I Wanna Dance With Somebody (2022)

Musicals/Concerts Movie Collection.

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I Wanna Dance With Somebody (2022)

Post by bunniefuu »

WHITNEY: Free

Free

[WHITNEY CLEARS THROAT, TRILLS LIPS]

Tell me, will you stay

Hm

Just all that you are

And everything that you do

Away

Away

WOMAN 1: Coming back in five.

WOMAN 2: Does anyone have eyes

on Whitney?

MAN: I've got eyes on Ms. Houston.

WOMAN 1: Tighten up on four.

WOMAN 2: Three, two, switching to channel four.

MAN: Lights 25, stand by.

WOMAN 1: We are live in five, four, three, two...

MAN: Lights 25, go.

[AUDIENCE CHEERING, CLAPPING]

Whitney!

WHITNEY: We're gonna do a medley for you.

It's about love.

The things we do to get it, and the things we do to keep it.

Guide me

O Thou great Jehovah

Pilgrim through

This barren land

I am weak

But Thou are mighty

Hold me

With thy powerful hand

Bread of heaven

Bread of heaven

Feed me till I want

No more

Bread of heaven

Bread of heaven

Feed me till I want no...

[CONGREGATION SHOUTING INDISTINCTLY]

...more

[CONGREGATION CLAPPING]

[GIGGLES]

[CONGREGATION EXCLAIMING]

Guide me, O Thou...

Stop.

Mommy.

Again.

Mom!

Again.

God gives you a gift, you gotta use it right.

Guide me

O Thou great Jehovah

You have to learn the melody.

Once you learn it, then you can play around, do your little flourishes.

Now, do it again.

Guide me

O Thou great Jehovah

Know the melody backward and forward.

Pilgrim through...

And enunciate.

...this barren land

Pay attention to the words.

Complete every word.

I am weak

But Thou are mighty

Every song is a story.

If it's not a story, it's not a song.

Hold me

With thy powerful hand

Great singing comes from three places.

Bread of heaven

The head, the heart...

Bread of heaven

...and the gut.

And get your eyes off that damn door, girl.

You know what, I quit.

No, you don't quit.

You gave that up when you told me that you wanted to do this.

Mommy, I just wanna sing.

Again.

Guide me, O Thou...

You will honor your commitment to this, Nippy.

...great Jehovah

Your idea, you see it through.

Pilgrim through this...

Pride.

...barren land

You're a Houston.

Bread of heaven

Bread of heaven

Love you, Mommy.

[SCOFFS]

All right.

METEOROLOGIST: Variably cloudy skies at 5, 10 to 15% chance of a...

REPORTER 1: President Reagan will also consider curbing some benefits.

REPORTER 2: A note of optimism this morning in East Orange, New Jersey.

ROBYN: I'll see y'all Saturday, okay?

Hey. See you Saturday? At 10.

See you Saturday. Okay.

Thank you.

Baby, just suppose

I should happen

To cross your mind

Hey.

And by some chance

A boy like me

You've really

Been trying...

What?

I just said "hey."

Hey.

[CHUCKLES]

And you are?

Whitney Elizabeth Houston.

Whitney Elizabeth Houston.

You always say your middle name?

All right.

Well, I'm Robyn Crawford.

You from 'round here?

Mm-hm.

East Orange.

Word?

Yeah.

Where you go to school?

Mount Saint Dominic Academy.

Oh. Catholic schoolgirl.

White Catholic schoolgirl.

[BOTH LAUGHING]

You?

College.

Yep.

Wait a minute.

So, Cissy Houston is your mom?

Uh-huh.

The singer?

Yep.

Heh.

You know, Dionne Warwick is my first cousin.

Dionne Warwick?

Nah, you sh1tting me.

No damn way.

Yeah.

Girl, Aretha Franklin's like my godmother.

Okay, now, Whitney Elizabeth

Houston...

...you dreaming.

No. No, my dream...

No, it's crazy-- Is to be a professional singer like them.

But the bar is way, way too high, so...

...I'm happy to just sing my little

"shoop-shoop, diddy-dum, diddy-doos," backing my mom.

Mm.

Let me hear you.

Sing.

Uh-uh.

Aw...

No.

Nah, I showed you my three-point sh*t.

Come on, sing.

You know what?

You know, you should come to Sweetwater's.

Yeah, you can see me sing chorus for my ma.

Mm-hm.

Mm-hm.

All right,

Whitney Elizabeth Houston.

I'mma come see you.

Mm-hm.

But you better

know how to sing.

[AUDIENCE CLAPPING]

I'll be there

When all your dreams

Are broken

To answer

Your unspoken prayer

Yeah

Deep down in my heart

I'm gonna miss you

And in my dreams

I'll kiss you

Ooh

And I'll even wish you luck

On your new affair

Oh, yes, I will

But remember, baby

If you need me

All you got to do is call me

And don't worry

Don't worry, baby

Don't you worry

I'll be there

I'll be there

Oh, yes, I will

CISSY: All these years, all these years...

JOHN: That's it.

CISSY: ...I had to look

the other way...

JOHN: Just change the subject.

CISSY: ...pretend I don't know what's going on.

That's what you do every time.

You're out there doing everything you big enough to do.

And I'm out there, on the road, busting my ass!

On the road busting your ass, huh?

So what are you, the savior?

Sole breadwinner! That's right.

Sole breadwinner. For years.

I swear to God, I'll walk out that g*dd*mn door!

Do it! Finally be doing something!

I've been looking after these kids.

Out on the road busting my ass.

Yeah, "busting your ass"!

Doing what?

Yeah, you work now!

You work now!

JOHN: So you've been working all this time?

How do you think I'm walking out these...

Sup, Nippy?

Yeah, I said I'll sit here--

Singing my ass off.

[JOHN & CISSY CONTINUE

INDISTINCTLY]

Hey. Don't even worry about it.

[GLASS SHATTERING]

CISSY:

Do it!

[]

[BOTH LAUGHING]

Look at that.

Hey!

[CHAKA KHAN'S

"PAPILLON" PLAYING]

Okay.

You took my breath away

This is so great.

This will be forever.

Nippy. I need you to listen now.

Mommy.

I love you.

That's great.

Chanson papillon

[SIGHS]

Mm.

Check us out.

Just begun to fly

Clive!

Hey.

Clive, thanks for coming.

Thank you.

So, she sings backup for her mother.

Uh-huh.

But wait till you see this girl.

I'm telling you, total knockout.

Model looks, right?

But the voice--

Oh, my God, the voice.

She's just-- It's really--

All right, calm down.

I'm here, aren't I?

Come on.

Yeah.

How're you doing?

Good evening.

Evening, sir.

CISSY: I don't know who the hell

you think you talking to!

Think you're so damn grown!

Well, I know what I want!

You think you know what you want!

GARY: Clive Davis!

CLIVE: Hi, Gary, how are you?

A pleasure.

Hey, Gerry.

[COUGHING, CLEARING THROAT]

My voice.

What?

My voice.

It's gone.

[WHISPERING]

I need you to do the opening solo.

What?

Mama, you were shouting at me a second ago.

Well, maybe that's what done it!

And I need some time to get it back, so you start the show tonight.

I'm your mother, no talking back.

Yeah, Mommy, I just--

Look...

I need you to help me now.

Start the show.

Sing "The Greatest Love of All."

Not another word.

[NORMALLY]

Don't make me whup your ass.

[COUGHS]

"Greatest Love of All."

All right?

Gerry.

Cissy.

Clive.

How are you?

Good to see you.

Nice to see you too.

[AUDIENCE CLAPPING]

I believe the children

Are our future

Teach them well

And let them lead the way

Show them all the beauty

They possess inside

Give them a sense of pride

To make it easier

Let the children's laughter

Remind us

How we used to be

Everybody

Searching for a hero

People need someone

To look up to

I never found anyone

Who fulfilled my needs

A lonely place to be

And so I learned

To depend on me

I decided long ago

Never to walk

In anyone's shadows

If I fail, if I succeed

At least I lived

As I believe

No matter

What they take from me

They can't take away

My dignity

[AUDIENCE CHEERING, CLAPPING]

Because the greatest

Love of all

Is happening to me

I found the greatest

Love of all inside of me

The greatest love of all

[AUDIENCE CHEERING]

Is easy to achieve

Learning to love yourself

Is the greatest love of all

And if, by chance

That special place

That you've been dreaming of

Leads you to a lonely place

Find your strength

In love

[AUDIENCE CLAPPING, CHEERING]

She's incredible.

CLIVE: Okay.

Just okay?

I think I might have just heard the greatest voice of her generation.

Yeah. Yeah.

That kind of "okay."

Gerry, my "okay" is different than your "okay."

Mom.

CLIVE: My "okay" comes with investment and legal obligations.

Yours comes with a side of fries.

[CHUCKLES]

That's my baby girl.

Whitney Elizabeth Houston.

WHITNEY:

"And distribution rights for all albums created by Whitney

Houston... Heh.

...or Arista during the term

of this agreement...

...in perpetuity throughout the universe"?

It means a damn long time.

Everywhere.

Wait.

Daddy, what?

She's coming here for you.

CLIVE: Mm-hm.

If you move on, you take her with you when you go.

Mr. Davis, you are not my first record exec.

I'm just trying to protect my family.

No, no, no. I understand.

Well, we have never given that right to any artist.

Um...

But I believe in you.

So...

Best efforts.

