01x02 - The Don't Love Me

[bunniefuu]

This story is inspired
by real events and characters

as told by some of the protagonists

and the media of the time.

There are also fictionalized facts
and characters for dramatic purposes.

TONIGHT WE PARTY
TVE. 1979

Thank you, Spain. Thank you all.

We also love Mari Trini.

Let's move on because
as soon as the microphones are ready,

we'll introduce tonight's final act.

First, I wanted to take a closer look
through that camera at Bárbara Rey.

-Good evening, Bárbara. How are you?
-Hello. Good evening.

Bárbara Rey,

who became one of the country's
most popular women almost overnight.

How many movies have you made
in the last two years?

Well, in the last…
First of all, good evening.

-In the last two years.
-In the last two years…

I couldn't say right now,
but I think… about 15 or 16.

But I've actually done about 43.

-Out of those 43, how many good ones?
-I've been making movies for nine years.

How many good ones?

That is harder to answer.
I'd need time to think about it.

What are you looking for in life?

That's very difficult to answer.

I'm looking for many things,
but… I don't know.

To continue working, above all, and love.

Real love?

Real love, the most beautiful thing.
Isn't that enough?

The love of a man?

-Of a man?
-The love of a man.

Of a man, among other things.

Love doesn't only have to be of a man.

It can be of work,
of many wonderful things in our lives.

May the Three Wise Men
bring you that love.

-Okay. Thank you.
-Thank you for being here tonight.

UNTAMEABLE

Thank you.

Good night.

María! It's me!

Jesus, Paco! You really scared me.

Sorry.

-Why are you here?
-I was waiting for you.

Aren't you inviting me up?

What do you want?

sh*t. You don't seem happy to see me.

What do you want?

To see you, to talk to you.

Oh, Paco, honey…

You're married. You have two children.
You have Carmina. I don't know.

My marriage is a disaster. You know that.

I'm having a hard time.

How many times have you used
that sob story to get in my bed?

Don't play it cool.

I heard you're coming
to Las Ventas tomorrow.

-Aren't you?
-To see you?

-Yes.
-Sorry, darling, but no.

-Oh, no?
-No. I'm going to promote my film.

Oh, right.

I wouldn't be going otherwise.
You know I don't care for the bulls.

You may not like the bulls,
but bullfighters, you do like.

No. They only want
to stick their dagger in you.

CHAPTER 2
"THEY DON'T LOVE ME"

Right, the dagger.

I'm with somebody, honey.

You want to make me jealous?

It's the truth.

You think he's more serious than me?

A bit more. I hope.

That's fine.

Go on, get out of here.

Wait, I'm leaving,
but let me give you something. One second.

Happy birthday, María.

It's not my birthday yet.

It is. It's already 12:05 a.m.

-I love it. Thank you.
-May I see it on you?

It's beautiful, Paco. Thank you.

You are beautiful.

Go.

Okay, I'm leaving.

-See you tomorrow?
-I don't know.

I'll be seeing you.

Welcome once again

to this traditional charity bullfight,

here at the Las Ventas bullring in Madrid.

Yes, thank you.

LAS VENTAS BULLRING
MADRID. 1979

-We'll stand here.
-Whatever Chelo wants.

-Thank you.
-Another one.

And when's the premiere?

It will be released next spring.

The film won't leave anyone indifferent.

You can't miss it. Me siento extraña.

How did you feel together in bed?
Will you be the new X-rated queens?

Come on, Mariñas. We're done. Thanks.

-Thanks, everyone.
-Thank you.

-I'll be right there.
-Okay.

Jesús, honey…

My mouth hurts from all that smiling.

Important figures from the political,
cultural, and sports worlds…

GREAT BULLFIGHT
PAQUIRRI - EL VITI - LINARES

…have gathered here today

to support a very noble cause
and enjoy a magnificent evening.

Please…

Look who's here.

Encarna!

Encarna, dear,
I didn't know you were coming.

