I Am Woman (2019)

[bunniefuu]

♪ You're my world
You're every breath I take

♪ You're my world
You're every move I make

♪ Other eyes see the stars
up in the skies

♪ But for me they shine
within your eyes

♪ As the trees reach
for the sun above

♪ So my arms reach out
to you for love

♪ With your hand
resting in mine

♪ I feel a power so divine

♪ You're my world
You are my night and day

♪ You're my world
You're every prayer I pray

♪ If our love ceases to be

♪ Then it's the end of my world
for me... ♪

♪ With your hand
resting in mine... ♪

♪ I feel a power so divine... ♪

There she is!
Our little winner.

Hello,
Mr Muir. Good to meet you.

This is Traci, my daughter.

Alright. Well, let's
get started, shall we?

Ah, sweetheart,

look after little...little
Traci for me, will you?

I'll be back soon, OK?

Can I get you a cocktail?

Thank you, but I don't drink.

Is that a religious thing
or a diet?

I know how you ladies
like to look your best.

Come on, sit down.

Thank you.

So you really flew
all the way from Australia

all by yourself,
no husband?

No, not anymore.

What did he do, did he
forget your birthday?

I have always wanted
to come to America.

My parents are performers
back in Australia.

Is that so?

I believe if you want to
make it as a singer,

America is where you need
to be.

Oh, it's the only place to be,
sweetheart.

And, of course,

the opportunity to record
an album with Mercury.

That. OK, yep.

So, there's not going to be
an album.

What?

Well, there wasn't
a recording contract.

You won an audition
for the recording contract.

I have to audition?

OK, so when do I audition?

No, no, no. You already did.
Bandstand sent us your tape.

Miss Reddy, you sing,
you sing very nicely, OK,

but male groups are
all the rage right now.

You've heard of the Beatles,
right?

See, we couldn't get you
airplay.

All the radio stations
already have

an allotted spot on their
playlist for the female record

so I can't do anything
with a female singer.

♪ I will follow him

♪ Follow him wherever he may go

♪ There isn't
an ocean too deep

♪ A mountain so high
it can keep, keep me away

♪ Away from my love

♪ And where he goes I'll follow
I'll follow, I'll follow

♪ I know I'll always love him

♪ I'll love him
I'll love him... ♪

Yeah, you want something?

I'm being paid less than
the band.

So they're men.
They got families to feed.

Well, I've got a family
to feed.

Look, lady, I'm helping you out

by turning a blind eye to the
fact you ain't even legal here.

You want to complain
about equal pay?

Find another gig

or take it up with the nice
folks down at immigration.

Mummy!

Hi, darling.

Thanks for looking after Traci.

I'll try and help out
when I can.

Thanks.

Taxi!

Excuse me, I'm looking for
Lillian Roxon.

Yeah, yeah, she's over there.

Um, Lillian?

Hello, darling.

Oh, welcome, welcome!
Where are you staying?

Hotel Albert.

Oh, you poor thing! It's
a terrible dump, isn't it?

The worst.
But the price is right.

Well, I hear the Easybeats
are headed to town soon

so you might be
in good company.

Well, I'm sure they'll be
welcomed with open arms.

The record company
I was meant to sign with

backed out of the deal.

Male groups are all the rage
now.

Darling, how ludicrous!

Do they honestly think
all people want to hear

are rip-offs of the Beatles
ad nauseum?

I mean, boy guitarists
notwithstanding,

I don't think I can stand
the sight

of another bloody
electric guitar.

Maybe there's a story in that.

So you write about music too?

I mean, when I can

but it's mostly housekeeping,
beauty tips, fashion.

But it's really music
that's changing everything.

It drives me crazy

'cause those blokes don't even
take rock and roll seriously.

I mean, they don't get
it's a call to arms,

that it connects with us
and speaks to us

in a way that music
has never done before.

So they can laugh
all they want.

Meanwhile, I'm going to be
the one to write about it.

I'm going to be front
and centre of the revolution.

Then they can write about you.

Yes!

What about you, Helen?

Do you write songs?

- I'd like to do more writing.
- Well, you should.

I bet you've got plenty to say.

Now, have you been
to Max's yet?

Max's? Who's Max?

Oh, darling!

It's time we welcomed you
to New York properly.

Ooh, so what about him?

We're just talking sex, right?

Oh, God, yes! I can't abide
this whole dating culture

the Americans
are obsessed with.

They're so bloody timid
when it comes to sex.

He looks like an actor.
No actors, that's my rule.

Musicians are out too.

God, who does that leave?

OK, wait, I'll just check
the list.

OK. We've got musician,
bartender, bum...

You actually keep a list?

Yeah, I write about everything.

What?

You know, I was terrified
to call you.

I thought you'd be another
brittle, phoney New Yorker

ready to eat me for breakfast.

I was dreading meeting you.

But I think you and I are gonna
get along just fine.

Hey, Traci!

Traci! I said we have to keep
the door closed, remember?

And it is really time for you
to go to bed now.

Mummy, tell me the story about
when you were a little girl.

Well, I was only a year older
than you

when my daddy decided
it was my turn

to perform in his stage show.

But you forgot the pink bow.

That's right. I had a pink bow
in my hair.

I stepped on the stage
and the light was so bright,

the brightest light
I'd ever seen.

Were you scared?

A little bit but all those
people in the audience

were there to hear me
sing

and I couldn't let them down
because my daddy taught me...

The show must go on.

That's when I knew
that when I grew up

I was going to be a singer.

Lillian, do you think this is
asking too much of Traci?

Do you want to play
in my room?

You are a good mother, OK?
You'll know if it's too much.

I'm not sure I do.

I mean, this is how I grew up.

Our life wasn't exactly normal
but, you know, I thought it was

and that everyone was
in showbusiness.

Well, lucky you.

I grew up in Brisbane.

Showbusiness meant
you owned a television.

I still have my return ticket
to Sydney

so I was thinking that
maybe I go home a while,

save up and then come back
to New York.

No. You and I both know
you won't.

Look, you want to know
what I think?

I think that one day

Traci's going to be grateful
that you stayed.

She had a mother
that taught her

it's OK to follow her dreams.

That, or she'll never be able

to look at
a can of spaghetti again.

Well, my mother writes to me
every week

and tells me I have to choose
between career and marriage.

I tell her we can have both.

Does that mean things are
getting serious with Stevie?

Oh, hardly.

I mean, they're not called
the Easybeats for nothing!

But I do have another project.

An encyclopaedia.

Of rock and roll.

Oh, Lillian, that's incredible!

Or crazy!

No-one's ever done it before,
probably for good reason.

I mean, what if I get as far as
the Bee Gees

and realise that all
I'm good for is beauty tips.

That's definitely not true.

From now on, no-one will tell
us what we can and can't do.

Mummy.

You'll write your
encyclopaedia

and I'll...I'll get
a recording contract.

Oh, so does this mean
you're not going anywhere?

You and me against the world.

Oh, she's here!
I threw you a party.

Lillian, you didn't have to
do this.

Oh, isn't it fabulous?
Here, let's grab this.

You're charging people.

- Well, it's your rent fund.
- It's mortifying!

Oh, what's more mortifying,

being able to pay your rent
or going back to Australia

with your tail
between your legs?

I've never seen him before.

And he also didn't pay.
I can take care of this.

No, that's OK.
This one's on me.

Oh, is it?

Hello.

I'm Helen.

