Subtitle by: JoeShmoe
Good evening. Thank you very much.
Follow me.
Here in the sixth row. The 2 seats over there.
Enjoy the evening.
Good evening.
Thank you very much.
[Indistinguishable]
Good evening, can I see your tickets. Thank you very much.
Pardon me. There must be a mistake.
These are our seats.
I'm sorry.
- Pay attention, it's the wrong seat. - I'm so sorry.
Right this way.
C'mon.
No please, I wanna stay.
- Are you crazy? - Well I have to see him.
- What's so special about that Mengelen? - Mengelberg.
That's what I said.
C'mon.
This is the men's room.
I um...
um...
I'm checking things.
What are you checking?
The hygiene.
The men's room gets dirty faster.
That's why we have to do an extra check.
And are you done with that?
Everything's clean, sir.
- You'll miss the concert. - I've seen it a few times before.
You forgot something.
Shouldn't you do something?
We need to get her out.
What? Who?
She works for you?
You don't have to push me. I can walk on my own.
People like you should be locked up.
- Can't I apologize? - To whom, the entire room?
- To Maestro Mengelberg. - You think I'll even let you near him?
A great musician should be treated with respect.
- You're fired. - You're not my boss.
Rough day?
- It was okay. - Willy.
Do you have your pay?
I'll pay you next week.
Nonsense.
They had a party.
Will you cut the onions?
I'm making soup.
You know that makes her cry.
A few tears won't do anything.
Let's go.
Your mother's headaches have started.
Mr. Goldsmith?
Sir.
My parents and I...
we've visited your lunch concerts for years.
Because they're free no doubt.
At that last bit...
I think the trombones played the wrong note.
Just before the repeat of the trio.
They played an E natural, but it should have been an E flat.
Wait
Well observed.
Do you know the part of the trombones by heart?
Not only that part. Every note.
Don't you teach the piano at the conservatory?
- I do. - I'd like to go there.
Good luck with that.
I want you to give me a chance to play for you.
- I don't want to waste my time. - Me neither.
Tomorrow afternoon then, at four pm.
Yes?
I have an appointment with Mr. Goldsmith.
Come in.
Could I get a cup of coffee, please?
Be quiet! I'm trying to work.
The coffee beans need to be ground.
She can do that.
You can come in when you have coffee.
You heard him.
This household is in a state of complete chaos.
Don't mind him, he's part of the furniture.
Frank, this is um... what's your name?
Willy Wolters.
Let's not waste time.
Play.
You can stop now.
- Beautiful. - You think so?
This grand piano.
I practice on a piano with rags stuck between the strings.
Why in gods name would you do that?
Because otherwise the neighbors would complain.
It's an old thing. My dad found it dumped with the garbage.
- Garbage? - My dad is a garbage man.
Who taught you?
Friend of my mothers.
What do you know about Bach?
I play his notes, sir.
But you can't play the notes if you haven't studied the man.
Do you know who is the greatest Bach authority in the world?
Of course she doesn't know.
Albert Schweitzer.
He studied Bach. Turned him inside out as was never done before.
Unfortunately, he gave up his brilliant career...
to become a doctor in the African jungle.
Which confirms my theory that genius all too often borders on insanity.
So you think he's insane?
Yep. He abuses his talent by not using it.
Perhaps he has more talent to be a doctor.
Why do you play like that?
Like what?
Like you have no feeling.
Because I've learned that nobody is interested in my feelings.
Shouldn't you interpret much behind the music?
Interpretations can be wrong. The notes are never wrong.
- That's science. - Bach was a mathematical composer.
And one of the few who spoke the language of god.
Well...
Nobody knows what god intended, do they!
Your technique is awful.
By the way you stomp the sustain pedal, you hardly can hear it.
Forget about the conservatory.
Your chances of getting accepted are nil.
Can't you teach me?
I will study hard. I'll do anything to get better.
Allow me to give you one piece of advice.
Get married and have children.
Like your wife?
Yes.
I hope you enjoyed your coffee.
Peculiar woman.
A rather attractive one.
Wait!
Wait. I can prepare you for the entry exam.
I'd be insane wanting that, wouldn't I.
Three lessons a week. Two dollars an hour.
Well?
What do you say.
TYPISTS ASKED.
You have ten minutes.
You, too slow, nails, too long.
Too many mistakes.
And you...
quick fingers, short nails, no mistakes.
- You can start tomorrow. - Really? Thank you.
Hi.
I'm here for the um, cloakroom job.
It's already taken.
- You wouldn't have gotten the job anyway. - Why not?
We work for tips. That's why.
- Turned down? - Fifth time today.
You wanna make it in this business you gotta stand out.
Well I will be in big trouble if I don't find anything.
I'd love to help you out but we're not hiring right now.
Except a piano player.
You're too restrained. Move over.
Just let yourself go.
