Put some life in it.
Your hands, your hands.
That's it.
-I feel stupid. -Keep going.
Put this on.
People don't care about that. They like my voice.
How can you be so talented and so pig-headed?
-Open up. -I'm going to throw up!
What's up, is she drunk?
No, she's panicking.
The audience is waiting!
For weeks you bugged me for this show.
Get her on stage before there's a riot!
She's coming.
Edith...
You have three minutes.
This isn't a cabaret, it's a music hall.
What have I gotten myself into?
It's stage fright. It's a good sign.
Edith?
What?
This is it.
This is what we've worked for.
You can't crack up now.
Open this door.
No, I can't.
Open it, please.
Stand up.
Ladies and gentlemen, Edith Piaf!
EDITH PIAF triumphs!
STREET SINGER MAKES IT BIG
THE LITTLE SPARROW Premieres
"The first Man to give me a hand...
PIAF ON TOUR
EDITH PIAF's tour at the A.B.C. Theater
The Sparrow's Dead. Long Live Edith Piaf!
Know what it's like to hurry home...
...hoping to lean on the one you love...
...only to find an empty room.
Waiting and waiting.
I know that empty room. Yes, I do.
I can't wait to see you in the play.
Paris, February 14, 1940
Heads up, Canetti's coming.
The conductor has been waiting three hours.
-So? -The premiere's in less than 48 hours.
Know many people Cocteau has written plays for?
-Miss? -Yes, Suzanne.
Paul Meurisse called. Dinner with Mr. Cocteau is at 8:00 p.m.
You see.
Ask him to come back at midnight.
Are you sure?
You're worse than Raymond. Do this, do that.
-Stop it. -She fired that pain in the ass!
Stop it.
Shall I show you the gowns?
Yes, the gowns.
They're all here, Miss Piaf.
Careful of the pins.
The simplest one, no collar.
A man's been calling... He has something for you.
-What's he like? -A soldier.
I said you couldn't see him. He's on the landing. It's awkward.
Since he's here, show him in.
Follow me.
Put it there.
-Here she is. -Much better with no collar.
Well...
My name's Michel Emer, I'm a corporal.
This isn't the army. What do you want?
I have a song for you.
Another? I have plenty.
I premiere at the Bobino in two days.
I'll take this one.
I go to the front tomorrow.
There's the piano. You have five minutes.
Edith...
We'll have to wait.
Stop.
I want it.
Everybody out.
You can't do this. We're already late.
What can't she do?
Play it. I want it for the Bobino.
Get moving.
-You can't do this. -I can't?
Then what's the point of being Edith Piaf?
In French, please.
"She's too desperate, too poor..."
Spit it out, Charles.
I'm not a translator.
"Pathetic. Not in the tradition of the French Cancan and Gay Paris.
A complete flop."
It's not the first time you've had to fight.
Americans want beauties, not me.
I'm not the Parisian bombshell they expected.
Can you see me as a chorus girl?
Where's my feather up the ass!
Go on, laugh. I don't connect to them.
They think I'm sad, they're dumb.
Yeah, too dumb.
-You're on the front page. -Two columns.
It's Greek to me, translate this shit.
He says they shouldn't let you go.
It would be a grave mistake.
The Americans don't deserve you.
I knew something would happen! I must get changed.
Ginou, help me choose a dress.
Tonight I'm going out. I have a date.
What's this, Marcel?
Beef... Go on, taste it.
It smells like a wet dog.
What?
Your English is as good as the meat.
Don't like the place?
I'm a bit surprised. I didn't expect...
When you called to invite me out and said...
...we were two Frenchies alone in New York...
...why not go out to eat...
... I imagined something different.
It's my local spot.
You sure know how to spoil a girl.
-Two pastrami sandwiches... -Oh, no!
I'll handle this. Two tournedos Rossini...
...and a bottle of Château Angélus 1938, please.
You must be starving.
Better that than boiled dog meat.
I'm sorry.
Let's start over. Okay?
How long have you been in New York?
Eight weeks.
Do you like America?
I couldn't care less about America.
I don't get them, and they don't get me.
-You must miss Paris. -Terribly.
