Original subtitles

- I was your typical country boy.

Tap danced, played the piano and sang.

Every town had one, I thought I was pretty normal.

Until everyone told me I wasn't.

(upbeat music)

- [Woman] Peter Allen is on of Australia's favorite sons.

One of the biggest names in show biz.

- [Man] He was an entertainer right from a young boy.

- [Man] Peter Allen was the son of a grocer.

- He shot himself when I was 13.

It's kinda why I left school.

- [Man] The prolific entertainer

who was discovered by Judy Garland.

- [Woman] And married her daughter Liza Minnelli.

- [Man] It has been said is it a marriage of convenience.

- You think I'm with Liza to get to the Garland fortune?

What fortune?

- [Man] Rumors constantly circled around his sexuality.

- Well I guess your wondering is he or isn't he?

Well I have to admit that I am.

Australian.

(laughs)

- [Woman] He just had a zest for living.

- [Man] It came direct from his mother.

Either you crawl up in a hole,

or you get out there and you live life.

- [Man] Allen cut short his last Australian concert tour.

- Australia and the world

today lost an entertainment legend.

- [Woman] And he said to me thank God I lived.

- [Man] Famous for his hits like Rio

and I Still Call Australia Home.

He was 48 years old.

(upbeat music)

- No one's to now.

- I don't see how we can keep this from.

- We just do Bruce, okay?

I don't want everyone in the audience watch

me playing thinking oh, he's gonna die.

I'd rather they just thought about the song I'm singing.

- They're getting suspicious.

- Please, buy me some more time?

- Okay.

- How long do you think you can keep up the act kid?

Not talking Peter?

Well that's just plain rude.

What do you know, one in three marriages ends in divorce.

This generation.

What ever happened to sticking it out?

- [Liza] Peter?

Peter.

- [Peter] It was wrong for you

to see it like that, I'm sorry.

- [Liza] Well are you gonna tell everyone?

- [Peter] If this comes out I'm, I don't know what to do,

I don't know what to tell everyone.

(upbeat music)

♪ You are all the woman I need ♪

- Out here, gonna be out here.

Well this ones pretty cute.

- Now darling, no flirting with the natives.

- [Interviewer] Are there any plans to start a family?

- Well Peter and I both love children but not yet.

- We both have to grow up first.

- [Interviewer] Mrs. Minnelli just one more question.

- That's all for today folks, we've had a long flight

and have a hectic schedule in front of us, need to rest up.

Hope to see you all at the show.

- [Man] Okay people that's it.

- [Woman] Thank you for your time Mrs. Minnelli.

- Thank you.

♪ Bend me shape me any way you want me ♪

♪ Long as you love me it's all right ♪

♪ Bend me shape me any way you want me ♪

(knocking)

- Mum they're here.

- Oh God, I love those stockings.

- Well you can't have 'em.

- Oh my darling boy.

- Mum.

- You sound like a Yankee.

- Comes from marrying one, where is that wife of yours?

- Oh didn't I say, Liza's staying at the Hilton.

She's about to start pre production on The Sterile Cuckoo.

Needs time alone to climb into character.

- Well, must be hard playing someone else.

- Oh my God look at that sponge is that passion fruit?

(audience cheering)

- Come on, Winnie, quick.

- And audiences have been really receptive.

Haven't they Pete?

- It's been incredible.

We have a really polished act now

and I think Australian audiences will be impressed.

- And a reminder you can catch the Allen brothers

tomorrow night at Checkers Night Club.

I believe a certain someone is also appearing on the bill.

- Now who's he talking about I wonder?

(audience cheering)

Oh it's you, I know you.

- Oh hello husband, did you remember to put the trash out?

- It's rubbish love, in this country it's rubbish.

- Hello Sydney.

(audience cheering)

- She's hasn't even sung a note yet.

- This is a song from my up coming album.

(audience cheering) (upbeat music)

- Congratulations Peter, she's such a terrific young woman.

- Thank you Brian, I couldn't be happier.

- Good luck for the tour.

I'm sure it will be a huge success.

(cheering)

♪ No my baby don't love nobody but me ♪

♪ Nobody but me ♪

(laughing)

- Oh look at them, aren't they something Bobbie?

- Yes.

♪ I am the sweet patootie ♪

♪ And he is my loving man ♪

♪ Who knows knows how to do his duty ♪

♪ Loves me like no other can ♪

♪ That's why everybody love my baby ♪

♪ But my baby don't love nobody but me ♪

♪ Nobody but me ♪

- Can you give me a copy of Age please?

Thanks.

- Poota.

♪ That's why everybody loves my baby ♪

♪ But my baby don't love nobody but me ♪

♪ Nobody but me ♪

♪ My baby don't love ♪

♪ My baby don't love ♪

♪ Nobody but me ♪

♪ Nobody but me ♪

- Where the hell is my goddamn daughter?

- I told you.

- Why won't she come and see me when I'm in town?

- Liza's filming.

- I come all the way from England for gods sake.

- Judy this is a friend of mine, David Smith, Judy Garland.

- What'll it be?

I heard you like triple vodka, no ice.

- I like him already.

(chuckles)

- How's London?

- Great.

- Yeah?

- I got married to number four, Micky Deans, you'd live him.

- Judy it's five.

- Oh, fuck me you're right.

(laughs)

Time flies when you're having fun.

Keep 'em coming.

(piano music)

What is that?

- It's just something I'm playing around with.

- Haven't heard that one before.