-María. Happy birthday.
-Thank you.

-Marieta.
-How are you?

-It's been a long time.
-Too long. It's true.

-You have to come to the radio station.
-Whenever you want.

You know we're looking forward
to promoting the film.

And you'll need to.

A l*sbian relationship on the big screen.

I don't know.

All right. Well, enjoy yourself.

-Thank you. Bye.
-Take care.

See you later. Bye.

Hi. This is Bárbara.
I can't talk to you right now.

Leave a message after the beep.

Bárbara, it's Ángel Cristo.

Three great matadors…

I've been trying to reach you
for two days.

-Call me as soon as you can.
-…Viti, Palomo Linares, and Paquirri.

-Holy sh*t, what a lineup, man.
-You can say that again.

…packed with people
ready to enjoy a magnificent evening.

-Chelo.
-Oh, María. Where were you?

-Help me.
-Be careful.

Goodness gracious. Everybody is here.

Well, not everybody. Someone's missing.

Olé, my two gorgeous blondes.

Well, hello, Manolo. How are you?

You should have a birthday every day.
You look beautiful.

Oh, shush.
Hey, I'll see you at my party, right?

I'll go wherever you take me, princess.

-Gotta run. It's about to start.
-See you.

-Bye.
-Bye.

What a guy.

I'm calling about the gala.
I don't know if you remember.

I know you must be very busy,
but I need an answer as soon as possible.

His Majesty the King
is making his entrance,

accompanied by Doña Sofía.

This means the performance
is about to start.

This ovation is proof
of the love and affection

the people of Madrid have
for Their Majesties, the King and Queen.

Hi, this is Bárbara--

I don't know where the f*ck she is.
It's impossible to reach her!

…who you can see surrounded
by other well-known faces.

-There she is.
-Will you look at that señora!

-She's no señora, she's single.
-Even better.

f*ck me dead.

The sound of bugles and drums announces
the performance is about to start.

With his usual elegance,

handsome Paquirri walks around the pit,

greeting the king

and undoubtedly eliciting some sighs

from the women in the audience.

Thank you so much for coming,
Your Majesty. With your permission.

Olé!

The bullfighter greets Their Majesties

and offers a carnation to Carmina Ordóñez,

surely, the most envied woman in Spain.

Good afternoon.

Good afternoon.

We've come to say goodbye.

What do you mean, goodbye?
We have a gala coming up.

The gala isn't picking up steam.
Besides, we have our kid.

-We can't keep--
-Don't f*ck with me.

We're really sorry.

Come on, Carlos. Who am I?

-Ángel.
-No. What else?

-Ángel Cristo.
-Carlos, what else?

I'm your brother.

Your brother.

-When did we meet?
-A long time ago.

-A hell of a long time ago.
-Forever ago, Ángel. But--

No buts.
How did you meet this saint of a woman?

You sure don't deserve her.

-You introduced us.
-Of course. And Pablito?

Come here, kid.
Do you know where you were born?

Look, you were born in that tent.

I was there.

And now you're telling me
you're leaving me high and dry.

I'm sorry, Ángel, but…

No buts, Carlos. Damn it.

Have I ever not paid you, gala or no gala?

Never. So if it's about the money,
there's no problem.

There is no problem.

Ángel.

No problem.

-All of it. Here.
-Ángel…

All of it. For the kid. Take it.

The kid is going to be okay.

We've been offered jobs.

Mancuso?

Give me a day.

That's all I'm asking,
after all these years. One day.

Hi, Bárbara. Edmundo here.

Happy birthday, gorgeous.
See you at the party later.

Bárbara, it's Ángel Cristo.

I've been trying to reach you
for two days.

Call me as soon as you can.

-Any messages?
-No. Nothing important.

f*ck me dead.

To hell with it!

Hello?

Hello! Hi. Ángel Cristo here.

I would like to talk to Miss Bárbara.