Why are you looking for a pianist if you can play yourself?
Because I'd rather play the bass.
Robin?
You have a cigarette?
Does that bother you? People come from all over just to see her.
Him!
Think of it like this...
We're all born naked.
And the rest is just a disguise.
Welcome to the stage our fabulous female impersonator...
The famous Miss Denise.
Thank you.
Look what we have here.
A female imposter at the piano.
Are you trying to impress me? Or...
are you a real woman?
Hard to tell, isn't it?
Someone is risking his neck for you.
Because as you can all see this is an all man band.
Tell me, what is your name?
Willy.
So because you don't have a "willy", your parents named you Willy.
OK boys, let's see what she's got.
You can join me for a weekend trip.
A little too much for my wife right now.
My audition is next week sir.
It's an interesting social circle.
And I'm sure there will be plenty of prominent musicians there.
Where are you going so early?
To work.
With your suitcase?
I won't be home tonight.
I'll stay at Marjorie's.
Who?
You know, from work.
You look very nice today.
Thank you.
Hello Mark. We just received a telephone call from your wife.
She's in labor.
Oh!
I guess that means I can't stay.
Your driver can take you back.
I'll come with you.
No no no please, stay.
You're here now.
Whom do I have the pleasure?
This is Willy Wolters. She's a student of mine.
Nice to meet you, Mrs?
Thomsen. And this is Mr. Thomsen.
- Hello Willy. - Hello.
The servant can show you your room. Then you can...
Freshen up.
Where are you going?
The other way.
The stairs are over here.
Oh.
Okay.
What are you doing here?
Same as you, I think.
This is my parent's house. I grew up here.
And I'm a guest of Mr. Goldsmith.
He didn't tell me you were coming.
I'm not responsible for what he does or does not tell you.
As long as you don't force yourself upon the musicians here.
That's the last thing I'd do.
We all know what you're capable of.
Now that you've made it clear you're a gentleman...
try to act like one!
Can someone bring me to the station?
But that table has already been set.
Nobody will miss me.
But I will my dear.
Cause you're my dinner companion.
So you better go up and get changed.
[Indistinguishable dialogue]
We've been waiting for you.
Please.
Excuse me.
You look familiar. Have we met before?
Her name is Willy.
Maybe you can you tell us something about yourself Willy.
There's not much to tell, Madam.
Aren't you the girl that sat down in the front of my concert?
Yes, that was me.
You?
We don't need to talk about that.
I assume you wanted to sit in the first row, but you didn't have money to buy a ticket, hmm?
The staff are not allowed to sit in the hall during concerts.
Do you work there?
Not anymore.
I've left there.
I detect a slight accent. Where you from originally?
From Holland, sir.
A compatriot. Frank, don't you always say...
"All that's good comes from the Netherlands."
Why did you read along with the score?
Well...
It's a secret?
Ya?
I want to be a conductor.
What did she say?
She wants to be a conductor.
I know a lot about the world of music...
but I have never heard of a female conductor.
Have you ever met one?
I must admit, to the best of my knowledge, there aren't any.
But women can be just as good as men.
Perhaps she's right.
My wife was a very able singer before we got married.
Yes, but a conductor ...
How on earth are you going to succeed?
I thought America was the land of opportunity.
Not for everybody.
Are you admiring the stars in the sky?
No, just the flowers at my feet.
Thanks for not telling that I ...
Well, you know.
It's alright.
Did you find a new job?
Yes.
Where?
Something in music.
Yeah but... where?
It's enough to be laughed at once.
I'm sorry.
That was rude.
Should we dance?
So you're finally here.
Yup.
How was work?
Good.
What did they play?
Beethoven's Fifth Symphony.
We call it Destiny.
What does Destiny mean?
It was Tchaikovsky. It was a sad piece.
It slipped my mind.
Were you fired?
- How did you know? - I know.
I went to your work.
And...
What's this?
How did you get this without a job?
You searched my room?
Pretending to go to work every day and coming home late.
What have you been doing all this time?
- Working. - Where?
I can't tell you.
I need to know.
But I won't tell you.
How long has it been going on like this?
You're taking the entrance exam to the Conservatory.
Mom, let's talk about this later. I'm too tired.
Did you lie all this time?
- I didn't lie. - You did.
About getting fired, training, working.
I'm an adult, mom. I can make my own decisions.
You don't have a life without us.
I've given you everything.
The food, the drinks, the clothes. Even the piano lessons.
Here.
The things I spend on you here.
And what do I get in return? Just lies.
That's why I'm keeping the money.
And forget about the conservatory.
Mother!
Don't call me mom. I'm not your mother.
What?
Mother.
[Knock on the door]
Is it true?
I'm sorry.
We couldn't have children.
Then we saw this.
Baby Adoption. Young mother wants to sell her child.
The best offer will be accepted.
It means I was bought.
- How old was I? - Two.
