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Charlotte's Song (2015)
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[uplifting orchestral music] [light choral music] [Grandmother] Far out in the ocean, where the water is as blue as the prettiest corn flower, there lived a beautiful mermaid. She became charmed by the idea of a life above the waves. It's only for a day, I know I know it Your shining eyes will open and spirit me away Oh but if my prayers are dashed upon the shores I'll be forever yours my darling Just a lap, a little slap And we'll be miles away Kissing at the bottom Of the sea [loud, banging music] Just a day I know, I know it Your shining eyes will open and spirit me away But if, but if my prayers are dashed upon the shore I'll be forever yours my darling Oh darling, just a lap, a little slap A million miles away Kissing at the bottom of the sea [tense music] Be careful. I said, be careful. [tense music] Just a lap, a little slap And we'll be miles away Kissing at the bottom of the sea [audience applauding] [tense music] [bouncy piano music] Deep into the ocean It's like a potion Of love like a little fish, glub, glub If you're in the ocean Then it should fly like A dove with your water wings, flub, flub I, I, I Like the beach just fine But, but the waves are just divine [slow, tense music] It's time for bed now. [lively music] [tense music underlying lively music] I, I, I like the beach just fine But, but, but the waves are just divine Boy you better get in the ocean Hello, Charlotte. I am your grandmother. [lively music] [audience applauding] [tense, suspenseful music] They're fairies. Oh, fairies, eh? Ohh. Let me tell you a story about a mermaid blinded by her foolish fantasy of her life on the land. The mermaid was stolen from the water forever by the very man whom she had saved from death. Now, unless she is returned to the sea, another must be found to take her place. For the balance between the worlds must be preserved, at all costs. [slow, tense piano music] Let's go. [Charlotte] I'm suppose to be going to bed now. [tense, suspenseful music] Go to your bed, take this with you, okay. [tense, suspenseful music] It's happening George, we need to do something! Where is she now? I locked her in your office, what else could I do? She won't stay in there, she doesn't want to. She found us here, she'll find us anywhere. [slow, solemn music] Maybe it's time we pay the debt. No, I will not hand my daughter over to that creature. No, you leave me alone. I just need time to think, I just... [deep, suspenseful, scary music] [dramatic music] [Charlotte screaming] [dramatic, suspenseful music] It's all right. It's all right. [dramatic, suspenseful music] Save her! [dramatic music] [haunting piano music] [haunting orchestral music] [water bubbling] [woman gasping] [upbeat big band music] Come along, get ready Wear your brand, brand new gown Well there's going to be a meeting In this good, good ole town When you know everybody and they all know you This what counts for clean? I get the dust off, it sticks right back on. We need to be ready for the show. Ain't no dust under my dress, I assure you. Stop, the singin', it's bothering father. You wanna shout and sing Have you a hard time in old town tonight My baby When you hear Them bells go ding-a-ling All down around [music fading to background] First one to complain, gets a whoopin'. [upbeat big band music] Back to your room now. [upbeat big band music] [bell dinging] Uh. Go! Good afternoon there. Afternoon, you got gas? You got cash? Well, I have this old grandfather clock came over from Europe, - it's been in the... - Do you have cash? Well if, if I had any I'd, I'd give it to you, it's just that this is all we got. Sorry friend, no cash, no gas. Can't we at least give them a bit? You wanna end up like those folks? [car sputtering] [slow, twangy music] Tim! [laughing] Look at you, ain't you all grown up? [laughing] I brought you a postcard. I remember you like them. What do you got there? Some gas for a family with no money. Mm, father doesn't know you're doin' this, does he? [chuckling] How's his mood? Foul. Figured as much. Maybe, I'll take this down the road for you, and I'll come back in a couple days. Can I come? [chuckling] That's a surefire way to stir the hornet's nest. I'll come back, I promise. [knocking on door frame] [Charlotte] Father, I just... I'm busy. I just thought you'd wanna know Tim was here. [suspenseful, scary music] This won't even cover a quarter of a payment! [bells ringing] Hello, Charlotte. There's a power growing inside of you, Charlotte. Soon you'll be faced with a very important decision. [eerie music] The mermaid chose to abandon her fish's tail. And so the balance between the worlds was upset and