Original subtitles

Good evening.

Thank you very much.

Here, in sixth row.

Those two seats over there.

Enjoy the evening.

Good evening. May I see your tickets?

Thank you very much.

Pardon me. There must have been a mistake.

These aisle seats...

-Pay attention. It's the wrong seat.

I'm so sorry.

Come.

No, please. I want to stay.

-Are you crazy? -I have to see him.

-What is so special about Mengelen? -Mengelberg.

That's what I said.

Come on.

This is the men's room.

I... I... uh...

um...

I'm checking things.

What are you checking?

The hygiene.

Men's rooms get dirty faster.

That's why we have to an extra check.

And are you done with that?

Everything is clean, sir.

You missed the concert.

I've seen it a few times before.

You forget something.

Shouldn't you do something?

We nee 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 who? The entire room?

To Maestro Mengelberg.

Think I would even let you near him?

A great musician should be treated with respect.

You are fired.

You're not my boss.

THE CONDUCTOR

BASED ON A TRUE STORY

Rough day?

-It was okay. -Willy...

Your wages.

I get paid next week.

Ridiculous.

They had a party.

Can you cut the onions?

I'm making soup.

You know they make her cry.

A few tears won't kill her.

Let's go.

Mom feels a migraine coming on.

Mr. Goldsmith?

Sir?

My parents and I...

We visited your lunch concerts for years.

Because they are free, no doubt.

At that last bit...

I think the trombones played at the end a wrong note...

just before the repeat of the trio.

They played an E natural, but it must be an E flat..

Wait.

Well observed.

Do you know the part of the trombones by heart?

Not only that part.

Every note.

But 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, 4 p.m.

Yes?

I have an appointment with Mr. Goldsmith.

Come in.

Can 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.

Step in.

This household is in a state of complete chaos.

Do not mind him, he's part of the furniture.

Frank, this is...

What's your name?

Willy Wolters.

Let's not waste time.

Play.

You can stop now.

Beautiful.

Do you think so?

This grand piano...

I practice on a piano with rags temping the strings.

Why in God's name would you do that?

Because, otherwise the neighbours 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?

A friend of my mother's.

What do you know about Bach?

I play his notes, sir.

Well, 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?

Yes, he abuses his talent by not using it.

Perhaps, he has more talent to be a doctor.

Why do play like that?

Like what?

Like you have no feeling.

Because, I've learned that nobody's interested in my feelings.

Shouldn't you interpret much behind the music?

Interpretations can are wrong.

The notes are never wrong.

-That's science. -Bach was a mathematical composer.

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 conceal it.

Forget about the conservatory.

You're 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.

Rather attractive.

Wait.

Wait.

I can prepare you for the entrance exam.

I's be insane if I wanted that, wouldn't I?

Three lessons a week,

two dollars an hour?

Well?

What do you say?

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.

I'm coming 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.

If you want to make it in this business, you gotta stand out.

I will be in big trouble, if I don't find anything.

I'd like 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?

Do you have a cigarette?

Does it bother you?

People come from all over just to see her.

Him.

You can look at it like this:

We are all born naked,

and the rest is just a disguise.

Welcome to the stage, our fabulous female impersonator:

The famous Miss Denise.

Thank you.

What do 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 we can all see,

that this is an all man band.

Tell me, what's your name?

Willy.

So because you do not have willy,

your parents called you but Willy.

Okay, let's see what she's got.

You can join me for a weekend trip.

It's a little too much for my wife, right now.

My audition is next week, sir.

It is an interesting social circle.

There sure will be...

plenty of common musicians.

Where are you going this early?

To work.

Carrying a suitcase?

I won't be home tonight.

I'm staying over 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 labour.

Oh...

Uh... I guess that means I can't stay.

The 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 will show you your room. You can...

freshen up.

Where are you going?

The other way.

The stairs are over here.

Oh!

What are you doing here?

Same as you, I think.

This is my parent's house.

I grew up here.

And I am the guest of Mr. Goldsmith.

He didn't tell me you were coming.

I am not responsible for what does or does not tell you.

As long as you don't force yourself on the musicians here.

That's the last thing I'd do.

We all know what you are capable of.

Now that you've made it clear, you're a gentleman...

can you try to act like one?