Sorry. She can't talk right now.
If you'd like to leave a message…

Sure, leave her a message
because I've had it with her.

Tell her that I understand perfectly well

that a woman like her
has many commitments.

Why should she give a rat's a*s
about the lives of 100 families?

But God, I find this disrespectful!

Actress or not, you can't toy with
the livelihood of others.

-Hello?
-Hi, Ángel.

I thought I would say yes,
but if you go on like this,

kid, I might have to say no to you.

Is that a yes?

You won't regret it.

I'm throwing a party
for my birthday tonight.

Come by, and we'll celebrate.

Of course I will.

Bye, Ángel.

Till then, Bárbara.

Well done, Ángel!

Come on! That's how you come through!

-Let's have a drink.
-Come on.

-I won't be long, Chelo.
-Uh-huh.

It's your birthday. What do I tell
the guests when they arrive?

What should I tell him?
He couldn't make it at another time.

-María.
-Chelo.

What should you say to him?!

Do you know what time it is?

Hey, is your guy coming tonight?

-No.
-No?

He's not. He's in Benidorm
doing a feature on Cantudo.

Too bad he's gonna miss it.
Honey, thank you. Love you.

Thanks for taking care of everything.
You're the best. I won't be long.

-I'll make it up to you.
-Bye.

-Good morning, Abdul.
-Good morning, miss.

Well, Ángel Cristo himself.

What brings you here?

I think deals should be closed in person.

Of course. Like everything in life, right?

Like everything in life.

Come on in.

Thank you.

MANCUSO CIRCUS

Ángel!

-Ángel Cristo! How are you?
-Fine.

I've come with my family.
I think you've met them.

Bad decision, Veracruz.

Come on. Sit down.

Sit down.

Carlos.

Go back home.

Now.

Sit down. Come on.

g*n and all.

First you take my tigers,

then my people…

Look, Ángel.

A circus may seem like a magical place,

but at the end of the day,
it's a business like any other.

And you and I are businessmen.

It's not personal.

The circus is my life, Mancuso.

It is personal.

Of course.
You're an artist, and a very good one.

The captain of a ship.

The problem is that your ship is sinking.

And a good captain
shouldn't let his people sink with it.

-That's exactly why I'm here.
-Certo.

Take this as an advance.

The offer can be extended
to the whole circus.

-How much is there here?
-A hundred thousand.

A hundred thousand pesetas?
Wow, doesn't look like much.

Look, Ángel, I think highly of you.

That's why I'm offering you
a dignified way out.

You can pay your people,

and you'll still be
the world's best tamer.

The only difference is that
you'd be the star of my circus.

Whiskey? A cigar?

One hundred thousand, Blasco.

A cigar, thank you.

Is that a yes?

Lighter?

Hey. Don't move.

You don't have
the ba*ls to sh**t, Angelito.

Are you paid to be a jackass?

Stop.

Big guy, back off.

Here's what we'll do.

We'll leave in peace
because nothing happened here.

But don't you forget, Mancuso,
I never leave my people behind.

If I hear a single step,
I'll blow your brains out.

f*cking dr*fter.

That turned me on a bit.

-Are you nuts? Do you know who he is?
-Yes.

Good for you if it turns you on
to risk your life with a lion,

but don't play with my life again.

Did you have to burn the money?

It's a matter of respect, Little Clown,
and nobody disrespects me.

-The old man doesn't know who I am.
-A f*cking madman.

One who'll solve all your problems.

-What do you mean?
-Get in the car.

-All our problems?
-Get in the car.

Will you cut the crap and tell us already?

Well, let's see.

This morning,

I closed the deal with the sponsors.

How much did we sign for last year?

Nine million.

Multiply that by three.

Twenty-seven million?

Twenty-seven million!

Bárbara Rey, gentlemen. Bárbara Rey.

Okay, but I understand that that money…

Yes, you will get a part, yes.

It'll come in handy
for paying off some things. Damn.

You'll get some too, Little Clown.
You'll get some too.

