💬 Florence Foster Jenkins (2016)

A battle is raging. Volleys of arrows pierce the air.

A few more hours and we're in the clear.

A few pointers as to how Madam Florence does things.

A great and devoted family. United by our love of music.

A ha. Thank you.

A little more allegretto, please, if you don't mind, Mr McMoon.

A taxi if I may. Thank you.

A thousand. But he gave me a record.

A whole world of pleasure awaits you, Mrs Stark.

Afforded Madam Jenkins."

Afternoon, Mr Bayfield.

Agnes, please.

Ah, Colonel. I hope the house is warming up nicely.

Ah, what a surprise.

Ah.

Alright, alright.

Alright!

Alright.

America's greatest popular songwriter, Stephen Foster,

Amongst others, she is patron of the Euterpe Club,

An Englishman.

And a pen, anyone?

And a teeny bit extra for a new shirt.

And again, lower. From the diaphragm, Bunny.

And at this dark moment in our history,

And both times it was a complete disaster.

And bring McMoon with you. I've been looking for him all morning.

And cheering.

And don't pay any attention to that review.

And ensure that only true music lovers gain entry.

And give a copy to the members for Christmas.

And go and join the hepcats?

And have you attended one of Madam Florence's concerts before?

And he is the leading vocal coach in the city.

And he was brilliant. Utterly, utterly brilliant.

And I had very high hopes of becoming a concert pianist mys...

And I made a living teaching piano to children.

And I was wearing a violet velvet gown.

And I would be grateful if you show them the respect they deserve.

And I'm going to give a thousand tickets away to the soldiers,

And I'm going to give it to her.

And I'm going to sing here.

And I'm still here.

And I've had a simply darling idea for the Christmas gift for the members.

And if Earl Wilson turns up from the Post, they politely show him the door.

And it has caused a great deal of upset.

And lack gall to make oppression bitter,

And Madam Jenkins retired to affectionate applause."

And may I say what lovely legs you have, madam.

And my father didn't leave me as much money as everybody thinks,

And no doubt your love has proved to be a panacea too.

And no one would enjoy seeing you triumph here more than I, obviously.

And now, my bunny, you must sleep.

And perfect technique, and it's... it's...

And perhaps I shall perform a monologue.

And potato salad as well.

And she has sung in dozens of sell out concerts.

And swing as though it's through molasses.

And that's why we love her.

And the state of Alabama.

And watching, with eternal lids apart,

And we'd play The Swan and...

And you are both going to be sensational.

And you, Mr Totten. Is Madam Florence here?

And you?

And your coat, sir.

And, you know, people were fighting for tickets outside.

Anything you like.

Anyway, she's old enough to be his aunt.

Are we not happy?

Are we supposed to be here?

Are you OK?

Arturo. What a wonderful surprise.

As for her subglottal pressure... it defies medical science.

As long as it's not too loud.

As well as, of course, our very own Verdi Club.

At last Stephen Foster can write his song.

Be a sport, darling, and I'll make it up to you.

Be quiet.

Beat it, you hefty old sap.

Because I doubt that even Mrs O'Flaherty could slurp a trout.

Because I would like you to have a little something when I die, Cosmé.

Because we must support our boys.

Bed rest until your strength returns.

Believe me, there's no shortage of love between any of us.

Believe.

Better than serviceable. It was good.

Between Mr and Mrs Levi.

Bloody, bawdy villain!

Bravo, Bunny. Bravo! Bravissima!

Bravo, Madam Florence! Bravo!

Bravo, my love.

Bravo!

Bravo! Bravo!

Bravo! Encore!

Bravo! It was wonderful, Bunny.

Bravo.

Break a leg.

Breathe. Breathe, Florence.

Bright star!...

Bunny, it's me, it's Whitey. Get a doctor. Quickly. Quickly.

Bunny, that's not a good idea. Last night...

Bunny.

Bunny. Bunny.

But as Beethoven said, a few wrong notes may be forgiven,

But Dr Hermann was very, very specific about excitement.

But Florence has been my life.

But from time to time, she can be a little...

But I came all the way from Brooklyn.

But I could've... could've given you a child.

But I got myself a little apartment in Philly

But I miss him. I...

But I seem to just get better and better.

But I was never going to be a great actor.

But I'll be away in Florida at some point.

But I'm a first rate friend, the latter outweighing the former, I feel.

But I've fought and I've fought and I've fought.

But is there any way we could persuade you to part with your newspaper?

But it was a serviceable attempt.

But it's no sure prophylactic.

But no Post?

But no indication the disease is entering the tertiary phase.

But no one can say I didn't sing.

But once I had, I felt free from the tyranny of ambition.

But she's very keen to learn.

But singing without feeling cannot.

But swooping down from the clouds

But then she spoils us all.

But then when the nerves were damaged in my left hand, that was not to be.

But this place is just... it's so big, you know.

But wait. What is this?

But you live here with Kathleen.

But you're not putting her forward.

But you've never sounded better.

But, Cosmé, you have nothing to worry about.

But, Mr Bayfield...

By your patron and friend in her hour of need,

Can you imagine what that must feel like?

Carlo Edwards didn't mention any flatness,

Carlo!

Carlton Smith in the Musical Courier says it was the event of the season.

Carlton Smith. And Mr Stubbs.

Charlie, cup of coffee?

Cheer!

Cigarette?

Clap. Clap!

Clearly. I don't mean to pry, Mr Bayfield, but how is your own health?

Cole Porter called.

Cole Porter?

Colonel, you'll forgive me. I must prepare.

Come on, come on, come on.

Come on, you're gonna play at Carnegie Hall.

Come on.

Come, come, come. That's what I... I wanted to... Look.

Come.

Comes the most terrible spectre of all.

Cosmé McMoon from San Antonio, Texas, played Carnegie Hall.

Cosmé! Where have you been?

Cosmé?

Cosmé.

Could I possibly ask what it is Madam Florence carries in that briefcase?

Could I speak to Madam Florence for a moment?

Course, he came round eventually and then I was back in the will.

Course, he did cut me off,

Course, he didn't understand musicians.

Dance, St Clair, dance. I wanna see you dance.