Oh, you must be
the birthday girl.

I am.

And I have absolutely no idea
who you are.

Hm, that's all about to change.

I'm Jeff Wald, manager, work
for the William Morris Agency.

You heard of us?
We're big players.

Nope.

Well, I used to run my own show
with Oscar Brown Jr.

He's a star of the jazz world

but you probably
haven't heard of him

because most people
don't know much about jazz.

Of course I know
Oscar Brown Jr.

All Blues,
originally Miles Davis,

twelve-bar blues
in seventh chords.

You, er, you know
Miles Davis too?

Well, do I need to teach you
about jazz?

Well, that's why I'm at
William Morris, to learn,

see how the game
is really played.

I got big plans.

So have I.

Bigger, even.

- Oh, yeah?
- Mm.

I'm gonna make $1 million
by the time I'm 30.

Well, I'm gonna make
$2 million.

But good for you
to keep it modest.

Oh, sh*t.

You're from Australia, right?
What are you doing in New York?

- I'm a singer.
- Mm.

You've heard it all before,
right?

Really? No.

Trust me, I'm different.

I'll tell you what.

Why don't we go somewhere
a bit quieter?

I've got some k*ller weed.

Weed is marijuana.

Yes. I know that.

We have it in Australia.

Well, I can't stay late.

I have a 3-year-old daughter.

Great. I love kids.

Alright, you can hang
those out.

Traci, who is it?

I don't know.

I told you not to open
the door.

Oh! Sorry.

Um...

- Hi.
- Hi.

How did you find me?

I... I'm really connected
in this town.

No, I remembered you said
you were at the Hotel Albert

and I just asked
at the front desk.

- Alright, well, come in.
- Yeah?

Sorry about the mess.

Oh, that's alright.
I was just in the area.

Can I get you something?
Tea or...spaghetti?

No, that's OK, yeah, I'm good,
I'm good.

- Did you bring chess?
- Yes, I brought chess.

Right.

Checkmate.

I guess that means we win.

I guess that means
congratulations.

Thank you.

Are you leaving?

Yeah. I've got some stuff
I've gotta do.

Thanks for the game, though.
Traci, it was good to meet you.

Well, onwards and upwards.

I mean, let's face it,
you can only go up.

Well, I have revised
my dating rules.

No actors, musicians
or men bearing chess sets.

- Tell me about Stevie.
- No!

♪ There are those, I am sure
who have told you

♪ They would give you the world
for a toy

♪ All I have are these arms
to enfold you

♪ And a love
time can never destroy

♪ And if you're wondering
what I'm asking in return, dear

♪ You'll be glad to know
that my demands are small

♪ Say it's me that you'll adore
for now and ever more

♪ That's all... ♪

You won.

I won?

After last time, I went to
the library and studied up.

You make me want to be better.

Oh, my God!
Oh, it's Jeff!

Oh, I read your article on the
San Francisco music scene.

Oh?

Oh, come - I read. Come on,
don't look so surprised.

Grateful Dead, right?
I'm gonna check 'em out.

Well, well.

Music does have charms
to soothe a savage beast.

- Lillian!
- OK, I'll be back.

I'll be back.

Do you want to go with them?

People-watching's
more my style.

Yeah?
You watching me?

I'm not sure I can afford to
take my eyes off you.

That's the way I am.

No-one ever got what they want
standing around waiting for it.

Is that what they teach you
in the Bronx?

My ma did.
She was pretty tough.

What about your dad?

He d*ed when I was a kid.

- Jeff, I'm... I'm so sorry.
- I don't know any different.

Alright, peanut butter
and jelly.

Oh, look at that!

- Jam.
- Jelly.

- It's jam.
- It's jelly.

- Traci, what is it?
- Jam.

- Jam. See? Two against one.
- Traitor.

Bona fide American food.
And the only thing I can cook.

Does it taste good?

The best food I've ever had.

How about that?!

- That's pretty good.
- That is good.

She's a great kid.

Smart kid.

Like her mom.

Sorry - mum.

I bet you say that
to all the single mums.

Sorry - moms.

What are you laughing at?

You're supposed to be
eating your food!

She's finally asleep.

Let me be your manager.

- What?
- Shhh!

Shhh.

I've just been thinking.

We could do this.

You and me together.

A team.

You'll be the show,
I'll be the business.

Come on.

I'll make you a star.

Or maybe I'll make you one.

Maybe.

- Oh, Jesus!
- What?

A f*cking cockroach!

Traci's started naming them.

I think that one
might've been called Mr Ed.

Right. My first
managerial decision

is you move out of this dump.

Oh, right.

And where exactly
am I moving to?

Los Angeles?

Well, Jeff thinks LA
will be better for my career.

Well, what about Jeff's job?

Jeff doesn't have one anymore.

William Morris fired him

for selling pot
out of the mailroom.

OK, so your boyfriend,
your unemployed boyfriend,

is gonna be your manager?

Helen, are you sure about this?

All I know is I'm going nowhere
fast in New York and...

..yes, Jeff's my boyfriend

but I'm willing to take
that risk

for someone who finally
believes in me.

I believe in you.

I'm just really going to
miss you, is all.

Well, I'm going to miss you
too.

Look, I'll admit Laurel Canyon
is the place to be right now

so your manager might actually
have a point

but is that the kind of singer
you are?

What do YOU want, Helen?

♪ I'm a daughter
I'm a sister

♪ I'm a lover and I'm a muse

♪ But I am strong
and I am gentle

♪ I am wise and I am true

♪ Here comes the revolution

♪ Voices clear
Voices loud... ♪

♪ Gimme Some Lovin'

♪ Hey!

♪ Well, my temperature's
rising

♪ And my feet hit the floor

♪ Twenty people knocking 'cause
they're wanting some more

♪ Let me in, baby
I don't know what you got

♪ But you better take it easy
'cause this place is hot

♪ And I'm so glad you made it

♪ So glad you made it

♪ You got to
gimme some lovin'... ♪

- We'll take it.
- Well, that's swell.

We'll just need
four months' rent in advance.

Four months' rent in advance?

That's all the money we have.

I'll have to book

every spaghetti house
and dive bar in LA

and you'll have to start
managing the bloody Beatles!

Oh, come on! You gotta
spend money to make money.

Don't you see how LA works?
It's all about image.

Nobody wants to be managed
by a bum.

Look, we get this house,
we get married for real,

I get myself set up

and then we launch
your career.

OK?

Come on.

Come on.

Yes! Yes, yes!

I love you! Yes!

I love you!

Hi. Reservation for Wald.

Certainly, Mr Wald.

Hey, how much longer
are we gonna have to wait?

Our reservation was for
half an hour ago.

These people you seated
just got here.

As soon as your table's
available we'll seat you, sir.

- Let's just go somewhere else.
- No, I want to eat here.

Mr Goldman.
Nice to see you.

Mike. Mike! Hi. How are you?

Good to see you.
Jeff Wald, manager.

I'd love to get together

and talk about some stuff I've
been working on, big stuff.

- Sure. Call my office.
- Great, thanks! Sure thing.

I've lost
Jefferson Airplane.

- Did you try looking up?
- Oh, ha!

I trod on the bloody Beach Boys
again.

I swear this encyclopaedia

is taking over
my entire apartment.

Not to mention my entire life.

And it's wreaking havoc
on my asthma.

How's LA?
Have you gone blind

from the glare of all those
disgustingly healthy tans yet?