-Twenty-seven million!
-Twenty-seven million!

-Hot damn, Little Clown!
-Careful!

And you kept it to yourself.

Do you know what day it is today?

Sorry, María. I have to make a call.

Adolfo, what's up, man? How are you?

Yes.

It's been a long time, hasn't it?

The other day
I was talking to your friend.

Yes. Yes, to Felipe, yes.

No, man, no.

No. Hey, don't you worry, all right?

No. It's all right.

It's just that he's got
a big mess in his own party.

Uh-huh.

You know, around here, we're Communists
one day and not Communists the next.

-But that's politics, right?
-I'm leaving.

Excuse me for a second, Adolfo. María.

The necklace.

What about my necklace?

It's a family jewel.

Somebody might recognize it.

You're so damn pretty.

You remember the way out, right?

Sorry, man, I have… a lot going on here.

Hello.

Hello.

Who are you?

My name is María.

What are you doing here?

Well… I really don't know.

You got lost.

A little bit, yes.

-Bye, Felipe.
-How do you know my name?

Because you look just like your father.

-Home, miss?
-Home, yes. Thank you.

It's my birthday today.

Happy birthday, miss.

Thank you.

Guys, class and refinement here, please.

We'll have a drink
and wish Bárbara a happy birthday.

-We have early rehearsals.
-But we just got here.

This place reeks of vice and debauchery.

Not a bad spread here, no?

What a scene. f*ck me dead.

Hi, Ángel!

Hortensia, how are you?
Blasco and Francisco.

-Little Clown.
-Oh.

Little Clown.

Welcome.

Carmen!

-Ángel Cristo has just arrived.
-I saw.

-Who invited him?
-What?

María. She'll be working
with him at the circus.

-Really?
-Yes.

-What a mix, right?
-Yes. I'm not crazy about it.

-Excuse me. Manolo's here.
-Go.

-Manolo! So good to see you.
-Paquito.

-I'm so glad you came.
-Couldn't miss it. And the birthday girl?

You know how it is.

The guest of honor
is always last to arrive.

-You look like a million bucks.
-I do what I can. And so do you.

Thanks. Well, the truth is…

Girls, I'll be right back.

María, what are you doing here?

They don't love me, Chelo.
They don't love me.

Come here. There.

There, there.

I was such a fool.

I think…

I need a shower, right?

What you need is to take this makeup off.

You look like a raccoon.

What an idiot.

-Go on, take a shower.
-Okay.

-Is everything okay?
-Yes.

Thank you.

He didn't even remember
my birthday, Chelo.

And what did you expect?

That he'd leave his wife,
the queen of Spain, and marry you?

No.

What I didn't expect was to feel this way.

He only wants you for one thing, María.

And you should start
loving yourself a bit more.

I don't feel like going
to a party right now, you know?

Why don't you go out
and tell everyone… that I'm sorry.

I don't know. Whatever you want.

Let's see.

Hush, now. Come on.

Pout. Like this.

-Like this?
-Like that. Yes.

I don't know what happened
with you-know-who yet, María.

But what I do know is that, out there,

there are a lot of people waiting
to show you how much they love you.

Which is a lot.

And I'm first in line.

And now we are going to have a drink,
you and I.

-Or two.
-Or three.

-Or four. Four.
-Four?

-Four. Or four.
-Four, then.

Bárbara.

Hello.

Hello. I'm Guillermo Blasco.

A friend of Ángel's, right?

I prefer to think
Ángel is a friend of mine, but yes.

I like your suit. Enjoy the party.

Thank you.

Happy birthday!

Happy birthday!

-Thank you!
-María!

Wonderful, María.

Thank you all for coming.

Bárbara!

Bárbara!

I saw you at José María Íñigo's show.
You were wonderful.

And I want to sing a song for you
with my flamenco group

because I too believe in love.

Oh, Manolo.

Holy sh*t! Isn't that Paquirri?

It is.

