Follow the rise and fall of the Little Sparrow, from the streets of Paris to the world stage.
Watch the original version of La Vie en Rose
Prologue: “The Little Sparrow”
Edith Piaf’s life was a story of triumph against all odds. Born in the working-class district of Belleville in Paris, she faced a childhood of poverty and hardship. Her mother was a street singer who abandoned her at a young age, leaving her to be raised by her grandmother in a brothel. It was there that Edith discovered her love for singing, performing for the customers who came to the brothel. But her path to success was never easy. She suffered from poor health, including blindness in one eye and a curvature of the spine. And yet, she persevered, using her voice to transcend her circumstances and become one of the most beloved singers of the 20th century.
Chapter 1: “Belleville Blues”
It was a cold winter night in the Belleville district of Paris. Edith Piaf huddled in the doorway of a small cafe, her thin coat offering little protection against the bitter wind. She was just fifteen years old, but she looked much younger, her small frame and delicate features belying a fierce determination. She had been living on the streets for months, ever since her father had abandoned her and her mother had left her in the care of her grandmother, a brothel owner.
Edith had always been drawn to singing, and she had honed her skills by performing for the customers at her grandmother’s brothel. But she knew that if she wanted to make a real career out of it, she would need to find a way to get noticed. And so, she made her way to the cafes and dance halls of Paris, singing for anyone who would listen.
On this particular night, Edith was hoping to catch the attention of Louis Leplee, a nightclub owner who was known for discovering up-and-coming talent. She had heard that he was in the area, and she had been singing outside the cafe for hours in the hope that he would hear her. But so far, she had had no luck.
As she began to feel the cold seeping into her bones, Edith was about to give up and head back to her grandmother’s brothel when she heard the sound of clapping coming from the other side of the street. She looked up to see a small group of people gathered around a man who was gesturing for her to come over.
Feeling a surge of excitement, Edith hurried across the street, her heart pounding in her chest. As she approached the group, she saw that the man was Louis Leplee, and her heart leapt with joy. This was her chance to make it big, to escape the poverty and misery of her life in Belleville.
“Sing for me,” Leplee said gruffly, his eyes fixed on her. Edith took a deep breath and began to sing, pouring all her emotion and passion into the words of the song. As she finished, she held her breath, waiting for Leplee’s reaction.
For a moment, there was silence. And then, Leplee began to clap, his eyes shining with excitement.
“Kid,” he said, “you’ve got something special. Come with me, and we’ll make you a star.”
As Edith followed Leplee down the dark and winding streets of Paris, she knew that her life was about to change forever. She had no idea what lay ahead, but she was ready for whatever came her way. She was Edith Piaf, the little sparrow, and she was about to take flight.
Chapter 2: “The Nightclub Owner”
Edith had been singing in her grandmother’s brothel for a while now, but she never thought of herself as a singer. She was just a young girl who loved to sing. It wasn’t until Louis Leplee, the owner of a popular nightclub called Gerny’s, came to her grandmother’s brothel one night that everything changed.
Leplee was immediately taken with Edith’s raw talent. He saw in her a diamond in the rough, and he was determined to polish her into a star. Edith was nervous and uncertain, but Leplee was persistent. He invited her to come to Gerny’s and sing for him.
The first time Edith walked into Gerny’s, she was terrified. She had never been in a nightclub before, let alone performed in one. But Leplee was there to guide her every step of the way. He showed her how to stand onstage, how to hold the microphone, how to engage with the crowd.
Edith’s first few performances were rough. She was still nervous and unsure of herself, and the crowd was often rowdy and rude. But Leplee believed in her, and he kept pushing her to improve. He gave her notes after every performance, telling her what she did well and what she needed to work on.
Slowly but surely, Edith began to improve. She started to gain confidence onstage, and her performances became more polished and professional. Leplee was proud of her, and he started booking her for more and more shows.
But with success came scrutiny. The more famous Edith became, the more people started to talk about her. Some accused her of being a prostitute, others claimed that she was a spy for the Germans. Edith was hurt and confused by these rumors, but Leplee was there to protect her. He made sure that she was always safe and secure, and he never let anyone take advantage of her.
As Edith’s star continued to rise, Leplee knew that they needed to take her career to the next level. He started booking her for bigger shows, including one at the prestigious Olympia Theatre. But with success came danger. One night, as Edith was leaving Gerny’s, she was attacked by thugs. She was badly beaten, and her face was scarred for life.
Leplee was devastated. He felt responsible for what had happened to Edith, and he vowed to protect her even more fiercely than before. He hired bodyguards to keep watch over her, and he never let her out of his sight.
