Original subtitles

I was your typical country boy -

tap-danced, played the piano and sang.

Every town had one.

I...I thought I was pretty normal.

Until everyone told me I wasn't.

Peter Allen is one of Australia's favourite sons.

One of the biggest names in show business.

He was an entertainer right from a young boy.

Peter Allen was the son of a grocer.

He shot himself when I was 13.

That's kind of why I left school.

The prolific entertainer was discovered by Judy Garland...

..and married her daughter, Liza Minnelli.

It has been said it is a marriage of convenience.

Do you think I'm with Liza to get to the Garland fortune? What fortune?

Rumours constantly circled around his sexuality.

Well, guess you're wondering - is he or isn't he?

Well, I have to admit that I am...

..Australian.

He just had a zest for living.

It came direct from his mother.

Either you crawl up in a hole or you get out there and you live life.

Allen cut short his last Australian concert tour.

Australia and the world today lost an entertainment legend.

And he said to me, "Thank God I lived."

Famous for his hits,

like Rio and I Still Call Australia Home,

he was 48 years old.

# Rio

# Rio... #

No-one's to know.

I don't see how we can keep it from them. We just do, Bruce, OK?

I don't want everyone in the audience to watch me playing,

thinking, "Oh...

"..he's gonna die."

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

He looks exhausted.

They're getting suspicious.

Please.

Buy me some more time?

OK.

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

Not talking, Peter?

Well, that's just plain rude.

Ha! What do you know?

One in three marriages ends in divorce.

This generation.

Whatever happened to sticking it out?

Peter? Peter?

God. It was... it was... wrong...

..for you to see it like that.

I'm sorry.

Well, are you gonna tell everyone?

If this comes out, I'm...

I don't know what to do. I don't know what to tell everyone.

# You are all the woman I need... #

Out here? It's gonna be out here? Yep, that's right.

Oh! Well, this one's pretty cute.

Now, darling, no flirting with the natives.

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.

Miss Minnelli, just one more question...

That's... that's all for today, folks.

We've had a long flight and have a hectic schedule in front of us.

We need a rest now, so... thank you. Miss Minnelli...

And I hope to see you all at the shows.

OK, people, that's it.

Thanks for your time, Miss Minnelli.

Thank you.

# Bend me, shape me any way you want me

# Long as you love me, it's alright

# Bend me, shape me... #

Mum! They're here!

Hey!

Oh! God! I love those stockings.

Well, you can't have them. Oh! My darling boy.

Mum. Mwah!

Oh. Ohh!

You sound like a Yank, Pete! Ah, comes from marrying one.

Where is that wife of yours?

Oh. What, didn't I say?

Liza's staying at the Hilton.

Oh.

She's about to start preproduction on The Sterile Cuckoo, and...

..needs time alone to climb into character.

Oh. Well.

Must be hard playing someone else.

Mm.

Oh, my God - look at that sponge.

Is... that passionfruit?

Mm.

Come on, Lynnie - quick! Shh-shh-shh-shh!

We've taken our act all over the country, and audiences have been really receptive.

Haven't they, Peter? Mm. 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 Chequers Nightclub.

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

Who? Now, who's he talking about, I wonder?

Oh, look at her - she's gorgeous! 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.

She hasn't even sung a note yet.

This is a song from my upcoming album.

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.

# But he ain't buyin'

# Don't you know that

# Everybody loves my baby

# But my baby don't love nobody but me

# Nobody but me

# And everybody wants my baby

# But my baby don't want nobody... #

Oh, look at them. Aren't they something, Bubby?

Yes.

# I am his sweet patootie

# He is my loving man

# Oh, there's no time to do his duty

# Loves me like no other can

# That's why everybody

# Loves my baby

Hey! # But my baby don't love nobody but me

# Nobody but me

Can you give me a copy of each, please?

Thanks.

Poofter.

# 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. Ugh.

I've come all the way from England, for God's 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.

How was London? Oh, great.

Yeah?

I got married to number four, Mickey Deans. You'd love him.

Judy, it's five.

Fuck me - you're right.

Time flies when you're having fun.

Keep 'em coming.