Okay.

CLIVE: Okay?

JOHN: Mm-hm.

Here, let's take a picture.

Okay.

All right.

Ready for the sh*t?

Congratulations.

Welcome to Arista.

[LAUGHS]

Thank you.

CLIVE: Thank you.

Cissy. Thank you.

Thank you, Clive.

John.

Thank you. Thank you very much.

Congratulations.

Now, if you don't mind,

I want to get acquainted with my new artist and learn about her musical tastes.

Okay.

Alone would be great.

It's what I was trying to--

Okay.

Yeah.

CLIVE: So, do you write songs?

No.

Have you ever tried?

Mm-mm.

Is that okay?

Yeah.

We'll just get people to write them for you.

Now, what kind of songs do you like?

[BREATHING DEEPLY]

Hm.

Great big songs.

"Great big songs"?

[BOTH CHUCKLE]

Yeah.

All right, great big songs.

Yeah, that you almost can't wrap your arms around.

Songs that are like climbing a mountain, that'll stretch me

vocally, that--

I really gotta sing my raggedy ass off to sell.

Gospel? Country? Black? White?

All the above.

All the above?

Mm-hm.

All of them.

A great song is a great song.

And you are 100% correct on that.

Okay. So, then, what we're gonna do is we're gonna hire the finest

songwriters in America--

In the world, to write a great big vocally-ambitious song for a great new

vocally-ambitious star.

What do you think?

Believe they'd do that for me?

No.

But they'll do it for us.

[CHUCKLES]

Okay, so--

Can I--

Can I ask you something?

Yeah, you can ask me anything.

I'm an open book, Whitney, just so you know.

Even though people say that the text size is so small that you need very strong glasses.

[LAUGHS]

What do you wanna know?

You went to Harvard?

Law, yeah.

What was that like?

Well, stressful.

Actually, anxiety att*cks.

I had--

Right here, darling.

Sure.

Thank you so much. Thank you.

You're welcome.

But, you know, you work through it. I worked through it.

How?

Uh, how?

Exercises. Breathing exercises.

[BREATHES DEEPLY]

[LAUGHS]

I do that too.

Yeah, but I did it, of course, you know, away from everyone because--

You know, you have to remember that in those days, and this was a long time ago--

In those days, you couldn't admit that there was ever anything wrong with you.

And can you now?

I want to tell you one thing, dear Whitney, before we begin.

I never get involved in the personal lives of my artists.

I am not a babysitter, I'm not a camp counselor, I'm not a rabbi.

I know music.

I have an ear, and I have an instinct.

And in this respect, I can serve you.

And I will be there for you at any hour.

Okay?

Okay.

To you. Congratulations.

Thank you.

Mm.

Okay. Let's test that ear.

He said he can get me on TV, and we drank champagne.

And, Mommy, he called me "vocally ambitious."

You let her come out looking like this?

She ain't got a dress?

She needs to start wearing a dress.

I told her to dress up.

Why?

These are my nice jeans.

[IN UNISON]

Nice jeans?

Yeah, well, it's just me.

Yeah, well, they don't wanna see "just you," and being Nippy ain't gonna get it.

And you need to take her wig shopping.

If she's gonna go all the way, hair short as mine is not going to get it done.

You're a princess.

With that voice and the looks, you could be America's princess.

Start looking like one.

Tough business, baby, I know.

I'm just gonna sing.

My next guest has nurtured such superstars as Barry Manilow,

Melissa Manchester, Chicago, Simon and Garfunkel,

Janis Joplin--

And the list is endless.

Today, he's brought his latest discovery with him, and she is, in two words, simply breathtaking.

Oh, God, I think

I'm gonna throw up.

No, no, no, no.

You got this in the bag, princess.

Come on now. Come on.

Stand up.

Baby, get her something to drink.

Some ginger ale, some soda pop--

Something like that.

All right.

Hey. Hey.

Mommy.

You're gonna be fine.

Just pretend you're singing in the shower.

[EXHALES SHARPLY]

You want me to imagine

I'm singing butt naked in front of Merv Griffin?

[LAUGHS]

Come on. It's not helping.

Remember...

Head, heart, gut. Right?

Yeah.

You're my princess.

All right? All right. Come on.

CLIVE: You know.

You just know that you're in the presence...

You know what to do.

...of somebody special.

MERV: She's got it.

CLIVE: She's got it.

MERV: Wait till you hear her.

Here's Whitney Houston.

[AUDIENCE CLAPPING]

[BAND PLAYING "HOME"]

When I think of home

I think of a place

Where there's love

Overflowing

I wish I was home

I wish I was back there

With the things

I've been knowing

Wind that makes

The tall grass

It's too slow.

No, he's fine.

Bend into leaning

And suddenly

The raindrops that fall

Her skin tone is off.

They have a meaning

They're not lighting her right.

It's fine, Cissy.

Sprinkling...

It's too slow.

It's too slow. It's too slow.

Cissy.

Cissy. Cissy.

Let's pick it up. Pick it up.

Clean

And suddenly my world

Is gonna change its face

But I know

I know where I'm going

Whoo!

And I have had my mind

Spun around

And around in space

Yet I've watched it growing

I know you're listening

Lord

So won't you please

Try not to make it hard

To know I shouldn't believe

Everything

Everything that I see

Tell me

Should I try and stay

Or maybe I should run away

Would it be better

Better, better, better

Just to let things be?

Living here

In my brand-new world

It might be a fantasy, yes

Yeah, it could be

But it taught me to love

So I know that it's real

It's real

It's real to me

And I've learned

That we must

Look inside

To find

Yeah, we gotta find

A world full of love

Like yours, like

Like mine

Like home

Home

[AUDIENCE CHEERING, CLAPPING]

Yeah, yeah. Yeah, baby.

MERV: You won't forget that name.

Whitney Houston.

[UPBEAT SONG PLAYING]

CLIVE: What do you think?

No.

No.

I agree.

MAN: Okay, this is Whitney Houston.

Take one.

A few stolen moments

Is all that we shared

No.

MAN: This is Whitney Houston.

Oh, where do

Broken hearts go?

Can they find

Their way home?

Let's try this one.

MAN: And cut it there.

Is that better?

Yeah, that's one word for it.

[CHUCKLES]

MAN:

Go again.

So I'm saving

All my love for you

[LAUGHING]

What? What? What happened?

It's the lyrics. They're just--

It was beautiful.

All right. Let's do it again.

Okay.

Okay, I'm serious.

["HOW WILL I KNOW" PLAYING]

How will I know

If he's thinking of me?

Maybe.

Maybe? Why?

How will I know

If he really loves me?

I say a prayer

With every heartbeat

You know?

I could do something with the chorus.

Go up a key, get more out of it.

Yeah, but that's not a reason to do a song.

It's got to have a hook.

A hook?

Yeah.

[SCOFFS]

I'll give it a hook.

[WHITNEY HOUSTON'S

"HOW WILL I KNOW" PLAYING]

There's a boy

I know

He's the one I dream of

Looks into

My eyes

Takes me to the clouds above

Mm-hm

Ooh, I lose control

Can't seem to get enough

Uh-huh

When I wake from dreaming

Tell me, is it really love?

WHITNEY:

So? How do I look?

Ridiculous.

I do not. Do I?

This is the look they want.

America's sweetheart.

And you're gonna give it to 'em.

Just watch me.

How will I know?

How will I know

If he really loves me?

I say a prayer

With every heartbeat

I fall in love

Whenever we meet

I'm asking you 'cause you

Know about these things

How will I know

If he's thinking of me?

[WHITNEY HOUSTON'S "YOU GIVE

GOOD LOVE" PLAYING ON RADIO]

[GASPS]

Holy sh*t! Holy sh*t.

Nip! Nip! Wake up!

Nip, wake the hell up!

Wake up, Nip!

What?

Nip, it's on! Listen!

[BOTH SCREAMING]

Oh, my God!

Wait, wait, wait!

This is big, right?

Big? What? This is huge.

Try huge! Oh, my God.

Hey. Hey, come work for me.

Huh?

Full-time.

Handle bookings, wardrobe, travel.

I don't know?

Find me a box of Fruity Pebbles or a Cap'n Crunch at 1 a.m. in the morning.

If you say "1 a.m.," you don't need to say "in the morning."

That's why I need you.

I want someone

I can trust completely.

You're the only one.

Yeah, well, you could trust me, but you can't afford me.

Well, okay, yeah.

You can't afford me.

Well, I'm getting you cheap, bitch.

Yeah?

Yeah.

Okay. Okay.

Do your parents know?

Have you talked to them?

Your mom won't be happy.

She hates me.

We'll go see Daddy.

[PEOPLE CHATTERING INDISTINCTLY]

Hey.

Hi.

Hi.

Hello.

[EXHALES DEEPLY]

It's gonna be okay.

JOHN: Just booked us a couple's table.

Just me and you

and a nice bottle of--

Let's pick this up later on.

Nippy. You know better than

to come charging into a room

without knocking.

How do you do?

Barbara, this is my daughter,

Whitney.

Congratulations.

Your dad's told me

a great deal about you.

So pretty.

Bye.

Bye, Nippy.

Uh--

[DOOR OPENS, CLOSES]

JOHN:

What's this about?

[CLEARS THROAT]

Well, Rob's gonna

come work for me full-time,

as my creative assistant.

Creative assistant?

Mm-hm.

Nice title.