- Well it's one of mine.

- [Judy] You should be performing

your own songs, you know that.

- Oh Judy, Judy, Judy.

- Damn, steps are slippery.

You've got a gift.

- You're just saying that so I'll cover your cab fair.

- What, you're gonna keep doing

that two bit act till the day you die?

- Well the two bit act seemed okay

to open for you I seem to remember.

- Honey I don't want an act that would outshine me,

I wanted you to be good but not that good.

You gotta grab this song writing business

by the balls Peter, what are you waiting for?

The gigs are trying up, you must sense that.

That song you wrote that was really beautiful.

- What would you know?

Come on let's get you home.

Hi.

Thank you.

Night Judy.

(dramatic music)

(phone rings)

Hello, Peter speaking.

When?

(dramatic music)

To me Judy was the epitome of everything

that is good about this country.

Warm, frank and funny.

She possessed the spirit to win.

She didn't win all the time but she never stopped trying.

- Come Pete.

- I will never forget our years together.

She taught me everything I know.

♪ Glide in my beautiful balloon. ♪

♪ Would you like glide in my beautiful balloon ♪

♪ We could sail among the stars together you and I ♪

♪ For we can fly we can fly ♪

♪ Up up and away in my beautiful my beautiful ♪

♪ My beautiful balloon ♪

♪ Balloon balloon ♪

(audience applauding)

I quit.

- You can't just call it quits.

What about me?

We've got a great act.

- Oh the act, the decade, they're all dead Chris.

All right, we're the last ones to figure it out.

- We're just going through a lame patch.

I'm sure if we go back to Vegas we can really.

- I don't wanna do Vegas, all right

not as an Allen brother anyway.

I wanna play my own songs.

- Well you can.

- My material doesn't fit our show, you've always said it.

You're right.

- We could do some sort of combo.

- I don't know.

- It'd be weird not seeing your face everyday.

- Yeah, I'll miss you to.

You're the best brother a guy never had.

(dramatic music)

- What are you doing?

- [Peter] Going it alone.

- Oh boy, good luck with that.

I tried that and ended up 3,000,000 dollars

in the red to the IRS.

(dramatic music)

- Mrs. Minnelli's not available.

- Don't give me that, I'm her husband

- [Woman] Mr. Allen.

- Liza.

- Well Jesus Peter.

- Your assistant said your unavailable,

I see she got that wrong.

I know you, you're Rex Crammer, you play guitar.

I'm Peter Allen, I play Liza's husband.

- I'm gonna go get some air.

You okay?

- Yup.

- Never get used to seeing you with other men.

- Oh well ditto to that.

Well what are you doing here?

Peter are you okay?

- Chris and I split up the act.

I'm finally striking out on my own like you

and your mum said I should.

The thing is in order to be me I've

gotta stop being Mr. Minnelli.

We're only together these days at the opening of envelopes.

We mix in different circles.

- Well I hate you're friends, they're so pretentious.

- Well I hate yours, all the Hollywood types

with brains full of custard.

(chuckles)

- Well we still make each other laugh.

Peter.

- Liza.

I can't keep going on like this.

- Well I still love you.

- I still love you.

- Well I can't cope without you in my life Peter.

- Yeah without me you're just a nobody.

(chuckles)

You're okay.

(dramatic music)

(upbeat music)

♪ Taking care of business. ♪

- I write deeply personal songs

and I really wanna make people think.

I wanna move them.

- I wanna make them take out their wallets.

We're not looking for a folk act kid, sorry.

- Hang on a sec.

You say you write as well as sing?

- That's right.

- Can you write fast, can you hit a dead line?

- Yeah when I work, I work hard.

- Can't offer you a record deal

but there is a position on our staff writing team.

We need you to crack out a song a day.

- For whom?

- Bobby Sherman has a big following

with the teenybopper market.

Comes with a regular pay check.

- Well if the singles I write Bobby

become hits I want you to let me produce my own album.

(chuckles)

- If they become hits I can live with that.

(knocks)

- Hi, Carole.

I'm Peter Allen.

- Who was your first girlfriend?

- Well that'd be Jenny.

- Jennifer, perfect.

Why'd you break up?

- We haven't I still write to her every week.

We're more friends than anything else.

- That's no good to me, I'm trying to write a leaving song.

- Oh well I know all about leaving, I mean.

What have you got so far?

- You know just an idea really.

The sad regrets you have after you break up.

- When you start to remember all the good times you shared.

- And not just what drove you

to wanna stick a knife in their eye.

- You're married huh?

- Oh yeah.

- Funny how so many moments that slip away.

- The things I meant to say.

♪ The things I meant to say ♪

- I should have said them all.

♪ Before today ♪

♪ To Jennifer Jennifer ♪

(upbeat music)

- Who would have thought he'd pull it off?

- I know but how are we supposed to market this fruit?

- How about the company that brought

you Bobby Sherman now presents someone even younger.

(laughs)

♪ Burn baby burn ♪

♪ Burn baby burn ♪

♪ Burn baby burn ♪

♪ Burn baby burn ♪

♪ To my surprise ♪

♪ Listen one hundred stories high ♪

♪ People getting loose y'all getting down on the roof ♪

♪ Folks are flaming out of control ♪

- You're a great dancer.

- You know you are a very attractive woman.

- Thank you.

- It's doing nothing for my chances of getting laid honey.

(laughs)

♪ I heard somebody say ♪

You still haven't told me what you thought of my album.

- I liked it.

- Come on Carole.

