Original subtitles

So I'm going to play a note. Repeat after me, okay?

I'll play the bass, you play the chords.

A child prodigy is a child whose parents have a wild imagination.

THE CHILD PRODIGY

Andre, we can't!

We can't end up on the street.

Mom will worry.

She'll understand.

You and your crazy ideas!

Your stupid ideas get me in trouble!

- Yes? - Got a piano?

You're the Mathieu boy from next door?

Yeah. Give me 5 cents, I'll play something for you.

He doesn't wanna starve.

Mimi?

What's this about a recital?

The recital.

You told Andre we'd organize a recital?

playing for an audience is part of learning, Rodolphe.

As you well know.

Will I play?

There... See? How can I refuse him now?

Just say no and leave it at that.

I'm working with a young composer learning his craft.

He's not a circus animal!

He practices 3 hours a day,

studies music theory and dictation,

works on his compositions...

Public recognition might do him good.

Do you good.

If you object, just say no.

See, that... When you do that--

- What?! - That.

Create drama, then wash your hands of it.

The prodigy we've heard so much about?

"Prodigy" may sound overblown...

Beyond his pianistic talents,

the originality of his works is staggering.

His power to express what he sees and feels.

Excuse me.

Meet Mr. Wilfrid Pelietier.

My former student and now a great conductor

with the New York Metropolitan Opera.

Good evening, Andre.

My love...

... tonight...

... is crucial for ourfuture.

Understand? - Of course.

She seems nervous.

Indeed!

"After his Concertino No. 2,

"young Mr. Mathieu ended his recital with 3 piano studies.

"To what extent should the young prodigy's works

be attributed to him?''

''In short, his composing is all too akin to his father's.

The modern tones suggest as much.''

What absolute rubbish.

Enough, Rodolphe.

No one cares what Leduc says.

They say they're not my works?

They mean your style resembles yourfather's.

No. They mean I'm the composer.

They'll persecute him, because they despise what I stand for!

Rodolphe, calm down.

My modern music galls them.

They like their square-dancing music,

harmonica reels.

They want hymns celebrating the Mass of Monsignor So-and-So,

singing the praises of St. Whoever, patron saint of lost causes.

Genius or not,

the boy has genius.

He consistently amazes me.

He mustn't languish here.

I know people in New York who'd love to help.

Leduc's a real halfwit.

He can't read a musical score. He's tone-deaf!

There's plenty to do here.

Mr. Hutcheson wants you to audition for Jullilard,

one of the world's best music schools.

You're the best music school.

That's sweet.

It's true.

Don't act like a spolled child.

We're in New York to stay.

He wants to know what you'll be playing.

The cadenza of his 2nd Concertino.

Not while my son's playing.

Shows how he's thinking big.

We're talking a committee of professional mentoring musicians.

One's even offered to house him.

And his family?

Andre is a rare virtuoso,

very rare for a child his age--

Just a moment.

We're not talking about training a virtuoso...

... but a composer.

You can't ask Julillard to support the whole family.

It's not possible.

You're right, angel.

We'll be much better off in French-speaking Paris.

Can we visit the Eiffel Tower?

We'll see it every day.

Paris! Who said anything about Paris?!

Costs a fortune!

Let's cross.

The smell...

The cellings, walls...

I lived right there.

Downstairs was Madame de Vinet.

Upstairs was the English violinist.

And Fernandel across the way.

I must call my manager.

Did I ever mention Marcel de Valmalete?

That's making that sound?

And the music? You punch the holes?

No.

I buy them.

Composition Class

How do you compose?

Close your eyes.

- Excuse me? - To understand,

I have to explain.

Close your eyes.

Picture yourself behind a big boat.

Think of seaguils.

Here's an easier one.

Bees.

Stinging bees.

Indians.

With feathers.

Dancing around the fire.

The best hall is the Salle Chopin.

All of Paris Will be there.

Members of the Mozart Society, too.

Most great critics, as well.

Vuillermoz, Rebatet,

Brete, Carol-Berard...

I'll invite Maurice Ravel.

He's probably too I'll to attend.

Rachmaninov could come.

Pipo!

Wait!

Here - tickets to my concert.

- Your concert? - You'll come?

Rachmaninov Will be there.

I only play my compositions.

Please come, tell me if you liked it.

Sorry, I have to practice!

Sergei...

My respects, sir, madam.