Why didn't my own mother want me?
I'm sorry she didn't love you.
- What about my dad? - We never knew him.
Your mother wasn't married.
She didn't have any family?
She didn't have anyone.
Here's your birth certificate.
Agnes.
So my name is Agnes?
No, it's your mother's name. Your name is Antonia.
Antonia Brico.
[The mother sobbing in the background]
I'll go take care of her.
Tell her, a few tears will be fine.
[Sobbing continues]
Shut up!
Be quiet!
Stop it now!
Your mother wants you to stop.
Quiet!
Hi.
Mister Goldsmith is inside.
How did it go?
- I got accepted. - Congratulations.
Can I give you a ride? Where you going?
- Home. I can just take a bus. - It's just a ride.
- It's not that far. - You'll be rid of me in no time.
We never got to say goodbye properly, and as you said...
I should try to act like a gentleman.
Somebody's moving out.
This is it.
Your parents would be proud.
I'm gonna be away for a few weeks. Preparing the tour.
When I return...
can I see you again?
Well you know where to find me.
- Where is my Piano! - Bake, so that you can cook.
- Onion soup. - You're crazy.
Willy.
Can I spend the night here?
That piano gave me comfort. Without it...
I would have lost my mind.
- We all lose our minds sometimes. - You too?
Even I.
Don't despair.
Just dust yourself off and start over again.
How does a man know about dusting?
More than you, scrubby Dutch.
C'mon I'll show you around the house.
This is my bedroom.
But no one needs to be in here except me, so I keep it locked.
I have my own bathroom, but you can use this one.
And uh, this is where you'll sleep.
I don't know how to thank you. Of course I'll pay you for it.
Don't worry about that right now.
Robin...
Is keeping quiet about something the same as lying?
Are you waiting for me?
We have to fill in for a band that canceled at the last minute.
- Where you playing? - Here.
What?
No, I don't want to be recognized by my classmates.
I don't think too many of them are going to be around. It's a party for investors.
Willy?
How are you?
Couldn't be better.
Are you invited too?
Hello Mrs. Thomsen.
Willy, this is Emma.
We've known Emma since she was a child. We're good friends with her parents.
We secretly hope she and Frank will become engaged one day.
Well, we know nothing about that.
- I'll go ahead. - Of course dear as you are.
It's really good to see you.
Come join us inside.
I was um... looking...for Robin.
Robin, who's Robin?
A friend?
Sort of.
You can't leave without saying hello to my father.
It would break his heart.
Willy!
- Oh hello, how are you? - Good.
We were just talking about how musical talent...
sometimes reveals itself at a very young age.
- Does that also apply to you too? - I was um, five...
I walked past a church and I heard the organ.
The Rothchilds are here. How interesting.
I had never heard such a thing. I never went to church before.
People were even listening from outside on the street.
Did you hear about the amount of money the Rothschilds donated?
I sneaked inside and climbed the stairs and there I saw the organ player.
I had no idea who he was but...
I was mesmerized by his playing. I couldn't stop looking at him.
More than five thousand dollars.
It wasn't until later that I heard it was Albert Schweitzer.
From that moment I started to beg for a piano.
Schweitzer has never visited the United States.
Well he's from Holland. He played Bach.
Are your parents musical?
No, but they are not my real parents. I was adopted by them.
Did your real parents die?
No.
Nobody knows anything about my father...
and all I know about my mother is that she sold me.
The people who raised me bought me. I mean, adopted me.
I should try to figure out how much they actually paid for me.
- So you actually have a different name. - Yes.
- What is it? - Well it doesn't matter.
It all happened without my consent. I was two.
Interesting enough for you?
I thought so.
I made it all up.
I have to go.
Did you have to embarrass my mother like that?
Excuse me.
Why are you so touchy?
I get touchy when people treat me like wallpaper.
I don't get you Willy.
Why don't you look for better company.
Did you just have an argument with that man?
I asked him how to get to the stage.
- Do you know who he is? - Yes, his name is Frank.
Frank Thomsen, one of the most important concert managers.
As long as he leaves me alone.
Done.
- Are you afraid of me? - Oh no, sir.
I feel like we've known each other for years.
I have the feeling that you admire me very much.
Am I right, Willy?
I admire you because I want to be what you are.
- What... teacher? - No, conductor.
You're only saying that because you're in love with me.
I say it because I want to be a conductor.
That's impossible.
Women don't become conductors.
- They can't do it. - Why not?
They can't lead.
But you could teach me.
A woman with a baton in her hand.
Making extravagant movements to a bunch of men.
I hardly find that becoming.
Who cares what I look like.
I do.
I want you to look pretty.
- It's because you want to be in control. - Control, no.
I'd rather lose myself in the music.
And I'd rather lose myself in you.
Just remember ...
Women ?? Once you get to know me.
Please, stop it!
Stop it!
You broke it.