- Some songs are a bit light on for me.

I prefer your darker material

when you really dig down for the emotion you know?

(dramatic music)

♪ But now that I've been down there ♪

♪ I got a bit surprised ♪

♪ No magnolias blossomed there before my very eyes ♪

♪ I'd like to know who made up all those God damn lies ♪

♪ About Dixie way down south ♪

(clapping)

- Peter Allen everybody.

Peter thanks for coming back for the Band Stand reunion.

- Oh it's a pleasure Brian.

It's great to have a reason to come back home

and see everybody.

- And how's New York treating you Peter?

- Terrible.

Well America's been great to me Brian,

I've just had my first solo album produced.

That was a lot of fun and sales are going great.

I've sold two records.

- Oh, this is on national TV.

- I know, you gonna lie, lie big.

- You remember Oliva form the old days.

- Now Pete, when are you gonna write me a song?

He writes the most beautiful songs, don't you Pete.

- Oh now the pressures on.

- No it's not.

I've been wondering whether

or not I made the right decision.

Thinking maybe I should just quit.

- And do what?

- I don't know, I was thinking maybe some behind

the scenes work, you know record and produce.

- Behind the scenes?

- [Peter] Yeah.

- Come on, for this you were doing

AL Johnson since you were five?

- A sailor then.

- Now that I could buy.

(laughs)

We do this a lot don't we?

- Yeah.

- Yeah.

- All these young surfer types everywhere.

There's blonde haired, blue eyed visions.

Yeah and the RSL is just around the corner, 12 cent beers.

Yeah.

Yeah you and David would love it.

Neil I can hear the beeps so I better go.

Okay.

Yeah we'll see you back soon.

Say hi to David for me, okay, yup.

(dramatic music)

Lynne, there's a whole news paper article honoring granddad.

- Yeah, they're opening a library in his name.

- I didn't know that.

- What do you want for lunch?

Pete?

- The late George Woolnough worked On High street

and lived on manners.

Tenterfield Saddler.

♪ There dancing on the back porch just him and me ♪

♪ He could try his best try ♪

(dramatic music)

What's 60 take eight?

- 52.

- 52 years.

♪ The late George Woolnough worked ♪

♪ On High street lived on manners ♪

♪ 52 years sat on his veranda ♪

♪ Made his saddles ♪

♪ And if you had questions about sheep ♪

♪ Or flowers or dogs ♪

♪ You'd just ask the saddler ♪

♪ He lived without sin they're building a library for him ♪

♪ Time is a traveler Tenterfield saddler ♪

♪ Turn your head ♪

♪ Ride again Jackeroo think I see kangaroo up ahead ♪

♪ Son of George Woolnough went off ♪

♪ And got married and had a war baby ♪

♪ Something was wrong it's easier to drink than go crazy ♪

♪ And if there were questions about why the end was so sad ♪

♪ Well George had no answers about ♪

♪ Why his son ever has a need of a gun ♪

- Change the names Peter.

- No, mum it wouldn't be the same.

♪ Time is a traveler Tenterfield saddler Turn your head ♪

♪ Ride agan jackeroo think I see a kangaroo up ahead ♪

♪ The grandson of George has been all around the world ♪

♪ And lives no special place ♪

♪ Changed his last name and he married ♪

♪ A girl with an interesting face ♪

♪ He'd almost forgotten them both ♪

♪ Cause in the life that he leads ♪

♪ There's no where for George and his library ♪

♪ Or a son with a gun to belong ♪

♪ Except in this song ♪

- [Liza] Now Peter that was beautiful.

- Thank you so much for coming.

We really should catch up.

- Well that'd be great.

I'd love to, I'll have my PA call you to.

- Liza.

- Well I'll call you.

- Not if I call you first.

- They'll have to sit up and take notice now.

- What do you think?

- He's cute.

- He's too cute, I mean do you think he's?

- You're asking me?

- Hi.

My friend would like to buy you a drink.

- I'd really rather you bought me one.

- Hoped you'd say that.

- Greg.

- Hi Greg, I'm Peter.

- Man I loved your song about the saddler.

That one really lives right here doesn't it?

- You're cute and smart.

- Shut up and buy me a drink.

(laughs)

- Beer?

- [Greg] Yeah.

- Morning.

- Hey.

- Greg you didn't tell me you were a model.

- Oh.

(laughs)

Well I'm looking to change jobs.

- Ah, that's interesting.

What are you like with your hand?

Mechanically speaking.

(knocks)

Looking for a lighting designer.

- Are you serious?

- Absolutely.

That way I can have you by my side always.

- You always come on so strong?

- Never.

Helen Reddy was not to be missed

but if you waw her you would have had

to sit through someone called

Peter Allen who was just awful.

- What crap, what fucking concert was this guy at?

You were fantastic.

- I'm afraid the world doesn't agree.

- No Pete, the audience loved you, really.

I mean you're amazing.

You know I had no idea who you were when you first came on.

Boy half way through that first song you had me.

How come I never heard you on the radio,

I mean why didn't your record company promote you more?

- They're having trouble working out how to market me.

- Cause you're gay?

- No it's cause I'm a funny little cabaret

act when the world is after Mick Jagger.

What makes you think I'm gay?

(laughs)

(upbeat music)

- Mr. Allen you need to make an appointment.

- Hi Peter.

- Why produce a record and then do nothing to promote it?

What's Peter Frampton got that I haven't?

- Frampton's a little easier to market then you.