What is that?

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

I haven't heard that one before.

Well, it's one of mine.

You should be performing your own songs. You know that.

Oh! Judy, Judy, Judy. Damn steps are slippery!

You've got a gift.

Oh, you're just saying that so I'll cover your cab fare.

What, are you gonna keep doing that two-bit act till the day you die?

The two-bit act seemed OK to open for you, I seem to remember.

Honey, I didn't want an act that would outshine me.

I wanted you to be good, but not THAT good.

You've gotta grab his songwriting business by the balls, Peter.

What are you waiting for?

The gigs are drying up. You must sense that.

That song you wrote, that was really beautiful.

But what would you know?

Come on, let's get you home.

Hi.

Um... thank you.

'Night, Judy.

Hello. Peter speaking.

When?

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 on, Pete.

I will never forget our years together.

She taught me everything I know.

# Would you like to ride in my beautiful balloon?

# Would you like to 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. #

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, alright?

We're the last ones to figure it out.

We're just going through a lean patch.

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

I don't want to do Vegas, alright? Not as an Allen Brother, anyway.

I want to play my own songs. But 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'll be weird not seeing your face every day.

Yeah, I'll miss you too.

You're the best brother a guy never had.

What are you doing?

Going it alone.

Oh, boy.

Good luck with that.

I tried that and ended up $3 million in the red to the IRS.

Ms Minnelli's not available.

Don't give me that, right? I'm her husband.

Mr Allen!

Liza!

Oh, Jesus, Peter!

Your assistant said you're unavailable. I see she got that wrong.

I know you. You're Rex Kramer. You play guitar.

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

I'm gonna go get some air.

Um... you OK? Yep.

I'll never get used to seeing you with other men.

Ugh. Well, ditto to that.

Well, what are you doing here?

Peter, are you OK?

Chris and I split up the act.

I'm finally striking out on my own, like...

..you and your mum said I should.

Ugh.

But 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 your friends - they're so pretentious.

And I hate yours - all the Hollywood types have brains full of custard.

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.

Oh, yeah.

Yeah, without me, you're just a nobody.

You're OK.

# Takin' care of business

# It's all mine... #

I write deeply personal songs, and I really want to make people think.

You know? I... I want to move them.

I want to make them take out their wallets.

We're not really 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 deadline?

Yeah. When I work, I work hard.

I 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.

Right. For... whom?

Well, Bobby Sherman has a big following with the teeny-bopper market.

Comes with a regular pay cheque.

Well, if the singles I write Bobby become hits,

I want you to let me produce my own album.

IF they become hits, I can live with that.

Hi. Carole? I'm Peter Allen.

I... Who was your first girlfriend?

Um... Well, that'd be... um, 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. Mm?

The sad regrets you have after you break up.

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

And not just what drove you to want to stick a knife in their eye.

You're married, huh?

Oh, yeah. Mm.

It's funny how so many moments that... um, 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. #

Hm.

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"?

# Burn, baby, burn

# Burn, baby, burn

# Burn, baby, burn

# Burn, baby, burn

# To my surprise

# One hundred storeys high

# People getting loose, y'all

# Getting down on the roof, you hear?

# The funk was flamin'

# Out of control You're a great dancer.

You know you're a very attractive woman? Thank you.

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

# I heard somebody say

# Burn, baby, burn... #

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,

where you really dig down for the emotion, you know?

# But now that I've been down there

# I got a big surprise

# No magnolias blossom there

# Before my very eyes

# I'd like to know who made up

# All those goddamn lies

# 'Bout Dixie

# Way down south. #

Peter Allen, everybody.

Peter, thanks for coming back for the Bandstand reunion.

Oh, it's a pleasure, Brian.

It's great to have a reason to come back home and see everybody.

And, uh, 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're gonna lie, lie big!

You remember Olivia from the old days.

Hi!

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

He writes the most beautiful songs, don't you think?

Ugh. Ooh! Now the pressure's on.

Oh, stop it.

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.

Oh! You know, record and produce.

Behind the scenes? Yeah.

Come on. For this you were doing Al Jolson since you were five?