You two have been spending

a lot of time together.

Sharing an apartment,

thick as thieves,

out everywhere, arm in arm.

And now you want

to officially work together.

Side by side,

in the public eye.

You always wear your hair

so short?

Uh...

Easier to manage.

"Easier to manage."

Miss Crawford,

let me tell you something.

Whitney is Daddy's girl.

Always was, always will be.

Nothing comes between us,

you understand?

Yeah. Yes, sir.

She's my princess,

and we're building

something here.

Something that you

will have no part in.

Now, here's what I want.

You want my blessing?

Hmm?

Go out on dates.

With young men.

Daddy, with boys?

Be seen in public

and photographed with young men.

Wait, Mr. Houston,

are you serious?

You don't ever have to ask me

that question again.

Well...

I'm not gonna do that, so...

Well...

...that tells me

just about everything

I need to know now then,

doesn't it?

Daddy...

You want me to approve

of you hiring this girl,

who has no experience

in management whatsoever? Hmm?

Do you have any experience

in personal management?

No.

Well then, you get out there,

baby girl.

You get out there,

and be seen with young men.

You hear? Go on.

JERMAINE:

If you say

My eyes are beautiful

If you say

My eyes are beautiful

If you say my eyes

My eyes are beautiful

It's because

It's because

They're looking

Chemistry with Jermaine.

At you

Watch your needles.

ROBYN:

You slept with

Jermaine Jackson.

You're just gonna sit here

and tell me

you slept

with Jermaine Jackson?

Rob!

Huh?

Rob, it's just a guy.

What, it's just a--

It's just a guy?

You know what, I don't know what

you're so upset about.

Just a guy!

We agreed we had to see guys.

We didn't agree to screw them!

Rob!

[SHATTERING]

Do you love him?

Do you?

He loves me, but I'm not sure.

Rob.

That's what it is?

I'm sorry.

It took you no damn time!

Rob, I'm not cleaning

this sh*t up. Robyn!

You know what? Fine.

Smash everything.

It's all crap anyway.

I hate you so much right now!

Yeah? Speak up,

Rob, I can't hear you.

And you know what?

You know what?

Hey, not the vacuum cleaner!

Are you crazy?

Yo, think about it. How are we

gonna clean this place up?

sh*t, you crazy, Robyn.

You crazy.

Yeah?

So that's it?

Just like that?

I want a family.

A husband. Kids.

Faith and family.

I love you.

We love each other. Right?

Huh?

And the Bible says--

Oh, my God. The Bible!

No, no, no.

Leviticus-- You know, we can go

to hell for this kind of sh*t.

I don't want to go to hell.

Yeah, I'm not

in such a hurry myself.

Yeah, well, look it up.

Look that up.

[ROBYN BREATHING SHAKILY]

Hey.

I love you.

In perpetuity,

throughout the universe.

I need my best friend.

Rob, please.

Please.

[PEOPLE CHATTERING INDISTINCTLY]

[OVER SPEAKERS]

It's the light of day

That shows me how

'Cause when the night falls

Loneliness calls

Oh, I wanna dance

With somebody

Somebody

I wanna feel the heat

With somebody

Somebody

Yeah, I wanna dance

With somebody

With somebody who loves me

Oh, I wanna dance

With somebody

Somebody

Yeah. Yeah, I want it.

You want it?

Yes. It's about--

It's about wanting to dance

with somebody really bad.

Yeah.

I mean, really...

...really, really, really,

really bad.

And for whatever reason...

...for whatever reason,

you can't.

Okay. Good.

Mm-hm.

CLIVE:

Well, I can't wait

to see what you do with it.

[WHITNEY HOUSTON'S "I WANNA

DANCE WITH SOMEBODY" PLAYING]

[CROWD CHEERING AND CLAPPING]

Oh, I wanna dance

With somebody

I wanna feel the heat

With somebody

Yeah, I wanna dance

With somebody

With somebody who loves me

Ooh, yeah

Ooh, yeah

Uh-huh

Yeah, come on

Don't you wanna dance?

The clock strikes

Upon the hour

And the sun begins to fade

There's still enough time

To figure out

How to chase my blues away

I've done all right

Up till now

It's the light of day

That shows me how

And when the night falls

My loneliness calls

Oh, I wanna dance

With somebody

I wanna feel the heat

With somebody

Yeah, I wanna dance

With somebody

Oh, yeah

With somebody who loves me

Oh, I wanna dance...

You also get a bottle

of Dom Prignon from me

every time one of your

singles...

Clive?

...reaches number one

on the charts.

Number one?

Congratulations.

[SQUEALING]

Number one!

I've been in love, y'all

And lost my senses

Spinning through the town

Well

REPORTER::

Her debut album

was the most successful

debut solo album in history,

sweeping the American Music

Awards, winning a Grammy.

Her eagerly awaited second

album is about to be released.

Will she be able to live up

to the world's expectations?

...hot enough to last

So when the night falls

My lonely heart calls

WHITNEY:

I wanna make a toast

to my brothers

Gary and Michael,

Gary's new girlfriend Pat,

and my best friend Robyn.

Mwah. Love you, girl.

Girl, I love you.

To Italy!

ALL: To Italy!

Gary, take a picture of us!

Okay. Come on.

Cheese!

Oh, my God!

Wow! That is crazy!

Oh, somebody

Who

Lord, somebody

Who

To hold me in his arms, oh

REPORTER 1:

It's incredible, Susan.

The name on everyone's lips

is Whitney Houston.

ROBYN: Go, Nip, go!

Whitney Houston transcends

age, race, lifestyle.

REPORTER 2:

That show sold out,

so this one had to be added.

At 23, she is

the true heartbeat of America.

Oh, I wanna dance

With somebody

Come on

Don't you wanna

Dance with me?

I wanna feel the heat

Heat!

Yeah, I wanna dance

With somebody

Yeah. Somebody, somebody

With somebody who loves me

Oh, I wanna dance

With somebody

I know you wanna

Dance with me

I wanna feel the heat

With somebody

Yeah, yeah

Yeah, I wanna dance

With somebody

Said don't you

Whoa

With somebody who loves me

Are you pinching yourself yet?

One more, and you'll

have b*at the Beatles

for the most consecutive

number ones in history.

I wanna dance with somebody

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

With somebody who loves me

Come on, come on

I wanna dance

[CROWD CHEERING AND CLAPPING]

Thank you much!

And good night!

DJ:

Well, it's a criticism I

increasingly hear from callers.

WHITNEY:

That I'm not Black enough?

No, your music.

Your music isn't Black enough.

What would you like me to say?

The truth.

Aren't you selling out?

Whew.

WHITNEY:

You've got a lot of nerve

asking me that.

That's what my mother tells me.

It's a valid question.

A common criticism of you

and your music.

That you're a sellout.

That you're not

a real Black artist.

You're about to walk out,

aren't you?

No.

You'll be walking out

before I will.

How do you respond?

If I'm not a Black artist,

what am I?

You tell me.

Look, I don't know

how to sing Black,

and I don't know how

to sing white either.

I know how to sing.

Music is not a color to me.

It has no boundaries.

Why somebody gotta say

something dumbass like that?

I mean, who said that?

That's just bull.

And it makes me angry, actually.

It's hateful and uninformed.

Why I gotta be what someone

wants me to be anyway?

Sing what I want to sing.

Be how I want to be.

Reach as big an audience

as I can.

Isn't that what art's

meant to do?

My whole life,

"She ain't Black enough.

She ain't white enough."

Well, how about,

"She's not obedient enough"?

How about,

"She ain't fearful enough"?

Hm.

Hm.

Well, you heard it from Whitney

herself, ladies and gentlemen.

Was that too much?

Hell no.

All right.

[]

[MOVERS CHATTERING INDISTINCTLY]

Morning, Max.

Mr. Houston.

[CHUCKLES]

Look at this.

Here you are. Good morning.

Thank you.

Use it wisely.

Anna.

INTERVIEWER:

Are you a businesswoman?

Yes, I think so.

What does

a businesswoman do?

Well, what does

a businesswoman do?

She says what she doesn't want.

Good morning.

WHITNEY: And she knows,

primarily, what she wants.

That's a pretty tough thing

to have to determine sometimes,

you know?

Most of the people

that work with me,

the people I have known

for many years,

you know, they're people,

competent people

I can trust to look out for me

and to do their job well.

But it's hard sometimes

to make the transition

from being the friend

to the boss

or from the boss

to the friend.

Or from the daughter to the boss

or the boss to the daughter.

You know, you have to wear

different hats at times.

So, you are a tough cookie?

Sometimes.

Always?

Not always, no. Sometimes.

That means sometimes.

Daddy, what is it?

I want you to fire her.

Robyn is a nobody.

The Bible tells us,

"Do not be misled.

Bad company corrupts

good character.

Walk with God, not the devil."

Daddy...

I need her gone.

Daddy, there is nothing

going on.

She is a bad influence.

And the press

is talking too much trash.

It's damaging the brand.

Do you understand?

Since when--

[DOOR CLOSES]

Since when did your little girl

become "the brand"?

I missed that.

Your mama would have k*lled

to become a brand.

We just couldn't get her there.

I'm not f*ring Robyn.

I need her. I need somebody

I can trust 100%.

You can trust me 100%.

Or you better damn do.

Now you go do as I tell you.

I'm the manager here.

I know you are. You work for me.

You don't say.

Daddy...

...I do.