Thank you for coming.

- I think that's Rachmaninov. - Of course.

He has big hands. - Dear Rodolphe, how are you?

Quite well, thank you.

Delighted you came.

Wouldn't miss it.

Good evening. - Same to you.

Come. Mom and Dad Will be looking for us.

Sergei...

How are you, son?

- You're a journalist? - Yes, sir.

Who's the man with Rachmaninov?

The pianist Charles Bojarzin.

A disciple of Rachmaninov's.

He quit at the height of his fame.

I remember.

- Good evening. - You, too.

You may not understand...

... the importance of tonight's concert.

Ourfuture depends on it.

Understand?

Whatever happens, I'll always be proud of you.

I'm proud of you, too.

Mr. Mathieu, how do you feel after such a triumph?

Excuse me.

Magnificent, son.

Look.

He reminds me of you.

He reminds me of you.

Congratulations, my friend.

There is...

How do you say...?

Depth and power in your compositions.

Simple yet so complex.

''Andre Mathieu has quickly become an extraordinary pianist/composer,

''as we heard the other night at the Salle Chopin.

I believe this new Mozart has a very bright future.''

Brete, Les Artistes d'Aujourd'hui.

''His works manifest an authority,

''an independence and dynamism

that denote a disposition with which we'll have to reckon.''

Carol-Berard, I'Echo de Paris.

''Young Andre Mathieu is a child overwhose crib

''all good music fairies leaned.

''If the word 'genius' has meaning, it may be found here.

''I don't yet know if young Andre Mathieu Will surpass Mozart,

''but I maintain that at his age,

''Mozart had created nothing equal to what was performed,

''with stunning panache,

by this miraculous boy.''

Emile Vuillermoz.

Do you still compose?

I left the urge to compose behind in Russia.

Just the opposite for me.

I've been composing 100 times more since I arrived here.

You're very fortunate.

My music no longer seems to interest anyone.

If so,

how Will mine?

Your music speaks to the heart,

not to the head.

Today, composers are more interested...

... in a riot of noise

and dissonance.

They call it...

modernism.

I... need a melody.

Otherwise, I can't manage.

Keep listening to your heart.

Remain true to yourself.

Only you can lay claim to my succession.

You have what it takes

to become a great composer.

Paris welcomes Andre Mathieu

Andre Mathieu conquers Paris

Andre Mathieu impresses Rachmaninoff

Records by Andre Mathieu

Andre Mathieu on tour

Andre Mathieu plays Deauvlile and Lisieux

Andre Mathieu.. a Canadian Mozart?

English Press halls Andre Mathieu

Little Mozart, the film..

... For this war is not a Franco-German war

that can be decided by a battle.

This a world war.

None can foresee...

... if neutral countries...

... Will remain so.

Will Germany's allies remain so?

We've been advised to leave Paris.

If the Germans come, it may be too late.

I brought you my record.

Thank you.

Take care of yourself, son.

We're leaving.

Good luck.

Take care. Perhaps we'll meet again.

Good luck.

I need help, Wllfrid.

Do it forAndre.

The horn is...

magnificent.

The beauty of the strings.

I still think the same of him.

I still have my friends.

I'm glad I'm still among them.

Smells dusty, llke cat pee.

A good cleaning Will put it back in order.

Not a cleaning, a miracle.

Okay, children,

we can either complain

and feel sorry for ourselves...

... or settle in...

... and show the Americans what the French discovered?

I know we just arrived...

... but this competition is open to everyone.

No one can do better.

You've discussed this with Rodolphe?

I'd rather keep him out of it.

Rodolphe has his pride.

I'm not sure he'd agree.

- It's my score. - Just a minute, Andre.

He wants to know what?!

Not half-notes.

What's he saying?

That you don't understand.

No, he doesn't!

Not eighth-notes - triplets to break the rhythm.

That he understands! He's making a suggestion:

use eighth-notes instead of triplets.

I used a triplet

because I wanted a triplet.

What's the problem?

Change your attitude or there'll be a big one.

What attitude?!

I don't understand a thing.

You answerfor me. What am I supposed to do?

I'm here to help you.

And it's very hard to sit here,

at the second piano,

having no input in your lessons.

I trust you understand that?

Wipe that smirk off!

Enough with the prima-donna attitude!

What are you doing?

Your turn.

You can only move one square at a time.

But you moved 2 squares.