A sailor, then.

Well, that I could buy.

Mm.

We do this a lot, don't we?

Yeah. Yeah.

All of these young surfer types everywhere.

Just blond-haired, blue-eyed visions.

Yeah, and the RSL's just around the corner - 12-cent beers. Yeah.

Yeah, you and David would love it.

Neal, I can hear the beeps, so I'd better go.

OK.

Yeah, well, see you back soon.

Say hi to David for me, OK?

Yep.

Lynne.

There's a whole newspaper article honouring grandad.

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...

# Out dancing on the back porch

# Just him and me... #

# He could try his best...

# Try...

Uh, what's 60 take 8?

52.

52 years.

# The late George Woolnough

# Worked on High Street

# And lived on Manners

# 52 years he sat on his veranda

# Made his saddles

# And if you had questions

# About sheep

# Or flowers or

# Doves

# You... just asked the saddler

# He lived without sin

# They're building a library for him

# Time is a traveller

# Tenterfield saddler

# Turn your head

# Right again, jackaroo

# Think I see kangaroo

# Up ahead

# The son of George Woolnough

# Went off and got married

# And had a war baby

# But something was wrong

# And 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 a son

# Ever has need of a gun... #

Change the names, Pete. No, Mum.

It wouldn't be the same.

# Time is a traveller

# Tenterfield saddler

# Turn your head

# Right again, jackaroo

# Think I see kangaroo up ahead

# The grandson of George has been all round 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

# Because in the life that he leads

# There's nowhere for George and his library

# Or the son with a gun to belong

# Except in this song... #

Now, Peter, that was beautiful. Oh, 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 and... 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.

I 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?

Cute AND smart.

Shut up and buy me a drink.

Beer? Yeah.

Morning.

Hey.

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

Oh...

Yeah, well, I'm looking to change jobs.

Oh. That's interesting.

What are you like with your hands?

Mechanically speaking.

I'm looking for a lighting designer.

Are you serious? Absolutely.

And that way I can have you by my side always.

Do you... do you always come on so strong?

Never.

"Helen Reddy was not to be missed.

"But if you saw 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.

No, you... you're amazing.

You know I had no idea who you were when you first came on, right?

Boy, halfway through that first song...

..you had me.

How come I've never heard you on the radio?

I mean, why isn't your record company promoting 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?

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 than you.

What does that even mean, Frank?

Are we talking musically? Hair colour? 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?

OK.

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?

OK!

Attention, everybody.

I want to 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 is incidental.

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

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

# Maybe I 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

# But 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 Olivia Newton-John.

Oh, and I've got some mail from you too.

I hope you haven't sent me any more money, sweetheart.

You know I've got a job now, and...

What is this?

It's title deeds to your apartment, Mum.

What? I... I don't understand.

You never have to rent again.

You can paint the walls any colour you want.

Oh, Peter.

Well, 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.

- Hi. Olivia. - Nice to finally meet you.

Oh. He's on the phone. Yeah. On the phone to Mommy dearest.

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

I love you, sweetheart.

I love you back, more than chips.

Oh, we go way back.

Bandstand days, wasn't it?

Peter gave me my first hard-on.

Mm! Oh! That didn't come out right.

Well, it didn't for me either. Oh, stop it, you.

Here - house-warming present.

Oh. It's passionfruit. Mm.

Fantastic.

No, I tried growing one in New York. It didn't work.

Wasn't the right climate. Well, der, Pete.

I could've told you that. I think I did.

Oh! Great pad!

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

Well, your record. Your song.

Mm. But who got the Grammy?

I'm bombing out over here. I can't believe that.

Yeah, well, I... No-one's coming to the shows.

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.

I might have to head back to New York

and commute between east and west coast for a while.

Bicoastal. Mm! Hey, I like that.

It's catchy.

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.

He doesn't know how to use the stage.

So, you want to go?

# Hey! I'm bicoastal

# Miss the natural speed of the city

# Oh, yeah.

# I'm bicoastal

# California's fine if you're pretty

Well, I know I am.