Well, I can still see the
Hollywood sign from our window

if I dislocate my neck.

- No!
- Dreams really do come true.

Have you got a gig yet?

Oh, Jeff's trying but,
you know, he's very busy.

He actually just got a job with
a new management company.

He's managing...Tiny Tim.

Tiny Tim?

Oh, God!

Lillian, I miss you.

I'm so bored.

I miss you too.

I was just telling Linda
the other day, actually.

Who's Linda?

Oh, she's this American
photographer

I've become friends with.

Actually, she's coming over
soon.

She's dragging me to this party
tonight 'cause she's decided

she's head over heels in love
with Paul McCartney!

Then we're going to see this
divine singer I've discovered,

David Bowie.

Don't you love how
Englishmen can look effete

but aren't?

Oh, coming!

Oh. Oh! Are you still there?

Yes.

Well, that's Linda,
so I've got to dash

but word is that Betty Friedan

and the National Organization
for Women

are stepping up the Equal
Rights Amendment campaign.

They're going to call on
all women to strike.

I'll report back, OK?

Lots of love, darling.

Morning, sweetheart.
How are you?

- Good, Dad.
- Good.

Hey, Traci, why don't you
go and get ready?

OK, Mum.

We've got to be in the car
in about ten minutes, alright?

Love that home cooking.

Has there been any word on
that gig at the Troubadour yet?

I would've told you
if there was, wouldn't I?

It's like eating cardboard.

Have you chased them up?

How many times do I have to
tell you? I'm busy.

Not a minute's rest
from that douchebag

Tiny f*cking Tiny Tim,

Deep Purple are about to
start touring

but, hey, why don't I just drop
everything and call them again?

I was thinking about
going to college.

I'd love to study psychology.

I've always been interested
in what makes people tick.

That's great, Helen.

Maybe they'll have a course
on how to buy milk.

You know, you could go to
the store for once.

Buying milk is not just
my responsibility.

It is! It is your
responsibility.

I'm working to put the milk
on the table,

you gotta go buy the milk.

What are you doing?
What do you do all day?

This place is a f*cking pigsty

and all you do is bitch and
moan about getting a gig

and talk bullshit
about how people tick.

Who the f*ck cares?!

I didn't sign up to be
some little housewife

to wait on you hand and foot.

You told me that this house was
a stepping stone to my career.

Traci, we've got to go.

I didn't realise my new career

would be cleaning
the bloody thing.

Here. How about that?

- How's that for inspiration?
- Jeff.

Figure out what makes me tick.

Clean this sh*t up.
There's sh*t everywhere.

This is
the hardest piece

I have ever had to write
in my life.

I am supposed to be telling
what happened

when 25,000 women marched down
Fifth Avenue last night

on the 50th anniversary
of the day

women won the right to vote.

As is customary in my business,

I am supposed to be telling it
briskly and without bias.

Fat chance!

I am so biased
I can hardly think straight.

If the idea of change makes you
uncomfortable, don't worry.

You're not alone.

All of us ladies agree
this time

that getting there
will be half the fun.

But being there

is going to be an important
part of a brave new world.

A song called Black Night.
Get on there!

Aaaaaah!

Hey!

Is the volume loud enough?

- Yeah.
- Right, good.

♪ Black night is not right

♪ I don't feel so bright

♪ I don't care to sit tight

♪ Maybe I'll find
on the way... ♪

Hey, no groupies back here.

Do I look like
a f*cking groupie?

♪ Free to be me

♪ Black night... ♪

Hey. I need to talk to you.

What the f*ck
are you doing here?

- I need to talk to you now.
- Now?

- Yes.
- Are you serious?

Hey, guys, take five.
You sound great.

Hey, you are embarrassing me
in front of my clients.

Your clients?!

Well, what about
your other client? Me?

You know, we made a deal.

And all your talk of, "Hey,
baby, I'll make you a star.

"You're the show,
I'm the business."

It's bullshit.

You know how it works.
It's all about timing.

You're just afraid to do
any real work.

You start doing this job

you keep telling me
you're so good at

so I can start doing mine.

I've called everyone in town.

Nobody wants you.

Nobody.

You're wholesome, you know,

you're...you're a housewife,
Helen, let's face it.

And that music,
that's what people want.

You're wrong.

There is a whole lot of 'me's
out there

and we don't want to listen
to that.

Did it ever occur to you men

to ask women
what they want to listen to?

What do you want me to do?

Capitol Records.

Hi, this is Jeff Wald
for Artie Mogull.

Just a moment, Mr Wald.

Great, thanks, sweetheart.

Don't call her sweetheart.
It's demeaning.

- I can hang up this phone!
- Jeff!

- Artie!
- Good to hear from you.

- How you doing?
- You too, buddy. I'm good.

Ah, Artie,
it's your lucky day

'cause I got the next big thing
for you.

She's a star in the making
who can not only sing

but dance, act -
this woman can do it all.

Helen Reddy.

Isn't that your wife?

Yes, it's my f*cking wife.
Why do you think I married her?

'Cause she's so
f*cking talented.

Look, I'm sure your wife
can sing very nicely.

She's not what we're
looking for.

Artie, the '70s is the decade
of the solo artist.

You got James Taylor,
Carole King, Helen Reddy.

She's Australian too.
How about that?

Yeah, I'm not sure
that's a selling point, Jeff.

Artie, just... You gotta listen
to her, please. Do me a favour.

She's gonna blow you out of
the water, I promise you that.

I'm sorry, Jeff. Helen,
she's just not for us, OK?

But, hey, let's grab lunch
soon.

You call my girl and put
something in the books.

- Alright, thanks, Artie.
- Sure, no problem. Bye.

I'm sorry, honey. I tried.

Is that what you'd say
to Deep Purple?

What do you want me to do?
I can't...

I can't make him
want to see you.

What are you doing?
No, hey!

Alright, alright, alright.

Capitol Records.

Hi, this is Jeff Wald
for Artie Mogull.

Just let me
check if he's free.

OK, thanks.

I'm sorry,
he's on the other line.

Well, I'll hold.

It might take a while, Mr Wald.

OK. Well, just tell him
I called, then.

- Will do.
- Alright, thanks. Bye.

Look, I left word for Artie,
he'll call me back,

I'll set up some dinner here
and you can sing for him then.

- No, no, no, no, no.
- It'll be great.

- What? Come on.
- You're not leaving this room.

Get out of the way, come on.
What are you doing?

Capitol Records.

HI, sweet- Hi. This is Jeff
Wald again for Artie Mogull.

- I'm... It's really urgent.
- Sorry, he's in a meeting.

Capitol Records.

Hi. Jeff Wald for Artie Mogull.

I'm sorry, Mr Wald,
he's still in the same meeting.

Same meeting, huh?

Capitol Records.

Hi. It's Jeff.

Mr Wald, I'm sorry,
he's still in a meeting.

He'll be unavailable all day.

All day?

Hi, Kim, it's Jeff...

Stop tying up
my phone line, Wald!

I haven't had a single call
all day that wasn't you.

Artie, listen. You need to hear
this. You've got to trust me.

Trust me. I know talent
when I see it

and Helen has got it in spades.

You know me!
Just think it over.

I'll call you tomorrow and the
next day and the next day...

- Alright, alright.
- ..and I won't stop.

If I let her record a single
promise to never call again?

Yes! Yes. I will never call
your ass again.

Thank you so much.
I owe you!

Yes! Yes!