How is that, to become the boss

of your own family?

Of your brothers

and their wives?

Of your own father and mother?

Or are you still

the "little girl" sometimes?

Sometimes.

MARTIN:

Now, look here,

you stupid, little broad.

Don't you talk

to me like that.

I'll talk to you

any way I like.

You know who I am?

You think I let dames

get away with anything?

CLIVE [OVER PHONE]: Yes?

Clive, I wanna do a movie.

What?

A movie.

Why?

We'll find you a movie. Sure.

Okay. Night.

MARTIN:

You didn't ask but you wanted.

I did my share. What about you?

Who do you think you are,

you can be so particular?

You're nothing.

You get funny with me,

and I'll throw you right back

to that crummy dance joint

where I found you.

[CAMERA SHUTTERS CLICKING]

How are you feeling?

Here she comes.

Whitney!

There she is.

Whitney "Whitey" Houston!

Whitney "Whitey" Houston!

Pay no attention.

Come on.

Shame on you!

Shame on you!

Whitney "Whitey" Houston!

Whitney "Whitey" Houston!

Who was that?

I don't know. Come on.

No, I don't wanna talk

to nobody.

Mrs. Houston!

Just stay focused.

Keep it together.

What's going on?

ANNOUNCER:

Give it up

for Bobby Brown, everybody!

BOBBY:

Yeah, do it like this

Is this an awards show?

Yeah, get busy

My God.

[CROWD CHEERING AND CLAPPING]

The amazing Bobby Brown,

ladies and gentlemen.

BOBBY:

Thank you. Thank you.

WOMAN [OVER PA]:

Ladies and gentlemen,

please take your seats.

The show will be back on

in five minutes.

WHITNEY:

Girl, I swear to God.

Right there. Yeah!

Right there?

And I'mma do it again.

Oh.

Hey!

Girl, I swear to God.

What the--?

What are you doing?

Yo, I'm not even

playing around, man.

You better chill.

I'm not.

Hey, hey, hey. What's up?

[LAUGHS]

Oh, no. I'm so sorry.

I'm really sorry.

You're Bobby Brown, right?

Yeah. Yeah. What about it?

I got a question for you.

And what's that?

How old are you?

Old enough.

He's old enough.

He's old enough, you know.

He's old enough.

ANNOUNCER:

Ladies and gentlemen,

our host, Anita Baker.

She looks so good.

So good.

The nominees

for the best music video are...

Janet Jackson, "Control,"

Michael Jackson,

"The Way You Make Me Feel,"

Whitney Houston,

"I Wanna Dance With Somebody,"

Whoo!

[AUDIENCE BOOING]

Jody Watley,

"Looking For A New Love."

Are they booing me?

And the winner is...

The winner is Janet Jackson,

"Control."

Keep it together.

Hey, hey. Don't even worry

about it.

You're Whitney Houston.

All right?

They dogs.

Give me a pen

and a business card.

[]

[JANET SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY]

JOHN:

You got to be prepared.

You know, the kind of success

that you're enjoying,

that the Black stations

ain't got no control over

and they don't own,

it drives 'em crazy.

Oreo. They calling me an Oreo.

If they wanna see Black,

I'll show 'em Black.

No, you don't.

Don't you go changing nothing.

You keep on doing

what you doing,

'cause what you doing

ain't nobody ever done before.

The first one over the hill

always gets whupped.

And you are the first,

princess.

No one is like you.

Look at me.

That's right.

No one is like you.

You got class. You can sing.

Mommy, I never wanna

show my face again.

What? Oh, no, no, no, no, no.

You will show it again.

You gonna show it even more now.

JOHN: To Nippy.

To Nippy.

To Nippy.

To Nippy.

Nelson Mandela

to be released tomorrow.

And as you might expect,

that is a moment

that this country

will not soon forget.

WHITNEY:

I've been thinking

we should get new writers.

A new sound.

R & B.

Yeah.

You know,

L.A. Reid and Babyface

are doing some really

interesting stuff right now.

And they might be right

to produce your next album.

We can look into that.

You want to?

Okay.

Don't be sad. Come on.

That's better.

Now get out of my chair.

REPORTER:

And here they are,

Whitney Houston

and Bobby Brown.

They're just arriving here

at the Billboard Music Awards.

She's nominated

for four awards tonight,

including top R & B album

and top R & B artist.

Do you want a hug?

It's okay, baby. It's okay.

Thank you so much.

Hi, Whitney. You and Bobby are

the king and queen of R & B.

How does that feel?

It feels very good.

It feels very good.

Y'all wanna see a kiss?

Baby, you look so good.

Beautiful. Beautiful, Whitney.

Just one more.

Beautiful.

Look this way.

Here, Whitney.

One more. One more time.

Whitney, here.

Whitney, turn around.

I love it.

All right. All right.

Everybody, back up.

Everybody back up, all right?

Yeah, back up.

Back up. Back up. Back up.

All right?

Back up!

Back up!

Come on. All right.

That's it, all right?

We done. Thank you.

Thank you.

...hurts so bad

Yes, it does, yes, it does

Oh, God, no.

"Why does it hurt so bad"?

It's a great song.

"Why do I feel so sad?

Thought I was over you,

but I keep crying,

'cause when I don't love you,"

blah, blah, blah.

Why?

I have to believe in

what the song is saying

if I'm gonna sing it right.

Right?

Yeah. No, I understand that.

Right, so no man could have

that effect on me.

I would drop him first.

What?

These are completely

universal human emotions.

[CHUCKLES]

I just think you're very young.

No?

No.

All right.

Next.

Then let's find a song

that isn't about love.

Oh, there aren't any.

[LAUGHS]

Hear me out.

That's all I'm trying to--

All right, I'm listening.

What do you want?

Do you trust me?

Yes, I trust you.

All right,

so hear me out

when I say...

...Bobby ain't the one.

Bobby a ho.

He a ho. He got a baby

by some chick.

You call my man a ho?

I'm just saying.

Uh-uh, no. Relax. Relax.

Bobby's got a reputation.

I know.

You like that bad boy sh*t?

Yeah. I do.

You ill.

[BOTH LAUGHING]

No, man. He gets me.

He makes me laugh.

And, you know, I'm tired

of being the good girl.

My career

casts a lot of shadow.

He's famous enough to get

with that, so I'm good.

All right. Well,

if you like him then...

...I'll tolerate him.

[PHONE RINGING]

Thank you.

Hold on one second.

Hello?

Like I tolerate what's-her-name?

What's up? Shh.

My bad. Look, I'm at work.

What's her name?

Can I call you back?

Girl, tell me her name.

Her name is Natalie.

Natalie, I'mma call

you back, okay?

Hi, Natalie!

I'll talk to you.

Have a good day.

Yeah, bye.

Really? Why would you do that?

Have a good day! Goodbye!

Because. You're rude.

At least she ain't

no Jermaine Jackson. Yeah.

Why you gotta be like that?

You went from Jermaine to Bobby.

Why you gotta be like that?

I'm just saying.

You sure know how to pick 'em.

What? Relax. Relax, man.

It ain't like we getting

married or something like that.

[WHITNEY HOUSTON'S "FAR ENOUGH"

PLAYING ON RADIO]

What is it?

Hold up, girl.

Hold up. Hey. Hey.

Hold up, hold up, hold on.

What?

What? What are you doing?

Marry me.

Well?

Oh, my God, Bobby.

Yeah.

Yeah?

Yeah. Yeah.

Yeah?

Take a look.

Oh, my God. Oh, my God!

Baby, it's so beautiful.

Thank you, baby.

Let me see.

Hey? Hey?

What?

Can I trust you?

Can you trust me?

Yeah.

Yeah, of course you can.

Yeah?

Yeah.

Will you tell me everything?

Everything.

You want that?

Yeah.

You got it. Absolutely.

It's just, uh...

It's just one thing.

Kim is pregnant.

Besides that, we cool.

Just wanted to let you know

that so we-- We're good. Right?

Honesty all the way.

Man, I love you so much, baby.

I knew you'd understand.

Yeah. Hoo.

[SIGHS]

That's a f*cking load off.

I've been holding on to that

for months now.

The hell you just say?

I just had to be honest

with you.

You messing with me.

I had to tell you

that one thing.

You messing with me. Bobby,

you better be messing with me.

Besides that, we're cool.

Kim?

Yes, Kim.

Kim is pregnant?

Yes.

Look, it was alcohol.

Lots of it.

It kind of just happened,

baby.

No. Stop the car.

Stop the car!

Hey, driver, don't stop the car.

That's bullshit.

Hey. Stay right here.

Bullshit.

That's bullshit.

Whitney!

Whitney!

Hey! Stop!

Whitney!

Will you stop?

g*dd*mn it.

And this happened after we

started seeing each other?

No, it was in

the transition phase, baby.

Look, I was over her.

Not so finished you weren't

still banging her, you mean.

Hey, look.

[HONKING]

We're walking here! We're walk--

Idiot!

Baby! Baby!

So let me get this straight,

Bobby Brown.

You ask me to marry you,

wait till I say yes,

and tell me

your g*dd*mn ex-girlfriend

is g*dd*mn pregnant?

Hey, look, I love you.

All right?

I wanna spend

the rest of my life with you.

No one else.

I didn't know that then,

but I do now.

See, me and you,

we from the same place.

We from the 'hood.

Yeah, I know you.

You don't, for one second,

gotta be Whitney Houston

around me.