Can someone bring me to the station?

But the table has already been set.

Nobody will miss me.

But I will, my dear.

You are my dinner companion.

So you better get up and get changed.

We've been waiting for you.

Excuse me...

You look familiar.

Have we met before?

Her name is Willy.

Maybe you can tell us something about yourself, Willy?

There is not much to tell, Madam.

Aren't you the girl that sat down in the front at 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?

Oh, the staff isn't allowed to sit in the hall during concerts.

Do you work there?

Not anymore.

I've left there.

I detect a slight accent.

Where are you from?

Originally?

From Holland, sir.

A compatriot.

Frank, don't you always say:

'All that's good comes from the Netherlands.' Hmm?

Why did you read along with the score?

Is it a secret?

Well?

I want to become 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 my best knowledge,

there aren't any.

But women can be just as good as men.

Perhaps she is 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 that America was the land of opportunity.

Not for everybody.

Are you admiring the stars in the sky?

No.

Just the flowers on my feet.

Thanks for not telling that I...

Well, you know.

It's all right.

Did you find a new job?

Yes.

Where?

Something in music.

Yeah, but... where?

It's enough to laughed at once.

I'm sorry.

That was rude.

Shall we dance?

Home already?

Yes.

How was work?

-Good. -What did they play?

Beethoven's 5th.

What we call 'Fate'.

Fate?

It was Tchaikovsky. That pathetic piece.

I forgot.

That you got fired?

-How do you know? -Simple.

I dropped by your work place.

And...

What's this?

How did you get this, with no job?

You searched my room?

Every day, you pretend to go to work.

You're home late.

What do you do all that time?

I work.

Where?

I can't say.

-I have to know. -But I won't tell you.

-How long is this going on? -What?

Entrance exam, for the conservatory?

Mom, can we discuss this later? I'm tired.

You lied all this time?

-I don't lie. -You do.

About getting fired, studies, work.

I'm an adult, mom.

I need to live my own life.

Without us you wouldn't have a life.

I've added it all up.

What you eat, drink and wear.

Every piano lesson.

Here...

That's what I spent on you.

And what do I get in return?

Nothing but lies.

So I'm keeping this money.

To compensate for our costs.

-Forget about that conservatory. -Mom...

Don't call me mom. I'm not you mother.

What?

Mom?

Is it true?

I'm sorry, Willy.

We couldn't have children.

Then we saw this.

'Child for adoption.

Young mother wishes to give up daughter.'

'The best bid will be accepted.'

I'm simply being offered for sale.

How old was I?

Two.

Why didn't she want me?

I'm afraid she didn't love you.

And my father?

We know nothing about him.

Your mother wasn't married.

Didn't she have any family?

They disowned her.

This is your birth certificate.

Agnes.

My name is Agnes?

No, that's your mother's name.

Your name is Antonia.

Antonia Brico.

I'll go comfort her.

Tell her a few tears won't kill her.

Keep quiet.

Stop that.

Stop.

Mom wants you to stop.

Silence.

-Mr. Goldsmith is inside. -How did it go?

I got accepted.

Congratulations.

Can I give you a ride?

Where are you going?

Home. I can just take a bus.

It's just a ride.

-Its not that far. -#

We never got to say goodbye properly, and as you said:

I should try to act like a gentleman.

Somebody is moving out.

This is it.

Your parents will be proud.

I'm going to be away for a few weeks

Preparing a tour.

When I return...

can I see you again?

Now you know where to find me.

-Where's my piano? -In the stove, so I can cook.

-Onion soup. -You're insane.

Can I spend the night here?

That piano gave me comfort.

Without it...

I would have lost my mind.

We all lose our mind sometimes.

You too?

Even I.

Don't despair.

Just dust yourself off and start over again.

What does a man know about dusting?

More than you, Scrubby Dutch.

Come on. I'll show you around the house.

This is my bedroom.

But no one needs to be here, except me.

So I keep it locked.

I have my own bathroom, but you can use this one.

And... this is where you'll sleep.

I don't know how to thank you.

Of course, I will 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 cancelled at the last minute.

-Where are 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 of her parents.

We secretly hope she and Frank will become engaged.

You bet.