will never be healed until the daughter chooses to return to her people. On land, she can never be home, humanity is not her kind. Their world is hollow, misery will be her only companion. Father says I'm too old for stories. I better go help him with the show. [door creaking] Oh if I'd only listened While the pond so gilly glistened I'd of saved my lovin' man A pile of warm But a gal cannot resist When little wings bend down to kiss you And I taste them when I dip my little toe, oh Something in the water told me so, told me so And a little mermaid silenced me not to go, don't you go Now I will be sad if you leave before the show Yes something in the water told me so, me so Something in the water told me so, told me so And still after I'd been there, even though Don't you know The moment I go in The trouble would begin There's something in the water don't you Get off me! [yelling] [Man In Audience] You stop that! [Sister] Get off her! [Man In Audience] Get off her! [George] No touchin'. Ah, come on! Yeah, god knows this coffin varnish ain't worth the price of admission. [tense music] [George] Keep dancin'. [deep, tense music] [humming] Get out. And take off my makeup. There're some men here. [haunting choral music] Did we miss the show? Just. Have a drink though. Name is Randall. Don't believe I've had the pleasure. Good to meet you. But you've heard my name. Most people around these parts know who you are. I've been hearing your name lately as well. [slow, tense music] Let's have some of this. [slow, tense music] To Canada, and their good whiskey. Keep it. What can I do for you? Heard you've been having some troubles with the local financial institution. None of my business to be sure, however I like the flavor of your place here. Thought I might be able to aid you in your efforts. An investment. What for? A stake. Father. Take your sister to bed. [slow, eerie music] Beautiful daughters you have. [slow, tense, suspenseful music] Look George, we're a community around these parts. It's in our best interests to help each other. Isn't that what folks do when times get rough? How exactly is this arrangement going to work? Harold here will be staying behind to watch over the collateral. For now, while I'm putting more money in than I'm getting out, I have the say. Once you've paid back my investment, and you're on your feet, I get a cut and you get the say. I don't know. You're not in a position to be picky. I don't need no charity either. This is strictly business. I got the hooch connection, you've got the place to sell it. What do they call that in fancy Washington terms? Supply and demand. There you go, just the natural order of things. Now what do you say? [tense music] Sound fair? [suspenseful, tense music] Well this booze is gonna boost profits. [laughing] You have to utilize all the assets at your disposal. [slow, solemn music] It's just temporary... I'll tell them. [slow, solemn music] You left me wantin' in the moonlight Left me right there, well I was occupied But when you take my time Forget about bein' kind If you do me, do me right I see your eyes on other women You best believe I'm over him and Oh yeah-ah Don't you say be mine Gonna play my game just fine If you're gonna do me, do my right... Stop, what are you doin'? What's wrong with the old show? Father has a new deal. A deal that has us gettin' naked on stage. We all have a role to play in this. Let's do our part for father. Can I try? Don't you have fireflies to catch? And take off my shoes, they look ridiculous on you. But I've been practicing. Be quiet or leave. One, two, three, four. Hey honey babe Hey honey babe Don't leave when all the men want you so bad Smile if you need Perhaps it should be To start something grand Hey honey babe Hey honey babe What is the matter don't you like me tonight [muffled by music] Sure is a start Let me hold your hand Let me lie [muffled by music] Why [muffled] [music fading to background] 'Cause you're seen With me dear Guys light up for you Oh honey babe Hey honey babe Your rosy cheeks are [music fading] [eerie music] Yeah! [audience member whistling] [Man In Audience] Take it off! [lively vocalizing music] [crowd cheering] Do you fellas a, like what you see? The entertainment continues if you open up those wallets of yours. Each of those little ladies there has with them a one way ticket to the night of your life. First come, first served, gentleman. [audience applauding] [lively music] [deep, eerie music] [deep, suspenseful tense music] Heard you were in town. Yeah. Meant to stop by. Been busy. How you been, George? Been tough. Yeah, a lot of that goin' around, huh? How'd California work out? [laughing] too bad. Yeah, too bad. What'd you call me out here for, George? I thought maybe you might wanna