# I'm bicoastal

# When both are so much fun

# Tell me why do we have to pick one?

# Yeah, yeah, whoo!

# Bicoastal. #

Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you. You were great.

And you're looking good tonight.

Mr Anthony.

Oh. Call me Dee.

Oh. This is my wife, Valerie.

So nice to meet you.

Oh, please. The pleasure's all mine.

Is this the size crowd you usually play for?

Yeah.

I can get you playing in front of thousands 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, but...

I want to 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 OK with that.

Well, my songs are my babies.

I won't touch your babies.

Just help you deliver them.

Come around to our place tomorrow

and we'll talk about your future. Alright.

Sorry - where's your office?

It's West... Not the office. My home.

Thank you.

A three-way. Come on.

You're part of the family now. Oh.

My plan is we go back.

Do small gigs.

College circuits, the clubs - you name it, we do them.

Here and in Australia. Right.

Do it under a tour banner.

Promote you small - uh, word of mouth, posters.

Building up slowly, gradually winning over

your average Joe - your moms, your dads.

What?

You want to have a hit song, you've gotta reach Middle America, Peter.

Yes, but I'm a gay piano player. I mean...

Then, uh... we'll have to work on that.

Oh.

How so?

We might have to de-fruit you.

Just, um, a little.

# Guess who just got back today

# Them wild-eyed boys that have been away

Look at the plane. Welcome to the Gold Coast.

# But, man, I still think them cats are crazy

# They were asking if you were around

Put these in front. That looks good?

# How you was, we you could be found

# I told them you were living downtown

# Drivin' all the old men crazy

# The boys are back in town The boys are back in town

# I said the boys are back in town... #

Hello, sweetheart. Oh! Look at you!

You haven't aged a day. Oh...

Mwah!

Oh, hello. Aww.

So pleased to finally meet you, Greg.

You too, Marion. Oh, no - call me Bubby.

Come on, then. OK.

How was your trip?

Well, it was... it was long, but the company was good.

Oh. That's nice.

So, we head to Adelaide, Horsham, Bendigo, Albury, Shepparton. Oh!

God! Canberra, Melbourne, and then all the way to Cairns.

Oh, my goodness. That is a hectic schedule.

Now, sweetheart, you're in your old room.

Oh, and Greg, I've made up a bed for you on the couch.

Uh, that's fine.

It's, uh...

Just come in here.

This is my favourite room. Oh, wow.

The light first thing in the morning is...

Oh, and the view.

Oh, wow. That's the Pacific right there.

That's right.

You know, if you imagine hard enough,

I bet you could see all the way to Pete's and my place in California.

Oh...

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.

Righto, I'll go make that cuppa.

Mm. Yeah.

It's fine, sweetie.

It's fine.

..excellent performer.

His name is Peter Allen, and he's touring the country right now.

Uh, you mustn't miss him. He really is quite superb.

Don't stop, Molly. I could listen to you all day.

Now, you're gonna play a track for us today. What's it gonna be?

Oh, something quiet, conservative.

You all look like a bit of a classical music crowd.

Maybe some... Beethoven.

God love you, Peter Woolnough.

Hasn't changed one bit, has he?

# 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 dancin' or romancin'

# But I give in to the rhythm

# And my feet follow the beatin' of my heart

# Whoa-oh, 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-uh

# We'll make love-uh

# 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

# Whoa-oh-oh

# Rio

# Rio

Yeah, uh!

# Rio

# Whoa-oh, when my baby # 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

# When my baby smiles at me

# I go to Rio

# Rio

# That's when I go to Rio

# Rio

# Rio, Rio De Janeiro

# Rio... #

Mm.

Mm.

Oh. Oh.

It's great having you back. Well, it is only for one night, Ma.

We, uh... we fly out first thing in the morning, so...

Well, still.

Sweet dreams. One night's better than nothing.

Yeah. Actually, Greg...

I was thinking that, um...

..maybe tonight you might like to sleep in...

..in here.

With Peter.

OK.

Everything OK?

Yeah.

Yes, everything's great, Mum.

Good.

Well.

Sing out if you need anything.

Thank you.

Oh, my God.

I think I've finally got it.

I like it, Pete. Yeah.