Oh no. We know nothing about that.

-I'll go ahead. -Of course dear. Right you are.

It's really good to see you.

Come join us inside.

I was um... looking for Robin.

Robin? Who is Robin?

A friend?

Sort of.

You can't leave without saying hello to my father.

You'll 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 heard the organ.

The Rothschilds 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.

I wasn't until later that I heard it was Albert Schweitzer.

From that moment on I started to beg for a piano.

Schweitzer has never visited the United States.

We lived in 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 raise 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, that 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 wall paper.

I don't get you, Willy.

Why don't you look for better company?

Did you juts 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 a feeling that you admire me very much.

Is not that right, Willy?

I admire you because I am want to be where you are.

What? Teacher?

No, conductor.

You're only saying that because you are in love with me.

I say it because I want to be 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 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.

Is it because you want to be in control?

Control? No.

I'd rather lose myself in music.

And I'd rather lose myself in you.

Just remember...

#

That's what gets them running.

Just... please.

Please. 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 is 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.

BIRTH CERTIFICATE

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 she is? I can't find her anywhere.

Well, if you can't find her,

she does not want to be found.

Come on, Robin. Do not be a sissy. Defend yourself.

Spoilsport!

Don't 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.

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 is 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 any more?

Well. maybe you should ask Goldsmith that question.

-Do you think I didn't? -And what did he tell you?

I finally found you.

That's what matters.

How are you?

It's okay.

I'm going on a journey soon.

Where to?

To Holland.

When?

In a week.

Well, you can't go.

Why not?

Because I can't miss you any more.

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.

CONCERT HALL

PIANO PLAYER WANTED

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 do not mind.

Now I have you.

I love Amsterdam.

I examine every street and every alley.

What am I looking for?

I do not know.

I do not know anyone here.

In the meantime,

I try to gather some courage

to find out more about my family.

Who is this lady?

You know her, Willy.

Did she take another stage name?

Mr. Mengelberg?

Antonia Brico.

Do you recognize me?

How could I possibly forget you?

I was hoping you'd say that.

I'd like to ask you a favour.

Can you give me conducting lessons?

Conducting lessons?

I understand you're busy.

But I don't know where to start.

I figured, you know Frank Thomsen...

and me being his friend,

I was hoping...

Can I think about it?

Yes, of course.

A telegram, sir.

Make sure this gets sent as quickly as possible.

HERE RESTS AGNES BRICO

Who takes such good care of it?

Sister Louigiana,

your mother's sister.

Is she here?

Can I talk to her?

You can't.

She took a vow of silence.

-Sure, but can I see her? -No.

Can I talk to your boss?

-Mother superior? -Yes, that's who I meant.

Ten minutes, in absolute silence.

-Agnes. -Dear God, forgive her.

I'm her daughter.

Antonia.

Where were you?

In America.

You were untraceable.

Did she try to find me?

Do you know how my parents met?

I respect your vow of silence,

but you've already broken it.

Why did she get rid of me?

That's what I'd like to know.

Perhaps you can ask God

if someone can answer my questions.

Keeping quiet is the same as lying.

She never wanted to give you up.

Do you know what she said, just before she died?

'For God's sake, find Antonia'

-Why are you here? -Did you give it some thought?

Go home.

I have no home.

To America.

You don't understand.

I can't give up.

I'd rather die trying than not try at all.

And if you fail?

Then I'll go home.

Meet me at my office tomorrow.

My name is Antonia.

It's a pleasure to meet you.

My name is Antonia.

What do you want?

My name is Antonia Brico.

It's a pleasure to meet you.

I'm here to see Mr. Muck.

Where are you from?

I am from America.

Mr. Muck is not home.

Besides, he is not to be disturbed before noon.

Elze?

-What is this? -Well...

-And who are you? -She's from the USA.

I am not at home for Americans.

I am Dutch by birth.

I still am actually, because I never naturalized.

I've 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 be 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 in prison 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 his music for another life.

And I'm crazy enough to give mine up 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 am 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 from anything from Antonia lately?

She doesn't write to 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 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 another thing, Brico...

You can't do it when you sweat.

The crescendo goes from pianissimo to forte...

and you only do mezzo-forte.

It was not right either.