Yes! Yes! f*cking yes!

Whooo!

- Oh, I knew you could do it.
- Me too.

Alright, I did my job.
Now you better do yours.

Alright.

♪ I could just sit around
making music all day long

♪ As long as I'm making music

♪ I know I can do no-one
no wrong

♪ And who knows, maybe some day
I'll come up with a song... ♪

- Her voice is shaky.
- No sh*t.

Want me to shove a microphone
in your face, see how you feel?

♪ 'Cause you know that I
believe in music... ♪

Stop.

Ah, Helen, why don't we give
that one a break for a moment?

Hey. Hey.

What's going on?
You don't sound like you.

I'm nervous. I don't know why.
It's never happened before.

It's OK. Hey. You can do this.
I know you can.

Just do what you do
when you light up that stage.

Tell us a story.

OK.

Why don't we try the B side?
What do you think?

You got this.

OK? You got it.

You're on stage.

Let's try the B side.

OK.

OK, Helen.
Rolling on the B side.

♪ I don't know how to love him

♪ What to do
How to move him

♪ I've been changed
Yes, really changed

♪ In these past few days
when I've seen myself

♪ I seem like someone else

♪ I don't know how to take this

♪ I don't see why he moves me

♪ He's a man
He's just a man

♪ And I've heard so many men
before

♪ In very many ways
he's just one more

♪ Should I bring him down?
Should I scream and shout?

♪ Should I speak of love?
Let my feelings out?

♪ I never thought I'd... ♪

- That's your A side.
- ♪ ..come to this

♪ What's it all about?

♪ Don't you think
it's rather funny

♪ I should be in this position?

♪ I'm the one

♪ Who's always been

♪ So calm, so cool

♪ No lover's fool

♪ Running every show

♪ He scares me so

♪ I never thought
I'd come to this

♪ What's it all about?

♪ What's it all about? ♪

OK, ladies and gents,
here's what we're gonna do.

I've chosen a radio station,
WDRC in Connecticut.

We're all gonna call
and request Helen's song

and we're gonna call
over and over again

until their phones explode.
Traci?

- Here!
- Oh, here.

It's the snowball effect.

You know, one station plays it,
the next one will play it

and, well, next thing
you know...

You're in the charts.

Alright, let's start dialling.

♪ I wouldn't want to know

♪ He scares me so

♪ Ooh, I want him so

♪ I love him so. ♪

Whoo-whoo!

Yeah! Yeah.
That's what I'm talkin' about.

Right on! Yeah.

You're gettin' laid tonight!

You're gettin' laid tonight.

I can't request my own song.
I'm not...

Do it. I believe in you.

I can't! What voice
am I meant to do?

- Just southern or something.
- Southern!

I Don't
Know How To Love Him.

I'd like to request
my favourite song.

I Don't Know How To Love Him.

You can do it. Come on.

Oh, my gosh. OK.

Don't look at me
or I'll laugh.

You got it.

Don't say 'mate'.

Hello, I'd
like to request a song, please.

My favourite song.

I Don't Know How To Love Him
by Helen Reddy.

Yes, it's my new favourite
song. I can't get enough of it.

- I love it!
- Thank you.

- Jeff!
- Jeff.

- Can I have a turn?
- You bet, baby. Here.

Is that the radio DJ,
Lillian Roxon?

Oh, my God,
it's Helen 'Number 13' Reddy!

- Hello.
- I've missed you.

I'm so thrilled you came.

Oh, let me get this.

You know me, dropping stuff
everywhere, as always.

- How was the flight?
- Oh, it was great.

I knew you could do it.

The very first encyclopaedia
of rock and roll,

written by a woman.

You'd think I'd be ecstatic
but I wrote an encyclopaedia.

Where do I go from here?

Helen, are you home? Turns out
that piece of sh*t promoter

hasn't been promoting
the single

so I went into Capitol and
pissed all over his desk.

Hi.

Just another boring day
at the office.

- How are you doing?
- Hello.

- Good to see you.
- You too.

You know, every day I await
new tales of chaos and carnage.

I'd say urine is a first,
though.

You two comedians done?
What's this?

Finally finished
the encyclopaedia.

- Congratulations.
- Oh, thank you.

Wow. It's huge.
Need more pictures.

- You'll never read it.
- I'll never read this.

Hey!

- Seven!
- Hey!

- Eight!
- Hey!

Alright, great work, everybody.

Hi, darling. Hey.

Did you have fun?

I don't want to do kung-fu
anymore.

But why? You were so excited.

Girls at school are teasing me.

Honey, it doesn't matter
what those girls say.

Boys don't like it
when I b*at them.

Can't I just do ballet
like the other girls?

Please?

- Traci, you were fabulous!
- Wasn't she?

You were so good!

This one's ridiculous.

"It makes no difference
if you're rich or poor,

"smart or dumb,

"a woman's place in this world
is under some man's thumb."

Please tell me that's ironic.

It gets better.

It goes on to say
that when you're a woman

you're born to be lied to,
cheated on

and treated like dirt.

But, "When your man comes home

"you're glad it happened
that way

"because to be his woman,
no price is too great to pay."

Meanwhile, Capitol want me
to record

the highest-ranking songs
already on the charts.

Oh, bugger that.

That's exactly what I said.
I want my own songs.

Well, go with your instincts.
You're the artist.

And you can never trust anyone
in a suit.

Are we still talking
about Capitol?

Just don't ever let
anyone tell you

you can't do it without them.

k*lling Me Softly.

What?

- Let me take that.
- Oh, it's fine.

- Come on.
- OK.

- Hey, Lillian.
- Yeah?

Would you write my album
liner notes?

I know no-one really bothers
with liner notes anymore.

Helen, of course.

You and me against the world,
remember?

Thank you.

At least now there'll be
something on this album

I can be proud of.

Helen Reddy.

Songs to remind you
you're only a woman.

Gotta go.

- Love you.
- Love you.

Lillian.

I feel like you've only just
got here.

I'll see you soon.
Call me when you get in.

I will.

Bye.

♪ I am woman
Hear me roar

♪ In numbers too big to ignore

♪ And I know too much
to go back and pretend

♪ Well, I've heard it all
before

♪ And I've been down there
on the floor

- ♪ And no-one's ever... ♪
- Turn it off.

It's kind of angry.

Well, it's empowering.

It's a celebration of what
it means to be a woman.

It's man-hating.

I don't hate men.
I'm married to one.

Jeff, you OK with this?

I'm OK with this.

Wait till all this campaigning
leads to unisex toilets.

- See how she feels then.

The DJs will never touch it.

- They hate women's libbers.
- What is that word anyway?

I believe in equality.

Look, what my wife, Helen,
is trying to say

is that she's tapped in to
something here.

Remember that march in New York
and how many women showed up?

Imagine that as record sales.

A bunch of record sales
marching down the street.

I still think it sounds angry.

Come on, Artie. There's
no such thing as bad publicity.

Yeah, but I don't know
about this one.

Well, let's just bury it
on the album.

No-one will listen to
the whole thing anyway.

Well, that's true.

What are you doing?
Ready to go?

What the hell was that?

Maybe Artie's right.
You do sound kind of angry.

This is important, Jeff.

This is more than just a song
to me.

So trust me.

We're gonna pretend to play
their game

but we're going to get
I Am Woman out there,

you and me, whatever it takes.

What, we call
the radio stations again?

Yes, but this time
it's not us calling.