That's different. I have a king.

Of course, it's always different for you.

You're "special"

That's the thanks I get for playing with you?

You're playing with me

because you can't play alone.

There!

I don't wanna play anymore.

Congratulations.

You won!

I won?

The New York Phllharmonic's composition competition.

I wasn't even there.

It's a composition competition.

They don't want to see the composer but the score.

What did I win?

The New York Phllharmonic Orchestra!

- I won an orchestra? -You'll play with the orchestra.

Here.

- What about me? - You're too llttle.

What, he's bigger than me?

Always the same old story.

- Do we have anything for her? - I'll see.

Easy, easy!

Young Andre Mathieu's sensational N.Y. debut

More than 2,000 fans applaud Andre Mathieu

Mathieu acclaimed in U.S.

Prodigy of yesterday, young master of today

Mathieu already an accompllshed musician

New works at world premiere...

Modernity isn't for me.

It's too fast-paced.

I'm totally old-fashioned.

Modernity is crap.

It allows morons to justify their mediocrity.

Mediocre or not,

it can't be the solution.

Wait.

''Concerto for Percussion and Stairs.''

That's nothing new. It's been done.

See? I'm really old-fashioned.

Arthur Honegger's Class

Arthur Honegger's Class

So...

So what?

What do you have for me?

Avague idea.

Mr. Mathieu,

henceforth...

... I want you sober in class. Understand?

But I am sober.

That's the problem.

I'd start with...

... something a llttle modern, llke...

Mr. Mathieu, I'm talking to you.

Me, too.

Detach! Detach more!

Articulate!

Mr. Mathieu, you are...

... the greatest pianist I've ever heard.

Believe me, I've heard them all.

What about my concerto?

Your virtuosity is extraordinary.

Unique.

You could become the greatest pianist of your time.

My only interest is...

my compositions.

Anyone can play the piano.

What about the European tour?

Touring?

I'm a composer, not a pianist, Camillette.

You're lovelier than ever.

It's true.

You're a woman now.

You'll have to hold your own.

How?

You've always come first.

When you're around, it's all about you.

When you're not, even more so.

You take up so much space, everyone else is left out.

Camillette...

That's just how it is.

You should've seen Mom.

Sitting by her bags,

convinced we'd join you someday.

Atotal nutcase.

You're not nine anymore.

Mathieu of Paris and New York...

Those days are gone.

You shouldn't have come back.

For your own sake.

You still had a chance there. It's a wasteland here.

God knows what went wrong.

Broke.

Uninspired.

Above all, gutless.

I'm washed up.

Meet Serge Lebrun, a fellow actor.

Andre Mathieu. - Delighted.

I'm a big fan, Andre.

If you need anything - Benzedrine, amphetamines -

I've got it all.

I'm good, thanks.

This is different.

I've got this.

Intense.

Intense?

Glorious!

Divine!

''You think no more of your good friend, cruel woman.

''Don't you know that without you,

''without your heart, your love,

there is no happiness, no life, for your husband?''

Pathetic.

What?

Napoleon.

It's a letter to Josephine.

Maybe their relationship lacked magic.

So he made her disappear?

Colette Ostiguy.

Yourfather taught my sister, Marianne.

You're the actress.

My father always said he had two daughters:

one beautiful, the other smart.

You're not so bad.

Charmer.

''Aman has no friends, his happiness has plenty.''

Have you known these two long?

Long enough to be ashamed when they speak.

Small wonder she's stlll single.

Marriage creates problems you wouldn't have if you were single.

Look, a piano.

play something before things get worse...

You're an actor, Serge.

I'd never dream of asking you

to perform Mollere in a restaurant.

You want me to play piano in a restaurant?

Leave him alone. You're being ridiculous.

Have you known Robert Gouin long?

I met him one night at the theatre,

then we went for a drink.

Now we're inseparable.

Robert Gouin's a great actor.

You never know when he's being honest.

He's always been honest with me.

I don't have many friends.

Yet you're famous.

Famous in name only.

Your name must be of some use.

In reminding me of who I was.

You have regrets?

Quite the opposite.

When we got back from New York,

we had nothing left.

Pennlless, too.

And I was a bit too old...

to play to the gallery.

Being the family breadwinner at 11 is a heavy burden.

And you?

It's compllcated.

It's never enough.

My mother says...

you're the most moving actress she's ever seen.