Good, you have to be a tyrant with the baton.

Not a democrat.

Is there somewhere we can talk?

The soup of the day...

Onion soup.

And schnitzel. Enjoy your meal.

I am really proud you got accepted.

Are you?

Well... you could have sent me a letter and told me.

I have a letter of recommendation written by Mengelberg.

I've framed it. Hung it above my bed.

It is 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 am 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?

Is it good?

Yeah.

It's lovely.

I thought you didn't like onions.

Antonia, I need to know, so I'd like to hear it, 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?

Well...

what hurts the least.

You're going to 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 any more.

Miss Brico.

Always the first.

Miss Brico, always the last.

'The greatest challenge in art

is in dealing with disappointment. '

BANK OF GERMANY

You can tell me it's from the U.S.,

but not who it's from?

As I said, I am not at liberty to say.

It must be from Frank Thomsen.

Perhaps his father, Mr. Thomsen?

All I can say, it's from a woman that supports the arts.

A woman supporting the arts?

Here, the first woman to conduct the Berliner Philharmoniker.

That should have been you.

Not some Missy from Vienna.

Well, that Missy wants the same thing as me.

The Berliner Philharmoniker had absolutely no faith in her.

Frau Mayer's husband had to advance

five thousand Deutsche marks,

for orchestra and the concert hall.

So if nobody comes, he'll suffer a considerable loss?

Mark my words.

That's your future.

So, you want to 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.

I was wrong of me to drive you away, and I beg you...

Please give me another chance, and don't marry.

Worthless.

Get off the stage.

God! 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 are next.

You're up for it?

For heavens sake, what are you doing?

Fix you a dress.

-Sorry. -Can't not see that I'm working here?

Have you seen it?

WOMAN UNSUITABLE TO LEAD PHILHARMONIKER

People want to see you fail.

But the good news is:

the concert is completely sold out.

My dearest Frank,

I do not 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?

Mr. Muck, Miss Brico is not here.

-Please wait, sir. -Where is her room?

Now what?

Are you a little girl again?

Ready to run away and hide under you mother's skirts?

Which mother?

You tell me.

Well, are you coming? They are 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 be there,

even when you are successful.

The higher the rise, the deeper the fall.

So I'll crash, no matter what?

It's a part of the game.

You just need to learn to play it.

That's easy for you to say.

You're name's not Mayer or Brico.

You are a hero.

The 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 is 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 are sweating.

Not anymore.

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.

Will it be worth the trouble to have her conduct here?

I visited my mother's grave.

I guess you didn't know she died.

From heartache over losing me.

She was only 29.

Who told you that?

Her sister,

who takes care of her grave.

She had seven siblings.

My mother was the oldest.

So there's more family?

I'm sure you know what 'to be disowned' means.

She met a man.

A musician.

My mother was madly in love with him.

They spent one night together.

Then he got tired of her.

Love ruined her.

Selfish women are condemned.

Wasn't it selfish to abduct me to America?

-That mother of yours sued us. -Because she wanted me back.

That purchase was meant to be temporary.

On the day of the trial she waited in the courtroom.

Hours passed, but you didn't show up.

She searched for months, but she couldn't find me.

I had simply disappeared.

What happened to your mother?

She locked herself up in a convent.

Where she wasted away.

Do you still think she didn't love me?

Are you ready?

Your parents are here.

I'll be right there.

Put me through to to the music editor at the New York Times.

I can arrange one concert for you.

But you'll have to buy half of the tickets.

How much is that cost?

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've taken 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. Wait a minute. Hey! Hey!

Can we get your 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.

I've missed this the most.

You don't want to know the seedy basements

I've played in the past year.

Incognito, of course.

As Willy Wolters.

I survived there,

because of what I learnt 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.

You said, 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 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 it's 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 calender?

One.

After that...

there is 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.

Sure you don't want to go to Antonia Brico's concert?

I can get tickets.

Aren't you curious how she is?

No, I don't want to see her.

If I close my eyes...

I can't tell it's a woman conductor.

Unemployed musicians?

They want me to conduct unemployed musicians?

That's how he wants me to get rid of me?

It's a government support project...

to keep musicians trained for better times.

I don't get it. We have such good press.