OK, 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 to 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.

No, but it's... it's Radio City.

I mean, I... I... 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, um...? So, that's a big 'if' Peter.

I've got three daughters I have to put through college.

No, but I can... I can do this!

I've been preparing for this moment since I was five years old.

Look, I...

..I say we go for it.

Look, Dee, I... I want this.

OK.

But you've got a lot of work to do.

And I want to 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 backup.

Alright?

Now, if we get this right...

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

We don't, and we're F-U-C-K-E-D.

Yeah.

We've got a problem.

He's too fruity.

I'm worried how he's gonna go over with the audience.

Management have also voiced concern.

It's his hands.

I think that was alright. Take five.

You've 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, Dee, 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 me,

and I find it so irritating, Dee.

I'm not... Radio City, Peter.

I'll take that on board, but...

..I want a camel.

You want a what?!

I want to come on stage...

..riding a camel.

You're actually serious! Mm.

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?

You sewed pockets in.

Under orders.

So you've got somewhere to stick your hands.

You got it? Strut, don't flap.

Attaboy. Mm.

Thank you, Charles. It's a great look.

Hey! Hey.

Mmm.

Is Mum here yet? Mm. Liza's here too.

We've got half of New York out there.

Five minutes, Mr Allen. Thank you, Bruce.

Good luck, kid.

Can I get you anything? Oh, God!

A triple vodka would be great.

Just be you.

With my hands in my pockets.

I love you.

I love you too.

Radio City, hmm?

I like it.

It's ballsy.

If you crash, you may as well crash big.

Oh!

# You might need it some rainy day

# Dreams can come true again

# When everything old...

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

What 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.

Huh!

The Rockettes, ladies and gentlemen.

Have we got 'em all?

Come on, girls. Here we go.

One, two, three, four!

Yeah!

Get 'em up, girls!

Yeah!

They didn't like me?

"Peter Allen kicks with the Rockettes."

"More fun than a barrel of Rockettes."

"Peter Allen is a master craftsman."

Ma, look at that one.

"Peter Allen has it all."

They want nine more shows, kid. Nine?!

That's... 54,000 seats.

Oh...

Gosh, 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.

Oh...

Oh, Mum.

We did it! Congratulations.

Gosh! We made it!

Oh, I'm so...

Great performance, Pete.

But I've gotta say, I think the camel stole the show.

Oh, who invited you along?!

Hey, Pete, you know that idea you had for a song -

the moon over New York City? Mm.

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 me - I'm always up for anything.

Come on - you owe me a dance.

Hi, Petey. Oh, hey.

I always loved having you guide me around the dance floor, Pete.

You've got nothing to worry about.

You're much prettier than she is.

May I?

Well, this makes up for all the bad things

that have ever happened to us.

Doesn't it?

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 it these days, and I'm one of them.

LAX to JFK and back and forth and back...

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.

They see it as you making a statement about your sexuality.

Well, you know, people will read into it what they will read.

Are you seeing anyone at the moment?

Are you asking me out?

No, I... I'm not.

I'm... I'm married to my work.

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

OK. That's it. That's, uh... you guys done.

So, we'll... I've gotta get back to it.

Congratulations on your nomination for Arthur!

Thank you.

You know I don't want to make any statements.

Bi-Coastal. Two Boys.

I mean, I Could Have 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 want to 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 mother's roof when we're in town, don't we?

Isn't that what really counts?

Are you OK? Yeah.

I just think I'm coming down with something.

God, you're hot as.

Come... come on.

Let's get you home, hmm?

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

Greg.

Hey, come on. You'd better get a move on.

I'm so sorry.

I don't think I can make it tonight.

Oh, no?

Oh! Oh. OK, OK.

Easy. Easy.

Slowly. Oh...

Oh, God. Ohh.

Now, have you taken some aspirin?

Yeah. Yeah. This is really dragging on.

I'm so sorry, Pete. I really wanted to be there.

No, it's fine.

Now, I'm not gonna win, anyways.

Shut up. You're gonna win.

You'll see. I have a good feeling.

Come on, now.