Darling, please don't look so out of sorts.

Darling, the concert was wonderful. How is Florence?

Darling.

Darling. Augustus is here.

Death has been my constant companion for almost 50 years.

Did I mention that I also compose?

Did you see Carlo Edwards from the Met?

Do I need to remind you that Madam Florence

Do I see a pair of rabbit ears?

Do show him in, Kitty, please.

Do you know the Prelude in E minor? Chopin?

Doesn't she?

Doesn't that make him an earl too?

Don't let anyone in who's drunk.

Don't look at him! Look at me, Tallulah!

Down in one. Go!

Dr Hertz is in Washington, but he sent his colleague Dr Hermann.

E for elegance. Four dollars if I may.

Even as I speak, the chef has a team out scouring Manhattan for chives.

Excitement stimulates the disease. She needs rest, Mr Bayfield.

Excuse me, excuse me. You have absolutely no right to this.

Excuse me, ladies.

Excuse me.

Expand your diaphragm, Florence.

Finally, the line below that should read:

Find a breath, Florence.

Finish it. I'm teaching first thing.

Florence and I have always abstained.

Florence and I have an understanding.

For 25 years, I have kept the mockers and scoffers at bay.

For it cannot be but I am pigeon livered

For October 25th.

From a play I was lucky enough to perform in on several occasions,

From the diaphragm, Bunny.

Gee. Thank you, Madam Florence.

Gentlemen, the chairs are not for practical use. You have been told.

Get off! You're garbage!

Get up on your feet. Bravo! Come on!

Give it to me or I will call the police. Give it to me now.

Given the sacrifices you have made, it's the very least I can do.

Go ahead, go ahead.

Go!

God darn it, Mr Bayfield,

Good God.

Good idea?

Good morning, Miss Rabbit.

Good work, Mr Bayfield.

Good, good. Madam Florence is inordinately fond of sandwiches.

Good.

Good. Same time tomorrow, then.

Goodness me.

Ha. Blow the candles out. Ha!

Ham and tomato, plain cucumber and chicken with a hint of Dijon mustard.

Has run out of ideas.

Has the impending potato salad catastrophe been averted?

Have you seen the reviews, Whitey?

He had an aristocratic bearing and that was that.

He lost his house key, so I put him up for the night.

He sent me down here himself.

He told me so.

He wasn't always successful. Had to hide the reviews occasionally.

He'd cut me off.

He's a desperate man.

He's kidding. He's kidding.

He's raping my ears. Make him stop, make him stop.

Hear, hear.

Her phrasing is haphazard.

Here we are! Oh!

Here we are. The Bell Song.

Here we are. To a friendship.

Here! My briefcase. I want you to keep it close.

Here... We're going to make a recording.

Hey, guys, you're not gonna believe this. You gotta hear this.

Hey, how about one more?

Hey, McMoon, you got a visitor!

Hey, Mr Bayfield, I wanna see you dance.

Hey, Tallulah, up here!

Hey!

Hey. Hey!

Hi.

Hm hm.

Hm hm. Yes.

Hmm, I thought it was Toscanini, the anchovy paste salesman. Huh?

Hmm?

Hmm.

Hmm. You take the words right out of my mouth.

Honey, must you always embarrass me?

Hoodlums! Hoodlums as you call them, Mr Totten,

House lights down, please, Mr Totten.

House lights, please.

How about that?

How could we not begin with a soup? There would be a riot.

How did she get on the radio?

How do you do, sir? I saw you conduct La Bohème last season.

How do you do? I read your column. It's great fun.

How much did he want?

How much?

How was the golf?

How's it going, Kitty? Are we running low?

Howling like a Doberman as we speak.

I am a second rate playwright and we all know that.

I am not interested in your bullshit music club, OK?

I am so very sorry.

I applaud your courage. And...

I bought up every copy of the Post within two blocks.

I can hear you in there.

I can't help wondering what my life would have been like

I didn't have time to look at your medical notes.

I do not approve of drinking. What got into you?

I don't feel that I imbued the moment of inspiration

I don't have an answer, Bunny. I wish I did.

I don't hear very well, but I just think Madam Florence is magical.

I don't know. I really don't know.

I don't remember such a wonderful night.

I don't want this day to end.

I don't... I don't feel very well, Whitey.

I gather he's coaching again.

I got jumped by a bunch of sailors. They were most disrespectful.

I have ambition. I...

I have never seen such a pathetic,

I have several patients who observe the five year rule,

I haven't heard a voice that good since Caruso.

I hear your play was a triumph.

I invited the showgirl. She is simply adorable.

I just need the ticket.

I just think this might be too much for you.

I just wanted to say thank you so much for the free tickets.

I know, I know.

I know. It's hard to believe, isn't it?

I looked out at the audience and I saw a man

I love her and...

I love you so, St Clair.

I love you, my bunny rabbit.

I love you, my bunny.

I love you. Sing!

I mean, her vocal cords, they don't phonate freely.

I mean, I... thought you and Madam Florence were married.

I miss him terribly.

I must be on... Good afternoon to you.

I never could have imagined that I would be here tonight,

I realise this is absurd,

I see.

I shall say, "Florence, although you pay the rent on my apartment,

I shall start to make arrangements.

I should warn you that the vision you're about to witness

I shouldn't have to hide in my own home. It's humiliating. And there are rules.

I spy Cole Porter in the front row no less.

I started to live.

I study an hour every day.

I think I just need a little air. Excuse me, ladies.

I think of you as a chum.

I think so too.

I think we should be fine, Mr Bayfield.

I thought you played very nicely.

I thought you were off score.

I understand Agnes isn't a member.

I understand that he needs his... sport.

I understand that, but what if less educated members of the public show up?

I was hoping I could get a ticket for the concert.

I was just reading a little early Austen. Quite fun.

I was never laughing at you.

I was out and about and I suddenly realised I was in your neighbourhood.

I was performing in a musicale at the Waldorf, 1919.

I wish you a speedy recovery, Mrs Stark.

I won't go on living like this. Do you understand?

I would like to take some more lessons with him.

I would say I gave an adequate performance.

I...