- What does that even mean?

Frank we talking musically, hair color, what?

- It's hard to pin down.

- You know my worst song was a hit

for Bobby Sherman and you can't even make

a hit out of one of my good ones, it's driving me nuts.

When are you guys gonna start promoting me?

- Okay the boys think you're unmarketable

because of you know, the homo thing.

- Do you agree with that?

- No, no I don't.

- Well who's the boss Frank?

- Okay.

Attention everybody.

I wanna set something straight once and for all.

Peter Allen is a great artist,

he's gonna be with this label for a very long time.

Anything else in incidental.

So it's about time we all got behind him.

(chuckles)

Anyone got a problem with that, come and see me.

♪ Maybe I'll hang around here a little more than I should ♪

♪ We both know I've got somewhere else to go ♪

♪ But I got something to tell you ♪

♪ That I never thought I would ♪

♪ That I believe you really ought to know ♪

♪ I love you ♪

♪ I honestly love you ♪

- I'm so proud Pete.

- How do I look on TV?

- A lot like a living Houghton John.

Oh and I've got some mail from you to.

I hope you haven't sent me anymore money sweet heart,

you know I've got a job now and.

What is this?

- It's title deeds to your apartment mom.

- What, I don't understand.

- You never have to rent again,

you can paint the walls any color you want.

- Oh Peter.

I don't know how to thank you.

- Don't thank me, thank Olivia.

She paid for it.

- It was your song Pete, your words.

- And Olivia's hair.

- Well you can't complain about that.

- [Olivia] Hi, Olivia.

- [Greg] It's nice to finally meet you.

- Oh he's on the phone.

- Yeah, on the phone with mommy dearest.

- Oh I've gotta go, the hair has actually just arrived so.

- I love you sweet heart.

- Love you back, more than chips.

- Oh we go way back.

- Interesting days wasn't it?

- Peter gave me my first title.

That didn't come out right.

- Well it didn't for me either.

- Oh stop it you, here, house warming present.

- Oh it's passion fruit, fantastic.

Know I tried growing one in New York, didn't work.

Wasn't the right climate.

- Well duh Peter, could a told you that.

- I think I did.

- Great pad.

- Well it's just as well, you paid for it, well your record.

- Your song.

- But who got the Grammy?

I'm bombing out over here.

- I can't believe that.

- No ones coming to the shows,

so I'm getting shocking reviews.

The gay press are the worst,

they've got it in for me for some reason, I don't get.

- You know why.

- Greg thinks it's because I don't take a stand

on more issues but I mean I've been out

longer than anybody else.

Might have to head back to New York

and commute between East and West coast for a while.

- Bi coastal.

- I like that, it's catchy.

- Gay rights now, gay rights now.

Gay rights now, gay rights now.

♪ From the towers of Manhattan to the hills of Beverly ♪

♪ All those girls on TV movies all those boys on Broadway ♪

- The voice is weak.

- You can fix that.

- Doesn't know how to use the stage.

- So do you wanna go?

♪ Bi coastal miss the natural speed of the city ♪

♪ Bi coastal California's fine if you're pretty ♪

- Well I know I am.

♪ Bi coastal when both are so much fun ♪

♪ Tell me why do we have to pick one ♪

♪ Yeah yeah ♪

♪ Bi coastal ♪

(audience applauding)

Thank you, thank you.

(audience applauding)

Mr. Anthony.

- Call me D.

This is my wife Valery.

- So nice to meet you.

- Oh please, the pleasure's all mine.

- This the size crowd you usually play for?

- Yeah.

- I can get you playing in front of 1,000's

by the end of the year.

- You'd manage me, why?

I can't dance real well, I can't sing real well,

you know I write songs I like but.

- You can sell a song.

- Yeah.

I can do that.

I wanna have a hit with my own material.

- The two go hand in hand,

you can't have one without the other.

Here's the deal.

I bring a lot of experience to the table,

you come on board with me there's gonna

be some changes need to happen to your act.

I need to know you're gonna be okay with that.

- Well my songs are my babies.

- I won't touch your babies, just help you deliver them.

(upbeat music)

Come around to our place tomorrow

and we'll talk about your future.

- All right, and sorry, where's your office?

- Not the office, my home.

- Thank you.

- Three way, come on you're part of the family now.

(laughs)

(upbeat music)

My plan is we go back.

Do small gigs, college circuits,

the clubs, you name it we do 'em.

Here and in Australia.

- Right.

- Do it under a tour banner.

Promote you small.

Word of mouth, posters.

Building up slowly, gradually winning

over your average Joe, your moms, your dads.

- What?

- You wanna have a hit song you've

gotta reach middle America Peter.

- Yes but I'm the gay piano player I mean.

- And we'll have to work on that.

- Oh, how so?

- We might have to de fruit you just a little.

(upbeat music)

♪ Guess who just got back today ♪

♪ Them wild eyed boys that have been away ♪

♪ Haven't changed had much to say ♪

♪ But man I still think them cats are crazy ♪

♪ They were asking if you were around ♪

♪ How you was where you could be found ♪

♪ Told them you were living downtown ♪

♪ Driving all the old men crazy ♪

♪ The boys are back in town ♪

♪ I said the boys are back in town ♪

- Hello sweetheart.

- You look, you know you haven't aged a day.

Oh hello.

- So pleased to finally meet you Greg.

- You to Mary.

- Oh call me bubby.

Come on now.

How was your trip?

- [Peter] Well it was long, but the company was good.