Not for a second.

[SCOFFS]

Hey, look, look.

It's us...

FAN: Whitney!

...against the world, baby.

[]

So, are we doing this, or what?

Man.

Hey, good.

You had me worried there

for a sec, Nip.

Hm.

I had you worried?

Yeah.

Hey! Bring the car around!

Hey, yo, yeah!

Bring that car around, homey.

Shut up, Bobby!

What?

[LIQUID POURING]

[DOOR OPENS]

ROBYN:

Hey, Nip.

I got some news.

BOBBY:

So do we.

You're right on time.

Word? What's going on?

BOBBY:

Check it out.

Congratulations.

BOBBY:

Yeah.

WHITNEY:

Thank you, girl.

Bobby.

Hey, thanks, Robyn.

Appreciate that.

Mm-hm.

BOBBY:

So, what brings you

all the way over here?

You said you had some news,

right?

What is it?

Oh.

You ready?

WHITNEY: Uh-huh.

They want you to sing

the national anthem...

...at the Super Bowl.

Wait. Hold up.

BOBBY: Like, the--

WHITNEY: What, like--

Super Bowl, Super Bowl?

Super Bowl, Super Bowl?

PILOT:

Captain, we are airborne.

Twenty-six thousand to push

point. How are we looking?

...coordinates 3016

for uncorrected

Super Bowl elevation

of 35 meters.

COMMENTATOR:

Almost ready then

for Super Bowl XXV,

where the Giants get ready

to take on the Buffalo Bills

for the ultimate prize

in football.

No.

Slower, Rickey. Please.

What?

It's the national anthem.

I think the NFL's

gonna want it fast.

I want it slow.

Just do it.

I have a range of different

looks here to choose from.

Nuh-uh. No dresses.

[CHUCKLES] Okay.

Girl, this is the Super Bowl.

Can't I just be me for once?

[EXHALES SHARPLY]

[PRESS CLAMORING]

Two and three should widen out.

Let's pull back.

Oh, yeah!

Where she from?

Yeah, yeah. New Jersey.

So, Whitney was number one

on the Billboards.

O'er the ramparts

We watch'd

Were so gallantly streaming?

And the rocket's red glare

The bombs bursting...

Yeah. Yeah, hit that.

Yeah, hit that.

...in air

Gave proof through the night

That our flag

Was still there

O say

Does that star-spangled

Banner

Yet wave

O'er the land of the free

And the home of the brave?

WHITNEY:

Mommy. How'd I do?

Are you kidding me, Nippy?

You were fantastic.

If you never do anything else

in your life,

you did that

how it was supposed to be done.

Hello.

Hey.

Okay.

Do you think that you can

postpone your wedding...

...for this movie?

Why would I do that?

From Nicole. She thinks

it's a wonderful role for you.

I have my concerns.

The Bodyguard?

It's about a world-famous

singing star

and her difficult relationship

with her bodyguard.

Nope.

Who's the bodyguard?

Kevin Costner.

Did I say no?

'Cause I meant yes.

[BOTH CHUCKLE]

Well, he wants you.

He wants me?

Yes, he wants you.

Do you wanna think about it?

sh*t, Clive,

it's only a wedding.

Get your priorities in order.

Thank you.

[WHITNEY HOUSTON'S "RUN TO YOU

(FILM VERSION)" PLAYING]

You done back there?

Yeah.

[GASPS]

Cut.

Whitney.

BOBBY:

Hey.

We're gonna have

a lot more babies.

All right?

I love you.

I love you.

I don't know if I can do this

anymore.

What you mean by that?

Be everything.

To everyone.

Well, you can't stop now.

Right?

Hey, I've got you.

[BREATHES DEEPLY]

I want you to listen

to something.

We have a minute here, right?

Yes.

Okay.

So, I don't feel

that they're allowing you

to sing strongly enough

in this picture

so that we understand why your

character is such a huge star.

Right.

Okay?

Do you understand

what I'm saying?

I do. I do.

The songs have to be great

in order for the character

to be great.

So Kevin...

...your new best friend,

found this.

Here.

Okay.

This is Dolly Parton.

[OVER HEADPHONES]

And I will always

Love you

What?

I will always love you

I like it.

I like it.

If I should stay

I would only be in

Your way

So I'll go, but I know

I'll think of you

Every step of

The way

[VOCALIZES]

[AUDIENCE CHEERING WILDLY]

Whitney! We love you!

We love you!

We love you!

We love you, Whitney!

[CHEERING GROWS LOUDER]

[CHUCKLES SOFTLY]

And I

Ooh, I...

Will always love you

Will always love you

You, my darling, you

Bittersweet memories

What?

You think I'm making a mistake.

This is happening, Robyn.

It's what I want.

Okay?

Okay.

All right.

And I

Will always love you

I will always love you

And you and you

And you and you

And you and you and you

Oh, yes, I will

You look beautiful.

I hope life treats you kind

And I hope you have

All you've

Dreamed of

And I wish you so much joy

And happiness

But above all this

I wish you love

And I

Will always love you

I will always love

You

I will always love you

Hey, baby girl. Hey. Hey.

She's gorgeous, baby.

She's beautiful.

I love you.

I love you too.

I will always love...

[CROWD CHEERING]

Know I'll always

I'll always love

You

You

You

You're so silly, girl.

Oh, my gosh.

[KNOCKING]

No, no.

I don't wanna see nobody.

I got you, baby.

Okay.

You ain't gotta see nobody,

all right?

Nip.

BOBBY: You so silly, girl.

What's going on? Great show.

Hi.

Okay, you did that.

You did that.

Thank you, girl. Thank you.

So listen--

Just give me

a second, all right?

Sure.

Let me talk to you

for a sec, Rob.

Yeah, yeah. What's up?

Hey, so, I don't think

Nip wanna see nobody tonight.

Yeah, but I'm not nobody.

All right?

Listen, Oprah needs an answer

about you doing

an interview with her.

Word?

Word. So we gotta get back.

Yeah. No, I'm good.

Hey, hey, hey.

I got this.

Okay, here you go, baby.

No, Bobby.

I got this.

No. I got this.

So, what you saying?

What I'm saying is

I'm creative director.

This is my job.

I got this. It's simple.

I'm the husband.

I win.

Bobby.

All right?

[LAUGHS]

Whit, what's up?

What's going--

I mean, you gotta listen

to my husband, Rob.

What? That's it?

That's it.

Yeah, but, Bobby--

Me?

I gotta listen

to your husband?

Bobby, be nice, all right?

Robyn's my best friend. Okay?

Your best friend?

Yeah, you heard her.

Her best friend.

I thought I was that, baby?

No, I need you both.

Okay?

Yeah, all right.

You funny.

I married her.

Whatever. I'm going to my hotel.

I'm her husband, Robyn.

[PLAYING PIANO]

Hey, Whit.

[SOFTLY]

Get ready.

[NORMALLY] How's the voice?

Fine, Rickey. How's yours?

I've been working on something

new to finish your show.

But it's big.

I got a show

full of big already.

Mm-mm. Not big like this.

What is it?

It's a three-song medley

sung straight through.

Starting with

"I Loves You, Porgy."

Moving on to

"And I Am Telling You."

No, don't do that.

Don't do that.

And finishing with

"I Have Nothing."

[SIGHS] Rickey...

Yeah?

What goes through

your thick head

when you're bringing me

this sh*t?

What?

Those three songs together,

they're almost unsingable

on their own.

Together that's like

climbing Mount Everest.

Without oxygen.

And you're the only singer

on the planet

that could pull this off.

That's why I'm suggesting it.

This could be very special.

But, you know,

if it's too hard, I mean--

Let me see.

Come on. You know this stuff.

It's about heartbreak

and the people we need.

Fighting to hold onto them.

What's that?

The key change?

It's just a key change.

It's just a key change?

For your big finish.

Nothing...

Count of 12.

...don't...

Six more.

...make...

Another count of six.

...me...

That's only four.

That's a count of 28.

And then you want me to go up?

Half a step.

You can take a quick breath

after the "me."

I can take a quick breath?

Try it.

Take me to measure 124.

[PIANO PLAYING]

Don't...

Make...

Me

Close one more door

It's not even hard.

I don't wanna hurt anymore

Stay in

Mm-mm. Ha!

I'm not doing that sh*t.

No, you crazy.

You were right there.

No.

You're gonna do it

and you're gonna like it.

No, I'm not.

Yes, you are.

[]

[FANS CLAMORING]

Whitney. Whitney, please.

Whitney.

Can I have your autograph?

I'm your biggest fan.

Please, Whitney.

Whitney, please.

Can I have your autograph,

please?

Thank you so much, Whitney.

Thank you.

BODYGUARD:

Hey, keep back, please.

Keep back.

Ma'am.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Well, Miss Houston.

We'll see you tomorrow.

Change of plans. Please be

ready to leave tonight.

We don't have approvals.

We'd have to bring in

another crew.

You have my approval, honey.

Whose else do you need?

Your father's, ma'am.

Bring in another crew.

I don't care what it costs.

I'm sleeping in my own

damn bed tonight.

Next to my husband.

Yes, ma'am.

Since when did Daddy get

approval over everything?

Girl, try day one.

You just now noticed?

That's my damn jet.

Company's jet.

Everything's in

the company's name now.

I wanna see the company

reports, Pat.

You got it.

[]

Ma'am.

Good night.