Handsome f*ck, huh?
Looks like a Greek statue.

This guy has more ba*ls than you, huh?

Come on!

Olé! Come on, maestro!

Hey.

Don't f*cking tell me
you're using that sh*t again.

What the hell
are you talking about, Little Clown?

Don't say anything to Ángel, okay?
Not a word.

Understood?

Understood. Come on.

Olé!

-Olé! Such talent!
-Olé, gorgeous!

Gorgeous!

-So gorgeous!
-Oh, Manolo! Thank you.

Thank you.

-Give me a second.
-Of course.

That dance was unbelievable, really.

Why are you here, Paco?

To wish you a happy birthday. Why else?

Why are you here, Paco?

María, you are an artist.

You have to see that offering the bull
to my wife is what's expected.

You know what?
The thing is, I'm an actress and blonde,

so I don't understand it very well.

You'll have to explain it all again.

Well, when you kiss on stage,
it's all a lie, right?

The bullring is my stage, dammit.

What I feel for you,
that's not a lie, María.

Look, Paco,
I'll tell you one thing, honey.

You're very brave in front of a bull,
but with women, you're a bit of a coward.

And even… a bit of a b*stard as well.

What did you think? I'd ask you
to be the mother of my children?

Really?

Hey, boss,

if you don't want to end the season
sh1tting the teeth you swallowed…

get out.

Merci beaucoup.

Thank you. For inviting me to your party.

Forgive the… scene.

If you mean the dance, I loved it, okay?

I brought you something.

What is it?

A small gesture. A… It's a gift.

"A small gesture. A… It's a gift."

Honey, if…

if you want to f*ck me,
there's no need for any gifts.

Or circus galas or anything.
Nothing at all.

I think you're confused, Bárbara.

Confused? Bárbara?

Can I really believe
you don't want to f*ck me now?

You don't?

Here?

Here, it would be a scandal.

My room would be better, right?

Much better.

Have you seen how lucky I am?

You all want to f*ck me.

I mostly want you for rehearsals.

Which start tomorrow
at 8:00 in the morning.

Enjoy your party,
but please don't be late.

Happy birthday, Bárbara.

-What is it?
-Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

Ángel.

I liked seeing you there, all gallant.

Exchanging glances with that girl.

-Her name is Hortensia.
-You talked?

We made plans to have a beer someday.

Well done, Little Clown, well done.

I bet Blasco also did well.

Where is he?

No idea.

He's probably with that girl

who was looking at him.

b*stards.

And what about you?

What about me?

I'm glad.

Glad about what?

I saw you go out onto the balcony.

-So?
-It's okay, man.

Who the hell
asked for your opinion, Little Clown?

-You asked about Hortensia first.
-Because you asked me. Did I ask you?

No.

Forgive me.

Do you remember
our last show at El Escorial?

It was our best ever.

The best.

Remember I couldn't hear you
over the applause of the audience?

What did you tell me?

-Ángel…
-What did you tell me that night?

You had to yell
because I couldn't hear you.

What did you tell me, Little Clown?

-That Renata had died.
-Your exact words.

They're stuck in my mind, Little Clown.

-"Your wife is dead."
-Your screams, Little Clown.

What's stuck in my mind are the shouts.
The way you told me.

-Ángel, please.
-Tell me how you told me!

"Your wife is dead!"

That's it.

My wife is dead, Little Clown.

My baby died alone.

At a shitty clinic, while I was dressed
as a f*cking gladiator at El Escorial.

-It's not your fault, Ángel.
-Shut up!

It's not your fault.

Ángel!

Ángel!

How was the party?

Little Clown told me you got Bárbara Rey.

If not for him, I wouldn't have found out.

Yeah, we got her.

Do you want anything else?

Just to congratulate you, son.

You've done a good job.

With the Veracruzes and with the gala.

You've saved the circus.

I would never leave my people behind.

Son,

you know it couldn't be helped.

I think it could.