But fate had other plans. On April 6th, 1946, Louis Leplee was shot and killed in his apartment. Edith was devastated. She had lost not just her mentor, but her friend and protector. She was left alone in a world that was hostile and dangerous.
But Edith was a survivor. She knew that she had to keep singing, keep performing, keep living. Louis Leplee had taught her everything she knew about music and performance, and she was determined to carry on his legacy. She would go on to become one of the greatest singers of the 20th century, a true icon of French culture and music. And she would never forget the man who had believed in her when no one else did.
Chapter 3: “The Little Sparrow”
After Louis Leplee discovered Edith’s talent, he immediately began promoting her as the next big French singing sensation. Despite her extreme nervousness, Edith quickly became a hit at Leplee’s nightclub, attracting large crowds with her unique voice and emotional performances.
Leplee was convinced that Edith was destined for greatness, and he worked tirelessly to help her hone her skills and expand her repertoire. He gave her new songs to learn and encouraged her to experiment with different styles and genres.
One night, Leplee introduced Edith to Marguerite Monnot, a talented songwriter who would later become one of Edith’s closest friends and collaborators. Monnot was struck by Edith’s raw talent and the emotional depth of her performances. She began writing songs specifically for Edith, tailoring the lyrics and melodies to suit her unique vocal style.
As Edith’s popularity continued to grow, she began attracting the attention of other notable figures in the French music industry. One of these was Raymond Asso, a composer who would later become Edith’s lover and frequent collaborator.
Under Asso’s guidance, Edith began to incorporate more complex musical arrangements into her performances. She experimented with different instruments and began to sing in a more refined, nuanced style. Asso wrote some of Edith’s most famous songs, including “Je ne regrette rien” and “Padam Padam.”
Despite her increasing success, Edith remained humble and dedicated to her craft. She continued to work tirelessly to improve her voice, even taking vocal lessons to help her reach her full potential. She was always eager to learn new techniques and styles, and never took her success for granted.
As Edith’s fame spread beyond France to other parts of Europe, she became known as “the little sparrow” because of her diminutive size and soaring voice. Her emotional performances touched the hearts of audiences everywhere, and she quickly became one of the most beloved singers of her time.
But even as Edith’s star continued to rise, her personal life was marked by tragedy and heartbreak. She suffered the loss of several close friends and loved ones, including her mentor Louis Leplee, who was murdered shortly after discovering her. She also struggled with addiction and illness, which took a toll on her health and well-being.
Despite these challenges, however, Edith remained steadfast in her commitment to her music and her fans. She continued to perform up until her death in 1963, leaving behind a legacy that has endured to this day.
As the music world mourned her passing, many of Edith’s contemporaries paid tribute to her unique talent and unwavering spirit. Singer Charles Aznavour described her as “an incomparable artist” and “a woman with an immense heart.” Actress Simone Signoret called her “a symbol of French courage and spirit.”
Today, Edith Piaf is remembered as one of the greatest singers of the 20th century, a true icon whose music continues to inspire and uplift people around the world.
Chapter 4: “Love and Loss”
Edith’s romantic life was as tumultuous as her career. She had two great loves in her life, the boxer Marcel Cerdan and the songwriter Jacques Pills. Both relationships were passionate and intense, but ultimately ended in heartbreak.
It was in 1948 that Edith met the love of her life, Marcel Cerdan. Their meeting was arranged by a mutual friend, and they fell in love instantly. Marcel was a famous boxer, and had been the world middleweight champion until he retired due to injury. Edith was immediately drawn to Marcel’s confidence, charm, and good looks. He, in turn, was captivated by Edith’s talent and her fiery spirit.
Their relationship was passionate and intense from the very beginning. Despite their different backgrounds, they shared a bond that was unbreakable. Edith was inspired by Marcel’s strength and resilience, and she wrote many of her most famous songs about him.
Unfortunately, their happiness was short-lived. Marcel was already married when he met Edith, and his wife refused to grant him a divorce. The couple’s relationship was further complicated by Marcel’s busy schedule, as he traveled frequently for his boxing career. They could only see each other sporadically, and their time together was always bittersweet.
In 1949, Marcel announced his retirement from boxing. He had planned to retire earlier, but had postponed his decision due to his love for Edith. With his career over, Marcel was finally free to marry Edith. He planned to fly to New York to see Edith, and they would then travel to Paris together to be married.
Tragically, Marcel never made it to New York. His plane crashed into the ocean, killing everyone on board. Edith was devastated by the news. She had lost the love of her life, and her grief was overwhelming.
Despite her heartbreak, Edith continued to perform. She was determined to honor Marcel’s memory, and she wrote some of her most powerful songs in the years following his death. She also turned to alcohol and drugs to help numb the pain.