Your mother?

You're talking about your mother?!

What are you doing?

Watching you sleep.

Like when you were little.

I think I'm in love.

In love?

What do you know about love?

Nothing.

I write hours of emotion-fllled music,

yet know nothing about love!

Love is compllcated.

Compllcated!

It's not compllcated, it's beautiful.

It can be painful, too.

Who is she?

Does it matter?

I have a right to know.

I've always said...

... trust Mimi Mathieu...

... to go to war over a flirt.

As you say...

... we'll have to cut the cord someday.

Andre, who is she?

Colette...

... Ostiguy.

The actress?

If anyone can understand me...

... it's her.

Andre has a busy career.

I have my career, too.

Don't you think he's a little young for you?

It wasn't clear.

When it starts off badly...

We were looking for you.

Can we talk?

Sure.

Well, we...

We'll go see...

We'll be outside.

You okay?

I love you.

I really llke you.

I think you're...

... charming.

Above all, intelligent.

You've experienced so much, but...

Of course.

There's always a ''but.''

I really llke you, Andre.

But it won't work.

Damn, damn, damn...

This is your doing, huh?

I know it's you!

You went to see her!!

- What's he talking about? - You robbed me of everything!

My youth! My money! My name!

You sold me a dream only to take it away!!

What more do you want?!!

To rip my heart out?!

My guts?! You want my soul, too?!!

It's all your fault, Mimi Mathieu.

I'll never forgive you.

Never.

What'd I miss?

Mind your own business.

What happened?

What's happening to him?

Nothing.

Let's go.

If something bad happened, you'd tell me?

No need to talk, I understand.

It's heartbreaking.

The bad news is...

... you neverforget the first time.

But you see, artists...

... the great ones...

... feed on such moments.

And you have the ability to express...

... yourfeelings through your music.

You're becoming a man, son.

I want to go back to Paris.

Running away won't help.

You can't escape a broken heart.

Composer Andre Mathieu is staging a comeback,

attempting to beat the world record

for endurance held by American Carl Fletcher.

Tickets are $1,

which include a free drink.

A poker tournament Will also be held.

Bring family and friends,

have your picture taken with our national virtuoso.

A piano derby!

Andre Mathieu is taking part in a piano derby.

Unbelievable.

Know what?

I can't help thinking of poor Rodolphe.

He must be mortified. - You're a composer, Andre!

You're going to humiliate yourself for a lousy contest?!

I've been starving all my life!!

I drank to dull the hunger!!

So excuse me if dignity is foreign to me!!

Don't you have a shred of integrity left?!!

All these years spent believing he's a serious musician

to end up a piano-playing puppet!

So, he's a clown!

Andre Mathieu has become nothing but a circus act.

Maybe I miss it!

Maybe I need to see people!

Sorry but I won't end up like you!

I won't crawl to the CBC begging them to play my works!

Go ahead, boy! Make a fool of yourself!

Have it your way, go ahead. Go on!

Do as you please!

Andre Mathieu making his entrance. I shall greet him personally.

Welcome, Andre.

Andre Mathieu whom I saw perform at the University of Ottawa,

where he played one of his own works.

Very impressive.

Andre Mathieu sits at the piano. The room goes quiet.

I was asked if I would execute my works.

I said I'm against the death penalty.

The first piece I composed was ''In the Night.''

I was therefore bom in the dead of night.

My first recital was at age 5,

here in Montreal.

1:30 a.m.

There's still a big crowd.

Hello.

Good evening.

What's your name?

Vivianne.

Let's not be formal.

Vivianne...

... as in ''vivifying''?

20 hours, 59 minutes!

Almost there...

One of our hometown greats

about to achieve

a remarkable feat:

21 consecutive hours of his works!

Less than a minute to go!

You're humlliating yourself for a lousy contest?!

The circus animal's too old!

It's okay. It's me.

It's Camillette. It's okay!

Get help, would you?

Calm down, Andre.

Calm down.

If it wasn't for me, you'd be a ballerina!

Clear off!!

Paris!!!

Honneger, forget your concerto!!!

Detox Centre

Once Groleau pays me, I'm going back to Paris.

$400.

He said what with the hall...

... advertising expenses...

... free drinks...

He promised $10,000.

Andre, listen.

You have to stop drinking.

You can't go on this way.

Your father-- - He just wants me at the piano.

You have no right.