I'd also like the Bugle, the News and the Correspondent.

I'd be mortified if Madam Florence become the focus of any envy.

I'll be honest with you, Mr Bayfield, I think Madam Florence

I'll make sure it doesn't happen again. I don't know how.

I'll speak to Dr Hertz and let him know.

I'll talk to her.

I'll wash your dishes if you play something for me.

I'm adding a codicil to my will.

I'm amazed. What is her secret?

I'm going to join them.

I'm here. Can you hear me?

I'm not sure it's an event

I'm s... I'm sorry.

I'm so sorry.

I'm so sorry. Next, please.

I'm sorry, Baroness, what did you say?

I'm very sorry.

I'm very well aware of what they might do.

I'm willing to share you, St Clair, but... I need some dignity.

I'm...

I've brought some friends. Music lovers.

I've brought you our recording.

I've known patients survive 20 years with syphilis but never nearly 50.

I've learned everything.

I've lived day to day never knowing if my body, if it'll succumb and my...

I've rather neglected my other students.

If asked, your favourite composers are Mozart, Verdi and Beethoven.

If I may, please.

If I'd never met Frank Jenkins.

If you can forgive Madam Florence her little eccentricities,

If you truly love me...

If you want to go back to playing for tips in a steakhouse, be my guest.

In one. Go.

In that case, let us put her over here on the card table

In the hall, Madam Florence keeps a collection of chairs

In which people of note have expired.

Is a very close personal friend of Arturo Toscanini's?

Is everything alright, Mr Bayfield?

Is her instrument quite what it was? Perhaps not.

Is it yours?

Is ours not a happy world, Cosmé? Do we not have fun?

Is quite simply unforgivable.

Is she... your sister?

Is that what you think?

Isn't the truth that a lot of hurt people are having some fun?

It can be very painful, so... Oh.

It is my pleasure to present you with this small token of our esteem.

It is not yours!

It is the Angel of Inspiration sent from on high.

It matters more than ever.

It might be best if we were discreet about these classes.

It put Madam Florence into one of her excited moods.

It sure is, Madam Florence. I'm not surprised. You're the talk of the town.

It transcends this realm. It's...

It was a lovely weekend.

It was nice enough, thank you.

It was so funny.

It was spectacular.

It was very, very hard to admit that to myself.

It was, it was, it was. We must... We must do it again.

It would be such a pity if the Post were excluded from Carnegie Hall.

It would serve you to consume both with enthusiasm.

It's a joke!

It's a little shorter and a little easier.

It's an emergency. My boss has no paper this morning.

It's both or neither, Mr Wilson.

It's Cole Porter. And Tallulah Bankhead.

It's difficult when you're away.

It's Florence. They've got her record.

It's going very, very, very well.

It's me, my precious. I'm going to turn you over.

It's me.

It's nearly a thousand, three thousand people.

It's not even a choice for us.

It's very, very nice of you. Get rid of it.

Jeez, I'm so sorry. That's awful.

Jeez, Mr Bayfield, we can't be talking about the same singer.

Jenny.

Jimmy, I'd like you to have this hand delivered for me.

June 4th, Saturday night at 8pm. Oh, I do so hope you can be there.

Just look at the place!

Kathleen, try this one. I did suggest it earlier.

Kathleen! Wait!

Kathleen...

Kiss monster.

Kisses for Mommy.

Kitty said you were asleep.

Kitty. Would you mind bringing a blanket?

Ladies and gentlemen, the Verdi Club presents

Lean into it.

Let me check.

Let me just take your bags, madam.

Let me know when you've fixed a date.

Let me not to the marriage of true minds Admit impediments.

Let us journey back in time to 1850

Let's get you home.

Let's straighten you up. Five minutes, please, Mr Totten.

Listen to me, Bunny. Listen. Those men out there, they've seen horrors.

Listen! Listen to them, hack!

Listen.

Look what he's done, Bunny. Aren't you going to chastise him?

Love is not love Which alters when it alteration finds,

Madam Florence is taking to the stage once more?

Madam Florence regrets she is unable to hear any more candidates today.

Madam Florence, do you mind if I ask how you met Mr Bayfield?

Madam Florence, they're tearing the place apart. You must go on.

Madam Florence, without your help, there will be no concert.

Madam Florence, you must go on now.

Madam Florence,... he's devoted to you.

Madam Florence... she knows about Kathleen?

Madam, are you alright?

Maestro Carlo Edwards, assistant conductor at the Metropolitan Opera.

Maestro Toscanini is here.

Maestro, do you think I'm ready... for a concert?

Maestro, it is true that a lot of singers my age are on the decline,

Make that "thunderous applause".

May I offer you some tea?

Maybe you could speak to Mr Totten, tell him it's not such a great idea.

Might account for the tiredness.

Might need a little more preparation before she sings in public.

Miss Bankhead, Mr Porter. What an honour.

More.

Mr and Mrs Stark. How very nice.

Mr Bayfield, I am a serious pianist.

Mr Bayfield, is there any way I could do the lessons but not the concerts?

Mr Bayfield, wake up. Mr... Madam Florence is here.

Mr Corbin's friends are all so personable.

Mr McMoon? Do you think I'm ready?

Mr McMoon? What are you doing here?

Mr McMoon.

Mr Stark, how very nice.

Mr Totten, would you mind witnessing right here?

Mrs O'Flaherty isn't keen on the... ****.

Mud in your eye.

Music has been, and is, my life.

Music matters. Thank you.

Music. She lives for music.

Music...

My darling, it's me. It's me.

My editor would disagree. There's quite a buzz around town about it.

My father told me that if I didn't give up music and marry a dull banker,

My first husband, Dr Frank Thornton Jenkins.

My God.

My recording of the Bell Song with Lily Pons.

My... my... my reason desert me.

Name your price, Wilson. What is it? 100? Is it 200?

Never again, Mr McMoon. You understand?

No chives. What next, I wonder!

No, but I heard all about her.

No, I... I had the night of my life.

No, it was your Queen of the Night aria, Florence.

No, no, no, no, no. My dancing days are done.

No, no.

No, thank you. I hope you don't mind me being here.