stay in one place for awhile, maybe do some work for me. Jeez George, I don't... I got some investment now and I need some help runnin' things. What's that fella outside? Harold. Yes, part of the reason why I need my own guy. [Tim] What, he your investor? No, that's a Joe by the name of Randall. You heard of him. Yeah, yeah, I heard of him. What's the matter? You need to get out of this deal, as soon as you can. I ain't asking for your advice. Trust me. He's helpin' this family, that's more than I can ever say about you. I worked for Randall when things first got bad. I'm stayin' away from this place for a reason. Ain't nothin' you ever done been honorable when it comes to me. [Tim] George. Get outta my house. I'll be in town for awhile. Don't think I'll be needin' your help after all. Well. Charlotte. Why can't you stay? I just can't. [twangy country music] Yeah, it's been years since we parted Years full of... You know, this ain't bad. That one young idiot, paid double for the one with the, oh, what's her name? Beatrice. Yeah. Her. Personally, I don't see the attraction. Charlotte, buzz along. For you are so sweet If I could just hold... Say, why ain't you usin' that one? She's so young. She bleeds, don't she? Better she learns sooner, than later. And the young age, just means you can charge more. [laughing] They're all gone, here's the last of it. Hey, why don't you go get the little one prettied up backstage. What for? Girl of my dreams, it's you [twangy country music] Don't forget who's callin' the shots here. You ain't paid back your debt yet. [laughing] You have no idea who you're dealin' with, do you? Please come back again Go take a powder over it if you can't stomach it. There's only one Girl of my dreams, it's you [retching and coughing] I look so pretty. Maybe I could be in the show tomorrow too? [tense, frightening music] [Charlotte whimpering] Oh, are you a gimp? [gurgling and roaring] [crying out] [Charlotte screaming] [Charlotte crying out] [scary music] [Grandmother] Fetch more water. [Sister] What happened? [Grandmother] Never mind, water, now! [scary music] [music increasing in intensity] [gasping and panting] Patricia, fetch Tim. Don't say anything, other than it's regarding Charlotte and it's urgent. I want this room presentable by the evening. [water splashing softly] [Charlotte shivering] [crying] [pounding at door] Why was the door locked? Never mind that, go to bed. Thank god you came, I have no one else to turn to. What is that for? [eerie music] [gulping] What happened? Is it always like this? Not when you love him. [Charlotte humming] Ah-ah-ah, Ned. Darling. [gasping] [Charlotte] Who's Ned? For all I know he could be lyin' dead in a ditch somewhere. You gotta take the girls, you gotta get outta here, that's all there is to it. I can't. Why not? Hey the only thing that's keepin' Charlotte safe right now is our distance from water. I'm between a rock and a hard place. I gotta clean up this mess before it spreads. Thinkin' maybe you could talk to Randall. No. - Tim, please. - I don't wanna get mixed back up with that lot! Do it for the girls, for Serena. I need time to think about this. Then go, think, just don't take too long, Randall's due to check in any time. Tim, I knew I could count on you. [sighing] Yeah. Yeah. [door clicking shut] Do you know where Grandmother is? I wish you'd stop callin' her that. She's just some old hag that helped mother in California. Clean up your own mess. It's time for the child's return. No, I can't allow it. It's Charlotte's decision to make and sooner or later she will choose to return. You'll make sure of it. I forbid you from seeing her. So be it. She'll be thirsty. [door slamming] [light, solemn music] Did y'all come back to see me? Huh, course. You know you've always been the favorite out of all your sisters. Gosh, you're startin' to look just like your mother did when I first met her. Nobody likes to talk about her anymore. Yeah, what would you like to hear? How'd you meet her? Well, I knew your dad first. He was always the ladies man. And this one day, I heard him talking about this amazing woman he'd met. Which was strange 'cause your father never used to talk about the girls he'd go with. I thought maybe it'd last a week or so. Then I saw her for myself. Your mother was performing at this little nightclub right down on Venice Beach. Goddamn, if she wasn't the most beautiful woman I had ever saw, bar none. Anyway, we met through your dad. He and I were inseparable back in those days. What was California like? It was beautiful. The ocean stretches for miles and miles, as far as you can see. Would you ever go back? Hm, it's a nicer place than Oklahoma. Would you take me there too? No, I don't think your father'd be very pleased with that. I