Alright, then, who is?

Women.

Based on their excitement at
finding it buried on the album?

No. We book you in every venue
and club

and you are going to sing
I Am Woman

and the women
are going to love it.

Yes.

Alright. You see those two?

Easy target.

It's those ones.

It's the wives out on the town
you gotta get.

I can do it.

Please give her a big
Washington welcome.

- Helen Reddy!
- Go get 'em.

♪ I am woman
Hear me roar

♪ In numbers too big to ignore

♪ And I know too much
to go back and pretend

♪ 'Cause I've heard it all
before

♪ And I've been down there
on the floor

♪ And no-one's ever gonna
keep me down again

♪ Oh, yes, I am wise
but it's wisdom born of pain

♪ Yes, I've paid the price
but look how much I gained

♪ If I have to
I can do anything

- ♪ I am strong
- ♪ Strong

- ♪ I am invincible
- ♪ Invincible

♪ I am woman... ♪

You're listening
to WBQ,

Washington's Request Fest.

- What's your name, caller?
- My name's Diane.

What can I play for you today,
Diane?

Could you play I Am Woman
by Helen Reddy?

OK, right on.

That is our most requested song
of the week.

♪ And I come back
even stronger

♪ Not a novice any longer

♪ 'Cause you've deepened
the conviction in my soul

♪ Whoa, yes, I am wise
but it's wisdom born of pain

♪ Yes, I've paid the price
but look how much I gained

♪ If I have to
I can do anything

- ♪ I am strong
- ♪ Strong

- ♪ I am invincible
- ♪ Invincible

♪ I am woman... ♪

- Good morning, ladies.
- Good morning.

♪ I am woman
watch me grow... ♪

♪ See me standing toe to toe

♪ As I spread my loving arms
across the land

♪ But I'm still an embryo
with a long, long way to go

♪ Up until I make my brother
understand

♪ Whoa, yes, I am wise
but it's wisdom born of pain

♪ Yes, I've paid the price
but look how much I gained

♪ If I have to
I can face anything

- ♪ I am strong
- ♪ Strong

- ♪ I am invincible
- ♪ Invincible

♪ I am woman... ♪

♪ I am woman

♪ I am invincible

♪ I am strong

♪ I am woman

♪ I am invincible

- ♪ I am strong... ♪
- Yes! Yes! Look at this!

♪ I am woman... ♪
- We're number one.

We're number one!

♪ I am invincible

♪ I am strong... ♪

For Best Pop
Female Vocal Performance

the nominees are...

Come on, this is the one!
Look at this!

Carly Simon for Anticipation.

Aretha Franklin
for Day Dreaming.

Helen Reddy for I Am Woman.

Roberta Flack for Quiet Fire.

And Barbra Streisand for Sweet
Inspiration and Where You Lead.

And the winner is...

The winner is Helen Reddy
for I Am Woman.

Thank you.

I only have ten seconds

so I'd like to thank everyone
concerned at Capitol Records,

I would like to thank
Jeff Wald

because he makes
my success possible

and I would like to thank God

because she makes everything
possible.

Over here!

f*ck you!

f*ck you very much.

Thank you. Appreciate it.

That's Helen Reddy.

Good evening, Mr Wald,
Miss Reddy.

Hey, Jeff, Jeff Wald.

Helen, I'm a big fan.

My wife won't stop playing
your record.

Are you interested in movies,
Helen?

Abso-f*cking-lutely, she is.

Call my office,
we'll set something up.

Get these fellas a bottle
of your best champagne.

- Dinner's on us.
- Jeff, he's the greatest.

You're the man! Isn't he?

Enjoy your evening.

Wasn't that a tad extravagant?

Baby, you just bought a house
in cash.

Champagne and a couple of
entrees is pocket change.

Besides, we're celebrating.

Well, speaking of celebrating,

one of the first women
in America.

No 'Mrs', no nothing,
just my very own name.

Way to go, baby.
Drinks are on you.

Don't be ridiculous.
I'm not using it.

We pay cash, like always.

- Complimentary hors d'oeuvres.
- Thanks.

I was thinking about inviting
Lillian to fly out.

I'd like her to be the first
to see the house.

Hey, did you read
Lillian's article

on Paul and Linda's
TV special?

- No.
- She is vicious.

"Did you see them
in that pub scene?

"Paul's congenial
as all get-out.

"Linda's catatonic with horror

"at having to mingle
with ordinary people.

"Linda comes across

"as an incredibly cold
and arrogant figure,

"coming to life only when the
TV cameras are focused on her."

- Ooh.
- Jesus.

You watch what you tell
Lillian, right?

What do you mean?

I mean, you're careful
about what you say to her?

After reading that, I sure
as sh*t wouldn't cross her.

Lillian doesn't believe
in reporting gossip.

She would never betray
my confidence.

Yeah, I know she's your friend

but at the end of the day
Lillian's ambitious

and she's not going to let
anything

stand in the way of her
and a story.

Let's just agree to disagree,
OK?

Wouldn't be the first time.

Helen Reddy is with us tonight,
she's a superb singer,

and, as you know,

she starred in her own summer
television series

and is well on her way
to become

I think the first artist
besides the Beatles as a group

who had three number one
records in a single year.

She's going to do
a couple of numbers for us

and one of them is her latest
big hit called Leave Me Alone.

Would you welcome, please,
Miss Helen Reddy?

♪ Big old ruby red dress
Wanders 'round the town

♪ Talkin' to herself now
Sometimes sittin' down

♪ Don't you get too close now

♪ Ruby runs away

♪ Poor old ruby red dress
Born on a sorry day

♪ I can hear her say

♪ Leave me alone
Won't you leave me alone?

♪ Please leave me alone now
Leave me alone

♪ Oh, leave me alone
Please leave me alone... ♪

And that's a cut.

Excuse me, Helen, I need
your signature on this.

Hey, I'll sign for that.

Oh, that's alright,
he signs everything for me.

Lillian Roxon called for you
again.

Yes, I'll call her back.

Can you make sure
the announcer

knows to start the show with
"Good evening, everyone,"

- not "Ladies and gentlemen"?
- Sure.

What do you think of
Alice Cooper

dubbing you "the queen of
housewife rock"?

I love it.
Alice is just fabulous.

Is it true you don't wear a bra
on television?

Would you ask a man
if he wears underwear?

We've got to wrap this up.

Now the Equal Rights Amendment

is only eight states short of
the required majority

to change our Constitution,
what do you think of

conservative political activist
Phyllis Schlafly

calling on women
to fight against ERA

and her claims it will
disadvantage housewives

and take away the privileges
of womanhood?

I disagree.

I happen to believe
it's high time

the Bill of Rights be applied
equally to women.

Why wouldn't we want
a constitution

against sex discrimination?

Alright. We're good, right?

And, Jeff, a few questions
for you?

Alright.

How does it feel to be
Mr Helen Reddy?

It's pretty good, actually.

But to have a wife who's
written the unofficial anthem

of the women's movement

and is the breadwinner
in your home,

isn't that emasculating?

Well, Jeff and I are a team.

We're equals.

You know, it's not my career,
it's our career.

I'm here now because of Jeff.

So he tells me.

Jeff hasn't got a modest bone
in his body

but that's what makes him sexy.

So a final question, Helen.

When is a woman liberated?

You mean when is a person
liberated?

When they're no longer
discriminated against

by the society.

Hey, look around you.

She looks pretty f*cking
liberated to me.