AYAMONTE ORPHANAGE
HUELVA. 1950

Good evening, Reverend Mother.

-We spoke this morning.
-Of course.

And this handsome boy?
You must be Ángel, right?

Come on in.

Behave yourself.

When will you be back for me, Father?

Soon, okay?

I miss you so much.

Good afternoon.

Thank you for being with us
on such a special day.

PRESS CONFERENCE
AHEAD OF THE TVE GALA. NOVEMBER 1979

The Russian Circus
would like to welcome you

to the presentation of our new show.

It's a great pleasure for me

to have Miss Bárbara Rey join us…

Good afternoon.

…in what I hope will be a wonderful gala

broadcast by Televisión Española.

Amilibia.

Why this collaboration, Ángel?
You come from different worlds.

You come from a circus family.

True.

Ángel.

AYAMONTE ORPHANAGE
HUELVA. 7 YEARS LATER

He hasn't slept for two days, too nervous.
But he's very happy.

I was fortunate to be born
into a circus family…

Ángel, son, make haste.
Your father is waiting for you, come.

…that taught me everything.

My son.

That's always supported me.

Ángel.

It's undeniable
that not everybody is as fortunate.

But the circus is
very much alive. It's modern.

It draws inspiration from all the arts,

and Bárbara is a great artist.

Mariñas.

Yesterday we saw you at Las Ventas
without male company, Bárbara.

How is it possible
that you haven't found that love you seek?

Jesús, I ask myself the same thing.

No, I'm joking. Well, I don't know.

I guess a single woman like me,

who works like I do…

Well, men get uncomfortable

about that, and…

Undoubtedly, that is a question
better addressed to them.

And also ask them why,
in the 20th century,

they assume things
that are not true, right?

Romero.

It's your first gala without
your star trapeze artist, Renata Tanton.

My wife, yes.

Will the Russian Circus
be the same without her?

No. It won't be the same without her.

She…

is the love of my life.

These have been hard times for our circus.

She was a great woman.
A great circus woman.

Hard-working, generous.

It will be hard to overcome her loss.

Ángel, rumor has it
you're experiencing financial problems

as a result of her death.

Is that true?

We've certainly had some bad moments, yes.

But before this circus shuts down

or somebody takes my animals or my people,

This circus will only close when I'm dead.

Ángel, right now
you are two lonely hearts.

Could there be anything else
between you two?

-I'll answer that.
-Go ahead.

Romero, darling, we know each other.

No. Between Ángel and me,
there's only a beautiful friendship.

-That's it for today.
-Yes.

One last question, Bárbara.

That's the lady
who was lost here the other day.

-Are you sure?
-Yes.

Would you let yourself be tamed
by a man like Ángel Cristo?

Uh, Jesús,

I am a free woman,

and like any free woman,
I'd never let any man tame me.

No matter how powerful he is.

That said, I'd like to clarify
that Ángel is a gentleman

and that any woman
would fall in love with him,

effortlessly and surely.

No taming necessary.

I'm preparing a gala
with Ángel Cristo's circus.

It's going to be
very beautiful and impressive.

I don't get
what you all see in this woman.

She's an artist
who will participate in the gala.

It's a pity that Bárbara couldn't come.

A pity or a lack of professionalism.

Let the show begin!

I don't want presents I have to hide.

What I can't tolerate
is people lying to my face.

The gala is on Sunday.

I've had a trip scheduled for a long time.

The only thing I can't offer you

is the life of a wife and mother.

You're not pregnant, are you, honey?

Yes, but I don't want anybody to know yet.

Don't miss me too much.

Cheers! Here's to a wonderful rehearsal.
To the gala!

To the gala!

You and I have no father, Blasco.

You and I are brothers.

María, no one leaves a king.

I thought I could trust you.

-Are you all right, María?
-I'm alone.

What do we do? Cancel?

Everything goes wrong.

Renata,

Blasco,

and now the circus's great savior
isn't coming.