Get out!
He claims that you, and I quote...
"Attacked me hysterically after I criticized her piano playing."
- Hysterically. - That's what it says.
So it's his word against mine.
I guess so. There are no witnesses.
He says he'll drop this if you agree to leave the school.
Where do I sign?
What's your name, sweetheart?
- Willy... - Brico.
Antonia Brico.
Here.
A new life should come with new music.
- Willy Wolters? - One floor up.
- Mrs. Wolters? - Yes.
- I'm looking for Willy. - She doesn't live here anymore.
Do you know where is she? I can't find her anywhere.
Well if you can't find her, she doesn't want to be found.
Come on, Robin. Don't be a sissy. Defend yourself.
Spoil sport.
Did you know Robin once had an accident?
No, I didn't know.
He's had a bad back ever since.
He wears a corset.
Just like me.
Never seen it?
I forgot how secretive you are about that.
EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES THE HAGUE
Robin?
What are you doing here?
It's a letter from the embassy.
Bad news?
They found her.
Isn't that what you wanted?
She's dead!
Now all I can do is visit her grave.
Does it hurt?
Every day.
Do you have any idea how long I've been looking for you?
You vanished off the face of the earth without a message... nothing.
And now you run off again.
During the intermissions we always go to our dressing rooms.
You can't push people away as if nobody cares.
And why aren't you going to the conservatory anymore?
Well maybe you should ask Goldsmith that question.
- You think I didn't. - And what did he tell you?
I've finally found you. That's what matters.
How are you?
I'm okay.
Going on a journey soon.
- Where to? - To Holland.
- When? - In a week.
- You can't go. - Why not?
Because I can't miss you anymore.
Antonia, we need to start.
I'm on my way.
- Antonia? - That's my name.
So that whole adoption story was true?
Yes, Frank.
I'm a bastard.
- Stop! - Why are you doing this?
Antonia...
I don't want to say goodbye.
I want to be with you.
So do I.
Forget about that trip and stay.
PIANO TUNER NEEDED
My dearest Frank.
I'm staying in a lovely hotel.
In a room with a beautiful view.
Don't be scared. You won't lose me to music.
There's no music to listen to and I can't afford to go to a concert.
I don't mind.
Now I have you.
I love Amsterdam.
I examine every street and every alley.
What am I looking for?
I don't know.
I don't know anyone here.
In the mean time, I try to gather some courage.
To find out more about my family.
Who is this lady?
You know her. Willy.
Has she taken on a stage name?
Mr. Mengelberg?
Antonia Brico.
Remember me?
Ah.
- How can I forget you. - I was hoping you would say that.
I would like to ask you for a favour.
Would you give me a lesson?
A lesson?
I know you're very busy. But I don't know where to start.
Frank Thomsen whom you know...
I'm a friend of his, so I was hoping...
Can I just think about it?
Yes, of course.
A telegram sir.
MISS BRICO ASKED FOR LESSONS IN CONDUCTING.
WHAT SHOULD I DO? WILLEM MENGELBERG
Make sure this gets sent as quickly as possible.
SEND HER HOME
REST IN PEACE AGNES BRICO 1880-1909
Who keeps it so nice?
Sister Louigiana, your Mother's sister.
Is she here? Can I talk to her?
You can't talk to her. She's taken a vow of silence.
- Okay, but can I see her? - No.
May I speak to your boss?
- With the Abbot? - Yes, that's what I meant.
Ten minutes, completely silent.
- Agnes. - Dear God, forgive her.
I'm her daughter, Antonia.
Where were you?
I was in America.
We couldn't find you.
She tried to find me?
Do you know how my mom and dad met?
I respect your oath, but you've already broken it.
Why did she sell me? That's what I want to know.
Maybe you should ask God to answer.
Silence is a lie.
She never wanted to give you away.
Her last words before she died. You know what they were?
' For God's sake, find Antonia.'
- Why are you here? - Have you had a chance to think about it?
Go home.
- I don't have a home. - Go to America.
You don't understand. I can't give up.
I haven't even tried yet. I'd rather die trying.
What If you fail?
Then I'll go home.
Meet me tomorrow at my office.
BERLIN
[German] My name is Antonia.
Nice to meet you.
My name is Antonia.
What do you want?
My name is Antonia Brico. Nice to meet you.
I'm here to see Mr. Muck.
Where are you from?
I'm from America.
Herr Muck is not home.
Besides he's not to be disturbed before noon.
Else?
- What is this? - Ya.
- And who are you? - She is from the USA.
I am not home for America.
Well I'm Dutch by birth.
I still am actually because I never naturalized.
I brought a letter, of recommendation.
From Maestro Mengelberg.
A letter of recommendation.
What does that son of a bitch want?
If he calls this a recommendation, I'll eat my cigarette.
I want to become a conductor.
I'm prejudiced when it comes to women.