We done now?

Can you please drop me off
here?

What are you, a tourist?
We're on a schedule.

What if I forgo my next
bathroom break?

I assume we're scheduling
those now too?

I'm getting out.

Like hell you are.

What's wrong with you?
Can you stop, please?

If you stop, I'll k*ll you.
Keep going.

Hey, listen to me, both of
you. I'm getting out. Now.

If that's the way you're
gonna be, I'm getting out.

- Pull over.
- Jeff, stop it!

Move out of my way.

Stop it!
It's just the dr*gs.

- Look...
- Get back in the car!

Look at me! I can get out of
the car too, whenever I want.

Well, I guess we're both
getting out.

Lillian, what's wrong?

You don't look well.

I...I stopped dieting.

It was making me miserable

and I was fighting a losing
battle with the cortisone

so I figured I might as well
become a blimp

and be done with it.

Has your asthma got worse?

I'm sick of taking dr*gs
but I've no choice, and...

..the smog isn't helping either

and with the newspaper,
the radio show and the...

..and the magazines,

I feel like I'm perpetually
two steps behind myself.

Oh, I know that feeling.

These are beautiful.

The gorgeous David Bowie.
He heard I was sick.

I guess not everyone forgets
about you.

What's that supposed to mean?

You haven't been
returning my calls.

Never figured you to be one

to forget your friends
when you're famous.

I've been busy too, the tour,
the TV show, the kids.

I read your review
of Linda's show.

What's Linda got to do
with anything?

Well, I was surprised.

I thought Linda was
supposed to be your friend.

Yeah, well, so did I.

Then she became
Mrs Paul McCartney and...

..I didn't seem to...

..to matter much anymore.

But I thought you didn't
believe in making it personal.

It wasn't personal.

I report the truth and the
truth is the show was terrible.

I can be a little caustic
sometimes, is all.

A little?!

Lillian, you were pretty tough.

Why are you defending Linda?

That's why you haven't been
returning my phone calls.

You thought that I would write
about you?

How could you think that
about me?

Well, I have a family.

You know, I have to be careful,
for their sake.

I want my private life
to stay private.

Oh, is that right,
Miss Helen Reddy,

international superstar?

And how many houses
do you have, huh?

And cars?

Have you bought a jet yet or is
that for the next Grammy win?

Way to keep it private.

You can't have it both ways,
Helen.

I have to go.

Of course.

Run back to Jeff like always.

Helen Reddy, striking
another blow for feminism.

These are for the show
tomorrow night.

I hope you can make it.

Helen, Helen, Helen, Helen!

♪ She's 41 and her daddy
still calls her baby

♪ All the folks 'round
Brownsville say she's crazy

♪ 'Cause she walks downtown
with her suitcase in her hand

♪ Lookin' for a mysterious
dark-haired man

♪ In her younger days
they called her Delta Dawn ♪

♪ Prettiest woman
you ever laid eyes on

♪ Then a man of low degree
stood by her side

♪ Promised her he'd take her
for his bride

♪ Delta Dawn
what's that flower you have on?

♪ Could it be a faded rose
from days gone by?

♪ And did I hear you say he was
a-meetin' you here today

♪ To take you to his mansion
in the sky?

♪ Delta Dawn what's that flower
you have on?

♪ Could it be a faded rose
from days gone by?

♪ And did I hear you say he was
a-meetin' you here today

♪ To take you to his mansion
in the sky? ♪

Helen, I need to speak
with you.

Can you take that?
What is it?

Everybody off stage.

Jeff, what's wrong?

Everybody, let's go.
Pack it up.

It's Lillian.

She had an asthma att*ck.

She's dead.

I'm sorry.

Jeff, I...

- It's OK.
- I didn't say goodbye.

It's OK. It's alright.

I...

I left and I didn't say
goodbye to her,

I just walked out
and I didn't say goodbye.

It's OK, honey.
Come here, sit down.

Just breathe, it's OK.

Just breathe.

Come on. You're OK.

Shhh.

I didn't tell her
that I loved her.

I don't know what I last said
to her.

I don't know what I last said
to her.

Oh, sweetheart, she knew
you loved her. Come on.

But what if she didn't?

She did, baby. She did.

We have to go to the funeral.

When is it?

Oh, sweetheart...

..we can't go to the funeral.

We've gotta go to Florida
tomorrow.

It's OK, we'll send flowers,
the biggest bunch we can get,

we'll let the family know
we want to be there,

- they'll understand.
- Lillian was my best friend.

I know
but it's not that simple.

We have obligations.

You've got interviews,

you've got multiple shows
every night.

Can't we just reschedule it?
Can't we just reschedule it?

No, baby. When? When do you
want to reschedule this?

You know how tightly
this tour schedule is packed.

We can't just bail.

I don't care.
Can you just cancel it?

Cancel it?
What are you even saying?

You sound like a crazy person.
What are you talking about?

I can't...
I'll look like an arsehole.

You sound like one!

Don't you put this on me.

We're here
because you wanted this.

This is the job.

You cannot check in and out
whenever the f*ck you want.

It doesn't work like that.

I'm sorry, Helen,
but it doesn't.

- I'm sorry.
- Leave.

I don't want you here.

- Just leave.
- Fine.

Get the f*ck out of my way.

♪ You and me against the world

♪ Sometimes it feels like
you and me against the world

♪ When all the others turn
their backs and walk away

♪ You can count on me
to stay

♪ Remember when the circus
came to town

♪ And you were frightened
by the clown

♪ Wasn't it nice to be around
someone that you knew

♪ Someone who was
big and strong

♪ And looking out for

♪ You and me
against the world

♪ Sometimes it feels like
you and me against the world

♪ And for all the times
we've cried

♪ I always felt
that God was on our side

♪ And when one of us is gone

- ♪ And one of us... ♪
- f*ck!

♪ ..is left to carry on

♪ Then remembering
will have to do

♪ Our memories alone
will get us through

♪ Think about the days
of me and you

♪ You and me against
the world. ♪

The Equal Rights
Amendment

must be ratified by three more
states by June 30th

or it will die.

Illinois is one state

where supporters are using
extreme tactics

in an effort to pass
the measure

in the few weeks remaining.

Throw away
ERA, throw away ERA!

In Illinois,
ERA's been up ten times

and lost ten times.

ERA's most prominent opponent,
Phyllis Schlafly,

said she'd never have to
return to Springfield.

Well, Schlafly's back.

Women found out
what it will do.

They found out that ERA will
take away rights of women,

such as women's exemption
from the m*llitary draft.

They also found out ERA
will give more power

to the Federal Government.

Opponents of ERA
also charged

that it would legalise
prostitution

and h*m* marriages

and it would require unisex
bathrooms and destroy families.

- God, she's ridiculous.
- 35 states have...

You sold out again last night?

- Hmm?
- Vegas.

Oh, yes.

Both shows, the 8 o'clock
and midnight.

Honey, I don't know
how you do it.

I was tucked up in bed
five minutes after Dallas.

I've gotten used to it now.

Homework?

I'm writing a story.

Oh, I'd love to read it
But only if you want me to.

This is good, Jordan.
It's really good.

I think I'd like to be a writer
when I grow up.

Well, then, that's what
you should do.

And don't let anyone
tell you otherwise.

Morning, sweetheart.

I'm not gonna be home
for dinner.

I've got graduation rehearsals

then Lucas and I are gonna grab
a bite afterwards.