I mean, are we the best-looking bunch of people in show business, or what?

Who can say no?

We'll give them that.

I mean, look at these puppies, huh? Here we go.

OK, this is it.

Marion? Where are you?

Here we go - the winners for the best original song are...

..Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager,

Christopher Cross and Peter Allen!

Oh, my God! Oh!

Well, I'd just like to thank the air traffic control guy

who kept my plane in a holding pattern.

And I found myself like Arthur -

caught between the moon and New York City.

Here, Mum. Oh! Cheers, Bubby.

Cheers. Oh, cheers.

Cheers. Oh, to Peter!

To Peter.

Whew.

We did it.

We did it.

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

Hey.

Congratulations.

Mm.

Hey, where's the little gold man?

Oh, I... gave it to Dee.

Of course you did.

And how are you feeling, hmm?

How long has that been there?

It just came up.

I've got another one on my back.

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.

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

The blood tests will tell us where we stand.

And just say, for argument's sake, that Greg's got it.

What's the treatment?

There are some unofficial experimental trials going, but they're...

But WHAT treatment? You know, chemo? Pills? What?

There's no treatment yet.

I don't have to listen to this shit, 'cause I am fine!

Greg! For God's sake.

A deadly new disease rapidly spreading amongst the homosexual community.

The government has attempted to reassure the public

that there's no evidence AIDS will break out into the general population.

We're fired up and won't take it no more!

We're fired up and won't take it no more!

Hello?

Mum...

Peter? What's wrong?

It's Greg - he's sick.

Well, wh-what do you mean sick?

Uh...

Lung cancer.

Oh, sweetheart.

Oh, Peter, I'm so sorry.

I...I should be with you. I can fly over.

No, no. I...

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've got... I've gotta go.

- He's... - Pete?

He's calling.

I love you.

I love...

Pete?

Greg?

What is it?

Pete?

Pete? What is it, sweetie?

Can you come and sit with me? Yeah.

OK.

You need your strength.

You have to eat something.

What about some yoghurt?

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 clown

# And she danced without a net upon the wire

# I know a lot about her 'cause you see

# Baby is an awful lot like me... #

Heeey!

You won't believe it.

# Fly high and proud

# And if you should fall

# Remember you almost had it

# Don't cry out loud

# You gotta keep it inside

# Learn how to hide your feelings

# Fly high # Fly high and proud

# And if you should fall

# Well, baby, you almost

# Almost had it all. #

Antony Gilbert?

Peter?

Oh. Charles.

Hi.

I'm so sorry about Greg.

Oh, is that a script?

Working on a Broadway musical.

No way! Oh, that's fantastic.

Set in the '20s, with all those great deco costumes

and fabulous music.

Well, what's it called?

Legs Diamond? The gangster?

Oh, wow.

I saw the movie with my mum, way back.

I always wanted to be in a musical.

Well, no time like the present.

Peter Woolnough?

Career suicide!

It's a vehicle, Dee.

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

You can't play an era. You've gotta tell a story.

and Legs Diamond is not the right story for you!

I've got a chance to produce,

and another one may not come along in a hurry.

You know this is my only opportunity to leave behind a 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.

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. Always lucky.

You want to have a crack at a Broadway musical, great.

I'll support that.

Dee, 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!

Look, I'm... I'm doing this, with or without you.

Then you're doing it without me.

OK.

If that's how it has to be, you know?

# The only way is up, baby... #

And Legs is going great guns.

You know, the costumes are just sensational.

The songs are really tight.

Well, it's two years now, and we're still working on the script,

but we're getting really close.

# Hold on

# Hold on # Hold on... #

This is still a pile of crap, Charles.

No, Peter, you're wrong. No, I'm not wrong!

Charles, this is a $4 million pile of crap!

# No, no, no

# The only way is up, baby

# For you and me now

# The only way is up, baby

# For you and me now

# The only way is up, baby

# For you and me now... # Hi.

Ms Sager, I'm Bruce Cudd, Peter's assistant.

He's expecting you. Come this way.

Peter. More wrist.

Huh? Ms Sager.

You OK? You don't look so hot.