What do you do when you're not singing?
You could be a police investigator.
I knit.
Tell me your size, I'll knit you a sweater.
No, thanks, really...
Those people recognized you.
Really?
They're saying that chump lost his last two fights. He's washed up.
-I'll shut them up good. -No!
Don't get worked up. I was kidding.
Very good.
Let's not be so formal.
Of course...
And when you're not boxing?
I train, I run...
And after training?
When I'm home in Morocco, I work on my farm.
You have a farm!
I raise pigs.
What? Why not?
It's true, why not?
It's a lovely farm. Very modern, with fine, fat pigs.
Who works it when you box?
My wife.
You have...
...magnificent hands.
Did you hear that, Momone?
You do have nice fingers.
Listen.
What color are your eyes?
He leaned over to have a closer look.
And his breath stunk!
You can be such a jerk.
He is a pig farmer, after all.
He said...
Violet blue.
Of course, violet blue.
It was the way he said it.
He seemed like a child.
Then he said...
You look like a fairy.
That's a bit much.
Did you kiss him?
I didn't dare.
-It was a very lovely evening. -Too short.
Will you watch me fight?
Of course.
Did he try to kiss you?
Don't know if it crossed his mind.
Yeah, sure. I believe that.
I'll come hear you sing.
Well... Good night.
He's the love of my life!
You were wonderful!
Mr. Lucien Roupp, who is Mr. Cerdan's manager.
Mr. Jameson...
...from CBS television network...
Marlene...
Good evening. I'm sorry. I simply wanted to have a word.
I haven't been to Paris for ages.
But this evening, when you were singing, Edith...
...I was there...
...in the streets, beneath its sky.
Your voice is the soul of Paris.
You took me on a journey.
You made me cry.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
Thank you.
Come on up.
I'm starting to like this city.
The stars are out tonight.
Let's go.
Marc...
...do you know how long a frog lives?
In fairy tales or in life?
I've never read fairy tales... To anyone.
You haven't had the opportunity.
Yes, but I didn't do it.
Excuse me. I'm a bit tired.
I'll be back.
Lay her down there.
-I'm going back. -It's out of the question.
Nobody tells me when to stop!
What do we do?
I'm sorry. Have everyone leave.
-I'm going back! -No, Edith!
-I must go on. -It's suicide.
She must be hospitalized.
No! Louis, I'm begging you!
You were just in the hospital three weeks ago.
There will be other galas.
Take me back on stage!
Take me back. I must sing!
I must sing, Louis. I have no choice!
Edith, please...
-Do you hear them? -Stop...
Close that door!
Take me back, Louis.
Take me back. If I don't sing tonight...
If I don't sing at least one song...
...I'll lose all faith in myself. Do you understand?
Doctor...
...do what you must.
Not this time, you guys.
You expect me to fall on my face, I'm in great shape.
Tell your papers it's not my suicide tour!
"Padam."
Saint Theresa, first of all, thank you...
I know you're behind all this.
You sent him to me.
I've found love, and I know it's your doing.
Sweet Jesus, protect Marcel.
Go, Marcel!
Go now!
It's too soon, Edith.
No, he'll win. I feel it.
-If there's a problem, you'll look bad. -What problem?
If there's a problem, I'll call you. Now go.
Hurry up!
Go, Marcel!
One round!
Go on, Marcel!
Kill him!
-What's happening? -Zale's injured.
He did it? He's world champion!
You look like an angel.
Not like a fairy anymore?
You are my champion.
I want you to be mine for life.
Nothing existed before you. It's all gone.
Stay with me.
My beloved, yesterday before bed, I crossed off a day...
...a long day, but also short.
When the plane took off it took with it my heart...
...my life, my breath...
My sweet boy, my child, my love...
...your scent lingers in my sheets...
...and my heart sleeps incessantly...
...in the arms of sadness.
My Darling...
...I love you. What have you done to put me in this state?
I miss you.
I'm blank, listless as though waiting for something...
Hold me tight against your heart...
...and know nothing in the world counts more than you.
Return my heart to me.
I think the French know about us.
When I'm in a restaurant, they play "La Vie en Rose"...