Traci's got a boyfriend,
Traci's got a boyfriend.

What have I said about teasing
your sister before breakfast?

I caught Traci practising
her graduation speech

- in the mirror.
- Jordan, shut up.

Traci, you're giving a speech?
That's wonderful!

Why didn't you tell me?

Because graduation
isn't in Vegas.

Helen. I'm Kevin.

Where's Joe?

Ah, I'm looking after
the album release now.

This is so exciting.

I'm a big, big fan.

Well, I've been touring
non-stop these past few years,

plus the Vegas season

so I'm looking forward to

getting back into the studio
again.

We are really excited
to hear that.

You are one of MCA's
most-valuable artists

- and we are so...
- Excited.

Yes. Thank you.

I'm thinking about
going back to my roots

and doing a jazz album.

We should probably wait
for Jeff, shouldn't we,

if we're going to start
talking business?

Well, Jeff isn't here, is he?

And I'm the one recording the
album so I'd like to start...

- Hey!
- Jeff!

There he is.
Kevin, what's going on?

You're looking huge!
Been working out?

Hey, congratulations on Rocky
III. I hear it was green lit.

Man, Sylvester's knocking them
out of the ballpark!

You a Rocky fan?

Are you serious? Who doesn't
love Rocky?! Come on!

Shall we get down
to business?

I was just saying
we have a bunch of ideas

- for the new album.
- Great.

I was saying to Kevin
I want to do a jazz album.

The problem is jazz
is kinda niche

and after the last album sales
we need to be cautious.

Whatever you guys think, Kevin.

I know we're in good hands
at MCA.

I'm not doing it.

OK, she's not doing it.

Come on, Helen. These guys know
what they're talking about.

What, are you serious?

She'll do it.

- She won't.
- Yes, she will.

- No, she...
- Yes, she will!

Get the f*ck out of here,
Kevin.

What the hell are you doing?

You want to lose
your recording contract?

No, what I want
is your support.

I support you!
What are you talking about?

You never used to care
what the record label said.

You think I care
about a f*cking record label?

You think I'm scared
of a record label?

Come on, Helen.

Jeff.

I miss the way
things used to be.

And I... I miss you.

The kids miss you.
I haven't seen you...

I've got a question.

Who you been talking to
behind my back?

Who you been talking to
about this jazz sh*t?

I haven't been talking to
anybody.

You think you can find
somebody better than me?

- Jeff, stop it!
- You don't need me anymore?

I'm the best f*cking manager
there is in this town, OK?

You can't find anybody
better than me.

Just calm down.

It's just the dr*gs,
you're paranoid.

Oh come on, Jesus Christ,
what are you talking about?

You gonna start with this sh*t
again?

I don't have a drug problem,
Helen.

The only problem that I have
is with you.

You, Helen.
You're my f*cking problem!

♪ You live your life
in the songs you hear

♪ On the rock and roll
radio

♪ And when a young girl
doesn't have any friends

♪ It's a really nice place
to go

♪ Folks hoping
you'd turn out cool

♪ But they had to take you
out of school

♪ You're a little touched
you know, Angie baby... ♪

Yeah!

♪ Lovers appear in your room
each night

♪ And they whirl you
across the floor

♪ But they always seem to
fade away

♪ When your daddy taps
on your door

♪ Angie girl,
are you alright?

♪ Tell the radio goodnight

♪ All alone once more,
Angie baby

♪ Angie baby,
you're a special lady

♪ Living in a world
of make-believe

♪ Well, maybe

♪ Stopping at her house
is a neighbour boy

♪ With evil on his mind

♪ Ooh-ooh

♪ 'Cause he's been peeking
in Angie's room

♪ At night through
the window blind

♪ I see your folks
have gone away

♪ Would you dance with me
today?

♪ I'll show you how to have
a good time, Angie baby

♪ Angie baby
Angie baby

♪ When he walks in her room
he feels confused

♪ Like he's walked into a play
♪ Angie baby

♪ And the music's so loud
it spins him around

♪ Till his soul has lost
its way

♪ And as she turns
the volume down

♪ He's getting smaller
with the sound

♪ It seems to pull him
off the ground

♪ Toward the radio
he's bound

♪ Never to be found... ♪

♪ The headlines read
that a boy disappeared

♪ And everyone thinks he d*ed

♪ Except a crazy girl
with a secret lover

♪ Who keeps her satisfied

♪ It's so nice to be insane

♪ No-one asks you to explain

♪ Radio by your side,
Angie baby

♪ Angie baby,
you're a special lady

♪ Living in a world
of make-believe

♪ Well, maybe

♪ Well, maybe

♪ Angie baby
Angie baby

- ♪ Well, maybe
- ♪ Angie baby

♪ Angie baby. ♪

Helen!

Helen, I need you
to come with me now.

Come here! Come here!

Come here, m*therf*cker!
I'm gonna f*cking k*ll you!

- Jeff!

- Jeff, stop it!
- I'm gonna k*ll you.

Is this who you've been
talking to behind my back?

About a f*ckin' jazz album?!

Come here, you piece of sh*t!
I'll k*ll you!

I'll f*cking k*ll you!

♪ And do I love you?... ♪

♪ Well, I know
I really try... ♪

Helen!

♪ Thinking of you

♪ Lovin' the sunshine
in your eyes... ♪

Helen!

♪ And when I falter

♪ Bringing you grief
- Get off me!

♪ Does it alter

♪ Your feeling for me?

♪ Oh, baby, can't you see
that we're sharing... ♪

Ten years,

one fought with passion
right to the end

but today time runs out

to ratify
the Equal Rights Amendment

and the proposal is still
three states short

of the 38 needed.

For now, the ERA is dead.

The person who fought
most publicly for its defeat

is Phyllis Schlafly, the head
of Eagle Forum and Stop ERA.

What is it exactly
that you're celebrating?

We're celebrating
a great victory

in defeating
the Equal Rights Amendment.

The polls have
consistently shown

majority support for ERA.

- The polls...
- Let me just finish.

Isn't this really a victory
for a vocal minority?

Mrs Schlafly, is ERA dead?
Really dead?

ERA d*ed three years ago
when it ran out of time.

Mom! Mom!

- Mom!
- Hello, darling. Hello.

Mom! Are you OK?

I'm fine. Absolutely fine.

When are you coming home?

I'm very sorry, Ms Reddy,

we're unable to fill this
until your account is paid.

What do you mean,
it hasn't been paid?

That's ridiculous.

It's been overdue
for some time now.

We sent several notices
but we haven't received...

Jerry, it's Helen.

I'm at the drugstore

and they're telling me
that our account is overdue.

My credit card's not working
either.

What's going on?

I'm Jeff's accountant.
I work for him.

If you have any questions,
you need to ask him.

- What?

I finally get up there,

I find the room's trashed,
bed's broken,

hair clogging up the drain,
TV disconnected.

So I tracked him down...

Oh, ladies and gentlemen,
Helen Reddy in the flesh!

What the f*ck?

Helen!

Helen!

Hel-

Unpaid school fees.

We owe money on the last tour.

Jeff. there's loans out
against our life insurance.

I know, I know, this f*cking
new business manager,

he put all this money
in these offshore investments

and he f*cked us.

I didn't want to tell you

because I've been trying
to put it right.

Is there anything left?

Look at me!

We still have the house, right?

Oh, my God.

The accountant took out
a double mortgage

because we've got to pay back
the loans

and then there's the taxes.