- [Marion] That's nice.

- So we head to Adelaide, the Horsham, Bendigo.

Ombre, Shepparton God.

Cambrum, Gelderland all the way to CA's.

- Oh my goodness that is a hectic schedule.

That's without you in your old room.

Oh and Greg I've made up abed for you on the couch.

- It's fine.

- It's just, come in here.

This is my favorite room.

- Oh whoa.

- The light first thing in the morning is.

Oh and the view.

- Oh wow, that's the Pacific right there.

- [Marion] That's right.

- You know if you imagine hard enough I bet

you can see all the way to Pete's

and my place in California.

- Well if you need anything you just let me know.

- Will do bubby.

- Oh you'll never guess who I got a call from the other day.

Jenny Wallace, she's coming over on Sunday.

- Oh good, say hi from me.

- I will.

Right oh I'll go make that cup.

- Yeah.

- It's fine sweetie.

It's fine.

- His name is Peter Allen

and he's touring the country right now.

You mustn't miss him, he really is quite superb.

- Don't stop Monty I could listen to you all day.

- You're gonna play a track

for us today, what's it gonna be?

- Something quiet, conservative.

You all look like a bit of a

classical musical crowd, maybe some Beethoven.

- I love you Peter Woolnough.

Hasn't changed one bit, has he?

(audience cheering)

(upbeat music) (audience cheering)

♪ When my baby when my baby smiles at me I go to Rio ♪

♪ De Janeiro my-oh-me-oh ♪

♪ I go wild and then I have to do the Samba ♪

♪ And La Bamba now I'm not the kind of person ♪

♪ With a passionate persuasion for dancing or romancing ♪

♪ But I give in to the rhythm ♪

♪ And my feet follow the beating of my heart ♪

♪ When my baby when my baby smiles at me I feel like Tarzan ♪

♪ Of the jungle there on the hot sand ♪

♪ And in a bungalow while the monkeys play above ♪

♪ We make love ♪

♪ And now I'm not the type to let vibrations ♪

♪ Trigger my imagination easily ♪

♪ You know that's just not me ♪

♪ But I turn into a tiger every time ♪

♪ I get beside the one I love ♪

(upbeat music)

♪ Rio ♪

♪ Rio ♪

♪ Rio ♪

♪ When my baby when my baby smiles at me ♪

♪ The sun lightens up my life ♪

♪ And I am free at last what a blast ♪

♪ When my baby when my baby smiles at me I go to Rio ♪

♪ Cause when I go to Rio Rio De Janeiro ♪

(upbeat music)

♪ Rio ♪

(dramatic music)

- It's great having you back.

- Well it is only for one night mum

we fly out first thing in the morning so.

- Still.

- Sweet dreams.

- One nights better than nothing.

- Yeah.

- Actually Greg, I was thinking that

maybe tonight you might like to sleep in here.

With Peter.

- Okay.

- Everything okay?

- Yeah, yes everything's great mum.

- Good well.

Sing out if you need anything.

- Thank you.

- Oh my God.

(dramatic music)

- Think I've finally got it.

- I like it Peter.

- Okay give me some time to think about it,

I'll get back to you.

- Who was that?

- Radio City Music Hall.

- As in Broadway Radio City?

- I put in a call, see if we could get you on there.

They're open to it.

- Oh my God.

Do I get to dance with the Rockettes?

- Whoa, whoa, whoa hold your horses.

I don't know if you should say yes.

- It's Radio City.

Are you kidding?

- I'll leave you guys to talk business.

- They want us to come on board as investors.

- Right.

- If all goes well there might be more shows.

- So?

- So that's a big if Peter.

I got three daughters I have to put through college.

- But I can do this.

I've been preparing for this moment

since I was five years old.

Look I say we go for it.

D I want this.

- Okay.

But you got a lot of work to do.

- And I wanna dance with the Rockettes.

- No one gets to dance with the Rockettes.

- Well I am, I'm not walking out

in front of that size crowd without any back up.

All right now if we get this right,

it'll be everything we've ever dreamed of.

- We don't and were F U C K E D.

(dramatic music)

We got a problem.

He's to fruity, I'm worried how he's gonna

go over with the audience.

Management have also voiced concern.

- It's his hands.

(whistles)

- Okay guys, we'll take five.

- You gotta stop flapping your hands

when you cross the stage.

- Why?

- Cause you look like a fairy that's why.

- I hate to break it to you D but.

- I know but we don't want everyone else

to know as well, do we?

- No I've been through this, someone holding

my hands down trying to make me somebody

I'm not and this is just what Father Bell

tried to do to be and I find it so irritating D.

- Radio City Peter.

- I'll take that on board but I want a camel.

- You want a what?

- I wanna come on stage riding a camel.

- You're actually serious?

What about a donkey, I can maybe talk

management into getting you a donkey.

- No a donkey won't cut it.

- It was good enough for Jesus.

- Have we got a deal?

(dramatic music)

You sowed pockets in?

- Under orders.

- So you got somewhere to stick your hands, you got it?

- Strut, don't flap.

- [D] Att a boy.

- Thank you Charles it's a great look.

Hey.

- Hey.

- Is mum here yet?

- [Greg] Clause is here to.

- We have half of New York out there.

- Five minutes Mr. Allen.

- Thank you Bruce.

- Good luck kid.

- Can I get you anything.

- God a triple vodka would be great.

- Just be you.

- With my hands in my pockets.

- I love you.

- I love you to.

- Radio City.