No, you can't have it.

No, you don't need to do that, Madam Florence.

No, you're right, we must exclude the hoodlum element

No.

No. Non. Nyet.

No. No, uh, no.

No. Put it on the table. I'm getting up.

None of this would have ever happened. It's completely my fault, so...

Not a music lover.

Not in lone splendour hung aloft the night,

Not mockers and scoffers like you and your artistic friends.

Nothing for him in England.

Now, schnell, schnell. Go on, quickly. You're a very naughty Valkyrie.

Now, are you sure you should be getting up? You must be so tired.

Now, Florence, that's really not a good idea.

Now, I must warn you, I work very hard.

Now, then, Little Miss Foster, make me proud.

Now, we are ten minutes away from going on stage.

Now, what do you say we grab ourselves a couple of Manhattans

Now, you are pooped, Bunny. Straight to bed or I shall be very, very cross.

Now. That's it.

O no.

O vengeance!

Obviously I'll do my utmost to attend the concert,

Of course, his grandfather was an earl, you know.

Of course, of course, of course.

Of course. Please.

Of great elegance and beauty."

Of the Brooklyn Orchestra for Distressed Gentlewomen,

Oh, Arturo, how very thoughtful of you. Thank you.

Oh, baby!

Oh, Colonel.

Oh, Cosmé, Florence is very fond of you,

Oh, da, da, da, da, da da...

Oh, everybody, look who's here!

Oh, God, what a grouch.

Oh, God.

Oh, golly.

Oh, golly. Oh, golly gosh.

Oh, good Lord.

Oh, gosh.

Oh, here he is. Oh, my goodness me.

Oh, is he now, Bunny?

Oh, it was just a...

Oh, Mr Bayfield. I am so excited.

Oh, my God!

Oh, my God.

Oh, my God. It's Toscanini, the conductor.

Oh, my hat!

Oh, no, don't thank me.

Oh, no, please don't remind me.

Oh, no. La mia casa è la tua casa.

Oh, no. No, no, no, no, no.

Oh, quite. Quite.

Oh, really? And what reputation is that?

Oh, right.

Oh, right. When?

Oh, she just needed a little warming up, that's all. Listen to her.

Oh, she spoils me.

Oh, shh.

Oh, tall. You know, your gentleman type.

Oh, thank goodness you're here, Mr Bayfield.

Oh, thank you very much. Um... Um...

Oh, the Post always covers Carnegie Hall.

Oh, then I shall die happy.

Oh, well, I'm afraid we're all sold out.

Oh, well...

Oh, wonderful.

Oh, yes, alright.

Oh, yes!

Oh, you think that I didn't have ambition? I was a good actor.

Oh!

Oh! Flipping hell!

Oh! I played Carnegie Hall.

Oh! Madam Florence.

Oh! Oh, my God!

Oh! Thank you. Shall I open it?

Oh! That's kind of you, Mr Bayfield.

Oh? Carlton Smith from the Musical Courier has got one.

Oh.

Oh. Isn't it a little early in the morning for Lakmé, Carlo?

Oh. Sir! Sir!

OK.

On behalf of the Marine Corps,

On my wedding night.

On the breath.

On the table. Please.

One other thing.

One word. Authenticity.

Only added to the remarkable quality of her voice."

Only if you recite for me.

Onwards!

Open the door at once!

Or bends with the remover to remove:

Or ere this I should have fatted all the region kites with this slave's offal.

Or not. Or not.

Or whether you will focus on your ambition.

Our marriage is a thing of the spirit.

Our next tableau...

Ours is a very happy world.

Page seven. Here, here, down below.

People may say I couldn't sing,

Phineas, try to get this through your fat head.

Please, Cosmé, will you do it?

Please, Cosmé.

Please, my darling.

Please, St Clair. Do you want to see a grown man cry?

Project forward.

Raise the soft palate.

Ready?

Really? Well, you're very welcome. You have a drink?

Remorseless, treacherous, lecherous, kindless villain!

Rest, my beautiful. Rest.

Rest, my love.

Rest.

Right here.

Right?

Right.

Seeing as we're talking in a familiar fashion,

Send him in. Thank you, Kitty.

Shame on all of you! You better cheer, assholes.

She abhors all pointed objects,

She has a magnetism that her followers adore.

She has done more for the musical life of this city than anyone.

She has seizures from time to time, when she has overexerted herself.

She is the worst goddamn singer in the entire world!

She must never see this. I'd like every copy of the Post that you have, please.

She needs fresh air. This way, Mrs Stark.

She slurps her soup.

She's absolutely...

She's given a thousand tickets to the War Veterans Association.

She's gone to powder her nose, Mr Bayfield.

She's gone.

She's not here. She's at a meeting.

She's paying you well and she knows, well, she knows everyone.

Shh, shh. Shh, shh.

Shh!

Shields clash and swords do their terrible work.

Shut your eyes.

Shut your eyes. I'll recite for you.

Sinatra entertained

Sing, Bunny, sing!

Sing, Madam Florence!

Sing! Sing, Madam Florence, sing!

Sing! Sing! Sing! Sing!

Singing at Carnegie Hall is her dream.

So continue your ablutions, quickly. Got a cab waiting downstairs.

So don't smoke in her presence or hand her a knife or anything like that.

So has Stubbs from World Bugle.

So he came here and became an actor.

So I couldn't pay you more than a hundred and fifty.

So I implore you to continue to support the musical life of this city.

So you think I should just sit here and have a jolly drink with you

So, five down and two to go.

So, here is a week in advance

So, that is two tickets for the Levis and a dollar change.

Soar like a bird.

Some Saint Saëns bullshit.

Some things are worth dying for.

Someone young. Someone... with passion.

Something of an alley cat.

Sometimes two.

Somewhere I'm sure...

Sorry.

Sorry. It's OK, continue, Mr McMoon.

Speak to me, Bunny. Please.

St Clair, are you in there?

St Clair, are you there?

St Clair, congratulations. What a wonderful evening.

St Clair, who is that vulgar woman?

St Clair!

St Clair! Wake up!

Stay the night.

Stop singing!

Stop there.

Sure.