don't care. Well, that's easy for you to say. No. I'm sorry, I won't tell father. No, no, it's, it's not that. You won't have to pay like the other men. [slow, mysterious music] [music building in intensity] You forgot to mention that the only reason Charlotte attacked Harold is because he paid you to let him have his way with her! Randall made me do it, they were gonna kill me! Why do you think I called you? You have to stop this! [George] I can't without your help! Goddammit! Fine, I'll speak to Randall. Just tell him I'm lookin' for Harold. Tell him I'm doin' my best. Thank you, Tim. [slow, gentle piano music] [door clicking open] Have you seen Grandmother anywhere? I've forbidden her from seeing you. You have no right. That woman wants to take you away from here, you understand? Why? It's complicated, she, your mother didn't want you to know. Grandmother talks to me about it. She's lyin' to you. Well at least she treats me like an adult. Charlotte, there are people, things in this world that wish to do you harm, I'm tryin' to protect you. Then why did you let him do that to me? And that other man, why did you let him touch Sophia? You could've stopped them. Why didn't you stop them? Just for a little while longer, I promise. You didn't even come to see if I was okay. You're not a normal girl, you're special. And all this business with Randall and your sisters and what they do, it's all for you. I don't want any of this to be happenin'. You don't have a choice! [light, eerie music] [Grandmother] And so the balance between worlds was upset and will never be healed until the daughter chooses to return to her people. On land, she can never be home. Misery will be her only companion. [slow, eerie music] [Charlotte] What happened? Your father. [Charlotte] You let him do this to you? Oh, I knew you would come. Do you remember the story of the stolen mermaid? That story was about your mother. Your father was the merchant sailor who tricked her into giving up her tail in exchange for this existence. The bargain made was that the daughter of a true love would replace the mermaid when the time was right. But your mother interrupted the arrangement. She killed herself to save me? Yes, but the imbalance remained. You're unique Charlotte, my dear. Not fully human, and not fully of my kind either. You have a choice. Emily says you're not my real grandmother. I'm more family to you than she will ever be. Why didn't you tell me sooner? Oh, you needed to be ready. You're a commodity to them. The only one who loved you was your mother. Because you're the same. I can show you how to control your powers. But not here. So far away from my home, I'm weak. It's time to go home, Charlotte. [eerie music] Charlotte? Charlotte! What lies have you been feeding her? [yelling] [deep, dramatic music] Go back to where you came from. You dare. [gasping] [gun firing] [yelling and screaming] [poker slicing] [gasping and panting] [eerie music] [sharp banging] Yah! [tense, eerie music] There you are. [Charlotte shivering] Just a lap, a little slap And we'll be miles away 'Member when you used to sing that? Would you sing it again? Oh but if my prayers are dashed upon the shores I'll be forever yours my darling For a moment I coulda swore I saw mother. I know. Well you must be gettin' tired. [couple giggling] You have to go. No. [laughing] You have to go. Go on. [laughing] I, I know a way you and Ned can leave here. Meet me in the showroom at dawn. [heels clicking] [George snoring softly] [thudding] [George snorting] [door slamming shut] [tense music] We have to leave right now! We can't leave without Charlotte. Hey! [gun firing] [sister screaming] Oh god no, please! No, please no. Please help her. [tense, dramatic music] You took her life. [George] Get outta here. [dramatic music] No! [crying] Get back inside. Go! [chaotic acoustic guitar strumming] She brought this on herself. You hear me? [Charlotte crying] Oh, be thankful. [crying] Wake up, please. [crying] [slow, haunting music] [Sister] Father. Leave us be, girls. [tense music] Come now. This is a family joint. No need for any back room deals, eh George? [light, slow acoustic guitar music] I must apologize, I would've come sooner but I wanted to see what you were going to do about Harold. Your approach really was quite innovative. Not many men are brave enough to try and ignore a problem and just hope it goes away, especially when it comes to problems that involve me. I, I don't know what you're talkin' about. Harold ran outta here like a mad man last time we saw him. I'll, I'll make it up to you. Oh, you think Harold's dead, don't you? He's quite alive. Missing half his face and won't stop raving about the monsters of course but alive nonetheless. It was an accident, we tried to