When I see, my love...
...how attached you are to your wife and your three children...
...I feel like going far away...
...thinking someday you'll be grateful to me.
I can't have you all for myself, and can't live without you.
God is my witness, in this affair I ask for nothing...
...and am willing to sacrifice all.
If one day life tears you from me...
...if you die or are far from me...
...though you may love me, I will die too.
In three months...
...that's right, in April...
...I'll be a hit at the Olympia.
With a full house. We'll be flush.
Edith, your liver cells are not functioning normally.
Paris, February 1960
You've been ill. You need rest. It's serious.
I'm just 44. I'm not in the tomb yet.
With the cancellations, we have no more assets.
You're saying it's my fault.
That's not it, Edith. It's the tax authority.
We owe 120,000 francs as a first installment.
It's jaundice! I don't need 100 years to convalesce.
That's pushing it.
I want to perform at the Olympia!
Anything else?
Yes, we must stop giving in to her.
I can't always keep an eye on her.
She left the hospital too soon.
The Olympia in three months... It's a catastrophe waiting to happen.
She needs these challenges.
It's a losing proposition.
Then I have to tell the insurance guys it's all cancelled.
We must decide for her, that's final.
Whether she likes it or not.
Edith...
I said to myself, "Edith, it's all over!"
He's got someone else. You lost him.
He was having an affair?
Would I be telling you this if he were?
He left the restaurant. I was hiding.
My Marcel crossed all of New York...
...to eat with an old blind black boxer...
...he had met a few years earlier. Imagine that.
Guys like that are hard to come by.
"My Marcel"...
"My Marcel"! That's all you talk about.
Nothing else matters.
But let me tell you, Ginou...
...I'll never have him.
He'll never be mine. He won't leave his wife and kids.
He calls her every single day.
I pretend not to notice.
I want him to be happy.
I'll be back.
I could've been Edith Piaf.
There's more to life than songs.
It's been too long, Marcel!
Call Orly. Catch a plane tonight.
The long journey by boat will kill me.
I miss you, Marcel.
I can't be apart from you anymore.
Maybe I should go back to Paris?
-Hold on. -I'm just Madame's lapdog.
Stop.
Rum, Coke! Whiskey!
People think I'm a piece of shit.
Boozing it up in Belleville was better.
You dropped me, Edith.
Enough, Momone!
Get her out of my sight.
I'll be taking the boat.
Here's to your career, Edith!
Please, Marcel. Leave tonight. For me!
-You sleep late when I'm not here. -Thank God, Marcel.
Thank you.
I'll make you some coffee. Don't move.
Let me serve you.
What are you doing there?
I knew you'd come!
Lucien had a rough time buying the tickets.
I have a present for you.
You're in bad shape.
You need sun. You're so pale.
Ginou!
Ginou. I'm looking for the watch!
What's gotten into you? I'm looking for the watch!
It was here, in a long red Cartier package...
...it was here, damn it!
What is wrong with you all?
I'm looking for Marcel's watch! Where is that watch?
I'm looking for Marcel's watch!
What?
Louis?
What's going on?
You must be brave, Edith.
Is it Marcel?
What?
The plane crashed...
Marcel!
What more can I tell you, Miss Piaf?
They say you're the best psychic...
That may be...
...it's your third time this week. What more can I say?
Why do you come back?
So that you can tell me again...
...so I can remember why I must go on living.
He died in the sky, so he must be up there...
California, August 1955
Hey, Jacques Pills! Can you step on it?
I need some air.
That's lovely.
Step on it. Our pin-up's melting!
I'll get a sore throat.
Then you'll take care of me...
...Iike a good husband.
The best hubby I've had.
The first you've had!
You plan on gawking at us all day?
I'm sick to my stomach.
Watch it, you'll ram us into the scenery.
Let me drive. Stop, I'll drive.
That way Ginou can throw up.
Go on, Ginou.
May I help Madame...
Go on, Ginou!
Very good. Bravo!
Bye, Ginou.
Wait for me!
You sure know how to drive.
At least our outing wasn't for nothing...
...we killed a tree!
Unbelievable, what shitty service!
Anybody here to take our order?