It was during this time that Edith met Jacques Pills. Jacques was a songwriter and singer, and he was immediately drawn to Edith’s talent and charisma. They began a relationship that was passionate, but ultimately doomed.
Jacques was a kind and gentle man, but he was not Marcel. Edith was still deeply in love with her former partner, and she could not completely let go of her grief. Jacques tried to be understanding, but he could never fully compete with Marcel’s memory.
In 1952, Edith and Jacques got married. The wedding was a happy occasion, but it was clear that Edith was still struggling with her feelings for Marcel. She continued to perform and record music, but her addiction to alcohol and drugs was a growing problem.
Edith’s marriage to Jacques lasted only three years. The couple divorced in 1955, and Edith’s addiction continued to spiral out of control. She was in and out of hospitals, and her career was starting to suffer.
It wasn’t until 1959 that Edith managed to overcome her addiction. She checked into a clinic in France, and remained there for several months. When she emerged, she was determined to turn her life around.
Despite the many challenges she faced, Edith continued to perform until the end of her life. She died in 1963 at the age of 47, leaving behind a legacy that still resonates today. Her music remains one of the most powerful and enduring expressions of love and loss, and her story is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to survive and thrive in the face of adversity.
Chapter 5: “War and Resistance”
Edith had always been a fighter, and when World War II broke out, she was determined to do her part for her country. She joined the French Resistance, using her celebrity status to gather information and transport messages between Resistance fighters.
It was dangerous work, and Edith knew that she was risking her life every time she stepped out of her house. But she couldn’t bear the thought of sitting idly by while her country was under attack.
In those early days of the war, Edith continued to perform for French troops, singing patriotic songs in an attempt to boost morale. But as the war dragged on, the mood in Paris grew increasingly grim.
Food shortages were rampant, and the city was under constant threat of bombing. Edith saw the toll that the war was taking on her fellow Parisians, and she knew that she had to do something more.
She used her connections to help smuggle food and medicine to those in need, risking arrest and execution if she was caught. It was dangerous work, but Edith was determined to make a difference.
As the war wore on, the Resistance grew bolder, staging daring raids and ambushes on the occupying German forces. Edith threw herself into the fight, using her celebrity to draw attention to the cause.
Her performances were more than just entertainment – they were a symbol of hope for the French people, a reminder that they were not alone in their struggle.
But the risks were high. Edith was nearly caught several times, and at one point she was arrested and thrown into a Gestapo prison.
For months, she endured brutal interrogations and torture, refusing to give up the names of her fellow Resistance fighters. It was only through a daring escape and the help of her friends that she finally made it out of the prison alive.
Despite the dangers, Edith continued to fight for her country until the end of the war. And when it was finally over, she returned to Paris a hero.
But the scars of war had taken their toll. Edith had seen and experienced things that would haunt her for the rest of her life. And she knew that she could never go back to the carefree days of her youth.
In the aftermath of the war, Edith’s music took on a new depth and meaning. She sang not just of love and loss, but of struggle and survival. Her voice became a symbol of hope and resilience, a reminder of the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
And as she looked back on her life, Edith knew that she had truly lived. She had fought for what she believed in, and she had made a difference.
Chapter 6: “The American Dream”
Edith Piaf had conquered France, but her sights were set on something bigger. She longed to make it in America, the land of opportunity. It was 1947 when she finally got her chance, and she arrived in New York City ready to take on the world.
At first, things did not go as planned. Edith had trouble adjusting to life in the United States, and her nervousness on stage only increased. She struggled to connect with the American audience and battled homesickness and loneliness.
But Edith was nothing if not determined, and she refused to give up. She began studying English and working with vocal coaches to improve her technique. She also started to incorporate American songs into her repertoire, hoping to win over the crowds.
It wasn’t long before Edith’s hard work paid off. Her performances at the Olympia Theater in New York City were a huge success, and she soon found herself booked at some of the most famous concert halls in the country.
Edith’s rise to fame in America was not easy. She faced discrimination as a foreigner and was often criticized for her accent and style. But she remained true to herself, never compromising her unique sound and style.
One of the highlights of Edith’s American tour was her performance at Carnegie Hall. It was a dream come true for the singer, who had long admired the historic venue. On the night of the concert, Edith was nervous but excited. She knew that this was her chance to truly make it in America.
As she took the stage, the audience erupted into applause. Edith sang her heart out, her powerful voice filling the auditorium. She performed some of her most famous songs, including “La Vie en Rose” and “Non, je ne regrette rien.”
The crowd was enthralled, and at the end of the concert, they gave Edith a standing ovation. She was overcome with emotion, tears streaming down her face. For Edith, this was the realization of a lifelong dream.