- Is he a friend of yours? - Who?
Albert Schweitzer.
We have a few things in common.
During the Great War Schweitzer was imprisoned in France.
And not because he hurt or threatened anyone but simply because he was German.
And you judge me, not because I did anything wrong ...
but because I'm American...
or Dutch or female or young, or a non-smoker.
- That's what I call short sighted. - So I'm short sighted.
In his book about Bach...
he writes that one of the characteristics of artists is that they wait for their big day...
and that they'll exhaust themselves whilst waiting for it.
That's about me.
And have you dropped dead already?
Not yet.
Schweitzer was crazy enough to give up music for another life.
And I'm crazy enough to give up mine for music.
With or without your help, sir.
I will become a conductor.
So...
You're ready to exhaust yourself you say?
Dear Robin...
After some wanderings I have now settled in Berlin.
I'm being taught by Karl Muck.
Of course that doesn't tell you much, but to me he is fantastic.
I'm finally learning what it's all about.
And unlike Mengelberg, Muck gives me a fair chance.
He has prepared me for my entrance exam at the state academy for music.
This is where I really have to prove myself.
Because for conducting, they accept only two candidates.
And they have never accepted a woman.
Hi.
Hello Frank. How are you?
Have you heard anything from Antonia lately?
She doesn't write you?
No, she hasn't. Not in a while.
You have any idea when she'll be back.
- She wrote me from Berlin. - Berlin?
She wants to enter the master school of conducting.
- How long is the course? - Two years.
Two years? Where's she gonna find the money?
Is that the first thing you think about?
They'll never accept her.
You underestimate her.
They already did.
To Dutch courage.
One woman's facing one hundred men.
What will you do to make them follow your lead?
Will you take the soft approach or will you take the hard approach?
And one thing Brico...
You can't do it when you sweat.
[German] The crescendo switches from pianissimo to forte...
[German] and you just do mezzo forte. It is not right.
[German] Conductors have to be tyrants, not democrats.
Is there somewhere we can talk?
[German] Soup of the day.
[German] The onion soup.
[German] And schnitzel. Eat well.
I'm really proud that you got accepted.
Are you!
Well...
You could've sent me a letter and told me.
I have a letter of recommendation written by Mengelberg.
I framed it and hung it above my bed.
Addressed to Muck, who hates both America and women.
Do you know what he wrote?
All that's good comes from Holland.
Except me.
I don't have to be a genius to figure out who was behind that.
Of course. I was hoping you would come back.
I still do, actually.
I love you.
You only think you do.
How do you know what I'm feeling?
I'm not suitable. Look at your parents...
then look at mine.
I don't care. I want you.
I want to get married, have children.
You'll find someone.
Are you telling me you don't love me?
Those are good?
Yeah. It's lovely.
I thought you didn't like onions.
Antonia I need to know, so I'd like to hear a yes or no.
If the answer is yes, I will wait for you.
Will you marry me?
Can I think about it?
Surely you know what to choose.
What...
What hurts the least.
You're gonna say no.
This world will never let you go.
Mengelberg's wife was a fantastic singer.
What's that got to do with it?
She doesn't sing anymore.
[German] Fraulein Brico.
[German] You're always the first.
[German] Fraulein Brico you're always last.
"The greatest challenge in art is in dealing with disappointment."
MEMOIRS OF CHILDHOOD & YOUTH ALBERT SCHWEITZER
DEUTSCHE BANK
You can tell it's from the US, but you can't tell me who it's from?
As I said, I'm not a liberty to say.
It must be from Frank Thomsen. Perhaps his father, Mr. Thomsen?
All I can say is it's from a woman who supports the arts.
A woman supporting the arts.
BERLIN 1929
Here, the first woman to conduct the Berlin Philharmonic.
That should have been you, not some Missy from Vienna.
Well that Missy wants the same thing as me.
The Berlin Philharmonic have absolutely no faith in her.
Her husband had to advance five thousand Deutschmark for the orchestra and concert hall.
So if nobody comes, he'll suffer considerable loss.
Mark my words. That's your future.
So, you wanna go there?
Here, I can give them away.
They don't want an empty room.
No.
My dearest Frank. I write to you because I have heard you are engaged.
It was wrong of me to drive you away and I beg you...
Please give me a another chance and don't marry.
Get out of here!
They're slaughtering her.
They just want their money back.
Was she that bad?
Mediocre at best.
They want their money back because they were lured into the concert...
by a fake personal ad.
'Rich widow looking for a man'.
Made up by Frau Mayer.
You're next.
You up for it?
For heaven sake what are you doing?!
I have to fix you a dress.
Sorry.
Well can't you see I'm working here?
Have you seen it?
WOMAN UNFIT TO LEAD THE BERLIN PHILHARMONIC
People want to see you fail.
But the good news is, the concert is completely sold out.
My dearest Frank. I don't know what's come over me.