Calm down, dear. You're no star here.
Tonight you play the Mocambo.
Really?
Remind me who's invited us tomorrow?
Marlon Brando, Ginger Rogers, Mr. Chaplin...
What is that?
We never ordered that crap!
Don't touch me!
-Let me see. -Don't touch me, I said!
Wipe yourself off.
We'd better get a divorce.
How many injections per day, Madame?
About ten...
Sorry to be so direct...
...but why are you doing this?
So my body will shut up!
When did you start these daily injections?
Five years ago, after the plane crash. I...
I was becoming arthritic. I couldn't knit anymore.
You are seriously dependant.
An addiction...
Doctor...
...I'd like my wife to go to rehab.
I want to get better.
I can.
October 1960- 5 years later
Danielle, a chair.
Edith...
Here, Edith.
Sit down.
Bruno...
There'll be no Olympia.
I understand, Edith.
No!
I want you to meet Charles Dumont, composer...
...and Michel Vaucaire, lyricist.
They've come back to play their song.
Be quick. I'm tired.
Stop!
I like it.
Go on!
You're marvelous!
Exactly what I've been waiting for. It's incredible.
It's me!
That's my life. It's me!
Call Coquatrix. The Olympia is on!
Play it again. It's so beautiful.
"Take care my favorite sparrow. Your friend Marguerite"
Everyone's here: Aznavour, Mr. Cocteau, Yves Montand.
Montand's here? I read he wasn't in France.
He came for you!
They've been waiting for 30 minutes.
The place is heating up.
They're not too tight?
Who is that?
A friend.
Come on, Edith...
...stand up.
My cross?
My cross...
We forgot it. I'll get it.
I won't sing without it!
Out! Everybody out!
Grasse, October 1963 Her last night
See you tomorrow.
Go on. I'll handle it.
I'm afraid, Simone...
...I'm losing my memory. It's very serious.
My thoughts are muddled.
I'm trying to remember...
...but I can't.
Other memories are surfacing, not the ones I want to see.
I wanted to see his watch.
Do you remember? Marcel's watch?
No, Edith. I didn't know him.
I wanted to see his watch...
That's some face!
You've got wild eyes.
The kid's not so bad.
Simone.
Yes, Edith?
I didn't pray.
I want to pray on my knees.
No one will reproach you if you're not on your knees.
I want to pray for my daddy.
Marcelle...
My daughter, my little ghost.
Only Momone knows about it.
I need to tell you about my child.
Take it easy, Edith.
Marcelle!
Marcelle, go to bed. I've had enough today.
Think I can keep an eye out for the cops and your kid?
What the hell's Louis doing?
It's him. Your father.
Did she eat?
They said you were on the street with her!
Who said?
You get her twice a month and you screw up!
I said not the streets!
Come quick!
It's Marcelle! Come on!
Marcelle's in the hospital!
Are you her mother?
Meningitis. Nothing could be done.
I'm sorry.
Edith...
...I have the cross.
Hello.
They said you were on the beach.
Thank you for granting this interview.
My pleasure.
It's odd to see you so far from Paris.
I'm never far from Paris.
I've a list of questions. Answer whatever comes to mind.
Well...
...what is your favorite color?
Blue.
What's your favorite dish?
Pot roast.
Would you agree to live a sensible life?
It's already the case.
Who are your most faithful friends?
My true friends are faithful.
If you could no longer sing...
I could no longer live.
Are you afraid of death?
Less than solitude.
Do you pray?
Yes, because I believe in love.
I don't want to go, Simone.
Where is Théo?
I want my husband.
Théo will be here in less than an hour.
What is your fondest career memory?
Every time the curtain goes up.
Your fondest memory as a woman?
The first kiss.
Do you like nighttime?
Yes, with a lot of light.
Dawn?
With a piano and friends.
The evening?
Because for us it's dawn.
See, you're breathing.
I can't go back.
I can't.
If you were to give advice to a woman, what would it be?
Love.
To a young girl?
Love.
To a child?
Love.
Who are you knitting for?
Whoever will wear my sweater.
That's all. I hope it wasn't too long.
Thank you very much.
Thank you, young lady.