But the pressure of her success in America started to take its toll on Edith. She was working non-stop, performing night after night. She struggled to maintain her health and her relationships, and she turned to drugs and alcohol to cope.
Despite these challenges, Edith continued to tour and record. Her music continued to captivate audiences around the world, and she became an international sensation.
In the end, Edith’s time in America was both a triumph and a struggle. She had achieved her dream of making it big in the United States, but she had also experienced the dark side of fame and success. Nevertheless, Edith remained one of the most beloved singers of her generation, her voice an eternal reminder of the power of music to transcend borders and touch the soul.
Chapter 7: “Heartbreak and Addiction”
Edith felt lost. She had just lost the love of her life, Marcel Cerdan, to a plane crash. He had been her rock, her muse, her reason for living. She turned to alcohol and drugs to numb the pain. Her addiction became so severe that she could barely function without them.
Her performances suffered. She missed shows, showed up late, or was too drunk to sing properly. Her manager and friends tried to intervene, but Edith refused to listen. She was in a downward spiral, and nothing could stop her.
One night, Edith stumbled onto the stage, slurring her words and barely able to stand. The audience was in shock. They had come to see the Little Sparrow, the woman with the voice that could move mountains, and instead they were witnessing a tragic train wreck.
After that night, bookings started to dry up. No one wanted to work with Edith anymore. They didn’t know if she would show up, and if she did, they couldn’t guarantee a decent performance. She was washed up, a has-been, a relic of a bygone era.
Edith felt alone and abandoned. She had never been able to hold onto anything in her life. Her childhood had been spent in poverty and desperation, singing for scraps in her grandmother’s brothel. She had been discovered, yes, but only because of her unique voice. She was never sought after for her beauty or charm. Marcel had been the first person to truly love her for who she was, flaws and all. And now he was gone.
She started to hallucinate. She would see Marcel’s ghost in her hotel rooms, hear his voice whispering her name. She would reach out to touch him, but he would disappear, leaving her even more alone than before.
One night, she was so high that she passed out in the bathtub. Her friends found her just in time and rushed her to the hospital. She was given an ultimatum: go to rehab or be cut off completely.
She chose rehab. It was the hardest thing she had ever done. She was used to being in control, to being the one who called the shots. But in rehab, she was just another addict, struggling to stay sober.
It wasn’t easy. She went through withdrawal, the shakes, the sweats, the cravings. But she persevered. She attended group therapy, one-on-one sessions, and art therapy. She started to write songs again, pouring her heart and soul into each one.
Slowly but surely, she started to regain her confidence. She started to believe in herself again. She performed at small clubs, building her way back up to the big stages.
And then one day, she was invited to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York. It was a dream come true. She had always wanted to perform in America, the land of opportunity. She put on her best dress, did her hair and makeup, and walked out on stage.
The audience was in awe. They had heard of Edith Piaf but had never seen her live. They were expecting a washed-up has-been, and instead they got a powerful force of nature. Edith sang with all her heart and soul, pouring every ounce of pain and joy into each note.
When she finished, the audience leaped to their feet, applauding and cheering. Edith couldn’t believe it. She had done it. She had overcome her addiction and come out on the other side. She had found love, lost it, and found it again, in the music that had saved her.
She walked off the stage, tears streaming down her face. She knew then that no matter what happened, she would always have the music. She would always have her voice, her one true love.
Chapter 8: “Heartbreak and Addiction”
Edith’s life had always been tumultuous, but the years following World War II proved to be some of the most difficult for the French singer. She had lost many of her loved ones to the war, including her mentor and lover, Louis Leplee, who had been murdered by the Gestapo. To cope with her grief, Edith turned to drugs and alcohol, which would eventually lead to her untimely death.
During this time, Edith also began a tumultuous relationship with the famous boxer, Marcel Cerdan. They met while Edith was on tour in Casablanca and their connection was immediate. Marcel was married, but that didn’t stop him from falling in love with Edith and leaving his wife for her. They were seen as one of the most glamorous couples of their time, but their relationship was often fraught with tension and jealousy.
Marcel’s boxing career kept him away from Edith for long periods of time, and she found it difficult to cope with his absence. She turned to alcohol and drugs to numb the pain, which only made things worse. Marcel would sometimes come home to find Edith in a state of delirium, unable to recognize him or anyone else. Despite this, he remained devoted to her, even as his own career suffered due to his association with the troubled singer.
Their relationship came to a tragic end when Marcel died in a plane crash on his way to see Edith in New York. The news of his death devastated Edith and she plunged even deeper into her addiction. She began to have intense visions of Marcel, and would often hear his voice calling out to her. Her friends and family tried to intervene, but it seemed that nothing could save Edith from herself.