For Barnes, that is 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 Orchestra is auditioning.

So what are you still doing here?

They are 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 is exactly what I am 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.'

Let me see that.

'According to Mark Goldsmith,

an eminent conductor and pianist...'

a woman will never become

one of the world's leading conductors.

Miss Brico will have to be content with a place in the margins

before she'll trudge into oblivion.'

Who has read this article?

And I want to thank you all for coming anyway.

None of you were inferior'.

All right, 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 your make-up, and everything... like Miss Denise?

Is this one of your statements?

Your way of supporting me?

I am not dressed as a woman.

What?

These...

are real.

How come I've never seen them?

Because I'm good at hiding things.

You never were in an accident?

Unless you count being born a girl.

Did you want to be a man?

I wanted to be a musician.

When I go on a stage, I enter my home.

Just like you.

That's why I've 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'm 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.

At least we are.

I think...

I'd rather stay who I was.

Who are you?

I am me.

Hey! Did Miss Brico have anything to say?

She said, 'Music doesn't know sexes.'

Town Hall is available.

Good grace, Town Hall?

It has too many seats.

How do you think we can fill them?

I was thinking about taking an ad

in the paper and inviting the upper class.

I do not know any. Do you?

Oh yes.

But do you have their addresses?

Mr. Goldsmith... Mr. Goldsmith...

what do you think of Antonia's challenge?

Oh! 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 a mindset of becoming famous.

There was no passion involved.

So why does 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 through lack of opportunity,

and not lack of ability.

It is 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 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 a 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 get 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 looks there?

Such a waste of money.

I think Mrs. Thomsen has some contacts 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? Oh! 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.

All right.

Well then, at least we can 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.'

Excuse me.

Do you know how much longer it will take?

It can take a while.

I have a radio interview and I have 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 that told me about you has not exaggerated.

May I ask who that was?

I'm sorry, but he asked to keep his name a secret.

Then 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 will be criticized anyway.

The public would like to know:

Are women musician's people?

And bear in mind, that this country has 17 million radios.

where 50 millions pairs of ears are listening.

Don't you think the orchestra is ready for a cultural change?

This has nothing to do with culture.

It is really a question of a 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 have liked Miss Brico for her response,

so we invited her to join the conversation,

but I'm afraid she hasn't arrived yet.

And that's not the reason why it won't work,

Women are always late.

Aren't you hindered by an inexplicable distaste

for women as orchestra leaders?

I am simply telling what the audience thinks.

Miss Brico will never becomes maestra Brico?

No.

Miss Brico's first concert is planned in

the New York Town Hall, which has 1500 seats.

Do you think that she'll sell that many tickets?

Oh, I think she's gotten cold feet.

The last that I heard...

the concert was free of charge.

She doesn't want to earn any money?

It... it's a desperate measure...

because there is no sign of interest at all.

Ah! Miss Brico just arrived.

What's your comment?

We took the measure because of the crisis.

We want this concert to be accessible to 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 could possibly be more important

than 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 honoured she wants to be patroness.

It shows that even in the highest circles there are sign of interest

What can I do for you madam?

I'm here to see Frank Thomsen.

Who can I say is here?

An old friend.

You're too fast for me.

You...

Hello, Frank.

I see you have a son.

Yes...

What's your name?

Will.

William.

Can you take him upstairs?

Nice kid.

What brings you here?

Do you want to come inside?

No.

Don't go to any trouble. I... 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.

I took me a while to figure out

you've 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...

when I let you go.

Well, 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, Mme First Lady.

It's such an honour to meet you. It really is a privilege.

You can not enter. The room is full.

Please stay here. We are full.

Hello, sir.

People have no decency any more.

I think that's Frank.

The New York Women's Symphony performed 4 successful years.

When Antonia began to accept male musicians...

the public's interest disappeared and the orchestra ceased to exist.

Antonia devoted her entire life to music...

and remained active as a guest conductor for famous orchestras.

However, she never attained a permanent position as chief conductor.

In 2008, the well-respected magazine Gramophone...

published a ranking of the 20 best orchestras in the world.

None of these orchestras has ever had a female chief conductor.

Gramophone published another ranking in 2017...

now with the 50 greatest conductors of all time.

0% are women.