I like it, it's ballsy.

If you crash you may as well crash big.

(dramatic music)

(upbeat music) (audience applauding)

♪ Some rainy day ♪

♪ Dreams can come true again ♪

- I didn't know that was one of his.

- Yes.

- What do you think?

Now here come the Rockettes.

♪ Get out your white suit ♪

♪ Your tap shoes and tails ♪

♪ Let's go backwards when forward fails ♪

Some more.

♪ And movie stars ♪

Come on girls.

(upbeat music)

The Rockettes ladies and gentlemen.

(upbeat music) (audience cheering)

(laughs)

(upbeat music) (audience applauding)

(audience applauding) (audience cheering)

Come on girls, put me down.

One, two, three, four.

(upbeat music)

Get 'em up girls.

(audience applauding) (audience cheering)

(dramatic music)

They didn't like me.

- Peter Allen kicks with the Rockettes,

more fun than a barrel of Rockettes.

Peter Allen is a master craftsmen.

- Mum look at that one.

- Peter Allen has it all.

- [D] They want nine more shows kid.

- Nine?

That's.

- 54,000 seats.

- We'll never sell that many tickets.

- We already have.

We sold out, people are lining up around the corner.

- We made it.

- No, you made it.

(dramatic music)

- Congratulations.

- Guys we made it!

- Great performance Pete

but I gotta say I think the camel stole the show.

- Who invited you along?

- Hey Pete you know that idea you had

for a song, The Moon Over New York City?

Burt wants to maybe find a way

of using it for a film score he's doing

with Christopher Cross for the movie Arthur,

are you interested in maybe collaborating?

- Sure, you know I'm always up for anything.

- Come on you owe me a dance.

- Hi Pete.

- Always loved having you guide me

around a dance floor Pete.

- You've got nothing to worry about.

You're much prettier than she is.

(chuckles)

May I?

Well this makes up for all the bad things

that have ever happened to us.

Doesn't it?

- [Interviewer] Peter let's talk

about the meaning behind Bi Coastal.

- Well it's a song about commuting.

You know the whole east coast, west coast thing.

A whole lot of people are doing these days

and I'm one of them.

LAX to JFK, and back and forth.

- [Interviewer] People are reading more

into the song than just that.

They see it as you making a statement.

- I am about the difficulties of long distance travel.

- [Interviewer] They see it as you making

a statement about your sexuality.

- Well you know people will read into

it what they will read.

- [Interviewer] You seeing anyone at the moment?

- Are you asking me out?

No I'm not, I'm married to my work.

It's all head down, bum up for me.

Okay, that's it, that's you guys done,

I gotta get back to it.

- [Interviewer] Congratulations on

your nomination for Arthur!

- Thank you.

You know I don't wanna make any statements.

- Bi Coastal, two boys.

I mean I coulda been a sailor

but I'm still just your lighting guy?

I mean come on.

- It's a delicate balance, you know that.

The audience wanna know but

they don't and that's the deal I have with them.

As soon as I cross the line I lose them.

We sleep in the same bed underneath my mothers roof

when we're in town don't we?

Isn't that what really counts?

You okay?

- Yeah, I just think I'm coming down with something.

- Your hot as.

Come on.

Let's get you home.

- You've never written a song for me, you know that?

- Greg.

(dramatic music)

Hey come on, better get a move on.

- I'm so sorry I don't think I can make it tonight.

- Oh don't be.

(clatters)

Oh, oh, okay, okay, easy, easy.

You're swelling.

- Oh God.

- You've taken some asprin?

- Yeah.

- This is really dragging on.

- I'm so sorry.

Pete I really wanted to be there.

- No it's fine, no I'm not gonna win anyways.

- Shut up, you're gonna win.

You'll see, I have a good feeling.

(audience applauding)

- [TV] Oh come on now, I mean are we the best looking

bunch of people in show business or what?

Who could say no?

I mean look at these hubbies huh?

- Oh my God this is it, Marion, where are you?

- [TV] Here we go, the winners

for the best original song are.

Burt Bacharach, Rosanne Seger,

Christopher Cross, and Peter Allen.

- I'd just like to thank the aircraft control guy

who kept my plane in a holding pattern.

And I found myself like Arthur

caught between the moon and New York city.

(audience cheering)

(cheering)

- [Woman] To Peter.

- [Woman] To Peter.

(dramatic music)

- We did it.

- We did it.

- You're like a son to me, you know that.

(dramatic music)

- Congratulations.

Hey where's the little gold man.

- I gave it to D.

- Of course you did.

- And how are you feeling?

(dramatic music)

How long has that been there?

- It just came up.

I got another one on my back.

(dramatic music)

I'm telling you I don't have this thing.

- I'm not saying that you do

but your GP recommended we come here

so that's what we're doing.

(dramatic music)

- All we know is that this thing attacks the immune system.

The blood tests will tell us where we stand.

- And just say for arguments sake that Greg's got it

what's the treatment?

- [Doctor] There's some unofficial

experimental trials going but.

- But what treatment?

Chemo, pills, what?

- There's no treatment yet.

- I don't have to listen to this shit because I am fine.

- Greg for gods sake.

- [Man] Deadly new disease is rapidly spreading

amongst the homosexual community.

- [Man] The government has attempted

to reassure the public that there's no evidence

AIDS will break out into the general population.

(chanting)

(dramatic music)

(phone ringing)

- [Marion] Hello?

- [Peter] Mum.

- [Marion] Peter, what's wrong?