I love you and I miss you.
When I finish school I'll return to America.
Why won't you write back?
[German] Herr Muck, Fraulein Brico isn't here.
[German] - Wait, sir. [German] - Where is her room?
Now what?
Are you a little girl again?
Ready to run away and hide under your mothers skirt.
- Which mother? - You tell me.
Well, are you coming? They're waiting for you.
Nobody waits for me.
This is your big day.
To be booed?
Or cheered.
All I can see is an abyss.
That will always there even when you're successful.
The higher the rise, the deeper the fall.
So I'll crash no matter what.
It's part of the game. You just need to learn to play it.
That's easy for you to say.
Your name's not Mayer or Brico.
You are a hero.
Last time I performed in America, I was escorted from the stage by the police...
under loud boos from the audience.
Why?
Because I refused to play the American anthem.
I said 'I am German, it's not my national anthem'.
And then they locked me up for eighteen months.
Just because it was war. I was the enemy.
Just like Albert Schweitzer.
Did that make me a hero?
Nobody thought so.
Just me.
Sometimes that's enough.
You're sweating.
Not anymore.
YANKEE GIRL STARTLES BERLIN CRITICS BY CONDUCTING FAMOUS ORCHESTRA
MISS BRICO TRIUMPHS AS BERLIN CONDUCTOR
AMERICAN WOMAN LEADS BERLIN PHILHARMONIC
NEW YORK 1933
ANTONIA BRICO TRIUMPHS IN BALTIC STATES, PARIS AND LONDON
Do you remember her?
Antonia Brico? Never met her.
She used to work for you as an usherette. Willy Wolters.
Is that her?
She caused quite a stir in Europe.
Wouldn't it be worth the trouble to have her conduct here?
Willy.
I visited my mother's grave.
I don't think you knew she was dead.
She suffered because she lost me.
She was only twenty-nine years old.
Who told you that?
Her sister, who takes care of her grave.
There were seven children. My Mom was the oldest.
So you have family there?
What does it mean to be disowned? You know well.
She met a man. He was a musician.
My mother was so in love with him.
They spent one night together. Then he was bored with my mother.
Love ruined her.
Selfish women are prisoners.
Wasn't it selfish to kidnap me to America?
- Your mother sued us. - She wanted me back.
That purchase was supposed to be temporary.
She waited in the court room on that day.
She waited hours but you never came.
She looked for me for months but never found me.
I'd suddenly disappeared.
What happened to your Mother?
She imprisoned herself in a convent.
She died there.
Are you still saying she didn't love me? You ruined it.
Are you ready? Your parents are here.
I'll be right there.
Put me through to the music editor at the New York Times.
I can arrange one concert for you.
But you'll have to buy half of all available tickets.
How much is that?
In advance.
Do you ask this of all the conductors who perform here?
We only have big name conductors perform here. You're not one of them.
I did well in Europe.
If you think six concerts in one year is doing well, then yes.
I'm taking a huge risk.
I can't afford it.
Then I have to withdraw my offer.
Will you go back to Europe?
If I make it happen, will you give me more concerts?
- Are you setting the conditions? - Please.
More concerts are very important to me. Please.
Are you begging?
There she is.
Hey, hey, hey, hey. Hey wait.
Can we get a reaction? Is it true that you're going to be conducting here?
Yes, it's true.
And if people want to buy a ticket, they can come to me.
[Indistinguishable clamoring]
I've missed this the most.
You don't want to know the seamy basements I've played the past year.
Incognito of course. As Willy Wolters.
I survived there, because of what I learned here.
Always happy to help.
Are you serious?
Stop!
The trombones come in too early.
Now the bassoons come in a fraction too soon.
If you absolutely insist on starting at the wrong time...
then please, let the trombones come in first.
Four tickets?
Mr. Barnes.
There's a run on my tickets.
If this continues I will be sold out within the hour.
Can I get another concert?
What is it this time?
You have something to say?
The concert is tomorrow.
I wouldn't have to stop, if you'd do as I say.
Again!
Why aren't you playing?
I won't take orders from a woman who doesn't know her place.
I know my place very well. It's right here.
Again!
I took away your instrument. How does that feel?
- Careful, that's a Stradivarius. - Oh, it's a Stradivarius?
So you care about this instrument.
- That makes us even. - How's that?
This orchestra is my instrument.
Without its members I am nowhere.
I can't play my instrument.
Do you know what a soloist says when he skips one day of piano practice?
One day without practice, only I can hear.
Two days without practice and the orchestra will hear.
Three days without practice and the audience will hear.
Don't you think the same applies to conducting?!
Do you know how many concerts I have on my calendar?
One
After that it's a big, gaping, hole.
Do you know how many my male colleagues have?
Four, sometimes five a month all year through.
Is that fair?
No.
It's like throwing a bread crust to someone who is starving.