In 1951, Edith’s addiction reached a new low when she was found unconscious in her hotel room after taking an overdose of sleeping pills. She was rushed to the hospital, where doctors fought to save her life. Her friends and family were by her side, praying for her recovery. Miraculously, Edith pulled through, but her health had been severely compromised. She was left with heart and lung problems that would plague her for the rest of her life.
Despite this brush with death, Edith refused to give up her addiction. She continued to drink heavily and take drugs, often showing up to performances in a state of disarray. Her voice, once so powerful and emotive, was now raspy and strained. Her fans began to worry for her, and some even booed her off stage.
Edith’s last performance was at the Olympia Theater in Paris in 1963. She was clearly unwell, but she refused to cancel the show. She stumbled through her songs, often forgetting the words and slurring her speech. The audience was sympathetic, but it was clear that Edith’s days as a performer were coming to an end.
Edith Piaf died on October 10, 1963, at the age of 47. She had lived a life full of passion and tragedy, and her music had touched the hearts of millions. Her legacy lives on, but her story serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of addiction and the toll it can take on even the most talented and celebrated individuals.
Chapter 9: “Legacy”
Edith Piaf had left behind an unparalleled legacy in the world of French music. Her voice had become one of the most recognizable and beloved sounds of the 20th century. Even after her death in 1963, her music continued to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.
Piaf’s impact on French culture was enormous. She had become a symbol of the country’s resilience and strength, particularly during the tumultuous years of World War II. Her music spoke to the hearts of the French people, offering comfort and hope during some of their darkest moments.
But Piaf’s influence extended far beyond France. Her unique style and powerful voice had made her an international sensation, with fans around the world. Her music had been translated into numerous languages, and her songs had been covered by countless artists in a variety of genres.
Piaf’s legacy also lived on through the many artists she had inspired. Her style of chanson – a form of French ballad – had become a cornerstone of the country’s popular music scene. Many other singers had followed in her footsteps, emulating her emotional intensity and lyrical depth.
But Piaf’s impact was not limited to the world of music. She had also become a cultural icon, representing a certain type of French spirit and character. Her life story – from her difficult upbringing to her meteoric rise to fame – had become a source of inspiration for many people around the world.
But perhaps Piaf’s most enduring legacy was the way in which her music continued to touch the hearts of listeners. Her songs had a timeless quality, with themes of love, loss, and the struggles of everyday life that resonated with people across generations.
As the years passed since her death, Piaf had become a beloved figure, still celebrated and revered by fans around the world. Her music had become a symbol of the enduring power of art to inspire and uplift, even in the face of hardship and adversity.
And as people continued to discover her music and be moved by her voice, the legacy of Edith Piaf had grown stronger with each passing year. She had become a true icon – not just of French music, but of the human spirit.
Chapter 10: “La Vie en Rose”
As the sun set over Paris, the city that had been the backdrop to Edith Piaf’s remarkable life, a hush fell over the crowds gathered outside the Olympia concert hall. They had come to say goodbye to the Little Sparrow, who had touched their hearts and souls with her music. Inside, the stage was illuminated with a single spotlight, and on it stood a frail figure in a black dress, her voice still as strong and filled with emotion as ever.
Edith Piaf had come a long way from the mean streets of Belleville, but she had never forgotten where she came from. She had sung her heart out, fought for her right to live and love, and become one of France’s most beloved icons. And now, as she stood on the brink of death, she had one final message to share with the world.
In a hushed voice, Edith began to sing “La Vie en Rose,” the song that had become her signature tune. It was a hymn to the beauty of life, a celebration of all the joys and sorrows that made it worth living. And as the music swelled around her, the audience began to weep, moved beyond words by the power of her voice.
For a few precious moments, it was as if time had stood still. As if Edith’s spirit was reaching out from beyond the grave to touch the hearts of everyone in that room. And then, with a final note, she was gone.
The world mourned the loss of Edith Piaf, but her music lived on. Her voice, filled with passion and pain, had become one of the indelible signatures of the 20th century. And even now, decades after her death, her legacy endures.
For those who had known her, Edith had been a force of nature. A woman who had lived life on her own terms, who had refused to bow down to convention or compromise her art. And for those who loved her music, she was a beacon of hope and inspiration. A reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always something to sing about.
As the lights went down on the Olympia stage and the crowds began to disperse, one thing was clear. Edith Piaf was gone, but she would never be forgotten. Her music, like her spirit, would endure, lighting up the world with its beauty and grace. And for those who had been lucky enough to hear her sing, life would forever be tinged with the colors of “La Vie en Rose.”
Some scenes from the movie La Vie en Rose written by A.I.
