La folle histoire de Cloclo

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Ismailia, Egypt, Suez Canal

January 1939

You are...

very fortunate, Lucia.

A boy?

I see him in a big light.

His name

is written

in flaming letters.

Jojo?

Come look.

You're going to have

a little brother.

- Claude, it's time!

- Already?

C'mon, Hassan!

Hurry.

Mama.

Hassan, quick.

Hurry, children!

Come here.

Let me see.

You must wash your hands.

Papa will be home soon.

My handsome Claude!

Good evening, Mr. Francois.

Salam Alekum, Hassan.

Good evening, Aime.

Here comes Rudolph Valentino.

Darling.

My wife cheats on me

with the King of Hearts.

- Calissons!

- From "Roy Rene."

Straight from Aix.

Barenton brought them.

The children?

They studied quietly in their room

all afternoon.

- I don't want to.

- Go on. Then blue!

No, it's my picture!

Good evening.

Did you have a nice day, sir?

Very nice.

Thank you, children.

I warned you.

Next time you'll tidy up.

So, Claude.

Did you practice your violin?

Enough, I mean?

I think so.

Play for me?

What do you want to hear, sir?

Ismailia for Barracuda.

May we line up to enter?

Vessel name and cargo.

How do you like the Suez Canal?

What's the name of that boat?

I can't see.

Come over here.

The first is the Liberty ship.

Coming from Port Said.

It goes through in 15 minutes.

That big tanker's from Alexandria.

It's here.

It goes through in 40 minutes.

When you grow up,

you'll work for the Company, too.

July 1956, 10 years later

Egypt's sons

are taking over the Canal.

The Canal is on Egyptian soil.

The Canal belongs to Egypt.

May God guide you to success,

and peace be with you.

All valuables!

Not my ring!

Move it!

Get in!

Hurry up, Claude.

Hassan, come with me!

Take the ring, it's yours.

I'll keep it next to my heart.

Hide the car till our return.

Aime!

Captain, it's your duty

to protect our homes.

Look at these savages!

What are you waiting for?

Where will we go now?

I don't know.

To your sister's in Monaco.

Her husband will find us a flat.

We'll be back soon.

It's only for a few weeks.

Everything will work out.

Here.

Monaco, 1957 - One year later.

Honestly, Claude,

it's a bad idea.

You know tumbas,

but not snare drums...

So what?

What?

We'll see.

So long, you'll hear from us.

Next.

There are leftovers.

Soon, no more bread and oil for us.

I auditioned

for the radio house band.

- You?

- As a drummer.

And?

They hired me.

I'll be paid.

Papa, isn't that good?

And your bank internship?

I'm not kidding.

They hired me.

How much do they pay?

500 francs.

It's not much, but it'll help.

I underbid to get the job.

I start tomorrow.

Tomorrow it's back to the bank.

Jojo brought us apples.

I'm just stopping by.

Claude's been hired as a drummer.

Want me to rot

behind a teller's window?

I'd rather enjoy what I do.

I sweated blood and tears

for your education.

Your sister's married.

Well married.

But you need a real trade.

I won't have some busker son.

- But Papa...

- Discussion closed!

Don't.

Not hungry?

Well, I am, and Mama, too.

So what do we do?

Rely on you?

You can't even hold a bar job.

Get out.

I know, France let you down.

It's not your fault, right?

I'm not ashamed of being poor,

only of doing nothing

to help us out.

I won't give up.

You go back to the bank.

If you disobey,

never speak to me again.

Ever.

Dad...

I'm sorry.

I didn't mean it.

Please, trust me.

Tomorrow you move out.

I won't wait that long.

Aime?

Once I was also seventeen

The world was no place for me

Other kids had nothing to prove

They slip right into a groove

Summers at their country home

The keys to dad's car

Just to roam

And mom's purse

For an easy loan

Some have it all at seventeen

I was a stranger in their eyes

They had Vespas,

I was despised

When I'd go for a swim

With my dog down by the docks

They'd chase me laughing

Down the block

I'd come home my elbows bloody

You learn what courage means

At seventeen

That's my son!

On the wide uptown avenues

I saw my chances were few

If I was going to make it

I'd have to clench my teeth

And take it

Throwing stones against the wind

I had a giant's dreams

I became strong and lean

At seventeen

Dad.

Your son is here.

I do this for you.

You lost the Company indemnity!

What's left to bet?

You lie.

You can't be trusted.

I'll win, Claude.

I feel it. I'm lucky!

Shall we do the accounts?

Trust your Chouffa.

We'll make it, you'll see.

Not like that.

Good evening.

My name's Claude Francois.

Mr. Frosio was kind enough

to let me leave my beloved tumbas

to sing you a song.

I chose a current hit:

"Don't Fool Around."

Don't fool

Don't fool with my heart

Believe me,

It's my most fragile part

If you must

Find solace

In my laughing eyes

Which see only you!

So maestro,

I told you it would work.

Some day I'll cut a record.

Sure you will, fella.

Don't forget to send me one.

Autographed, please.

Are you all right?

What's that mean?

You give me hope.

You sure?

He gives everything rhythm.

Even when the song is slow.

Sinatra!

American style.

What class!

Together!

And 1, and 2,

and 1, 2, 3, 4...

Good!

Turn!

Right!

And slide!

What're your after?

Flirting with everyone!

Stop it, please.

- Anybody else?

- Don't start again.

Janet!

When my back is turned...

You're hurting me!

- Stop!

- It's unfair to treat me like that.

It's because I love you madly!

You scare me.

Because I love you too much!

I love you too much.

I'm sorry.

I have a right to have fun too.

Think I'm going to wait around

like a puppy?

I love you.

Say you love me, Janet.

Say it.

I love you.

And I declare you

man and wife.

You may kiss the bride.

"Claude:
I think you're terrific.

"I know I'm too young for you.

I'm only 13, but if..."

- Let me see.

- Give that back.

"But please, Claude, wait for me.

"Three short years

"and I promise

to be the best of wives."

Give that back.

- Give it back.

- Which hand?

You're crumpling it.

It's all crumpled.

Your first fan.

No, your second after me.

I'm proud of you.

I wish Papa could see it.

I still haven't told him

I'm divorcing.

And that I'd met Jerry.

I'm afraid he'll be hurt.

And when he finds out

he's a musician...

Don't worry, Jojo.

It'll be okay.

Is he out of the coma?

Tell him I must speak to him.

I really have to!

March 1961.

Do I look okay?

You're very, very handsome.

Irresistible.

You'll be a smash.

The chocolates, the record?

Take it easy.

I really talked you up.

I'll dance at the Olympia, you'll

cut a record. Life will be great!

Let's go!

Go on, Claude, it's time.

Say goodbye to all my friends

Friends of ours, until the end

Tomorrow I'll be far from here

Far from you, yes my dear

Life didn't want to...

Well...

We can't all be born Sinatras.

I'd rather be sincere.

You're very nice, Claude.

Jerry tells me

you're a hit at Frosio's

in Monte Carlo...

But, sir, I don't want to stay

a house musician.

Sure, but your thing is...

Excuse me, it's...

It's completely outdated.

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