Oh, rehearsals are exhausting. I mean...

It's a great way to lose weight, though.

Well, don't lose any more.

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.

Peter. You're on!

Oh.

Get you anything, Peter? No, I'm... 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?

It was critics that just about killed my 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?

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 a 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 critics know?

Well, that's what I said the first hundred 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 OK, you know?

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

Oh... I see you now.

And I like your dress.

It's very racy.

Why, thank you.

I'm going to go on the road with Bernadette 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 too.

I want to see my son. I don't care, Bruce.

I don't think that's a good idea. Bruce, I want to see my son.

Peter needs some rest.

For goodness sake, I'm his mother.

Peter?

Sweetheart, what's going on? No, no, it's fine.

No, it's no big deal, OK?

I've got throat cancer.

But... God, apart from that...

Ma, it's treatable with chemo.

Hey. Oh.

Oh, sweetheart...

I'm the one supposed to be looking after you.

Just be careful - it's hot.

I want to do one more Sydney show.

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

Mum, can you talk some sense into him, please?

Well, I've never been able to in the past.

You're such a naughty boy.

Oh, my God! Bruce! Bruce, come here.

See that woman? I just have to speak to her.

She's a very dear friend. OK.

Thank you.

Freckle Face?

Oh! Jenny Wallace!

Oh, don't worry, it's nothing you haven't seen before.

You still owe me, remember?

Under the Faulkner Street bridge.

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

Only because those people went past.

Well, I'm still waiting.

Oh, you cheeky bugger! Come here!

You haven't changed a bit!

What's that?

Oh, I was gonna give it to your mum but seeing as I've got you...

It's every moment of your life captured.

God, I hope not every moment.

How did you get all these?

I'd write away to the local newspaper and they'd send it to me.

Mmm. The things you do to sell a record.

Look at us - the world at our feet!

God.

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

Peter?

I've... I've got to get ready.

Oh. But let's catch up.

Oh, I'd love that.

So... it's your last show.

No, it's not my last.

I've got loads left in me.

# I am not the boy next door

# I don't belong like I did before

# Nothin' 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.

Peter! Peter! Peter! Peter! Peter!

I haven't said goodbye.

# The boy next door

# I don't belong... #

Peter! Peter! Peter! Peter!

Peter! Peter! Peter! Peter!

Rio!

Rio? No. What? I don't believe I know that one.

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

# And I've been to cities that... #

# And I've been to cit... #

I'm so sorry.

I've just got a frog in my throat.

I'm OK.

Sorry.

So, when are you back next?

I'm not sure, really.

It depends on the tour. But...

..soon... hopefully.

And obviously everything else.

Yeah.

Um...

..take care, Mum.

You too, love.

Just to the airport, thanks.

# I've been to cities that never close 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... # Whoo-hoo!

You be careful.

# I'm always travelling

# I love being free

# And 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 'round the world

# Away from their family and friends

# But as the world gets older and colder

# It's good to know where your journey ends

# Some day we'll all be together once more

# When all of the ships come back to the shore

# I'll realise something I've always known

# I still call Australia home... #

Sorry, Mum.

When I failed, I failed greatly.

Greg.

# But no matter how far or how wide I roam

# I still call Australia

# I still call Australia

# I still call Australia home

# But no matter how far or wide I roam

# Oh, I still call Australia

# I still call Australia

# I still call...

# ..Australia home... #

What a goddamn racket.

Oh, good. You're awake.

I want to do a number together.

Oh, come on, Judy. I'm dead.

Always with the excuses!

Come on! I'm so bored.

You want to do Over the Rainbow, I suppose?

No, I've 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 dancin' or romancin'

# But I give in to the rhythm

# And my feet follow the beatin' of my heart

# Whoa-oh

# When my baby

# When my baby smiles at me I feel like Tarzan of the jungle

# There on the hot sand

# And in the bungalow while monkeys play above us

# We'll make love-a

# Now I'm not the type to let vibrations

# Tickle my imagination easily

# You know that's just not me

# But I turn into a tiger every time I'm there beside the one I love

# Whoa-whoa-whoa-oh!

# Yeah, ooh!