Surely you can see I'm devoted to Florence.

Take your filthy philistine hands off me.

Tallulah!

Tallulah! Up here! We love you!

Taxi! Taxi!

Tell the ushers that absolutely no one gets in without a ticket. No exceptions.

Thank you again.

Thank you for everything.

Thank you for your understanding, Mr Thackrey. Thank you so much.

Thank you very much. I hope I'm not disturbing you, Mr McMoon.

Thank you very much. Thank you.

Thank you, Colonel. Thank you. Those were kind words.

Thank you, Doctor.

Thank you, Kitty.

Thank you, Madam Florence.

Thank you, Mr Lipshitz. Thank you very much.

Thank you, Mr Zeigler! Thank you!

Thank you! Thank you very much, Mr Zeigler.

Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you, thank you.

Thank you. Tickets, please.

That hack knows absolutely nothing.

That seemed perfect to me.

That should be larger, 28 point.

That the piece will be in the afternoon edition, so...

That was my favourite.

That was, of course, a speech of Hamlet's

That would interest the readers of the New York Post.

That you encouraged Mrs Jenkins to make a spectacle of herself

That's it.

That's Mr Bayfield.

That's such a pretty melody.

That's too bad. What happened to your hand?

That's true.

The Angel of Inspiration, featuring Madam Florence Foster Jenkins!

The audience, they were applauding.

The baroness and some of the others are gathering for lunch downstairs.

The boys are very grateful.

The concert is for true music lovers,

The Donohughes, how nice to see you. Mr and Mrs Wallace.

The lady is an eloquent lesson in fidelity and courage,

The oculist with bad breath and two left hands, both of which tend to wander.

The only question now is whether you will stand

The perfect number of feathers. Restrained and elegant.

The phone's been ringing off the hook with people wanting a copy.

The piece was spiteful, vicious and wholly inaccurate

The Ride of the Valkyries!

The scarring is from syphilis.

The son of a bitch.

The two and a half hours of coloratura you performed this evening

The Verdi luncheon always begins with a soup. You know that.

The voice is in the mask.

Their bodies have been smashed, their minds torn to shreds.

Then I shall phone him first thing in the morning.

Then I'll trouble you no more.

Then let's serve smoked trout,

There is no one quite like you.

There you go.

There's an Earl Wilson here.

There's work to be done.

They are going to adore you. You have my word.

They need joy. They need... music.

They're all rather... heavy handed, I'm afraid.

They're getting through the potato salad like gannets. Is there any more?

They're going to love you.

Things have been going crazy.

This guy comes by this morning, takes all the copies I got.

This is beautiful, isn't it?

This is my favourite place in the whole world.

This is the talented young man I was telling you about.

This is what we live for, isn't it?

This moment.

Though not, as yet, in the principal role.

Though there are some financial matters that remain... problematico.

Through there.

Tickets, please.

To hold nearly 3,000 people in the cup of your hand.

To the musical life of this city.

Tomorrow morning at nine. Don't be late.

Too many? Too many feathers you think?

Um, just a moment, Madam Florence.

Unconscionable, but they tell me there is a war on, Bunny.

Vainglorious display of egotism in my life.

Very good. We'll... We'll be in touch.

Very well.

Very wise.

Wait, wait, wait.

Wake up, wake up, wake up. Wake up!

Wake up. Wake up.

Was everyone laughing at me the whole time?

Watch where you're going!

We are a family.

We are.

We could've been a family.

We did it.

We have to plan the Verdi lunch.

We know the traffic is terrible and I'm sure he'll be here any moment.

We now come to the finale of our evening.

We saw your show at Carnegie Hall last night.

We were fortunate to have found each other.

We'd rather go without bread than Mozart, wouldn't we?

We'll put her between Prince Galitzer and Mrs Oscar Garmunder.

We'll see. I'm watching them carefully.

We're greatly honoured. I hope you enjoy the evening.

Welcome home, darling.

Welcome, Mr McMoon.

Well done, and I very much doubt

Well, after the first half, I was pooped.

Well, from the start, Florence felt that my health was paramount.

Well, he wasn't on the legitimate line.

Well, he's in his grave now. Forget him.

Well, I am so blessed.

Well, I couldn't not invite him. Would you like a drink?

Well, I know how very grateful she is for your friendship and your support.

Well, I must say, I think you're absolutely ideal.

Well, I...

Well, I... I am very disappointed in you, Mr McMoon.

Well, I'm afraid we're giving priority to Verdi Club members at the moment.

Well, if Mr Churchill had adopted that attitude,

Well, in that case, I think we can make an exception.

Well, it jolly well was. Now...

Well, it's just the change in temperature, you know.

Well, it's quite a house, Bunny.

Well, let's just try and be happy tonight, eh?

Well, Lily Pons's voice filled it. She's just a little bird.

Well, Mr McMoon, we did it.

Well, my second cousin twice removed has been married twice before

Well, no, you couldn't. This one's mine.

Well, she understands that love takes many forms.

Well, thank you so very, very much.

Well, then, I shall find a copy.

Well, there is a murmur and some palpitations

Well, there were so many.

Well, this is beautiful. Thank you. Thank you all so very much.

Well, uh, I thought I was being hired to accompany Madam Florence's lessons.

Well, unfortunately we are rehearsing.

Well, we all are. I have put you in row E, Mrs Vanderbilt.

Well, you can never have too much pleasure.

Well, you know, there are some other candidates to hear, Bunny.

Well...

What about the sandwiches?

What am I doing here?

What did he look like?

What have I done? I can't do it, Whitey.

What if it... kills you?

What is going on? I'm not taking your money.

What is going on? Why is Mr McMoon here?

What is he playing?

What on earth is the matter with you today?

What shall I play?

What was the high point of the evening for you, Mr Bayfield?

What was the high point of the evening for you?

What?

When did you contract the disease?

When have I ever mocked or scoffed?

When I said "help yourself to a nightcap", I meant one.

When Mr Bayfield is away playing golf, the days can seem awfully long.

When we throw parties, we make mountains of the stuff.

Whenever you're ready, Mr McMoon.

Where is that silly, silly boy?

Where's the doctor?