- It's Greg he's sick.

- What do you mean sick?

- Lung cancer.

- Oh sweet heart.

Oh Peter I'm so sorry.

I should be with you, I can fly over.

- No, no.

- He's so young.

- You know I never wrote a song for him.

- Oh now Peter you can't be thinking like that.

- Mum I gotta go.

- [Greg] Pete?

- He's calling.

Love you.

- I love.

- [Greg] Pete.

- [Peter] Greg, what is it?

- Pete, Pete.

- [Peter] What is it sweetie?

- Can you come sit with me?

- Yeah.

You need your strength, you have

to eat something, what about some yogurt?

- No, no can you just stay with me please.

- I'll be back.

Stay here.

♪ Baby cried the day the circus came to town ♪

♪ Cause she didn't want parades just passing by her ♪

♪ So she painted on a smile and took up with some clowns ♪

♪ And she danced with out a net on up the wire ♪

♪ I know a lot about her because you see ♪

♪ Baby is an awful lot like me ♪

You won't believe it.

♪ Fly high and proud and if you should fall ♪

Sweetheart.

♪ Remember you almost had it ♪

♪ Don't cry out loud ♪

♪ You gotta keep it inside ♪

♪ Learn how to hide you're feelings ♪

♪ Fly high and proud and if you should fall ♪

♪ Well baby you almost almost had it all ♪

- [Man] Antony Gilbert?

(tense music)

- [Man] Peter.

- Oh Charles.

- I'm so sorry about Greg.

- Is that a script?

- Working on a Broadway musical.

- No way, that's fantastic.

- Set in the 20's with all those great

deco costumes and fabulous music.

- Well what's it called?

Legs Diamond?

The gangster?

I saw the movie with my mum way back.

Always wanted to be in a musical.

- There's no time like the present.

- [Man] Peter Woolnough.

- [D] Career suicide.

- It's a very cool day.

It's the era, the music, the costumes, you've got.

- You can't play an era, you gotta tell a story

and Legs Diamond is not the right story for you.

- I've got a chance to produce

and another won't come along in a hurry.

No this is my only opportunity to leave behind the legacy.

- Why, where are you going?

- None of us are getting any younger.

- I'll find you another project with a script.

Written by a real professional,

not some trumped up costume designer.

- You know Charles is a friend.

- [D] He's riding on your coat tails.

- That's not very nice.

- And he's sick.

- You know a lot of my friends are sick.

- What about you Peter?

Are you sick?

- No, I was lucky.

- You want to have a crack at a

Broadway musical, great, I'll support that.

- D you didn't trust me on Radio City.

- Oh Peter.

- You didn't trust me at Radio City Music Hall

and I made it work didn't I?

- Yes you did.

- Watch me do the same with this.

- Peter you're not listening to what I'm saying to you.

- I'm doing this with or without you.

- Then you're doing it without me.

- Okay.

If that's how it has to be you know.

(upbeat music)

And Legs is going great.

The costumes are just sensational,

the songs are really tight.

It's two years now and we're still working

on the script but we're getting really close.

This is still a pile of crap Charles.

- No Peter, you're wrong.

- No I'm not wrong.

Charles this is a 4,000,000 dollar pile of crap.

♪ The only reason ♪

♪ Baby ♪

♪ For you and me now ♪

♪ The only reason ♪

♪ Baby ♪

♪ For you and me now ♪

♪ The only reason ♪

♪ Baby ♪

♪ For you and me now ♪

- Hi.

Ms. Sager, I'm Bruce Curt, his Peter's assistant.

He's expecting you, come this way.

Peter.

Ms. Sager.

- You okay, you don't look so hot.

- Oh rehearsals are exhausting me.

It's a great way to lose weight though.

- Well don't lose anymore.

- Did you read the script?

- Yeah.

- And, thoughts on how to fix it?

- Change the premise?

- Carole we start in a week.

- It was a joke.

You've really bitten off a lot this time Peter.

(dramatic music)

- Peter, you're on.

(dramatic music)

Get you anything Peter?

- No I'm fine.

Have you made sure that all the dancers

and crew have been paid?

- They have.

- And yourself?

- I thought it was a great show.

- Thanks Bruce.

- You should get some rest.

I'll see you're not disturbed.

- He's right.

Pay no attention to the critics,

what the hell would they know?

Those critics just about killed by Australian tour.

- And here was me thinking it was all the booze

and pills you took before you went on stage.

- You try and help people.

- Is that what you're doing?

Really?

- If you can't stand the heat Peter

it's time to chuck in the towel.

- Is that what you want me to do?

(dramatic music)

Well I'm looking, and looking but I just can't see you.

- Well I'm waving can you see me now?

- No, look it must be that gigantic elephant in the room.

Mum you haven't asked me once about Legs Diamond,

I know you must have seen the reviews.

- Well what would the critic know?

- Well that's what I said the first 100 or so times

but you know I think they got it right this time mum.

I tried real hard but I just couldn't make it work.

And it's okay you know?

I gave it a shot, it was a hit in reverse.

I see you now and I like you're dress, it's very racy.

- Why thank you.

- I'm going to go on the road with Benedict Peters.

Doing this AIDS benefit tour all across the US and Canada.

It's time I gave something back, you know.

- I'm so proud of you Pete.

And I love you, you know that, more than chips.

- Yeah I love you to.

(dramatic music)

- [Marion] I want to see my son.

- [Bruce] Really.

- [Marion] I don't care Bruce.