Scene 1
Characters:
– Edith Piaf (protagonist)
– Simone Berteaut (Edith’s best friend)
– Louis Leplee (nightclub owner)
Setting:
The scene takes place in the early 1930s in Belleville, Paris, in Edith’s grandmother’s brothel.
Scene 1: “Belleville Blues”
FADE IN:
INT. BROTHEL – DAY
EDITH PIAF (14), a small and fragile girl, is sweeping the floor of a dimly lit room. SIMONE BERTEAUT (15), a tall and confident girl, enters the room.
SIMONE
Hey, little sparrow. Come with me, I want to show you something.
EDITH
(Skeptical)
What is it?
SIMONE
Just come.
They leave the room and head to the front of the brothel where a group of men are gathered around a young woman singing.
LOUIS LEPLEE (30s), a charismatic nightclub owner, approaches them.
LOUIS
(to Simone)
Who’s the little one?
SIMONE
(Grinning)
That’s Edith. She’s got a voice like an angel.
LOUIS
(Is intrigued)
Sing for me, little sparrow.
Edith is nervous but Simone encourages her to sing. Edith starts to sing “La Marseillaise” and her voice fills the room. The men are captivated by her performance.
LOUIS
(Smiling)
You’ve got a gift, little sparrow. Come sing at my club tonight.
EDITH
(In disbelief)
Me? At your club?
LOUIS
(Nodding)
Yes, you. You’re going to be a star.
FADE OUT.
Scene 2
FADE IN:
EXT. BELLEVILLE DISTRICT, PARIS – NIGHT
The neon lights of the bustling Belleville district of Paris illuminate the streets. EDITH PIAF, a young woman in her early twenties, walks quickly down the street, clutching her coat tightly around her.
CUT TO:
INT. GRANDMOTHER’S BROTHEL – NIGHT
Edith enters the dimly lit brothel, where her grandmother works as a madam. She takes a seat and orders a drink from one of the girls.
LOUIS LEPLEE, a confident and charismatic nightclub owner, walks into the brothel and spots Edith sitting alone. He approaches her.
LOUIS
(smiling)
Bonjour, Mademoiselle. You have a unique beauty about you.
Edith is taken aback by Louis’ charm, but nervousness takes over.
EDITH
(shyly)
Thank you. I’m not sure what you mean.
LOUIS
You have a gift, Mademoiselle. A gift for singing. And I want to help you share it with the world.
Edith’s eyes widen in disbelief. Could this be her chance to escape the life she’s known?
CUT TO:
EXT. PARISIAN NIGHTCLUB – NIGHT
Louis leads Edith into his nightclub, where he introduces her to the audience.
LOUIS
(excitedly)
Ladies and gentlemen, I bring you the newest talent in Paris. The Little Sparrow, Edith Piaf!
Edith takes the stage, her nerves still palpable. But as soon as she begins to sing, her voice fills the room with a raw and emotional power that leaves the audience stunned.
CUT TO:
INT. PARISIAN NIGHTCLUB – BACKSTAGE
Louis and Edith sit backstage, giddy with excitement.
LOUIS
(laughing)
Can you believe it, Edith? You were a hit! The whole city will be buzzing about you tomorrow.
Edith smiles, finally feeling like she’s found her place in the world.
EDITH
(tearfully)
Thank you, Louis. Thank you for believing in me.
FADE OUT.
Scene 3
FADE IN:
EXT. PARIS STREETS – DAY
Edith walks down a bustling street in Belleville, the sun shining on her face. She takes a deep breath, feeling alive and hopeful.
EDITH: (V.O.)
I remember the first time I sang in public. I was so nervous, my knees were shaking.
FLASHBACK:
INT. NIGHTCLUB – NIGHT
A young Edith stands nervously onstage, looking out at the crowded room. Louis Leplee stands in the back, watching her intently.
LOUIS LEPLEE: (whispering) You can do it, little sparrow. Sing from your heart.
Edith takes a deep breath and begins to sing. Her voice is weak at first, but as she gets into the song, she finds her confidence.
CUT TO:
EXT. PARIS STREETS – DAY
Edith smiles, remembering the feeling of singing for the first time.
EDITH: (V.O.)
But I did it. And from then on, I was hooked.
CUT TO:
INT. NIGHTCLUB – NIGHT
Edith sings her heart out, the crowd cheering her on. Louis watches her, a proud smile on his face.
FADE OUT.
Scene 4
Characters:
– Edith Piaf (Lead)
– Marcel Cerdan (Edith’s lover)
– Jacques Pills (Edith’s ex-boyfriend)
– Louis Leplee (Club owner and Edith’s mentor)
Setting:
– Paris, 1949
FADE IN:
EXT. PARIS STREETS – NIGHT
Edith walks down the dark and empty streets with Marcel. He holds her hand tight.