While human vermin laughs at my wife?

Whitey, Whitey. Read the thing about the simultaneous something.

Who have been risking their lives for our country

Whoa, yeah, baby!

Whoo!

Why don't we go away for a few days, yes? Golf? Hamptons?

Why not?

Will be both shocking and terrifying.

Will you forgive me? I have an important nose to powder.

Will you play for your friend?

With knobs on.

With my beloved husband by my side.

With our brave boys fighting for civilisation itself,

With the intensity it deserved,

With the most beautiful smile I'd ever seen.

Wonderful.

Would you like a glass of water?

Would you like me to do them for you?

Wow. Great story.

Yeah, and her heart sounds like a dyin' cat!

Yeah, it is, isn't it?

Yeah.

Yes, but she's a young woman with a young woman's strength and...

Yes, I bet.

Yes, I'm very sorry, Kitty. Tell me this.

Yes, of course, of course.

Yes, thank you for calling back. The poster.

Yes, that's a very good idea.

Yes, yes. There in a demisemiquaver.

Yes!

Yes?

Yes.

Yes. Yes, of course. I'll try.

You are not to touch that briefcase or to enquire as to its contents.

You can heal them, Bunny. That is your purpose. Believe it.

You can't put Mrs James O'Flaherty next to the baroness.

You don't mind me visiting unannounced?

You dropped your mouchoir, Mr Fancy Pants.

You have a full and very warm house

You have an enormous comic talent, Mrs Foster Jenkins.

You have been absent from the stage for far too long, Bunny.

You haven't done your dishes, Mr McMoon.

You inspire me. I shall write some lyrics for you.

You kiss your mother with that mouth? Sit your ass down. Shame on you!

You know, I played for the president, when I was eight years old.

You know, we are so looking forward to that concert.

You know, when I was... when I was 16 years old,

You know, years ago when I founded the Verdi Club,

You know...

You see, I just feel that if we had not gone away,

You see, we have to help her because without loyalty, there's nothing.

You take over. Two dollars a pop.

You will buy the papers in the morning, won't you?

You will find her to be a most generous and delightful person.

You will note that she carries a leather briefcase with her at all times.

You will sit down or, so help me God, I will leave you. Do you understand?

You'll be great, Madam Florence.

You'll never be more ready.

You're not strong enough, Bunny.

You're nothing but a jumped up hack.

You're very lucky to be here.

You're very welcome.

You've made promises and I'm holding you to them.

Your friend Kathleen was most insistent that I stop by.

Your voice was as fresh as the morning dew till the very last, Florence.

Yours is the truest voice I have ever heard.

"Even their simultaneous reflexes... Sinatra fans.

$300, that's my final offer. You're insane.

A cat dyin'? Hey, she can't sing!

A ha. Ah, Mr Bayfield, how good to see you.

A month? A week.

Absolutely thrilling. Is everything alright?

Actually delicious. Excellent. How do I look?

All set? I guess.

Already? How come? You won't believe it.

And goodnight. Goodnight.

And he also composes. Yes, I'm sure he does.

And I'm gonna grab one of these cabs. Sure.

And I'm trying. Yes, you certainly are.

And that includes you. Do you mind?

And you'll come kiss me goodnight? Of course I will, yes.

Any other symptoms? No.

Are the preparations going well? Very well.

Are you fond of sandwiches? Yes.

Are you nervous, Mr McMoon? Somewhat.

Are you taking any medication? Just mercury and arsenic, of course.

Bravo, Madam Florence! Alright, sit down.

Bunny, it's the colonel. Yes.

Bunny, you must relax. Where is he? Where is Cosmé?

But I got regular customers. I'm sure they'll manage.

But I'm afraid. Don't be. Don't be.

Cheer! Cheer! Bravo! Yeah, come on.

Come along. Come on.

Congratulations, Madam Florence. Oh, thank you, Kitty.

Cosmé McMoon? That's me, sir.

Cosmé. Good evening, Mr Bayfield.

Could we speak, Mr Bayfield? Yes, of course. What is it?

Did you enjoy the class? Very much so.

Did you not notice? Music is important.

Do you know any of them? I do.

Do you wanna try another take? Well, I don't see why.

Drink? Rather.

Earl Wilson of the New York Post. How do you do, Mr Bayfield?

Enjoy Florida. I will.

Excuse me. Thank you.

Extraordinary little thing, isn't she? Hmm.

Flat? A tad. Well, just a tad.

Four dollars, please. Thank you so much.

Get her off! Somebody call the cops!

Get out of bed. Out of bed. Up. What?

Good evening. Good evening.

Good evening. Hello.

Goodbye. Bye.

Goodnight, Mr Bayfield. Goodnight.

Ha! Hate the candles.

Ha! I don't have...

Half the audience is drunk. You were told about the soldiers.

He'll be back soon. Hmm.

He's very, very, very late. Bunny, you must relax.

Hey, Georgie boy, catch! Wahey!

Hi. Tallulah!

Hmm? ..flat.

Hmm? Some more.

Hmm. He sells meat in cans.

Hmm. To share such profound communion.

Hold her. Hold her! ♪ I came from Alabama

How are you, Augustus? Couldn't be better.

How did it go? Very, very well, thank you.

How did Richard Crooks get the record? She gave it to him.

How did Richard Crooks get... Ed, you're on the air.

How do you do, Mr McMoon? My vocal coach.

How many people can say that? Oh, boy, we're gonna die out there.

How much are tickets? I'm afraid we've already sold out.

How old were you? 18.

How was Augustus's play? Oh, terrible.

How was Florence? Magnificent.

I am so sorry, Mr Bayfield. Not at all, not at all.

I can't go on that stage. Oh! Sit.

I have a little gift. Oh.

I love you, St Clair. Hmm. With knobs on.

I shall need a pianist. Yes.

I shall. Good morning, Patrick.

I shall. Just hurry.

I think she was just overexcited. Well, you are to speak to her.

I will not ignore them. This is our night out, St Clair.

I won't, sir. Good.

I'm a silly woman. No.

I'm a tad drunk. Oh. Lucky you.

I'm so excited! It's a wonderful idea, Bunny.