Jeff.
What have you done?

I haven't done anything!
It's not my fault!

It's the f*ckin' business
manager.

I don't want to hear it!

YOU were supposed to be
taking care of business.

I mean, Jeff, we have lost our
home, our children's home...

We've lost everything, Jeff!

I can't do everything, Helen!

Look, I know I fell asleep
at the wheel

and I should've kept
a better eye on things

but I promise you
that's all gonna change.

- Stop it!
- Just stop.

You got the Vegas shows,
you're gonna do the new album.

I'll go clean, I'll go sober.

I'll f*ckin' never touch the
stuff again. I'm begging you.

Please. Look. I can turn
this thing around, Helen.

Please, we can do this,
we can do this together.

Me and you.

Just... Please, baby.
We're a team.

We're not a team, Jeff.

- We are.
- We're not.

No!

We're not anymore.

I can't do this anymore.

What did you say to me?

After all that I f*cking did
for you?

After all that we've
been through together

you're gonna f*cking leave me
like this?

I made you a f*cking star!

No-one would even know who you
were if it wasn't for me.

Well, no-one would know you
if it wasn't for me.

No, no, no, no.

Helen, you leave
and I will f*cking destroy you.

I will f*cking destroy you.

I will take your career,
the kids, I'll take it all.

Don't you dare bring the kids
into this.

I can do it, Helen,
you know I can do it,

easy as f*cking pie.

This is Jeff Wald
you're talking to.

Everybody picks up the phone
for me.

For f*cking me! Not you.
Not Helen f*cking Reddy.

Are you kidding me?

What, you've got
a f*cking problem?

You're the one
with the problem.

- What the f*ck, Helen!
- Grow up, Jeff!

Great! That's f*cking great!
That's f*cking great.

You f*cking dropped the coke
everywhere! f*ck!

Mom?

Jordan.

Jordan! Jordan, come here.

- I'm so sorry.
- Hey, buddy.

Hey, I'm sorry.

Your mom and I were just
talking. It's alright, alright?

Helen?

Helen!

HELEN!

I did this for you!

This was all for you!

♪ I guess it was yourself
you were involved with

♪ I would've sworn
it was me

♪ I might've found out sooner

♪ If you'd only let me
close enough to see

♪ That ain't no way to treat
a lady

♪ No way to treat your baby

♪ Your woman, your friend

♪ That ain't no way
to treat a lady

♪ No way

♪ But maybe it's a way for us
to end

♪ I was only being a picture

♪ With all the colours
I know... ♪

These are for you.

- Are you sure?
- I'm sure.

♪ ..into wide blue mirrors
and lovin' the show

♪ That ain't no way
to treat a lady

♪ No way to treat your baby,
your woman, your friend

♪ That ain't no way
to treat a lady

♪ No way

♪ But maybe it's a way for us
to end. ♪

Traci!

Hey!

Come in.

So good to see you, darling.

How are you? How's Lucas?

We're good. Both busy with work
but we're good.

I had another call

from the National Organization
for Women.

They're organising a rally,
Mobilize for Women's Rights,

and they want to know
if you'll perform.

You told them
I don't sing anymore?

Of course I told them.

They asked if you'd make
an exception,

just one performance
for a cause you believe in.

Aren't there plenty of young
female singers out there

who'd love to be part of it?

- Mom, they want you.
- No, they want the old Helen.

And that was another lifetime.

What happened to
"The show must go on"?

Traci, please.

Look, I've made my choice
and I can't go back.

"Helen Reddy is a certain sort
of woman

"who is remarkably
without artifice."

Please, Traci.

I know you gave
everything away

but I thought it might be time
to revisit this.

Helen Reddy
is a certain sort of woman

who is remarkably
without artifice

and remarkably without fear,

who is made uncomfortable
by polite lies,

who refuses to face the world
any way but straight on.

And once she discovered

there was nothing to hold back
or disguise,

shone so brightly people
find themselves blinking

when they first meet her.

Like so many others
of my generation

and perhaps yours too,

I saw lies and I wanted truths.

I didn't even know who I was
till music told me.

I thought I was alone
until I heard the other voices.

Helen's voice was one of those.

I used to read Lillian's liner
notes over and over again

when I was a little girl

because they told me everything
about the woman I wanted to be.

Sorry.

You've made me cry.

Alright. Where is this rally?

- It's in Washington.
- Washington?

Of course it's in Washington.

I really love you.

I love you too, Mom.

You don't think I'm...

You don't think I'm making
a mistake, do you?

You're going to be great.

And the people say,

"We believe in choice.

"We believe in liberty.

"And we will never be denied."

We say to the political
leadership of this country

and to the Supreme Court

and particularly
to the President,

"We will not go back."

Whoooo!

Our next guest is
particularly special to me.

When I heard her song
it changed my life,

as I know it did
for many of you

so it gives me great pleasure
to introduce

the woman who gave our movement
an anthem,

who gave us a voice -
Helen Reddy!

I'm so proud of you.

Thank you.

If you know the words, I hope
you'll sing them along with me.

♪ I am woman
Hear me roar

♪ In numbers too big to ignore

♪ And I know too much
to go back and pretend

♪ 'Cause I've heard it all
before

♪ And I've been down there
on the floor

♪ And no-one's ever gonna
keep me down again

♪ Oh, yes, I am wise
but it's wisdom born of pain

♪ Yes, I've paid the price
but look how much I gained

♪ If I have to
I can do anything

- ♪ I am strong
- ♪ Strong

- ♪ I am invincible
- ♪ Invincible

♪ I am woman... ♪

♪ You can bend
but never break me

♪ 'Cause it only serves
to make me

♪ More determined to achieve
my final goal

♪ And I've come back
even stronger

♪ Not a novice any longer

♪ 'Cause you've deepened
the conviction in my soul

♪ Whoa, yes, I am wise
but it's wisdom born of pain

♪ Yes, I've paid the price
but look how much I gained

♪ If I have to
I can do anything

- ♪ I am strong
- ♪ Strong

- ♪ I am invincible
- ♪ Invincible

♪ I am woman

♪ I am woman
Watch me grow

♪ See me standing toe to toe

♪ As I spread my lovin' arms
across the land

♪ But I'm still an embryo
with a long, long way to go

♪ Until I make my brother
understand

♪ Oh, yes, I am wise
but it's wisdom born of pain

♪ Yes, I've paid the price
but look how much I gained

♪ If I have to
I can face anything

- ♪ I am strong
- ♪ Strong

- ♪ I am invincible
- ♪ Invincible

♪ I am woman

♪ I am woman

♪ I am invincible

♪ I am strong

♪ I am woman

♪ I am invincible

♪ I am strong

♪ I am woman

♪ I am invincible

♪ I am strong. ♪

♪ I'm a daughter

♪ I'm a sister

♪ I'm a lover and I'm a muse

♪ But I am strong
and I am gentle

♪ I am wise and I am true

♪ Here comes the revolution

♪ Voices clear
and voices loud

♪ Here comes a chance
for restitution

♪ To make our mothers proud

♪ We are daughters

♪ We are sisters

♪ We are mothers

♪ And we are friends

♪ But we are strong
and we are gentle

♪ We are wise
We are patient

♪ So here comes the revolution

♪ Voices clear
Voices loud

♪ Here comes a chance
for restitution

♪ To make our mothers proud

♪ Mm-mm-mm

♪ Mm-mmmm. ♪