Applaud my friend. The comedy is over.
You can't just walk away.
We have an agreement.
My instrument, please, accept it.
Without its player the instrument is worthless.
Does this mean you'll be there tomorrow?
No.
I'm still waiting to hear something from you.
Will you do the concert tomorrow?
I'm sorry I can't hear you.
Please.
Please what?
Miss Brico will you please do the concert tomorrow.
Mr. Barnes, are you begging me?
- Yes - What about my condition?
You'll have a second concert.
Shall we go to the Antonia Brico concert?
I can get tickets.
Aren't you curious how she is?
No. I don't want to see her.
When I close my eyes...
I can't tell it's a woman conducting.
Unemployed musicians.
They want me to conduct unemployed musicians?
That's how he wants to get rid of me.
It's a government support project.
To keep musicians trained for better times.
I don't get it. We had such good press.
For Barnes that's the root of the problem.
You're getting too much attention.
But that's great.
I understand you feel screwed, but look on the bright side.
You get paid and you get to conduct.
But what's the point when nobody hears it?!
I won't do it.
Am I too early?
Where are all the men?
The New Jersey Symphony is auditioning.
So what are you still doing here?
They're only hiring men.
Just the men huh.
Robin, don't you always say that...
if you want to make it in this business you have to stand out?
That's exactly what I'm going to do.
Wanted. Conductor Antonia Brico is looking for female musicians ...
to form a women's symphony orchestra.
There are positions for all musical instruments.
Can I see that.
According to Mark Goldsmith, an eminent conductor and pianist...
a woman will never become one of the worlds leading conductors.
Miss Brico will have to be content with a place on the margins...
before she'll trudge into oblivion.
AUDITION
FEMALE MUSICIANS INFERIOR.
Which of you has read this article?
And I want to thank you all for coming anyway.
None of you were inferior.
Alright ladies, you can come this way.
Can the bass player stay for a minute.
Can I speak to her alone.
What's your name?
Roberta.
Jones.
Roberta Jones.
Robin...
is that you dressed as a woman?
With your wig, your fake breasts and makeup and everything like Miss Denise?
Is this one of your statements?
Your way of supporting me?
Robin.
I'm not dressed as a woman.
What?
These...
are real.
How come I've never seen them?
Cause I'm good at hiding things.
You never were in an accident?
Not unless you count being born a girl.
Did you want to be a man?
I wanted to be a musician.
And when I go on stage, I enter my home.
Just like you.
That's why I supported you when you lived in Berlin.
Are you telling me that money came from you?
From a woman supporting the arts.
God.
Robin...
Then I have to thank you.
I am so sorry. I had no idea.
About that.
About anything, really.
The price may be too high Antonia but...
but at least we're doing it.
Yes.
At least we are.
I think I'd rather stay who I was.
Who are you?
I'm me.
Hey, does Miss Brico have anything to say?
She said music doesn't know sexes.
THERE'S NO SEX IN MUSIC.
- Town Hall is available. - Good grief. Town Hall.
It's far too many seats. How do you think we can fill them?
I was thinking about taking out an ad in the paper and...
inviting the upper class.
I don't know any. Do you?
Yes, but do you have their addresses?
Mr. Goldsmith What do you think of Antonia's challenge.
Where do I start gentlemen?
She only took up conducting because she wasn't a talented pianist.
A calculated choice in my opinion.
Only because she had her mind set on becoming famous.
There was no passion involved.
Well why would Mr. Goldsmith say that?
Does he feel threatened by me?
Aren't there countless unemployed musicians?
Miss Brico's been without work for years.
An unemployed musician is unemployed for a reason.
We are in the middle of a great depression.
We're out of a job due to lack of opportunity not lack of ability.
It's an abnormality.
What, women?
It goes against all musical tradition.
We have to serve the music, not the dusty cliches.
Women dream up all sorts of things.
They like to think that they're the best in I don't know what.
It's down to them when they fail.
There are no women that play the trombone or the french horn.
And you can write this down...
Miss Brico will never find a female timpanist.
Willy Wolters!
If you want to embarrass yourself on the stage you should go ahead.
But an entire orchestra of women. That's the limit.
Let me guess. You're supporting Mark Goldsmith.
Of course.
I am here to discourage you in your plans...
so that you won't make a spectacle of yourself.
People love spectacles.
If I can give my audience one I will not fail to do so.
You sent invitations to everybody in my circle...
and I will do everything in my power...
to discourage all my friends from coming to your concert.
You should do as you please. But allow me to do the same.
Have a nice day.
Well how could they place the ad there?!
On the same page as the car listings?!
Who will look there? Such a waste of money.
I think Mrs. Thomsen has some contact with the press.
Are there any reservations?
Yeah.
Is that all?
Yeah.
So we'll play an empty room?
We'll have to cancel Town Hall.
I already tried.