- [Bruce] I don't think that's a good idea.

- Bruce I wanna see my son.

- Peter needs some rest.

- For goodness sake, I'm his mother.

Peter?

Sweet heart what's going on, the doctor said.

- No, no it's fine, it's fine, no, it's no big deal, okay?

I've got throat cancer.

But apart from that.

Ma it's treatable, leukemia.

(dramatic music)

(dramatic chord)

(dramatic music)

- I'm supposed to be looking after you.

- Just be careful that's all.

I wanna do one more Sydney show.

- Pete you can't, you're crazy.

Mum can you talk some sense into him please?

- I've never been able to in the past.

You're such a naughty boy.

(dramatic music)

- Oh my God.

Bruce, Bruce come here.

Do you see that woman, I just have to speak to her.

She's a very dear friend.

- Okay.

- Thank you.

- Freckle face?

- Jenny Wallace, oh don't worry

it's nothing you haven't seen before.

You still owe me, remember?

Under the Focal street bridge.

I showed you mine, you didn't show me yours.

- Only because those people went past.

- Well I'm still waiting.

(laughs)

- You cheeky bugger, you haven't changed a bit.

- What's that?

- Oh I was gonna give it to you're mum

but seeing as I've got you.

It's every moment of your life captured.

- God I hope not every moment.

(dramatic music)

Good lord, how did you get all this?

- I'd write away to the local news paper

and they'd send it to me.

(dramatic music)

- The things you do to sell a record.

(dramatic music)

Look at us, the world at our feet.

I can't tell you how much this means to me Jenny.

- Peter.

- I've gotta get ready.

- Oh.

- But let's catch up.

- Oh I'd love that.

(dramatic music)

- So it's your last show.

- No it's not my last.

I've got loads left in me.

(upbeat music)

♪ I am not the boy next door ♪

♪ I don't belong like I did before ♪

♪ Nothing ever seems like it used to be ♪

♪ You can have your dreams but you can't have me ♪

♪ I can't go back there anymore ♪

♪ Cause I am not the boy next door ♪

- No more encores Peter, not tonight.

- No, Bruce.

- You can hardly talk.

- I'm fine, I can make it work.

- You don't have to.

- [Audience] Peter, Peter, Peter, Peter!

- And I haven't said goodbye.

- [Audience] Peter, Peter, Peter, Peter.

(audience cheering)

(coughs)

(audience cheering)

- [Woman] Rio!

- Rio, no, what, I don't believe I know that one.

(audience laughing)

We'll just stick to a nice, quiet little ballad for now.

(dramatic music)

♪ And I've been in cities that ♪

(coughs)

♪ And I've been ♪

(coughs)

I'm so sorry, I think I got a frog in my throat, I'm okay.

Sorry.

(laughs)

- So when are you back next?

I'm not sure really, depends on the tour but.

Soon, hopefully.

Obviously everything else, so.

- Yeah.

(gentle music)

- Take care mum.

- You to love.

- [Peter] Just the airport please.

♪ I've been to cities that never closed down ♪

♪ From New York to Rio and old London town ♪

♪ But no matter how far or how wide I roam ♪

♪ I still call Australia home ♪

- You be careful.

♪ And I'm always traveling I love to be free ♪

♪ So I keep leaving the sun and the sea ♪

♪ But my heart lies waiting over the foam ♪

♪ I still call Australia home ♪

♪ And all the sons and daughters ♪

♪ Spinning around the world ♪

♪ Away from their family and friends ♪

♪ But as the world gets older ♪

♪ Colder it's good to know where your journey ends ♪

♪ But someday we'll all be together once more ♪

♪ And all of the ships come back to the shore ♪

♪ I realize something I've always known ♪

♪ I still call Australia home ♪

- Please call my mum.

When I fade, I fade quickly.

Get a hair cut.

♪ No matter how far or how wide I roam ♪

♪ I still call Australia ♪

♪ Still call Australia ♪

♪ I still call Australia home ♪

♪ No matter how far or wide I roam ♪

♪ I still call Australia I still call Australia ♪

♪ I still call Australia home ♪

(audience cheering) (upbeat music)

(hospital machine buzzing)

- What a goddamn racket.

Oh good you're awake, I wanna do a number together.

- Oh come on Judy I'm dead.

- Oh what is with the excuses, come on I'm so bored.

- You wanna do Over The Rainbow I suppose?

- Nah, I got rainbows coming out of my ass.

I thought we'd do your theme song.

- I have one?

- Come on Peter, it's no fun without you.

- I could do a little bit of a number.

♪ When my baby when my baby smiles at me I go to Rio ♪

♪ De Janeiro, my-oh-me-oh ♪

♪ I go wild and then I have to do the Samba ♪

♪ And La Bamba ♪

♪ Now I'm not the kind of person ♪

♪ With a passionate persuasion for dancing or romancing ♪

♪ But I give in to the rhythm ♪

♪ And my feet follow the beating of my heart ♪

♪ When my baby when my baby smiles at me ♪

♪ I feel like Tarzan of the Jungle ♪

♪ There on the hot sand ♪

♪ And in a bungalow while monkeys play above ♪

♪ We make love ♪

♪ Now I'm not the type to let vibrations ♪

♪ Trigger my imagination easily ♪

♪ You know that's just not me ♪

♪ But I turn into a tiger ♪

♪ Every time I get beside the one I love ♪

♪ Rio ♪

♪ Rio ♪

Yeah.

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music)