MARCEL
Edith, you know I love you more than anything in this world, right?
EDITH
(smiling)
I know, Marcel. I love you too.
Suddenly, a car pulls up. Jacques Pills steps out.
JACQUES
Edith! How are you?
Edith’s smile fades.
EDITH
Hello Jacques.
Jacques ignores Marcel’s presence and gets closer to Edith.
JACQUES
I miss you, Edith. Can we talk?
EDITH
(angrily)
No, Jacques. We have nothing to talk about.
Jacques looks disappointed and goes back to his car.
MARCEL
(to Edith)
Who was that?
EDITH
(explaining)
Just an ex-boyfriend. Let’s go.
Marcel and Edith continue walking.
INT. NIGHTCLUB – NIGHT
Louis Leplee sits at the back of his club, drinking whiskey.
Edith enters with Marcel.
EDITH
Louis, we need to talk.
Louis looks at Edith and Marcel suspiciously.
LOUIS
What’s wrong?
EDITH
(to Louis)
Jacques is back. He’s been following me.
Louis takes a deep breath.
LOUIS
(sighing)
You can’t let him get to you, Edith. You’re too important to this club.
EDITH
(angrily)
What do you mean, too important to this club? I’m not just a singer, Louis. I’m a person.
Louis looks guilty.
LOUIS
I’m sorry, Edith. I didn’t mean it like that.
Edith takes a deep breath.
EDITH
(sadly)
I just want to sing, Louis. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.
LOUIS
(smiling)
Then sing, Edith. Sing your heart out.
Edith takes the stage and starts singing “La Vie en Rose”. Marcel watches her with love in his eyes.
FADE OUT.
Scene 5
INT. EDITH’S APARTMENT – DAY
Edith is sitting at her desk, surrounded by sheets of paper covered in lyrics. She is deep in thought, tapping her pencil against her chin. Suddenly, she hears a loud knock at the door.
EDITH: Who is it?
VOICE: It’s Marcel. Open up.
Edith rushes to the door and opens it to reveal a tall, handsome man with a rugged jaw and a boxer’s build.
EDITH: Marcel! What are you doing here?
MARCEL: I had to see you, Edith. I’ve been away for too long.
Edith smiles and invites Marcel inside. They sit on the couch, catching up on lost time.
MARCEL: I heard you’ve been singing for the Resistance.
EDITH: Yes. It’s dangerous, but I have to do my part.
MARCEL: You’re so brave, Edith. I wish I could be there with you.
Edith takes Marcel’s hand and looks into his eyes.
EDITH: You are with me, Marcel. In my heart.
As they embrace, a loud explosion shakes the building. Edith jumps up in alarm.
EDITH: What was that?
MARCEL: It sounds like the Germans are bombing the city. We have to get out of here.
Edith and Marcel rush to the window, where they see plumes of smoke rising from the streets below.
EDITH: We can’t leave. We have to stay and fight.
MARCEL: You’re right. But we have to be careful. The Germans will be looking for us.
Edith nods, her eyes filling with determination. She picks up her guitar and begins to sing a stirring anthem of resistance. Marcel joins in, his strong voice blending with hers.
As they sing, the camera pans out to show the city in flames, the sound of bombs and gunfire echoing in the background. The scene fades to black as the song ends and the credits roll.
Scene 6
FADE IN:
EXT. NEW YORK CITY – NIGHT
The dazzling lights of the city shine brightly as Edith Piaf steps out of a limousine. She is greeted by a crowd of fans as she makes her way into the concert hall.
INT. CONCERT HALL – NIGHT
The crowd cheers as Edith takes the stage. She sings “La Vie en Rose” with passion and emotion, her voice filling the room.
EDITH
(singing)
Quand il me prend dans ses bras
Il me parle tout bas
Je vois la vie en rose
As she finishes the song, the crowd erupts into applause.
BACKSTAGE
Edith sits in her dressing room, sipping a glass of champagne. She is joined by her manager, Jacques.
JACQUES
That was amazing, Edith. The crowd loves you.
EDITH
(smiling)
I love them too. This is what I live for.
JACQUES
Well, I have some good news. I just received a call from Hollywood. They want you to come to Los Angeles to record a film soundtrack.
EDITH
(excited)
Hollywood? This is incredible!
Jacques hands her a script.
JACQUES
It’s for a new film called “Roman Holiday”. It stars Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck.
EDITH
(reading the script)
I love it. The music is beautiful. I can’t wait to start recording.
JACQUES
(smiling)
You leave for Los Angeles next week. We’ll make sure you have everything you need.
Edith smiles with excitement and takes another sip of champagne.
FADE OUT.