They won't accept it. We'll have to pay regardless.
Pay them. With what? What a disaster.
I think we should just go ahead with it.
How will we pay our musicians?
They agreed to play for free.
- For nothing? - Not everyone is against us.
Alright.
Well then we can at least give them an audience.
We give a free concert...
and ask Town Hall if we can postpone our payment.
No more publicity expenditures. We'll only take free publicity.
A letter.
- From the first lady. - What?!
"To Miss Brico, from Eleanor Roosevelt." it says.
Excuse me.
Do you know how much longer it will take?
It can take a while.
I have a radio interview and I've been waiting for half an hour.
I'm sorry but nobody tells Mrs. Roosevelt to hurry up.
- Hello. - Mr Goldsmith.
Miss Brico, it was a pleasure to meet you.
The person who told me about you has not exaggerated.
May I ask who that was?
I'm sorry but he asked to keep his name secret.
Well I think we should respect that.
That's exactly what he said about you...
when they attacked you in those newspapers.
"A great musician should be treated with respect."
He must think highly of you...
because he's paying for the concert hall.
And if I may give you one piece of advice...
Do what you feel in your heart to be right.
You'll be criticized anyway.
The public would like to know.
Are women musicians people.
And bare in mind that this country has 17 million radios.
Fifty million pairs of ears are listening.
Don't you think the orchestra world is ready for a cultural change?
This has nothing to do with culture.
It's merely a questionable form of entertainment.
A desperate way of getting some attention.
Let's be honest.
Would you buy a ticket for her concert?
I wouldn't.
We would've liked Miss Brico for a response...
and we invited her to join the conversation...
but I'm afraid she hasn't arrived yet.
That's another reason why it won't work.
Women are always late.
Aren't you hindered by an unexplainable distaste...
for women as orchestra leaders.
I'm simply telling what the audience thinks.
So Miss Brico will never become Meister Brico?
No.
Miss Brico's first concert was planned at the New York Town Hall...
which has 1500 seats.
Do you think she'll sell that many tickets?
Well I think she's gotten cold feet. The last that I heard...
the concert is free of charge.
She doesn't want to earn any money?
It's a desperate measure because there is no sign of any interest at all.
Miss Brico just arrived. What's your comment.
We took that measure because of the crisis.
We want this concert to be accessible for everybody.
Including people without money.
So let me take this opportunity and tell people to come.
My apologies for being late. I had an important meeting.
Sorry but what can possibly be more important...
then the success of your doomed project?
Years ago I studied under Mr. Goldsmith.
Back then he had...
already taken a peculiar view on the position of women.
They should be on the bottom.
In fact because of that...
I learned to be on top.
For that I still...
Resent him?
No.
Thank him, honestly.
My meeting earlier was with our first lady.
And nobody tells Mrs. Roosevelt to hurry up.
Did your meeting have anything to do with the New York Women's Symphony Orchestra?
It had everything to do with that.
Our first lady has just committed herself to the orchestra.
And we are very honored she wants to be patroness.
It shows that even in the highest circles there a signs of interest.
- What can I do for you Madam? - I'm here to see Frank Thomsen.
- Whom shall I say it is? - An old friend.
You're too fast for me. Too fast.
You.
Hello, Frank.
Hiya.
I see you have a son.
Yes.
What's your name?
Will.
William.
Can you take him upstairs.
That's a nice kid.
Yes.
What brings you here. Do you want to come inside?
No. Don't go to any trouble. I...
I have to be off again.
I just came here to thank you. For what you've done.
What would that be?
Mrs. Roosevelt and Town Hall.
- That was nothing. - Well it is to me.
Took me a while to figure out who'd been pulling some strings.
I owe you.
Just see it as my way of saying I'm sorry.
Sorry for what?
For asking you to abuse your talent by not using it.
Once you said that was insane.
You're not insane.
I was.
I let you go.
That makes two of us.
Yeah, well...
I have to be off again.
I'll leave you to it.
Will you come to the concert?
No.
I have to stay at home.
With William.
Maybe Emma will come.
- How is it outside? - One big spectacle.
Good evening Madam First Lady.
It's such an honor to meet you. It really is.
I'm privileged.
You can't come in. The hall is full.
Please stay out. We're full.
Hello sir.
People have no decency anymore.
I think that's Frank.
The New York Women's Symphony Orchestra performed successfully for 4 years.
When Antonia also started to hire male musicians...
public interest disappeared and the orchestra ceased to exist.
Antonia devoted her entire life to music,
and remained active as a guest conductor of famous orchestras.
However, she never got a permanent appointment as chief conductor.
The widely respected magazine Gramophone published in 2008,
a ranking of the 20 best orchestras in the world.
None of these orchestras has ever had a female chief conductor.
In 2017 Gramophone again published a list,
now with the 50 best conductors of all time.
Zero percent are female.
Subtitle by: JoeShmoe