I'm so nervous, Whitey. Oh, don't be.

I'm sorry, this one's mine. But...

I'm virtually off score. Good. Then let's get started.

In a minute. Oh.

Is Mr Bayfield with you? No.

Is she unwell, Mr Stark? A coughing fit.

It should not be mocked. How dare you?

It was wonderful. Thank you. Thank you very much.

It's a little complicated. Yes, it is.

It's a surprise. Ooh.

It's unbelievable. I trained at Juilliard...

Jenny. May I have my briefcase? Thank you.

Like Nature's patient, sleep... I think I'll read.

Madam Florence, I can... Do we have a deal, Mr McMoon?

Madam Florence? It's you! Oh!

Marry me, blondie! Over here! Here!

May I come in? Sure.

Maybe I should get home. No, no, no.

Morning. Morning, Mr Bayfield.

Mr McMoon is here. Oh, do come in, Mr McMoon.

Mr McMoon is staying the night. Of course.

Mr McMoon, has he got a sweetheart? I really don't know.

Mr Wilson, are you leaving already? Here you are, sir.

My amulets, please. Armlets.

My pianist hasn't shown. Then you will have to sing a cappella.

My technique isn't perfect? No, it is, it is, it is, but I...

No, I really... No. No. Come on!

No, I'm afraid not. But I have my reputation to think of.

No, I'm sorry. Please.

No, no, no! Thank you. Goodbye.

No, she's my girlfriend. Oh.

No! Yes!

No. No?

No. Well, he was seated to our right.

No. Yes. They're both deaf as posts.

Not a second longer. Please. Shh!

Of course. Break a leg. Thank you so much.

Oh, bravo, Bunny. And all the reviews are just terrific.

Oh, for God's sake, Agnes. Hello, honey.

Oh, my hat. Not passionate enough?

Oh, my. Our hearts go out to you today, Edna.

Oh, nuts. Give me some fries with that shake!

Oh, on Saturday night? Well, we rehearse all the time.

Oh, phooey. So I think it'd...

Oh, thank you very much. Not at all. Now will you please go on?

Oh, Whitey. Bunny.

Oh, yes. Yes.

Oh! Oh, sorry.

Oh! Well...

Oh. That's what you say, isn't it?

On the left, babes. Left? You know I like the right side.

Perfect. No.

Play it, guys. Guys, wait till you hear this.

Please come in. Thank you so much.

Read your programme. Hey.

Read your programme. Yeah, alright.

Really? Little Miss Foster, they called me.

Really? Yes, I played at the White House.

Reviews. What? Oh!

Scum. Darling, ignore them.

She has to go on. A moment, please, Mr Totten.

She might change her mind, you know. No, I very much doubt that.

She sold out faster than Sinatra. I don't doubt it.

She's in the hall. Ah. Thank you.

She's only just started. I've heard enough. Thank you.

She's worse than my mother. ♪ On the breeze

Silly of me. My great niece isn't married.

Sing! Sing, Florence!

So, is it really true? What's that?

St Clair, come in here. Yeah, one moment.

St Clair, don't be a silly arse. Yes, don't be a silly arse, St Clair.

St Clair! Madam Florence, please, please...

Surely he'd understand. It's too late.

Tallulah Bankhead is here. Oh, my hat.

Thank you very much. Goodnight, sir.

Thank you, madam. Oh, Mr Bayfield.

Thank you, Mr Bayfield. Hmm?

Thank you, sir. Thank you.

Thank you. Now, then.

Thank you. What brings you here?

That little McMoon. I'm so very sorry. Just one moment.

That one? Hmm.

That's a great deal of money. I know the reason why.

The Post, please. Oh, sorry, lady, all sold out.

The new Mrs Stark, I imagine. What happened to the last one?

The phone hasn't stopped ringing. Oh, hasn't it?

There's a mess? Oh!

They're all drunk. Me included.

They're not for practical use. I understand.

This is a private recording! That's our record!

This is just ridiculous. I am very, very sorry.

Uh huh? I've booked the hall.

Um... Oh, you don't mind?

Very good. I'll take that. Thank you, Mr Bayfield.

Very wealthy. Very generous. Oh.

We did it. Yes, I think we did.

We will, St Clair. Fingers crossed.

We'll be murdered out there! You think that I'm not aware of that?

We're booked for eleven o'clock... Booked for?

We've been rehearsing for a month. Well, I know.

We've never laughed so hard. My ribs are still aching.

Well, goodnight, my love. Night night.

Well, if you insist. Thank you so very much.

What a find. St Clair, a delightful evening.

What a happy coincidence. Indeed.

What did you expect? But this is Carnegie Hall.

What do they say? They're simply marvellous.

What if he's dead? He has never been late.

What loveliness. Hmm.

What should I play? Well, I really don't mind.

What? Behave yourself.

What? Stall her, stall her.

What? That's her at the door.

What's the matter? It's Florence, she's here. Stall her.

Where did the chancre first appear? It was on my left hand, right here.

Where is Cosmé? He will be here.

Where's Florence? She's gone to powder her nose.

Whitey? Bunny. How very, very nice.

Who is that man, anyway? Phineas?

Who is that? It's me, Mr McMoon. How are you?

Why did he buy all of them? I don't know.

Why, I was offered $20 for mine. What?

Why? You're not her type.

Will you be writing something? Yes, and it will be the truth.

With? Mr Totten.

Would you look at that! Cover yourself up!

would you mind not visiting?" Oh, shut up.

Yes, I like this one, darling. And slightly to the left.

Yes, she's remarkable, isn't she? She is.

Yes. Ah, it's been too long.

Yes. I'm very fond of you, Cosmé.

Yes. Oh.

Yes. Yeah.

You can't be sold out. I'm so sorry.

You have a moment? Yes, in a jiffy.

You mean the podiatrist? What, with the lovely hands?

You play so beautifully, Mr McMoon. Ah!

You stay where you are. This is all a little awkward.

You took the money, though, I notice. Listen! They're hoodlums.

You're beautiful. Enough.

...

...bower of blooms and Madam Jenkins retired to thunderous applause."