[SIGHS]

Damn.

Hey, baby? Is that you?

sh*t.

Wasn't expecting you home

so soon, baby.

Don't touch me.

What? What is all that?

What?

Yeah, you got something

you wanna say?

About what?

Damn, Whit.

What, I was out?

Yeah. Yeah, I went out.

You bringing dirt into my home.

[SUCKS TEETH]

I checked.

I don't know

what you talking about.

I checked.

You out here with other women

with my credit card?

I got a problem with that.

So get out of my house.

Nah.

I ain't going nowhere.

I ain't going nowhere.

Bobby...

It's my house.

We man and wife, all right?

I'm not going nowhere.

Neither are you, all right?

Get out of my house.

You know what?

Maybe I get the police over

here. You want that again?

Oh, yeah?

Yeah.

Or maybe I should get a g*n.

Yeah?

Yeah, I'm gonna get a g*n.

You gonna get a g*n?

Yeah, smoke your ass.

You would do that?

Yes, I would do that.

You'll get a g*n.

We gonna see about that.

You wanna mess with me?

Huh?

You wanna mess with Bobby Brown?

Yes, I do.

Yeah? Mrs. Brown?

Yeah.

Don't you ever talk to me

like that again, Whit.

All right?

Get your finger out of my face.

Mrs. Brown, right?

Don't touch my face.

You wanna mess with me,

Mrs. Brown?

Don't touch me like that.

Get off me.

Hey. Don't you ever,

ever disrespect me.

I ain't to be messed with,

baby.

[CHUCKLES]

Baby, neither am I.

Get out.

Don't you dare.

Don't you dare.

Get out of my house, Bobby.

Oh, man.

Hey, all right.

All right, baby.

But check this.

You crazy!

You wanna see crazy?

Yeah, yeah, you crazy.

You wanna see crazy?

There's something wrong

up there.

Get out of my house,

Bobby!

Get out of my house!

[BABY CRYING]

We don't want you here!

I ain't going nowhere!

Get out of my house!

Give me my baby.

This is my house too!

Give me my baby.

Yes, ma'am.

I'm not going nowhere.

Tripping.

Hi. I'm sorry.

Jesus loves me, this I know

For the Bible tells me so

Little ones to him belong

They are weak

But he is strong

I love you, baby.

I'm ready.

Why does it hurt so bad

Why do I feel so sad

Thought I was over you

But I keep crying

When I don't love you

So, why does it hurt so bad

It's been eight years,

during which we've--

I've.

You have only released

seven pop songs...

...but not a single album.

I've been acting.

I know.

Three wonderful pictures.

And performing. And tours.

But I'm just pointing out--

Yes. See, you smoking,

that's like--

For me, that's like leaving

a Stradivarius out in the rain.

Well, you have everything,

Clive.

What?

Children, wife.

Ex-wife.

Servants, houses.

Oh, it's so hard.

I know.

I'm carrying everyone, Clive.

The press is always on me.

It's exhausting.

Are you exhausted?

Yes, I'm exhausted.

All Black women are exhausted.

It's just most of the time,

all this princess

be dreaming about

is being at home with my baby

on the couch.

I need my daughter

to have the home she deserves.

How can she when her father

is Bobby Brown

and her mother is me?

Well, family is the most

important thing.

But that's why it's good,

you know,

when you travel, you take

Bobbi Kristina with you.

I'm not so sure.

What do you mean?

She sees everything.

Everything.

The road is no place

for a child.

Oh, God.

Here.

Thank you.

Do you remember that song?

The one I turned down.

[HUMMING TUNE]

Yes, yes.

Yeah, I think I get it now.

Bad

How about that?

JOHN:

And the other one says,

"Well, yeah, well,

that's what my sister does,

and she owns all of those cars."

[MEN LAUGHING]

Whitney.

Can I speak to you, please?

Sure, have a seat.

I would like you to--

Daddy, alone.

Do you mind? Thank you.

MAN:

Certainly, Miss Houston.

My daughter loved

Cinderella.

JOHN:

What is it, princess?

Sit down.

Daddy...

My money.

I trusted you.

Look, there's more coming,

and I'm taking care of it.

Oh, you taking care of it?

You taking care of it

pretty good.

I earned millions.

Tens of millions!

Do you even know what's left?

Now, you just watch your tone.

And sit your ass down.

Sit down!

The mink coats...

...the cars...

...the private jets

for everybody,

the credit cards, condos.

Everyone is using me

like an ATM.

Daddy, you were meant

to look out for me.

That's exactly what I'm doing.

No. No, Daddy.

You put me

in a really bad situation.

I don't know

how I'm gonna fix this.

I'm fixing it.

No. No, you're not.

I don't trust you.

You see those men over there?

Hmm?

That's Arista Records.

Now, I'm working on a real big

deal, so you just keep singing,

and I'll take care

of the money.

I'm gonna have to go

on a world tour.

A huge-ass world tour.

Your voice can handle it.

I'll cut this deal,

and we'll be fine.

So you just keep singing,

all right?

When I land this thing,

you'll see.

I'm still the boss.

I don't have a boss.

But I do have a vacancy

for a father.

Maybe you wanna apply for that.

Whitney, can we get a picture?

No.

[KNOCKING]

WHITNEY: Clive?

Uh...

Who is it?

WHITNEY: Come on.

You know it's me.

Come on.

What--?

Hi.

Hi.

Hello.

What are you--?

I couldn't sleep.

Yeah, obviously.

And I knew you would be up.

So I was wondering

if you had any.

Any...?

Songs. You know?

Oh, songs.

Empowering songs.

Something I can--

Yes, all right.

Well, yeah, a few came through.

Yeah?

You know, if you can't sleep...

Yeah, yeah.

...you might as well be

working, right?

True.

So, you have any?

Do you need anything?

I was just, you know--

I was just wondering

if you had any, you know?

Something I could--

All right. Yeah, well,

I did hear a few today.

That I thought were good.

All right. Well, great.

Okay, well, play me

the best one.

The best one?

Yes, the best one.

Okay.

Is it empowering?

Well, I thought it was.

But you be the judge.

Okay. Here we go.

Friday night

You and your boys

Went out to eat

Do you wanna hear it again?

Okay.

Friday night

You and your boys

Went out to eat

[BOTH CHUCKLING]

Okay, let's play it

a few more times.

No, I don't need that.

I got it.

What do you mean, you got it?

I got it, Clive.

Unbelievable.

You're unbelievable.

Friday night

You and your boys

Went out to eat

Then they hung out

But you came home around 3

Yes, you did

If six of y'all went out...

Then four of you

Were really cheap, yeah

'Cause only two of you

Had dinner

I found your

Credit card receipt

It's not right

But it's okay

I'm gonna make it anyway

Pack your bags up

And leave

Don't you dare

Come running back to me

It's not right

But it's okay

I'm gonna make it anyway

Close the door behind you

Leave your key

I'd rather be alone

Than unhappy, yeah

There you go. Good!

Oh, my God! Beautiful!

Okay, then, new album?

Beautiful!

I don't see why not.

Okay.

I don't see why not.

Oh, um, and Daddy wants me

to do a world tour.

What?

Yeah. Seventy dates.

Seventy? No. Whitney, no.

Your voice. No.

Clive, I miss it.

And Daddy said I can do it.

Well, I'm gonna talk to Daddy.

"Let your light shine

before others

that they may see

your good deeds

and glorify your Father

in heaven."

Gospel of Matthew,

chapter five.

"Don't push your luck,

or you might fall

and break your tuchus."

That's the gospel of Clive,

chapter one.

Clive, you're Jewish.

So was Jesus.

At least on his mother's side.

[DOOR CLOSES]

[WHITNEY HOUSTON'S

"I'M EVERY WOMAN" PLAYING]

[WHITNEY VOCALIZING]

I ain't bragging

'Cause I'm the one

Just ask me

Ooh, and it shall be done

And don't bother

To compare

I've got it

Oh, yes

Oh, yeah

I've got it, got it

Got it, yeah

[VOCALIZING]

I'm every woman

I'm every woman

I'm every woman

Every need, baby

I'm every woman

Oh, I want you to know now

Baby

I'm every woman

I'm not in no hurry

We can fly all night, baby

It's your move, so baby

Baby, let's fly

Whatever you want from me

I'm giving you everything

Everything

I'm your baby tonight

You've given me ecstasy

Who is it?

Baby. Baby. I missed you.

I missed you too.

Oh, my God.

I'm your baby

REPORTER 1:

Bobby Brown arrested yesterday.

REPORTER 2:

On the heels of winning

her sixth Grammy,

Whitney Houston stood by her

husband in court today,

who was arrested

for violating probation.

Despite all the problems

Houston and Brown

have encountered,

his stint at a rehab clinic

and rumors of his

entertaining other women,

the couple insists they are

still very much in love.

Well, this is Cissy Houston.

Tell Nippy, Whitney,

Ms. Houston to call her mother.

Behind her closely

guarded facade,

the wholesome singer's life

is in turmoil.

ASSISTANT:

Hey, Robyn. Whitney's a little

tied up right now,

but she says she'll see you

when she comes back

from the tour.

I get so emotional

Every time, every time

Think of you, babe

[MUSIC MUFFLED]

Love can do

Ain't it shocking

What love can do

Tell me, ain't it shocking

What love can do

FANS:

Whitney!

Everybody get back.

Why'd you cancel the show,

Whitney?