find him. I, I didn't even know where to start. I understand. You did your best, that's all I can ask. I want to thank you for trying to find my man. I ain't gonna bite you. [George whimpering] Come on in, boys. [George whimpering] What are you gonna do? Won't take a minute, dear. No, no. [crying] Now, now, this is no way to behave. Put up a brave face for your daughters, at least. I'll do anything. No, no. Don't do it, it wasn't his fault. Well I guess all the guts went to the women in your family. Take hers. Take her finger instead. [laughing] Oh, well I'm not easily surprised but this, whatever you say, George. No, no, no. [crying and whimpering] It's only for a day, I know I know it Your shining eyes will open And spirit me away Oh but if my prayers are dashed upon the shores I'll be forever yours, my darling Neat trick. Leave my family alone. Why should I? My trick can make you money. What do I have to give you in return? Let us do the old show the way we used to, and just the show. You suppose this will solve your problems? Fair enough. Good luck. You'll excuse me if I don't leave a man behind this time. Just know that I'm watching. [Sophia] This is how they do it in California. [Charlotte] Really? Well, it's how mother used to do it. [Charlotte] It's perfect. [men talking] [Man In Audience] Show me what you got. [men cheering] - All right. - Whoo. [Man In Audience] Hello [muffled]. [Man In Audience] Don't be shy, sweetheart. [soft choral music] It's only for a day, I know I know it Your shining eyes will open And spirit me away Oh but if my prayers are dashed upon the shores I'll be forever yours my darling Just a lap, a little slap And we'll be miles away Kissing at the bottom Of the sea [loud, banging music] Just a day I know, I know it Your shining eyes will open And spirit me away Oh but if my prayers are dashed upon the shores I'll be forever yours, my darling Oh darling, just a lap, a little slap And we'll be miles away Kissing at the bottom of the sea Payment's next week. No more payments. What do you mean? You're out of my debt, I release you. [laughing] Still wanna buy my whiskey? Yes, of course. Good. Oh, and one more thing, have you, have you seen Tim around, I need to talk to him. No, I haven't seen him. [upbeat big band music] What's that? A bonus. Take it, you've earned it. I didn't think it was gonna work but you pulled it off. Your mother would've been proud of you. [lively dance music] [slow piano music] Sophia, hi, we've come to offer our congratulations to Charlotte. Oh, she's just freshening up. Thanks. Charlotte, someone's here to see you. Thanks. Tim! Oh, hello. This is Sylvia. Wonderful show. Now, be a dear for me and wait for me in the car. That a, finally what it was when your mother performed it in California. Goodbye Charlotte, we're movin' on. Goodbye. [slow, solemn music] You got a lot of nerve comin' in here after what you did. Excuse me. Randall nearly cut my finger off after your little chat with him. He said you already told him about Harold and everything was square with you two. Seems like one of us is lyin' then. Besides, I thought the whole idea was to stay away from Randall. Not put Charlotte in the goddamn show. Who are you to judge me? You know this is exactly what he wants. This is exactly what I was tryin' to tell you. You're blamin' me for this? You know what, you don't have to worry about me anymore. I just came to say goodbye to the girls. I'm glad you cleaned up the place, but I'm leavin'. What do you mean? I stuck my neck out for you, and now I'm right back to where I started. Randall barkin' orders at me, like I'm his right hand man. So long, George. [deep acoustic guitar music] Tim! Wait. Before you go, can I show you somethin'? I should be goin'. Please, it'll only take a moment. Oh, I'll be right back. Come on. [slow, solemn piano music] [Charlotte humming] [light, haunting music] [eerie music] It's a full house, girls, full. There's still people waitin' outside. You're doin' a more outstandin' job than even your mother. I hope you know that. It's only for a day, I know I know it Your shining eyes will open And spirit me away [audience applauding] All of my prayers are dashed upon the shores I'll be forever yours, my darling [audience applauding] Ah-Ah [audience applauding] [loud, banging music] Just a day I know, I know it Charlotte! They don't spend as much on a shorter show. Haven't we paid back our debt yet? No, that's not how this works. Randall, he runs this territory. We're part of his operation, we can't stop, not now. Can't you just take the girls and go? We can't walk out on our obligation. What happened to the good of the family? I'm not givin' up on what I've built! [bouncy piano music] And we'll be miles away Kissing at the bottom