Your father has always put you first.

I never want to hear you speak Ill of your father,

because... you don't know!

Get better, Andre.

Then go away.

Leave home.

Your problem isn't booze,

it's her.

If she could, she'd have you stuffed.

play ''Canadian Spring'' for me.

I can't - it's summer.

''Oh! My Beautiful Love''?

Be serious.

It's my favourite.

The teacher usually gives the orders.

Is this not a piano lesson?

Go fool around somewhere else.

Understand, Miss Lecompte?

We should take a walk.

Let's go to my place.

You want to what?

Get married.

To whom?

Gustav Mahler.

Say something.

What can I say? He wants to marry.

At his age...

Who put such ideas in your head?

You can't even cook an egg.

We're not cooking,

we're getting married.

Weddings are expensive.

Money isn't a problem.

We'll manage.

Listen carefully.

As long as I live...

there'll never be another Mrs. Mathieu.

We should write you a requiem.

I know I've disappointed you.

It's your life. Do as you please.

One marries for love.

Not to escape one's parents.

A mother knows.

We've sacrificed our llves for you.

We've never asked for anything.

And we'll keep doing so, son.

We'll always be there.

I'm tired.

I feel old.

I just feel like...

... closing my eyes, never waking up.

I want a baby.

Why?

As fodder for the devil?

You want to sell dishes?

When you get gas...

... they give you plates, glasses...

Bowls, too.

Takes a while to get a full set.

I'll sell them what they need.

How?

Door-to-door?

Tell you what, I'll call them.

They'll pick this up and...

... we'll forget the dishes, okay?

Seemed like a good idea.

You're a pianist, Andre.

Pianists play the piano, they don't sell dishes.

I'm a composer, not a pianist.

Don't touch that, it's contagious.

I've lost interest.

I think I've lost my passion.

You never lose that.

When I think of all you've sacrificed...

It was no hardship.

When you came along...

... I wasn't going anywhere.

I never told you, but...

... you've always been my best friend.

That's a great compllment, Andre.

If I only had half your talent...

... I would've accomplished great things.

You just wanted to please everyone.

It's no sin.

You wanted to please everyone at once.

Mr. Mathieu?

Ceclle Lebel.

Afriend of the Mayor's.

You don't know me, but I know you.

I attended your first recital.

That was a lifetime ago, madam.

As a child, I was somebody else.

You could even say I was somebody.

The Mayorwould love you to play your ''Romantic Rhapsody''

for the 325th anniversary celebration of the City of Montreal.

The Mayor's never heard it.

Neither have I.

Indeed, we want to hear it.

''Romantic Rhapsody'' accompanied by

the Montreal Symphony Orchestra.

It could lead to a big tour,

Andre Mathieu's comeback.

Keeping Andre busy keeps him sober.

You didn't mention me?

Absolutely not.

I hope he understands.

The Mayor can use his influence...

... but only Andre can help himself.

I really appreciate this.

I'm doing it for Andre.

Out of the question.

Mr. Pelletier,

the Mayor of Montreal has insisted Andre--

We've never seen the score of the ''Rhapsody.''

Here you are.

We've never heard it.

Please, Mr. Pelletier.

If you have any respect for Andre,

give him a chance.

It's your orchestra! -Achance!

He's had countless chances!

Andre Mathieu has become nothing but a circus act.

Allttle...

... exhibitionist ''tinkler.''

Who's responsible for his own misfortunes.

Andre Mathieu is dead.

He died the night of his piano derby.

Sorry, Mimi, but it's true.

I found something

for Rhapsody's ending.

Sixteenth-notes...

scales...

Sextuplet.

Cecile called.

The concert's been cancelled.

Pelletier claims that since it's never been played,

the orchestra would need 20 hours' rehearsal.

They can't afford it.

There's still the tour...

Cecile's working hard setting up dates.

I imagine.

It sounds flat.

Your instruments are out of tune.

Take five.

They're nice,

but I can't work with students.

It's almost a quarter-tone off.

Bad news.

The concert tour...

I had to cancel it.

Only 9 tickets were sold.

They've forgotten me.

I've been forgotten.

Andre Mathieu died in 1968 at age 39.

His repertoire includes more than 100 works.

Subtitling produced with the participation of Telefilm Canada

Translation and Subtitllng: Danielle Gauthier, CNST, Montreal

Arthur Honegger's Class