...features someone who has devoted herself

...has left me.

...were as nothing compared to the applause and community spirit

...would I... were steadfast as thou art

...you'll let me sing here.

'Swounds I should take it,

"..recital at the Ritz Carlton."

"And the consensus was that she'd never sung better."

"By the end of her performance, the stage was a bower of blooms

"By the end of her performance, the stage was a...

"Directed by St Clair Bayfield, eminent actor and monologist."

"Eminent", yes.

"Her grace and brilliant personality

"Madam Jenkins wore a series of extraordinary costumes

"Madam Jenkins's performance conquers Carnegie Hall."

"Only the night before at Carnegie Hall,

"President and founder, Florence Foster Jenkins",

♪ Ah, ha, ha, ha, ha! Quiet. Shh!

♪ Ah, ha, ha, ha, ha! That's it. Shh.

♪ Alas, you're benighted Shh!

♪ Fille des Parias Think of the mask, Florence.

♪ Like a bird St Clair!

♪ My costume, my air of grandee Control yourself, Agnes.

♪ Rêvant de douces choses Yes, yes.

♪ When I have sung my songs Listen...

♪ You amuse me For God's sake, woman, keep quiet.

♪ 'Twould be a sacrilege to sing

♪ Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah

♪ Ah, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha

♪ Ah, ha, ha, ha, ha!

♪ Ah, ha, ha! You amuse me

♪ Ah, ha, ha!

♪ Ah! Ascolta, o ciel

♪ Air that captured my ear that will ever charm

♪ At another door

♪ Brings back the memories of long ago

♪ By candlelight in stately dance

♪ Calls up the joys of les nuits d'antan

♪ Ciel!

♪ Dans les grands mimosas

♪ Elle court sur la mousse Et ne se souvient pas

♪ Elle passe sans bruit

♪ Et riant à la nuit

♪ Et riant a la nuit

♪ Except

♪ Faint melodies bring back old days

♪ Faintly the old music box plays

♪ Figlia mia non è

♪ Filles des Parias

♪ Ha, ah, ha, ha, ha, ha!

♪ Ha, ha, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah

♪ Ha, ha, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah!

♪ Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!

♪ Ha, ha!

♪ Ha, ha

♪ Ha! Ha!

♪ Ha!

♪ I am singing

♪ I came from Alabama with my banjo on my knee

♪ I could not share them all again

♪ I'd rather die

♪ I'll sing no more...

♪ I'm goin' to Louisiana, my true love for to see

♪ I've got something I want to show you!

♪ If I laugh so! Ah, ha, ha

♪ It's very droll, I do declare

♪ Just you and I

♪ L'orren do mio voto

♪ Le long des lauriers roses

♪ Like a bird on the wing

♪ Like a bird

♪ Lords and ladies to and fro

♪ Melodies

♪ My foot with its contour divine

♪ My little white hands are fine

♪ My speech so disarming

♪ My waistline so slim and charming

♪ Never sing again

♪ No lady's maid could be full of so much grace, you see

♪ No, I could never

♪ Now turn with coy and smiling glance

♪ Now you must own to your mistake

♪ O noble sir How far you err

♪ Oh how funny! Ah, ha, ha!

♪ Oh, how funny

♪ Oh, Susanna! Oh, don't you cry for me...

♪ Où va la jeune Indoue

♪ Pray excuse me! Ah, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!

♪ Pray excuse me

♪ Quand la lune se joue

♪ Rêvant de douces choses

♪ Should I laugh so! Ah, ha, ha

♪ So look through your glasses and see...

♪ Song that sings in my ear when I'm in your arms

♪ Song we sang on the night when I'm in your arms

♪ That I could never sing again

♪ That I had loved so well...

♪ There's a bird in the... in the trees

♪ Therefore my advice is that you look twice

♪ To hold our dreams...

♪ To you

♪ Valse caressante

♪ Verse anciente

♪ Verse charmante

♪ We've worked so hard

♪ When judging those you meet

♪ With just the thought

♪ With my banjo on my knee

♪ You amuse me! Ah, ha, ha!

♪ You seem to see her everywhere

♪ You're really not discreet

♪ Your blunder almost takes the cake

♪ Your love is short sighted

And we'll all be thinking of Samuel.

Appoggio.

Bella.

but that dame's got me feeling happy to be alive.

Could you play it again? And please tell us where we could find her record.

Go ahead, Edna.

Good.

I don't think it's for sale. It's a private recording.

I lost my left leg and half my face at Guadalcanal,

I'd love to. For anyone in particular?

La squillo.

Mr Crooks, the guys here, we all love that record.

Mr Crooks, would you play Brahms's "Lullaby"?

My son Samuel. He's a flight navigator. He's missing in action over Germany.

on the NBC Radio Network.

singing "Like A Bird" by Cosmé McMoon.

That was Florence Foster Jenkins

These events take all kinds of careful preparation.

Valkyries on stage, please. The overture has begun.

Voilà.

We have a caller on line one, Mrs Edna Hoffman of New Jersey.

We have Ed calling from the military hospital...

We're getting quite a few calls on that one.

Wunderbar!

Yeah!

You're listening to "The Firestone Hour" with me, Richard Crooks,

Florence Foster Jenkins (2016)
Florence Foster Jenkins is a heartwarming comedy-drama film released in 2016, directed by Stephen Frears. This remarkable true story follows the life of the titular character, played by Meryl Streep, a New York heiress with a dream to become an opera singer despite possessing an astonishingly bad singing voice. Her loving husband, played by Hugh Grant, supports her passion and encourages her to pursue her dreams. The film beautifully portrays Florence's determination to share her talent with the world, leading her to perform at the famed Carnegie Hall. Simon Helberg also stars as her talented pianist, Cosmé McMoon, adding depth and humor to the story. Throughout the movie, audiences witness the endearing and truly unforgettable performances of Florence Foster Jenkins. Meryl Streep's remarkable portrayal of this real-life character earned her critical acclaim and numerous award nominations. If you want to experience the remarkable sounds of Florence Foster Jenkins, you can play and download them here. Immerse yourself in the journey of a woman who defied conventions and proved that passion knows no bounds.
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