Are you high right now?

Have you lost your voice?

What happened to your voice?

Hey, Whitney. Are you high?

Hello.

Come on.

Hey.

Hello.

Hi.

Hi.

Hi.

Hello. How you doing?

I'm okay.

I'm okay.

Nice to see you.

Hello, sweetheart.

How are you? Come on in.

Good.

Come on in.

How was the trip?

It was good.

Was it? Good.

Yeah.

Where's the dog?

What dog?

The dog.

She's been talking about

your dog for the longest time.

I don't have a dog.

You don't?

[LAUGHS]

Hey, Marble.

Look what he's got.

Come on, Marble.

Go get the dog, Marble.

Go get it. There you go.

There you go.

BOBBI:

Marble, come back! Come back!

Cute guy.

Who is he?

I'm an open book, Whitney.

Yeah. Mm-hm.

Yeah, that you need

damn strong glasses to read.

Boy. I did not see that coming.

Well, that makes two of us.

Come here and sit with me.

And I want you to be happy too,

my dear friend.

Okay?

Yes.

So the real reason that

I asked you to come up here.

Dear Whitney, the time has come

for me to tell you...

Mm-hm.

...that you need rehab.

Okay?

The number of problems

that are arising

indicate that you're not

gonna win this battle.

And that you're underestimating

the lethal power of dr*gs.

[SNIFFLES]

Do you hear me?

I thought you didn't meddle

in the personal lives

of your artists.

Before you, in entertainment,

whether you're a Judy Garland

or you're a Janis...

...they end up losing.

You can't do it yourself.

You can't.

And how sad, I mean...

For you to affect your voice...

...to affect everything.

It's criminal.

I'm fine.

Really, I am. You know,

I got it under control.

Mm-hm.

I just need to let my hair down

sometimes. Can't I do that?

You see these?

You're on the cover

of every one of them.

And no longer for your music.

I b*at the Beatles.

I b*at Elvis.

I was the first Black,

all-American,

white-friendly girl.

But that ain't me.

Clive, I gave up a lot.

I know. I know.

But... I can't leave it

this way.

This is a matter

of life and death.

You need to let me help you.

Meddling.

Deal with it. Now.

You know...

...some of your favorite

performances of mine...

...I needed help.

To sing with the gods,

sometimes you need a ladder.

No, Whitney.

From the first time

that I saw you...

...I knew you didn't need

a ladder.

The gods were already there.

Mommy.

I want a dog, Mommy.

Hey. You want a dog?

You want a dog? You can have

anything you want, baby.

Anything you want.

Whitney.

Clive.

When all of my dreams

Are a heartbeat away

And the answers

Are all up to me

Just give me

Give me one

One moment in time

When I'm racing with destiny

Then

In that one moment of time

I will feel

I will feel

I will be free

[VOCALIZES]

I will be

Free

ROBYN:

Your show's over.

BOBBY:

It's finished. You hear me?

You see what you did?

No. This is what you did.

She's not doing well, Bobby,

and needs to go home.

No, she don't.

I'm running sh*t here.

Oh, yeah?

That's it.

I'm tired of your sh*t, Robyn.

Bobby, it's clear to everybody

she's not well

and needs to go home.

Come on. Let's get her home.

Yeah?

Yeah.

That's what's best.

All right. All right. Okay.

We should--

We should ask her, right?

Let's ask her.

Talk to her.

Baby. Baby.

Yeah?

You wanna go home?

'Cause we can. You know

we can do that if we want.

We can always do that.

Do you want to go home, baby?

No.

No.

No, I don't wanna go.

Yeah. See?

I'm taking care of her.

That's it?

That's it. Yeah.

Is that what you're doing?

Is this what you're doing?

Taking care of her with this?

Is this how

you taking care of her?

You better watch that tone,

Robyn.

I'mma keep my tone.

All right.

Listen, Nip. I will not

sit around and watch this...

...anymore.

I'm tired of this, man.

Yeah.

Yeah.

No, I'm not doing this now.

I'll deal with this later.

Why do I gotta deal

with everyone else's sh*t?

You right, baby.

You gotta get to that

venue anyway.

Yo. I'm sick of you, Robyn.

And I'm sick of you.

Yo, Nip. He doesn't deserve

you, okay? He never has.

This man never deserved you.

Hey, look. Look. Look.

This is through.

It's through, Robyn. Done.

And your dad's

in the hospital.

What?

Daddy?

BOBBY: Yeah.

Yeah. He in the hospital.

Yeah, baby.

I was gonna tell you.

I was gonna tell you

after the show.

After the show.

Yeah. Whatever.

I'm done with this sh*t.

No.

Nip, I'm done.

BOBBY: Yeah.

Rob? Robyn.

[DOOR SLAMS]

NURSE [OVER PA]:

Lawrence, regarding

a patient on line two.

Lawrence to line two.

Whitney.

Hey.

Hey.

Hey, Daddy.

You can just leave us.

I'll be out of here

in a day or two. You'll see.

No.

No.

No. Not until the doctors

say you can.

Daddy, you're gonna get

the best care in the world.

I got to get out of here.

Take care of business.

No, you don't.

Not anymore.

Pat's handling everything now.

So you can just relax

and get better.

What are you talking about?

Pat?

It's okay.

Pat's managing me now.

You've lost your mind,

little girl.

I've been taking care of

everything. Your whole life.

Who do you think

was looking after you

when your mama was

going off on them tours?

Changing your diapers?

Me.

So, you ain't taking over sh*t.

It's done.

It's over.

Yeah? What about

the millions you spent?

You blew on Bobby.

Court cases, lawyers,

your private jets.

My private jets,

my money, Daddy.

My mind's made up.

Let's go forward.

Then you better get yourself

a good lawyer.

You hear me?

Daddy.

And you better pay me

all the money you owe me.

Daddy, what money?

My piece

from that new record deal

that I negotiated for you

with Arista.

I negotiated that.

I took care of it.

Okay, like you're taking care

of your new wife

by coming after me?

One hundred million dollars.

There's no one hundred million.

They pay by the album, and I

haven't done any new albums yet.

As of right now,

it's almost all gone.

You let me down, Daddy.

And now you're breaking

my heart.

I know you and Bobby

are hiding it.

You get me my money, princess.

No. No. I'm not your princess.

I'm not your princess no more.

Yeah?

No more.

Yeah.

[COUGHING]

[]

PASTOR:

We return to the earth...

...the body of our brother

John Houston.

How long has it been like this?

Mommy.

[SIREN WAILS]

Hey, baby. Hey, gorgeous.

Everything's fine.

Everything's gonna be fine.

OFFICER:

Watch your head.

Hey. Hey, baby?

I love you.

I love you.

JAMES:

We're all slowly dying...

...but you don't have to

participate so enthusiastically

in the process.

You've hurt yourself

along the way.

Physical damage.

One slipup, Whitney.

Never get a vacation,

you find ways to take one.

Four months.

A private, secure residence.

You'll be closely monitored.

[]

[VEHICLE APPROACHING]

Baby!

Hi, Mommy!

Oh, baby.

Oh, my God!

Come on. We gotta kick.

Come on.

Come on. One more time!

Hang on, Mom!

Come on! We gotta get

to the wall.

Right. Come on.

Whoo!

We made it!

We made it!

Whoo!

BOBBI:

When I think of home

I think of a place

A place

Where there's love

Overflowing

I wish I was home

I wish I was back there

With the things

I've been knowing

I'm proud of you,

Mommy.

I love you, baby.

Lord...

...give me the strength.

Grant me the strength.

Give me the strength.

Oh, my God,

that's Whitney Houston.

WHITNEY:

I don't blame you, Bobby.

I don't.

The dr*gs were there

before you came along.

We didn't help each other,

but I don't blame you for that.

Yeah, sh*t. I mean,

I wish somebody

would tell the media that.

See...

What I looked for in you

wasn't there.

A home.

Outside of my music,

that's all I ever wanted.

But you broke that.

And I watched my parents

do that to each other

and I promised myself...

Uh-uh.

...that's not gonna be me.

All right.

All right.

Look, I-- I hear you.

But I still got you, Nip.

I still got you. Look, hey...

We can talk this out. Right?

Yeah.

Yeah?

That's what we're doing.

We're talking it out.

I, uh--

Goodbye, Bobby. Be well.

Wait.

Your daughter needs you.

Wait, Nip? Nip?

Hey, Whitney? Baby?

[]

How's your mama look?

Awesome.

Yeah.

Go get 'em.

I hope I remember how to sing.

Me too.

It's Oprah.

I talked

to the musical director.

I told him

to follow your lead.

It's your first time back.

You set the pace.

Thank you, Mommy.

[EXHALES DEEPLY]

All right.

CISSY: You got this.

You got this, Nippy.

Remember.

You're my princess.

Mommy...

You know, I think

I'm just gonna be me.

Ladies and gentlemen,

please welcome Whitney Houston!

[CROWD CHEERING, CLAPPING]

Lost touch with my soul

I had nowhere to run

I had nowhere to go

Lost sight of my dream

Thought it would be

The end of me

I...

I thought I'd never

Make it through

I had no one to hold on to

I...

I thought I might break

I didn't know

My own strength

And I crashed down

I crumbled

But I did not

Crumble

I was not built to break

I didn't know

My own strength

Found hope in my heart

I found the light to light

My way out of the dark

Found all that I needed

Lord

Here inside of me

Here inside of me, yes

I thought I'd never

Find my way

I thought I'd never

Lift that weight

I...