of the sea What we built. Listen, everything's gonna be all right. I'll deal with Randall. After we've made a bit more cash, we'll go on a trip. Maybe take the show on the road. Would you like that? Yeah, we'll do that, as a family. Do you need the bath? [Charlotte] Do you still think you could run the show without me? Yeah, why? I'm leavin'. Does father know? No. He's gonna be livid. Good luck. Don't tell the others. Where are you gonna go? Where are you headed? [frightening music] I only want to talk. You're one of them. Them, I'm one of us. [tense, frightening music] Be careful. You have to utilize all the assets at your disposal. Harold here will be staying behind to watch over the calamity. You know how these deals work. [Charlotte] My trick can make you money. [Randall] You suppose this will solve your problem? It was all you, you made me. I'm your only chance to escape the sheer boredom of existence. You know we're different from the humans. Higher in every way. It's not so glorious anymore, is it? You thought they were cheering for you this whole time. They are cheering for me. They cheer for what you can do to them. They're like dogs compared to us. And like dogs, we can train them to do all kinds of tricks. So this is what our kind does for fun? That's just what I do for fun, for now at least. You can choose to do whatever you want. I'm going far away from this place, and never singing again. You can try. [eerie, frightening music] Your father's paid back his debt, by the way. [door clicking shut] [deep, tense music] Where is she? Who? You know damn well who. [Sister] Father! Look what I found. I distinctly remember asking you if you'd seen Tim, quite recently. I, I swear I haven't seen Tim in ages. Then he's lying. So you, you don't mind if I punish him accordingly? [gun firing] [Tim crying out] [gasping] [Tim groaning] Where's the star of your show? I gave her the night off. I hope you haven't lost your gift horse. I'm right here. Good, thought you might have left town on me. [Tim whimpering] Pay attention. I have a bone to pick with your father. It has come to my attention that you have been providing certain services without cutting me in. I don't know what you're talkin' about. Booze and women are my game, George. I've been payin' you your cut for all the booze... But not the women. What? He's been running the whore house right under your nose. Maybe you were too caught up in your own celebrity to notice. You said you would stop. Why would he? It's pure profit when you cut out your investors. Is this true? Oh course not, he's lyin'. It is true. He didn't make me do it, 'cause he knew I'd tell. But they have. Your wife, Gertrude, you'd think you'd have learned your lesson about my kind by now. Oh, I'm sorry, George, I thought you knew. Oh let's get [loud static buzzing]. That's the other thing, we have a disgruntled customer. Seems Harold paid for service he didn't receive. Please. Don't, I'll give you the whole operation if you want. I'm starting to think that you would say anything to get out of trouble. I like you, I like your family. But Harold thinks we've taken the maximum amount of disrespect from you that our organization can handle. Word's getting out that I've got a soft spot for the guy with all the girls. I can't have that. [light thumping] Take the girls, kill George. - It's only for a day - No! [Sister] No, no, no! No, no! [Sister] No, you stop that! [gun firing] [screaming] [George] No! No, no! [girls screaming] [gun firing] [tense, frightening music] [screaming] [scary, haunting music] [screaming] I'm so sorry. [screaming] [gun firing] [gasping] [slow, sorrowful piano music] [coughing] [Tim whimpering] It's only for a day, I know I know it Your shining eyes will [crying] Oh, please, oh, please. [crying] No, no. [slow, sorrowful piano music] [Charlotte crying] [footsteps clicking] I've come to gloat. I hope you got what you wanted. Getting what we want is no fun at all. It's about the game. You're more powerful than you think. We could have a lot of fun together. Very brave of you to go the exact direction they've been trying to lure you all this time. I'll write you when I get there. [twangy blues guitar music] We've both got all the time in the world. [twangy blues guitar music] All my life been Doin' wrong Breakin' hearts and gettin' gone There's no savin' me, lord Throw away the key [man talking in background] I go home I Bring the chill in All done uptown Fit to kill There's no savin' me, lord Throw away the key [man talking in background] I kissed the desk hard I done my time The kinda luck turns On a dime There's no savin' me, lord Throw away the key There's no savin' me, lord Throw away the key [slow blues music] |
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