Scene 7
Setting: Paris, France – 1950s
Characters:
– Edith Piaf: A famous French singer battling addiction and heartbreak.
– Marcel Cerdan: A boxer and Edith’s former lover who died tragically in a plane crash.
– Theo: Edith’s loyal butler and confidant.
Scene – Chapter 7:
INT. EDITH’S PARIS APARTMENT – NIGHT
Edith is sitting at her dressing table, staring at herself in the mirror. She’s gaunt, with dark circles under her eyes. Theo enters the room, holding a glass of water.
THEO
(softly)
Madame Piaf, you must drink this. It will make you feel better.
Edith takes the glass and sips at it slowly.
THEO (CONT’D)
(voice trembling)
Madame, you must stop this. You’re killing yourself.
Edith sets down the glass and turns to face Theo.
EDITH
(angrily)
You don’t understand anything. I loved Marcel. He was everything to me. And now he’s gone.
THEO
(sympathetically)
I understand that, Madame. But you mustn’t hurt yourself like this. You’re still here, still alive. You have so much ahead of you.
Edith stands up and picks up a framed photo of herself and Marcel.
EDITH
(tearfully)
Do you remember when we took this picture? It was on the night of my concert at the Olympia. We were so happy then.
Theo moves closer to Edith and takes the photo from her hands.
THEO
(voice trembling)
I remember, Madame. But you must try to find happiness in the present. You have your music, your fans. You have me.
Edith sits down on the bed and puts her head in her hands.
EDITH
(despondently)
I don’t know if I can, Theo. Everything feels so empty without Marcel.
Theo sits down next to Edith and takes her hand.
THEO
(softly)
I’ll be here for you, Madame. Always.
Edith looks up at Theo, and for a moment, they hold each other’s gaze.
Suddenly, the front door bursts open, and a drunken Marcel stumbles in.
MARCEL
(shouting)
Edith! I’ve come back to you!
Edith stands up and takes a step towards Marcel.
EDITH
(tearfully)
Marcel, I thought you were gone forever.
MARCEL
(slurring)
No, my love. I’ve come back to take care of you.
Theo stands up and positions himself between Edith and Marcel.
THEO
(protectively)
Monsieur Cerdan, I think it’s best if you leave now.
Marcel takes a swing at Theo, but misses and falls to the floor.
EDITH
(in a panic)
Marcel! Are you all right?
Marcel gets up and grabs Edith’s arm.
MARCEL
(angrily)
You belong to me, Edith. No one else.
Theo tries to intervene, but Marcel shoves him away.
Suddenly, there’s a knock at the door. Marcel turns towards it, and Edith takes the opportunity to slip out of his grasp.
Edith opens the door to reveal two policemen.
POLICEMAN 1
(gravely)
Madame Piaf, we’ve received a complaint about a disturbance in this apartment.
Edith looks back at Marcel, who is now standing in the middle of the room, looking dazed.
EDITH
(quickly)
Everything’s fine now. Monsieur Cerdan is leaving.
The policemen nod and exit the apartment.
Edith turns to Marcel.
EDITH (CONT’D)
I think you should go.
Marcel looks at Edith for a moment, then nods silently and walks out of the apartment.
Edith stands there for a moment, then turns towards Theo.
EDITH (CONT’D)
(tearfully)
Thank you, Theo. You saved me.
Theo embraces Edith, and for a moment they hold each other tightly.
THEO
(whispering)
I’ll always be here for you, Madame. Always.
Fade to black.
Scene 8
INT. EDITH’S APARTMENT – NIGHT
Edith sits alone in her dimly lit apartment, a bottle of wine in one hand and a cigarette in the other. She takes a long drag and exhales slowly, lost in thought.
Suddenly, there’s a knock at the door. Edith hesitates, then staggers to her feet and shuffles towards the door.
MARCEL, her former lover, stands outside, looking rugged and handsome as always.
EDITH
(surprised)
Marcel, what are you doing here?
MARCEL
(concerned)
I heard you’ve been struggling, Edith. I wanted to check on you.
Edith’s eyes fill with tears as Marcel embraces her. They sit down on the couch together, and Marcel listens patiently as Edith pours out her heart about her addiction and her anxieties about her future.
MARCEL
(tenderly)
You’re not alone, Edith. I’m here for you, no matter what happens. We’ll get through this together.
Edith looks up at Marcel, her heart full of conflicting emotions. She knows she shouldn’t be tempted by him, but she can’t resist his charm and his warmth.
EDITH
(hesitant)
Marcel, I don’t know if I can do this. I don’t want to hurt you again.
MARCEL
(smiling)
It’s okay, Edith. We’ll take it one day at a time.
They share a kiss, and the screen fades to black.