I thought I might break

Didn't know my own strength

There were so many times I

Wondered how I'd get through

The night

I thought I took

All that I could take

Hold on! Hold!

I didn't know

My own strength

Survived the darkest hour

Yes, I did

Kept me alive

Yes, I did

Get myself back up

I hold my head up high

I got through all the pain

Let me tell you

I didn't know

I didn't know

My mama said

I was not built to break

[CROWD CHEERING, CLAPPING]

Dionne said

I was not built to break

Clive said

"Come on back and sing

You're not built to break"

Your love said--

Your love said

I was not built to break

Oprah said...

"Girl, do you know

You're loved?"

Now I know my

Own

Strength

Yeah.

Darling.

How was I?

Great.

You're always great.

Always.

We'll talk on Monday.

They still love me.

[CLEARS THROAT]

Clive, it's my first

of the day.

Okay.

So...

...I wanna do another tour.

I'm a singer. I need to sing.

Well?

Get some rest.

[]

REPORTER:

Whitney Houston's comeback tour

is not faring well

for the iconic singer.

Her latest show in Denmark left

hundreds of fans walking out

and asking

for their money back.

WOMAN:

It was obvious.

It was quickly obvious that

there was a major problem.

Her vocal range

was seriously diminished.

She was fine

within a certain limit.

But when she ventured

from that safety zone,

she was in trouble.

And Whitney has always been

distinguished

by her range of notes.

REPORTER:

Houston is one of

the top-selling artists

of all time, with six Grammys

and a mezzo-soprano that earned

her the nickname "The Voice."

Whitney now needs

more than her...

Go for a sh*t.

Okay.

REPORTER:

And Whitney Houston just

arrived at the Beverly Hilton.

Lots of speculation

that she will also perform

at Clive Davis's Grammy party

later this evening.

PAPARAZZO:

Ms. Houston, this way!

Are you going back to rehab?

WHITNEY:

Hey, get them ready

to do "Home."

RICKEY:

Does Clive know?

WHITNEY:

Yeah, I'm singing tonight.

I don't think

that's a good idea.

It's not what Clive wants,

and it's not

what I want for you.

Did you see me sing on Oprah?

Yeah, I saw you on Oprah.

Okay.

I saw you in Copenhagen too.

People wanna see

Whitney Houston.

You set that standard.

I know.

I know I'm not

where I used to be.

But I know how to get there.

I'm not going away.

I can't lose this.

This? This one night?

Yes, yes. This one night.

Me singing for them.

I can't live without it.

I'm gonna be ready.

You need to be.

If you're ready,

I'm there for you, Whit.

I always am, but--

If you're not ready though--

Rickey?

Just get ready to do "Home."

I'm gonna sing it...

...and you're gonna like it.

[HUMMING]

Do you think this carpet

needs a vacuum?

[PHONE BUZZING]

Mom, are you nervous?

No.

No. No, I'm excited.

I'm so excited.

You know what?

I gotta go downstairs

and get some more honey.

Why don't you go to your room?

I'm gonna get ready

for tonight, okay?

I'm gonna make you so proud.

I love you in perpetuity.

BOTH:

Throughout the universe.

Yeah, that's it.

You got it, baby.

Okay.

Whitney, can we get

a picture, please?

Miss Houston!

Can we take a picture with you?

Sure.

All right.

Oh, my gosh. Thank you so much!

Okay. Sure.

Whitney.

Do you think I could have

your autograph?

Yeah.

Thank you, Whitney.

Thank you.

WHITNEY: Can I get a tea, please?

Thank you.

With pleasure.

Would you?

Super, massive fan.

Sure. Ahem.

Oh. Don't worry, I got one.

Spencer.

Spencer.

So it's true?

You're performing tonight

at that pre-Grammy party?

You heard that?

It's out there.

Everybody knows.

There's gonna be

a whole lineup of huge stars,

but you're gonna outshine them

all. You always do.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Girl, can I tell you something?

Yeah.

I saw you live once, in '94.

The American Music Awards.

Yeah.

I was a seat filler.

Girl, you did

that medley of songs.

Yeah.

g*dd*mn.

[LAUGHS]

You liked it?

That's the greatest performance

I've ever seen.

Thank you.

As far as I'm concerned,

you're the greatest

of all time.

I really appreciate that.

I do. Thank you.

[INAUDIBLE]

But it was...

It was 18 years ago.

So...

You are just as beautiful

as you've ever been.

And I'm sure you're singing

just as good too.

It's on the house.

[PRESS CLAMORING]

When I think of home

I think of a place

Where there's

Love overflowing

I wish I was home

I wish I was back there

With the things

I've been knowing

Maybe there's a chance

For me to go back

And it sure would be nice

To be back home

Where there's...

[CROWD CHEERING AND CLAPPING]

And just maybe

I can convince time

To slow up

Giving me

Enough time in my life

To grow up

Time

Please stay, my friend

And let me start

Again

[CROWD CLAPPING]

WHITNEY:

We're gonna do a medley

for you.

We've never done that before.

It's about love.

The things we do to get it,

and the things we do to keep it.

So I'm gonna sing for you.

With thanks for all the love

you've given me.

And the great,

great joy I've had

in trying to repay that love.

[BAND PLAYING

"I LOVES YOU PORGY"]

I loves you

Porgy

Don't let him take me

Don't let him handle me

And drive me mad

If you can

Keep me

I wants to stay here

With you forever

And I'll be glad

Someday I know

He's coming back

To call on me

He's gonna handle me

And hold me

So...

It's gonna be like dying

Porgy

Deep inside me

But when he calls

I know I have to go

Porgy, I is your woman now

I is

I is

And I ain't never going

Nowhere

Unless you shares the fun

And I am telling you

I am not going

See, you're the best man

I'll ever know

There's no way

I can ever go

No, no, no, no way

No, no, no, no way

I'm living without you

I'm not living without you

I don't wanna be free

See, I'm staying

I am staying

And you, and you, and you

You're gonna love me

You're gonna love me

Oh, yes

And I am telling you

I am not going

Even though the rough times

Are showing

See, there is just no way

There's no way

Tear down the mountains

Yell, scream and shout

Well, you can say

What you want

I'm not walking out

Hold back the river

Push, strike and k*ll

I'm not gonna leave you

There's no way I will

And

I

Am

Telling you

I am not going

See, you're the best man

I'll ever know

See, there's no way

I can ever, ever go

No, no, no, no way

No, no, no, no way

I'm living without you

I, I'm not living

Without you

Not living without you

I, I don't wanna be free

That's right, I'm staying

I'm staying

I'm staying, I'm staying

And you, and you, and you

You're gonna love me

Oh, yes

Oh, yes, you are

Oh, yes, you are

Hey, hey, hey

You're gonna love me

Love me

Love me

Love me, love me

[CROWD CHEERING]

Share my life

Take me for what I am

I'll never change

All my colors for you

I said take my love

I'll never ask for too much

Just all that you are

Everything that you do

I don't really need to look

Very much further

Come on, Nippy.

I don't wanna have to go

Where you don't follow

I won't hold it back again

This passion inside

Can't run from myself

There's nowhere to hide

But your love, I remember

Forever

Don't make me close

One more door

I don't wanna hurt anymore

Stay in my arms

If you dare

Must I imagine you there?

Don't walk away from me

I have nothing

Nothing

Nothing

Don't

Make

Me

Close one more door

I don't wanna hurt anymore

Stay in my arms

If you dare

Must I imagine you there

Don't walk away from me

No

Don't walk away from me

Don't you dare

Walk away from me

I...

I have nothing

Nothing

Nothing

If

I

Don't have

You

You

If I don't have you

Yeah, hey, hey

If I don't have you

Thank you.

[INAUDIBLE]

[WHITNEY HOUSTON'S

"HIGHER LOVE" PLAYING]

Think about it

There must be a higher love

Down in the heart

Or hidden

In the stars above

Without it

Life is wasted time

Look inside your heart

And I'll look inside mine

Things look so bad

Everywhere

In this whole world

What is fair?

We walk the line

And try to see

Falling behind

In what could be, oh

Bring me a higher love

Bring me a higher love, oh

Bring me a higher love

Where's that higher love

I keep thinking of?

Bring me higher love, love

Bring me higher love, oh

Bring me higher love, love

A higher love

I keep thinking of

Bring me a higher love

Bring me a higher love, oh

[WHITNEY HOUSTON'S "DON'T CRY" PLAYING]

Here we are again

That old familiar place

Where the winds will blow

No one ever knows

The time or space

Don't cry for me

Don't shed a tear

The time I shared with you

Will always be

And when I'm gone

Please carry on

Don't cry for me

See, no one is to blame

No, no

My death was meant to be

Don't carry guilt nor shame

The reason why I came

Soon you're gonna see

So don't cry about me

Don't shed a tear

The time I shared with you

Will always be

And when I'm gone

Please carry on

Don't cry for me

Oh, no

Don't cry

When life

Is not the joy it should be

With life comes pain

Soon time

Will end

This course appointed

And you will be rewarded

And all this world will see

Don't cry

For

Me

So don't

Don't shed a tear

The time I shared with you

Will always be

And when I am gone

Life still

Life still carries on

Oh, yes

Don't cry for me

We'll always be

Don't cry

Don't cry

For

Ooh

Me
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